Pediatrics. Consilium Medicum
The journal publishes the works of scientists and practicing pediatricians, including experts in the field of neonatology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, allergy, dermatology, rheumatology, dentistry, clinical pharmacology, neurology, nutrition, emergency care in Russia and CIS countries. During its existence the magazine has gained wide recognition among professionals.
Main sections: Healthy child, neonatology, endocrinology, otolaryngology and pulmonology, allergology, gastroenterology, cardiology, interdisciplinary problem, childhood infections, methods of diagnosis and treatment, the results of the original clinical trials, scientific reviews, scientific events reports.
Current Issue
No 1 (2025)
Articles
History of the study of the composition and properties of human urine
Abstract
The history of urine testing is deeply rooted in ancient times. Ancient civilizations mastered the art of urine testing by its appearance, and later, this test was deeply seated as an integral diagnostic method, as evidenced by numerous historical documents. Ancient knowledge, systematized and communicated through written sources, remains the basis for diagnosis and medical practice. Uroscopy, initially a visual-descriptive method, has been improved using modern technologies. To date, new opportunities for urine testing have become available, which has drastically changed clinical practice. The article presents the key takeaways of the history of studying the composition and properties of urine and also prospects for this diagnostic method.



Anatomy of the bladder and urethra. Lecture
Abstract
The article presents up-to-date consolidated data on the structure and functional features of anatomical structures, terminologically covered by the concept of "lower urinary tract".This paper is based on the work of the Department of Urology and Neuro-Urology of the Research Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Russia. For the period 2000 to 2018, under the guidance of professors E.L. Vishnevsky and V.G. Geldt, numerous studies were conducted, the results of which led to a critical rethinking of several concepts related to the surgical anatomy and functioning of the bladder and urethra in children. Given the current community demand for the highest possible quality of life for patients with disorders of the pelvic organs, it is appropriate to draw the attention of healthcare professionals to aspects required for proper surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary tract.



Urobiome status in children with vesicoureteral reflux. A review
Abstract
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the main precipitating factor of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children and one of the most debatable and common diseases in pediatric urology and nephrology. The article analyzes foreign publications on the urinary microbiome in children with VUR. Despite disagreements over non-surgical treatment of VUR, continuous antibiotic prophylaxis, which is prescribed for a long time at a prophylactic dosage, is currently considered the standard of care for young children with VUR of varying grades. The urinary microbiome research is at its early stage. Like the gut microbiome, the UT microbiome (urobiome) is formed from the first days of life. One of the most significant factors that can disrupt the development of a healthy microbiome is the use of antibiotics prescribed to children during the first years of life in various dosages for a long time. The study of their effect on the microbial architecture of the gut and the overall microbiome is becoming a key priority of modern research. The primary source of the microbiome is the environment and the intestine. Studies of the change in the composition of the microbiome in young children with VUR who received non-surgical treatment with continuous antibiotic prophylaxis have demonstrated that this group of children is prone to a high concentration of enterobacteria, such as Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli, which increases the risk of exacerbation of UT inflammatory diseases.



Urinary tract infection in children. The role of primary health care in the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infection in children: A review
Abstract
Timely diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is crucial for adequate antibacterial therapy that prevents nephrosclerosis, renal hypertension, and chronic renal failure. Even the first episode of UTI with fever can cause changes in the kidney's structure in 50-85% of children with delayed antibiotic administration, regardless of the presence of urinary tract congenital abnormalities. Therefore, the role of the primary health care provider, the local pediatrician, is of paramount importance. Awareness of risk factors for UTI development, clinical signs of the disease in children of different age groups, and examination methods is a prerequisite for effective antibacterial therapy, prevention of UTI relapse, and follow-up.



Renotubular Fanconi syndrome type 1 in children: a case series
Abstract
Renal Fanconi syndrome is a generalized disorder of the proximal convoluted tubule, characterized by non-selective aminoaciduria, glucosuria, low molecular weight proteinuria, phosphaturia, loss of bicarbonates, electrolytes and many other substances. Autosomal dominant Fanconi renotubular syndromes due to a GATM missense-variant, encodes mitochondrial enzyme arginine-glycine amidinotransferase. In total, 36 cases of genetically confirmed Fanconi renotubular syndrome, type 1 have been reported to date from 10 families. In this article, we present the first Russian cases of two unrelated patients with previously undescribed variants c.1076C>T (p.Ser359Phe) and c.1079T>A (p.Met360Lys) in the GATM gene. The first clinical features of the disease with complete Fanconi syndrome were diagnosed in both cases in early childhood. A decrease of renal function was detected in each of cases already during the first examinations, but the rate of progression was different. The patient 1 had a rate of eGFR decline of 0.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year, whereas patient 2 demonstrated a higher rate of eGFR decline (-2.1 ml/min/1.73 m2/year). Symptomatic therapy resulted in normalization of growth rates and a decrease in the activity of rickets in patient 1. In patient 2, despite the therapy, signs of osteomalacia persisted, and rachitic deformities of the limbs required orthopedic correction.



LMX1B-associated steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (case report)
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the LMX1B gene cause nail-patella syndrome, characterized by dysplasia of the patella, nails and elbows, and renal damage with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with specific ultrastructural lesions of the glomerular basal membrane (GBM). We present a clinical observation of a girl with LMX1B-associated steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome without the extrarenal characteristic of nail-patella syndrome with specific ultrastructural changes of the GBM. The presented clinical observation emphasizes the necessity to exclude proteinuria in family members with a child with FSGS and to perform molecular genetic study in all children with FSGS before prescribing immunosuppressive therapy with inclusion of LMX1B gene even in case of isolated kidney pathology.



The role of vitamin D levels in the development and progression of kidney disease: The current state of the problem. A review
Abstract
Progressive loss of kidney function is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is an important global health concern, given the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, there has been an increased interest in finding new therapeutic strategies that may slow the progression of renal dysfunction. Numerous studies using various experimental models have proven that treatment with active metabolites of vitamin D can have a renoprotective effect, preventing fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. In addition, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common conditions in CKD patients in the pre-dialysis stages. It has been established that the vitamin D serum level is directly proportional to kidney function. Recent clinical studies have shown that reducing proteinuria and mortality in CKD patients receiving active vitamin D goes beyond the classical role of vitamin D in maintaining bone and mineral metabolism. Therefore, vitamin D analogs have the potential to become components of CKD treatment to achieve better clinical outcomes in patients with advanced kidney disease and those on hemodialysis. Current guidelines recommend treatment with vitamin D only in patients with moderate CKD with secondary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. This review presents the results of numerous studies demonstrating the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with various kidney diseases, the effect of vitamin D in reducing the rate of CKD progression, as well as the clinical outcomes of vitamin D use in patients with infectious and non-infectious kidney diseases.



Haemophilus influenzae infection in the practice of a pediatrician and pediatric surgeon. Case report
Abstract
The paper discusses the issues of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of surgical infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in children. Skin and soft tissue infections caused by Hib are potentially severe diseases and are associated with the risk of complications and disability in children. A clinical case of Hib infection in a 1-year-old child with a previous viral disease that triggered severe skin and soft tissue complications (necrosis of the right buttock soft tissues) is presented. Management included comprehensive treatment with modern non-surgical and surgical methods used in the clinical practice of a pediatric surgeon. Clinical experience shows that in some cases, antibiotics do not replace reasonable surgery, and in the treatment of children with generalized Haemophilus infection, surgical intervention should be a priority aimed at adequate early elimination of the suppurative focus.



Use of Cholisal® in various clinical situations with teething. A review
Abstract
Teething is an important stage in every child's life. It can be accompanied by a deterioration in the general well-being of children, leading to increased irritability, sleep disturbance, local signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, and soreness of the gums. The article presents the authors' data on the use of dental gel Cholisal® in varying degrees of inflammation in the teething area and changes in the general well-being of children. The method of using Cholisal® gel in a child aged 9 months with severe mucous membrane inflammation due to tooth eruption is described in a clinical case.



Pediatrician role in the formation of good vision in children: A review
Abstract
The development of a child's visual system begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, and refractogenesis continues after birth. Different age periods of development of the organ of vision have specific features and may be accompanied by risks affecting visual functions in the future. During the first year of a child's life, the morphological and functional development of the cranial nerves occurs, and the retina is formed. Newborns have hypermetropia; later, at 2 years, visual acuity increases to 0.3-0.5. After 3 years, the visual system experiences much stress associated with attending preschool and school. By the age of 7, emmetropia is normally formed. In school years, myopia (school myopia) is most often detected. Early diagnosis of refractive errors and timely correction in children prevents the following complications: strabismus, amblyopia, asthenopia, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis. An integrated approach to the follow-up and treatment of the child (the dosage of visual loads, eye gymnastics, adequate correction, and nutrition balance) will contribute to the normal development of the visual organ with the formation of high visual functions even with current high visual loads. It is recommended to take not individual vitamins but vitamin and mineral complexes, which can compensate for the deficiency of most vitamins by 20-30%. They should contain carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), vitamins A, B group, C, E, and D, and potassium, zinc, and selenium. It is particularly relevant in children over 3 years of age due to the rapidly increasing intensity of visual load.



Features of olfactory function assessment in children
Abstract
Background. The smell is the most important "signaling" function, and its deterioration significantly reduces the quality of life. Available methods of subjective olfactory assessment, which do not require special expensive equipment, allow for primary "screening" in outpatient settings and at home. Considering the causes of impairment and especially the lack of smell, it is crucial to be aware of congenital anosmia (isolated and familial, requiring examination of the child's blood relatives) in pediatric practice.
Aim. To evaluate the results of "family" subjective olfactometry.
Materials and methods. Subjective olfactometry was performed in patients who visited an otorhinolaryngologist and their parents/legal representatives after history taking and a routine ENT examination/endoscopy of ENT organs (in all children and adults, in case of acute or exacerbation of chronic ENT condition at the time of examination), using a professional kit consisting of 12 odorants and cards with four response options for each of the proposed odors. The obtained results were recorded in Excel spreadsheets for further statistical processing.
Results. We examined 64 families: 132 subjects (64 children and 68 adults), including 31 girls and 33 boys aged 6 to 17 years and 64 women and 4 men aged 32 to 47 years. The reason for visiting an otorhinolaryngologist was symptoms related to the ENT organs in children and smell impairment in 1 (1.6%) case. Olfactory disorders were detected only in children: hyposmia (59.4%) and a single (1.6%) case of anosmia. When identifying odors in "child-parent" pairs, the match of "misidentified" odorants was noted only in 19 (29.65%) families; in 34 (53.1%) pairs, children performed better than their parents. The list of difficult-to-perceive odorants almost matched in children and adults, but there were differences in the frequency of "recognition" of a particular smell.
Conclusion. "Family" subjective olfactometry is necessary to confirm/exclude congenital familial/hereditary olfactory impairment, while only data obtained from the consanguineous relatives of the child should be considered. The presence and involvement of parents/legal representatives in the examination process increase the child's compliance and contribute to greater psychological comfort, which improves the test performance. Repeated/multiple use of odorants unfamiliar to the subject (olfactory training) may improve the re-examination results. The data obtained (the match of "misidentified odorants" and a child and a parent in 29.65% of cases and the correct choice of an odorant by a child with an incorrect parent's answer in 53.1%) do not support the hypothesis of family "ignorance" of a particular odorant.



Acute respiratory viral infection in children: an open dialogue live. Resolution of the International Expert Council December 8, 2024 Moscow
Abstract
On December 8, 2024, the International Council of Experts was held in Moscow to discuss methods of prevention and comprehensive therapy of respiratory infectious diseases in children, including those with chronic diseases. The experts presented reports on several topical issues: the current epidemic situation of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and influenza, the problem of prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI in children, including those with allergic conditions, chronic hepatitis, and the peculiarities of the effect of respiratory viruses on immunity in children. The paper focused on the evidence base, efficacy, and safety of Cytovir-3, a drug for the prevention, etiotropic, and immunostimulating therapy of influenza and ARVI.



Historical aspects of the use of phytotherapy and features of use in pediatric practice: A review
Abstract
Phytotherapy is one of the oldest, but not outdated methods of treatment, it is based on centuries-old traditions of different peoples, when people empirically, by trial and error, looked for ways of healing in nature. Today, a wealth of knowledge has been accumulated on the use of plants. The article shows the influence of various historical periods on the development of phytotherapy. Human health is influenced by various factors – hereditary, lifestyle, environmental factors, and recently there has been an increase in demand for herbal preparations. Progressive doctors in search of effective drugs are increasingly turning to plants for help, however, modern phytotherapy should be based exclusively on scientifically recognized facts and operate with standardized drugs used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Particular attention is paid to the features of the use of phytotherapy in pediatric practice: dosing depending on the age and body weight of the child, the adequacy of the method of administration of the drug using children's dosage forms, taking into account the physiological and pathological characteristics of the child's body, etc. Phytotherapy is gaining serious positions, and a pediatrician needs deep knowledge in one of the most promising areas of medical science in the future for effective clinical practice.



Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and respiratory infections in infants
Abstract
Background. Respiratory infections are very common in children. Currently, various studies are being conducted to determine additional markers of high incidence of respiratory infections in children. Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are associated with the risk of developing various diseases, including infectious diseases.
Aim. To assess the relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and the incidence of respiratory infections in infants.
Materials and methods. During the study, we assessed the number of respiratory infection episodes in the first 6 months of a child’s life, determined the FokI (rs2228570) and TaqI (rs731236) polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene.
Results. The results of the study showed that the presence of minor TT alleles of the FokI gene is associated with a higher frequency of respiratory infections in children in the first 6 months of life. The risk of developing 4 or more episodes of respiratory infections in the first 6 months of life was 4.8 times higher in children who had this genotype (95% CI 2.19–10.5).
Conclusion. The presence of minor TT alleles of the FokI gene is associated with a high frequency (more than 4 episodes) of respiratory infections in children in the first 6 months of life.



A clinical case of ulcerative colitis complicated by rectal stenosis in a 14-year-old child. Case report
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include two main entities: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Despite the awareness of specialists, the knowledge of pathogenesis, and advances in diagnostics, there are still patients in whom the clinical, endoscopic, and histological presentation does not fully correspond to one of the diseases, which is defined as undifferentiated colitis. Subsequently, some of these cases are verified as UC or CD; however, other patients are followed up for a long time with an uncertain diagnosis. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis is crucial for the choice of therapeutic tactics, risk assessment of surgical treatment, and prognosis of colorectal cancer. The article aims to demonstrate the challenges of differential diagnosis of UC and CD in a child with rectal stenosis. In the described case, low compliance in a girl with UC led to significant errors in traditional therapy regimens, the development of complications that irreversibly change the anatomical structure of the colon and complicate the examination, mimicking the course of stenosing CD. The clinical case emphasizes the need for more detailed criteria for differential diagnosis and additional therapeutic algorithms, with an earlier use of genetically engineered biological agents as disease-modifying therapy.



Challenges in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases in children: Author's data and a clinical case
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are a group of idiopathic abnormal bowel conditions with unclear etiology and similar clinical courses. In addition to intestinal syndrome, these diseases are often associated with extraintestinal manifestations, the most common of which is the involvement of the peripheral joints and axial skeleton. The increase in the incidence of IBD, especially CD, in childhood warrants further study of this condition's features, including the most common extraintestinal manifestation: joint involvement (JI) in pediatric patients with IBD.
Aim. To analyze the features of JI in CD and UC and the timing of its occurrence associated with IBD onset.
Materials and methods. We reviewed 146 case histories of patients aged 4 to 18 diagnosed with CD and UC treated in the Gastroenterological Department and Rheumatological Department No.1 of the Mother and Child Center of Sechenov University from 2017 to 2024. The diagnosis of CD and UC was established following the clinical guidelines of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia for diagnosing and treating CD (2021) and UC (2024) in children. A rheumatologist examined the joints and assessed the JI. The classification criteria of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS, 2011) for predominantly peripheral spondyloarthritis and the Garmisch-Partenkirchen JAS Diagnostic Criteria (1987) were used to verify the cause of the joint involvement. Mean values and standard deviation (M±σ) were used to summarize and estimate demographic continuous variables. Absolute values and percentages were calculated for patients in each study group.
Results. Of the 146 patients, 60 (41%) had a combination of JI and IBD. Sixty children aged 4 to 18 with IBD and JI were divided into three groups: 36 (60%) patients with CD, 19 (32%) with UC, and 5 (8%) children with undifferentiated colitis (UndC). The mean age of patients with CD was 14.06±0.5, with UC–13.6±0.3, and UndC–15.2±0.2 years. Among all 60 patients, JI manifested with peripheral arthritis (PA) in 25 (42%) subjects, spondyloarthritis (SpA) in 16 (27%) subjects, or only arthralgias without evident inflammatory changes in the joints in 19 (31%). The analysis of JI variants by groups in children with CD (n=36) showed PA in 15 (42%), SpA in 12 (33%), and isolated arthralgia in 9 (25%) patients. The prevalence of PA and arthralgia among boys and girls with CD was comparable (60 and 40% of PA, 56 and 44% of arthralgias, respectively); the prevalence of SpA in boys with CD was significantly higher: found in 11 (92%) boys. In the group of children with UC (n=19), a high prevalence of PA and isolated arthralgia was reported: 8 (42%) and 9 (47%) patients, respectively. SpA was diagnosed in 2 (11%) children with UC. Of the 60 children with JI and IBD, 30 (50%) developed the disease with joint involvement. CD onset was associated with JI significantly more often than UC onset: of 30 children with JI, 21 (70%) were first diagnosed with rheumatic joint disease, and then CD was detected during follow-up. The disease first manifested with joint involvement in 6 (20%) patients with UC and 3 (10%) with UndC. The time interval from the onset of JI to the onset of the intestinal syndrome (and/or IBD diagnosis) varied widely from 1 month to several years; in 1 patient, it was more than 8 years. In 8 (27%) patients, this time interval was 1 to 3 months; in 6 (20%) patients, the symptoms of the underlying disease appeared within 12 to 24 months from the joint involvement manifestation. The atypical onset and course of the disease make diagnosis challenging and require increased doctor attention to patient management. As an illustration, the article presents a clinical case of an atypical onset and course of CD associated with juvenile SpA.


