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Background The levels of serum D-dimer (D-D) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) were assessed to explore the clinical significance of D-D levels in refractory MPP (RMPP). Method A total of 430 patients with MPP were enrolled between January 2015 and December 2015 and divided into a general MPP (GMPP) group ( n  = 306) and a RMPP group ( n  = 124). Clinical data, D-D level, white blood cell (WBC) count, proportion of neutrophils (N%), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of RMPP. Results (1) Hospitalization time, preadmission fever duration, total fever duration, WBC, N %, CRP, LDH, ESR, ALT, AST, and D-D were significantly higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group (all P  < 0.05). (2) Correlation analysis showed that D-D was positively correlated with WBC, CRP, ESR, and LDH, and could be used to jointly evaluate the severity of the disease. (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preadmission fever duration, CRP, LDH and DD as independent risk factors for RMPP (all P  < 0. 05). D-D had the highest predictive power for RMPP ( P  < 0.01). The D-D level also had a good ability to predict pleural effusion and liver injury (all P  < 0.01). Conclusion Serum D-D levels were significantly increased in patients with RMPP, indicating that excessive inflammatory response and vascular endothelial injury with prolonged duration existed in this patient population. Increased levels of serum D-D may be used as an early predictor of RMPP and the occurrence of complications. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis of RMPP, early intervention and excessive inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of mycoplasma.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is thought to be a common cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children. The diagnosis of M. pneumoniae RTIs currently relies on serological methods and/or the detection of bacterial DNA in the upper respiratory tract (URT). It is conceivable, however, that these diagnostic methods also yield positive results if M. pneumoniae is carried asymptomatically in the URT. Positive results from these tests may therefore not always be indicative of a symptomatic infection. The existence of asymptomatic carriage of M. pneumoniae has not been established. We hypothesized that asymptomatic carriage in children exists and investigated whether colonization and symptomatic infection could be differentiated by current diagnostic methods. This study was conducted at the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital and the after-hours General Practitioners Cooperative in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Asymptomatic children (n = 405) and children with RTI symptoms (n = 321) aged 3 mo to 16 y were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from July 1, 2008, to November 30, 2011. Clinical data, pharyngeal and nasopharyngeal specimens, and serum samples were collected. The primary objective was to differentiate between colonization and symptomatic infection with M. pneumoniae by current diagnostic methods, especially real-time PCR. M. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 21.2% (95% CI 17.2%-25.2%) of the asymptomatic children and in 16.2% (95% CI 12.2%-20.2%) of the symptomatic children (p = 0.11). Neither serology nor quantitative PCR nor culture differentiated asymptomatic carriage from infection. A total of 202 children were tested for the presence of other bacterial and viral pathogens. Two or more pathogens were found in 56% (63/112) of the asymptomatic children and in 55.5% (50/90) of the symptomatic children. Finally, longitudinal sampling showed persistence of M. pneumoniae in the URT for up to 4 mo. Fifteen of the 21 asymptomatic children with M. pneumoniae and 19 of the 22 symptomatic children with M. pneumoniae in this longitudinal follow-up tested negative after 1 mo. Although our study has limitations, such as a single study site and limited sample size, our data indicate that the presence of M. pneumoniae in the URT is common in asymptomatic children. The current diagnostic tests for M. pneumoniae are unable to differentiate between asymptomatic carriage and symptomatic infection.

To analyze the clinical characteristics of refracory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP), and explore the related factors predicting RMPP. Retrospective analysis was performed on 634 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) hospitalized in our hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. The clinical features, laboratory data, radiological findings between the RMPP group and the general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group were compared and the predictive values of related factors were analyzed. The median age of the RMPP patients (n = 145) was much older than that of the GMPP patients (n = 489) (P<0.01). We also found more severe presentations, higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and more serious radiological findings in RMPP group, which needed oxygen more often, longer antibiotics administration and intensive care (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), immunoglobulin A (IgM), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and the percentage of neutrophils, CD8+ in RMPP group were significantly higher than those in GMPP group (P<0.05); while the levels of prealbumin (PAB) were lower than that in GMPP group (P<0.01). In ROC curve analysis, the percentage of neutrophil, CRP, LDH, PAB, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were useful for differentiating patients with RMPP from those with GMPP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the CRP≥16.5mg/L, LDH ≥417IU/L and IL-6 ≥14.75pg/ml were significant predictors regarding to RMPP. CRP≥16.5mg/L, LDH ≥417IU/L and IL-6 ≥14.75pg/ml might be the significant predictors of RMPP in children, which can aid in early recognition of RMPP.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is the primary causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia. Severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) can result in multiorgan damage and even respiratory failure or death. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) for SMPP. This retrospective study included 254 hospitalized children with MP infections (SMPP group, n = 103; non-SMPP group, n = 151). Patient data, including complete blood count parameters (white blood cell, absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte, absolute monocyte, and platelet counts), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and other markers, were collected. Furthermore, the SII, Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. T -tests and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze differences between the groups. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of the SII and CRP for SMPP. The SMPP group exhibited significantly higher CRP and SAA levels, SII, NLR, MLR, PLR, and SIRI than the non-SMPP group (all P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that the SII (odds ratio [OR] = 1.006, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.010) and CRP (OR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.041–1.120) were independent risk factors. ROC curve of the SII (area under the ROC curve = 0.883, sensitivity = 0.699, and specificity = 0.881) outperformed that of CRP. Thus, SII can serve as an effective biomarker for SMPP prediction. It can be a rapid and cost-effective method when combined with routine blood tests, thereby demonstrating considerable potential for clinical application.

Early diagnosis of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in children presents significant clinical challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that circ_0054633 may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker for pulmonary infections. We developed a comprehensive nomogram integrating circ_0054633 expression with clinical features to evaluate its predictive efficacy for early RMPP diagnosis in children. This retrospective study analyzed 244 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) admitted to Tianjin Children’s Hospital during 2023. Multivariate analysis identified six independent predictors: elevated circ_0054633 (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 2.73–14.47), prolonged fever duration (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.24–1.81), hypoxemia (OR = 10.64, 95% CI: 2.75–41.20), extrapulmonary complications (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.17–7.40), elevated IL-6 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03), and atelectasis (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.25-8.00). The nomogram demonstrated excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.920) and calibration. RMPP patients required longer hospitalization (median 9 vs. 7 days, P  < 0.001) and more interventions. The circ_0054633-based nomogram, incorporating clinical predictors, exhibits strong predictive value for RMPP in children. Serum circ_0054633 shows promise as a novel diagnostic biomarker for RMPP.

Background Previous research has demonstrated a notable increase in neutrophil counts among pediatric patients with plastic bronchitis (PB) associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). However, the role of neutrophils in MPP-associated PB remains largely elusive. Methods This is a nested case-control study that enrolled patients diagnosed with MPP who underwent bronchoscopy in our department during the MPP pandemic from September 2023 to January 2024. We conducted an analysis of clinical characteristics, blood samples, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cast specimens, correlating these factors with the development and outcomes of PB. Results Among the 557 patients with MPP included in the study, 21 (3.8%) developed PB. The peripheral neutrophil count was identified as an independent risk factor for PB (OR = 3.113 [95%CI 1.050–9.224], P  = 0.04) and exhibited strong predictive value for the condition (AUC = 0.885 [95%CI 0.796–0.975], P  < 0.001). Notably, there was a marked presence of neutrophil infiltration and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in the blood, BALF, and cast samples from patients with PB. Furthermore, the levels of neutrophils and NETs correlated significantly with clinical outcomes. Conclusion A high level of neutrophils poses a risk for PB and demonstrates strong predictive value for its diagnosis. Neutrophils and NETs are closely linked to the clinical outcomes of PB in patients with MPP.

Background This study explored the relationship between inflammatory markers and glucocorticoid dosage upon admission. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 206 patients with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) admitted to a Children’s Hospital from November 2017 to January 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their methylprednisolone dosage: low-dose (≤ 2 mg/kg/d), medium-dose (2–10 mg/kg/d), and high-dose (≥ 10 mg/kg/d). We compared demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and radiological outcomes. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between variables. Results The median age was highest in the low-dose group at 7 years, compared to 5.5 years in the medium-dose group and 6 years in the high-dose group ( P  < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) was also highest in the low-dose group at 16.12, followed by 14.86 in the medium-dose group and 14.58 in the high-dose group ( P  < 0.001). More severe radiographic findings, longer hospital stays, and greater incidence of hypoxia were noted in the high-dose group ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, significant increases in white blood cells, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and D-dimer levels were observed in the high-dose group ( P  < 0.05). Specifically, LDH and ferritin were markedly higher in the high-dose group, with levels at 660.5 U/L and 475.05 ng/mL, respectively, compared to 450 U/L and 151.4 ng/mL in the medium-dose group, and 316.5 U/L and 120.5 ng/mL in the low-dose group. Correlation analysis indicated that LDH and ferritin levels were significantly and positively correlated with glucocorticoid dose (Spearman ρ = 0.672 and ρ = 0.654, respectively; P  < 0.001). Conclusions Serum LDH and ferritin levels may be useful biomarkers for determining the appropriate corticosteroid dosage in treating children with RMPP.

Background There is a recent global surge in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). However, the key immune factors that contribute to the advancement of the disease remain unknown. Hence, we conducted this study to uncover the immunological profile in children affected by MPP. Methods This study enrolled children visiting Children’s Hospital of Fudan University from December 2023 to April 2024, including 34 healthy controls, 51 severe MPP (S-MPP), 27 non-severe MPP (NS-MPP), and 34 non-MPP pneumonia (NMP) cases. Their blood samples were analyzed using flow cytometry, multi-cytokine assays, and antibody detection methods. Results Compared with NMP cases, MPP cases displayed higher frequencies of natural killer T cells, classical monocytes, and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Notably, both T helper type 1 and activated regulatory T cells were more abundant in MPP cases, particularly in S-MPP, whereas CD8 + T cells displayed an exhaustion phenotype. The proportion of naïve B cells was reduced, while functional B cells, including memory B cells and plasmablasts, increased in S-MPP. 12 out of 95 clinical laboratory indicators and 3 out of 48 cytokines significantly differed between S-MPP and NS-MPP. Finally, we performed logistic and LASSO regression analyses and developed a predictive model for S-MPP that incorporates naïve B cell percentage from flow cytometry, cholinesterase from clinical laboratory tests, and interleukin 18 from the cytokine assay. Conclusions These results clarify the immunological features in pediatric MPP cases, and identify novel markers for severe cases, providing insights for early diagnosis and immunological management in affected children.

Background evidence indicates that the macrolide-resistant EC2 mutant of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) emerged as the predominant strain during the 2023–2024 epidemic, being associated with immune-mediated complications (e.g., severe immune thrombocytopenia [ITP]), whose clinical characteristics and prognosis remain undefined. This study aimed to compare the severity of bleeding, treatment response and long-term prognosis in children with newly diagnosed severe ITP and non-MP-associated ITP with MP-related mutations during the epidemic of EC2 mutant strains. A cohort of children with MP-ITP or non-MP ITP admitted to Beijing Children’s Hospital from October 2023 to February 2024 was enrolled. Twelve-month outcomes included baseline platelet counts, bleeding severity, short-term responses (at 1 week/1 month/3 months), and sustained remission rates at 6/12 months. The MP group ( n  = 20, median age 6.4 years) showed lower baseline platelet counts (12.0 × 10⁹/L) and higher proportions of severe bleeding (grade 3/4: 30%) compared with non-MP controls ( n  = 46, median age 5.5 years; platelets 21.0 × 10⁹/L; grade 3/4: 13%). Following monotherapy/combination therapy, A one-way analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) revealed significantly higher platelet counts in MP-ITP at 3–12 months ( p  ≤ 0.008), with consistently higher complete response rates in MP-ITP (100% at 1 month, 90% at 12 months) than in non-MP controls (87% at 1 month, 78% at 12 months). In conclusion, MP-related ITP was characterized by severe bleeding but demonstrated favorable treatment responses and long-term outcomes, warranting further investigation of its immunopathogenic mechanisms.

Background Pneumonia is a major threat to the health of children, especially those under the age of five. Mycoplasma   pneumoniae  infection is a core cause of pediatric pneumonia, and the incidence of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) has increased in recent years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish an early warning model for SMPP to improve the prognosis of pediatric pneumonia. Methods The study comprised 597 SMPP patients aged between 1 month and 18 years. Clinical data were selected through Lasso regression analysis, followed by the application of eight machine learning algorithms to develop early warning model. The accuracy of the model was assessed using validation and prospective cohort. To facilitate clinical assessment, the study simplified the indicators and constructed visualized simplified model. The clinical applicability of the model was evaluated by DCA and CIC curve. Results After variable selection, eight machine learning models were developed using age, sex and 21 serum indicators identified as predictive factors for SMPP. A Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model demonstrated strong performance, achieving AUC of 0.92 for prospective validation. The SHAP analysis was utilized to screen advantageous variables, which contains of serum S100A8/A9, tracheal computed tomography (CT), retinol-binding protein(RBP), platelet larger cell ratio(P-LCR) and CD4+CD25+Treg cell counts, for constructing a simplified model (SCRPT) to improve clinical applicability. The SCRPT diagnostic model exhibited favorable diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 0.8). Additionally, the study found that S100A8/A9 outperformed clinical inflammatory markers can also differentiate the severity of MPP. Conclusions The SCRPT model consisting of five dominant variables (S100A8/A9, CT, RBP, PLCR and Treg cell) screened based on eight machine learning is expected to be a tool for early diagnosis of SMPP. S100A8/A9 can also be used as a biomarker for validity differentiation of SMPP when medical conditions are limited.