Browsing by Author "Bal A."
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Item Correlations among enthesitis, clinical, radiographic and quality of life parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(Informa Healthcare, 2014) Rezvani A.; Bodur H.; Ataman Ş.; Kaya T.; Buǧdayci D.S.; Demir S.E.; Koçyiǧit H.; Altan L.; Uǧurlu H.; Kirnap M.; Gür A.; Kozanoǧlu E.; Akinci A.; Tekeoǧlu I.; Şahin G.; Bal A.; Sivrioǧlu K.; Yazgan P.; Aydin G.; Hepgüler S.; Ölmez N.; Şendur Ö.F.; Yener M.; Altay Z.; Ayhan F.; Durmuş O.; Duruöz M.T.; Günendi Z.; Nacir B.; Öken Ö.; Toktaş H.; Delialioǧlu S.Ü.; Evcik D.; Sertpoyraz F.M.Objectives. To investigate the relationship between enthesitis and disease activity, functional status, fatigue, joint mobility, radiological damage, laboratory parameter and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods. A total of 421 patients with AS (323 male and 98 female) who were included in the Turkish League Against Rheumatism Registry were enrolled in the study. The Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), fatigue, the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI), the Maastricht AS Enthesitis Score (MASES), AS quality of life (ASQoL), the Bath AS Radiology Index (BASRI) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were evaluated. Results. Enthesitis was detected in 27.3% of patients. There were positive correlations between MASES and BASDAI, BASFI and fatigue (p < 0.05). MASES was not correlated with BASRI, BASMI, ASQoL and ESR. The mean MASES score was 1.1 ± 2.4. The most frequent regions of enthesopathies were right iliac crest, spinous process of L5 and proximal to the insertion of left achilles tendon, respectively. Conclusions. Enthesitis was found to be associated with higher disease activity, higher fatigue, worse functional status and lower disease duration. As enthesitis was correlated with BASDAI, we conclude that enthesitis can reflect the disease activity in patients with AS. © 2014 Japan College of Rheumatology.Item Turkish compliance and adaptation of EULAR 2013 recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: Expert opinion of TLAR(Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR), 2015) Ataman Ş.; Sari Sürmeli Z.; Sunar İ.; Özdemirel E.; Akinci A.; Bodur H.; Akgül Ö.; Altan L.; Altay Z.; Ayhan F.; Birtane M.; Soy Buğdayci D.; Çapkin E.; Cerrahoğlu L.; Duruöz M.T.; Günaydin R.; Günendi Z.; Gürer G.; Bal A.; Kaçar C.; Kaptanoğlu E.; Kaya T.; Kocabaş H.; Kotevoğlu N.; Nas K.; Rezvani A.; Şen N.; Şendur Ö.F.; Yalçin P.Objectives: This study aims to report Turkish League Against Rheumatism’s assessment on the compliance of European League Against Rheumatism 2013 treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis with practices in Turkish rheumatology clinics and adaptations for Turkey. Materials and methods: Members of Turkish League Against Rheumatism and one rheumatoid arthritis patient voted for the 2013 recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in two sessions. An item was changed and voted again only if at least 70% of participants wanted a change. Strength of recommendations was calculated for the items. Strength of recommendations for the changed items in the first and second voting rounds was compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In case of significant difference, the item with higher strength of recommendation was accepted. In case of no difference, the changed item was selected. Results: Three overarching principles and fourteen recommendations were assessed among which the three overarching principles were changed emphasizing the importance of physiatrists as well as rheumatologists for taking care of the patients. Third item was changed by adding composite indices for assessing disease activity. In the ninth recommendation, rituximab was suggested as a first line drug independent of situations like latent tuberculosis or lymphoma, etc. In the 11th recommendation, unlike European League Against Rheumatism, our committee did not suggest any thought about tofacitinib, as then it had not been approved in Turkey. Remaining principles were accepted as the same. Conclusion: Expert opinion of Turkish League Against Rheumatism for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients was formed for practices in Turkish clinics. © 2015 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved.Item The determination of absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of optical phantoms using a frequency-domain multi-distance method in a non-contact manner(University of Suceava, 2020) Bal U.; Utzinger U.; Bal A.; Moral O.T.A non-contact optical system has been designed to determine the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of optical phantoms. The frequency-domain multi-distance method, which allows an estimation of optical properties in biological tissue uses the phase and intensity of radio frequency modulated light. The proposed design has been evaluated with optical phantoms. Estimated values for an absorption coefficient equal to 1 cm-1 are 0.795, 0.690, 0.670 and 0.613 cm-1 for wavelengths of 658 nm, 705 nm, 785 nm and 833 nm, respectively and for a reduced scattering coefficient equal to 22 cm-1, the estimated values are 19.876, 18.845, 17.134 and 17.927 cm-1. It has been concluded that this novel non-contact design can be used to determine the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of optical phantoms. This system is the first step in medical equipment that may be used to measure absolute quantification of HbO, Hb, HbCO and HbMet concentrations in a contactless manner. Current oximeters with hemoglobin measurement capability require contact between the sensor and the skin. These oximeters have drawbacks when measuring child patients with asthma, bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia. Currently it is not possible to assess oxygenation in open wounds. Therefore, it is worthwhile to develop a non-contact oximeter. © 2020 AECE. © University of Suceava.Item The skills of defibrillation practice and certified life-support training in the healthcare providers in Turkey(Wiley-Hindawi, 2021) Derinoz-Guleryuz O.; Uysal-Yazici M.; Udurgucu M.; Karacan C.; Akça H.; Ongun E.A.; Ekinci F.; Duman M.; Akça-Çaglar A.; Vatansever G.; Bilen S.; Uysalol M.; Akcan-Yıldız L.; Saz E.U.; Bal A.; Piskin E.; Sahin S.; Kurt F.; Anil M.; Besli E.; Alakaya M.; Gültekingil A.; Yılmaz R.; Temel-Koksoy O.; Kesici S.; Akcay N.; Cebisli E.; Emeksiz S.; Kılınc M.A.; Köker A.; Çoban Y.; Erkek N.; Gurlu R.; Eksi-Alp E.; Apa H.; Kalkan G.; Azapagası E.; Yener N.; Sarac-Sandal O.; Horoz O.O.; Öztürk A.; Tuygun N.; Özdemir İ.; Göktuğ A.; Gökulu G.; Gümüs S.; Teksam O.; Turan C.; Zengin N.; Kardeş H.; Bozan G.; Ünal B.; Bardak S.; Arslanköylü A.E.; Yorulmaz A.; Celegen M.; Sevketoglu E.; Dursun O.; Perk O.; Başpınar O.; Akgul F.Aim of the study: Successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are critical in survival after in- or out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. The scope of this multi-centre study is to (a) assess skills of paediatric healthcare providers (HCPs) concerning two domains: (1) recognising rhythm abnormalities and (2) the use of defibrillator devices, and (b) to evaluate the impact of certified basic-life-support (BLS) and advanced-life-support (ALS) training to offer solutions for quality of improvement in several paediatric emergency cares and intensive care settings of Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional and multi-centre survey study included several paediatric emergency care and intensive care settings from different regions of Turkey. Results: A total of 716 HCPs participated in the study (physicians: 69.4%, healthcare staff: 30.6%). The median age was 29 (27-33) years. Certified BLS-ALS training was received in 61% (n = 303/497) of the physicians and 45.2% (n = 99/219) of the non-physician healthcare staff (P <.001). The length of professional experience had favourable outcome towards an increased self-confidence in the physicians (P <.01, P <.001). Both physicians and non-physician healthcare staff improved their theoretical knowledge in the practice of synchronised cardioversion defibrillation (P <.001, P <.001). Non-certified healthcare providers were less likely to manage the initial doses of synchronised cardioversion and defibrillation: the correct responses remained at 32.5% and 9.2% for synchronised cardioversion and 44.8% and 16.7% for defibrillation in the physicians and healthcare staff, respectively. The indications for defibrillation were correctly answered in the physicians who had acquired a certificate of BLS-ALS training (P =.047, P =.003). Conclusions: The professional experience is significant in the correct use of a defibrillator and related procedures. Given the importance of early defibrillation in survival, the importance and proper use of defibrillators should be emphasised in Certified BLS-ALS programmes. Certified BLS-ALS programmes increase the level of knowledge and self-confidence towards synchronised cardioversion-defibrillation procedures. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons LtdItem Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Features of Children With COVID-19 in Turkey(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Karbuz A.; Akkoc G.; Bedir Demirdag T.; Yilmaz Ciftdogan D.; Ozer A.; Cakir D.; Hancerli Torun S.; Kepenekli E.; Erat T.; Dalgic N.; Ilbay S.; Karaaslan A.; Erdeniz E.H.; Aygun F.D.; Bozdemir S.E.; Hatipoglu N.; Emiroglu M.; Sahbudak Bal Z.; Ciftci E.; Bayhan G.I.; Gayretli Aydin Z.G.; Ocal Demir S.; Kilic O.; Hacimustafaoglu M.; Sener Okur D.; Sen S.; Yahsi A.; Akturk H.; Cetin B.; Sutcu M.; Kara M.; Uygun H.; Tural Kara T.; Korukluoglu G.; Akgun O.; Üstündağ G.; Demir Mis M.; Sali E.; Kaba O.; Yakut N.; Kılıc O.; Kanik M.K.; Cetin C.; Dursun A.; Cicek M.; Kockuzu E.; Sevketoglu E.; Alkan G.; Guner Ozenen G.; İnce E.; Baydar Z.; Ozkaya A.K.; Ovali H.F.; Tekeli S.; Celebi S.; Cubukcu B.; Bal A.; Khalilova F.; Kose M.; Hatipoglu H.U.; Dalkiran T.; Turgut M.; Basak Altas A.; Selcuk Duru H.N.; Aksay A.; Saglam S.; Sari Yanartas M.; Ergenc Z.; Akin Y.; Duzenli Kar Y.; Sahin S.; Tuteroz S.K.; Bilen N.M.; Ozdemir H.; Senoglu M.C.; Pariltan Kucukalioglu B.; Besli G.E.; Kara Y.; Turan C.; Selbest Demirtas B.; Celikyurt A.; Cosgun Y.; Elevli M.; Sahin A.; Bahtiyar Oguz S.; Somer A.; Karadag B.; Demirhan R.; Turk Dagi H.; Kurugol Z.; Taskin E.C.; Sahiner A.; Yesil E.; Ekemen Keles Y.; Sarikaya R.; Erdem Eralp E.; Ozkinay F.; Konca H.K.; Yilmaz S.; Gokdemir Y.; Arga G.; Ozen S.; Coksuer F.; Vatansever G.; Tezer H.; Kara A.Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by pediatric infectious disease specialists from 32 different hospitals from all over Turkey by case record forms. Pediatric cases who were diagnosed as COVID-19 between March 16, 2020, and June 15, 2020 were included. Case characteristics including age, sex, dates of disease onset and diagnosis, family, and contact information were recorded. Clinical data, including the duration and severity of symptoms, were also collected. Laboratory parameters like biochemical tests and complete blood count, chest X-ray, and chest computed tomography (CT) were determined. Results: There were 1,156 confirmed pediatric COVID-19 cases. In total, male cases constituted 50.3% (n = 582) and females constituted 49.7% (n = 574). The median age of the confirmed cases was 10.75 years (4.5–14.6). Of the total cases, 90 were younger than 1 year of age (7.8%), 108 were 1–3 years of age (9.3%), 148 were 3–6 years of age (12.8%), 298 were 6–12 years of age (25.8%), 233 were 12–15 years of age (20.2%), and 268 cases were older than 15 years of age (23.2%). The most common symptom of the patients at the first visit was fever (50.4%) (n = 583) for a median of 2 days (IQR: 1–3 days). Fever was median at 38.4°C (38.0–38.7°C). The second most common symptom was cough (n = 543, 46.9%). The other common symptoms were sore throat (n = 143, 12.4%), myalgia (n = 141, 12.2%), dyspnea (n = 118, 10.2%), diarrhea (n = 112, 9.7%), stomachache (n = 71, 6.1%), and nasal discharge (n = 63, 5.4%). When patients were classified according to disease severity, 263 (22.7%) patients were asymptomatic, 668 (57.7%) patients had mild disease, 209 (18.1%) had moderate disease, and 16 (1.5%) cases had severe disease. One hundred and forty-nine (12.9%) cases had underlying diseases among the total cases; 56% of the patients who had severe disease had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). The need for hospitalization did not differ between patients who had an underlying condition and those who do not have (p = 0.38), but the need for intensive care was higher in patients who had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). Forty-seven (31.5%) of the cases having underlying conditions had asthma or lung disease (38 of them had asthma). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest pediatric data about confirmed COVID-19 cases. Children from all ages appear to be susceptible to COVID-19, and there is a significant difference in symptomatology and laboratory findings by means of age distribution. © Copyright © 2021 Karbuz.Item Serum Vitamin D Levels in Relation to Development of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Pediatric COVID-19(Georg Thieme Verlag, 2022) Zengin N.; Bal A.; Goren T.A.; Bayturan S.S.; Alkan F.; Akcali S.Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate vitamin D (vit D) levels in children with and without development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also between those with severe and moderate MIS-C. Methods This comprises retrospective data of 68 patients including 34 patients with MIS-C and admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit (MIS-C group) and 34 patients without MIS-C (non-MIS-C group) were analyzed for their presenting characteristics, serum vit D levels, ventilatory needs, and prognostic scores. Results Vit D levels were significantly lower in patients with versus without MIS-C [9 (2-18) vs. 19 (10-43) ng/mL, p <0.001], and also in patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C [7.5 (2-17) vs. 9 (5-18) ng/mL, p = 0.024]. Vit D deficiency (levels <12 ng/mL) was more common in the MIS-C versus non-MIS-C group (79.4 vs. 11.8%, p <0.001) and in severe versus moderate MIS-C (92.9 vs. 70.0%, p <0.001). The severe versus moderate MIS-C was associated with significantly higher levels of procalcitonin [7.6 (0.9-82) vs. 1.7 (0.2-42) ng/mL, p = 0.030] and troponin [211 (4.8-4,545) vs. 14.2 (2.4-3,065) ng/L, p = 0.008] and higher likelihood of reduced ejection fraction (75.0 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.004). Conclusion Our findings indicate the higher prevalence of vit D deficiency in pediatric COVID-19 patients with versus without MIS-C, as well as in those with severe versus moderate MIS-C. Higher troponin and procalcitonin levels and dyspnea at presentation seem also to be risk factors for severe MIS-C, more pronounced cardiac dysfunction, and poorer prognosis. © 2022 Georg Thieme Verlag. All rights reserved.Item The Pediatric Tracheostomy Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic at a PICU; [COVID-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Çocuk Yoğun Bakımda Pediyatrik Trakeostomi Deneyimi](Galenos Publishing House, 2022) Zengin N.; Bal A.; Cankorur O.O.; Tanrıverdi H.İ.Introduction: To evaluate pediatric tracheostomies performed at a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) before and after the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A total of 57 pediatric tracheostomy patients performed at a tertiary care PICU were included. Prognostic scores including pediatric risk of mortality 2, pediatric index of mortality 2 and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction scores, the family education process and time to home discharge were evaluated according to time of tracheostomy (pre-pandemic vs. after pandemic) and responsible surgeon (pediatric surgeon vs. otolaryngologist). MedCalc® Statistical Software version 19.7.2 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https: //www.medcalc.org; 2021) was used for statistical analysis. Results: A non-significant tendency for higher rate of pediatric surgery-based tracheostomies was noted after the pandemic (76.0 vs. 24.0%, p=0.134). No significant difference was noted between tracheostomies performed before vs. after the COVID-19 pandemic and those performed by otolaryngologists vs. pediatric surgeons in terms of prognostic scores and time to home discharge. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the maintenance of high quality patient care for pediatric tracheostomy patients in accordance with standardized tracheostomy protocols and policies during the pandemic period with no significant difference between tracheostomies performed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and those performed by pediatric surgeons vs. otolaryngologists in terms of prognostic scores and time to home discharge. © 2022, Galenos Publishing House. All rights reserved.Item COVID-19 disease in children presenting to the pediatric emergency department: A multicenter study with 8886 cases from Turkey(W.B. Saunders, 2022) Duman M.; Şık N.; Tekşam Ö.; Akça H.; Kurt F.; Çağlar A.A.; Yıldız L.A.; Taşar M.A.; Fidancı İ.; Yayla B.C.C.; Yılmaz D.; Güngör E.; Demir Ş.; Çokuğraş H.; Cebeci S.O.; Önal P.; Saz E.U.; Yurtseven A.; Uysalol M.; Yıldız R.; Gümüş S.; Bal A.; Bayturan S.Ş.; Zengin N.; Atik S.; Çiftdoğan D.Y.; Berksoy E.; Çiçek A.; Şahin S.; Kızıl M.C.; Kara Y.; Apa H.; Ulusoy E.; Kara A.A.; Yesil E.; Erdem M.; Turan C.; Arslanoglu S.; Duyu M.; Besli G.E.; Arslan G.; Oflu A.T.; Çeleğen M.; Buldu E.; Pişkin İ.E.; Kardeş H.; Yılmaz H.L.; Yıldızdaş D.; Gökulu G.; Çay P.; Özer U.; Güleryüz O.D.; Çolak Ö.; Güneysu S.T.Background: The aim was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data of children with SARS-CoV-2 positivity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with treatment strategies and clinical outcomes and to evaluate cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in this population. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study performed in the pediatric emergency departments of 19 tertiary hospitals. From March 11, 2020, to May 31, 2021, children who were diagnosed with confirmed nasopharyngeal/tracheal specimen SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity or positivity for serum-specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were included. Demographics, presence of chronic illness, symptoms, history of contact with SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive individuals, laboratory and radiologic investigations, clinical severity, hospital admissions, and prognosis were recorded. Results: A total of 8886 cases were included. While 8799 (99.0%) cases resulted in a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 with PCR positivity, 87 (1.0%) patients were diagnosed with MIS-C. Among SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients, 51.0% were male and 8.5% had chronic illnesses. The median age was 11.6 years (IQR: 5.0–15.4) and 737 (8.4%) patients were aged <1 year. Of the patients, 15.5% were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were fever (48.5%) and cough (30.7%) for all age groups. There was a decrease in the rate of fever as age increased (p < 0.001); the most common age group for this symptom was <1 year with the rate of 69.6%. There was known contact with a SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive individual in 67.3% of the cases, with household contacts in 71.3% of those cases. In terms of clinical severity, 83 (0.9%) patients were in the severe-critical group. There was hospital admission in 1269 (14.4%) cases, with 106 (1.2%) of those patients being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Among patients with MIS-C, 60.9% were male and the median age was 6.4 years (IQR: 3.9–10.4). Twelve (13.7%) patients presented with shock. There was hospital admission in 89.7% of these cases, with 29.9% of the patients with MIS-C being admitted to the PICU. Conclusion: Most SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients presented with a mild clinical course. Although rare, MIS-C emerges as a serious consequence with frequent PICU admission. Further understanding of the characteristics of COVID-19 disease could provide insights and guide the development of therapeutic strategies for target groups. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.Item The clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis: TLAR-osteoarthritis multi-center cohort study(Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR), 2022) Duruöz M.T.; Gürsoy D.E.; Tuncer T.; Altan L.; Ayhan F.; Bal A.; Bilgilisoy M.; Cerrahoğlu L.; Çapkın E.; Çay H.F.; Çevik R.; Durmaz B.; Dülgeroğlu D.; Gürer G.; Gürsoy S.; Hepgüler S.; Hizmetli S.; Kaçar C.; Kaptanoğlu E.; Kaya T.; Ecesoy H.; Melikoğlu M.A.; Nas K.; Nur H.; Özçakır Ş.; Sarıdoğan M.; Sarıkaya S.; Sezer İ.; Sindel D.; Şahin N.; Şahin Ö.; Şendur Ö.F.; Bozbaş G.T.; Tıkız C.; Uğurlu H.Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine their relationships in different geographic samples of the Turkish population. Patients and methods: Between April 2017 and January 2019, a total of 520 patients (49 males, 471 females; mean age: 63.6±9.8 years) with hand OA were included in the study from 26 centers across Türkiye by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR). The demographic characteristics, grip strengths with Jamar dynamometer, duration of hand pain (month), the severity of hand pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), and morning stiffness were evaluated. The functional disability was evaluated with Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) OA scoring system was used to assess the radiological stage of hand OA. Results: The DHI had significant correlations with VAS-pain (r=0.367, p<0.001), duration of pain (r=0.143, p=0.001) and bilateral handgrip strengths (r=-0.228, p=0.001; r=-0.303, p<0.001). Although DHI scores were similar between the groups in terms of the presence of hand deformity (p=0.125) or Heberden's nodes (p=0.640), the mean DHI scores were significantly higher in patients with Bouchard's nodes (p=0.015). The total number of nodes had no significant correlations with the VAS-pain and DHI score (p>0.05). The differences between the groups of radiological hand OA grades in terms of age (p=0.007), VAS-pain (p<0.001), duration of pain (p<0.001), and DHI (p<0.001) were significant. There were no significant differences between radiological hand OA grades according to the duration of the stiffness, grip strength, and BMI (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: In our population, the patients with hand OA had pain, functional disability, and weak grip strength. The functional impairment was significantly correlated with the severity of the pain, and the functional status was worse in high radiological hand OA grades. © 2022 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved.Item The Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel in Children: A Retrospective Multicenter Study(Georg Thieme Verlag, 2022) Bal A.; Saz E.U.; Arslan S.Y.; Atik S.; Bayturan S.; Yurtseven A.; Gazi H.; Cicek C.; Kurugol Z.; Bal Z.S.Objective Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) declined after implementing conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type B and the pneumococcal vaccines worldwide. However, it still contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. The Biofire FilmArray Meningitis Encephalitis (FAME) panel can rapidly diagnose common bacterial and viral pathogens. Several studies suggested that the use of FAME may accelerate diagnosis and decrease the time to pathogen-specific therapy. However, the clinical utility is still controversial due to scarce data and relatively high costs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FAME in children. Methods A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate FAME in diagnosing ABM in children with a suspected central nervous system infection between January 2017 and May 2021. Results This study consisted of 179 children diagnosed with central nervous system infection who had parallel testing done using FAME and traditional microbiological diagnostic methods. Twenty-two FAME results were positive; 8 (36.3%) were bacterial pathogens and 14 (53.7%) were viral pathogens . The most common viral pathogen was human herpesvirus 6 (n = 6; 27.2%), followed by herpes simplex virus 1 (n = 4; 18.1%), Enterovirus spp. (n = 2; 9%), Parechovirus (n = 2; 9%), and Cytomegalovirus (n = 1; 4.5%). Bacterial pathogens included S. pneumoniae (n = 3; 13.6%), H. influenzae (n = 3; 13.6%), Neisseria meningitidis (n = 1; 4.5%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (n = 1; 4.5%). Bacterial culture confirmed S. pneumoniae infection in only 1 of 8 (12.5%) patients, while 7 of 8 bacterial meningitis were only detected by FAME. Conclusion FAME may also help with diagnosis and pathogen identification in patients who have already had antibiotics before cerebrospinal fluid collection. The use of FAME to detect infections quickly may minimize the improper use of medications, treatment duration, and the cost of hospitalization. © 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.Item Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurement Reduce Invasive Procedures in Thalassemia Patients(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Bıcılıoğlu Y.; Bal A.; Demir Yenigürbüz F.; Ergonul E.; Geter S.; Kazanasmaz H.; Bal U.This study was conducted to investigate the agreement between laboratory hemoglobin (LabHb) measured in venous blood and noninvasive, spectrophotometric hemoglobin (SpHb) measurement and the usability of SpHb measurement in the transfusion decision-making in patients with thalassemia whose hemoglobin (Hb) was monitored by taking blood samples at frequent intervals and who were transfused. Cardiac pulse, oxygen saturation, Pleth variability index (PVI), and SpHb values were measured in patients who came to the hematology outpatient clinic for a control visit and whose Hb levels were planned to be measured. Venous blood samples were taken for LabHb measurement, which we accept as the gold standard. Cohen’s kappa value was calculated for the agreement between SpHb measurements and LabHb values. The relationship and predictability between both measurement methods were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis, a modified Bland-Altman plot and the linear regression model. In the study conducted with a total of 110 children with thalassemia, a moderate level of agreement between the two measurement methods (kappa = 0.370, p < 0.0001) and a significantly high correlation between the two tests (r = 0.675) were found. The mean bias between the differences was found to be 0.3 g/dL (–1.27 to 1.86 g/dL). The sensitivity and the specificity of SpHb in identifying patients who needed transfusions (Hb <10.0 g/dL) were calculated as 92.2 and 57.1%, respectively. Our results suggest SpHb measurement may be used to screen anemia in hemodynamically stable hemoglobinopathy patients and even for transfusion decision-making with combination clinical findings. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Mortality risk factors among critically ill children with MIS-C in PICUs: a multicenter study(Springer Nature, 2023) Sık G.; Inamlık A.; Akçay N.; Kesici S.; Aygun F.; Kendırlı T.; Atay G.; Sandal O.; Varol F.; Ozkaya P.Y.; Duyu M.; Bırbılen A.Z.; Ozcan S.; Arslan G.; Kangın M.; Bayraktar S.; Altug U.; Anıl A.B.; Havan M.; Yetımakman A.F.; Dalkıran T.; Zengın N.; Oto A.; Kıhtır H.S.; Gırgın F.İ.; Telhan L.; Yıldızdas D.; Yener N.; Yukselmıs U.; Alakaya M.; Kılınc M.A.; Celegen M.; Dursun A.; Battal F.; Sarı F.; Ozkale M.; Topal S.; Kocaoglu C.; Yazar A.; Alacakır N.; Odek C.; Yaman A.; Cıtak A.; Bıngol I.; Annayev A.; Sevketoglu E.; Katlan B.; Durak C.; Gun E.; Erdogan S.; Seven P.; Sahın E.; Arı H.F.; Boyraz M.; Durak F.; Emeksız S.; Ozdemır G.; Duman M.; Talay M.N.; Yener G.O.; Luleyap D.; Harmanogulları S.; Başar E.Z.; Mercan M.; Bal A.; Kılıc N.; Ongun E.A.; Ozturk M.N.; Ekıncı F.; Udurgucu M.; Arslankoylu A.E.; Kutlu N.O.; Bukulmez A.; Özsoylu S.; Celık T.; Ozkale Y.; Kılıc A.O.Background: This study evaluated of clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality risk factors of a severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children admitted to a the pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021 at 41 PICUs in Turkey. The study population comprised 322 children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Results: The organ systems most commonly involved were the cardiovascular and hematological systems. Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in 294 (91.3%) patients and corticosteroids in 266 (82.6%). Seventy-five (23.3%) children received therapeutic plasma exchange treatment. Patients with a longer duration of the PICU stay had more frequent respiratory, hematological, or renal involvement, and also had higher D-dimer, CK-MB, and procalcitonin levels. A total of 16 patients died, with mortality higher in patients with renal, respiratory, or neurological involvement, with severe cardiac impairment or shock. The non-surviving group also had higher leukocyte counts, lactate and ferritin levels, and a need for mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: In cases of MIS-C, high levels of D-dimer and CK-MB are associated with a longer duration of PICU stay. Non-survival correlates with elevated leukocyte counts and lactate and ferritin levels. We were unable to show any positive effect of therapeutic plasma exchange therapy on mortality. Impact: MIS-C is a life-threatening condition.Patients need to be followed up in the intensive care unit.Early detection of factors associated with mortality can improve outcomes.Determining the factors associated with mortality and length of stay will help clinicians in patient management.High D-dimer and CK-MB levels were associated with longer PICU stay, and higher leukocyte counts, ferritin and lactate levels, and mechanical ventilation were associated with mortality in MIS-C patients.We were unable to show any positive effect of therapeutic plasma exchange therapy on mortality. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.Item A snapshot of pediatric inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19: a point prevalence study from Turkey(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Yılmaz D.; Üstündağ G.; Büyükçam A.; Salı E.; Çelik Ü.; Avcu G.; Belet N.; Çakmak Taşkın E.; Öcal Demir S.; Birbilen A.Z.; Kılıç Ö.; Metin Akcan Ö.; Tekin Yılmaz A.; Aldemir Kocabaş B.; Hatipoğlu N.; Karbuz A.; Çakır D.; Sütçü M.; Aygün F.D.; Çelik T.; Bayturan Şen S.; Dalgıç N.; Ümit Z.; Kara S.S.; Karadağ Öncel E.; Bolat A.; Kılıç Çil M.; Turan C.; Çakıl Güzin A.; Topal S.; Esen Besli G.; Doğan G.; Şahin S.; Akın F.; Bildirici Y.; Timurtaş Dayar G.; Ergül Sarı E.; Kızmaz İşançlı D.; Kara M.; Önal P.; Aylaç H.; Lüleci D.; Yaşar B.; Dede E.; Çağlar A.; Akova S.; Afat Turgut E.; Yazıcı Özkaya P.; Kandemir Gülmez T.; Ulusoy E.; Duyu M.; Kara Y.; Çeliktaş H.; Tekeli O.; Çağlar F.; Gül D.; Oral Cebeci S.; Battal F.; Bal A.; Aygün E.; Uysalol M.; Arslan G.; Özkavaklı A.; Kızıl M.C.; Yazar A.; Aygün F.; Somer A.; Kuyucu N.; Dinleyici E.Ç.; Kara A.This multi-center point prevalence study evaluated children who were diagnosed as having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On February 2nd, 2022, inpatients and outpatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included in the study from 12 cities and 24 centers in Turkey. Of 8605 patients on February 2nd, 2022, in participating centers, 706 (8.2%) had COVID-19. The median age of the 706 patients was 92.50 months, 53.4% were female, and 76.7% were inpatients. The three most common symptoms of the patients with COVID-19 were fever (56.6%), cough (41.3%), and fatigue (27.5%). The three most common underlying chronic diseases (UCDs) were asthma (3.4%), neurologic disorders (3.3%), and obesity (2.6%). The SARS-CoV-2-related pneumoniae rate was 10.7%. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 12.5% in all patients. Among patients aged over 12 years with access to the vaccine given by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, the vaccination rate was 38.7%. Patients with UCDs presented with dyspnea and pneumoniae more frequently than those without UCDs (p < 0.001 for both). The rates of fever, diarrhea, and pneumoniae were higher in patients without COVID-19 vaccinations (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, and p = 0.027). Conclusion: To lessen the effects of the disease, all eligible children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The illness may specifically endanger children with UCDs. What is Known: • Children with COVID-19 mainly present with fever and cough, as in adults. • COVID-19 may specifically threaten children with underlying chronic diseases. What is New: • Children with obesity have a higher vaccination rate against COVID-19 than children without obesity. • Among unvaccinated children, fever and pneumoniae might be seen at a higher ratio than among vaccinated children. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.Item A Comparison Study in Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Chest X-ray and Lung Ultrasound(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Gürbüz N.; Zengin N.; Karaburun N.C.; Düzgün F.; Bal A.Aim: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in children. Chest X-rays, which are frequently used in diagnosis, cause ionizing radiation exposure and a loss of time. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of chest radiography (CR) and lung ultrasonography (US) in patients with LRTIs. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as methodological research. Of the 62 patients evaluated in our study, four refused to participate, and eight were excluded from the study due to their underlying chronic diseases. All 50 remaining patients (between the ages of 0-18 years) were evaluated with a preliminary LRTI diagnosis. Lung US was performed by a 3rd-year pediatric resident who had six hours of online US training. CR was taken after lung US. Results: The mean age of the 50 cases included in this study was five years and three months; 35 of the 50 patients (70%) had a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia, 15 (30%) of them had a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Statistically significant interobserver agreement was found between US and CR [Kappa value 0.772, 95% confidence interval (0.590-0.925) (p=0.000)]. The sensitivity of lung US was 95%, and its specificity was 85.7% when CR was accepted as the gold standard. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that lung US can be used instead of CR to diagnose and follow-up pediatric cases with LRTIs. © 2023 Galenos Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.Item Seasonal Trends and Interactions of Viral Pathogens in Children Presenting with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in the Advancing Periods of SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic; [SARS-CoV-2 Pandemisinin İlerleyen Dönemlerinde Akut Solunum Yolu Enfeksiyonu ile Başvuran Çocuklarda Viral Patojenlerin Mevsimsel Eğilimleri ve Etkileşimleri](Ankara Microbiology Society, 2023) Türkmen Recen Ö.; Gazi H.; Bayturan Şen S.; Bal A.; Akçali S.Although various bacteria and viruses have been identified in the etiology of acute respiratory tract infections (ARI), 90% of acute ARIs that develop in children are of viral origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal trends and interactions between infectious agents and to determine the risk factors associated with ARI in children aged 1-15 years admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital in the advancing periods of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. To determine the bacterial and viral agents, samples were taken from 314 patients attending to the hospital with symptoms suggestive for ARI, between 06/01/2021 and 05/31/2022. Viral and bacterial agents were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and automated identification system, respectively. Demographic data of the participants and possible risk factors for ARI were recorded in the questionnaires. In the study, viral agents were detected in 77.3% of the children, and the most common infectious agent was rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) (36.3%), followed by influenza viruses (11.2%), and SARS-CoV-2 (10.5%). While RV/EV positivity was found to be higher in children with moderate and below average (p< 0.001) hand hygiene, influenza positivity was found higher in those attending school/preschool institution (p< 0.001) and whose mothers working full-time (p< 0.001). Respiratory syncytial virus positivity was associated with maternal smoking (p= 0.013) and home overcrowding (p= 0.014). Bacterial colonization was detected in 33 (11.6%) of 284 children whose swabs were taken for both bacterial and viral agents and the most frequently detected agents were Staphylococcus aureus (60.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.2%). Having siblings (p= 0.008) and maternal smoking (p= 0.012) were found to be associated with the detection of bacterial agents. In this study, in the advanced period of the pandemic, the most detected agents and seasonal characteristics were found to be similar to the pre-pandemic period. It is thought that knowing the regional etiology and risk factors will contribute to taking the necessary local control and protective measures. © 2023 Ankara Microbiology Society. All rights reserved.Item Evaluation of 601 children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (Turk MISC study)(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Yilmaz D.; Ekemen Keles Y.; Emiroglu M.; Duramaz B.B.; Ugur C.; Aldemir Kocabas B.; Celik T.; Ozdemir H.; Bayturan S.; Turel O.; Erdeniz E.H.; Cakici O.; Cakmak Taskin E.; Erbas İ.C.; Genceli M.; Sari E.E.; Caymaz C.; Kizil M.C.; Sutcu M.; Demirbuga A.; Alkan G.; Bagcı Z.; Timurtas Dayar G.; Ozkan E.A.; Tekin Yilmaz A.; Akca M.; Yesil E.; Kara S.S.; Akturk H.; Yasar B.; Umit Z.; Uygun H.; Erdem N.; Buyukcam A.; Karadag Oncel E.; Tuter Oz S.K.; Cetin H.S.; Anil A.B.; Yilmaz R.; Zengin N.; Uzuner S.; Albayrak H.; Borakay O.; Topal S.; Arslan G.; Yazar A.; Ozer A.; Kendirli T.; Kara E.M.; Demirkol D.; Battal F.; Kosker M.; Metin Akcan O.; Kihtir H.S.; Gul D.; Zararci K.; Alakaya M.; Kula N.; Celik E.; Petmezci E.; Evren G.; Kara Aksay A.; Konca C.; Sert A.; Arslan D.; Bornaun H.; Tekeli O.; Bal A.; Sahin I.O.; Demir S.; Sap F.; Akyol M.B.; Tanidir I.C.; Donmez Y.N.; Ucar T.; Coban S.; Arga G.; Hancerli Torun S.; Karpuz D.; Celik S.F.; Varan C.; Elmali F.; Oncel S.; Belet N.; Hatipoglu N.; Dalgic Karabulut N.; Turgut M.; Somer A.; Kuyucu N.; Dinleyici E.C.; Ciftci E.; Kara A.Purpose: Due to its link with the 2019 coronavirus, the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) has garnered considerable international interest. The aim of this study, in which MISC patients were evaluated multicenter, and the data of the third period of the Turk-MISC study group, to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of MISC patients who did and did not require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This retrospective multicenter observational study was carried out between June 11, 2021, and January 01, 2022. The demographics, complaints, laboratory results, system involvements, and outcomes of the patients were documented. Results: A total of 601 patients were enrolled; 157 patients (26.1%) required hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Median age was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.5–11.3 years. The proportion of Kawasaki disease-like features in the ICU group was significantly higher than in the non-ICU group (56.1% vs. 43.2% p = 0.006). The ICU group had considerably lower counts of both lymphocytes and platelets (lymphocyte count 900 vs. 1280 cells × μL, platelet count 153 vs. 212 cells × 103/ μL, all for p< 0.001). C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels were significantly higher in the ICU group (CRP 164 vs. 129 mg/L, procalcitonin 9.2 vs. 2.2 μg/L, ferritin 644 vs. 334 μg/L, all for p< 0.001). Being between ages 5–12 and older than 12 increased the likelihood of hospitalization in the ICU by four [95% confidence intervals (CI)1.971–8.627] and six times (95% CI 2.575–14.654), respectively, compared to being between the ages 0–5. A one-unit increase in log d-dimer (µg/L) and log troponin (ng/L) was also demonstrated to increase the need for intensive care by 1.8 (95% CI 1.079–3.233) and 1.4 times (95% CI 1.133–1.789), respectively. Conclusion: By comparing this study to our other studies, we found that the median age of MISC patients has been rising. Patients requiring an ICU stay had considerably higher levels of procalcitonin, CRP, and ferritin but significantly lower levels of lymphocyte and thrombocyte. In particular, high levels of procalcitonin in the serum might serve as a valuable laboratory marker for anticipating the need for intensive care. What is Known: • Lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia were an independent predictor factors in patients with MISC who needed to stay in intensive care unit. • The possibility of the need to stay in the intensive care unit in patients with MISC who had Kawasaki disease-like findings was controversial compared with those who did not. What is New: • A one-unit increase log D dimer and log troponin was demonstrated to require for intensive care unit by 1.8 and 1.4 times, respectively. • Serum procalcitonin levels had the best performance to predict stay in the intensive care unit stay. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.Item Correlation of clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with lumbar spondylosis(Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR), 2023) Altan L.; Metin Ökmen B.; Tuncer T.; Sindel D.; Çay H.F.; Hepgüler S.; Sarıkaya S.; Ayhan F.; Bal A.; Bilgilisoy M.; Çapkın E.; Cerrahoğlu L.; Çevik R.; Dülgeroğlu D.; Durmaz B.; Duruöz T.; Gürer G.; Gürsoy S.; Hizmetli S.; Kaçar C.; Kaptanoğlu E.; Ecesoy H.; Melikoğlu M.; Nas K.; Nur H.; Özçakır Ş.; Şahin N.; Şahin Ö.; Sarıdoğan M.; Şendur Ö.F.; Sezer İ.; Bozbaş G.T.; Tıkız C.; Uğurlu H.Objectives: The purpose of the study was to contribute further to this debated topic by investigating the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the clinical picture in lumbar spondylosis patients. Patients and methods: This multicenter retrospective study (as part of the epidemiological project of the TLAR-OASG [Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Osteoarthritis Study Group]) included 514 patients (101 males, 413 females; mean age: 63.6±10.8 years; range, 40 to 85 years) who were diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis by clinical examination and direct X-ray between December 2016 and June 2018. Demographic characteristics of patients, Visual Analog Scale for pain, presence of radiating pain, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, straight leg raise test, deep tendon reflexes, neurogenic intermittent claudication symptoms, any decrease of muscle strength, and abnormality of sensation were recorded. Lumbar MRI findings of the patients were recorded as positive or negative in terms of disc herniation, intervertebral disc degeneration, root compression, osteophytes, spinal stenosis. Statistical analysis was done to assess the correlation between the clinical symptoms, physical examination, and MRI findings. Results: Correlation analysis of the MRI results and the clinical findings showed a significant correlation between straight leg raise test and root compression (p<0.001, r=0.328) and a significant correlation between neurogenic intermittent claudication and spinal stenosis (p<0.001, r=0.376). Roland-Morris disability questionnaire had a significant correlation with all MRI findings (p<0.05, r<0.200). Conclusion: The results of this study corroborate the notion that diligent patient history and physical examination are more valuable than MRI findings, even though a higher incidence of abnormal MRI findings have been obtained in patients with disability and dermatomal radiating pain. © 2023, Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR). All rights reserved.Item The Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units A Descriptive Study From Turkey(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2024) Şık N.; Arslan G.; Çağlar A.A.; Tekerek N.Ü.; Fidancı İ.; Kendir Ö.T.; Bal A.; Horoz Ö.Ö.; Anıl A.B.; Yıldızdaş D.; Duman M.; Dursun O.Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the current status of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), perceptions, education, training, and barriers to using POCUS in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Turkey. Methods: A descriptive, multicenter, cross-sectional study through an online survey was developed using the REDCap online platform. The survey was distributed through the Turkish Society of Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care e-mail group. Each survey was answered only once by each PED/PICU and by the clinical chief of the department. Results: A total of 19 PEDs and 26 PICUs responded to the survey. Among them, 84.2% of PEDs and 100% of PICUs reported the clinical use of POCUS. For diagnostic applications, the most common areas for PEDs and PICUs were thoracic (93.7%/100%) and cardiovascular (62.5%/65.4%) assessment, and in the procedural use of POCUS, the most frequent applications were those for vascular access (75.0%/92.3%) and thoracentesis (31.2%/65.4%). The most commonly reported clinical benefits were rapid diagnosis, rapid treatment, and decreased complications during procedural applications for PEDs and PICUs. Evaluating the barriers to POCUS use in PEDs and PICUs, the most common reasons for insufficient use were the lack of ultrasound machines and/or equipment, a shortage of manpower, lack of awareness, and lack of training. For PEDs (68.4%) and for PICUs (84.6%), participants agreed that POCUS training should be mandatory during fellowship programs. Conclusions: Most participants were aware of the need for POCUS. However, lack of education, equipment, manpower, and infrastructure still emerged as barriers to the use of POCUS. To further promote POCUS use, it would be helpful to improve accessibility by ensuring sufficient numbers of ultrasound devices together with sufficient numbers of appointed physicians and by expanding POCUS education in PEDs and PICUs. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.Item A deep learning feature extraction-based hybrid approach for detecting pediatric pneumonia in chest X-ray images(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Bal U.; Bal A.; Moral Ö.T.; Düzgün F.; Gürbüz N.Pneumonia is a disease caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that settle in the alveolar sacs of the lungs and can lead to serious health complications in humans. Early detection of pneumonia is necessary for early treatment to manage and cure the disease. Recently, machine learning-based pneumonia detection methods have focused on pneumonia in adults. Machine learning relies on manual feature engineering, whereas deep learning can automatically detect and extract features from data. This study proposes a deep learning feature extraction-based hybrid approach that combines deep learning and machine learning to detect pediatric pneumonia, which is difficult to standardize. The proposed hybrid approach enhances the accuracy of detecting pediatric pneumonia and simplifies the approach by eliminating the requirement for advanced feature extraction. The experiments indicate that the hybrid approach using a Medium Neural Network based on AlexNet feature extraction achieved a 97.9% accuracy rate and 98.0% sensitivity rate. The results show that the proposed approach achieved higher accuracy rates than state-of-the-art approaches. © Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine 2023.Item Comparison of early characteristics of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome and Kawasaki disease in children and the course of Kawasaki disease in the pandemic(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024) Alkan F.; Bircan O.; Bal A.; Bayturan S.; Zengin N.; Coskun S.Introduction: Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a newly described disease manifestation in children associated with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be easily confused with Kawasaki disease with its clinical and laboratory findings. In this study, the clinical findings, organ involvements, similarities, and differences in laboratory and imaging of the children with MIS-C and KD at the time of admission will be revealed in detail, and the treatment methods and follow-up results will be revealed. Material and method: Our study was a single-center study and included pediatric patients who were treated with a diagnosis of MIS-C between March 2020 and July 2023 in the pediatric cardiology, pediatric emergency, pediatric infection, and pediatric intensive care clinics at Celal Bayar University and who were treated with a diagnosis of KD (complete/incomplete) between January 2015 and July 2023. MIS-C diagnosis was made according to the Turkish Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiography findings, treatments given, and clinical course of all patients included in the study were evaluated. Results: The median age was 30 months (7–84) in KD and 96 months (6-204) in MIS-C, and it was significantly higher in the MIS-C group (p = 0.000). Symptom duration was significantly longer in the MIS-C group (p = 0.000). In terms of clinical features, gastrointestinal syndrome findings (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) and respiratory findings (dyspnea) were significantly higher in the MIS-C group (p = 0.007, p = 0.000, p = 0.002, respectively). Regarding cardiovascular system involvement, coronary involvement was significantly higher in the KD group. However, valvular involvement, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and pericardial effusion were significantly higher in the MIS-C group (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.023, respectively). In terms of laboratory findings, white blood cell count was higher in KD (p = 0.000), absolute lymphocyte count, platelet level, blood sodium, and albumin levels were lower in MIS-C group (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.003, respectively), ferritin and troponin levels were significantly higher in MIS-C group. These results were statistically significant (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were high in both groups, and no significant statistical difference was detected between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the length of hospitalization and mortality, but steroid use was significantly higher in the MIS-C group (p = 0.000). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the similarities and differences between MIS-C and KD regarding clinical findings, organ involvement, and laboratory and imaging results. The results of our study have important implications in terms of contributing to the data in the existing literature on these two diseases and for the correct diagnosis and better management of pediatric patients presenting with these disorders. What is known: Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a newly described disease manifestation in children associated with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be easily confused with Kawasaki disease with its clinical and laboratory findings. What is new: Although MIS-C and KD have many similarities, their symptoms, disease processes, possible complications, and treatment regimens may differ. © The Author(s) 2024.