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We are pleased to announce that from issue 1/2025, Vol. 21, the journal “Paediatrics and Family Medicine” will be published in affiliation with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Warsaw. This cooperation entails the reorganisation of the Editorial Board - it will be supplemented by employees of the University of Warsaw, expanding the thematic scope of the scientific problems discussed. New tasks will be assigned to the current members of the Editorial Board.
At the same time, we present the Table of Contents of the first issue prepared in collaboration with the University of Warsaw, which will be published at the end of the first quarter.
We invite you to submit your papers and we look forward to further fruitful cooperation.

Professor Bolesław Kalicki, MD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief

March 1, 2023 – change in the method of sending papers to the editorial office

On March 1, 2023, a new submission system has been launched. The manuscripts with all their attachments should be submitted via publishing platform Journals System.

Publication charges

We would like to inform you that from June 28, 2023, a publication fee of PLN 2000 / 450 EUR will be introduced by the publisher of “Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna – „Paediatrics and Family Medicine” for papers submitted to the Editorial team.

When is that moment? The criteria for withdrawing treatment from terminally ill children – in the context of the recurring problem of “passive euthanasia”

The article aims to formulate criteria determining the right moment to discontinue life support to a terminally ill child at the end of life. The argument refers to two standards guiding critical decision-making: medical futility and the patient’s best interests. When a child demonstrates discernment, account must also be taken of their reasoning. The deterioration of a child’s health, which precedes the decision to stop further therapeutic efforts, is a clinical condition that immediately precedes torment that can only lead to death, or a situation of complete and definitive exclusion of positive perception and feeling.

Maria Boratyńska
Pediatr Med Rodz 2025; 21 (1): 1–28
Chrononutrition and the role of melatonin in neonates

Melatonin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of biological rhythms, beginning during prenatal development through maternal signalling and continuing postnatally via breast milk. In neonates, whose circadian systems are functionally immature, maternal melatonin serves as a critical entraining agent, facilitating the synchronisation of the sleep–wake cycle, supporting neurodevelopmental processes, and enhancing immune system maturation. Breast milk demonstrates distinct diurnal variations in melatonin concentration, alongside other bioactive components, establishing it as a vital chrononutritional medium.

Magdalena Markowska
Pediatr Med Rodz 2025; 21 (1): 46–50
Interplay between EDA-EDAR and WNT signalling pathways in the development of skin appendages in hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia comprises a group of hereditary disorders affecting the development of the skin and its appendages. Among the more than 150 characterised forms of ectodermal dysplasia, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most prevalent in children. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is marked by reduced sweating, sparse hair, a limited number of conical-shaped teeth, and brittle nails. The condition results from mutations in genes involved in the EDA-EDAREDARADD-NF-κB signalling pathway, which is crucial for early epithelial-mesenchymal communication during the formation of skin appendages.

Ajay Jakhar, Konrad Łukaszyk, Anna Pulawska-Czub, Krzysztof Kobielak
Pediatr Med Rodz 2025; 21 (1): 51–58
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome – contemporary views on immune-mediated pathogenetic mechanisms

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a rare kidney disease characterised by nephrotic proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidaemia and oedema. The incidence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome ranges from 2 to 7 cases per 100,000 children per year. Children between 1 and 10 years of age are mainly affected. The pathogenesis is associated with damage to the microstructure of glomerular filtration barrier, which may be caused by a variety of immune-mediated factors.

Anna Ozimek, Wojciech Wasiak, Małgorzata Mizerska-Wasiak
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (3): 268–273
Histamine and antihistamines

Since the synthesis of histamine in 1907, new reports about its properties and role in the human body have periodically appeared. Its blood levels remain constantly low, almost undetectable, under normal physiological conditions. Increasing histamine levels lead to serious clinical symptoms, including cardiac arrest. Histamine is involved in many processes and allergic reactions. It exerts its effects by acting on receptors, of which four types have been described so far.

Agnieszka Terlikowska-Brzósko, Agnieszka Rustecka
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (3): 274–279
The usefulness of the left ventricle myocardial performance index (LV MPI) to assess left ventricular function in children with myocarditis

Myocarditis, due to its diverse clinical presentation, is a big challenge for clinicians. Aim of the paper was to assess the left ventricular myocardial performance index by echocardiography and the relationship between left ventricular myocardial performance index and the oedema in T2-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in children with myocarditis.

Monika Jarecka, Mariusz Furmanek, Bożena Werner
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (3): 313–317
Autoimmune hepatitis – an increasingly common cause of hypertransaminasaemia among children. Case report and literature review

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory process of unknown ethology, characterised by high levels of transaminases and IgG antibodies, the presence of tissue autoantibodies, and a typical histological picture. In the population of children, the paediatric form of autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis are collectively classified as juvenile autoimmune liver disease. The condition often coexists with other autoimmune disorders.

Hubert Paweł Szyller, Martyna Wrześniewska, Julia Wołoszczak, Joanna Braksator, Tomasz Pytrus
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (2): 148–154
The gut microbiota as a therapeutic target in children with autism spectrum disorder – current literature review

The high prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the specificity of paediatric patients and the determination of their parents give rise to the growing interest of scientists in potential therapeutic approaches. There are multiple aetiological factors involved, and more will probably be discovered. Currently, the involvement of genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology is widely accepted. Growing evidence has been presented for the link between gut dysbiosis and autism.

Paula Grębska, Magdalena Szeląg, Anna Dancewicz, Anna Kofla-Dłubacz, Irena Choroszy-Król, Andrzej Stawarski, Tomasz Pytrus
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (2): 155–161
GLP-1 and GIP analogues in the treatment of obesity

Obesity is a chronic disease and a significant public health problem. It is estimated that more than 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children are obese. Obesity leads to organ complications including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. The management of obesity is based on nutritional therapy combined with lifestyle changes and increased physical activity. Pharmacotherapy is also crucial, and incretin analogues are a relatively new group of drugs. 

Agata Jasińska-Balwierz, Radosław Jerzy Balwierz, Paweł Biernat, Natalina Makieieva, Marek Tomkow, Klaudia Cesarz, Marcin Osowski, Bartłomiej Dorożyński, Urszula Skotnicka-Graca, Jacek Lipok
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (2): 162–167
Navigating allergies safely: tailored solutions in special circumstances – a comprehensive review of antihistamines

Personalised medicine is critical in managing allergic diseases, with the variety of second-generation antihistamines necessitating tailored approaches to individual patient needs. This encompasses considerations of age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hepatic and renal failure, drug interactions, and aging. This paper synthesises current research and guidelines on the use of antihistamines across diverse clinical scenarios, paying special attention to paediatric allergy treatment, including safety profiles of first- and second-generation antihistamines, their use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and interactions with other drugs, as well as considerations for elderly patients.

Wojciech Feleszko, Jarosław Woroń
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (1): 1–9
Vaccination in children living with HIV – review of Polish recommendations

Vaccines are an extremely effective primary prevention tool recommended for routine use in children worldwide. Vaccination is crucial for patients with underlying diseases, including children living with HIV, because of their increased risk of morbidity and mortality from various vaccine-preventable diseases. Complex care for patients living with HIV includes antiretroviral therapy (which has dramatically improved survival), prophylaxis and treatment of common infections, prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections, and vaccination.

Agnieszka Ołdakowska, Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak, Magdalena Maria Marczyńska
Pediatr Med Rodz 2024; 20 (1): 10–16
Urinary tract infections in children in the era of growing antimicrobial resistance – recommendations of the Polish Society of Paediatric Nephrology

Urinary tract infections can recur in children, and due to their potential long-term consequences, they require appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Although Escherichia coli is the most common aetiology, an increase in infections with drug-resistant strains has been observed. The aim of this study was to develop current diagnostic and treatment recommendations in the era of increasing microbial resistance.

Ilona Zagożdżon, Anna Jung, Katarzyna Kiliś-Pstrusińska, Przemysław Sikora, Piotr Skrzypczyk, Marcin Tkaczyk, Aleksandra Żurowska, Anna Maria Wasilewska
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (4): 263–272
Recommendations for the management of children with influenza in a primary care setting – COMPAS INFLUENZA. Update for the 2023/2024 season

Five years after publishing the first Polish recommendations on the management of influenza, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to update the recommendations. Influenza is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract that occurs in all age groups. The course of the disease may vary in severity and clinical picture, from asymptomatic to severe with symptoms of respiratory failure. The possibility of pandemic infections and serious complications distinguish influenza from other viral respiratory diseases.

Adam Jerzy Sybilski, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, Teresa Jackowska, Jarosław Woroń, Ernest Kuchar, Zbigniew Doniec
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (4): 273–283
“Real food” enteral formulas in everyday clinical practice

Enteral nutrition is a component of therapy for children whose ability to take in food by the natural route is impaired but whose gastrointestinal tract capacity still allows for nutrient digestion and absorption. According to guidelines, the optimum types of food for enteral feeding are ready-to-use commercial formulas (food for a special medical purpose, FSMP), which are classified into polymeric, oligomeric and amino acid/elemental. Using a blended kitchen diet as a sole food source is currently not universally recommended due to the higher risk of nutritional deficiencies and contamination with pathogenic microorganisms.

Ewa Toporowska-Kowalska, Andrea Horvath, Agnieszka Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz, Jarosław Kierkuś, Dariusz Marek Lebensztejn, Janusz Książyk
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (4): 310–318
Hereditary C1-inhibitor deficiency angioedema (C1-INH-HAE) in children – practical considerations

Hereditary angioedema is a rare, autosomal dominant, potentially life-threatening disorder usually resulting from C1-esterase deficiency or dysfunction. Clinical manifestations include unpredictable, acute, recurrent episodes of well-demarcated oedema occurring without pruritus, most commonly affecting the face, trunk, extremities, but also, due to mucosal involvement, the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Although oedema resolves spontaneously within 2–5 days, the skin lesions are disfiguring, painful and disrupt daily functioning, while abdominal attacks are very painful and often lead to hospital admissions and unnecessary surgery.

Aleksandra Kucharczyk
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (4): 319–333
Treatment of obesity. A review of selected guidelines

Treatment of obesity is one of the challenges of the 21st century. It is a risk factor for the development of other diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease or cancer. Diagnosis of obesity should be based on body mass measurements, taking into account height and sex. It is also recommended to measure waist and hip circumference. In the article the authors reviewed guidelines regarding pharmacological treatment of obesity. The authors focus on summarising indications for pharmacotherapy, descriptions of individual drugs, their doses, as well as therapy goals and pointing out differences between individual recommendations.

Marcin Maciej Dereziński, Krzysztof Przeorski, Nicola Lisiak, Zofia Dal Canton
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (3): 149–154
New SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant. Is XBB.1.5 associated with an increase in COVID-19 morbidity?

As a result of genetic changes and mutations of SARS-CoV-2, new variants emerge that have different properties compared to the original strains of the virus, which is a challenge for public health. XBB.1.5, also known as Kraken, is a subvariant of Omicron, and it is the most infectious and transmissible strain of SARS-CoV-2 to date. XBB.1.5 is the dominant strain in the United States of America, spreading worldwide, including in Europe and Asia. XBB.1.5 has properties to evade the immune system and reinfect individuals who have had COVID-19 before due to its strong binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and antibody evasion.

Dominika Maria Jaskóła-Polkowska, Andrzej Wiktor Chciałowski, Jerzy Andrzej Kruszewski
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (3): 169–174
The history of vaccine and vaccination against influenza in Poland

The influenza virus is an important cause of morbidity, complications and mortality worldwide. Anyone can be infected, regardless of latitude or age. The paper describes the history of obtaining a modern influenza vaccine that does not deviate from current World Health Organization standards in Poland. Dozens of studies assessing the post-vaccination humoral response for different types of influenza vaccine, measuring levels of anti-haemagglutinin and anti-neuraminidase antibodies (although not in all of the studies) have been presented.

Lidia B. Brydak
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023; 19 (3): 175–180
Dysbiosis and allergy as a background of chronic rhinosinusitis in preschool children

Allergic diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, such as asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis, continue to pose a real challenge to modern medicine. The causes of the growing problem generated by these diseases is thought to be in the interaction of genes and the environment. In the light of current knowledge, it seems that the environmentally dependent interaction between the airway microbiota ecosystem and the epithelium is able to shape the functions of the local immune system, producing a number of molecular and clinical consequences. In this paper, an attempt was made to describe the role of microbiota composition disorders (dysbiosis) of the upper respiratory tract and allergies in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis in children.

Katarzyna Molińska, Paweł Majak
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023, 19 (2), p. 73–77
Atopic dermatitis and the human skin microbiota

The skin microbiota is a complex ecosystem consisting of bacteria, fungi and viruses. The role of the human skin microbiota is to maintain homeostasis in the body. Disruption of the balance of the natural composition of the human microbiome can lead to the development of inflammation and infection. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and recurrent non-infectious, inflammatory dermatosis characterised by erythematous and exfoliative skin lesions, accompanied by pruritus and a tendency to superinfection.

Agnieszka Gościńska, Agata Będzichowska, Agnieszka Lipińska-Opałka
Pediatr Med Rodz 2023, 19 (2), p. 78–82

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