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Pneumonia has a major impact on childhood health and health care costs. This study was designed to obtain contemporary information on the clinical characteristics and etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children from both inpatient and outpatient settings in the USA.We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study of CAP among previously healthy children 2 months to 18 years of age in 6 children's hospitals in Ohio from 2015 to 2018. For pathogen detection, nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from all subjects. Blood and pleural fluid cultures were available per standard of care.We enrolled a convenience sample of 441 patients: 380 hospitalized and 61 outpatients. Tachypnea and radiologic findings of consolidation and pleural effusion were more frequent among inpatients than outpatients. A pathogen was detected in 64.6% of patients: viruses in 55.6%, atypical bacteria in 8.8% and pyogenic bacteria in 4.3%. Eighteen (4.1%) patients had both viruses and bacteria detected. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV; 18.6%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 16.8%) were the viruses most frequently detected, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (8.2%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2.3%) were the most common bacteria. Except for S. pneumoniae, which was identified more frequently in inpatients, there were no significant differences between inpatients and outpatients in the proportions of children with specific pathogens detected.Rhinovirus/enterovirus and RSV among viruses and M. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae among bacteria were the most common pathogens detected in children with CAP. Tachypnea and chest radiographs with consolidation and/or pleural effusion were associated with hospitalization.

We describe 2 cases of rapidly progressive primary central nervous system malignant melanoma, and summarize 18 previously reported cases of this extremely rare tumor in children. Both patients presented with focal neurologic symptoms, with no evidence of skin or other organ system involvement. One patient was treated with temozolomide and etoposide, whereas the other was treated with multiple surgical resections, radiation therapy, and a trial of ipilimumab. New molecularly targeted and immune-based therapies used in metastatic melanoma in adults are potential new treatment options, but their efficacy and safety in pediatric patients needs to be established.

Background Worldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children Methods We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study of CAP among previously healthy children aged 2 months through 18 years in six children’s hospitals in Ohio. Blood, pleural fluid, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for pathogen detection by culture and/or molecular diagnostics. Patient clinical management including antibiotic therapy and respiratory support, followed the standard of care at each study site. Follow-up information regarding clinical outcomes was collected via a survey 6–8 weeks after enrollment. Results We enrolled 441 children (n = 380, 86% hospitalized) with CAP from 2015 to 2018. Median age was 5 years (IQR: 2.1–8.9y). Intensive care and respiratory support were required for 15% and 49% of children, respectively. Consolidation and pleural effusion were identified in 26% and 21%, respectively. Among hospitalized children, 99% received antibiotics during hospitalization, and 91% continued antibiotic treatment at discharge. There were no children with any kind of sequelae or deaths from CAP, but 4.4% were readmitted within 30 days after discharge. Pathogens were identified in 64% patients; including pyogenic bacteria in 4%, atypical bacteria in 9%, and viruses in 56%. A total of 18 (4%) children had both bacterial (9 pyogenic and 9 mycoplasma) and viral pathogens. Among children with a virus detected (n = 245), 17% had more than one virus. The most commonly detected bacteria were M. pneumoniae (n = 39) and S. pneumoniae (n = 10). Rhinovirus was the most common virus detected (RV; n = 81, 28%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; n = 75, 26%). Conclusion In this multicenter cohort, the most commonly detected viruses in children with CAP were RV and RSV, and M. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae among bacteria. Clinical outcomes in children with CAP were overall good, but there was a high burden of hospitalization and antibiotic use. Disclosures Octavio Ramilo, MD, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Research Grant; Janssen: Research Grant; Merck: Advisory Board; NIH: Research Grant; Ohio Children’s Hospital Association (OCHA): Research Grant; Pfizer: Advisory Board, Consultant, Lectures; Sanofi/Medimmune: Advisory Board.