Review Article
The Functional Significance of DHA During Toddlerhood and Its Role in Brain Development, Cognitive Function, Behavioral Outcomes, and Immunomodulation
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
55-62
Received:
22 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
18 May 2026
Abstract: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is a vital structural component of the brain and retina and plays an essential role during the first 1,000 days of life, including toddlerhood. This developmental period is marked by rapid brain growth, synaptogenesis, myelination, and neural circuit refinement, all of which require an adequate supply of essential nutrients. Among these, DHA is especially important because it is highly concentrated in neuronal membranes, where it helps maintain membrane fluidity, supports synaptic signaling, and promotes efficient communication between nerve cells. DHA contributes significantly to neurodevelopment by supporting neurite outgrowth, neuronal differentiation, and cell survival. These processes are critical during toddlerhood, when children experience major advances in language, memory, learning, motor skills, and emotional regulation. Because DHA influences the structural and functional maturation of the brain, it is often associated with improved visual and cognitive development. Experimental studies strongly support its biological importance in brain development, showing that DHA enhances synaptic plasticity and protects neurons from injury. Human studies also suggest benefits, particularly in visual acuity, attention, and certain cognitive functions, although the outcomes of DHA supplementation trials are not always consistent. In addition to its effects on cognition, DHA may also influence behavioral outcomes. Adequate DHA status has been linked with better attention, emotional balance, and adaptive behavior, likely because it supports the maturation of brain regions involved in self-regulation and social functioning. However, clinical evidence in this area remains mixed, and more toddler-specific research is needed to confirm these effects. DHA also has an important immunomodulatory role. It serves as a precursor for bioactive lipid mediators such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, which help reduce excessive inflammation and promote immune homeostasis. By modulating cytokine production and inflammatory signaling pathways, DHA may support immune maturation during early life. Overall, DHA is functionally significant during toddlerhood because of its combined roles in brain development, cognitive performance, behavioral regulation, and immune function. However, the magnitude of its benefits may vary depending on dietary intake, baseline nutritional status, timing, and dose of supplementation. Thus, DHA should be considered a key nutrient for supporting healthy early childhood development.
Abstract: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is a vital structural component of the brain and retina and plays an essential role during the first 1,000 days of life, including toddlerhood. This developmental period is marked by rapid brain growth, synaptogenesis, myelination, and neural circuit refinement, all of whi...
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Research Article
Metabolomic and Molecular Genetic Markers of
Obesity-associated Epilepsy in Children
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
63-68
Received:
26 January 2026
Accepted:
4 February 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajp.20261202.12
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Abstract: Background. Various epileptic syndromes can be comorbid with other pathologies, in particular, with excess weight. Research on the correlation between obesity and epilepsy in children is quite controversial. Identifying various metabolomic and molecular genetic markers of epilepsy is an extremely interesting task, which will allow the development of diagnostic algorithms for this pathological condition. The aim of the work is to identify the main metabolic and molecular genetic changes in epilepsy in children associated with obesity. Methods. The study included 24 patients aged from 1 year to 17 years: 16 patients with with epilepsy due to obesity and 8 patients of the control. The gender distribution was 15 girls and 9 boys. The study of the profile of 60 organic acids in urine was carried out by HPLC-MS. Targeted sequencing of mitochondrial dynamics genes (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1, DRP1) was performed using the NGS method. Results. In the case-group the upper reference limit of a number of markers of the Krebs cycle, mitochondrial dysfunction, bacterial dysbiosis and lactic acid levels were exceeded. Targeted NGS sequencing of four mitochondrial dynamics genes (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1, DRP1) of patients with epilepsy due to obesity and comparison group did not reveal pathological mutations in mitochondrial dynamics genes. However, 14 of the 16 patients with obesity-associated epilepsy were found to have the heterozygous OPA1 rs76426470 genetic variant (GA genotype), while all patients in the control group had the homozygous variant (GG genotype). Conclusion. Thus, we have identified a number of metabolic markers associated with epilepsy in children against the background of obesity.
Abstract: Background. Various epileptic syndromes can be comorbid with other pathologies, in particular, with excess weight. Research on the correlation between obesity and epilepsy in children is quite controversial. Identifying various metabolomic and molecular genetic markers of epilepsy is an extremely interesting task, which will allow the development o...
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Research Article
Voice Disorder Analysis in Children with Connective Tissue Disease Using Pediatric Voice Handicap Index and Fiber Optic Laryngoscopy
Joy Aprianis Haning*,
Ketut Dewi Kumara Wati,
Putu Dian Ariyanti Putri
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
69-75
Received:
26 November 2025
Accepted:
27 May 2026
Published:
2 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajp.20261202.13
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Abstract: Background: Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) in children may involve the laryngeal muscles and structures, leading to voice disorders that can significantly affect communication and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to assess voice disorders in children with CTD using the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) score and Fiber Optic Laryngoscopy (FOL), and to analyze the association between these two parameters. Methods: This study included children aged 1–18 years diagnosed with CTD. The pVHI was used as a subjective tool for voice assessment (scores ≥10.5 indicated pathology), while FOL was used as an objective tool to evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds and surrounding cartilages. The association between pVHI and FOL findings was assessed using the chi-square test with kappa agreement analysis. Results: There were 33 patients with SLE and 5 patients with other CTDs. Eight out of 38 children demonstrated high pVHI scores, while 30 out of 38 demonstrated low pVHI scores. Arytenoid hyperemia was the most frequent inflammatory finding (n = 7), followed by hyperemia of the vocal folds (n = 5). Edema was observed in the arytenoids (n = 2), as well as in the vocal folds and ventricular folds (n = 1 each). Hyperemia of the epiglottis and ventricular folds was each noted in one patient. A pVHI score ≥10.5 showed a significant association with abnormal FOL findings (OR = 8.250; 95% CI: 1.373–49.574; p = 0.012). The agreement between pVHI scores ≥10.5 and abnormal FOL findings was moderate (Kappa = 0.379, p = 0.012). Conclusions: The prevalence of voice disorders was identified in a substantial proportion (36.8%) of children with CTD. pVHI scores ≥10.5 were significantly associated with abnormal findings on fiber optic laryngoscopy. However, the pVHI alone cannot be used to diagnose voice disorders because its agreement with FOL findings was only moderate.
Abstract: Background: Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) in children may involve the laryngeal muscles and structures, leading to voice disorders that can significantly affect communication and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to assess voice disorders in children with CTD using the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) score and Fiber Optic Laryng...
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Research Article
The Role of Respiratory Multiplex PCR in Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Under 5 Years of Age: Experience of the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat
Issam Ouhrich
,
Rachid Abi*,
Anouar Akhssas,
Imane Laasikri,
Fatima Zahra Bennamara,
Abir Belahrach,
Manal Najib,
Hind Azzouzi,
Nada Mchichou,
Zahira Bouassaba,
Elarbi Bouaiti,
Mohamed-Rida Tagajdid,
Hicham Elannaz,
Salma Hassine,
Soukaina Ouannass,
Ahmad Reggad,
Mohamed Elqatni,
Abdelilah Laraqui,
Abdelilah Radi,
Hakim Ourrai,
Rachid Abilkassem,
Mostafa Elouennass,
Khalid Ennibi,
Idriss Lahlou Amine
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
76-86
Received:
12 May 2026
Accepted:
26 May 2026
Published:
12 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajp.20261202.14
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Abstract: Acute respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and hospitalisation in children. In this context, respiratory multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a rapid molecular tool enabling the simultaneous identification of several pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of multiplex PCR in paediatric respiratory infections, to describe the epidemiological profile of the patients managed, and to analyse the concordance between PCR results and certain commonly used biological markers, notably C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count. This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat. It included 125 children under the age of 5, hospitalised between September 2021 and September 2025. Respiratory samples were analysed using the FilmArray Respiratory Panel, enabling the simultaneous detection of 16 viruses and 4 bacteria. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the DX Lab software. Of the 125 samples analysed, 90 were positive, representing a positivity rate of 72%. In total, 122 pathogens were identified. Viral infections were overwhelmingly predominant, dominated by Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Bacterial detections were rare. Co-infections were present in more than a third of the positive samples, primarily in the form of viral combinations. Biologically, nearly half of patients with a positive PCR result had normal CRP levels, while the majority had a white blood cell count appropriate for their age, with no systematic correlation with PCR positivity. Respiratory multiplex PCR thus appears to be a highly effective diagnostic tool in the management of paediatric respiratory infections. It enables rapid and reliable identification of infectious agents, improves therapeutic management and may help to limit the inappropriate use of antibiotics. These results support its value in the hospital management of respiratory infections in children in Morocco.
Abstract: Acute respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and hospitalisation in children. In this context, respiratory multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a rapid molecular tool enabling the simultaneous identification of several pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of multiplex PCR in paedi...
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