Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. This study aimed to examine neonatal sepsis treatment guidelines in Africa, compare them with WHO recommendations, identify similarities and deviations, and explore the impact of antimicrobial resistance and implementation challenges. A rapid systematic review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (Science Direct, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Scopus) were systematically searched for studies published between 2014 and 2024 that reported national or regional guidelines on neonatal sepsis treatment. Data were extracted on first-line antibiotic selection, route of administration, treatment duration, supportive care measures, multidrug-resistant organisms and alignment with the WHO guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Overall, 29 studies were included in the review. Key findings revealed that while ampicillin/gentamicin, a WHO-recommended first-line regimen, was widely adopted, high microbial resistance rates necessitated alternatives such as carbapenems. Gram-negative pathogens, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae (up to 92 % prevalence) dominated, with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) showing a pooled prevalence of 59 % (95 % CI: 44.4-73.6 %). Regional disparities were evident: Eastern Africa reported 51 % MDRO, while Southern Africa reported 20.3 % MDRO. The high statistical heterogeneity (I = 99.4 %) in the meta-analysis indicates variation in MDRO prevalence across studies, and the pooled estimate should therefore be interpreted with caution. Common implementation challenges included limited access to second-line antibiotics, inadequate training of healthcare workers and infrastructural constraints. Significant variations existed between neonatal sepsis treatment guidelines in a number of African countries and the WHO recommendations. These were driven by MDRO and healthcare resource limitations. While the WHO guidelines provide a global framework, country-specific adaptations are also necessary. There is a need to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs, improve diagnostic capacity, and enhance the training of healthcare workers.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at a high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a late effect. In this study, we aimed to analyze longitudinal trends in kidney function in CCSs shortly after cancer treatment and its long-term impact.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) significantly impacts neonatal care. Early risk identification is vital for clinical decisions. Jensen's updated BPD definition aims to predict health problems in young children, but the relationship between cumulative oxygen fractions (FiO2), mean airway pressure (MAP), and BPD severity is unclear.

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy and is associated with various comorbidities. Using data from the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC), we aimed to investigate the multisystem comorbidities and growth trajectories of patients with TS in South Korea.

Biliary cirrhosis progression varies in biliary atresia (BA) patients after hepatoportoenterostomy. Previous studies have suggested that BA pathogenesis may be related to immune dysregulation. This study evaluates the relationship between cirrhosis severity and lymphocyte subtype distribution in patients with BA after undergoing hepatoportoenterostomy.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of infant hospitalizations, with limited prophylactic options historically available. Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, has emerged as a promising agent for preventing RSV.

The optimal management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants remains controversial. This study compares in-hospital and neurodevelopmental outcomes of different PDA treatment strategies in preterm infants.

Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the key standard operation for biliary atresia (BA). Age at operation is an important factor that affects the outcome of KPE. The aim of the study is to evaluate the short-term outcome of KPE for biliary atresia infants in Upper Egypt.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gastric lavage (GL) in neonates with coffee-ground hematemesis due to swallowing maternal blood by postnatal day 1.

Very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs) are at risk of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR), which is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence of EUGR in VLBWIs and the factors associated with EUGR using a longitudinal definition.

Data on the development of immune, hematologic, and lung function in preterm infants beyond the early postnatal period are limited. This study aimed to determine whether these systems in preterm infants mature to levels comparable to full-term infants by one year of age.

This study aims to explore the ABO-dependent mechanism of ADAMTS13-mediated VWF cleavage in neonatal thrombocytopenia (NTP) during platelet transfusion.

We assessed the newborns' intestinal microbiota during the first three weeks of life using molecular biology techniques to understand colonization patterns according to feeding type.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) modified their care practices, applying stricter hygiene protocols and limiting the presence of parents in NICUs. The impact of these measures on infant health remains unclear. The aim was the evaluation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality and major morbidity rates in very-preterm/very-low-birth weight infants of Spain.

Uterine volume (UV) and bone age (BA) are important determinants for evaluating the pubertal status of growing girls. However, the correlation between these two parameters in growing children has not yet been fully investigated.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the patent ductus arteriosus (DA) on pulmonary conditions and to evaluate the outcomes during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).