Dětské duševní zdraví v krizi: změny systému nelze dále odkládat

doc. MUDr. Michal Goetz, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):75

Atypical forms of invasive meningococcal disease

Mgr. Zuzana Okonji, MUDr. Pavla Křížová, CSc., MUDr. Vyacheslav Grebenyuk, MUDr. Milan Trojánek, Ph.D., doc. MUDr. Jan David, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):78-80 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.013

The diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease is often challenging, particularly due to the rapid progression of this life-threatening disease. Cases with predominantly atypical symptoms are even more complicated. These may include pneumonia or pleuritis, perimyocarditis, conjunctivitis, urethritis, arthritis or abdominal symptoms. These less common forms have come to the forefront of attention following the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are beginning to appear more frequently in some countries. The epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic currently appears favourable; however, careful monitoring and vaccination against this disease remain essential.

Red eye in children: a focus on chronic conditions - a practical guide for pediatricians

MUDr. Marta Korbasová

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):81-87 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.014

Red eye in children is a common reason for visiting a pediatrician and encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from benign cases to serious, vision-threatening pathologies. The most common causes are common acute conjunctivitis of bacterial or viral origin, often associated with a systemic infection in the child, or acute allergic eye symptoms. Chronic red eye is usually caused by a group of chronic allergic conjunctivitis or blepharitis and their complications. These conditions are characterized by their persistence; children return with recurring symptoms, and if not properly diagnosed and treated, they can lead to permanent eye damage...

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and modern systemic therapy of plexiform neurofibromas

doc. MUDr. Michal Zápotocký, Ph.D., MUDr. Klára Vejmělková, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):90-96 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.015

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare monogenic, multisystem disorder with a heterogeneous clinical phenotype and a lifelong risk of complications, including neoplastic complications. It affects approximately 1 in 3,000 live births, and in most patients the diagnostic criteria are fulfilled in early childhood. Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) occur in 30-50% of individuals with NF1 and may cause pain, disfigurement, neurological deficits, or organ compression. In recent years, treatment options for symptomatic, inoperable PN have changed substantially with the introduction of the MEK inhibitor selumetinib. This article summarizes current diagnostic...

Dizziness and balance disorders in childhood - practical approach of a pediatrician

prof. MUDr. Zdeněk Čada, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):97-101 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.016

Dizziness and balance disorders in childhood are relatively less common symptoms compared with the adult population; nevertheless, they may represent a significant clinical problem. The diagnosis of vertigo in children is complicated by the fact that children are often unable to describe their symptoms accurately, and the manifestations may be masked or misinterpreted for a prolonged period. Balance disorders in childhood may have a benign etiology; however, in some cases they can be a manifestation of serious neurological disease. This article summarizes a practical approach to the child presenting with dizziness, with a focus on decision-making processes...

Assessment of kidney function in pediatric outpatient practice

MUDr. Patrik Konopásek, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):103-107 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.017

Assessment of renal parameters is a routine part of laboratory testing in both outpatient and inpatient pediatric practice. However, the interpretation of laboratory findings is not always straightforward. This may lead to uncertainty regarding further management and, in some cases, to referral to a pediatric nephrologist even in patients with normal kidney function. The aim of this article is to provide outpatient pediatricians with a practical overview of methods for assessing renal function using endogenous markers, including the principles of their correct interpretation.

Approaches to the early detection of kratom use in pediatric primary care and clinical management of suspected risky use

MUDr. Martin Haša

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):108-113 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.018

Kratom is a plant-derived psychoactive substance that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia and as an alternative to other addictive substances. During the past 15 years, its use has increased substantially, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Kratom use may be associated with significant health risks, including the development of dependence. This article aims to provide an overview of key information on kratom and to focus on strategies for early identification in pediatric primary care, including recommended clinical responses to suspected risky or dependent use.

The phenomenon of nonsuicidal self-injury - how can we help effectively? - Part 2: Guiding and accompanying our patients towards recovery

MUDr. Michaela Chmelíková

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):114-121

This section of the text is dedicated to the principles of effective approaches to individuals who self-harm and to the available treatment options (psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy), as recently recommended in the professional literature and as they have proven effective in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic practice. It places particular emphasis on the practical applicability of the presented knowledge in everyday outpatient psychiatric settings. Therefore, it focuses especially on interventions or educational resources that can be directly offered or recommended to patients, their families, or close ones within time-limited conditions. As an example...

Haemophilus influenzae serotype a as a cause of purulent meningitis in a six-month-old infant

prof. MUDr. Vladimír Mihál, CSc., MUDr. Marie Rohanová, MUDr. Andrea Lysáková, Mgr. Pavla Kučová, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):122-125 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.019

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) has historically been the most significant pathogen causing invasive infections. In recent decades, an increase in the incidence of other Haemophilus influenzae serotypes has been observed, particularly serotypes e+ f, as well as, most notably, invasive infections caused by non-typeable strains. Invasive disease caused by Hia, similarly to Hib, affects primarily young children and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To better understand the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Hia, epidemiological studies and active microbiological surveillance of invasive disease across...

What I see, I remember

prof. MUDr. Zdeněk Doležel, CSc., MUDr. Zdeňka Ráčilová, MUDr. Marie Slunská, MUDr. Tomáš Jimramovský

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):126-130 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.020

The current spectrum of imaging modalities used in pediatrics is broad and significantly contributes to a clear diagnosis. Regardless of the child's age, ultrasonography is most often used, allowing not only the actual imaging, but also relatively accurate meas­urement of some selected organ structures. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are methods with high resolution, and prior agreement between the pediatrician and radiologist on their rational use in individual patients is always appropriate. Taking into account the fact that the pediatrician usually receives the results of imaging examinations in printed form, the authors of the...

Cavernous hemangioma of the small intestine in a child as a cause of anemia - a case report

MUDr. Andrej Sipták, MUDr. Jan Škvařil, Ph.D.

Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):131-134 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.021

Vascular tumors are the most common soft tissue neoplasms and account for approxi­mately 7-11% of all benign tumors. However, hemangiomas of the gastrointestinal system are very rare and occur in 0.05% of all gastrointestinal tumors. In this article, we present a case report of a 5.5-year-old boy admitted to the Pediatric Department for anemia syndrome with a hemoglobin value of 39 g/l. After repeated transfusions and stabilization of the condition, an abdominal sonography was performed, followed by CT and MRI with the finding of multilocular expansion of cystic appearance in the left half of the abdomen. The patient was then transferred to the surgical...