BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is common but not readily recognizable to primary care physicians and pediatricians. Most literature comes from East Asia and Western countries. Studies among the Filipino population are lacking. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes, and provide knowledge for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study on pediatric patients diagnosed with CwG admitted at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines from January 2020 to December 2023. The study included patients 1-72 months old presenting with seizures accompanied by symptoms of gastroenteritis, without clinical signs of dehydration, electrolyte derangement, and fever (body temperatureRESULTS

Twenty patients met the criteria for CwG, aged 7-60 months, with a male:female ratio of 1:1. Most seizures were brief, generalized tonic-clonic occurring in clusters, with an average frequency of 3 per day. Laboratory findings, electroencephalogram, and neuroimaging results were mostly normal. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) were prescribed in 65% (n=13), with levetiracetam being the most common. Most seizure clusters did not persist, and none needed additional ASM. Follow-up showed normal neurodevelopmental profiles.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that CwG is also encountered among Filipino children. The clinical characteristics align with the known presentation of CwG. Most patients had normal test results and a benign course. Given this selflimiting nature, extensive testing and unnecessary therapy are not recommended, and instead provision of adequate counseling to the caregivers is advocated.

Human ; Seizures ; Gastroenteritis

Acoustic Vibration Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation in Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Vibration-assisted orthodontic treatment accelerates tooth movement and reduces complications associated with prolonged interventions. While vibration has been shown to enhance osteogenic potential in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), its effects on dental tissue-derived MSCs remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of acoustic-frequency vibratory stimulation (AFVS) on gingival-tissue-derived MSCs (GT-MSCs) at 20 Hz and 60 Hz under both basal and osteogenic conditions. A custom vibratory platform was developed, and GT-MSCs were assessed for viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Resazurin assay, Calcein-AM staining, and vimentin immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate cell viability, proliferation, and morphology, while Alizarin Red staining and calcium accumulation assays measured extracellular matrix mineralization at 7, 14, and 21 days. A Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) reaction was performed to quantify osteogenic markers (colagen type I [COL-I], osteopontin [OPN], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]), and protein expression for COL-I and OPN was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that AFVS at 20 Hz and 60 Hz enhanced osteogenic differentiation in GT-MSCs compare with other groups. Extracellular matrix mineralisation increased significantly, with 60 Hz resulting in the highest calcium deposition. Transcript levels of COL-I and OPN were markedly upregulated at 60 Hz, indicating a frequency-dependent response. Cell proliferation was also promoted, with optimal results observed at 60 Hz compare with other groups. These findings highlight the role of mechanical stimulation in enhancing the osteogenic potential of GT-MSCs, suggesting that AFVS is a promising tool for regenerative and orthodontic treatments. This study provides new insights into the frequency-specific effects of vibration, supporting the use of vibration therapy strategies in dental applications.