New Insights into Etiology and Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Disorders in Pediatric Population

Dear Colleagues,

The process of development and maturation, as well as the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems, in children is both fascinating and complex.

From the point of view of the practitioner (pediatrician or child’s neurologist), practical diagnostic tools and solutions are needed. From the point of view of the scientist, who studies the nervous systems of the pediatric population, thorough knowledge of the processes observed in these patients is needed.

Over the past several years, we have been mainly involved in research on pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), its risk factors, and consequences. AIS in children is considered to be a rare problem, especially if we compare its frequency to its prevalence in adults. However, cerebrovascular disorders are among the 10 most common reasons for death in children. In turn, AIS consequences, including motor disability, intellectual delay, speech problems, and post-stroke epilepsy can be permanent, influencing not only the quality of life of the patient but also the life of the whole family. It is crucial to determine the causes/risk factors of the disease in every pediatric AIS patient, as in having this knowledge, we could potentially offer children better care and also avoid brain ischemia recurrence. Data on risk factors for childhood AIS are increasing. At present, focal cerebral arteriopathy of childhood (FCA) is considered as the most important and common arteriopathy within the group of arteriopathies responsible for stroke in the pediatric population. We have published some research on this topic so far, but undoubtedly AIS etiology is still not fully understood and needs further research. Even up to one-third of pediatric AIS cases do not have an identified risk factor for brain ischemia. Therefore, we would like to welcome articles, mostly original manuscripts, to address cerebrovascular pediatric problems, with special consideration to childhood AIS. It is also worth highlighting that pediatric researchers are interested in a wide age range, from the neonatal period to adulthood, i.e., mostly, the first 18 years of life. The neonatal period, from birth to the 28^th day of life, is very specific and interesting for the immaturity of the nervous system, specific risk factors, and predispositions for problems that do not occur thereafter. For example, research on stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, in this age group is very interesting but also challenging. Nowadays, we know more and more about the genetic background of pediatric nervous system diseases for the vigorous development of genetic diagnostic procedures, such as whole-genome sequencing. When nervous system diseases reveal themselves in childhood, most neonatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists will diagnose congenital peripheral and central nervous system disorders and seek their reasons, risk factors, and best solutions for their patients.

We would like our Special Issue to cover the most recent data on the role risk factors of vascular disorders have in the development of AIS and its lasting consequences in the pediatric population.

Dr. Ilona Kopyta
Dr. Beata Sarecka-Hujar
Guest Editors

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• cerebrovascular disorders
• arterial ischemic stroke
• risk factors
• genetic polymorphisms
• thrombophilia
• arteriopathy