Talla baja en niños con defectos cardíacos congénitos sometidos a cirugía cardíaca / Short stature among children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects

Introducción. Los niños con cardiopatías congénitas (CC) presentan malnutrición por déficit; una posible consecuencia a largo plazo es la talla baja. Objetivo. Describir la presencia de talla baja en niños con CC al momento de su cardiocirugía. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron niños sometidos a cardiocirugía con circulación extracorpórea en 2009-2013. Se excluyeron prematuros, con síndromes genéticos u otra enfermedad con compromiso nutricional. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, diagnóstico cardiológico, cirugía de ingreso y evaluación antropométrica según estándares de la Organización Mundial de la Salud; se definió talla baja como ZT/E < -2 desvíos estándar, según sexo. Resultados. Se estudiaron 640niños; 361 varones (el 56,4 %); mediana de edad: 8 meses (RIC: 1,9; 34,6); 66 niños tuvieron > 1 cirugía; 27 de ellos (el 40,9 %), con hipoplasia del ventrículo izquierdo. Fueron CC cianóticas 358 (el 55,9 %), con fisiología univentricular 196 (el 30,6 %). La mediana de ZT/E fue -0,9 (RIC: -1,9; -0,1); presentaron talla baja 135 (el 21,1 %), el 11 % en neonatos y el 24,1 % en mayores de un mes. Se encontró mayor frecuencia de talla baja en reparación completa de canal atrioventricular en 4/6 niños, reparación de tetralogía de Fallot en 15/39, Glenn en hipoplasia del ventrículo izquierdo en 8/25, cierre de comunicación interventricular en 34/103. No se encontró asociación ni diferencia con significación estadística entre talla baja y cianosis ni según fisiología univentricular. Conclusiones. Existe una alta frecuencia de talla baja en niños con CC, con diferencias según el diagnóstico cardiológico y la cardiocirugía realizada.

Introduction. Children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) suffer from malnutrition because of nutritional deficiencies, being short stature the possible long-term consequence. Objective. To describe the presence of short stature among children undergoing cardiac surgery for CHDs. Population and methods. Retrospective study. Children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass pump between 2009 and 2013 were included. Preterm infants, carriers of genetic syndromes or other disease with nutritional compromise were excluded. Demographic data, type of CHD, admission surgery and anthropometric assessment using the WHO standards were studied. Short stature was defined as lenght/height for age Z score < -2 standard deviations, by sex. Results. A total of 640 children were studied; 361 (56.4 %) were boys; median age: 8 months (IQR: 1.9; 34.6); 66 children underwent > 1 surgery; 27 of them (40.9 %) had hypoplasia of the left ventricle. There were 358 (55.9 %) infants with cyanotic CHDs, 196 (30.6 %) with univentricular physiology. The median HAZ was -0.9 (IQR: -1.9; -0.1); 135 (21.1 %) had a short stature, 11 % of newborn infants and 24.1 % of older than one month old. A higher frequency of short stature was observed in 4 out of 6 children who underwent complete repair of the atrioventricular canal, in 15 out of 39 infants with repair of tetralogy of Fallot, in 8 out of 25 infants with hypoplasia of the left ventricle subjected to Glenn procedure, and in 34 out of 103 with closure of the ventricular septal defect. No association or statistically significant difference was found between short stature and cyanosis or univentricular physiology. Conclusions. There is a high frequency of short stature among children with CHDs, with differences according to the type of CHD and cardiac surgery performed.

Evaluación nutricional en niños hospitalizados en un Servicio de Pediatría / Nutritional assessment in hospitalized children in a Paediatric service

Introducción: En niños hospitalizados la malnutrición está asociada a mayor morbimortalidad. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado nutricional de niños hospitalizados en el servicio de pediatría y su asociación con algunos factores. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal retrospectivo. Se evaluaron menores de 17 años, hospitalizados entre noviembre de 2010 y abril de 2011. Se obtuvieron los datos demográficos, motivo de ingreso, exámenes (albuminemia, hemoglobina, hematocrito), estancia hospitalaria y antropometría. El diagnóstico nutricional se expresó en desviaciones estándar (DS) de peso para la talla según la OMS en menores de 5 años e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de acuerdo a CDC-NCH en los mayores. Se consideró una talla baja con un valor de T/E < -2 desviaciones estándar según el sexo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 365 niños, 201 hombres (55,1%), con una mediana de edad de 3,35 (RIC: 1,2-8,2) años. El principal motivo de ingreso fue por cardiopatías (30,4%). La estancia hospitalaria tuvo una mediana de 2,0 (RIC: 2,0-4,0) días. Se observó una desnutrición en el 3,3%; riesgo de desnutrición en un 8%; sobrepeso en un 15% y obesidad en un 10,9%. Se encontró una talla baja en un 12,9%. Las enfermedades cardiológicas fueron más frecuentes en los menores de 2 años, y las enfermedades neurológicas y gastrointestinales en niños mayores, mostrando una asociación significativa. Mediante regresión logística ordinal por cada año de edad, el ZP/T aumenta en un 6,9% (OR = 1,07). Los exámenes bioquímicos y el tiempo hospitalizado no se asociaron con el estado nutricional. Conclusiones: Se encontró un porcentaje importante de niños con riesgo de desnutrición. El exceso de peso observado fue similar a la población pediátrica chilena. La detección precoz de malnutrición permitiría una pronta intervención y seguimiento nutricional al alta.

Introduction: Malnutrition in hospitalized children is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the nutritional status in children admitted to the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica de Chile. Patients and method: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on hospital patients less than 17 years old within the period from November 2010 to April 2011. A record was made of the demographic data, admission diagnosis, biochemistry results (albumin, haemoglobin, haematocrit), hospital stay, and anthropometry data. Nutritional diagnosis was expressed as standard deviation (SD) for weight-for-height (WFH) by WHO in children younger than 5 y, and body mass index (BMI) by CDC-NCHS in older children. Height-for-age (HFA) ≤ -2 SD indicated stunted growth. Results: A total of 365 children, including 201 boys (55.1%), were evaluated. The median age was 3.35 years (IQR: 1.2-8.2). The most frequent reason for admission was heart disease (30.4%). The median hospital stay was 2 days (IQR: 2.0-4.0). Undernutrition was observed in 3.3% of the children, 8% were nutritionally at risk, 15% were overweight, and 10.9% were obese. As regards HFA, short stature was reported in 12.9%. There was a significant relationship between lower age and heart disease, and higher age with gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. By ordinal logistic regression for each year of age, the weight/height ratio (ZP/T) increases by 6.9% (OR = 1.07). The biochemistry results (albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels) were not associated with nutritional status. Conclusions: A high percentage of children at risk of undernutrition was found. The percentage overweight was similar to the general Chilean paediatric population. Early detection will allow an opportune intervention, and nutritional monitoring at discharge.

Efecto de la suplementación con vitamina D en monodosis en niños con parálisis cerebral: Estudio preliminar controlado y aleatorizado / Effect of supplementation with a single dose of vitamin D in children with cerebral palsy: Preliminary randomised controlled study

Introducción: Los niños con parálisis cerebral (PC) tienen mayor riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D (VD). Aunque existen bastantes estudios sobre VD en PC, hay limitada información sobre suplementación con VD en estos pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con VD en monodosis en las concentraciones plasmáticas de 25-hidroxi-vitamina-D (25OHD) en niños con PC. Pacientes y método: Estudio controlado, prospectivo y aleatorizado. Se estudiaron 30 niños chilenos (19 varones) con PC, mediana de edad de 9,9 años (6,2-13,5). Se registraron las variables clínicas y bioquímicas incluyendo 25OHD (tiempo 0 y 8 semanas). El grupo suplementado (S) recibió 100.000 UI D3 oral (tiempo 0), comparado con el grupo placebo (P). Resultados: Entre las características clínicas destaca: gastrostomizados (60%), desnutrición (30%), postración (93,3%), uso de antiepilépticos (70%) y uso de antiepilépticos inductores del metabolismo de VD (43,3%). Las mediciones basales de variables bioquímicas fueron normales. La 25OHD fue insuficiente en 4/30 y deficiente en 6/30. No hubo asociación de 25OHD con las variables estudiadas. Completaron el estudio 8 pacientes en el grupo S y 10 en el P. En ambos grupos no se observaron diferencias significativas en las variables basales. A las 8 semanas la calcemia, la fosfemia y la fosfatasa alcalina fueron normales en ambos grupos, la 25OHD en el grupo P fue normal en 6/10 e insuficiente + deficiente en 4/10 y normal en 8/8 en el grupo S (test exacto de Fisher, p = 0,07). Conclusiones: Una monodosis de 100.000 UI de VD podría normalizar las concentraciones de 25OHD en niños con PC. Se necesitan más estudios para confirmar estos resultados.

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency. Although there are many studies on VD and CP, there is limited information about VD supplementation in these patients. Objective: To evaluate the effect of supplementation with a single dose of VD on the plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D (25OHD) in children with CP. Patients and method: Prospective-randomised-controlled-trial, including 30 Chilean children (19 males) with CP, median age 9.9 years (6.2-13.5). Clinical and biochemical variables including 25OHD, were recorded (time 0 and 8 weeks). Patients were allocated to the supplemented (S) group receiving 100,000 IU oral D3 at baseline, and compared with the placebo (P) group. Results: Among clinical features are highlighted: gastrostomy (60%), underweight (30%), bedridden (93.3%), antiepileptic drugs (70%), and 43.3% used VD metabolism inducing antiepileptics. Baseline biochemical measurements were normal. The 25OHD was insufficient in 4/30 and deficient in 6/30. 25OHD levels were not associated with the variables studied. Eight patients completed the study in the S group, and 10 in P group. The placebo and supplementation groups had no significant difference in baseline variables. Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels at 8 weeks were normal in both groups, with no statistically significant differences. 25OHD in the P group was normal in 6/10, and insufficient + deficient in 4/10, and the S group was normal in all (8/8) (exact Fisher test P = .07). Conclusions: A single dose of 100,000 IU VD could normalise the concentrations of 25OHD after 8 weeks of supplementation in Children with CP, but more studies are required to confirm these results.

Deficiencia severa de vitamina D en niños de Punta Arenas, Chile: influencia de estado nutricional en la respuesta a suplementación / Severe vitamin D deficiency in children from Punta Arenas, Chile: Influence of nutritional status on the response to supplementation

En población austral existe un alto riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D (VD) que puede tratarse mediante suplementación nutricional. El exceso de peso (EP) podría afectar la respuesta a su suplementación. Objetivos: Estudiar la prevalencia de deficiencia de VD y el efecto de la suplementación con colecalciferol (VD3) en niños sanos de Punta Arenas, Chile, y evaluar la posible asociación con el estado nutricional. Metodología: Se obtuvieron datos demográficos, antropométricos y medición sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina-D (25OHD) y parámetros de metabolismo óseo. Luego se suplementó a los niños con VD3 1.600 UI/día por un mes y se reevaluó 25OHD sérica. Resultados: Se estudiaron 108 niños, 50% hombres, edad promedio 9,6 ± 0,5 años. Un 39% eran eutróficos, 46% con sobrepeso y 15% obesos. La mediana de 25OHD fue 10,9 ng/ml: 96,3% tenían deficiencia (< 20 ng/ml) y 3,7% insuficiencia (20 a 29 ng/ml). Se pesquisó deficiencia severa (< 12 ng/ml) en 62%. La concentración basal de 25OHD no varió según estado nutricional. Luego de la suplementación, la mediana de 25OHD fue 17,5 ng/ml: 62% con deficiencia, 36% insuficiencia y 2% suficiencia (> 30 ng/ml). Los niños con EP tuvieron un alza de 25OHD significativamente menor que niños eutróficos (5 ± 5,5 vs. 7,7 ± 4,9, p = 0,03). Niños con EP requerirían dosis de VD 32% mayores que niños eutróficos para lograr la misma concentración de 25OHD. Conclusiones: Niños escolares de Punta Arenas presentan alta prevalencia de EP, deficiencia de VD y la mayoría en rango de deficiencia severa. El EP interfiere en la respuesta a suplementación farmacológica, logrando menor alza de 25OHD.

There is a high risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency in the population of southern Chile that can be treated with VD supplements. Weight excess (WE) can influence the response to supplements. Objectives: To study the prevalence of VD deficiency and the effect of cholecalciferol (VD3) supplements in healthy children from Punta Arenas, Chile, and evaluate a possible association with nutritional status. Methodology: Demographic and anthropometric data, as well as laboratory assessment of serum 25-hidroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and other bone metabolism parameters were evaluated. After baseline evaluation, children were supplemented with VD3 1600 IU/day for one month, after which 25OHD was retested. Results: Of the 108 children studied, 50% were boys, and had a mean age of 9.6 ± 0.5 years. Nutritional assessment showed that 39% had normal weight, 46% were overweight, and 15% were obese. Median 25OHD was 10.9 ng/ml: 96.3% had deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) and 3.7% insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml). Severe deficiency was found in 62% (< 12 ng/ml). Baseline 25OHD was not affected by nutritional status. After supplementation, median 25OHD was 17.5 ng/ml: 62% had deficiency, 36% insufficiency, and 2% sufficiency (>30 ng/ml). Children with WE had a significantly lower increase in 25OHD than children with normal weight (5 ± 5.5 vs. 7.7 ± 4.9, p = 03). Children with WE may require 32% higher VD dose than normal weight children to attain the same 25OHD concentration. Conclusions: Chilean schoolchildren from Punta Arenas have high prevalence of WE and VD deficiency, with a majority in the range of severe VD deficiency. WE interferes in the response to VD supplementation, leading to a lower increase in 25OHD.

Incorporación de paciente virtual en portafolio de estudiantes de medicina de pregrado / Introduction of virtual patients to clinical case portfolios for undergraduate medical students

Background: In 2007, a Clinical-Case-Portfolio (CCP) was introduced as a new assessment instrument for fourth grade undergraduate medical students. Since then, several changes have been implemented such as reduction on the number of clinical cases, peer review and the introduction of virtual patient to the portfolio. Aim: To describe the virtual patient model incorporated to the CCP and assess the perception of this change and its effects on the performance of undergraduate students. Material and Methods: Virtual patients were implemented based on prototype clinical cases with specific syndromes. Students’ perceptions about CCP before and after the introduction of virtual patients were evaluated using a validated questionnaire that was answered voluntarily and anonymously. Results: Overall perception of CCP significantly improved after the incorporation of virtual patients (97.1 ± 24.9 and 111.3 ± 25.7 points; 57.8 and 66.2% respectively). The same improvements were observed for the domains “Student Learning”, “Organization and Evaluation”, “Teaching Methodology” and “Integration”. In both years, students obtained high grades in CCP evaluations. However CCP grades were not significantly correlated with integrated final grades. Conclusions: The incorporation of virtual patients improved undergraduate students’ perception of CCP.

Estado nutricional de vitamina D en pre escolares chilenos de zonas australes / Vitamin D nutrition in Chilean pre-school children living in extreme latitudes

Background: Sunlight exposure is the main factor for adequate vitamin D (VitD) nutrition; in extreme latitudes there is an increased riskfor its deficiency. Aim: To study VitD nutritional status in pre-school children living in austral latitudes of Chile. Subjects and Methods: A blood sample was obtained from 60 pre-school healthy children (aged 2 to 5years, 24 males), attending to public day-care centers in Coyhaique (45° 35' S), during March (time 1) and September (time 2). 250HD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatases (PA) were measured. Information about weather conditions during three months prior to the sample withdrawal was gathered. Results: Forty nine percent of children had a normal weight and 11% were overweight. Vive children with unreliable 250HD levels were excluded from analysis. At time 1, 250HD levels were 21.6 ± 14.5 ngl mh (7.9-71.1). Sixty four percent of children had valúes < 20 ng/mL (deficiency). At time 2, the figures were 21.5 ± 13.2 ng/mL (9.4-68.5) and 67.3% of children were deficient. PTH, serum calcium, phosphate and PA were normal. Prior to time 1, the UVradiation Índex (UVI) was high to extreme (91.3%), with 3.3 and 73% ofsunny and cloudy days, respectively. Mean minimal and maximal temperatures were 7 and 17.3°C respectively. Prior to time 2 the IUVwas low in 100%) ofdays; with 15.2 and 60.9 ofsunny and cloudy days, respectively. Mean minimal and maximal temperatures were 0.3 and 6.7°C respectively. No association of250HD with the other metabolicparameters was found. Conclusions: Chilean pre-school children living in austral latitudes have a high rate of vitamin D deficiency, throughout theyear, with no association with PTH, calcium, phosphate or PA. Further research is required to study vitamin D deficiency in other latitudes and magnitude of sunlight exposure.

Evaluación del ambiente educacional en programas de especialización médica / Evaluation of the educational environment in medical specialty programs

Background: The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM. Material and Methods: The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability. Results: Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities. Conclusions: This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.