Childhood obesity: an ecological perspective

Abstract Objective: To describe the participation of the environment in the childhood obesity epidemic, since childhood obesity currently represents a great challenge, with high prevalence worldwide, including in Brazil. Data source: Survey of articles published in the last 10 years in PubMed, evaluating the interface between the environment and childhood obesity. Data synthesis: Recent studies show that the environment is very important in the etiopathogenesis of obesity and its comorbidities. Therefore, factors such as air pollution, exposure to chemical substances that interfere with the metabolism, excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, changes in the intestinal microbiota, and sedentary lifestyle are associated with increased obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and changes in lipid metabolism. These factors have a greater impact on some stages of life, such as the first thousand days, as they affect the expression of genes that control the adipogenesis, energy expenditure, and the mechanisms for hunger/satiety control. Conclusions: Environmental aspects must be taken into account in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, both from the individual and the population point of view, with adequate and comprehensive public health policies.

Immune system: development and acquisition of immunological competence

Abstract Objectives: To describe the ontogeny of the immune system and the adaptive mechanisms of the immune system in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on transplacental antibody transport and breastfeeding. Source of data: Non-systematic literature review in the PubMed database. Summary of the findings: The last two decades have witnessed a great advance in the knowledge of the immune system since conception. Several investigation tools have provided insight on phenomena that were previously inadequately understood. Still expanding, the functional and molecular investigation of various aspects of the immune system will make it possible to understand how intra-uterus maternal-fetal exchanges, the maternal microbiota interacting with the fetus and newborn, and the acquisition of immunological competence occur in healthy and disease scenarios. Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the development of the immune system and of the adaptive mechanisms that allow a safer transition to the extrauterine environment are fundamental components of optimizing maternal and young infant vaccination, as well as the strategies associated with full postnatal development, and the early diagnosis and treatment of innate errors of immunity.

Relationship between body mass index and waist-to-height ratio in childhood

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there is an association between the body mass index z-score and waist-to-height ratio of children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a school in Santo André, SP, between June and August 2019. Body mass index was measured for all participants, adopting the z-score cutoff of +2 recommended by the World Health Organization. The waist-to-height ratio was determined in children over two years of age and considered abnormal when ≥0.5. The qualitative variables are presented as absolute numbers and percentages. To compare qualitative data, we used the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Pearson's test was applied to assess the correlation between BMI and waist-to-height ratio. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The body mass index was calculated for 518 children and the waist-to-height ratio for 473 children. Regarding body mass index, 60.6% of the participants had normal weight, 3.1% were underweight, and 36.3% were overweight. overweight (24.7%) and obesity (22.7%) were more prevalent in adolescents. The waist-to-height ratio was abnormal in 50.5% of the sample. There was an increasing association between body mass index and waist-to-height ratio with age, according to the Pearson correlation coefficients for the age groups <5 years (r=0.459; p<0.001), 5 to 10 years (r=0.687; p<0.001) and >10 years (r=0.805; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between body mass index and waist-to-height ratio. This association was higher in adolescents. The waist-to-height ratio is easy to apply and may be useful as a predictor of cardiometabolic risk.

Red blood cell prescription and recognition of transfusion reactions by pediatricians / Prescrição de hemácias e reconhecimento de reações transfusionais por pediatras

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the level of knowledge of emergency pediatricians on red blood cell transfusions and their reactions. Methods Written survey with emergency pediatricians from a pediatric hospital. Results Less than 20% of pediatricians showed appropriate knowledge on prescribing red blood cells and recognition of transfusion reactions. There was no significant statistical regarding time since graduation and blood transfusion classes in undergraduate studies or during medical residency. Conclusion Pediatricians have insufficient knowledge about red blood cell transfusions and recognition of transfusion reactions.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento de pediatras emergencistas sobre transfusão de concentrados de hemácias e reações transfusionais. Métodos Aplicação de formulário para pediatras emergencistas de um hospital pediátrico. Resultados Menos de 20% dos participantes demonstraram conhecimento adequado sobre prescrição de concentrados de hemácias e reconhecimento de reações transfusionais. Não houve diferença estatística significativa quando avaliados o tempo de formação profissional e o fato de ter recebido aula de hemoterapia na graduação ou na residência médica. Conclusão Os pediatras têm conhecimento insuficiente sobre prescrição de concentrados de hemácias e reconhecimento de reações transfusionais.

Albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate in obese children and adolescents / Albuminúria e taxa de filtração glomerular em crianças e adolescentes obesos

Abstract Objective: To describe the frequency of albuminuria in overweight and obese children and adolescents and to relate it to the severity of obesity, pubertal staging, associated morbidities and the glomerular filtration rate. Method: Cross-sectional study including 64 overweight and obese children and adolescents between 5 and 19 years of age. Data collected: weight, height, waist circumference and systemic arterial pressure. Laboratory tests: lipid profile; glycemia and insulin, used to calculate the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR); C-reactive protein; glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and albuminuria in an isolated urine sample (cutoff <30 mg/g). Creatinine was used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m2). Results: The mean age was 11.6 ± 3.4 years, 32 (50%) and 29 (45.3%) were male and prepubertal. Forty-six (71.9%) had severe obesity. The frequency and median (min/max) of the observed values for albuminuria (> 30 mg/g) were 14 (21.9%) and 9.4 mg/g (0.70, -300.7 mg/g). The mean eGFR was 122.9 ± 24.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was no significant correlation between body mass index, pubertal staging, insulin and HOMA-IR with albuminuria values and neither with eGFR. Children with albuminuria tended to have higher values of diastolic blood pressure (75.0 ± 12.2 vs. 68.1 ± 12.4, p = 0.071). Conclusion: Albuminuria, although frequent in children and adolescents with obesity, was not associated with other morbidities and the glomerular filtration rate in these patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a frequência de albuminúria em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade e relacioná-la com a gravidade da obesidade, estadiamento puberal, morbidades associadas e com a taxa de filtração glomerular. Método: Estudo transversal incluindo 64 crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade entre 5 e 19 anos de idade. Dados coletados: peso, estatura, circunferência abdominal e pressão arterial sistêmica. Exames laboratoriais: perfil lipídico; glicemia e insulina, utilizados para cálculo do Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR); proteína C reativa; transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica e albuminúria em amostra isolada de urina (ponto de corte < 30 mg/g). A creatinina foi utilizada para o cálculo da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (eTFG, mL/min/1,73m2). Resultados: A média de idade foi 11,6±3,4 anos, 32 (50%) e 29 (45,3%) eram do gênero masculino e pré-púberes. Quarenta e seis (71,9%) apresentavam obesidade grave. A frequência e a mediana (min/max) dos valores observados para albuminúria (> 30 mg/g) foram 14 (21,9%) e 9,4 mg/g (0,70; -300,7 mg/g). A média da eTFG foi 122,9±24,7 mL/min/1,73 m2. Não houve correlação significante entre o índice de massa corporal, estadiamento puberal, insulina e HOMA-IR com os valores de albuminúria e nem com a eTFG. Crianças com albuminúria tiveram tendência a valores mais elevados de pressão arterial diastólica (75,0±12,2 vs 68,1±12,4, p = 0,071). Conclusão: A albuminúria, apesar de frequente em crianças e adolescentes com obesidade, não se associou com outras morbidades e nem com a taxa de filtração glomerular nesses pacientes.

Fatores associados ao excesso de peso e baixa estatura em escolares nascidos com baixo peso / Factors associated with excess weight and stunting in schoolchildren born with low birth weight

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a condição nutricional de crianças com baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) e possíveis associações com variáveis independentes maternas, sexo e antecedentes neonatais Estudo transversal com 544 escolares com BPN (5 a 10 anos de idade) da região metropolitana de São Paulo. Variáveis: dados neonatais das declarações de nascidos vivos (peso ao nascer e idade gestacional), informações sobre a gestação e a condição nutricional atual das mães. A avaliação da condição nutricional dos escolares foi realizada por meio da obtenção dos dados de peso e estatura utilizados cálculo do escore z da estatura/idade (ZEI) e índice de massa corporal (ZIMC). Observou-se baixa estatura; sobrepeso e obesidade em 6,2%, 8,6% e 12,3% das crianças avaliadas, respectivamente. A presença de baixa estatura nos escolares associou-se com estatura materna < 150 cm (OR = 6,94; IC95% 2,34-20,6). O sobrepeso/obesidade nas crianças com BPN associou-se de forma independente com o sobrepeso/obesidade da mãe (OR = 2,40; IC95% 1,44-4,01) e o sexo masculino (OR = 1,77; IC95% 1,06-2,95). Um quinto dos escolares com BPN apresentaram excesso de peso, que se associou à condição nutricional materna atual e ao gênero masculino; a baixa estatura associou-se à estatura materna.

Abstract The scope of this study is to assess the nutritional status of low birth weight (LBW) children and the possible associations with independent maternal variables, gender and neonatal history. It involved a cross-sectional study with 544 LBW schoolchildren (five to ten years of age) in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Variables: the neonatal data of liveborn infant declarations and the current weight and height of the mothers were collected. The weight and stature used to calculate the height/age z (HAZ) score and the body mass index (BMI) of children were evaluated. Among the LBW children 6.2% were of short stature, 12.3% overweight and 8.6% obese. There was an association between short stature in LBW schoolchildren and short maternal stature < 150 cm (OR = 6.94; 95 % CI 2.34-20.6). Excess weight/obesity in LBW children was independently associated with overweight/obesity of the mother (OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.44-4.01), and the male gender (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.06-2.95). A fifth of schoolchildren with low birth weight were overweight, which was associated with current maternal nutritional status and the male gender and stunting was associated with maternal stature.

Evaluation of platelet concentrate prescription in pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital / Avaliação da prescrição de concentrado de plaquetas em pacientes pediátricos em hospital terciário

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the adequacy of platelet concentrate prescription by pediatricians in different pediatric sectors of a general hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluating 218/227 platelet concentrate records in children and adolescents (zero to 13 years old), from January 2007 to April 2015, by the pediatricians of the emergency room, sick bay and intensive care unit. The requisitions were excluded in patients with hematological diseases and those without the number of platelets. Results: Children under 12 months received 98 platelet concentrates (45.2%). Most of the transfusions were prophylactic (165; 79%). Regarding the transfusion site, 39 (18%) were in the emergency room, 27 (12.4%) in the sick bay and 151 (69.6%) in the intensive care unit. The trigger, prescribed volume and platelet concentrate subtype were adequate in 59 (28.2%), 116 (53.5%) and 209 (96.3%) of the transfusions, respectively. Patients with hemorrhage presented adequacy in 42 (95.5%), while children without bleeding presented in 17 (10.3%). The most common inadequacy related to volume was the prescription above recommendation (95; 43.8%). Eight platelet concentrates were prescribed with subtype requests without indication. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study showed that transfusion of platelet concentrate occurred more adequately in children with active bleeding compared to prophylactic transfusion. There was a tendency to prescribe high volumes and platelet subtypes not justified according to current protocols. The teaching of transfusion medicine should be more valued at undergraduate and medical residency.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a adequação na prescrição de concentrado de plaquetas por pediatras em diferentes setores da pediatria de um hospital geral. Métodos: Estudo transversal avaliando 218/227 fichas de requisição de concentrado de plaquetas de crianças e adolescentes (zero a 13 anos), de janeiro de 2007 a abril de 2015 pelos pediatras do pronto-socorro, enfermaria e unidade de terapia intensiva. Excluíram-se as requisições em portadores de doenças hematológicas e aquelas sem o número de plaquetas. Resultados: Crianças com menos de 12 meses receberam 98 prescrições de concentrado de plaquetas (45,2%). A maioria das transfusões foi profiláticas (165; 79%). Em relação ao local da transfusão, 39 (18%) foram no pronto-socorro, 27 (12,4%) na enfermaria e 151 (69,6%) na unidade de terapia intensiva. O gatilho, o volume prescrito e o subtipo de concentrado de plaquetas foram adequados em 59 (28,2%), 116 (53,5%) e 209 (96,3%) das transfusões, respectivamente. Prescrições para pacientes com hemorragia apresentaram adequação em 42 (95,5%) transfusões, enquanto para crianças sem hemorragia houve adequação em 17 (10,3%) vezes. A inadequação mais comum em relação ao volume foi a prescrição acima da recomendação (95; 43,8%). Foram prescritos oito concentrados de plaquetas sem indicação de solicitação de subtipos. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo mostraram que a prescrição de transfusão de concentrado de plaquetas foi mais adequada em crianças com hemorragia ativa em comparação com a transfusão profilática. Houve tendência à prescrição de volumes elevados e de subtipos de plaquetas, o que não se justifica segundo os protocolos atuais. O ensino da medicina transfusional deve ser mais valorizado na graduação e na residência médica.

Relações alimentares iniciais, uma investigação clínica Pediatria e psicanálise nutrindo vínculos: psychoanalysis and pediatrics nourishing links / Early feeding relationships, a clinical investigation: pediatría y psicoanálisis nutriendo vínculos / Relaciones alimentares tempranas, una investigación clínica: l'établissement de liens entre pédiatrie et psychanalyse / Les relations alimentaires initiales, une recherche clinique

Na interface psicanálise/pediatria e clínica/investigação, este artigo apresenta considerações acerca das dificuldades alimentares infantis em sua transitoriedade ou tendência à cristalização como possíveis indicadores de resiliência ou vulnerabilidade nas relações iniciais pais-bebê. Além de oferecerem um panorama da qualidade do vínculo, tais dificuldades podem evocar intensas ansiedades dos cuidadores, criando um círculo vicioso de recusa, evitações mútuas, intensidade projetiva e desinvestimento na subjetivação que pode permear a dimensão mais ampla do desenvolvimento psíquico do bebê. Resultados de estudo clínico detalhado e material ilustrativo, são consideradas em seu processo de captação psicanalítica e propostas como categorias para identificação de vulnerabilidade emocional na relação pais-bebê e encaminhamento de famílias em necessidade de intervenção terapêutica, o mais cedo possível, por parte de profissionais de saúde em contexto pediátrico.

Within the interface psychoanalysis/pediatrics and clinical work/research, this paper presents considerations about early feeding difficulties in its transience or crystallization trends as possible signs of resilience or vulnerability within parent-infant relationship. In addition to providing an overview of the relationship quality, these difficulties can evoke intense anxieties of caretakers, creating a vicious circle of mutual avoidance, refusal, projective intensity and disinvestment in the subjectivities which can permeate the wider dimension of the baby's psychic development. Results of a detailed clinical study with illustrative material are considered in its initial investigation phase and proposed as categories for identification of emotional vulnerability within parent-infant relationship and early referral of families in need of therapeutic intervention by health professionals in pediatric context.

En la interfaz psicoanálisis/pediatría y clínica/investigación, este trabajo presenta consideraciones acerca de las dificultades de alimentación infantiles en su fugacidad o cristalización de tendencias como posibles indicadores de resiliencia o vulnerabilidad inicial en las relaciones padres-bebé. Además de proporcionar una visión general de la calidad del enlace, estas dificultades pueden evocar intensas angustias en los cuidadores, creando un círculo vicioso de evitación mutua, negación, intensidad proyectiva y desinvestidura en la subjetivación que puede impregnar la dimensión más amplia del desarrollo psíquico del bebé. Resultados de un estudio clínico detallado, con material ilustrativo, son considerados en su proceso psicoanalítico inicial y propuestos como categorías para identificación de vulnerabilidad emocional en la relación padres-bebé y encaminamiento de familias a intervención terapéutica, tan pronto como sea posible, por parte de profesionales de la salud en contexto pediátrico.

Dans l'articulation entre psychanalyse/pédiatrie et recherche/clinique, cet article présente des considérations sur les difficultés alimentaires infantiles transitoires ou avec des tendances de cristallisation. Ces difficultés indiquent des potentiels de résilience ou de vulnérabilité dans les premières relations parents-bébé. Ce cadre offre un panorama de la qualité du lien de la relation, bien qu'il peut évoquer des angoisses intenses par les soignants, ce qui peut créer un cercle vicieux de d'évitement mutuelle dans la relation. La cristallisation des aspects transitoires peut jouer un rôle important dans une dimension plus large du développement psychique du bébé. Les résultats détaillés et les illustrations cliniques de l'étude sont proposés comme des catégories pour l'identification de la vulnérabilité émotionnelle de la relation parents-bébé. En plus, ces catégories peuvent être utilisés par les professionnels de la santé pour adresser les familles à une intervention thérapeutique le plus tôt possible.

Efficacy and safety of intragastric balloon in the treatment of obesity in adolescent females

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intragastric balloon (IB) to reduce the weight and body mass index (BMI) in severely obese adolescent females and to describe the changes in the liver enzymes and lipid and glucose metabolism biomarkers. METHODS: This study included 10 severely obese post-menarche adolescent females. We evaluated anthropometric data, lipid profile, glucose metabolism biomarkers, and liver enzymes before insertion and after removal of the IB. RESULTS: BMI and weight reduction were larger during the first month of intervention. Especially in the first week, there was a reduction of 1.74 ± 0.46 kg/m2(p= 0.004) and 6.46 ± 1.52 kg (p= 0,002), respectively. After 3 months, there wasan average BMI reduction of 4.29 ± 1.04 kg/m (p= 0.005) and weight reduction of 12.9 ± 3.08 kg (p= 0.004). From the initial moment to study conclusion, there was a statistically significant reduction in insulin levels (9.0 ± 2.8 U/mL; p=0.012) and in homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (2.0 ± 0.6;p= 0.009). Five patients reported, during the first week, epigastric pain; nausea and vomiting were observed in two patients. No adolescents presented dysphagia during IB use. CONCLUSION: IB use in adolescent females with severe obesity in association with a conservative multidisciplinary treatment had a positive impact in BMI reduction, with few adverse effects. There was also an improvement in insulin resistance.

Growth velocity and weight gain in prepubertal asthmatic children / Velocidade de crescimento e ganho de peso em crianças pré-púberes asmáticas

Summary Objective: To evaluate the stature growth rate (GR) and the weight gain of prepubertal asthmatic children. Method: A retrospective cohort study evaluating medical records of 85 children diagnosed with asthma, aged less than 9 years, of both sexes, with at least one year of follow-up in the allergy outpatient clinic. The data on the disease, weights and heights were collected through a standardized questionnaire on two occasions, with an interval of one year. The curves proposed by Tanner were applied for the analysis of the GR, and the Z-score of the GR (ZGR) was calculated. Results: Excess weight (risk for overweight, overweight and obesity) was observed in 31.8% (27/85) of the patients, but there was no association with the severity of asthma. Low GR (ZGR < -2) was found in 13.9% (11/79) of patients, most frequently among children with moderate/severe persistent asthma compared to persistent mild and intermittent forms (7/11 - 63.6% vs. 21/68 - 30.2%, respectively, p=0.047). Use of steroids (dose, type and time of use) was not associated with GR. Conclusion: GR was most affected in children with moderate/severe asthma.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a velocidade de crescimento estatural e o ganho de peso de crianças asmáticas pré-púberes. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva que avaliou 85 prontuários de crianças com diagnóstico de asma, menores de 9 anos, de ambos os sexos, com no mínimo um ano de acompanhamento no ambulatório de alergia. Os dados relativos à doença, aos pesos e às alturas foram coletados por meio de questionário padronizado em dois momentos com intervalo de um ano. Para análise da velocidade de crescimento (VC), foram empregadas as curvas propostas por Tanner e realizado o cálculo do escore Z da VC (ZVC). Resultados: O excesso de peso (risco para sobrepeso, sobrepeso e obesidade) foi observado em 31,8% (27/85) dos pacientes, mas sem associação com a gravidade da asma. Velocidade de crescimento baixa (ZVC < -2) foi encontrada em 13,9% (11/79) dos pacientes, com maior frequência entre as crianças com asma persistente moderada/grave em relação às formas persistente leve e intermitente (7/11 - 63,6% vs. 21/68 - 30,2%, respectivamente; p=0,047). O uso de corticosteroides (dose, tipo e tempo de uso) não mostrou associação com a VC. Conclusão: Foi constatado um maior comprometimento da VC em crianças com asma moderada/grave.

Associação entre o ganho de peso e a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma no primeiro ano de vida / Association between weight gain and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in the first year of life

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre diferentes padrões de ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vidae a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma em crianças. Métodos: Foram analisadas asrespostas ao questionário EISL de 9.159 pais moradores das cidades de São Paulo, Recife, Cuiabá,Curitiba e Belém. Os dados referidos do peso de nascimento e com um ano de vida foram convertidos em escore z (z). Foram considerados como tendo ganho de peso acelerado aqueles com diferença entre os pesos superior a 0,67 z, e ganho de peso excessivo aqueles com diferença superior a 2,01 z. Resultados: Ganho de peso acelerado foi observado em 55,7% dos lactentes,e ganho excessivo em 20,8%. Lactentes com ganho de peso acelerado apresentaram, de modosignificante, maior prevalência de sibilância recorrente (18,9% vs 18,2%) e de hospitalizaçãopor sibilância (8,9% vs 7,5%). Entre os lactentes com ganho de peso excessivo houve, de modo significante, maior prevalência de hospitalização por sibilância (10,1% vs 7,8%) e do diagnóstico médico de asma (8,7% vs 7,3%). A presença de aleitamento materno por pelo menos seis mesesfoi associada de forma significante com menor prevalência de ganho de peso acelerado (45,2% vs 51,4%). Conclusões: A maioria dos lactentes avaliados apresentou ganho de peso superior ao esperado durante o primeiro ano de vida. Ganho de peso acelerado e ganho de peso excessivono primeiro ano de vida foram associados a formas mais graves de sibilância, enquanto que oganho de peso excessivo foi associado ao diagnóstico médico de asma, independentemente dapresença do aleitamento materno.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between different patterns of weight gain in the first year of life and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in infants. Methods: Responses of 9,159 parents to the questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL, International Study of Wheezing in Infants) were analyzed. Families lived in the cities of São Paulo,Recife, Cuiabá, and Belém. Reported weight at birth and at one year were converted to z scores (z). Rapid weight gain was defined as a difference in weight greater than 0.67z, and excessive weight gain, greater than 2.01z. Results: Rapid weight gain was observed in 55.7% of the infants,and excessive weight gain in 20.8%. Infants with rapid weight gain showed a significantly higher prevalence of recurrent wheezing (18.9% vs. 18.2%) and hospitalization for wheezing (8.9% vs. 7.5%). Infants with excessive weight gain had a significantly higher prevalence of hospitalizationfor wheezing (10.1% vs. 7.8%) and medical diagnosis of asthma (8.7% vs. 7.3%). Breastfeeding for at least six months was significantly less frequent among infants with rapid weight gain (45.2% vs. 51.4%). Conclusions: The majority of the infants evaluated showed weight gain above theexpected in the first year of life. Rapid weight gain and excessive weight gain in the first year of life were significantly associated with more severe patterns of wheezing in infancy, and excessive weight gain was also associated with a medical diagnosis of asthma, regardless of the presence of breastfeeding.