Screening for COVID-19 in Children Undergoing Elective Invasive Procedures

Objective To report the frequency of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients undergoing invasive medical procedures in a tertiary pediatric hospital. Methods From June to October 2020, a SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test was performed for all pediatric patients scheduled to undergo an elective invasive procedure. None of the patients was symptomatic. The cycle threshold (Ct) values of the ORF1ab gene were recorded for all patients. Results A total of 700 patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The median age was 5.7 y old. In total, 46.6% (n=326) of the patients were male, and 53.4% (n=374) were female. The most common underlying diseases were hematooncological (25.3%), gastrointestinal (24.9%), and genitourinary (10.3%). The main scheduled surgical–medical procedures were surgical treatment for acquired congenital diseases, biopsy sampling, local therapy administration, organ transplantation, and the placement of central venous catheters, among others. The SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR test was positive in 9.4% (66), and the median Ct value was 35.8. None of the patients developed COVID-19. Conclusions The frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in less than 10% of pediatric patients scheduled to undergo an elective invasive procedure in a tertiary hospital. This frequency is higher than those in reports from diferent countries.

Disfunción tiroidea por I131-Metayodo Benzilguanidina en pacientes con neuroblastoma / Thyroid dysfunction due to 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in patients with neuroblastoma

Resumen: Introducción: El tratamiento del neuroblastoma en estadios avanzados incluye quimioterapia, cirugía y terapia con I131-Metayodo benzilguanidina (I131-MIBG). La disfunción tiroidea se reporta entre 12 y 85% a pesar de la protección tiroidea. Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia de disfunción tiroidea en casos de neu roblastoma tratados con I131-MIBG. Pacientes y Método: Estudio transversal. Se incluyeron todos los casos con diagnóstico de neuroblastoma que recibieron I131-MIBG en el periodo de 2002-2015, a los cuales se les realizó antropometría completa, perfil de tiroides: hormona estimulante de tiroides (TSH), Triyodotironina total y libre (T3t y T3l), tiroxina total y libre (T4t, T4l), y anticuerpos antitiroglobulina y antiperoxidasa. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 27 pacientes; once fallecieron (40%). De los 16 casos sobrevivientes, 9 (56%) presentaron disfunción tiroidea: 2 (13%) casos con hipotiroidismo subclínico y 7 (44%) casos con hipotiroidismo clínico (3 casos por retraso en el desa rrollo psicomotor y 4 por desaceleración del crecimiento). Los pacientes presentaron manifestaciones clínicas a los 16,1 meses (1,2-66,3 meses) de recibir el radiofármaco a una dosis acumulada de 142 mCi (96-391.5 mCi). No se logró evidenciar diferencias en la edad al diagnóstico, la edad al inicio del tratamiento con el I131-MIBG, la dosis acumulada del I131-MIBG y el tiempo trascurrido entre la dosis y el perfil tiroideo entre los casos con o sin disfunción tiroidea. Conclusiones: El 56% de los pacientes con neuroblastoma presentaron disfunción tiroidea. La mayoría de los casos con hipotiroidismo fue ron referidos cuando los datos de disfunción tiroidea eran clínicamente evidentes. Se propone en esta poblacion realizar perfil tiroideo semestral y valoración anual por un endocrinólogo pediatra durante los primeros 5 años posteriores al diagnóstico oncológico.

Abstract: Introduction: The treatment of advanced neuroblastoma includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy with 131-I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131-I-MIBG). Despite strategies to protect thyroid function, its dysfunction is reported between 12 and 85%. Objective: To identify the frequency of thyroid dys function in cases of neuroblastoma treated with 131-I-MIBG. Patients and Method: Cross-sectional study. We included all the cases with neuroblastoma treated with 131-I-MIBG between 2002 and 2015, with complete somatometry, and complete thyroid profile (TSH, free and total T3 and T4, and anti-thyroglobulin and antiperoxidase antibodies). Results: 27 patients were identified out of which eleven died (40%). Out of the 16 surviving cases, 9 (56%) presented thyroid dysfunction: 2 (13%) cases with subclinical hypothyroidism and 7 (44%) cases with clinical hypothyroidism (3 cases due to psychomotor developmental delay and 4 due to growth deceleration). The patients presented cli nical manifestations at 16.1 months (1.2-66.3 months) after receiving the radiopharmaceutical at acumulative dose of 142 mCi (96-391.5 mCi). No differences were found in the age at diagnosis, age at the start of treatment with 131-I-MIBG, the cumulative dose of 131-I-MIBG, and the time elapsed between the dose and the thyroid profile among the cases with or without thyroid dysfunction. Con clusions: 56% of patients with neuroblastoma had thyroid dysfunction. Most of the cases with hypothyroidism were referred when thyroid dysfunction was clinically evident. A thyroid profile should be performed every 6 months, along with an annual endocrinological evaluation during the next 5 years in these patients.

Tolerancia, seguridad y eficacia de la preparación intestinal con un día de PEG3350 + bisacodilo en comparación con 2 días de PEG3350 + bisacodilo en pacientes pediátricos / Tolerance, safety and efficacy of the one-day preparation of PEG3350 + bisacodyl compared to 2 days of PEG3350 + bisacodyl in pediatric patients

Resumen: Introducción: Múltiples preparaciones intestinales se han utilizado en niños sometidos a una colonoscopia, con limitación variable debido a la aceptación, tolerancia y la limpieza adecuada. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la tolerancia seguridad y eficacia de la preparación intestinal para colonoscopia de 1 día con PEG 3350 (polietilenglicol) (4 g/kg/día) + bisacodilo y el tratamiento con 2 días de preparación con PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/día) + bisacodilo en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo clínico, aleatorizado y ciego. Se incluyeron pacientes de 2 a 18 años, que ameritaron colonoscopia en forma programada. Los pacientes se asignaron de manera aleatoria en dos grupos: 1 día de preparación con PEG 3350 4 g/kg/día + bisacodilo y 2 días de preparación con PEG 3350 2 g/kg/día + bisacodilo. Por medio de un cuestionario, exploración física y valoración endoscópica (escala de Boston), se determinó la tolerancia, seguridad y eficacia de las 2 preparaciones a evaluar. Se realizó una prueba t de Student para variables cuantitativas y χ2 para variables cualitativas. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas en las tasas de cumplimiento, los efectos adversos y la extensión de la evaluación colonoscópica. Conclusiones: La tolerancia y seguridad entre la preparación intestinal para colonoscopia de 1 día con PEG 3350 (polietilenglicol) (4 g/kg/día) + bisacodilo y la preparación de 2 días con PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/día) + bisacodilo fue semejante. La calidad de la limpieza fue buena en ambos grupos, siendo parcialmente más eficaz en el grupo de 1 día con PEG 3350 (polietilenglicol) (4 g/kg/día).

Abstract: Background: Multiple intestinal preparations have been used in children undergoing colonoscopy, with variable limitation due to acceptance, tolerance, and proper cleaning. The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability, safety and efficacy of the colonoscopy preparation with 1 day with PEG 3350 (poliethylenglycol) (4 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl compared to 2 days of preparation with PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl in pediatric patients. Methods: A clinical, randomized, and blind trial was performed. Patients aged 2 to 18 years scheduled for colonoscopy were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: 1 day of preparation with PEG 3350 4 g/kg/day + bisacodyl and 2 days of preparation with PEG 3350 2 g/kg/day + bisacodyl. Through a questionnaire, physical examination and endoscopic evaluation (Boston scale), the tolerance, safety and efficacy of the 2 preparations to be evaluated were determined. Student's t test was performed for quantitative variables and χ2 for qualitative variables. Results: There were no significant differences in compliance rates, adverse effects, and extent of colonoscopic evaluation. Conclusions: Tolerance and safety between the intestinal preparation for 1-day colonoscopy with PEG 3350 (4 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl and the 2-day preparation with PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl were similar. The quality of cleanliness was good in both groups, being partially more effective in the 1-day group with PEG 3350 (4 g/kg/day).

Influence of the informal primary caretaker on glycemic control among prepubertal pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus / Influência do cuidador familiar principal sobre o controle glicêmico entre pacientes pediátricos pré-púberes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1

Abstract Objectives: In prepubertal type 1 diabetic patients (DM1), the availability of an informal primary caregiver (ICP) is critical to making management decisions; in this study, the ICP-related risk factors associated with glycemic control were identified. Patients, materials, and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed. Fifty-five patients with DM1 under the age of 11 years were included. The patient-related factors associated with glycemic control evaluated were physical activity, DM1 time of evolution, and adherence to medical indications. The ICP-related factors evaluated were education, employment aspects, depressive traits (Beck questionnaire), family functionality (family APGAR), support of another person in patient care, stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and socioeconomic status (Bronfman questionnaire). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The patients' median age was 8 years; 29 patients had good glycemic control, and 26 were uncontrolled. The main risk factor associated with glycemic dyscontrol was stress in the ICP (OR 24.8; 95% CI 4.06-151.9, p = 0.001). While, according to the linear regression analysis it was found that lower level of education (β 0.991, 95% CI 0.238-1.743, p = 0.011) and stress (β 1.918, 95% CI 1.10-2.736, p = 0.001) in the ICP, as well as family dysfunction (β 1.256, 95% CI 0.336-2.177, p = 0.008) were associated with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin. Conclusions: Level of education and stress in the ICP, as well as family dysfunction, are factors that influence the lack of controlled blood glucose levels among prepubertal DM1 patients.

Resumo Objetivos: Em pacientes pré-púberes com diabetes tipo 1 (DM1), a disponibilidade de um cuidador familiar principal (CFP) é fundamental para tomar decisões de administração; neste estudo, foram identificados os fatores de risco relacionados a CFPs associados ao controle glicêmico. Pacientes, materiais e métodos: Foi feito um estudo transversal comparativo. Foram incluídos 55 pacientes com DM1 menores de 11 anos. Os fatores relacionados aos pacientes associados ao controle glicêmico avaliados foram atividade física, tempo de evolução da DM1 e adesão às indicações médicas. Os fatores relacionados a CFPs avaliados foram escolaridade, aspectos profissionais, traços de depressão (questionário de Beck), funcionalidade familiar (Apgar familiar), ajuda de outra pessoa no cuidado do paciente, estresse (Escala de Estresse Percebido) e situação socioeconômica (questionário de Bronfman). Foram feitas análises de regressão logística multivariada e de regressão linear. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes era de oito anos; 29 pacientes apresentavam bom controle glicêmico e 26 não tinham controle. O principal fator de risco associado ao descontrole glicêmico foi o estresse no CFP (RC 24,8; IC de 95% 4,06-151,9, p = 0,001). Ao passo que, de acordo com a análise de regressão linear, constatamos que: o menor nível de escolaridade (0,991, IC de 95% 0,238-1,743, p = 0,011) e estresse (1,918, IC de 95% 1,10-2,736, p = 0,001) do CFP, bem como a disfunção familiar (1,256, IC de 95% 0,336-2,177, p = 0,008), foram associados a níveis maiores de hemoglobina glicosilada. Conclusões: O nível de escolaridade e o estresse do CFP e a disfunção familiar são fatores que influenciam a falta de níveis glicêmicos controlados entre pacientes pré-púberes com DM1.

Pacientes pediátricos con diabetes tipo 1: crecimiento y factores asociados con su alteración / Pediatric patients with type 1-diabetes: growth and growth failure associated factors

Resumen: Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) habitualmente se presenta en la etapa pediátrica y afecta el crecimiento de los niños. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el crecimiento y los factores asociados con la alteración del mismo en una población de niños con DM1 en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo casos y controles anidados en una cohorte. Se incluyeron pacientes con DM1 menores de 16 años con un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Se recabaron datos como la edad al diagnóstico de la DM1, antropometría, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), así como el desarrollo puberal (estadios de desarrollo de Tanner) al diagnóstico y durante 4 años de seguimiento. Al finalizar el seguimiento, se identificaron pacientes con alteraciones del crecimiento y se compararon con pacientes con un crecimiento adecuado, pareados por sexo y edad al diagnóstico. Se realizó el análisis univariado y multivariado. Resultados: Al primer año de seguimiento se identificaron 95 pacientes, a los 2 años 88 pacientes, a los 3 años 56 pacientes y a los 4 años 46 pacientes. La mediana para la edad fue de 9.5 años y el 50% eran prepúberes. El 50% de los pacientes tuvieron alteración en el crecimiento durante su evolución. De acuerdo con el análisis multivariado, se identificó que una mayor concentración de HbA1c en el primer año de seguimiento se relacionó con la alteración en el crecimiento (OR 4.08; IC 95% 1.34-12.42). Conclusiones: En pacientes pediátricos con DM1, una mayor concentración HbA1c en el primer año posterior al diagnóstico parece relacionarse con alteración en el crecimiento.

Abstract: Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) usually occurs in the pediatric age and affects the growth of children. The aim of this work was to describe growth and growth failure associated factors in a population of children with T1D in a tertiary level pediatric hospital. Methods: A case-control nested in a cohort study was conducted. We included patients with TD1 under 16 years of age with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Data as age at T1D diagnosis, anthropometry, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as the pubertal development (Tanner stage) were collected at the time of diagnosis and during 4 years of follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, patients with growth failure and without it were compared, matched by sex, age at TD1 diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: On the first year of follow-up, 95 patients were gathered, 88 patients were still followed by the second year, 56 patients were kept for the third year, and 46 patients were still followed-up by the fourth year. Median age was 9.5 years and 50% were preadolescents. During their evolution, 50% had growth failure. According to the multivariate analysis, the factor associated with growth failure was the HbA1c in the first year post-diagnosis (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.34-12.42). Conclusions: In the first year post-diagnosis of children with T1D, HbA1c was associated with growth failure.