Vulnerability in women primary caregivers of children in palliative care due to intimate partner violence in a pediatric hospital in Mexico / Vulnerabilidad en mujeres cuidadoras primarias de menores en cuidados paliativos debida a violencia de pareja en un hospital de niños en México

Abstract Background: Women are the primary caregivers of children in palliative care. Research has shown that the presence of intimate partner violence at home exacerbates the vulnerability of the caregiver. Current statistics indicate a high prevalence of violence in Mexico present in the intersectionality between intimate partner violence and the role of the primary caregiver. This study aimed to describe the frequency of intimate partner violence among primary palliative caregivers at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and prospective study with convenience sampling; no sample calculation was performed. All female primary caregivers of children in the palliative care unit were invited to participate. The Scale of Violence and Index of Severity of Violence was used as the measuring instrument. Results: One hundred women participated in the study by submitting their survey in a designated mailbox. No sociodemographic data or patient diagnoses were collected. The frequency of intimate partner violence was 28%, of which 16% were considered severe cases. Women reported psychological violence (36%), sexual violence (23%), and physical violence (22%). Conclusions: Almost one-third of female primary caregivers of pediatric patients at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez have been victims of some form of violence by current partners. This study highlights a previously unreported problem and opens the door for studies to correlate intimate partner violence among primary caregivers and the quality of life of children in palliative care.

Resumen Introducción: Las mujeres son las principales cuidadoras de los niños en cuidados paliativos. Las investigaciones han demostrado que la violencia de pareja en el hogar exacerba la vulnerabilidad del cuidador. Las estadísticas actuales sobre violencia en México indican una alta prevalencia presente en la interseccionalidad entre la violencia de pareja y el rol de cuidador principal. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la frecuencia de violencia de pareja entre los cuidadores primarios del Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal y prospectivo con muestreo por conveniencia; no se realizó ningún cálculo de muestra. Se invitó a participar a todas las mujeres cuidadoras primarias de niños en la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos. Se utilizó como instrumento la Escala de Violencia e Índice de Severidad de la Violencia. Resultados: Cien mujeres participaron en el estudio; no se recogieron sus datos sociodemográficos ni diagnósticos. La frecuencia de violencia de pareja fue del 28%: 16% se consideraron casos graves. Las mujeres reportaron violencia psicológica (36%), violencia sexual (23%) y violencia física (22%). Conclusiones: Alrededor de la tercera parte de las mujeres cuidadoras principales de pacientes pediátricos del HIMFG han sido víctimas de algún tipo de violencia por parte de sus parejas actuales. Este estudio destaca un problema no informado previamente y abre la puerta a estudios para correlacionar la violencia de pareja íntima entre los cuidadores primarios y la calidad de vida de los niños en cuidados paliativos.

Natural regulatory T cells increase significantly in pediatric patients with parasitic infections: Flow cytometry study

Background: The most accepted definition of regulatory T cells (Tregs) relies on the expression of several biomarkers, including CD4, CD25, and transcription factor, Foxp3. The Tregs maintain tolerance to self-antigens and prevent autoimmune diseases. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in natural Treg levels in Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana infected patients. Setting and Design: Fifty-one pediatric subjects (29 males and 22 females) were recruited from a tertiary care hospital, and were divided into infected and non-infected (control) groups. The mean age of the subjects was 8.7 years. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from infected and non-infected groups, and change in the level of Tregs in these subjects was investigated by flow cytometry. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis of data was performed by SPSS software. Quantitative data used in this study included mean and standard deviation. Data from the two groups were compared by the Student's t-test. The age of the patient and infection status were used for multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated within a 95% confidence interval, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results and Conclusions: The levels of natural regulatory T cells, indicated by the biomarkers, CD4+, CD25+, and Foxp3+, increase significantly in patients infected by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana as compared to controls. They also increase in cases of mixed infection as compared to infection by a single parasite.

Múltiples Dientes Supernumerarios en Paciente Pediátrico No Sindrómico. Una Revisión de la Literatura y Presentación de Caso Clínico / Multiple Supernumerary Teeth In A Non-Syndromic Pediatric Patient. A Review Of The Literature and Presentation of a Clinical Case

Aquellos casos en que se excede la fórmula dentaria normal primaria de 20 dientes o definitiva de 32 dientes se conocen como dientes supernumerarios o hiperodoncia. Los supernumerarios se pueden presentar de manera única o múltiple y de forma heteromórfica o eumórfica. El supernumerario más prevalente es el mesiodens, se da más en hombres, en dentición permanente y en el maxilar. Su etiología no está confirmada, pero puede deberse a una hiperactividad de la lámina dental. El tratamiento varía de acuerdo a cada paciente según si está afectando a la dentición normal o no y el desarrollo que tengan las estructuras dentarias. El siguiente reporte de caso habla de un paciente de 6 años, no sindrómico, en donde se presentó con un mesiodens erupcionado y se encontraron más supernumerarios gracias a la radiografía complementaria.

Those cases in which the primary normal dental formula of 20 teeth or the final one of 32 teeth is exceeded are known as supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia. The supernumeraries can be presented in a single or multiple way and in a heteromorphic or eumorphic way. The most prevalent supernumerary is the mesiodens, it occurs more in men, in the permanent dentition and in the maxilla. Its etiology is not confirmed, but it may be due to hyperactivity of the dental lamina. The treatment varies according to each patient depending on whether it is affecting the normal dentition or not and the development of the dental structures. The following case report talks about a 6-year-old, non- syndromic patient, who presented with an erupted mesiodens and more supernumeraries were found thanks to the complementary radiography.

Comparison of Hemodynamic Consequences of Hand Ventilation Versus Machine Ventilation for Transportation of Post?Operative Pediatric Cardiac Patients

Learning Objective: Hemodynamic monitoring during in?hospital transport of intubated patients is vital; however, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated the hemodynamic consequences of hand versus machine ventilation during transport among pediatric patients� post?cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that manual ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery would alter hemodynamic and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters during transport compared to mechanical ventilation. Design: A prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary cardiac care hospital. Participants: Pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred intubated pediatric patients were randomized to hand or machine ventilation immediately post?cardiac surgery during transport from the operating room to the pediatric post?operative intensive care unit (PICU). Hemodynamic variables, including end?tidal CO2 (ETCO2 ), oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), and mean airway pressure (Pmean), were measured at origin, during transport, and at the destination. ABG was measured before and upon arrival in the PICU, and adverse events were recorded. The Chi?square test and independent t?test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous parameters, respectively. Results and Discussion: The mean transport time was comparable between hand?ventilated (5.77 � 1.46 min) and machine?ventilated (5.96 � 1.19 min) groups (P = 0.47). ETCO2 consistently dropped during transport and after shifting in the hand?ventilated group, with significantly higher ETCO2 excursion than in machine?ventilated patients (P < 0.05). SBP and DBP significantly decreased during transport (at 5 and 6 min intervals) and after shifting in hand?ventilated patients than in the other group (P < 0.05). Additionally, after shifting, a significant increase in Ppeak (P < 0.001), Pmean (P < 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001), and a decrease in pCO2 (P = 0.0072) was observed in hand?ventilated patients than machine?ventilated patients. No adverse event was noted during either mode of ventilation. Conclusion: Hand ventilation leads to more significant variation in ABG and hemodynamic parameters than machine ventilation in pediatric patients during transport post?cardiac surgery. Therefore, using a mechanical ventilator is the preferred method for transporting post?operative pediatric cardiac patients

SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo, Ecuador

Introducción: el manejo del SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes pediátricos por el profesional de enfermería, debe estar regido por las directrices y protocolos que la Organización Mundial de la Salud y el Ministerio de Salud Pública han diseñado para minimizar las complicaciones y el índice de morbimotalidad que el coronavirus puede desencadenar. Objetivo: analizar el manejo del SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos del Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo, en Ecuador. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una investigación transversal, descriptiva y cuantitativa. La población estuvo constituida por 11 profesionales de enfermería y 19 pacientes pediátricos que estuvieron hospitalizados con SARS-CoV-2 y que requirieron soporte ventilatorio. Para la recolección de datos, se realizó una encuesta mediante Google Forms, con el fin de conocer los diferentes procedimientos y revisión de las historias clínicas, así como las complicaciones, tratamiento ventilatorio y egreso. Resultados: el 100 % del personal de enfermería empleó medidas contempladas en los protocolos de bioseguridad. Además de los pacientes que requirieron soporte ventilatorio, el 62,5 % presentó una insuficiencia respiratoria aguda asociada a la COVID-19, frente al 37,5 % que tuvieron una clínica de síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. Los pediátricos fallecidos padecían de enfermedades congénitas. Conclusiones: la asistencia del personal de enfermería a los pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, demuestra que los conocimientos adquiridos por dichos profesionales logró el restablecimiento de la salud de los menores ingresados.

Introduction: the management of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients by nursing professionals should be governed by the guidelines and protocols that the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health have designed to minimize the complications and morbimortality rate that coronavirus can trigger. Objective: to analyze the management of SARS-CoV-2 in patients of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Portoviejo Specialties Hospital, in Ecuador. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative research was carried out. The population consisted of 11 nursing professionals and 19 pediatric patients who were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 and who required ventilatory support. For data collection, a survey was carried out using Google Forms, in order to know the different procedures and review of clinical histories, as well as complications, ventilatory treatment and discharge. Results: 100% of the nursing staff used measures covered by the biosecurity protocols. In addition to the patients who required ventilatory support, 62.5% presented acute respiratory failure associated to COVID-19, compared to 37.5% who had symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome. The deceased pediatric patients suffered from congenital diseases. Conclusions: the assistance of the nursing staff to the patients of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit shows that knowledge acquired by these professionals achieved the restoration of the health of the children admitted there.

Clinical and paraclinical characteristics in pediatric patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis: a cohort in Mexico / Características clínicas y paraclínicas en pacientes pediátricos con pancreatitis aguda recurrente y crónica: una cohorte en México

Abstract Background: Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are infrequent clinical entities in pediatric patients, as less than 8% of the literature mentions this population. This study aimed to describe the clinical and paraclinical profile, and the etiology related to patients with ARP and CP attended at a tertiary-level healthcare institute in Mexico. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from medical records of patients with ARP and CP attended between 2010 and 2020, analyzing the clinical characteristics, imaging studies, and the etiology associated with each patient. Results: We analyzed 25 patients: 17 were diagnosed with ARP, and eight with CP. The main etiology identified was an anatomical alteration of the pancreatic duct (32%); pancreas divisum was the most prevalent condition. In 48% of the population, the etiology was not identified. The group with CP was higher in frequency for calcifications and dilation of the pancreatic duct (p < 0.005) compared to the ARP group. Conclusions: The main etiology for ARP and CP was an anatomical alteration of the pancreatic duct; however, in almost half of the cases, no established cause was identified. Although comparing our results with those offered by large cohorts such as the INSPPIRE group can be complex, we found relevant similarities. Currently, the data obtained from this first descriptive study are the foundation for future research in the field of Mexican pediatric pancreatology.

Resumen Introducción: La pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) son entidades poco frecuentes en la edad pediátrica; sin embargo, menos del 8% de la literatura hace referencia a esta población. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil clínico, paraclínico y etiologías vinculadas en los pacientes con PAR y PC atendidos en una institución de tercer nivel de atención en México. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los expedientes de los pacientes con PAR y PC atendidos entre 2010 a 2020, analizando las características clínicas, estudios de imagen y etiologías asociadas en cada uno de los pacientes. Resultados: Se analizaron 25 pacientes, 17 con diagnóstico de PAR y ocho con PC. La principal etiología identificada correspondió a las alteraciones anatómicas del conducto pancreático (32%); el páncreas divisum fue la entidad más prevalente. En el 48% de la población no se pudo identificar una etiología. El grupo con PC presentó mayor frecuencia de calcificaciones y dilatación ductal pancreática (p < 0.005) en comparación al grupo de PAR. Conclusiones: La principal etiología de PAR y PC identificada en nuestro estudio corresponde a las alteraciones anatómicas del conducto pancreático; sin embargo, en casi la mitad de los casos, no se tiene una causa establecida. Aunque es complicado comparar nuestros resultados con los ofrecidos por las grandes cohortes del grupo INSPPIRE, sí encontramos similitudes relevantes. Los datos obtenidos en este primer estudio descriptivo son la base para futuras investigaciones en el ámbito de la pancreatología pediátrica mexicana.

Predictive values of the Status Epilepticus in Pediatric Patients Severity Score and END-IT score for short-term prognosis of children with status epilepticus / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To evaluate the predictive values of the Status Epilepticus in Pediatric Patients Severity Score (STEPSS) and END-IT score in the short-term prognosis of children with status epilepticus (SE).Methods:It was a retrospective study involving 103 children with SE who were admitted to the Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2022.Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to evaluate the prognosis at discharge, and the children were divided into good prognosis group ( n=78) and poor prognosis group ( n=25). Risk factors for poor prognosis of SE in children were analyzed by Logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the prognostic values of STEPSS and END-IT score in children with SE. Results:Compared with those of the good prognosis group, significantly younger age [16 (9, 58) months vs.56 (21, 84) months, Z=-3.068, P=0.002], higher blood lactic acid levels [3.16 (2.43, 4.01) mmol/L vs.1.67 (1.32, 2.10) mmol/L, Z=-6.085, P<0.001], STEPSS scores [3.0(3.0, 4.0) points vs.1.0(1.0, 2.0) points, Z=-6.956, P<0.001], END-IT scores [3.0(1.5, 4.0) points vs.1.0(0, 1.0) points, Z=-5.502, P<0.001], proportion of developmental delay ( χ2=16.756, P<0.001), abnormal brain magnetic resonance imagine examination ( χ2=5.860, P=0.015), use of ventilator and multiple drugs (all P<0.001), and longer duration of anti-SE therapy time( Z=1.488, P=0.024) were detected in the poor prognosis group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that increased blood lactic acid ( OR=7.975, 95% CI: 2.705-23.518), increased drug types ( OR=14.562, 95% CI: 2.035-104.173), STEPSS scores( OR=8.914, 95% CI: 2.824-28.140) and END-IT scores ( OR=2.209, 95% CI: 1.046-4.667) were risk factors for the poor prognosis of SE in children.The area under the curve (AUC) of STEPSS in predicting the poor prognosis of SE in children was 0.939, with the cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity and Youden index of 2.5 points, 96.0%, 85.9% and 0.82, respectively.AUC of END-IT scores in predicting the poor prognosis of SE in children was 0.853, with the cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity and Youden index of 1.5 points, 76.0%, 75.6% and 0.52, respectively.AUC of STEPSS in predicting the poor prognosis of SE in children was significantly higher than that of END-IT scores ( U=36.91, P<0.05). The predictive value of STEPSS combined with END-IT was higher, and the sensitivity and negative predictive value of parallel test were 100.0%, while the specificity and positive predictive value of series test were 94.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusions:STEPSS and END-IT scores may be used as predictors for the poor prognosis of SE in children.Their combination provides a better prediction.

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cycle threshold value and its association with disease severity and mortality among hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients

Objective@#This study determined the association of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value with disease severity and mortality among hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients.@*Methodology@#This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0-18 years with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 from 1-September-2020 to 31-August-2022. The cohort was divided into those with high (>30), medium (> 20) and low (</= 20) Ct values. Association between Ct values and disease severity was determined using Chi-square test and association between Ct values and mortality was determined using logistic regression.@*Results@#There were 236 patients included with male predominance. Median age was 7 years. Most belonged to the 0-5 years age group. Most were severe to critical COVID-19 cases. Median day of illness on swab collection was 4 days. Majority presented with symptoms such as fever (54%), cough (22%) and dyspnea (22%). Eighty-four percent had co-morbidities, of which majority were cancer and neurologic diseases. Median Ct value was 30.81. Fifty-four percent had high Ct values. The median age of patients with a high Ct value was significantly lower than other cohorts. The median day of illness of patients with low Ct value was significantly shorter than other cohorts. There was no significant difference across the terciles in terms of presence of co-morbidities. Majority of patients for each cohort had high Ct values. There was no significant association between Ct value and COVID-19 disease severity on admission. Nearly fifty percent had critical disease and the all-cause mortality rate was 21.61%. There was no significant association between Ct value and mortality.@*Conclusions@#Ct value was not associated with disease severity and all-cause mortality after controlling for confounders. A look into medical interventions, emergence of variants, and other factors that may affect the clinical presentation, disease course, severity and outcome are recommended in future studies.

Current trends in the management of acute diarrhea in children below 5 years of age

Background: Diarrhea can cause significant deaths and morbidity in children whose age is below 5 years in developing countries. In children under five, it is the third cause of mortality. Aims and Objectives: The main aim of this study was to examine recent trends in the management of acute diarrhea in children below 5 years of age and to identify the pattern of pharmacotherapy for acute diarrhea in children the specific age group of <5 years of age. Materials and Methods: A non-interventional study that was prospective and observational in nature was conducted in 50 patients that were admitted in the pediatric wards at a teaching hospital that was tertiary care. Only those participants whose parents/guardian gave written informed consent were included in the study. Results: Of enrolled 50 patients, 30 (60%) were male patients and 20 (40%) were female patients. Most patients (42%) were between the ages of 6 months–1 year. All the 50 participants were prescribed WHO-ORS and Zinc. About 60% of children were administered the antibiotics with intravenous fluids. Antipyretics were administered to 90% children, antispasmodic and antisecretory agents to 40%, and probiotics to 92% children. The commonly used antibiotics were ceftriaxone, cefpodoxime, metronidazole, ofloxacin, and ornidazole. Conclusion: There was strict adherence to guidelines for treating the children who suffered with acute diarrhea. However, there was poor awareness among the parents regarding the compliance to the treatment, hygienic practices, and its consequences.

Gammaglobulina subcutánea: Revisión sistemática / Subcutaneous gamma globulin: A systematic review

Las inmunodeficiencias primarias constituyen enfermedades determinadas genéticamente, caracterizadas por la alteración cuantitativa y/o funcional de distintos mecanismos implicados en la respuesta inmunitaria. Algunas de ellas se caracterizan por una alteración en la producción de anticuerpos, por lo que algunos pacientes se benefician con la administración supletoria de gammaglobulina, la cual se administra mayormente por vía endovenosa, siendo la vía subcutánea una alternativa terapéutica. La siguiente revisión sistemática tiene por objetivo determinar si la gammaglobulina subcutánea tiene alguna ventaja frente al clásico uso de gammaglobulina endovenosa, en pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias primarias, revisando la bibliografía disponible hasta la actualidad (AU)

Primary immunodeficiencies are genetically determined diseases characterized by the quantitative and/or functional alteration of different mechanisms involved in the immune response. Some of these diseases are characterized by an alteration in the antibody production and therefore some patients benefit from the supplementary administration of gamma globulin, which is mostly administered intravenously, with the subcutaneous route being a therapeutic alternative. The following systematic literature review aims to determine whether subcutaneous gamma globulin has any advantage over the classic use of intravenous gamma globulin in pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiencies (AU)

SARS-CoV-2 vs. COVID-19 de adquisición nosocomial: estudio en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel de atención / Acquired nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 vs. COVID-19: Study in a pediatric hospital of tertiary level hospital care

Resumen Introducción: La infección nosocomial por coronavirus, del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) se ha reportado sobre todo en unidades de adultos. Objetivo: Dar a conocer un reporte de casos pediátricos con infección nosocomial por SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron pacientes con infección nosocomial por SARS-Cov-2 vs. COVID-19, confirmados mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR) en tiempo real, ingresados al Hospital Infantil de México. Resultados: De un total de 163 pacientes analizados, solo 9 (5.5%) adquirieron SARS-CoV-2 durante su estancia hospitalaria. Cinco fueron del sexo masculino (55.5%) y 4 (44.4%) femenino, predominando los adolescentes (4 [44.4%]), todos mayores de 17 años. Solo uno desarrolló síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. Analizamos 18 datos clínicos, de los cuales el síntoma más frecuente fue la fiebre, seguida de hiporexia y dolor abdominal. Discusión: La infección nosocomial por SARS-CoV-2 en pediatría se estará reportando más seguido. Conclusiones: Es necesario tener una definición más homogénea en cuanto a SARS-CoV-2 vs. COVID-19 nosocomial.

Abstract Background: Nosocomial infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported mainly in adult units. Objective: To present a report of pediatric cases with nosocomial infection by SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: Patients with nosocomial infection by SARS-Cov-2 vs. COVID-19, confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), admitted to the Children´s Hospital of Mexico. Results: Of a total of 163 patients analyzed, only 9 (5.5%) acquired SARS-CoV-2 during their hospital stay. Five were male (55.5%) and 4 (44.4%) females, predominantly adolescents (4 [44.4%]), all older than 17 years. Only one developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome. We analyzed 18 clinical data, of which the most frequent symptom was fever, followed by hyporexia and abdominal pain. Discussion: Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatrics will be reported more often. Conclusions: It is necessary to have a more homogeneous definition regarding SARS-CoV-2 vs. nosocomial COVID-19.

Occurrence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Purpose: To study the occurrence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) as an ocular manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective study was done on the observations of cases of HIV?positive children. All seropositive patients from the Anti?Retroviral Therapy clinic were referred to the department of ophthalmology for evaluation. Retrospective correlation of CD4 count with active cases of VKC was done. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including visual acuity, slit lamp and dilated fundus examination. Results: A total of 72 children were included, 70 males and 2 females. Of these, 63 (87.5%) had VKC, three (4.2%) had cataract, two (2.8%) had cytomegalovirus retinitis retinitis, and four (5.5%) had no ophthalmic findings. Conclusion: There is a an evident association of HIV, VKC cases, and reduced CD4 count. More research is required on this topic.

Clinical presentation and outcome of pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted in Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC): The first 100 cases

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>There are numerous studies on adult patients admitted for COVID-19 but there is paucity of local data in children.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>This study aims to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of children admitted for COVID-19.</p><p><strong>METHODOLOGY: </strong>This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients 0 to 18 years old with COVID-19 admitted in Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC). Descriptive statistics summarized the clinical profile of the patients. Pearson's Chi-Square and Fischer's Exact Test were used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>There were 100 confirmed COVID-19 pediatric patients admitted at PCMC from March 2020 to March 2021. Most were within the 0-4 years of age (52%). Fever (63%), respiratory symptoms (31%), and shock (28%) were the predominant clinical manifestations. Most (78%) had no exposure to symptomatic household contacts but all came from communities with known local transmission. Fourteen cases of hospital-acquired COVID-19 were also identified. Out of the 100 cases, 53 had critical COVID-19 on admission and 82 had co-morbidities, mostly neurologic, hematologic and infectious diseases. Seventy-four patients recovered and 26 patients died.</p><p>Fever (p-value=0.014) and shock (p-value=0.000), thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis (p=0.030) and electrolyte imbalances (p=0.045) were significantly associated with critical COVID-19. There was no significant association between the presence of co-morbid conditions on admission and clinical outcome. O2 support by facemask (p=0.001) or by mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), and inotropic support (p=0.000) were significantly associated with mortality.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Children admitted for COVID-19 infection generally recover but those with critical COVID-19 is highly associated with mortality.</p>

Dental fear and its related factors among patients managed in a paediatric dental clinic of a university hospital in Tanzania

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental fear and its related factors among patients managed in a pediatric dental clinic of a university hospital in Tanzania. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the paediatric dental clinic of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) between November 2018 and April 2019. It included all paediatric dental patients aged between 6 and 12 years. A questionnaire used in this study captured information regarding patient's socio-demographic characteristics and the number of previous visits to the dental clinic. A fifteen-item Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) was used to assess the dental fear status in these pediatric patients. Results: A total of 223 paediatric dental patients aged between 6 years and 12 years were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 9.52 ± 1.74 years with a male to female ratio ofl: 1.04. The means CFSS-DS score was 31.1 ± 8.57. Fear scores were high for Injections (3.37 ± 1.13), a stranger's touch (2.81 ± 1.08) and choking (2.69 ± 0.99). The presence of dental fear was found to be significantly associated with the parents' education level (p=0.001) and previous dental visits (p < 0.001 ). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of paediatric dental fear was low among the participants of this study. The education level of parents and previous dental visits were determinants of dental fear in children. Injections, being touched by strangers, and choking were the common fear-provoking factors.

Collection of autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cells in patients with sequential double transplantation of solid tumors and effect analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the methods and safety of autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cells collection in patients with sequential double transplantation of solid tumors and conduct efficacy analysis. 【Methods】 Peripheral blood stem cells were collected from 27 patients with solid tumors after routine mobilization of rhG-CSF and rhGM-CSF.A specific program was made for the patients.The condition and cooperation degree of children were comprehensively evaluated before cell collection, and a femoral venous catheterization was inserted to ensure the cells collected smoothly.A mononuclear cell collection(MNC) program was selected, and machine parameters were set based on the patient's low body weight.The number of mononuclear cell (MNC) and the CD34+ cell was detected by flow cytometry for retrospective analysis. 【Results】 A total of 73 cell collections were performed in 27 patients, and the number of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells was 12.586(10.22~19.586)×108/kg and 13.575(7.275~23.825)×106/kg, respectively, which can meet the requirement of sequential double transplantation. No intoxication of citrate and other serious adverse reactions occurred, and the follow-up was generally in good condition. 【Conclusion】 The method is effective and safe for pediatric patients, even for pediatric patients with low weight. Sufficient stem cells can be collected for patients with solid tumors by this method to meet the requirement of sequential double transplantation.

Fratura condilar em paciente pediátrico: um relato de caso condilar / Fracture in pediatric patient: a case report

As fraturas faciais em crianças são raras, já que os ossos faciais pediátricos têm maior elasticidade, menos pneumatização, tecido adiposo circundante mais espesso e mais estabilização da mandíbula e maxila pelos dentes não irrompidos. Em geral, lesões nos tecidos moles são mais comuns em crianças do que fraturas esqueléticas. Entre as fraturas faciais pediátricas, as fraturas da mandíbula são as mais comuns, sendo o côndilo a área mais acometida em pacientes pediátricos. O côndilo é considerado o principal centro de crescimento da mandíbula em crianças, assim é de suma importância a definição do tratamento adequado, pautado em diversos critérios de avaliação, com o intuito de erradicar possíveis complicações advindas da fratura condilar. Assim o objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de fratura de côndilo unilateral em uma criança, na qual realizou-se abordagem cirúrgica com fixação interna, afim de elucidar e discutir as possíveis condutas terapêuticas acerca de tratamentos a serem aplicados, visto que esses ainda são bastante controversos na literatura e os resultados das diversas condutas são os mais diversos, apresentando variados aspectos que interferem na evolução dos pacientes(AU)

Facial fractures in children are rare, since pediatric facial bones have greater elasticity, less pneumatization,thicker surrounding adipose tissue and more stabilization of the jaw and jaw by unerupted teeth.In general, soft tissue injuries are more common in children than skeletal fractures.Among pediatric facial fractures, mandible fractures are the most common, with condyl being the most affected area in pediatric patients.The condyl is considered the main center of mandible growth in children, so it is of Paramount importance to define the appropriate treatment, based on several evaluationcriteria, in order to eradicate possible complications resulting from the condilar fracture.Thus, the aim of this study is to report a case of unilateral condyl fracture in a child, in which a surgical approach with internal fixation was performedin order to elucidate and discuss the possible therapeutic approaches about treatments to be applied, since these are still quite controversial in the literature and the results of the various behaviors are the most diverse,presenting several aspects that interfere in the evolution of patients(AU)

Complicaciones postransfusionales en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia / Post-transfusion complications in pediatric patients with leukemia

Introducción: El cáncer pediátrico es un importante problema de salud pública y el más frecuente es la leucemia. En ocasiones, esta enfermedad puede generar depleción de las líneas celulares y es la transfusión de hemocomponentes un importante pilar de su tratamiento. Este procedimiento puede generar reacciones postransfusionales que pueden ser letales. Objetivo: Exponer las diferentes características clínicas y epidemiológicas de las reacciones postransfusionales en población pediátrica con leucemia. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las principales bases de datos de literatura médica. Se incluyeron 46 artículos. Resultados: La complicación más frecuente es la reacción febril no hemolítica. También es frecuente la sobrecarga de hierro. El factor de riesgo más importante para presentar esta sobrecarga es el número de transfusiones. Es necesario monitorizar la cantidad de hierro hepático. La reacción pulmonar aguda relacionada con la transfusión es una condición potencialmente mortal. Las infecciones pueden presentarse y pueden ser mortales dada la inmunosupresión de este grupo de pacientes. Otras reacciones inmunológicas pueden ser raras, pero deben ser tenidas en cuenta. Consideraciones finales: Las reacciones postransfusionales pueden ser más graves en los pacientes con leucemia. Se requiere realizar estudios con modelos epidemiológicos adecuados para identificar las reacciones postransfusionales más frecuentes en población pediátrica con esta enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Pediatric cancer is a major public health problem and leukemia is the most common. Sometimes this disease can lead to depletion of cell lines and the transfusion of blood components is an important pillar of their treatment. This procedure can generate post-transfusion reactions that can be lethal. Objective: Show the different clinical and epidemiological characteristics of post-transfusion reactions in pediatric population with leukemia. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in the main databases of medical literature. 46 items were included. Results: The most common complication is the non-hemolytic febrile reaction. Iron overloading is also common. The most important risk factor for this overload is the number of transfusions. It is necessary to monitor the amount of iron in the liver. Acute transfusion-related pulmonary reaction is a life-threatening condition. Infections can occur and can be fatal given the immunosuppression of this group of patients. Other immune reactions may be rare, but they should be taken into account. Final considerations: Post-transfusion reactions may be more severe in patients with leukemia. Studies with appropriate epidemiological models are required to identify the most common post-transfusion reactions in the pediatric population with this disease(AU)

Accuracy of Nasopharyngeal Aspirate GeneXpert Compared to Gastric Aspirate TB Culture and GeneXpert in Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Pediatric Patients

Background@#Pulmonary TB in children remains to be a burden in the Philippines. Diagnosis remains to be a challenge for pediatricians due to its paucibacillary nature, difficulty in obtaining specimens, cost of test as well as the varied sensitivity of the different tests available. Gastric aspirate (GA), commonly used for bacteriological diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children, involves an invasive procedure that may cause discomfort and sometimes require admission. Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), on the other hand, can be easily and non-invasively obtained but is currently not a recommended specimen for testing for PTB. @*Objectives@#This study aims to determine the accuracy of NPA GeneXpert in diagnosing PTB among pediatric patients 0-18 years old with presumptive TB using GA GeneXpert as the initial screening test and GA TB culture as gold standard. @*Methodology@#This prospective, cross-sectional diagnostic study involved collection of single NPA and GA specimens for GeneXpert and TB culture in 100 patients with presumptive PTB seen at a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines. @*Results@#Of the one hundred pediatric patients (mean age 6 ± 5.63 years) enrolled, 50 were clinically diagnosed PTB, 16 bacteriologically-confirmed and 34 were not PTB disease. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values with 95% confidence intervals of the NPA GeneXpert were determined compared to GA GeneXpert and GA culture. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the NPA GeneXpert compared to GA GeneXpert were 70%, 96.67%, 70% and 96.67%, respectively. While NPA GeneXpert compared to GA TB culture were 40%,91.58%, 20% and 96.67%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#GeneXpert testing on a single NPA specimen is a highly specific and rapid test that can be used to diagnose PTB in pediatric patients, particularly where gastric aspiration or mycobacterial culture is not feasible.

Primer brote de COVID-19 en pacientes pediátricos cubanos

Introducción: Las manifestaciones clínicas en niños afectados por el SARS-CoV-2 suelen ser más leves, un número reducido evoluciona hacia la gravedad y se producen pocas muertes en comparación con otros grupos de edad. Objetivo: Caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico, epidemiológico e inmunológico a los pacientes pediátricos en Cuba infectados por SARS-CoV-2 a partir del 11 de marzo de 2020 y que se encontraban de alta epidemiológica el 11 de junio del mismo año. Métodos: Estudio observacional, de corte transversal en 137 pacientes en edad pediátrica infectados por la COVID-19, que se encontraban de alta epidemiológica. Resultados: Presentaron forma asintomática de la enfermedad 56,9 %. La Habana fue la provincia más afectada y la edad promedio de 11,3 años. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre, tos y diarreas y se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de color de piel negra (Odd Ratio= 3,40). Las concentraciones de anticuerpos para tétano y Haemophilus influenzae tipo b proporcionaron protección entre 92,7 y 100 % de los niños, mientras que para la difteria 24,8 % no tuvo protección confiable. De los sintomáticos, 62,5 % desarrollaron anticuerpos totales específicos frente al SARS-CoV-2. Conclusiones: Los pacientes en edades pediátricas pueden contribuir de manera importante a la dinámica de la transmisión. La protección confiable para vacunas específicas, el desarrollo de anticuerpos totales frente a SAR-Cov-2 y el pronóstico general favorable sin complicaciones, obliga a continuar las investigaciones para identificar las diferencias biológicas e inmunológicas entre niños y otros grupos de edad.

Introduction: Until June 11, 2020, 10.4% of the total positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Cuba corresponded to patients under 18 years of age. Clinical manifestations in children affected by SARS-CoV-2 are usually mild and few deaths occur compared to other age groups. Objective: Characterize from the clinical, epidemiological and immunological point of view the Cuban pediatric patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 until June 11, 2020. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study in 137 pediatric patients infected with COVID-19, who were epidemiologically discharged. Results: 56.9 % of the patients presented asymptomatic form of the disease. Havana was the most affected province and the average age was 11.3 years. The most frequent symptoms were: fever, cough and diarrhea and occurred more frequently in patients with black skin (Odd Ratio = 3.40). Antibody concentrations for tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b provided protection in 92.7% to 100% of children, while for diphtheria 24.8% had no reliable protection. Of the symptomatic patients, 62.5% developed specific total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Patients in pediatric ages can contribute significantly to the transmission dynamics. Reliable protection for specific vaccines, the development of total antibodies to SAR-Cov-2, and general favorable prognosis without complications require continued research to identify biological and immunological differences between children and other age groups.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis in children. Clinical features, treatment response, and long-term follow-up / Fibromatosis tipo desmoide en niños. Características, respuesta al tratamiento y seguimiento a largo plazo

Abstract Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a tumor with high local recurrence rate. Sixteen patients (18 desmoid tumors) were retrospectively evaluated. Initial surgery was performed in 13/18 tumors, with complete resection in 6 (one with free margin and five with microscopic residual disease); 10/13 had local relapse. Eleven patients with 13 tumors underwent treatment with methotrexate-vinblastine. The response rate to chemotherapy was 54%, and up to 81% if stable disease cases were included. The best response was partial remission. Only 2 had grade 4 toxicity. Twelve of 15 patients had sequelae. In 8 cases sequelae were directly related to the surgical intervention and 3 of them were severe. The 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 30% and 93.3%, respectively. DF has a high local relapse rate, regardless of surgical margin involvement. Low dose chemotherapy achieved stable disease and even remission of the lesions with low toxicity. The high rate of sequelae is probably related to the initial surgery performed in the majority of patients and may be avoided by the use of neoadjuvant low dose chemotherapy.

Resumen La fibromatosis tipo desmoide (FD) es un tumor con alta tasa de recurrencia local. Dieciséis pacientes (18 tumores desmoides) fueron evaluados retrospectivamente. La cirugía inicial se realizó en 13/18 tumores, con resección completa en 6 (uno con margen libre y cinco con margen microscópicamente comprometido); 10/13 tuvieron recaída local. Once pacientes con 13 tumores recibieron tratamiento con metotrexato/vinblastina. La tasa de respuesta a la quimioterapia fue del 54% y de hasta el 81% si se incluyen los casos que lograron enfermedad estable. La mejor respuesta fue remisión parcial. Solo 2 tuvieron toxicidad grado 4. Doce de 15 pacientes tuvieron secuelas. En 8 casos, las secuelas estuvieron directamente relacionadas con la intervención quirúrgica y 3 de ellas fueron graves. La sobrevida libre de progresión a 5 años y la supervivencia global fueron del 30% y del 93.3%, respectivamente. La FD tiene una alta tasa de recaída local, independientemente del margen quirúrgico. Dosis bajas de quimioterapia lograron una enfermedad estable e incluso la remisión de las lesiones, con baja toxicidad. La alta tasa de secuelas probablemente esté relacionada con la cirugía inicial realizada en la mayoría de los pacientes y podría evitarse mediante el uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante en dosis bajas, como sugieren las estrategias actuales de tratamiento.