Transfusion of packed red blood cells in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the prescription of packed red blood cells performed by emergency physicians for adults with sickle cell anemia. METHODS: Transfusions performed in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency service in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo Brazil, between January 2018 and January 2022 were evaluated. For data comparison, the chi-square2 test was used. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 114 transfusions were performed. The mean age was 41.8±16.4 years, and pretransfusion hemoglobin was 6.1±1.23 g/dL. Regarding the indication, the adequacy of transfusions performed in symptomatic individuals was significantly higher compared to asymptomatic individuals (100% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). Symptomatic individuals received excessive volumes of packed red blood cells less frequently than asymptomatic individuals (17.5% vs. 56.9%, p<0.001). The filtered subtype, indicated for sickle cell anemia, was prescribed in only a quarter of the patients. However, non-indicated subtypes were frequently prescribed. CONCLUSION: This study found low adequacy in the indication and calculation of the transfusion volume of packed red blood cells in asymptomatic individuals. Few patients received filtered red blood cells, resulting in increased risks of transfusion reactions. On the contrary, non-indicated subtypes were prescribed in a quarter of transfusions, which resulted in higher costs and delay in receiving packed red blood cells.

Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents and relate them to blood pressure levels, renal function, and insulin resistance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with 64 overweight children and adolescents (mean age: 11.6±3.5 years) in outpatient follow-up. The following parameters were evaluated: body mass index z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio, pubertal stage, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, renal function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, and creatinuria. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance and logistic regression (dependent variable: homocysteine) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean body mass index z-score was 2.9±1.1. The mean homocysteine concentrations were 8.6±2.2 μmol/L (10th and 90th percentiles: 6.6 and 11.2 μmol/L, respectively), with no difference when compared with children with severe obesity and obesity/overweight (p=0.431). High values of waist-to-height ratio (93.8%), systolic blood pressure (18.8%), diastolic blood pressure (12.5%), glycemia (4.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31.1%), triglycerides (35.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (34.4%), and microalbuminuria (21.9%) were obtained. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 122.9±24.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Homocysteine concentrations were not associated with any of the studied variables (R²=0.095). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents (mean 8.6±2.2 μmol/L) were not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness

ABSTRACT Objective To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Results The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). Conclusion Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios of overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of overweight children and adolescents with the eutrophic ratios and to verify whether these ratios are associated with age, inflammation, Z-score of body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight and 106 eutrophic children and adolescents. Data on weight, height, and waist circumference (body mass index and waist-to-height ratio), blood count (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 8.4±3.2 years. The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio has shown a direct and independent association with body mass index (p=0.031) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.018), a fact not observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level was higher in the obesity group (p=0.003). Both ratios had a direct and independent association with age. CONCLUSION: The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. There was a direct and independent association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with overweight, not observed in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ratios have significantly increased according to the age of the participants.

Association between acanthosis nigricans and overweight with hypertension in children and adolescents from low-income families

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and high blood pressure in children and adolescents from low-income families, and to verify the association of elevated blood pressure with nutritional status and the presence of acanthosis nigricans. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and controlled study with 232 children and adolescents from an institution for low-income families. Pubertal stage, body mass index Z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio (increased waist-to-height circumference ratio >0.5), the presence of acanthosis nigricans, and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight and the change in waist-to-height circumference ratio was 37.9%. Acanthosis nigricans and increased blood pressure occurred in 20.3 and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and hypertension was higher in individuals with excess weight (p<0.001; p<0.001) and with an increased waist-to-height circumference ratio (p=0.009; p<0.001). Logistic regression showed a significant and independent association of body mass index Z-score (OR 2.35; 95%CI 1.52-3.65; p<0.001) and the presence of acanthosis nigricans (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.12-5.23; p=0.023) with elevated blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Acanthosis nigricans and elevated blood pressure occurred in one-fifth and one-third of the individuals in an institution for children from low-income families. Overweight and the presence of acanthosis nigricans increased the risk of high blood pressure more than twofold.

Iron deficiency anemia in infants in Sousa (PB), Brazil: an association with nutritional status

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in infants and verify the association of iron deficiency with nutritional status. METHODS This cross-sectional and observational study included 104 infants aged between 7 and 9 months, assisted from August to September 2021 by the Family Health Strategy program in Sousa municipality (Paraíba, Brazil). Clinical and anthropometric data were collected, and a 24-h food recall questionnaire was applied using the DietPro software (version 5.0) in order to verify food consumption and assess iron intake. Variables associated with iron deficiency (p<0.05) were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Anemia and IDA were observed in 40.4% and 19.2% of infants, respectively. Only one infant was taking prophylactic supplementation (ferrous sulfate). Infants with IDA presented reduced hemoglobin (p<0.001) and ferritin (p<0.001) and increased Z-scores of body mass index-for-age (Z-BMI) (p=0.027), weight-for-height (p=0.007), and weight-for-age (p=0.032). All Z-scores were inversely correlated with ferritin (Z-BMI [rho: -0.37; p<0.001], weight-for-height [rho: -0.37; p<0.001], and weight-for-age [rho: -0.29; p=0.002]). Ferritin was also directly correlated with daily iron intake (rho: 0.22; p=0.018). Finally, multiple logistic regression showed a significant and direct association of iron deficiency with weight-for-height Z-score (odds ratio: 2.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.38-5.64; p=0.004). CONCLUSION About 60% of infants presented anemia or IDA. Iron deficiency was associated with the weight-for-height Z-score, showing the vulnerability of infants during the introduction of complementary feeding.

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.

Basic life support training in schools / Treinamento de suporte básico de vida nas escolas

Older children and adolescents are able to learn and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers in a satisfactory manner. Schools are places where training in basic life support can be carried out. This narrative review was carried out to assess the effectiveness of training in basic life support in schools, analyzing different learning methodology, age groups, and gaining confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a real situation. The search was conducted in the MEDLINE database. Articles published from 01/01/2014 to 12/31/2019, with children under 18 years of age, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish, were selected. Three hundred and nine articles were found, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria in the study. There was great heterogeneity in the methodologies evaluated, making it difficult to compare some studies. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation taught to school children has resulted in the retention of skills and knowledge. There was a direct relationship between age group and quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation can also change the stigma and fear associated with procedures. We conclude that the teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by different methodologies is effective in the learning of children and adolescents and improves their confidence in doing it. Although older than 12 years of age have a greater ability for depth of compression, other points of basic life support can be developed in younger children.

Crianças maiores e adolescentes são capazes de aprender e realizar manobras de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar de forma satisfatória. As escolas são locais onde a capacitação no suporte básico de vida pode ser aplicada. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa para avaliar a eficácia do treinamento em suporte básico de vida nas escolas, analisando diferentes metodologias de ensino, faixa etária e ganho de confiança em realizar a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar em situação real. A busca foi realizada na base de dados Medline. Foram selecionados artigos publicados de 01/01/2014 até 31/12/2019, com menores de 18 anos de idade, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. Foram encontrados 309 artigos dos quais 15 apresentaram critérios de inclusão no estudo. Houve grande heterogeneidade em metodologias avaliadas, dificultando a comparação entre alguns estudos. A ressuscitação cardiopulmonar ensinada para crianças em idade escolar resultou na retenção das habilidades e do conhecimento. Houve relação direta entre faixa etária e qualidade da ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. O aprendizado da ressuscitação cardiopulmonar pode também alterar o estigma e o medo associados aos procedimentos. Concluímos que o ensino de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar por diferentes metodologias é eficaz no aprendizado de crianças e adolescentes e melhora a confiança em realizá-la. Apesar dos maiores de 12 anos apresentarem maior habilidade para a profundidade da compressão, outros pontos do suporte básico de vida podem ser desenvolvidos em crianças menores.

Prescription of red cell concentrates by emergency physicians

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the adequacy of the prescription of red cell concentrates by emergency physicians. METHODS A cross-sectional study based on the survey of transfusion requests records completed by emergency physicians, from May/2018 to April/2019, in an emergency hospital. Adequacy in the indication, volume, and subtype (filtered, irradiated, and washed) of prescribed erythrocytes were evaluated. To compare the qualitative data, we used the χ2 test. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS One thousand and twenty-two transfusions were evaluated. The indication, volume, and subtypes were correct in 72.7%, 45.9%, and 81.6% respectively. Transfusion in symptomatic patients presented superior adequacy when compared to asymptomatic individuals with significant statistical difference (indication: 79,6% vs 67.2%, p <0.001; Volume: 63.5% vs 31.7%, p <0.001; subtype: 85.3% vs 78.7%, p 0.006). Among clinical situations, there were more errors in sepsis (39.7%) and pneumonia (36.3%). More than half of the prescriptions presented excessive volume, raising the risk of circulatory overload, observing that the mean age was 60.6 years. The specific analysis of the prescribed subtypes showed adequacy of 17.9% in the filtered, 1.7% in the irradiated, and none in the washed. Thirty transfusions should have been filtered, but the prescriber did not request the subtype. CONCLUSION One hypothesis for the observed inaccuracies is inadequate medical training on the subject, both in undergraduate and medical residency, associated with a lack of continuing education on transfusion protocols. The transfusion Committee received the results of this study with a proposal for continuing education measures on transfusion hemotherapy.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a adequação da prescrição de concentrados de hemácias por médicos emergencistas. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal por levantamento de fichas de requisição de transfusões preenchidas por médicos emergencistas, no período de maio de 2018 a abril de 2019, em um hospital de emergências. Foram avaliadas as adequações na indicação, volume e subtipo (filtradas, irradiadas e lavadas) de hemácias prescritas. Para comparação dos dados qualitativos, utilizamos o teste de χ2. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS Foram avaliadas 1.022 transfusões. A indicação, o volume e os subtipos estavam corretos em 72,7%, 45,9% e 81,6%, respectivamente. A transfusão prescrita em pacientes sintomáticos apresentou adequação superior quando comparada aos assintomáticos, com diferença estatística significativa (indicação: 79,6% vs 67,2% - p<0,001; volume: 63,5% vs 31,7% - p<0,001; subtipo: 85,3% vs 78,7% - p 0,006). Entre as situações clínicas, ocorreram mais erros na sepse (39,7%) e pneumonia (36,3%). Mais da metade das prescrições apresentavam volume excessivo, elevando o risco de sobrecarga circulatória, observando-se que a média da idade foi 60,6 anos. A análise específica dos subtipos prescritos apresentou adequação de 17,9% nas filtradas, 1,7% nas irradiadas e nenhuma das lavadas. Trinta transfusões deveriam ter sido filtradas, porém o prescritor não solicitou o subtipo. CONCLUSÃO Uma hipótese para as incorreções observadas é a formação médica inadequada sobre o assunto, tanto na graduação como na residência médica, associada à falta de atualização nos protocolos transfusionais. O comitê transfusional recebeu os resultados deste estudo com proposta de medidas de educação permanente sobre hemoterapia transfusional.

Epinephrine in pediatric cardiorespiratory arrest: when and how much? / Epinefrina na parada cardiorrespiratória pediátrica: quando e quanto?

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of different doses, times for infusion of the first dose, intervals of administration of subsequent doses, and number of epinephrine doses in the survival of children and adolescents who went into cardiorespiratory arrest. It is a review study with data from the PubMedⓇ/MEDLINEⓇdatabase. The search was for articles published from January 1st, 2000 to February 10, 2019, with a sample of patients aged under 18 years, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. We found 222 articles, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria of the study. The first dose should be given as soon as possible. The standard dose (0.01mg/kg) has a better outcome when compared to the higher dose (0.1mg/kg). There is an iⓇverse relation between the number of epinephrine doses and survival. The interval currently recommended between doses has lower survival when compared to larger intervals. The dosage recommended by the American Heart Association presents a better outcome for survival, but the interval between doses and the maximum number of doses should be better assessed.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de diferentes doses, tempos para infusão da primeira dose, intervalos de administração de doses subsequentes e número de doses de epinefrina na sobrevida de crianças e adolescentes que sofreram parada cardiorrespiratória. Trata-se de estudo de revisão, cujas buscas foram feitas na base de dados PubMedⓇ /MEDLINEⓇ. Foram selecionados artigos publicados de 1° de janeiro de 2000 até 10 de fevereiro de 2019, realizados em menores de 18 anos de idade, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. Foram encontrados 222 artigos, dos quais 16 atenderam os critérios de inclusão no estudo. A primeira dose deve ser aplicada o mais rápido possível. A dose padrão (0,01mg/kg) apresenta melhor desfecho quando comparada à dose alta (0,1mg/kg). Houve relação inversa entre número de doses de epinefrina e sobrevida. O intervalo entre doses recomendado atualmente apresenta menor sobrevida quando comparado a intervalos maiores. A dose recomendada pela American Heart Association apresenta melhor desfecho para sobrevida, porém o intervalo entre doses e o número máximo de doses devem ser melhor avaliados.

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.

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.

Conhecimento de pediatras que atuam em urgências e emergências sobre tratamento da anafilaxia / Knowledge of pediatricians working in emergency sector about anaphylaxis treatment

INTRODUÇÃO: Anafilaxia é uma reação sistêmica grave, aguda e potencialmente fatal. Apresenta vários desencadeantes e mecanismos diferentes, entretanto, o tratamento agudo é igual em todos os casos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre tratamento da anafilaxia e choque anafilático (CA) de pediatras que atuam em setor de emergência pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal através da aplicação de questionário de múltiplas escolhas com 10 perguntas sobre tratamento da anafilaxia e CA. Foram convidados todos os pediatras do Pronto Socorro de um Hospital Público Pediátrico. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta entre 51 pediatras concordaram em participar do estudo. A média de acertos foi 6,32 com mediana de 7 (mínimo 2 e máximo 10). Houve reconhecimento adequado dos pediatras sobre a droga de escolha para iniciar o tratamento da anafilaxia e CA em 96% e 92%, respectivamente. Sobre a via de administração da adrenalina, a adequação das respostas foi de 64%. Em relação à dose de adrenalina, 70% identificaram corretamente, porém, o conhecimento sobre a dose máxima foi de 44%. Ao perguntar o intervalo para repetir a adrenalina, 38% responderam corretamente. Perguntou-se sobre terapias adjuvantes no tratamento do CA com 74% de acerto. Sobre a droga que previne a reação anafilática bifásica, 60% responderam corretamente. Quanto ao tempo de observação, 54% responderam o período adequado. O acerto sobre apresentações disponíveis de adrenalina autoinjetável foi de 40%. CONCLUSÃO: Houve dificuldade principalmente em reconhecer dose máxima, dose de adrenalina autoinjetável e tempo necessário para ser repetida, o que aumenta o risco de superdosagem e seus efeitos adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute and potentially fatal systemic reaction. It presents several triggers and different mechanisms, however, the acute treatment is the same in all the cases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge about treatment of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock (AS) of pediatricians who works in the pediatric emergency sector. METHODS: Cross-sectional study through the use of a multiplechoice questionnaire with 10 questions about the treatment of anaphylaxis and AS. All the emergency room pediatricians of a general pediatric hospital were invited. RESULTS: Fifty of fifty-one pediatricians agreed to take part of the study. The mean of right answers was 6.32 and median of 7 (minimum 2 and maximum 10). There was an appropriate recognition about the drug of choice to initiate the treatment of anaphylaxis and AS in 96% and 92%, respectively. On the route of adrenaline administration, the adequacy of the answers was 64%. Regarding to adrenaline dose 70% were right, however the recognition of the maximum dose was 44%. When asked about the interval to repeat the adrenaline, 38% responded correctly. About adjuvant therapies to treat AS the score was 74% and 60% when questioned about the drug that prevents biphasic anaphylactic reaction. In relation to the observation time, 54% answered the appropriate period. The right answers about available self-injectable adrenaline presentations were 40%. CONCLUSION: There were difficulty to recognize the maximum dose, self-injectable adrenaline dose and the correct time to repeat the adrenaline/medication, which increase the risk of overdose and adverse effects.

Assessment of the prescription of red blood cell concentrates in the pediatric age group / Avaliação da prescrição de concentrados de hemácias na faixa etária pediátrica

Summary Objective: To verify the adequacy of red blood cell (RBC) prescription to pediatric patients in different sectors of a pediatric hospital. Method: A retrospective study was conducted including 837/990 RBC transfusion requisition forms for children and adolescents (0 to 13 years old) filed in between January 2007 and April 2015 by the pediatricians of the emergency room (ER), infirmary ward and intensive care unit (pICU). Transfusion requisition forms belonging to patients with chronic anemia or acute hemorrhage, as well as incompletes requisition forms, were excluded. Results: Trigger, prescribed volume and subtype of RBC concentrates were adequate in 532 (65.3%), 460 (58.8%) and 805 (96.2%) of the transfusions, respectively. When the clinical picture was considered, prescription adequacy was higher compared to the use of the hemoglobin level alone (70.9% vs. 41%). The pICU had the highest correct trigger percentage (343 [71.6%]; p<0.001) while the ER showed more often adequate prescribed volumes (119 [66.1%]; p=0.020). The most common inadequacy regarding volume was that of prescriptions above the recommendation > 15 mL/kg found in 309 cases (36.9%). Thirty-two (32) RBC subtypes were requested and none were consistent with current recommendations. Conclusion: The results obtained in our study showed that RBC transfusion occurred more appropriately when the clinical picture was taken into account at request. There was a tendency to prescribe higher volumes and RBC subtypes without the justification of current protocols. Hemotherapic teachings at undergraduate level and medical residency must be improved.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a adequação na prescrição de concentrado de hemácias (CH) por pediatras em diferentes setores de um hospital pediátrico. Método: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo onde avaliamos 837/990 fichas de requisição de CH para crianças e adolescentes (0 a 13 anos), preenchidas entre janeiro de 2007 e abril de 2015 pelos médicos pediatras do pronto-socorro (PS), da enfermaria e da unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Excluíram-se as transfusões realizadas em portadores de anemia crônica, crianças com hemorragia aguda e requisições incompletas. Resultados: Gatilho, volume prescrito e subtipo de concentrado de hemácias foram adequados em 532 (65,3%), 460 (58,8%) e 805 (96,2%) das transfusões, respectivamente. Quando foi considerado o quadro clínico, a adequação foi maior em comparação à prescrição pelo valor isolado da hemoglobina (70,9% vs. 41%). A UTI teve o maior percentual de acerto no gatilho (343 [71,6%]; p<0,001) e o PS, no volume prescrito (119 [66,1%]; p=0,020). A inadequação mais comum, em relação ao volume, foi a prescrição acima da recomendação (> 15 mL/kg, 309 [36,9%]). Foram solicitados 32 subtipos de CH e nenhum estava de acordo com as indicações atuais. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos mostram que a transfusão de CH aconteceu de forma mais adequada quando a situação clínica era levada em conta na solicitação. Houve uma tendência à prescrição de volumes elevados e de subtipos de hemácias não justificados segundo os protocolos atuais. É necessário melhorar o ensino de hemoterapia na graduação e residência médica.