Fructose Malabsorption in Chilean Children Undergoing Fructose Breath Test at a Tertiary Hospital.

ABSTRACT: Fructose is a highly abundant carbohydrate in western diet and may induce bowel symptoms in children as in adults. The main objective of this study is to describe the frequency of fructose malabsorption (FM) in symptomatic patients 18 years or younger undergoing fructose breath test in a single tertiary center between 2013 and 2018, and to evaluate whether certain symptoms are related to positivity of the test. Out of 273 tests 183 (67%) were compatible with FM. The most frequent pretest symptom in the overall study population was bloating (83%), followed by abdominal pain (73%). Patients with positive test were younger than those with a negative test (median 5 vs 8 years, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, which included age, sex, and symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea), only age <6 years (odds ratio 2.93, 95% confidence interval 1.64-5.23) and absence of nausea (odds ratio = 3.32, 95% confidence interval 1.56-7.05) were associated with FM.

Recomendaciones de Rama de Gastroenterología para situaciones relacionadas con infección COVID-19 en niños / Recommendations of the Gastroenterology Branch for situations related to COVID-19 infection in children

Resumen: Actualmente estamos viviendo una pandemia causada por un nuevo agente infeccioso, coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, también conocido como COVID-19. Agente de alta contagiosidad y moderada letali dad, se ha diseminado rápidamente alrededor del mundo. Los pacientes con patología crónica y el personal de salud son grupos particularmente vulnerables frente a este agente. De ahí la relevancia de desarrollar estrategias preventivas y difundirlas ampliamente. El presente documento generado a solicitud del Directorio de la Rama de Gastroenterología infantil de la SOCHIPE tiene como objetivo entregar herramientas a los profesionales de la salud que trabajan con niños para tomar la mejor de cisión al momento de enfrentar a un paciente que requiera un procedimiento endoscópico o maneje a un paciente con sospecha o diagnóstico de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal poder realizar en forma correcta la prevención de COVID-19.

Abstract: A pandemic disease caused by a new infectious agent, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, also known as CO- VID-19 is currently an urgent Public Health problem. This highly contagious and moderate lethal agent is rapidly spreading worldwide. Patients with chronic diseases and health care personnel are particularly vulnerable groups to this virus. Hence the importance of developing preventive strategies and disseminating them widely. This document, generated at the request of the Pediatric Gastroen terology Branch Directory of SOCHIPE, aims to provide tools for health care professionals working with children to make the best decision when faced with a patient requiring an endoscopic procedure or managing a patient with suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease to properly prevent COVID-19.

Association of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy Prevalence With Socioeconomic Status in a Cohort of Chilean Infants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) prevalence in 2 cohorts of children from different socioeconomic strata. METHODS: Prospective birth cohort that included patients from 2 hospitals providing care for a low- and high-income population, respectively. Healthy newborns ≥34 gestational weeks were recruited and followed up to 12 months by a monthly telephone survey. If ≥2 predefined symptoms/signs suggestive of CMPA were detected, the patient was evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist. Diagnosis was confirmed by exclusion diet followed by open oral food challenge. RESULTS: Overall the prevalence of CMPA was 5.2%, with a 6 times higher prevalence in the high income cohort (9.2%) compared with the low-income group (1.5%; relative risk 6.2; 95% confidence interval 1.8-20.7; P = 0.0005). All the cases were non-immunoglobulin E-mediated with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms. High-income cohort did have higher frequency of C-section, mother's previous chronic disease, mother's history of atopy/food allergy, older age, and higher educational level of parents. Parent smoking and presence of pets at home were more frequent in the low-income cohort. Multiple logistic regression showed that the high-income cohort did have older age and higher educational level of both parents. CONCLUSION: In these cohorts the prevalence of CMPA was higher than reported previously in other developing countries and significantly higher in the high-income group. Our findings were associated with sociodemographic characteristics of the parents.

Endoscopic Findings Associated With Button Battery Ingestion in Children: Do We Need to Change the Protocol for Managing Gastric Location?

BACKGROUND: Ingested button batteries (BB) can cause corrosive damage of digestive mucosa within minutes. Immediate endoscopic removal of esophageal BB has been clearly established, but the management of BB located in the stomach is still controversial. AIM: To describe demographic, clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic characteristics of a series of pediatric patients evaluated for BB ingestion. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical charts belonging to children younger than 15 years, who underwent endoscopic removal of BB at Clínica Alemana of Santiago, between November 2007 and November 2011. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients subjected to upper endoscopy were analyzed; median age, 31 months; 15 were male (60%), and 11 patients (46%) were symptomatic after ingestion. The BB ingestion was confirmed by radiograph. Endoscopy revealed 10 patients with BB in the esophagus, 12 patients in the stomach and 3 distal to duodenum. Range time between ingestion and endoscopy was 2 to 10 hours for esophageal BB and 2 hours to 3 days for gastric BB. Eight of the 22 BBs removed had a diameter of 20 mm or greater, 6 of them were located in the esophagus and 2 in stomach. The BB color changes were observed in 14 of the 22 BBs. Breakage of battery edges was present in 11 of the 22 batteries. All patients with esophageal BB and 6 of those 12 with gastric BB presented mucosal damage. CONCLUSION: Esophageal BB cause damage within hours. The BB located in the stomach may also cause damage early. Extraction of gastric BB before 48 hours should be considered.

Limpieza intestinal para colonoscopia en niños: efectividad, adherencia y efectos adversos de esquemas diferenciados por edad / Intestinal cleaning for colonoscopy in children: effectiveness, adherence and adverse effects of schemes differentiated by age

La adecuada limpieza intestinal (LI) es fundamental para lograr el máximo rendimiento diagnóstico durante una colonoscopia. Existen diversos esquemas de LI, y en pediatría aún no hay consenso respecto al más adecuado. OBJETIVO: Describir la efectividad, adherencia y efectos adversos de protocolos de LI diferenciados por edad en pacientes pediátricos sometidos a colonoscopia. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo que incluyó pacientes < 18 años sometidos a colonoscopia. Se aplicaron esquemas de LI diferenciados por edad: < 6 meses (supositorio de glicerina); 6 meses-3 años, 11 meses (polietilenglicol [PEG] 3.350 sin electrolitos); 4 años-9 años, 11 meses (PEG 3.350 sin electrolitos + bisacodilo); 10 años-18 años (PEG 3.350 con electrolitos). Se registraron datos demográficos, clínicos, adherencia y efectos adversos. La efectividad fue determinada durante colonoscopia de acuerdo con la escala previamente validada (Boston modificada). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 159 pacientes, de los cuales 87 fueron varones (55%), mediana de edad de 4 años (rango un mes-17 años). Se logró LI exitosa en el 78% de los pacientes. La mayor efectividad se alcanzó en < 6 meses (96%) y 10-18 años (91%). El grupo de 4 años-9 años, 11 meses, que evidenció menor efectividad (69%) tuvo mayor proporción de estreñimiento previo (29%). Se obtuvo buena adherencia en el 87% de los pacientes. Se observaron efectos adversos en un tercio de los pacientes (especialmente en el grupo 10-18 años), que fueron leves y no determinaron la suspensión del medicamento. CONCLUSIONES: Con los esquemas de preparación utilizados se lograron resultados satisfactorios, obteniendo LI exitosa en 4 de cada 5 pacientes. Los resultados difirieron entre grupos, lo que podría deberse, al menos en parte, al protocolo utilizado y al hábito intestinal previo.

Adequate intestinal cleanliness is crucial to achieve optimal colonoscopy performance. Several bowel preparation (BP) schemes have been proposed, but there is still no consensus as regards which is the most suitable in paediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness, adherence, and adverse effects of BP protocols differentiated by age group in paediatric patients subjected to colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective, study that included patients < 18 years subjected to colonoscopy. BP protocols differentiated by age group were indicated as follows: < 6 m (glycerine suppository); 6 m-3y 11 m (poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG 3350 without electrolytes); 4y-9y 11 m (PEG 3350 without electrolytes + bisacodyl); 10 y-18 y (PEG 3350 with electrolytes). Demographic, clinical information, adherence and adverse effects were registered. Effectiveness was determined using a validated scale (Boston modified) during colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were included, of which 87 (55%) were males, and with a median age of 4 years (range 1 m-17 years). Seventy eight percent of patients achieved successful BP. The higher effectiveness was observed in the groups of < 6 m (96%) and 10-18 y (91%). Constipation was significantly more frequent (29%) in the 4 yo-9 yo 11 m in which lower effectiveness was observed (69%). Good adherence was observed in 87% of patients. Adverse effects were observed in a third of patients, although they were mild and did not lead to the suspension of the BP. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory results were achieved with the BP schemes used, with a successful BP being obtained in 4 out of 5 patients. Results were different between groups, which is probably related to previous bowel transit and indicated medication.

[Intestinal cleaning for colonoscopy in children: effectiveness, adherence and adverse effects of schemes differentiated by age]. / Limpieza intestinal para colonoscopia en niños: efectividad, adherencia y efectos adversos de esquemas diferenciados por edad.

Adequate intestinal cleanliness is crucial to achieve optimal colonoscopy performance. Several bowel preparation (BP) schemes have been proposed, but there is still no consensus as regards which is the most suitable in paediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness, adherence, and adverse effects of BP protocols differentiated by age group in paediatric patients subjected to colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective, study that included patients < 18 years subjected to colonoscopy. BP protocols differentiated by age group were indicated as follows: < 6 m (glycerine suppository); 6 m-3y 11 m (poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG 3350 without electrolytes); 4y-9y 11 m (PEG 3350 without electrolytes + bisacodyl); 10 y-18 y (PEG 3350 with electrolytes). Demographic, clinical information, adherence and adverse effects were registered. Effectiveness was determined using a validated scale (Boston modified) during colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were included, of which 87 (55%) were males, and with a median age of 4 years (range 1 m-17 years). Seventy eight percent of patients achieved successful BP. The higher effectiveness was observed in the groups of < 6 m (96%) and 10-18 y (91%). Constipation was significantly more frequent (29%) in the 4 yo-9 yo 11 m in which lower effectiveness was observed (69%). Good adherence was observed in 87% of patients. Adverse effects were observed in a third of patients, although they were mild and did not lead to the suspension of the BP. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory results were achieved with the BP schemes used, with a successful BP being obtained in 4 out of 5 patients. Results were different between groups, which is probably related to previous bowel transit and indicated medication.

Accuracy of a Genetic Test for the Diagnosis of Hypolactasia in Chilean Children: Comparison With the Breath Test.

BACKGROUND: Lactase nonpersistence (LNP) in humans is a genetically determined trait. This age-dependent decrease of lactase expression is most frequently caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the lactase (LCT) gene. The homozygous LCT-13,910C/C genotype (rs 4988235) predominates in Caucasian adults with LNP, and is useful for its diagnosis in this population. The accuracy of this genetic test (GT) has not been completely established in children or in a Latin-American population. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of GT for LNP in Chilean children using the lactose breath test (BT) as a reference, and to compare diagnostic yield in preschool- (<6 years) and in school-age (≥6 years) children. METHODS: Children referred for BT for diagnosis of lactose malabsorption to the Gastroenterology Laboratory at Clínica Alemana, Santiago, from October 2011 to March 2012 were invited to participate. After informed consent, symptom questionnaires, both historic and post lactose ingestion were completed. H2 and CH4 in expired air and -13,910 C>T single nucleotide polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme analysis, and/or Sanger sequencing were determined. GT accuracy was calculated compared to BT as reference method. Diagnostic yield of GT in preschool- and school-age children was compared. RESULTS: Lactose malabsorption was detected by BT in 42 of 60 children (70%). Genotype -13,910C/C was identified in 41 of 60 patients (68%). GT showed 80% sensitivity, 63% specificity, and 74% accuracy for LNP in the preschool population. In school-age children values were higher, 85%, 80%, and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GT results were significantly concordant with BT results for hypolactasia detection in Chilean children, particularly in those of age 6 years and older.