Incremento de infecciones respiratorias agudas graves en niños durante la última etapa de la pandemia COVID-19 / Increase in severe acute respiratory infections in children during the last phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo. La pandemia COVID-19 ha causado una variación en la circulación de otros patógenos respiratorios. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la epidemiología de las infecciones respiratorias agudas graves (IRAG) en niños durante 3 años de pandemia COVID-19, en comparación con un período previo de la misma dimensión temporal. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional, realizado en un hospital terciario de España, que analizó la frecuencia y características de pacientes ingresados por IRAG en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP) durante la pandemia COVID-19 (1 marzo-2020 a 28 de febrero-2023), en relación a un período pre-pandemia (1 marzo-2017 a 29 febrero-2020). Resultados. Se incluyeron 268 pacientes (59,6% varones). La mediana de edad fue 9,6 meses (RIQ 1,7 – 37). En el período pre-pandemia hubo 126 ingresos con una media de 42 admisiones/año. Durante la pandemia se produjeron 142 ingresos, observándose una reducción significativa de admisiones en el primer año (12 ingresos/año), en contraste con 82 ingresos durante el tercer año, que representó un incremento del 95% respecto a la media de admisiones/año en pre-pandemia. Además, en el último año se evidenció un incremento de coinfecciones virales en relación al período prepandemia (54,9% vs 39,7%; p=0,032). No hubo diferencias en días de hospitalización, ni estancia en UCIP. Conclusiones. Durante el último año, coincidiendo con bajas tasas de hospitalización por COVID en España, observamos un notable incremento de ingresos en la UCIP por IRAG por otras causas. Probablemente, el período prolongado de baja exposición a patógenos por las medidas adoptadas durante la pandemia, ha provocado una disminución de la inmunidad poblacional con un repunte de infecciones respiratorias. (AU)

Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a variation in the circulation of respiratory pathogens. Our aim was to analyze the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in children during 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison with a previous period. Patients and Methods. An observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Spain, which analyzed the frequency and characteristics of patients admitted for SARI in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic (1 March 2020 to 28 February 2023), compared to pre-pandemic period (1 March 2017 to 29 February 2020). Results. A total of 268 patients were included (59.6% males). The median age was 9.6 months (IQR 1.7 – 37). In the pre-pandemic period, there were 126 admissions with an average of 42 admissions/year. During the pandemic, there were 142 admissions, observing a significant reduction in admissions in the first year (12 admissions/year), in contrast to 82 admissions during the third year, which represented an increase of 95% compared to the average of admissions/year in pre-pandemic. In addition, in the last year there was evidence of an increase in viral coinfections in relation to pre-pandemic period (54.9% vs 39.7%; p=0.032). There were no differences in length of hospital stay or PICU stay. Conclusions. During the last year, coinciding with low rates of hospitalization for COVID in Spain, we observed a notable increase in admissions to the PICU for SARI. Probably, the prolonged period of low exposure to pathogens due to the measures adopted during the pandemic might have caused a decrease in population immunity with a rise in severe respiratory infections. (AU)

Outcomes of viral coinfections in infants hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The clinical relevance of the detection of multiple respiratory viruses in acute bronchiolitis (AB) has not been established. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of viral coinfections on the progression and severity of AB. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Spain from September 2012 to March 2020. Infants admitted for AB with at least one respiratory virus identified by molecular diagnostic techniques were included. A comparison was made between single-virus infections and viral coinfections. The evolution and severity of AB were determined based on the days of hospitalization and admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). RESULTS: Four hundred forty-five patients were included (58.4% male). The median weight was 5.2 kg (IQR 4.2-6.5), and the median age was 2.5 months (IQR 1.4-4.6). A total of 105 patients (23.6%) were admitted to the PICU. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequent etiological agent (77.1%). A single virus was detected in 270 patients (60.7%), and viral coinfections were detected in 175 (39.3%), of which 126 (28.3%) had two viruses and 49 (11%) had three or more viruses. Hospital length of stay (LOS) increased in proportion to the number of viruses detected, with a median of 6 days (IQR 4-8) for single infections, 7 days (IQR 4-9) for coinfections with two viruses and 8 days (IQR 5-11) for coinfections with ≥ 3 viruses (p = 0.003). The adjusted Cox regression model showed that the detection of ≥ 3 viruses was an independent risk factor for a longer hospital LOS (HR 0.568, 95% CI 0.410-0.785). No significant association was observed between viral coinfections and the need for PICU admission (OR 1.151; 95% CI 0.737-1.797). CONCLUSIONS: Viral coinfections modified the natural history of AB, prolonging the hospital LOS in proportion to the number of viruses detected without increasing the need for admission to the PICU.

SIGNIFICANCE: What is KnownThe main etiological agent of acute bronchiolitis (AB) is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); however, other viruses are frequently detected. All viruses may be the sole etiological cause or may occur in association, and a high prevalence of viral coinfection has been described.To date, there are conflicting results on the role of viral coinfections in the severity of bronchiolitis.What is NewViral coinfections influence the progression of AB. The simultaneous detection of 3 or more respiratory viruses is a risk factor for longer hospital stay.The presence of viral coinfections does not condition a greater need for admission to the PICU.

Characteristics and management of patients with SARS-CoV2 infection admitted to pediatric intensive care units: Data analysis of the Spanish national multicenter registry.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to describe the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) disease characteristics and management in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care units (PICU). METHODS: The present study was based on a national multicentric prospective registry including PICU patients with SARS-CoV2 infection or symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). RESULTS: A total of 298 patients were admitted to 41 different Spanish PICUs. A total of 76% of them were previously healthy. The most frequent manifestation was MIS-C (69.8%). On admission, 59.4% of patients did not have respiratory distress, and only 17.4% needed conventional mechanical ventilation (MV). The need for MV was associated with age (incidence rate ratios [IRR] 1.21, p < .012), pediatric sequential organ failure assessment score (p-SOFA) Score (IRR 1.12, p = .001), and need for transfusion (IRR 4.5, p < .004) in MIS-C patients, and with vasoactive drug use (IRR 2.73, p = .022) and the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (IRR 2.83, p = .018) in patients admitted for other reasons. During the first day of admission, 56% of patients met shock criteria and 50.7% needed vasoactive drugs. In MIS-C patients, their use was associated with higher p-SOFA score (IRR 1.06, p < .001) and with the diagnosis of shock (IRR 5.78, p < .001). In patients without MIS-C, it was associated with higher p-SOFA score (IRR 1.05, p = .022). The mortality rate was 3%, being lower in MIS-C patients compared to patients admitted for other reasons (0.5% vs. 9.4%, p < .001). It was also lower in previously healthy patients compared to patients with previous comorbidities (0.9% vs. 9.7%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Severe SARS-CoV2 infection is uncommon in the pediatric population. In our series, respiratory distress was rare, being MIS-C the most frequent cause of PICU admission related to SARS-CoV2. In most cases, the course of the disease was mild except in children with previous diseases.

Influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la epidemiología de la bronquiolitis aguda / Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of acute bronchiolitis

Introducción: La pandemia COVID-19ha modificado la propagación de ciertos virus respiratorios causantes de bronquiolitis aguda. Analizamos la epidemiología de los ingresos por bronquiolitis durante la pandemia COVID-19 en comparación con ocho temporadas epidémicas anteriores. Métodos: Estudio observacional ambispectivo, que incluyó lactantes con bronquiolitis ingresados en un hospital terciario durante dos períodos: pandemia COVID-19 (15 de marzo de 2020 a 31 de agosto de 2021) y pre-pandemia (1 de septiembre de 2012 a 14 de marzo de 2020). Se recogieron características demográficas, clínicas y etiología. Resultados: Ingresaron 510 pacientes por bronquiolitis: 486 en el período pre-pandemia con una media de 61 ingresos por temporada vs. 24 durante la pandemia, observándose una reducción de ingresos del 60,7%. Durante la pandemia, el brote epidémico se inició con retraso abarcando la primavera-verano de 2021. El virus respiratorio sincitial fue el agente etiológico más frecuente en ambos períodos. Conclusiones: Observamos un cambio estacional de la bronquiolitis durante la pandemia COVID-19, probablemente influenciado por las medidas de control frente a SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the circulation of some viruses associated with acute bronchiolitis. We analyzed the epidemiology of bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 8 previous epidemic seasons. Methods: An observational and ambispective study was performed, including infants admitted with bronchiolitis in a tertiary hospital during 2 periods: COVID-19 pandemic (15th March 2020 to 3rd August 2021) and pre-pandemic (1st September 2012 to 14th March 2020). Demographic, clinical data and etiologies were collected. Results: Five hundred ten patients were hospitalized with bronchiolitis: 486 in the pre-pandemic period with an average of 61 admissions per season vs. 24 during the pandemic, observing a 60.7% reduction in bronchiolitis admissions. During the pandemic, bronchiolitis outbreak was delayed until spring–summer 2021. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent etiological agent in both periods. Conclusion: We observed a change in the seasonality of bronchiolitis during the pandemic COVID-19, possibly influenced by control measures against SARS-CoV-2..(AU)

Prevalencia de Sars-CoV-2 en los profesionales sanitarios de un servicio hospitalario de pediatría / Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals of a hospital pediatric service

La enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), declarada pandemia mundial en marzo de 2020, ha afectado a millones de personas en todo el mundo, siendo los profesionales sanitarios uno de los colectivos más expuestos. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la prevalencia de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en los profesionales sanitarios de un área determinada de un hospital terciario durante la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 en España. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de tipo transversal, mediante la autocumplimentación de una encuesta voluntaria y anónima por parte de los profesionales sanitarios de los servicios de Pediatría y Maternidad del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (HCUV). La encuesta recogió información del período comprendido entre el 10 de marzo y 15 de junio de 2020. Resultado: Participaron en el estudio 177 profesionales de los 231 trabajadores totales en plantilla lo que supuso una participación del 76,6%. Fueron diagnosticadas 37 personas de infección por SARS-CoV-2: 25 personas mediante técnica de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa con Transcriptasa Inversa (RT-PCR) y 12 mediante pruebas serológicas (ELISA). La prevalencia global de infección por SARS-CoV-2 fue de 20,9% y requirieron ingreso hospitalario 3 personas. Conclusión: La prevalencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante la primera ola de la pandemia en el personal sanitario del Servicio de Pediatría y Maternidad del HCUV fue superior a la declarada por la Red de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Castilla y León. Uno de cada 5 profesionales de la salud del presente estudio ha tenido la infección por SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic in March 2020, has affected millions of people worldwide, with healthcare professionals being one of the most exposed groups. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare professionals in a specific area of a tertiary hospital during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Material and methods: A transversal observational study was carried out by means of a voluntary and anonymous self-completion survey by healthcare professionals from the Pediatrics and Maternity services of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (HCUV). The survey collected information from the period between 10 March and 15 June 2020. Results: 177 professionals of the 231 total staff participated in the study, which meant a participation rate of 76.6%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in 25 persons and by serological tests (ELISA) in 12 persons. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 20.9% and 3 persons required hospital admission. Conclusion: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic among healthcare personnel in the Pediatrics and Maternity Department of the HCUV was higher than that reported by the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of Castilla y León. One in 5 healthcare professionals in the present study had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

Microangiopatías trombóticas en niños críticamente enfermos. Registro español MATUCIP / Thrombotic microangiopathies in critically ill children: The MATUCIP registry in Spain

Introducción: Las microangiopatías trombóticas (MAT) son entidades infrecuentes que suelen causar afectación renal, hematológica, neurológica y cardiovascular, con síntomas inespecíficos pero graves. Con la finalidad de mejorar el conocimiento de sus características clínicas, el proceso diagnóstico y el tratamiento en la fase aguda, se ha creado el registro de MAT en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de España (Registro MATUCIP). Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, multicéntrico, realizado en 20 UCIP españolas desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2021 que incluyó niños mayores de 1mes con diagnóstico de MAT y seguimiento hasta el alta de la UCIP. Resultados: Se incluyeron 97 pacientes (51,5% mujeres), con una mediana de edad de 2,6años (RIQ: 1,6-5,7). La clínica inicial fue de tipo gastrointestinal (74,2%), respiratoria (14,4%), cuadro febril (5,2%), neurológica (3,1%) y otras (3,1%). Al ingreso, el 75,3% presentaban anemia hemolítica microangiopática, el 95,9% trombocitopenia y el 94,8% daño renal agudo. Fueron diagnosticados de síndrome hemolítico urémico (SHU) asociado a Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga el 57,7%, SHU por Streptococcus pneumoniae el 14,4%, SHU atípico el 15,6%, MAT secundaria el 10,3% y púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica el 2,1%. Desarrollaron hipertensión arterial el 89,7%, manifestaciones digestivas el 49,5%, respiratorias el 22,7%, neurológicas el 25,8% y cardiacas el 12,4%. El 60,8% requirieron depuración extrarrenal y el 2,1%, plasmaféresis. Recibieron eculizumab 20 pacientes. La mediana de estancia en la UCIP fue de 8,5días (RIQ: 5-16,5). Dos niños fallecieron. (AU)

Introduction: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are rare diseases usually presenting with renal, haematological, neurologic and cardiovascular involvement and nonspecific but severe symptoms. A registry of TMA cases managed in Spanish paediatric intensive care units (the MATUCIP registry) was established with the aim of gaining knowledge on their clinical characteristics, diagnosis and acute-phase treatment. Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective multicentre observational study in 20 paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Spain from January 2017 to December 2021 in children aged more than 1month with TMAs, who were followed up through the discharge from the PICU. Results: The sample included 97 patients (51.5% female) with a median age of 2.6years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.6-5.7). The initial manifestations were gastrointestinal (74.2%), respiratory (14.4%), fever (5.2%), neurologic (3.1%) and other (3.1%). At admission, 75.3% of patients had microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, 95.9% thrombocytopenia and 94.8% acute kidney injury. Of the total sample, 57.7% of patients received a diagnosis of Shiga toxin-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), 14.4% of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated HUS, 15.6% of atypical HUS, 10.3% of secondary TMA and 2.1% of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Eighty-seven patients (89.7%) developed arterial hypertension, and 49.5% gastrointestinal, 22.7% respiratory, 25.8% neurologic and 12.4% cardiac manifestations. Also, 60.8% required renal replacement therapy and 2.1% plasma exchange. Twenty patients received eculizumab. The median PICU stay was 8.5days (IQR: 5-16.5). Two children died. (AU)

Thrombotic microangiopathies in critically ill children: The MATUCIP registry in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are rare diseases usually presenting with renal, haematological, neurologic and cardiovascular involvement and nonspecific but severe symptoms. A registry of TMA cases managed in Spanish paediatric intensive care units (the MATUCIP Registry) was established with the aim of gaining knowledge on their clinical characteristics, diagnosis and acute-phase treatment. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicentre observational study in 20 paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Spain from January 2017 to December 2021 in children aged more than 1 month with TMAs, who were followed up through the discharge from the PICU. RESULTS: The sample included 97 patients (51.5% female) with a median age of 2.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.6-5.7). The initial manifestations were gastrointestinal (74.2%), respiratory (14.4%), fever (5.2%), neurologic (3.1%) and other (3.1%). At admission, 75.3% of patients had microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, 95.9% thrombocytopenia and 94.8% acute kidney injury. Of the total sample, 57.7% of patients received a diagnosis of Shiga toxin-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), 14.4% of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated HUS, 15.6% of atypical HUS, 10.3% of secondary TMA and 2.1% of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Eighty-seven patients (89.7%) developed arterial hypertension, and 49.5% gastrointestinal, 22.7% respiratory, 25.8% neurologic and 12.4% cardiac manifestations. Also, 60.8% required renal replacement therapy and 2.1% plasma exchange. Twenty patients received eculizumab. The median PICU stay was 8.5 days (IQR, 5-16.5). Two children died. CONCLUSIONS: The MATUCIP registry demonstrates the clinical variability of TMA cases requiring admission to the PICU. Knowledge of the presentation and outcomes of TMAs can facilitate early aetiological diagnosis. This registry can help improve our understanding of the clinical spectrum of these diseases, for which there is a dearth of published data.

[Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of acute bronchiolitis]. / Influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la epidemiología de la bronquiolitis aguda.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the circulation of some viruses associated with acute bronchiolitis. We analyzed the epidemiology of bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 8 previous epidemic seasons. Methods: An observational and ambispective study was performed, including infants admitted with bronchiolitis in a tertiary hospital during 2 periods: COVID-19 pandemic (15th March 2020 to 3 rd August 2021) and pre-pandemic (1st September 2012 to 14th March 2020). Demographic, clinical data and etiologies were collected. Results: Five hundred ten patients were hospitalized with bronchiolitis: 486 in the pre-pandemic period with an average of 61 admissions per season vs. 24 during the pandemic, observing a 60.7% reduction in bronchiolitis admissions. During the pandemic, bronchiolitis outbreak was delayed until spring-summer 2021. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent etiological agent in both periods. Conclusion: We observed a change in the seasonality of bronchiolitis during the pandemic COVID-19, possibly influenced by control measures against SARS-CoV-2.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of acute bronchiolitis.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the circulation of some viruses associated with acute bronchiolitis. We analyzed the epidemiology of bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 8 previous epidemic seasons. METHODS: An observational and ambispective study was performed, including infants admitted with bronchiolitis in a tertiary hospital during 2 periods: COVID-19 pandemic (15th March 2020 to 3rd August 2021) and pre-pandemic (1st September 2012 to 14th March 2020). Demographic, clinical data and etiologies were collected. RESULTS: Five hundred ten patients were hospitalized with bronchiolitis: 486 in the pre pandemic period with an average of 61 admissions per season vs 24 during the pandemic, observing a 60.7% reduction in bronchiolitis admissions. During the pandemic, bronchiolitis outbreak was delayed until spring-summer 2021. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent etiological agent in both periods. CONCLUSION: We observed a change in the seasonality of bronchiolitis during the pandemic COVID-19, possibly influenced by control measures against SARS-CoV-2.

Variation in the seasonality of the respiratory syncytial virus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a variation in the circulation of common respiratory viruses. Our objective was to analyse the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with previous epidemic seasons. METHODS: We conducted an observational study involving infants with RSV bronchiolitis admitted to a tertiary hospital during two periods: pandemic COVID-19 (15 March 2020-30 September 2021) and pre-pandemic (1 October 2014-14 March 2020). Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients were admitted for RSV bronchiolitis: 253 in the pre-pandemic period with an average of 42 admissions per season vs 17 in the pandemic. During the pandemic, the RSV outbreak started late in June 2021 with a higher percentage of prematurity and PICU admissions. CONCLUSION: A change in RSV seasonality was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an unusual outbreak in summer 2021 of lower magnitude than previous seasons.

Effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco in the development of acute bronchiolitis in the first two years of life.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental exposure to tobacco increases the risk of respiratory disease in infants. However, the impact of maternal smoking on the development of acute bronchiolitis has hardly been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of acute bronchiolitis and to analyse the effect of prenatal and postnatal maternal smoking on the development of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational study was performed on healthy newborns from a third level hospital born between October 2015 and February 2016. Questionnaires were completed by the mothers at discharge from maternity and followed-up for two years. These collected information about prenatal and postnatal smoking, lifestyle, family and personal history, and the development of bronchiolitis. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 223 newborns were included, of whom 13.9% were exposed to tobacco smoking during gestation, 21.4% in the postnatal period, and 12.4% in both times. The incidence of bronchiolitis was 28.7% at one year of life, and 34.5% at two years. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco is an independent risk factor for the development of bronchiolitis (OR 4.38; 95% CI; 1.63-11.76), while prolonged breastfeeding is a protective factor (OR 0.13; 95% CI; 0.04-0.48). Other factors that were statistically significant were: atopic dermatitis (OR 2.91; 95% CI; 1.26-6.73), and gestational age (OR 1.42; 95% CI; 1.08-1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to prenatal and postnatal maternal smoking have a higher risk of suffering bronchiolitis. Reducing the smoking habit in women that intend to become pregnant must be a priority in preventive medicine.

Efecto de la exposición prenatal y posnatal al tabaco en el desarrollo de bronquiolitis aguda durante los dos primeros años de vida / Effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco in the development of acute bronchiolitis in the first two years of life

Introducción: La exposición ambiental al tabaco incrementa el riesgo de patología respiratoria en la infancia. Sin embargo, el impacto del tabaquismo materno en el desarrollo de bronquiolitis aguda ha sido escasamente evaluado. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la incidencia de bronquiolitis aguda y analizar el efecto del tabaquismo materno prenatal y posnatal en el desarrollo de esta patología. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, que incluyó recién nacidos sanos de un hospital terciario entre octubre de 2015 y febrero de 2016. Se realizaron encuestas a las madres al alta de maternidad y seguimiento durante 2años, que recogieron información sobre tabaquismo prenatal y posnatal, estilo de vida, antecedentes familiares y personales, y desarrollo de bronquiolitis. Se realizó análisis de regresión logística bivariante y multivariante. Resultados: Se incluyeron 223 recién nacidos; el 13,9% estuvieron expuestos a tabaquismo durante la gestación, el 21,4% en período posnatal y el 12,4% en ambos momentos. La incidencia de bronquiolitis fue del 28,7% al año de vida y del 34,5% a los 2años. El análisis multivariante demostró que la exposición prenatal y posnatal al tabaco es un factor de riesgo independiente para el desarrollo de bronquiolitis (OR4,38; IC95%: 1,63-11,76), mientras que la lactancia materna prolongada es un factor protector (OR0,13; IC95%: 0,04-0,48). Otros factores que resultaron estadísticamente significativos fueron: dermatitis atópica (OR2,91; IC95%: 1,26-6,73) y edad gestacional (OR1,42; IC95%: 1,08-1,88). Conclusiones: Los niños expuestos a tabaquismo materno prenatal y posnatal presentan un mayor riesgo de padecer bronquiolitis. La disminución del hábito tabáquico en mujeres con intención de embarazo debe ser una prioridad en medicina preventiva. (AU)

Introduction: Environmental exposure to tobacco increases the risk of respiratory disease in infants. However, the impact of maternal smoking on the development of acute bronchiolitis has hardly been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of acute bronchiolitis and to analyse the effect of prenatal and postnatal maternal smoking on the development of this disease. Patients and methods: A prospective, observational study was performed on healthy newborns from a third level hospital born between October 2015 and February 2016. Questionnaires were completed by the mothers at discharge from maternity and followed-up for 2years. These collected information about prenatal and postnatal smoking, lifestyle, family and personal history, and the development of bronchiolitis. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 223newborns were included, of whom 13.9% were exposed to tobacco smoking during gestation, 21.4% in the postnatal period, and 12.4% in both times. The incidence of bronchiolitis was 28.7% at one year of life, and 34.5% at 2years. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco is an independent risk factor for the development of bronchiolitis (OR4.38; 95%CI: 1.63-11.76), while prolonged breastfeeding is a protective factor (OR0.13; 95%CI: 0.04-0.48). Other factors that were statistically significant were: atopic dermatitis (OR2.91; 95%CI: 1.26-6.73), and gestational age (OR1.42; 95%CI: 1.08-1.88). Conclusions: Children exposed to prenatal and postnatal maternal smoking have a higher risk of suffering bronchiolitis. Reducing the smoking habit in women that intend to become pregnant must be a priority in preventive medicine. (AU)

[High flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis in neonates]. / Oxigenoterapia de alto flujo con cánula nasal en el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis aguda en neonatos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the availability of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy was associated with a decrease in need for mechanical ventilation in neonates hospitalised with acute bronchiolitis. METHODS: A combined retrospective and prospective (ambispective) cohort study was performed in a type II-B Neonatal Unit, including hospitalised neonates with acute bronchiolitis after the introduction of HFNC (HFNC-period; October 2011-April 2015). They were compared with a historical cohort prior to the availability of this technique (pre-HFNC; January 2008-May 2011). The need for mechanical ventilation between the two study groups was analysed. Clinical parameters and technique-related complications were evaluated in neonates treated with HFNC. RESULTS: A total of 112 neonates were included, 56 after the introduction of HFNC and 56 from the period before the introduction of HFNC. None of patients in the HFNC-period required intubation, compared with 3.6% of the patients in the pre-HFNC group. The availability of HFNC resulted in a significant decrease in the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (30.4% vs 10.7%; P=.01), with a relative risk (RR) of .353 (95% CI; .150-.829), an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 19.6% (95% CI; 5.13 - 34.2), yielding a NNT of 5. In the HFNC-period, 22 patients received high flow therapy, and 22.7% (95% CI; 7.8 to 45.4) required non-invasive ventilation. Treatment with HFNC was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate (P=.03), respiratory rate (P=.01), and an improvement in the Wood-Downes Férres score (P=.00). No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of HFNC reduces the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation, allowing a safe and effective medical management of neonates with acute bronchiolitis.