A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organi‐ zation (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97–265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50–120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p<0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97‐265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50‐120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá‐lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 97‐265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50‐120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Corrigendum to a multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Corrigendum a una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Corrigendum a uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. The Pan American Journal of Public Health draws readers’ attention to an error in the following article, pointed out by the authors: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140 In page 4, figure 1 the word Lorem ipsum should be Vancomycin

[RESUMEN]. La Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública llama la atención a los lectores sobre un error en el siguiente artículo, señalado por los autores: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140

[RESUMO]. A Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública chama a atenção dos leitores para um erro no artigo a seguir, apontado pelos autores: Mendieta A, Rios Lopez L, Vargas Arteaga M, Maradiegue E, Delgadillo Arone W, Rueda Bazalar C, et al. A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e140. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.140

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru.

Objective: The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods: The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results: Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America.

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe.En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales.Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación.El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC.Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinhados com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais.Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação.O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colaboradores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

Mapping SARS-CoV-2 antigenic relationships and serological responses.

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, multiple variants escaping preexisting immunity emerged, causing reinfections of previously exposed individuals. Here, we used antigenic cartography to analyze patterns of cross-reactivity among 21 variants and 15 groups of human sera obtained after primary infection with 10 different variants or after messenger RNA (mRNA)-1273 or mRNA-1273.351 vaccination. We found antigenic differences among pre-Omicron variants caused by substitutions at spike-protein positions 417, 452, 484, and 501. Quantifying changes in response breadth over time and with additional vaccine doses, our results show the largest increase between 4 weeks and >3 months after a second dose. We found changes in immunodominance of different spike regions, depending on the variant an individual was first exposed to, with implications for variant risk assessment and vaccine-strain selection.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America / Colaborar para tener éxito: la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil en América Latina / Colaboração para o sucesso: a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil na América Latina

[ABSTRACT]. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to deter- mine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

[RESUMEN]. La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe. En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales. Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación. El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

[RESUMO]. A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC. Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinha- dos com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais. Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação. O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colabora- dores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organi‐ zation (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient out‐ comes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were com‐ pared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97–265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50–120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p<0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients. This article has been corrected https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia mul‐ timodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97‐265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50‐120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes. Este artículo ha sido corregido por https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto‐socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá‐lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (inter‐ valo interquartil: 97‐265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50‐120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes. Este artigo foi corrigido https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.163

Outcomes of Care-bundle Implementation for Children With Cancer and Suspected Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Oncology Unit in a Resource-limited Setting.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of mortality among pediatric oncology patients in resource-limited settings. Effective, innovative strategies are needed to improve care and survival. In a pediatric oncology unit in Mexico, we retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for mortality related to BSI and the results of using a care-bundle intervention. The care-bundle consisted of a swift clinical evaluation, initial fluid-resuscitation support, obtaining blood cultures, and administration of effective empirical antibiotic therapy for suspected BSI. The outcomes of patients who received the care-bundle during a 12-month period were compared with those of patients treated with standard care during the 12 months preceding its implementation. The primary outcomes were BSI diagnosis, choice of antibiotics, and mortality. Of the 261 suspected BSIs treated with standard care, 33 (12.6%) infections were confirmed, and of the 308 treated with the care-bundle, 67 (21.7%) BSIs were confirmed. Thus, after implementation of the care-bundle, significantly more BSIs were diagnosed ( P =0.004), and BSI-related mortality was significantly reduced by 22.2% ( P = 0.035). Surgical resection and mechanical ventilation support were independently associated with BSI-related mortality, and receiving effective initial empirical antibiotic therapy was protective against mortality (odds ratio, 0.013; 95% CI: 0.002-0.105; P =0.001), which comprising cefepime plus amikacin or meropenem in 44 (80.0%) of the cases alive. Consistent use of a care-bundle with initial fluid resuscitation, obtaining a blood culture, and administering effective antibiotics to children with cancer and suspected BSI can decrease mortality.

The Experience of Testing for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at a Single Diagnostic Center in Paraguay before the Introduction of Vaccination.

Soon after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute for Health Sciences Research (IICS) of the National University of Asunción, Paraguay became a testing laboratory (COVID-Lab) for SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-Lab testing performance was assessed from 1 April 2020 to 12 May 2021. The effect of the pandemic on the IICS and how the COVID-Lab contributed to the academic and research activities of the institute were also assessed. IICS researchers and staff adjusted their work schedules to support the COVID-Lab. Of the 13,082 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs processed, 2704 (20.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Of the individuals testing positive, 55.4% were female and 48.3% were aged 21-40 years. Challenges faced by the COVID-Lab were unstable reagent access and insufficient staff; shifting obligations regarding research, academic instruction, and grantsmanship; and the continuous demands from the public for information on COVID-19. The IICS provided essential testing and reported on the progress of the pandemic. IICS researchers gained better laboratory equipment and expertise in molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing but struggled to manage their conflicting educational and additional research obligations during the pandemic, which affected their productivity. Therefore, policies protecting the time and resources of the faculty and staff engaged in pandemic-related work or research are necessary components of healthcare emergency preparedness.

Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 126 children and adolescents with central nervous system tumors.

BACKGROUND: The Global Registry of COVID-19 in Childhood Cancer (GRCCC) seeks to describe the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 in children with cancer across the world. Here, we report the disease course and management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in the subset of children and adolescents with central nervous system (CNS) tumors who were included in the GRCCC until February 2021, the first data freeze. PROCEDURE: The GRCCC is a deidentified web-based registry of patients less than 19 years of age with cancer or recipients of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Demographic data, cancer diagnosis, cancer-directed therapy, and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected. Outcomes were collected at 30 and 60 days post infection. RESULTS: The GRCCC included 1500 cases from 45 countries, including 126 children with CNS tumors (8.4%). Sixty percent of the cases were from middle-income countries, while no cases were reported from low-income countries. Low-grade gliomas, high-grade gliomas, and CNS embryonal tumors were the most common CNS cancer diagnoses (67%, 84/126). Follow-up at 30 days was available for 107 (85%) patients. Based on the composite measure of severity, 53.3% (57/107) of reported SARS-CoV-2 infections were asymptomatic, 39.3% (42/107) were mild/moderate, and 6.5% (7/107) were severe or critical. One patient died from SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was a significant association between infection severity and absolute neutrophil count less than 500 (p = .04). Of 107 patients with follow-up available, 40 patients (37.4%) were not receiving cancer-directed therapy. Thirty-four patients (50.7%) had a modification to their treatment due to withholding of chemotherapy or delays in radiotherapy or surgery. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with CNS tumors and COVID-19, the frequency of severe infection appears to be low, although severe disease and death do occur. We found that greater severity was seen in patients with severe neutropenia, although treatment modifications were not associated with infection severity or cytopenias. Additional analyses are needed to further describe this unique group of patients.

Mapping SARS-CoV-2 antigenic relationships and serological responses.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, multiple variants escaping pre-existing immunity emerged, causing concerns about continued protection. Here, we use antigenic cartography to analyze patterns of cross-reactivity among a panel of 21 variants and 15 groups of human sera obtained following primary infection with 10 different variants or after mRNA-1273 or mRNA-1273.351 vaccination. We find antigenic differences among pre-Omicron variants caused by substitutions at spike protein positions 417, 452, 484, and 501. Quantifying changes in response breadth over time and with additional vaccine doses, our results show the largest increase between 4 weeks and >3 months post-2nd dose. We find changes in immunodominance of different spike regions depending on the variant an individual was first exposed to, with implications for variant risk assessment and vaccine strain selection.

Global caregiver concerns of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children with cancer: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study.

The objective of this study was to understand global caregiver concerns about SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for children with cancer and to provide healthcare providers with guidance to support parental decision-making. A co-designed cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was distributed to primary caregivers of children with cancer globally between April and May 2021 via several media. Caregivers were asked to rate the importance of vaccine-related questions and the median scores were ranked. Principal Component Analysis was conducted to identify underlying dimensions of caregiver concerns by World Bank income groups. Content analysis of free-text responses was conducted and triangulated with the quantitative findings. 627 caregivers from 22 countries responded to the survey with 5.3% (n = 67) responses from low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). 184 caregivers (29%) provided free-text responses. Side effects and vaccine safety were caregivers' primary concerns in all countries. Questions related to logistics were of concern for caregivers in LMIC. A small minority of caregivers (n = 17) did not consider the survey questions important; free-text analysis identified these parents as vaccine hesitant, some of them quoting safety and side effects as main reasons for hesitancy. Healthcare providers and other community organizations globally need to provide tailored information about vaccine safety and effectiveness in pediatric oncology settings. Importantly, continued efforts are imperative to reduce global inequities in logistical access to vaccines, particularly in LMIC.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

ABSTRACT Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97-265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50-120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto-socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá-lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 97-265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50-120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America / Colaborar para tener éxito: la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil en América Latina / Colaboração para o sucesso: a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil na América Latina

ABSTRACT The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

RESUMEN La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe. En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales. Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación. El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

RESUMO A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC. Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinhados com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais. Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação. O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colaboradores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

High morbidity and mortality associated with primary bloodstream infections among pediatric patients with cancer at a Guatemalan tertiary referral hospital.

Infectious complications remain major contributors to adverse outcomes in patients treated for non-communicable disease, particularly in resource limited settings. We performed a 5-year retrospective study of primary bloodstream infections at a dedicated pediatric oncology center in Guatemala. Two hundred and twelve episodes occurring in 194 unique patients qualified for inclusion. Patients required intensive care unit admission in 55% of episodes and death occurred in 24% of episodes. Despite subspecialty support in infectious diseases, poor outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and mortality, were frequent. Our findings suggest that investments in laboratory and clinical data collection are critical to understanding the contributors to poor outcomes and therefore to improving the quality of bloodstream infection management in resource limited settings.

The PRINCIPAL Network: A Model to Optimize Infection Care and Prevention in Pediatric Oncology in the Latin American Region.

PURPOSE: Children with cancer are at high risk for poor outcomes, and health care providers are often unfamiliar with best practices in infection care and prevention (IC&P) in this small and fragile population. Graduates of training courses in IC&P in immunocompromised hosts identified a need for a community that would enable members to share health care experiences, provide resources for continuing medical education, and foster collaborative research and quality improvement opportunities. We developed a Latin American network, Prevencionistas e Infectólogos para Cáncer Pediátrico en América Latina, to grow and sustain the expertise of the clinical workforce in IC&P. Here, we describe the network, how we built it, and its early outcomes. METHODS: We began by codesigning the mission, vision, objectives, and values. We then established the structure for leadership and network management to provide a functional uniformity and sustainability. Virtual meetings with network members and strategic in-person gatherings optimized the use of the time and resources of the network. RESULTS: The network has seen good participation by members and candidates for membership, who have provided feedback on case-based learning. Members have attended training sessions on quality improvement, research in human subjects, and IC&P in pediatric oncology at national and regional meetings and workshops. Network members have presented their work at regional and global meetings, and publications are beginning to emerge from this community. A direct effect of the Prevencionistas e Infectólogos para Cáncer Pediátrico en América Latina network has been the creation of a similar network for the Asia Pacific region, and a third network is being planned. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the power of a discipline-specific network structure to facilitate sharing of evidence-based information that enhances the quality-of-care delivery in pediatric oncology.

Answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines in children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2020 evolved into a global pandemic, and COVID-19 vaccines became rapidly available, including for pediatric patients. However, questions emerged that challenged vaccine acceptance and use. We aimed to answer these questions and give recommendations applicable for use in pediatric patients with cancer by healthcare professionals and the public. METHODS: A 12-member global COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Oncology Working Group made up of physicians and nurses from all world regions met weekly from March to July 2021. We used a modified Delphi method to select the top questions. The Working Group, in four-member subgroups, answered assigned questions by providing brief recommendations, followed by a discussion of the rationale for each answer. All Working Group members voted on each recommendation using a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being complete agreement. A "pass" recommendation corresponded to an agreement ≥7.5. RESULTS: We selected 15 questions from 173 suggested questions. Based on existing published information, we generated answers for each question as recommendations. The overall average agreement for the 24 recommendations was 9.5 (95% CI 9.4-9.6). CONCLUSION: Top COVID-19 vaccine-related questions could be answered using available information. Reports on COVID-19 vaccination and related topics have been published at record speed, aided by available technology and the priority imposed by the pandemic; however, all efforts were made to incorporate emerging information throughout our project. Recommendations will be periodically updated on a dedicated website.

An exploration of the political, social, economic and cultural factors affecting how different global regions initially reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responses to the early (February-July 2020) COVID-19 pandemic varied widely, globally. Reasons for this are multiple but likely relate to the healthcare and financial resources then available, and the degree of trust in, and economic support provided by, national governments. Cultural factors also affected how different populations reacted to the various pandemic restrictions, like masking, social distancing and self-isolation or self-quarantine. The degree of compliance with these measures depended on how much individuals valued their needs and liberties over those of their society. Thus, several themes may be relevant when comparing pandemic responses across different regions. East and Southeast Asian populations tended to be more collectivist and self-sacrificing, responding quickly to early signs of the pandemic and readily complied with most restrictions to control its spread. Australasian, Eastern European, Scandinavian, some Middle Eastern, African and South American countries also responded promptly by imposing restrictions of varying severity, due to concerns for their wider society, including for some, the fragility of their healthcare systems. Western European and North American countries, with well-resourced healthcare systems, initially reacted more slowly, partly in an effort to maintain their economies but also to delay imposing pandemic restrictions that limited the personal freedoms of their citizens.

Global characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents with cancer (GRCCC): a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that children and adolescents with COVID-19 generally have mild disease. Children and adolescents with cancer, however, can have severe disease when infected with respiratory viruses. In this study, we aimed to understand the clinical course and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents with cancer. METHODS: We did a cohort study with data from 131 institutions in 45 countries. We created the Global Registry of COVID-19 in Childhood Cancer to capture de-identified data pertaining to laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents (<19 years) with cancer or having received a haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. There were no centre-specific exclusion criteria. The registry was disseminated through professional networks through email and conferences and health-care providers were invited to submit all qualifying cases. Data for demographics, oncological diagnosis, clinical course, and cancer therapy details were collected. Primary outcomes were disease severity and modification to cancer-directed therapy. The registry remains open to data collection. FINDINGS: Of 1520 submitted episodes, 1500 patients were included in the study between April 15, 2020, and Feb 1, 2021. 1319 patients had complete 30-day follow-up. 259 (19·9%) of 1301 patients had a severe or critical infection, and 50 (3·8%) of 1319 died with the cause attributed to COVID-19 infection. Modifications to cancer-directed therapy occurred in 609 (55·8%) of 1092 patients receiving active oncological treatment. Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with severe or critical illness, including World Bank low-income or lower-middle-income (odds ratio [OR] 5·8 [95% CI 3·8-8·8]; p<0·0001) and upper-middle-income (1·6 [1·2-2·2]; p=0·0024) country status; age 15-18 years (1·6 [1·1-2·2]; p=0·013); absolute lymphocyte count of 300 or less cells per mm3 (2·5 [1·8-3·4]; p<0·0001), absolute neutrophil count of 500 or less cells per mm3 (1·8 [1·3-2·4]; p=0·0001), and intensive treatment (1·8 [1·3-2·3]; p=0·0005). Factors associated with treatment modification included upper-middle-income country status (OR 0·5 [95% CI 0·3-0·7]; p=0·0004), primary diagnosis of other haematological malignancies (0·5 [0·3-0·8]; p=0·0088), the presence of one of more COVID-19 symptoms at the time of presentation (1·8 [1·3-2·4]; p=0·0002), and the presence of one or more comorbidities (1·6 [1·1-2·3]; p=0·020). INTERPRETATION: In this global cohort of children and adolescents with cancer and COVID-19, severe and critical illness occurred in one fifth of patients and deaths occurred in a higher proportion than is reported in the literature in the general paediatric population. Additionally, we found that variables associated with treatment modification were not the same as those associated with greater disease severity. These data could inform clinical practice guidelines and raise awareness globally that children and adolescents with cancer are at high-risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness. FUNDING: American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and the National Cancer Institute.