Efficacy of stem cell secretome loaded in hyaluronate sponge for topical treatment of psoriasis.

Psoriasis vulgaris is an inflammatory disease characterized by distinctive skin lesions and dysregulated angiogenesis. Recent research uses stem cell secretion products (CM); a set of bioactive factors with therapeutic properties that regulate several cellular processes, including tissue repair and angiogenesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of CM of Wharton's gelatin MSC (hWJCM) in a treatment based on the bioactivation of a hyaluronic acid matrix (HA hWJCM) in a psoriasiform-like dermatitis (PD) mouse model. A preclinical study was conducted on PD mice. The effect of hWJCM, Clobetasol (Clob) gold standard, HA Ctrl, and HA hWJCM was tested topically evaluating severity of PD, mice weight as well as skin, liver, and spleen appearance. Treatment with either hWJCM, HA Ctrl or HA hWJCM, resulted in significant improvement of the PD phenotype. Moreover, treatment with HA hWJCM reduced the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), aberrant angiogenesis, and discomfort associated with the disease, leading to total recovery of body weight. We suggest that the topical application of HA hWJCM can be an effective noninvasive therapeutic solution for psoriasis, in addition to other skin diseases, laying the groundwork for future studies in human patients.

Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness after 12 Years in Madrid (Spain).

A fully government-funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program started in 2007 in Spain (only 11-14-year-old girls). The first of those vaccinated cohorts, with the quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil), turned 25 years old in 2018, the age at which cervical cancer screening begins in Spain. The current study could provide the first evidence about the effectiveness of the quadrivalent vaccine against HPV in Spain and the influence of age of vaccination. The present ambispective cohort study, which was conducted on 790 women aged 25 and 26 years old, compares the rate of HPV prevalence and cytologic anomaly according to the vaccination status. The overall infection rate was 40.09% (vaccinated group) vs. 40.6% (non-vaccinated group). There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of HPV 6 (0% vs. 1.3%) and 16 (2.4% vs. 6.1%), and in the prevalence of cytological abnormalities linked to HPV16: Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS) (2.04% vs. 14%), Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL) (2.94% vs. 18.7%) and High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) (0% vs. 40%), in the vaccinated group vs. the non-vaccinated group. Only one case of HPV11 and two cases of HPV18 were detected. The vaccine effectively reduces the prevalence of vaccine genotypes and cytological anomalies linked to these genotypes.

Ocular involvement and complications of lichen planus, lichen planus pigmentosus, and lichen planopilaris: A comprehensive review.

Ocular involvement of lichenoid dermatoses, such as lichen planus (LP), lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), and lichen planopilaris (LPL), although uncommon, is associated with skin manifestations. Isolated ocular involvement is very rare. When lesions are confined to the skin, the dermatologist inquires and evaluates for oral and genital symptoms and lesions, respectively; hence, eye manifestations are commonly neglected by the non-ophthalmologist. Ocular involvement in LP, LPP, and LPL may result in significant morbidity. An ophthalmic interrogatory and a gross ophthalmic evaluation performed by the dermatologist may unravel ocular signs and symptoms that require evaluation by an eye specialist. Ocular surface inflammation and scarring, when untreated, results in serious complications such as corneal perforation and permanent vision loss. This review aims to present an up-to-date overview for the dermatologist of the ocular involvement and complications of LP, LPP, and LPL, and when to refer to the ophthalmologist to prevent blinding complications.

Operación cesárea. Una revisión histórica / Caesarean section. A historical review

La operación cesárea que hoy en día realizamos de forma casi rutinaria en la mayoría de centros hospitalarios del mundo es consecuencia de una apasionante búsqueda de mejoras por las generaciones precedentes de obstetras. A lo largo de los años, la cesárea ha experimentado importantes cambios en la técnica quirúrgica, en la frecuencia de su práctica y en sus indicaciones, tanto maternas como fetales. En los siglos XVII, XVIII y XIX implicaba una elevadísima mortalidad materna, por lo que únicamente se realizaba en casos desesperados, con la esperanza del salvar al nasciturus. La introducción de los principios de asepsia-antisepsia por Semmelweis, Koch, Lister y Halsted, la sutura de la herida uterina, la incisión en el segmento uterino inferior y la incisión transversa en el segmento inferior del útero supusieron una importante disminución de la mortalidad materna. En la segunda mitad del siglo XX, el empleo de la antibio-ticoterapia, la transfusión sanguínea, el perfeccionamiento de la anestesia y de los cuidados perioperatorios, así como la modificación ulterior de algunas técnicas quirúrgicas, ha conseguido reducir ampliamente la morbimortalidad asociada a esta intervención. Todos estos cambios han conseguido que la cesárea haya pasado de ser una operación in extremis que condenaba con gran probabilidad a la paciente, a una técnica que en la actualidad es demandada por algunas mujeres como sustitución del parto vaginal.

The cesarean section is an operation routinely performed in the majority of hospitals around the world. The cesarean section came to be as an early generation of obstetricians passionately searched for a way to improve their field. Throughout the years, it has experien-ced numerous changes: the surgical technique, it's frequency, and it's medical indications (both fetal and maternal). During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries it implied a very high maternal mortality rate, which left it as a last resort option with the only hope to save the nasciturus. The introduction of asepsis and antisepsis (Semmelweis, Koch, Lister, and Halsted at the end of the 19th century), the suture of the uterine wall, and the transverse incision in the lower uterine segment drastically reduced maternal mortality. During the second half of the 20th century, the use of antibiotics and blood transfusions, improvements in anesthesia and perioperative care, and the further modifications to the surgical technique considerably reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with the operation. All these changes transformed the cesarean section from a surgical intervention done in extremis, where the mother would probably die, to a technique currently demanded by some women as a substitute to the vaginal delivery.

[Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): Statement from chilean pediatric nephrology committee]. / Monitorización Ambulatoria de Presión Arterial (MAPA): Recomendaciones de la rama de nefrología pediátrica.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a useful clinical tool for the diagnosis and confir mation of arterial hypertension in pediatrics, and also allows the diagnosis of special conditions such as white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. There are international recommendations for its implementation and interpretation, however, there are still unresolved questions. This guide summarizes the available literature and attempts to standardize, through consensus of national specia lists, the application of this technique. More research studies are needed that provide new reference values and determine the relationship of alterations in ABPM with long-term clinical results.

Monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial (MAPA): recomendaciones de la rama de nefrología pediátrica / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): statement from chilean pediatric nephrology committee

Resumen: La monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial (MAPA) es una herramienta clínica útil para el diagnóstico y confirmación de hipertensión arterial en pediatría y permite igualmente el diagnóstico de condiciones especiales como la hipertensión de delantal blanco e hipertensión enmascarada. Exis ten recomendaciones internacionales para su realización e interpretación, sin embargo, aún quedan interrogantes por resolver. En esta guía se resume la bibliografía disponible y se intenta estandarizar, a través de consenso de especialistas nacionales, la aplicación de esta técnica. Se necesitan más estudios de investigación en niños que aporten nuevos valores de referencia y que determinen la relación de alteraciones en MAPA con resultados clínicos a largo plazo.

Abstract: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a useful clinical tool for the diagnosis and confir mation of arterial hypertension in pediatrics, and also allows the diagnosis of special conditions such as white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. There are international recommendations for its implementation and interpretation, however, there are still unresolved questions. This guide summarizes the available literature and attempts to standardize, through consensus of national specia lists, the application of this technique. More research studies are needed that provide new reference values and determine the relationship of alterations in ABPM with long-term clinical results.

[Blood hypertension in children. Guideliness for diagnosis and treatment. Part 2 Pediatric Nephrology Branch, Chilean Pediatric Society]. / Hipertensión arterial en la infancia. Recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Parte 2 Rama de Nefrología Infantil, Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría.

Hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents is an important pathology, of, guarded prognosis, associated with modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The estimated prevalence is around 3.5% which increases progressively with age. The ideal method for its diagnosis is the measurement of blood pressure (BP) with auscultatory instruments. According to the American Academy of Pedia trics (AAP), BP should be measured in children older than three years of age once a year, and in children younger than three years of age if they present risk factors. Once the HTN is confirmed, the evaluation should be directed towards the detection of a causative disease and/or the search for risk factors associated with a primary HTN. The objective of treating primary and secondary HTN in pediatrics is to achieve a BP level that decreases the risk of target organ damage. Therapeutic op tions include treatment according to specific etiology, non-pharmacological and pharmacological one. This paper presents the position of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics Nephrology Branch with the aim of guiding pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists in the correct management of HTN in childhood. In this second part, recommendations on antihypertensive treatment are presented with an emphasis on lifestyle changes.

Hipertensión arterial en la infancia: recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Parte 2 Rama de Nefrología Infantil, Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría / Blood hypertension in children: guideliness for diagnosis and treatment. Part 2 Pediatric Nephrology Branch, Chilean Pediatric Society

Resumen: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) en niños y adolescentes es una importante patología, de reservado pronóstico, asociada a factores modificables y no modificables. La prevalencia estimada es de apro ximadamente un 3,5%, la cual va aumentando progresivamente con la edad. El método ideal para su diagnóstico es la medición de la presión arterial (PA) con instrumentos auscultatorios. De acuerdo a la Academia Americana de Pediatría (AAP) la PA debe ser medida en niños mayores de 3 años una vez al año, y en niños menores de 3 años, si presentan factores de riesgo. Una vez confirmada la HTA, la evaluación debe dirigirse hacia la detección de una enfermedad causal y/o a la búsqueda de factores de riesgo asociados a una HTA primaria. El objetivo del tratamiento de la HTA primaria y secundaria en pediatría es lograr un nivel de PA que disminuya el riesgo de daño de los órganos blanco. Las opciones terapéuticas incluyen: tratamiento según etiología específica, no farmacológico y farmacológico. En esta Guia se presenta la posición de la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chile na de Pediatría con el objetivo de orientar a pediatras y nefrólogos infantiles en correcto manejo de la HTA en la infancia. En esta segunda parte se presentan las recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento antihipertensivo, haciendo énfasis en los cambios de estilo de vida.

Abstract: Hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents is an important pathology, of, guarded prognosis, associated with modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The estimated prevalence is around 3.5% which increases progressively with age. The ideal method for its diagnosis is the measurement of blood pressure (BP) with auscultatory instruments. According to the American Academy of Pedia trics (AAP), BP should be measured in children older than three years of age once a year, and in children younger than three years of age if they present risk factors. Once the HTN is confirmed, the evaluation should be directed towards the detection of a causative disease and/or the search for risk factors associated with a primary HTN. The objective of treating primary and secondary HTN in pediatrics is to achieve a BP level that decreases the risk of target organ damage. Therapeutic op tions include treatment according to specific etiology, non-pharmacological and pharmacological one. This paper presents the position of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics Nephrology Branch with the aim of guiding pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists in the correct management of HTN in childhood. In this second part, recommendations on antihypertensive treatment are presented with an emphasis on lifestyle changes.

[Blood hypertension in childrens. Guideliness for diagnosis and treatment. Part 1. Pediatric Nephrology Branch, Chilean Pediatric Society]. / Hipertensión arterial en la infancia. Recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Parte 1. Rama de Nefrología Infantil, Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría.

Hypertension (HT) in children and adolescents is an important pathology, associated with modi fiable and non-modifiable factors. In the pediatric, the prevalence of HT is around 3.5%, and it in creases progressively with age. The ideal method for diagnosis is the measurement of blood pressure (BP) with auscultatory instruments. As published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), BP should be measured in children over 3 years of age once a year, and in children under 3 years of age, if it presents risk factors. Once HT has been confirmed, the evaluation should be directed towards the detection of a causative disease and the search for risk factors associated with primary HTN. The goal of treating primary and secondary HTN in pediatrics is to achieve a level of BP that decreases the risk of target organ damage. The therapeutic options include: treatment according to specific etiology, non-pharmacological and pharmacological. This document is the product of a collaborative effort of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics with the aim of helping pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in childhood. In this first part, the recommendations of the diagnosis and study are presented.

Hipertensión arterial en la infancia: recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Parte 1. Rama de Nefrología Infantil, Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría / Blood hypertension in childrens: guideliness for diagnosis and treatment. Part 1. Pediatric Nephrology Branch, Chilean Pediatric Society

Resumen: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) en niños y adolescentes es una patología importante, asociada a fac tores modificables y no modificables. En la edad pediátrica, la prevalencia de la HTA es de alrededor de un 3,5%, y va aumentando progresivamente con la edad. El método ideal para su diagnóstico es la medición de la presión arterial (PA) con instrumentos auscultatorios. Según lo publicado por la Academia Americana de Pediatría (AAP) la PA debe ser medida en niños mayores de 3 años una vez al año, y en niños menores de 3 años, si presenta factores de riesgo. Una vez confirmada la HTA, la evaluación debe dirigirse hacia la detección de una enfermedad causal y a la búsqueda de factores de riesgo asociados a una HTA primaria. El objetivo del tratamiento de la HTA primaria y secundaria en pediatría es lograr un nivel de PA que disminuya el riesgo de daño de órgano blanco. Las opcio nes terapéuticas incluyen: tratamiento según etiología específica, no farmacológico y farmacológico. Este documento es producto de un esfuerzo colaborativo de la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría con el objetivo de ayudar a los pediatras y nefrólogos infantiles en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la HTA en la infancia. En esta primera parte, se presentan las recomendaciones del diagnóstico y estudio.

Abstract: Hypertension (HT) in children and adolescents is an important pathology, associated with modi fiable and non-modifiable factors. In the pediatric, the prevalence of HT is around 3.5%, and it in creases progressively with age. The ideal method for diagnosis is the measurement of blood pressure (BP) with auscultatory instruments. As published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), BP should be measured in children over 3 years of age once a year, and in children under 3 years of age, if it presents risk factors. Once HT has been confirmed, the evaluation should be directed towards the detection of a causative disease and the search for risk factors associated with primary HTN. The goal of treating primary and secondary HTN in pediatrics is to achieve a level of BP that decreases the risk of target organ damage. The therapeutic options include: treatment according to specific etiology, non-pharmacological and pharmacological. This document is the product of a collaborative effort of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics with the aim of helping pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in childhood. In this first part, the recommendations of the diagnosis and study are presented.

Función renal en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante alogénico de progenitores hematopoyéticos / Renal function in pediatric patients with allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation

Patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can develop some degree of renal failure. The aim of this descriptive study is to evaluate markers of kidney injury in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 1991 and 2011. Patients and Method: A descriptive study of pediatric patients with allogeneic transplant of hematopoietic precursors between 1991 and 2011. The patients were between 1 month and 18 years of age at the time of the study and had at least 6 months of follow up. Clinical and nutritional history, continuous blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), urine tests, proteinuria, creatinine and renal and bladder ultrasonography imaging were evaluated. Results: During this period 65 patients were transplanted, of which 13 patients were included. 46% (n = 6) showed diverse degrees of renal compromise defined by altered renal parenchymal echogenicity, clinic or masked hypertension and/or microalbuminuria. Conclusion: In this clinical group, almost half of the patients patients had some degree of renal injury in their evolution. We consider essential to assess the renal function in the follow-up of these patients.

Introducción: Los pacientes con trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos pueden evolucionar con algún grado de compromiso renal. El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo fue evaluar marcadores de injuria renal en pacientes pediátricos sometidos a trasplante alogénico de progenitores hematopoyéticos entre 1991 y 2011. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo en pacientes pediátricos con Trasplante alogénico de Precursores Hematopoyéticos entre los años 1991 y 2011 con edad entre 1 mes y 18 años al momento de realizar el estudio y que tuviesen al menos 6 meses de seguimiento. Se evaluaron antecedentes clínicos, nutricionales, presión arterial por monitoreo continuo (MAPA), exámenes de orina, proteinuria, creatininuria y estudio de imágenes por ecotomografía renal y vesical. Resultados: Durante este período se trasplantaron 65 pacientes, de los cuales se incluyeron 13 pacientes. Un 46% (n = 6) presentó compromiso renal de grado variable definido por alteración en la ecogenicidad del parénquima renal, hipertensión arterial clínica o enmascarada y/o microalbuminuria. Conclusión: En la serie clínica estudiada con el 50% de los pacientes presentó algún grado de injuria renal en su evolución. Consideramos importante evaluar función renal en el seguimiento de este grupo de pacientes.

[Higher risk for health care associated infections in hospitalized children with special health needs]. / Mayor riesgo de infecciones asociadas a atención en salud en niños con necesidades especiales hospitalizados.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections (NIs) represent an important public health issue, being associated with high morbidity, mortality and costs. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors of NIs in a cohort of hospitalized pediatric patients, with emphasis in children with special health care needs (CSHCN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied patients hospitalized in Sótero del Río Pediatric Hospital at Santiago-Chile, between September and December, 2009. Relative Risk (RR) was calculated between CSHCN-3 (children attended by three or more health care professionals) versus non CSHCN-3, and between children with medical complexity (CMC) versus non CMC, using log-binomial models. RESULTS: 920 patients were included. Prevalence of NIs was 12.7%. The most frequent diagnoses were gastrointestinal and respiratory viral infections. Both crude and adjusted by confounders (age and sex), CSHCN-3 and CMC presented significantly higher risk of NIs compared to patients without these conditions (RR 2.91 and RR 2.16, respectively). CONCLUSION: CSHCN-3 and CMC represent independent conditions associated to a 2-3 fold risk of NIs.

Mayor riesgo de infecciones asociadas a atención en salud en niños con necesidades especiales hospitalizados / Higher risk for health care associated infections in hospitalized children with special health needs

Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) represent an important public health issue, being associated with high morbidity, mortality and costs. Objectives: To identify risk factors of NIs in a cohort of hospitalized pediatric patients, with emphasis in children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Patients and Methods: We studied patients hospitalized in Sótero del Río Pediatric Hospital at Santiago-Chile, between September and December, 2009. Relative Risk (RR) was calculated between CSHCN-3 (children attended by three or more health care professionals) versus non CSHCN-3, and between children with medical complexity (CMC) versus non CMC, using log-binomial models. Results: 920 patients were included. Prevalence of NIs was 12.7%. The most frequent diagnoses were gastrointestinal and respiratory viral infections. Both crude and adjusted by confounders (age and sex), CSHCN-3 and CMC presented significantly higher risk of NIs compared to patients without these conditions (RR 2.91 and RR 2.16, respectively). Conclusion: CSHCN-3 and CMC represent independent conditions associated to a 2-3 fold risk of NIs.

Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a atención en salud (IAAS) representan un problema frecuente, el cual se asocia a una mayor morbimortalidad y costos. Objetivos: Evaluar factores de riesgo de IAAS en una cohorte de niños hospitalizados, con énfasis en el grupo de niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en salud (NANEAS). Materiales y Métodos: Estudio realizado en el Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago-Chile, entre septiembre y diciembre de 2009. Se calculó riesgo relativo (RR) de IAAS entre pacientes NANEAS-3 (niños controlados por tres o más profesionales de la salud) versus no NANEAS-3, y entre niños con complejidad médica (NCM) versus no NCM, a través de modelos log-binomial. Resultados: Se obtuvo información de 920 pacientes. Un 12,7% presentó IAAS; las más frecuentes fueron infecciones virales gastrointestinales y respiratorias. Tanto en forma cruda como ajustada por variables confundentes (edad y sexo), los pacientes NANEAS-3 y NCM presentaron significativamente mayor riesgo de IAAS versus aquellos que no cumplían estas definiciones (RR 2,91 y RR 2,16, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los pacientes NANEAS-3 y NCM representan condiciones independientes asociadas a un riesgo dos a tres veces mayor de IAAS.

[Renal function in pediatric patients with allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation]. / Función renal en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante alogénico de progenitores hematopoyéticos.

UNLABELLED: Patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can develop some degree of renal failure. The aim of this descriptive study is to evaluate markers of kidney injury in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 1991 and 2011. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A descriptive study of pediatric patients with allogeneic transplant of hematopoietic precursors between 1991 and 2011. The patients were between 1 month and 18 years of age at the time of the study and had at least 6 months of follow up. Clinical and nutritional history, continuous blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), urine tests, proteinuria, creatinine and renal and bladder ultrasonography imaging were evaluated. RESULTS: During this period 65 patients were transplanted, of which 13 patients were included. 46% (n = 6) showed diverse degrees of renal compromise defined by altered renal parenchymal echogenicity, clinic or masked hypertension and/or microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: In this clinical group, almost half of the patients patients had some degree of renal injury in their evolution. We consider essential to assess the renal function in the follow-up of these patients.

[Children with special health care needs: prevalence in a pediatric hospital and associated risks]. / Niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en salud: prevalencia hospitalaria y riesgos asociados.

BACKGROUND: "Children with special health care needs" (CSHCN) is a novel definition for pediatric patients with chronic diseases, adopted by the Chilean Pediatric Society in 2008. As life expectancy in Chile increases, prevalence of CSHCN is progressively growing, leading to higher health costs. AIM: To describe the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of hospitalized CSHCN, and compare the risk assessment of adverse events during hospitalization using two definitions for CSHCN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of hospitalized CSHCN in a Pediatric Center at Santiago, Chile, was followed from September to December 2009. Clinical and demographic data were registered in a database, including admission to intensive care unit (ICU), nosocomial infections and prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days). Incidence ratios for these events were compared between CSHCN and non-CSHCN, and between children attended by three or more health care professionals (CSHCN-3) and non-CSHCN. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty patients were included (54% male), with a median age 14 months (0-221) and median days of hospitalization 4 days (1-229). Prevalence of CSHCN was 60.8% of hospitalized children. When using CSHCN definition and comparing with non-CSHCN, no excess of risk was documented. On the other hand, prevalence of CSHCN-3 was 19.9%. Compared to non-CSHCN, these patients had a higher risk of ICU admission (relative risk (RR) 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.22-2.05; p < 0.01), nosocomial infections (RR 2.28; 95% CI = 1.54-3.39; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (RR 1.99; 95% CI = 1.52-2.60; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: One in five hospitalized children met CSHCN-3 definition. These patients had an increased risk of adverse events during their hospitalization compared to non-CSHCN.

Epidemiologic behavior of obesity in the Maracaibo City metabolic syndrome prevalence study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a worldwide public health issue. Since the epidemiological behaviour of this disease is not well established in our country, the purpose of this study was to determinate its prevalence in the Maracaibo City, Zulia State- Venezuela. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using the data set from the Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study. The sample consists of 2108 individuals from both genders and randomly selected: 1119 (53.09%) women and 989 (46.91%) men. The participants were interrogated for a complete clinical history and anthropometric measurements. To classify obesity, the WHO criteria for Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC) from the IDF/NHLBI/AHA/WHF/IAS/IASO-2009 (IDF-2009) and ATPIII statements were applied. RESULTS: For BMI, obesity had an overall prevalence of 33.3% (n = 701), and according to gender women had 32.4% (n = 363) and men had 34.2% (n = 338). Overweight had a prevalence of 34.8% (n = 733), Normal weight had 29.8% (n = 629), and Underweight had 2.1% (n = 45). Adding Obesity and Overweight results, the prevalence of elevated BMI (>25 Kg/m(2)) was 68.1%. Using the IDF-2009 WC's cut-off, Obesity had 74.2% prevalence, compared to 51.7% using the ATPIII parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a high prevalence of abdominal obesity in our locality defined by the WHO, IDF-2009 and ATPIII criteria, which were not designed for Latin-American populations. We suggest further investigation to estimate the proper values according to ethnicity, genetic background and sociocultural aspects.

Niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en salud: prevalencia hospitalaria y riesgos asociados / Children with special health care needs: prevalence in a pediatric hospital and associated

Background: "Children with special health care needs" (CSHCN) is a novel definition for pediatric patients with chronic diseases, adopted by the Chilean Pediatric Society in 2008. As life expectancy in Chile increases, prevalence of CSHCN is progressively growing, leading to higher health costs. Aim: To describe the epide-miological profile and clinical characteristics of hospitalized CSHCN, and compare the risk assessment of adverse events during hospitalization using two definitions for CSHCN. Patients and Methods: A cohort of hospitalized CSHCN in a Pediatric Center at Santiago, Chile, was followed from September to December 2009. Clinical and demographic data were registered in a database, including admission to intensive care unit (ICU), nosocomial infections and prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days). Incidence ratios for these events were compared between CSHCN and non-CSHCN, and between children attended by three or more health care professionals (CSHCN-3) and non-CSHCN. Results: Nine hundred twenty patients were included (54% male), with a median age 14 months (0-221) and median days of hospitalization 4 days (1-229). Prevalence of CSHCN was 60.8% of hospitalized children. When using CSHCN definition and comparing with non-CSHCN, no excess of risk was documented. On the other hand, prevalence of CSHCN-3 was 19.9%. Compared to non-CSHCN, these patients had a higher risk of ICU admission (relative risk (RR) 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.22-2.05; p < 0.01), nosocomial infections (RR 2.28; 95% CI = 1.54-3.39; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (RR 1.99; 95% CI = 1.52-2.60; p < 0.001). Conclusions: One in five hospitalized children met CSHCN-3 definition. These patients had an increased risk of adverse events during their hospitalization compared to non-CSHCN.