Evaluating Screening to Assess Endorsement of Food Insecurity in the Inpatient Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Rates of food insecurity (FI) from screening in the inpatient setting is often not reflective of community prevalence, indicating that screening likely misses families with FI. We aimed to determine the combination of FI screening questions and methods that would result in identifying a percentage of FI families that matched or exceeded our area prevalence (approximately 20%). METHODS: Research staff approached eligible English- and Spanish-speaking families across 4 inpatient units once weekly and screened for FI using a randomly selected method (face-to-face, phone, paper, and tablet). We asked questions from the 6-Item USDA Survey, Hunger Vital Sign screener, and questions utilized by our social workers. RESULTS: We screened 361 families; 19.4% (N = 70) endorsed FI. Differences in rates were not significant by method. Differences in FI rates based on screening questions were: 17.7% for the 6-item USDA survey, 16.0% for Hunger Vital Sign, and 3.1% for the social work questions. When considering method and screening questions together, the 6-Item USDA on paper had the highest positivity rate of 20.9%. A higher percentage of Spanish-speaking families endorsed FI (61.1%) compared to 17.2% of English-speaking families (P < .01). Positivity also varied significantly by self-identified race (P < .01). Caregivers that identified as Hispanic or Latino were significantly more likely to endorse FI than those that did not (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rate for FI while screening inpatient families using the 6-Item screening questions on paper matched our community prevalence of FI (approximately 20%).

Multifocal Insulinoma as the Unique Presenting Feature of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 in an Adolescent.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder defined by the presence of two of the following endocrinopathies: primary hyperparathyroidism, anterior pituitary tumors, and duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). NETs, which can secrete hormones including insulin, gastrin, and glucagon, among others, are common in patients with MEN1 and are a major cause of morbidity and premature death. NETs are more common later in life, with very few cases described in children. Here, we describe a unique case of an adolescent with multifocal pancreatic NETs as the single presenting feature of MEN1. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old healthy male presented with severe weakness, altered mental status, and syncope in the setting of a venous blood glucose (BG) of 36 mg/dL. Workup showed an elevated insulin level (14 µIU/mL) when BG was 39 mg/dL with positive response to glucagon, concerning for hyperinsulinism. Diazoxide and chlorothiazide were started but not well tolerated secondary to emesis. Three suspected NETs were identified by magnetic resonance imaging and 68-Ga DOTATATE PET-CT imaging, including the largest, a 2.1 cm mass in the pancreatic head. A fourth mass in the pancreatic tail was identified via intraoperative ultrasound. All lesions were successfully enucleated and excised, and glucose levels normalized off diazoxide by post-op day 2. While the primary lesion stained for insulin and somatostatin by immunofluorescence (IF), consistent with his clinical presentation, the additional tumors expressed glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, and chromogranin A but were negative for insulin. Genetic testing confirmed a pathogenic heterozygous mutation in MEN1 (c.969C>A, p.Tyr323). He had no other signs of MEN-associated comorbidities on screening. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that young patients with MEN1 can present with multifocal NETs. These NETs may have polyhormonal expression patterns despite a clinical presentation consistent with one primary hormone. Our patient had clinical symptoms and laboratory evaluation consistent with an insulinoma but was found to have four NETs, each with different IF staining patterns. Advanced preoperative and intraoperative imaging is important to identify and treat all present NETs. Moreover, serum hormone levels pre- and posttreatment could help evaluate whether NETs are actively secreting hormones into the bloodstream or simply expressing them within the pancreas. Finally, this case highlights the importance of genetic testing for MEN1 in all young patients with insulinomas.

Síndrome nefrótico idiopático: recomendaciones de la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Parte 2 / Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: recommendations of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics. Part two

El síndrome nefrótico idiopático es la glomerulopatía más frecuente en la infancia, afecta a 1-3/100 mil niños menores de 16 años y se presenta con más frecuencia entre los 2 y 10 años. Su causa es desconocida, y la mayoría de las veces responde a corticoides, con buen pronóstico a largo plazo. El síndrome nefrótico corticorresistente representa un 10-20% de los síndromes nefróticos idiopáticos en pediatría. Tiene mal pronóstico, y su manejo constituye un desafío terapéutico significativo. La mitad de los pacientes evoluciona a insuficiencia renal crónica terminal en un plazo de 5 años, estando expuestos además a las complicaciones secundarias a un síndrome nefrótico persistente y a efectos adversos de la terapia inmunosupresora. El objetivo fundamental del tratamiento es conseguir una remisión completa, pero una remisión parcial se asocia a una mejor sobrevida renal que la falta de respuesta. Este documento surgió 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 tratamiento del síndrome nefrótico idiopático en pediatría. En esta segunda parte, se discute el manejo del síndrome nefrótico corticorresistente, así como de las terapias no específicas.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in childhood, affecting 1 to 3 per 100,000 children under the age of 16. It most commonly occurs in ages between 2 and 10. Its cause is unknown, and its histology corresponds to minimal change disease in 90% of cases, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome represents 10-20% of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in pediatrics. It has a poor prognosis, and its management is a significant therapeutic challenge. Half of patients evolve to end-stage renal disease within 5 years, and are additionally exposed to complications secondary to persistent NS and to the adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy. The primary goal of treatment is to achieve complete remission, but even a partial remission is associated with a better renal survival than the lack of response. This paper is the result of the collaborative effort of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics with aims at helping pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists to treat pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. In this second part, handling of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome as well as nonspecific therapies are discussed.

[Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: recommendations of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics. Part One]. / Síndrome nefrótico idiopático: recomendaciones de la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Parte 1.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in childhood, affecting 1 to 3 per 100,000 children under the age of 16. It most commonly occurs in ages between 2 and 10. Its cause is unknown and its histology corresponds to minimal change disease in 90% of cases, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. 80 to 90% of cases respond to steroids (steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome) with good prognosis and long-term preservation of renal function over time. 70% of patients with SSNS have one or more relapses in their evolution, and of these, 50% behave as frequent relapsing or steroid-dependent, a group that concentrate the risk of steroid toxicity. Patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome have a poor prognosis and 50% of them evolve to end-stage renal disease. The goal of therapy is to induce and maintain remission of the disease, reducing the risk secondary to proteinuria while minimizing the adverse effects of treatments, especially with prolonged use of corticosteroids. This paper is the result of the collaborative effort of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics with aims at helping pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists to treat pediatric SNI. In this first part, recommendations of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome are discussed.

[Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: recommendations of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics. Part two]. / Síndrome nefrótico idiopático: recomendaciones de la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Parte 2.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in childhood, affecting 1 to 3 per 100,000 children under the age of 16. It most commonly occurs in ages between 2 and 10. Its cause is unknown, and its histology corresponds to minimal change disease in 90% of cases, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome represents 10-20% of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in pediatrics. It has a poor prognosis, and its management is a significant therapeutic challenge. Half of patients evolve to end-stage renal disease within 5 years, and are additionally exposed to complications secondary to persistent NS and to the adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy. The primary goal of treatment is to achieve complete remission, but even a partial remission is associated with a better renal survival than the lack of response. This paper is the result of the collaborative effort of the Nephrology Branch of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics with aims at helping pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists to treat pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. In this second part, handling of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome as well as nonspecific therapies are discussed.

[Etiologic and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the first episode of febrile urinary tract infection]. / Perfil etiológico y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana del primer episodio de infección urinaria febril.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection in childhood; its diagnosis involves performing a urine culture. AIM: To describe the etiology and bacterial susceptibility of the first episode of UTI in children presenting with fever to the emergency room. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and five children (2 months -5 years old) seen at the Hospital Dr. Sotero del Rio in Santiago, between November 2009 and November 2010 were evaluated. A urine specimen was obtained by transurethral catheterization. Urine was cultured and microorganisms were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: 76.2% (80) of patients were women and 80% (84) were under 18 months. Urine sediment was abnormal in 82.5%. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli (96.1%) showing high susceptibility to aminoglycosides (near 100%), third generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin; and low susceptibility to cephalothin (69%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (66%). We found one ESBL-producing strain. CONCLUSION: The most common uropathogen was E. coli with good in vitro susceptibility to aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins, which are the recommended initial empirical therapy. E. coli ESBL-producing strains appear as emerging pathogens in community acquired UTIs in children.

Perfil etiológico y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana del primer episodio de infección urinaria febril / Etiologic and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the first episode of febrile urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection in childhood; its diagnosis involves performing a urine culture. Aim: To describe the etiology and bacterial susceptibility of the first episode of UTI in children presenting with fever to the emergency room. Patients and Methods : One hundred and five children (2 months -5 years old) seen at the Hospital Dr. Sotero del Rio in Santiago, between November 2009 and November 2010 were evaluated. A urine specimen was obtained by transurethral catheterization. Urine was cultured and microorganisms were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: 76.2% (80) of patients were women and 80% (84) were under 18 months. Urine sediment was abnormal in 82.5%. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli (96.1%) showing high susceptibility to aminoglycosides (near 100%), third generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin; and low susceptibility to cephalothin (69%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (66%). We found one ESBL-producing strain. Conclusion: The most common uropathogen was E. coli with good in vitro susceptibility to aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins, which are the recommended initial empirical therapy. E. coli ESBL-producing strains appear as emerging pathogens in community acquired UTIs in children.

La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) es muy frecuente en la niñez y su diagnóstico implica la realización de urocultivo. Objetivo: Describir la etiología y susceptibilidad bacteriana del primer episodio de ITU en niños que consultaron por fiebre en una unidad de emergencia. PacientesyMétodos: Se evaluaron 105 niños (2 meses -5 años) consultantes en la Unidad de Emergencia Infantil del Hospital Sótero del Río del área sur-oriente de Santiago entre noviembre de 2009 y noviembre de 2010, con muestra de orina tomada por cateterismo trans-uretral para sedimento de orina, urocultivo y antibiograma. Resultados: El 76,2% (80) de los pacientes fueron mujeres y 80% (84) tenía menos de 18 meses. El sedimento de orina resultó alterado en 82,5%. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia fue Escherichia coli (96,1%) que mostró buena susceptibilidad in vitro (cercana a 100%) para aminoglucósidos, cefalosporinas de tercera generación, quinolonas y nitrofurantoína, y baja susceptibilidad para cefalotina (69%) y cotrimoxazol (66%). Una cepa era productora de β-lactamasa de expectro extendido (bLEE). Conclusión: El uropatógeno más frecuente fue E. coli que demostró buena susceptibilidad in vitro a aminoglucósidos y cefalosporinas de tercera generación, antimicrobianos parenterales recomendados como tratamiento empírico inicial para este grupo de pacientes. Las cepas de E. coli productoras de bLEE aparecen como patógenos emergentes en las ITUs adquiridas por niños en la comunidad.

Segmental vitiligo associated with generalized vitiligo (mixed vitiligo): a retrospective case series of 19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Mixed vitiligo (MV), the association of segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo, has been rarely reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical spectrum of MV through a case series of patients with typical SV associated with patchy bilateral vitiligo. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional evaluation in the setting of a prospective observational study conducted in the vitiligo clinic of the department of dermatology in Bordeaux, France. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with MV were identified. Four were male and 15 were female. Most patients had an onset of SV before the age of 18 years (18 of 19). In all patients, SV preceded nonsegmental vitiligo with a delay ranging from 6 months to more than 24 months. LIMITATIONS: This study was cross-sectional and based on a single-center experience. CONCLUSION: MV is not yet part of a conventional classification. However, this entity may have been neglected until now and should be included in the classification of vitiligo in addition to SV and nonsegmental vitiligo. Moreover, MV may be essential to the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo as a primary skin disorder.

The role of brief motivational intervention on self-efficacy and abstinence in a cohort of patients with alcohol dependence.

OBJECTIVES: Brief interventions are effective in reducing heavy drinking in the general population but few studies examined whether it is also effective in alcohol dependent patients, and whether brief intervention increases self-efficacy. METHOD: One hundred and seven patients with alcohol-dependence were randomized in a controlled trial examining the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention on both self-efficacy level and days of abstinence. RESULTS: We found that brief motivational interventions had no effect on days of abstinence, nor on self-efficacy, but that high self-efficacy was consistently correlated with a longer period of abstinence, at all assessment-points. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy appears to be a crucial prognosis factor, and is not influenced by brief motivational interventions. Other types of specific psychotherapy, probably more intensive, may be more efficient in alcohol-dependent patients than motivational interventions.

[Diabetic autonomic neuropathy diagnosed in primary care in patients with type 2 diabetes]. / Neuropatía autonómica diabética diagnosticada mediante un test cardiovascular en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes using a cardiovascular test. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary care clinics in Fronteras de Torrejón de Ardoz Health Centre, Area 3, Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 361 diabetics assigned to 3 participating patient quotas, 317 patients had type 2 diabetes. Of those, 104 were excluded due to being immobile, cardiac arrhythmia, and/or on treatment with chronotropic drugs. Of the 213 patients included, 169 had the test and 44 were lost. INTERVENTIONS: Performing of the orthostatic response test. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, years since diagnosed with diabetes (measured by patient anamnesis), treatment (hygiene-diet measures, oral antidiabetics, insulin) were recorded, along with the R-R'30:15 ratio (classified as normal: 31.04, borderline: 1.01 to 1.03, and pathological: pound1.00). RESULTS: The prevalence of DAN using the orthostatic response test was 56.2% (95 patients with a pathological R-R'30:15 index) out of a total of 169 patients with type 2 diabetes. The definitive diagnosis of DAN found in the clinical histories reviewed was 1.8%. CONCLUSIONS: DAN goes unnoticed in our evaluation of the patient with diabetes. The improvement in diagnosing this complication and incorporating cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction tests in primary care follow-up protocols, would enable closer metabolic control and improve the prognosis of the disease.

Neuropatía autonómica diabética diagnosticada mediante un test cardiovascular en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 / Diabetic autonomic neuropathy diagnosed in primary care in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia deneuropatía autonómica diabética enpacientes con diabetes tipo 2 mediantela realización de un test cardiovascular.Diseño. Estudio observacional, descriptivoy transversal.Emplazamiento. Consultas de atenciónprimaria del Centro de Salud Fronteras deTorrejón de Ardoz, Área 3 de Madrid.Participantes. Se incluyeron 317 pacientescon diabetes tipo 2 de los 361 diabéticosasignados a los 3 cupos asistencialesparticipantes. Se excluyeron 104 pacientespor inmovilización, arritmias cardíacas y/otratamiento con fármacos cronotrópicos. Delos 213 pacientes incluidos, 169 realizaronla prueba y 44 se perdieron para suseguimiento.Intervenciones. Realización del testde respuesta al ortostatismo.Mediciones principales. Se recogieron edad,sexo, años de evolución desde el diagnósticode la diabetes (medidos por anamnesis delpaciente), tratamiento (medidas higiénicodietéticas,antidiabéticos orales, insulina),cociente R-R’30:15 (clasificado comonormal: ≥ 1,04, límite: 1,01 a 1,03y patológico: ≤ 1).Resultados. La prevalencia de neuropatíaautonómica diabética obtenida medianteel test de respuesta al ortostatismo fue del56,2% (95 pacientes con cociente R-R’30:15patológico) sobre un total de 169 pacientescon diabetes tipo 2. El diagnóstico explícitode neuropatía autonómica diabéticaencontrado en las historias clínicas revisadasfue del 1,8%.Conclusiones. La neuropatía autonómicadiabética pasa inadvertida en nuestravaloración del paciente con diabetes.La mejora en el diagnóstico de estacomplicación, incorporando pruebas dedisfunción autonómica cardiovascular enlos protocolos de seguimiento en atenciónprimaria, permitiría intensificar el controlmetabólico y mejorar el pronóstico de laenfermedad

Objective. To determine the prevalence ofdiabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN)in patients with type 2 diabetes usinga cardiovascular test.Design. Observational, descriptive, crosssectionalstudy.Setting. Primary care clinics in Fronteras deTorrejón de Ardoz Health Centre, Area 3,Madrid, Spain.Participants. Of the 361 diabetics assignedto 3 participating patient quotas,317 patients had type 2 diabetes. Of those,104 were excluded due to being immobile,cardiac arrhythmia, and/or on treatmentwith chronotropic drugs. Of the 213 patientsincluded, 169 had the test and 44 were lost.Interventions. Performing of the orthostaticresponse test.Main measurements. Age, sex, years sincediagnosed with diabetes (measured bypatient anamnesis), treatment (hygiene-dietmeasures, oral antidiabetics, insulin) wererecorded, along with the R-R’30:15 ratio(classified as normal: ≥1.04, borderline:1.01 to 1.03, and pathological: ≤1.00).Results. The prevalence of DAN using theorthostatic response test was 56.2% (95patients with a pathological R-R’30:15index) out of a total of 169 patients withtype 2 diabetes. The definitive diagnosisof DAN found in the clinical historiesreviewed was 1.8%.Conclusions. DAN goes unnoticed in ourevaluation of the patient with diabetes.The improvement in diagnosing thiscomplication and incorporatingcardiovascular autonomic dysfunction testsin primary care follow-up protocols, wouldenable closer metabolic control and improvethe prognosis of the disease

[Association of acute bronchiolitis with climate factors and environmental contamination]. / Relación entre bronquiolitis aguda con factores climáticos y contaminación ambiental.

BACKGROUND: Annually, acute bronchiolitis (AB) occurrence peaks during winter and is probably associated with air pollution. AIM: To relate the number of ambulatory consultations, emergency and hospital admission due to AB with climatic factors and air pollution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients of less than 1 year old with AB that consulted to outpatient clinics, the emergency room or were admitted to the Pediatrics ward of the Catholic University Hospital, were enrolled. Information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was obtained from the Catholic University Medical Investigation Center. Indices of air pollution such as particulate matters of less than 10 microns/m3 (PM 10), of less than 2.5 microns/m3 (PM 2.5), CO, SO3 and O3 were obtained from the Metropolitan Environmental Service. Temperature, humidity and precipitations were obtained from the Chilean Meteorological Service. RESULTS: Ninety nine consultations in out patient clinics and 442 in emergency rooms were collected (55% male, mean age 4.8 months). One hundred fifty two were admitted (34.4%). Thirty percent of children consulting in emergency rooms were younger than 3 months and 43% of them were hospitalized. The RSV study was made in 307 patients and 52% were positive. There was a higher rate of hospital admissions among RSV positive than RSV negative patients (52.5 and 22% respectively, p < 0.001). No association between environmental variables or air pollution and the number of consultations was observed. Young age and smoking inside the household were the main risk factors for hospital admission due to acute bronchiolitis. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental variables did not influence the number of cases of acute bronchiolitis. Young age and exposure to tobacco smoke were risk factors for hospital admission.