Association between serum Vitamin D levels and asthma severity and control in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of serum Vitamin D (vitD) levels with asthma control and severity in children and adolescents in different seasons of the year. METHOD: Longitudinal, prospective study with 7- to 17-year-old children and adolescents diagnosed with asthma. All participants underwent two assessments conducted in opposite seasons of the year which included a clinical assessment, a questionnaire for classification of asthma control (Asthma Control Test), spirometry, and blood collection to measure serum vitD levels. RESULTS: In total, 141 individuals with asthma were evaluated. The mean vitD was lower in females (p = 0.006) and sunlight exposure appears not to be an influencing factor for vitD levels. We found no differences in mean vitD of patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma (p = 0.703; p = 0.956). However, the severe asthma group had lower mean Vitamin D than the mild/moderate asthma group for both assessments (p = 0.013; p = 0.032). In the first assessment, the group with vitD insufficiency had a higher prevalence of severe asthma (p = 0.015). Vitamin D was positively correlated with FEV1 in both assessments (p = 0.008; p = 0.006) and with FEF25-75% in the first assessment (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: In a tropical climate zone, there is no evidence of association between seasonality and serum vitD levels or between serum vitD levels and asthma control in children and adolescents. However, vitD and lung function were positively correlated and the group with vitD insufficiency had a higher prevalence of severe asthma.

Suggested Cutoff Point for Testosterone by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after Stimulation with Recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation test that evaluates gonadal steroidogenesis is crucial in the assessment of patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). This study aimed to determine a testosterone (T) cutoff level that indicates an adequate testicular function using LC-MS/MS after stimulation with recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG) in a single dose. Nineteen prepubertal children with 46,XY DSD and normal T secretion were evaluated. T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were measured by liquid chromatography technique with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) before and 7 days after rhCG application at 250 µg. We suggest 0.89 ng/mL as the cutoff point for T after rhCG stimulation analyzed by LC-MS/MS.

Recurrent wheezing in preterm infants: Prevalence and risk factors / Sibilância recorrente em prematuros: prevalência e fatores de risco

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with progression to recurrent wheezing in preterm infants. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 and 2015 and analyzed preterm infants born between 2011 and 2012. The search for these children was performed in a university maternity hospital and a Special Immunobiological Reference Center. The evaluation was performed through a questionnaire applied during a telephone interview. Results: The study included 445 children aged 39 (18-54) months. In the univariate analysis, the risk factors with the greatest chance of recurrent wheezing were birth weight <1000 g, gestational age <28 weeks, living with two or more siblings, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis in the child, as well as food allergy and asthma in the parents. In the multivariate analysis, there was a significant association between recurrent wheezing and gestational age at birth <28 weeks, food allergy and atopic dermatitis in the child, and living with two or more children. Of the 445 analyzed subjects, 194 received passive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus, and 251 preterm infants were not immunized. There was a difference between the gestational age of these subgroups (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of recurrent wheezing was 27.4% (95% CI: 23.42-31.70), whereas in the children who received passive immunization it was 36.1% (95% CI: 29.55-43.03). Conclusions: Personal history of atopy, lower gestational age, and living with two or more children had a significant association with recurrent wheezing. Children with lower gestational age who received passive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus had a higher prevalence of recurrent wheezing than the group with higher gestational age.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à evolução para sibilância recorrente em prematuros. Métodos: O estudo transversal foi feito em 2014 e 2015 e analisou crianças prematuras nascidas entre 2011 e 2012. A busca dessas crianças foi feita em maternidade de hospital universitário e em um Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais. A avaliação foi feita por questionário dirigido em entrevista telefônica. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 445 crianças com 39 (18-54) meses de vida. Na análise univariada, os fatores de risco com maior chance de sibilância recorrente foram peso de nascimento menor do que 1.000 g, idade gestacional menor do que 28 semanas, convivência com dois ou mais irmãos, alergia alimentar e dermatite atópica na criança e alergia alimentar e asma nos pais. Na análise multivariada houve associação significativa entre sibilância recorrente e idade gestacional ao nascer menor do que 28 semanas, alergia alimentar e dermatite atópica na criança e a convivência com duas ou mais crianças. Dos 445 sujeitos analisados, 194 receberam imunização passiva contra vírus sincicial respiratório e 251 eram prematuros não imunizados. Houve diferença entre a idade gestacional desses subgrupos (p < 0,001). A prevalência geral de sibilância recorrente foi 27,4% (IC 95%: 23,42-31,70) e nas crianças que receberam a imunização passiva foi 36,1% (IC 95%: 29,55-43,03). Conclusões: História pessoal de atopia, menor idade gestacional e convivência com duas ou mais crianças apresentaram associação significativa com sibilância recorrente. As crianças com menor idade gestacional, que receberam a imunização passiva contra o vírus sincicial respiratório, apresentaram maior prevalência de sibilância recorrente que o grupo de maior idade gestacional.

A group of Brazilian Turner syndrome patients: Better quality of life than the control group.

Current literature presents no consensus regarding which aspects influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of women with Turner syndrome (TS). The objective of the present study was to compare HRQoL in the TS and control group, using components and domains of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with 44 women with TS aged between 18 and 30 years (TS group) and 44 healthy women of the same age which were sisters, relatives, or friends of the TS group (control group). A registration form and the SF-36 questionnaire were used to analyze HRQoL in TS in relation to the control group. The TS group presented better scores in the mental component summary and in the role physical, bodily pain, general health, social function, and role emotional domains compared to the control group. This study presented some unexpected results, different from those found in the current literature, showing the possibility of TS patients presenting better coping strategies. It is necessary to develop a specific questionnaire to assess QoL in TS and analyze in great detail which factors may influence the HRQoL of these patients.

Lung disease and vitamin D levels in cystic fibrosis infants and preschoolers.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D acts on the immune system and lung response. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may be deficient in this vitamin. The aims of the study were to evaluate vitamin D levels and severity of lung disease in infants and preschoolers diagnosed with CF, and to compare them to a group of children without pancreatic insufficiency (PI). METHODS: Patients with CF up to 4 years old were included, and compared to an age-matched group of children without diagnosis of CF. CF group had medical records and High Resolution Thorax Computed Tomography (HRCCT) evaluated in order to verify the severity of lung disease. Information on demographic data, sun exposure habits, supplemental vitamin D therapy, and on the season at the time of vitamin D sampling were collected for both groups. RESULTS: This study included 45 patients in the CF group and 102 in the non-CF group, with no differences in age (P = 0.327) between them. There was no association between vitamin D levels and markers of lung disease in the CF group. The non-CF group had lower daily sun exposure (P = 0.034), and lower supplementation than the CF group (P < 0.001). Supplementation and seasonality were the determinant variables for vitamin D levels, which were lower for non-supplemented children and for assessments during fall/winter. CONCLUSION: There was no association between lung disease severity and vitamin D levels in CF group. Supplementation and seasonality were associated to higher vitamin levels.

Recurrent wheezing in preterm infants: Prevalence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with progression to recurrent wheezing in preterm infants. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 and 2015 and analyzed preterm infants born between 2011 and 2012. The search for these children was performed in a university maternity hospital and a Special Immunobiological Reference Center. The evaluation was performed through a questionnaire applied during a telephone interview. RESULTS: The study included 445 children aged 39 (18-54) months. In the univariate analysis, the risk factors with the greatest chance of recurrent wheezing were birth weight <1000g, gestational age <28 weeks, living with two or more siblings, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis in the child, as well as food allergy and asthma in the parents. In the multivariate analysis, there was a significant association between recurrent wheezing and gestational age at birth <28 weeks, food allergy and atopic dermatitis in the child, and living with two or more children. Of the 445 analyzed subjects, 194 received passive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus, and 251 preterm infants were not immunized. There was a difference between the gestational age of these subgroups (p<0.001). The overall prevalence of recurrent wheezing was 27.4% (95% CI: 23.42-31.70), whereas in the children who received passive immunization it was 36.1% (95% CI: 29.55-43.03). CONCLUSIONS: Personal history of atopy, lower gestational age, and living with two or more children had a significant association with recurrent wheezing. Children with lower gestational age who received passive immunization against the respiratory syncytial virus had a higher prevalence of recurrent wheezing than the group with higher gestational age.

Neonatal screening: 9% of children with filter paper thyroid-stimulating hormone levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL have congenital hypothyroidism / Triagem neonatal: 9% das crianças com TSH em papel filtro entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL têm hipotireoidismo congênito

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in children with filter-paper blood-spot TSH (b-TSH) between 5 and 10 µIU/mL in the neonatal screening. Methods: This was a retrospective study including children screened from 2003 to 2010, with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL, who were followed-up during the first two years of life when there was no serum TSH normalization. The diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was defined as serum TSH ≥10 µIU/mL and start of levothyroxine treatment up to 2 years of age. Results: Of the 380,741 live births, 3713 (1.04%) had filter paper TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL and, of these, 339 (9.13%) had congenital hypothyroidism. Of these, 76.11% of the cases were diagnosed in the first three months of life and 7.96% between 1 and 2 years of age. Conclusion: The study showed that 9.13% of the children with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL developed hypothyroidism and that in approximately one-quarter of them, the diagnosis was confirmed only after the third month of life. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the use of a 5 µIU/mL cutoff for b-TSH levels and long-term follow-up of infants whose serum TSH has not normalized to rule out congenital hypothyroidism.

Resumo Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de hipotireoidismo congênito em crianças com TSH em papel filtro (TSH-f) entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL na triagem neonatal. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu crianças triadas de 2003 a 2010, com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL, acompanhadas nos dois primeiros anos de vida quando não houve normalização do TSH sérico. O diagnóstico de hipotireoidismo congênito foi definido como TSH sérico igual ou superior a 10 µUI/mL e início de tratamento com levotiroxina até os dois anos. Resultados: Dos 380.741 nascidos vivos triados, 3.713 (1,04%) apresentaram TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL e, desses, 339 (9,13%) tinham hipotireoidismo congênito. Desses, 76,11% dos casos foram diagnosticados nos primeiros três meses de vida e 7,96% entre um e dois anos. Conclusão: O estudo mostra que 9,13% das crianças com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL desenvolveram hipotireoidismo e que em cerca de um quarto delas o diagnóstico só se confirmou após o terceiro mês de vida. Com base nesses achados, sugere-se, para descartar o hipotireoidismo congênito, o uso do ponto de corte de TSH-f de 5 µUI/mL e o acompanhamento em longo prazo dos lactentes cujo TSH sérico não tenha se normalizado.

Neonatal screening: 9% of children with filter paper thyroid-stimulating hormone levels between 5 and 10µIU/mL have congenital hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in children with filter-paper blood-spot TSH (b-TSH) between 5 and 10µIU/mL in the neonatal screening. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including children screened from 2003 to 2010, with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10µIU/mL, who were followed-up during the first two years of life when there was no serum TSH normalization. The diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was defined as serum TSH ≥10µIU/mL and start of levothyroxine treatment up to 2 years of age. RESULTS: Of the 380,741 live births, 3713 (1.04%) had filter paper TSH levels between 5 and 10µIU/mL and, of these, 339 (9.13%) had congenital hypothyroidism. Of these, 76.11% of the cases were diagnosed in the first three months of life and 7.96% between 1 and 2 years of age. CONCLUSION: The study showed that 9.13% of the children with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10µIU/mL developed hypothyroidism and that in approximately one-quarter of them, the diagnosis was confirmed only after the third month of life. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the use of a 5µIU/mL cutoff for b-TSH levels and long-term follow-up of infants whose serum TSH has not normalized to rule out congenital hypothyroidism.

Physical activity and asthma control level in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by a muscle contraction with increased energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity, asthma control level, spirometric measurements and quality of life in children and adolescents with asthma. METHODS: We included all children and adolescents aged 7-17 years who had a diagnosis of atopic asthma and who attended the Pediatric Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic of the State University of Campinas, Brazil. Asthma control levels were evaluated by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and by other questions about daily activities at school and at home over the last week. Lung function was assessed by spirometry, both pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD). Quality of life was evaluated using the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ). RESULTS: Out of 100 patients, 60 were classified as presenting with controlled asthma (CA) and 40 as presenting with uncontrolled asthma (UA). In the IPAQ, 29% were classified as sedentary, 17% as active and 54% as very active. There was no significant association between physical activity and the level of asthma control. We found no differences between active and sedentary children and adolescents with asthma in spirometric variables or quality of life. CONCLUSION: No associations were observed between physical activity and asthma control level, spirometric measurements and quality of life in children and adolescents with asthma.

Predictive equations for maximal respiratory pressures of children aged 7-10.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of respiratory muscle strength are widely used for assessment in children; however, clearly defined predictive equations for the Brazilian pediatric population have yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prediction equations for maximal respiratory pressures in healthy children. METHOD: Cross-sectional observational study with normal-weight students aged 7-10 years (n=399, 198 boys) with health attested by the (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire and medical history. Biometric data were evaluated (weight, height, and body mass index) as predictors. Spirometry and maximal expiratory pressure values were measured according to the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. To verify data normality, the Shapiro-Wilk test was applied, and Pearson's test was used to verify the correlation between variables. The models were developed using simple linear regression and multivariate analyses. For all tests, the significance level was p<0.05. RESULTS: Boys showed higher values of maximal respiratory pressures than girls, both increasing with age. For boys, these values had moderate correlation with age, weight, and height and weak correlation with body mass index. For girls, maximum inspiratory pressure had a weak correlation with age and moderate correlation with biometric data. Maximum expiratory pressure had a moderate correlation with age and biometric measures. The best predictive models were found in boys: Log(MIP)=1.577+0.006×weight (kg) (R2aj=14.1%) and Log(MEP)=1.282+0.409×height (m) (R2aj=13.9%); and for girls: Log(MIP)=1.548+0.006×weight (kg) (R2aj=15.0%) and Log(MEP)=1.524+0.012×age (years)+0.005×weight (kg) (R2aj=21.6%). CONCLUSION: Prediction equations for maximal respiratory pressures were developed for boys and girls. The biometric measurements were shown to have a weak influence on the results.

The LEA Grating Test in assessing detection grating acuity in normal infants less than 4 months of age.

PURPOSE: To assess binocular detection grating acuity using the LEA GRATINGS test to establish age-related norms in healthy infants during their first 3 months of life. METHOD: In this prospective, longitudinal study of healthy infants with clear red reflex at birth, responses to gratings were measured at 1, 2, and 3 months of age using LEA gratings at a distance of 28 cm. The results were recorded as detection grating acuity values, which were arranged in frequency tables and converted to a one-octave scale for statistical analysis. For the repeated measurements, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the detection grating acuity results between ages. RESULTS: A total of 133 infants were included. The binocular responses to gratings showed development toward higher mean values and spatial frequencies, ranging from 0.55 ± 0.70 cycles per degree (cpd), or 1.74 ± 0.21 logMAR, in month 1 to 3.11 ± 0.54 cpd, or 0.98 ± 0.16 logMAR, in month 3. Repeated ANOVA indicated differences among grating acuity values in the three age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The LEA GRATINGS test allowed assessment of detection grating acuity and its development in a cohort of healthy infants during their first 3 months of life.

EGFR activating mutations and their association with response to platinum-doublet chemotherapy in Brazilian non-small cell lung cancer patients.

The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in Brazilian non-small cell lung cancer patients and to correlate these mutations with response to benefit of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our cohort consisted of prospective patients with NSCLCs who received chemotherapy (platinum derivates plus paclitaxel) at the [UNICAMP], Brazil. EGFR exons 18-21 were analyzed in tumor-derived DNA. Fifty patients were included in the study (25 with adenocarcinoma). EGFR mutations were identified in 6/50 (12 %) NSCLCs and in 6/25 (24 %) adenocarcinomas; representing the frequency of EGFR mutations in a mostly self-reported White (82.0 %) southeastern Brazilian population of NSCLCs. Patients with NSCLCs harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or the exon 21 L858R mutation were found to have a higher chance of response to platinum-paclitaxel (OR 9.67 [95 % CI 1.03-90.41], p = 0.047). We report the frequency of EGFR activating mutations in a typical southeastern Brazilian population with NSCLC, which are similar to that of other countries with Western European ethnicity. EGFR mutations seem to be predictive of a response to platinum-paclitaxel, and additional studies are needed to confirm or refute this relationship.

Superoxide release in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

The objective of this study was to analyze the un-stimulated and stimulated release of superoxide anion (O(2) (-)) by granulocytes and monocytes in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE). The un-stimulated and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 30 nM)-induced O(2) (-)by granulocytes and monocytes were determined in six different times of incubation in patients with 23 jSLE and 28 controls. The analysis compared the jSLE group, which was classified into two subgroups by SLEDAI in one inactive subgroup (score <3) (n = 13 patients) and one active subgroup (score ≥3) (n = 10 patients) to the same control group. At time of blood withdrawal, 13 (56.52%) had inactive and 10 (43.47%) patients had active SLE. jSLE patients' granulocytes and monocytes had always a lower un-stimulated O(2) (-) production when compared to controls. Stimulated granulocytes had an increased O(2) (-) production at baseline followed by a significant lower production at 60 min in jSLE when compared to controls. Stimulated monocytes had a similar O(2) (-) production among patients with jSLE and controls. The results suggest a defect in phagocytic function in jSLE. The significant higher release of O(2) (-) in the assays of the stimulated granulocytes, in the initial instances, the so-called respiratory burst, could be attributed to the inflammatory state of phagocytes.

Normalization of height and excess body fat in children with salt-wasting 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate growth and body composition of patients with the salt wasting form of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and to compare them with healthy children. METHODS: Twenty-one prepubertal patients (eight boys and 13 girls) between 2.1 and 10.2 years and 67 prepubertal healthy controls (36 boys and 31 girls) between 1.2 and 11.7 years were included. Weight, height, upper-arm circumference, skinfolds, body composition determined by bioimpedance, and bone age were measured. The following data were obtained from the medical records: parents' height, serum levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and Δ4-androstenedione, prescribed hydrocortisone doses, weight and length at birth, in the beginning of the treatment, and at 2 years. RESULTS: Patients had lower weight and length z scores at the first appointment compared with the same data at birth, showing recovery after the beginning of the treatment without advanced bone age. Mean height z score was higher in controls (0.28 ± 0.86) than in patients (-0.61 ± 0.99, p < 0.001); this difference disappeared when the patients' height was adjusted to their bone age (0.33 ± 1.68, p = 0.912). Patients had higher body mass index (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001), and fat mass index (p < 0.001) than controls. There was no difference in the skinfolds between the two groups (p = 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: Patients had growth recovery with mean height similar to the general population; however, they had higher body fat, which seems to be visceral, since there was no difference between the skinfolds of both groups.

Normalização da estatura e excesso de adiposidade corporal em crianças com a forma perdedora de sal da deficiência da 21-hidroxilase / Normalization of height and excess body fat in children with salt-wasting 21-hydroxylase deficiency

OBJETIVO: Avaliar crescimento e composição corporal de portadores da forma clássica perdedora de sal da hiperplasia adrenal congênita por deficiência da 21-hidroxilase, comparando-os com crianças saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 21 pacientes (oito meninos e 13 meninas), entre 2,1 e 10,2 anos, e 67 controles pré-púberes (36 meninos e 31 meninas), entre 1,2 e 11,7 anos. Avaliou-se peso, estatura, perímetro braquial, dobras cutâneas, composição corporal por bioimpedância e idade óssea. Foram obtidas dos prontuários dos pacientes as seguintes informações: estatura dos pais, valores de 17-OH progesterona e Δ4-androstenediona, dose de hidrocortisona prescrita, dados de peso e estatura ao nascimento, no início do tratamento e aos 2 anos de idade. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram menor escore z de peso e de altura na primeira consulta em relação à situação de nascimento, com posterior recuperação após o início do tratamento, sem apresentar avanço da idade óssea. A média do escore z da altura dos controles (0,28±0,86) foi maior que a dos casos (-0,61±0,99, p < 0,001). Essa diferença desaparece quando se ajusta a altura dos pacientes para a idade óssea (0,33±1,68, p = 0,912). Os pacientes apresentaram maiores índices de massa corporal (p < 0,001), massa gorda (p < 0,001) e índice de massa gorda (p < 0,001) do que os controles. Não houve diferença entre as dobras cutâneas dos 2 grupos (p = 0,157). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes apresentaram recuperação do crescimento com média de estatura semelhante à da população geral, porém com maior adiposidade corporal, que parece ser visceral, já que não houve diferença entre as dobras cutâneas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate growth and body composition of patients with the salt wasting form of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and to compare them with healthy children. METHODS: Twenty-one prepubertal patients (eight boys and 13 girls) between 2.1 and 10.2 years and 67 prepubertal healthy controls (36 boys and 31 girls) between 1.2 and 11.7 years were included. Weight, height, upper-arm circumference, skinfolds, body composition determined by bioimpedance, and bone age were measured. The following data were obtained from the medical records: parents' height, serum levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and Δ4-androstenedione, prescribed hydrocortisone doses, weight and length at birth, in the beginning of the treatment, and at 2 years. RESULTS: Patients had lower weight and length z scores at the first appointment compared with the same data at birth, showing recovery after the beginning of the treatment without advanced bone age. Mean height z score was higher in controls (0.28±0.86) than in patients (-0.61±0.99, p < 0.001); this difference disappeared when the patients' height was adjusted to their bone age (0.33±1.68, p = 0.912). Patients had higher body mass index (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001), and fat mass index (p < 0.001) than controls. There was no difference in the skinfolds between the two groups (p = 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: Patients had growth recovery with mean height similar to the general population; however, they had higher body fat, which seems to be visceral, since there was no difference between the skinfolds of both groups.

Factors associated with infant death after apparent life-threatening event (ALTE).

OBJECTIVE: To detect factors associated with greater risk of death in infants after an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE). METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytic study evaluated infants younger than 12 months who had a sudden event of cyanosis, pallor, hypotonia or apnea and were seen in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital. Forward stepwise logistic regression (Wald) was used to calculate and adjust odds ratios to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Mean age of the 145 patients included in the study was 105 days (median = 65 days). Eleven (7.6%) died, and their mean age was 189 days (median = 218 days). Mean age of survivors was 98 days (median = 62 days) (p = 0.003). Activity before the event, prematurity and number of events were not associated with death. A significant association was found with pallor. Of the 11 infants, 3 had spontaneous resolution of ALTE, whereas 8 patients [27.6%; p < 0.001; OR = 14.3 (95%CI 3.51-58.3)] did not. The associations with respiratory or cardiovascular disease were also significant. In multivariate analysis, immediate spontaneous resolution [p = 0.015; OR = 6.06 (95%CI 1.02-35.94)] and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease [p = 0.047; OR = 164.27 (95%CI 7.34-3.673.78)] remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Infants who experienced an ALTE had a higher risk of subsequent death when their age was greater than 6 months and the event had a long duration, particularly when ALTE was associated with cardiovascular disease.

Fatores associados ao óbito em lactentes após eventos com aparente risco de morte (apparent life-threatening event, ALTE) / Factors associated with infant death after apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)

OBJETIVO: Identificar, na admissão dos lactentes com após eventos com aparente risco de morte (apparent life-threatening event, ALTE), fatores que possam indicar maior risco de evolução para o óbito. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico com lactentes menores de 12 meses, com evento súbito de cianose, palidez, hipotonia e/ou apneia, atendidos na unidade de emergência de hospital universitário de nível terciário. Para avaliação da associação, determinaram-se os valores de odds ratio bruto e ajustado por regressão logística (método stepwise forward Wald). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 145 pacientes com idade média de 105 dias (mediana = 65 dias). Onze (7,6 por cento) evoluíram para óbito, com idade média de 189 dias (mediana = 218 dias), enquanto que a idade média dos sobreviventes foi de 98 dias (mediana = 62 dias) (p = 0,003). Atividades que precederam o evento, antecedente de prematuridade e número de episódios não apresentaram associação com o óbito. Apresentou relação significativa o relato de palidez pelos observadores. Entre os 11 lactentes, 3 apresentaram melhora imediata e espontânea; já 8 pacientes [27,6 por cento; p < 0,001; OR = 14,3 (IC95 por cento 3,51-58,3)] não tiveram melhora espontânea. Os diagnósticos de doença do trato respiratório e do sistema cardiocirculatório também foram significantes. Na análise multivariada, mostraram significância estatística: não melhora imediata e espontânea [p = 0,015; OR = 6,06 (IC95 por cento 1,02-35,94)] e diagnóstico de doença do sistema cardiocirculatório [p = 0,047; OR = 164,27 (IC95 por cento 7,34-3.673,78)]. CONCLUSÃO: Os lactentes que apresentaram ALTE tiveram maior risco de óbito quando presentes na faixa etária acima dos 6 meses e quando os eventos tiveram duração prolongada, principalmente quando ocorreram como manifestação de doenças do sistema cardiocirculatório.

OBJECTIVE: To detect factors associated with greater risk of death in infants after an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE). METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytic study evaluated infants younger than 12 months who had a sudden event of cyanosis, pallor, hypotonia or apnea and were seen in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital. Forward stepwise logistic regression (Wald) was used to calculate and adjust odds ratios to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Mean age of the 145 patients included in the study was 105 days (median = 65 days). Eleven (7.6 percent) died, and their mean age was 189 days (median = 218 days). Mean age of survivors was 98 days (median = 62 days) (p = 0.003). Activity before the event, prematurity and number of events were not associated with death. A significant association was found with pallor. Of the 11 infants, 3 had spontaneous resolution of ALTE, whereas 8 patients [27.6 percent; p < 0.001; OR = 14.3 (95 percentCI 3.51-58.3)] did not. The associations with respiratory or cardiovascular disease were also significant. In multivariate analysis, immediate spontaneous resolution [p = 0.015; OR = 6.06 (95 percentCI 1.02-35.94)] and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease [p = 0.047; OR = 164.27 (95 percentCI 7.34-3.673.78)] remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Infants who experienced an ALTE had a higher risk of subsequent death when their age was greater than 6 months and the event had a long duration, particularly when ALTE was associated with cardiovascular disease.

Interlimb coordination differentiates Brazilian children from two socioeconomic settings.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to test the notion that Brazilian children entering private school have a motor function advantage over those entering their first year in public school. METHODS: Four hundred and two children from the two cultural settings were examined for motor function in the first and 10th month of school (first grade). Participants were assessed based on age-level standards and by total score for all items for children 3 to 7 years of age. RESULTS: The private school group outperformed their public setting peers on the first and second assessment; both groups improved over the school year. The most interesting outcome was the type of motor task that most clearly differentiated the groups: activities requiring gross motor (interlimb) coordination. CONCLUSION: Among the recommendations given, it is suggested that motor skill activities, especially those involving interlimb coordination, be included with any type of motor programming for young children.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expression in interstitial pneumonitis in Brazilian human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected children: is EBV associated or not?

To gain further knowledge on the subject we evaluated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expression and TCD4+, TCD8+, and B lymphocyte counts in lung tissue samples from 20 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with chronic lung disease. Twenty HIV-1 infected children with chronic pulmonary disease underwent open lung biopsy to define the diagnosis. Histological section of this material was submitted to nonisotopic in situ hybridization (ISH) using EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) 1/2 probes and TCD4+, TCD8+, and CD20+ B-cell counts by immunohistochemistry. The histology of 16 out of the 20 children (median age 53.5 months) proved to be examples of pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia/lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (PLH/LIP) complex, 13 of which were EBER positive, but no significant association was found (Fisher exact test P = 0.439). Four patients had non-LIP diseases (3, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia; 1, diffuse advanced alveolar damage), two being EBER negative. Nineteen children showed a predominant T-CD8+ cell response (CD4+/CD8+ <1) in lung tissue. The mean TCD4+ and theTCD4/TCD8 ratio in lung tissue were significantly higher in the sections with PLH/LIP complex, but without significant difference between EBER positive and EBER negative samples. EBV gene expression was detected in the majority of the lung samples but without significant association with PLH/LIP complex or with TCD4+, TCD8+, B cells and the TCD4+/TCD8+ ratio. Regarding the pattern of lung disease in HIV-1 infected children, associated or not to EBV, the findings are of importance concerning the possible role of EBV in the pathogenesis of PLH/LIP.

Crescimento de pacientes com hiperplasia congênita das supra-renais, forma perdedora de sal, nos dois primeiros anos de vida / Growth in patients with the salt-wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia during the first two years of life

OBJETIVOS: avaliar crescimento e recuperação nutricional de pacientes com hiperplasia congênita supra-renal, forma clássica perdedora de sal, nos dois primeiros anos de vida. MÉTODOS: analisamos escores z de peso e comprimento de 21 pacientes ao nascimento, primeira consulta, com um e dois anos de idade. Determinamos concentrações de 17-hidroxiprogesterona, androstenediona e doses de hidrocortisona prescritas da primeira consulta até um e dois anos de idade (períodos 1 e 2, respectivamente). RESULTADOS: a média de idade na primeira consulta foi 36,7 dias. Escore z do peso ao nascimento foi -0,23±1,4; na primeira consulta -2,31±1,3; com um ano -1,43±1,6 e dois anos -0,77± 1,3. Escore z do comprimento ao nascimento foi -0,69±2,3; na primeira consulta -1,87±1,7; com um ano -1,68±1,1 e dois anos -1,07±1,0. A diferença entre os escores aos dois anos e na primeira consulta foi 1,54±1,7 para o peso e 0,80±1,6 para o comprimento. Média de hidrocortisona prescrita foi 21,3 e 19,9 mg/m2/dia nos períodos 1 e 2 e concentrações (ng/dL) de 17-hidroxiprogesterona e androstenediona foram 9,1 e 0,14 no período 1 e 4,4 e 0,27 no 2, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: foram observados recuperação nutricional com o tratamento e, aos dois anos, peso e comprimento normais, embora inferiores aos da população.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the growth and nutritional recovery of patients with the classical salt-wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the first two years of life. METHODS: z scores for weight and height were calculated for 21 patients at birth, on the occasion of the first medical consultation and at one and two years of age. The concentrations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and the doses of hydrocortisone prescribed at the first medical concentrations up to the age of two years were determined (at one and two years of age respectively). RESULTS: the mean age for the first medical consultation was 36.7 days. The z score for weight at birth was -0.23±1.4; on the occasion of the first consulta tion -2.31±1.3; at the age of one year -1.43±1.6 and at the age of two years -0.77± 1.3. The z score for height at birth was -0.69±2.3; on the occasion of the first consultation -1.87±1.7; at one year of age 1.68±1.1 and at two years -1.07±1.0. The difference between the scores at two years of age and on the occasion of the first medical consultation was 1.54±1.7 for weight and 0.80±1.6 for height. The mean dosage of hydrocortisone prescribed was 21.3 and 19.9 mg/m2/day for periods 1 and 2 and the concentrations (ng/dL) of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were 9.1 and 0.14 for period 1 and 4.4 and 0.27 for period 2. CONCLUSIONS: nutritional recovery was observed to occur on treatment and, at two years of age, weight and height are normal, although below the average for the population at large.