Measurement of the interbronchial angle in acute viral bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the most common lower airway infection in children under 2 years. Attempts to determine disease severity based on clinical and radiological manifestations are a major challenge. Measurements of the anatomy of the trachea and main bronchi are not only limited to pure anthropometry, but are also useful for better care of critically ill patients. The purpose of the study is to verify the association between measurements of the interbronchial angle (ITB) and the severity of respiratory disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which included all patients admitted to the Santo Antônio Children's Hospital, over a period of 1 year, with diagnosis of AVB by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was designed. ITB angle was measured and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Quantitative variables were compared and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. P-value <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 425 patients with AVB due to RSV were included. Most of these patients were male and the median age was 130 days, 91.11% of them required oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter, 3.3% used noninvasive ventilation and 4% used mechanical ventilation. Those who required MV or NIV and intensive care unit support were considered severe. The mean ITB was lower for these patients than for those of lesser severity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that there is an association between ITB and AVB severity. The smaller the ITB, the greater the disease severity.

Lean methodology implementation in the emergency department of a university hospital: management and sustainable development / Implantación de la metodología lean en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital universitario: gestión y desarrollo sostenible / Implementação da metodologia lean na emergência de um hospital universitário: gestão e desenvolvimento sustentável

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the implementation of the Lean Methodology in an emergency department and its contribution to sustainable and quality management. Method: this is a methodological study carried out between October 2018 and January 2022 in the adult emergency department of a public university hospital in southern Brazil, analyzing the results before and after the implementation of the Lean Methodology. The study followed the model and standards adopted by the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence 2.0 (SQUIRE) for the description of improvement cycle standards. Results: with the implementation of this methodology, actions were developed, such as innovations in work routines, both care and management, changes in patient reception with risk classification, construction of units for patient care and allocation, daily interdisciplinary meetings (huddle), full contingency plan, hospital discharge routines, external transfers, changes in the communication process with users and professionals, among other actions. Conclusion: the use of the Lean Methodology has resulted in a reduction in occupancy, which has helped to optimize health resources and ensure quality care and management practices. This reduction is believed to be proof of sustainable management in health services and contributes to reducing socio-economic inequalities.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la aplicación de la Metodología Lean en un servicio de urgencias y su contribución a una gestión sostenible y de calidad. Método: se trata de un estudio metodológico realizado entre octubre de 2018 y enero de 2022 en el servicio de urgencias de adultos de un hospital universitario público del sur de Brasil, analizando los resultados antes y después de la implementación de la Metodología Lean. El estudio siguió el modelo y las normas adoptadas por el Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence 2.0 (SQUIRE) para describir las normas de los ciclos de mejora. Resultados: con la implementación de esta metodología, se desarrollaron acciones como innovaciones en las rutinas de trabajo, tanto asistenciales como de gestión, cambios en la recepción con clasificación de riesgo, construcción de unidades de atención y asignación de pacientes, reuniones interdisciplinarias diarias (huddle), plan de contingencia completo, rutinas de alta hospitalaria, traslados externos, cambios en el proceso de comunicación con usuarios y profesionales, entre otras acciones. Conclusión: la utilización de la Metodología Lean ha dado lugar a una reducción de los efectivos, lo que ha permitido optimizar los recursos de atención sanitaria y garantizar prácticas asistenciales y de gestión de calidad. Se considera que esta reducción es una prueba de gestión sostenible en los servicios de salud y contribuye a reducir las desigualdades socioeconómicas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a implementação da Metodologia Lean em um serviço de emergência, e a contribuição para uma gestão sustentável e de qualidade. Método: Trata-se de estudo metodológico, realizado entre outubro de 2018 a janeiro de 2022, no serviço de emergência adulto de um hospital público universitário no Sul do Brasil, com análise de resultados antes e após a implementação da Metodologia Lean. O estudo seguiu o modelo e as normas adotadas pelo Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence 2.0 (SQUIRE) para a descrição dos padrões dos ciclos de melhoria. Resultados: Com a implementação desta metodologia, foram desenvolvidas ações, como inovações nas rotinas de trabalho, tanto assistenciais como gerenciais, mudanças no acolhimento com classificação de risco, construção de unidades para atendimento e alocação de pacientes, reuniões diárias interdisciplinares (huddle), plano de contingência pleno, rotinas de altas hospitalares, transferências externas, mudança no processo de comunicação com usuários e profissionais, dentre outras ações. Conclusão: A utilização da Metodologia Lean resultou na diminuição da lotação e com isto pode-se otimizar recursos de saúde e assegurar práticas assistenciais e gerenciais de qualidade. Acredita-se que esta diminuição seja a comprovação de uma gestão sustentável em serviços de saúde e colabora para a redução de desigualdades socioeconômicas.

Use of magnesium sulfate in continuous infusion in patients with severe acute asthma, in a pediatric emergency room.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a chronic disease, of high prevalence, with important morbidity and that can lead to death in childhood. The use of intravenous magnesium sulfate has been indicated in cases refractory to the initial management with inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of magnesium sulfate in continuous infusion (50 mg/kg/h in 4 h) in children with severe acute asthma in a pediatric emergency room. LOCATION: Ten-bed general pediatric emergency room, university hospital, tertiary, in southern Brazil. PATIENTS: All children over 2 years old with severe acute asthma refractory to the initial treatment who received a continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate at a dose of 50 mg/kg/h in 4 h, from April 2017 to October 2019. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, the use of continuous intravenous magnesium sulfate proved to be well tolerated, leading to improved respiratory status, and can be considered as a satisfactory adjunctive therapy in the management of severe acute asthma.

Quantification of Abdominal Fat in Obese and Healthy Adolescents Using 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Free Software for Image Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Computed tomography, which uses ionizing radiation and expensive software packages for analysis of scans, can be used to quantify abdominal fat. The objective of this study is to measure abdominal fat with 3T MRI using free software for image analysis and to correlate these findings with anthropometric and laboratory parameters in adolescents. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 24 overweight/obese and 33 healthy adolescents (mean age 16.55 years). All participants underwent abdominal MRI exams. Visceral and subcutaneous fat area and percentage were correlated with anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance. Student's t test and Mann-Whitney's test was applied. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare proportions. To determine associations Pearson's linear correlation or Spearman's correlation were used. RESULTS: In both groups, waist circumference (WC) was associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01 respectively), and triglycerides were associated with fat percentage (P = 0.046 and P = 0.071 respectively). In obese individuals, total cholesterol/HDL ratio was associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.03) and percentage (P = 0.09), and insulin and HOMA-IR were associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.001) and percentage (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: 3T MRI can provide reliable and good quality images for quantification of visceral and subcutaneous fat by using a free software package. The results demonstrate that WC is a good predictor of visceral fat in obese adolescents and visceral fat area is associated with total cholesterol/HDL ratio, insulin and HOMA-IR.

Comparison of two maintenance electrolyte solutions in children in the postoperative appendectomy period: a randomized, controlled trial / Comparação de duas soluções para manutenção hidroeletrolítica no pós-operatório de apendicectomia em crianças: um estudo controlado e randomizado

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To compare two electrolyte maintenance solutions in the postoperative period in children undergoing appendectomy, in relation to the occurrence of hyponatremia and water retention. METHODS: A randomized clinical study involving 50 pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy, who were randomized to receive 2,000 mL/m2/day of isotonic (Na 150 mEq/L or 0.9% NaCl) or hypotonic (Na 30 mEq/L NaCl or 0.18%) solution. Electrolytes, glucose, urea, and creatinine were measured at baseline, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. Volume infused, diuresis, weight, and water balance were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had initial hyponatremia; in this group, 13 received hypotonic solution. Seventeen patients remained hyponatremic 48 h after surgery, of whom ten had received hypotonic solution. In both groups, sodium levels increased at 24 h (137.4 ± 2.2 and 137.0 ± 2.7 mmol/L), with no significant difference between them (p = 0.593). Sodium levels 48 h after surgery were 136.6 ± 2.7 and 136.2 ± 2.3 mmol/L in isotonic and hypotonic groups, respectively, with no significant difference. The infused volume and urine output did not differ between groups during the study. The water balance was higher in the period before surgery in patients who received hypotonic solution (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In the post-appendectomy period, the use of hypotonic solution (30 mEq/L, 0.18%) did not increase the risk of hyponatremia when compared to isotonic saline. The use of isotonic solution (150 mEq/L, 0.9%) did not favor hypernatremia in these patients. Children who received hypotonic solution showed higher cumulative fluid balance in the preoperative period.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Comparar duas soluções de manutenção hidroeletrolítica no período pós-operatório (PO) de crianças submetidas à apendicectomia quanto à ocorrência de hiponatremia e retenção hídrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico randomizado que envolveu 50 pacientes pediátricos submetidos à apendicectomia, randomizados para receber 2.000 ml/m2/dia de solução isotônica (Na 150 mEq/L ou NaCl 0,9%) ou hipotônica (Na 30mEq/L ou NaCl 0,18%). Eletrólitos, glicose, ureia e creatinina foram mensurados no início do estudo, 24 e 48 horas após a cirurgia. Foram analisados volume infundido, diurese, peso e balanço hídrico. RESULTADOS: Apresentaram hiponatremia inicial 24 pacientes. Desses, 13 receberam solução hipotônica. Dezessete pacientes permaneceram hiponatrêmicas 48 horas após a cirurgia, 10 haviam recebido solução hipotônica. Nos dois grupos os níveis de sódio aumentaram na 24ª hora PO (137,4 ± 2,2 e 137,0 ± 2,7) e não houve diferença entre eles (p = 0,593). Níveis de sódio 48 h após a cirurgia foram 136,6 ± 2,7 e 136,2 ± 2,3 no grupo isotônico e hipotônico respectivamente sem diferença significativa. Os volumes infundidos e a diurese não diferiram entre os grupos durante o estudo. O balanço hídrico foi maior no período anterior à cirurgia no grupo de pacientes que receberam solução hipotônica (p = 0,021). CONCLUSÕES: No período pós-apendicectomia, o uso da solução hipotônica não aumentou o risco de hiponatremia quando comparado com uma solução salina isotônica. O uso da solução isotônica não favoreceu a hipernatremia nesses pacientes. Crianças que receberam solução hipotônica apresentaram maior balanço hídrico cumulativo no período pré-operatório.

Comparison of two maintenance electrolyte solutions in children in the postoperative appendectomy period: a randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two electrolyte maintenance solutions in the postoperative period in children undergoing appendectomy, in relation to the occurrence of hyponatremia and water retention. METHODS: A randomized clinical study involving 50 pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy, who were randomized to receive 2,000mL/m(2)/day of isotonic (Na 150 mEq/L or 0.9% NaCl) or hypotonic (Na 30 mEq/L NaCl or 0.18%) solution. Electrolytes, glucose, urea, and creatinine were measured at baseline, 24h, and 48h after surgery. Volume infused, diuresis, weight, and water balance were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had initial hyponatremia; in this group, 13 received hypotonic solution. Seventeen patients remained hyponatremic 48h after surgery, of whom ten had received hypotonic solution. In both groups, sodium levels increased at 24h (137.4±2.2 and 137.0±2.7mmol/L), with no significant difference between them (p=0.593). Sodium levels 48h after surgery were 136.6±2.7 and 136.2±2.3mmol/L in isotonic and hypotonic groups, respectively, with no significant difference. The infused volume and urine output did not differ between groups during the study. The water balance was higher in the period before surgery in patients who received hypotonic solution (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In the post-appendectomy period, the use of hypotonic solution (30 mEq/L, 0.18%) did not increase the risk of hyponatremia when compared to isotonic saline. The use of isotonic solution (150 mEq/L, 0.9%) did not favor hypernatremia in these patients. Children who received hypotonic solution showed higher cumulative fluid balance in the preoperative period.

Síndrome da morte súbita do lactente / Sudden infant death syndrome

Entre as diversas causas de morte na infância, a Síndrome da Morte Súbita do Lactente (SMSL) assume posição de destaque. Estudos conduzidos nas últimas décadas foram capazes de elucidar os principais fatores epidemiológicos envolvidos, permitindo uma abordagem eficaz para reduzir significativamente a mortalidade por esta condição.

Among the many causes of death in childhood, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) assumes a prominent position. Researches conducted in recent decades were able to elucidate the main epidemiological factors involved, enabling effective approach to significantly reduce mortality from this condition.

Avaliação inicial da síndrome nefrótica na infância / Initial assessment of nephrotic syndrome in childhood

A síndrome nefrótica (SN) é caracterizada por proteinúria maciça, hipoalbuminemia, edema e hipercolesterolemia. Na infância, 80% dos casos correspondem à SN primária ou idiopática (SNI), correspondendo o restante a causas secundárias e associação com doenças sistêmicas, metabólicas, infecciosas, entre outras. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica, o presente artigo dissertará sobre a avaliação inicial da síndrome nefrótica na infância e o manejo da mesma, com ênfase em abordagem na unidade de emergência pediátrica.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is portrayed by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hypercholesterolemia. In childhood, 80% of cases correspond to the primary or idiopathic NS, and the remainder comprises the secondary causes and association with systemic, metabolic and infectious diseases, among others. Through a bibliographic review, the present article will dissert over the initial evaluation of nephrotic syndrome in childhood and its management, with emphasis on approach in the pediatric emergency room.

Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia associated with intraventricular shunts.

CSF eosinophilia (CSF-eo) is uncommon and is usually caused by helminthic infections. However, it has also been found in ∼30% of patients experiencing intraventricular shunt malfunctions. We present a case report and review the conditions associated with CSF-eo and their prophylaxis. An 8 year-old boy with tetraventricular hydrocephalus has had several shunt malfunctions over the last three years. During hospitalization in January 2009 for shunt revision, a transient 30% eosinophilia was detected in his cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) concomitant with Staphylococcus epidermidis infection and long term vancomycin administration. After several shunt replacements and antibiotic treatment, CSF-eo eventually disappeared with good overall clinical response. CSF-eo is a transient and focal event mainly associated with infection, reactions to foreign substances, particles or blood, or obstruction of tubing by normal or fibro-granulomatous tissues. Infection associated with CSF-eo is usually caused by S. epidermidis and Propioniumbacterium acnes. In addition to infection, allergy to silicone and other foreign materials may also be a cause of CSF-eo. We review the diversity of conditions and proposed mechanisms associated with CSF-eo, as well as recommendations for the care of patients with shunts. Detection of CSF-eo has been shown to be a useful indicator of shunt malfunction. As such, it provides physicians with an indicator of a hypersensitivity reaction that is underway or the need to identify bacterial infection. We also highlight the need for improved biocompatibility of shunt hardware and describe strategies to avoid conditions leading to shunt malfunction.

Insuficiência repiratória na criança / Respiratory failure in the child

Objetivo: Descrever os mecanismos fisiopatológicos da insuficiência respiratória na infância, assim como tecer comentários quanto ao diagnóstico diferencial das diferentes etiologias e ao seu tratamento. Fonte de dados: Foram utilizados como base de dados para pesquisa os principais textos nacionais e internacionais sobre insuficiência respiratória na infância. Resultados: A insuficiência respiratória é definida como a incapacidade de manter uma paO2 acima de 50 mmHg associada ou näo com um paCO2 maior de 50 mmHg em crianças respirando ar ambiente no nível do mar. Pode ser classificada em hipoxêmica e ou hipercápnica ou ainda em aguda ou crônica. Tem como alteraçöes principais a hipoventilaçäo, os distúrbios da ventilaçäo peerfusäo e os defeitos da difusäo. Pode ser de progem central, de vias aéreas superiores ou inferiores, de alteraçäo parenquimatosa ou do espaço pleural e da caixa torácica. A avaliaçäo da hipoxemia pode ser realizada através da saturaçäo da hemoglobina (saturômetros), calculando-se o gradiente alvéolo arterial de oxigênio (D[A-a]O2) ou pelo índice paO2/FiO2. Comentários: O conhecimento dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos causadores da insuficiência respiratória na infância propicia que se estabaleça uma estratégia terapêutica mais eficaz para cada uma das várias de suas múltiplas causas.

Broncodilatadores convencionais e drogas alternativas para o tratamento da crise de asma na infância: avaliação crítica / Conventional bronchodilators and alternative drugs for the treatment of asthma in children: a critic evaluation

Todos os pacientes com asma têm um risco potencial de deterioração aguda e grave na sua função pulmonar. As crises asmáticas podem variar em gravidade, desde leves e facilmente manejadas com drogas antiasmáticas tradicionais, até aquelas que progridem para falência respiratória. Crianças com crise de asma grave requerem hospitalização para tratamento contínuo. Entretanto, vários destes pacientes não melhoram com o tratamento convencional (oxigênio, broncodilatadores, corticosteróides). Nestes casos, talvez possam ser consideradas outras drogas antiasmáticas, tais como ipratrópio, adrenalina, teofilina, bicarbonato de sódio e sulfato de magnésio

Choque séptico em pediatria / Septic shock in children

Os autores fazem uma revisao sobre choque séptico na criança com ênfase nos aspectos fisiopatológicos abordando o papel das endotoxinas, citoquinas (interleucinas e o fator de necrose tumoral), nas alteraçöes cardiocirculatórias e do metabolismo celular. Na terapêutica do choque séptico é enfatizada a necessidade de uma ressuscitaçäo volumétrica agressiva e precoce