[Comparison of clinical features and diagnosis between the A and B subgroups of respiratory syncytial virus.] / Comparación de las características clínicas y diagnósticas de los subgrupos A y B del virus respiratorio sincitial.

BACKGROUND: Lower respiratory tract infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequent cause of admission in children under 2 years old. The RSV subgroups A and B may circulate simultaneously. We aimed to determine whether clinical differences exist between RSV subgroups A and B. Additionally, we tested the sensitivity of the rapid antigen detection test (RADT) based on immunochromatography in diagnosing subgroups A and B, taking the polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) as reference. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed in a tertiary hospital from October 2013 to March 2014. Clinical records and analytical variables of all children under 5 admitted with lower respiratory tract infection and RT-PCR positive for RSV in nasal lavage were consulted. Previously, the RADT for RSV had been performed from the same sample. RESULTS: A total of 198 children under 5 were diagnosed with RSV by RT-PCR: 55 (28%) were RSV-A, 132 (67%) RSV-B and 11 (5%) were positive for both subgroups. No differences were observed between subgroups in medical history, symptoms, radiological and analytical findings, and severity. The sensitivity of RADT for RSV was 52%, higher for RSV-A (69%) than for RSV-B (44%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The two RSV subgroups were indistinguishable in symptoms and prognosis. The sensitivity of RADT compared to RT-PCR was low and limits its usefulness for clinical decision-making. Key words. Respiratory syncytial virus. RSV subgroups. Rapid antigen detection test. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Clindamicina como terapia adyuvante en el síndrome de piel escaldada estafilocócica / Clindamycin as adjuvant therapy in staphilococcal skin scalded syndrome

El síndrome de piel escaldada estafilocócica (SPEE) es una enfermedad dermatológica causada por exotoxinas producidas por S. aureus. La enfermedad cursa como un exantema cutáneo doloroso que culmina con el desprendimiento de la dermis superficial. El tratamiento habitual es antibioterapia con penicilinas resistentes a betalactamasas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con SPEE que presentó una evolución inicial tórpida a pesar del tratamiento antibiótico y que tras la introducción de clindamicina intravenosa experimentó una mejoría muy importante. La preocupación por el progresivo aumento de estafilococos aureus meticilín resistentes (SAMR) y el mecanismo fisiopatológico de esta enfermedad hacen de los antibióticos bacteriostáticos de espectro antiestafilocócico, como la clindamicina, firmes candidatos para ser considerados como arsenal terapéutico de primera línea en el tratamiento del SPEE (AU)

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a dermatologic disease caused by exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The disease presents as a painful cutaneous rash that culminates with the detachment of the superficial dermis. The usual treatment is antibiotics with beta-lactamase resistant penicillin. We report the case of a patient who presented with SSSS with initial torpid evolution despite antibiotic treatment and after the introduction of intravenous clindamycin experienced a very significant improvement. Concerns about the increase of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the pathophysiology of this disease make bacteriostatic spectrum antistaphylococcal antibiotics, such as clindamycin, strong candidates for consideration as a first-line therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of SSSS (AU)

[Clindamycin as adjuvant therapy in Staphilococcal skin scalded syndrome]. / Clindamicina como terapia adyuvante en el síndrome de piel escaldada estafilocócica.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a dermatologic disease caused by exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The disease presents as a painful cutaneous rash that culminates with the detachment of the superficial dermis. The usual treatment is antibiotics with beta-lactamase resistant penicillin. We report the case of a patient who presented with SSSS with initial torpid evolution despite antibiotic treatment and after the introduction of clindamycin IV experienced a very significant improvement. Concerns about the increase of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the pathophysiology of this disease make bacteriostatic spectrum antistaphylococcal antibiotics, such as clindamycin, strong candidates for consideration as a first-line therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of SSSS.

Multicenter prospective study analysing the role of rotavirus on acute gastroenteritis in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis is the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children up to 5 years of age worldwide. AIM: To analyse the clinical characteristics of AGE caused by rotavirus comparing to AGE caused by other agents. METHODS: The study was conducted in 30 health-care centers in Spain (25 hospitals and five primary centers) between January and March 2006. Children with AGE up to 2 years of age were included. Stool samples were analysed using immunochromatographic test to identify rotavirus infection. Clinical and epidemiological data were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1192 children were enrolled (mean age: 11.2 months). Fever, Vomiting, weakness and dehydration were more frequent in rotavirus-positive AGE cases. Severity score was higher and hospitalization was likely in AGE caused by rotavirus. Family AGE illness was more frequent in children with rotavirus-positive AGE. Breastfeeding was found as a protective factor against Rotavirus AGE. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus is the primary causal agent of AGE in children under 2 years of age in Spain, causing more severe symptoms and more hospital admissions than other causal agents. Our data support the interest of the introduction of the available rotavirus vaccines in the Spanish immunization schedule.

[Vaccination schedule of the Spanish association of pediatrics: recommendations 2009]. / Calendario vacunal de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: Recomendaciones 2009.

Based on the available evidence, we, the Vaccine Advisory Committee (CAV) of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (Asociación Española de Pediatría, AEP), provide information about and comments on vaccine-related innovation during 2008. Modifications to the Vaccine Schedule for 2009 are also discussed. The importance of the recommendation of administration of a varicella booster at start of school (3-4 years of age) is highlighted according to the technical specifications of one of the vaccines. The importance of making the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine universally available is reiterated in accordance with the unquestionable results of scientific tests, WHO recommendations, the posture adopted by the majority of neighboring European countries, and the decision taken in 2006 by the autonomous community of Madrid (Spain). New scientific reasons are provided, corroborating the recommendation made by this committee in 2008, for the implementation by Spanish pediatricians of the vaccine against rotavirus and human papilloma virus. With regard to the latter, vaccination should be from 11 to 16 years of age, and then extended, in accordance with the technical specifications of the available vaccine preparations, to 26 years of age. As part of the recommendations, we insist that children in risk groups should be given flu vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine. The committee considers that these two vaccines must also be given, when pediatricians consider it appropriate, to children other than those in risk groups. This recommendation can be regarded as the first step towards a future recommendation of universal vaccination. Finally, this year we include an appendix with recommendations and vaccination strategies to be followed in children who have not previously received vaccines or who have not been completely immunized.

Calendario vacunal de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: Recomendaciones 2009 / Vaccination Schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: Recommendations 2009

El Comité Asesor de Vacunas (CAV) de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP), con base en la evidencia disponible, informa y comenta las novedades que sobre vacunas se han producido en el año 2008 y aconseja las modificaciones del Calendario Vacunal para el año 2009. Se insiste en recomendar la administración de la segunda dosis de recuerdo de vacuna de varicela al inicio de la escolarización (3-4 años) según las especificaciones de la ficha técnica de una de las vacunas. Se sigue reiterando la importancia de universalizar la vacunación antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente, en consonancia con las incuestionables pruebas científicas existentes, la recomendación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, la postura adoptada en la mayoría de los países europeos de nuestro entorno y la decisión que tomó en 2006 la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid en España. Se aportan nuevas razones científicas que corroboran la recomendación, realizada en 2008 por este Comité, de implementar la vacuna frente al rotavirus y el virus papiloma humano; se insiste respecto a esta última en la vacunación prioritaria desde los 11 años hasta los 16 años y se amplía, en consonancia con las fichas técnicas de los preparados vacunales disponibles, hasta los 26 años. En estas recomendaciones vacunales, se insiste en dos vacunas, gripe y hepatitis A, que deben aplicarse a los niños en riesgo. Este Comité considera que las vacunas frente a la gripe y la hepatitis A deben ser implementadas cuando los pediatras lo consideren oportuno, más allá de los grupos de riesgo, como primer paso para una futura recomendación universal. Por último, este año se incluye un anexo sobre las recomendaciones y estrategias vacunales a seguir en el caso de niños no vacunados o inmunizados de forma incompleta (AU)

Based on the available evidence, we, the Vaccine Advisory Committee (CAV) of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (Asociación Española de Pediatría, AEP), provide information about and comments on vaccine-related innovation during 2008. Modifications to the Vaccine Schedule for 2009 are also discussed. The importance of the recommendation of administration of a varicella booster at start of school (3¿4 years of age) is highlighted according to the technical specifications of one of the vaccines. The importance of making the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine universally available is reiterated in accordance with the unquestionable results of scientific tests, WHO recommendations, the posture adopted by the majority of neighboring European countries, and the decision taken in 2006 by the autonomous community of Madrid (Spain). New scientific reasons are provided, corroborating the recommendation made by this committee in 2008, for the implementation by Spanish pediatricians of the vaccine against rotavirus and human papilloma virus. With regard to the latter, vaccination should be from 11 to 16 years of age, and then extended, in accordance with the technical specifications of the available vaccine preparations, to 26 years of age. As part of the recommendations, we insist that children in risk groups should be given flu vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine. The committee considers that these two vaccines must also be given, when pediatricians consider it appropriate, to children other than those in risk groups. This recommendation can be regarded as the first step towards a future recommendation of universal vaccination. Finally, this year we include an appendix with recommendations and vaccination strategies to be followed in children who have not previously received vaccines or who have not been completely immunized (AU)

[Why are pediatric empyemas on the increase in Spain?]. / Por qué hay más empiemas pediátricos en España?

There is a widespread perception among Spanish pediatricians that the incidence of empyema has significantly increased in the last few years, even though the objective information available is limited, and there is no specific active epidemiological surveillance system for this condition. In the present article, we review the situation of empyema in Spain, and discuss the main hypotheses put forward in the international literature to explain this increase, as well as the limitations of the sources available. Despite the scarcity of information, we draw the following conclusions: 1) the incidence of pediatric empyema is increasing in Spain, both generally and when caused by pneumococcus in particular; 2) the reason for this increase remains unknown, and to date no firm link has been established between this phenomenon and the heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine; and 3) this situation justifies the establishment of prospective systems for the surveillance and control of empyema and, once again, highlights the importance of developing active surveillance systems for pneumococcal disease.

¿Por qué hay más empiemas pediátricos en España? / Why are pediatric empyemas on the increase in Spain?

Existe la percepción entre los pediatras españoles de que el número de casos de empiema pediátrico ha aumentado significativamente en los últimos años; sin embargo, la información objetiva disponible es limitada, y además es una patología de libre declaración para la que no existen sistemas específicos de vigilancia epidemiológica activa. En este trabajo se revisa la situación del empiema pediátrico en España, y se discute las principales hipótesis que se han planteado en la bibliografía internacional para explicar este incremento, así como las limitaciones de las fuentes disponibles. Se concluye que, aunque la información disponible es limitada: a) la incidencia de empiema pediátrico está aumentando en nuestro país, tanto globalmente como la específicamente ocasionada por neumococo; b) la causa de este incremento es desconocida, y hasta la fecha no existen datos que permitan vincularlo a la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente, y c) esta situación justifica la puesta en marcha de sistemas prospectivos de vigilancia y control del empiema y, una vez más, pone de relieve la importancia de implantar y desarrollar sistemas de vigilancia activa de la enfermedad neumocócica (AU)

There is a widespread perception among Spanish pediatricians that the incidence of empyema has significantly increased in the last few years, even though the objective information available is limited, and there is no specific active epidemiological surveillance system for this condition. In the present article, we review the situation of empyema in Spain, and discuss the main hypotheses put forward in the international literature to explain this increase, as well as the limitations of the sources available. Despite the scarcity of information, we draw the following conclusions: 1) the incidence of pediatric empyema is increasing in Spain, both generally and when caused by pneumococcus in particular; 2) the reason for this increase remains unknown, and to date no firm link has been established between this phenomenon and the heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine; and 3) this situation justifies the establishment of prospective systems for the surveillance and control of empyema and, once again, highlights the importance of developing active surveillance systems for pneumococcal disease (AU)

[Criteria for including vaccines in the immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics]. / Criterios de inclusión de vacunas en el calendario de la Asociación Española de Pediatría.

The Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics analyzes and discusses the criteria followed when preparing their yearly Recommended Immunization Schedule for children and adolescents. The relative importance of each criterion in the final recommendation is assessed. Following a review of the current state of affairs of childhood immunization in Spain and of the crucial role played by pediatricians, some reflections are presented on the problems derived from the vaccines recommended by this Committee but not covered by the national health system. Suggestions are made for individual pediatricians who may need to establish specific priorities in the recommendation of these vaccines.

[Immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: recommendations 2008]. / Calendario vacunal de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2008.

The Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics provides information on the new developments in vaccines that have taken place in 2007, based on the available evidence, and discusses these developments. Certain modifications to the Immunization Schedule for 2008 are recommended. A second varicella vaccine booster dose, administered together with the booster dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine when children start school (3-4 years), is recommended to avoid vaccine failures against the varicella-zoster virus. Based on current scientific evidence, the importance of universal heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccination, as carried out in most similar European countries and in the autonomous community of Madrid in Spain, is stressed. Human papilloma virus vaccine is included in the Immunization Schedule for girls from 11 years old, and initially, at least up to the age of 16 years. Vaccination against rotavirus in children starting at 6 weeks and completing the series before 6 months is recommended. Other recommendations included in this year's Immunization Schedule are vaccination against influenza and hepatitis A virus in risk groups and at the pediatrician's discretion, as a first step toward the future recommendation of universal immunization.

[Family impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under two years]. / Impacto familiar de la gastroenteritis por rotavirus en menores de dos años.

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in infants has a significant impact on the quality of life of their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study on the sociological family impact related to rotavirus AGE in children under 2 years. The study was carried out in 25 hospitals and 5 primary care centres in Spain. Sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical data were recorded, as well as the symptomatology of AGE and its severity measured by the Clark scale. Stool samples were tested to determine rotavirus positive (RV+) or negative (RV-). The parents were asked to complete a a family impact questionnaire. RESULTS: Stool specimens were tested in 1087 AGE cases (584 RV+ vs 503 RV-). The 99.5 % of parents whose children were RV+ reported more worries vs. the 97.7 % of RV-, and RV+ had a higher importance score (p < 0.05). A higher percentage of RV+ parents and those with a high importance score reported more time dedicated to dehydration treatment (p < 0.05). The 82.5 % vs. 73.9 % had disruption of their household tasks, with more importance scores (p < 0.05). RV+ had a higher percentage and importance score than RV- ones in all aspects of their child's AGE symptoms, except loss of appetite. CONCLUSION: AGE produces important dysfunctional experiences in daily family life. According to parental perceptions, RV+ produces greater worries and dysfunctions in child behaviour.

[Vaccination schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: recommendations 2007]. / Calendario de vacunación de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2007.

The Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics provides information on the new developments in vaccines that have taken place in 2006 and recommends certain modifications to the Immunization Schedule for 2007. To ensure early protection, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine booster dose should be administered when children start school (3-4 years). Based on existing scientific evidence, the importance of universal heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccination, as occurs in most similar European countries and in the autonomous community of Madrid in Spain, is confirmed. The safety and efficacy of rotavirus and human papilloma virus vaccines, as well as their use in our environment, is discussed and the role of pediatricians in their implementation is stressed. The recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents starting vaccination late is also discussed.

Dos vacunas frente a rotavirus seguras y eficaces / Two safe and effective rotavirus vaccines

No disponible

[Human papillomavirus vaccines: a new challenge for pediatricians]. / Vacuna frente al virus del papiloma humano: un nuevo reto para el pediatra.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. This infection is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, has been related to other forms of anogenital, airway and digestive cancers, and also causes anogenital warts. The recent advances in HPV prophylactic vaccines and their imminent commercial availability will post a new challenge to pediatricians: the indication and administration of these vaccines for the prevention of HPV infection, and consequently, of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The present article reviews the essentials of HPV infection, its relationship with cervical cancer, the advances in prophylactic HPV vaccines, and the role of the pediatrician in this context.

La vacuna frente al virus del papiloma humano y la incorporación de la pediatría a la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino / The human papillomavirus vaccine and the incorporation of pediatrics in cervical cancer prevention

No disponible

Vacuna frente al virus del papiloma humano: un nuevo reto para el pediatra / Human papillomavirus vaccines: a new challenge for pediatricians

La infección por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es la enfermedad de transmisión sexual más frecuente en el mundo. Esta infección constituye una causa necesaria del cáncer de cérvix, se ha relacionado con otras formas de cáncer anogenital, de vía aérea y digestivo, y es además el origen de las verrugas anogenitales. Los avances recientes en la vacunación profiláctica frente al VPH y la inminente disponibilidad comercial de estas vacunas, colocan al pediatra ante un nuevo reto: la indicación y administración de estas vacunas para la prevención de la infección por VPH, y como consecuencia, del cáncer de cérvix y otras patologías relacionadas con el VPH. En este artículo se revisan los aspectos esenciales de la infección por VPH, su relación con el cáncer de cérvix, los avances en las vacunas profilácticas frente al VPH y el papel del pediatra en este contexto

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. This infection is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, has been related to other forms of anogenital, airway and digestive cancers, and also causes anogenital warts. The recent advances in HPV prophylactic vaccines and their imminent commercial availability will post a new challenge to pediatricians: the indication and administration of these vaccines for the prevention of HPV infection, and consequently, of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The present article reviews the essentials of HPV infection, its relationship with cervical cancer, the advances in prophylactic HPV vaccines, and the role of the pediatrician in this context

[Recommendations of the Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: influenza vaccination campaign 2006-2007]. / Recomendaciones del Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: vacunación antigripal campaña 2006-2007.

The recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics on influenza vaccination in the pediatric age group for the 2006-2007 season are presented. Influenza has special characteristics in children due to the high morbidity it carries. Moreover, children constitute the most frequent source of transmission. The risk factors supporting influenza vaccination in children and the need for immunization in persons living with high-risk children are discussed. The advisability of extending vaccination in health workers, and specifically to pediatricians and medical personnel in contact with sick children is stressed. The composition of the vaccine for the 2006-2007 seasons, the schedules and dosages in children depending on age, and the contraindications to vaccination are specified. Finally, the premises required to recommend universal vaccination in young children in Spain as a strategy to reduce morbidity due to this epidemic in children and adults are discussed.

Recomendaciones del Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: vacunación antigripal campaña 2006-2007 / Recommendations of the Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: Influenza vaccination campaign 2006-2007

La Asociación Española de Pediatría hace las recomendaciones anuales para la vacunación pediátrica frente a la gripe para la temporada 2006-2007. La gripe en el niño tiene unas características especiales por su gran morbilidad y por ser el niño el mayor responsable de la diseminación de la enfermedad. Se consideran los factores de riesgo que hacen recomendable la vacunación de gripe en niños y la necesidad de inmunización de los convivientes de niños de riesgo. Se insiste en que debe ampliarse la vacunación de trabajadores sanitarios y en concreto de los pediatras y del personal sanitario que tiene contacto con niños enfermos. Se especifica la composición de la vacuna para esta temporada concretándose las pautas y dosificaciones para los niños según su edad, así como las contraindicaciones de la vacunación. Finalmente se hacen unas consideraciones sobre las premisas necesarias para recomendar la vacunación universal de niños pequeños en España como estrategia para disminuir la morbilidad por esta epidemia en la edad infantil y adulta

The recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics on influenza vaccination in the pediatric age group for the 2006-2007 season are presented. Influenza has special characteristics in children due to the high morbidity it carries. Moreover, children constitute the most frequent source of transmission. The risk factors supporting influenza vaccination in children and the need for immunization in persons living with high-risk children are discussed. The advisability of extending vaccination in health workers, and specifically to pediatricians and medical personnel in contact with sick children is stressed. The composition of the vaccine for the 2006-2007 seasons, the schedules and dosages in children depending on age, and the contraindications to vaccination are specified. Finally, the premises required to recommend universal vaccination in young children in Spain as a strategy to reduce morbidity due to this epidemic in children and adults are discussed