Mexican consensus on cow’s milk protein allergy

Background: The aim of this study is to present the current views of a diverse group of experts on the diagnosis and treatment of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) in children under 2 years of age in Mexico. Material and methods: The study, led by a scientific committee of five experts in CMPA, was divided into six phases, including a modified Delphi process. A total of 20 panelists, all of whom were pediatric specialists, participated in administering a comprehensive 38-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two blocks: Diagnosis and Treatment (20 items each). Results: Consensus was reached on all the proposed items, with an agreement rate of over 70% for each of them. As a result, a diagnostic and treatment algorithm was developed that emphasized the reduction of unnecessary diagnostic studies and encouraged breastfeeding whenever possible. In cases where breast milk is not available, appropriate use of hypoallergenic formulas was recommended. In addition, recommendations on treatment duration and gradual reintroduction of cow’s milk protein were provided. Conclusions: The recommendations endorsed by 20 Mexican pediatricians through this study are applicable to everyday clinical practice, thereby enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of children under 2 years of age with CMPA. This, in turn, will foster improved health outcomes and optimize the utilization of healthcare resources (AU)

Mexican consensus on cow's milk protein allergy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to present the current views of a diverse group of experts on the diagnosis and treatment of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) in children under 2 years of age in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study, led by a scientific committee of five experts in CMPA, was divided into six phases, including a modified Delphi process. A total of 20 panelists, all of whom were pediatric specialists, participated in administering a comprehensive 38-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two blocks: Diagnosis and Treatment (20 items each). RESULTS: Consensus was reached on all the proposed items, with an agreement rate of over 70% for each of them. As a result, a diagnostic and treatment algorithm was developed that emphasized the reduction of unnecessary diagnostic studies and encouraged breastfeeding whenever possible. In cases where breast milk is not available, appropriate use of hypoallergenic formulas was recommended. In addition, recommendations on treatment duration and gradual reintroduction of cow's milk protein were provided. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations endorsed by 20 Mexican pediatricians through this study are applicable to everyday clinical practice, thereby enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of children under 2 years of age with CMPA. This, in turn, will foster improved health outcomes and optimize the utilization of healthcare resources.

Detection of parechovirus A in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological clinical samples of pediatric patients from Panama (2014-2015).

Parechovirus A (PeV-A, Parechovirus, Picornaviridae) are human pathogens associated with mild to severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in young children. While several studies have investigated the association of PeV-A with human disease, little is known about its epidemiology or detection in Latin America. Between the years 2014 and 2015, a total of 200 samples were collected from Panamanian pediatric patients aged < 16 years old exhibiting symptoms associated with respiratory (n = 64), gastrointestinal (n = 68), or neurological (n = 68) diseases. These samples were gathered from patients who had previously received negative diagnoses for the main respiratory viruses, rotavirus, and neurological viruses like herpes virus, enterovirus, and cytomegalovirus. The presence of PeV-A was analyzed by real time RT-PCR.Eight positive PeV-A infections (4.0%, 95% CI: 1.7 to 7.7) were detected: two in respiratory samples (3.0%, 95% CI: 0.3 to 10.8), five in gastrointestinal samples (7.3%, 95% CI: 2.4 to 16.3), and one in cerebrospinal fluid (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.4 to 7.9). The study provides evidence of PeV-A circulation in Panama and the data collectively, remarked on the importance of considering PeV-A in the Panamanian pediatric diagnostic landscape, especially when conventional testing for more common viruses yields negative results.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection with a virus harboring mutation in the Spike and the Nucleocapsid proteins in Panama.

We report a case of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 with the second virus harboring amino acid changes in the Spike protein (141-143del, D215A, ins215AGY, L452R, D614G), orf1a, helicase, orf3a, and Nucleocapside. The virus associated with the reinfection, from an endemic lineage containing the S:L452R immune escape mutation, was circulating in Panama at the time.

Early Transmission Dynamics, Spread, and Genomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Panama.

We report an epidemiologic analysis of 4,210 cases of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and genetic analysis of 313 new near-complete virus genomes in Panama during March 9-April 16, 2020. Although containment measures reduced R0 and Rt, they did not interrupt virus spread in the country.

Genotypes of human metapneumovirus circulating during 2010-2012 in children from Panama.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common causative agent of severe respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years old, the elderly and immunocompromised patients, being responsible for 5-15% of all viral respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. Though HMPV was included in the surveillance program for respiratory viruses in 2010, its genotype distribution remains unknown. Herein, 45 positive samples to HMPV from children ≤5 years old were characterized by phylogenetic analysis based on N gene sequence. Results showed the co-circulation of four sub-lineages: A2a (8.8%), A2b (55.5%), B1 (15.6%), and B2 (20%), demonstrating the genetic heterogeneity of HMPV circulating in Panamá.

Genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial virus group B in Panama reveals a novel genotype BA14.

In Panama, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is responsible of 20-40% of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years old. Currently, little is known about the genetic variability of HRSV in Central America and the Caribbean. Recently, we reported the genetic variability of HRSV-A, however; no studies on HRSV-B in Panama have been described yet. In this study, 24 sequences of Panamanian HRSV-B, from children (<5 years) with acute respiratory infections (ARI), collected from July 2008 to November 2012 were analyzed. All sequences share the characteristic 60-nt duplication of the BA strains. Six Panamanian strains grouped with the BA10 genotype and 12 samples clustered together in a separate monophyletic clade with an aLRT support value of 0.92 and an intra-group p-distance less than 0.07. This fulfills the criteria to consider a new genotype in HRSV, which we named BA14 genotype. Another six strains remain unclassified, but closely related to BA9, BA11, or the new BA14 genotypes, according to their genetic p-distance. Different amino acid substitutions in the Panamanian HRSV-B strains were observed, some previously described and others found only on Panamanian strains. This study contributes to the knowledge of the genetic variability and evolution of HRSV in Central America.

Clinical Manifestations of Punta Toro Virus Species Complex Infections, Panama, 2009.

An investigation in Panama found that Punta Toro virus species complex (PTVs) may contribute to febrile illnesses with symptoms mirroring those of dengue fever. However, further studies are needed to determine if PTV infection causes only a mild disease or if it can have more serious manifestations in some patients.

Isoniazid Mono-Resistant Tuberculosis: Impact on Treatment Outcome and Survival of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Southern Mexico 1995-2010.

BACKGROUND: Isoniazid mono-resistance (IMR) is the most common form of mono-resistance; its world prevalence is estimated to range between 0.0 to 9.5% globally. There is no consensus on how these patients should be treated. OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of IMR tuberculosis (TB) on treatment outcome and survival among pulmonary TB patients treated under programmatic conditions in Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of pulmonary TB patients in Southern Mexico. From 1995 to 2010 patients with acid-fast bacilli or culture proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples underwent epidemiological, clinical and microbiological evaluation. We included patients who harbored isoniazid mono-resistant (IMR) strains and patients with strains susceptible to isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and streptomycin. All patients were treated following Mexican TB Program guidelines. We performed annual follow-up to ascertain treatment outcome, recurrence, relapse and mortality. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2010 1,243 patients with pulmonary TB were recruited; 902/1,243 (72.57%) had drug susceptibility testing; 716 (79.38%) harbored pan-susceptible and 88 (9.75%) IMR strains. Having any contact with a person with TB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)) 1.85, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.15-2.96) and homelessness (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.76, 95% CI 1.08-6.99) were associated with IMR. IMR patients had a higher probability of failure (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 12.35, 95% CI 3.38-45.15) and death due to TB among HIV negative patients (aHR 3.30. 95% CI 1.00-10.84). All the models were adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: The results from our study provide evidence that the standardized treatment schedule with first line drugs in new and previously treated cases with pulmonary TB and IMR produces a high frequency of treatment failure and death due to tuberculosis. We recommend re-evaluating the optimal schedule for patients harboring IMR. It is necessary to strengthen scientific research for the evaluation of alternative treatment schedules in similar settings.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety of early oseltamivir treatment among children 0-9 years of age hospitalized with influenza in El Salvador and Panama.

BACKGROUND: Oseltamivir reduces symptom duration among children with uncomplicated influenza, but few data exist on treatment efficacy and tolerability among hospitalized children, particularly among infants aged <1 year. We evaluated tolerability and efficacy of oseltamivir treatment of children aged 0-9 years hospitalized with influenza. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at tertiary care hospitals in El Salvador and Panama. Primary outcomes were length of hospitalization and increased work of breathing. Children were eligible if hospitalized <7 days after symptom onset with cough or sore throat plus tachypnea. Children were randomized 1:1 to receive oseltamivir or placebo; had swabs collected at enrollment for influenza RT-PCR testing; were assessed at enrollment and every 12 h for work of breathing; and were followed for adverse events through 7 days after discharge. Analyses were intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Overall, 683 children were randomized (oseltamivir, n = 341, placebo n = 342). Fifty-three percent were aged <1 year and 30 had influenza (oseltamivir, n = 19; placebo, n = 11). The study was terminated early after enrollment of 21% of the sample size due to lower than anticipated participant accrual. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was no significant difference in median length of hospitalization (3 days, IQR 2-4 vs. 5 days, IQR 3-7, p = 0.22) and increased work of breathing (36 h, IQR 24-72 vs. 96 h, IQR 13-108, p = 0.14) between oseltamivir versus placebo recipients. There was no difference in adverse events between groups. CONCLUSION: Oseltamivir treatment was well tolerated among hospitalized children, including among infants aged <1 year.

High genetic diversity and predominance of Rhinovirus A and C from Panamanian hospitalized children under five years with respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Human Rhinoviruses (HRVs) have high genetic diversity and three species have been described: HRV-A, HRV-B, and the recently recognized HRV-C, which has been rapidly identified worldwide. FINDINGS: In the present study, we report the frequency and diversity of Human Rhinovirus (HRV) strains circulating in Panama from children hospitalized with respiratory infections. CONCLUSIONS: HRVs of species A, B and C have been identified with a predominance of HRV-A and HRV-C over HRV-B, and marked genetic diversity within each species.

Violencia intrafamiliar en el sector venezolano Las Tunitas / Domestic violence in Las Tunitas Venezuelan sector

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 240 adultos mayores pertenecientes al sector Las Tunitas de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, durante el 2010, con vistas a determinar las características del maltrato intrafamiliar en dicha comunidad. La muestra se seleccionó de manera no probabilística, intencional por juicio y se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen. En la casuística prevaleció el maltrato en más de la mitad de los ancianos y fue proporcional el aumento de este con el incremento de la edad, con la menor escolaridad y la pertenencia a familias disfuncionales. Asimismo, la forma más frecuente de violencia fue el abuso psicológico por parte de los hijas e hijos y cónyuges, así como la ingestión de alcohol y las familias disfuncionales fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes, razón por la cual se sugirió realizar una intervención comunitaria encaminada a reducir el abuso en estos gerontes.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 240 aged persons belonging to Las Tunitas of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during 2010, to determine the characteristics of the domestic abuse in that community. The sample was selected by means of judgment intentional non probabilistic method and the percentage was used as summary measure. Abuse prevailed in more than half of the elderly and its increase was proportional to the increasing age, with lower educational level and membership to dysfunctional families. Also, the most frequent form of violence was psychological abuse by daughters, sons and spouses, as well as alcoholism and dysfunctional families were the most common risk factors, reason why it was suggested to perform a community intervention aimed at reducing abuse in these elderly.

Violencia intrafamiliar en el sector venezolano Las Tunitas / Domestic violence in Las Tunitas Venezuelan sector

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 240 adultos mayores pertenecientes al sector Las Tunitas de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, durante el 2010, con vistas a determinar las características del maltrato intrafamiliar en dicha comunidad. La muestra se seleccionó de manera no probabilística, intencional por juicio y se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen. En la casuística prevaleció el maltrato en más de la mitad de los ancianos y fue proporcional el aumento de este con el incremento de la edad, con la menor escolaridad y la pertenencia a familias disfuncionales. Asimismo, la forma más frecuente de violencia fue el abuso psicológico por parte de los hijas e hijos y cónyuges, así como la ingestión de alcohol y las familias disfuncionales fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes, razón por la cual se sugirió realizar una intervención comunitaria encaminada a reducir el abuso en estos gerontes(AU)

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 240 aged persons belonging to Las Tunitas of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during 2010, to determine the characteristics of the domestic abuse in that community. The sample was selected by means of judgment intentional non probabilistic method and the percentage was used as summary measure. Abuse prevailed in more than half of the elderly and its increase was proportional to the increasing age, with lower educational level and membership to dysfunctional families. Also, the most frequent form of violence was psychological abuse by daughters, sons and spouses, as well as alcoholism and dysfunctional families were the most common risk factors, reason why it was suggested to perform a community intervention aimed at reducing abuse in these elderly(AU)

2009 Influenza A (H1N1) in Panama: a disease affecting children with a benign course.

INTRODUCTION: Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) was identified as the major febrile respiratory illness worldwide during the year 2009. We present a report of its clinical and epidemiological characteristics in children and adults in Panama. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive study from the database of the Gorgas Memorial Institute is presented. We included patients with severe acute respiratory infection in whom a nasopharyngeal swab was positive by real-time RT-PCR for 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic virus and negative for seasonal influenza A H1 and H3. RESULTS: From 26 April 2009 to 11 January 2010, confirmed cases of pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) reached 806. The overall incident rate was 23.35 cases of pandemic influenza per 100,000 habitants, with the highest incidence found in the age group between 10 to 14 years of age (58.67 cases per 100,000 habitants). The median age for the cases was 13 years (ages ranging from one day to 88 years) and 71% were from the Panama City Metropolitan Area. The male/female ratio was 1:1 and 90% were managed as out-patients. An influenza-like syndrome was the presenting diagnosis in 99% of the cases. Fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms reported in all age groups. The case fatality rate was 0.3 cases per 100,000 habitants. CONCLUSIONS: The 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak affected mainly the pediatric population, had a low case fatality rate, and was the predominant virus circulating in Panama during the 2009/2010 flu season.