[Kingella kingae as a common cause of arthritis septic in children]. / Kingella kingae como agente causal frecuente de artritis séptica en Pediatría.

OBJECTIVE: Kingella kingae is a common colonizer of the oropharynx in children that may lead to invasive infection, mainly osteoarticular infections. Invasive infections occur almost exclusively in young children, fundamentally fewer than two years old. K. kingae infections in children are probably underdiagnosed due to the difficulty in growing in routine cultures and the absence of systematic realization of molecular techniques to identify it. It is the most common bacteria involved in childhood osteoarticular infections in recent series and increasingly being recognized in Spain. We report our experience on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of osteoarticular infections in children in recent years. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of septic arthritis by K. kingae identified by PCR in joint fluid in children during 2010-2016. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics are presented. RESULTS: Five arthritis by K. kingae were identified, all of them in ≤6 years old children. Median leukocytes, CRP and ESR were 12950 leukocytes/µL, 4.84 mg/dL and 58 mm/h respectively, and 61,322 leukocytes /µL in joint fluid. All patients evolved favorably. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarticular infections by K. kingae in children usually present low increase of inflammatory markers despite being invasive infections. The development of PCR in sterile samples has greatly improved the diagnostic yield of K. kingae infections improving the management of osteoarthritis in children.

Imported malaria in children in Madrid, Spain, 2007-2013 / Malaria importada en niños en la Comunidad de Madrid, 2007-2013

Background: The majority of malaria cases diagnosed in Europe in the last few years have occurred in people living in non-endemic areas travelling back to their home country to visit friends and relatives (VFRs). Children account for 15-20% of imported malaria, with known higher risk of severe disease. Material and methods: A retrospective multicentre study was conducted in 24 hospitals in Madrid (Spain) including patients under 16 years diagnosed with malaria (2007-2013). Results: A total of 149 episodes in 147 children were reported. Plasmodium falciparum was the species most commonly isolated. Twenty-five patients developed severe malaria and there was one death related to malaria. VFR accounted for 45.8% of our children. Only 17 VFRs had received prophylaxis, and 4 of them taken appropriately. They presented more frequently with fever (98% vs. 69%), a longer time with fever (55 vs. 26%), delay in diagnosis of more than three days (62 vs. 37%), and more thrombocytopenia (65 vs. 33%) than non-VFRs, and with significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusions: VFRs represent a large proportion of imported malaria cases in our study. They seldom took adequate prophylaxis, and delayed the visit to the physician, increasing the length of fever and subsequent delaying in diagnosis. Appropriate preventive measures, such as education and pre-travel advices should be taken in this population (AU)

Antecedentes: En los últimos años la mayoría de los casos de malaria en Europa se han producido en personas asentadas en zonas no endémicas que viajan a su país de origen para visitar a amigos y familiares (VFR). Los niños representan el 15-20% de la malaria importada, con el conocido alto riesgo de enfermedad grave. Material y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo en 24 hospitales en Madrid, que incluyó pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de malaria (2007-2013). Resultados: Se registraron 149 episodios en 147 niños. Plasmodium falciparum fue la especie más frecuentemente aislada. Veinticinco niños padecieron paludismo grave y hubo una muerte relacionada con la malaria. Los pacientes VFR representaron el 45,8% de nuestros niños estudiados. Solo 17 de los VFR habían recibido profilaxis y en solo 4 casos la tomaron apropiadamente. Estos pacientes presentaron con más frecuencia fiebre (98% vs 69%), retraso en el diagnóstico más de 3 días (62 vs 37%) y trombocitopenia (65 vs 33%). Conclusiones: Los niños VFR representaron una gran proporción de casos de paludismo importado en nuestro estudio. Rara vez tomaron la profilaxis de forma adecuada. Además estos niños presentaron un mayor retraso en la consulta al médico tras la aparición de síntomas, con el subsiguiente retraso en el diagnóstico. Es necesario tomar las medidas preventivas adecuadas, como la educación o el consejo pre-viaje, en esta población (AU)

Fiebre e impotencia funcional en lactante de cinco meses: cuando las cosas no son lo que parecen / Fever and functional impotence in a five-month-old infant: when things are not what they seem

Lactante de cinco meses traído al Servicio de Urgencias por fiebre e impotencia funcional del miembro superior izquierdo. Tras las pruebas complementarias correspondientes, es diagnosticado de encefalitis herpética. El texto repasa las novedades en cuanto al tratamiento, la necesidad de profilaxis y la inmunodeficiencia específica (AU)

A five-month-old infant brought to the Emergency Room due to fever and functional impotence of the left arm. After various additional tests, the infant is diagnosed with herpes simplex encephalitis. The article reviews recent developments regarding herpes simplex encephalitis treatment, the need for prophylaxis and the infant´s immunodeficiency (AU)

Exposición a antirretrovirales y toxicidad mitocondrial en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres VIH positivas / In-utero Antiretroviral exposure and mitochondrial toxicity in a cohort of uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected women

Introducción: En el presente trabajo, pretendemos definir el porcentaje de lactantes, hijos de madre VIH−+, pertenecientes a la cohorte prospectiva madrileña Fundación para la Investigación y la Prevención del SIDA en España y expuestos a tratamiento antirretroviral intraútero y perinatal, que presentan hiperlactacidemia u otros marcadores de posible daño mitocondrial, como hipertransaminasemia, o hiperamilasemia, durante los 3 primeros meses de vida, así como establecer una correlación entre los fármacos usados y el porcentaje de lactantes con dichos efectos adversos. Métodos: Se realizó el análisis de las analíticas disponibles de 623 niños no infectados nacidos en el periodo 2000–2005, fijándose los límites para hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia e hiperamilasemia de las tablas de toxicidad pediátrica para ensayos relativos al VIH (tablas ACTG), de manera global y para cada fármaco usado durante la gestación. Resultados: Los porcentajes de niños con hiperlactacidemia a los 0,5, 1,5 y 3 meses fueron del 48, 51,4 y 43%, de entre los lactantes con analítica disponible el porcentaje de niños con elevación de GOT a los 0,5, 1,5 y 3 meses fue del 13,2, 10,4 y de 17,2%. Respectivamente, la proporción de lactantes con elevación de GPT fue del 3,3, 3,4 y 5%. No se encontró hiperamilasemia en ningún niño en el análisis de los 15 días de vida. La proporción de niños con hiperamilasemia a las 6 semanas y a los 3 meses fue de 0,6 y 2,6%. No hubo diferencias significativas al realizar la comparación de los porcentajes de hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia o hiperamilasemia según el fármaco usado intraútero. Conclusiones: Hemos encontrado un alto porcentaje de lactantes expuestos a tratamiento antirretroviral intraútero con hiperlactacidemia, acorde con los resultados de otras series, sin que se haya comunicado morbimortalidad asociada a este fenómeno y no hemos podido asociar mayor prevalencia de hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia o hiperamilasemia a ninguno de los fármacos usados en la gestación (AU)

Introduction: In this study, we attempt to find out the percentage of uninfected infants born to HIV-infected women and exposed in-utero and perinatally to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) that show high lactate levels, or any other mitochondrial damage markers (such as hypertransaminasaemia or hyperamylasaemia), during the first three months of age. We shall also establish whether certain drugs used in-utero are associated with higher lactate, transaminase or amylase levels. Methods: We analysed the available data from 623 uninfected infants born in the Spanish FIPSE cohort that were born in the period 2000–2005. The normal values for lactate, transaminases and amylase were set according to AIDS Clinical Groups Trials toxicity tables for infants. Results: The percentages of children with high lactate levels at 0.5; 1.5 and 3 months of age were 48%, 51.4% and 43% among those infants with available data. Respectively, the percentages of children with high AST values were 13.2; 10.4 and 17.2%. The values for high ALT were 3.3%; 3.4% and 5%. The percentages for hyperamylasaemia were 0%; 0.6% and 2.6%. We found no significant difference among the drugs used in utero for the four analysed biochemical markers along the first three months of age. Conclusions: We have found a high proportion of hyperlactataemia among infants exposed in-utero to ART, as shown in other cohorts of similar characteristics. No morbidity or mortality was communicated to the cohort analysis group. No ART drug among those used in-utero was statistically associated with a higher proportion of high lactate levels in these infants (AU)

[Kawasaki disease: Diagnosis and treatment]. / Enfermedad de Kawasaki: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. In spite of the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), the absence of a specific diagnostic test and due to there being IGIV-refractory patients, Kawasaki disease is a major cause of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of Kawasaki disease, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments used and the CAA observed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and December 2008 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was based on the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2004. RESULTS: Twenty three children were identified. Median age was 26 months (range: 2 months-10 years). Nineteen children (82%) were younger than 5 years old. Fever and changes in the lips and oral cavity were present in all cases. Twenty-one patients (91%) received IGIV, all of them before the 10th day of disease. One child (4.7%) required the administration of more than one dose of IGIV, because persistence of fever. CAA was recorded in three patients [13.0%, (95% CI: 1-26%)], including a four month-old boy. All patients with CAA were treated with the recommended dose of IGIV, 2g/kg, between the 5th and 8th day of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Kawasaki disease was more common in children less than five years old. We observed a high rate of CAA in children with Kawasaki disease in spite of appropriate and timely treatment.

Enfermedad de Kawasaki: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Kawasaki disease: Diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: La enfermedad de Kawasaki es la principal causa de cardiopatía adquirida en niños en los países desarrollados. A pesar de un tratamiento eficaz, la dificultad en el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad, así como la existencia de pacientes no respondedores siguen haciendo de esta enfermedad una causa de enfermedad coronaria importante en nuestro medio. Objetivos: Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki, los tratamientos empleados y las alteraciones coronarias secundarias. Métodos: Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de los niños diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki desde enero de 2002 hasta diciembre de 2008 en un hospital de tercer nivel del área sur de Madrid. Se consideró diagnóstico de enfermedad la presencia de los criterios clínicos propuestos por la Academia Americana de Pediatría en 2004.ResultadosVeintitrés pacientes fueron diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki durante el periodo estudiado. La mediana de edad fue de 26 meses (rango: 2 meses–10 años). Diecinueve pacientes (82%) eran menores de 5 años. Todos los pacientes presentaron fiebre y afectación bucofaríngea. Veintiún pacientes (91%) fueron tratados con inmunoglobulina intravenosa (IGIV), todos antes del 10° día de enfermedad [mediana 5,5 días, (rango 2–8 días)]. Diecisiete de estos pacientes (81%) recibieron el tratamiento a partir del 5° día de fiebre. En un solo caso (4,7%) se administró más de una dosis de IGIV por persistencia de la fiebre. Tres varones [13,0%, (IC 95%: 1–26%)], uno de ellos de 4 meses de edad, desarrollaron aneurismas coronarios. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio se confirma que la enfermedad de Kawasaki afecta predominantemente a niños menores de 5 años. El porcentaje de anomalías coronarias sigue siendo elevado a pesar de un tratamiento precoz y adecuado (AU)

Introduction: Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. In spite of the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), the absence of a specific diagnostic test and due to there being IGIV-refractory patients, Kawasaki disease is a major cause of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). Objectives: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of Kawasaki disease, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments used and the CAA observed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and December 2008 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was based on the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2004.ResultsTwenty three children were identified. Median age was 26 months (range: 2 months–10 years). Nineteen children (82%) were younger than 5 years old. Fever and changes in the lips and oral cavity were present in all cases. Twenty-one patients (91%) received IGIV, all of them before the 10th day of disease. One child (4.7%) required the administration of more than one dose of IGIV, because persistence of fever. CAA was recorded in three patients [13.0%, (95% CI: 1–26%)], including a four month-old boy. All patients with CAA were treated with the recommended dose of IGIV, 2g/kg, between the 5th and 8th day of disease. Conclusions: Kawasaki disease was more common in children less than five years old. We observed a high rate of CAA in children with Kawasaki disease in spite of appropriate and timely treatment (AU)

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la leishmaniasis visceral infantil / Visceral childhood leishmaniasis: Diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: La leishmaniasis visceral es una enfermedad potencialmente grave y endémica en España. Recientes avances en las técnicas diagnósticas y el tratamiento permiten mejorar el abordaje de la enfermedad. Objetivos: Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de leishmaniasis visceral, evaluar las técnicas diagnósticas utilizadas y la eficacia y la seguridad de los tratamientos empleados. Métodos: Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de los niños diagnosticados de leishmaniasis visceral desde enero de 1994 hasta diciembre de 2007 en un hospital de tercer nivel del área sur de Madrid. Se consideró diagnóstico de enfermedad la existencia de clínica compatible y la visualización del parásito, o el aislamiento en cultivo del aspirado de médula ósea (AMO) o la detección del ADN del parásito mediante técnicas moleculares (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa). Resultados: En el periodo de tiempo estudiado se diagnosticó de leishmaniasis visceral a 11 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 21 meses (rango: 4 meses–13 años). La fiebre estaba presente en todos los casos, y la hepatomegalia y esplenomegalia en el 91%. La anemia fue el hallazgo hematológico más frecuente (100%). El AMO se realizó en todos los pacientes. El examen microscópico del AMO detectó la presencia de amastigotes intracelulares en el 73% de los casos. Se detectó la presencia de ADN del parásito en todos los casos. Los títulos de inmunofluorescencia indirecta fueron superiores a 1/40 en el momento del diagnóstico en el 63%. La determinación del antígeno del parásito en la orina fue positiva en 4 de 6 pacientes (67%). Se trató a 3 pacientes con antimoniato de N-metil-glucamina y a 8 pacientes (73%) con anfotericina B liposómica. Se observó una respuesta clínica precoz en todos los pacientes. Un paciente tratado con anfotericina B liposómica presentó una recaída de la enfermedad. No se registraron reacciones adversas graves al tratamiento. Conclusiones: La leishmaniasis visceral sigue siendo una enfermedad frecuente en nuestro medio. Las características clínicas y analíticas al diagnóstico son similares a las observadas en otros estudios del área mediterránea. La técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en el AMO mostró una sensibilidad mayor que las técnicas tradicionales. Las técnicas no invasivas pueden ser de utilidad en pacientes con cuadro clínico compatible. La anfotericina B liposómica en pauta corta se mostró segura y eficaz en el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis visceral (AU)

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Spain. New diagnostic tools and shorter regimens of treatment are been increasingly being used in children. Objectives: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of visceral leishmaniasis, to evaluate the diagnostic techniques tested and the safety and efficacy of treatments used. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis between January 1994 and December 2007 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was based on visualization of Leishmania sp. in bone marrow aspirate or culture or positive PCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate. Results: Eleven immunocompetent children were identified. Median age was 21 months (range: 4 months – 13 years). Fever was present in all cases, and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly in 10 (91%). Anemia was the most frequent haematological finding (100%). A bone marrow aspirate was obtained in all cases. Leishmania amastigotes were observed in 8 (73%) cases. Leishmania DNA in the bone marrow aspirate was detected in all patients who underwent this procedure. Positive immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) analysis at baseline was observed in 63% of cases tested. The threshold titer for positivity was 1/40. Urinary antigen detection test was positive in 4 out of 6 (67%) children in whom I was performed. Initial treatment consisted of meglumine antimoniate in 3 patients and liposomal amphotericin B (LAB) in 8 (73%) patients. All children had an early clinical response. Only one child treated with LAB relapsed. No severe adverse events were observed with treatment. Conclusions: Visceral leishmaniasis is still a common disease in our area. Clinical and laboratory findings of visceral leishmaniasis are similar to other Mediterranean area reports. PCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate was more sensitive than traditional diagnostic techniques. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques may be used as an aid in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in children. Short course treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with liposomal amphotericin B has been safe and effective (AU)

[Visceral childhood leishmaniasis: diagnosis and treatment]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la leishmaniasis visceral infantil.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Spain. New diagnostic tools and shorter regimens of treatment are been increasingly being used in children. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of visceral leishmaniasis, to evaluate the diagnostic techniques tested and the safety and efficacy of treatments used. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis between January 1994 and December 2007 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was based on visualization of Leishmania sp. in bone marrow aspirate or culture or positive PCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate. RESULTS: Eleven immunocompetent children were identified. Median age was 21 months (range: 4 months - 13 years). Fever was present in all cases, and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly in 10 (91%). Anemia was the most frequent haematological finding (100%). A bone marrow aspirate was obtained in all cases. Leishmania amastigotes were observed in 8 (73%) cases. Leishmania DNA in the bone marrow aspirate was detected in all patients who underwent this procedure. Positive immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) analysis at baseline was observed in 63% of cases tested. The threshold titer for positivity was 1/40. Urinary antigen detection test was positive in 4 out of 6 (67%) children in whom I was performed. Initial treatment consisted of meglumine antimoniate in 3 patients and liposomal amphotericin B (LAB) in 8 (73%) patients. All children had an early clinical response. Only one child treated with LAB relapsed. No severe adverse events were observed with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Visceral leishmaniasis is still a common disease in our area. Clinical and laboratory findings of visceral leishmaniasis are similar to other Mediterranean area reports. PCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate was more sensitive than traditional diagnostic techniques. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques may be used as an aid in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in children. Short course treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with liposomal amphotericin B has been safe and effective.

Exposición a antirretrovirales y crecimiento en una cohorte de niños no infectados, hijos de madre con VIH positivo / Growth of uninfected infants exposed to antiretrovirals born to HIV-infected woman

Introducción: Existen datos que aseguran que la exposición al tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) durante la gestación en la mujer infectada por VIH no afecta al posterior desarrollo ponderoestatural del lactante. El propósito de este estudio es realizar un análisis antropométrico de los niños no infectados de la cohorte de la Fundación para la Investigación y la Prevención del Sida en España (FIPSE) durante los primeros 18 meses de vida, así como analizar los posibles factores que influyen en el peso al nacimiento. Métodos: La cohorte de la FIPSE incluye 8 hospitales públicos de Madrid y sigue prospectivamente a los niños de madre infectada por VIH que haya dado a luz en estos hospitales. Se recogieron los datos de 601 niños no infectados de los que se disponía el peso al nacimiento, según los protocolos estandarizados durante los 2 primeros años de vida. Se consideraron estadísticamente significativos los valores de p menores de 0,05. Se usaron las tablas de la Fundación Pablo Orbegozo para comparar las medidas antropométricas y hallar los valores z. Resultados: La media de peso fue de 2.766g (±590) y la media de peso con exclusión de los prematuros fue de 2.967g (±427). La proporción de los niños no prematuros con crecimiento retardado intrauterino fue del 19,8% (IC del 95%: 16,3–23,8). Los hijos de madre adicta a drogas pesaron menos: 2.752(±325) versus 3.002g (±435) (p<0,001), así como los hijos de madre fumadora: 2.842(±363) versus 3.018g (±444) (p<0,001). La anemia materna no influyó en el bajo peso en la población de los niños no prematuros. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el peso al nacimiento, de acuerdo con el tipo de TAR. Los niños de madre que presentaba CD4>500cel/mm pesaron más (2.834g [±503]) que aquéllos de madre que presentaba CD4<200cel/mm (2.565g [±702]; p=0,008). Estas diferencias no se mantienen al excluir los prematuros. En la población general, los niños de madre con cargas virales indetectables pesaron más (2.866g [±532] versus 2.704g [±588]; p=0,005), pero estas diferencias tampoco se mantuvieron en la población al excluir a los prematuros. La media de peso, talla y perímetro craneal (PC) al nacimiento de la población estudiada (con exclusión de los prematuros) es ligeramente menor al de la población española (peso z=−0,83; talla z=−1,02; PC z=−1,00), pero estas diferencias no son significativas y estas medidas son equiparables entre sí a los 18 meses de vida (peso z=−0,08; talla z=−0,32; PC z=−0,31). El tipo de tratamiento no influyó de manera significativa (AU)

Introduction: Recent reports show that Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) during pregnancy does not affect somatic growth of children born to HIV-infected mothers, are reassuring. The aim of this study is to perform an anthropometric analysis of the uninfected children followed in the Spanish FIPSE cohort during their first 18 months of life, and to describe the possible risk factors during pregnancy that may influence low birth weight. Methods: The FIPSE cohort includes 8 public hospitals in Madrid, and prospectively follows children born to HIV-infected women at these hospitals. We collected data on 601 uninfected children, following standardised protocols, during their first 2 years of life. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data from the Pablo Orbegozo Foundation were used to compare the means of our population with the standard weight, longitude an occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) of the Spanish population during the first 18 months of life. Results: The mean weight was 2766g (+/−590), and 2967g (+/−427) when premature neonates were excluded. The proportion of Intrauterine Growth Restriction among non- premature neonates was 19.8% (95% CI: 16.3–23.8). Children born to mothers that used illicit drugs weighed less: 2752g (+/−325) vs. 3002g (+/ 435), P<0.001, as did children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy: 2842g (+/−363) vs. 3018g (+/−444), P>0.001. Maternal anaemia did not influence the low birth weight of the children when premature neonates were excluded. We found no statistically significant differences depending on the ART received during pregnancy. Children born to mothers who had CD4 > 500 cell /mm were heavier (2834g +/−503) than those whose mothers had CD4 of less than 200 cell/mm (2565g +/−702), P=0.008. These differences disappeared when premature neonates were excluded. Children born to mothers with undetectable viral load were heavier (2866g +/−532 vs. 2704g +/−588, P=0.005), but these differences also disappeared when the prematures were excluded from the analysis. Mean weight, length, and OFC of our population at birth (excluding premature neonates) were lower than the Spanish standards. (z for weight=−0.83; z for length =−1.02; z for OFC=−1.00), but these differences are not statistically significant and disappear at 18 months of age (z for weight=−0.08; z for height=−0.32; z for OFC=−0.31). The type of ART did not have any significant influence (AU)

[Growth of uninfected infants exposed to antiretrovirals born to HIV-infected woman]. / Exposición a antirretrovirales y crecimiento en una cohorte de niños no infectados, hijos de madre con VIH positivo.

INTRODUCTION: Recent reports show that Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) during pregnancy does not affect somatic growth of children born to HIV-infected mothers, are reassuring. The aim of this study is to perform an anthropometric analysis of the uninfected children followed in the Spanish FIPSE cohort during their first 18 months of life, and to describe the possible risk factors during pregnancy that may influence low birth weight. METHODS: The FIPSE cohort includes 8 public hospitals in Madrid, and prospectively follows children born to HIV-infected women at these hospitals. We collected data on 601 uninfected children, following standardised protocols, during their first 2 years of life. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data from the Pablo Orbegozo Foundation were used to compare the means of our population with the standard weight, longitude an occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) of the Spanish population during the first 18 months of life. RESULTS: The mean weight was 2766g (+/-590), and 2967g (+/-427) when premature neonates were excluded. The proportion of Intrauterine Growth Restriction among non- premature neonates was 19.8% (95% CI: 16.3-23.8). Children born to mothers that used illicit drugs weighed less: 2752g (+/-325) vs. 3002g (+/ 435), P<0.001, as did children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy: 2842g (+/-363) vs. 3018g (+/-444), P>0.001. Maternal anaemia did not influence the low birth weight of the children when premature neonates were excluded. We found no statistically significant differences depending on the ART received during pregnancy. Children born to mothers who had CD4 > 500 cell /mm were heavier (2834g +/-503) than those whose mothers had CD4 of less than 200 cell/mm (2565g +/-702), P=0.008. These differences disappeared when premature neonates were excluded. Children born to mothers with undetectable viral load were heavier (2866g +/-532 vs. 2704g +/-588, P=0.005), but these differences also disappeared when the prematures were excluded from the analysis. Mean weight, length, and OFC of our population at birth (excluding premature neonates) were lower than the Spanish standards. (z for weight=-0.83; z for length =-1.02; z for OFC=-1.00), but these differences are not statistically significant and disappear at 18 months of age (z for weight=-0.08; z for height=-0.32; z for OFC=-0.31). The type of ART did not have any significant influence. DISCUSSION: There is a very significant difference between the weight of the children born to mothers addicted to illicit drugs and the rest of the children. Similarly, the weight of the children born to smoking mothers is significantly lower. There was no association between maternal anaemia and the type of ART. The children of our population have lower weights, length and OFC at birth, but this may due to the high number of scheduled caesarean births, practised at 38 weeks of pregnancy (54.5%). Our children catch-up with anthropometric measurements during the first and second year of life, and these are similar to Spanish standards at 18 months old.

Malformaciones congénitas en una cohorte de niños no infectados, hijos de madres infectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Birth defects in a cohort of uninfected children born to HIV-infected women

Introducción: a causa de las medidas de prevención de la transmisión perinatal del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), la tasa de transmisión vertical es cercana al 1%. Los fármacos antirretrovíricos usados no están exentos de efectos adversos; el más observado es el efecto mielosupresor de la cidovudina. En este estudio se pretende analizar la tasa, la distribución y los factores asociados a las malformaciones congénitas (MC) observadas en una cohorte madrileña integrada por pares de madres infectadas por el VIH y sus hijos. Métodos: se analizó según protocolo estandarizado a 623 niños no infectados seguidos en la cohorte FIPSE (2000–2005), que agrupa a 8 hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid, así como también se analizaron las características sociosanitarias, biológicas y el tratamiento antirretrovírico (TAR) de las madres infectadas por el VIH. Se definieron las MC según el EUROCAT, organismo europeo de registro, y se eliminaron del análisis los errores leves de la morfogénesis. Se clasificó a los niños según prematuridad, peso, origen étnico, presencia de síndrome de abstinencia y tratamiento recibido intraútero. Se compararon las variables categóricas mediante el test de la χ2 o el test exacto de Fisher. Resultados: cuatrocientas ochenta y seis madres (78%) eran caucásicas; 117 madres (18,8%) tomaron alguna droga durante la gestación; 55 madres (8,8%) no recibieron tratamiento; 10 madres (1,6%) recibieron monoterapia, y 469 madres (75,3%) recibieron tratamiento antirretrovírico de gran actividad (TARGA). Cincuenta y dos niños (8,4%) presentaron MC; las más frecuentes fueron las genitourinarias y las cardiológicas. La anemia materna en el primer trimestre (17,9 frente a 1%; p=0,04) y el uso de metadona u otras drogas (13,8 frente a 7,6%; p=0,04) fueron los únicos parámetros asociados. No se observó aumento del riesgo de MC de manera significativa para ningún fármaco en concreto, aunque se observó cierto efecto protector significativo con el uso de nevirapina (NVP) intraútero. La tasa de MC en niños que habían recibido TAR en el primer trimestre de la gestación (8,8%) fue igual a la tasa de los que no lo habían recibido (7,4%; p=0,67). Conclusiones: en este estudio se ha obtenido una tasa de MC superior a la que muestran otros estudios con población general o con población infantil expuesta a TAR, debido a que este estudio es del tipo ®de seguimiento activo» (búsqueda activa mediante seguimiento y ecografías). Las características inmunovirológicas maternas parecieron no influir en la tasa de MC, pero sí la anemia materna del primer trimestre y la ingesta de drogas. No se ha encontrado teratogénesis relacionada con ningún fármaco antirretrovírico, aunque la nevirapina podría ejercer cierto efecto protector. En este estudio, las madres que empezaron el tratamiento en el primer trimestre parecen no tener en su descendencia más MC que las madres que lo suspenden en ese momento o lo inician más tarde (AU)

Introduction: Mother-to-Child HIV transmission is now just 1% in western countries, due to prevention measures. Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) drugs do have adverse effects, anaemia and myelosupression caused by cidovudina being the most commonly observed effects. In the present study, we have analysed the proportion and characteristics of congenital malformations (CM) or birth defects (BD) in a cohort of uninfected children born to HIV-infected women. Methods: A total of 623 uninfected children belonging to the FIPSE cohort were followed up according to standardised protocols. This cohort includes 8 public hospitals from Madrid and follows up HIV-infected pregnant women and their children. Children were classified according to prematurity, ethnic origin, birth weight, withdrawal syndrome, in-utero treatment. Birth defects were described and defined according to the EUROCAT, the European registry for BD. Mild errors of morphogenesis were excluded from the analysis. Categorical variables were compared with the X2 or the Fisher test. Results: A total of 78% (486) of the mothers were of Caucasian origin; 18.8% (117) used some illicit drug (heroine, cocaine or methadone) during gestation; 51 mothers (8.1%) received no ART, 10 (1.6%) received monotherapy and 469 (75.3%) received HAART. BD were seen in 52 children, with the most frequent being genitourinary and cardiological. Anaemia in the first trimester was an associated risk for BD (17.9% vs. 8.1%, P=0,04). Similarly, mothers who used any illicit drug (plus methadone), had a slightly higher risk for BD in their offspring (13.8% vs. 7.6%, P=0,04) There was no increased risk for BD significantly associated with any of the in-utero used antiretrovirals, although Nevirapine use in-utero showed a protective effect. Children born to mothers who received ART in the first trimester had the same rate of BD (7.4%) as those whose mothers started ART in the second trimester (8.8%), P=0,67. Conclusions: The proportion of BD that we have observed seems higher than those shown in other European teratogenicity studies and also higher than those shown in cohorts with HIV and antiretroviral exposed infants. This may be due to the fact that our series show the results of an active surveillance system (that includes ultrasound), where BD classically appear in a higher proportion. Immunovirological characteristics of the mother did not influence the proportion of BD, but anaemia in the first trimester and the use of illicit drugs (or methadone) did. No specific antiretroviral drug was associated with an increase in BD, although Nevirapine showed a possible protective effect in the statistical analysis. Mothers who started antiretrovirals in the first trimester do not have more BD in their offspring than mothers who started on antiretrovirals later on (AU)

[Birth defects in a cohort of uninfected children born to HIV-infected women]. / Malformaciones congénitas en una cohorte de niños no infectados, hijos de madres infectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

INTRODUCTION: Mother-to-Child HIV transmission is now just 1% in western countries, due to prevention measures. Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) drugs do have adverse effects, anaemia and myelosupression caused by cidovudina being the most commonly observed effects. In the present study, we have analysed the proportion and characteristics of congenital malformations (CM) or birth defects (BD) in a cohort of uninfected children born to HIV-infected women. METHODS: A total of 623 uninfected children belonging to the FIPSE cohort were followed up according to standardised protocols. This cohort includes 8 public hospitals from Madrid and follows up HIV-infected pregnant women and their children. Children were classified according to prematurity, ethnic origin, birth weight, withdrawal syndrome, in-utero treatment. Birth defects were described and defined according to the EUROCAT, the European registry for BD. Mild errors of morphogenesis were excluded from the analysis. Categorical variables were compared with the X(2) or the Fisher test. RESULTS: A total of 78% (486) of the mothers were of Caucasian origin; 18.8% (117) used some illicit drug (heroine, cocaine or methadone) during gestation; 51 mothers (8.1%) received no ART, 10 (1.6%) received monotherapy and 469 (75.3%) received HAART. BD were seen in 52 children, with the most frequent being genitourinary and cardiological. Anaemia in the first trimester was an associated risk for BD (17.9% vs. 8.1%, P = 0,04). Similarly, mothers who used any illicit drug (plus methadone), had a slightly higher risk for BD in their offspring (13.8% vs. 7.6%, P = 0,04) There was no increased risk for BD significantly associated with any of the in-utero used antiretrovirals, although Nevirapine use in-utero showed a protective effect. Children born to mothers who received ART in the first trimester had the same rate of BD (7.4%) as those whose mothers started ART in the second trimester (8.8%), P = 0,67. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of BD that we have observed seems higher than those shown in other European teratogenicity studies and also higher than those shown in cohorts with HIV and antiretroviral exposed infants. This may be due to the fact that our series show the results of an active surveillance system (that includes ultrasound), where BD classically appear in a higher proportion. Immunovirological characteristics of the mother did not influence the proportion of BD, but anaemia in the fist trimester and the use of illicit drugs (or methadone) did. No specific antiretroviral drug was associated with an increase in BD, although Nevirapine showed a possible protective effect in the statistical analysis. Mothers who started antiretrovirals in the first trimester do not have more BD in their offspring than mothers who started on antiretrovirals later on.

Anemia y neutropenia en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres positivas para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Anaemia and neutropenia in a cohort of non-infected children of HIV-positive mothers

Introducción: Gracias a las medidas de prevención de la transmisión perinatal del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), la tasa de transmisión vertical actual se sitúa en torno al 1%. Los fármacos antirretrovirales usados no están exentos de efectos adversos, el más observado de los cuales es el efecto mielosupresor de la zidovudina (AZT). En este estudio pretendemos analizar la prevalencia de la anemia y la neutropenia en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres positivas para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Material y métodos: Se analizaron según protocolo estandarizado 623 niños no infectados controlados prospectivamente en la cohorte FIPSE (Fundación para la Investigación y la Prevención del Sida en España), que agrupa a 8 hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid, así como las características y el tratamiento de las madres positivas para el VIH. Se definieron la anemia y la neutropenia según las tablas de toxicidad de los ACTG (AIDS Clinical Trails Group). Se clasificó a los niños según prematuridad, peso, origen étnico, presencia de síndrome de abstinencia y tratamiento recibido intraútero y como profilaxis en las primeras 4-6 semanas de vida. Se compararon las variables categóricas usando el test de chi al cuadrado o el test exacto de Fisher. Resultados: Un total de 188 niños (30,1 %) presentaron anemia, y 161 (25,8 %) tuvieron anemia de toxicidad de grado 2 o superior. La prematuridad (p < 0,001), el bajo peso al nacer (p = 0,005) y el tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) con inhibidores de la proteasa (p = 0,016) se asociaron con una mayor proporción de anemia. Las cifras de hemoglobina alcanzaron un nadir a las 6 semanas y se normalizaron en torno a los 6 meses. La prevalencia de neutropenia fue del 41,9 % (261 niños), y la de neutropenia moderada-grave fue del 22,7 %. La prematuridad (p = 0,01) se asoció con riesgo de neutropenia y el bajo peso influyó en la proporción de lactantes con neutropenia moderada-grave (p = 0,023). Existe una tendencia a una mayor proporción de neutropenia en los lactantes subsaharianos (el 50 % frente al 44 %), aunque esto no fue estadísticamente significativo (p = 0,12). El tipo de tratamiento recibido intraútero no influyó en el desarrollo de neutropenia. El 12,5 % de los lactantes aún presentaron neutropenia a los 18 meses de vida. El desarrollo de citopenias no se asoció con el tipo de profilaxis recibida (monoterapia, doble terapia o triple terapia). Conclusión: En nuestra serie de hijos de madres positivas para el VIH, expuestos a antirretrovirales intraútero, la proporción de casos de anemia es elevada, del 30,1 %. La prematuridad, el bajo peso al nacer y el TARGA se asociaron con una mayor proporción de anemia, que es transitoria y clínicamente poco relevante. La tasa de niños con neutropenia fue mayor (41,9 %), y se asocia con prematuridad, bajo peso y origen subsahariano. El tipo de profilaxis de la transmisión vertical empleada en los neonatos no parece influir en el desarrollo de anemia ni de neutropenia. Se observó la persistencia de la neutropenia a los 18 meses de edad, sin relevancia clínica, en un pequeño porcentaje de los niños (12,5%) (AU)

Introduction: Mother-to-child HIV transmission is currently around 1% in western countries, due to prevention measures. Antiretroviral drugs do have adverse effects, anaemia and myelosupression caused by AZT being the most observed effects. In the present study, we analyse the prevalence of anaemia and neutropenia in an uninfected children cohort born to HIV-infected women. Material and methods: We followed up 623 uninfected children belonging to the FIPSE cohort according to standardised protocols. This cohort groups 8 hospitals from Madrid and follows up HIV infected pregnant women and their children. Anaemia and neutropenia were defined according to the ACTG (AIDS Clinical Trails Group) toxicity tables. Children were classified according to prematurity, ethnic origin, birth weight, withdrawal syndrome, in-utero treatment and neonatal prophylaxis. Categorical variables were compared with the X2 or the Fisher tests. Results: Anaemia was observed in 188 (30.1 %) children during follow-up and 161 (25.8 %) had anaemia grade 2 or higher. Prematurity (p < 0.001), low birth weight (p = 0.005) and Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) with Protease Inhibitors (p = 0.016) were associated with higher percentages of anaemia in children. Nadir haemoglobin values were reached by 6 weeks of life and anaemia was transient and disappeared by six months of age. Neutropenia was present in 41.9 % (261 children) and 22.7% of the children had moderate-severe neutropenia. Prematurity was again associated with neutropenia (p = 0.01) and low birth weigh was associated only with moderate severe neutropenia (p = 0.023). African infants had a higher percentage of neutropenia than the rest of the children (50 % vs. 44 %), although the differences were not significant. The type of in-utero treatment did not appear to influence the neutropenia. Neutropenia was still present in 12.5 % of infants at 18 months of age. The type of neonatal prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission (monotherapy, dual therapy or triple therapy) did not influence either cytopenia. Conclusion: In our series, the proportion of children with anaemia is high: 30.1 % Prematurity, low birth weight and HAART with IP were associated with a higher proportion of anaemia, which was transient and had little clinical relevance. The proportion of children with neutropenia was higher (41.9 %) and was associated with prematurity, low birth weight and African origin. The type of neonatal prophylaxis does not seem to influence the development of cytopenias. Persistence of neutropenia (without clinical significance) was observed in a small percentage of the children 12.5 %, at 18 months of age (AU)

[Anaemia and neutropenia in a cohort of non-infected children of HIV-positive mothers]. / Anemia y neutropenia en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres positivas para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

INTRODUCTION: Mother-to-child HIV transmission is currently around 1% in western countries, due to prevention measures. Antiretroviral drugs do have adverse effects, anaemia and myelosupression caused by AZT being the most observed effects. In the present study, we analyse the prevalence of anaemia and neutropenia in an uninfected children cohort born to HIV-infected women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We followed up 623 uninfected children belonging to the FIPSE cohort according to standardised protocols. This cohort groups 8 hospitals from Madrid and follows up HIV infected pregnant women and their children. Anaemia and neutropenia were defined according to the ACTG (AIDS Clinical Trails Group) toxicity tables. Children were classified according to prematurity, ethnic origin, birth weight, withdrawal syndrome, in-utero treatment and neonatal prophylaxis. Categorical variables were compared with the chi2 or the Fisher tests. RESULTS: Anaemia was observed in 188 (30.1%) children during follow-up and 161 (25.8%) had anaemia grade 2 or higher. Prematurity (p < 0.001), low birth weight (p = 0.005) and Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) with Protease Inhibitors (p = 0.016) were associated with higher percentages of anaemia in children. Nadir haemoglobin values were reached by 6 weeks of life and anaemia was transient and disappeared by six months of age. Neutropenia was present in 41.9% (261 children) and 22.7% of the children had moderate-severe neutropenia. Prematurity was again associated with neutropenia (p = 0.01) and low birth weigh was associated only with moderate-severe neutropenia (p = 0.023). African infants had a higher percentage of neutropenia than the rest of the children (50% vs. 44%), although the differences were not significant. The type of in-utero treatment did not appear to influence the neutropenia. Neutropenia was still present in 12.5% of infants at 18 months of age. The type of neonatal prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission (monotherapy, dual therapy or triple therapy) did not influence either cytopenia. CONCLUSION: In our series, the proportion of children with anaemia is high: 30.1% Prematurity, low birth weight and HAART with IP were associated with a higher proportion of anaemia, which was transient and had little clinical relevance. The proportion of children with neutropenia was higher (41.9%) and was associated with prematurity, low birth weight and African origin. The type of neonatal prophylaxis does not seem to influence the development of cytopenias. Persistence of neutropenia (without clinical significance) was observed in a small percentage of the children 12.5%, at 18 months of age.

[Why are HIV-infected infants still being born in Spain?]. / Por qué se infectan aún niños con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en España?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the success of preventive measures against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and -2 (HIV-1 and -2) in developed countries, HIV-infected infants continue to be born. The aim of this study was to evaluate failures in the prevention of MTCT and the clinical characteristics of infected infants. METHODS: The Foundation for the Investigation and Prevention of AIDS in Spain (FIPSE) Cohort in Madrid prospectively follows up children at risk of MTCT HIV born in eight public hospitals in Madrid. From May 2000 to December 2005, 632 children born to HIV-infected mothers were evaluated. Data from pregnancy follow-up, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and symptoms at diagnosis in infected infants were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine infants were infected. The rate of vertical transmission was 1.42 (95% CI 0.7-2.68). Of the nine mothers, seven had not received ART during pregnancy (and five had not received ART at delivery). Of the mothers who received ART, one had only done so for the last month of pregnancy. Two infants were given three drugs as prevention of MTCT, one received bitherapy and six received monotherapy. The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 months (range 7 days-2 years). The mean plasma viral load at diagnosis was 276,000 copies/ml (range: 11,900-1,000,000). Five of the infants were symptomatic at diagnosis (P. jirovaci pneumonia in two, sepsis in one, recurrent bacterial infections in one, hepatosplenomegaly in one). Four of the nine infants had been admitted to hospital prior to HIV diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Missed opportunities for the prevention of MTCT were identified in eight of the nine HIV-infected infants (89%). Administration of AZT during labor in HIV-infected mothers and triple therapy for the prevention of MTCT in high risk infants is not universal. Hospital admission in young infants at risk might lead to suspicion of infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Improved implementation of all the preventive measures for MTCT should be encouraged.

¿Por qué se infectan aún niños con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en España? / Why are HIV-infected infants still being born in Spain?

Introducción A pesar del éxito en la prevención de la transmisión vertical (TV) del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipos 1 y 2 (VIH-1 y 2) en los países desarrollados, todavía siguen naciendo niños infectados. El propósito de este análisis es evaluar los fallos en la prevención de la TV y las características de los niños infectados Métodos La Cohorte FIPSE de Madrid sigue prospectivamente a los niños hijos de gestantes VIH que nacen en 8 hospitales públicos de Madrid. Desde mayo de 2000 hasta diciembre de 2005, se siguieron 632 niños. Se han analizado los datos de la gestación, seguimiento, tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR), y clínica al diagnóstico de los casos de TV. Resultados Se infectaron 9 niños. La tasa de TV fue del 1,42 % (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 0,7-2,68). 7/9 madres no recibieron TAR durante la gestación (y de ellas, cinco tampoco lo recibieron en el parto). De las madres que recibieron TAR, una sólo cumplió un mes de tratamiento. Dos niños recibieron triple terapia como prevención de la TV, un niño recibió biterapia y, el resto, monoterapia. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 2,4 meses (rango: 7 días-2 años). La carga viral media en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 276.000 copias/ml (rango: 11.900-1.000.000). Un total de 5/9 de los casos eran sintomáticos al diagnóstico (2 neumonías por Pneumocystis jiroveci, una sepsis, una infección bacteriana de repetición, una hepatoesplenomegalia). Un total de 4/9 requirieron ingreso hospitalario antes del diagnóstico de VIH. Discusión Se identificaron "oportunidades perdidas" de prevención de la TV en 8 de los 9 niños infectados (89 %). El uso de zidovudina durante el parto y la triple terapia al recién nacido de riesgo no están universalmente extendidos. El ingreso hospitalario de lactantes en riesgo de TV debería hacer sospechar una posible infección. Se debería reforzar el acceso y la implementación de todas las medidas de prevención de la TV en el sistema sanitario

Introduction Despite the success of preventive measures against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and -2 (HIV-1 and -2) in developed countries, HIV-infected infants continue to be born. The aim of this study was to evaluate failures in the prevention of MTCT and the clinical characteristics of infected infants. Methods The Foundation for the Investigation and Prevention of AIDS in Spain (FIPSE) Cohort in Madrid prospectively follows up children at risk of MTCT HIV born in eight public hospitals in Madrid. From May 2000 to December 2005, 632 children born to HIV-infected mothers were evaluated. Data from pregnancy follow-up, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and symptoms at diagnosis in infected infants were analyzed. Results Nine infants were infected. The rate of vertical transmission was 1.42 (95 % CI 0.7-2.68). Of the nine mothers, seven had not received ART during pregnancy (and five had not received ART at delivery). Of the mothers who received ART, one had only done so for the last month of pregnancy. Two infants were given three drugs as prevention of MTCT, one received bitherapy and six received monotherapy. The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 months (range 7 days-2 years). The mean plasma viral load at diagnosis was 276,000 copies/ml (range: 11,900-1,000,000). Five of the infants were symptomatic at diagnosis (P. jirovaci pneumonia in two, sepsis in one, recurrent bacterial infections in one, hepatosplenomegaly in one). Four of the nine infants had been admitted to hospital prior to HIV diagnosis. Discussion Missed opportunities for the prevention of MTCT were identified in eight of the nine HIV-infected infants (89 %). Administration of AZT during labor in HIV-infected mothers and triple therapy for the prevention of MTCT in high risk infants is not universal. Hospital admission in young infants at risk might lead to suspicion of infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Improved implementation of all the preventive measures for MTCT should be encouraged

[Epidemiological trends in new diagnoses of HIV-1 infection in children]. / Cambios epidemiológicos en nuevos diagnósticos de infección por el VIH-1 en niños.

INTRODUCTION: In the last few years, the immigrant population in Spain, as well as the number of HIV-infected patients from countries where the prevalence of HIV-1 infection is higher, have continued to increase. No data are available on the impact of immigration on new cases of HIV-1 diagnosed in children. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and determine the epidemiological trend of new diagnoses of pediatric HIV infection in Madrid in the last 8 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study through review of the medical records of children in whom a new diagnosis HIV-1 infection was made in nine hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid from 1997 to 2004. Two periods were compared: before December 2000 (period A) and after December 2000 (period B). Children born outside Spain or those whose parents had arrived in Spain in the previous 10 years were considered immigrants. RESULTS: During the period analyzed, 97 children with HIV infection were identified and transmission was vertical in 93. Overall, 33 (34%) were immigrants (51% from Latin America, 27% from sub-Saharan Africa, 15% from the Maghreb, and 6% from Eastern Europe). The percentage of immigrant children increased from 26% (19/72) in period A to 56% (14/25) in period B (p: 0.013). The mean age at diagnosis was 3.9 +/- 0.8 years in the immigrant group and 3.7 +/- 0.5 in the group of Spanish children (p > 0.05). No differences were found in the type of transmission, CDC-clinical class, viral load or CD4 cells between Spanish and immigrant children. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of immigrant children with HIV-1 infection is increasing in Madrid. In our experience, we found no significant differences in clinical or immunological category between immigrant and Spanish children with regard to diagnosis of HIV infection.

[Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: report of five cases]. / Osteomielitis crónica multifocal recurrente.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare disease of unknown etiology that mainly affects children. We present a retrospective review of the medical records of five patients with a diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in an infectious diseases clinic at a tertiary center. We describe the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features, laboratory, microbiological and histological findings, treatment, course and prognosis in these patients. There is no specific treatment for chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. There are new treatment options such the combination of azithromycin and calcitonin in children without clinical improvement with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.