Effectiveness of Nirsevimab Immunoprophylaxis Administered at Birth to Prevent Infant Hospitalisation for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a frequent cause of hospitalisation in the first few months of life; however, this risk rapidly decreases with age. Nirsevimab immunoprophylaxis was approved in the European Union for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants during their first RSV season. We evaluated the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalisations for confirmed RSV infection and the impact of a strategy of immunisation at birth. A population-based cohort study was performed in Navarre, Spain, where nirsevimab was offered at birth to all children born from October to December 2023. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio of hospitalisation for PCR-confirmed RSV infection between infants who received and did not receive nirsevimab. Of 1177 infants studied, 1083 (92.0%) received nirsevimab. The risk of hospitalisation for RSV was 8.5% (8/94) among non-immunised infants versus 0.7% (8/1083) in those that were immunised. The estimated effectiveness of nirsevimab was 88.7% (95% confidence interval, 69.6-95.8). Immunisation at birth of infants born between October and December 2023 prevented one hospitalisation for every 15.3 immunised infants. Immunisation of children born from September to January might prevent 77.5% of preventable hospitalisations for RSV in infants born in 2023-2024. These results support the recommendation of nirsevimab immunisation at birth to children born during the RSV epidemic or in the months immediately before to prevent severe RSV infections and alleviate the overload of paediatric hospital resources.

The long-term boomerang effect of COVID-19 on admissions for non-COVID diseases: the ECIEN-2022 study.

Since COVID-19 pandemic started, many changes have been seen in the cycling patterns of pediatric pathologies. On year 2020, we described the initial effects of COVID-19, with a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions, but 2 years later the situation seems to be reversed. Our study bridges a literature gap by exploring the lasting effects of COVID-19 on pediatric non-COVID admissions, particularly the resurgence of respiratory illnesses. ECIEN-2022 is a single-center, retrospective, observational-study conducted 3 years after the pandemic onset, to describe the long-term effects of COVID-19 in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases. Admissions during year 2022 were compared with the Pre-Pandemic Period (PPP: 2015-2019). Pediatric Emergency Department (P-ED) visits, hospital, and Intensive Care Unit (P-ICU) admissions were compared across pre- and post-pandemic periods. Monthly distribution and year-waves are presented. P-ED monthly visits (mean and Standard deviation (SD) raised from 3521 (533) in the PPP to 3775 (996) in 2022 (p < 0.001). Monthly hospital admissions in the 3rd quarter of the Pre-Pandemic Period were 111.7/month (SD:29), dropped to 88.5(SD:6.5) in 2020 and raised to 149(SD:38.8) in 2022 (p = 0.036). An increase in respiratory illnesses was observed in 2022 compared to PPP; Bronchiolitis increased 38%, bronchitis 56%, and admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus 67%.  Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and nature of pediatric health services. The initial decrease has been followed by a boomerang effect with an increase of cases, mainly due to an increase in respiratory infections when pandemic control measures and social restrictions have been lifted. It is essential to maintain an active surveillance and monitorization of these patterns to ensure appropriate healthcare access and utilization. What is Known: • COVID-19 pandemic initially led to a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions for non-COVID diseases. What is New: • ECIEN-2022 study investigated the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases, detecting a "boomerang effect" with an increase in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases in year 2022. • Pediatric Emergency Department visits and hospital admissions for non-COVID diseases, especially those due to respiratory infections, increased significantly in 2022 when compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period.

Chest radiograph in hospitalized children with COVID-19. A review of findings and indications.

PURPOSE: Many articles have been published regarding chest-imaging in COVID-19, but fewer studies have been published in pediatric populations. COVID-19 symptoms in children are generally milder and radiological tests have fewer positive findings. Indications for chest imaging in pediatric COVID-19 patients remain unclear. This study aims to describe the chest radiographs performed in COVID-19 patients in a pediatric hospital, to review the current chest X-ray indications and to develop an specific age-adjusted protocol for chest-imaging in children with COVID-19. METHODS: Retrospective study in hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients in Navarre, Spain. Between March and December 2020, 44 children were included (mean age 3.8-year-old, 50 % males). Demographic information, cause of admission, symptoms, and clinical evolution were described. Chest imaging technique performed, indications and findings were analyzed. A literature review was performed searching for current COVID-19 pediatric chest-imaging indications. RESULTS: Chest X-rays were performed in 35 patients (80 % of admissions) and most common indications were fever and respiratory symptoms. 53 % of the chest X-rays were considered "normal" and the classical bilateral diffuse interstitial pattern, described in adults, was only present in 22 %. All patients with pathological chest X-rays were symptomatic and reported fever (100 %) and fever tended to be longer (fever duration: 4.25 vs. 2.46 days p:0.048) in patients with pathological radiographs. We present a specific protocol for chest-imaging in pediatric COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 clinical manifestations and radiological findings are milder and less specific in children. Imaging should not be used as a screening tool or a routine complementary test in pediatric COVID-19 patients, not even in hospitalized cases.

Epidemiología de la infección SARS-CoV-2 en Navarra (España) / Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Navarre (Spain)

INTRODUCCIÓN: desde el inicio de la epidemia de COVID-19, se han publicado numerosos estudios, pero la información sobre el impacto de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en población pediátrica es todavía limitada. La incidencia y características en población pediátrica siguen siendo inciertas, por lo que se necesitan más estudios para entender el COVID-19 pediátrico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo en el que se describen la incidencia y características clínicas de los niños con COVID-19 confirmada en Navarra (España) durante la primera ola epidémica (28 de febrero-31 de mayo de 2020). RESULTADOS: la incidencia acumulada de COVID-19 pediátrico en Navarra en tres meses fue de tres casos por 1000 niños. De los 309 casos confirmados, el 85,7% tenían contacto domiciliario positivo; el 32,1% fueron asintomáticos; los síntomas fueron variados y solo el 15,8% tenían presentación "típica" de fiebre y síntomas respiratorios; 49% recibió atención telefónica y solo 11,6% requirió estudio complementario. Trece pacientes ingresaron en hospital (4,2%), dos fueron casos moderados (un cuadro respiratorio que requirió oxigenoterapia y un cuadro convulsivo tratado con antiepilépticos) y uno grave con el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico vinculado a SARS-CoV-2 que ingresó en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCIP). Evolución favorable en todos los casos sin secuelas. Un 45,2% no necesitó tratamiento, el resto tratados con analgésicos, inhaladores o antibióticos en caso de sobreinfección; 2,3% recibió hidroxicloroquina. CONCLUSIONES: los reportes epidemiológicos son importantes para mejorar el conocimiento sobre COVID-19 en niños, ayudando a los pediatras a reconocer y tratar mejor la enfermedad

INTRODUCTION: since the recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), extensive research has been performed, but information on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is still limited. Incidence and clinical features in pediatric population remain unclear and studies are needed to further understand pediatric COVID-19. METHODS: in this multi-centre retrospective study, we describe the incidence and clinical characteristics of children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Navarre, Spain, during the first epidemic wave (February 28th - May 31st, 2020). RESULTS: pediatric COVID-19 cumulative incidence in Navarre during these 3 months was three per 1000 children. Of the 309 confirmed cases, 85.7% reported a positive household contact. We found that 32.1% of the patients were asymptomatic; symptoms were diverse and only 15.8% presented the "classic" fever and respiratory involvement. Of the total, 49% received telephone assistance, only 11.6% needed any complementary studies. Thirteen cases were admitted to the hospital (4.2%), from which only two were moderate cases (one respiratory that required oxygen and one epileptic) and one was a severe case presenting Multisystem Syndrome-Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 who needed intensive care. All patients had a favourable outcome without sequelae. Up to 45.2% did not require treatment, the rest received analgesics, inhaled medication or antibiotics in the case of coexisting bacterial infection; 2.3% received Hydroxychloroquine. CONCLUSIONS: epidemiological reports are important for improving the current knowledge of COVID-19 in children, helping pediatricians to better recognize and adequately treat this disease

ECIEN-2020 study: the effect of COVID-19 on admissions for non-COVID-19 diseases.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had great effects on health systems worldwide, not only in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases but also affecting patients with other pathologies. METHODS: ECIEN-2020 is an observational study conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Navarra, Spain. It describes the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures adopted, in pediatric admissions for non-COVID-19 diseases. Admissions during March-June 2020 (first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain) are described and compared with the same quarter in 2019. A sub-analysis was performed delving into epidemiology. Patient characteristics (age, sex, past medical history), disease characteristics (symptoms, duration of symptoms, previous consultation in Primary Care Health Center), and admission characteristics (place and average stay) were analyzed. RESULTS: A 33% reduction in the number of pediatric hospital admissions was observed, decreasing from 529 hospitalizations in 2019 to 353 in 2020 (P < 0.001). This highlights a 48% reduction in patients admitted for pulmonary diseases. There were no significant changes in average hospital-stay, percentage of intensive care unit admissions, or in admissions for other reasons. Percentage of patients admitted among those seen in the emergency department rose from 5.1% in 2019 to 10.9% in 2020, whereas the total number of consultations in the emergency department decreased by 68%. CONCLUSION: The pandemic and the measures adopted due to SARS-CoV-2 have significantly decreased pediatric admissions for non-COVID-19 diseases, especially due to a reduction in the hospitalization for respiratory diseases.

Diaphragmatic Pathology in Children: Not Always an Easy Diagnosis.

ABSTRACT: We present a rare case of a 10-year-old boy with a right diaphragmatic eventration (DE), an uncommon pathology in children. The case highlights the importance of making a correct differential diagnosis between an acquired diaphragmatic hernia and a DE, two uncommon diaphragmatic pathologies. Differential diagnosis of these two entities can usually be made based on radiological findings, by identifying the continuity or the lack of continuity of the diaphragm, but sometimes, especially when on the right side, like in our case, they can be very difficult to differentiate by imaging. Diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of an intact diaphragm that maintains its continuity and its attachments to the costal wall. Diaphragmatic hernia occurs when abdominal organs move into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic hernia is generally symptomatic and always a medical emergency and requires urgent surgery, whereas DE is generally asymptomatic, has a better prognosis, and can be treated conservatively.As the treatment, the surgical approach, and the prognosis of these two entities are very different, a correct differential diagnosis is very important.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children requiring hospitalization: the experience of Navarra, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 in children, or pediatric COVID-19, initially was described as an acute respiratory syndrome similar to the adult presentation but with less severe manifestations. METHODS: We describe the clinical characteristics, disease presentation, treatments and outcomes of all pediatric cases with COVID-19 admitted to the reference hospitals in Navarra, Spain during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (February-May 2020). RESULTS: We found a low number of hospitalized cases in infants and children compared to adults with a hospitalization ratio of 1:180. Most of these hospitalized cases did not suffer from severe disease. Over 80% of infections reported household contacts, and the mother was the known-contact in 83% of these cases. 72% of hospitalized cases were previously healthy children. We describe how symptoms in pediatric cases are nonspecific and how COVID-19 can be presented with a wide range and variety of symptoms. Respiratory symptoms are not always present, and severe neurological and cardiac features can occur in previously healthy children. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological description and case reports will be key to a better recognition and to adequate treatment of pediatric patients with COVID-19.

Case Report: Benign Infantile Seizures Temporally Associated With COVID-19.

Background: Non-febrile illness seizures may present in previously healthy children as afebrile seizures associated with minor infections, such as mild gastroenteritis or respiratory tract infections, and are linked to a genetic predisposition. For the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19, fever, cough, and gastrointestinal complaints are the most common symptoms in children, and a hyperimmune response may be present. No detailed temporally associated neurological complications have been documented in pediatric case series so far. Case description: We present the case of a 3-months-old girl with non-febrile repeated seizures in a COVID-19 family setting. The infant started with a mild fever and cough that lasted for 2 days. At day 6 from onset, the girl presented with two focal motor seizures with impaired consciousness and awareness. All investigations ruled out signs of meningo-encephalitis or active epilepsy, including normal electroencephalogram and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. PCR from nasal and throat swabs was positive for SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, blood ferritin and D-dimer levels were increased. At day 9, the infant presented another afebrile motor seizure, and levetiracetam dose was modified there was a favorable response within 3 months of the follow-up. Much interest has been raised with regards to host genetic determinants to disease severity and susceptibility to COVID-19. We thus performed whole exome sequencing, revealing a pathogenic frameshift mutation in the PRRT2 gene in both the mother and the infant. The mother had presented two late infantile febrile convulsions with normal outcome afterwards. Discussion: The hyperimmune response described in adult cases with COVID-19 can be seen in infants, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Moreover, COVID-19 may present in infants as non-febrile seizures, triggering early onset seizures in infants with a genetic predisposition. In this pandemic situation, precision medicine using massive sequencing can shed light on underlying molecular mechanisms driving the host response to COVID-19.

Enfermedad tuberculosa en la edad pediátrica: experiencia de diez años / Tuberculous disease in Pediatrics: ten years' experience

Objetivo: describir la tuberculosis infantil de 2005 a 2015 en Navarra, con datos demográficos, clínicos, radiológicos, microbiológicos, tratamiento y evolución. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo a partir de datos de historia clínica de los pacientes atendidos entre 2005 y 2015. Resultados: 52 pacientes, 57,7% varones, 42,3% mujeres, mediana de edad cuatro años, 38,5% inmigrantes, 61,5% hijos de inmigrantes. Distribución homogénea en los diez años, excepto un brote en 2011. Sintomáticos el 69,2%. En el 63,5% de los pacientes el caso índice es conocido. La forma clínica más frecuente es la pulmonar (82,7%). La radiología fue patológica en el 86,5%, se realizó tomografía computarizada pulmonar en el 82,7% (95,3% patológicos). El 71,2% de los cultivos fueron positivos para Mycobacterium tuberculosis (sensibles 92,3%). Tratamiento con cuatro fármacos y posteriormente dos de 6 a 12 meses. Evolución: 84,6% curación, 13,5% secuelas y un exitus. Conclusiones: la tuberculosis es un problema de salud infantil cuya forma más frecuente es pulmonar. Evoluciona favorablemente, pero presenta morbimortalidad. Es imprescindible tenerla en cuenta para diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz

Objective: to describe tuberculosis in Pediatrics from 2005-2015 in Navarra, attending to demographic, clinic, radiologic, microbiologic, treatment and evolution data. Material and methods: a retrospective descriptive study based on data from the clinical history of patients treated between 2005 and 2015. Results: we studied 52 patients, 57.7% men, 42.3% women, age: 4 years old. 38.5% are immigrant and 61.5% children from immigrants. During the last 10 years, the distribution has been homogeneous, despite of one outbreak in 2011. 69.2% had symptoms when diagnosed. In 63.5% we knew index case. The most frequent clinical form is the pulmonary one. Simple Rx was pathological in 86,5% of cases and CT was applied in 82,7% (being diagnostic in 95'3% of them). 71,2% of microbiological cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (92,3% of them were sensible to M. tuberculosis sensible to standard treatment). All patients were treated with four drugs and then two up to 6-12 months. Follow up: 84.6% healed, 13.5% healed but there were sequelae and one of our patients died. Conclusion: tuberculosis represents a problem in children health. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most frequent clinical form. Normally, it evolves favourably but morbimortality exists. It is essential to consider tuberculosis in order to have an early diagnosis and treatment

Cambios en las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes pediátricos infectados por VIH en Navarra / Changes in the epidemiological characteristics of paediatric patients with HIV infection in Navarre

Introducción: los flujos migratorios, junto a las medidas de prevención de la transmisión vertical, han cambiado la epidemiología de los nuevos diagnósticos de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Objetivo: conocer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los nuevos diagnósticos de infección por el VIH en Navarra. Material y métodos: revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes controlados durante 15 años (2000-2014) analizando variables epidemiológicas y clínicas, con tres puntos de corte quinquenales. Datos poblacionales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Resultados: 15 pacientes estudiados, todos por transmisión vertical. Madres de origen extranjero: globalmente el 47%. El 0% en 2004, 36% en 2009 (100% de nuevos diagnósticos) y 36% en 2014 (75% de los nuevos). No se encontraron diferencias en el estadio clínico, inmunológico, ni en la carga viral según su origen. El contagio materno fue al inicio por uso compartido de jeringuillas; posteriormente por vía heterosexual. Conclusiones: las características de los niños infectados por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana han cambiado, siendo en la actualidad mayoritariamente hijos de inmigrantes y el contagio materno vía heterosexual

Introduction: migratory flows and the introduction of measures to prevent vertical transmission have changed the epidemiology of new cases of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: to establish the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of new cases of infection by HIV in Navarre. Materials and methods: we conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the health records of patients managed in a 15-year period (2000-2014), analysing epidemiological and clinical variables in three 5-year intervals. We obtained the data for the reference population from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Results: we analysed the cases of 15 patients, all of them infected by vertical transmission. Children of foreign-born mothers amounted to 47% of the total sample, corresponding to 0% of cases in 2004, 36% of cases (including 100% of newly diagnosed cases) in 2009, and 36% of cases (including 75% of newly diagnosed cases) in 2014. We did not find differences in the stage of HIV, the immune status or the viral load based on geographical origin. The leading source of infection in mothers was injectable drug use at the beginning of the study, and changed to heterosexual transmission during the analysed period. Conclusions: we found changes in the characteristics of children infected by HIV, who are now most frequently children of immigrants whose mothers became infected through heterosexual transmission

La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial en el niño. Todavía hoy un reto diagnóstico / Pediatric Interstitial Lung Disease: an Ongoing Challenge

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Un caso de linfadenitis granulomatosa por Mycobacterium tuberculosis en nuestro medio / Granulomatous lymphadenitis by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in our midst

La afectación ganglionar por Mycobacterium tuberculosis puede ocurrir tras una diseminación linfohemática a partir de una afectación primaria pulmonar, o por primoinfección extrapulmonar, cuya puerta de entrada son las mucosas o contacto con objetos contaminados. Se presenta el caso de un niño de diez años, nacido en España, afecto de adenitis tuberculosa en la región inguinal, cuya infección se produjo tras una herida en el pie ocurrida en una playa de Brasil. Tras el inicio de la terapia antituberculosa desarrolló una escrófula que requirió desbridamiento quirúrgico, con buena evolución posterior (AU)

Tuberculous lymphadenitis can be caused either by an haematogenous spread from a pulmonary primary form or by an extrapulmonary infection due to cutaneous lesions or contact with contaminated items. We present a 10-year-old spanish boy, who has an inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Infection was secondary to a foot injury caused in a Brazilian beach. A scrofula appeared after triple therapy was instaured, needing surgical debridement with a favourable clinical evolution (AU)

[Nutritional status at the time of admission among patients admitted to a tertiary-care paediatric hospital]. / SITUACIÓN NUTRICIONAL EN EL MOMENTO DEL INGRESO EN UN HOSPITAL PEDIÁTRICO TERCIARIO.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the nutrition status of the pediatric patients at the time of hospital admission throughout a calendar year in a tertiary level hospital and to identify those patients and/or groups of pathologies with a higher risk of malnutrition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of nutrition status of 852 patients hospitalized in 2013 in a pediatric hospital (462 males and 390 females). Sex, age, body mass index at the moment of admission and days of hospitalization and diagnosis codified according to the International Classification of Diseases were registered. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition patients registered at the moment of admission was 8.2%. Excess body weight (overweight and obesity) was detected in 18% of the patients. The diseases of the nervous system (22.9%), together with the diseases of the respiratory system, the infectious diseases (18.6%), the congenital malformations (11.4%) and the diseases of the genitorurinary system (8.6%) account for 84.4% of the cases with malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence rate for malnutrition in pediatric patients at the moment of admission in our hospital was 8.2%, being this figure similar to those published in occidental countries. It should be mandatory to accomplish an initial screening and follow up during hospitalization of younger patients and those suffering from diseases of the nervous and/or respiratory system and, especially, from congenital diseases.

Objetivo: analizar la situación nutricional de los pacientes en el momento del ingreso hospitalario a lo largo de un año natural e identificar a aquellos pacientes y/o grupos de enfermedades con mayor riesgo de malnutrición. Material y métodos: valoración retrospectiva de la situación nutricional de 852 pacientes hospitalizados durante el año 2013 en un hospital pediátrico (462 varones y 390 mujeres). De cada paciente se registraron el sexo, edad, peso y talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estancia hospitalaria y diagnóstico según la Clasificación Internacional de las Enfermedades (CIE-10). Resultados: la prevalencia de malnutrición al ingreso era del 8,2%, y la de sobrepeso/obesidad del 18%. Las enfermedades neurológicas (22,9%), junto con las respiratorias (22,9%), infecciosas (18,6%), malformaciones congénitas (11,4%) y genitourinarias (8,6%) representaban el 84,4% de los casos de malnutrición. Conclusiones: la tasa de prevalencia de malnutrición en los pacientes pediátricos al ingreso era del 8,2%; siendo esta cifra prácticamente similar a las publicadas en los países occidentales. Los pacientes con menor edad y afectos de enfermedades neurológicas y/o respiratorias y, especialmente, con enfermedades congénitas tenían un mayor riesgo de presentar malnutrición, siendo preceptivo realizar un cribado nutricional inicial y un seguimiento durante su hospitalización.

Situación nutricional en el momento del ingreso en un hospital pediátrico terciario / Nutritional status at the time of admission among patients admitted to a tertiary-care paediatric hospital

Objetivo: analizar la situación nutricional de los pacientes en el momento del ingreso hospitalario a lo largo de un año natural e identificar a aquellos pacientes y/o grupos de enfermedades con mayor riesgo de malnutrición. Material y métodos: valoración retrospectiva de la situación nutricional de 852 pacientes hospitalizados durante el año 2013 en un hospital pediátrico (462 varones y 390 mujeres). De cada paciente se registraron el sexo, edad, peso y talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estancia hospitalaria y diagnóstico según la Clasificación Internacional de las Enfermedades (CIE-10). Resultados: la prevalencia de malnutrición al ingreso era del 8,2%, y la de sobrepeso/obesidad del 18%. Las enfermedades neurológicas (22,9%), junto con las respiratorias (22,9%), infecciosas (18,6%), malformaciones congénitas (11,4%) y genitourinarias (8,6%) representaban el 84,4% de los casos de malnutrición. Conclusiones: la tasa de prevalencia de malnutrición en los pacientes pediátricos al ingreso era del 8,2%; siendo esta cifra prácticamente similar a las publicadas en los países occidentales. Los pacientes con menor edad y afectos de enfermedades neurológicas y/o respiratorias y, especialmente, con enfermedades congénitas tenían un mayor riesgo de presentar malnutrición, siendo preceptivo realizar un cribado nutricional inicial y un seguimiento durante su hospitalización (AU)

Objective: to analyze the nutrition status of the pediatric patients at the time of hospital admission throughout a calendar year in a tertiary level hospital and to identify those patients and/or groups of pathologies with a higher risk of malnutrition. Material and methods: retrospective evaluation of nutrition status of 852 patients hospitalized in 2013 in a pediatric hospital (462 males and 390 females). Sex, age, body mass index at the moment of admission and days of hospitalization and diagnosis codified according to the International Classification of Diseases were registered. Results: the prevalence of malnutrition patients registered at the moment of admission was 8.2%. Excess body weight (overweight and obesity) was detected in 18% of the patients. The diseases of the nervous system (22.9%), together with the diseases of the respiratory system, the infectious diseases (18.6%), the congenital malformations (11.4%) and the diseases of the genitorurinary system (8.6%) account for 84.4% of the cases with malnutrition. Conclusions: the overall prevalence rate for malnutrition in pediatric patients at the moment of admission in our hospital was 8.2%, being this figure similar to those published in occidental countries. It should be mandatory to accomplish an initial screening and follow up during hospitalization of younger patients and those suffering from diseases of the nervous and/or respiratory system and, especially, from congenital diseases (AU)