Variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children in the region of Asturias, Northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Updated seroprevalence estimates are important to describe the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) landscape and to guide public health decisions. The aims are to describe longitudinal changes in seroprevalence in children in a region in Northern Spain and to analyze factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. METHODS: Prospective multicenter longitudinal study with subjects recruited from July to September 2020. Children (up to 14 years old) were included and followed up until September 2021. Venous blood samples were collected every six months during three testing rounds and were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The data regarding epidemiological features, contact tracing, symptoms, and virological tests were collected. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the study and the differences between children with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred children were recruited (50.5% girls, median age 9.7 years). The overall seroprevalence increased from round 1 [1.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3%-4.3%] to round 2 (9.1%, 95% CI 4.6%-12.7%) and round 3 (16.6%, 95% CI 9.5%-19.6%) (P < 0.001). Main changes occurred in children aged zero to four years (P = 0.001) who lived in urban areas (P < 0.001). None of the children who were previously positive became seronegative. Following multivariable analysis, three variables independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were identified: close contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed or suspected cases [odds ratio (OR) = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-12.5], previous positive virological test (OR = 17.1, 95% CI 3.7-78.3) and fatigue (OR = 18.1, 95% CI 1.7-193.4). CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children has remarkably increased during the time of our study. Fatigue was the only COVID-19-compatible symptom that was more frequent in seropositive than in seronegative children.

Early factors related to mortality in children treated with bi-level noninvasive ventilation and CPAP.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the characteristics and the early risk factors for mortality of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in critically ill children. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, observational 2-year study carried out with critically ill patients (1 month - 18 years of age) who needed NIV. Clinical data and NIV parameters during the first 12 h of admission were collected. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to identify mortality risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 781 patients (44.2 ± 57.7 months) were studied (57.8% male). Of them, 53.7% had an underlying condition, and 47.1% needed NIV for lower airway respiratory pathologies. Bi-level NIV was the initial support in 78.2% of the patients. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was used more in younger patients (33.7%) than in older ones (9.7%; p < .001). About 16.7% had to be intubated and 6.2% died. The risk factors for mortality were immunodeficiency (odds ratio [OR] = 11.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.95-47.13); cerebral palsy (OR = 5.86; 95% CI = 1.94-17.65); presence of apneas on admission (OR = 5.57; 95% CI = 2.13-14.58); tachypnea 6 h after NIV onset (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.30-6.94); and NIV failure (OR = 6.54; 95% CI = 2.79-15.34). CONCLUSION: NIV is used with great variability in types of support. Younger children receive CPAP more frequently than older children. Immunodeficiency, cerebral palsy, apneas on admission, tachypnea 6 h after NIV onset, and NIV failure are the early factors associated with mortality.

CPAP vs oxigenoterapia convencional en lactantes trasladados por insuficiencia respiratoria / CPAP vs oxygen therapy in infants being transported due to acute respiratory failure

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la efectividad y la seguridad de la presión continua en la vía aérea (CPAP) en lactantes trasladados por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) y comparar el curso clínico y la evolución en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de los pacientes trasladados con dicha terapia vs la oxigenoterapia convencional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional y analítico de una cohorte retrospectiva. Se revisaron las historias de los lactantes de 0 a 12meses con IRA que precisaron traslado interhospitalario a la UCIP. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 110 pacientes: 71 trasladados con CPAP y 39 con oxigenoterapia. La causa principal de IRA fue la bronquiolitis (81,8%). La mediana del nivel de CPAP fue de 7cmH2O (rango intercuartílico, 6-7). Controlando en análisis multivariables específicos por los valores previos, se obtuvo que la CPAP durante el traslado produjo una disminución significativa en el score de Wood-Downes (beta=−1,08; IC95%: −1,76 a 0,40; p = 0,002) y en la frecuencia cardiaca (beta=−19,64, IC95%: −28,46 a −10,81; p < 0,001). Ningún paciente precisó intubación endotraqueal durante el transporte. En la UCIP, la tasa de intubación fue similar en el grupo CPAP (7%) y en el de oxigenoterapia (5,1%) (p = 0,689). El porcentaje de pacientes que precisaron ventilación no invasiva con dos niveles de presión en las primeras 6h de ingreso en la UCIP fue mayor en el grupo de oxigenoterapia: 100% (11/11) vs 69,2% (18/26), p = 0,04. CONCLUSIONES: La administración precoz de CPAP en lactantes es segura durante el traslado interhospitalario. Durante el transporte, la CPAP comparada con la oxigenoterapia disminuye el score de Wood-Downes y la frecuencia cardiaca

OBJECTIVE: The aims of our study are to evaluate the effectiveness and security of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in infants transferred with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and to compare their evolution in PICU between CPAP vs oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational and analytical study by reviewing the health records of infants with ARF aged 0 to 12months that required interhospital transfer to the PICU. RESULTS: We included 110 patients: 71 transported with CPAP and 39 with oxygen therapy. The main cause of ARF was acute bronchiolitis (81.8%). The median level of CPAP was 7cmH2O (interquartile range, 6-7). Controlling by the previous values in specific multivariable models, CPAP produced a significant decrease in the Wood-Downes score (beta = −1.08; 95% CI = −1.76 to −0.40; P = .002) and the heart rate (beta = −19.64, 95% CI = −28.46 to −10.81; P < .001). No patients required endotracheal intubation during transport. During the PICU stay, the intubation rate was similar in the CPAP group (7%) and the oxygen therapy group (5.1%) (P=.689). The proportion of patients that required bilevel positive airway pressure within 6hours of admission to the PICU was higher in the oxygen therapy group: 100% (11/11) vs 69.2% (18/26), P=.04. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of CPAP to infants with ARF was a safe respiratory support intervention during interhospital transport. During patient transport, the use of CPAP achieved greater decreases in the Wood-Downes score and heart rate compared to oxygen therapy

Assessment of Two Nutritional Screening Tools in Hospitalized Children.

AIM: to evaluate validity and concordance of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) and Screening Tool for Risk On Nutritional status and Growth (STRONGkids) screening tools for assessment of nutritional risk in pediatric inpatients. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal observational multicenter study in children aged 1 month or older admitted as inpatients. Weight, height, cause of admission, demographic data, length of stay, and nutritional interventions were recorded. STAMP and STRONGkids were applied within the first 72 h of admission. Anthropometric measurements were recorded again 12-18 months after admission. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients with median age of 4.1 years completed the study. Agreement between tools was moderate (κ = 0.47). STAMP had a greater tendency to classify patients as high risk (12.3% vs. 2.5%). Both tools showed very weak correlation with height for age. All undernourished patients at the beginning and the end of the study were classified as medium or high risk by STAMP and STRONGkids (100% sensitivity), although specificity was below 50% in all cases. There were no differences in length of stay based on nutritional risk with any of the tools. CONCLUSIONS: STAMP and STRONGkids demonstrated moderate agreement, with high sensitivity but low specificity for the diagnosis of undernutrition. Further studies are required to analyze cost-effectiveness of these tools and nutritional interventions derived from them.

[CPAP vs oxygen therapy in infants being transported due to acute respiratory failure]. / CPAP vs oxigenoterapia convencional en lactantes trasladados por insuficiencia respiratoria.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of our study are to evaluate the effectiveness and security of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in infants transferred with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and to compare their evolution in PICU between CPAP vs oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational and analytical study by reviewing the health records of infants with ARF aged 0 to 12months that required interhospital transfer to the PICU. RESULTS: We included 110 patients: 71 transported with CPAP and 39 with oxygen therapy. The main cause of ARF was acute bronchiolitis (81.8%). The median level of CPAP was 7cmH2O (interquartile range, 6-7). Controlling by the previous values in specific multivariable models, CPAP produced a significant decrease in the Wood-Downes score (beta = -1.08; 95% CI = -1.76 to -0.40; P = .002) and the heart rate (beta = -19.64, 95% CI = -28.46 to -10.81; P < .001). No patients required endotracheal intubation during transport. During the PICU stay, the intubation rate was similar in the CPAP group (7%) and the oxygen therapy group (5.1%) (P=.689). The proportion of patients that required bilevel positive airway pressure within 6hours of admission to the PICU was higher in the oxygen therapy group: 100% (11/11) vs 69.2% (18/26), P=.04. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of CPAP to infants with ARF was a safe respiratory support intervention during interhospital transport. During patient transport, the use of CPAP achieved greater decreases in the Wood-Downes score and heart rate compared to oxygen therapy.

Fecal Changes Following Introduction of Milk in Infants With Outgrowing Non-IgE Cow's Milk Protein Allergy Are Influenced by Previous Consumption of the Probiotic LGG.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common allergy in the first year of life. Non-IgE mediated CMPA is characterized by digestive symptoms and tolerance development before the age of three. Gut microbiota composition in early life has been associated with food allergy. The ingestion of different foods/nutrients may mark different shifts in the microbial colonization of the infant intestine as well as the consumption of probiotics. Aim: To analyze changes in microbiota composition and metabolic and cytokine profiles in fecal samples from infants with non-IgE mediated CMPA after successful milk challenges, tolerance acquisition, and increasing dairy introduction in their diet. Methods: Twelve children with CMPA, aged between 1 and 2 years old, were recruited for the study. Participants were initially consuming hypoallergenic hydrolyzed formulas (four of them supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), before being exposed to a standardized oral challenge (SOC) with cow's milk. Fecal samples were collected before, 1 week, and 1 month after performing the SOC. Changes in gut microbiota were determined by high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Levels of lactobacilli were also determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Microbial metabolites were analyzed by chromatographic methods and fecal cytokines related to the Th1/Th2 balance were determined by immunoassay. Results: Lactic acid bacteria significantly increased in infants who outgrew non-IgE CMPA, after the introduction of milk. Microbial metabolites derived from the fermentation of proteins, such as branched chain fatty acids, and p-cresol, diminished. After the SOC, some cytokines related to inflammation (TNF-α, IFN-γ) increased. Accompanying the introduction of an unrestricted diet, we found significant differences in fecal microbial composition, metabolites, and cytokines between infants who did not consume the probiotic L. rhamnosus GG and those that did. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the introduction of intact milk proteins is followed by modifications in the infant gut environment through changes in immune mediators, microbiota, and its metabolic end-products. Consumption of probiotics during CMPA may contribute to gut homeostasis by fine-tuning these profiles.

Reply: "Letter to the editor Re: Diaz M., et al. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1481".

The objective of this letter of reply is to provide answers to the doubts and critical issues that Martín Martinez and López Liñan [...].

Hipertricosis cubital en una paciente con pubarquia precoz: Caso clmico / Hypertrichosis cubiti in a girl with precocious puberty: Case report

La hipertricosis cubital es un aumento localizado de la densidad, longitud y espesor del vello. Es una entidad benigna con muy escasos pacientes descritos en la literatura médica (alrededor de medio centenar). La mitad de los casos descritos asocian otros defectos o malformaciones, y la otra mitad son problemas puramente estéticos. La pubarquia precoz en niñas se define como el inicio del vello púbico antes de los 8 años de edad. Se presenta a una paciente de 6 años con la asociación no descrita previamente de hipertricosis cubital y pubarquia precoz.

Hypertrichosis cubiti is a localized increase in hair density, length and thickness. It is an uncommon and benign entity with very few patients described in the medical literature (more or less than half a hundred). Half of the described patients associate other defects or malformations and the other half are purely aesthetic cases. Early pubarche in girls is defined as the onset of pubic hair before 8 years of age. We present a six-year-old patient with the association not previously described of hypertrichosis cubiti and precocious pubarche.

[Hypertrichosis cubiti in a girl with precocious puberty: Case report]. / Hipertricosis cubital en una paciente con pubarquia precoz: Caso clmico.

Hypertrichosis cubiti is a localized increase in hair density, length and thickness. It is an uncommon and benign entity with very few patients described in the medical literature (more or less than half a hundred). Half of the described patients associate other defects or malformations and the other half are purely aesthetic cases. Early pubarche in girls is defined as the onset of pubic hair before 8 years of age. We present a six-year-old patient with the association not previously described of hypertrichosis cubiti and precocious pubarche.

La hipertricosis cubital es un aumento localizado de la densidad, longitud y espesor del vello. Es una entidad benigna con muy escasos pacientes descritos en la literatura médica (alrededor de medio centenar). La mitad de los casos descritos asocian otros defectos o malformaciones, y la otra mitad son problemas puramente estéticos. La pubarquia precoz en niñas se define como el inicio del vello púbico antes de los 8 años de edad. Se presenta a una paciente de 6 años con la asociación no descrita previamente de hipertricosis cubital y pubarquia precoz.

Microbiota and Derived Parameters in Fecal Samples of Infants with Non-IgE Cow's Milk Protein Allergy under a Restricted Diet.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in infancy. Non-IgE mediated (NIM) forms are little studied and the responsible mechanisms of tolerance acquisition remain obscure. Our aim was to study the intestinal microbiota and related parameters in the fecal samples of infants with NIM-CMPA, to establish potential links between type of formula substitutes, microbiota, and desensitization. Seventeen infants between one and two years old, diagnosed with NIM-CMPA, were recruited. They were all on an exclusion diet for six months, consuming different therapeutic protein hydrolysates. After this period, stool samples were obtained and tolerance development was evaluated by oral challenges. A control group of 10 age-matched healthy infants on an unrestricted diet were included in the study. Microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids, calprotectin, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 levels were determined in fecal samples from both groups. Infants with NIM-CMPA that consumed vegetable protein-based formulas presented microbiota colonization patterns different from those fed with an extensively hydrolyzed formula. Differences in microbiota composition and fecal parameters between NIM-CMPA and healthy infants were observed. Non-allergic infants showed a significantly higher proportion of Bacteroides compared to infants with NIM-CMPA. The type of protein hydrolysate was found to determine gut microbiota colonization and influence food allergy resolution in NIM-CMPA cases.

Variabilidad e idoneidad en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas en Asturias, España / Variability of antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis in Asturias, Spain

Introducción. Las faringoamigdalitis agudas suponen un importante porcentaje de las consultas pediátricas y una de las principales causas de prescripción antibiótica. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los hábitos de prescripción antimicrobiana en niños diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y consultas pediátricas de atención primaria en Asturias (España). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico que evalúa pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en los servicios de urgencias de 5 hospitales y en 80 consultas pediátricas de atención primaria. La idoneidad de las prescripciones se estableció por comparación con estándares de referencia. Resultados. Se incluyeron 563 niños con faringoamigdalitis agudas, 49,7% en atención primaria (IC 95% 45,6-53,8%), a los largo de 30 días no consecutivos (6,8% de las consultas pediátricas). Se prescribieron antibióticos en el 75,5% de las faringoamigdalitis (IC 95% 71,9-79,0%) [(78,3% en los menores de 3 años (IC 95% 71,8-84,8%)]. El antibiótico más indicado fue la amoxicilina [39,1% de los casos que recibieron antibioterapia (IC 95% 34,4-43,7%)]. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de prescripción antibiótica entre atención primaria y urgencias hospitalarias (70,0% contra 80,9%, p= 0,003). El tratamiento prescrito se consideró de primera elección en el 43,3% de los tratados (IC 95% 38,6-48,0%) e inadecuado en el 56,0% (IC 95% 51,3-60,7%). Conclusiones. Pese a que la mayoría de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas son de probable etiología vírica, tres cuartas partes de ellas reciben tratamiento antibiótico en nuestro medio, siendo la elección inapropiada en más de la mitad de los casos.

Introduction. Acute pharyngotonsillitis accounts for a large portion of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric offices. Our aim was to analyze the antimicrobial prescription habits for acute pharyngotonsillitis in children from hospital emergency departments and primary care pediatric clinics in Asturias (Spain). Methods. Multicenter descriptive study evaluating pediatric patients with a diagnosis of acute pharyngotonsillitis in 5 hospital emergency departments and 80 pediatric primary care clinics. Appropriateness of prescription was established by comparing with reference standards. Results. Five hundred sixty-three children with acute pharyngotonsillitis [49.7% in primary care CI 95% 45.6-53.8%)] were included along 30 nonconsecutive days. Antibiotics were prescribed in 75.5% of cases (95% CI 71.9-79.0%) [78.3% in children under 3 years of age (95% CI 71.8-84.8%)]. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed [39.1% (95% CI 34.4-43.7%)]. Significant differences in the frequency or antibiotic prescription were found between primary care and hospital emergency departments (70% vs. 80.9%, p= 0.003). The treatment prescribed was considered first choice in 43.3% (95% CI 38.6-48.0%) and inappropriate in 56.0% (95% CI 51.3-60.7%). Conclusions. Although in most cases pediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis is viral in origin, three out of four are treated with antibiotics. Treatment was inappropriate in more than half of the cases in our study.

[Variability of antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis in Asturias, Spain]. / Variabilidad e idoneidad en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas en Asturias, España.

Introduction. Acute pharyngotonsillitis accounts for a large portion of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric offces. Our aim was to analyze the antimicrobial prescription habits for acute pharyngotonsillitis in children from hospital emergency departments and primary care pediatric clinics in Asturias (Spain). Methods. Multicenter descriptive study evaluating pediatric patients with a diagnosis of acute pharyngotonsillitis in 5 hospital emergency departments and 80 pediatric primary care clinics. Appropriateness of prescription was established by comparing with reference standards. Results. Five hundred sixty-three children with acute pharyngotonsillitis [49.7% in primary care CI 95% 45.6-53.8%)] were included along 30 nonconsecutive days. Antibiotics were prescribed in 75.5% of cases (95% CI 71.9-79.0%) [78.3% in children under 3 years of age (95% CI 71.8-84.8%)]. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed [39.1% (95% CI 34.4-43.7%)]. Signifcant differences in the frequency or antibiotic prescription were found between primary care and hospital emergency departments (70% vs. 80.9%, p= 0.003). The treatment prescribed was considered frst choice in 43.3% (95% CI 38.6-48.0%) and inappropriate in 56.0% (95% CI 51.3-60.7%). Conclusions. Although in most cases pediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis is viral in origin, three out of four are treated with antibiotics. Treatment was inappropriate in more than half of the cases in our study.

Variabilidad e idoneidad en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas en Asturias, España / Variability of antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis in Asturias, Spain

Introducción. Las faringoamigdalitis agudas suponen un importante porcentaje de las consultas pediátricas y una de las principales causas de prescripción antibiótica. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los hábitos de prescripción antimicrobiana en niños diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y consultas pediátricas de atención primaria en Asturias (España). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico que evalúa pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en los servicios de urgencias de 5 hospitales y en 80 consultas pediátricas de atención primaria. La idoneidad de las prescripciones se estableció por comparación con estándares de referencia. Resultados. Se incluyeron 563 niños con faringoamigdalitis agudas, 49,7% en atención primaria (IC 95% 45,6-53,8%), a los largo de 30 días no consecutivos (6,8% de las consultas pediátricas). Se prescribieron antibióticos en el 75,5% de las faringoamigdalitis (IC 95% 71,9-79,0%) [(78,3% en los menores de 3 años (IC 95% 71,8-84,8%)]. El antibiótico más indicado fue la amoxicilina [39,1% de los casos que recibieron antibioterapia (IC 95% 34,4-43,7%)]. Se encontraron diferencias signifcativas en el porcentaje de prescripción antibiótica entre atención primaria y urgencias hospitalarias (70,0% contra 80,9%, p= 0,003). El tratamiento prescrito se consideró de primera elección en el 43,3% de los tratados (IC 95% 38,6-48,0%) e inadecuado en el 56,0% (IC 95% 51,3-60,7%). Conclusiones. Pese a que la mayoría de las faringomigdalitis agudas pediátricas son de probable etiología vírica, tres cuartas partes de ellas reciben tratamiento antibiótico en nuestro medio, siendo la elección inapropiada en más de la mitad de los casos.

Introduction. Acute pharyngotonsillitis accounts for a large portion of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric offces. Our aim was to analyze the antimicrobial prescription habits for acute pharyngotonsillitis in children from hospital emergency departments and primary care pediatric clinics in Asturias (Spain). Methods. Multicenter descriptive study evaluating pediatric patients with a diagnosis of acute pharyngotonsillitis in 5 hospital emergency departments and 80 pediatric primary care clinics. Appropriateness of prescription was established by comparing with reference standards. Results. Five hundred sixty-three children with acute pharyngotonsillitis [49.7% in primary care CI 95% 45.6-53.8%)] were included along 30 nonconsecutive days. Antibiotics were prescribed in 75.5% of cases (95% CI 71.9-79.0%) [78.3% in children under 3 years of age (95% CI 71.8-84.8%)]. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed [39.1% (95% CI 34.4-43.7%)]. Signifcant differences in the frequency or antibiotic prescription were found between primary care and hospital emergency departments (70% vs. 80.9%, p= 0.003). The treatment prescribed was considered frst choice in 43.3% (95% CI 38.6-48.0%) and inappropriate in 56.0% (95% CI 51.3-60.7%). Conclusions. Although in most cases pediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis is viral in origin, three out of four are treated with antibiotics. Treatment was inappropriate in more than half of the cases in our study.

Variabilidad e idoneidad en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas en Asturias, España / Variability of antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis in Asturias, Spain

Introducción. Las faringoamigdalitis agudas suponen un importante porcentaje de las consultas pediátricas y una de las principales causas de prescripción antibiótica. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los hábitos de prescripción antimicrobiana en niños diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y consultas pediátricas de atención primaria en Asturias (España). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico que evalúa pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en los servicios de urgencias de 5 hospitales y en 80 consultas pediátricas de atención primaria. La idoneidad de las prescripciones se estableció por comparación con estándares de referencia. Resultados. Se incluyeron 563 niños con faringoamigdalitis agudas, 49,7% en atención primaria (IC 95% 45,6-53,8%), a los largo de 30 días no consecutivos (6,8% de las consultas pediátricas). Se prescribieron antibióticos en el 75,5% de las faringoamigdalitis (IC 95% 71,9-79,0%) [(78,3% en los menores de 3 años (IC 95% 71,8-84,8%)]. El antibiótico más indicado fue la amoxicilina [39,1% de los casos que recibieron antibioterapia (IC 95% 34,4-43,7%)]. Se encontraron diferencias signifcativas en el porcentaje de prescripción antibiótica entre atención primaria y urgencias hospitalarias (70,0% contra 80,9%, p= 0,003). El tratamiento prescrito se consideró de primera elección en el 43,3% de los tratados (IC 95% 38,6-48,0%) e inadecuado en el 56,0% (IC 95% 51,3-60,7%). Conclusiones. Pese a que la mayoría de las faringomigdalitis agudas pediátricas son de probable etiología vírica, tres cuartas partes de ellas reciben tratamiento antibiótico en nuestro medio, siendo la elección inapropiada en más de la mitad de los casos.(AU)

Introduction. Acute pharyngotonsillitis accounts for a large portion of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric offces. Our aim was to analyze the antimicrobial prescription habits for acute pharyngotonsillitis in children from hospital emergency departments and primary care pediatric clinics in Asturias (Spain). Methods. Multicenter descriptive study evaluating pediatric patients with a diagnosis of acute pharyngotonsillitis in 5 hospital emergency departments and 80 pediatric primary care clinics. Appropriateness of prescription was established by comparing with reference standards. Results. Five hundred sixty-three children with acute pharyngotonsillitis [49.7% in primary care CI 95% 45.6-53.8%)] were included along 30 nonconsecutive days. Antibiotics were prescribed in 75.5% of cases (95% CI 71.9-79.0%) [78.3% in children under 3 years of age (95% CI 71.8-84.8%)]. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed [39.1% (95% CI 34.4-43.7%)]. Signifcant differences in the frequency or antibiotic prescription were found between primary care and hospital emergency departments (70% vs. 80.9%, p= 0.003). The treatment prescribed was considered frst choice in 43.3% (95% CI 38.6-48.0%) and inappropriate in 56.0% (95% CI 51.3-60.7%). Conclusions. Although in most cases pediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis is viral in origin, three out of four are treated with antibiotics. Treatment was inappropriate in more than half of the cases in our study.(AU)

Variabilidad e idoneidad en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de las faringoamigdalitis agudas pediátricas en Asturias, España / Variability of antibiotic treatment in paediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis in Asturias, Spain

Introducción. Las faringoamigdalitis agudas suponen un importante porcentaje de las consultas pediátricas y una de las principales causas de prescripción antibiótica. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los hábitos de prescripción antimicrobiana en niños diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y consultas pediátricas de atención primaria en Asturias (España). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico que evalúa pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados con faringoamigdalitis aguda en los servicios de urgencias de 5 hospitales y en 80 consultas pediátricas de atención primaria. La idoneidad de las prescripciones se estableció por comparación con estándares de referencia. Resultados. Se incluyeron 563 niños con faringoamigdalitis agudas, 49,7% en atención primaria (IC 95% 45,6-53,8%), a los largo de 30 días no consecutivos (6,8% de las consultas pediátricas). Se prescribieron antibióticos en el 75,5% de las faringoamigdalitis (IC 95% 71,9-79,0%) [(78,3% en los menores de 3 años (IC 95% 71,8-84,8%)]. El antibiótico más indicado fue la amoxicilina [39,1% de los casos que recibieron antibioterapia (IC 95% 34,4-43,7%)]. Se encontraron diferencias signifcativas en el porcentaje de prescripción antibiótica entre atención primaria y urgencias hospitalarias (70,0% contra 80,9%, p= 0,003). El tratamiento prescrito se consideró de primera elección en el 43,3% de los tratados (IC 95% 38,6-48,0%) e inadecuado en el 56,0% (IC 95% 51,3-60,7%). Conclusiones. Pese a que la mayoría de las faringomigdalitis agudas pediátricas son de probable etiología vírica, tres cuartas partes de ellas reciben tratamiento antibiótico en nuestro medio, siendo la elección inapropiada en más de la mitad de los casos.(AU)

Introduction. Acute pharyngotonsillitis accounts for a large portion of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric offces. Our aim was to analyze the antimicrobial prescription habits for acute pharyngotonsillitis in children from hospital emergency departments and primary care pediatric clinics in Asturias (Spain). Methods. Multicenter descriptive study evaluating pediatric patients with a diagnosis of acute pharyngotonsillitis in 5 hospital emergency departments and 80 pediatric primary care clinics. Appropriateness of prescription was established by comparing with reference standards. Results. Five hundred sixty-three children with acute pharyngotonsillitis [49.7% in primary care CI 95% 45.6-53.8%)] were included along 30 nonconsecutive days. Antibiotics were prescribed in 75.5% of cases (95% CI 71.9-79.0%) [78.3% in children under 3 years of age (95% CI 71.8-84.8%)]. Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed [39.1% (95% CI 34.4-43.7%)]. Signifcant differences in the frequency or antibiotic prescription were found between primary care and hospital emergency departments (70% vs. 80.9%, p= 0.003). The treatment prescribed was considered frst choice in 43.3% (95% CI 38.6-48.0%) and inappropriate in 56.0% (95% CI 51.3-60.7%). Conclusions. Although in most cases pediatric acute pharyngotonsillitis is viral in origin, three out of four are treated with antibiotics. Treatment was inappropriate in more than half of the cases in our study.(AU)

Low risk of bacteremia in otherwise healthy children presenting with fever and severe neutropenia.

We examined 785 placentas, including 51 from documented cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma was detected in 16 placentas,including 1 in which congenital toxoplasmosis was ruled out. Placental screening had poor sensitivity (25%) but good specificity (99%), positive predictive value (93%), and negative predictive value (95%).