Presentación clínica y tratamiento de las artritis sépticas en niños / Clinical presentation and treatment of septic arthritis in children

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar las características epidemiológicas, la presentación clínica y el tratamiento de los niños con artritis séptica en nuestro medio. Material y método. Se revisaron retrospectivamente 141 niños con una artritis séptica tratados en el Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid) entre los años 2000 y 2013. Se recogieron datos relativos al paciente, la articulación afectada, la presentación clínica, los valores analíticos, el aspecto, la tinción Gram y el cultivo del líquido articular, las pruebas de imagen y el tratamiento. Resultados. El 94% de los pacientes eran menores de 2 años de edad. La localización más frecuente fue la rodilla (52%), seguida de la cadera (21%). La artritis séptica se confirmó en el 53% de los pacientes. El 49% de ellos no presentaron fiebre ni febrícula inicialmente y el 18% tenían una VSG (mm/h) o PCR (mg/l) menor de 30 en la analítica inicial. El líquido articular fue purulento en el 45% de los casos y turbio en el 12%. La tinción Gram mostró bacterias en el 4%. El cultivo del líquido fue positivo en el 17%. Staphylococcus aureus fue el patógeno más frecuente, seguido de Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae y Kingella kingae. La antibioterapia se administró por vía intravenosa 7 días, seguido de vía oral 21 días. Se realizó una cirugía en el 18% de los pacientes. Conclusiones. La confirmación diagnóstica solo se obtuvo en el 53% de los pacientes. Algunas artritis sépticas confirmadas no presentaron el cuadro clínico/analítico clásico, por lo que es necesario un alto índice de sospecha inicial de la enfermedad por parte del traumatólogo o del pediatra (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, and treatment of children with septic arthritis. Material and method. A retrospective review was conducted on a total of 141 children with septic arthritis treated in Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid) between the years 2000 to 2013. The patient data collected included, the joint affected, the clinical presentation, the laboratory results, the appearance, Gram stain result, and the joint fluid culture, as well as the imaging tests and the treatment. Results. Most (94%) of the patients were less than 2 years-old. The most common location was the knee (52%), followed by the hip (21%). The septic arthritis was confirmed in 53%. No type of fever was initially observed in 49% of them, and 18% had an ESR (mm/h) or CRP (mg/l) less than 30 in the initial laboratory analysis. The joint fluid was purulent in 45% and turbid in 12%. The Gram stain showed bacteria in 4%. The fluid culture was positive in 17%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen found, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Kingella kingae. Antibiotic treatment was intravenous administration for 7 days, followed by 21 days orally. Surgery was performed in 18% of cases. Conclusions. The diagnosis was only confirmed in 53% of the patients. Some of the confirmed septic arthritis did not present with the classical clinical/analytical signs, demonstrating that the traumatologist or paediatrician requires a high initial level of clinical suspicion of the disease (AU)

Clinical presentation and treatment of septic arthritis in children. / Presentación clínica y tratamiento de las artritis sépticas en niños.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, and treatment of children with septic arthritis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted on a total of 141 children with septic arthritis treated in Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid) between the years 2000 to 2013. The patient data collected included, the joint affected, the clinical presentation, the laboratory results, the appearance, Gram stain result, and the joint fluid culture, as well as the imaging tests and the treatment. RESULTS: Most (94%) of the patients were less than 2 years-old. The most common location was the knee (52%), followed by the hip (21%). The septic arthritis was confirmed in 53%. No type of fever was initially observed in 49% of them, and 18% had an ESR (mm/h) or CRP (mg/l) less than 30 in the initial laboratory analysis. The joint fluid was purulent in 45% and turbid in 12%. The Gram stain showed bacteria in 4%. The fluid culture was positive in 17%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen found, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Kingella kingae. Antibiotic treatment was intravenous administration for 7 days, followed by 21 days orally. Surgery was performed in 18% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis was only confirmed in 53% of the patients. Some of the confirmed septic arthritis did not present with the classical clinical/analytical signs, demonstrating that the traumatologist or paediatrician requires a high initial level of clinical suspicion of the disease.

Motivos de derivación a una consulta ambulatoria de Traumatología Infantil / A Paediatric Orthopaedic outpatient clinic referral patterns

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en una consulta de Traumatología Infantil de un Centro de Especialidades y así poder mejorar el programa de formación de los residentes de Pediatría en el manejo de problemas músculo-esqueléticos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se recogieron prospectivamente los motivos de consulta, la edad, el sexo y el diagnostico final de todos los pacientes menores de 15 años derivados a una consulta específica de Traumatología Infantil de un Centro de Especialidades. RESULTADOS: Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron el dolor músculo-esquelético (37%), valorar una posible deformidad de los pies (20%), una posible deformidad de la columna (15%), el patrón de marcha (11%), la alineación de los miembros inferiores (4%) y el desarrollo de la cadera (4%). El 42% de los pacientes presentaron una exploración normal o una variante de la normalidad. El 17% de los pacientes presentaron una patología que únicamente requiere ser valorada por parte de Traumatología Infantil si un tratamiento previo con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos o rehabilitación no resuelve la sintomatología. El 8% presentaba una deformidad que solo requiere tratamiento si es sintomática. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de las consultas correspondieron a variantes de la normalidad o a condiciones leves que solo precisan tratamiento sintomático. El programa de formación de la residencia de Pediatría no refleja la prevalencia de los problemas músculo-esqueléticos en la práctica clínica diaria

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify the commonest referrals to a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic and, therefore, to be able to improve the paediatric residency program in managing musculoskeletal problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic data, referrals and final diagnosis were collected prospectively on all patients that were evaluated in a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The majority of referrals were to evaluate musculoskeletal pain (37%), foot deformity (20%), spine deformity (15%), walking pattern (11%), alignment of the lower limbs (4%), and development of the hip (4%). A normal physical examination or a normal variation was observed in 42% of patients. A mild condition was observed in 17% of patients that should have only been referred to a paediatric orthopaedic clinic after failing to resolve pain with anti-inflammatories or physiotherapy. A mild deformity that only needed treatment if it became symptomatic was seen in 8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of referrals were due to a normal variation or mild conditions that only required symptomatic treatment. Paediatric residency programs do not reflect the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice

Queratitis por Absidia corymbifera en paciente inmunocompetente sin traumatismo corneal previo / Keratitis caused by Absidia corymbifera in an immunocompetent male with no corneal injuries

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón sano de 55 años sin antecedente de traumatismo corneal acude a urgencias por un infiltrado en el ojo izquierdo que responde parcialmente a tratamiento antibiótico tópico. Tras la introducción de corticoterapia tópica presenta un importante empeoramiento de la úlcera. El examen directo y la tinción de Gram permiten un rápido diagnóstico de las hifas de Absidia. Presenta buena respuesta al tratamiento combinado de anfotericina y posaconazol. DISCUSIÓN: Las queratitis por Zygomycetes son raras. Es rara la afectación de pacientes sanos sin antecedentes de traumatismo corneal. El tratamiento combinado de anfotericina y posaconazol ejerce un efecto sinergico contra hongos filamentosos

CASE REPORT: A healthy 55-years-old male went to emergency due to a white infiltrate in the left eye without corneal trauma which partially responds to antibiotic treatment. The infiltrate worsened by the use of topical steroids. Direct microscopic evaluation and Gram stain are a valuable diagnostic tool for the detection of Absidia filaments. There is a successful treatment with anphotericin and posaconazole. DISCUSSION: Keratitis caused by Zygomicetes are unusual. This is a rare condition in healthy patients with no corneal trauma. The treatment with amphotericin and posaconazole are synergistic against filamentous fungi

Keratitis caused by Absidia corymbifera in an immunocompetent male with no corneal injuries.

Case Report A healthy 55-years-old male went to emergency due to a white infiltrate in the left eye without corneal trauma which partially responds to antibiotic treatment. The infiltrate worsened by the use of topical steroids. Direct microscopic evaluation and Gram stain are a valuable diagnostic tool for the detection of Absidia filaments. There is a successful treatment with anphotericin and posaconazole. Discussion Keratitis caused by Zygomicetes are unusual. This is a rare condition in healthy patients with no corneal trauma. The treatment with amphotericin and posaconazole are synergistic against filamentous fungi.

[A Paediatric Orthopaedic outpatient clinic referral patterns]. / Motivos de derivación a una consulta ambulatoria de Traumatología Infantil.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify the commonest referrals to a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic and, therefore, to be able to improve the paediatric residency program in managing musculoskeletal problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic data, referrals and final diagnosis were collected prospectively on all patients that were evaluated in a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The majority of referrals were to evaluate musculoskeletal pain (37%), foot deformity (20%), spine deformity (15%), walking pattern (11%), alignment of the lower limbs (4%), and development of the hip (4%). A normal physical examination or a normal variation was observed in 42% of patients. A mild condition was observed in 17% of patients that should have only been referred to a paediatric orthopaedic clinic after failing to resolve pain with anti-inflammatories or physiotherapy. A mild deformity that only needed treatment if it became symptomatic was seen in 8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of referrals were due to a normal variation or mild conditions that only required symptomatic treatment. Paediatric residency programs do not reflect the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice.

Influencia de la posición de la cabeza femoral en el desarrollo acetabular / Influence of femoral head positioning upon acetabular development

Objetivo: Analizar las alteraciones que las diferentes osteotomías femorales proximales provocan sobre la morfología acetabular. Material y método: Se intervinieron 30 corderos, de tres meses de edad, divididos en cinco grupos: grupo 1, se efectuó una osteotomía varizante de fémur sin modificar la versión femoral; grupo 2, una osteotomía valguizante de fémur sin modificar la versión femoral; grupo 3, una osteotomía derrotatoria de fémur, disminuyendo la anteversión femoral sin modificar el ángulo cérvico-diafisario; grupo 4, una osteotomía derrotatoria de fémur, aumentando la anteversión femoral sin modificar el ángulo cérvico-diafisario; y grupo 5 o control. El sacrificio se realizó a los tres meses de la intervención y se midió la morfología acetabulo-femoral. Resultados: La versión femoral del lado intervenido no se correlacionó ni con la diferencia entre el diámetro acetabular antero-posterior derecho e izquierdo, ni con la diferencia entre el diámetro acetabular infero-superior derecho e izquierdo, ni con la diferencia entre el volumen acetabular derecho e izquierdo. El ángulo cérvico-diafisario intervenido se correlacionó con la diferencia entre el volumen acetabular derecho e izquierdo (p=0,023), siendo menor la diferencia entre el volumen acetabular derecho e izquierdo cuanto mayor era el ángulo cérvico-diafisario. Conclusión: Un ángulo cérvico-diafisario disminuido provoca un aumento del volumen acetabular. Por lo tanto, la osteotomía varizante de fémur podría utilizarse para mejorar el volumen acetabular (AU)

Objective: To analyze the alterations produced by the different proximal femoral osteotomies upon acetabular morphology. Material and methods: Thirty 3-month-old lambs were divided into 5 groups: group 1 (varus osteotomy of the femur without modifying femoral version), group 2 (valgus osteotomy of the femur without modifying femoral version), group 3 (derotation osteotomy of the femur, reducing femoral anteversion without modifying the neck-diaphyseal angle), group 4 (derotation osteotomy of the femur, increasing femoral anteversion without modifying the neck-diaphyseal angle), and group 5 (control). The animals were sacrificed three months after the operation and the acetabular and femoral morphology was measured. Results: Femoral version on the operated side was not correlated to the difference between the right and left anteroposterior acetabular diameter, the difference between the right and left inferosuperior acetabular diameter, or the difference between the right and left acetabular volume. The operated neck-diaphyseal angle was correlated to the difference between the right and left acetabular volume (p = 0.023) - the difference in volume decreasing with increasing neck-diaphyseal angle. Conclusion: A diminished neck-diaphyseal angle results in an increased acetabular volume. Therefore, varus osteotomy of the femur could be used to improve the acetabular volume (AU)

[Dysplasia in the development of the hip]. / Displasia del desarrollo de la cadera.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) causes anatomical changes that cause early coxarthrosis. Although risf factors have been determined, the aetiology and physiopathology remains exactly unknown. Neonatal screening with physical examination and ultrasound have been stablished in order to diagnose this disease early in life. A diagnosis in the first months of life is essential as it enables a normal hip to form and prevent the appearance of early coxarthrosis. Treatment principles are to be able to reduce the hip without provoking avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and to normalize the acetabular development. Knowledge of the orthopaedic and surgical options is essential in order to achieve success in the treatment.

Displasia del desarrollo de la cadera / Dysplasia in the development of the hip

La displasia del desarrollo de la cadera provoca cambios anatómicos que dan lugar a una coxartrosis precoz. La etiología y la patofisiología de la displasia de cadera no se conocen con exactitud, aunque se han determinado factores de riesgo. Se han establecido programas de despitaje neonatal clínicos y ecográficos que lleven a un diagnóstico precoz de esta afección. Un diagnóstico en los primeros meses de vida es fundamental porque permite obtener una cadera normal y evitar la aparición de una coxartrosis precoz. El tratamiento debe conseguir reducir la cadera, evitando la aparición de una necrosis avascular de la cabeza femoral, y normalizar el desarrollo del acetábulo. Existen opciones ortopédicas y quirúrgicas que deben ser conocidas para lograr un éxito en el tratamiento (AU)

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) causes anatomical changes that cause early coxarthrosis. Although risf factors have been determined, the aetiology and physiopathology remains exactly unknown. Neonatal screening with physical examination and ultrasound have been stablished in order to diagnose this disease early in life. A diagnosis in the first months of life is essential as it enables a normal hip to form and prevent the appearance of early coxarthrosis. Treatment principles are to be able to reduce the hip without provoking avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and to normalize the acetabular development. Knowledge of the orthopaedic and surgical options is essential in order to achieve success in the treatment (AU)

Crohn's disease and Sweet's syndrome: an uncommon association.

Sweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (SS) is characterized by the sudden onset of painful erythematous lesions (papules, nodules, and plaques) together with fever and neutrophilia. The lesions are typically located on hands, arms, upper trunk, neck and face, showing an asymmetric distribution. Acute phase reactants are usually elevated and dermal infiltration of neutrophils without vasculitis is seen on skin biopsies. It is considered as a marker of systemic disease in over half of the cases, and is associated with infections, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune connective tissue disorders and various neoplasias. Its association with Crohn's disease (CD) is unusual and it appears mainly in association with colonic involvement. Fewer than 50 cases have been published in the medical literature since its first description in 1964, some concurrent with the first episode of CD. We present two patients with Crohn's disease and Sweet's syndrome diagnosed in our department at the time of CD diagnosis, as well as their response to treatment, subsequent course of the disease, and a review of the scientific literature.

Enfermedad de Crohn y síndrome de Sweet: una asociación infrecuente / No disponible

El síndrome de Sweet o dermatosis neutrofílica febril aguda(SS) se caracteriza por la aparición brusca de lesiones eritematosas,(pápulas, nódulos y placas) dolorosas, junto con fiebre y neutrofilia,siendo de presentación poco frecuente. Las lesiones se localizanpreferentemente en manos, brazos, parte superior deltronco, cuello y cara, con distribución asimétrica. Suele haber elevaciónde reactantes de fase aguda y en las biopsias cutáneas seidentifica una infiltración dérmica de neutrófilos sin vasculitis. Seconsidera un marcador de enfermedad sistémica en más de la mitadde los casos, asociándose a infecciones, enfermedad inflamatoriaintestinal, conectivopatías autoinmunes y diversas neoplasias.Su asociación con la enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es poco habitual,asociado sobre todo a afectación colónica. Se han publicadomenos de 50 casos en la literatura médica desde su primera descripciónen 1964, algunos de ellos simultáneos con el primer brotede la EC. Presentamos dos pacientes con enfermedad deCrohn y síndrome de Sweet diagnosticados en nuestro servicio enel momento del diagnóstico de la EC, así como su respuesta al tratamiento,evolución posterior y revisión de la literatura científica(AU)

The uncommon Sweet’s syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilicdermatosis (SS) is characterized by the sudden onset of painfulerythematous lesions (papules, nodules, and plaques) togetherwith fever and neutrophilia. The lesions are typically located onhands, arms, upper trunk, neck and face, showing an asymmetricdistribution. Acute phase reactants are usually elevated and dermalinfiltration of neutrophils without vasculitis is seen on skinbiopsies. It is considered as a marker of systemic disease in overhalf of the cases, and is associated with infections, inflammatorybowel disease, autoimmune connective tissue disorders and variousneoplasias.Its association with Crohn’s disease (CD) is unusual and it appearsmainly in association with colonic involvement. Fewer than50 cases have been published in the medical literature since itsfirst description in 1964, some concurrent with the first episodeof CD. We present two patients with Crohn’s disease and Sweet’ssyndrome diagnosed in our department at the time of CD diagnosis,as well as their response to treatment, subsequent course ofthe disease, and a review of the scientific literature(AU)

Placebo-controlled efficacy study of hepatitis A vaccine in Valdivia, Chile.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study on the efficacy of a hepatitis A vaccine (SmithKline Beecham Biologicals) was started in a region of Chile in September 1990, using hepatitis B vaccine as control. A total of 260 healthy children, 6-15 years of age, negative for antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), antibody to HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM), hepatitis B surface antigen, and antibody to hepatitis B surface and core antigens by ELISA tests within 7 days before vaccination, were randomly assigned to two study groups: 128 children received the vaccine with a yellow label (group 1), and 132 children the vaccine with an orange label (group 2) at months 0, 1 and 6. Blood for serology and transaminase determination was drawn at months 1, 2, 6, 7 and 12. Both vaccines were tolerated equally well and no serious side effects were seen. In group 1 (presumed hepatitis A vaccine group), anti-HAV was detected (20% inhibition was used as the cut-off level) in 122 of 128 children (95.5%) tested at month 1, in 126 of 127 (99.2%) at month 2, in 126 of 127 (99.2%) at month 6 and in 126 of 126 (100%) at month 7. One anti-HAV seroconversion seen at month 1 was associated with presence of anti-HAV IgM and therefore probably represents HAV infection. Geometric mean anti-HAV concentration of the other children was 128, 342, 214 and 2301 mIU/ml at months 1, 2, 6 and 7, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Hodgkin's disease in children. Modified COPP combined treatment and radiotherapy in advanced stages]. / Enfermedad de Hodgkin en el niño. Tratamiento combinado COPP modificado y radioterapia en estadios avanzados.

Twenty two children, under 15 years of age, from southern Chile's Tenth Region, with advanced stages of Hodgkin's disease (8 III-A, 6 III-B and 8 IV-B) were treated with chemotherapy (modified COPP protocol) and radiotherapy between 1976 and 1985 at Valdivia's Regional Hospital. Overall survival rate was 77.3% and disease-free survival rate was 64.5% after a follow-up period from 3 to 13 years (median 70 months). Five patients died during the first two years. One relapsed 10 years after beginning of therapy, but achieved a second complete remission. The survival rate in patients with lymphocytic depletion type (5 cases) was 20.0%, whereas that of the mixed cellularity type (14 cases) was 92.9% (p less than 0.01). No cases of second neoplasms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy were seen in this series.

[Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnant women and newborn infants]. / Trichomonas vaginalis en embarazadas y en recién nacidos.

We studied 149 pregnant women at delivery and 113 newborns in order to determine the frequency of T vaginalis infection. Neutral red stain, dark field microscopy and culture methods were used with comparable yields. The age of women ranged from 12 to 43 years. A 27.5% infection rate was detected in mothers but all newborns were free from infection. Infection rates in relation to age among mothers confirmed previously reports.

Estimulacion sensorial programada en lactantes de bajo nivel socioeconomico. / Programed sensorial stimulation in infants of low socio-economical back-ground

Se estudiaron dos grupos de ninos sanos de bajo nivel socio-economico, beneficiarios del Servicio de Salud de Valdivia, desde su nacimiento hasta el primer ano de vida con el fin de probar la eficacia de la aplicacion de un programa de estimulacion temprana. Para ello un grupo permanecio en sus condiciones ambientales habituales y el otro recibio el programa de estimulacion. Al comparar los coeficientes de desarrollo de ambos grupos aplicando un analisis de regresion minimo cuadratica se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los valores de ambos grupos siendo mayores los indices de coeficiente de desarrollo en el grupo de estudio, sin embargo el incremento del coeficiente de desarrollo no fue significativamente distinto entre los dos grupos. Con respecto a variables de crecimiento como peso, talla, perimetro craneano no hubo diferencias en el incremento en los ninos estudiados