Efecto de la pandemia COVID en las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en tres zonas de España con distinta incidencia / Effect of the COVID pandemic on pediatric trauma emergencies in three areas of Spain with different incidence

Introducción y objetivos: Aunque se ha publicado mucho sobre el efecto de la pandemia en las urgencias traumatológicas, no se ha analizado si la incidencia de la infección o la distinta organización de los recursos disponibles según la comunidad autónoma fueron factores influyentes. Presentamos un estudio multicéntrico de tres hospitales terciarios de tres ciudades españolas con distintas características para estudiar cómo estos factores influyeron a las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas durante la primera ola de la pandemia. Material y métodos: Presentamos un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes que compara y analiza las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en tres hospitales distintos durante el periodo de la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 y comparamos sus resultados con los del mismo periodo del año anterior, analizando el número de urgencias, la gravedad de la patología, la edad media de los pacientes, los días de ingreso y el tiempo de espera de los casos que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Se han analizado 6.474 episodios de urgencias traumatológicas infantiles. Se produjo una drástica reducción de la actividad en los tres hospitales, pero en distinta cuantía: del 83,5% en el hospital localizado en Madrid, del 75% en el hospital localizado en Valencia y del 65,9% en el ubicado en Palma de Mallorca. Las urgencias atendidas fueron de mayor gravedad en el año 2020 en comparación con el año 2019. La edad media de los pacientes atendidos durante la pandemia fue menor en comparación con el año anterior. No hubo diferencias en los días de ingreso, pero sí en la demora de la cirugía de las fracturas quirúrgicas. Conclusiones: La repercusión de la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 y el confinamiento decretado tuvieron una repercusión distinta en las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en los distintos hospitales según la incidencia de la infección y las medidas adoptadas en las diferentes comunidades autónomas.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Although much has been published on the effect of the pandemic on trauma emergencies, it has not been analyzed whether the incidence of infection or different organization of available resources according to the Spanish region were influential factors. We present a multicenter study of three tertiary hospitals in three Spanish cities with different characteristics to study how these factors influenced pediatric trauma emergencies during the first wave of the pandemic. Material and methods: We present a retrospective cohort study that compares and analyzes pediatric trauma emergencies in three different hospitals during the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and we compare them with the same period of the previous year, analyzing the number of emergencies, the severity of the pathology, the average age of the patients, the days of admission and the waiting time of the cases that required surgical treatment. Results: A total of 6,474 pediatric trauma emergency episodes have been analyzed. There was a drastic reduction in activity in the three hospitals, but in different amounts: 83.5% in the hospital located in Madrid, 75% in the hospital located in Valencia and 65.9% in the one located in Palma, Majorca. The emergencies attended were more serious in 2020 compared to 2019. The average age of patients treated during the pandemic was lower compared to the previous year. There were no differences in the days of admission, but there were differences in the delay in surgery for surgical fractures. Conclusions: The impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decreed confinement had a different impact on pediatric trauma emergencies in the different hospitals according to the incidence of infection and the measures adopted in the different regions.(AU)

[Translated article] Effect of the COVID pandemic on paediatric trauma emergencies in three areas of Spain with different incidence / Efecto de la pandemia COVID en las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en 3 zonas de España con distinta incidencia

ntroducción y objetivos: Aunque se ha publicado mucho sobre el efecto de la pandemia en las urgencias traumatológicas, no se ha analizado si la incidencia de la infección o la distinta organización de los recursos disponibles según la comunidad autónoma fueron factores influyentes. Presentamos un estudio multicéntrico de tres hospitales terciarios de tres ciudades españolas con distintas características para estudiar cómo estos factores influyeron a las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas durante la primera ola de la pandemia. Material y métodos: Presentamos un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes que compara y analiza las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en tres hospitales distintos durante el periodo de la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 y comparamos sus resultados con los del mismo periodo del año anterior, analizando el número de urgencias, la gravedad de la patología, la edad media de los pacientes, los días de ingreso y el tiempo de espera de los casos que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Se han analizado 6.474 episodios de urgencias traumatológicas infantiles. Se produjo una drástica reducción de la actividad en los tres hospitales, pero en distinta cuantía: del 83,5% en el hospital localizado en Madrid, del 75% en el hospital localizado en Valencia y del 65,9% en el ubicado en Palma de Mallorca. Las urgencias atendidas fueron de mayor gravedad en el año 2020 en comparación con el año 2019. La edad media de los pacientes atendidos durante la pandemia fue menor en comparación con el año anterior. No hubo diferencias en los días de ingreso, pero sí en la demora de la cirugía de las fracturas quirúrgicas. Conclusiones: La repercusión de la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 y el confinamiento decretado tuvieron una repercusión distinta en las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en los distintos hospitales según la incidencia de la infección y las medidas adoptadas en las diferentes comunidades autónomas.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Although much has been published on the effect of the pandemic on trauma emergencies, it has not been analyzed whether the incidence of infection or different organization of available resources according to the Spanish region were influential factors. We present a multicenter study of three tertiary hospitals in three Spanish cities with different characteristics to study how these factors influenced pediatric trauma emergencies during the first wave of the pandemic. Material and methods: We present a retrospective cohort study that compares and analyzes pediatric trauma emergencies in three different hospitals during the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and we compare them with the same period of the previous year, analyzing the number of emergencies, the severity of the pathology, the average age of the patients, the days of admission and the waiting time of the cases that required surgical treatment. Results: A total of 6,474 pediatric trauma emergency episodes have been analyzed. There was a drastic reduction in activity in the three hospitals, but in different amounts: 83.5% in the hospital located in Madrid, 75% in the hospital located in Valencia and 65.9% in the one located in Palma, Majorca. The emergencies attended were more serious in 2020 compared to 2019. The average age of patients treated during the pandemic was lower compared to the previous year. There were no differences in the days of admission, but there were differences in the delay in surgery for surgical fractures. Conclusions: The impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decreed confinement had a different impact on pediatric trauma emergencies in the different hospitals according to the incidence of infection and the measures adopted in the different regions.(AU)

[Translated article] Effect of the COVID pandemic on paediatric trauma emergencies in three areas of Spain with different incidence.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although much has been published on the effect of the pandemic on trauma emergencies, it has not been analysed whether the incidence of infection or different organisation of available resources according to the Spanish region were influential factors. We present a multicenter study of three tertiary hospitals in three Spanish cities with different characteristics to study how these factors influenced paediatric trauma emergencies during the first wave of the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a retrospective cohort study that compares and analyzes paediatric trauma emergencies in three different hospitals during the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and we compare them with the same period of the previous year, analyzing the number of emergencies, the severity of the pathology, the average age of the patients, the days of admission and the waiting time of the cases that required surgical treatment. RESULTS: A total of 6474 paediatric trauma emergency episodes have been analysed. There was a drastic reduction in activity in the three hospitals, but in different amounts: 83.5% in the hospital located in Madrid, 75% in the hospital located in Valencia and 65.9% in the one located in Palma, Majorca. The emergencies attended were more serious in 2020 compared to 2019. The average age of patients treated during the pandemic was lower compared to the previous year. There were no differences in the days of admission, but there were differences in the delay in surgery for surgical fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decreed confinement had a different impact on paediatric trauma emergencies in the different hospitals according to the incidence of infection and the measures adopted in the different regions. In all cases there was a significant reduction in activity, a greater proportion of medium and severe pathologies were attended to, the average age of the patients attended was lower and a delay was observed in surgeries performed in the emergency room, probably due to the need to request a PCR test to detect a COVID-19 infection.

Effect of the COVID pandemic on pediatric trauma emergencies in three areas of Spain with different incidence. / Efecto de la pandemia COVID en las urgencias traumatológicas pediátricas en tres zonas de España con distinta incidencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although much has been published on the effect of the pandemic on trauma emergencies, it has not been analyzed whether the incidence of infection or different organization of available resources according to the Spanish region were influential factors. We present a multicenter study of three tertiary hospitals in three Spanish cities with different characteristics to study how these factors influenced pediatric trauma emergencies during the first wave of the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a retrospective cohort study that compares and analyzes pediatric trauma emergencies in three different hospitals during the period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and we compare them with the same period of the previous year, analyzing the number of emergencies, the severity of the pathology, the average age of the patients, the days of admission and the waiting time of the cases that required surgical treatment. RESULTS: A total of 6,474 pediatric trauma emergency episodes have been analyzed. There was a drastic reduction in activity in the three hospitals, but in different amounts: 83.5% in the hospital located in Madrid, 75% in the hospital located in Valencia and 65.9% in the one located in Palma, Majorca. The emergencies attended were more serious in 2020 compared to 2019. The average age of patients treated during the pandemic was lower compared to the previous year. There were no differences in the days of admission, but there were differences in the delay in surgery for surgical fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decreed confinement had a different impact on pediatric trauma emergencies in the different hospitals according to the incidence of infection and the measures adopted in the different regions. In all cases there was a significant reduction in activity, a greater proportion of medium and severe pathologies were attended to, the average age of the patients attended was lower and a delay was observed in surgeries performed in the emergency room, probably due to the need to request a PCR test to detect a COVID-19 infection.

Implantes intramedulares enterrados para fracturas de antebrazo pediátricas. ¿Mejora la tasa de refracturas? / Buried intramedullary implants for paediatric forearm fractures. Does the refracture rate improve?

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas inestables de antebrazo pueden requerir un manejo quirúrgico mediante reducción y osteosíntesis con agujas intramedulares. Esta fijación debe retirarse precozmente si se ha dejado expuesta, pero esto podría aumentar el riesgo de refracturas sobre un hueso en periodo de remodelado. Como alternativa podemos mantener durante más tiempo las agujas, enterradas a nivel subcutáneo, para proteger el callo óseo. OBJETIVO: Valorar si hay diferencias entre utilizar agujas expuestas respecto a enterrarlas en pacientes pediátricos con fracturas de antebrazo. Nuestra hipótesis es que al enterrar las agujas las mantenemos más tiempo reduciendo las refracturas de antebrazo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Presentamos una cohorte de 75 pacientes pediátricos con fractura de antebrazo entre 2010 y 2016. Se recogieron datos demográficos, técnica quirúrgica, complicaciones y seguimiento del paciente. RESULTADOS: Los implantes se dejaron expuestos en 50 pacientes y 25 de forma enterrada. El tiempo medio de retirada de los implantes expuestos fue de 6,8 semanas, y de 17,6semanas en los enterrados. No se hallaron diferencias significativas en cuanto a consolidación (p = 0,19) ni en tiempo de inmovilización (p = 0,22). Respecto a las refracturas, se observa un mayor número en el grupo de la osteosíntesis expuesta (4pacientes) respecto a solo un caso con osteosíntesis enterrada, pero sin llegar a presentar diferencias significativas (p = 0,49). No se detectaron complicaciones posquirúrgicas y la funcionalidad fue excelente al final del seguimiento en ambos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: Dejar los implantes enterrados respecto a expuestos a piel no condiciona una disminución en el número de refracturas ni otras complicaciones, con una adecuada funcionalidad del paciente en ambos casos

INTRODUCTION: Unstable forearm fractures may require surgical management by reduction and osteosynthesis with intramedullary needles. This fixation should be removed early if it has been left exposed, but this could increase the risk of refracture in a bone in the period of remodelling. As an alternative we can keep the needles, buried subcutaneously, for a longer time, to protect the bone callus. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there are differences between using exposed needles with respect to burying them in paediatric patients with forearm fractures. Our hypothesis is that by burying the needles we keep them longer by reducing forearm refractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a cohort of 75 paediatric patients with a forearm fracture between 2010 and 2016. Demographic data, surgical technique, complications and patient follow-up were collected. RESULTS: The implants were left exposed in 50 patients and 25 buried. The average time of removal of the exposed implants was 6.8 weeks and 17.6weeks in the buried ones. No significant differences were found in terms of consolidation (P=.19) or immobilization time (P=.22). Regarding refractures, a greater number was observed in the exposed osteosynthesis group (4patients) compared to only one case with buried osteosynthesis, but there were no significant differences (P=.49). No postsurgical complications were detected and the functionality was excellent at the end of the follow-up in both groups. CONCLUSION: Leaving implants buried in relation to skin exposed does not cause a decrease in the number of refractures or other complications, with adequate patient functionality in both cases

Buried intramedullary implants for paediatric forearm fractures. Does the refracture rate improve? / Implantes intramedulares enterrados para fracturas de antebrazo pediátricas. ¿Mejora la tasa de refracturas?

INTRODUCTION: Unstable forearm fractures may require surgical management by reduction and osteosynthesis with intramedullary needles. This fixation should be removed early if it has been left exposed, but this could increase the risk of refracture in a bone in the period of remodelling. As an alternative we can keep the needles, buried subcutaneously, for a longer time, to protect the bone callus. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there are differences between using exposed needles with respect to burying them in paediatric patients with forearm fractures. Our hypothesis is that by burying the needles we keep them longer by reducing forearm refractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a cohort of 75 paediatric patients with a forearm fracture between 2010 and 2016. Demographic data, surgical technique, complications and patient follow-up were collected. RESULTS: The implants were left exposed in 50 patients and 25 buried. The average time of removal of the exposed implants was 6.8weeks and 17.6weeks in the buried ones. No significant differences were found in terms of consolidation (P=.19) or immobilization time (P=.22). Regarding refractures, a greater number was observed in the exposed osteosynthesis group (4patients) compared to only one case with buried osteosynthesis, but there were no significant differences (P=.49). No postsurgical complications were detected and the functionality was excellent at the end of the follow-up in both groups. CONCLUSION: Leaving implants buried in relation to skin exposed does not cause a decrease in the number of refractures or other complications, with adequate patient functionality in both cases.

Necrosis avascular de cabeza femoral en pacientes tratados de leucemia. Evaluación de la necesidad de un protocolo diagnóstico / Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in patients treated for leukaemia. Assessment of the need for a diagnostic protocol

Objetivo. Valorar la incidencia de necrosis avascular de cadera (NAVC) en pacientes con leucemia sometidos a altas dosis de corticoides tratados en nuestro hospital para evaluar si es necesaria la creación de un protocolo de detección precoz. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional-descriptivo y retrospectivo de 2005 a 2016 de 253 pacientes diagnosticados de leucemia en edad pediátrica. Se identificaron los pacientes con patología osteomuscular y se analizaron los pacientes con necrosis avascular. Resultados. Un total de 26 pacientes (10%) presentaron síntomas osteomusculares. Se analizaron 3 pacientes con NAVC (1,2%). Una niña, de 7 años, se trató de forma conservadora con tracción-suspensión y descarga. Dos niños de 11 y 15,4 años, que desarrollaron una enfermedad de injerto contra huésped secundaria al trasplante de médula ósea, cuyo tratamiento incluye altas dosis de corticoides, desarrollaron necrosis avascular de cadera. Uno se trató con bifosfonatos y forage y el otro terminó con una artroplastia total de sustitución. Discusión. La aparición de síntomas musculoesqueléticos durante el tratamiento de la leucemia es diferente según la serie bibliográfica (0,43-12,6%). Algunos autores observan un incremento del riesgo en pacientes de sexo femenino entre los 10 y 17 años. Un estudio retrospectivo observa que existe una demora de 3,9 meses en el diagnóstico de la NAVC desde el comienzo del dolor. Otros autores relacionan la NAV con las articulaciones de carga, la edad y las altas dosis de corticoides. Conclusión. Basado en la baja incidencia de NAVC en nuestra población de pacientes menores de 14 años tratados de leucemia, pensamos que no es rentable la creación de protocolos de diagnóstico. Sin embargo, sí que es recomendable la vigilancia estricta de los pacientes con factores de riesgo potenciales reconocidos en la literatura (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the incidence of avascular necrosis of the hip in leukaemia patients treated in our hospital with high doses of corticosteroids in order to evaluate the necessity for an early detection protocol. Material and methods. Observational-descriptive and retrospective study from 2005 to 2016 of 253 patients diagnosed with paediatric leukaemia. Patients with musculoskeletal pathology were identified and patients with avascular necrosis were analysed. Results. A total of 26 patients (10%) had musculoskeletal symptoms. Three patients with avascular necrosis (1.2%) were analysed. One girl, 7 years old, was treated conservatively with traction - suspension and discharge. Two boys, an 11 and a 15.4 year-old,who developed graft-versus-host disease secondary to bone marrow transplantation, and whose treatment included high doses of corticosteroids, developed avascular necrosis of the hip. One was treated with bisphosphonates and forage and the other ended up with a total hip arthroplasty. Discussion. The occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the treatment of leukaemia is different according to the bibliographic series (0.43 -12.6%). Some authors observe an increased risk in female patients between the ages of 10 and 17. A retrospective study reveals that there is a delay of 3.9 months in the diagnosis of CAP since the onset of pain. Other authors relate NAV to loading joints, age and high doses of corticosteroids. Conclusion. Based on the low incidence of avascular necrosis of the hip in our 14-year-old population treated for leukaemia, the creation of diagnostic protocols seems not to be necessary. However, close monitoring of patients with potential risk factors recognized in the literature, is advisable (AU)

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in patients treated for leukaemia. Assessment of the need for a diagnostic protocol. / Necrosis avascular de cabeza femoral en pacientes tratados de leucemia. Evaluación de la necesidad de un protocolo diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of avascular necrosis of the hip in leukaemia patients treated in our hospital with high doses of corticosteroids in order to evaluate the necessity for an early detection protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational-descriptive and retrospective study from 2005 to 2016 of 253 patients diagnosed with paediatric leukaemia. Patients with musculoskeletal pathology were identified and patients with avascular necrosis were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (10%) had musculoskeletal symptoms. Three patients with avascular necrosis (1.2%) were analysed. One girl, 7 years old, was treated conservatively with traction - suspension and discharge. Two boys, an 11 and a 15.4 year-old,who developed graft-versus-host disease secondary to bone marrow transplantation, and whose treatment included high doses of corticosteroids, developed avascular necrosis of the hip. One was treated with bisphosphonates and forage and the other ended up with a total hip arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: The occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the treatment of leukaemia is different according to the bibliographic series (0.43 -12.6%). Some authors observe an increased risk in female patients between the ages of 10 and 17. A retrospective study reveals that there is a delay of 3.9 months in the diagnosis of CAP since the onset of pain. Other authors relate NAV to loading joints, age and high doses of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Based on the low incidence of avascular necrosis of the hip in our 14-year-old population treated for leukaemia, the creation of diagnostic protocols seems not to be necessary. However, close monitoring of patients with potential risk factors recognized in the literature, is advisable.