Growth in Children with a Fontan Circulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate growth in a population of patients with Fontan circulation. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of patients followed in our multidisciplinary Fontan clinic from January 2011 through August 2015. We reviewed the historical data, anthropometry, clinical, and laboratory studies and performed bivariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with height z score. RESULTS: Patients (n = 210) were included in the study at median age 11.07 years (8.3, 14.73 years) (43% female); 138 (65%) had a dominant right systemic ventricle and 92 (44%) hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Median age at completion of Fontan circulation was 31 months (7.6, 135.8 months). Median height z score was -0.58 (-1.75, 0.26). Twenty-five (12%) had current or past history of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Median height z score for those with current or past history of PLE was -2.1 (-2.46, 1.24). Multivariate analysis revealed positive associations between height z score and body mass index z score, time since Fontan, mid-parental height, dominant systemic ventricle type, and serum alkaline phosphatase. Height correlated negatively with known genetic syndrome, PLE, use of stimulant or oral steroid medication. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Fontan circulation have mild deficits in height, with greater deficits in those with PLE. Height z score improves with time postsurgery. Improving weight, leading to improved body mass index, may be a modifiable factor that improves growth in those who are underweight. Biochemical markers may be helpful screening tests for high-risk groups in whom to intensify interventions.

Sjögren syndrome associated with protein-losing enteropathy: case-based review.

The association between Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) was scarcly reported. To analyze the clinical, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of patients with SS and PLE and also to delineate the potential mechanisms and pathways connecting the gut to SS targeted organ's pathology. Systematic screening was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Web of Science, and Cochrane, dating 1980 to 2020. SS and PLE were the key words. Eighteen patients with SS and PLE were summarized. The patient's ages ranged between 20 and 88 years, and only 4 were males. Primary SS was observed in most cases. Anti-Ro was detected in 100% of the cases while anti-La was reported in 64% of them. The clinical manifestations were protein loss, edema of the lower limbs, pleural effusion, ascites, facial edema, anasarca, diarrhea, and weight loss. Among these clinical manifestations, edema of the lower limbs was the most severe. Albumin concentration was 0.9-3.4 g/dL which increased to 2.8-4.3 g/dL after treatment. Small bowel biopsy was performed in all of the cases. Concerning the therapy, all the patients received systemic glucocorticoids. All of them improved. The period of onset of improvement ranged from 3 weeks to 36 months (an average of 3 months). The early diagnosis and appropriate therapy of PLE in patients with anti-Ro positive SS and who present edema, anasarca, or hypoalbuminemia is vital for a beneficial outcome. An excellent clinical improvement in all the cases was observed when treated early enough by cortico-therapy, thus preventing patient's deterioration, complications, and reducing morbidity and potential mortality.

Tripla infecção com HTLV-1, leishmaniose visceral e estrongiloidíase complicada por pancreatite aguda / Triple infection with HTLV-1, visceral leishmaniasis and strongyloidiasis complicated by acute pancreatitis

lntrodução: a estrongiloidíase tem grande importância médica devido à capacidade de o Strongyloides stercoralis completar seu ciclo de vida no homem e gerar a síndrome de hiperinfecção principalmente em imunocomprometidos. Devido à dificuldade em estruturar a resposta Th2, os pacientes infectados com o Vírus Linfotrópico de Células T Humanas Tipo 1 (HTLV-1) têm maior tendência a apresentar infecção maciça. A leishmaniose visceral, doença relevante em países em desenvolvimento, causa alterações imunológicas semelhantes, porém há poucos relatos de suscetibilidade específica ao Strongyloides stercoralis nos infectados por Leishmania sp. O presente trabalho tem objetivo de relatar um caso de coinfecção HTLV e calazar, que apresentou-se como pancreatite aguda e enteropatia perdedora de proteínas secundárias à estrongiloidíase maciça. Relato de caso: trata-se de um paciente de 34 anos com história de leishmaniose prévia que deu entrada no nosso Serviço com pancreatite aguda idiopática leve, além de história de diarreia crônica há um ano com anasarca e hipoalbuminemia associadas. Apresentou endoscopia digestiva alta com atrofia duodenal importante, tendo sido identificados Strongyloides stercoralis em biópsia, além de sorologia para HTLV positiva. Apresentou translocação bacteriana com sepse grave de foco abdominal, após início do tratamento com ivermectina, tendo posteriormente evoluído com melhora clínica importante e remissão dos sintomas. Fez investigação com punção de medula óssea, em que foram identificadas as formas amastigotas da leishmania. Discussão e conclusão: a presença de HLTV é um fator de risco para a síndrome de hiperinfecção por Strongyloides stercoralis, tendo predisposto o paciente às manifestações graves e raras descritas. A identificação de leishmania na medula óssea, entretanto, é um fator de risco ainda pouco conhecido para estrongiloidíase disseminada, porém com plausibilidade biológica por afetar o sistema imunológico do hospedeiro.(AU)

Introduction: strongyloidiasis has great medical importance because of the ability of the Strongyloides stercoralis to complete its life cycle in man and cause hyperinfection syndrome especially in immunocompromised hosts. Because of the difficulty in triggering The response, Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infected patients has susceptibility for massive infection. Visceral leishmaniasis, a relevant disease in developing countries, causes similar immunological changes, but there are few reports of specific susceptibility to Strongyloides stercoralis on infected by Leishmania sp. This study aimed to report a case of HTLV and kala azar coinfection, presenting as acute pancreatitis and protein losing enteropathy secondary to massive strongyloidiasis. Case report: a 34-year-old patient previously treated for leishmaniasis has presented at our service with idiopathic acute pancreatitis and chronic diarrhea for one year with anasarca and hypoalbuminemia. Upper endoscopy revealed duodenal atrophy in which biopsy identified Strongyloides stercoralis, and HLTV serology was positive. He presented with bacterial translocation and severe sepsis after first dose of ivermectin, but has clinical improvement and remission of symptoms afterwards. Bone marrow aspiration identified amastigote forms of Leishmania. Discussion and Conclusion: the presence of HLTV is a risk factor for Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection, and predisposed this patient to the serious and rare events described. The identification of Leishmania in bone marrow, however, is an poorly known risk factor for disseminated strongyloidiasis, but with biological plausibility because it affects the immune system of the host.(AU)

Risk Factors and Clinical Significance of Lymphopenia in Survivors of the Fontan Procedure for Single-Ventricle Congenital Cardiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cardiac anomalies are associated with immunologic perturbations. Surgical thymectomy, thoracic duct manipulation, and protein- losing enteropathy (PLE), a condition related to stressed Fontan hemodynamics, presumably contribute to low peripheral absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) and quantitative immunoglobulins. Clinical significance of lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia in single-ventricle survivors requires additional study. OBJECTIVE: Although immunologic laboratory anomalies are common in this population, we hypothesize that clinically significant immunodeficiency requiring intervention is rarely required. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the immunologic parameters of patients enrolled in the Single Ventricle Survivorship Program (SVSP) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was performed. RESULTS: The age range of the 178 SVSP patients was 3 to 26 years, with a median of 10.8 years. Most of the SVSP patients had some degree of lymphopenia. In the non-PLE group, the range of ALCs varied from 530 to 5322 cells/µL, with 17 patients without PLE maintaining an ALC of less than 1000 cells/µL. Among those with PLE, the median ALC and the IgG level were lower (672 cells/µL and 200 mg/dL, respectively) than in those without (1610 cells/µL and 868 mg/dL, respectively). Despite lymphopenia in the majority, few were severely clinically affected: 24% had delayed clearance of cutaneous viral infections, 63% had atopy, and 1 died of EBV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma. Immunoglobulin replacement was clinically indicated for 3 patients, 1 of whom had common variable immunodeficiency. Four patients with normal splenic function were treated with daily antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with repaired single-ventricle physiology often demonstrate T-cell lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia. A significant portion of patients without PLE also have lymphopenia. The most common clinical manifestation was delayed clearance of cutaneous viral infections, but significant systemic opportunistic infections were not seen despite laboratory abnormalities and lack of antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Prognostic factors of protein-losing enteropathy in a Mexican cohort of patients with congenital heart disease, surgically corrected with Fontan procedure / Factores pronósticos de enteropatía perdedora de proteínas en una cohorte mexicana de pacientes con cardiopatía congénita, corregidas quirúrgicamente con cirugía de Fontan

Background: Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a known postoperative complication affecting about 10% of patients surgically managed with Fontan procedure. The mortality rate associated with this complication increases to 50%. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated to the development of PLE in patients surgically managed with Fontan procedure. Methods: This was a case-cohort study, and the universe of the trial comprised all patients treated with univentricular surgery. We included male and female patients with congenital heart disease that conditioned a single ventricle syndrome. Those patients with previous intestinal disease causing protein loss, were excluded, cow's milk protein allergy, intestinal resection (previous or after heart surgery), use of cyclic parenteral nutrition or Fontan's dismantlement. Follow-up began immediately after hospital discharge from Fontan procedure. Outcome variable was the development of PLE; independent variables were some before and after surgery hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables, infections and treatment. Statistical analysis: We used measures of statistical dispersion and central tendency. Risk was calculated for each variable estimating the hazard ratio (HR), adjusted for confounding factors; and Kaplan-Meier estimator was used for survival analysis. Results: Eleven (26%) out from patients 42 developed PLE. The median of time between Fontan procedure and the development of this complication was five years. The prognostic variables were: systolic pressure of pulmonary artery between 12-15 mmHg, > 3 years between Glenn and Fontan procedures, aggravated chronic malnutrition, direct bilirubin values > 1.5 mg/dL, pulmonary resistances (APR) between 3-3.5 Wood units, previous hepatomegaly and pleural effusion > 6 day-period. The probability of dying from PLE was 63% in a 10-year period. Conclusions: The prognostic factors associated with PLE are previous hepatic damage and borderlines values of venous pressure.

Antecedentes: La enteropatía perdedora de proteínas (EPP) es una conocida complicación que afecta alrededor del 10% de los sujetos operados con el procedimiento de Fontan. La mortalidad asociada a esta complicación se eleva al 50%. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de EPP en pacientes postoperados de procedimiento de Fontan. Métodos: Este es un estudio de caso-cohorte y el universo comprendió a todos los pacientes corregidos con cirugía univentricular. Se incluyeron pacientes de ambos géneros, con cardiopatías que condicionaran síndrome de ventrículo único. Se excluyeron aquellos con enfermedad previa intestinal causante de pérdida de proteínas, alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca, resección intestinal (previa o después de la cirugía cardiaca), aquellos con nutrición parenteral cíclica o desmantelamiento del Fontan. El inicio de seguimiento comenzó inmediatamente después del egreso de la cirugía de Fontan. La variable de desenlace fue el desarrollo de enteropatía perdedora de proteínas. Las variables independientes estudiadas fueron algunas variables hemodinámicas y ecocardiográficas pre- y postquirúrgicas, infecciones y tratamiento. Análisis estadístico: Se usaron medidas de dispersión y tendencia central. Se calculó el riesgo por cada variable, estimando el cociente de riesgo (Hazard Ratio, HR en inglés), ajustándose a variables de confusión. Se utilizó el estimador de Kaplan-Meier para el análisis de supervivencia. Resultados: Once de 42 pacientes (26%) desarrollaron EPP. La mediana de tiempo entre la cirugía de Fontan y el desarrollo de esta complicación fue de cinco años. Las variables pronósticas fueron presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar entre 12-15 mmHg, el tiempo > 3 años entre las intervenciones de Glenn y Fontan, la desnutrición crónica agudizada, una cifra de bilirrubina directa > 1.5 mg/dL, URP entre 3 y 3.5 Unidades Wood, hepatomegalia previa y derrame > 6 días. La probabilidad de mortalidad al desarrollar EPP a 10 años fue de 63%. Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos asociados a EPP son el daño hepático previo y las variables limítrofes de presión venosa.

Enteropatía perdedora de proteínas en pacientes con corazón univentricular / Protein-losing enteropathy found in patients with univentricular heart

Introducción: la enteropatía perdedora de proteínas puede aparecer en la evolución de los pacientes con corazón univentricular que sobreviven a la derivación cavopulmonar total. Una vez que se diagnostica, la mortalidad es alta. Objetivo: identificar los posibles factores de riesgo de esta complicación. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de la evolución en 74 pacientes con derivación cavopulmonar total, intervenidos en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico William Soler, desde enero de 1992 hasta enero de 2011. Resultados: el tiempo promedio de evolución fue de 8 años. Sufrió enteropatía perdedora de proteínas 8,1 por ciento de los pacientes. Se presentó con mayor frecuencia en los operados con la técnica intratrial, en los operados con más de 6 años de edad, y en quienes sufrieron derrames pleurales persistentes en el posoperatorio inmediato. Se encontró relación significativa entre la enteropatía y la disfunción ventricular posoperatoria, con RR= 11,45 (IC: 95 por ciento: 2,37 a 55,16). El análisis multivariado identificó a la disfunción ventricular como factor de riesgo. Conclusión: la detección de disfunción ventricular en la evolución del paciente con derivación cavopulmonar debe orientar el tratamiento, en aras de evitar la aparición de enteropatía perdedora de proteínas(AU)

Introduction: protein-losing enteropathy may occur in the progression of patients with univentricular heart, who survived total cavopulmonary shunt. Once diagnosed, the mortality rate of the condition is high. Objective: to identify the possible risk factor of this complication. Methods: a prospective cohort study of the progression of 74 patients with total cavopulmonary shunt was conducted from January 1992 through January 2011. They had been operated on at William Soler pediatric cardiac center. Results: the average time of progression was 8 years. In this group, 8.1 percent of patients suffered protein-losing enteropathy that was more frequently seen in patients operated on by the intraatrial technique, aged over 6 years and in those suffering persistent pleural effusion in the immediate postoperative period. Significant statistical relation was found between enteropathy and postoperative ventricular dysfunction with RR= 11.45 (CI: 95 percent: 2.37 to 55.16). The multivariate analysis showed that the ventricular dysfunction was a risk factor. Conclusions: Detection of the ventricular dysfunction in the progression of a patient with cavopulmonary shunt should guide the treatment to avoid occurrence of protein-losing enteropathy(AU)

Enteropatía perdedora de proteínas en pacientes con corazón univentricular / Protein-losing enteropathy found in patients with univentricular heart

INTRODU: la enteropatía perdedora de proteínas puede aparecer en la evolución de los pacientes con corazón univentricular que sobreviven a la derivación cavopulmonar total. Una vez que se diagnostica, la mortalidad es alta. OBJETIVO: identificar los posibles factores de riesgo de esta complicación. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de la evolución en 74 pacientes con derivación cavopulmonar total, intervenidos en el Cardiocentro Pediátrico "William Soler", desde enero de 1992 hasta enero de 2011. RESULTADOS: el tiempo promedio de evolución fue de 8 años. Sufrió enteropatía perdedora de proteínas 8,1 % de los pacientes. Se presentó con mayor frecuencia en los operados con la técnica intratrial, en los operados con más de 6 años de edad, y en quienes sufrieron derrames pleurales persistentes en el posoperatorio inmediato. Se encontró relación significativa entre la enteropatía y la disfunción ventricular posoperatoria, con RR= 11,45 (IC: 95 %: 2,37 a 55,16). El análisis multivariado identificó a la disfunción ventricular como factor de riesgo. CONCLUSIÓN: la detección de disfunción ventricular en la evolución del paciente con derivación cavopulmonar debe orientar el tratamiento, en aras de evitar la aparición de enteropatía perdedora de proteínas.

INTRODUCTION: protein-losing enteropathy may occur in the progression of patients with univentricular heart, who survived total cavopulmonary shunt. Once diagnosed, the mortality rate of the condition is high. ONJECTIVE: to identify the possible risk factor of this complication. METHODS: a prospective cohort study of the progression of 74 patients with total cavopulmonary shunt was conducted from January 1992 through January 2011. They had been operated on at "William Soler" pediatric cardiac center. RESULTS: the average time of progression was 8 years. In this group, 8.1 % of patients suffered protein-losing enteropathy that was more frequently seen in patients operated on by the intraatrial technique, aged over 6 years and in those suffering persistent pleural effusion in the immediate postoperative period. Significant statistical relation was found between enteropathy and postoperative ventricular dysfunction with RR= 11.45 (CI: 95 %: 2.37 to 55.16). The multivariate analysis showed that the ventricular dysfunction was a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of the ventricular dysfunction in the progression of a patient with cavopulmonary shunt should guide the treatment to avoid occurrence of protein-losing enteropathy.

Linfangiectasia intestinal: Reporte de un caso / A case report of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

A propósito del caso de un paciente de 7 meses de vida remitido desde Yopal a la ciudad de Bogotá, se revisa el tema de la linfagiectasia intestinal. Esta es una rara enfermedad que involucra los vasos linfáticos intestinales, y origina hipoproteinemia, edemas, ascitis y enteropatía perdedora de proteínas.

This is the case report of a 7 month old child from Yopal with intestinal lymphangiectasia who was sent to Bogota. We also review the issue of intestinal lymphangiectasia, a rare disease involving intestinal lymphatic vessels which caused hypoproteinemia, edema, ascites and protein-losing enteropathy.

Linfangiectasia intestinal asociada a hemihipertrofia: Reporte de caso / Intestinal Lymphangiectasia associated with Hemihypertrophy: A case report

La linfangiectasia intestinal primaria es una enfermedad caracterizada por dilatación de los vasos linfáticos del intestino, manifestándose como una enteropatía perdedora de proteínas. Presentamos un paciente con diarrea crónica, prolapso rectal recurrente y hemihipertrofia de miembro superior izquierdo, asociado a linfopenia e hipoalbuminemia. Por endoscopia digestiva superior y biopsia se diagnostica linfangiectasia intestinal primaria y se inicia tratamiento nutricional exitosamente.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disease characterized by dilated intestinal lymph vessels which manifests as a protein losing enteropathy. We present a patient with chronic diarrhea, recurrent rectal prolapse and left upper limb hemihypertrophy associated with lymphopenia and hypoalbuminemia. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed with upper endoscopy and biopsy. Nutritional treatment was successfully begun.

Evaluation of paediatric patients with protein losing enteropathy a single centre experience / Evaluación de los pacientes pediátricos con enteropatía perdedora de proteínas experiencia sola en un centro

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate paediatric patients with protein losing enteropathy (PLE). METHODS: Fourteen cases diagnosed as PLE were evaluated in terms of aetiologies, diagnostic methods, laboratory findings, treatment procedures and longterm prognosis. RESULTS: Four of the cases had coeliac disease, three intestinal lymphangiectasia, three giardia infection, one H pylori infection and three cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Histopathological examinations of duodenum specimens revealed total villous atrophy in four cases, lymphatic dilatation in three cases, severe nodular appearance in four cases and no pathology in four cases. All of the cases except patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia were controlled by the appropriate treatment given for the underlying disease. The cases with CMV infection were treated with only supportive treatment and gancyclovir therapy was not needed. CONCLUSION: When proteinuria is not detected in wellappearing children admitted with oedema, PLE must be considered.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar a pacientes con enteropatía perdedora de proteínas (EPP). MÉTODOS: Catorce casos diagnosticados con EPP fueron evaluados en términos de etiologías, métodos de diagnóstico, resultados de laboratorio, procedimientos de tratamiento, y prognósis a largo plazo. RESULTADOS: Cuatro de los casos tenían enfermedad celíaca, tres padecían de linfangiectasia intestinal, tres sufrían de infección por giardias, uno tenía infección por H pylori, y tres presentaba infección por citomegalovirus (CMV). Los exámenes histopatológicos de especímenes duodenales revelaron atrofia de las vellosidades intestinales en cuatro de los casos, dilatación linfática en tres casos, apariencia nodular severa en cuatro casos, y ausencia de patología en cuatro casos. Todos los casos - excepto los pacientes con linfangiectasia intestinal - fueron controlados mediante el tratamiento adecuado para la enfermedad subyacente. Los casos con infección por CMV fueron tratados con tratamiento de apoyo, y no se necesitó terapia con ganciclovir. CONCLUSIÓN: Cuando no se detecta proteinuria en niños con buena apariencia ingresados con edema, hay que considerar principalmente la posibilidad de EPP.

Giardia infection: protein-losing enteropathy in an adult with immunodeficiency.

The case of a 52-year-old woman with a past history of thymoma resection who presented with chronic diarrhea and generalized edema is the focal point of this article. A diagnosis of Giardia lamblia infection was established, which was complicated by protein-losing enteropathy and severely low serum protein level in a patient with no urinary protein loss and normal liver function. After anti-helmintic treatment, there was recovery from hypoalbuminemia, though immunoglobulins persisted at low serum levels leading to the hypothesis of an immune system disorder. Good's syndrome is a rare cause of immunodeficiency characterized by the association of hypogammaglobulinemia and thymoma. This primary immune disorder may be complicated by severe infectious diarrhea secondary to disabled humoral and cellular immune response. This is the first description in the literature of an adult patient with an immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with protein-losing enteropathy secondary to giardiasis.