Oxygen delivery and monitoring in neonatal intensive care units in Mexico in 2011 and in 2023: an observational longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of avoidable blindness in children, particularly in Latin America, where hyperoxia is a significant risk factor. This study evaluated resource availability and use for administering and monitoring supplemental oxygen in Mexico. METHODS: In 2011, an observational study in which 32 government neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Mexico were visited. Data collected included occupancy, staffing levels, and equipment to deliver and monitor supplemental oxygen. Preterm infants receiving oxygen were observed. In 2023, 13 NICUs were revisited, and similar data collected. Staffing levels were benchmarked against Argentinian and US recommendations. RESULTS: In 2011, only 38% of NICUs had adequate medical and staffing levels to meet recommended cot-to-staff ratios for all shifts. Staffing ratios were worse during weekends and at night than during weekdays. Only 25.5% of cots had blenders, and 80.1% had saturation monitors. 153 infants were observed 87% of whom were being monitored. Upper and lower oxygen saturations were ≥ 96% in 53%, and ≤ 89% in 8%, respectively. Alarm settings were inadequate, as 38% and 32% of upper and lower alarms were switched off and 16% and 53% were incorrectly set, respectively. In the 13 NICUs with data from 2011  and 2023, cot-to-staff ratios deteriorated over time, and in 2023 no unit had recommended ratios for all shifts. Equipment provision did not change, with similar proportions of babies in oxygen being monitored (79% 2011; 75% 2023). Rates of hyperoxia decreased slightly from 54% in 2011 to 49% in 2023. More upper alarms were set (46% 2011; 75% 2023), but a higher proportion were incorrectly set (52% 2011; 68% 2023). CONCLUSIONS: Between 2011 and 2023, cot-to-staff ratios worsened, and equipment for safe oxygen delivery and monitoring remained insufficient. Despite available monitoring equipment, oxygen saturations often exceeded recommended levels, and alarms were frequently not set or incorrectly configured. Urgent improvements are needed in healthcare workforce numbers and practices, along with ensuring adequate equipment for safe oxygen delivery.

Description of clinical and genetic features of 122 patients included in the Spanish Pompe registry.

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:60.000. The two main phenotypes are Infantile Onset Pompe Disease (IOPD) and Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). There is no published data from Spain regarding the existing number of cases, regional distribution, clinical features or, access and response to the treatment. We created a registry to collect all these data from patients with Pompe in Spain. Here, we report the data of the 122 patients registered including nine IOPD and 113 LOPD patients. There was a high variability in how the diagnosis was obtained and how the follow-up was performed among different centres. Seven IOPD patients were still alive being all treated with enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) at last visit. Ninety four of the 113 LOPD patients had muscle weakness of which 81 were receiving ERT. We observed a progressive decline in the results of muscle function tests during follow-up. Overall, the Spanish Pompe Registry is a valuable resource for understanding the demographics, patient's journey and clinical characteristics of patients in Spain. Our data supports the development of agreed guidelines to ensure that the care provided to the patients is standardized across the country.

Why Do Not All Living Kidney Donor Candidates Are Accepted for Donation? A Pediatric Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Living donor kidney transplantation is the best type of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. Living kidney donors (LKDs) undergo an extensive evaluation before donating, and many potential LKDs are declined. This study aimed to define the reasons for the decline in LKD candidates referred to our center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of all potential LKDs evaluated between January 2001 and December 2021 at our institution,Western National Medical Center, Pediatric Hospital. Data were obtained by review of an electronic database. RESULTS: A total of 1332 potential LKDs were evaluated, 796 (59.7%) successfully donated; 20 (1.5%) had a complete evaluation, were accepted for donation, and were on the waiting list for intervention; 56 (4.2%) continued in the evaluation process; 200 (15%) were discharged from the program due to administrative aspects, death (donor or receptor), or cadaveric renal transplantation in order of frequency; 56 (4.2%) withdraw by personal choice; and 204 (15.3%) were rejected for donation. Donor-related reasons included medical contraindications (n = 134, 65.7%), anatomic contraindications (n = 38, 18.6%), immunologic barriers (n = 18, 8.8%), and psychological reasons (n = 11, 5.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large number of potential LKDs, a significant proportion did not proceed for donation for different reasons; in our description, it represents 40.3%. The largest proportion is because of donor-related causes, and most of the reasons result from the candidate's unnoticed chronic diseases.

Safety of Obtaining an Extra Biobank Kidney Biopsy Core.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Kidney biopsy (KB) is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of nephropathies and it is a diagnostic tool that presents a low rate of complications. Nowadays, biobank collections of renal tissue of patients with proven renal pathology are essential for research in nephrology. To provide enough tissue for the biobank collection, it is usually needed to obtain an extra kidney core at the time of kidney biopsy. The objective of our study is to evaluate the complications after KB and to analyze whether obtaining an extra core increases the risk of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of KBs performed at Vall d'Hebron Hospital between 2019 and 2020. All patients who accepted to participate to our research biobank of native kidney biopsies were included to the study. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed and we studied risk factors associated with complications. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients were included, mean age 56.6 (±16.8) years, 130 (58.8%) were men, creatinine was 2.24 (±1.94) mg/dL, proteinuria 1.56 (0.506-3.590) g/24 h, hemoglobin 12.03 (±2.3) g/dL, INR 0.99 (±0.1), and prothrombin time (PT) 11.86 (±1.2) s. A total of 38 patients (17.2%) presented complications associated with the procedure: 13.1% were minor complications, 11.3% (n = 25) required blood transfusion, 1.4% (n = 3) had severe hematomas, 2.3% (n = 5) required embolization, and 0.5% (n = 1) presented arterio-venous fistula. An increased risk for complication was independently associated with obtaining a single kidney core (vs. 2 and 3 cores) (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: KB is an invasive and safe procedure with a low percentage of complications. Obtaining an extra kidney core for research does not increase the risk of complications during the intervention, which remains low in concordance with previously published reports.

Retrospective Study of the Seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV in Blood Donors at a Blood Bank of Western Mexico.

Obtaining blood which is safe for transfusions is one of the principal challenges in the health systems of developing countries. Supply of contaminated blood increases morbidity, mortality, and the costs of patient care. In Mexico, serological screening is mandatory, but only a few of the main blood banks routinely perform a nucleic acid test (NAT). Data from 80,391 blood donations processed between August 2018 and December 2019 at the Central Blood Bank of the Western National Medical Center of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) were analyzed. All donors were screened for serological markers and NAT was performed. Reactive donors were followed-up to confirm their results. The number of reactive donors and seroprevalence rates for HIV, HCV, and HBV were 152 (18.91/10,000), 385 (47.89/10,000), and 181 (22.51/10,000), respectively; however, these rates decreased when NAT-confirmed reactive results were considered. Male donors were found to have a higher seroprevalence than females, and younger donors higher than older donors. The present study shows that HIV, HCV, and HBV seroprevalence in blood donors in Western Mexico is low. We propose that Mexico should establish future strategies, including pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs), in order to improve blood safety and reduce transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs).

Reduction of small dense LDL and Il-6 after intervention with Plantago psyllium in adolescents with obesity: a parallel, double blind, randomized clinical trial.

Obesity can lead children and adolescents to an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A diet supplemented with Plantago psyllium has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C and IL-6 in adolescents. However, there are no studies that have explored small-dense LDL (sdLDL) or HDL subclasses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a fiber dietary intervention on LDL and HDL subclasses in adolescents with obesity. In this parallel, double blind, randomized clinical trial, the participants were assigned to Plantago psyllium or placebo (10g/day for 7 weeks). We randomized 113 participants, and evaluated and analyzed 100 adolescents (50 in each group), 15 to 19 years with a body mass index of 29-34. We measured biochemical markers LDL and HDL subclasses using the Lipoprint system (Quantimetrix) and IL-6 by ELISA. Post-treatment there was a decrease in sdLDL between the groups 2.0 (0-5.0) vs 1 (0-3.0) mg/dl (p = 0.004), IL-6 median 3.32 (1.24-5.96) vs 1.76 (0.54-3.28) pg/ml, p <0.0001. There were no differences in HDL subclasses and no adverse effects were reported in either group.Conclusions: Small dense LDL and IL-6 reduced in adolescents with obesity when consuming Plantago psyllium. This may be an early good strategy for the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk in this vulnerable population.Trial registration: ISRCTN # 14180431. Date assigned 24/08/2020 What is Known: • Supplementing the diet with Plantago psyllium lowers LDL-C levels. What is New: • First evidence that soluble fiber supplementation like Plantago psyllium decreases small dense LDL particles in association with lowered IL-6, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents.

First report of furuncular myiasis in a domestic dog caused by Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus, 1781) in Colombia.

This paper reports a case of furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a domestic dog from Colombia. A male domestic dog, German shepherd breed, of approximately 2 years old was brought for medical consultation. The reason was the presence of one furuncular lesion and discomfort in the patient. Clinical examination revealed a wound over the sacral area similar to an inflammatory papule, with a central punctum exuding a serosanguinous discharge. In the medical examination was applied pressure around the wound, that allowed evidencing a larva inside the tissue. The applied treatment was surgical removal of the larva in the dog. Treatment was complemented with Cephalexin (20 mg / kg, twice a day orally for 7 days), Meloxicam (0.2 mg / kg, once a day orally for 3 days) and cleaning with chlorhexidine, three times a day until removal of points 7 days later. The larva was sent to Parasitology laboratory of the UDES for morphology identification. The larva was identified as Dermatobia hominis.

First report of myiasis in dogs caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel 1858) in Colombia.

This paper reports for the first time in Colombia, two myasis cases caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in stray dogs. Clinical examination of both patients revealed fever and a large wound at the palpebral level on the right side, and multiple perforating wounds in the right posterior limb where larvae were found. The treatment applied was the manual removal of larvae in the dogs, and subsequent eye enucleation in one dog due to the total loss of the upper right eyelid and the severe mechanical damage that the cornea received. Treatment was reinforced with repellents applied around the wounds and antibiotics. This finding of Cochliomyia hominivorax in stray dogs in Colombia raises concerns about the potential of dogs serving as a reservoir for human infection in the region.

Seroprevalence and risk factor associated with respiratory viral pathogens in dual-purpose cattle of Aguachica, Rio de Oro, and La Gloria municipalities in Cesar department, Colombia.

AIM: The research was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factor associated with respiratory viral pathogens in dual-purpose cattle of Aguachica, Rio de Oro and La Gloria municipalities in Cesar department, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The seroprevalence study was done from the random sampling (n=1000) of blood collected from 29 dual-purpose herds, located in three municipalities (Aguachica, Rio de Oro, and La Gloria) of Cesar department. The presence of antibodies against bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI-3V) in the samples was detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained using a questionnaire administered to the owner or manager of each herd. RESULTS: The overall highest seroprevalence was observed for BHV-1 (94.7%), followed by BRSV (98.6%), BVDV (35.2%), and BPI-3V (47.1%). Regarding the seroprevalence by municipalities, there was a statistical association (p<0.05) for BVDV; however, for BRSV, BHV-1, and BPI-3V, no statistical association was found (p>0.05) between seropositive values and the municipalities, indicating that animal was seropositive in similar proportions in the three municipalities. Female sex and older animals (>24 months) were a significant risk factor for BHV-1 and BPI-3V infection. Regarding the clinical signs, there was a statistical association (p<0.05) between the seropositive values of BVDV and most of clinical signs observed, except for abortion. CONCLUSION: This research confirms the high seroprevalence of the respiratory viral pathogens in nonvaccinated cattle within the study areas. Therefore, appropriate sanitary management practices and routine vaccination programs should be adopted to reduce the seroprevalence of these infectious agents.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle and sheep in three municipalities in the Colombian Northeastern Mountain.

AIM: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in cattle and sheep from three municipalities in the Colombian Northeastern Mountain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 200 fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum in cattle and sheep. The presence of helminths eggs and coccidial oocysts in fecal samples was detected using McMaster and Dennis techniques. Identification of eggs or oocysts was done on the basis of morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts. RESULTS: The global prevalence of GI parasites was 56.3%. Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was no statistical association (p>0.05), indicating that the prevalence was similar in the three municipalities. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in sheep (63%) as compared to that of cattle (50.5%), but the difference was nonsignificant (p>0.05). The most prevalent parasites were Eimeria spp., Fasciola hepatica, and Strongylida order. Regarding the results for Eimeria spp., different degrees of positivity were observed, but there was no statistical association (p>0.05) with respect to the age group. Likewise, there was no statistical association (p>0.05) between the prevalence for Strongylida order and F. hepatica with respect to the age group. CONCLUSION: Cattle and sheep in Colombian Northeastern Mountain were infected with helminths and coccidia. The prevalence values of GI parasites were moderate in both species warranting treatment. The presence of F. hepatica represents a risk factor to health public. Future studies are required to evaluate the parasitic dynamics throughout the year and the impact on animal production.

Efecto cardiometabólico de los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio glucosa tipo 2 (SGLT2) / Cardiometabolic effect of inhibitors of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2)

Resumen: El advenimiento de nuevos fármacos para el tratamiento de los distintos componentes del síndrome metabólico, que por su farmacocinética y farmacodinamia tengan un efecto pleiotrópico, ha tomado auge. Hace poco los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio glucosa tipo 2 (SGLT2) prescritos para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus 2 han demostrado tener un efecto protector cardiorrenal. Éstos actúan en el segmento S1 del túbulo proximal disminuyendo la filtración de glucosa e incrementando su excreción urinaria; con efecto glucosúrico y natriurético. Este último es el principal mecanismo de protección cardiovascular. Modelos experimentales y estudios, entre los que destacan el estudio EMPAREG y el programa CANVAS, han demostrado que los inhibidores de SGLT2 permiten disminuir la progresión de la miocardiopatía hipertrófica, fibrosis, remodelamiento, disfunción sistólica e insuficiencia cardiaca, por su efecto en la precarga y poscarga. Los resultados de estos estudios reconocen a este grupo de fármacos (específicamente a la empagliflozina y canagliflozina) como tratamiento de protección cardiovascular en pacientes con diabetes mellitus 2, recomendados actualmente por la FDA, ACC/AHA, la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología y recientemente por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes (ADA) en su reciente publicación de 2018.

Abstract: There is an increase in the use of new drugs for the treatment of the different elements that integrate the metabolic syndrome; that, by their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have a pleiotropic effect. Recently, the inhibitors of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 have demonstrated a cardio-renal protector effect. They function at the S1 segment of the proximal tube, lowering the filtration of glucose and enhancing its excretion; resulting in a glycosuric and natriuretic effect. This is the main mechanism of cardiovascular protection. Experimental essays and different studies, such as the EMAREG study and the CANVAS program, have established that the inhibitors of SGLT2 reduce the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fibrosis, cardiac remodeling, systolic dysfunction and heart failure. The results of these studies recognize this group of drugs (empaglifozine and canaglifozine) as a valid treatment for cardiovascular protection in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, and which is recommended by the FDA, the ACC/AHA, the European Society of Cardiology and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in its last publication in 2018.

Complications associated to percutaneous catheter in preterm and term born children / Complicaciones asociadas al catéter percutáneo en recién nacidos pretérmino y a término

Objective: Identify percutaneous catheter-related complications in preterm and term newborns. Methods: Comparative cross-section. Were included newborns whit percutaneous catheter insertion, blood culture results and distal catheter segment. Were formed two groups: Preterm and term. Results: Were analyzed the data of preterm (n = 50) and term (n = 50) newborn, the gestational age was 30 ± 3 and 40 ± 2 (p = 0.01). The frecuency in preterm and term newborn was respectively, sepsis catheter 36 and 18% (p = 0.02; OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.02-7.17), infected catheter 50 and 22% (p = 0.01; OR: 5.92; 95% CI: 1.66-23.12), colonized catheter of 24 and 14% (p = 0.01; OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.32-9.90), local infection 14 and 8% (p = 0.03; OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.45-8.29), infiltration 18 and 4% (p = 0.02; OR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.17-59), accidental removal 6 and 22% (p = 0.02; OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.05-0.87) and catheter rupture 10 and 28% (p = 0.02; OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.08-0.98). Conclusions: We found a higher association of infections and infiltrations by percutaneous catheter in preterm and term prevailed in accidental removal and catheter rupture.

Objetivo: Identificar las complicaciones asociadas al catéter percutáneo en recién nacidos pretérmino y a término. Método: Estudio transversal comparativo. Se incluyeron recién nacidos que tenían insertado un catéter percutáneo, con resultados de cultivo de sangre y segmento distal del catéter. Se formaron dos grupos: pretérmino y a término. Se calcularon la razón de momios (RM) y el intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 50 recién nacidos por grupo. En los pretérmino y a término se encontró un valor de la media de edad gestacional de 30 ± 3 y 40 ± 2, respectivamente (p = 0.01), y unos porcentajes de sepsis por catéter del 36 y el 18% (p = 0.02; RM: 2.56; IC 95%: 1.02-7.17), de catéter infectado del 50 y el 22% (p = 0.01; RM: 5.92; IC 95%: 1.66-23.12), de catéter colonizado del 24 y el 14% (p = 0.01; RM: 3.58; IC 95%: 1.32-9.90), de infección local del 14 y el 8% (p = 0.03; RM: 1.87; IC 95%: 1.45-8.29), de infiltración del 18 y el 4% (p = 0.02; RM: 5.27; IC 95%: 1.17-59), de retiro accidental del 6 y el 22% (p = 0.02; RM: 0.23; IC 95%: 0.05-0.87) y de rotura del catéter del 10 y el 28% (p = 0.02; RM: 0.29; IC 95%: 0.08-0.98). Conclusiones: Se encontró mayor asociación de infecciones e infiltraciones por catéter percutáneo en los pretérmino, y de retiro accidental y rotura del catéter en los nacidos a término.

[Impact of pasteurization/freeze-drying on available immunoglobulin content of the mature human milk. Use in human milk banking of hospitals]. / Impacto de la pasteurización/liofilización en el contenido disponible de inmunoglobulinas en leche humana madura. Estudio de aplicación en bancos de leche humana en hospitales.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzes the effect on the content of immunoglobulins and C3 complement of freeze drying after pasteurization by three different methods in mature human milk (MHM). OBJECTIVE: Freeze drying is proposed as a complementary method for the maintenance of MHM therapeutic properties with greater validity. METHODS: This was a descriptive study in which MHM samples were obtained. Next, aliquots of the samples obtained were pasteurized by three methods: 62.5 centigrades degrees/30 minutes, 72 centigrades degrees/15 minutes, 85 centigrades degrees/5 minutes, followed by a rapid cooling at 5 ºC. Then, 30 ml volumes of pasteurized sample were freeze-dried over a period of 36 hours. Total protein determination was performed by the Lowry method. The concentrations of immunoglobulins A, G and M, and complement C3, were determined by conventional nephelometric technique following the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The method of pasteurization of MHM with increased protein and immunoglobulin retention was at 62.5 centigrades degrees, however, pasteurization at 72 centigrades degrees before freeze-drying showed better retention of immunoglobulins. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the freeze-drying of pasteurized MHM is a suitable method for the conservation in human milk banks. Both the nutritional composition and the extension of its validity and the application of the two processes together provide the advantage of maintaining the therapeutic properties of human milk to improve the health of the newborn in a vulnerable, impaired or immunosuppressed state.

INTRODUCCIÓN: este estudio analiza el efecto sobre el contenido de inmunoglobulinas y complemento C3 de la liofilización posterior a la pasteurización por tres métodos diferentes en leche humana madura (LHM). OBJETIVO: la liofilización es propuesta como método complementario para el mantenimiento de las propiedades terapéuticas de la LHM con mayor vigencia. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo en el que se obtuvieron muestras de LHM. Alícuotas de las muestras obtenidas se pasteurizaron por tres métodos: 62,5 grados centígrados/30 minutos, 72 grados centígrados/15 minutos 85 grados centígrados/5 minutos, seguido de un enfriamiento rápido a 5 grados centígrados. Después, volúmenes de 30 ml de muestra pasteurizada fueron liofilizados durante un periodo de 36 horas. La determinación de proteínas totales fue realizada por el método Lowry. Las concentraciones de inmunoglobulinas A, G y M y el complemento C3 fueron determinadas por nefelometría convencional, siguiendo las instrucciones del fabricante. La significancia estadística se definió como p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: el método de pasteurización de LHM con mayor retención de proteína e inmunoglobulinas fue a la temperatura de 62,5 grados centígrados, sin embargo, la pasteurización a 72 grados centígrados antes de la liofilización mostró mayor retención de inmunoglobulinas. CONCLUSIONES: nuestros resultados sugieren que la liofilización de LHM pasteurizada es un método eficiente para la conservación en bancos de leche humana. Tanto la composición nutricional como la extensión de su vida útil y la aplicación de los dos procesos juntos proporcionan la ventaja de mantener las propiedades terapéuticas de la leche humana para mejorar la salud del recién nacido en estado vulnerable, desmedro o inmunosuprimido.

[Risk factors associated with the development of early neurological complications in purulent meningitis in a pediatric population]. / Factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de complicaciones neurológicas tempranas en meningitis purulenta.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of early neurological complications in purulent meningitis in a pediatric population. METHODS: This was a case-control study including 78 children aged one month to 16 years with purulent meningitis divided into two groups: cases, with early neurological complications (defined as those presenting < 72 hours from initiation of clinical manifestation), and controls, without early neurological complications. Clinical, serum laboratory, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were included: cases, n = 33, and controls, n = 45. Masculine gender, 19 (57%) vs. feminine gender, 28 (62%) (p = 0.679). Median age in months, 36 months (range, 1-180) vs. 12 months (range, 1-168) (p = 0.377). Factors associated with neurological complications: convulsive crises on admission, p = 0.038, OR, 2.65 (range, 1.04-6.74); meningeal signs, p = 0.032, OR, 2.73 (range, 1.07-6.96); alteration of the alert state, p = 0.003, OR, 13.0 (range, 1.64-105.3); orotracheal intubation, p = 0.000, OR, 14.47 (range, 4.76-44.01); neurological deterioration, p = 0.000, OR, 9.60 (range, 3.02-30.46); turbid CSF, p = 0.003, OR, 4.20 (range, 1.57-11.20); hypoglycorrhachia, < 30 mg/dl, p = 0.001, OR, 9.2 (range, 3.24-26.06); and positive CSF culture, p = 0.001, OR, 16.5 (range, 1.97-138.1). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with early neurological complications included convulsive crises on admission, meningeal signs, alteration of the alert state, need for orotracheal intubation, turbid CSF, hypoglycorrhachia, and positive CSF culture.

[Hyponatremia and its etiology in pediatric patients admitted to the emergency room]. / Hiponatremia y su etiología en pacientes pediátricos ingresados a sala de urgencias.

BACKGROUND: The importance of hyponatremia is underestimated despite it is a frequent alteration in a hospital environment. Usually no cause is investigated and it is treated as an isolated data. The aim was to determine the prevalence and etiology of hyponatremia in pediatric patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 72 patients from 1-month to 15-years of age admitted to the emergency room, from May to September, 2015, with lower serum determination of Na < 135 mEq/L at admission. For statistical analysis, frequencies and percentages, as well as medians and ranges were used. RESULTS: 72 patients (3%) out of 2400 admissions to the emergency room were detected. 42 were male (58%), 28 infant (30.5%), and 46 eutrophic (68.5%). The diagnosis at admission was sepsis in 13 (18%), mild hyponatremia in 41 (56.9%), real hyponatremia in 71 (98.6%) and dilutional in 1 (1.4%). The median serum sodium was 130 mEq/L (range 112-134), and the median serum osmolality 266 mOsm/L (range 236-288). The most usual management was the increase of sodium in solutions in 21 cases (29%), and the use of diuretics (n = 21, 29%). The median of sodium input per m2 (BSA) per day was 45 mEq (range 0-158). CONCLUSIONS: Mild and real hyponatremia were the most frequent diagnoses. The infection at admission was the more common etiology. The increase in sodium input in solution was the most common management. The use of intravenous solutions 2:1 (isotonic) did not produce hypernatremia and avoided administration of hypotonic solutions.

Introducción: la importancia de la hiponatremia es subestimada a pesar de ser una alteración frecuente en el medio hospitalario. Habitualmente no se investiga su causa y se trata como dato aislado. Se buscó determinar la prevalencia de hiponatremia y su etiología en pacientes en urgencias pediátricas. Métodos: estudio transversal en 72 pacientes de un mes a 15 años ingresados de mayo a septiembre de 2015 en urgencias con determinación sérica de Na < 135 mEq/L a su ingreso. Para la estadística se emplearon frecuencias y porcentajes, medianas y rangos. Resultados: se detectaron 72 pacientes de 2400 ingresos a urgencias (3%). Fueron varones 42 (58%), 28 lactantes (30.5%) y 46 eutróficos (68.5%). El diagnóstico de ingreso fue de sepsis en 13 (18%), hiponatremia leve en 41 (56.9%), real (hipoosomolar) en 71 (98.6%) y dilucional en 1 (1.4%). La mediana del sodio sérico fue de 130 mEq/L (rango 112-134) y la de la osmolaridad sérica de 266 mOsm/L (rango 236-288). El manejo más frecuente fue el incremento del aporte de sodio en soluciones en 21 casos (29.1%) y el uso de diuréticos en 21 (29%). La mediana del aporte de sodio por m2 SCT al día fue de 45 mEq (rango 0-158). Conclusiones: la hiponatremia leve y la hipoosomolar fueron las más frecuentes. El diagnóstico de origen infeccioso fue la causa más común. El incremento en el aporte de sodio en soluciones fue el manejo más habitual. El uso de soluciones intravenosas 2:1 (isotónicas) no produjo hipernatremia y evitó la administración de soluciones hipotónicas.

[Risk factors related with ventilator-associated pneumonia in a neonatal intensive care therapy]. / Factores asociados a neumonía secundaria a ventilación mecánica en terapia intensiva neonatal.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) represents the second cause of nosocomial infections and it is associated with greater morbility, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and hospital stay. The objective was to determine factors related with VAP in neonates. METHODS: Analytical transversal study including newborns admitted already intubated with at least 48 hours of MV or who were intubated in Neonatal Therapy. VAP was defined according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "those patients submitted to MV during at least 48 hours". We used inferential statistics for statistical analysis (chi squared, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier estimator). RESULTS: 82 neonates were studied, out of which 27 developed VAP (33%). The median time to develop pneumonia was 6 days (range 5-11). The most commonly isolated germ was Escherichia coli (27%). Statistically significant variables were gestational age (p = 0.05), and the use of antacids at admission (p = 0.007). Patients with pneumonia had longer hospital stay (p = 0.001) and time with MV (p = 0.002). Of all the patients, 22 neonates died (27%), of which nine patients had VAP. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for VAP in neonates include lower gestational age, the use of antacids, and prolonged MV.

Introducción: la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM) representa la segunda causa de infección nosocomial y se asocia con una mayor morbilidad, duración de ventilación mecánica (VM) y estancia hospitalaria. El objetivo fue determinar los factores asociados a NAVM en neonatos. Métodos: estudio transversal analítico en el que se incluyeron recién nacidos que ingresaron intubados con menos de 48 horas de VM o que se intubaron en terapia neonatal. Se definió la NAVM, según los criterios de los Centros para el Control y la Prevencion de Enfermedades (CDC), como "aquella infección nosocomial diagnosticada en pacientes sometidos a VM durante al menos 48 horas". Se empleó estadística inferencial para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: se estudiaron 82 neonatos, desarrollaron NAVM 27 (33%). La mediana del desarrollo de neumonía fue de seis días (rango 5-11). El germen aislado más común fue la Escherichia coli (27%). Las variables estadísticamente significativas fueron la edad gestacional (p = 0.05) y el uso de antiácidos al ingreso (p = 0.007). Los pacientes con neumonía tuvieron mayor tiempo de estancia hospitalaria (0.001) y tiempo con VM (p = 0.002). Murieron 22 neonatos en población general (27%), de los cuales nueve eran pacientes con NAVM. Conclusión: los factores de riesgo para NAVM incluyen menor edad gestacional, antiácidos y ventilación mecánica prolongada.

Proinflammatory Cytokines, Enolase and S-100 as Early Biochemical Indicators of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Following Perinatal Asphyxia in Newborns.

BACKGROUND: Estimation of the neurological prognosis of infants suffering from perinatal asphyxia and signs of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is of great clinical importance; however, it remains difficult to satisfactorily assess these signs with current standard medical practices. Prognoses are typically based on data obtained from clinical examinations and neurological tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging, but their sensitivities and specificities are far from optimal, and they do not always reliably predict future neurological sequelae. In an attempt to improve prognostic estimates, neurological research envisaged various biochemical markers detectable in the umbilical cord blood of newborns (NB). Few studies examining these biochemical factors in the whole blood of newborns exist. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the expression and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) and specific CNS enzymes (S-100 and enolase) in infants with perinatal asphyxia. These data were compared between the affected infants and controls and were related to the degree of HIE to determine their utilities as biochemical markers for early diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The expression and serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, enolase and S-100 were significantly increased in the children with asphyxia compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: The role of cytokines after hypoxic-ischemic insult has been determined in studies of transgenic mice that support the use of these molecules as candidate biomarkers. Similarly, S-100 and enolase are considered promising candidates because these markers have been correlated with tissue damage in different experimental models.

Higher prolactin and vasoinhibin serum levels associated with incidence and progression of retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding, retinal neovascular disease. Systemic prolactin accesses the retina to regulate blood vessels. Prolactin is proangiogenic and can be cleaved to antiangiogenic vasoinhibins. We investigated whether circulating prolactin and vasoinhibins associate with incidence and progression of ROP. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, case-control study covering postnatal weeks 1 to 9 measured serum prolactin, vasoinhibins, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) weekly in 90 premature infants diagnosed as ROP or control. RESULTS: Prolactin levels were higher in ROP than in control patients before (106.2 ± 11.3 (SEM) vs. 64.7 ± 4.9 ng/ml, postnatal week 1) and during (120.6 ± 10 vs. 84.7 ± 7.5ng/ml, postnatal week 5) ROP diagnosis. Prolactin, but not gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, sepsis, or ventilation time, correlated with ROP. The relative risk (RR) of developing ROP increased if Prolactin (PRL) levels were higher than thresholds of 80 ng/ml (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.06-2.28), 100 ng/ml (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14-2.34), or 120 ng/ml (RR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.41-2.68). Vasoinhibin levels were 39.7% higher (95% CI: 4.5-77.5) in the circulation of ROP than in control patients at postnatal week 1 and similar thereafter, whereas VEGF serum levels were always similar. CONCLUSION: High serum prolactin and vasoinhibin levels predict and may impact ROP progression.

[Depressive disorder in Mexican pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)]. / Trastorno depresivo en pacientes pediátricos mexicanos con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES).

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of depression in Mexican pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytical transversal study including patients aged 7-16 years with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus seen at the Pediatric Rheumatology Consultation Service. The disease was classified by means of the MEX-SLEDAI questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with central tendency and dispersion and comparative measurements with chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic regression and association with odds ratios. SPSS v.21.0 statistical software package. RESULTS: We evaluated 45 patients who presented depression, n=9 (20%), including eight females (89%) and one male (11%), median age 13 years (range, 7-16) in children with depression vs. 13 years (range, 9-14) p=0.941, depression more frequent in schoolchildren. Habitual residence, disease evolution time, and duration of the immunosuppressor did not show a significant difference between both groups. Divorced parents p=0.037. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of lupus presented in 2.2% of all patients and in 100% of patients with depression. Disease activity index (MEX-SLEDAI) did not demonstrate a relationship with the presence of depression. CONCLUSION: Prevalences in pediatric populations are less that that reported in adults, association with disease activity, evolution time, and immunosuppressor use and duration not found.

Models Predictive of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Obese Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are complications caused by abdominal obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Diagnosis of MetS by clinical indicators could help to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We undertook this study to propose predictive indicators of MetS in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. After obtaining informed consent and the registration of the study with an institutional research committee, 172 obese patients from an Obesity Clinic, aged 6-15 years, were included. Variables included were waist circumference (WC), glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TGL), blood pressure, insulin resistance (by homeostatic model assessment HOMA-index), acanthosis nigricans (AN), uric acid, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and alanine transaminase, and hepatic sonogram. International standards for age and sex variables were used. Multivariate analysis was applied. RESULTS: Variables predicted components of MetS in children: HOMA-IR (insulin resistance by HOMA index) was increased by 2.4 in hepatic steatosis, by 0.6 for each unit of SUA (serum uric acid), and by 0.009 for every mg/dL of triglycerides. In adolescents, every cm of waist circumference increased systolic blood pressure by 0.6 mmHg, and each unit of SUA increased it by 2.9 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid and waist circumference are useful and accessible variables that can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in obese pediatric patients.