Severe Influenza Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Intensive Care Over the Last 15 Years.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza virus is a common agent of pediatric infections. Most cases are mild, but severe illness and death can occur. We aimed to analyze severe cases associated the influenza virus and compare it with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 0-17-year-old patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (Pediatric Hospital, Coimbra Hospital and University Center), a tertiary pediatric hospital in Coimbra, Portugal, over the last 15 years (2008-2022) due to influenza virus infection. Clinical presentation, severity, and evolution were analyzed. A comparison of children with RSV infection admitted in the same period was performed. RESULTS: We identified 47 cases of influenza virus infection (34% coinfection with other viruses), median age of 2.3 years (interquartile range (IQR) 6.1), and 38% had comorbidities. The median admissions were three/year (maximum 11 in 2019). Influenza A was identified in 96%. Ninety-six percent had respiratory symptoms, 38% had neurologic symptoms, and 28% had sepsis. The main reason for admission was respiratory failure (68%). The mean pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM2) at admission was 9±15.9%. Ventilatory support was necessary in 66%, vasoactive support in 19%, and blood products in 17%. The median length of stay was four days (IQR 5). There were four (8.5%) deaths. During the same study period, there were 171 RSV-related admissions. When comparing influenza (group A, without RSV coinfection) and RSV (group B), the first had a higher PIM2 on admission, greater need of ventilatory support, more complications, and higher mortality (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The number of influenza virus infections admitted to ICU was much lower than RSV. However, influenza was more severe and associated with all deaths registered.

Presentations of children to emergency departments across Europe and the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational observational study.

BACKGROUND: During the initial phase of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reduced numbers of acutely ill or injured children presented to emergency departments (EDs). Concerns were raised about the potential for delayed and more severe presentations and an increase in diagnoses such as diabetic ketoacidosis and mental health issues. This multinational observational study aimed to study the number of children presenting to EDs across Europe during the early COVID-19 pandemic and factors influencing this and to investigate changes in severity of illness and diagnoses. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Routine health data were extracted retrospectively from electronic patient records of children aged 18 years and under, presenting to 38 EDs in 16 European countries for the period January 2018 to May 2020, using predefined and standardized data domains. Observed and predicted numbers of ED attendances were calculated for the period February 2020 to May 2020. Poisson models and incidence rate ratios (IRRs), using predicted counts for each site as offset to adjust for case-mix differences, were used to compare age groups, diagnoses, and outcomes. Reductions in pediatric ED attendances, hospital admissions, and high triage urgencies were seen in all participating sites. ED attendances were relatively higher in countries with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (IRR 2.26, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.70, p < 0.001) and in children aged <12 months (12 to <24 months IRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89; 2 to <5 years IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.82; 5 to <12 years IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.70; 12 to 18 years IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.74; versus age <12 months as reference group, p < 0.001). The lowering of pediatric intensive care admissions was not as great as that of general admissions (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, p < 0.001). Lower triage urgencies were reduced more than higher triage urgencies (urgent triage IRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.12; emergent and very urgent triage IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.49 to 1.57; versus nonurgent triage category, p < 0.001). Reductions were highest and sustained throughout the study period for children with communicable infectious diseases. The main limitation was the retrospective nature of the study, using routine clinical data from a wide range of European hospitals and health systems. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in ED attendances were seen across Europe during the first COVID-19 lockdown period. More severely ill children continued to attend hospital more frequently compared to those with minor injuries and illnesses, although absolute numbers fell. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN91495258 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91495258.

When snakebites complicate: a paediatric case with shock and compartment syndrome.

We report the case of an 11-year-old boy brought to our emergency department 2 hours after a viper bite to his right hand. He suffered severe pain and rapidly progressive swelling with signs of haemodynamic compromise in keeping with distributive shock. The oedema progressed from his right wrist upwards to his forearm and upper arm with compartment syndrome ultimately resulting. He underwent fasciotomy of the right upper limb and antivenom serum was given. The patient required vasopressors for 48 hours and a total of nine surgical interventions were necessary. In the event of a snakebite, it is essential to promptly recognise the signs of severity, complications and indications for the administration of antivenom serum. We intend to highlight this rare shock aetiology and the need for emergency management if severe clinical signs are present. Early administration of antivenom serum is essential and it should be available in all emergency departments.

[Diagnosis and treatment of acute pharyngitis -Is there any benefit on ten-day course of antibiotics?] / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la faringitis aguda. ¿Hay alguna ventaja en la pauta de antibióticos de 10 días?

INTRODUCTION: In group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis a ten-day course of amoxicillin is recommended. However, short-course treatments seem to be equally effective. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the outcome of patients treated with 7-day course and 10-day course of amoxicillin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all GAS pharyngitis admitted to a paediatric emergency department in 2014. Demographic variables, the application and results of the rapid antigenic diagnostic test (RADT), treatment, complications and return in the next 30 days were analysed. Two groups were defined for comparative analysis according to the duration of treatment with amoxicillin: A) short-course (up to 7 days) and B) long-course (10 days). RESULTS: Were included 989 GAS pharyngitis. The median age was 5.2 years, 50.1% male. Amoxicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic (94.9%) with a median duration of 7 days. 10-day course therapy was prescribed in 31.9% of the cases. There were no differences between short and long-course treatment groups regarding age (P=.600), gender (P=.429) and complications (P=.436). Considering the endpoint "return to the emergency department", we concluded that up to 7 days of treatment was non-inferior to 10 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin, but a 10-day course was prescribed in few cases. In our analysis there seems to be no benefit with long-course treatments with amoxicillin in GAS pharyngitis.

Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Application of Base Excess and Platelets Score in a Portuguese Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcal infection has a high mortality and morbidity. Recently a new prognostic scoring system was developed for paediatric invasive meningococcal disease, based on platelet count and base excess â base excess and platelets score. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of base excess and platelets score to predict mortality in children admitted to intensive care due to invasive meningococcal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study, with retrospective data collection, during a 13.5 years period (01/2000 to 06/2013). Mortality by invasive meningococcal disease and related factors (organ dysfunction and multi-organ failure) were analysed. The base excess and platelets score was calculated retrospectively, to evaluate its accuracy in predicting mortality and compared with Paediatric Risk of Mortality and Paediatric Index of Mortality2. RESULTS: Were admitted 76 children with invasive meningococcal disease. The most frequent type of dysfunction was cardiovascular (92%), followed by hematologic (55%). Of the total, 47 patients (62%) had criteria for multi-organ failure. The global mortality was 16%. Neurologic and renal dysfunction showed the strongest association with mortality, adjusted odds ratio 315 (26 - 3 804) and 155 (20 - 1 299). After application of receiver operating characteristic curves, Base Excess and Platelets score had an area under curve of 0.81, Paediatric Index of Mortality2 of 0.91 and Paediatric Risk of Mortality of 0.96. DISCUSSION: The Base Excess and Platelets score showed good accuracy, although not as high as Paediatric Risk of Mortality or Paediatric Index of Mortality2. CONCLUSIONS: The Base Excess and Platelets score may be useful tool in invasive meningococcal disease because is highly sensitive and specific and is objectively measurable and readily available at presentation.

Introdução: A infeção meningocócica tem uma elevada mortalidade e morbilidade. Recentemente foi desenvolvido um score de prognóstico para a doença meningocócica invasiva em idade pediátrica, baseado na contagem plaquetar e no excesso de base - o Base Excess and Platelets Score. O objetivo principal desde estudo foi avaliar a precisão prognóstica do Base Excess and Platelets Score em doentes admitidos em cuidados intensivos pediátricos por doença meningocócica invasiva.Material e Métodos: Estudo observacional, com colheita de dados retrospetiva, que incluiu um período de 13,5 anos (01/2000 a 06/2013). Foram analisados: mortalidade por doença meningocócica invasiva e fatores associados (disfunção de órgão e falência multi-órgão). Foi calculado o Base Excess and Platelets Score de forma retrospetiva, para avaliar a sua precisão na predição da mortalidade e foi comparado com o Paediatric Risk of Mortality e Paediatric Index of Mortality2.Resultados: Foram admitidas 76 crianças com doença meningocócica invasiva. O tipo de disfunção mais frequente foi a cardiovascular (92%), seguida da hematológica (55%). Cumpriram critérios de falência multi-órgão 47 doentes (62%). A mortalidade global foi de 16%. A disfunção neurológica e a renal foram as que apresentaram uma maior associação com a mortalidade, odds ratio ajustado 315 (26 - 3 804) e 155 (20 - 1 299). Após aplicação das curvas receiver operating characteristic, o Base Excess and Platelets Score tinha umaarea under curve de 0,81, o Paediatric Index of Mortality2 de 0,91 e o Paediatric Risk of Mortality de 0,96.Discussão: O Base Excess and Platelets Score apresentou uma boa precisão apesar de não tão elevada como o Paediatric Index of Mortality2 ou o Paediatric Risk of Mortality.Conclusões: O Base Excess and Platelets Score pode ser útil como indicador prognóstico na doença meningocócica invasiva, por apresentar uma elevada sensibilidade e especificidade e ser objetivo e rapidamente disponível na admissão.

[Meningococcal disease admissions in a paediatric intensive care unit]. / Doença invasiva meningocócica em cuidados intensivos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcal infection has a high mortality and morbidity in children. Aggressive initial shock approach, early referral, secondary transport and vaccination are potential factors with impact in reducing its mortality. Objectives were to characterize children admitted to intensive care due to invasive meningococcal disease, to evaluate their prognostic scores and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study, with retrospective data collection. Two periods were created according to the year of admission (A: 2000-2005 and B: 2006-2011). Prognostic parameters, organ failure and mortality rates were compared in these groups. RESULTS: 70 children were admitted with invasive meningococcal disease. When compared with other causes of admission, a decrease in the number of admissions due to invasive meningococcal disease was observed (period A: 3.4%; period B: 1.5%; p = 0.001). The presence of meningitis was 41% in period A and 29% in period B (p = 0.461). Rapidly progressive purpura occurred in 78% in period A and 50% in period B (p = 0.032). Children from period A had multi-organ failure (80%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (76%) and coma (22%) more frequently than children from period B (29%, 29%, 0%; p < 0.05). Mortality was 26% in period A and 0% in period B (p = 0.006) and standardized mortality by PRISM was 1.3 and 0 in period A and B respectively. DISCUSSION: The decrease in the number of admissions due to invasive meningococcal disease can be explained by the introduction of anti-meningococcal C vaccine in 2006. Mortality decline can be possibly explained by an improvement in the initial patient stabilization and to secondary transport. CONCLUSION: A decrease in the number of admissions due to invasive meningococcal disease and in mortality was observed.

Introdução: A infecção meningocócica tem uma elevada mortalidade e morbilidade em crianças. O tratamento agressivo do choque, a referenciação precoce, o transporte secundário especializado e a vacinação são factores com impacto potencial na redução da mortalidade. Foram objectivos caracterizar as crianças com doença invasiva meningocócica admitidas em cuidados intensivos, avaliar parâmetros de gravidade e mortalidade. Material e Métodos: Estudo observacional, cujo método de colheita de dados foi retrospectivo. Foram constituídos dois períodos, de seis anos cada, de acordo com o ano de admissão (A: 2000-2005 e B: 2006-2011) e nestes compararam-se índices de gravidade, disfunção orgânica e mortalidade. Resultados: Foram admitidas 70 crianças com doença invasiva meningocócica. Quando comparadas com as outras causas verificouse uma redução nas admissões por doença invasiva meningocócica (período A: 3,4%; período B: 1,5%; p = 0,001). A ocorrência de meningite foi de 41% no período A e de 29% no período B (p = 0,461). Tiveram púrpura rapidamente progressiva 78% no período A e 50% no período B (p = 0,0032). As crianças do período A tiveram disfunção multi-órgão (80%), coagulação intravascular disseminada (76%) e coma (22%) mais frequentemente que as crianças do período B (29%, 29%, 0%; p < 0,05). A mortalidade foi 26% no período A e 0% no período B (p = 0,006) e a mortalidade estandardizada pelo PRISM foi 1,3 e 0 no período A e B respectivamente. Discussão: A redução do número de admissões por doença menigocócica invasiva pode ser explicada pela introdução da vacina anti-meningocócica C em 2006. Pensa-se que a redução da mortalidade observada, possa ser atribuível à melhoria da estabilização inicial e ao transporte secundário. Conclusão: Nos últimos anos houve uma redução significativa no número de admissões e na mortalidade por doença invasiva meningocócica.

WITHDRAWN: Long-term ventilation in children: Ten years later.

This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.03.017. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

[Health care associated multidrug-resistant bacteria in a pediatric hospital: five year experience]. / Bactérias multirresistentes associadas aos cuidados de saúde num hospital pediátrico: experiência de cinco anos.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years there has been an increase of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Paediatric data are scarce, particularly at national level. AIMS: To analyse trends of health-care associated multidrug-resistant bacteria infections in a paediatric hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective incidence study was conducted in medical, surgical and intensive care wards in a level III paediatric hospital, from January 2005 to December 2009. The studied multidrug-resistant bacteria were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ESBL-producing bacilli, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA-MDR) and Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to carbapenems. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, treatment and presence of risk factors for these infections were analysed. RESULTS: During the study period 106 multidrug-resistant bacteria were identified, related to 72 children, predominantly male (65.3%). The most frequently identified multidrug-resistant bacteria were MRSA (35.8%), PA-MDR (29.2%) and ESBL-producing bacilli (17.9%). Of the 106 multidrug-resistant bacteria, 45 (42.5%) were causing infection. During the study period the annual proportion of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria went up from 32.0% in 2006 to 55.6% in 2009 (p = 0.376). The overall incidence rate of infection was 0.400 per 1 000 hospitalization-days, corresponding to 0.274 infections per 100 admissions, remaining stable over the five years. The most frequent infections were bloodstream (31.1%), intra-abdominal (20.0%), catheter-related (17.8%) and skin and soft tissue (11.1%). All children had risk factors and the most frequently identified were previous antibiotic therapy and underlying chronic disease (> 90%). Six children (13.3%) died during hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, there was an increase in the proportion of multidrug-resistant bacteria but with no statistical significance. The overall incidence rate of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection remained stable. MRSA were the most frequently identified bacteria, followed by PA-MDR and ESBL-producing bacilli. Bloodstream infections were the most frequent infections, followed by intra-abdominal and catheter-related. All children had risk factors, mainly previous antibiotic therapy and chronic disease.

Introdução: Nos últimos anos tem-se assistido a um aumento das infeções por bactérias multirresistentes. Os dados pediátricos no global, e em particular em Portugal, são escassos.Objectivos: Avaliar a evolução das infeções por bactérias multirresistentes associadas aos cuidados de saúde num hospital pediátrico.Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de incidência efetuado nas enfermarias médicas, cirúrgicas e de cuidados intensivos num hospital pediátrico nível III, entre Janeiro de 2005 e Dezembro de 2009. As bactérias multirresistentes estudadas foram Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente (SAMR), bacilos gram negativos produtores de ß-lactamases de espectro expandido (ESBL), Enterococcus spp resistentes à vancomicina (ERV), Pseudomonas aeruginosa multirresistentes (PAMR) e Acinetobacter baumanii resistente aos carbapenems. Foram analisados dados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais, terapêuticos e presença de fatores de risco.Resultados: Durante o período de estudo foram identificadas 106 bactérias multirresistentes associadas, correspondentes a 72 crianças, com predomínio do sexo masculino (65,3%). As bactérias multirresistentes mais frequentemente identificadas foram SAMR (35,8%), PAMR (29,2%) e bacilos gram negativos com fenótipo ESBL (17,9%). Destas 106 bactérias multirresistentes, 45 (42,5%) foram identificadas em infeção. Ao longo do período de estudo, a proporção anual de infeções por bactérias multirresistentes variou entre 32,0% em 2006 e 55,6% em 2009 (p = 0,376). A taxa de incidência global de infeção por estas bactérias foi de 0,400 por 1 000 dias de internamento, correspondendo a 0,274 infeções por 100 internamentos, valor que se manteve estável ao longo dos cinco anos. Predominaram as infeções da corrente sanguínea (31,1%), intra-abdominais (20,0%), associadas a cateter venoso central (17,8%) e da pele e tecidos moles (11,1%). Todas as crianças tinham fatores de risco e os mais frequentemente identificados foram antibioticoterapia prévia e doença crónica de base (> 90%). Seis crianças (13,3%) faleceram durante o internamento.Conclusões: Ao longo do período de estudo, a proporção de bactérias multirresistentes apresentou uma tendência de aumento, embora sem significado estatístico. As taxas de incidência de infeção mantiveram-se estáveis. SAMR foram as bactérias mais frequentemente identificadas, seguidas por PAMR e bacilos gram negativos ESBL. O tipo de infeção mais frequente foi da corrente sanguínea, seguido pelas infeções intra-abdominais e as associadas a dispositivos invasivos. A totalidade das crianças apresentava fatores de risco, nomeadamente antibioticoterapia prévia e doença crónica de base.

An 11-year-old boy with pharyngitis and cough: Lemierre syndrome.

The authors present the case of an 11-year-old boy with pharyngitis, treated with amoxicillin, that worsened on day 7, with cough, high fever and refusal to eat. Lethargy and respiratory distress were noted. Based on radiographic findings of bilateral infiltrates he was diagnosed with pneumonia and started on intravenous ampicillin and erythromycin. Two days later he complained of right-sided neck pain and a palpable mass was identified. An ultrasound showed partial thrombosis of the right internal jugular vein and a lung CT scan revealed multiple septic embolic lesions. Lemierre syndrome was diagnosed, antibiotic treatment adjusted and anticoagulation started. A neck CT-scan showed a large parapharyngeal abscess. His clinical condition improved gradually and after 3 weeks of intravenous antibiotics he was discharged home on oral treatment. This case illustrates the importance of diagnosing Lemierre syndrome in the presence of pharyngitis with localised neck pain and respiratory distress, to prevent potentially fatal complications.

[Acute bronchiolitis: a prospective study]. / Bronquiolite aguda: estudo prospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory infection in children under 2 years old. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequently involved etiologic agent. AIMS: To identify different viruses causing bronchiolitis and try to correlate them with demographic and clinical variables. To analyze diagnostic and therapeutic approache. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study, between November 2008 and March 2009 (5 months), including children < 2 years with bronchiolitis. Screening for RSV, parainfluenza 1-3 and adenovirus used immunofluorescence tests and screening for influenza A and B, human metapneumovirus (MPvh), human bocavirus (hBoV) and RSV used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Data were analysed by using SPSS®. RESULTS: We included 78 children with 8.5 months mean age (83% < 12 months), 60% were male. The average duration of the disease was 15+5 days. Were on antibiotics 19.2%, because of concomitant acute otitis media (10.2%) or bacterial pneumonia (9%). 53% required hospital admission and the average length of stay was 7 days. Along hospitalization 95% of children required supplemental oxygen, 61% intravenous rehydration and 22% chest physiotherapy. Viral testing was positive in 59/75 children: RSV (69.3%), BoVh (22.7%), MPVh (4%), parainfluenza 3 (27%) and influenza A (2.6%). Co-infection with two viruses was detected in 23% of children. In 88% of children with positive samples for BoVh it has been detected RSV infection simultaneously. Children with co-infection (RSV + BoVh) required more often hospitalization compared with children infected with RSV alone (80% vs 60%, p=0.028), without significant differences in oxygen supplementation need and length of disease. CONCLUSIONS: RSV was the main etiologic agent and oxygen supplementation requirement justified the majority of hospitalizations. There was a high rate of co-infection with RSV and BoVh, but without longer disease. BoVh infection alone was uncommon.

[Human tumour banks: imperative in medicine]. / Banco de tumores: Imperativo na medicina.

A tumour bank is a consequence of the modern medicine to follow the knowledge of bio-pathology of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in order to define diagnostic criteria and accurate therapy. It can be an independent unit but it should depend on a real or virtual net in the country or in connection between different states. The informed agreement of the patient and law are integrally followed according with each country legislation and medical ethics is never overtaken for the accomplishment of diagnosis in the departments of pathology. A tumour bank works in the department of pathology, depends on trained technicians and pathologists and requires specific equipment for the different types of re-collecting, after dealing with confidentiality and law determinations. There are already some tumour bank nets in Europe (Spain, Croatia, Holland, UK, Germany) and Portugal is starting now its way.