Exploring the clinical relevance of vital signs statistical calculations from a new-generation clinical information system.

New information on the intensive care applications of new generation 'high-density data clinical information systems' (HDDCIS) is increasingly being published in the academic literature. HDDCIS avoid data loss from bedside equipment and some provide vital signs statistical calculations to promote quick and easy evaluation of patient information. Our objective was to study whether manual records of continuously monitored vital signs in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit could be replaced by these statistical calculations. Here we conducted a prospective observational clinical study in paediatric patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, using a Medlinecare® HDDCIS, which collects information from bedside equipment (1 data point per parameter, every 3-5 s) and automatically provides hourly statistical calculations of the central trend and sample dispersion. These calculations were compared with manual hourly nursing records for patient heart and respiratory rates and oxygen saturation. The central tendency calculations showed identical or remarkably similar values and strong correlations with manual nursing records. The sample dispersion calculations differed from the manual references and showed weaker correlations. We concluded that vital signs calculations of central tendency can replace manual records, thereby reducing the bureaucratic burden of staff. The significant sample dispersion calculations variability revealed that automatic random measurements must be supervised by healthcare personnel, making them inefficient.

Compassionate use of remdesivir in children with COVID-19.

Children represent a minority of total COVID-19 cases, but studies have reported severe disease and death in pediatric patients. Remdesivir (RDV) has recently demonstrated promising results in adults with COVID-19, but few data have been reported to date in children.A nationwide multicenter observational study was conducted on children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 receiving compassionate treatment with RDV in Spain. Eight patients were included in the study, four infants and four older children [median age 5 years old; IQR 4 months-11.6 years old]. Half of them had complex underlying medical conditions, and the rest were mostly infants (3/4). Six out of eight children needed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission. No RDV-related adverse outcomes were observed in our patients. Seven have reached successful clinical outcome, but one patient with serious clinical status died due to complications. However, she received RDV very late after the first COVID-19 symptom.Conclusions: In our cohort, most of the patients achieved successful clinical outcome, without observing adverse events. Clinical trials of RDV therapy for children with COVID-19 are urgently needed, to assess the safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of RDV in children, as this could be an effective treatment in severe cases. What is Known: • Remdesivir has not been approved to treat COVID-19 in children under 12 years old, although the drug is currently being prescribed in critically ill children. • Remdesivir has recently demonstrated promising results in adults with COVID-19, but few data have been reported to date in paediatric population. What is New: • We report a multicentre cohort of children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and severe COVID-19 disease receiving remdesivir during the first month of the pandemic in Spain. • No remdesivir-related adverse outcomes were observed in most of the cases. Seven patients reached successful clinical outcome, and one died due to complications (bacterial sepsis).

Severe manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents: from COVID-19 pneumonia to multisystem inflammatory syndrome: a multicentre study in pediatric intensive care units in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) has been described as a novel and often severe presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. We aimed to describe the characteristics of children admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) presenting with MIS-C in comparison with those admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection with other features such as COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A multicentric prospective national registry including 47 PICUs was carried out. Data from children admitted with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or fulfilling MIS-C criteria (with or without SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmation) were collected. Clinical, laboratory and therapeutic features between MIS-C and non-MIS-C patients were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-four children were recruited. Sixty-one percent met MIS-C definition. MIS-C patients were older than non-MIS-C patients (p = 0.002): 9.4 years (IQR 5.5-11.8) vs 3.4 years (IQR 0.4-9.4). A higher proportion of them had no previous medical history of interest (88.2% vs 51.7%, p = 0.005). Non-MIS-C patients presented more frequently with respiratory distress (60.7% vs 13.3%, p < 0.001). MIS-C patients showed higher prevalence of fever (95.6% vs 64.3%, p < 0.001), diarrhea (66.7% vs 11.5%, p < 0.001), vomits (71.1% vs 23.1%, p = 0.001), fatigue (65.9% vs 36%, p = 0.016), shock (84.4% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001) and cardiac dysfunction (53.3% vs 10.3%, p = 0.001). MIS-C group had a lower lymphocyte count (p < 0.001) and LDH (p = 0.001) but higher neutrophil count (p = 0.045), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and procalcitonin (p < 0.001). Patients in the MIS-C group were less likely to receive invasive ventilation (13.3% vs 41.4%, p = 0.005) but were more often treated with vasoactive drugs (66.7% vs 24.1%, p < 0.001), corticosteroids (80% vs 44.8%, p = 0.003) and immunoglobulins (51.1% vs 6.9%, p < 0.001). Most patients were discharged from PICU by the end of data collection with a median length of stay of 5 days (IQR 2.5-8 days) in the MIS-C group. Three patients died, none of them belonged to the MIS-C group. CONCLUSIONS: MIS-C seems to be the most frequent presentation among critically ill children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MIS-C patients are older and usually healthy. They show a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and shock and are more likely to receive vasoactive drugs and immunomodulators and less likely to need mechanical ventilation than non-MIS-C patients.

[Recommendations on the clinical management of the COVID-19 infection by the «new coronavirus¼ SARS-CoV2. Spanish Paediatric Association working group]. / Recomendaciones sobre el manejo clínico de la infección por el «nuevo coronavirus¼ SARS-CoV2. Grupo de trabajo de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP).

On 31 December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Committee of Health and Healthcare (Hubei Province, China) reported that there were 27 cases of pneumonia of unknown origin with symptoms starting on the 8 December. There were 7 serious cases with common exposure in market with shellfish, fish, and live animals, in the city of Wuhan. On 7 January 2020, the Chinese authorities identified that the agent causing the outbreak was a new type of virus of the Coronaviridae family, temporarily called «new coronavirus¼, 2019-nCoV. On January 30th, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak an International Emergency. On 11 February 2020 the WHO assigned it the name of SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19). The Ministry of Health summoned the Specialties Societies to prepare a clinical protocol for the management of COVID-19. The Spanish Paediatric Association appointed a Working Group of the Societies of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Paediatric Intensive Care to prepare the present recommendations with the evidence available at the time of preparing them.

[Point-of-care ultrasound: Is it time to include it in the paediatric specialist training program?] / Ecografía a pie de cama: ¿es el momento de incluirla en la formación del pediatra?

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential tool for clinical practice in recent years. It should be considered as an extension of the standard physical examination, which complements and enriches it without substituting it. POCUS enables the physician to answer specific clinical questions about the diagnosis, to understand better the pathophysiological context, to orientate the treatment, and to perform invasive procedures more safely. Despite its current use in many centres, and in most paediatric sub-specialties, there are currently no specific recommendations addressing educational aims in the different training areas, as well as methodology practice and the certification process in paediatrics. These ingredients are essential for POCUS implementation in daily practice, with a quality guarantee in terms of efficiency and safety. Several POCUS experts in different paediatric medicine environments performed a non-systematic review addressing the main paediatric POCUS applications in paediatrics. The lack of educational programs in POCUS in Spain is also discussed, and the experience in the United States of America in this topic is provided. Considering the current situation of POCUS in paediatrics, we strongly believe that it is urgent to establish evidence-based recommendations for POCUS training that should be the base to develop educational programs and to include POCUS in the paediatric residency training.

Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation of the Brachiocephalic Vein in Neonates and Preterm Infants: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is a challenging procedure in neonates, especially in preterm infants. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the technical success and safety profile of ultrasound (US)-guided brachiocephalic vein (BCV) cannulation in neonates. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in whom US-guided cannulation of the BCV was attempted were eligible. Outcomes included first attempt success rate, the overall success rate, the number of attempts, the cannulation time, immediate mechanical complications, catheter indwelling days, and late complications. RESULTS: A total of 40 procedures in 37 patients were included. Median weight and age at the time of cannulation were 1.85 kg (0.76-4.8) and 13 days (3-31), respectively. First attempt and overall success rates were 29 (72.5%) and 38 (95%), respectively. No major complications were observed. Catheter-associated infection rate was 2.4/1,000 catheter days. There were no difference in outcomes between low weight preterm infants (<1.5 kg) and the rest of the cohort. There was no linear relationship between weight at time of insertion and the number of puncture attempts (r = 0.250; p = 0.154) or cannulation time (r = 0.257; p = 0.142). CONCLUSION: US-guided cannulation of the BCV may be considered in acutely ill neonates, including small preterm infants, who need a large bore CVC.

Applicability of a modified EFAST protocol (r-EFAST) to evaluate hemodynamically unstable patients after percutaneous cardiac intervention.

Percutaneous cardiac intervention is an invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technique which carries a significant complication rate. Although the usefulness of EFAST protocol is widely recognised, this paper will attempt to explore a modified approach involving a focused examination on the retroperitoneal (r-EFAST). We have provided examples of 3 cases where r-EFAST was used to detect retroperitoneal bleeding in critical situations.

[Point-of-care ultrasound in Spanish paediatric intensive care units]. / Ecografía en el punto de cuidado en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos españolas.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care (bedside) ultrasound is being increasingly used by paediatricians who treat critically ill children. The aim of this study is to describe its availability, use, and specific training in Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study was performed using an online survey. RESULTS: Of a total of 51 PICUs identified in our country, 64.7% responded to the survey. Just over half (53.1%) have their own ultrasound machine, 25% share it, with other units with the usual location in the PICU, and 21.9% share it, but it is usually located outside the PICU. Ultrasound machine availability was not related to size, care complexity, or number PICU admissions. The ultrasound was used daily in 35% of the units, and was associated with location of the machine in the PICU (P=.026), the existence of a transplant program (P=.009), availability of ECMO (P=.006), and number of admissions (P=.015). 45.5% of PICUs has less than 50% of the medical staff specifically trained in bedside ultrasound, and 18.2% have all their medical staff trained. The presence of more than 50% of medical staff trained was associated with a higher rate of daily use (P=.033), and with specific use to evaluate cardiac function (P=.033), intravascular volume estimation (P=.004), or the presence of intra-abdominal collections (P=.021). CONCLUSIONS: Bedside ultrasound is frequently available in Spanish PICUs. Specific training is still variable, but it should serve to enhance its implementation.

[Outpatient medical attention demand due to diabetes mellitus in the health primary care]. / Demanda de atención médica por diabetes mellitus en el primer nivel de atención.

Outpatient visits for medical attention because of Diabetes mellitus in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social became very important for the magnitude that it represents. There is a clear increasing tendency for the coming years. The available data indicates a higher frequency and increased demand of women. Higher number of patients is observed between 40 and 59 years old. However, earlier age groups present considerable amount of cases. Having the number of patients allows knowing the average of consultations per patient, this parameter allows having an estimate of the follow up by the physician and it must be part of the evaluation of the medical attention programs. Diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with obesity, this condition affects a high percentage of diabetic patients in the Institution and weight loss must be encouraged.

[Mortality from the HIV/AIDS in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Mortalidad por VIH/SIDA en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

Mortality is an indicator that allow us to evaluate HIV infection control programs. From the middle of the last decade, mortality presents a tendency to decrease in the population covered by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social). In relation to gender and age group the most affected are men between 25 to 44 years of age with mortality rates ranging from 30 to 12 by 100,000 men (1995 to 2009 respectively). In 2009, at least half of the Delegaciones (administrative units by State) present larger mortality rates than the institutional average, particularly Campeche with 14.9 by 100,000 men. It is clear that introduction of control measures against the disease from infected people represents a modification in the course of the illness in the population covered by IMSS.

[Smoking habits in beneficiaries of the social security]. / Consumo de tabaco en derechohabientes del IMSS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption (TC) and frequency according to demographics and health aspects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study from the Mexican Family Life Survey Project was conducted. The past and present TC according to sociodemo-graphic variables and the presence of chronic diseases (CD) were achieved. RESULTS: The prevalence of TC in the past was 21.4 % with a male/female ratio of 2.5. Nowadays TC was 15.2 % and the ratio between male/female was 2.6 (23.0: 8.9); exposure levels by age decreased at present. Out of the total smokers in the past 71 % continue with the habit, 75 % began TC before the age of 20. In the 15 to 19 years group, 50 % of them started before the age of 14. The highest cigarette pack consumption mean was 2.5 per week and for the present smokers was 1.8; the prevalence for CD in the smoking population was above 20 %; present smoking diminished in those with a history of CD, especially cancer and heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of past and present TC is lower than that reported in other studies in the Mexican population, because of how the exposure to TC was measure.

[Hemorrhagic dengue without hemorrhaging: a novel diagnostic category?]. / Dengue hemorrágico sin hemorragias: otra categoría?

OBJECTIVE: Compare the clinical course of Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among seropositive cases reported by the Northern Veracruz District IMSS Office in 2004. We analyzed the epidemiology, symptomology, clinical findings and disease progression. We calculated frequencies, proportions and averages. Clinical data and disease progression were compared. RESULTS: We studied 404 patients, divided into three groups: 75 with CD, 120 DHF and 212 cases with no hemorrhagic data although displaying Dengue with Thrombocytopenia (DwT). General symptoms were much less common among Dengue cases. Abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were more frequent among patients with DHF. Fluid leakage and hemorrhaging were observed in 75% and 46%, respectively, of the latter group. The history of prior infection was proportional. All patients presenting DHF showed thrombocytopenia, though only 3% showed hemoconcentration. The mean value for hematocrit was low (p=0.02) and the platelet count greater (p<0.001) among Dengue cases. Hemoglobin concentration showed no difference. The average time between disease onset and appearance of thrombocytopenia was similar in DHF cases (4.3+/- 1.6 days) and Dengue with Thrombocytopenia (4.3+/-1.6); even though, contrary to these, in the first group fluid leakage (3.7+/-1.8) and hemorrhaging (3.4+/-1.7) were previously identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the presence of cases showing atypical disease course, without external hemorrhaging data but showing significant thrombocytopenia that may go unnoticed and worsen disease progression.

Dengue hemorrágico sin hemorragias: otra categoría? / Hemorrhagic dengue without hemorrhaging: a novel diagnostic category?

Objetivo: Comparar el comportamiento clínico del dengue clásico (DC) y dengue hemorrágico (DH). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal en casos seropositivos de la Delegación Veracruz Norte del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro en 2004. Se analizaron antecedentes epidemiológicos, sintomatología, parámetros clínicos y evolución. Se obtuvieron frecuencias, proporciones y promedios. Se compararon datos clínicos y tiempos de evolución. Resultados: Estudiamos 404 pacientes integrados en tres grupos: 75 con DC, 120 con DH y 212 sin datos hemorrágicos pero con plaquetopenia (DcP). Los síntomas generales fueron menos frecuentes en los casos de dengue; el dolor abdominal, hepatomegalia y esplenomegalia fueron más comunes en los que presentaron hemorragias. El escape de líquidos y hemorragias ocurrieron en 75 y 46% de este último grupo. Los antecedentes de infección previa fueron semejantes. Todos los enfermos de DH presentaron plaquetopenia y 3%, hemoconcentración. La media del hematócrito fue menor (p=0.02) y el conteo plaquetario mayor (p<0.01) en los de DC. La hemoglobina no mostró diferencias. El promedio entre el inicio de la enfermedad y la aparición de plaquetopenia fue similar en los casos con DH (4.3±1.6 días) y DcP (4.3±1.6); aunque, a diferencia de éstos, en los primeros el escape de líquidos (3.7±1.8) y hemorragias (3.4±1.7) se identificaron previamente. Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran la presencia de casos con una evolución atípica, sin datos hemorrágicos externos pero con trombocitopenia importante que puede pasar desapercibida y predisponer el agravamiento del cuadro.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the clinical course of Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among seropositive cases reported by the Northern Veracruz District IMSS Office in 2004. We analyzed the epidemiology, symptomology, clinical findings and disease progression. We calculated frequencies, proportions and averages. Clinical data and disease progression were compared. RESULTS: We studied 404 patients, divided into three groups: 75 with CD, 120 DHF and 212 cases with no hemorrhagic data although displaying Dengue with Thrombocytopenia (DwT). General symptoms were much less common among Dengue cases. Abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were more frequent among patients with DHF. Fluid leakage and hemorrhaging were observed in 75% and 46%, respectively, of the latter group. The history of prior infection was proportional. All patients presenting DHF showed thrombocytopenia, though only 3% showed hemoconcentration. The mean value for hematocrit was low (p=0.02) and the platelet count greater (p<0.001) among Dengue cases. Hemoglobin concentration showed no difference. The average time between disease onset and appearance of thrombocytopenia was similar in DHF cases (4.3+/- 1.6 days) and Dengue with Thrombocytopenia (4.3+/-1.6); even though, contrary to these, in the first group fluid leakage (3.7+/-1.8) and hemorrhaging (3.4+/-1.7) were previously identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the presence of cases showing atypical disease course, without external hemorrhaging data but showing significant thrombocytopenia that may go unnoticed and worsen disease progression.

[Osteoporosis and osteopenia in female health workers from Mexico City]. / Osteoporosis y osteopenia en mujeres trabajadoras de la salud en la Ciudad de Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in Mexican population is not well known. This disease constitutes a risk factor for fractures due to OP, which result in disability, poor quality of life and increased mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of OP and osteopenia in a group of female health workers from Mexico City using central densitometry (Dual X Ray Absorptiometry-DXA); to compare the Hispanic reference database from the LUNAR DPX L unit vs. the study population; to determine the age at which the peak bone mass is reached and to explore the relationship between some well known factors for osteoporosis and bone mass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prolective, cross-sectional observational study 588 healthy females older than 18 years were selected at different stages and a hip and spine densitometry (DXA) was undertaken with a LUNA DPX L unit. To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia we used the criteria of the Committee of Experts on Osteoporosis from the World Health Organization. RESULTS: The mean age of our study population was 42.3 years +/- 9.6 (20-65); the weight 66 kg +/- 12.1 (41-139) and height 153.9 cm +/- 5.7 (138-177). The prevalence of osteoporosis on the lumbar spine was 13.5% (IC 95%: 10.5-16) and osteopenia 27.7 (IC 95%: 24-31). On the femoral neck, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 2% (IC 95%: 1.0-3) and osteopenia 26.1% (IC 95%: 22-29). The peak bone mass on the femoral neck was found between 31 to 35 years and in the lumbar spine between 26-30 years. In these groups, the bone mineral density falls as age rises. When we compare our results to reference population from the LUNAR densitometer database and to our same study group, there is an overestimation of the prevalence of OP and osteopenia on the lumbar spine and osteopenia on the femoral neck. We found a prevalence of overweight and obesity higher to reported at the Mexican National Survey of Nutrition.