Ultrasound attenuation imaging: a reproducible alternative for the noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hepatic steatosis is a global public health concern, as an increasing number of children are affected by this condition. Liver biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method; however, this procedure is invasive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction has been accepted as an alternative to biopsy. However, this method is limited by cost and availability. Ultrasound (US) attenuation imaging is an upcoming tool for noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children. A limited number of publications have focused on US attenuation imaging and the stages of hepatic steatosis in children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the usefulness of ultrasound attenuation imaging for the diagnosis and quantification of hepatic steatosis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July and November 2021, 174 patients were included and divided into two groups: group 1, patients with risk factors for steatosis (n = 147), and group 2, patients without risk factors for steatosis (n = 27). In all cases, age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI percentile were determined. B-mode US (two observers) and US attenuation imaging with attenuation coefficient acquisition (two independent sessions, two different observers) were performed in both groups. Steatosis was classified into four grades (0: absent, 1: mild, 2: moderate and 3: severe) using B-mode US. Attenuation coefficient acquisition was correlated with steatosis score according to Spearman's correlation. Attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements' interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: All attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements were satisfactory without technical failures. The median values for group 1 for the first session were 0.64 (0.57-0.69) dB/cm/MHz and 0.64 (0.60-0.70) dB/cm/MHz for the second session. The median values for group 2 for the first session were 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz and 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for the second. The average attenuation coefficient acquisition was 0.65 (0.59-0.69) dB/cm/MHz for group 1 and 0.54 (0.52-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for group 2. There was excellent interobserver agreement at 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96). There was substantial agreement between both observers (κ = 0.77, with a P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between ultrasound attenuation imaging and B-mode scores for both observers (r = 0.87, P < 0.001 for observer 1; r = 0.86, P < 0.001 for observer 2). Attenuation coefficient acquisition median values were significantly different for each steatosis grade (P < 0.001). In the assessment of steatosis by B-mode US, the agreement between the two observers was moderate (κ = 0.49 and κ = 0.55, respectively, with a P < 0.001 in both cases). CONCLUSION: US attenuation imaging is a promising tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric steatosis, which provides a more repeatable form of classification, especially at low levels of steatosis detectable in B-mode US.

Series de Pediatría Garrahan. El niño con problemas de la vía aérea superior / Garrahan Pediatrics Series. The child with upper airway problems

Las enfermedades de la vía aérea superior en la infancia constituyen la causa más frecuente de consulta al pediatra y abarcan una diversidad de trastornos cuyo abordaje preciso y oportuno es fundamental. En este nuevo volumen de las Series de Pediatría Garrahan: El niño con problemas de la vía aérea superior se han reunido pediatras con amplia experiencia en el área ambulatoria del Hospital y prestigiosos especialistas en otorrinolaringología pediátrica para resumir y actualizar las claves en el manejo integral de esta problemática. Entre sus características se destacan: El estudio detallado de las patologías clínicas más frecuentes, como otitis media aguda, rinosinusitis, estridor, tos crónica, hipoacusia y faringoamigdalitis, y de las indicaciones de amigdalectomía o adenoidectomía. El abordaje, a través de casos clínicos y de manera dinámica, con la secuencia de presentación clínica, los estudios de diagnósticos, el tratamiento y la evolución de los niños con estas patologías y sus complicaciones. El cierre de cada capítulo con un recordatorio de puntos clave y lecturas recomendadas y, además, material complementario como videos o descripción de procedimientos disponibles en el sitio web. Comparte y transmite una modalidad de trabajo propia del hospital, con base en el rol central del pediatra como coordinador de la atención interdisciplinaria en el marco de su tarea cotidiana junto a los niños y sus familias. Una obra actualizada y práctica que aporta información científica y experiencia de los profesionales de una institución de prestigio. Este tomo y las Series de Pediatría, en su conjunto, serán de gran utilidad para todos aquellos miembros del equipo de salud que atienden y cuidan niños, dondequiera que trabajen al servicio de la salud infantil.