Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study. / [Artículo traducido] Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described asthe treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silvernitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrixcauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenailsstage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months afterthe surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recur-rences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in mostpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safealternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidityand low recurrence rate.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate.

Towards a standardized initial training program in experimental microsurgery for pediatric surgeons. / Hacia un programa inicial de formación estandarizadoen microcirugía experimental para cirujanos pediátricos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a basic training program in microsurgery and to analyze the learning curve through the process, including improvement in operating times and functional outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our learning program included basic, transitional, and experimental models. The experimental model included tail vein cannulation, intestinal resection and anastomosis, dissection, division and anastomosis of the cava and aorta. Wistar rats (66.7% male; 406.9 ± 38.9 grams) were used. The program adhered to the 3R principle and obtained animal welfare committee approval. RESULTS: Mean tail vein cannulation time was 2.4 ± 1.2 minutes. Mean intestinal resection and jejunocolic anastomosis time was 14.8 ± 2.7 minutes and 10.4 ± 3 minutes, respectively. All anastomoses were functionally valid. Mean vessel dissection time was 22.9 ± 7.7 minutes, aortic artery anastomosis was 17.2 ± 7.1 minutes, and vena cava anastomosis was 25.9 ± 7.3 minutes. 66.7% of vena cava anastomoses were functionally valid vs. 88.9% for the aorta. The time required for all procedures decreased after the third attempt, except for vena cava anastomoses, which remained similar in all 9 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Our model demonstrated that the procedures were suitable for trainer progression in terms of surgical time and functional outcome. Microsurgical training would benefit from standardized programs to optimize results.

OBJETIVO: Describimos un programa de formación básica en microcirugía y analizamos la curva de aprendizaje a través del proceso, incluyendo la mejora en los tiempos operatorios y en el resultado funcional del procedimiento. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Nuestro programa de aprendizaje incluye modelos básicos, de transición y experimentales. Dentro del modelo experimental se incluyeron: canulación de la vena de la cola, resección y anastomosis intestinal, disección, sección y anastomosis de la cava y la aorta. Se emplearon ratas Wistar (66,7% machos; 406,9 ± 38,9 gramos), el programa se adhirió al principio de las 3R y obtuvo la aprobación del comité de bienestar animal. RESULTADOS: El tiempo medio de canulación de la vena de la cola fue de 2.4 ± 1,2 minutos. El tiempo medio de resección intestinal y anastomosis yeyunocólica de 14.8 ± 2,7 minutos y 10.4 ± 3 minutos, respectivamente. Todas las anastomosis fueron funcionalmente válidas. El tiempo medio de la disección de vasos fue de 22,9 ± 7,7 minutos, la anastomosis de la arteria aorta de 17,2 ± 7,1 minutos, mientras que la anastomosis de la vena cava fue de 25,9 ± 7,3 minutos. El 66,7% de las anastomosis de la vena cava fueron funcionalmente válidas en comparación con el 88,9% de la aorta. El tiempo requerido para todos los procedimientos disminuyó después del tercer intento, excepto para las anastomosis de vena cava, que se mantuvo similar en los 9 procedimientos. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro modelo demostró que los procedimientos eran adecuados para la progresión del entrenador en términos de tiempo quirúrgico y resultado funcional. La formación microquirúrgica se beneficiaría de programas estandarizados para optimizar los resultados.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute appendicitis in children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since the COVID-19 pandemic confinement was established in Spain on March 9, 2020, the number of visits to the pediatric Emergency Department (ED) has decreased dramatically, probably due to the fear of parents becoming infected in the hospital environment. The aim of this work was to analyze the medium-term consequences during the first 9 months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in children with acute appendicitis (AA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on children operated on for AA in our institution between 2017 and 2020, who were distributed in two groups according to the date of surgery: COVID-19 group (after March 9, 2020) and control group (before March 9, 2020). Demographic variables, associated symptoms, time from symptoms onset, hospital stay, rate of complicated AA and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1274 patients were included (288 COVID group; 986 control group), without demographic differences. Time from symptom onset was significantly longer in COVID-19 group (34.5 vs. 24.2h; p=0.021), although no differences in associated symptoms were observed between both groups. COVID-19 group presented a higher rate of complicated AA (20.1% vs. 14%; OR: 1.55; CI 95% [1.10-2.18]; p=0.008), a longer hospital stay (3.5 vs. 2.8 days; p=0.042) as well as a higher rate of postoperative complications (21.5% vs. 15.7%; OR: 1.47; CI 95% [(1.06-2.04)]; p=0.008). CONCLUSION: In our experience there was a negative medium-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with acute appendicitis: delayed ED visits, increased rate of complicated AA, increased hospital stay and increased postoperative complications.

Incidental appendectomy in surgical treatment of ileocolic intussusception in children. Is it safe to perform? / Apendicectomía incidental en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la intususcepción ileocólica en niños. ¿Es segura?

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of ileo-colic intussusception (ICI) has been reported as the second cause of emergency laparotomy in children. The performance of incidental appendectomy after surgical reduction is currently controversial. The aim is to analyse the outcomes of performing incidental appendectomy after surgical ICI reduction with or without associated bowel resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with ICI episodes, who underwent surgical treatment in our institution between 2005-2019. Patients were divided in two groups according to the performance of associated appendectomy (AA group) or not (NA group). Subsequently, a stratified analysis was performed according to the need for bowel resection in both groups. Demographic variables, intraoperative findings, surgical time, hospital stay, postoperative complications and recurrences were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (77 AA group; 24 NA group) were included, without differences in demographics or intraoperative findings. A total of 36 bowel resections were performed (24 group AA; 10 group NA), with no differences in surgical time (55.7 min in group AA vs. 61.2 min in group NA; p = 0.587) or hospital stay (median 5 days in both groups). There were also no differences in postoperative complications or recurrences between the two groups. Stratified analysis showed that bowel resection increases operative time, hospital stay and postoperative complications, regardless of whether associated appendectomy was performed or not. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental appendectomy during surgical treatment of ICI in children is a safe procedure that does not increase operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications or recurrence.

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento quirúrgico de la intususcepción ileocólica (IIC) es la segunda causa más frecuente de laparotomía de urgencia en niños. La realización de una apendicectomía incidental tras la reducción quirúrgica sigue siendo motivo de controversia. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los resultados obtenidos al llevar a cabo una apendicectomía incidental tras la reducción quirúrgica de una IIC con o sin resección intestinal asociada. MATERIAL Y METODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en pacientes con episodios de IIC sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico en nuestro centro entre 2005 y 2019. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos según se llevara a cabo apendicectomía asociada (grupo AA) o no (grupo NA). Posteriormente, se elaboró un análisis estratificado según la necesidad de practicar resección intestinal en ambos grupos. Se analizaron las variables demográficas, los hallazgos intraoperatorios, el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones posoperatorias y las recidivas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 101 pacientes (77 en el grupo AA, y 24 en el grupo NA), sin diferencias en las características demográficas ni en los hallazgos intraoperatorios. Se practicaron un total de 36 resecciones intestinales (24 en el grupo AA; 10 en el grupo NA), sin diferencias en el tiempo quirúrgico (55,7 min en el grupo AA frente a 61,2 min en el grupo NA; p = 0,587) ni en la estancia hospitalaria (mediana de 5 días en ambos grupos). Tampoco se registraron diferencias en términos de complicaciones posoperatorias o recidivas entre los dos grupos. El análisis estratificado mostró que la resección intestinal incrementa el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria y las complicaciones posoperatorias, con independencia de si se lleva a cabo apendicectomía asociada o no. CONCLUSION: La apendicectomía incidental durante el tratamiento quirúrgico de la IIC en niños es un procedimiento seguro que no aumenta el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones posoperatorias ni las posibilidades de recidiva.

Diffuse hepatocutaneous hemangiomatosis: an unusual presentation. / Hemangiomatosis hepatocutánea difusa: presentación inusual.

INTRODUCTION: Infantile hemangiomas with multi-organ involvement are rare, and presentation in the form of uncontrollable bleeding is exceptional. CLINICAL CASE: 4-day-old newborn with multiple hepatocutaneous hemangiomas and a purplish vascular lesion in the third finger of the right hand. In the third week of life, the lesion became ulcerated and caused uncontrollable bleeding. Therefore, urgent amputation was required, with a histopathological result of GLUT-1 positive infantile hemangioma, and an architecture compatible with arteriovenous malformation in the deep portion. Imaging tests revealed it was a high-flow lesion. Genetic tests (MAP2KI, RASA 1, EPHB4, GNAQ, and GNA 11) were negative. Patient progression was good, with hepatocutaneous lesions receding and eventually disappearing. DISCUSSION: No explanation has been given yet as to why the same vascular lesion may behave differently in different patients. New mutations may be accountable for this.

INTRODUCCION: Los hemangiomas infantiles con afectación multivisceral son escasos y su presentación en forma de hemorragia incontrolable es excepcional. CASO CLINICO: Recién nacido de 4 días de vida que presentaba múltiples hemangiomas hepatocutáneos y una lesión vascular púrpura-violácea, que abarcaba el tercer dedo de la mano derecha. En la tercera semana de vida, la lesión presentó ulceración y un sangrado incoercible requiriendo amputación urgente, con un resultado histopatológico de hemangioma infantil GLUT-1 positivo, con arquitectura compatible con malformación arteriovenosa en la parte profunda. Las pruebas de imagen mostraron que se trataba de una lesión de alto flujo. La genética (MAP2KI, RASA 1, EPHB4, GNAQ y GNA 11) fue negativa. La evolución del paciente fue buena, con la involución de las lesiones hepatocutáneas hasta su desaparición. COMENTARIOS: La divergencia en el comportamiento de las mismas lesiones vasculares en diferentes pacientes aún no ha encontrado explicación. Es posible que nuevas mutaciones puedan darnos una respuesta.

Aberrant muscular hyperplasia of the hand and PIK3CA related overgrowth spectrum disorders. A case series study. / Hiperplasia muscular aberrante de la mano y síndromes de sobrecrecimiento relacionados con el PIK3CA. Serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital muscular hyperplasia of the hand is a rarely described entity, characterized by the presence of aberrant or accessory muscles in the hypothenar eminence, which has been always reported as sporadic anomaly in the medical literature. The aim of this paper is to report a series of cases with a phenotype of aberrant muscle hyperplasia associated with PIK3CA mutations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe a retrospective series of cases followed at our institution between 2008 and 2020, with a unique phenotypein the context of PIK3CA mutations. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients were included (4 males and 2 females), who presented with an enlargement of the hypothenar eminence of the hand and peculiar wrinkling of the overlying skin, associated with ulnar deviation of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. In all cases, variable degrees of congenital overgrowth of the ipsilateral limb were observed. Skin punch biopsy (5 mm diameter and 3-5 mm depth) was performed on 4 patients, where striated muscle hyperplasia and the presence of striated muscular fibers in the dermis and hypodermis were observed in all of them. Genetic studies revealed PIK3CA mutation in 3 of the 4 patients whose affected tissue was analyzed, in a mosaic state ranging from 3 to 8% (His1047Arg, Glu542Lys, and Cys420Arg, 1 case each). CONCLUSION: Aberrant muscular hyperplasia of the hand is a well-recognized entity scarcely described in association with PIK3CA spectrum disorder in the pediatric population. The role of PIK3CA in muscle overgrowth is not yet well understood.

INTRODUCCION: La hiperplasia muscular congénita de la mano es una entidad rara, caracterizada por la presencia de músculos aberrantes o accesorios en la eminencia hipotenar, que siempre se ha descrito en la literatura médica como una anomalía esporádica. El objetivo de este artículo es informar de una serie de casos con fenotipo de hiperplasia muscular aberrante asociada a mutaciones del PIK3CA. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Serie retrospectiva de casos atendidos en nuestro centro entre 2008 y 2020, con un fenotipo único en el contexto de las mutaciones del PIK3CA. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 6 pacientes (4 masculinos y 2 femeninos) con ensanchamiento de la eminencia hipotenar de la mano y arrugamiento peculiar de la piel suprayacente, asociado a desviación ulnar de las articulaciones metacarpofalángicas. En todos los casos se observaron grados variables de sobrecrecimiento congénito del miembro ipsilateral. Se realizó biopsia cutánea por punch (5 mm de diámetro y 3-5 mm de profundidad) en 4 pacientes con hiperplasia muscular y presencia de fibras musculares estriadas en dermis e hipodermis. Los estudios genéticos revelaron mutación del PIK3CA en 3 de los 4 pacientes, cuyo tejido afectado fue enviado a analizar, con mosaicismo de entre el 3 y el 8% (His1047Arg, Glu542Lys y Cys420Arg respectivamente). CONCLUSION: La hiperplasia muscular aberrante de la mano es una entidad reconocida pero escasamente descrita en asociación con síndromes relacionados con el PIK3CA en la población pediátrica. A día de hoy sigue desconociéndose el papel del PIK3CA en el sobrecrecimiento muscular.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on emergency department activity at the pediatric surgery unit of a third-level hospital. / Impacto en la actividad de Urgencias en el Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica de un Hospital de tercer nivel durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 respiratory virus in Wuhan in December 2019, the Spanish Government declared the state of emergency with restrictions such as stay-at-home lockdown. The objective of this study was to analyze emergency activity at a referral pediatric surgery unit in its territory and determine whether surgical pathologies had decreased or not. METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric patients presenting at the emergency department and referred to the pediatric surgery unit from March 14, 2020 to April 20, 2020 was carried out. The results were compared with those from the same dates of the previous year. Demographic variables, pathologies, and management strategies were studied for each case. The number of patients with abdominal pain requiring surgical assessment was also analyzed. RESULTS: 161 patients were included - 91 from 2019 and 70 from 2020. Of the 2020 patients, 62 (88.6%) underwent surgery and 8 (11.4%) were admitted, whereas in 2019, patient distribution was 67 (73.6%) and 24 (26.4%), which means there were fewer admissions in 2020 (p= 0.018). There were no differences in terms of hours to emergency department consultation - just an increase in the case of appendicular pathologies in the 2020 period, with 24 [23-48] hours vs. 24 [12-30] hours (p =  0.045). CONCLUSION: The current pandemic has not caused emergency surgeries to decrease. It has only increased time to consultation in patients with appendicular pathologies.

INTRODUCCION: A raíz de la aparición del virus respiratorio SARS-CoV-2 en Wuhan en diciembre de 2019, el Gobierno de España decretó el estado de alarma con medidas que han incluido el confinamiento domiciliario. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la actividad urgente de un Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica referente en su Comunidad Autónoma y comprobar si ha existido disminución o no en la patología quirúrgica. METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes pediátricos que acudieron a Urgencias y fueron derivados a Cirugía Pediátrica entre los periodos del 14 de marzo hasta el 20 de abril de 2020, comparándolos con aquellos que acudieron en las mismas fechas del año previo. Se analizaron variables demográficas, la patología y el tipo de manejo en cada caso. Se analizó también el número de pacientes con dolor abdominal que precisaron valoración quirúrgica. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 161 pacientes, de los que 91 acudieron en 2019 y 70 acudieron en 2020. De estos últimos, 62 (88,6%) fueron intervenidos y 8 (11,4%) fueron hospitalizados, mientras que en 2019 fueron 67 (73,6%) y 24 (26,4%), respectivamente, observando un menor número de ingresos en 2020 (p=  0,018). El número de horas de evolución hasta la consulta en Urgencias del total de pacientes no demostró diferencias, únicamente existió un aumento en los pacientes con patología apendicular en el periodo de 2020, 24 [23-48] respecto al periodo del año previo 24 [12-30] (p=  0,045). CONCLUSION: La situación actual de pandemia no ha provocado una disminución del número de intervenciones quirúrgicas urgentes. Únicamente aumentó el tiempo hasta la consulta en los pacientes con patología apendicular.

Influence of overweight and obesity on acute appendicitis in children. A cohort study. / Influencia del sobrepeso y obesidad infantil en la apendicitis aguda en niños. Estudio de cohortes.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for the development of postsurgical complications in acute appendicitis in adults. However, there are few studies that evaluate their effects in pediatric patients. We aim to analyze their influence on the postoperative course of acute appendicitis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis in 2017-2018, divided into two cohorts according to BMI adjusted to sex and age, following the WHO criteria: exposed cohort (overweight-obese) and non-exposed cohort (normal weight). Clinical follow-up was performed during hospital admission and one month after surgery. Demographic variables, operating time, average hospital stay, and early postoperative complications (wound infection, wound dehiscence, and intra-abdominal abscess) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients were included (exposed cohort n=97 and non-exposed cohort n=306), with no differences in sex or age. A longer operating time was observed in the exposed cohort (57.6 ± 22.5 vs. 44.6 ± 18.2 min, p<0.001), with no differences found according to the surgical approach (open surgery or laparoscopic surgery) used. This group also had a higher surgical wound infection rate as compared to the non-exposed cohort (10.3% vs. 4.2%; RR: 1.90; CI: 95% [1.15-3.14], p<0.001), as well as a higher surgical wound dehiscence rate (7.2% vs. 2.3%; RR: 2.16; CI: 95% [1.24-3.76], p<0.001). No differences in the development of intra-abdominal abscesses or in hospital stay were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Obese and overweight children with appendicitis have a higher risk of developing postoperative complications such as wound infection and dehiscence than normal weight patients.

INTRODUCCION: El sobrepeso y la obesidad constituyen factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones postquirúrgicas en apendicitis aguda en adultos. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han evaluado sus efectos en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar su influencia en el curso postoperatorio de la apendicitis aguda en niños. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo realizado en pacientes intervenidos de apendicitis aguda durante 2017-2018, distribuidos en dos cohortes según el IMC ajustado al sexo y edad de cada individuo siguiendo los criterios de la OMS: cohorte expuesta (sobrepeso-obesidad) y no expuesta (normopeso). Se evaluaron variables demográficas, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia media hospitalaria y complicaciones postoperatorias precoces (infección y dehiscencia de herida quirúrgica y absceso intraabdominal). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 403 pacientes (cohorte expuesta n= 97 y cohorte no expuesta n= 306) sin diferencias en sexo y edad. La cohorte expuesta presentó un mayor tiempo quirúrgico (57,6 ± 22,5 minutos vs 44,6 ± 18,2 minutos; p<0,001), sin diferencias en cuanto a la técnica quirúrgica realizada (abierta o laparoscópica). Este grupo presentó mayor tasa de infección de herida quirúrgica al compararla con la cohorte no expuesta (10,3% vs 4,2%; RR 1,90 IC95% [1,15-3,14]; p<0,001), así como una mayor tasa de dehiscencia de herida quirúrgica (10,3% vs 4,2%; RR 2,16 IC95% [1,24-3,76]; p<0,001). No se observaron diferencias en el desarrollo de abscesos intraabdominales ni en la estancia media hospitalaria. CONCLUSIONES: El sobrepeso y obesidad infantil constituyen un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones postoperatorias en la apendicitis aguda, como infección y dehiscencia de la herida quirúrgica.

Does time to antibiotic initiation and surgery have an impact on acute appendicitis results? / ¿Influye el tiempo hasta el inicio de la antibioterapia y la intervención en los resultados de la apendicitis aguda?

OBJECTIVE: Time to treatment initiation is a key element to be considered in infectious pathologies such as acute appendicitis (AA). There are few articles in the literature analyzing the relationship between early pre-surgical antibiotic treatment initiation and complication occurrence in AA. Our objective is to analyze such influence and the effects of late treatment initiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was carried out in children undergoing surgery for AA between 2017 and 2018. Demographic variables, time to antibiotic treatment initiation, time to surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: 592 patients with a median 12-month follow-up were included in the study. Antibiotic treatment initiation in the first 8 hours following diagnosis prevents complications [OR 0.24 (95% CI: 0.07-0.80)] and dramatically reduces the occurrence of intra-abdominal abscess from 25.0% to 5.5% (p=0.03). Antibiotic treatment initiation in the first 4 hours following diagnosis significantly reduced wound infection rate in non-overweight patients [2.9% vs. 13.6%; OR 0.19 (95% CI: 0.045-0.793); p=0.042]. Surgery within the first 24 hours following diagnosis reduced the proportion of advanced AA (gangrenous appendicitis and peritonitis) from 100% to 38.6% (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic treatment initiation in the first 4 hours following AA prevented the occurrence of post-surgical complications, especially in non-overweight patients. An adequate clinical approach and an early assessment by the pediatric surgeon are key to reduce the morbidity associated with AA.

OBJETIVO: El tiempo hasta el inicio del tratamiento es un elemento fundamental a considerar en patologías infecciosas como la apendicitis aguda (AA). Existen escasos artículos en la literatura que analicen la relación entre el inicio precoz de la antibioterapia prequirúrgica y el desarrollo de complicaciones en la AA. Nuestro objetivo es analizar dicha influencia y el efecto de su retraso. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en niños intervenidos de AA entre 2017-2018. Se analizaron variables demográficas, tiempo transcurrido hasta el inicio de la antibioterapia, tiempo hasta la cirugía y complicaciones postoperatorias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 592 pacientes con mediana de seguimiento de 12 meses. El inicio de la antibioterapia en las primeras 8 horas tras el diagnóstico previene la aparición de complicaciones [OR 0,24 (IC95% 0,07-0,80)], disminuyendo significativamente el porcentaje de aparición de abscesos intraabdominales del 25,0 al 5,5% (p= 0,03). El inicio de la antibioterapia en las primeras 4 horas tras el diagnóstico disminuyó significativamente la tasa de infección de herida en pacientes sin sobrepeso [2,9 vs. 13,6%; OR 0,19 (IC95% 0,045-0,793); p= 0,042]. La intervención quirúrgica en las primeras 24 horas tras el diagnóstico disminuyó la proporción de AA evolucionada (gangrenada y peritonitis) del 100 al 38,6% (p= 0,023). CONCLUSIONES: El inicio de la antibioterapia en las primeras 4 horas tras el diagnóstico de AA previno el desarrollo de complicaciones postquirúrgicas, sobre todo en pacientes sin sobrepeso. Una orientación clínica adecuada y valoración precoz por el cirujano pediátrico son un elemento clave para disminuir la morbilidad asociada a la AA.

[Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of peritonitis in acute appendicitis in children]. / Índice neutrófilo-linfocito como predictor de peritonitis en apendicitis aguda en niños.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been postulated as an inflammatory marker in several abdominal pathologies such as acute appendicitis (AA). However, there are few studies that determine its association with the degree of severity of AA. This is the first study that analyzes the usefulness of NLR as a predictor of peritonitis in children with AA. METHODS: Retrospective observational study in patients treated of AA during the years 2017 and 2018. They were divided into two groups according to the intraoperative diagnosis (uncomplicated AA and AA with peritonitis). Demographic and analytical variables were analyzed. The NLR was defined as the quotient between the absolute values of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of peritonitis of different analytical parameters were determined by ROC curves. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were included (uncomplicated AA n=342 and AA with peritonitis n=56), with a mean age of 10.5±2.9 years. The NLR had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78, significantly higher than the determination of leukocytes (AUC 0.71, p=0.002) and of neutrophils (AUC 0.74, p=0.009). No differences were observed when compared to the determination of C-reactive protein (AUC 0.79, p=0.598). A cut-off point of NLR>8.75 was estimated with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.0 and 72.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The NLR is a useful tool to predict the presence of peritonitis in AA, and could be considered an alternative to other higher cost determinations such as C-reactive protein.

INTRODUCCION: El índice neutrófilo-linfocito (INL) se ha postulado como marcador inflamatorio en distintas patologías abdominales como la apendicitis aguda (AA). Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que determinen su asociación con el grado de severidad de la AA. Este es el primer estudio que analiza la utilidad del INL como factor predictor de peritonitis en la AA en niños. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de AA durante los años 2017 y 2018. Se distribuyeron en dos grupos según el diagnóstico intraoperatorio (AA no complicada y AA con peritonitis). Se analizaron variables demográficas y analíticas. Se definió el INL como el cociente entre los valores absolutos de neutrófilos y linfocitos. Se determinó mediante curvas ROC la sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico de peritonitis de distintos parámetros analíticos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 398 pacientes (AA no complicada n= 342 y AA con peritonitis n=56), con una edad media de 10,5±2,9 años. El INL presentó un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0,78, significativamente superior a la determinación de leucocitos (AUC 0,71; p=0,002) y de neutrófilos (AUC 0,74; p=0,009). No se observaron diferencias al compararlo con la determinación de la proteína C reactiva (AUC 0,79; p=0,598). Se estimó el punto de corte de INL>8,75 con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 75,0 y 72,2% respectivamente. CONCLUSION: El INL se postula como una herramienta útil para predecir la presencia de peritonitis en AA, y podría considerarse una alternativa a otras determinaciones de mayor coste como la proteína C reactiva.