Prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with constipation evaluated by high-resolution anorectal manometry.

Dyssynergic defecation, defined as the incoordination of rectoanal and abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor which are necessary for the appropriate relaxation, is characterized by paradoxical anal contraction, inadequate anal relaxation, or abnormal rectal propulsion; it is considered a cause of refractory primary constipation. The prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in the pediatric age is still little known. The studies that have evaluated the defecation dynamics through anorectal manometry suggest that 36.8% to 80.9% of children with functional constipation (FC) present dyssynergic defecation. High-resolution Anorectal Manometry (HRAM) is a tool for the evaluation of the sensitivity and defecation dynamics; it allows to establish the diagnosis of dyssynergia and its classification. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with FC and characterize the most common type of dyssynergia evaluated through a HRAM. In this study, 63 files of pediatric patients with FC diagnoses were included. Of these, 41.3% (n=26) were female and 58.7% (n=37) were male. The median age in the group of dyssynergia was 8 years, while for the FC group it was 9 years; the distribution by sex was similar. Of the included patients, 41.3% (n=26) showed dyssynergic defecation, and 58.7% (n=37) showed normal anorectal manometry. Regarding the type, 84.6% (n=22) were of type I, 7.7% (n=2) was the percentage for both types III and IV, and no patients were reported for type II.

Probiotics and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in childhood is an increasing global public health issue with significant long-term consequences. NAFLD management mainly consists of lifestyle modifications, however, adjunct pharmacological therapies are currently lacking. Gut microbiota manipulation via probiotics may alter the course of pediatric NAFLD. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize all the available literature on the use of probiotics in children and adolescents with NAFLD. METHODS: PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for trials on the use of probiotics in pediatric NAFLD. A quantitative DerSimonian Laird random effects meta-analysis was performed when possible; otherwise, a narrative summary of the study outcomes was presented and discussed. A separate search was completed to include all the ongoing registered trials on probiotics use in pediatric NAFLD. RESULTS: five randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four trials were included in the final quantitative analysis. Probiotic therapy significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (mean difference: -10.39 [-19.85, -0.93]), however significant heterogeneity between studies was identified (I2, 93 %). CONCLUSIONS: there is insufficient evidence to support probiotics in the treatment of pediatric NAFLD given the substantial degree of discordance amongst the available trials. Lifestyle modifications focusing on maintaining a normal BMI and regular exercise continue to be the gold standard approach to treating NAFLD in children.

Children With Asparaginase-associated Pancreatitis Present Elevated Levels of Insulin, Total Cholesterol, and HOMA-IR Before Starting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment.

Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis frequently occurs in children with cancer. It is unknown if other factors can influence the development of pancreatitis. A total of 33 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia were included in this study. Before acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug treatment, the metabolic parameters (glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides) and body mass index percentile were compared. Children who had acute pancreatitis had higher levels of insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, and total cholesterol, compared with children who did not develop acute pancreatitis. These metabolic alterations could play a role in the development of pancreatitis.

Covid-19 after school opening in a population of students in Mexico.

Not available.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in a pediatric patient.

A 4-month-old girl was admitted to the Emergency Department with gastric vomiting and bloody diarrhea. On physical examination, the abdomen was distended, painful, with evidence of peritoneal irritation. The abdominal X-ray showed the presence of intraluminal gas in the ascending colon, sigmoid and rectum.

Esophageal motility disorders in children with dysphagia: the utility of the Chicago classification.

BACKGROUND: esophageal manometry is the standard criterion for the evaluation of dysphagia and the diagnosis of a primary motor disorder of the esophagus in adults and children. AIMS: to describe the diagnosis according to the Chicago classification (CC) v3.0 in children with dysphagia, in whom an esophageal motility disorder was documented. The associated comorbidities were also determined. METHODS: an observational retrospective study was performed of 54 patients evaluated for dysphagia, who had undergone a high-resolution manometry (HREM). RESULTS: a normal HREM was found in 52 % (n = 28) of the children, whereas 48 % (n = 26) had some esophageal motility disorder. The most frequent diagnosis was ineffective esophageal motility and achalasia. Excluding previously healthy children, most children had a history of autoimmune disease and intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS: an esophageal motor disorder can be diagnosed in nearly half of infants and children with dysphagia. In this study, all esophageal diseases could be classified according to the CC v3.0. HREM should be considered for the evaluation of children with dysphagia, in addition to other studies.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: could it be associated with chronic abdominal pain in children with allergic diseases?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a well-known cause of chronic abdominal pain (CAP) during the pediatric age. On the other hand, children with a history of some allergic disorder present CAP more frequently. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the presence of allergic diseases and SIBO in patients diagnosed with CAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this was an observational, analytical, retrospective study. Children with CAP who had undergone a lactulose hydrogen breath test to determine the presence of SIBO were included in the study. All patients underwent an evaluation for allergies by means of a skin prick test or the determination of specific IgE, according to clinical diagnosis. The study groups were established according to the presence of SIBO and the results of the allergic evaluation were statistically compared between the groups. RESULTS: seventy patients were included (41 females and 29 males) and SIBO was diagnosed in 35 patients. In addition, 71.4% of children with SIBO were found to have an allergic disease, in contrast with 28.6% of children without SIBO (p = 0.001). The odds ratio for having any type of allergy in patients with SIBO was 5.45 (95% CI, 1.96-15.17; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: we found an association between SIBO and allergic disease, especially allergic rhinitis, cow's milk protein allergy and asthma. Thus, SIBO should be ruled out in pediatric patients with CAP and allergic disease.

["Seronegative" catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in pediatrics: Clinical case]. / Síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico "seronegativo" en pediatría: Caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: The antiphospholipid syndrome is an acquired autoimmune thrombophilia, characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis. Rarely, this condition can have a catastrophic presenta tion, with high mortality, and presence of microangiopathy and involvement of three or more organs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and evolution of a pediatric patient with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, with a seronegative onset form, whose response to aggressive therapy was favorable. CLINICAL CASE: Adolescent female, with a one-week history of pain, increased abdo minal volume and edema in the lower extremities. Generalized lupus erythematosus was diagnosed and the neoplastic process was ruled out. During its evolution, she presented various thrombotic events, initially with the presence of negative antiphospholipid antibodies, which were subsequently positive. The patient presented multisystemic failure secondary to multiorgan thrombosis, required hemodynamic and ventilatory support. It was managed with low molecular weight heparin, plas mapheresis, anticoagulation, immunosuppression and boluses of rituximab with excellent response. CONCLUSIONS: We consider this case interesting because it is an infrequent diagnosis in the pediatric age and whose suspicion, timely and aggressive intensive management, can change the poor progno sis and high mortality of these patients.

Acute pancreatitis in children and adolescents: diagnostic and therapeutic approach according to management guidelines in a group of pediatricians.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is observed more frequently in the pediatric age. Currently, there are recommendation guidelines for its proper diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the international recommendations on acute pancreatitis in pediatrics of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in a group of pediatricians. METHODS: Observational, multicenter study, through a survey applied to pediatricians and pediatric residents. RESULTS: 48.8% of physicians had prior knowledge of the guidelines for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in children. 72.4% knew the current criteria for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. There were no differences in the majority of responses between pediatricians and pediatric residents. CONCLUSIONS: Although only half of the respondents followed the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis, about three-quarters adequately use the criteria for diagnosis. There is adequate knowledge about the prescription of antibiotics and pancreatitis follow-up. There is lack of knowledge on the recommendation of monitoring vital signs and the precise time to perform cholecystectomy in the pancreatitis of biliary origin.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pancreatitis aguda se observa con mayor frecuencia en la edad pediátrica. Actualmente existen guías de recomendaciones para su adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de las recomendaciones internacionales sobre pancreatitis aguda de la North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition en un grupo de pediatras. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, multicéntrico, mediante una encuesta aplicada a médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. RESULTADOS: El 48.8% de los médicos tenían conocimiento de las guías para tratamiento de pancreatitis aguda en niños. El 72.4% conocían los criterios actuales para el diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda. No hubo diferencias en la mayoría de las respuestas entre médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque solo la mitad de los encuestados conocían la guía para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda, cerca de tres cuartas partes utilizan adecuadamente los criterios para el diagnóstico. Existe adecuado conocimiento sobre la prescripción de antibióticos y el seguimiento posterior a la pancreatitis aguda. Hay déficit en el conocimiento sobre las recomendaciones de la monitorización de los signos vitales y el momento adecuado para realizar la colecistectomía ante una pancreatitis de origen biliar.

[Adenovirus-related acute liver failure treated with intravenous immunoglobulin]. / Insuficiencia hepática aguda por adenovirus tratada con inmunoglobulina intravenos.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure in pediatric age is a serious multisystem disease, characterized by a failure of the synthesis and detoxification function of the liver. Among the etiologies, viral infection should be investigated. Treatment is supportive and some cases require liver transplantation. CASE REPORT: A 2-year-old girl was admitted for acute liver failure. The PCR viral panel was positive for Adenovirus 41 and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were also found. Supportive treatment was started without improvement, so intravenous immunoglobulin was administered, with resolution of the liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: Immunoglobulin has immunomodulatory mechanisms in children with severe acute hepatitis of infectious etiology, so in some cases, its administration can be considered as adjuvant therapy.

ANTECEDENTES: La insuficiencia hepática aguda en pacientes pediátricos es una enfermedad multisistémica grave, caracterizada por falla de la función de síntesis y detoxificación del hígado. Dentro de su origen debe investigarse alguna infección viral. El tratamiento es de soporte y algunos casos requieren trasplante hepático. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente pediátrica de 2 años, que ingresó al servicio médico por insuficiencia hepática aguda. El panel viral por PCR fue positivo para adenovirus 41 y anticuerpos IgG para SARS-CoV-2. Se inicio tratamiento de soporte sin reacción satisfactoria, por lo que se administró inmunoglobulina intravenosa, con resultados adecuados y curación de la insuficiencia hepática. CONCLUSIONES: La inmunoglobulina tiene mecanismos inmunomoduladores en pacientes pediátricos con hepatitis aguda grave de origen infeccioso, por lo que en algunos casos puede considerase su administración como terapia adyuvante.

Alterations in the Rectal Sensitivity of Children With Chronic Constipation Evaluated by High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry.

Introduction Constipation is one of the most frequent chronic disorders in children and is almost always of functional etiology. Manometric alterations in anorectal sensitivity in children with chronic constipation are described in the literature; nevertheless, the impact of the duration of constipation on the parameters of anorectal manometry sensitivity is unknown. Objective To compare the parameters of sensitivity of high-resolution anorectal manometry (first sensation, threshold volume for urgency, and maximal tolerability) in children with chronic constipation, related to the time of evolution from the beginning of the symptoms. Methods This was a retrospective observational analytic study. The data of 39 children with functional constipation who were subjected to high-resolution anorectal manometry were included to evaluate constipation. The patients were divided into three groups according to the duration of constipation: <1 year; from 1 to 2 years; and >2 years. The parameters of sensitivity of the anorectal manometry were compared between the three groups and correlation tests were performed with the duration in months from the beginning of the symptoms of constipation. Results There was no difference between the sensitivity parameters of high-resolution anorectal manometry of the three groups; no correlation of these parameters with the time of evolution of the symptoms was found. Conclusions Alterations in the anorectal distensibility could develop early in the course of the disease, even from the first year of the beginning of the symptoms.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Gastric Stenosis secondary to Polyarteritis Nodosa and Arterial Thrombosis in an Adolescent.

A 13-year-old female with polyarteritis nodosa underwent a partial gastrectomy for ischemic necrosis and gastric perforation following left gastric artery thrombosis. She later presented with vomiting, early satiety, weight loss, and severe malnutrition, when she was diagnosed with an occlusive gastric stricture. She successfully underwent repeated therapeutic endoscopic balloon dilations until the endpoint of 15-18 mm lumen was achieved without any complications, and her symptoms resolved.

[Acute pancreatitis in children with hemato-oncological diseases: clinical aspects and treatment]. / Pancreatitis aguda en niños con enfermedades hematooncológicas: aspectos clínicos y tratamiento.

La pancreatitis aguda es una enfermedad inflamatoria del páncreas. Se observa con mayor frecuencia en niños bajo tratamiento por alguna enfermedad hematooncológica y se asocia principalmente con la administración de L-asparaginasa. Identificar esta complicación de forma temprana y establecer un plan terapéutico adecuado puede mejorar el pronóstico y reducir el riesgo de otras complicaciones. En este trabajo se realizó una revisión crítica de la literatura actual, con especial énfasis en los aspectos clínicos, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda en niños con cáncer.

[Hyponatremia in children with liver cirrhosis: Treatment strategies]. / Hiponatremia en niños con cirrosis hepática: Estrategias de tratamiento.

Hyponatremia is a common hydroelectrolytic disorder in pediatric patients with advanced cirrhosis. This complication is related to the alteration in the renal capacity to eliminate free water with solutes such as sodium, which leads to disproportionate water retention, a condition known as dilutional hyponatremia. The main pathogenic factors are the non-osmotic secretion of antidiuretic hormone and the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Given that hyponatremia in cirrhosis is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality, the objective of this review is to propose a systematic approach, based on the level of serum sodium, assessment of hemodynamic status and diuresis, which allows precise modifications that minimize negative impacts on survival and neurological sequelae.

Importance of early endoscopic and clinical evaluation of children with caustics ingestion.

BACKGROUND: Accidental ingestion of caustics in pediatrics continues to be a frequent problem that can lead to severe injuries and permanent sequelae that require esophageal rehabilitation programs. This study aimed to describe the medical care experience of children who ingested caustic substances in a tertiary hospital in Mexico City. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and analytical study. We described age, sex, type of caustics, clinical and endoscopic findings, and the radiological evolution of 284 patients who arrived during the acute phase. RESULTS: The records of 336 children with a history of caustic ingestion were reviewed. The median age was 1.7 years, and the predominant sex was male. Caustic soda was the most accidentally ingested substance. We found an association between the severity of the esophageal injury with the presence of more than four symptoms at diagnosis (χ², p < 0.001) and with the finding of oral lesions, sialorrhea, and vomiting (χ², p < 0.05). Forty percent (n = 114) showed normal gastrointestinal endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In children with caustic ingestion, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed within 72 hours to evaluate the extent of the lesions. In this study, we found that more than four symptoms at admission, and oral lesions, sialorrhea, and vomiting are associated with the severity of the esophageal injury.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ingesta accidental de cáusticos continúa siendo un problema frecuente en pediatría que puede llegar a producir lesiones graves y secuelas permanentes que ameritarán programas de rehabilitación esofágica. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la experiencia en la atención médica de niños con ingesta de sustancias cáusticas en un hospital de tercer nivel en la Ciudad de México. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y analítico. Se describieron la edad, el sexo, el tipo de cáustico, los hallazgos clínicos y endoscópicos, así como la evolución radiológica, de 284 pacientes que llegaron en la fase aguda. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron los expedientes de 336 niños con antecedente de ingesta de cáusticos. La mediana de edad fue de 1.7 años, con predominio del sexo masculino. La sosa cáustica fue la sustancia más ingerida y de tipo accidental. Encontramos asociación entre la gravedad de la lesión esofágica y la presencia de más de cuatro síntomas en el momento del diagnóstico (χ2, p < 0.001,), y con el hallazgo de lesiones orales, sialorrea y vómito (χ2, p < 0.05). El 40% de los niños (n = 114) tuvieron una endoscopia digestiva normal. CONCLUSIONES: En los niños con ingesta de cáusticos debe realizarse una endoscopia digestiva alta en las primeras 72 horas para evaluar la extensión de las lesiones. En este estudio se encontró que tener más de cuatro síntomas al ingreso, así como la presencia de lesiones orales, sialorrea y vómito, se asocian con la gravedad de la lesión esofágica.

Association between neck circumference and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Mexican children and adolescents with obesity.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic hepatic disorder in the pediatric population and has grown along with the obesity pandemic in which we live today. Adipose tissue storage in the upper body segment has been positively correlated with visceral adiposity and metabolic disease, which suggests that neck circumference could represent an easily accessible and replicable anthropometric measurement to identify patients with a higher risk of developing NAFLD. The main purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association between neck circumference and NAFLD. The secondary objectives are to establish cutoff values based on gender and puberty staging. Methods We included a sample pediatric population of 112 patients diagnosed with obesity aged between 6 and 18 years. We performed anthropometric and metabolic measurements on every patient, and NAFLD diagnosis was determined with hepatic ultrasound. Results The neck circumference was larger in NAFLD pediatric patients compared to those without NAFLD (p = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the neck circumference was associated with NAFLD as an independent risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 1.172; 95% CI = 1.008-1.362; p = 0.038). Tanner 2-3 = 35 cm and Tanner 4-5 = 38 cm were established as risk cutoff values to develop NAFLD in the male adolescent population. Conclusions There is an association between the neck circumference and NAFLD in pediatric patients with obesity, particularly in the male population.