Predicting Insulin Resistance in a Pediatric Population With Obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance (IR) affects children and adolescents with obesity and early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term consequences. Our aim was to identify predictors of IR and develop a multivariate model to accurately predict IR. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of demographical, clinical, and biochemical data from a cohort of patients attending a specialized Paediatric Nutrition Unit in Portugal over a 20-year period. We developed multivariate regression models to predict IR. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: a model group for developing the predictive models and a validation group for cross-validation of the study. RESULTS: Our study included 1423 participants, aged 3-17 years old, randomly divided in the model (n = 879) and validation groups (n = 544). The predictive models, including uniquely demographic and clinical variables, demonstrated good discriminative ability [area under the curve (AUC): 0.834-0.868; sensitivity: 77.0%-83.7%; specificity: 77.0%-78.7%] and high negative predictive values (88.9%-91.6%). While the diagnostic ability of adding fasting glucose or triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol index to the models based on clinical parameters did not show significant improvement, fasting insulin appeared to enhance the discriminative power of the model (AUC: 0.996). During the validation, the model considering demographic and clinical variables along with insulin showed excellent IR discrimination (AUC: 0.978) and maintained high negative predictive values (90%-96.3%) for all models. CONCLUSION: Models based on demographic and clinical variables can be advantageously used to identify children and adolescents at moderate/high risk of IR, who would benefit from fasting insulin evaluation.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Macromineral and Trace Element Status-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of Helicobacter pylori (Hp ) infection on zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iodine status in the pediatric population. METHODS: A protocol was registered on PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted on Embase, PubMed MEDLINE, and Web of Science, from inception to September 2020, including all studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. Reference lists were manually searched. Primary studies describing at least one micronutrient status in Hp -positive and Hp -negative or control children were included. PRISMA recommendations were applied. Pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects model. A total of 1011 citations were screened. Six cross- sectional studies were included. No publications regarding phosphorus and iodine were identified. RESULTS: Included studies in meta-analyses comprised an overall age range of 4-18 years, with Hp positivity ranging between 29.5% and 72.3%. These meta-analyses demonstrated a lack of evidence of an association between Hp -positive and Hp -negative or control children regarding serum zinc (vs Hp -negative: MD -1.36 µg/dL; vs control: MD 326.22 µg/dL), copper (MD -0.83 µg/dL), and calcium (MD 0.09 mg/dL) status. Considerable heterogeneity was recognized, except for calcium analysis (I 2 = 0%). Meta-analysis for magnesium was not performed. Five studies presented a low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a lack of evidence of an effect of Hp infection on serum zinc, copper, and calcium status. Studies concerning magnesium, phosphorus, and iodine status are warranted. Furthermore, larger and well-controlled studies are recommended.

ESPGHAN Position Paper on Management and Follow-up of Children and Adolescents With Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To gather the current evidence and to offer recommendations for follow-up and management. METHODS: The Special Interest Group on Celiac Diseases of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition formulated ten questions considered to be essential for follow-up care. A literature search (January 2010-March 2020) was performed in PubMed or Medline. Relevant publications were identified and potentially eligible studies were assessed. Statements and recommendations were developed and discussed by all coauthors. Recommendations were voted upon: joint agreement was set as at least 85%. RESULTS: Publications (n = 2775) were identified and 164 were included. Using evidence or expert opinion, 37 recommendations were formulated on: The need to perform follow-up, its frequency and what should be assessed, how to assess adherence to the gluten-free diet, when to expect catch-up growth, how to treat anemia, how to approach persistent high serum levels of antibodies against tissue-transglutaminase, the indication to perform biopsies, assessment of quality of life, management of children with unclear diagnosis for which a gluten-challenge is indicated, children with associated type 1 diabetes or IgA deficiency, cases of potential celiac disease, which professionals should perform follow-up, how to improve the communication to patients and their parents/caregivers and transition from pediatric to adult health care. CONCLUSIONS: We offer recommendations to improve follow-up of children and adolescents with celiac disease and highlight gaps that should be investigated to further improve management.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency in a pediatric population with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease, although the real prevalence is unknown. Intravenous iron is suggested as the first line treatment. This study aims to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease followed in a Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit of a tertiary center and to evaluate this unit's experience with intravenous iron. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed involving children with inflammatory bowel disease followed in that unit between January 2001 and April 2016. Laboratory results were collected at the moment of diagnosis, after one-year follow-up and prior each IV iron administration performed during the study period. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria and the iron deficiency was defined using recent guidelines. RESULTS: Were studied 69 patients 71% had CD and 29% UC. 50.7% were female. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 13.3 years (range 1--17 years). Prevalence of ID and IDA at diagnosis was 76.8% and 43.5%, respectively. After one year follow-up, those values decreased to 68.1% (p = .182) and 21.7% (p = .002), respectively. Hemoglobin significantly increased (p < .001). Intravenous iron was administered to 92.8% of patients. No adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous iron is the first line in the treatment of Iron deficiency anemia in Inflammatory Bowel disease and it is safe and effective. Persistent anemia and iron deficiency are common.

Is being overweight associated with engagement in self-injurious behaviours in adolescence, or do psychological factors have more "weight"?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injurious behaviours (NSSI) among healthy weight and overweight adolescents and to examine the role of age, gender, weight status, treatment condition for weight control, and psychological variables (psychopathological symptoms and emotional skills) in the prediction of NSSI. METHODS: The study had a cross-sectional design, and participants (n = 370) were aged 14-19 years and were divided in three groups: 205 adolescents with normal weight, 82 adolescents from the community with overweight/obesity, and 83 adolescents with overweight/obesity and in outpatient treatment for weight control. RESULTS: The prevalence of these behaviours in the overweight community group (25.6 %) and in the overweight clinical group (14.5 %) was similar to their healthy weight peers (19 %). Not attending an outpatient treatment for weight control, higher psychopathology and less ability to regulate emotions predict the presence of NSSI. CONCLUSION: Being overweight is not associated with NSSI, but psychosocial variables such as psychopathology, emotional deregulation and the absence of medical care predict these behaviours.

Acute pancreatitis in children: a tertiary hospital report.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children has increased significantly in the past two decades. OBJECTIVE: All cases of AP, acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP), and chronic pancreatitis examined between May 2002 and May 2012 at Hospital de Braga, Portugal, were reviewed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were identified by searching the hospital's electronic discharge records for the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 577.0 (acute pancreatitis). ARP was considered as two or more episodes of AP per year or more than three episodes over a lifetime with intervening return to baseline. The following data were analyzed: demographic information, clinical, laboratory and imaging test results, etiology of pancreatitis, medical and surgical management, length of hospitalization, and outcome. The clinical and laboratory factors used in the pediatric acute pancreatitis severity score system and computed tomography severity index (CTSI) score were compared between patients with mild and severe disease. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients, 31 episodes of AP and 6 patients with ARP, were documented. The most prevalent etiologies were biliary stones/sludge (24.3%) and trauma (16.2%). Admission elevated white blood cell count (p=0.011), 48-h trough calcium (p=0.007), and 48-h rise in blood urea nitrogen (p=0.025) correlated significantly with disease severity. CTSI on admission had a score below 4 in three patients with severe disease. CONCLUSION: This Portuguese pediatric pancreatitis report highlights the multiple and complex etiology of this disease. Better pediatric scoring systems and management algorithms are needed.

Wilson's Disease: A Prevalence Study in a Portuguese Population.

Introduction Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare and underdiagnosed genetic disorder caused by anomalous tissue copper deposition, and for which epidemiological studies, specifically in Portugal, are scarce. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of WD and provide a description of its main clinical and laboratory features. Methods A retrospective study was carried out, with a search between 1995 and 2015, of all patients with a minimum follow-up of three months and birth confirmed in the northern region of Portugal, with an estimated population of 3,689,682 inhabitants. Database collection was based on the Portuguese National Health Service's clinical coding system, relying on clinical data from 13 northern Portuguese hospitals, liver biopsy histology results, and hospital prescription records. Clinical and biochemical correlations were statistically assessed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests. Results Over the 20-year period, a prevalence of 1:37.000 and an incidence of one per million person-year was found. A total of 94 patients were analyzed, with a slight male predominance (53%), the majority with the onset of clinical manifestations in pediatric age (56%), with a median age at diagnosis of 16.6 years (interquartile range of 12.3-20,.8 years). Most patients presented with predominant liver disease (54.8%), with more than a third with cirrhosis; mixed hepatic and neurological manifestations in 17.9%; and mainly neurological symptoms in 10.7% of the patients. Neurological impairment was strongly associated with delayed development of the manifestations of the disease (p = 0.001) and also a higher detection of Kayser-Fleischer rings (p < 0.001), present in 27.0% of the patients. Regarding therapy, penicillamine has been the most widely used, with adverse reactions reported in 24.8%. At six and 12 months after initiation of therapy, a significant decrease in liver enzymes was found (ALT: p = 0.002; AST: p = 0.002, respectively), but no significant reduction was observed in urinary copper excretion. Conclusion This was one of the first studies regarding WD prevalence in a Portuguese population, contributing to a better understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of WD in the northern region of Portugal. WD should be considered in any individual with unexplained hepatic or neurological manifestations, and initial symptoms may manifest at an early age, even in children less than five years old. A high percentage of patients were identified in the early stages of the disease by asymptomatic elevation of transaminases. Following copper chelation therapy, cytolysis markers appear to be more sensitive indicators of treatment response.

Correction: Wilson's Disease: A Prevalence Study in a Portuguese Population.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43718.].

HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes and anti-transglutaminase antibodies as celiac disease markers in a pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Evaluate the celiac disease (CD) markers, within the scope of its screening, in a pediatric population with diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Hospital de Braga (HB) and determine the prevalence of CD in the sample. Reflect on CD screening algorithm applied in this pediatric population. Methods: Retrospective observational study with 94 patients diagnosed with T1D at age 10 years or younger, followed up at the HB Outpatient Diabetology Consultation, including those referred from other hospitals. Record of clinical information, IgA anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysium and HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes. Results: We obtained positive serological test for CD in 4 patients. This test had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of CD was 4.3% (n = 4). Positive HLA screening in 84.6% of patients, with both sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% and specificity of 16.67%. Diagnosis of CD was made on average 3.40 ± 3.32 years after the diagnosis of TD1. All cases of CD registered non-gastrointestinal manifestations, none had gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: This study proved that there is a higher prevalence of CD in pediatric population with TD1, when compared to general population, and clarified the importance of CD screening. Furthermore, it was observed that serological screening for CD antibodies is an excellent screening test and HLA typing, although not the most suitable first line test, can be useful in excluding the possibility of patients with T1D developing CD.

A novel mutation in the COL12A1 gene.

Mutations in collagen XII have been recently described to cause modifications in the connective tissue which phenotypic demonstration resembles that of collagen VI related myopathies. We describe a Caucasian 14-year old girl who complained to her doctor about not being able to practice schools' sports due to recurrent clavicle dislocation when trying to throw a ball. In addition, when questioned, she also reported a notion of lower strength in the upper limbs when compared to same age peers. Based on the clinical exam performed, a joint hypermobility with a slight reduction of the muscular strength of the upper limbs diagnosis was noted. Targeted sequencing identified a heterozygous missense mutation in COL12A1 - c.8336G > A (p. Arg2779His). Algorithms developed to predict the effect of the changes on the protein structure and function do not agree on the potential impact of this modification. This case shows the importance to consider collagen XII-related disorders when in presence of patients with an overlapping phenotype with both muscle and connective tissue abnormalities, once mutations in collagen VI have been excluded.

Portuguese Consensus on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Anemia in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both in pediatric and in adult patients. Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in patients with IBD. Anemia is a clinically relevant comorbidity, with impact on patients' quality of life and it should be timely diagnosed and adequately treated. Currently, an active treatment approach is the recommended strategy, with evidence showing efficacy and safety of intravenous iron formulations. However, evidence in pediatric age remains scarce and no clinical recommendations exist for the diagnosis and treatment of this particular age group. The present document represents the first national consensus on the management of anemia in pediatric IBD and is therefore particularly relevant. The authors anticipate that the proposed recommendations will be useful in daily clinical practice for diagnosing and managing iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in the pediatric population with IBD.

A anemia é uma manifestação extra-digestiva frequente associada à doença inflamatória intestinal, tanto na população pediátrica como adulta, sendo a anemia por défice de ferro a sua forma mais frequente. Constitui uma comorbilidade clinicamente relevante, com repercussão na qualidade de vida. Deve ser atempadamente diagnosticada e adequadamente tratada. A estratégia terapêutica atualmente aceite preconiza uma atitude interventiva. Neste contexto, a evidência científica atual tem demonstrado a eficácia e segurança da utilização das formulações de ferro endovenoso. Contudo, em idade pediátrica a evidência ainda é insuficiente, não existindo orientações de abordagem diagnóstica ou terapêutica especificamente dirigidas a este grupo etário. Este é o primeiro consenso nacional sobre a abordagem da anemia na doença inflamatória intestinal pediátrica, revestindo-se por isso de particular relevância. Pretendese que este documento tenha utilidade e aplicabilidade na prática clínica na avaliação e seguimento do défice de ferro e anemia por défice de ferro em doentes pediátricos com doença inflamatória intestinal.

Serum leptin levels in overweight children and adolescents.

Leptin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone which plays a key role in energy homeostasis. Our aim was to determine the relationship between serum leptin and clinical and biochemical features in overweight children and adolescents. Overweight children and adolescents followed in this Unit with serum leptin ascertained were included. Clinical, biochemical and abdominal ultrasound data were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed by t test, chi2, Pearson's correlation and linear regression. One outlier of serum leptin was excluded to perform correlation and regression. Serum leptin was determined in 357 patients. At the first visit, the mean age was 9.5 (sd 3.2) years and mean BMI z-score was 1.72 (sd 1.34) (girls 1.71 (sd 1.16); boys 1.72 (sd 1.11)). Serum leptin levels were significantly related to: sex (mean: girls 48.0 ng/ml, boys 34.4 ng/ml; P = 0.003); Tanner stage (mean: I-II 37.0 ng/ml, III-V 45.2 ng/ml; P = 0.035); systolic blood pressure (mean: normal 41.3 ng/ml, high 44.0 ng/ml; P = 0.009); BMI z-score (r 0.136; P = 0.010); C-peptide (r 0.17; P = 0.002); insulin (r 0.34; P < 0.001); homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r 0.25; P < 0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (r - 0.12; P = 0.023). In the multivariate analysis (with leptin as the dependent variable and sex, Tanner stage, BMI z-score, systolic blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase, C-peptide, insulin and HOMA-IR as independent variables), sex and BMI were determinant factors. The present study in overweight children and adolescents showed that being female and greater BMI were significantly and independently associated with increased serum leptin. In this large cohort other associations with leptin described in the literature can be discharged.

Deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs in adolescents: a study in a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - which includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) - has been increasingly recognized in the pediatric population. The estimated incidence is 0.07-0.14 cases per 10,000 children. Most cases are associated with two or more risk factors. Medium and long-term complications include recurrence and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). OBJECTIVE: To characterize the adolescent population with the diagnosis of DVT of lower limbs in a tertiary hospital, regarding its clinical presentation, associated risk factors, treatment and outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of adolescents with the diagnosis of DVT of lower limbs in our hospital for a period of 7 years. RESULTS: Eight patients were identified; seven were females; median age was 15 years. The main symptoms were local pain and edema. Left lower limb was affected in six patients. PE occurred in two cases. Positive family history of venous thromboembolism was found in five patients. Seven patients had at least two identifiable risk factors. Combined oral contraceptive pill use was the most common (seven patients). Factor V Leiden mutation was found in three patients and protein C deficiency in one. Iliac vein compression syndrome was diagnosed in one patient. The median time for discharge was 8 days. Election treatment was enoxaparin followed by warfarin, for a median period of 10.9 months. Three patients developed PTS. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, VTE is an emerging reality in adolescents, particularly in females using oral contraceptive pills. Appropriated prevention strategies and treatment are required as most orientations are extrapolated from adults.

Prevalence of Portuguese Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke at Home and in the Car.

INTRODUCTION: Children's exposure to secondhand smoke is a cause of serious health problems and infant morbidity. This is the first nationally representative study conducted in Portugal to describe the prevalence of children exposed to secondhand smoke at home and in the car. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 2396 Portuguese children aged 0 to 9 years old, stratified by age and administrative region NUTS II. Questionnaires were administered between January and September 2016. RESULTS: Results showed that 6.1% of mothers and 11.2% of fathers reported smoking at home. It was found that 4.5% of mothers and 8.3% of fathers reported smoking in the car. Results also showed that 5.4% of children were double exposed to secondhand smoke at home and in the car. Children whose parents were smokers and had a lower level of education were more exposed to secondhand smoke at home. DISCUSSION: Children's exposure to secondhand smoke has been decreasing in Portugal. Parental smoking and a low educational level were risk factors for children's exposure to secondhand smoke at home. CONCLUSION: The main source of children's exposure to secondhand smoke is parental smoking. As such, it is crucial to implement effective measures to control parental smoking. It is necessary to promote smoking cessation among parents and to ban smoking inside the car.

Introdução: A exposição das crianças ao fumo ambiental do tabaco é uma importante causa de graves problemas de saúde e morbilidade infantil. Este é o primeiro estudo com representatividade nacional realizado em Portugal a descrever a prevalência de crianças expostas ao fumo ambiental do tabaco em casa e no carro. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo que inclui uma amostra representativa de 2396 crianças portuguesas dos 0 aos 9 anos de idade, estratificada por idade e por região administrativa NUTS II. A aplicação de questionários decorreu entre janeiro e setembro de 2016. Resultados: Verifica-se que 6,1% das mães e 11,2% dos pais fumam no domicílio. Constata-se que 4,5% das mães e 8,3% dos pais fumam no carro. Verifica-se também que 5,4% das crianças estão duplamente expostas ao fumo ambiental do tabaco em casa e no carro. As crianças cujos pais são fumadores e com menor nível de escolaridade, estão mais expostas ao fumo ambiental do tabaco em casa. Discussão: A exposição das crianças ao fumo ambiental do tabaco tem diminuído em Portugal. Ainda assim, o consumo de tabaco dos pais e um baixo nível de escolaridade são fatores de risco para a exposição das crianças em casa. Conclusão: Uma vez que a principal fonte de exposição das crianças ao fumo ambiental do tabaco é o tabagismo dos pais, é necessário promover a cessação tabágica junto dos mesmos, assim como implementar a proibição de fumar no carro.

Herpes zoster with cutaneous dissemination: a rare presentation of an uncommon pathology in children.

Herpes zoster, caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, affects mainly the adult population, although it can occur in children. This happens when primary infection (varicella) has occurred at a very young age or in immunocompromised patients. Complications are rare in healthy individuals. They include VZV cutaneous dissemination, which affects 2%-10% of immunocompromised patients.We present a previously healthy child, with history of varicella during her first month of life, which presented at age 8 with a severe case of herpes zoster, complicated with cutaneous dissemination. Immunity study was unremarkable. Causes, management and follow-up are discussed.

HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes and anti-transglutaminase antibodies as celiac disease markers in a pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objectives: Evaluate the celiac disease (CD) markers, within the scope of its screening, in a pediatric population with diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Hospital de Braga (HB) and determine the prevalence of CD in the sample. Reflect on CD screening algorithm applied in this pediatric population. Subjects and methods: Retrospective observational study with 94 patients diagnosed with T1D at age 10 years or younger, followed up at the HB Outpatient Diabetology Consultation, including those referred from other hospitals. Record of clinical information, IgA anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysium and HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes. Results: We obtained positive serological test for CD in 4 patients. This test had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of CD was 4.3% (n = 4). Positive HLA screening in 84.6% of patients, with both sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% and specificity of 16.67%. Diagnosis of CD was made on average 3.40 ± 3.32 years after the diagnosis of TD1. All cases of CD registered non-gastrointestinal manifestations, none had gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: This study proved that there is a higher prevalence of CD in pediatric population with TD1, when compared to general population, and clarified the importance of CD screening. Furthermore, it was observed that serological screening for CD antibodies is an excellent screening test and HLA typing, although not the most suitable first line test, can be useful in excluding the possibility of patients with T1D developing CD.