Accumbal µ-opioid receptors and salt taste-elicited hedonic responses in a rodent model of prenatal adversity, and their correlates using human functional genomics.

Prenatal adversity is associated with behavioral obesogenic features such as preference for palatable foods. Salt appetite may play a role in the development of adiposity and its consequences in individuals exposed to prenatal adversity, and sodium consumption involves individual differences in accumbal µ-opioid receptors function. We investigated the hedonic responses to salt and the levels of µ-opioid receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) of pups from an animal model of prenatal dietary restriction. In children, we evaluated the interaction between fetal growth and the genetic background associated with the accumbal µ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) expression on sodium consumption during a snack test. Sprague-Dawley dams were randomly allocated from pregnancy day 10 to receive an ad libitum (Adlib) or a 50% restricted (FR) diet. The pups' hedonic responses to a salt solution (NaCl 2%) or water were evaluated on the first day of life. FR and Adlib pups differ in their hedonic responses to salt, and there were decreased levels of accumbal µ-opioid and p-µ-opioid receptors in FR pups. In humans, a test meal and genotyping from buccal epithelial cells were performed in 270 children (38 intrauterine growth restricted-IUGR) at 4 years old from a Canadian prospective cohort (MAVAN). The OPRM1 genetic score predicted the sodium intake in IUGR children, but not in controls. The identification of mechanisms involved in the brain response to prenatal adversity and its consequences in behavioral phenotypes and risk for chronic diseases later in life is important for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Patent ductus arteriosus closure in small infants weighing less than 1500 g using KA micro plug: steps and tips.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants is gaining attention with rapidly growing experience. The KA micro plug device poses many favourable features for ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants. The study aimed to describe the technique and outcomes of a KA micro plug in closing the ductus arteriosus in premature infants weighing less than 1500 g. METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective study in premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus weighing less than 1500 g who underwent off-label use of a KA micro plug at the Stead Family Children's Hospital from February 2022 to December 2023. RESULTS: Eighteen premature infants weighing less than 1500 g underwent attempted transcatheter ductus arteriosus closure using a KA micro plug device. Median weight, age, and corrected gestational age at the procedure were 943 g (682-1225), 26 days (9-79), and 28.5 weeks (25.6-32), respectively. The procedure was successful with complete closure achieved in all patients. No major haemodynamic instabilities were encountered. No catheterization-related complications were encountered. On a median follow-up of 10.9 months (0.1-19), all patients are alive with the device in a good position without residual shunt or abnormal findings. CONCLUSION: KA micro plug device for patent ductus arteriosus in infants weighing less than 1500 g is feasible, safe, and effective. We recommend that manufacturers of devices used to close the ductus arteriosus in small infants enhance both the devices and their delivery systems to simplify the procedure and mitigate the risk of haemodynamic instability.

Left ventricular function before and after percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Definitive closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with significant changes in the loading conditions of the left ventricle (LV), which may lead to cardiovascular and respiratory instability. The objective of the study was to evaluate targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) characteristics and the clinical course of preterm infants ≤2 kg undergoing percutaneous PDA closure. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of prospectively acquired pre- and post-closure TnECHOs to assess hemodynamic changes. Cardiorespiratory parameters in the first 24 h following PDA closure were also evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included with a mean age of 30.6 ± 9.6 days and weight of 1188 ± 280 g. LV global longitudinal strain decreased from -20.6 ± 2.6 to -14.9 ± 2.9% (p < 0.001) after 1 h. There was a decrease in LV volume loading, left ventricular output, LV systolic and diastolic parameters. Cardiorespiratory instability occurred in 24 (48%) [oxygenation failure in 44%] but systolic hypotension and/or need for cardiovascular medications was only seen in 6 (12%). Patients with instability had worse baseline respiratory severity score and lower post-closure early diastolic strain rates. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous PDA closure leads to a reduction in echocardiography markers of LV systolic/diastolic function. Post-closure cardiorespiratory instability is characterized primarily by oxygenation failure and may relate to impaired diastolic performance. IMPACT: Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure leads to a reduction in echocardiography markers of left ventricular volume loading, cardiac output, and left ventricular systolic/diastolic function. Post-procedural cardiorespiratory instability is characterized primarily by oxygenation failure. Post-procedural cardiorespiratory instability may relate to impaired diastolic performance.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants 1.5 kg or Less: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate technical success and safety of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in infants ≤1.5 kg. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Data sources included Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PubMed from inception to April 2020. Publications were included if they had a clear definition of the intervention as percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in infants ≤1.5 kg. Data extraction was independently performed by multiple observers. Primary outcome was technical success and secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs). Subgroup analysis was performed in infants ≤6.0 kg. Data were pooled by using a random-effects model. RESULTS: We included 28 studies, including 373 infants ≤1.5 kg and 69 studies enrolling 1794 infants ≤6.0 kg. In patients ≤1.5 kg, technical success was 96% (95% CI, 93%-98%; P = .16; I2 = 23%). The overall incidence of AE was 27% (95% CI, 17%-38%; P < .001; I2 = 70%) and major AEs was 8% (95% CI, 5%-10%; P = .63; I2 = 0%). There were 5 deaths related to the procedure (2%; 95% CI, 1%-4%; P = .99; I2 = 0%); 4 of these deaths occurred in infants <0.8 kg. The probability of technical failure was inversely related to age at the time of the procedure (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.830-0.974; P = .009). Weight at intervention has decreased over time and procedural success has increased. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure is feasible in infants ≤1.5 kg with few major AEs. The procedural success rate is high, despite performing the intervention in smaller patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42020145230.

Assessment of superior vena cava flow and cardiac output in different patterns of patent ductus arteriosus shunt.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread use of superior vena cava (SVC) flow as a marker of systemic blood flow from the upper body, no previous studies have systematically evaluated the correlation between SVC flow and other echocardiography measures of systemic blood flow in the context of different patterns of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt direction METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (< 30 weeks, < 21 days of life) who underwent comprehensive targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) was performed. Patients were categorized as follows: (i) Hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunt; (ii): Bidirectional shunt; (iii) No PDA or insignificant shunt. SVC flow, as measured by two distinct methods, was compared to left and right ventricular outputs (LVO and RVO). Intra- and inter-observer reliability testing was performed RESULTS: In total, 45 patients were included (15 in each group) with a median [IQR] weight of 720 [539, 917] grams at the time of assessment. SVC dimensions and flow measurements were not different between the groups, although patients with left-to-right shunt had higher LVO/RVO ratio. SVC flow, as estimated using the modified method, had a strong correlation with LVO (r = .63, p = 0.012) and RVO (r = .635, p = 0.011) in patients with no PDA. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were both stronger for LVO and RVO when compared to SVC flow measurements CONCLUSION: SVC flow was comparable across all three groups irrespective of higher LVO and LVO/RVO ratio in patients with left-to-right shunts. This may reflect poor measurement reliability or compensation for left-to-right ductal shunt by increased LVO to maintain systemic perfusion.

Percutaneous Closure of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants ≤2 kg: IMPACT Registry Insights.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is becoming the standard of care for definitive closure in progressively smaller and younger neonates. The objective of this study was to assess safety and feasibility of percutaneous PDA closure in patients ≤2 kg. METHODS: This was a cohort study using the IMPACT Registry (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatments) from the American College of Cardiology Foundation's National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Patients who were ≤2 kg at the time of percutaneous PDA closure were included. The primary outcome was the composite of technical failure and/or major adverse event. RESULTS: A total of 1587 attempted PDA closures were included, with a 3% incidence of technical failure and 5.5% incidence of the composite outcome. Major adverse events were observed in 3.8% of the patients; the most common events were device embolization requiring retrieval and unplanned cardiac or vascular surgery in 1.3% and 1.3% of cases, respectively. The incidence of the composite outcome was associated with the need for arterial access (P < .001) as well as annual hospital volume of percutaneous PDA closures in infants ≤2 kg (P = .001). The incidence of the composite outcome has decreased overtime, whereas median weight at the time of procedure has also diminished. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous PDA closure appears to be safe and feasible procedures in infants ≤2 kg. The incidence of major adverse events has continued to decline over the years and seems to have a strong correlation with individual center case volumes and expertise.

Feasibility, Safety, and Short-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Premature Infants on High-Frequency Jet Ventilation.

Background Prolonged exposure to a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with major morbidity, particularly in infants born at <27 weeks' gestation. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a standard of care at our center. There are no data about transcatheter PDA closure while on HFJV. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of HFJV during transcatheter PDA closure. Methods and Results This is a retrospective cohort study of premature infants undergoing transcatheter device closure on HFJV. The primary outcome was successful device placement. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, fluoroscopy time and dose, time off unit, device complications, need for escalation in respiratory support, and 7-day survival. Subgroup comparative evaluation of patients managed with HFJV versus a small cohort of patients managed with conventional mechanical ventilation was performed. Thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Median age and median weight at PDA device closure for the HFJV cohort were 32 days (interquartile range, 25.25-42.0 days) and 1115 g (interquartile range, 885-1310 g), respectively. There was successful device placement in 100% of patients. There were no device complications noted. The time off unit and the procedure time were not significantly different between the HFJV group and the conventional ventilation group. Infants managed by HFJV had shorter median fluoroscopy times (4.5 versus 6.1 minutes; P<0.05) and no increased risk of adverse respiratory outcomes. Conclusions Transcatheter PDA closure in premature infants on HFJV is a safe and effective approach that does not compromise device placement success rate and does not lead to secondary complications.

Anatomic Concordance of Neonatologist-Performed Echocardiography as Part of Hemodynamics Consultation and Pediatric Cardiology.

BACKGROUND: Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) performed by neonatologists as part of a hemodynamics consultation is increasingly being used in neonatal intensive care units. To minimize delays in obtaining physiologic data, first echocardiograms may be obtained by the neonatal hemodynamics team and reviewed afterward by a pediatric cardiologist. This practice has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare concordance between anatomic findings on TnECHO and pediatric cardiology reports. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of 339 infants at low risk for congenital heart disease (CHD) admitted to two large referral centers with established neonatal hemodynamics programs who underwent comprehensive TnECHO as their first postnatal echocardiographic examinations. The protocol included comprehensive imaging of intracardiac anatomy, outflow tract concordance and integrity, aortic arch anatomy, pulmonary vein location and flow, and transitional shunts. The hemodynamics consultation note was compared with the cardiology report to determine anatomic concordance or major or minor discrepancies in all first studies. RESULTS: Anatomic concordance occurred in 97.9% (κ = 0.862; 95% CI, 0.762-0.962; P < .001). There were seven minor discrepancies (small muscular ventricular septal defects and coronary fistulas). The index population included 23 infants (6.7%) with CHD, of whom only one (0.3%) had a ductal-dependent lesion (coarctation of the aorta) which was correctly identified by both teams. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of major CHD in patients considered eligible for hemodynamics consultation was low, and there was high diagnostic concordance between trained neonatal hemodynamics specialists and pediatric cardiology. First echocardiograms obtained by subspecialty neonatologists may provide imaging of sufficient quality to evaluate a critically unwell neonate with low suspicion for critical CHD lesions. These results should not be extrapolated to infants in whom CHD is suspected. This study highlights the importance of formalized, rigorous, and standardized training for neonatologists with hemodynamics expertise who perform timely assessments using TnECHO.

Multi-behavioral obesogenic phenotypes among school-aged boys and girls along the birth weight continuum.

Evidence shows that extremes of birth weight (BW) carry a common increased risk for the development of adiposity and related cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the role of obesogenic behaviors in this process. Moreover, no one has empirically examined whether the relationship between BW, obesogenic behaviors and BMI along the full low-to-high birthweight continuum reflects the U-shape pattern expected from common risk at both BW extremes. Our objective was to characterize physical activity, screen time, and eating behavior and their relationship to BMI as a function of BW among school-aged boys and girls. In this cross-sectional study, 460 children aged 6 to 12 years (50% boys) from Montreal, Canada provided information on sleeping time, screen time, physical activity levels, eating behavior (emotional, external and restrained eating) and anthropometrics (height, weight, BW) through parent reported questionnaires. BMI was normalized using WHO Standards (zBMI), and BW expressed as ratio using Canadian population standards (BW for gestational age and sex). Analyses were conducted using generalized linear models with linear and quadratic terms for BW, stratified by sex and adjusted for age, ethnicity and household income. In boys, physical activity and screen time showed U-shaped associations with BW, while physical activity had an inverted U-shaped in girls. Emotional and restrained eating had positive linear relations with BW in boys and girls. Sleep time and external eating were not associated with BW. A U-shaped relationship between BW and zBMI was found in boys but no association was found in girls. Only sleep (in boys and girls), and emotional eating (girls only) were related to zBMI and mediation of the BW-zBMI relationship was only supported for emotional eating. In conclusion, BW relates to obesogenic behaviors and BMI in both non-linear and linear ways, and these associations differed by sex.

Is willingness to exercise programmed in utero? Reviewing sedentary behavior and the benefits of physical activity in intrauterine growth restricted individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The literature suggests that a fetus will adapt to surrounding adversities by optimizing its use of energy to improve survival, ultimately leading to the programming of the individual's energy intake and expenditure. While recent reviews focused on the fetal programming of energy intake and food preferences, there is also some evidence that fetal adversity is associated with diminished physical activity levels. Therefore, we aimed to review (a) the evidence for an association between being born with intrauterine growth restriction and sedentarism over the life-course and (b) the potential benefits of physical activity over cardiometabolic risk factors for this population. SOURCES: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Embase. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Most clinical studies that used objective measures found no association between intrauterine growth restriction and physical activity levels, while most studies that used self-reported questionnaires revealed such relationships, particularly leisure time physical activity. Experimental studies support the existence of fetal programming of physical activity, and show that exposure to exercise during IUGR individuals' life improves metabolic outcomes but less effect was seen on muscle architecture or function. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in muscle strength and metabolism, as well as altered aerobic performance, may predispose IUGR individuals to be spontaneously less physically active, suggesting that this population may be an important target for preventive interventions. Although very heterogeneous, the different studies allow us to infer that physical activity may have beneficial effects especially for individuals that are more vulnerable to metabolic modifications such as those with IUGR.

Treatment of Hypernatremia in Breastfeeding Neonates: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypernatremic dehydration in term neonates is associated with inadequate fluid intake, usually related to insufficient lactation. The use of hypotonic fluids is appropriate to dilute serum sodium (SNa), but cerebral edema may develop when it happens abruptly. Our objective was to clarify how to correct hypernatremic dehydration properly. METHODS: The following databases were searched, limited to studies published until January 31st, 2016: Clinical Trials, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. We included open-label trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, or prospective and retrospective case series evaluating relevant outcomes. Information regarding the way of administering the treatment, type of fluid used, rates of complications and outcomes, as well as the rate of SNa reduction were collected. RESULTS: Searches yielded 771 articles: 64 had the full text reviewed and 9 were included. No randomized clinical trials or systematic reviews focusing on treatment of hypernatremic dehydration and its outcomes were found. We found a scarcity of high quality studies and great methodology heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: More severe hypernatremia is at greater risk of causing severe adverse effects of treatment. There is no consensus about the optimal rate of SNa drop in this population, but a slower correction appears to be safer. Questions as when parenteral fluids are indicated remain unanswered.

Attentional bias toward infant faces - Review of the adaptive and clinical relevance.

Human survival depends on care received early in life. Infants need to capture adults' attention to have their basic needs met. Therefore, infant stimuli are prioritized by the attention system in adults, resulting in an attentional bias toward infant faces. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on behavioral measures of attentional bias toward infant faces. PubMed, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were used. The review suggests the existence of a measurable attentional bias toward infant faces and a positive correlation between attentional bias toward infant distress and the quality of mother-infant relationship. Depressive symptoms and breastfeeding modulate this behavior in women. Parental status and sex also influence the attentional prioritization of infant faces. Evidence indicates that differences in attentional bias are associated with clinical symptoms and variations in maternal behavior, reinforcing the potential use of attentional bias as a behavioral marker of clinical outcomes.

Incidence of Symptomatic Congenital Toxoplasmosis During Ten Years in a Brazilian Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Population seroprevalence and rates of mother-to-child transmission are important in determining the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis. (CT) Mother-to-child transmission depends on the timing of acute maternal infection and treatment during pregnancy. The incidence of CT varies widely across geographic regions, ranging from 1 to 10 cases per 10,000 live births. The incidence of symptomatic disease varies from 0.15 to 0.34 cases per 10,000. METHODS: This is a review of patients treated at a pediatric CT clinic at a university hospital in the south of Brazil, from 2004 to 2014. RESULTS: The annual incidence of CT varied from 0 to 14 cases per 10,000 live births, with a mean incidence of 6 cases per 10,000 during the 10 years studied (CI 95%: 3.02-8.91). The incidence of symptomatic CT varied from 0 to 9 cases per 10,000 live births, with a mean incidence of 5 per 10,000 (CI 95%: 2.44-6.94). There were 5 (14.3%) asymptomatic cases. The main findings were retinochoroiditis (54%), intracranial calcifications (37.5%) and altered cerebrospinal fluid (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CT and the rate of symptomatic cases were in accordance with the previous data from other studies in Brazil, being significantly higher than in previous North American and European studies.

Is willingness to exercise programmed in utero? Reviewing sedentary behavior and the benefits of physical activity in intrauterine growth restricted individuals / A vontade de se exercitar é programada ainda no útero? Análise do comportamento sedentário e dos benefícios da atividade física em indivíduos com crescimento intrauterino restrito

Abstract Objective: The literature suggests that a fetus will adapt to surrounding adversities by optimizing its use of energy to improve survival, ultimately leading to the programming of the individual's energy intake and expenditure. While recent reviews focused on the fetal programming of energy intake and food preferences, there is also some evidence that fetal adversity is associated with diminished physical activity levels. Therefore, we aimed to review (a) the evidence for an association between being born with intrauterine growth restriction and sedentarism over the life-course and (b) the potential benefits of physical activity over cardiometabolic risk factors for this population. Sources: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Embase. Summary of findings: Most clinical studies that used objective measures found no association between intrauterine growth restriction and physical activity levels, while most studies that used self-reported questionnaires revealed such relationships, particularly leisure time physical activity. Experimental studies support the existence of fetal programming of physical activity, and show that exposure to exercise during IUGR individuals' life improves metabolic outcomes but less effect was seen on muscle architecture or function. Conclusions: Alterations in muscle strength and metabolism, as well as altered aerobic performance, may predispose IUGR individuals to be spontaneously less physically active, suggesting that this population may be an important target for preventive interventions. Although very heterogeneous, the different studies allow us to infer that physical activity may have beneficial effects especially for individuals that are more vulnerable to metabolic modifications such as those with IUGR.

Resumo Objetivo: A literatura sugere que um feto se adaptará às adversidades externas ao aprimorar seu gasto energético para melhorar a sobrevida, o que leva, em última instância, à programação do consumo e gasto energético do indivíduo. Apesar de análises recentes terem focado na programação fetal do consumo energético e preferências alimentares, ainda há alguma comprovação de que as adversidades fetais estão associadas aos baixos níveis de atividade física. Portanto, visamos a analisar: a) a comprovação de uma associação entre nascer com restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RCIU) e sedentarismo durante o curso de vida e b) os possíveis benefícios da atividade física sobre os fatores de risco cardiometabólico dessa população. Fontes: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus e Embase. Resumo dos achados: A maior parte dos estudos clínicos que usaram medidas objetivas não constatou associação entre RCIU e os níveis de atividade física, ao passo que a maior parte dos estudos que usaram questionários de autorrelato revelou essas relações, principalmente no que diz respeito à atividade física de lazer. Estudos experimentais corroboram a existência de programação fetal de atividade física e mostram que a exposição a exercícios durante a vida de indivíduos com RCIU melhora os resultados metabólicos, porém menos efeito foi visto sobre a arquitetura ou função muscular. Conclusões: Alterações na força muscular e no metabolismo, bem como o desempenho aeróbico alterado, podem predispor indivíduos com RCIU a serem espontaneamente menos ativos fisicamente, sugere que essa população pode ser um importante alvo de intervenções preventivas. Apesar de muito heterogêneos, os diferentes estudos nos possibilitam deduzir que a atividade física pode ter efeitos benéficos principalmente em indivíduos mais vulneráveis a modificações metabólicas, como aqueles com RCIU.

Case report of acquired pyroglutamic acidemia in a pediatric patient

Pyroglutamic acid (also known as 5-oxoproline) is an organic acid intermediate of the gamma-glutamyl cycle. Accumulation of pyroglutamic acid is a rare cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis. In the pediatric population, the congenital form of pyroglutamic acidemia has been extensively described. However, there are scarce reports of the acquired form of this condition in children. The urine test for organic acids confirms the diagnosis of pyroglutamic acidemia. We report the case of a 16-month-old girl who developed transient 5-oxoprolinemia associated with malnutrition and the use of acetaminophen and ampicillin for the treatment of acute otitis media and abdominal pain. The patient received 21-hour course of n-acetylcysteine with improvement of metabolic acidosis. This report highligts the need of considering pyroglutamic acidemia in the differencial diagnosis for high anion gap metabolic acidosis in pediatric patients with malnutrition and other risk factors...

Coqueluche em crianças menores de 3 anos de idade hospitalizadas em 2011 e 2012 / Pertussis in children below 3 years of age admitted in 2011 and 2012

Descrever as características demográficas e clínicas de pacientes pediátricos internados com reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) positivo para Bordetella pertussis. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional incluindo todos os pacientes pediátricos entre zero e 2 anos, 11 meses e 29 dias de idade internados em um hospital universitário com diagnóstico de coqueluche confirmado por PCR, no período de julho de 2011 a dezembro de 2012. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 155 pacientes com idade média de 7,8 meses. Apenas 22 casos tinham história de contato com tosse paroxística ou prolongada (>14 dias). O tempo médio de duração de sintomas antes da admissão hospitalar foi de 9,87±10,08 dias e o tempo de internação médio foi de 5,52±9,60 dias. Tosse foi o sintoma mais prevalente (99%), sendo paroxística em apenas 16,8%. Cianose esteve presente em 29,7% e apneia em 5,8%. Além disso, 52,2% dos pacientes necessitaram oxigênio suplementar, 6,5% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica, e 2,5% foram a óbito. Conclusão: O estudo corrobora o impacto da coqueluche epidêmica sobre as crianças, principalmente lactentes, evidenciando a necessidade da implementação de novas estratégias de prevenção e controle desta infecção...

To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients admitted with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Bordetella pertussis. Methods: Retrospective, observational study including all pediatric patients between zero and 2 years, 11 months and 29 days of age admitted to a university hospital, diagnosed with pertussis confirmed by PCR from July 2011 to December 2012. Results: The study included 155 patients with a mean age of 7.8 months. Only 22 cases had history of contact with people with paroxysmal or prolonged cough (>14 days). The average duration of symptoms before hospital admission was 9.87±10.08 days and the average time of hospitalization was 5.52±9.60 days. Coughing was the most prevalent symptom (99%), with paroxysmal features in only 16.8%. Cyanosis was present in 29.5% and apnea was present in 5.8%. Additionally, 52.2% of patients required supplemental oxygen, 6.5% required mechanical ventilation, and 2.5% died. Conclusion: The study corroborates the impact of epidemic pertussis in children, particularly in infants, highlighting the need for new strategies to prevent and control this infection...

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: case report and review of literature

Description of a case report of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome diagnosed in a male newborn who presented increased head circumference and bifid ribs. Mother and grandmother presented typical physical findings of the syndrome, including palmar pits, odontogenic cysts, and history of multiple skin cancer resections. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings of three relatives. A literature review is also presented.