Factors associated with knowledge and vaccination intention for human papillomavirus on trans girls by their main caregiver: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Trans women are highly affected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are at risk of suffering from HPV-related diseases such as oropharyngeal, anal, penile, or neovaginal neoplasia. HPV vaccination seems to be a good strategy to reduce HPV-related diseases, mainly during the early age before the first sexual intercourse, but only cisgender girls are covered by the National Health Services, while some high-risk groups such as trans girls are not included. Achieving a high vaccination rate is important in the adolescent population, but there are many factors that could affect it, such as lack of knowledge about HPV or fear of side effects by patients and main caregivers. The aim of our study is to analyze the knowledge of trans girls' main caregivers about HPV-related diseases in the general population and, in particular, in trans women, as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination intention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with the collaboration of main caregivers of adolescent trans girls, between 9 and 16 years old, assisted in two reference centers' multidisciplinary Gender Diversity Units. Information was requested through a self-completed questionnaire: HPV-related diseases Knowledge Transwomen questionnaire (HPV-TQ) was elaborated based on a 19-item self-administered questionnaire and score was standardized from 0 to 19 points. Percentage of correct answers was calculated and defined by the group of high scores that showed over 70% correct answers. Results: A total of 65 main caregivers were included. Almost all main caregivers were mothers with a Caucasian ethnicity. The HPV-TQ average score was 11 (3.7) with an average correct answer of 58.1% (19.6). Only 17/65 (26.1%) of main caregivers were highly knowledgeable in HPV. Of 65 trans girls, 14 were already vaccinated (29.8% of trans girls over 12 years old); 78.5% were not vaccinated and only 21.5% had intentions to be vaccinated. The group with a high score in HPV-TQ had a longer follow-up at the transgender unit, a higher maternal vaccination rate, and a positive family history of HPV-related disease, especially in mothers. Conclusion: Adolescent trans girls attended to in our units had a low rate and a low intention of vaccination against HPV. Education on and promotion and prevention of transgender HPV-related diseases should probably be implemented to achieve a higher knowledge and vaccination coverage in adolescent trans girls.

Differences between patients with isolated GH deficiency based on findings in brain magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Protocol for prescribing hormone replacement therapy in isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency includes magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. There is controversy on the frequency of structural pituitary abnormalities and on the importance of abnormal MRI findings on prognosis and response to GH replacement. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study of children of both sexes aged 0-14 years, who had undergone brain MRI, diagnosed with isolated GH deficiency at a tertiary hospital in the past 14 years, aimed at reporting the frequency of abnormal MRI findings in isolated GH deficiency, and to establish whether differences exist in height diagnosis and evolution according to MRI findings. MRI findings were also compared with the findings reported in healthy children in order to establish incidence. RESULTS: 96 patients were studied, of whom 74/96 (77%) reached adult age. Abnormal MRI findings were seen in 11.5% of them (8/11 of pituitary origin). No brain or pituitary tumor was seen in any case. Patients with abnormal images had a mean age at treatment start of 8 years, a target height of -0.8SD, and a final height of 1.04SD, while patients with normal MRI findings had an age at treatment start of 10 years old, a target height of -1.44SD, and a final height of -1.75SD, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with abnormal MRI findings show a more favorable response to GH replacement therapy.

Recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in children: Experience in a tertiary care center. / Osteomielitis multifocal recurrente en niños: experiencia de un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare aseptic bone inflammation that affects pediatric patients. Its management and treatment have not yet been standardized. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study of patients under 14 years of age diagnosed with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNBO) in a tertiary hospital. We included patients diagnosed over the last 6 years (2010-2015) who met the Jansson criteria. The clinical and radiological characteristics of CNBO were analyzed, as was the outcome after different therapeutic options. RESULTS: We report 12 patients, with a mean age of 11 years (±1.6 standard deviation [SD]) and female predominance (10:2). The mean number of foci was 3.5 (±2.2 SD). The most common locations were ankle (58%), clavicle (50%), sternum (33%) and hip (25%). The mean disease duration was 10.5 months (±10.3 SD), and the median time to diagnosis was 2.38 months (range 0.17-16). Bone scintigraphy detected asymptomatic foci in 33% and we detected lytic lesions in 50% through magnetic resonance imaging. Biopsy was performed in 60%; 2/12 (16%) were associated with inflammatory disease and 1/12 (8.3%) later developed lymphoma. In all, 58% received antibiotic therapy with little response, 100% anti-inflammatory agents, 50% systemic corticosteroids, 41.6% methotrexate/pamidronate and 16% anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. The mean duration of treatment was 14.8 months (±12.4 SD) and 66% had recurrences. Currently, 83% are in clinical remission without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When CNBO is refractory to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, intravenous pamidronate can be an alternative. Anti-TNF drugs can be considered in patients who fail with pamidronate, as can agents associated with other autoimmune conditions.