A Multicenter Study on the Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Among Children With Moderate to Severe Abusive Head Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify clinical characteristics, risk factors for diagnosis, and describe outcomes among children with AHT. METHODS: We performed an observational cohort study in tertiary care hospitals from 14 countries across Asia and Ibero-America. We included patients <5 years old who were admitted to participating pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We performed descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression for risk factors of AHT. RESULTS: 47 (12%) out of 392 patients were diagnosed with AHT. Compared to those with accidental injuries, children with AHT were more frequently < 2 years old (42, 89.4% vs 133, 38.6%, p < 0.001), more likely to arrive by private transportation (25, 53.2%, vs 88, 25.7%, p < 0.001), but less likely to have multiple injuries (14, 29.8% vs 158, 45.8%, p = 0.038). The AHT group was more likely to suffer subdural hemorrhage (SDH) (39, 83.0% vs 89, 25.8%, p < 0.001), require antiepileptic medications (41, 87.2% vs 209, 60.6%, p < 0.001), and neurosurgical interventions (27, 57.40% vs 143, 41.40%, p = 0.038). Mortality, PICU length of stay, and functional outcomes at 3 months were similar in both groups. In the multivariable logistic regression, age <2 years old (aOR 8.44, 95%CI 3.07-23.2), presence of seizures (aOR 3.43, 95%CI 1.60-7.36), and presence of SDH (aOR 9.58, 95%CI 4.10-22.39) were independently associated with AHT. CONCLUSIONS: AHT diagnosis represented 12% of our TBI cohort. Overall, children with AHT required more neurosurgical interventions and the use of anti-epileptic medications. Children younger than 2 years and with SDH were independently associated with a diagnosis of AHT. TYPE OF STUDY: Observational cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Short-, mid-, and long-term complications after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children over a 24-month follow-up period in a hospital in Lima-Peru, 2020-2022.

Objective: To determine the short-, mid-, and long-term complications after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) over a 24-month follow-up period in a hospital in Lima, Peru, 2020-2022, and to explore differences according to the immunomodulatory treatment received and type of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating. Methods: Ambispective 24-month follow-up study in children <14 years of age diagnosed with MIS-C at the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM). Results: A total of 62 children were admitted with MIS-C. The most common short-term complications and serious events were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) due to respiratory failure, and shock; predominantly during the second pandemic wave (lambda predominance) and in children that received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus a corticosteroid. Two patients died during the first wave due to MIS-C. During prospective follow-up (median of 24 months; IQR: 16.7-24), only 46.7% of patients were followed for >18-24 months. Of the total, seven (11.3%) patients were identified with some sequelae on discharge. Among the 43 remaining children, sequelae persisted in five (11.6%) cases (neurological, hematological, and skin problems). Six patients (13.9%) presented with new onset disease (hematologic, respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric disorders). One patient died due to acute leukemia during the follow-up period. None of them were admitted to the ICU or presented with MIS-C reactivation. Two patients presented persistence of coronary aneurysm until 8- and 24-month post-discharge. Conclusion: In our hospital, children with MIS-C frequently developed short-term complications and serious events during the acute phase, with less frequent complications in the mid- and long-term. More studies are required to confirm these findings.

Características de los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados con COVID-19 durante la tercera ola (variante ómicron) en un hospital de referencia del Perú / Characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the third wave (omicron variant) at a referral hospital in Peru

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes pediátricos (entre 28 días y 14 años) hospitalizados con COVID-19 durante la tercera ola (variante ómicron) en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) (Lima, Perú). En esta cohorte retrospectiva, se revisaron las historias clínicas de 122 pacientes pediátricos que fueron atendidos en el HNERM entre enero e inicios de abril del 2022 (55% varones, mediana de edad de 5 años), 77,9% durante el primer mes, y la mitad presentaron alguna comorbilidad. Se hospitalizaron principalmente por dificultad respiratoria, comorbilidad descompensada y deshidratación. El 6,6% ingresaron a cuidados intensivos, 4,9% a ventilación mecánica invasiva, 5,7% requirieron algún vasoactivo y 1,6% fallecieron. Los fármacos más usados fueron antibióticos (43,4%) y corticoides (27,1%). En conclusión, se encontró un incremento rápido de hospitalizaciones en comparación con las olas anteriores, la mayoría con evolución favorable, y con un amplio uso empírico de antibióticos.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the characteristics of pediatric patients (28 days to 14 years of age) hospitalized with COVID-19 during the third wave of the pandemic (omicron variant) at the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) (Lima, Peru). In this retrospective cohort, we reviewed the medical records of 122 pediatric patients who attended HNERM between January and early April 2022 (55% male, median age: 5 years); 77.9% attended HNERM during the first month, and half of them had some comorbidity. Participants were hospitalized mainly for respiratory distress, decompensated comorbidity, and dehydration. Of the participants, 6.6% were admitted to intensive care, 4.9% to invasive mechanical ventilation, 5.7% required some vasoactive agent and 1.6% died. The most commonly used drugs were antibiotics (43.4%) and corticosteroids (27.1%). In conclusion, hospitalizations rapidly increased during the third wave, when compared to previous waves, most of them with favorable progression and with a wide empirical use of antibiotics.

Características clínicas y supervivencia en pacientes pediátricos oncohematológicos con COVID-19 en un hospital de referencia del Seguro Social de Salud del Perú, durante el 2020-2021

Introducción: En Latinoamérica, existen pocos estudios y resultados heterogéneos sobre pacientes pediátricos oncohematológicos con COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y la supervivencia de pacientes pediátricos oncohematológicos con COVID-19 en un hospital de Lima-Perú, 2020-2021. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 14 años hospitalizados. Los datos se recolectaron de las historias clínicas. Resultados: Incluimos 30 pacientes, mayoría hombres y escolares, predominando la fiebre, síntomas respiratorios y gastrointestinales, la neoplasia hematológica, y la enfermedad oncológica avanzada. La mayoría desarrolló enfermedad leve-moderada, pero también presentaron evolución severa con requerimiento de soporte crítico, con mortalidad alta en hospitalización (13,3%) y baja supervivencia durante el seguimiento (a los 526 días, 59,26%, IC95% 36,53 a 76,20%). La supervivencia aumentó con reinicio de la quimioterapia , y disminuyó en pacientes de condición paliativa, con soporte respiratorio y shock. Conclusiones: La mayoría desarrolló enfermedad leve-moderada. Sin embargo, el SARS-CoV-2 también puede causar afectación severa, muerte y baja supervivencia en pacientes oncohematológicos.

Introduction: In Latin America, there are few studies and heterogeneous results on pediatric oncohematology patients with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and survival of pediatric oncohematology patients with COVID-19 in a hospital in Lima-Peru, 2020-2021. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study of hospitalized patients under 14 years of age. The data was collected from the medical records. Results: We included 30 patients, mostly men and schoolchildren, predominantly fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, hematological neoplasia, and advanced oncological disease. The majority developed mild-moderate disease, but they also presented severe evolution requiring critical areas, with high mortality in hospitalization (13.3%) and low survival during follow-up (at 526 days, 59.26%, 95% CI 36 .53 to 76.20%). Survival increased with the start of chemotherapy, and decreased in patients in palliative condition, with respiratory support and shock. Conclusion: Most developed mild-moderate disease. However, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause severe involvement, death, and poor survival in oncohematological patients.

Hyperferritinemic sepsis secondary to invasive Toxoplasma gondii in a child with untreated HIV / Sepsis hiperferritinémica secundaria a Toxoplasma gondii invasiva en un paciente pediátrico con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana sin tratamiento

Abstract Background: Untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-immunosuppressed pediatric patients show high morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections. Limited cases of hyperferritinemic sepsis have been described in patients with toxoplasmosis. Case report: We describe the case of a 13-year-old female patient with a history of untreated HIV who presented with hyperferritinemic sepsis secondary to Toxoplasma gondii infection and Pneumocystis jirovecci pneumonia. She received ventilatory support, inotropic drugs, treatment for opportunistic germs, and high-dose corticosteroids, but with unfavorable evolution. Conclusions: The global approach to sepsis with elevated ferritin guides to using of therapies aimed at neutralizing the severe inflammatory response. A timely diagnosis would allow prompt treatment and minimize complications.

Resumen Introducción: Los pacientes pediátricos inmunodeprimidos por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) sin tratamiento presentan una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad por infecciones oportunistas. Se han descrito limitados casos de sepsis hiperferritinémica en pacientes con toxoplasmosis. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de una paciente de 13 años con antecedente de VIH sin tratamiento que presentó sepsis hiperferritinémica secundaria a una infección por Toxoplasma gondii y neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecci. Recibió soporte ventilatorio, uso de inotrópicos, tratamiento para gérmenes oportunistas y corticoides en altas dosis, pero su evolución fue desfavorable. Conclusiones: El abordaje global de la sepsis con ferritina elevada orienta a utilizar terapias dirigidas a neutralizar la respuesta inflamatoria severa, por lo que un diagnóstico oportuno permitiría iniciar el tratamiento prontamente y minimizar las complicaciones.

Mortality in children with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 in Latin America: A systematic review.

The new COVID-19 disease is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), that probably originated in Wuhan, China, and has currently infected 505,817,953 people and caused 6,213,876 deaths in the world. On the American continent, 152,265,980 cases and 2,717,108 deaths have been reported to WHO (World Health Organization). The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region presents an epidemiological challenge due to its population's heterogeneity and socioeconomic inequality. A particularly vulnerable population is that of children with cancer, and their mortality from COVID-19 has been reported to be 3.6% globally. This work aimed to study the lethality of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer in the Latin American region. Our objective was to systematically review published scientific literature and search hospital databases in Latin America to explore mortality in this region. A median of mortality of 9.8% was found in the articles analyzed. In addition, we collected five databases from Latin American hospitals. We concluded that there was an underestimation in the mortality registry of this group of patients in the analyzed region. Therefore, although the causes are unknown, it is necessary to strengthen the case-reporting system to determine the reality in complex and particular areas such as Latin America.

Complications and neurologic deterioration after bilateral decompressive craniectomy in Gunshot penetrating brain injury in children

Background: Penetrating skull injuries in pediatrics (TPC) occupy a special place due to their rarity. The aim is to provide an overview of the current evidence on decompressive craniectomy in children, to describe the indications and to detail the complications. Reporte case: We present the case of a 12- year-old boy who suffered a TPC by a projectile that perforated his head, causing multiple brain injuries, and underwent early bilateral decompressive craniectomy, presenting the complications and neurological disabilities typical of the injury and surgery, with a reserved evolution and prognosis. Conclusions: Pediatric penetrating skull injuries should be of individualized management, type of injury and disease, experience of the treatment team, and the decision should always be consensual in front of the benefits and risks in the short and long term.

Introducción: Los traumatismos craneales penetrantes en pediatría (TPC) ocupan un lugar especial debido a su rareza. El objetivo es ofrecer una visión general de la evidencia actual sobre la craniectomía descompresiva en niños, describir las indicaciones y detallar las complicaciones. Reporte de caso: Presentamos el caso de un niño de 12 años que sufrió un TPC por un proyectil que le perforó la cabeza, causándole múltiples lesiones cerebrales, y fue sometido a craniectomía descompresiva bilateral temprana, presentando las complicaciones y discapacidades neurológicas propias de la lesión y la cirugía, con una evolución y pronóstico reservados. Conclusiones: Los traumatismos craneales penetrantes pediátricos deben ser de manejo individualizado, tipo de lesión y enfermedad, experiencia del equipo tratante, y la decisión debe ser siempre consensuada frente a los beneficios y riesgos a corto y largo plazo.

Síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível em uma criança com síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica grave devido à COVID-19 / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child with severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome due to COVID-19

RESUMO A síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível é uma rara síndrome clínica e radiológica caracterizada por edema vasogênico da matéria branca dos lobos occipital e parietal, que geralmente são simétricos, resultante de uma manifestação secundária de disfunção aguda do sistema cerebrovascular posterior. Descrevemos um caso de síndrome de encefalopatia posterior reversível secundária à infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em um menino de 9 anos de idade que desenvolveu insuficiência respiratória hipoxêmica aguda e necessitou de ventilação mecânica assistida. A criança desenvolveu síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica e foi monitorada na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, tendo-lhe sido fornecidos ventilação mecânica e agentes vasoativos para suporte hemodinâmico. Além disso, desenvolveu manifestações clínicas pulmonares e extrapulmonares juntamente de manifestações neuropsiquiátricas que necessitavam de seguimento cuidadoso, tendo sido verificadas por ressonância magnética cerebral para intervenção oportuna. Atualmente, há poucos relatos de crianças com síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível associada à síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica.

ABSTRACT Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare clinical and radiological syndrome characterized by vasogenic edema of the white matter of the occipital and parietal lobes, which are usually symmetrical, resulting from a secondary manifestation of acute dysfunction of the posterior cerebrovascular system. We describe a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 9-year-old boy who developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and required assisted mechanical ventilation. The child developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome, and he was monitored in the pediatric intensive care unit and was provided mechanical ventilation and vasoactive agents for hemodynamic support. Additionally, he developed pulmonary and extrapulmonary clinical manifestations along with neuropsychiatric manifestations that required close follow-up and were verified using brain magnetic resonance imaging for timely intervention. Currently, there are few reports of children with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Association of Cancer Diagnosis and Therapeutic Stage With Mortality in Pediatric Patients With COVID-19, Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study From Latin America.

Background: Children with cancer are at risk of critical disease and mortality from COVID-19 infection. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with cancer and COVID-19 from multiple Latin American centers and risk factors associated with mortality in this population. Methods: This study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study conducted at 12 hospitals from 6 Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru) from April to November 2021. Patients younger than 14 years of age that had an oncological diagnosis and COVID-19 or multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) who were treated in the inpatient setting were included. The primary exposure was the diagnosis and treatment status, and the primary outcome was mortality. We defined "new diagnosis" as patients with no previous diagnosis of cancer, "established diagnosis" as patients with cancer and ongoing treatment and "relapse" as patients with cancer and ongoing treatment that had a prior cancer-free period. A frequentist analysis was performed including a multivariate logistic regression for mortality. Results: Two hundred and ten patients were included in the study; 30 (14%) died during the study period and 67% of patients who died were admitted to critical care. Demographics were similar in survivors and non-survivors. Patients with low weight for age (<-2SD) had higher mortality (28 vs. 3%, p = 0.019). There was statistically significant difference of mortality between patients with new diagnosis (36.7%), established diagnosis (1.4%) and relapse (60%), (p <0.001). Most patients had hematological cancers (69%) and they had higher mortality (18%) compared to solid tumors (6%, p= 0.032). Patients with concomitant bacterial infections had higher mortality (40%, p = 0.001). MIS-C, respiratory distress, cardiovascular symptoms, altered mental status and acute kidney injury on admission were associated with higher mortality. Acidosis, hypoxemia, lymphocytosis, severe neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia on admission were also associated with mortality. A multivariate logistic regression showed risk factors associated with mortality: concomitant bacterial infection OR 3 95%CI (1.1-8.5), respiratory symptoms OR 5.7 95%CI (1.7-19.4), cardiovascular OR 5.2 95%CI (1.2-14.2), new cancer diagnosis OR 12 95%CI (1.3-102) and relapse OR 25 95%CI (2.9-214). Conclusion: Our study shows that pediatric patients with new onset diagnosis of cancer and patients with relapse have higher odds of all-cause mortality in the setting of COVID-19. This information would help develop an early identification of patients with cancer and COVID-19 with higher risk of mortality.

Difficult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosis in a paediatric patient with mixed presentation of COVID-19 acute respiratory failure and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome.

New diagnoses of leukaemia and other malignancies are recently being made in paediatric patients with COVID-19. The rates of mortality and morbidity in some of these children are expected to be higher. In new cases, concurrent diagnosis can be difficult because multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and malignancies have similar clinical presentations. We present the case of a preteenage child where the diagnosis of leukaemia was complicated and delayed by a multisystem involvement and an inconclusive bone marrow study. Clinical teams managing children with COVID-19 and MIS-C should suspect leukaemia and other malignancies when the clinical course is complicated and bone marrow suppression is persistent. Prompt diagnosis will allow start of treatment on time, minimising complications.

Síndrome de Budd Chiari secundario al síndrome antifosfolipídico y lupus eritematoso sistémico en una adolescente: reporte de un caso

El síndrome de Budd-Chiari es causado por una obstrucción del flujo sanguíneo del hígado. Los casos publicados del síndrome antifosfolípido asociado a SBC son limitados en la población pediátrica. Reportamos el caso de una adolescente de 15 años que presentó fiebre, ascitis y hepatoesplenomegalia. En la ecografía Doppler hepática se observó ausencia de flujo en la vena hepática derecha y media, y en la vena cava inferior. En la tomografía abdominal se observó una extensa trombosis de la vena cava inferior. Durante la hospitalización se le diagnosticó SAF y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se le administró tratamiento con heparina no fraccionada, heparina de bajo peso molecular y anticoagulantes. El síndrome de Budd-Chiari secundario al síndrome antifosfolípido es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento oportunos permiten mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente.

Budd-Chiari syndrome is caused by an obstruction of blood flow to the liver. Published cases of the antiphospholipid syndrome associated with BCS are limited in the pediatric population. We report a 15-year-old adolescent who presented with fever, ascites, and hepatosplenomegaly. Hepatic Doppler ultrasound revealed no flow in the right and middle hepatic veins and in the inferior vena cava. Abdominal tomography revealed extensive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava. During hospitalization, she was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. She was given treatment with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and anticoagulants. Budd-Chiari syndrome secondary to the antiphospholipid syndrome is a life-threatening disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment improve the quality of life of the patient.

Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with macrophage activation syndrome mimicking COVID-19 multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is characterized by excessive activation of macrophages and lymphocytes, leading to multiorgan dysfunction. As the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), MAS is rare in children. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to identify the MAS as it shares similar characteristics with the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 11-year-old male adolescent with symptoms of MIS-C. Although with negative results of RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and serology for SARS-CoV-2, contact with a positive COVID-19 relative was reported. When admitted to a referral hospital center, the patient received standard treatment for MIS-C. Although the same scheme was given on three occasions, the patient showed no response to initial therapy. Thus, the patient was classified as a refractory case. When the study was extended to other differential diagnoses, we found MAS associated with SLE. Therefore, the patient was treated with etoposide, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, and methotrexate and showed a good clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: MAS associated with SLE is rare in the pediatric population. MAS shares inflammatory markers with the MIS-C and is often confused with rheumatologic, infectious, and neoplastic entities. Reporting this case is important to identify differential diagnoses in patients presenting as MIS-C and decide on timely treatment, as it could be harmful or even fatal if a definitive diagnosis is not obtained on time.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de activación de macrófagos (SAM) se caracteriza por una activación excesiva de los macrófagos y de los linfocitos que conduce a una disfunción multiorgánica. Como manifestación inicial del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), el SAM es poco común en la infancia. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, es importante identificar el SAM, ya que comparte características similares con el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en niños (MIS-C, por sus siglas en inglés). CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de un varón de 11 años con síntomas de MIS-C. Resultó negativo en la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con retrotranscriptasa y en la serología para SARS-CoV-2, aunque reportó contacto con un familiar positivo para COVID-19. Ingresó en un centro hospitalario de referencia y recibió tratamiento estandarizado para MIS-C. A pesar de recibir el mismo esquema en tres ocasiones, no mostró respuesta a la terapia inicial, por lo que fue clasificado como caso refractario. Al ampliar el estudio para otros diferenciales, se encontró SAM asociado con LES, por lo que el paciente recibió tratamiento con etopósido, ciclosporina, dexametasona y metotrexato, y mostró buena respuesta clínica. CONCLUSIONES: La asociación entre el SAM y el LES es rara en la población pediátrica. El SAM comparte marcadores inflamatorios con el MIS-C y suele confundirse con enfermedades reumatológicas, infecciosas y neoplásicas. La importancia de reportar este caso es identificar los diagnósticos diferenciales en los pacientes que se presentan como MIS-C, y decidir el tratamiento con prontitud, pues podría ser dañino o incluso fatal si no se obtiene un diagnóstico definitivo a tiempo.

SARS-CoV-2 precipitated Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in a child with angioma infantile and acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Case Report / Síndrome de Kasabach-Merritt precipitado por SARS-CoV-2 en un niño con angioma infantil y leucemia linfoblástica aguda: Reporte de Caso

SUMMARY Background: We describe an 8-month-old boy with leukemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. He had a positive SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR sample. Hematologic tests showed coagulopathy and intestinal involvement. She was managed in emergency receiving transfusion support and in hospitalization with social isolation measures, she started propanolol and corticotherapy as initial treatment of infantile angiomas. She presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction and underwent surgery and evidence of hemorrhagic infarction with foci of intestinal ischemic necrosis, ending in ileostomy. We tried to understand a pathophysiological explanation of the dermatologic and gastrointestinal tract involvement by the virus and the atypical form of COVID-19. Given the emerging evidence of endothelial and vascular involvement in COVID-19, the development of tests to detect vascular lesions may be critical to guide the use of new therapeutic strategies.

RESUMEN Introducción: a un niño de 8 meses con leucemia e infección por SARS-CoV-2 que desarrolló el fenómeno de Kasabach-Merritt. Tenía una muestra de RT-PCR de SARS-COV-2 positiva. Las pruebas hematológicas mostraron coagulopatía y afectación intestinal. Fue manejada en emergencia recibiendo apoyo transfusional y en hospitalización con medidas de aislamiento social, inició propanolol y corticoterapia como tratamiento inicial de los angiomas infantiles. Presentó síntomas de obstrucción intestinal y fue intervenida quirúrgicamente y se evidenció infarto hemorrágico con focos de necrosis isquémica intestinal, terminando en ileostomía. Intentamos comprender una explicación fisiopatológica de la afectación dermatológica y del tracto gastrointestinal por el virus y la forma atípica de COVID-19. Dada la evidencia emergente de la afectación endotelial y vascular en COVID-19, el desarrollo de pruebas para detectar lesiones vasculares puede ser crítico para guiar el uso de nuevas estrategias terapéuticas.

[Cross-sectional study of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with COVID-19 in Lima, Peru]. / Estudio transversal analítico de las características y desenlaces clínicos de niños hospitalizados con COVID-19 en Lima, Perú.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children occurred in Peru as of March 2020, leading to pediatric patients' hospitalization in areas adapted for this purpose at the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital. In the beginning, the demand for hospitalization was low, but it increased gradually. Consistent with international reports, the majority of patients presented mild or moderate symptoms. Nonetheless, there were also severe cases, even fatal ones. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics and clinical outcome of pediatric patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a referral hospital in Lima, Peru, between March and August 2020. METHODS: A descriptive and inferential cross-sectional study was carried out. The population includes all hospitalized patients in the Department of Pediatrics, with clinical and surgical diagnoses associated with COVID-19. RESULTS: We included 100 patients, with an average age of 83.4 ± 54 months, with a predominance of male patients (55%). Hospitalized patients were grouped into five categories: respiratory failure (17%), multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) (31%), neurological presentation (19%), acute abdomen (20%), and patients with oncological problems (13%). Most of the patients (74%) had comorbidities. Regarding the presenting symptoms, intestinal pain predominated in the appendicitis group (90%, p < 0.001), fever was present in most patients with respiratory failure (64.7%); multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (90.3%), neurological manifestations (15.8%), acute abdomen (50%) and oncological conditions (61.5%) were also present in these patients. Kawasaki symptoms were found in 38.7% of the patients with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome. Mortality was 4%. Respiratory problems (29.4%) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (22.6%) required admission to intensive care, more frequently than the other presentations (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the vulnerability in the pediatric population is the one that has preexisting conditions. We divided our patients according to presentation, diagnosis, and complications, which were predominantly respiratory. We also had oncological patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección por coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) en niños se presentó en Perú desde marzo del 2020. Desde entonces fue necesario internar pacientes pediátricos en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, en el área de hospitalización adaptada para dicho propósito. Al inicio, la demanda de hospitalización era baja y se fue incrementando progresivamente. Coincidiendo con los reportes internacionales, la mayoría presentó cuadros leves o moderados, pero también hubo casos graves e incluso mortales. OBJETIVOS: Describir las características y el desenlace clínico de los pacientes pediátricos con COVID-19 hospitalizados en un hospital de referencia en Lima, Perú, entre marzo y agosto de 2020. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo e inferencial. La población incluyó a todos los pacientes que se hospitalizaron en el Departamento de Pediatría Clínica, con diagnósticos clínicos y quirúrgicos asociados a COVID-19. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 100 pacientes, con edad promedio de 83,4 ± 54 meses, con predominio de varones (55%). Los pacientes hospitalizados fueron agrupados en cinco categorías: insuficiencia respiratoria (17%), síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (31%), presentación neurológica (19%), abdomen agudo (20%) y pacientes con problemas oncológicos (13%). La mayoría de los pacientes (74%) tenían comorbilidades. Respecto a los síntomas de presentación, el dolor intestinal predominó en el grupo de apendicitis (90%, p < 0,001), la fiebre estuvo presente en la mayoría de los pacientes con falla respiratoria (64,7%), el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico se registró en 90,3%, la sintomatología neurológica en 15,8%, el abdomen agudo 50% y oncológicos en 61,5% de los pacientes. Los síntomas de Kawasaki estuvieron presentes en 38,7% de los pacientes con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. La mortalidad fue de 4%. En 29,4% de problemas respiratorios y en 22,6% de síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico, se requirió de admisión en cuidados intensivos, lo que fue más frecuente que las otras presentaciones (p = 0,008). CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye que la población pediátrica vulnerable es aquella con comorbilidades preexistentes. La división de pacientes en nuestro estudio fue definida por la presentación, diagnóstico y complicaciones predominantemente con problemas respiratorios, y en pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19.

Estudio transversal analítico de las características y desenlaces clínicos de niños hospitalizados con COVID-19 en Lima, Perú / Cross-sectional study of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with COVID-19 in Lima, Peru

Introducción La infección por coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) en niños se presentó en Perú desde marzo del 2020. Desde entonces fue necesario internar pacientes pediátricos en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, en el área de hospitalización adaptada para dicho propósito. Al inicio, la demanda de hospitalización era baja y se fue incrementando progresivamente. Coincidiendo con los reportes internacionales, la mayoría presentó cuadros leves o moderados, pero también hubo casos graves e incluso mortales. Objetivos Describir las características y el desenlace clínico de los pacientes pediátricos con COVID-19 hospitalizados en un hospital de referencia en Lima, Perú, entre marzo y agosto de 2020. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo e inferencial. La población incluyó a todos los pacientes que se hospitalizaron en el Departamento de Pediatría Clínica, con diagnósticos clínicos y quirúrgicos asociados a COVID-19. Resultados Incluimos 100 pacientes, con edad promedio de 83,4 ± 54 meses, con predominio de varones (55%). Los pacientes hospitalizados fueron agrupados en cinco categorías: insuficiencia respiratoria (17%), síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (31%), presentación neurológica (19%), abdomen agudo (20%) y pacientes con problemas oncológicos (13%). La mayoría de los pacientes (74%) tenían comorbilidades. Respecto a los síntomas de presentación, el dolor intestinal predominó en el grupo de apendicitis (90%, p < 0,001), la fiebre estuvo presente en la mayoría de los pacientes con falla respiratoria (64,7%), el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico se registró en 90,3%, la sintomatología neurológica en 15,8%, el abdomen agudo 50% y oncológicos en 61,5% de los pacientes. Los síntomas de Kawasaki estuvieron presentes en 38,7% de los pacientes con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. La mortalidad fue de 4%. En 29,4% de problemas respiratorios y en 22,6% de síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico, se requirió de admisión en cuidados intensivos, lo que fue más frecuente que las otras presentaciones (p = 0,008). Conclusiones Se concluye que la población pediátrica vulnerable es aquella con comorbilidades preexistentes. La división de pacientes en nuestro estudio fue definida por la presentación, diagnóstico y complicaciones predominantemente con problemas respiratorios, y en pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19.

Introduction Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children occurred in Peru as of March 2020, leading to pediatric patients' hospitalization in areas adapted for this purpose at the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital. In the beginning, the demand for hospitalization was low, but it increased gradually. Consistent with international reports, the majority of patients presented mild or moderate symptoms. Nonetheless, there were also severe cases, even fatal ones. Objectives To describe the characteristics and clinical outcome of pediatric patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a referral hospital in Lima, Peru, between March and August 2020. Methods A descriptive and inferential cross-sectional study was carried out. The population includes all hospitalized patients in the Department of Pediatrics, with clinical and surgical diagnoses associated with COVID-19. Results We included 100 patients, with an average age of 83.4 ± 54 months, with a predominance of male patients (55%). Hospitalized patients were grouped into five categories: respiratory failure (17%), multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) (31%), neurological presentation (19%), acute abdomen (20%), and patients with oncological problems (13%). Most of the patients (74%) had comorbidities. Regarding the presenting symptoms, intestinal pain predominated in the appendicitis group (90%, p < 0.001), fever was present in most patients with respiratory failure (64.7%); multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (90.3%), neurological manifestations (15.8%), acute abdomen (50%) and oncological conditions (61.5%) were also present in these patients. Kawasaki symptoms were found in 38.7% of the patients with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome. Mortality was 4%. Respiratory problems (29.4%) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (22.6%) required admission to intensive care, more frequently than the other presentations (p = 0.008). Conclusions We conclude that the vulnerability in the pediatric population is the one that has preexisting conditions. We divided our patients according to presentation, diagnosis, and complications, which were predominantly respiratory. We also had oncological patients with COVID-19.