Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Extract as a Natural Additive in Food Packaging Biodegradable Films to Improve Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Physicochemical Properties.

In this study, biodegradable active films were prepared from potato starch and polyvinyl alcohol at different proportions, mixed with acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) and using glycerol as a plasticizer. Functional properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Potato starch films with a proportion of polyvinyl alcohol up to 50% and HS extract had significant antioxidant capacity and antibacterial effect against most of the analyzed strains. Adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and HS extract improved the mechanical performance and reduced water vapor permeability of the materials. The active biobased films with HS extract presented good physicochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These materials are considered as suitable for food packaging, and the active compounds in the roselle extract are a natural antibacterial option for the food area. The materials based entirely on biodegradable products are an excellent alternative when developing and marketing biobased materials, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging.

Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in children in Spain attended in a Pediatric Emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cases of acute mastoiditis, characteristics, management and complications in children attended in the emergency department. METHODS: Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in a Spanish tertiary hospital over a 6-year period (2018-2023). RESULTS: One hundred two episodes of acute mastoiditis were analyzed (54% males, median age 1.8 years). Microorganisms were isolated in one third of cases, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes (64% of ear secretion cultures). Complications occurred in 27.5%, primarily subperiosteal abscess. A younger age, absence of vaccination schedule, previous history of otitis, cochlear implant carriers or white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications. Complicated cases had longer hospitalizations. Treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgery in 50% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows an increase of acute mastoiditis during 2023, with a relevant role of S. pyogenes. A younger age, absence of vaccination, personal history of otitis or cochlear implant, blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications.

Emergency department evaluation of transplanted children with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Children usually have an asymptomatic or mild course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, studies in immunocompromised patients have shown a different evolution. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic manifestations of pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective, observational descriptive study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in Madrid (Spain) between March 2020 and December 2022. Consecutive patients aged 0-18 attending the corresponding pediatric emergency departments with a positive result in the real-time polymerase chain reaction test or antigenic test to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the nasopharyngeal sample were included. RESULTS: A total of 31 children were included in the study. Sixteen (51.6%) were patients with HSCT and 15 (48.3) were patients with SOT. The median time from transplantation to COVID-19 was 1.2 years (IQR:0.5-5.1). The SOT cohort included liver (n = 4, 12.9%), kidney (n = 4, 12.9%), heart (n = 3, 9.7%), multivisceral (n = 3, 9.7%), and lung (n = 1, 3.2%). Of the 31 patients, only one was asymptomatic. The most common symptom on presentation was fever (76.7%). Abnormalities were seen on chest X-ray in 8 (66.6%) of the 12 patients. There was no significant difference in clinical manifestations, lymphopenia and radiological findings regardless of the type of transplantation or immunosuppression status. Thirteen patients (41.9%) were hospitalized. There were no patient deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that the clinical course and outcome of SOT and HSCT pediatric patients with COVID-19 were generally favorable.

Stimulation of Potent Humoral and Cellular Immunity via Synthetic Dual-Antigen MVA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine COH04S1 in Cancer Patients Post Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell patients are immunocompromised, remain at high risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection, and are less likely than immunocompetent individuals to respond to vaccination. As part of the safety lead-in portion of a phase 2 clinical trial in patients post HCT/CAR-T for hematological malignancies (HM), we tested the immunogenicity of the synthetic modified vaccinia Ankara-based COVID-19 vaccine COH04S1 co-expressing spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens. Thirteen patients were vaccinated 3-12 months post HCT/CAR-T with two to four doses of COH04S1. SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies to ancestral virus and variants of concern (VOC), were measured up to six months post vaccination and compared to immune responses in historical cohorts of naïve healthy volunteers (HV) vaccinated with COH04S1 and naïve healthcare workers (HCW) vaccinated with the FDA-approved mRNA vaccine Comirnaty® (Pfizer, New York, NY, USA). After one or two COH04S1 vaccine doses, HCT/CAR-T recipients showed a significant increase in S- and N-specific binding antibody titers and neutralizing antibodies with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral virus and VOC, including the highly immune evasive Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. Furthermore, vaccination with COH04S1 resulted in a significant increase in S- and N-specific T cells, predominantly CD4+ T lymphocytes. Elevated S- and N-specific immune responses continued to persist at six months post vaccination. Furthermore, both humoral and cellular immune responses in COH04S1-vaccinated HCT/CAR-T patients were superior or comparable to those measured in COH04S1-vaccinated HV or Comirnaty®-vaccinated HCW. These results demonstrate robust stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 S- and N-specific immune responses including cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies by COH04S1 in HM patients post HCT/CAR-T, supporting further testing of COH04S1 in immunocompromised populations.

Neurofibromatosis tipo 1 o enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen. Presentación de caso

La neurofibromatosis tipo I o enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen es una de las enfermedades genéticas que afectan el sistema nervioso, denominada así por su origen común embrionario. Es una enfermedad autosómica dominante, progresiva, de evolución impredecible, que afecta la piel y el sistema nervioso central y periférico. Se presenta el caso de una escolar, femenina, de siete años de edad que ingresó en el Hospital Pediátrico Paquito Gonzáles Cueto debido a la presencia de varias manchas en la piel color "café con leche". Se recogió como antecedente familiar la presencia de neurofibromatosis tipo 1 en la abuela y bisabuela materna, esta última ya fallecida por dicha causa. Al examen físico se constataron nódulos de Lisch en espesor del iris del ojo izquierdo. Los estudios de imágenes evidenciaron varias lesiones nodulares hiperintensas en T2 y FLAIR, a nivel de la cápsula interna y externa bilateral y ventricular izquierda, la mayor de 20 x 11 mm, así como imagen hipointensa a nivel del nervio óptico izquierdo, de 7 mm. Se diagnosticó como neurofibromatosis tipo I. Por ser una de las enfermedades menos estudiadas en nuestro medio se decidió la publicación de este caso.

Neurofibromatosis type I or Von Recklinghausen's disease is one of the genetic diseases that affect the nervous system, named for its common embryonic origin. It is an autosomal dominant, progressive disease with an unpredictable course that affects the skin and the central and peripheral nervous system. The case of a seven-year-old female schoolchild who was admitted to the Paquito Gonzáles Cueto Pediatric Hospital due to the presence of several "coffee-with-milk" spots on her skin is presented. The presence of type 1 neurofibromatosis in her maternal grandmother and great-grandmother, the latter already deceased from said cause, was collected as a family history. On physical examination, Lisch nodules were found in the thickness of the iris of the left eye. Imaging studies revealed several hyperintense nodular lesions on T2 and FLAIR, at the level of the internal and external bilateral and left ventricular capsule, the largest measuring 20 x 11 mm, as well as a hypointense image at the level of the left optic nerve, measuring 7 mm. It was diagnosed as neurofibromatosis type I. Because it is one of the least studied diseases in our environment, it was decided to publish this case.

Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells of donor origin in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients of a T-cell-replete infusion: A prospective observational study.

In the current post-pandemic era, recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) deserve special attention. In these vulnerable patients, vaccine effectiveness is reduced by post-transplant immune-suppressive therapy; consequently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) is often associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 adaptive immunity transfer from immune donors to HCT recipients in the context of immunosuppression will help identify optimal timing and vaccination strategies that can provide adequate protection to HCT recipients against infection with evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. We performed a prospective observational study (NCT04666025 at ClinicalTrials.gov) to longitudinally monitor the transfer of SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral immunity from HCT donors, who were either vaccinated or had a history of COVID-19, to their recipients via T-cell replete graft. Levels, function, and quality of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses were longitudinally analyzed up to 6 months post-HCT in 14 matched unrelated donor/recipients and four haploidentical donor/recipient pairs. A markedly skewed donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 CD4 T-cell response was measurable in 15 (83%) recipients. It showed a polarized Th1 functional profile, with the prevalence of central memory phenotype subsets. SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ was detectable throughout the observation period, including early post-transplant (day +30). Functionally experienced SARS-CoV-2 Th1-type T cells promptly expanded in two recipients at the time of post-HCT vaccination and in two others who were infected and survived post-transplant COVID-19 infection. Our data suggest that donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 T-cell responses are functional in immunosuppressed recipients and may play a critical role in post-HCT vaccine response and protection from the fatal disease. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04666025.

Analysis of Cadmium Retention Mechanisms by a Smectite Clay in the Presence of Carbonates.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with very low permissible exposure limits and is, thus, a very dangerous pollutant for the environment and public health and is considered by the World Health Organisation as one of the ten chemicals of major public concern. Adsorption onto solid phases and (co)precipitation processes are the most powerful mechanisms to retain pollutants and limit their migration; thus, the understanding of these processes is fundamental for assessing the risks of their presence in the environment. In this study, the immobilisation of Cd by smectite clay has been investigated by batch sorption tests, and the experimental data were interpreted with a thermodynamic model, including cation exchange and surface complexation processes. The model can describe the adsorption of Cd in smectite under a wide range of experimental conditions (pH, ionic strength, and Cd concentration). Under the conditions analysed in this study, the precipitation of otavite (CdCO3) is shown to have a limited contribution to Cd immobilisation.

Enfermedad relacionada a IgG4. Serie clínica de pacientes chilenos / IGG4-related disease. Report of 52 patients

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease (IgG4 RD) is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disorder, with tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells. It causes pseudotumors, tumors, and a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. AIM: To report the clinical, laboratory, histopathological and treatment characteristics of a group of Chilean patients with IgG4 RD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 52 patients aged 18 to 76 years with IgG4 RD seen at six medical centers. RESULTS: Elevated IgG4 serum levels (> 135 mg/dl) were found in 18 of 44 (41%) patients. There was histological confirmation of the disease in 46 patients. The most common sites of involvement were lungs, eyes and kidneys. Eighteen (35%) patients had only one organ involved, 34 (65%) patients had two organs and 13 (25%) patients had three or more organs. The involvement of two organs was significantly more common in men (p < 0.05). In patients with only one organ involvement, the most frequent location was orbital and meningeal. All patients with kidney or lung disease had multiorgan involvement. All patients received corticosteroid therapy, 67% synthetic immunosuppressants, and 16% rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: ER-IgG4 can affect any tissue. Multiorgan involvement was more common in this series, with preference for lungs, eyes and kidneys. An excellent response to steroids is characteristic of the disease, but with a high relapse rate that requires additional immunosuppression.

Differential Expression of Proteins in an Atypical Presentation of Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare disease defined as a defect in the lymphocyte apoptotic pathway. Currently, the diagnosis of ALPS is based on clinical aspects, defective lymphocyte apoptosis and mutations in Fas, FasL and Casp 10 genes. Despite this, ALPS has been misdiagnosed. The aim of this work was to go one step further in the knowledge of the disease, through a molecular and proteomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from two children, a 13-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, called patient 1 and patient 2, respectively, with clinical data supporting the diagnosis of ALPS. Fas, FasL and Casp10 genes from both patients were sequenced, and a sample of the total proteins from patient 1 was analyzed by label-free proteomics. Pathway analysis of deregulated proteins from PBMCs was performed on the STRING and PANTHER bioinformatics databases. A mutation resulting in an in-frame premature stop codon and protein truncation was detected in the Fas gene from patient 2. From patient 1, the proteomic analysis showed differences in the level of expression of proteins involved in, among other processes, cell cycle, regulation of cell cycle arrest and immune response. Noticeably, the most down-regulated protein is an important regulator of the cell cycle process. This could be an explanation of the disease in patient 1.

Ultra-minimally Invasive Sonographically-guided Trigger Digit Release: An External Pilot Study.

Objectives: The most common surgical option for releasing the first annular pulley in trigger digit (TD) is classic open surgery followed by blind percutaneous release. However, they have been related to major complications and incomplete releases, respectively. Intrasheath sonographically-guided first annular pulley release has recently been shown to be safe and effective in every digit. The objectives of this pilot study were to preliminary compare clinically an intrasheath sonographically-guided first annular pulley release versus a classic open technique and to evaluate the feasibility of a future clinical trial in patients with TDs. Methods: Thirty patients were randomized 1:1 in an external pilot study comparing the two surgical techniques: a percutaneous sonographically-guided release performed through a 1 mm incision using a hook knife versus a classic open surgery with a 1 cm incision. Inclusion criteria were primary TD grade III (Froimson). We defined success if primary (safety and efficacy) and secondary (recruitment rates, compliance, completion, treatment blinding, personnel resources, and sample size calculation for the clinical trial) objectives could be matched. We registered the grip strength, the QuickDASH score and a set of postoperative clinical variables at one, three, and six weeks and at three months. We calculated the sample size for the clinical trial using the QuickDASH at the end of the follow-up. Outcomes assessors were blinded. Results: All patients in both groups showed resolution of their symptoms with no associated complications or relapses. Secondary feasibility objectives were matched: 76.9% of eligible patients were included in the study, 3.3% refused randomization, 20 patients per month were recruited, 100% received blinded treatment, 98.5% showed compliance, and 100% completed the study. The sample size for a future clinical trial was 84 patients. There were no differences in grip strength. The intrasheath sonographically-guided first annular pulley release showed significantly better QuickDASH scores, until the sixth postoperative week. Conclusions: The intrasheath sonographically-guided first annular pulley release is safe and efficacious, and shows a trend toward clinical superiority versus the classic open procedure, which should be confirmed with a clinical trial. Our study shows that a randomized clinical trial is feasible.

Gout during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: increased flares, urate levels and functional improvement.

INTRODUCTION: Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis, but was not considered in most COVID-19 and rheumatic diseases reports. Our aim was to describe changes in clinical data, treatment, function and quality of life for gout patients during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Prospective, descriptive and analytical study of 101 consecutive gout (ACR/EULAR 2015) patients from our clinic evaluated during pandemic by phone call (n=52) or phone call + face-to-face (n=68) that accepted to participate. Variables are demographics, clinical and treatment data, HAQ, EQ5D questionnaires and COVID-19-related data. Patients were divided in two groups: flare (n=36) or intercritical gout (n=65) also; available pre-pandemic data was obtained from 71 patients. Statistical analyses are X2, paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Included gout patients were males (95.8%), mean (SD) age 54.7 (10.7) years and disease duration 16.4 (9.8) years; 90% received allopurinol, 50% colchicine as prophylaxis and 25% suspended ≥ 1 medication. Comparison of pre-pandemic vs pandemic data showed > flares (4.4% vs 36%, p=0.01), more flares in the last 6 months: 0.31 (0.75) vs 1.71 (3.1), (p=0.004 and > urate levels: 5.6 (1.7)vs 6.7 (2.2) mg/dL, p=0.016. Unexpectedly, function and quality-of-life scores improved: HAQ score 0.65 (2.16) vs 0.12 (0.17), p= 0.001. Seven patients were COVID-19-confirmed cases; they had significantly more flares, higher urate levels and lower allopurinol doses and two died. CONCLUSIONS: In gout patients, flares were 9 times more frequent during pandemic also, they had increased urate levels but led to an unexpected improvement in HAQ and functionality scores. Resilience and lifestyle changes in gout during COVID-19 pandemic require further studies. Key Points • COVID-19 pandemic is associated with 4 times more flares in gout patients. • Increased flares were also seen in previously well-controlled gout patients. • Increased serum urate levels were also found in gout patients during pandemic. • In our gout clinic, 8/101 patients were diagnosed as COVID-19+, and two of them died.

[IGG4-related disease. Report of 52 patients]. / Enfermedad relacionada a IgG4. Serie clínica de pacientes chilenos.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease (IgG4 RD) is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disorder, with tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells. It causes pseudotumors, tumors, and a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. AIM: To report the clinical, laboratory, histopathological and treatment characteristics of a group of Chilean patients with IgG4 RD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 52 patients aged 18 to 76 years with IgG4 RD seen at six medical centers. RESULTS: Elevated IgG4 serum levels (> 135 mg/dl) were found in 18 of 44 (41%) patients. There was histological confirmation of the disease in 46 patients. The most common sites of involvement were lungs, eyes and kidneys. Eighteen (35%) patients had only one organ involved, 34 (65%) patients had two organs and 13 (25%) patients had three or more organs. The involvement of two organs was significantly more common in men (p < 0.05). In patients with only one organ involvement, the most frequent location was orbital and meningeal. All patients with kidney or lung disease had multiorgan involvement. All patients received corticosteroid therapy, 67% synthetic immunosuppressants, and 16% rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: ER-IgG4 can affect any tissue. Multiorgan involvement was more common in this series, with preference for lungs, eyes and kidneys. An excellent response to steroids is characteristic of the disease, but with a high relapse rate that requires additional immunosuppression.

Impact of previous tobacco use with or without cannabis on first psychotic experiences in patients with first-episode psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: There is high prevalence of cigarette smoking in individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) prior to psychosis onset. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of previous tobacco use with or without cannabis on first psychotic experiences in FEP and the impact of this use on age of onset of symptoms, including prodromes. METHODS: Retrospective analyses from the naturalistic, longitudinal, multicentre, "Phenotype-Genotype and Environmental Interaction. Application of a Predictive Model in First Psychotic Episodes (PEPs)" Study. The authors analysed sociodemographic/clinical data of 284 FEP patients and 231 matched healthy controls, and evaluated first psychotic experiences of patients using the Symptom Onset in Schizophrenia Inventory. RESULTS: FEP patients had significantly higher prevalence of tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine use than controls. The FEP group with tobacco use only prior to onset (N = 56) had more sleep disturbances (42.9% vs 18.8%, P = 0.003) and lower prevalence of negative symptoms, specifically social withdrawal (33.9% vs 58%, P = 0.007) than FEP with no substance use (N = 70), as well as lower prevalence of ideas of reference (80.4% vs 92.4%, P = 0.015), perceptual abnormalities (46.4% vs 67.4%, P = 0.006), hallucinations (55.4% vs 71.5%, P = 0.029), and disorganised thinking (41.1% vs 61.1%, P = 0.010) than FEP group with previous tobacco and cannabis use (N = 144). FEP patients with cannabis and tobacco use had lower age at first prodromal or psychotic symptom (mean = 23.73 years [SD = 5.09]) versus those with tobacco use only (mean = 26.21 [SD = 4.80]) (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The use of tobacco alone was not related to earlier age of onset of a first psychotic experience, but the clinical profile of FEP patients is different depending on previous tobacco use with or without cannabis.

Coccygodynia Due to a Sacrococcygeal Anomaly: A Rare Cause of Constipation.

ABSTRACT: We report a case of an uncommon sacrococcygeal anomaly in a healthy girl initially presenting to the emergency department with coccygodynia and a past history of longstanding constipation. The clinical evolution was satisfactory once the bony anomaly was removed (coccygectomy). This unusual case exemplifies the importance of the medical history and physical examination to make an accurate diagnosis. An inadequate intervention may result in persistent pain, worsening longstanding constipation, and psychosocial and medical consequences.

Large pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with Behçet's disease treated with an Amplatzer vascular plug.

This is the case of a 33-year-old man with Behçet's disease who presented with recurrent haemoptysis and a rapidly expanding right pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. Due to the significant risk of major bleeding and death, he was promptly treated with an Amplatzer vascular plug.

Dysentery by CTX-M Type ESBL Producing Shigella flexneri / Disentería por Shigella flexneri productora de BLEE tipo CTX-M

According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal infections cause 525 000 deaths of children under five years of age every year, and shigellosis. Shigellosis is a relevant cause of dysentery, which increases the morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Therefore, emergingthe emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains of Shigella is a concerningworrisome problem worldwide. We report the case of a 7-year-old patient with acute dysentery caused by CTX-M Type ESBL Producing Shigella flexneri, being. This was the first case treated in the Specialties Hospital of Specialties of the Armed Forces N°1, in Quito, Ecuador. The antibiogram demonstrated sensibilityshowed sensitivity to ampicillin-sulbactam. As a result, after five days of microbiologically directed treatment, the patient improved his condition without relapse. Proper clinical diagnoses and accurate laboratory studies like stool culture and antibiogram are crucial to givingindicate an appropriate therapy in infections caused by Shigella and other enteric bacilli(AU)

Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, las infecciones diarreicas provocan 525 000 muertes de niños menores de cinco años de edad cada año. La shigelosis es una causa importante de disentería que aumenta la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes pediátricos. Es por eso que el surgimiento de cepas de Shigella resistentes a los antibióticos es un preocupante problema a nivel mundial. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 7 años de edad con disentería aguda provocada por Shigella flexneri productora de BLEE tipo CTX-M. Se trata del primer caso tratado en el Hospital de Especialidades de las Fuerzas Armadas Nº 1, en Quito, Ecuador. El antibiograma mostró sensibilidad a la combinación ampicilina/sulbactam. Al cabo de cinco días de tratamiento microbiológico, el paciente mejoró su estado y no se produjeron recaídas. Un diagnóstico clínico correcto, así como estudios precisos de laboratorio como los cultivos de heces y los antibiogramas, son vitales para indicar una terapia apropiada en las infecciones causadas por Shigella y otros bacilos entéricos(AU)

Acute Terminal Ileitis in Children: A Retrospective Study in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of patients diagnosed with acute ileitis in our pediatric emergency department. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with terminal ileitis by abdominal ultrasonography findings in our pediatric emergency department, over the years 2013 and 2014. Patients with previous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were excluded. Data collected were clinical, radiological, and laboratory data at diagnosis; outcome including hospitalization care; and outpatient follow-up in pediatric gastroenterology and/or primary care. RESULTS: A total of 20 cases were retrieved and studied. All of them presented with abdominal pain, 65% located in the right lower quadrant. Leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels (means, 12,889; 4/µL; 50.1 mg/L; and 575 mg/dL, respectively) were above normal range. Hemoglobin and platelet count were normal. A microbial cause of ileitis was found in 3 cases (Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni, and Adenovirus). Nine patients were referred to a pediatric gastroenterology unit. No cases of IBD were found. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ileitis is a rare and benign cause of abdominal pain in the pediatric emergency department. The main intervention on initial assessment is to rule out potentially severe causes of abdominal pain that could benefit of an emergency surgical procedure. In contrast with adults and adolescents, acute ileitis in children does not have a clear association with development of IBD.

Amputaciones múltiples secundarias a púrpura fulminans en un adulto joven: una perspectiva en rehabilitación / Multiple amputations secondary to purpura fulminans in a young adult: a rehabilitation perspective

La infección por Neisseria meningitidis es causa frecuente de meningitis y septicemia en personas con factores de riesgo; presenta graves complicaciones entre las que se encuentra la púrpura fulminans; patología poco frecuente pero devastadora que inicia con la aparición de lesiones purpúricas en la piel y que finalmente produce compromiso vascular importante, ocasionando necrosis de tejidos profundos, lo cual lleva a amputaciones. Se reporta el caso de un adulto joven, masculino, miembro de las fuerzas militares, en quien se confirma infección por meningococo; presenta meningococcemia sin meningitis, desarrolla púrpura fulminans y finalmente, después de estabilización hemodinámica, requiere amputaciones múltiples secundarias: transtibiales bilaterales y en falanges de mano izquierda. Posterior al egreso de la hospitalización inicia proceso de rehabilitación y 9 meses después logra deambulación con prótesis en miembros inferiores.

Neisseria meningitidis infection is a frequent cause of meningitis and septicemia in people with risk factors; it presents serious complications including purpura fulminans, a rare but devastating pathology that starts with the appearance of purpuric lesions on the skin and finally produces important vascular compromise, causing necrosis of deep tissues, which leads to amputations. We report the case of a young adult male, member of the military forces, in whom meningococcal infection is confirmed; he presents meningococcemia without meningitis, develops purpura fulminans and finally, after hemodynamic stabilization, requires multiple secondary amputations: bilateral transtibial and left hand phalanges. After discharge from the hospital, she started rehabilitation and 9 months later she was able to ambulate with prosthesis in the lower limbs.