Association between oral and fecal microbiome dysbiosis and treatment complications in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The oral and gastrointestinal mucosae represent the main targets of the toxic effect of chemo and/or radiotherapy administered during the conditioning regimen before hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). These harmful consequences and the immunological complications that may occur after the transplant (such as Graft versus Host Disease, GvHD) are responsible for the clinical symptoms associated with mucositis during the aplasia phase, like pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These toxicities could play a critical role in the oral and gastrointestinal microbiomes during the post-transplant phase, and the degree of microbial dysbiosis and dysregulation among different bacterial species could also be crucial in intestinal mucosa homeostasis, altering the host's innate and adaptive immune responses and favoring abnormal immune responses responsible for the occurrence of GvHD. This prospective pediatric study aims to analyze longitudinally oral and gut microbiomes in 17 pediatric patients who received allogeneic HSCT for malignant and non-malignant diseases. The oral mucositis was mainly associated with an increased relative abundance of Fusobacteria, and Prevotella species, while Streptococcus descendants showed a negative correlation. The fecal microbiome of subjects affected by cutaneous acute GvHD (aGvHD) correlated with Proteobacteria. Oral mucosal microbiota undergoes changes after HSCT, Fusobacteria, and Prevotella represent bacterial species associated with mucositis and they could be the target for future therapeutic approaches, while fecal microbiome in patients with acute GvHD (aGvHD) revealed an increase of different class of Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria) and a negative correlation with the class of Gammaproteobacteria.

Educación alimentaria en pacientes en dialisis / Nutritional education in dialysis patients

La enfermedad renal crónica terminal aumenta el riesgo cardiovascular y puede ocasionar defectos en la mineralización ósea. Para prevenir esto, se debe mantener el fósforo plasmático normal, que depende de la diálisis, los quelantes y la ingesta de fósforo, principalmente de origen inorgánico, incorporado mediante aditivos alimentarios. Las intervenciones nutricionales son pilares en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El objetivo es facilitar estrategias alimentarias a un grupo de pacientes pediátricos en diálisis, mediante educación alimentaria nutricional, para aumentar el consumo de alimentos naturales, disminuyendo la ingesta de fósforo inorgánico especialmente de los productos cárnicos procesados. Materiales y métodos: se estudió una población pediátrica en diálisis. Se preparó un programa educativo con atención personalizada, instrucción alimentaria y seguimiento mensual, seguido de un taller. Resultados: n: 17 pacientes, edad decimal media de 12,3, 53% sexo masculino, 88% en hemodiálisis. Previo a la intervención el 64,7% consumía productos cárnicos procesados. Luego del taller el 58,8% disminuyó su consumo, el 41,2% aumentó la ingesta de preparaciones caseras, el 53% incorporó nuevos condimentos, de los cuales el 89% presentó al incorporarlos, mejor aceptación a las preparaciones. Conclusiones: la hiperfosfatemia está presente en alrededor del 50% de los pacientes en diálisis asociándose a un incremento entre 20% al 40% del riesgo de mortalidad. La presencia de fósforo oculto en los alimentos y la falta de adherencia hacen prioritario trabajar en programas educativos que favorezcan el aprendizaje colaborativo, centralizados en prácticas culinarias, para brindar herramientas que faciliten una alimentación natural, disminuyendo el consumo de ultraprocesados (AU)

Chronic end-stage renal disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and may lead to defects in bone mineralization. In order to prevent these risks, normal plasma phosphorus levels should be maintained. Achieving this goal depends on dialysis, chelators, and phosphorus intake, mainly of inorganic origin, incorporated through food supplements. Nutritional interventions are crucial in the treatment of these patients. The objective is to facilitate nutritional strategies to a group of pediatric dialysis patients, through food education, to increase the consumption of natural foods, decreasing the intake of inorganic phosphorus, especially from processed meat products. Materials and methods: a pediatric population undergoing dialysis was studied. An educational program was prepared with personalized care, nutritional instruction, and monthly follow-up visits, followed by a workshop. Results: n: 17 patients, mean age 12.3 years, 53% male, 88% on hemodialysis. Prior to the intervention, 64.7% consumed processed meat products. After the workshop, 58.8% decreased their consumption, 41.2% increased the intake of homemade food, 53% incorporated new seasonings, of whom 89% reported better acceptance of the preparations when they were incorporated. Conclusions: hyperphosphatemia is observed in around 50% of patients undergoing dialysis and is associated with a 20% to 40% increased risk of mortality. The presence of hidden phosphorus in food and the lack of adherence point to the need for the development of educational programs that promote collaborative learning, focusing on food-preparation practices. These programs should provide tools that facilitate a natural diet, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed food (AU)

Evaluación de la técnica de conteo de grasas y ajuste de enzimas pancreáticas en un grupo de pacientes con insuficiencia pancreática secundaria a fibrosis quística con seguimiento en un hospital de alta complejidad / Evaluation of the fat counting technique and pancreatic enzyme adjustment in a group of patients with pancreatic insufficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis followed-up in a tertiary-level hospital

Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de la técnica de conteo de grasas y ajuste de enzimas pancreáticas en un grupo de pacientes con insuficiencia pancreática secundaria a fibrosis quística (FQ). Materiales y métodos: En un grupo de pacientes con FQ, sin otra patología asociada, mayores de 1 año, con >10 000 UKD (unidades por kilo por día) de lipasa; se realizó educación y aplicación de técnica de conteo de grasas con ajuste enzimático, solicitando Van de Kamer y registro alimentario de 5 días durante la recolección de la muestra con un intervalo de 3 meses entre ambas determinaciones. Se evaluó la efectividad de la misma y las dosis de enzimas utilizadas mediante el porcentaje de excreción grasa (PEG), así como las variaciones en la cantidad de enzimas utilizadas y la ganancia de peso. Los datos se registraron en RED Cap (Research Electronic Data Capture) y se analizaron mediante Stata 12. Resultados: De un total de 21 pacientes, 16 completaron la intervención. El 50% presentó un índice de masa corporal (IMC) mayor del Plo 25 antes y después, un 87% alcanzó adecuación calórica mayor del 120% de la ingestas diarias recomendadas (RDA) al final, logrando un aumento promedio de z score de peso de 0,28 con una media inicial de 17 kg y final de 18,2 kg. En cuanto a la media del requerimiento enzimático fue de 14 800 UKD antes y 10 145 UKD después (z=0,002), asimismo el porcentaje de excreción grasa (PEG) tuvo una disminución del 38% (p=0,1705). Conclusiones: La implementación de la técnica de conteo de grasas y ajuste enzimático, podría ser una estrategia válida para aquellos pacientes con FQ que tienen dosis altas de enzimas e inadecuada ganancia de peso (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the fat counting technique and pancreatic enzyme adjustment in a group of patients with pancreatic insufficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis (CF). Materials and methods: A group of patients with CF without other associated diseases, older than 1 year of age, lipase dose >10 000 UKD (units per kilo per day), received education on the fat counting technique with enzyme adjustment followed by its implementation of the intervention. Van de Kamer was requested and a 5-day food record was kept during the sample collection with an interval of 3 months between both measurements. The effectiveness of the technique and the enzyme doses used were evaluated based on the percentage of fat excretion (PFE), as well as the variations in the amount of enzymes used and weight gain. Data were recorded in RED Cap (Research Electronic Data Capture) and analyzed using Stata 12. Results: Of a total of 21 patients, 16 completed the intervention. Fifty percent had a body mass index (BMI) greater than Plo 25 before and after the intervention; 87% had achieved a caloric increase greater than 120% of the recommended daily intake (RDA) at the end of the study and an average increase in weight z score of 0.28 with an initial mean of 17 kg and a final mean of 18.2 kg. Mean enzyme requirement was 14 800 UKD before and 10 145 UKD after the intervention (z=0.002). PFE decreased by 38% (p=0.1705). Conclusions: The implementation of the technique of fat counting and enzyme adjustment may be a valid strategy for CF patients with high enzyme doses and inadequate weight gain. (AU)

Situación nutricional y acciones implementadas en niños internados en salas de cuidados intermedios y moderados de un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Buenos Aires / Nutritional status and actions implemented in children admitted to intermediate and moderate care wards of a tertiary-care pediatric hospital in the city of Buenos Aires

Introducción: La malnutrición es un estado de deficiencia o exceso de nutrientes que provoca efectos nocivos y puede alterar el crecimiento aumentando la morbi-mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Incluyó niños/as de 1-18 años hospitalizados entre 2016-2018. Se obtuvieron datos de caracterización de la muestra y antropométricos. La herramienta de tamizaje nutricional pediátrico (HTNP) se utilizó para detectar riesgo nutricional y en este subgrupo se analizó: variación de peso, intervención nutricional, complicaciones infecciosas y estadía hospitalaria. El análisis de variables se realizó con SPSS Statistics 20. Resultados: Se evaluaron 745 pacientes, 373 niñas (50,1%). Mediana de edad 7,3 años. Estancia hospitalaria media de 4 días (1-123). Se observó 5,9% emaciados, 56,4% eutróficos, 16,8% sobrepeso y 20,9% obesidad. Con baja talla 13%. Se detectó riesgo nutricional con HTNP en 50,7% de los ingresos. Las patologías de base más frecuentes fueron cardiopatías y neoplasias. En pacientes con riesgo nutricional: estadía hospitalaria media de 5 días, 13,5% cursó con infecciones intrahospitalarias, 68% mantuvo o aumentó de peso durante la internación, 13,5% requirió apoyo nutricional (más utilizado el gavage en 59%). Conclusiones: El niño hospitalizado se encuentra en una situación de vulnerabilidad, por lo que el tamizaje y evaluación nutricional resultan acciones claves para prevenir el deterioro nutricional. En los niños con malnutrición las acciones llevadas a cabo por el Nutricionista Clínico como integrante del equipo de atención, revisten un rol clave para promover y garantizar el derecho de los pacientes a la alimentación adecuada y así mejorar su condición nutricional. (AU)

Introduction: Malnutrition is a state of nutrient deficiency or excess that causes harmful effects and can alter growth increasing morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods: retrospective, descriptive study. Children aged 1-18 years admitted to the hospital between 2016-2018 were included. Sample characterization and anthropometric data were collected. The pediatric nutritional screening tool (PNST) was used to identify nutritional risk and in this subgroup we analyzed: weight variation, nutritional intervention, infectious complications, and length of hospital stay. The analysis of variables was performed with SPSS Statistics 20. Results: 745 patients were evaluated, 373 were girls (50.1%). Median age was 7.3 years. Mean hospital stay was 4 days (1- 123). Among the patients, 5.9% were emaciated, 56.4% eutrophic, 16.8% overweight, and 20.9% obese. Thirteen percent of the patients had short stature. Nutritional risk was detected using HTNP in 50.7% of the admitted patients. The most frequent underlying diseases were heart disease and cancer. In patients at nutritional risk: mean hospital stay was 5 days, 13.5% had hospital-acquired infections, 68% maintained or gained weight during the hospital stay, 13.5% required nutritional support (gavage was the most frequently used in 59%). Conclusions: Hospitalized children are in a vulnerable situation, therefore nutritional screening and evaluation are key actions to prevent nutritional deterioration. In children with malnutrition, the Clinical Nutritionist, as a member of the health care team, plays a key role in promoting and guaranteeing the right of patients to adequate food and thus improve their nutritional condition (AU)

Complex odontoma at the upper right maxilla: Surgical management and histomorphological profile.

BACKGROUND: Odontomas are hamartomatous developmental malformations of the dental tissues. Usually asymptomatic, their presence is often revealed on routine radiographs. The study aimed to establish the efficacy of this conventional approach in treating odontomas, analysing clinical outcome, follow-up, and histomorphological profile. CASE REPORT: A case is presented with a review of the international literature. The patient, aged 8 years, had a complex odontoma localised on the front upper jaw. She was treated following the conventional surgical procedure. Post-operative course and healing were uneventful. Orthodontic treatment was necessary to realign the teeth. At the 12-month follow-up there was no recurrence or failure. Healing was excellent. CONCLUSION: Variations in normal tooth eruption are a common finding, but significant deviations from established norms should alert the clinician to further investigate the patient's health and development.

Tamizaje de riesgo nutricional en el niño hospitalizado: validación de una herramienta elaborada en un hospital de alta complejidad de Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Nutritional risk screening in hospitalized children: validation of a tool developed at a tertiary hospital in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción: El niño hospitalizado se encuentra en estado de vulnerabilidad nutricional. El tamizaje nutricional permite identificar malnutrición y/o el riesgo de desarrollarla, para realizar un abordaje precoz. El Área de Alimentación del Hospital Garrahan desarrolló la "Herramienta de Tamizaje Nutricional Pediátrico" (HTNP), dada la falta de consenso sobre un estándar de oro y para ajustar criterios a la población asistida. El objetivo de esta investigación fue su validación para niños en cuidados intermedios/ moderados. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Entre agosto de 2016 y abril de 2018 se reclutaron niños de 1 a 18 años internados en salas de cuidados intermedios/moderados seleccionadas, que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Se aplicaron: la HTNP y la valoración nutricional global subjetiva (VNGS) como prueba de comparación. La HTNP consta de tres criterios: Patología de base y motivo de internación- Disminución de peso- Deterioro de la actitud alimentaria. Se define riesgo nutricional si se cumple con dos criterios. Se analizaron: Sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN), factibilidad y reproducibilidad. Resultados: Se evaluaron 745 niños (50,1% sexo femenino; mediana de edad: 7,2 años). La HTNP detectó riesgo nutricional en 50,7% (n378) de los niños y la VNGS en 48,7% (n363). La HTNP presentó: Sensibilidad 87,3% (IC95% 83,8-90,9), Especificidad 84,0% (IC95% 80,2-87,8), VPP 83,9% (IC95%: 80,0­87,7) y VPN 87,5% (IC95%: 83,9-91,0). Del análisis de reproducibilidad con dos evaluadores independientes (n42) se obtuvo coeficiente kappa de 0,91 (0,74-1,0) y 0,78 (0,5-1,0) respectivamente. Su implementación llevo un promedio de tres minutos y medio (1-5 minutos). Conclusión: La HTNP es un instrumento simple, reproducible, práctico y factible de implementar para identificar pacientes en riesgo nutricional (AU)

Introduction: Hospitalized children are nutritionally vulnerable. Nutritional screening may identify malnutrition and/or the risk of developing malnutrition in order to start early intervention. The Food Services Area of Garrahan Hospital has developed a "Pediatric Nutritional Screening Tool (PNST) because of the lack of consensus on a gold standard and to finetune the criteria to the care population. The aim of this study was to validate the tool in children in intermediate/moderate care. Methods: A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Between August 2016 and April 2018 children from 1 to 18 years of age who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled on selected intermediate/ moderate care wards. The PNST was administered together with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) as a comparison test. The PNST consists of three criteria: Underlying disease and reason for admission- Weight loss- Deterioration of eating behavior. A patient was defined as being at nutritional risk was defined if two criteria were met. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), feasibility, and reproducibility were analyzed. Results: 745 children (50.1% female; median age: 7.2 years) were assessed. The PNST detected nutritional risk in 50.7% (n378) and the SGA in 48,7% (n363) of the children. The PNST showed: Sensitivity 87.3% (95%CI: 83.8-90.9), specificity 84.0% (95%CI: 80.2-87.8), PPV 83.9% (95%CI: 80.0­87.7), and NPV 87.5% (95%CI: 83,9-91,0). In a reproducibility analysis with two independent evaluators (n42) kappa coefficients of 0.91 (0.74-1.0) and 0.78 (0.5-1.0) were obtained, respectively. Administration of the tool took a mean of 3.5 inutes (1-5 minutes). Conclusion: The PNST is a simple, reproducible, practical, and feasible tool to use for the identification of patients at nutritional risk (AU)

Encuesta sobre factores de riesgo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personal hospitalario que asistió a un curso de alimentación saludable / Survey on the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases in hospital personnel attending a course on healthy eating

Introducción: Las ECNT constituyen la principal causa de muerte en nuestro país y representan una epidemia en aumento. La prevención debe concentrarse contra los factores de riesgo prevenibles, el tabaquismo, mala alimentación, falta de actividad física y consumo excesivo de alcohol. Objetivo: Describir la situación de salud y factores de riesgo de ECNT del Personal del Hospital Garrahan que asistió al curso de Alimentación Saludable. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal retrospectivo. Se realizó la encuesta "Situación de salud y factores de riesgo", por autorreporte durante el periodo 2015-2017. Los datos se analizaron con SPSS 20 para Windows. Resultados: Muestra de 194 alumnos, 81% mujeres. El 41.2% es universitario y el 50,8% no fuma. A mayor edad menor actividad física. Solo el 18% de la muestra cumplió con las recomendaciones de consumo de verduras y el 24% de frutas. El consumo de carne vacuna, supero la recomendación no así el pescado. El 31% siempre o casi siempre sobreagrega sal. El 70.1% toma de 1 a 4 vasos de agua, y solo el 6,34% más de 8 vasos. La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue del 53.6%. Las enfermedades metabólicas declaradas fueron del 39% entre HTA, colesterol alto y diabetes 2. Discusión: El exceso de peso, se correlaciona con el de la población argentina. Podría deberse al sedentarismo, y conductas alimentarias inadecuadas. Se observó que a medida que el IMC aumenta, el consumo de frutas, verduras y la realización de actividad física, disminuyen. Conclusión: Para crear nuevos hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física, es necesario información de calidad y herramientas para tomar acciones con responsabilidad sobre la mejora en el cuidado de su propia salud (AU)

Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in our country and a growing epidemic. Prevention should focus on preventable risk factors, such as smoking, poor eating habits, and excessive alcohol intake. Objective: To describe health status and risk factors for NCDs in the personnel of Garrahan Hospital that attended a Healthy Eating course. Material and methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. A selfreport survey "Health status and risk factors" was administered over the period 2015-2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 for Windows. Results: The sample consisted of 194 pupils; 81% was female. Overall, 41.2% had university education and 50,8% did not smoke. The older the age, the less physical exercise. Only 18% of the sample met the recommendations for vegetable intake and 24% those for fruit intake. Cow meat consumption was higher than the recommendations, but fish consumption was not. Overall, 31% always or almost always added too much salt. Of the sample, 70.1% drank 1 to 4 glasses of water and only 6,34% drank more than 8 glasses of water. The prevalence of overweight was 53.6%. Metabolic diseases, among which AHT, high cholesterol, and diabetes 2, were reported in 39%. Discussion: The rate of overweight, correlating with the general Argentine population, may be due to a sedentary lifestyle and inadequate eating habits. It was observed that when the BMI was higher, fruit and vegetable intake and physical exercise were lower. Conclusion: To develop new eating habits and increase physical exercise, quality information and tools are necessary in order to take responsible action regarding improvements in personal health care (AU)

Clinical, histomorphological and therapeutic features of the Van der Woude Syndrome: literature review and presentation of an unusual case.

BACKGROUND: Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), an autosomal dominant condition associated with lower lip pits and/or cleft palate, is caused by mutations in the interferon regulatory factor 6 gene (lRF6 gene). The genetic alterations identified to date that contribute to expression of the syndrome are chiefly mutations located on chromosome 1 (the largest of our chromosomes), mutations at p36 that codifies the gene GRHL (grainy-head transcriptor factor) and mutations involving IRF6 (interferon regulatory factor). With frequency ranging from 1:35,000 to 1:100,000, depending on ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status, the syndrome accounts for about 2% of orofacial clefts. The clinical and histomorphological aspects of VWS are studied, and a case of heterozygous female twins of whom only one was affected with VWS is reported. CONCLUSION: This very rare case (no similar case has been reported to date) contributes further evidence on modifying factors in the expression of this condition.

Role of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in the reparative mechanisms of stable ischemic myocardium.

BACKGROUND: Mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) into circulation from bone marrow in patients with acute myocardial infarction has strong scientific evidence; less is known about EPC mobilization in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of stable ischemic heart disease with EPC levels in tissue and blood. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive patients admitted to a single treatment center for valve or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries were included in the study. Blood samples were collected in the morning before surgery and analyzed by flow-cytometry to determine peripheral EPC levels (EPC/ml). Tissue EPC (CD34+VEGFR2+) levels were assessed on a right atrial appendage segment. RESULTS: Mean age was 76±5years, 48% were men, and 53% had CAD The number of CD34+ VEGFR2+ cells in the tissue of patients with CAD was significantly higher (p<0.005) and circulating EPC showed a tendency to be reduced by approximately 20% in peripheral blood of patients with CAD when compared to those without CAD. CONCLUSION: Patients with stable CAD had higher EPC density values (EPC/mm2) and were more likely to have lower EPC blood levels when compare with normal controls.

Uso de la antropometría para la evaluación nutricional en pacientes internados en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad: su aplicabilidad y limitaciones / The use of anthropometry in the nutritional evaluation of inpatients at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital: applicability and limitations

Introducción: En el niño hospitalizado, la valoración del estado nutricional es un indicador relevante. Si bien existen diferentes métodos de evaluación, las mediciones antropométricas brindan información objetiva aunque no siempre pueden completarse en las primeras horas de ingreso. Debido a su importancia clínica, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la aplicabilidad y las posibles dificultades técnicas en su realización, así como el estado nutricional, basado en mediciones de peso y estatura, de todos los niños que ingresaron a salas de cuidados intermedios y moderados (CIM) de un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Un único observador entrenado realizó la medición de peso y estatura, en las primeras 48 horas de ingreso al CIM, de todos los niños ingresados entre diciembre 2011 y febrero 2012. Se analizó el estado nutricional mediante indicadores antropométricos y las causas que imposibilitaron la realización de la antropometría. También se registró la presencia y condiciones del instrumental en sala. Resultados: Las mediciones antropométricas y la evaluación del estado nutricional a partir de ellas se realizó en el 76% (543/714) y 71,7% (512/714) de los niños ingresados, respectivamente. El 34,5% mostró compromiso nutricional (déficit/exceso). Las causas más frecuentes que impidieron la realización de la antropometría en las primeras 48 horas del ingreso fueron: 35,7% imposibilidad de movilizarse, 25,1% niños que por su condición requerían de técnicas o instrumentos adaptados, 39,2% otras situaciones como: aislamiento de contacto, mal estado general, presencia de drenajes, ausencia por procedimientos. Conclusiones: Las mediciones antropométricas brindan datos objetivos del estado nutricional al ingreso; sin embargo aún con personal entrenado, el 28,3% de los niños no pudo ser evaluado en las primeras horas de ingreso hospitalario. Conocer las utilidades y limitantes de la antropometría para la evaluación del estado nutricional en un hospital de alta complejidad, resulta información valiosa para el proceso de búsqueda de otras estrategias que mejor se adapten a cada situación (AU)

Introduction: In the hospitalized child, the assessment of nutritional status is a relevant indicator. Although different methods of evaluation exist, anthropometric measurements provide objective information; however they may not always be completed within the first few hours of entry. Due to its clinical importance, the objective of this study was to analyze the applicability and the possible technical difficulties in its realization and the nutritional status, based on measurements of weight and height, of all the children who entered to intermediate and moderate care units (CIM) in a third level pediatric hospital. Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive and transverse study. A single trained observer measured weight and height in the first 48 hours of admission to the CIM of all children admitted between December 2011 and February 2012. The nutritional status was analyzed using anthropometric indicators and the causes that made it impossible to perform anthropometry were recorded. The presence and conditions of the instruments in the room were also recorded. Results: Anthropometric measurements and assessment of nutritional status were performed in 76% (543/714) and 71.7% (512/714) of the children admitted, respectively. 34.5% showed nutritional compromise (deficit / excess). The most frequent causes that prevented the anthropometry in the first 48 hours of admission were: 35.7% inability to be mobilized, 25.1% children who, due to their condition, required adapted techniques or instruments, 39.2% other situations such as: contact insulation, poor general condition, presence of drainage, absence by procedures. Conclusions: Anthropometric measurements provide objective data on nutritional status at admission; even with trained personnel, 28.3% of the children could not be evaluated in the first hours of hospital admission. Knowing the uses and limitations of anthropometry for the evaluation of nutritional status in a third level hospital, is valuable information for the process of finding other strategies that best suit each situation (AU)

Adherencia al lavado de manos antes de comer en niños internados / Adherence to hand hygiene before eating in inpatients

Objetivo: Valorar la adherencia al lavado de manos (LM) en pacientes internados previo a la ingesta de alimentos y la efectividad de los medios de información. Métodos: Se estudiaron 100 pacientes de 6 meses a 18 años, internados en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan en las salas de Cuidados Intermedios (CIM) 41,74,32,73 durante marzo 2014 y noviembre de 2015, que realizaban al menos 1 comida al día. Se realizaron encuestas y observaciones no participativas durante el momento en que se servía la comida, para evaluar el LM previo a la ingesta de alimentos. Resultados: El 87% de la población estudiada consideró que el LM antes de comer es importante. Los resultados obtenidos en cuanto a la frecuencia del lavado de manos, más del 73% refirió lavar sus manos al menos 4 veces al día. Los pacientes habían obtenido la información a través de los médicos, enfermeros y nutricionistas y por los medios gráficos (instructivo de consumo y carteles). En los CIM 41/74 se observó un porcentaje levemente mayor (23.8%) de lavado de manos comparado con las observaciones de los CIM 32/73 (20.6%). Discusión: Si bien el 97% de la población encuestada dice lavar sus manos antes de comer, las observaciones realizadas arrojaron que el 23.8% (CIM 41/74) y 20.6 (CIM 32/73) lo hace. Conclusión: La población estudiada revelo haber sido instruida en el lavado de manos antes de ingerir alimentos sin embargo se observó baja adherencia a este habito antes de comer (AU)

Aim: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene (HH) in inpatients previously to food intake as well as the effectivity of means of information. Methods: We studied 100 patients between 6 months and 18 years of age, hospitalized at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan on Intermediate care (CIM) wards 41,74,32,73 from March 2014 to November 2015, who had at least 1 meal a day. Questionnaires were administered and non-participating observations were performed at meal time to evaluate HH previous to food intake. Results: 87% of the study population considered that HH prior to eating is important. As to frequency of hand washing, more than 73% reported they washed their hands at least 4 times a day. Patients had received information on HH from physicians, nurses, nutritionists and through infographics (instructions and signs). In the CIMs 41/74 a slightly higher percentage (23.8%) of HH was observed compared to CIMs 32/73 (20.6%). Discussion: Although 97% of the population reported to wash their hands before a meal, observations show that 23.8% (CIM 41/74) and 20.6% (CIM 32/73) actually do so. Conclusion: The study population had been instructed in HH before food intake, however, low adherence to hand washing before eating was observed (AU)

Total thyroidectomy in geriatric patients: a retrospective study.

In the English literature there is no single definition that identifies elderly patients. In our retrospective study, we divided total thyroidectomized patients operated on from 2000 to 2010 in the Department of Surgical Sciences of the "Sapienza" University of Rome, in two groups: group 1 consists of 448 patients over 65 years and group 2 consists of 1275 patients under 65 years. We compared both groups in terms of indications for surgery, histological diagnoses, postoperative complications (laryngeal nerv palsy, hypocalcemia, bleeding and seroma) and mortality. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to the type of surgical indication, the type of comorbidities, the incidence of postoperative complications and perioperative mortality. The only data discordant with those in the international literature was the incidence of neoplastic disease that is found to be slightly greater in group 2. In conclusion, total thyroidectomy in patients over 65 years is a safe procedure and is not burdened with a higher percentage of postoperative complications, even if requires a careful preoperative assessment of risk factors related to comorbidity.

Central neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma: results of a retrospective study.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to appraise the impact of central neck dissection (CND) when treating papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and identifying predictors of tumour recurrence by analysing the results and complications related to this surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study examined the histories of 347 patients with PTC, divided into two groups: group A including 284 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) only; group B including 63 patients who underwent TT and CND and possible lateral neck dissection (LND). RESULTS: The patients in the B group were younger than those in the A group (an average of 44.5 vs. 48.6; p = 0.03) and their tumours were larger (1.91 cm vs 1.27 cm, p = 0.001). Multifocality, extra-capsular extensions of the neoplastic mass and high cell histological variant were more prevalent in the B group. The incidence of permanent hyperparathyroidism was higher in group B than in group A (25.4% vs 9.5%, p = 0.0006). Recurrence of disease and the numbers requiring reoperation were also higher in group B: (24.1% in group B vs 6.6 in group A, p < 0.0001). Patients classified as clinically N0 at their first operation and who were most probably clinically N1, totalled 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that only extra-capsular extension may be considered a predictor of recurrence. The findings of our study support the idea of carrying out "therapeutic" CND only in cases of preoperative or macroscopic intraoperative clinical evidence of lymph-node involvement.

Is ionized calcium a reliable predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy? A before and after study.

Wanting to find a way of identifying patients suitable for early discharge after thyroidectomy, we set out to establish whether ionized calcium concentration is a better predictor of post-surgical hypocalcemia than total serum calcium. Data were analyzed to establish whether serum ionized calcium concentrations are correlated with total serum calcium levels and symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Sixty-two patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at the Department of Surgical Sciences of the "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy, in 2010. Ionized calcium was measured before (day 0) and after surgery (days 1, 2 and 60) in all the patients. These measurements were compared with preoperative (day 0) and postoperative total serum calcium levels (days 1, 2 and 60). The preoperative ionized calcium levels differed from the ionized calcium levels recorded on days 1 and 2; this pattern was not observed for the total calcium concentrations. Conversely, total calcium on days I and II correlated significantly with the various ionized calcium measurements. The presence of parathyroid glands in the surgical specimen did not seem to affect suitability for discharge. The statistical analysis showed that ionized calcium measurements are more reliable than total calcium measurements in the immediate and long-term follow-up of total thyroidectomy patients. Applying a 95% confidence interval we established reference values for both total serum calcium and ionized calcium, below which all patients develop postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. In conclusion, measurement of ionized calcium, as opposed to total calcium, should be strongly recommended in the immediate and longterm follow-up of total thyroidectomy patients.

Diseño de un instrumento para educación terapéutica dietoterápica en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis: Resultados preliminares / Design of a tool for education in medical nutrition therapy for children with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: Preliminary results

Introducción: En la ERC en edad pediátrica la malnutrición, las alteraciones del metabolismo fosfocálcico, las complicaciones cardiovasculares aumentan la morbimortalidad y afectan el crecimiento y desarrollo. Los nutrientes críticos son proteínas, fósforo y sodio. Las enfermedades crónicas demandan adherencia al tratamiento y autocuidado, es fundamental la Educación Terapéutica del Paciente. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de un instrumento didáctico diseñado para fomentar adherencia al tratamiento dietoterápico y autoeficacia de pacientes pediátricos con enfermedad renal. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo longitudinal. Población: pacientes de 9 a 18 años en tratamiento de hemodiálisis en un hospital pediátrico. La propuesta es el diseño y presentación de material didáctico para educación nutricional en el cuidado de nefropatías. Se evaluó conocimiento pre y post educación ingesta previa y post, y p sérico. Resultados: La muestra contempló 20 niños. Las encuestas de conocimiento posteriores a la intervención mostraron un incremento, promediando 90.3%, versus 72.8% previo. La adecuación de la ingesta de fósforo acorde a la RDA mejoró en 25% de los casos, 10% para proteínas, y 60% para sodio. Los análisis bioquímicos posteriores mostraron una disminución de fósforo sérico en 55% de los casos. Conclusiones: Se demostró una respuesta favorable a la intervención según los ejes abordados. El uso del instrumento representa una herramienta pedagógica sencilla para la adquisición de los conocimientos, que permite un aprendizaje activo y desarrollo de habilidades en la práctica cotidiana (AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In childhood chronic kidney disease, undernourishment, disorders of the phosphocalcium metabolism, and cardiovascular complications increase morbidity and mortality and affect growth and development. Critical nutrients are proteins, phosphorus, and sodium. Chronic diseases require adherence to treatment and self-care and therapy education of the patient is fundamental. Objective: To evaluate the use of a teaching tool designed to encourage adherence to medical nutrition therapy and self-efficacy of children with kidney disease. Material and methods: A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted. Population: Patients between 9 and 18 years of age in hemodialysis at a pediatric hospital were evaluated. Educational materials for the care of nephropathies were designed. Knowledge on pre- and post-education food intake as well as serum phosphorus were assessed. Results: The study sample consisted of 20 children. Questionnaires on post-intervention knowledge showed a significant increase, of a mean of 90.3% versus a previous of 72.8%. Adequate phosphorus intake according to the RDA improved in 25%, protein intake in 10%, and sodium intake in 60% of the cases. Subsequent biochemical analysis showed a decrease in serum phosphorus levels in 55% of the cases. Conclusions: Considering the study parameters a favorable response to the intervention was found. The teaching tool proved to be adequate and easy for knowledge acquisition, allowing for active learning and the development of skills in daily practice (AU)

Duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the supra-aortic arches in patients with non recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN) is usually discovered during thyroid surgery. It is often associated with vascular abnormalities that can be detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or duplex ultrasound scan. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasonography with MRI to identify the vascular abnormalities associated to NRILN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We revised 2713 total thyroidectomies to select patients with NRILN. The NRILN was identified in 17 patients (0,6%). A postoperative ultrasonic duplex scanning and a MRI was performed in 15 cases as 2 patients refused to submit to the exams. RESULTS: At MRI an unique origin of common carotid trunk and a concomitant aberrant retroesophageal subclavian right artery was showed in 11 patients. In 2 cases vascular abnormality consisted in separated origin of supra-aortic arteries. At duplex ultrasound scan only in 2 patients was impossible to identify vascular abnormalities detected at MRI. Tthe diagnostic sensitivity of duplex ultrasound was 84,6%. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative duplex ultrasound is a non invasive method with high diagnostic sensitivity that can easily complete the preoperative thyroid ultrasonography.

Effect of vascular risk factors on increase in carotid and femoral intima-media thickness. Identification of a risk scale.

BACKGROUND: The well established correlation between intima-media thickness (IMT) and the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and death is usually measured in subjects with multiple vascular risk factors, which makes it difficult, after application of the usual analysis-of-variance linear combination of effects model, to establish whether each cardiovascular risk factor has, per se, an effect on IMT. METHOD AND RESULTS: In this study we investigated five "pure" groups of patients (865), i.e. each presenting only one of the following risk factors: hypertension, obesity, overweight, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia and a control group of 37 healthy subjects. We measured, both as discrete and as continuous variables, the following indices: intima-media thickening of the common carotid artery (IMT(C)) and of the common femoral artery (IMT(F)) and the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the prevalence of pathological values for the three indices in the different groups. Subsequently the entire group of 902 subjects was included in a correlation analysis in which the Pearson correlation coefficient for each pair of variables was computed. In order to assign the risk factors a continuous ranking, and obtain a more general idea of the correlation structure, principal component analysis (PCA) was used. The scores obtained from PCA made it possible to build a scale of severity of the vascular risk factors considered. All the risk factors considered were demonstrated to strongly affect the studied indices. Overweight was shown to be the least important risk factor with regard to intima-media thickening, followed by smoking, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and finally obesity, which emerged as the greatest risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: The strong correlation between the indices made it possible to compute a composite general score, which provides an univocal risk estimation at single-patient level. IMT(F) was demonstrated to be the most sensitive descriptor. The construction of this risk scale has implications for preventive treatment and the frequency of instrumental examinations, allowing clear quantitative definition of the extent of the damage.

Uni-centric localization of Castleman's disease treated with laparoscopic and traditional approach. Report of two cases.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Clinically CD has been subdivided in two forms: uni-centric and multicentric. The uni-centric type is limited to a single anatomic lymph-node-bearing region. The present report describes two cases of uni-centric CD: the first was an abdominal localization treated with a laparoscopic approach; the second was a submaxillary localization treated with a classical approach. In case 1 the laparoscopic approach permitted to reach diagnosis, not clear after diagnostic imaging procedures, and enabled a total and excellent resolution of the pathology because our patient, after eight months of follow up, has had no evidence of recurrence of the disease. In case 2 we want to highlight that CD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a solitary neck mass and that the surgical treatment is diagnostic and curative at the same time.

[Acquired rectourethral fistula: case report]. / Fistola retto-uretrale acquisita: a proposito di un caso.

Rectourethral fistulas are an uncommon complication of urinary or rectal surgery, trauma, inflammatory disease, radiation therapy for prostate cancer; they represent an unique challenge for the surgeon. Although closure can occure spontaneously, most cases of acquired rectourethral fistula need surgical repair. Despite a century of surgical experience, no single approach has been universally accepted. We report a case of a rectourethral fistula occurred in a 73 year-old man after a radical retropubic prostatectomy and external beam irradiation for prostate cancer, successfully treated with perineal approach.

[Gastric lipoma presenting as intestinal obstruction]. / Occlusione intestinale alta da lipoma gastrico.

Gastric lipoma is a rare benign tumor. The symptoms are correlated with the size and the dimensions of neoplasm. It can be the cause of bleeding, gastroduodenal intussusception and intestinal obstruction, as in case reported and surgically treated. The Authors make a literature review to define the better diagnostic and surgical approach.