Severe adenovirus infection outbreak in Colombia: Experience from a tertiary pediatric hospital in 2022. / Brote de adenovirus grave en Colombia: experiencia de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en 2022

Introduction. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many countries experienced decreased respiratory virus circulation, followed by an out-of-season outbreak. In a pediatric hospital in Colombia, we observed a surge in severe adenovirus infections, leading to concerns about the impact of eased public health restrictions and immune debt in children under five years old. Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with severe adenovirus infection in a pediatric hospital in Colombia. Materials and methods. We reviewed the data of 227 patients with severe adenovirus infection at the Fundación Hospital Pediátrico La Misericordia. Results. A total of 196 patients were included in this study. The median age was two years, and 62% were male. Adenoviruses were isolated from all patients' samples. Ninetyseven percent were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, 94% required respiratory support, and the in-hospital lethality rate was 11%. Conclusion. In 2022, there was an outbreak of severe adenovirus infections, affecting mainly children under five years of age, with higher-than-usual mortality.

Introducción. Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, muchos países evidenciaron una disminución en la circulación de virus respiratorios, seguida por un brote fuera de la temporada esperada. En un hospital de Colombia, se observó un aumento en los casos de infección grave por adenovirus, lo cual generó preocupación sobre el impacto que tuvo la disminución de los cuidados establecidos durante pandemia y la posible deuda inmunológica en niños menores de cinco años. Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con infección grave por adenovirus en un hospital pediátrico de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se revisaron 227 pacientes con infección grave por adenovirus en la Fundación Hospital Pediátrico La Misericordia, desde el 1° de enero hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Resultados. El estudio incluyó 196 casos. La edad media de los pacientes fue de dos años y el 62 % eran de sexo masculino. Los adenovirus se aislaron a partir de las muestras de todos los pacientes. El 97 % de los pacientes ingresó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, el 94 % requirió soporte ventilatorio y la tasa de mortalidad fue del 11 %. Conclusiones. En el 2022 hubo un brote de adenovirus que afectó principalmente a los niños menores de cinco años, con una mortalidad mayor a lo reportado con anterioridad en Colombia.

Multidisciplinary Treatment in Patients with Craniofacial, Neurocognitive, and Neuromuscular Disorders with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder that has a high prevalence in patients with craniofacial, neurocognitive, and neuromuscular disorders. Currently, the treatments for this population are diverse and depend on the individual conditions of the patient and the severity of the case. However, there are no multidisciplinary dental treatment guidelines. The aim of the present study was to determine the multidisciplinary dental treatment alternatives in patients with craniofacial, neurocognitive, and neuromuscular disorders with a diagnosis of OSA through evidence-based medicine. A systematic review of the literature has been performed by searching scientific articles in the PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases, through controlled and uncontrolled language. Articles were classified according to the level of evidence and grades of recommendation through the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. A total of 19,439 references were identified, of which 15 articles met the predetermined requirements to be included in the investigation. The articles included for this systematic review showed that mandibular distraction osteogenesis and adenotonsilectomy are the first-choice therapies for craniofacial and neurocognitive disorders. However, for neuromuscular disorders, the findings reported were not enough to provide information about surgical or nonsurgical alternatives. Despite the reported high frequency of OSA in those children with craniofacial, neurocognitive, and neuromuscular disorders, the evidence on the surgical and nonsurgical therapeutic success for OSA in these patients is scarce. It is necessary to perform future studies to investigate successful therapies for OSA in children. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(2):e62-e69.].

Respiratory Comorbidities Associated with Bronchiectasis in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency in the USIDNET Registry.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a major respiratory complication in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and is associated with recurrent pulmonary infections. However, it is unclear whether other infections or non-infectious respiratory conditions are related to its development. OBJECTIVE: To identify respiratory comorbidities associated with bronchiectasis in patients with CVID. METHODS: A total of 1470 CVID patients enrolled in the USIDNET registry were included in a cross-sectional analysis. The primary outcome of our study was to determine the clinical characteristics and other respiratory conditions associated with respiratory comorbidities and physician-reported bronchiectasis. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven CVID patients were noted to have bronchiectasis (13.4%). Affected patients were significantly older than patients without bronchiectasis (median age 54 years vs. 49 years, p = 0.0004). These patients also had lower serum IgA (13 mg/dL IQR 60 mg/dL vs. 28.4 mg/dL IQR 66 mg/dL, p = 0.000). Notably, chronic rhinosinusitis (OR = 1.69 95%CI 1.05-2.75), sinusitis (OR = 2.06 95%CI 1.38-3.09), pneumonia (OR = 2.70 95%CI 1.88-3.88), COPD (OR = 2.66 95%CI 1.51-4.67), and interstitial lung disease (OR = 2.34 95%CI 1.41-3.91) were independently associated with the development of bronchiectasis in this population. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that lower and upper respiratory infections, chronic lower airway disease, and interstitial lung diseases are independently associated with bronchiectasis in CVID patients. Further study into predisposing conditions related to the development of bronchiectasis in CVID patients may allow prediction and early intervention strategies to prevent the development of this complication.

Incidence, etiology, sociodemographic and clinical characterization of acute respiratory failure in pediatric patients at a high-altitude city: A multicenter cohort study.

Background: Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening medical condition, associated with a variety of conditions and risk factors, including acute respiratory diseases which are a frequent cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Colombia, the literature related to ARF is scarce. Objective: To determine the incidence, causes, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of ARF in three hospitals in Bogota, a high-altitude city located in Colombia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study called the FARA cohort was developed between April 2020 - December 2021. Patients older than one month and younger than 18 years with respiratory distress who developed ARF were included. Results: 685 patients with respiratory distress were recruited in 21 months. The incidence density of ARF was found to be 41.7 cases per 100 person-year CI 95%, (37.3-47.7). The median age was 4.5 years.. Most of the patients consulted during the first 72 h after the onset of symptoms. Upon admission, 67.2% were potentially unstable. The most frequent pathologies were asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. At admission, 75.6% of the patients required different oxygen delivery systems, 29,5% a low-flow oxygen system, 36,8% a high-flow oxygen system, and 9,28% invasive mechanical ventilation. SARS-COV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, and adenovirus were the most frequently isolated viral agents. The coinfection cases were scarce. Conclusions: This multicenter study, the FARA cohort, developed at 2,600 meters above sea level, shows the first data on incidence, etiology, sociodemographic and clinical characterization in a pediatric population with ARF that also concurs with the COVID-19 pandemic. These results, not only have implications for public health but also contribute to the scientific and epidemiological literature on a disease developed at a high altitude.

Pulmonary nodule in pediatrics: Beyond the infection. / Nódulo pulmonar en pediatría: Más allá de la infección.

INTRODUCTION: The study of a pulmonary nodule in pediatrics is a diagnostic challenge where multiple pathologies must be taken into account, especially infections. In developing countries, where tuberculosis infec tion is endemic, it is one of the most likely diagnoses; however, the diagnostic possibility of malig nancy should never be overlooked. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case report of a patient with a pulmonary nodule, that after ruling out the most frequent causes, a primary malignant tumor was diagnosed. CLINICAL CASE: 17-year-old female patient with a one-month history of cough, dyspnea, and hemop tysis, without other symptoms. Since she did not respond to conventional antibiotic management, a chest CT scan with contrast was performed which showed a pulmonary nodule with irregular con tours, and with the bronchoalveolar lavage pulmonary infections were ruled out (pulmonary tuber culosis, fungal infection, and others bacteria). Biopsy of the lesion was performed to complete the study which histopathology was compatible with a mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The patient underwent right low lobectomy and lymph node resection with good clinical response during three years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary nodule in pediatrics is a finding usually associated with infection, nevertheless, neoplastic conditions have to be considered, not only metastasis but also pri mary pulmonary malignant lesions due to prognosis implications.

Recommendations from the Asociación Colombiana de Medicina del Sueño for the practice of sleep medicine in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic / Recomendaciones de la Asociación Colombiana de Medicina del Sueño para el ejercicio de la medicina del sueño en Colombia durante la pandemia por COVID-19

Abstract Measures such as frequent handwashing, mandatory use of face masks by the general population in public spaces, social and physical distancing, and mandatory confinement of most people at their homes have contributed to slowing down the spread of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which is the source of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, adopting some of these measures has caused delays in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including sleep disorders. Therefore, it is urgent for sleep specialists and sleep centers to gradually resume activities, as long as strict biosecurity protocols aimed at reducing the risk of contagion are implemented. In this scenario, and in order to help somnologists reopen sleep centers and resume the procedures performed there, the Asociación Colombiana de Medicina del Sueño (Colombian Association of Sleep Medicine) proposes through this reflection paper several recommendations that should be considered during the reactivation process. These recommendations are based on the COVID-19 spread mitigation strategies established by the Colombian health authorities, the guidelines issued by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and relevant literature on this subject, which was reviewed after performing a search in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases using the search terms "sleep" "sleep medicine" and "COVID19".

Resumen El lavado de manos frecuente, el uso obligatorio de mascarilla por parte de la población general en sitios públicos, el distanciamiento físico y social, y el confinamiento obligatorio de la mayoría de la población en sus casas son las medidas que hasta el momento han ayudado a frenar la propagación del nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causante de la actual pandemia por COVID-19. Sin embargo, la adopción de algunas de estas medidas ha generado retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, incluyendo los trastornos del sueño, por lo que es urgente que los especialistas en medicina del sueño y los centros de sueño retomen sus actividades gradualmente, siempre que se implementen estrictos protocolos de bioseguridad que mitiguen el riesgo de contagio. En este contexto, y con el fin de ayudar a los somnólogos a reabrir los centros de sueño y reanudar los procedimientos allí realizados, la Asociación Colombiana de Medicina del Sueño propone en la presente reflexión una serie de recomendaciones para tener en cuenta durante el proceso de reactivación. Estas recomendaciones se basan en las estrategias de mitigación establecidas por las autoridades sanitarias del país, las directrices de la American Academy of Sleep Medicine y la literatura disponible sobre el tema, la cual fue revisada luego de realizar una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y Google Scholar usando los términos "sleep" "sleep medicine" y "COVID19".

Validation of a Spanish version of the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire in children living in a high-altitude city.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate a Spanish version of the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (SRBD-PSQ) in children living in a high-altitude Colombian city. METHODS: In a prospective cohort validation study, patients aged between 2 and 17 years who attended the Ear, Nose, and Throat pediatric department of our institution for symptoms related to sleep-related breathing disorders had a baseline visit at enrollment, a second visit the day scheduled for the surgical intervention, and a follow-up visit at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. In these three visits, we gathered the necessary data for assessing the criterion validity, construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and sensitivity to change of the Spanish version of the SRBD-PSQ. RESULTS: In total, 121 patients were included in the analyses. The exploratory factor analysis (generalized least squares method, varimax rotation) yielded a four-factor structure, explaining 65.93% of the cumulative variance. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the measurements was 0.887 (95% CI: 0.809-0.934), and the Lin concordance correlation coefficient was 0.882 (95% CI, 0.821-0.943). SRBD-PSQ scores at baseline were significantly higher than those obtained after adenotonsillectomy surgery (median [IQR] 11.0 [9.0- 14.0] vs. 4.00 [1.50-7.0]; p < 0.0001). Cronbach's α was 0.7055 for the questionnaire as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the SRBD-PSQ has acceptable construct validity, excellent test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change, and adequate internal consistency-reliability when used in pediatric patients living at high altitude with symptoms related to sleep-related breathing disorders.

Challenges and Clinical Implications of the Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Lung Infection in Children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pulmonary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a potential lethal disease in children, but it remains a diagnostic challenge. The differentiation between latent CMV infections with viral shedding and active infections is difficult and may lead to false positives in bronchoalvolar lavage (BAL) PCR detection. This review summarizes current diagnostic approaches for CMV lung infection in children including progress in the identification of underlying immune defects linked to this condition. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing literature supporting that the combined assessment of host risk factors and lung disease pattern is essential for the diagnosis of pulmonary CMV infection in children. The most important host risk factor is an immunecompromised state that has expanded from primary or acquired immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV) to include a myriad of immune-dysregulation syndromes (e.g., CTLA4, PIK3 defects). Newborns, paricularly those born premature, are also a high-risk group. At the pulmonary level, active CMV infection is typically characterized by alveolar compromise leading to hypoxemia, ground-glass opacities, and intra-alveolar infiltrates with CMV inclusions in lung biopsy. The identification of active CMV lung infection should trigger additional evaluation of immune defects (primary or secondary) impairing T and NK cell function or innate antiviral responses as well as other immune dysregulation disorders. Lung CMV infections in children are more prevalent in immunocompromised hosts and premature newborns. Lung CMV infections should prompt further investigation into conditions altering immune mechanisms usually in place to contain CMV infections. Common clinical and radiological patterns such as hypoxemia and ground-glass pulmonary opacities may allow early identification and treatment of CMV lung infection and underlying causes in the pediatric population.

Moduladores CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator): presente y futuro en la terapia de fibrosis quística. Revisión / Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators: Present and future in cystic fibrosis treatment. A review

Los moduladores cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) representan el presente y el futuro del manejo farmacológico para los pacientes con fibrosis quística. El objetivo de esta publicación es realizar una revisión de esta opción terapéutica. Se revisaron artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos MedLine, información disponible a través de la página oficial Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, desde 2009 hasta 2018, en el idioma inglés. Sin restricciones respecto al tipo de estudio, se seleccionaron 12 artículos que incluyeron información sobre el estado actual de la investigación sobre moduladores CFTR. Actualmente, están aprobados por la Food and Drug Administration tres moduladores: ivacaftor, lumacaftor + ivacaftor y tezacaftor + ivacaftor, y hay otros 11 en diferentes fases de estudio. La terapia con moduladores CFTR es una realidad en desarrollo que apunta al máximo objetivo de la medicina personalizada y que promete mejorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con fibrosis quística.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are the present and future of drug management for patients with cystic fibrosis. The objective of this article is to review this therapeutic option. Scientific articles were reviewed by searching the MedLine database, which is available through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's official website, from 2009 to 2018, in English. Twelve articles about the current status of research in CFTR modulators were selected without restrictions regarding the type of study. To date, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved three modulators: ivacaftor, lumacaftor + ivacaftor, and tezacaftor + ivacaftor, while other 11 drugs are being studied in different investigation phases. CFTR modulator therapy is a developing reality aimed at the highest goal of personalized medicine and promises to improve the quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators: Present and future in cystic fibrosis treatment. A review. / Moduladores CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator): presente y futuro en la terapia de fibrosis quística. Revisión.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are the present and future of drug management for patients with cystic fibrosis. The objective of this article is to review this therapeutic option. Scientific articles were reviewed by searching the MedLine database, which is available through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's official website, from 2009 to 2018, in English. Twelve articles about the current status of research in CFTR modulators were selected without restrictions regarding the type of study. To date, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved three modulators: ivacaftor, lumacaftor + ivacaftor, and tezacaftor + ivacaftor, while other 11 drugs are being studied in different investigation phases. CFTR modulator therapy is a developing reality aimed at the highest goal of personalized medicine and promises to improve the quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients.

Los moduladores cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) representan el presente y el futuro del manejo farmacológico para los pacientes con fibrosis quística. El objetivo de esta publicación es realizar una revisión de esta opción terapéutica. Se revisaron artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos MedLine, información disponible a través de la página oficial Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, desde 2009 hasta 2018, en el idioma inglés. Sin restricciones respecto al tipo de estudio, se seleccionaron 12 artículos que incluyeron información sobre el estado actual de la investigación sobre moduladores CFTR. Actualmente, están aprobados por la Food and Drug Administration tres moduladores: ivacaftor, lumacaftor + ivacaftor y tezacaftor + ivacaftor, y hay otros 11 en diferentes fases de estudio. La terapia con moduladores CFTR es una realidad en desarrollo que apunta al máximo objetivo de la medicina personalizada y que promete mejorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con fibrosis quística.

Validación del cuestionario pediátrico de sueño en la población colombiana / Validation of the pediatric sleep questionnaire in colombian population

Introducción: El síndrome de apnea e hipopnea obstructiva del sueño es una patología frecuente en la población pediátrica que genera un alto impacto en la calidad de vida tanto de los pacientes como de sus familias. Objetivo: Realizar la validación del Cuestionario Pediátrico de Sueño a la población pediátrica colombiana a grandes alturas y determinar si existe asociación entre los hallazgos en el cuestionario y los hallazgos polisomnográficos. Diseño: Observacional analítico prospectivo. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio fue realizado a 2,600 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Se incluyeron 121 pacientes entre 2 y 18 años, candidatos a adeno/amigdalectomía a los que se les aplicó el cuestionario pediátrico de sueño, y fue sometido a un proceso de validación específico para la población colombiana. Resultados: No se obtuvo una correlación de los resultados del cuestionario con los resultados de severidad de la enfermedad en el polisomnograma. Discusión: El cuestionario pediátrico de sueño (PSQ) fue sometido a un proceso de validación específico para la población colombiana a grandes alturas. Sin embargo, dado que los ítems A24, A25, B7, B9, y B22 se determinaron como redundantes, se podría proponer una escala condensada específica para la población colombiana, omitiendo estas preguntas. Conclusiones: El cuestionario pediátrico de sueño (PSQ) fue validado satisfactoriamente a la población colombiana habitante de grandes alturas. Sin embargo, se propone una modificación, eliminando las preguntas A24, A25, B7, B9, y B22, logrando un cuestionario más corto y simplificado, sin tener efectos sobre la validez del mismo.

Introduction: The obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome is a frequent pathology in the pediatric population that generates a high impact on the quality of both patients and their families. Objective: To validate the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire to the Colombian pediatric population. Design: Prospective analytical observational. Methods: This study was conducted at 2,600 meters above sea level. We included 121 patients between 2 and 18 years old, who were candidates for adeno/tonsillectomy to whom the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire was applied; this questionnaire was underwent to a specific validation process for the Colombian population. Results: The results of the questionnaire was not correlated with disease severity determined by polysomnogram. Discussion: The pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) was underwent to a specific validation process for the Colombian population at high altitudes. However, due to that articles A24, A25, B7, B9 and B22 were determined as redundant, a specific escalation could be proposed for the Colombian population, omitting these questions. Conclusions: The pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) was validated satisfactorily in the Colombian population living at high altitudes. However, a modification is proposed, eliminating the questions A24, A25, B7, B9 and B22, obtaining a shorter and simplified questionnaire, without having effects on the duration of the same.

Complicaciones pulmonares en fibrosis quística / Pulmonary complications in cystic fibrosis

Describir las recomendaciones sobre el manejo de las complicaciones pulmonares reportadas en las guías de práctica clínica de buena calidad según AGREE II, con el objetivo de disminuir el desarrollo de morbilidades y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.Metodología: Se revisaron las guías de práctica clínica de fibrosis quística en inglés y español publicadas entre 2005 y 2013, utilizando el instrumento AGREE II para evaluar su calidad.Resultados. La búsqueda arrojó un total de 126 guías, se evaluaron 6, y 4 de ellas obtuvieron una puntuación en los dominios de rigor e independencia≥60% según AGREE II. De estas se tomaron las recomendaciones para el manejo de las exacerbaciones pulmonares porPseudomonas aeruginosa, de la vía aérea, neumotórax, hemoptisis y aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica.Conclusiones: El mejor antibiótico inhalado para uso crónico es la tobramicina. La dornasa alfa es el mejor mucolítico. El uso de corticoides es controvertido, pero es útil en pacientes que cursan con asma y/o aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica. La guía de práctica clínica de mejor calidad hasta la fecha es la de Ecuador...

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in chromosome 7, and compromises multiple organs. One of the most common complications is the respiratory tract infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Objectives: To present the recommendations on the management of the pulmonary complications reported in clinical practice guidelines, of good quality according to AGREE II, with the aim of reducing morbidity and improving the quality of life of the patients.Methods: A review was performed on cystic fibrosis clinical practice guidelines, in English and Spanish, published between 2005 and 2013, using the AGREE II tool to evaluate their quality.Results: The search produced a total of 126 guidelines, of which 6 were evaluated, and 4 obtained a score≥60% in the rigour and independence domain according to the AGREE II. The recommendations for the management of pulmonary exacerbations due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa were taken from these, as well as those for those of the airways, pneumothorax, haemoptysis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.Conclusions: The best inhaled antibiotic for chronic use is tobramycin. Dornase alpha is the best mucolytic. The use of corticosteroids is controversial, but is useful in patients who suffer from asthma and/or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The best quality clinical practice guidelines are currently from Ecuador...

[Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report]. / Aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva: reporte de un caso.

The fungus Aspergillus spp. causes infections in immunocompromised hosts and produces a variety of clinical syndromes including lung tracheobronchial, chronic necrotizing pulmonary and allergic bronchopulmonary manifestations, as well as aspergilloma, depending on the type of host-fungus relationship involved. Aspergilloma is usually colonized by Aspergillus spp. lesions in the bronchial tree, while invasive forms are characterized by the presence of hyphae below its basement membrane. The objective of the present study was to describe the case of a pediatric patient with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the form of pseudomembranous tracheobronchitis, including the clinical course, diagnostic approach and paraclinical care provided. The patient was a 5-year-old female with a history of Fanconi anemia who presented with febrile neutropenia and pneumonia. Antibiotic treatment with cefepime provided no improvement in the patient´s condition and computed tomography of the thorax revealed bibasilar pulmonary opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage and a lesion biopsy were performed after diagnostic bronchoscopy showed a white exophytic lesion. Since pathologic examination revealed numerous septate fungal hyphae exhibiting 45° branching compatible with Aspergillus spp., the patient was treated with voriconazole. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture produced fungi of the Aspergillus flavi complex. A review of pulmonary Aspergillus spp. infection in children is also included, with emphasis on the management and treatment of clinical syndromes. In pediatric patients with hematological diseases who present with febrile neutropenia and respiratory symptoms, it is essential to consider fungi as potential etiologic agents including Aspergillus spp., which is common and causes a variety of clinical syndromes.

Aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva: reporte de un caso / Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report

El hongo Aspergillus spp. causa infecciones oportunistas en huéspedes inmunocomprometidos. Cursa con una variedad de síndromes clínicos en el pulmón, que incluyen aspergilosis invasiva, aspergilosis pulmonar necrótica crónica, aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica y aspergiloma, cuya manifestación depende del tipo de relación con el huésped. El aspergiloma resulta de lesiones colonizadas por Aspergillus spp. en el árbol bronquial, en tanto que las formas invasivas se caracterizan por la presencia de hifas por debajo de la membrana basal del árbol bronquial. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el caso de una paciente con aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva en su forma de traqueobronquitis seudomembranosa, considerando el curso clínico, el diagnóstico y el manejo paraclínico. Se trató de una paciente de cinco años de edad con antecedentes de anemia de Fanconi, que fue llevada a consulta con neutropenia febril y neumonía. Se inició el tratamiento antibiótico con cefepime, sin mejoría clínica. La tomografía computadorizada (TC) de tórax reveló opacidades parenquimatosas en ambas bases pulmonares. En una fibrobroncoscopia se encontró una lesión exofítica blanquecina en el bronquio principal derecho, que se sometió a biopsia, y se practicó un lavado broncoalveolar. En el examen de histopatología se hallaron hifas tabicadas a 45°, y el resultado del cultivo reveló la presencia del complejo Aspergillus flavi, por lo que se inició la administración de voriconazol. Se revisaron los reportes en la literatura científica sobre la infección pulmonar por Aspergillus spp. en niños, con énfasis en los síndromes clínicos, y en su manejo y tratamiento. Ante la presencia de síntomas respiratorios en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades hematológicas que cursen con neutropenia febril, es indispensable considerar como agentes etiológicos los hongos, entre los cuales Aspergillus spp. se presenta frecuentemente causando diferentes síndromes clínicos.

The fungus Aspergillus spp. causes infections in immunocompromised hosts and produces a variety of clinical syndromes including lung tracheobronchial, chronic necrotizing pulmonary and allergic bronchopulmonary manifestations, as well as aspergilloma, depending on the type of host-fungus relationship involved. Aspergilloma is usually colonized by Aspergillus spp. lesions in the bronchial tree, while invasive forms are characterized by the presence of hyphae below its basement membrane. The objective of the present study was to describe the case of a pediatric patient with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the form of pseudomembranous tracheobronchitis, including the clinical course, diagnostic approach and paraclinical care provided. The patient was a 5-year-old female with a history of Fanconi anemia who presented with febrile neutropenia and pneumonia. Antibiotic treatment with cefepime provided no improvement in the patient´s condition and computed tomography of the thorax revealed bibasilar pulmonary opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage and a lesion biopsy were performed after diagnostic bronchoscopy showed a white exophytic lesion. Since pathologic examination revealed numerous septate fungal hyphae exhibiting 45° branching compatible with Aspergillus spp., the patient was treated with voriconazole. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture produced fungi of the Aspergillus flavi complex. A review of pulmonary Aspergillus spp. infection in children is also included, with emphasis on the management and treatment of clinical syndromes. In pediatric patients with hematological diseases who present with febrile neutropenia and respiratory symptoms, it is essential to consider fungi as potential etiologic agents including Aspergillus spp., which is common and causes a variety of clinical syndromes.

Characterization of cytomegalovirus lung infection in non-HIV infected children.

UNLABELLED: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent pathogen in the immunocompromised host and invasive pneumonia is a feared complication of the virus in this population. In this pediatric case series we characterized CMV lung infection in 15 non-HIV infected children (median age 3 years; IQR 0.2-4.9 years), using current molecular and imaging diagnostic modalities, in combination with respiratory signs and symptoms. The most prominent clinical and laboratory findings included cough (100%), hypoxemia (100%), diffuse adventitious breath sounds (100%) and increased respiratory effort (93%). All patients had abnormal lung images characterized by ground glass opacity/consolidation in 80% of cases. CMV was detected in the lung either by CMV PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (82% detection rate) or histology/immunohistochemistry in lung biopsy (100% detection rate). CMV caused respiratory failure in 47% of children infected and the overall mortality rate was 13.3%. CONCLUSION: CMV pneumonia is a potential lethal disease in non-HIV infected children that requires a high-index of suspicion. Common clinical and radiological patterns such as hypoxemia, diffuse adventitious lung sounds and ground-glass pulmonary opacities may allow early identification of CMV lung infection in the pediatric population, which may lead to prompt initiation of antiviral therapy and better clinical outcomes.