Infecciones por Clostridioides difficile en pediatría. La visión del laboratorio a partir del diagnóstico microbiológico / Clostridioides difficile infections in pediatrics. The view of the laboratory based on microbiological diagnosis

La infección por Clostridioides difficile (ICD) es la principal responsable de diarreas nosocomiales en adultos. En los últimos años se registró un aumento en la incidencia de la ICD en la población adulta que, en cambio, no fue bien caracterizado en pediatría. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los datos resultantes del diagnóstico microbiológico de ICD en el Hospital de Pediatría "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan". Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo que abarcó desde el 01/01/2018 hasta el 31/12/2021. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante enzimoinmunoensayo para glutamato deshidrogenasa (GDH) y toxinas en materia fecal (MF). Cuando sólo se detectó GDH, se realizó un cultivo toxigénico (CT) de la MF para la detección de toxinas in vitro. Se registraron: edad, sexo y procedencia de los pacientes y recurrencias de las ICD. Se efectuaron estudios de sensibilidad de 387 cepas de C. difficile a metronidazol (MTZ) y vancomicina (VAN). Resultados: en 6632 muestras (1764 pacientes) se registraron 649 estudios positivos (9,8%) (139 pacientes), la mayoría correspondieron a pacientes internados en áreas no críticas. Edad promedio: 7 años (7 ± 4,7). Sexo: 55% masculino. Recurrencias: 62 (45%). Positivos detectados mediante CT: 43%. Sensibilidad antibiótica: 100% a MTZ y 99,7% a VAN. Conclusión: Nuestra población presenta un bajo porcentaje de positividad. Se destaca el rendimiento del CT que permitió el diagnóstico de más de un tercio de los casos. MTZ y VANCO tuvieron excelente actividad in vitro frente a C. difficile (AU)

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the main cause of nosocomial diarrhea in adults. In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of CDI in the adult population; however, CDI has not been well characterized in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to analyze the data resulting from the microbiological diagnosis of CDI at Hospital de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. Materials and methods: a retrospective, observational and descriptive study was conducted from 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2021. Diagnosis was made using enzyme immunoassay for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxins in stools. When only GDH was detected, toxigenic culture (TC) of stools was performed for in vitro toxin detection. The age, sex and origin of patients and CDI recurrences were recorded. Sensitivity studies of 387 strains of C. difficile to metronidazole (MTZ) and vancomycin (VAN) were performed. Results: In 6,632 samples (1,764 patients), 649 positive results (9.8%) were recorded (139 patients), most of which corresponded to patients hospitalized in noncritical areas. Mean age: 7 years (7 ± 4.7). Sex: 55% male. Recurrences: 62 (45%). TC-positive results: 43%. Antibiotic sensitivity: 100% to MTZ and 99.7% to VAN. Conclusion: A low percentage of positivity was found in our population. The performance of TC was outstanding, allowing for the diagnosis of more than one third of the cases. MTZ and VANCO had excellent in vitro activity against C. difficile (AU)

Principales agentes etiológicos de las enfermedades diarreicas agudas infantiles en Chimborazo, Ecuador / Main etiological agents of childhood acute diarrheal diseases in Chimborazo, Ecuador

Las enfermedades diarreicas constituyen la principal causa de morbimortalidad en niños menores de cinco años, con alrededor de 1.700 millones de casos y 1,5 millones de muertes por año a nivel mundial. Para el año 2010, en la Sierra de Ecuador se registró un alto porcentaje de infantes fallecidos a causa de enfermedades diarreicas agudas (EDA), incluyendo la provincia de Chimborazo; mientras que, para el año 2016, se registraron en Ecuador 590.523 casos de EDA, siendo más afectados los niños de sectores de mayor pobreza. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes pediátricos con episodios diarreicos que acudieron a centros de salud de los cantones rurales de la provincia Chimborazo. Se realizó análisis coprológico y coproparasitológico en 258 muestras; se identificaron bacterias enteropatógenas mediante pruebas bioquímicas y de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, se realizó diagnóstico parasitológico mediante análisis macroscópico y microscópico y para detección de virus se emplearon pruebas inmunológicas. Se observó un mayor número de casos de EDA en los cantones Alausí (50%) y Chunchi (19%). De los pacientes con EDA, los rotavirus son el principal agente etiológico aislado (24,8%), seguido por Shigella (17,8%); mientras que Giardia intestinalis (8,5%) y Salmonella (10,1%) son los microorganismos que se aislaron con menor frecuencia en las muestras. Los resultados del presente estudio, permiten tener un panorama etiológico de las EDA en la provincia de Chimborazo y contribuir en la vigilancia epidemiológica, ejecución de programas sanitarios y de vacunación, para disminuir la vulnerabilidad de la población infantil ante dichas infecciones(AU)

Diarrheal diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, with around 1.7 billion cases and 1.5 million deaths per year worldwide. For the year 2010, in the Sierra de Ecuador a high percentage of infants died due to acute diarrheal diseases (ADD), including the province of Chimborazo; while, for the year 2016, 590,523 cases of ADD were registered in Ecuador, with children from the poorest sectors being more affected. A descriptive study was carried out in pediatric patients with diarrheal episodes who attended health centers in the rural cantons of Chimborazo province. Coprological and coproparasitological analysis was performed on 258 samples; Enteropathogenic bacteria were identified by biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility tests, a parasitological diagnosis was made by macroscopic and microscopic analysis, and immunological tests were used to detect viruses. A greater number of ADD cases was observed in the Alausí (50%) and Chunchi (19%) cantons. Of patients with ADD, rotaviruses are the main etiological agent isolated (24.8%), followed by Shigella (17.8%); while Giardia intestinalis (8.5%) and Salmonella (10.1%) are the microorganisms that were isolated less frequently in the samples. The results of this study allow us to have an etiological panorama of EDA in the province of Chimborazo and contribute to epidemiological surveillance, execution of health and vaccination programs, to reduce the vulnerability of the child population to these infections(AU)

Aberrant Epithelial Differentiation Contributes to Pathogenesis in a Murine Model of Congenital Tufting Enteropathy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is an intractable diarrheal disease of infancy caused by mutations of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). The cellular and molecular basis of CTE pathology has been elusive. We hypothesized that the loss of EpCAM in CTE results in altered lineage differentiation and defects in absorptive enterocytes thereby contributing to CTE pathogenesis. METHODS: Intestine and colon from mice expressing a CTE-associated mutant form of EpCAM (mutant mice) were evaluated for specific markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Body weight, blood glucose, and intestinal enzyme activity were also investigated. Enteroids derived from mutant mice were used to assess whether the decreased census of major secretory cells could be rescued. RESULTS: Mutant mice exhibited alterations in brush-border ultrastructure, function, disaccharidase activity, and glucose absorption, potentially contributing to nutrient malabsorption and impaired weight gain. Altered cell differentiation in mutant mice led to decreased enteroendocrine cells and increased numbers of nonsecretory cells, though the hypertrophied absorptive enterocytes lacked key features, causing brush border malfunction. Further, treatment with the Notch signaling inhibitor, DAPT, increased the numbers of major secretory cell types in mutant enteroids (graphical abstract 1). CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation in mutant mice favor an increase in absorptive cells at the expense of major secretory cells. Although the proportion of absorptive enterocytes is increased, they lack key functional properties. We conclude that these effects underlie pathogenic features of CTE such as malabsorption and diarrhea, and ultimately the failure to thrive seen in patients.

Advances in Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea in Infants.

Diarrhea is common in infants (children less than 2 years of age), usually acute, and, if chronic, commonly caused by allergies and occasionally by infectious agents. Congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CODEs) are rare causes of devastating chronic diarrhea in infants. Evaluation of CODEs is a lengthy process and infrequently leads to a clear diagnosis. However, genomic analyses and the development of model systems have increased our understanding of CODE pathogenesis. With these advances, a new diagnostic approach is needed. We propose a revised approach to determine causes of diarrhea in infants, including CODEs, based on stool analysis, histologic features, responses to dietary modifications, and genetic tests. After exclusion of common causes of diarrhea in infants, the evaluation proceeds through analyses of stool characteristics (watery, fatty, or bloody) and histologic features, such as the villus to crypt ratio in intestinal biopsies. Infants with CODEs resulting from defects in digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients and electrolytes, or enteroendocrine cell development or function have normal villi to crypt ratios; defects in enterocyte structure or immune-mediated conditions result in an abnormal villus to crypt ratios and morphology. Whole-exome and genome sequencing in the early stages of evaluation can reduce the time required for a definitive diagnosis of CODEs, or lead to identification of new variants associated with these enteropathies. The functional effects of gene mutations can be analyzed in model systems such as enteroids or induced pluripotent stem cells and are facilitated by recent advances in gene editing procedures. Characterization and investigation of new CODE disorders will improve management of patients and advance our understanding of epithelial cells and other cells in the intestinal mucosa.

Detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in paediatric patients. / Detección de Clostridium difficile toxigénico en pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: Our main objective was a revision of clinical, microbiological and epidemiological results of Clostridium difficile-associated infection in paediatric patients (2010-2015). We compared the diagnoses performed by detection of toxins in feces and those performed by real-time PCR. METHODS: This retrospective study included 82 paediatric patients. Detection of toxigenic C. difficile was performed sequentially, in diarrheal feces and under clinical request. RESULTS: A total of 39% of the patients were attended at Haematology-oncology Unit and >50% of them had previously received cephalosporins. Fever associated with diarrhea was more frequent in the group of toxin detection, whereas not receiving specific antibiotic treatment was more frequent in the group of positive PCR, without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the presence of C. difficile infection in children under 2years old. A diagnostic testing in selected paediatric patients would be advisable when there is clinical suspicion of infection.

A Case Study of Intractable Diarrhea Due to Neonatal Microvillous Inclusion Disease.

BACKGROUND: Microvillous inclusion disease (MVID) is one of the most severe congenital diarrhea disorders, caused by a genetic defect in enterocyte differentiation and polarization. CASE REPORT: We describe a neonate who presented with severe weight loss, hypernatremic dehydration and metabolic acidosis due to intractable diarrhea due to MVID, confirmed by electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: MVID can present with severe weight loss, hypernatremic dehydration and metabolic acidosis that is life threatening. The diagnosis is made by typical findings on light microscopy and electron microscope of small bowel biopsies. The only therapeutic options at this time are total parenteral nutrition and bowel rest and intestinal transplantation.

Aceptabilidad de un atole fortificado con 21 micronutrientes e impacto en la salud y nutrición de niños menores de 6 años de edad en la ciudad de guatemala / Acceptability of a 21 micronutrient-fortified atole and its impact on health and nutrition in children under 6 years of age from guatemala city

Con el objetivo de reducir la desnutrición crónica de niños que asisten 6 jardines infantiles en la Ciudad de Guatemala, se utilizó una bebida a base de soya y maíz como vehículo para el aporte de 21 micronutrientes con niveles elevados de hierro (12mg) y zinc (9mg) y se ofreció a 747 niños entre los 6 meses y 6 años. Se realizó seguimiento antropométrico cada 3m, Hb cada 6m y se registró el número de episodios de enfermedad diarreica aguda e infección respiratoria aguda a lo largo de la intervención. Un ANOVA longitudinal de medidas repetidas demostró que la media de la Hb mejoró de manera significativa a los 6 y 12m de recibir la bebida fortificada (11,26, 11,64, y 11,89g/dL, respectivamente), p<0,01; la prevalencia de anemia disminuyó 44,2% después de 12m, p<0,01; la media del puntaje z de talla para la edad también mejoró, -1,25 (0m) y -1,07 (12m), p<0.01; la prevalencia de retardo del crecimiento disminuyó 25% a los 12m. Se observó una disminución significativa en la prevalencia de infección respiratoria aguda y no se observaron cambios en la prevalencia de diarrea. Un estudio de aceptabilidad demostró que los niños consumen más del 98% del producto. Los resultados sugieren que la intervención con el atole fortificado mejora el estado nutricional y de salud de los niños. El producto es aceptado por los niños y el personal de los jardines infantiles(AU)

With the aim to reduce chronic undernutrition in children that attended 6 Guatemala City daycare centers, a corn and soy-based beverage was used as a vehicle to provide 21 micronutrients and high concentrations of iron (12mg) and zinc (9 mg) and was provided to747 children aged 6 to 72 months. Children were followed for anthropometry every 3m, hemoglobin every 6m, and episodes of acute diarrhea and respiratory tract infections were registered throughout the intervention. A longitudinal Repeated Measures ANOVA demonstrated that mean hemoglobin significantly improved at 6 and 12m of receiving the beverage (11.26, 11.64, and 11.89g/dL, respectively), p<0.01; the prevalence of anemia decreased by 44.2% after 12m, p<0.01; mean height-for-age z score improved from -1.25 (0m) to -1.07 (12m), p<0.01; the prevalence of stunting decreased by 25% after 12m. A significant decrease in the prevalence of acute respiratory infection was observed. No changes were observed in the prevalence of diarrhea. Moreover, an acceptability study showed that children consumed more than 98% of the atole. These results suggest that this nutrition intervention with the fortified atole improves the health and nutritional status of children. The product is widely accepted by the children and staff at the nurseries(AU)

Gastric pneumatosis in a small-for-gestational-age neonate.

We describe a dysmature (small-for-gestational-age) neonate born at term with multiple congenital defects, who presented with bloody diarrhoea. The abdominal X-ray showed gastric pneumatosis. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and recovered uneventfully. The patient underwent genetic investigation, and was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Gastric pneumatosis is rare, and may be the result of neonatal sepsis, gastritis, pyloric stenosis, necrotising enterocolitis of the stomach, misplacement of nasogastric tubes, or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Furthermore, it is speculated that gastric pneumatosis might more frequently occur with congenital, cardiac or genetic disorders.

Deconstructing the differences: a comparison of GBD 2010 and CHERG's approach to estimating the mortality burden of diarrhea, pneumonia, and their etiologies.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia and diarrhea are leading causes of death for children under five (U5). It is challenging to estimate the total number of deaths and cause-specific mortality fractions. Two major efforts, one led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the other led by the World Health Organization (WHO)/Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) created estimates for the burden of disease due to these two syndromes, yet their estimates differed greatly for 2010. METHODS: This paper discusses three main drivers of the differences: data sources, data processing, and covariates used for modelling. The paper discusses differences in the model assumptions for etiology-specific estimates and presents recommendations for improving future models. RESULTS: IHME's Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study estimated 6.8 million U5 deaths compared to 7.6 million U5 deaths from CHERG. The proportional differences between the pneumonia and diarrhea burden estimates from the two groups are much larger; GBD 2010 estimated 0.847 million and CHERG estimated 1.396 million due to pneumonia. Compared to CHERG, GBD 2010 used broader inclusion criteria for verbal autopsy and vital registration data. GBD 2010 and CHERG used different data processing procedures and therefore attributed the causes of neonatal death differently. The major difference in pneumonia etiologies modeling approach was the inclusion of observational study data; GBD 2010 included observational studies. CHERG relied on vaccine efficacy studies. DISCUSSION: Greater transparency in modeling methods and more timely access to data sources are needed. In October 2013, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) hosted an expert meeting to examine possible approaches for better estimation. The group recommended examining the impact of data by systematically excluding sources in their models. GBD 2.0 will use a counterfactual approach for estimating mortality from pathogens due to specific etiologies to overcome bias of the methods used in GBD 2010 going forward.

N-Acetylcysteine treatment of rotavirus-associated diarrhea in children.

Rotaviruses are the leading cause of severe, acute, and dehydrating diarrhea affecting children under 5 years of age worldwide. Despite an important reduction in rotavirus-caused deaths as a consequence of the rotavirus vaccine, alternative or complementary strategies for preventing or treating rotavirus-associated diarrhea are needed mainly in the poorest countries. We describe the cases of four rotavirus-unvaccinated 12-13-month-old girls and a 5-year-old boy who developed rotavirus-associated diarrhea confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunochemistry analyses. After the first day of diarrheal episodes, three of the five patients were immediately administered oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 60 mg/kg daily, divided into three equal doses every 8 hours. The other two patients did not receive NAC and served as controls. Administration of NAC resulted in a decreased number of diarrheal episodes, excretion of fecal rotavirus antigen, and resolution of symptoms after 2 days of treatment. Our results suggest that NAC treatment after the first diarrheal episode could be an efficient strategy for treating rotavirus-affected children and preventing the associated severe life-threatening accompanying dehydration.

Eosinophilic colitis in infants / Colite eosinofílica em lactentes

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature for clinical data on infants with allergic or eosinophilic colitis. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE search of all indexes was performed using the words ''colitis or procto-colitis and eosinophilic'' or ''colitis or proctocolitis and allergic'' between 1966 and February of 2013. All articles that described patients' characteristics were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 770 articles were identified, of which 32 met the inclusion criteria. The 32 articles included a total of 314 infants. According to the available information, 61.6% of infants were male and 78.6% were younger than 6 months. Of the 314 patients, 49.0% were fed exclusively breast milk, 44.2% received cow's milk protein, and 6.8% received soy protein. Diarrheal stools were described in 28.3% of patients. Eosinophilia was found in 43.8% (115/263) of infants. Colonic or rectal biopsy showed infiltration by eosinophils (between 5 and 25 perhigh-power field) in 89.3% (236/264) of patients. Most patients showed improvement with theremoval of the protein in cow's milk from their diet or the mother's diet. Allergy challenge tests with cow's milk protein were cited by 12 of the 32 articles (66 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic colitis occurs predominantly in the first six months of life and in males. Allergy to cow's milk was considered the main cause of eosinophilic colitis. Exclusion of cow'smilk from the diet of the lactating mother or from the infant's diet is generally an effective therapeutic measure. .

OBJETIVO: Revisão da literatura sobre dados clínicos de lactentes com colite eosinofílica oualérgica. FONTE DOS DADOS: Pesquisa no Medline de todas as indexações com as palavras ''colitis or proc-tocolitis and eosinophilic'' ou ''colitis or proctocolitis and allergic'' entre 1966 e fevereiro de 2013. Foram selecionados todos os artigos que descreviam as características dos pacientes. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram identificados 770 artigos dos quais 32 preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. Os 32 artigos incluíram o total de 314 lactentes. Conforme as informações disponíveis, 61,6% dos lactentes eram do sexo masculino e 78,6% apresentavam idade inferior a 6 meses. Dos 314 pacientes, 49,0% encontrava-se em aleitamento natural exclusivo, 44,2% recebiam proteína do leite de vaca e 6,8% proteína da soja. Fezes diarreicas foram descritas em 28,3% dos pacientes. Eosinofilia foi encontrada em 43,8% (115/263) dos lactentes. Biópsia retal ou colônica mostrou infiltração por eosinófilos (entre 5 e 25 por campo de grande aumento) em 89,3% (236/264) dos pacientes. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou melhora com a retirada da proteína do leite de vaca da sua dieta ou das suas mães. Teste de desencadeamento com proteína do leite de vaca foi citado em 12 dos 32 artigos (66 pacientes). CONCLUSÕES: Colite eosinofílica ocorre predominantemente nos primeiros seis meses de vida e no sexo masculino. Alergia ao leite de vaca foi considerada a principal causa de colite eosinofílica. Dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca da mãe lactante ou da dieta do lactente é uma medidate rapêutica geralmente eficaz. .

Eosinophilic colitis in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature for clinical data on infants with allergic or eosinophilic colitis. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE search of all indexes was performed using the words "colitis or proctocolitis and eosinophilic" or "colitis or proctocolitis and allergic" between 1966 and February of 2013. All articles that described patients' characteristics were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 770 articles were identified, of which 32 met the inclusion criteria. The 32 articles included a total of 314 infants. According to the available information, 61.6% of infants were male and 78.6% were younger than 6 months. Of the 314 patients, 49.0% were fed exclusively breast milk, 44.2% received cow's milk protein, and 6.8% received soy protein. Diarrheal stools were described in 28.3% of patients. Eosinophilia was found in 43.8% (115/263) of infants. Colonic or rectal biopsy showed infiltration by eosinophils (between 5 and 25 per high-power field) in 89.3% (236/264) of patients. Most patients showed improvement with the removal of the protein in cow's milk from their diet or the mother's diet. Allergy challenge tests with cow's milk protein were cited by 12 of the 32 articles (66 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic colitis occurs predominantly in the first six months of life and in males. Allergy to cow's milk was considered the main cause of eosinophilic colitis. Exclusion of cow's milk from the diet of the lactating mother or from the infant's diet is generally an effective therapeutic measure.

Correlación entre las características clínicas y el tipo de agente enteropatógeno bacteriano en menores de 5 años con diarrea aguda, atendidos en el Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas durante el año 2013 / Correlation between clinical characteristics and the type of agent bacterial enteropathogens in children less than 5 years with acute diarrhea attended at the Hospital of Pediatric Emergency in 2013

Determinar la correlación entre las características clínicas y el tipo de agente enteropatógeno bacteriano en menores de 5 años con diarrea aguda infecciosa atendidos en el Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas durante el año 2013. Metodología: El estudio es observacional, analítico comparativo, retrospectivo y transversal. Se realizó la investigación sobre la muestra de 362 niños menores de 5 años con diagnóstico de Diarrea Aguda. Para relacionar las variables se utilizó la prueba Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: De las características generales de los pacientes pediátricos en estudio, la edad promedio fue 30.02±21.7 meses (2 años y medio), en su mayoría masculino (55.5 por ciento), gran parte vive en el distrito de San Juan de Lurigancho, con un nivel socioeconómico medio y con mayor frecuencia estos cuadros diarreicos ocurren en primavera. Con respecto a las características nutricionales, el peso actual de los pacientes menores de 5 años con diarrea aguda fue de 12.8±8.12 kg en promedio. Además, sólo el 3.6 por ciento manifestó que su alimentación fue adecuada. Las características sintomatológicas más frecuentes que presentaron los menores fueron fiebre (68.8 por ciento), palidez (61 por ciento), dolor abdominal (54.1 por ciento) y vómito (46.4 por ciento); y los menos frecuentes fueron disentería y convulsiones. El grado de deshidratación fue mayormente leve (67.1 por ciento). En cuanto al tiempo de evolución de la diarrea este fue de 47.7±52.7 horas, el promedio de deposiciones fue de 3.9 veces al día y el promedio de vómitos fue 2.8 veces al día. Entre los principales enteropatógenos responsables de la diarrea aguda en niños menores de 5 años fueron Campylobacter (57.5 por ciento) y Shigella (34.3 por ciento), y en menor porcentaje el E. Coli y la Salmonella. Además, el dolor abdominal, la fiebre, el vómito los escalofríos y el grado de deshidratación estuvieron relacionados con algún tipo de bacteria (p<0.05). Por otro lado, la mayoría de pacientes...

To determine the correlation between clinical characteristics and the type of bacterial enteropathogen in children younger than 5 years with acute infectious diarrhea treated at the Pediatric Emergency Hospital during 2013. Methodology: Observational, comparative, retrospective, analytical, transversal study. The sample was 362 children younger than 5 years diagnosed with Acute Diarrhea. To relate the variables, the chi-square test was used. Results: The general characteristics of pediatric patients studied were: the mean age was 30.02±21.7 months (2 1/2 years), mostly male (55.5 per cent), Most live in the district of San Juan de Lurigancho, with middle socioeconomic level and most often these diarrheas occur in spring. Regarding the nutritional characteristics, current weight of patients younger than 5 years with acute diarrhea was 12.8 ± 8.12 kg on average. Furthermore, only 3.6 per cent said that their food was adequate. The most frequent symptomatology characteristics that children had were fever (68.8 per cent), pallor (61 per cent), abdominal pain (54.1 per cent) and vomiting (46.4 per cent); and least frequent were dysentery and seizures. The degree of dehydration was mostly mild (67.1 per cent). Regarding the duration of the diarrhea was 47.7±52.7 hours, the average deposition was 3.9 times per day and the average of vomiting was 2.8 times a day. The main enteropathogens responsible for acute diarrhea in children younger than 5 years were Campylobacter (57.5 per cent) and Shigella (34.3 per cent) and in the lowest percentage E. Coli and Salmonella. In addition, abdominal pain, fever, chills, vomiting and degree of dehydration were related to some type of bacteria (p<0.05). Moreover, the majority of patients (51.9 per cent) had more than 100 fecal leukocytes per field; also the stool was positive in 98.9 per cent of patients. In addition, fecal leukocytes per field were related to some kind of enteropathogenic bacteria (p<0.001)...

Severe early-onset colitis revealing mevalonate kinase deficiency.

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D is the less severe form of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) caused by recessive inherited mutation in the mevalonate kinase gene. Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D is characterized by febrile attacks, often associated with transient digestive manifestations, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Here we report for the first time 2 patients with MKD revealed by severe neonatal colitis. Both patients had chronic bloody diarrhea and failure to thrive; 1 patient since the age of 1 month and the other since the age of 12 days. Total parenteral nutrition was required. A marked elevation of acute phase reactants was present, and no evidence of infection was found. In patient 1, ileocolonoscopy revealed ulcerative colitis at the age of 5 months. Patient 2 suffered from enterocolitis and shock, associated with multiple bowel adhesions at age 5 weeks; the rectosigmoidoscopy showed aphtoid lesions of the sigmoid colon. Pathologic findings of colonic biopsies revealed a dense polymorph inflammatory infiltrate associated with deep ulcerations. Febrile attacks occurred 2 months after the onset of digestive symptoms in patient 1, and at onset of disease in patient 2. Genomic sequencing of the mevalonate kinase gene revealed compound heterozygous mutations in both patients. Anti-interleukin-1 agent produced long-term remission of all digestive features and laboratory parameters. This report emphasizes that MKD may be the cause of severe early-onset inflammatory colitis, and must be considered by physicians, even in the absence of fever, after ruling out infections. Anti-interleukin-1 therapy may result in a dramatic improvement of MKD-related inflammatory bowel disease.

Delayed primary serial transverse enteroplasty as a novel management strategy for infants with congenital ultra-short bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Congenital ultra-short bowel syndrome (USBS) is a challenging problem with a poor outcome. We report a new management approach for USBS infants that attempts to optimize gut growth potential. METHODS: We report five neonates with USBS in whom no correction was performed at primary surgery except placement of a gastrostomy (G) tube. Sham feeds were started with intermittent G-tube clamping to induce bowel dilatation/growth. Serial fluoroscopy was done until bowel caliber reached 5 cm. STEP was performed and continuity established to the colonic remnant. Small bowel length (SBL) and enteral caloric intake were tabulated. RESULTS: Patients were born with a mean residual SBL of 19 ± 7.6 cm (14.8% of expected). Median duration of sham feeds prior to STEP was 108 (range 27-232)days. Mean SBL at STEP was 47 ± 12.1cm, which increased post-STEP to 70 ± 12.7 cm (a mean increase of 296% from birth, representing 36.4% ± 13.1% of expected gut length). With a median follow-up time of 20 months (range 8-28), 4/5 achieved >50% enteral calories and have normal liver function. One has undergone liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: In USBS patients, delayed surgical correction with sham feeds accelerates gut growth, optimizing potential for autologous reconstruction. This approach may offer greater opportunity for intestinal adaptation than traditional options.

A review of enteral strategies in infant short bowel syndrome: evidence-based or NICU culture?

INTRODUCTION: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is an increasingly common condition encountered across neonatal intensive care units. Improvements in parenteral nutrition (PN), neonatal intensive care and surgical techniques, in addition to an improved understanding of SBS pathophysiology, have contributed in equal parts to the survival of this fragile subset of infants. Prevention of intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD) and promotion of intestinal adaptation are primary goals of all involved in the care of these patients. While enteral nutritional and pharmacological strategies are necessary to achieve these goals, there remains great variability in the application of therapeutic strategies in units that are not necessarily evidence-based. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of major English language medical databases (SCOPUS, Index Medicus, Medline, and the Cochrane database) was conducted for the key words short bowel syndrome, medical management, nutritional management and intestinal adaptation. All pharmacological and nutritional agents encountered in the literature search were classified based on their effects on absorptive capacity, intestinal adaptation and bowel motility that are the three major strategies employed in the management of SBS. The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) classification for levels of evidence was used to develop grades of clinical recommendation for each variable studied. RESULTS: We reviewed various medications used and nutritional strategies included soluble fiber, enteral fat, glutamine, probiotics and sodium supplementation. Most interventions have scientific rationale but little evidence to support their role in the management of infant SBS. While some of these agents symptomatically improve diarrhea, they can adversely influence pancreatico-biliary function or actually impair intestinal adaptation. Surgical anatomy and liver function are two important variables that should determine the selection of pharmacological and nutritional interventions. DISCUSSION: There is a paucity of research investigating optimal clinical practice in infant SBS and the little evidence available is consistently of lower quality, resulting in a wide variation of clinical practices among NICUs. Prospective trials should be encouraged to bridge the evidence gap between research and clinical practice to promote further progress in the field.

Effect of provision of daily zinc and iron with several micronutrients on growth and morbidity among young children in Pakistan: a cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Powders containing iron and other micronutrients are recommended as a strategy to prevent nutritional anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies in children. We assessed the effects of provision of two micronutrient powder formulations, with or without zinc, to children in Pakistan. METHODS: We did a cluster randomised trial in urban and rural sites in Sindh, Pakistan. A baseline survey identified 256 clusters, which were randomly assigned (within urban and rural strata, by computer-generated random numbers) to one of three groups: non-supplemented control (group A), micronutrient powder without zinc (group B), or micronutrient powder with 10 mg zinc (group C). Children in the clusters aged 6 months were eligible for inclusion in the study. Powders were to be given daily between 6 and 18 months of age; follow-up was to age 2 years. Micronutrient powder sachets for groups B and C were identical except for colour; investigators and field and supervisory staff were masked to composition of the micronutrient powders until trial completion. Parents knew whether their child was receiving supplementation, but did not know whether the powder contained zinc. Primary outcomes were growth, episodes of diarrhoea, acute lower respiratory tract infection, fever, and incidence of admission to hospital. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00705445. RESULTS: The trial was done between Nov 1, 2008, and Dec 31, 2011. 947 children were enrolled in group A clusters, 910 in group B clusters, and 889 in group C clusters. Micronutrient powder administration was associated with lower risk of iron-deficiency anaemia at 18 months compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] for micronutrient powder without zinc=0·20, 95% CI 0·11-0·36; OR for micronutrient powder with zinc=0·25, 95% CI 0·14-0·44). Compared with the control group, children in the group receiving micronutrient powder without zinc gained an extra 0·31 cm (95% CI 0·03-0·59) between 6 and 18 months of age and children receiving micronutrient powder with zinc an extra 0·56 cm (0·29-0·84). We recorded strong evidence of an increased proportion of days with diarrhoea (p=0·001) and increased incidence of bloody diarrhoea (p=0·003) between 6 and 18 months in the two micronutrient powder groups, and reported chest indrawing (p=0·03). Incidence of febrile episodes or admission to hospital for diarrhoea, respiratory problems, or febrile episodes did not differ between the three groups. INTERPRETATION: Use of micronutrient powders reduces iron-deficiency anaemia in young children. However, the excess burden of diarrhoea and respiratory morbidities associated with micronutrient powder use and the very small effect on growth recorded suggest that a careful assessment of risks and benefits must be done in populations with malnourished children and high diarrhoea burdens. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.