Inhaled magnesium versus inhaled salbutamol in rescue treatment for moderate and severe asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of inhaled Magnesium Sulfate associated with Salbutamol versus Inhaled Salbutamol alone in patients with moderate and severe asthma exacerbations. METHOD: Clinical, prospective and randomized study with patients between 3 and 14 years of age divided into two groups: one to receive inhaled salbutamol associated with magnesium sulfate (GSM), the other to receive inhaled salbutamol alone (GS). The sample consisted of 40 patients, 20 patients in each group. Severity was classified using the modified Wood-Downes score, with values between 4 and 7 classified as moderate and 8 or more classified as severe. RESULTS: Post-inhalation scores decreased both in patients who received salbutamol and magnesium and in those who received salbutamol alone, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the benefits when administered intravenously, inhalation of the drug alone or in combination did not reduce the severity of the exacerbation.

Use of Dexamethasone to Prevent Extubation Failure in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Extubation failure is a common event in intensive care units. Corticosteroids are effective in preventing failure in adults, but no consensus has been reached on this matter in pediatrics. We assessed the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone in mechanically ventilated children and adolescents for more than 48 hours, with at least one risk factor for failure. Extubations were scheduled 24 hours in advance when possible, and patients were randomly assigned into two groups: one group received a loading dose followed by up to four doses of dexamethasone, and the other group received no corticosteroids. Need for reintubation and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit were similar in both groups, and frequency of reintubation was 12.9%.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Dientamoeba fragilis in asymptomatic children attending daycare centers.

In order to provide additional data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Dientamoeba fragilis in human populations, we conducted a study in children from low-income communities in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Fecal samples from daycare center attendees up to 6 years old (n=156) and staff members (n=18) were submitted to PCR and sequencing of D. fragilis as well as to microscopic examination for the presence of other intestinal parasites. All children assessed were asymptomatic and 10.3% (16/156) were positive for D. fragilis. No worker was found to be positive. An association between Dientamoeba and coinfection with other intestinal parasites was observed. Concerning the genetic diversity, 14 and only two isolates were genotype 1 and genotype 2, respectively. Our findings outline interesting aspects: (1) asymptomatic children as carriers of Dientamoeba in communities in which environmental conditions ensure parasite transmission and, (2) association between Dientamoeba infection in young children and coinfection with other enteric parasites, reinforcing its transmission via the fecal-oral route.

Clinical and laboratory description of a series of cases of acute viral myositis.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and laboratory profile, follow-up, and outcome of a series of cases of acute viral myositis. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of suspected cases under observation in the emergency department was performed, including outpatient follow-up with the recording of respiratory infection and musculoskeletal symptoms, measurement of muscle enzymes, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), transaminases (AST and ALT), blood count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the acute phase and during follow-up until normalization. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2009, 42 suspected cases were identified and 35 (27 boys) were included. The median age was 7 years and the diagnosis was reported in 89% in the first emergency visit. The observed respiratory symptoms were cough (31%), rhinorrhea (23%), and fever (63%), with a mean duration of 4.3 days. Musculoskeletal symptoms were localized pain in the calves (80%), limited ambulation (57%), gait abnormality (40%), and muscle weakness in the lower limbs (71%), with a mean duration of 3.6 days. There was significant increase in CPK enzymes (5507±9180U/L), LDH (827±598U/L), and AST (199±245U/L), with a tendency to leukopenia (4590±1420) leukocytes/mm(3). The complete recovery of laboratory parameters was observed in 30 days (median), and laboratory and clinical recurrence was documented in one case after 10 months. CONCLUSION: Typical symptoms with increased muscle enzymes after diagnosis of influenza and self-limited course of the disease were the clues to the diagnosis. The increase in muscle enzymes indicate transient myotropic activity related to seasonal influenza, which should be considered, regardless of the viral identification, possibly associated with influenza virus or other respiratory viruses.

Interleukin-12 in children with sepsis and septic shock. / Interleucina-12 em crianças com sepse e choque séptico.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the behavior of interleukin-12 and verify whether it can be used to differentiate septic conditions in children. METHODS: Septic children aged between 28 days and 14 years, prospectively enrolled from 01/2004 to 12/2005, were divided into sepsis (SG; n=47) and septic shock (SSG; n=43) groups. Interleukin-12 levels were measured at admission (T0) and 12 hours later (T12). Disease severity was assessed by the PRISM score. RESULTS: Interleukin-12 levels did not differentiate children with sepsis from those with septic shock at admission [SSG: 0.24 (0-226.4)=SG: 1.23 (0-511.6); p=0.135)] and T12 [SG: 6.11 (0-230.5)=SSG: 1.32 (0-61.0); p=0.1239)]. Comparing time points, no significant difference was observed in the SG [SG, T0: 1.23 (0-511.6)=T12: 6.11 (0-230.5); p=0.075]. In SSG however, interleukin-12 increased from T0 to T12 (SSG, T0: 0.24 (0-226.4)0.05). There was no correlation between onterleukin-12 levels at admission and the PRISM score for either group. CONCLUSION: Interleukin-12 levels cannot differentiate between septic conditions and are not related to disease severity at admission. In septic shock patients, interleukin-12 increases with time.

Clinical and laboratory description of a series of cases of acute viral myositis / Descrição clínico-laboratorial de uma série de casos de Miosite Aguda Viral

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and laboratory profile, follow-up, and outcome of a series of cases of acute viral myositis. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of suspected cases under observation in the emergency department was performed, including outpatient follow-up with the recording of respiratory infection and musculoskeletal symptoms, measurement of muscle enzymes, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), transaminases (AST and ALT), blood count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the acute phase and during follow-up until normalization. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2009, 42 suspected cases were identified and 35 (27 boys) were included. The median age was 7 years and the diagnosis was reported in 89% in the first emergency visit. The observed respiratory symptoms were cough (31%), rhinorrhea (23%), and fever (63%), with a mean duration of 4.3 days. Musculoskeletal symptoms were localized pain in the calves (80%), limited ambulation (57%), gait abnormality (40%), and muscle weakness in the lower limbs (71%), with a mean duration of 3.6 days. There was significant increase in CPK enzymes (5507 ± 9180 U/L), LDH (827 ± 598 U/L), and AST (199 ± 245 U/L), with a tendency to leukopenia (4590 ± 1420) leukocytes/mm3. The complete recovery of laboratory parameters was observed in 30 days (median), and laboratory and clinical recurrence was documented in one case after 10 months. CONCLUSION: Typical symptoms with increased muscle enzymes after diagnosis of influenza and self-limited course of the disease were the clues to the diagnosis. The increase in muscle enzymes indicate transient myotropic activity related to seasonal influenza, which should be considered, regardless of the viral identification, possibly associated with influenza virus or other respiratory viruses.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil clínico-laboratorial, o acompanhamento e o desfecho de uma série de casos de miosite aguda viral. MÉTODO: Foi conduzida uma análise retrospectiva de casos suspeitos, em observação em unidade de emergência, e seguimento ambulatorial com o registro de sintomas de infecção respiratória, sintomas músculo-esqueléticos, determinação de enzimas musculares, creatina-fosfoquinase (CPK), desidrogenase lática (DHL), transaminases (AST e ALT), hemograma, proteína C reativa e velocidade de hemossedimentação, na fase aguda e no acompanhamento, até a normalização. RESULTADOS: Entre 2000 e 2009, 42 casos suspeitos foram identificados e 35 (27 meninos) foram incluídos. A mediana de idade foi de sete anos e o diagnóstico relatado em 89%, na primeira visita de emergência. Os sintomas respiratórios observados foram: tosse (31%), coriza (23%) e febre (63%), com duração média de 4,3 dias. Os sintomas músculo-esqueléticos foram: dor localizada nas panturrilhas (80%), deambulação limitada (57%), marcha anormal (40%) e fraqueza muscular nos membros inferiores (71%), com duração média de 3,6 dias. Observou-se elevação importante das enzimas CPK (5.507 ± 9.180) U/l, DHL (827 ± 598) U/l e AST (199 ± 245) U/l e tendência a leucopenia (4.590 ± 1.420) leucócitos/mm3. A recuperação completa dos parâmetros laboratoriais foi observada em 30 dias (mediana) e a recaída clínica e laboratorial em um caso após 10 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Os sintomas típicos com enzimas musculares elevadas após diagnóstico de influenza e o curso autolimitado foram os indícios para o diagnóstico. A elevação de enzimas musculares indica a atividade miotrópica transitória relacionada à influenza sazonal que deve ser considerada, a despeito da identificação viral, possivelmente associada com o vírus influenza ou outros vírus respiratórios.

Interleucina-12 em crianças com sepse e choque séptico / Interleukin-12 in children with sepsis and septic shock

OBJETIVO: Examinar o comportamento da interleucina-12 e verificar se pode ser utilizada para diferenciar condições sépticas em crianças. MÉTODOS: Foram inscritas, de forma prospectiva, entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2005, crianças com idades de 28 dias a 14 anos, subdivididas nos grupos sepse (SG; n=47) e choque séptico (SSG; n=43). A interleucina-12 foi avaliada quando da admissão (T0) e 12 horas mais tarde (T12). A gravidade da doença foi avaliada utilizando o escore PRISM. RESULTADOS: A interleucina-12 não diferenciou crianças com sepse das com choque séptico quando da admissão [SSG: 0,24 (0-22,64)=SG: 1,23 (0-511,6); p=0,135)] e na avaliação T12 [SG: 6,11 (0-230,5)=SSG: 1,32 (0-61,0); p=0,1239)]. Na comparação entre os momentos, não foi observada diferença estatística para SG [SG, T0: 1,23 (0-511,6)=T12: 6,11 (0-230,5); p=0,075]. Entretanto, em casos de SSG, a interleucina-12 aumentou entre as avaliações T0 e T12 [SSG, T0: 0,24 (0-226,4)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the behavior of interleukin-12 and verify whether it can be used to differentiate septic conditions in children. METHODS: Septic children aged between 28 days and 14 years, prospectively enrolled from 01/2004 to 12/2005, were divided into sepsis (SG; n=47) and septic shock (SSG; n=43) groups. Interleukin-12 levels were measured at admission (T0) and 12 hours later (T12). Disease severity was assessed by the PRISM score. RESULTS: Interleukin-12 levels did not differentiate children with sepsis from those with septic shock at admission [SSG: 0.24 (0-226.4)=SG: 1.23 (0-511.6); p=0.135)] and T12 [SG: 6.11 (0-230.5)=SSG: 1.32 (0-61.0); p=0.1239)]. Comparing time points, no significant difference was observed in the SG [SG, T0: 1.23 (0-511.6)=T12: 6.11 (0-230.5); p=0.075]. In SSG however, interleukin-12 increased from T0 to T12 (SSG, T0: 0.24 (0-226.4)