Bone resorptive activity in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical lesions of endodontic origin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the levels and diagnostic accuracy of a set of bone resorption biomarkers, including TRAP-5, RANKL, and OPG in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical lesions and controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apical tissues from symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis patients and periodontal ligaments from healthy teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were processed for tissue homogenization and the levels of TRAP-5, RANKL, and OPG were determined by multiplex assay. Marker levels were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test, and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed with ROC curves. RESULTS: Higher levels of RANKL, OPG, and RANKL/OPG ratio were determined in both types of apical lesions compared to healthy periodontal ligament, whereas higher TRAP-5 levels were found only in symptomatic apical lesions (p < 0.05). OPG, RANKL, and RANKL/OPG ratio showed diagnostic potential to identify apical lesions versus healthy controls (AUC = 0.69, p < 0.05); while TRAP-5 showed a potential to discriminate symptomatic versus asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AUC = 0.71, p < 0.05) and healthy controls (AUC = 0.83, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apical lesions showed higher RANKL and OPG levels than healthy tissues. TRAP-5 levels were the highest in symptomatic apical lesions, suggesting that these represent a progressive state, and showed diagnostic potential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically symptomatic apical periodontitis might represent biologically progressive apical lesions based on TRAP5 levels. TRAP5 has diagnostic potential to identify these lesions, representing a candidate prognostic biomarker.

Avances en el tratamiento de los niños y adolescentes con infección por HIV / Advances in the treatment of children and adolescents with HIV infection

El uso de antirretrovirales (ARV) en el embarazo, el parto y el recién nacido y la aplicación de tratamientos combinados en los niños se han asociado con una disminución del sida en pediatría y el aumento de la sobrevida. La introducción de los inhibidores de integrasa en una dosis diaria ha eliminado barreras para la adherencia, pero los medicamentos orales diarios continúan planteando problemas de privacidad y estigma. Las nuevas tecnologías de administración de los medicamentos y las nuevas drogas junto con la combinación de ARV y los anticuerpos ampliamente neutralizantes (bNAb), ofrecen un potencial de opciones futuras para el tratamiento pediátrico del HIV. Los bNAb son anticuerpos que pueden reconocer diferentes tipos de HIV, bloquear su entrada en las células sanas y ayudar a destruir las células ya infectadas, pueden administrarse por vía parenteral y constituyen un enfoque novedoso y seguro con potencial para el tratamiento y la prevención del HIV, incluida la transmisión vertical. En los lactantes que contraen HIV, los bNAb podrían ofrecer ventajas terapéuticas al reducir el reservorio del virus, mejorar la inmunidad adquirida y, en el futuro, proporcionar un camino hacia la cura funcional. Dentro de los ARV inyectables de acción prolongada, cabotegravir/ rilpivirina se ha incorporado en las guías internacionales de adultos y adolescentes tanto para el tratamiento como para la prevención. A medida que el tratamiento del HIV en adultos va evolucionando, es fundamental asegurar que los neonatos, lactantes, niños y adolescentes tengan acceso a las mejores opciones de tratamiento y prevención a lo largo de su vida (AU)

The use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) during pregnancy, delivery, and in the newborn and the use of combination therapy in children have been associated with a decrease in pediatric AIDS and increased survival. The introduction of once-daily integrase inhibitors has removed barriers to adherence, but daily oral medications continue to pose privacy and stigma issues. New drug delivery technologies and new drugs along with the combination of ARVs and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) offer potential future options for pediatric HIV treatment. bNAbs are antibodies that can recognize different types of HIV, block their entry into healthy cells and help destroy already infected cells, can be delivered parenterally, and represent a novel and safe approach with potential for the treatment and prevention of HIV, including mother-to-child transmission. In infants who contract HIV, bNBAs could offer therapeutic advantages by reducing the viral reservoir, enhancing acquired immunity and, in the future, providing a pathway to a functional cure. Within the long-acting injectable ARVs, cabotegravir/rilpivirine has been incorporated into international guidelines for adults and adolescents for both treatment and prevention. As adult HIV treatment evolves, it is critical to ensure that newborns, infants, children and adolescents have access to the best treatment and prevention options throughout their lives (AU)

Resistencia genotípica del HIV a los antirretrovirales en niños de Argentina entre 2006 y 2021 / HIV genotypic drug resistance to antiretrovirals in children in Argentina between 2006 and 2021

Introducción: La resistencia del HIV a los antirretrovirales (ARVs) es una de las principales causas de fallo terapéutico en niños, niñas y adolescentes que conviven con el virus. Desde el año 2006, el Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Retrovirus del Hospital Garrahan realiza el estudio genotípico de resistencia (ER) del HIV-1 a los ARVs a fin de identificar mutaciones que disminuyen la susceptibilidad del virus a los fármacos que componen el tratamiento ARV. Objetivos: El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el tipo y frecuencia de resistencia del HIV a los ARVs, a través de un análisis de 371 ER realizados entre los años 2006 y 2021 en niños, niñas y adolescentes con HIV-1 adquirido por transmisión vertical y con solicitud médica de ER por presentar fallo terapéutico. Resultados: Entre los años 2006 y 2013 la proporción de casos con resistencia a al menos una clase de fármaco ARV fue mayor al 90%, sugiriendo una asociación directa entre el fallo virológico y la disminución en la susceptibilidad del HIV-1 a uno o más componentes del TARV. A partir del año 2012, se observa una disminución progresiva del nivel de resistencia de HIV-1, llegando al 50% en 2021 (p<0.0001). La frecuencia de mutaciones de resistencia fue diferente para cada una de las clases de ARVs. Mientras que la resistencia a INNTR no sufrió cambios significativos a lo largo del período de estudio, oscilando entre 27% y 75%. La proporción de mutaciones a IPs en pacientes con fallo virológico disminuyó de 87% en 2006 a 17% en 2021 y para los INTR, disminuyó de 79% en 2006 a 45% en 2021. Conclusión: El nivel de resistencia a los ARVs ha disminuido de manera sustancial a lo largo de los últimos 16 años, probablemente por el uso de nuevos fármacos ARV con alta potencia que posibilitaron la intensificación de los tratamientos ARV y la implementación de criterios de fallo terapéutico más estrictos tanto a nivel clínico como virológico (AU)

Introduction: HIV resistance to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs is one of the main causes of therapeutic failure in children and adolescents living with the virus. Since 2006, the Cell Biology and Retrovirus Laboratory of the Garrahan Hospital has been performing the genotypic study of HIV-1 resistance to ARV drugs in order to identify mutations that reduce the susceptibility of the virus to the drugs that constitute ARV treatment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the type and frequency of HIV resistance to ARV drugs through an analysis of 371 genotype studies performed between 2006 and 2021 in children and adolescents with HIV-1 acquired through motherto-child transmission and with medical request for genotype study due to therapeutic failure. Results: Between 2006 and 2013, the proportion of cases with resistance to at least one ARV drug class was greater than 90%, suggesting a direct association between virologic failure and decreased susceptibility of HIV-1 to one or more components of ART. From 2012 onwards, a progressive decrease in the level of HIV-1 resistance was observed, reaching 50% in 2021 (p<0.0001). The frequency of resistant mutations was different for each of the ARV classes, while resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) did not change significantly over the study period, ranging from 27% to 75%. The proportion of drug-resistant mutations to protease inhibitors (PI) in patients with virologic failure decreased from 87% in 2006 to 17% in 2021 and for NNRTIs from 79% in 2006 to 45% in 2021. Conclusion: The level of resistance to ARV drugs has decreased substantially over the last 16 years, probably due to the use of new ARV drugs with high potency that allowed the intensification of ARV treatments and the implementation of stricter criteria for therapeutic failure both clinically and virologically (AU)

Factores de riesgo de bacteriemia en niños con cáncer y neutropenia febril / Risk factors for bacteremia in children with cancer and febrile neutropenia

La bacteriemia representa una importante causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes oncológicos. Durante el episodio de neutropenia inducida por quimioterapia, un 15%­25% de los pacientes tendrá bacteriemia. Objetivo: identificar factores de riesgo asociados con bacteriemia en pacientes oncológicos pediátricos con neutropenia y fiebre. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con enfermedades hematooncológicas y neutropenia febril, internados en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad entre julio de 2018 y mayo de 2019. Se excluyeron receptores de trasplante de médula ósea. Se compararon las características clínicas según se documentara bacteriemia (B) o no. Resultados: Se incluyeron 160 pacientes (p). Eran varones 93 (58%). La mediana de edad fue 81,5 meses (RIC 36-127,5). La enfermedad de base (EB) más frecuente fue: leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) 88 (55%). Se identificaron 20 (12,5%) pacientes con bacteriemia (B). En el análisis univariado hubo asociación entre B y LMA (p=0,003) y la internación en UCI (p=0,0001). En el modelo multivariado, ajustado por el resto de las variables, se identificaron la LMA (OR 8,24, IC95% 2,5-26,4; p<0,001) y la tiflitis (OR 5,86, IC95% 1,2-27,3; p=0,02) como factores relacionados con bacteriemia. Los principales microorganismos identificados fueron: estreptococos del grupo viridans 6 (30%), Escherichia coli 4 (20%) y estafilococos coagulasa negativos 3 (15%). Quince (75%) fueron bacteriemias secundarias a un foco clínico. El foco más frecuente fue el mucocutáneo (n=7, 35%). En esta cohorte de niños con cáncer y neutropenia febril, los factores asociados con bacteriemia fueron: la LMA, la tiflitis y la internación en UCI (AU)

Bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in oncology patients. During an episode of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, 15%-25% of patients will develop bacteremia. Objective: to identify risk factors associated with bacteremia in pediatric oncology patients with neutropenia and fever. Material and methods: prospective cohort study. Patients with hematology-oncology diseases and febrile neutropenia, admitted to a tertiary-care pediatric hospital between July 2018 and May 2019 were included. Bone marrow transplant recipients were excluded. Clinical characteristics were compared according to whether or not bacteremia was recorded. Results: 160 patients were included of whom 93 (58%) were male. Median age was 81.5 months (IQR 36-127.5). The most common underlying disease was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 88 patients (55%). Twenty (12.5%) patients with bacteremia were identified. In univariate analysis, an association was found between bacteremia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (p=0.003) and ICU admission (p=0.0001). In the multivariate model, adjusted for the remaining variables, AML (OR 8.24; 95%CI 2.5-26.4; p<0.001) and typhlitis (OR 5.86; 95%CI 1.2-27.3; p=0.02) were identified as factors related to bacteremia. The main microorganisms identified were viridans group streptococci in 6 (30%), Escherichia coli in 4 (20%), and coagulase negative staphylococci in 3 (15%). In 15 cases (75%), bacteremia was secondary to a clinical focus. The most frequent focus was mucocutaneous (n=7, 35%). In this cohort of children with cancer and febrile neutropenia, the factors associated with bacteremia were AML, typhlitis, and ICU admission (AU)

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas asociadas con internación en niños con COVID-19 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad: Estudio de cohorte enero-marzo 2022 / Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics associated with hospital admission in children with COVID19 in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital: A January-March 2022 cohort study

Introducción: La proporción de casos reportados de niños y adolescentes con COVID-19 aumenta progresivamente. La hospitalización relacionada con COVID-19 en niños es infrecuente, pero causa morbilidad y sobrecarga al sistema de salud. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de los niños con diagnóstico de COVID-19 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Comparar los pacientes que requirieron internación y los que no. Material y métodos: Cohorte prospectiva. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico virológico de COVID-19 desde 1.1.2022 a 1.3.22 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Se compararon los antecedentes, características clínicas y evolutivas de los pacientes según requirieran o no internación. Se utilizó STATA 16. Resultados: n: 1764 pacientes, de ellos 958 eran varones (54%). La mediana de edad fue 56 meses (RIC 17-116). Tenían enfermedad de base 789 pacientes (46%). Las más frecuentes fueron: enfermedad oncohematológica 215 (12%), neurológica 103 pacientes (6%) , enfermedad pulmonar crónica 68 (4%), cardiopatías congénitas 65 (4%) y síndrome genético 57 pacientes (3%). Eran inmunosuprimidos: 292 (17%). Presentaron síntomas relacionados con COVID-19 1319 pacientes (79%). Requirieron internación 591 (34%). Tuvieron coinfección con otros virus respiratorios 33 pacientes (2%). Ingresaron a Cuidados intensivos en relación a la COVID-19 22 pacientes (1.3%) y fallecieron en relación con la infección 8 (0.5%). En el análisis univariado, la presencia de comorbilidades, la coinfección viral y la inmunosupresión se asociaron estadísticamente con el requerimiento de internación. El antecedente de 2 o más dosis de vacuna para SARS-CoV-2 fue un factor protector para la internación en los mayores de 3 años. En el modelo multivariado, los pacientes menores de 3 años (OR 6.5, IC95% 1.2-36.8, p 0.03), con comorbilidades (OR 2.04, IC 95% 1.7- 3.3, p 0.00) y los huéspedes inmunocomprometidos (OR 2.89, IC95% 2.1-4.1, p 0.00) tuvieron más riesgo de internación. Ajustado por el resto de las variables, haber recibido dos o más dosis de vacuna fue un factor protector para la internación (OR 0.65, IC 95% 0.49-0.87, p<0.01). Conclusiones: En este estudio de cohorte prospectivo de niños con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19 predominó la enfermedad sintomática. Fueron admitidos en relación con el COVID-19, 34% de los pacientes. La vacunación con dos o más dosis fue un factor protector para la internación en el modelo multivariado. Además, se asociaron estadísticamente con la hospitalización, la edad menor de 3 años, las comorbilidades previas y la inmunosupresión (AU)

Introduction: The rate of reported cases of children and adolescents with COVID-19 is progressively increasing. COVID-19-related hospital admission in children is uncommon, but leads to morbidity and places a burden on the healthcare system. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of children diagnosed with COVID-19 in a pediatric tertiary-care hospital and to compare patients who required hospital admission with those who did not. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study. All patients with a virological diagnosis of COVID-19 seen between 1.1.2022 and 1.3.22 in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital were included. We compared patient history, clinical characteristics, and outcome according to whether or not they required hospital admission. STATA 16 was used. Results: n: 1764 patients, 958 of whom were male (54%). The median age was 56 months (IQR, 17- 116). Overall, 789 patients had an underlying disease (46%), the most frequent of which were hematology-oncology disease in 215 patients (12%), neurological disease in 103 (6%), chronic lung disease in 68 (4%), congenital heart disease in 65 (4%), and a genetic syndrome in 57 (3%); 292 were immunosuppressed (17%). Overall, 1319 patients (79%) had COVID-19-related symptoms and 591 (34%) required hospital admission. A coinfection with other respiratory viruses was observed in 33 patients (2%). Intensive care admission due to COVID-19 was required in 22 patients (1.3%) and 8 (0.5%) died with COVID-19. In univariate analysis, the presence of comorbidities, viral coinfecton, and immunosuppression were statistically significantly associated with the need for hospitalization. A history of two or more doses of the SARSCoV2 vaccine was a protective factor against hospital admission in children older than 3 years. In the multivariate model, patients younger than 3 years (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.2-36.8, p 0.03), with comorbidities (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.7-3.3, p 0.00) and immunocompromised hosts (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.1-4.1, p 0.00) had a higher risk of hospital admission. When adjusting for the remaining variables, having received two or more doses of the vaccine was found to be a protective factor against hospital admission (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.87, p<0.01). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study of children with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, symptomatic disease predominated. Thirty-four percent of the patients were admitted for COVID-19. Vaccination with two or more doses was a protective factor against hospitalization in the multivariate model. In addition, age younger than 3 years, previous comorbidities, and immunosuppression were statistically associated with hospital admission (AU)

Epidemiología de COVID-19 / Epidemiology of COVID-19

El 31 de diciembre de 2019, en el estado de Wuhan, al sur de China, se notificaron los primeros casos de una enfermedad nueva que se denominó COVID-19. Se identificó al virus SARS-CoV-2 como el agente etiológico. Esta enfermedad fue declarada pandemia por la OMS en marzo 2020. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la epidemiología de la COVID-19 y las características particulares de los niños con esta enfermedad. El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN que pertenece a la familia Coronaviridae. Su trasmisión es principalmente interhumana a través de pequeñas gotitas respiratorias y también mediante aerosoles. En la clínica puede presentarse de forma asintomática o con un cuadro grave de distrés respiratorio. Puede haber manifestaciones cutáneas, gastrointestinales y/o cardiovasculares entre otras. En los niños se describió un síndrome inflamatorio denominado síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico asociado a SARS-CoV-2 (SIMS). La evidencia sobre el rol de los niños en la transmisión de la enfermedad es creciente. En la Argentina, desde el inicio de la pandemia hasta junio 2021, se notificaron más de 4 000 000 de casos confirmados de COVID-19 y, 90 000 personas fallecidas. Las infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 representan un desafío sanitario global. El rol de los niños como dispersores de la enfermedad y su real carga de enfermedad continúan en estudio (AU)

On December 31, 2019, in the state of Wuhan, southern China, the first cases of a new disease named COVID-19 were reported. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified as the etiologic agent. This disease was declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the particular characteristics of children with this disease. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. Its transmission is mainly human-to-human through small respiratory droplets and aerosols. Clinically, it may present asymptomatically or with severe respiratory distress. There may be cutaneous, gastrointestinal and/or cardiovascular manifestations, among others. In children, SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS) has been described. There is growing evidence on the role of children in the transmission of COVID-19. In Argentina, from the onset of the pandemic until June 2021, more than 4 000 000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 90 000 deaths have been reported. SARSCoV-2 infections represent a global health challenge. Research on the role of children as disease spreaders and their actual disease burden is ongoing (AU)

Características clínicas y evolutivas de niños con infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital de alta complejidad: estudio de cohorte / Clinical and outcome characteristics of children with SARS CoV-2 infection in a tertiary-care hospital: a cohort study

Introducción: Las infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 representan un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. En los niños se reporta menor incidencia y cuadros clínicos más leves. Se realizó el presente estudio con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de los niños con diagnóstico de infección por SARS CoV-2 en el Hospital Juan P. Garrahan. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado por PCR de COVID-19 desde 20.4.20 hasta el 3.07.21 y con seguimiento en el hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan. Resultados: n: 1644. Eran varones 836 (51%). La mediana de edad fue 75 meses (RIC 22- 143). Tenían alguna enfermedad de base previa al diagnóstico de COVID-19: 884 pacientes (53,7%), la más frecuente fue la enfermedad oncohematológica. Estaban asintomáticos 423 pacientes (25,7%). De los pacientes sintomáticos, 1071 (65,1%) presentaron cuadro leve, 5 (0,3%) moderado, 69 (4,2%) grave y 76 (4,6%) crítico. La fiebre fue el hallazgo más frecuente n: 782; (47,5%). Se internaron 900 pacientes (54,7%), 33 en UCI (2%). Fallecieron 7 pacientes (0,4%), todos ellos con comorbilidades graves. Conclusiones: En este estudio de cohorte de niños con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada, predominaron los pacientes con enfermedad de base y las formas leves de COVID-19. El ingreso a UCI fue menor al 2%. Fallecieron 7 pacientes (0.4%) todos ellos con comorbilidades y coinfecciones (AU)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infections represent a worldwide public health problem. A lower incidence and milder clinical pictures are reported in children. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and outcome characteristics of children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. All patients with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 seen between 20.4.20 and 3.07.21 and followed-up at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan were included. Results: n: 1644; 836 males (51%) were male. Median age was 75 months (IQR, 22-143). Overall, 884 patients (53.7%) had an underlying disease prior to COVID-19 diagnosis, most frequently hematologic/ oncologic disease. 423 patients (25.7%) were asymptomatic. Of the symptomatic patients, 1071 (65.1%) had mild, 5 (0.3%) moderate, 69 (4.2%) severe, and 76 (4.6%) critical disease. Fever was the most frequent finding (n: 782; 47.5%). A total of 900 patients (54.7%) were admitted, 33 of whom to the ICU (2%). Seven patients (0.4%) died, all with severe comorbidities. Conclusions: In this cohort study of children with confirmed SARSCoV-2 infection, patients with underlying disease and mild forms of COVID-19 predominated. ICU admission occurred in less than 2%. Seven patients (0.4%) died, all of them with comorbidities and coinfections. (AU)

Síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico (SIMS) asociado con el SARS-CoV-2: Un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / SARS-CoV-2-associated pediatric multisystemic inflammatory syndrome: A retrospective cohort study

Introduccion: El Síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico (SIMS) asociado con el SARS-CoV-2 es una enfermedad aguda acompañada de un síndrome hiperinflamatorio, con falla multiorgánica y shock, asociada a la infección por SARS CoV2, que produce alta morbilidad en la población pediátrica, que hasta el momento es la afectada por este síndrome. Objetivo: Evaluar las características diferenciales del síndrome multisistémico inflamatorio asociado al SARS-COV-2 (SIMS) en niños. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. La definición de SIMS se basó en los criterios de la OMS. Los pacientes con COVID-19 relacionados temporalmente se incluyeron como controles. Resultados: se incluyeron 25 pacientes con SIMS y 75 controles. El modelo de regresión logística múltiple de las variables que mostraron ser significativas en el análisis univariado reveló que la edad ≥ 2 años (OR 24,7; IC del 95%: 1,03 -592,4; P = 0,048), la linfopenia (OR 9,03; IC del 95%: 2,05-39,7; P = 0,004), y el recuento de plaquetas <150x109 / L (OR 11,7; IC del 95%: 1,88-75,22; P = 0,009) se asociaron significativamente con SIMS. La presencia de una enfermedad subyacente pareció reducir el riesgo de SIMS (OR 0,06; IC del 95%: 0,01-0,3). Conclusión: El SIMS fue más común en pacientes mayores de 2 años y en aquellos con linfopenia o trombocitopenia. La enfermedad subyacente parece reducir el riesgo del mismo. (AU)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2-associated pediatric multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (PMIS) is an acute disease accompanied by a hyperinflammatory syndrome, with multiorgan failure and shock associated with SARS CoV2 infection, producing high morbidity in the pediatric population, which so far is affected by this syndrome. Objective: To evaluate the differential characteristics of SARS-COV-2-associated PMIS in children. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The definition of PMIS was based on WHO criteria. Patients with temporally related COVID-19 were included as controls. Results: 25 patients with PMIS and 75 controls were included. A multiple logistic regression model of the variables shown to be significant in univariate analysis revealed that age ≥ 2 years (OR 24.7; 95% CI: 1.03 -592.4; P = 0.048), lymphopenia (OR 9.03; 95% CI 2.05-39.7; P = 0.004), and platelet count < 150x109/L (OR 11.7; 95% CI: 1.88-75.22; P = 0.009) were significantly associated with PMIS. The presence of an underlying disease appeared to reduce the risk of PMIS (OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01-0.3). Conclusion: PMIS was more common in patients older than 2 years and in those with lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia. Underlying disease appears to reduce the risk of SMIS.(AU)

Children with fever of unknown origin in Argentina: an analysis of 113 cases.

The aim of this study was to determine the causes of fever of unknown origin, to evaluate new diagnostic tests and to elucidate risk factors for chronic or life-threatening disorders. The medical records of 113 children who had undiagnosed fever for at least 3 weeks were reviewed. Infection (N = 41) was the most frequent cause of fever of unknown origin. Respiratory tract infections were the most common causes in infants and endocarditis and tuberculosis were more frequent in older children. Neoplastic disorders (N = 11) occurred in children older than one year. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (N = 9) was the most common collagen-vascular disorder (N = 15). Miscellaneous disorders and factitious fever occurred in 21 and 4 cases, respectively. Twenty-two patients remained undiagnosed. History and physical examination led to a final diagnosis in 81% of cases. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 71 patients (61%) and was helpful for diagnosis in 15%. Children with life-threatening or chronic disorders (N = 58) were older than those with self-limiting conditions (N = 55; P = 0.017). Cardiovascular and articular signs and symptoms were more frequent in the former group (P = 0.01).

Monocyte phagolysosomal fusion in children born to human immunodeficiency virus-infected mothers.

BACKGROUND: Previously we demonstrated that monocyte phagolysosomal fusion is impaired in chronic HIV infection in adult patients. METHODS: We studied the phagolysosomal fusion of peripheral blood monocytes from 45 children vertically infected with HIV, 38 noninfected infants born to HIV-positive mothers and 14 children born to HIV-seronegative women, by a cytomorphologic method in which acridine orange is used as a fusion marker. RESULTS: The mean percentages of phagolysosomal fusion +/-SD were 42 +/- 16.1 for HIV-positive children, 55.3 +/- 15.5 for HIV-negative infants born to HIV-infected mothers and 58.2 +/- 12.7 for normal controls. Monocyte phagolysosomal fusion of HIV-infected children was significantly decreased in comparison to noninfected and normal infants (P < 0.001), while there was no difference between the two latter groups. Phagolysosomal fusion impairment in HIV-infected infants inversely correlated with age (r = -0.4527; P < 0.002) and directly correlated with CD4+ T cell counts (r = 0.393; P = 0.03). Moreover, phagolysosomal fusion strongly correlated with clinical manifestations; this function was significantly impaired in moderately and severely symptomatic HIV-infected children with respect to those who remained asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that monocyte function in HIV-infected children progressively deteriorates, closely related to the severity of the clinical symptoms.

Chordee: varied opinions and treatments as documented in a survey of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section of Urology.

OBJECTIVES: Consensus has not been established as to the best treatment of congenital chordee. Outcomes analysis of treatment options are limited by the prevailing use of ambiguous terminology. We sought to clarify the frequently used term "significant chordee" and to measure the utilization of current treatment strategies. METHODS: A survey covering current practice patterns concerning congenital chordee with hypospadias was sent to 236 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section of Urology. RESULTS: Correction of chordee was the primary concern in hypospadias surgery of 31 % of those responding, but it was not the primary goal of 54% of respondents. Findings indicate that "significant chordee" is clinically defined as curvature greater than 20 degrees, in that 75% of respondents said they would proceed with further intervention. Placement of plicating sutures was the most common therapy chosen for 20 degrees chordee, with 50% of respondents electing this approach. Consensus was reached at 30 degrees chordee, with greater than 99% intervening at this degree of curvature. At 30 degrees curvature, 48% used an incisional Nesbit procedure. As the degree of curvature increased, division or mobilization of the urethral plate became the most common intervention. With 50 degrees chordee, urethral plate manipulation was used 34% of the time. Sixty percent of the respondents believed the urethral plate did not often contribute to chordee. CONCLUSIONS: "Significant chordee" was believed to be a curvature greater than 20 degrees to 30 degrees. With 20 degrees, 30 degrees , and 40 degrees chordee, correction was most often approached dorsally. With 50 degrees chordee, 54% approached the problem ventrally. We hope to encourage the use of more objective measurements and terminology. Objective measurements and long-term follow-up will improve our understanding of the natural history of chordee and improve outcomes analysis.

Reliability of laboratory markers of HIV-1 infection in Argentinian infants at risk of perinatal infection.

Early and accurate diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants born to HIV-1-seropositive mothers is of great importance. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HIV culture, and p24 antigen detection assays were evaluated for their ability to detect the presence of HIV in 195 infants at risk of perinatal infection. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for assessing HIV infection status in children younger than 18 months, 70 infants (36%) were diagnosed as HIV-1 infected and 125 (64%) lacked virologic and clinical evidence of infection. PCR and HIV culture were the most sensitive laboratory markers, detecting 100% and 98% of positive samples, respectively, regardless of age at testing. HIV-1 p24 antigen assay was detected in 26 of 38 positive samples but not in negative samples. PCR was performed with three different sets of primers (SK38/SK39-SK19-gag, SK68/SK69-SK70-env, and SK150/SK431-SK102-gag). The sensitivity/specificity of the individual assays were for SK19, 96.1%/94.25%; SK70, 89.6%/100%; and SK102, 100%/100%. A sample was considered HIV-1 positive when two positive PCR results were obtained with two different pairs of primers, and negative if the sample was negative when three sets of primers were used. False-positive results were occasionally obtained with probe SK19 in six seroreverter infants before serologic status was known. This suggested that the infection was caused by nonreplicative strains or were false-positive results probably by nonspecific amplification due to cross-reaction with other microorganisms; contamination was discarded because there was no specific amplification with the other two primers. All the HIV-1-infected infants were correctly identified with PCR; all except one could be identified with coculture and only 68.4% were confirmed with p24 antigen assay. No seroreverter infant was misdiagnosed using the criteria selected.

HIV-associated nephropathy: clinical characteristics and therapeutic options.

HIV-associated nephropathy is a unique form of renal disease specific to HIV infection. Proteinuria and rapidly worsening azotemia in the absence of edema and hypertension are characteristic. Renal biopsy reveals collapsing and/or sclerotic glomeruli, microcystic tubular dilatation, and cellular interstitial infiltrates. Direct cytopathic effects of HIV in the setting of a particular cytokine milieu appears to be the mechanism responsible for the renal injury. There is limited therapeutic experience, but trials with steroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are encouraging. Dialysis is the main form of renal replacement therapy. Better understanding of the disease should improve treatment and prognosis.

[Viral encephalitis]. / Encefalitis viral.

Viral infections of the nervous system make up a wide range of disorders with a mainly benign outcome. However, in some cases there is severe, morbimortality. In viral encephalitis there is direct involvement of the brain parenchyma which is seen clinically as reduced consciousness, convulsions and/or focal neurological deficit. The especial attraction of some viruses for particular cells or structures determines the variety of clinical findings. The incidence and frequency of the various agents depends on several factors (geographical location of a certain virus, age and general health of the population concerned, etc.). In areas free of arbovirus the commonest aetiologies are; varicella, herpes simplex, parotiditis and enterovirus. Modern treatment (transplants, chemotherapy) of previously fatal diseases and the AIDS epidemic have increased the number of immunodeficient patients; the population is susceptible to viral infections of the nervous system which are infrequent (e.g. cytomegalovirus, papovavirus) or which follow a different course (e.g. measles, enteroviruses) to that in immunocompetent patients. Specific conditions are reviewed. Improvement in the general health and sanitation of the population, and the universal use and development of new vaccines will significantly reduce the incidence of viral encephalitis. Improved prognosis will be related to the use of modern laboratory techniques which permit early, sensitive, specific diagnosis and the development of antiviral agents.

Análisis de la características de los adolescentes con infección HIV en seguimiento en el consultorio de transición / Analysis of the characteristics of adolescents with HIV infection in follow-up at the transition clinic

Los avances en el manejo de los niños con infección HIV lograron mejoras importantes en la sobrevida por lo cual se plantea la necesidad de organizar un programa de transición de los adolescentes hacia un centro de adultos. La población de adolescentes atendidos en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan presenta estadios de enfermedad avanzada y una larga historia de tratamientos. Se diseñó un programa de transición, con pasos definidos, que se implementó a partir del año 2007. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y virológicas de los adolescentes con infección VIH/ SIDA incluidos en el Programa de Transición, analizar la experiencia de los primeros 10 años de funcionamiento del programa de transición, y comparar las características de los jóvenes que han realizado la transición con los que se encuentran todavía en el programa. Entre junio de 2007 y diciembre de 2017, se incluyeron 420 pacientes, en 96% la transmisión vertical fue el modo de infección, la mayoría presentaba estadio clínico e inmunológico avanzado, la mediana de esquemas de tratamientos fue de 3 (RIC: 2-4) y 68,3% presentaron respuesta terapéutica adecuada. El análisis de las diferentes variables mostró que los pacientes que realizaron la transición en años previos se encontraban en estadios más avanzados de enfermedad, mientras que los jóvenes que todavía permanecían en el mismo, experimentaron menor número de rotaciones de esquemas de tratamiento antirretroviral y presentaban recuentos de linfocitos CD4+ >500/mm3 con mayor frecuencia (72,1% vs 61,6%, p=0,03). La transición se realizó en 276 pacientes (65,7%), 36 (8,5%) planeaban realizarla en los siguientes 4 meses y 80 (19,1%) se encontraban en el programa de transición para su preparación. Entre los pacientes no derivados, 4 fallecieron (1%) y en 24 se documentó la pérdida de seguimiento (AU)

Advances in the management of the infection in children with HIV infection have resulted in increased survival leading to a need to organize a transition program for adolescents to adult centers. The population of adolescents followed at Pediatric Hospital Juan P. Garrahan is in advanced stages of the disease and has a long treatment history. A transition program with well-defined steps was designed, which was implemented in 2007. The aims of this study were: To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and virological features of adolescents with HIV/AIDS infection included in the transition program, to analyze the experience of the program in the first 10 years, and to compare the characteristics of the youth who already transitioned with those who are still in the program. Between June 2007 and December 2017, 420 patients were included; in 96% mother-to-child transmission was the mode of infection, the majority was in advanced clinical and immunological stages, median treatment schemes used were 3 (IQR: 2-4), and 68,3% had a good response to therapy. Analysis of different variables showed that the patients who transitioned in previous years were in more advanced stages of the disease, while those who are currently in the program had received a lower number of rotations of antiretroviral treatment schemes and more often had normal CD4+ lymphocyte counts >500/mm3 (72,1% vs 61,6%, p=0,03). Overall, 276 patients transitioned (65,7%), 36 (8,5%) planned to transition in the next 4 months, and 80 (19,1%) were in the transition program to prepare for transitioning. Among the patients who were not referred, 4 died (1%) and 24 were lost to follow-up (AU)