Children in Critical Care Due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Experience in a Spanish Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Spain has been one of the countries most severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019. This study aims to describe a series of children admitted to a PICU due to coronavirus disease 2019 infection. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain. PATIENTS: Children admitted to the PICU with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection, from March 1, 2020, to April 15, 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Observational study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Epidemiologic data, previous clinical characteristics, support therapy needed, imaging tests, laboratory observations on admission, and pharmacologic therapy. Eleven children were admitted to the PICU, with suspected coronavirus disease 2019; the polymerase chain reaction test was positive in seven. The median age was 100.7 months (range, 0.5-162). Five were admitted from the emergency department and two from the ward. The Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 3 (range, 0-9), and Pediatric Risk of Mortality II score was 4 (range, 0-16). All children were previously healthy except one (allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation). Respiratory symptoms and fever were prevalent. A chest radiograph led to a pneumonia diagnosis. Not all patients presented with lymphopenia on admission. D-Dimer and ferritin were elevated. All patients needed oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula; five patients received high-flow nasal cannula therapy, which was later substituted with noninvasive ventilation in four. Mechanical ventilation was necessary in two patients on the first day of PICU admission. Two children required mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Tocilizumab was applied in two intubated children. Also, four children received heparin. No patients died. CONCLUSIONS: On the whole, the children were previously healthy and are more than 1 year old. Respiratory symptoms were the leading cause of PICU admission, making respiratory support the principal therapy. Patients requiring mechanical ventilation showed deterioration on the first day of admission. These children seemed to require close monitoring, and multicenter studies are necessary.

Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical retrospective study was conducted on <32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016-December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). RESULTS: The study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ±â€¯2.2 vs. 28.7 ±â€¯2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-min Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4- exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-min Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure.

Antenatal magnesium sulphate and delayed passage of meconium: A multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: The published evidence on the association between magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and delayed passage of meconium (DPM) is contradictory. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is an association between the administration of MgSO4 to the mother and DPM in the neonate, and to analyse serum magnesium levels in neonates in relation to the cumulative dose of MgSO4 administered to the mother. POPULATION AND METHODS: Retrospective and prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted in patients delivered at or before 32 weeks of gestation in 2 tertiary care hospitals. Delayed passage of meconium was defined as failure to pass meconium within 48 h of birth and/or need for rectal stimulation on 2 or more occasions to pass stool and/or interval of at least 48 h between the first and second bowel movements. RESULTS: The study included 283 patients (204 retrospectively and 79 prospectively), of who 152 (53.7%) experienced DPM. Delayed passage of meconium was not associated with antenatal MgSO4 administration, the cumulative maternal MgSO4 dose or neonatal serum magnesium levels. Older gestational age (OR, 0.8; confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.93; P = 0.003) was an independent protective factor against DPM, while the need for advanced resuscitation (OR, 2.24; CI 1.04-4.86; P = 0.04) was a risk factor for DPM. CONCLUSION: The neonatal serum levels of magnesium reached with the doses of MgSO4 administered to mothers were not associated with DPM. Lower gestational age and the need for advanced resuscitation were predictors associated with an increased risk of DPM.

[Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns]. / Terapia prenatal con sulfato de magnesio y obstrucción intestinal por meconio en recién nacidos pretérmino.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical retrospective study was conducted on < 32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016-December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). RESULTS: The study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ± 2.2 vs. 28.7 ± 2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-minute Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4- exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-minutes Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure.

Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children With Suspected Acute Abdomen: A Case Series From a Tertiary Hospital in Spain.

We describe 5 children with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, hemodynamic instability and suspected acute abdomen. This form of the disease has not been previously documented. Four of the cases were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1 probable. All of them were previously healthy and needed a pediatric critical care unit admission. The respiratory symptoms were not dominant or were absent. Also, fever was observed. Laboratory testing revealed lymphopenia and high levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin with D-dimer, ferritin and interleukin-6 usually elevated. Respiratory support and inotropic support were almost always necessary. In all of them, deterioration occurred on the day of admission.

Terapia prenatal con sulfato de magnesio y obstrucción intestinal por meconio en recién nacidos pretérmino / Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns

Introducción: El sulfato de magnesio (SMg) ha demostrado eficacia como neuroprotector en pretérminos < 32 semanas. Su efecto adverso más documentado es la depresión cardiorrespiratoria, siendo dudosa su relación con la obstrucción meconial. El objetivo principal del estudio es analizar la posible asociación entre el SMg antenatal y la obstrucción meconial. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo analítico, de neonatos < 32 semanas de edad gestacional ingresados en un hospital terciario (enero del 2016 a diciembre del 2017). Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, perinatales y de evolución posnatal, comparando expuestos y no expuestos a SMg. Resultados: Se incluyeron 201 pacientes (146 recibieron SMg y 55 no). No existieron diferencias en la edad gestacional media (28,4 ± 2,2 vs. 28,7 ± 2,8 semanas, respectivamente), ni en el resto de variables epidemiológicas y perinatales, salvo en expuestos, la administración más frecuente de corticoides antenatales (75,9 vs. 53,7%; p = 0,002), y en no expuestos el parto múltiple (52,7 vs. 36,6%; p = 0,027), y el sexo femenino (56,4 vs. 37%; p = 0,013). No hubo diferencias significativas en la obstrucción meconial (75,9% expuestos vs. 67,3% no expuestos; p = 0,23), aunque la estimulación rectal repetida fue más frecuente en el grupo tratado (43,2 vs. 27,9%; (p = 0,08). Tampoco hubo diferencias en las principales variables de depresión cardiorrespiratoria: Apgar al primer minuto 6,2 vs. 5,6 en expuestos y no expuestos, respectivamente (p = 0,75) y a los cinco minutos 7,9 vs. 7,6 (p = 0,31), reanimación avanzada 26 vs. 31,5% (p = 0,44), FiO2 máxima 45,5 vs. 48 (p = 0,58) y necesidad inicial de inotrópicos 10,3 vs. 20,8% (p = 0,55). Conclusiones: El presente estudio no halló asociación entre la administración de SMg y la obstrucción meconial o la depresión cardiorrespiratoria. (AU)

Introduction: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. Patients and methods: An analytical retrospective study was conducted on < 32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016-December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). Results: The study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ± 2.2 vs. 28.7 ± 2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-minute Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4- exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-minutes Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). Conclusions: This study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure. (AU)

Sulfato de magnesio antenatal y eliminación tardía de meconio: Estudio multicéntrico / Antenatal magnesium sulphate and delayed passage of meconium: A multicentre study

Introducción: La relación entre sulfato de magnesio (MgSO4) y el retraso en la evacuación de meconio presenta resultados controvertidos en la literatura. Objetivos: Determinar si existe relación entre la administración de MgSO4 a la madre y la eliminación tardía de meconio (ETM) en el neonato y conocer los niveles de magnesio en sangre en estos, con respecto a la dosis acumulada de MgSO4 administrada a la madre. Población y métodos: Estudio descriptivo-analítico, en pacientes ≤ 32 semanas de edad gestacional, con diseño retrospectivo-prospectivo, llevado a cabo en dos hospitales de tercer nivel asistencial. Se definió la ETM como retraso en la evacuación meconial ≥ 48 horas y/o necesidad de estimulación rectal en ≥ 2 ocasiones para realizar deposición y/o retraso ≥ 48 horas entre la primera y segunda deposición. Resultados: Se reclutaron 283 pacientes (204 retrospectiva y 79 prospectivamente), de los cuales 152 (53,7%) presentó ETM. No se encontró relación entre la administración de MgSO4 a la madre, ni la dosis acumulada de MgSO4 en esta, ni los niveles de magnesio en sangre del neonato con la presencia de ETM. La mayor edad gestacional (OR 0,8, IC 0,69-0,93, p = 0,003) resultó factor protector independiente de la ETM y la necesidad de reanimación avanzada (OR 2,24, IC 1,04-4,86, p = 0,04) factor de riesgo. Conclusiones: Los niveles alcanzados de magnesio en sangre del neonato con las dosis de MgSO4 administradas a las madres, no se relacionan con la ETM. La menor edad gestacional y la necesidad de reanimación avanzada predicen mayor riesgo de ETM. (AU)

Introduction: The published evidence on the association between magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and delayed passage of meconium (DPM) is contradictory. Objectives: To determine whether there is an association between the administration of MgSO4 to the mother and DPM in the neonate, and to analyse serum magnesium levels in neonates in relation to the cumulative dose of MgSO4 administered to the mother. Population and methods: Retrospective and prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted in patients delivered at or before 32 weeks of gestation in 2 tertiary care hospitals. Delayed passage of meconium was defined as failure to pass meconium within 48 hours of birth and/or need for rectal stimulation on 2 or more occasions to pass stool and/or interval of at least 48 hours between the first and second bowel movements. Results: The study included 283 patients (204 retrospectively and 79 prospectively), of who 152 (53.7%) experienced DPM. Delayed passage of meconium was not associated with antenatal MgSO4 administration, the cumulative maternal MgSO4 dose or neonatal serum magnesium levels. Older gestational age (OR, 0.8; confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.93; P = .003) was an independent protective factor against DPM, while the need for advanced resuscitation (OR, 2.24; CI 1.04–4.86; P = .04) was a risk factor for DPM. Conclusion: The neonatal serum levels of magnesium reached with the doses of MgSO4 administered to mothers were not associated with DPM. Lower gestational age and the need for advanced resuscitation were predictors associated with an increased risk of DPM. (AU)