Cytomegalovirus infection and disease in pediatric liver transplantation: Burden of disease under a preemptive therapy approach.

BACKGROUND: CMV remains a frequent complication after liver transplantation. Few studies exist in children reporting the epidemiology and outcomes of CMV after LT with current prevention strategies. Our goal is to report the incidence of CMV infection and disease in pediatric LT recipients under preemptive therapy, identify risk factors, complications, and adverse reactions to treatment. METHODS: All pediatric LT recipients from a single center (1998-2018) were included. Antigenemia pp65 (1998-2003) and QNAT or both were used to inform preemptive therapy. Cutoff value for starting treatment was Agpp65 > 10 + cells/200 000 or QNAT >1500 copies/ml or any value in high-risk recipients (D+/R-). RESULTS: One hundred eighteen LT were analyzed. CMV infection was detected in 67% of patients, only 44 (37%) required treatment, and 5 (4%) developed CMV disease. All patients responded well to treatment, and no graft or patients were lost to CMV effects. There were no differences in mortality, CMV indirect effects, or other complications between those who required treatment and those who did not. Thirty-two percent of the patients who received antivirals developed an adverse hematological reaction. Risk factors associated with CMV infection requiring treatment were D+/R- (OR 13.9, p = .01) and fulminant hepatitis (OR 4.8, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive therapy for CMV in children is safe and effective, yields low CMV infection rates that require treatment, and minimal rates of CMV disease, without increasing CMV-related complications. Using this strategy, 63% of our patients did not receive treatment. Therefore, drug exposure, adverse reactions, and resistance risk were minimized.

Impact of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and moderate lung hypoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) on neonatal survival in fetuses with left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and moderate lung hypoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: CDH fetuses with moderate pulmonary hypoplasia (observed/expected lung area to head ratio between 26% and 35%, or between 36% and 45% with liver herniation) were prospectively recruited. Included patients were matched to a control group who were ineligible for FETO. Primary outcomes were survival at 28 days, at discharge, and at 6 months of age, respectively. RESULTS: 58 cases were recruited, 29 treated with FETO and 29 matched controls. Median gestational age (GA) at balloon placement and removal were 29.6 and 33.6 weeks, respectively. FETO group showed significantly lower GA at delivery (35.2 vs. 37.1 weeks, respectively, p < 0.01), higher survival at 28 days (51.7 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.03), at discharge (48.3 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.06), and at six months of age (41.4 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.16), and significantly lower length of ventilatory support (17.8 vs. 32.3 days, p = 0.01) and NICU stay (34.2 vs. 58.3 days, p = <0.01) compared to controls. CONCLUSION: FETO was associated with a non-significant increase in survival and significantly lower neonatal respiratory morbidity among CDH fetuses with moderate lung hypoplasia.

A multicentre study to predict neonatal survival according to lung-to-head ratio and liver herniation in fetuses with left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH): Hidden mortality from the Latin American CDH Study Group Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate natural history of fetuses congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) prenatally diagnosed in countries where termination of pregnancy is not legally allowed and to predict neonatal survival according to lung area and liver herniation. METHODS: Prospective study including antenatally diagnosed CDH cases managed expectantly during pregnancy in six tertiary Latin American centres. The contribution of the observed/expected lung-to-head ratio (O/E-LHR) and liver herniation in predicting neonatal survival was assessed. RESULTS: From the total population of 380 CDH cases, 144 isolated fetuses were selected showing an overall survival rate of 31.9% (46/144). Survivors showed significantly higher O/E-LHR (56.5% vs 34.9%; P < .001), lower proportion of liver herniation (34.8% vs 80.6%, P < .001), and higher gestational age at birth (37.8 vs 36.2 weeks, P < 0.01) than nonsurvivors. Fetuses with an O/E-LHR less than 35% showed a 3.4% of survival; those with an O/E-LHR between 35% and 45% showed 28% of survival with liver up and 50% with liver down; those with an O/E-LHR greater than 45% showed 50% of survival rate with liver up and 76.9% with liver down. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal mortality in CDH is higher in Latin American countries. The category of lung hypoplasia should be classified according to the survival rates in our Latin American CDH registry.

Development and Preliminary Validation of a Rabbit Model of Duodenal Atresia for Training in Pediatric Surgical Skills.

Duodenal atresia is a congenital defect that requires advanced surgical skills. The objective of this study is to present an anatomical defect of duodenal atresia using a rabbit model and evaluate the preliminary experience for the training of surgical skills with pediatric surgeons. Adult white New Zealand male rabbits weighing 3.0 to 4.5 kg were used to create the defect. To simulate the bottom of the dilated blind pouch, the gastric antrum of the rabbit was obliterated using a 2-0 Prolene suture, and the cecal appendix was dissected to simulate the continuation of the duodenum. Participants performed laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair in this animal model using the iPhone trainer. Thirteen pediatric surgeons with experience in laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair assessed this model with a questionnaire on 5-point Likert-type scale. Overall, the simulated model of duodenal atresia obtained a general average score of 4.39. The highest observed average was for its physical realism, whereas the lowest score was in surgical experience. The global opinion of the model obtained a score of 4.40. In addition, all surgeons answered that this rabbit model showed the same complexity as newborns and young children in the repair of this type of defect. The inclusion of new models through rabbits in pediatric surgery programs will allow the development of advanced skills of pediatric residents and surgeons.

[Efectos sobre el perfil metabólico, el índice de masa corporal, la composición corporal y la comorbilidad en adolescentes con obesidad mórbida, que han fallado al manejo conservador para bajar de peso, operados de manga gástrica laparoscópica. Reporte del primer grupo de cirugía bariátrica pediátrica en México].

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a world pandemic; in Mexico 3 out of 10 adolescents suffer from it. Conservative management of morbid obesity is not effective and bariatric surgery is the only useful therapy. International pediatric bariatric surgery series are scarce and in Mexico there is limited experience. METHOD: We analyze the metabolic repercussions, comorbidities and complications in our series of Mexican adolescents with morbid obesity who underwent a gastric sleeve between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: 54 morbid obese adolescents were included, 10 fulfilled criteria for surgery. 5 were male, mean age 14.3 ± 1.4 years, weight 117.3 ± 15.2 kg, initial body mass index 43.71 ± 4.1, waist 130.3 ± 6.8 cm, 8 dyslipidemia, 6 metabolic syndrome, 5 liver steatosis, 4 hypertension, 3 type-2 diabetes. Complications: 2 atelectasis, 1 fistula, 1 pneumonia, 1 cholelithiasis; no patient developed nutritional deficits. Weight loss of 33% one-year after surgery and 23% at 2 years. Body fat decreased 22.4% and water content increased 36.1%. Excess weight loss was significant p = 0.001. Two-years after surgery severe steatosis and diabetes had subsided, lipid profile improved and only one patient remained hypertensive. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that all serious comorbidities associated to morbid obesity were improved (diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension) and will confer a better prognosis for these children. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric sleeve is useful in morbid obese adolescents. Longer follow-up is needed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad es una pandemia mundial; 3 de cada 10 adolescentes en México la padecen. En la obesidad mórbida, el manejo conservador es un fracaso y la cirugía bariátrica es el único tratamiento útil. No hay experiencia en México y los reportes internacionales son aislados. MÉTODO: Análisis de las repercusiones metabólicas, efecto sobre la comorbilidad y complicaciones, en adolescentes con obesidad mórbida operados con manga gástrica de 2011 a 2015. RESULTADOS: De 54 pacientes con obesidad mórbida, 10 cumplieron criterios; 5 varones; edad de 14.3 ± 1.4 años; peso de 117.3 ± 15.2 kg; índice de masa corporal basal de 43.71 ± 4.1; cintura de 130.3 ± 6.8 cm; 8 con dislipidemia; 6 con síndrome metabólico; 5 con esteatosis hepática; 4 con hipertensión; 3 con diabetes tipo 2. Complicaciones: 2 atelectasias, 1 fístula, 1 neumonía, 1 colelitiasis; ninguno con carencia nutricional. Disminución del peso al año del 33% y a los 2 años del 23%. Disminución de la grasa del 22.4%. Aumento de agua corporal del 36.1%. Pérdida del exceso de peso significativa p = 0.001. A los 2 años, remisión de esteatosis grave y de diabetes, el perfil lipídico mejoró, la hipertensión arterial persistió solo en uno. DISCUSIÓN: Lo más destacado es la mejoría o curación de la comorbilidad, con curación de la diabetes, la hipertensión y la dislipidemia, que dará mejor pronóstico a estos niños. CONCLUSIONES: La manga gástrica es útil en adolescentes con obesidad mórbida, con mejoría de la comorbilidad grave. Se requiere un mayor seguimiento.

Pediatric inguinal hernia repair with a single-incision approach using an Endo Close™ suturing device.

BACKGROUND: Diverse techniques have been described for pediatric inguinal hernia repair, based on extraperitoneal [1-4] and intraperitoneal [5-8] methodologies. In this video, we describe a novel technique to repair pediatric inguinal hernia using an Endo Close™ suturing device by percutaneous puncture with a single incision. METHODS: With a transumbilical approach, a 5-mm trocar is inserted for a 30° laparoscope. A 3-mm incision is made, and the Endo Close™ suturing device (Covidien, Minneapolis, MN, USA), with a 2-0 polypropylene suture retained by the stylet, is inserted perpendicularly to the skin. An extraperitoneal dissection is made on a side the inguinal ring and the needle of the device penetrates the peritoneum through the inferior border. Then, the stylet mechanism is pushed to free the lasso inside the cavity. At the same incision site, the needle of the Endo Close™ is inserted again, but an extraperitoneal dissection is made on the other side of the ring, ensuring that the needle penetrates at the same exit orifice. Now, the suture lasso is recovered and retracted to close the ring. Finally, the suture is extracted and knots are tied extracorporeally at the level of the skin. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (20 females and 14 males) underwent surgery with this procedure. Operative time for unilateral repair was 10-15 and 25-30 min for the bilateral repair (29 unilateral/5 bilateral). The patients experienced minimal postoperative pain. The follow-up period was 12 months with no complications, no recurrence and without cases of postoperative hydrocele. There were no injuries to the structures as vessels or vas deferens, and the esthetic outcome was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The technique presents a simple, safe and reliable method to repair inguinal hernias in children. The long-term results of this novel technique will be evaluated in future studies.

[Efficacy of intestinal splinting in hostile abdomen secondary to postoperative flanges in pediatric patients]. / Utilidad de la ferulización intestinal (FI) en abdomen hostil secundario a bridas postoperatorias en pacientes pediátricos.

Objetivo: Mostrar la eficacia de la FI para prolongar el tiempo libre de oclusión intestinal quirúrgica en niños con abdomen hostil secundario a bridas posquirúrgicas. Método: Análisis retrospectivo de FI por abdomen hostil de 2000 a 2011 y su seguimiento a largo plazo. Comparamos el tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica antes y después de la FI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 FI en 19 pacientes. Predominaron las causas congénitas, la mediana de edad en la cirugía fue de 6 meses, todos tenían cirugías previas con mediana de tres, y dos de ellas fueron por oclusión intestinal previa. La férula se quitó a los 28 días (mediana). Con un seguimiento de 1-183 meses, hubo una recurrencia de oclusión quirúrgica. El tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica posferulización fue significativamente mayor que el preferulización mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon, con un valor Z = -3.594; p = < 0.0001. Conclusiones: Esta es la segunda serie exclusiva en niños que muestra que la FI es eficaz para prolongar el tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica.

Is colostomy closure without mechanical bowel preparation safe in pediatric patients? A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is largely used worldwide prior to colostomy closure in children, although its benefits are questioned by scientific evidence, and its use can cause adverse reactions. We hypothesized that colostomy closure procedures in children are not associated with increased complications (surgical site infection [SSI] and anastomotic leakage) when performed without MBP. Thus, we conducted a noninferiority trial to compare the safety and efficacy of colostomy takedown with and without MBP. METHODS: A randomized noninferiority clinical trial was conducted at Hospital Infantil de Mexico in Mexico City from 2015 to 2019, in which the experimental group did not receive MBP prior to colostomy closure. A total of 79 patients were analyzed, and the primary outcomes were safety-related. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test, Student's t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. RESULTS: The demographics in both groups were comparable. Statistical analysis revealed equivalence in safety outcomes (superficial SSI, 22.5% vs 15.3% p = 0.420; deep SSI, 7.5% vs 0% p = 0.081; reoperation, p = 0.320; intestinal occlusion, p = 0.986); no anastomotic leakage was observed in any group. Secondary outcomes such as fasting time and length of hospital stay after surgery were also similar between the groups. However, patients who received MBP were admitted 2 days before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that withholding MBP prior to colostomy takedowns in children is not associated with increased complications. Omitting MBP also leads to less discomfort and shortens hospital length of stay, suggesting that it has safer and more effective procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled clinical trial with adequate statistical power.

Long COVID in children and adolescents: COVID-19 follow-up results in third-level pediatric hospital.

Introduction: In children, the manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the acute phase are considered mild compared with those in adults; however, some children experience a severe disease that requires hospitalization. This study was designed to present the operation and follow-up results of the Post-COVID-19 Detection and Monitoring Sequels Clinic of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gómez in managing children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from July 2020 to December 2021, which included 215 children aged 0-18 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction and/or immunoglobulin G test. The follow-up was conducted in the pulmonology medical consultation; ambulatory and hospitalized patients were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. Results: The median age of the patients was 9.02 years, and neurological, endocrinological, pulmonary, oncological, and cardiological comorbidities were the most commonly observed among the patients. Moreover, 32.6% of the children had persistent symptoms at 2 months, 9.3% at 4 months, and 2.3% at 6 months, including dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose; the main acute complications were severe pneumonia, coagulopathy, nosocomial infections, acute renal injury, cardiac dysfunction, and pulmonary fibrosis. The more representative sequelae were alopecia, radiculopathy, perniosis, psoriasis, anxiety, and depression. Conclusions: This study showed that children experience persistent symptoms, such as dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose, although to a lesser extent than adults, with significant clinical improvement 6 months after the acute infection. These results indicate the importance of monitoring children with COVID-19 through face-to-face consultations or telemedicine, with the objective of offering multidisciplinary and individualized care to preserve the health and quality of life of these children.

Screening for COVID-19 in Children Undergoing Elective Invasive Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients undergoing invasive medical procedures in a tertiary pediatric hospital. METHODS: From June to October 2020, a SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test was performed for all pediatric patients scheduled to undergo an elective invasive procedure. None of the patients was symptomatic. The cycle threshold (Ct) values of the ORF1ab gene were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 700 patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The median age was 5.7 y old. In total, 46.6% (n = 326) of the patients were male, and 53.4% (n = 374) were female. The most common underlying diseases were hemato-oncological (25.3%), gastrointestinal (24.9%), and genitourinary (10.3%). The main scheduled surgical-medical procedures were surgical treatment for acquired congenital diseases, biopsy sampling, local therapy administration, organ transplantation, and the placement of central venous catheters, among others. The SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR test was positive in 9.4% (66), and the median Ct value was 35.8. None of the patients developed COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in less than 10% of pediatric patients scheduled to undergo an elective invasive procedure in a tertiary hospital. This frequency is higher than those in reports from different countries.

Allowing access to parents/caregivers into COVID-19 hospitalization areas does not increase infections among health personnel in a pediatric hospital.

Background: At the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it became critical to isolate all infected patients, regardless of their age. Isolating children has a negative effect on both, them and their parents/caregivers. Nevertheless isolation was mandatory because of the potential risk that visitation might have on COVID-19 dissemination mostly among health personnel. Methods: From the starting of the COVID-19 pandemic in our pediatric hospital visits were forbidden. This 2 months period (April-May) was called P1. In June parents were allowed to visit (P2), under a visiting protocol previously published. Hospital workers were monitored for the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and tested for the infection when clinically justified. The positivity proportion and the relative risk (RR) of COVID-19 among the health personnel between periods were calculated. The caregivers were also followed up by phone calls. Results: Since April 2020 to November 2020, 2,884 health personnel were studied for 234 days, (318,146 workers days). Although the COVID-19/1,000 health personnel days rate decreased from one period to another (1.43 vs 1.23), no statistically significant differences were found. During P1, 16 patients with COVID-19 were treated. During the follow up none of the family members were infected/symptomatic in P1, while in P2, 6/129 (4.65%) were symptomatic or had a positive test. All of them initiated between 2 and 4 days after the patient's admission. As they also had some other infected family members it was not possible to ensure the source of infection. There were no statistically significant differences in the RR of COVID-19 in health personnel, (RR 1, 95% CI 0.69-1.06, p = 0.162). Conclusions: When safely implemented, allowing parents/caregivers to spend time with their hospitalized COVID-19 children does not increase the contagion risk for hospital workers or among themselves.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Cases of Children and Adolescents With Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Center in Mexico City.

Background: Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children that resembles Kawasaki syndrome and places them at high risk of cardiorespiratory instability and/or cardiac damage. This study aims to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with PIMS in Mexico City. Methods: This was an observational study of children hospitalized for PIMS based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definition criteria, in a single tertiary care pediatric center in Mexico City between May 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. Demographic characteristics, epidemiological data, medical history, laboratory tests, cardiologic evaluations, treatment, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Seventy-five cases fulfilled the case definition criteria for PIMS [median age: 10.9 years, Interquartile range (IQR): 5.6-15.6]. Fifteen (20%) patients had a severe underlying disease, 48 (64%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, 33 (44%) required invasive mechanical ventilation and 39 (52%) received vasopressor support. The patients were clustered through latent class analysis based on identified symptoms: Cluster 1 had rash or gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 60) and cluster 2 were those with predominantly respiratory manifestations (n = 15). Two patients (2.7%) died, and both had severe underlying conditions. Five patients (6.7%), all from cluster 1, developed coronary aneurysms. Conclusion: There were a high proportion of patients with severe respiratory involvement and positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 and very few cases of coronary aneurysms in our study which suggests that a high proportion of the children had severe acute COVID-19. The clinical manifestations and outcomes are comparable to previously reported international studies.

[Pediatric liver transplant program at Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez]. / Programa de trasplante hepático pediátrico en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.

This article reports the experience of the largest pediatric liver transplant (LT) program in México. Between June 1998 and May 2011, 76 LT were performed in 74 recipients, including 80% cadaveric-whole organ grafts and 20% segmental grafts, 12% of those coming from live donors and 8% from cadaver reduced donors. The most common indication for LT was biliary atresia (43%), followed by metabolic disorders (13%) and fulminant hepatitis (12%). Most of the recipients were infants or toddlers weighing <15 kg (age range 0.7-17.2 years, weight range 6.5-66 kg), 73% had moderate to severe malnutrition and 72% had multiples surgeries previous to LT. There were 9 cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (11.8%) and 2 portal vein thrombosis (2.6%), however, 8 of these 10 grafts were rescued with early thrombectomy and reanastomosis. All biliary complications (19 cases, 25%) were solved with medical or surgical interventions and did not cause any graft loss. Acute cellular rejection (30 cases, 39%) required thymoglobulin in only 3 cases and chronic rejection (4 cases, 5%) has been retransplanted in 2 cases. CMV infection or reactivation occurred in 30% of cases and easily responded to preemptive therapy. Nine recipients developed postLT neoplasias (7 post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, one multivisceral Kaposi sarcoma and one systemic smooth muscle tumor). Five of them responded to decreasing or discontinuing immunosuppression, and 2 are completely tolerant to the graft. The one and five-year patient survival for those LT performed during 2001-2011 was 85 and 75%. The first successful live donor LT in the country was performed in 2001 at this program, as was the first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant in a child. This is the largest and most successful pediatric LT series in the country. Our results demonstrate that pediatric LT is a feasible undertaking in Mexico, with survival rates similar to those of foreign centers.

[Peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy for perforated necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm low birth weight infants.] / Drenaje peritoneal versus laparotomía como abordaje para enterocolitis necrosante perforada en recién nacidos pretérmino de bajo peso.

El desarrollo de enterocolitis necrosante, con la consecuente perforación intestinal, es frecuente en los recién nacidos pretérmino. El tratamiento estándar de la perforación intestinal es quirúrgico. Sin embargo, se sugiere que la inserción de un drenaje en el abdomen puede ser efectivo para tratar esta afección. Se resumen los resultados de una revisión sistemática Cochrane que compara la efectividad del drenaje peritoneal con la de la laparotomía en neonatos con enterocolitis necrosante perforada.Necrotizing enterocolitis is common in preterm newborns, with consequent intestinal perforation. The standard treatment for intestinal perforation is surgery. However, it is suggested that inserting a drain into the abdomen may be effective in treating this condition. This document summarizes the results of a Cochrane systematic review comparing the effectiveness of peritoneal drainage with laparotomy in neonates with perforated necrotizing enterocolitis.

International heterogeneity in coronavirus disease 2019 pediatric mortality rates.

Background: Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is infrequent in children and shows a mortality rate of around 0.08%. This study aims to explore international differences in the pediatric mortality rate. Methods: We analyzed several countries with populations over 5 million that report disaggregated data of COVID-19 deaths by quinquennial or decennial age groups. Data were extracted from COVID-19 cases and deaths by age database, National Ministeries of Health, and the World Health Organization. Results: We included 23 countries in the analysis. Pediatric mortality varied from 0 to 12.1 deaths per million children of the corresponding age group, with the highest rate in Peru. In most countries, deaths were more frequent in the 0-4-year-old age group, except for Brazil. The pediatric/general COVID-19 mortality showed a great variation and ranged from 0% (Republic of Korea) to 10.4% (India). Pediatric and pediatric/general COVID mortality correlates strongly with 2018 neonatal mortality (r = 0.77, p < 0.001; and r = 0.88, p < 0.001, respectively), while shows a moderate or no correlation (r = 0.47, p = 0.02; and r = 0.19, p = 0.38, respectively) with COVID-19 mortality in the general population. Conclusions: International heterogeneity in pediatric COVID-19 mortality importantly parallels historical neonatal mortality. Neonatal mortality is a well-known index of the quality of a country's health system, which points to the importance of social determinants of health in pediatric COVID-19 mortality disparities. This issue should be further explored.

Introducción: La COVID-19 grave es poco frecuente en la infancia. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las diferencias en la tasa de mortalidad internacional por COVID-19 en la población pediátrica. Método: Se analizaron países con poblaciones superiores a 5 millones de habitantes que reporten muertes por COVID-19 con datos desglosados por grupos de edad quinquenales o decenales. Los datos se extrajeron de la base de datos COVerAge-DBs, de los ministerios nacionales de salud y de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: Se incluyeron 23 países. La mortalidad pediátrica varió de 0 a 12.1 muertes por millón de personas del grupo de edad correspondiente, con la tasa más alta en Perú. En la mayoría de los países, las muertes fueron más frecuentes en el grupo de 0 a 4 años, excepto en Brasil. La mortalidad pediátrica/general por COVID-19 mostró una gran variación entre países y osciló entre el 0% (República de Corea) y el 10.4% (India). La mortalidad pediátrica y pediátrica/general por COVID-19 se correlaciona fuertemente con la mortalidad neonatal de 2018, mientras que tiene una moderada o nula correlación con la mortalidad por COVID-19 en la población general. Conclusiones: Existe una importante heterogeneidad internacional en la mortalidad pediátrica por COVID-19, que es paralela a la mortalidad neonatal histórica, la cual es un indicador de la calidad de los sistemas de salud y señala la importancia de los determinantes sociales de la salud en las disparidades de mortalidad pediátrica por COVID-19. Este tema debe explorarse a fondo.

Risk conditions in healthcare workers of a pediatric coronavirus disease center in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The new evere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by its high capacity to transmit. Health-care personnel is highly susceptible to becoming infected. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and known risk factors for contagion and severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 disease in health-care personnel of a pediatric coronavirus disease (COVID) center in Mexico City. METHODS: In the last week of March 2020 (at the beginning of phase 2 of the Ministry of Health's national campaign in Mexico), a study was conducted on healthcare workers of a pediatric COVID hospital in Mexico City. Using a virtual interview, we evaluated comorbidities, mobility, areas and functions where they carry out the activities, protection measures, contact history, and vaccination. According to their activities, healthcare workers were classified into the following areas: medical, nursing, other health-care personnel (researchers, nutritionists, rehabilitation, imaging, and laboratory), administrative, and other services. We compared the variables between the groups of healthcare workers with the X2 test. RESULTS: We included 812 participants. The mean age was 41 ± 11 years, and 33% were overweight or obese, 18% were over 60 years old, and 19% had high blood pressure. Medical and nursing personnel presented a higher proportion in the use of standard protection measures. CONCLUSIONS: Among healthcare workers, there are risk conditions for the development of complications in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most medical and nursing personnel use standard protective measures.

Unnecessary gastric decompression in distal elective bowel anastomoses in children: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to investigate the role of nasogastric drainage in preventing postoperative complications in children with distal elective bowel anastomosis. Nasogastric drainage has been used as a routine measure after gastrointestinal surgery in children and adults to hasten bowel function, prevent postoperative complications, and shorten hospital stay. However, there has been no study that shows in a scientific manner the benefit of nasogastric drainage in children. METHODS: We performed a clinical, controlled, randomized trial comprising 60 children who underwent distal elective bowel anastomoses and compared postoperative complications between a group with nasogastric tube in place (n = 29) and one without it (n = 31). RESULTS: Demographic data and diagnoses were comparable in both groups (P = NS). No anastomotic leaks or enterocutaneous fistulae were found in any patient. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to abdominal distension, infection, or hospital stay. Only one patient in the experimental group required placement of the nasogastric tube due to persistent abdominal distension (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of nasogastric drainage after distal elective intestinal surgery in children can be eliminated. Its use should depend on the individual patient's situation.

Restructuring of a pediatric hospital in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overview of the pandemic In December 2019, a new virus named SARS-CoV-2 was reported in Wuhan province, China. The first case of COVID-19 in Mexico was confirmed on February 28, 2020, and the World Health Organization declared the pandemic on March 11.

A Gastroschisis bundle: effects of a quality improvement protocol on morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Gastroschisis incidence is rising. Survival in developed countries is over 95%. However, in underdeveloped countries, mortality is higher than 15% often due to sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on morbidity and mortality of a Quality Improvement Protocol for out-born gastroschisis patients. METHODS: The protocol consisted in facilitating transport, primary or staged reduction at the bedside and sutureless closure, without anesthesia, PICC lines and early feeding. Data was prospectively collected for the Protocol Group (PG) treated between June 2014 through March 2016 and compared to the last consecutive patients Historical Group (HG). Primary outcome was mortality. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: need for and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), time to first feed (TFF) after closure, parenteral nutrition (TPN), length of stay (LOS) and sepsis. Data were analyzed using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: 92 patients were included (46 HG and 46 PG). Demographic data were homogeneous. Mortality decreased from 22% to 2% (p = 0.007). Mechanical ventilation use decreased from 100% to 57% (p = <0.001), ventilator days from 14 to 3 median days (p = <0.0001), TPN days: 27 to 21 median days (p = 0.026), sepsis decreased from 70% to 37% (p = 0.003) and anesthesia from a 100% to 15% (p = <0.001), respectively. No difference was found in NPO or LOS. CONCLUSION: A major improvement in the morbidity and mortality rates was achieved, with outcomes comparable to those reported in developed countries. It was suitable for all patients with gastroschisis. We believe this protocol can be implemented in other centers to reduce morbidity and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[First case report in Mexico of a diaphragmatic hernia, by Agustín Arellano in 1839]. / Hernia diafragmática. primer caso informado en México por el doctor Agustín Arellano en 1839.

Reports on partial lacking of the diaphragm and diaphragmatic hernia date to seventeenth century reports. In 1939 Arellano published in Mexico, a necropsy case of diaphragmatic hernia with holoprosencephaly and cyclocephaly. Agustín Arellano's was the the fifth or sixth report ever published worldwide and his manuscript was reported nine years before Bochdalek's publication. Before 1839, in the Americas, there is no other existing report describing this type of pathology, and we can safely assume Arellano's work was the first of its kind in the Western hemisphere. It is well known that, at the time, the quality ofscientific publications of this Mexican medical researcher could be compared to the level of any medical publication in the developed world. It is worth noting that the Journal were Arellano's work was published, named "Periodico de la Academia de Médicina de Mégico (sic), "founded and directed by Dr. Manuel Carpio in 1836, is the direct precursor of the present-day "Gaceta Médica de México" the oldest current medical journal in the Americas.