Use of anti-allergic drugs in children.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most frequent chronic diseases in children. We have analysed the prescriptions habits of anti-allergic medications in children (<14 years old) in 2011. We calculated the DHD (N°DDD/1000 children/day) for oral antihistamines and intranasal therapies (corticoids and antihistamines) in the region (sanitary districts I-VIII) and specifically in sanitary district V (health centres 1-15). We also reviewed the clinical records in six health centres in sanitary district V to know more details about age and diagnosis and to value if these prescriptions are adequate. We observed a use of 8.78 DHD in the group of oral antihistamines, with a predominance of desloratadine (3.48 DHD), a 3rd generation drug of this group, and in second place the intranasal therapy with a preference of corticoids (budesonide 3.5 DHD and mometasone 2.25 DHD). We think that it is necessary to improve the knowledge of anti-allergic drugs in children.

[Perceived needs regarding school health care]. / Necesidades percibidas sobre atención a la salud escolar.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Changes in infant morbidity require adaptations to preserve their proper development and academic performance. The objective of this study was to know the perceived needs of teachers, pediatricians and pediatric nurses regarding the training of schools to deal with emergences related to chronic pathology and accidents. METHOD: Cross-sectional study using an ad hoc validated questionnaire on digital support (Google Forms) that included sociodemographic variables and a structured survey that collected information on chronic pathology, health care and safety in case of emergency in the school. RESULTS: Data from 266 questionnaires (134 teachers, 132 pediatricians and pediatric nurses) were analyzed. 73.9% of the teachers stated that they have had students with chronic pathology during the last year and 45.5% confirmed the existence of protocols for their assistance, although 68.7% did not receive specific training for their care. 25% of pediatricians and nurses stated that the parents of children with chronic disease always notify the schools and 17.4% stated that they knew about the existence of specific protocols. 35.6% collaborated in training related to specific pathology or emergencies in schools, with a greater predominance of primary health care (P<.001). 50.7% of the pediatricians and 79.7% of the nurses stated as a medium-high priority the need to have a school nurse in the centers. CONCLUSIONS: The health care of students with chronic diseases in schools can be improved for teachers, pediatricians and pediatric nurses, considering the figure of school nurse as the main improvement measure.

[Variability between health areas in antibiotic consumption among pediatric outpatients of Principado de Asturias, Spain (2005-2018)]. / Variabilidad entre áreas sanitarias en el consumo extrahospitalario de antibióticos de uso sistémico en la población pediátrica del Principado de Asturias, España (2005-2018).

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotics in Spain are mainly prescribed in the community sector, remarking a high variability between areas. The aim of this study is to describe the variability between health areas in the antibiotic consumption in the pediatric population of Asturias during 2005-2018 period. METHODS: Retrospective and comparative study using data about consumption of antibacterial agents for systemic use (J01C group in ATC, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical, classification) in the pediatric outpatients of the eight health areas of Principado de Asturias between 2005 and 2018, based on defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants and day (DID). RESULTS: Mean antibiotic consumption in pediatric outpatients in Principado de Asturias (2005-2018) was 14 DID (CI95% 13.4 - 14.6). Consumption increased until 2009 (15.2 DID) and decreased from 2015 onwards (11.9 DID in 2018). ß-lactam penicillins was the most consumed therapeutic group (10.7 DID). There were statistically significant differences among the areas with the highest and the lowest consumption rates (Avilés, 19 DID; Oviedo, 11.5 DID). A high variability between health areas was observed when analysing data temporally (difference of 11.8 DID in 2011) and therapeutic groups. The consumption of macrolides in Langreo health area and quinolones in Jarrio health area were 2.3 and 4.1 times higher, respectively, comparing to Gijón health area. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide quantitative and qualitative variability of antibiotic consumption in the pediatric outpatients among the different health areas of Asturias.

[Maternal non-diagnosed celiac disease and risk of low birth weight]. / Enfermedad celiaca materna no diagnosticada y riesgo de tener hijos con bajo peso al nacimiento.

AIMS: In order to know the prevalence of celiac disease in mothers with newborns weighing less or more than 2,500 g at birth we carried out a case-control study. PATIENTS: mothers of newborns in Cabueñes Hospital. Case group: Mothers with babies weighing less than 2,500 g at birth. CONTROLS: Mothers with babies weighing more than 2,500 g at birth. One control for each case. METHODS: epidemiological and clinical interviews, and celiac disease serology. RESULTS: We studied 1103 women: 577 cases and 526 controls. We diagnosed 4 celiac disease cases, 2 in the case group and 2 in the control group. These 4 mothers had 3 term newborns (1 case in each 235 mothers; prevalence 0.42%) and 1 preterm newborn (1 case in each 389 mothers; prevalence 0.26%). Two cases had babies with adequate birth weight for their gestational age (1 case in each 419 mothers; prevalence 0.24%) and two cases had babies with low birth weight for their gestational age (1 in each 132 mothers; prevalence 0.75%). The odds ratio for low birth weight was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.12-6.49), the odds ratio for preterm birth was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.06-5.89), ad the odds ratio for low birth weight for gestational age was 3.19 (95% CI: 0.44-22.79). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease in fertile women in our geographic area was 0.36% (1 case in each 275 mothers), and no differences were found between study groups.

[Temporal and bacteriological comparison of neonatal urinary infections]. / Comparación temporal y bacteriológica de la infección urinaria neonatal.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the epidemiological and management changes of urinary tract infection over the last years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective review of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) admitted to our neonatal unit over an 11 year period. A temporal, microorganism group and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) group comparison. RESULTS: We studied 106 cases (5 cases/1,000 alive newborns). The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (81.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (6.6%) and Enterobacter cloacae (4.7%). Gentamicin had an overall sensitivity of 93.2%, followed by cefotaxime 91.3% and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 89.5%. We did not found temporal differences in microorganisms or sensitivities. We found differences in C reactive protein, nitrate and leucocyte values in E. coli versus non-E. coli UTIs, as well as patterns of antibiotic sensitivity with more resistances by non-E. coli microorganisms. No differences were found in patients with normal and pathological VCUG. We found ultrasound and VCGU disturbances in 35.2% and 21.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: UTI is a common problem in our area. The most frequently isolated microorganism is E. coli. Non-E. coli UTIs have more resistances to usual therapies, although these did not show any increase in disease in the imaging tests. We found no increase in resistances throughout the study.

[Epidemiological study of juvenile idiopathic arthtitis in the last sixteen years in Asturias (Spain)]. / Estudio epidemiológico de artritis idiopática juvenil en el Principado de Asturias: presentación de la casuística en los últimos dieciséis años.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The results of several epidemiologic studies have shown surprisingly wide variety in the incidence (0.8 to 22.6 per 100,000 children) and prevalence (7 to 400 per 100,000) of this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective epidemiological study to identify all patients born after 1989 and resident in Asturias who were diagnosed with JIA using the criteria of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 60 patients (23 boys and 37 girls). The mean age of symptom onset was 5.6 years, with onset of spondyloarthropathies occurring most frequently in the oldest group. An incidence rate of 2.5/10(5) (3.5 at the present time) and a prevalence rate of 51.4/10(5) children and adolescents aged less than 16 years old were calculated. In 50% of patients, JIA started with inflammation in one of the knees. The most frequent form of onset was persistent oligoarticular arthritis (41.7%), followed by spondyloarthropathies (11.7%), conditions that did not meet the criteria for any category (11.7%), polyarticular arthritis (11.7%), systemic disease (10%), psoriatic arthritis (6.7%), and extended oligoarticular arthritis (6.7%). Chronic anterior uveitis was found in 5 patients (pauciarticular group in all 5 patients). Methotrexate was used in 25 children with good response and no relevant adverse events were observed. Only 10% of our patients are currently in the active phase of arthritis. CONCLUSION: An incidence rate of 3.5/10(5) and a prevalence rate of 51.4/10(5) children and adolescents aged less than 16 years old in Asturias were calculated (taking into account the possible bias of our study). The most frequent form of onset was persistent oligoarticular arthritis and the most commonly involved joints were the knees.

Recuento de neutrófilos asociado al fenotipo Duffy nulo / Neutrophil count associated with the Duffy phenotype null

Introducción. El fenotipo Duffy nulo es una variante de la normalidad de los antígenos de membrana de las células sanguíneas que ocasiona la forma más frecuente de neutropenia congénita a nivel mundial. Los individuos que la poseen, mayoritariamente provenientes de regiones de África subsahariana, presentan de forma persistente recuentos de neutrófilos por debajo del rango normal, sin que esto implique aumento en el riesgo de infecciones. Caso clínico. Presentamos un lactante, seguido en nuestro Servicio de Neonatología, por neutropenia persistente desde el nacimiento, hijo de una madre procedente de Guinea Ecuatorial. Tras varias analíticas se pudo comprobar el diagnóstico de neutropenia congénita asociada a Duffy nulo a través de inmunofenotipo de sangre periférica. La evolución del niño fue satisfactoria y no presentó ninguna complicación por su neutropenia. Conclusiones. Se debe clasificar la Neutropenia Congénita Asociada a Duffy Nulo (DANC, en sus siglas en inglés) como un polimorfismo genético que genera una variante de la normalidad, adecuando los rangos de los recuentos de neutrófilos a la misma. No se ha visto aumento en el riesgo de infecciones o enfermedades autoinmunes, ni alteraciones en la función de los neutrófilos. Considerar a estos pacientes con los rangos normales de la mayoría de la población tiene consecuencias como pruebas innecesarias, exclusión de ensayos clínicos o no administración de tratamientos oncológicos (AU)

Introduction. The Duffy-null phenotype is a variant of normal blood cell membrane antigens that causes the most frequent form of congenital neutropenia worldwide. Individuals who have it, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, persistently have neutrophil counts below the normal range, without this implying an increased risk of infections. Case report. We present a child, followed in our Neonatology Service, due to persistent neutropenia from birth, son of a mother from Equatorial Guinea. After several tests, the diagnosis of congenital neutropenia associated with Duffy null could be verified through peripheral blood immunophenotyping. The evolution of the child was satisfactory and he did not present any complications due to his neutropenia Conclusions. Duffy-Null Associated Congenital Neutropenia (DANC) should be classified as a genetic polymorphism that generates a variant of normality, adapting the ranges of neutrophil counts to it. There has been no increase in the risk of infections or autoimmune diseases, nor alterations in the function of neutrophils. Considering these patients within the normal ranges of the majority of the population has consequences such as unnecessary tests, exclusion from clinical trials, or non-administration of oncological treatments (AU)

[Resistance rates and phenotypic characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes in a paediatric population in Northern Spain (2005-2015)]. / Cambios evolutivos en las tasas y fenotipos de resistencia de Streptococcus pyogenes en una población pediátrica de Asturias, España (2005-2015).

OBJECTIVE: Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant cause of bacterial infections in children. The aim of the study is to analyse resistance rates and phenotypes of S. pyogenes isolates in a paediatric population in Northern Spain over the last 11 years. METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study of S. pyogenes isolates from paediatric patients between 2005 and 2015 in a region of Asturias (Spain). Resistance rates and changes in erythromycin resistance phenotypes in two time periods (2005-2009 and 2010-2015) were studied. RESULTS: A total of 1,794 S. pyogenes isolates were registered (70% from 2005 to 2009). 87.5% were obtained from pharyngeal swabs and 0.2% from blood cultures. Resistance rates to tetracycline (8.8% to 4.3%, p=0.02), erythromycin (22% to 9.3%, p<0.01) and clindamycin (6% to 1.7%, p<0.01) decreased between the two study periods. A reduction in erythromycin-resistant isolates with the MLSB phenotype was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in S. pyogenes resistance rates to erythromycin and clindamycin and a change in the erythromycin resistance phenotype were observed along the study period.

Malformaciones ano-rectales: cambios en el manejo neonatal en los últimos 22 años / Anorectal malformations: changes in neonatal management in the last 22 years

Introducción y objetivos. Una inspección perineal alterada o el retraso en la expulsión meconial debe hacernos sospechar una malformación anorrectal. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la incidencia de estas malformaciones, así como el estudio de las características obstétricas y neonatales, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de estos pacientes, y sus complicaciones en los últimos 22 años. Material y método. Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo incluyendo pacientes con diagnóstico en periodo neonatal de malformaciones anorrectales, excluyendo enfermedad de Hirschsprung, entre 2000-2021. Se establecieron dos periodos temporales para ver posibles cambios (2000-2010 versus 2011-2021). Resultados. 27 pacientes, 92,6% varones. Incidencia de 1 caso por cada 5.895 recién nacidos en nuestra región. El 88,9% fueron intervenidos con una mediana de edad de 2 días, precisando ingreso todos ellos durante una mediana de 15 días. El 95,8% recibió antibioterapia (mediana de 6 días), siendo la pauta más utilizada la asociación ampicilina, gentamicina y clindamicina; el 25% precisó ventilación mecánica invasiva (mediana de 1 día) y el 25% sedoanalgesia, tras la intervención; y 17 pacientes precisaron nutrición parenteral (media de 7,6 días). El 16,7% presentó complicaciones a corto plazo (75% infecciosas). A mediolargo plazo, el 37,5% precisó reintervención. No hemos encontrado diferencias significativas en las características clínicas ni diagnósticas entre los dos periodos temporales analizados. Conclusiones. Las malformaciones anorrectales son una causa relativamente frecuente de obstrucción intestinal en periodo neonatal que requiere un tratamiento multidisciplinar. En los últimos 22 años no hemos encontrado diferencias en cuanto a su incidencia ni en su manejo y resultado (AU)

Introduction and objectives. An altered perineal inspection or the delay in meconium expulsion should lead us to suspect an anorectal malformation. This study has aimed to know the incidence of these malformations and to study the obstetric and neonatal, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of these patients, and their complications in the last 22 years. Material and methods. A descriptive and retrospective study including patients having a diagnosis in the neonatal period of anorectal malformations, excluding Hirschsprung’s disease, between 2000-2021. Two time periods were established to see possible changes (2000-2010 versus 2011-2021). Results. 27 patients, 92.6% males, there being an incidence of one case per 5,895 newborns in our region. 88.9% underwent surgery with a median age of 2 days, admission being required for a median of 15 days. 95.8% received antibiotic therapy (median of 6 days), the regimen used most being the association of ampicillin, gentamicin and clindamycin; 25% required invasive mechanical ventilation (median of 1 day) and 25% sedated analgesia after the intervention. 17 patients required parenteral nutrition (mean 7.6 days). 16.7% had short-term complications (75% infectious). In the medium to long term, 37.5% required reoperation. We did not find any significant differences in the clinical or diagnostic characteristics between the two time periods analyzed. Conclusions. Anorectal malformations are a relatively frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in the neonatal period that requires multidisciplinary treatment. We have not found differences in terms of its incidence or in its management and outcome regarding the last 22 years (AU)

[Use of cold and cough medications prescribed in Primary Care clinics for children less than 14 years]. / Uso de anticatarrales en menores de 14 años en consultas de Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cold and cough medications and their suitability in children in Primary Health Care in Area V of the Asturian Health Service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study was conducted in which an analysis was performed of the respiratory diseases and the prescriptions of 6 Primary Health Care paediatricians who worked in Area V of the Asturian Health Service in 2011. An evaluation was made on the suitability of these medications. An analysis was also made of the drug datasheet and clinical recommendations (clinical guidelines, protocols or reports). RESULTS: A total of 424 cold and cough drugs: 249 antitussives, 155 mucolytics, and 20 "others" were analyzed. The mean age was 5 years old. There was a total of 85.1% unsuitable prescriptions. Off-label drugs were used in 11.6%. The prescribing was considered unsuitable in 82.8% of prescriptions associated with R74, and 73% of R05. All of the prescription drugs in children under 6 years old were unsuitable. Mucolytics/"others" were not suitable in 99.4%, nor antitussives in 75.1%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high level of cold and cough drugs being prescribed in children, with 85% of these being unsuitable. Children should only receive drugs with a good risk and benefit ratio. Pediatricians should try to improve the information about pediatric drug use and spread this information to parents, doctors and nurses.

[Home parenteral nutrition, question mark in pediatrics]. / La nutrición parenteral domiciliaria, un interrogante en pediatría.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a necessary but under-used therapy in Spain as compared to other European countries. This problem has been studied at the 1st Discussion Forum of the Spanish Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. One of its recommendations has been "to design studies in order to analyze the problems detected in HPN practice". Our study attempts to assess pediatric professionals knowledge and opinion about this concern, because children are important recipients of this therapy. A multidisciplinary team prepared a questionnaire to be distributed among 136 health professionals (70 physicians and 66 nurses) working in 4 public hospitals (H) and 8 Primary Health Care Centers (PHC) from Asturias and Salamanca (Spain). Answers show that few professionals have appropriated theoretical and practical knowledge about HPN. Most of them have received neither academic training education nor information over the last year on this matter. The ability to solve patient and caregiver doubts in daily management (handling, storage, compatibility and nutrition stability, parenteral infusion equipment problems, etc) is only 10% in PHC and 50% in H. Only 6 physicians (4.4%) from H group know about the existence of NADYA expert group despite its website and handbooks providing a wide information about HPN. The advantage of HPN to improve life quality, its economic efficacy and the need of cooperation to this respect between H and PHC are matters with a high level of agreement. An important number of pediatric professionals does not have enough knowledge about HPN in PHC. The awareness of HPN must be promoted among clinical services dealing with patients able to benefit from this therapy. All available resources must be used to improved this issue. Specific protocols developed by multidisciplinary teams would promote H and PHC collaboration to help patients, who are the aim of our activity.

[Use of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns]. / Empleo de probióticos en la prevención de la enterocolitis necrotizante en recién nacidos prematuros.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most frequent and life threatening pathology of the neonatal period and causes high morbi-mortality. According to the most recent metaanalyses, prophylactic treatment of premature newborns with probiotics significantly lowers the risk of suffering from severe necrotizing enterocolitis (stages II and III). This treatment also reduces the mortality, the hospitalization period and the days after which exclusive enteral nutrition is reached. Based in these facts, the Nutrition and Neonatal Metabolism Group of the Spanish Society of Neonatology considers that probiotics should be taken into consideration for use on less than 32 weeks- gestation premature newborns and/or those born with a weight lower than 1,500 g, although their use has to be submitted to close monitoring.

La enterocolitis necrotizante es la patologia digestiva adquirida mas frecuente y grave en el periodo neonatal, que ocasiona una importante morbi-mortalidad. Segun los ultimos metaanalisis, el tratamiento profilactico con probioticos en el recien nacido prematuro disminuye de manera significativa el riesgo de padecer una enterocolitis necrotizante severa (estadios II o III). Dicho tratamiento tambien ha demostrado una disminucion de la mortalidad, de los dias de hospitalizacion y de los dias tras los que se alcanza la nutricion enteral exclusiva. Por todo ello, el Grupo de Nutricion y Metabolismo Neonatal de la Sociedad Espanola de Neonatologia considera que el uso de probioticos deberia tenerse en cuenta en el recien nacido prematuro ≤ 32 semanas de gestacion y/o < 1500 g, si bien su uso debe someterse a una estrecha monitorizacion.

Características de los neonatos trasladados al hospital de referencia regional en Asturias / Characteristics of the newborns transferred to the regional reference hospital in Asturias

INTRODUCCIÓN: La regionalización de la asistencia neonatal es un punto importante de la asistencia pediátrica de calidad. Los traslados interhospitalarios neonatales forman parte de esta regionalización. OBJETIVO: Analizar las características de los neonatos trasladados al hospital de referencia en Asturias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo y descriptivo de los pacientes neonatales trasladados al Servicio de Neonatología del hospital regional de referencia, entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2018 en Asturias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 136 pacientes (56 mujeres y 80 varones), lo que supone un traslado cada 5 días, el 1,8% de los neonatos nacidos en los hospitales emisores y el 14,4% de los ingresos en el hospital receptor. El 63,2% ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y el 36,7% en la sala de cuidados intermedios, con un tiempo de ingreso medio de 9,5 días. El 20,7% eran prematuros. El peso medio al nacimiento fue de 2.983 g. La edad media al traslado fue de 5 días y el 46,3% de los traslados se realizaron durante las primeras 24 horas de vida. Las causas más frecuentes de traslado fueron: respiratorias (25%), neurológicas (14,7%), digestivas (13,2%) e infecciosas (12,5%). El 38% de los pacientes precisó soporte ventilatorio y el 1,4% falleció durante el ingreso. CONCLUSIONES: Los traslados neonatales interhospitalarios son relativamente frecuentes en nuestra región, siendo el distrés respiratorio y los problemas neurológicos las causas más comunes. El análisis de la regionalización de la asistencia neonatal resulta especialmente importante en regiones con escasa natalidad debido a la crisis demográfica

INTRODUCTION: Regionalization of neonatal care is an important point of quality in pediatric care. Neonatal interhospital transfers between regional hospitals and referral centers are part of this regionalization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze characteristics of newborns transferred from the different regional and private hospitals to theregional reference hospital in Asturias during 2017 and 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study was conducted, including all neonatal patients transferred fron other Asturian hospital to Neonatology Service of HUCA between January 2017 and December 2018, in Asturias. RESULTS: 136 patients were included (56 female and 80 male), which represents a transfer every 5 days, 1.8% of the 7,563 neonates born in the sending hospitals and 14.4% of the neonatal admissions in the receiving hospital. 63.2% of patients were admitted to the neonatal Intensive Care Unit and 36.7% to the neonatal Intermiediate care room with a mean admission time of 9.5 days. 20.7% were preterm newborns. The average born weight was 2,983 g. 20.6% were less than 2,500 g. Average age at transfer was 5 days, being the 46.3% made during first 24 hours of life. The most frequent causes of transfer were: respiratory (25%) neurological (14.7%), digestive (13.2%) and infectous (12.5%). 38% required ventilatory support and 1,4% died during admission. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal inter-hospital transfers are relatively frequent in our region, with respiratory distress and neurological problems being the most common causes. The analysis of neonatal care regionalization is especially important in regions with low birth rates due to demographic crisis

[Prevalence of immunity to hepatitis viruses in pregnant women from the health area of Gijón (Spain)]. / Prevalencia de inmunidad frente a los virus de la hepatitis en gestantes del Area Sanitaria de Gijón.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B or C chronic infection, and hepatitis A or E immunity among pregnant women from Gijón, as well as their clinical and epidemiological antecedents. PATIENTS AND METHOD: HBsAg and anti-HCV were determined in 2287 pregnant women consecutively attended in the Cabueñes Hospital, Gijón. Ninety nine of them, non-European or Gipsy, were also tested for anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG as were a sample of 325 and 365 respectively of the remaining 2188. Several clinical and epidemiological parameters were checked in all of them. RESULTS: Hepatitis B virus: 10.8% (246/2287) were previously vaccinated. Among the 2043 non vaccinated, 0.8% (17 cases) were HBsAg+. None of them had HBV replication and in 59% (10/17) the HBV infection was unknown. Hepatitis C virus: 1.44% (33/2287) women were anti-VHC+, 1.26% (29/2287) anti-VHC and PCR+. In 28% of them (8/29) no parenteral risk factor was identified. Again, the infection was unknown in 58% (17/29) previously unknown. Hepatitis A virus: excluding non-European and Gipsy women, with a rate of immunity against HAV in younger than 29 years-old of 57% (12/21) and 89% (16/18), respectively, the anti-HAV IgG was positive in 17% (22/128) of the women younger than 29 years-old, 28% (60/214) between 29 and 36 years-old, and in 56% (13/23) of those older than 36 years-old. Hepatitis E virus: anti-HEC IgG was found in 2% (2/99) non European or Gipsy pregnant women and in 0.6% of the rest (2/325). CONCLUSIONS: a). Vaccination rate against hepatitis B virus is still low among pregnant women in Gijón; b). most of HBsAg+ or anti-VHC+ ignore it and many of them have not an evident risk factor; c). susceptibility to hepatitis A infection is high, with progress towards adult age, and d). remember the possibility of infection by hepatitis E virus.

[Drug abuse in pregnancy and neonatal morbidity: epidemiologic changes in the last ten years]. / Consumo de drogas durante el embarazo y morbilidad neonatal: cambios epidemiológicos en los últimos 10 años.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years, patterns of drug abuse have varied. This may have changed the problems presented by the infants of drug-abusing mothers. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of prenatal drug-exposure in neonates in our health area in the last decade, to analyze possible changes in the drugs consumed, routes of administration and the infectious diseases affecting drug-abusing mothers, and to study possible changes in the clinical features presented by their offspring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study of all the infants born to drug-abusing mothers from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2001 was performed. The series was analyzed and the periods 1992-1996 and 1997-2001 were compared. RESULTS: The mean incidence was 7.5 cases per 1000 live-born infants (8.7 in 1992-1996 and 6.3 in 1997-2001). Mothers in the second half of the study were less likely to use heroin and the intravenous route and were more likely to use methadone and cocaine than mothers in the 1997-2001 period. Hepatitis C virus infection and instrumental delivery were more frequent in the 1997-2001 period. No differences were found in neonates born in either period. Birthweight was less than 2500 g in 40 % and was low for gestational age in 20 %. Preterm deliveries were performed in 24 %. Congenital malformations were found in 6 %, neonatal withdrawal syndrome in 79 %, human immunodeficiency virus infection in 2 %, and hepatitic C virus infection in 3 %. Four percent were given in adoption. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal drug abuse patterns changed in the ten years under study, but outcome in their offspring showed no differences. Drug abuse by pregnant women is linked to a high rate of low birthweight, prematurity, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, vertical infection by human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus, as well as to social and family problems.

Ética en investigación en pediatría: principios y problemas / Ethics in research in pediatrics: principles and problems

La investigación en Pediatría es esencial para el bienestar de la población infantil y de su futuro como adultos. Su importancia está fuera de toda duda y debemos abogar por una investigación ética y legalmente intachable que proporcione conocimientos y evidencia científica de calidad. En todas las sociedades científicas pediátricas se busca fomentar esta investigación entre sus socios, sobre todo los más jóvenes, y nuestra Sociedad de Pediatría de Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León no debería quedarse al margen. En los últimos años se ha producido gran cantidad de textos y legislación en el tema de la ética en investigación en clínica humana, tanto a nivel internacional como nacional. En este artículo de revisión intentaré ordenar y poner al día los aspectos más importantes de este problema y discutir concretamente los referentes a la edad pediátrica, como población vulnerable. Por último, plantearé el problema de la confidencialidad de los datos en los estudios observacionales y otros aspectos a tener en cuenta de cara al futuro de la ética en la investigación pediátrica

Pediatric research is essential for the well-being of children and their future as adults. The importance of this research is beyond doubt and we must advocate for an ethically and legally flawless research that provides knowledge and quality scientific evidence. In all the pediatric scientific societies it is sought to promote this research among its partners, especially the youngest, and our Pediatric Society of Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León should not be left out. In recent years there has been a large number of texts and legislation on the subject of ethics in human clinical research, both internationally and nationally. In this review article I will try to organize and update the most important aspects of this problem and specifically discuss those referring to pediatric age, as a vulnerable population. Finally, I will raise the problem of confidentiality of data in observational studies and other aspects to consider in the future of ethics in pediatric research

Acute neonatal appendicitis: a diagnosis to consider in abdominal sepsis.

Appendicitis in the neonatal period is extremely rare. Its low incidence together with non-specific clinical symptoms often mean the diagnosis is delayed, leading to increased rates of peritonitis and mortality. We report the case of a 33-week premature infant, small for gestational age (1180 g at birth), clinically stable and receiving exclusive enteral feeding, who presented clinical manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis at 14 days of life. Acute phase reactants were elevated and abdominal radiography showed pneumoperitoneum. Laparotomy revealed acute perforated appendicitis without intestinal involvement and purulent fluid in the peritoneum, for which appendectomy was performed. Neonatal acute appendicitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal sepsis since early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

[Peri-viability: limits of prematurity in a regional hospital in the last 10 years]. / Periviabilidad: el límite de la prematuridad en un hospital regional de referencia durante los últimos 10 años.

AIM: To determine the preterm viability between 22 and 25 gestational weeks in our hospital in last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on preterms between 22-25 gestational weeks born between 1-1-2002 and 12-31-2011. RESULTS: There were 121 newborns, 45 (37%) stillbirths and 76 (63%) live births (16 died in delivery room, and 60 admitted to neonatal intensive unit). Among the 60 admitted, 34 died before hospital discharge, and 26 survived (21% of total, 34% of live births and 43% of those admitted to neonatal intensive unit). The causes of death were: 16 therapeutic effort limitation in delivery room, 8 therapeutic effort limitation in neonatal ward, 7 nosocomial sepsis, 7 NEC, 4 respiratory problems, and 8 of unknown cause. There were no survivors below 24 gestational weeks. Of the 26 survivors, 4 had major neurological disorders, and 11 with a normal neurological outcome. No significant statistical differences were found in the mortality between the two five-year periods analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The peri-viability has important clinical and ethical problems for neonatologist.