Seasonality of the incidence of bronchiolitis in infants — Brazil, 2016-2022: An interrupted time-series analysis / Sazonalidade da incidência de bronquiolite em lactentes — Brasil, 2016-2022: Uma análise de série temporal interrompida

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the seasonality of acute bronchiolitis in Brazil during the 2020-2022 season and compare it with the previous seasons. Methods: Data from the incidence of hospitalizations due to acute bronchiolitis in infants <1 year of age were obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Public Health database for the period between 2016 and 2022. These data were also analyzed by macro-regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, and Midwest). To describe seasonal and trend characteristics over time, we used the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages Model. Results: Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, the incidence of hospitalizations related to acute bronchiolitis decreased by 97% during non-pharmacological interventions (March 2020 - August 2021) but increased by 95% after non-pharmacological interventions relaxation (September 2021 - December 2022), resulting in a 16% overall increase. During the pre-COVID-19 period, hospitalizations for acute bronchiolitis followed a seasonal pattern, which was disrupted in 2020-2021 but recovered in 2022, with a peak occurring in May, approximately 4% higher than the pre-COVID-19 peak. Conclusions: This study underscores the significant influence of COVID-19 interventions on acute bronchiolitis hospitalizations in Brazil. The restoration of a seasonal pattern in 2022 highlights the interplay between public health measures and respiratory illness dynamics in young children.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a sazonalidade da bronquiolite aguda no Brasil durante a temporada 2020-2022 e compará-la com a das temporadas anteriores. Métodos: Os dados de incidência de internações por bronquiolite aguda em lactentes <1 ano de idade foram obtidos do Departamento de Informática da base de dados da Saúde Pública Brasileira para o período entre 2016 e 2022. Esses dados também foram analisados por macrorregiões do Brasil (Norte, Nordeste, Sudeste, Sul e Centro-Oeste). Para descrever características sazonais e de tendência ao longo do tempo, utilizamos o Modelo de Médias Móveis Integradas Autorregressivas Sazonais. Resultados: Em comparação com o período pré-COVID-19, a incidência de hospitalizações relacionadas com bronquiolite aguda diminuiu 97% durante as intervenções não farmacológicas (março de 2020 - agosto de 2021), mas aumentou 95% após a flexibilização das intervenções não farmacológicas (setembro de 2021 - dezembro de 2022), resultando no aumento geral de 16%. Durante o período pré-COVID-19, as hospitalizações por bronquiolite aguda seguiram um padrão sazonal, que foi interrompido em 2020-2021, mas recuperaram-se em 2022, com um pico ocorrido em maio, aproximadamente 4% superior ao pico pré-COVID-19. Conclusões: Este estudo ressalta a influência significativa das intervenções contra a COVID-19 nas hospitalizações por bronquiolite aguda no Brasil. A restauração de um padrão sazonal em 2022 sublinha a interação entre as medidas de saúde pública e a dinâmica das doenças respiratórias em crianças pequenas.

Acute viral bronchiolitis phenotype in response to glucocorticoid and bronchodilator treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether infants admitted to hospital with Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (AVB), who received glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, and who had an atopic phenotype, spent less time in hospital and/or less time on oxygen therapy when compared to those who did not have the phenotype. METHOD: A cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological study was developed with data from medical records of infants admitted to hospital due to AVB from 2012 to 2019 in a sentinel public hospital. It was verified that the frequency of prescription of glucocorticoids, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Length of stay and oxygen therapy duration were then compared in the group that used glucocorticoids and bronchodilators between those who had a personal or family history of atopy and those who did not. Subsequently, the length of hospital stay was compared among infants who received antibiotic therapy and those who did not. RESULTS: Fifty-eight infants were included. Of these, 62.1 % received an antibiotic, 100 % a bronchodilator and 98.3 % a glucocorticoid. When comparing infants without a family history of atopy, those who received antibiotics had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The presence of an atopic phenotype did not interfere with the length of stay and/or oxygen therapy duration of those who received bronchodilators and glucocorticoids. Increased length of stay of infants without a family history of atopy, who used antibiotics without evidence of bacterial co-infection, and the high frequency of prescription of non-recommended drugs call attention to stricter protocol implementation and professional training in AVB diagnosis and care.

Correlation analysis between serum total IgE and FeNO and idiosyncratic reaction in bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: This article focused on the correlation between the changes of serum total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and idiosyncratic reactions in children with bronchiolitis. METHODS: One hundred children with bronchiolitis and fifty healthy children were enrolled. Serum total IgE and FeNO were assessed, and the diagnostic value for bronchiolitis and the correlation with the severity of bronchiolitis were analyzed. Bronchiolitis children were divided into idiosyncratic + bronchiolitis and non-idiosyncratic + bronchiolitis groups, the relationship between serum total IgE and FeNO and idiosyncratic reaction was determined, and the diagnostic value of serum total IgE and FeNO for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis was examined. RESULTS: FeNO in bronchiolitis children was lower than that in healthy children but there was no significant difference in serum total IgE levels between the two populations. Serum total IgE increased while FeNO decreased with the aggravation of bronchiolitis in bronchiolitis children. The serum total IgE was positively correlated while FeNO was negatively correlated with the severity of bronchiolitis. Serum total IgE was higher in children with idiosyncratic bronchiolitis, but serum total IgE and FeNO were not the risk factors for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis; Area Under the Curve (AUC) of serum total IgE and FeNO for the diagnosis of idiosyncratic bronchiolitis was less than 0.7. CONCLUSION: Serum total IgE and FeNO in children with bronchiolitis are related to disease severity and idiosyncratic reaction. FeNO has a diagnostic value for bronchiolitis, but not for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis.

Race-Neutral Equations and Pulmonary Function Test Interpretation in Two Pediatric Cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in predicted lung function measurements when using race-neutral equations in children, based upon the new Global Lung Initiative (GLI) reference equations, utilizing a race-neutral approach in interpreting spirometry results compared with the 2012 race-specific GLI equations. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from 2 multicenter prospective cohorts comprised of healthy children and children with history of severe (requiring hospitalization) bronchiolitis. Spirometry testing was done at the 6-year physical exam, and 677 tests were analyzed using new GLI Global and 2012 GLI equations. We used multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age, height, and sex, to examine the association of race with the development of new impairment or increased severity (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) z-score ≤ -1.645) as per 2022 American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. RESULTS: Compared with the race-specific GLI, the race-neutral equation yielded increases in the median forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted in White children but decreases in these two measures in Black children. The prevalence of obstruction increased in White children by 21%, and the prevalence of possible restriction increased in Black children by 222%. Compared with White race, Black race was associated with increased prevalence of new impairments (aOR 7.59; 95%CI, 3.00-19.67; P < .001) and increased severity (aOR 35.40; 95%CI, 4.70-266.40; P = .001). Results were similar across both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: As there are no biological justifications for the inclusion of race in spirometry interpretation, use of race-neutral spirometry reference equations led to an increase in both the prevalence and severity of respiratory impairments among Black children.

Factors Associated with Inhaled Bronchodilator and Oral Corticosteroid Use in Young Children with First Lower Respiratory Tract Infection.

OBJECTIVES: To examine factors associated with claims for and potential overuse of inhaled bronchodilators (IBs) and oral corticosteroids (OCSs) for children <2 years old at first lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using Colorado All Payer Claims data from 2009 through 2019. Children with asthma were excluded. Primary outcomes were 1) IB and 2) OCS claims within 7 days of index LRTI. Primary predictors were previous IB or OCS claims for each outcome respectively. Covariates included demographics, atopy, family history of asthma, complex chronic conditions, prior inhaled corticosteroid claim, and location of index LRTI. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used for each outcome. RESULTS: Of 10 194 eligible children, 1468 (14.4%) had an IB and 741 (7.3%) an OCS claim at or within 7 days of index LRTI. Index LRTIs were most often at outpatient visits (64%). Adjusting for covariates, prior IB prescription was associated with the IB outcome (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3, 2.8), and prior OCS prescription was associated with the OCS outcome (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7, 2.9). Other variables associated with either outcome included age, sex, insurance, location, and atopy. Prior inhaled corticosteroid claim, asthma family history, and complex chronic conditions were not associated with either outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies factors that might serve as opportunities for de-implementation strategies for IB and OCS overuse in young children with LRTI.

Measurement of the interbronchial angle in acute viral bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the most common lower airway infection in children under 2 years. Attempts to determine disease severity based on clinical and radiological manifestations are a major challenge. Measurements of the anatomy of the trachea and main bronchi are not only limited to pure anthropometry, but are also useful for better care of critically ill patients. The purpose of the study is to verify the association between measurements of the interbronchial angle (ITB) and the severity of respiratory disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which included all patients admitted to the Santo Antônio Children's Hospital, over a period of 1 year, with diagnosis of AVB by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was designed. ITB angle was measured and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Quantitative variables were compared and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. P-value <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 425 patients with AVB due to RSV were included. Most of these patients were male and the median age was 130 days, 91.11% of them required oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter, 3.3% used noninvasive ventilation and 4% used mechanical ventilation. Those who required MV or NIV and intensive care unit support were considered severe. The mean ITB was lower for these patients than for those of lesser severity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that there is an association between ITB and AVB severity. The smaller the ITB, the greater the disease severity.

Waiting for the next winter. Outpatient pediatric visits for respiratory infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric visits due to acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) decreased, but most reports are from hospitalized patients. There is little information on this phenomenon in outpatients, who are the majority in ALRI. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ALRI-related outpatient visits in the City of Buenos Aires. METHODS: Observational study including all outpatient visits of children under 2 years of age to the public health system of the City of Buenos Aires, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. We analyzed the total number of visits and the ALRI-related visits, and their distribution throughout the study period. RESULTS: A total of 704,426 visits were registered, 7.38% of them due to ALRI. ALRI-related visits decreased from the implementation of a national lockdown (2020) and increased again as the restriction measures decreased, particularly the return to full school attendance (2021). In general, the proportion of ALRI-related visits was significantly higher in the cold months than in the warm ones (9.8% vs. 5.5%; odds ratio: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.73-1.79; p < .001). This difference was observed before (2018 and 2019) and after the pandemic (2022), but not in 2020-2021. The peak of ALRI-related visits occurred in the cold months in pre-pandemic years (2018-2019), did not appear in 2020, reappeared delayed in 2021, and recovered seasonality in 2022. CONCLUSION: Outpatient ALRI-related visits decreased significantly in the city of Buenos Aires during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently seem to have recovered their magnitude and seasonality.

Correlation analysis between serum total IgE and FeNO and idiosyncratic reaction in bronchiolitis

Abstract Objective This article focused on the correlation between the changes of serum total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and idiosyncratic reactions in children with bronchiolitis. Methods One hundred children with bronchiolitis and fifty healthy children were enrolled. Serum total IgE and FeNO were assessed, and the diagnostic value for bronchiolitis and the correlation with the severity of bronchiolitis were analyzed. Bronchiolitis children were divided into idiosyncratic + bronchiolitis and non-idiosyncratic + bronchiolitis groups, the relationship between serum total IgE and FeNO and idiosyncratic reaction was determined, and the diagnostic value of serum total IgE and FeNO for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis was examined. Results FeNO in bronchiolitis children was lower than that in healthy children but there was no significant difference in serum total IgE levels between the two populations. Serum total IgE increased while FeNO decreased with the aggravation of bronchiolitis in bronchiolitis children. The serum total IgE was positively correlated while FeNO was negatively correlated with the severity of bronchiolitis. Serum total IgE was higher in children with idiosyncratic bronchiolitis, but serum total IgE and FeNO were not the risk factors for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis; Area Under the Curve (AUC) of serum total IgE and FeNO for the diagnosis of idiosyncratic bronchiolitis was less than 0.7. Conclusion Serum total IgE and FeNO in children with bronchiolitis are related to disease severity and idiosyncratic reaction. FeNO has a diagnostic value for bronchiolitis, but not for idiosyncratic bronchiolitis.

Acute viral bronchiolitis phenotype in response to glucocorticoid and bronchodilator treatment

Abstract Objective To analyze whether infants admitted to hospital with Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (AVB), who received glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, and who had an atopic phenotype, spent less time in hospital and/or less time on oxygen therapy when compared to those who did not have the phenotype. Method A cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological study was developed with data from medical records of infants admitted to hospital due to AVB from 2012 to 2019 in a sentinel public hospital. It was verified that the frequency of prescription of glucocorticoids, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Length of stay and oxygen therapy duration were then compared in the group that used glucocorticoids and bronchodilators between those who had a personal or family history of atopy and those who did not. Subsequently, the length of hospital stay was compared among infants who received antibiotic therapy and those who did not. Results Fifty-eight infants were included. Of these, 62.1 % received an antibiotic, 100 % a bronchodilator and 98.3 % a glucocorticoid. When comparing infants without a family history of atopy, those who received antibiotics had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.01). Conclusion The presence of an atopic phenotype did not interfere with the length of stay and/or oxygen therapy duration of those who received bronchodilators and glucocorticoids. Increased length of stay of infants without a family history of atopy, who used antibiotics without evidence of bacterial co-infection, and the high frequency of prescription of non-recommended drugs call attention to stricter protocol implementation and professional training in AVB diagnosis and care.

Sleep and quality of life characteristics in a pediatric population with chronic obstructive respiratory diseases.

PURPOSE: To describe sleep and quality of life of pediatric patients with chronic obstructive respiratory diseases and to ascertain whether or not sleep quality correlates with quality of life in this population. METHODS: Participants aged 5 to 18 years with cystic fibrosis (CF), severe asthma, or postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) receiving regular follow-up at a pediatric respiratory medicine center were recruited. Two questionnaires were used: the Brazilian version of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). RESULTS: A total of 46 individuals were included: 30 with CF, 9 with severe asthma, and 7 with PIBO. Almost two-thirds of the patients and their parents or guardians scored at least 39 points on the SDSC, suggesting poor sleep quality. Significantly higher overall median scores were observed in those with severe asthma. Patients and their parents or guardians scored a median of 77 and 80 points respectively on the Peds-QL, with parents of patients with CF scoring higher than any other group. There was a moderate inverse correlation between sleep disorders and quality of life (r = - 0.532 for patients and r = - 0.606 for parents; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with chronic obstructive respiratory diseases experience impairment in their sleep quality and quality of life. Sleep disorders and quality of life have a moderate negative correlation.

Características clínico-etiológicas de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados con diagnóstico de bronquiolitis. Ciudad de Santa Fe, Argentina

Introducción: La bronquiolitis constituye una de las principales causas de Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas Bajas en Pediatría, y es responsable de una proporción significativa de hospitalizaciones en lactantes, fundamentalmente, en menores de 1 año. Su diagnóstico es clínico, caracterizado por síntomas y signos de amplio grado de gravedad. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-etiológicas de casos de bronquiolitis en menores de 1 año, internados en un hospital de niños de la ciudad de Santa Fe, durante un periodo de un año. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal. Se analizaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio de fichas médicas de vigilancia epidemiológica. Las técnicas diagnósticas usadas según el agente viral fueron RT-PCR en tiempo real, PCR-punto final e Inmunofluorescencia Indirecta. Resultados: Sobre un total de 108 casos, 90,7% tuvo de 1 a 6 meses de edad. La mediana de internación fue de 5 días, y el nacimiento prematuro fue la condición médica previa más frecuente. Un 78,7% (85) tuvo diagnóstico viral positivo, siendo Rinovirus (hRV) y Virus Sincicial Respiratorio (VSR) los agentes más prevalentes, tanto en infección única como en coinfección. El tiempo de oxigenoterapia fue mayor en los pacientes más graves (p<0,001). El 32,4% (35) recibió alguna medicación que fue, en mayor frecuencia, antibiótico. Se encontró asociación positiva y significativa entre la edad menor de 3 meses y una hospitalización mayor a 5 días (OR=2,5; IC: 1,1-5,8; p=0,02); y entre un diagnóstico VSR positivo y un cuadro grave (OR: 7,7; IC: 1,95-39,6; p<0,001). Conclusión: Las características y condiciones médicas consideradas por la literatura como factores de riesgo para el padecimiento y la gravedad de una IRAB, fueron halladas con mayor frecuencia en la población de estudio. El hRV y el VRS fueron los agentes de mayor rescate viral, encontrándose una asociación positiva entre la infección por VSR y la gravedad del cuadro.

Introduction: Bronchiolitis is one of the main causes of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections in pediatrics, and is responsible for a significant proportion of hospitalizations in infants, mainly in children under 1 year of age. Its diagnosis is clinical. The disease is characterized by a wide variety and degree of signs and symptoms. Objective: To describe the clinical-etiological characteristics of cases of bronchiolitis in children under 1 year of age, admitted to a children's hospital in the city of Santa Fe, over a period of one year. Materials and Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data from epidemiological surveillance medical records were analyzed. The diagnostic techniques used, based on the viral agent, were real-time RT-PCR, end-point PCR and Indirect Immunofluorescence. Results: Out of a total of 108 cases, 90.7% were between 1 and 6 months old. The median hospital stay was 5 days, and premature birth was the most common prior medical condition. 78.7% (85) had a positive viral diagnosis, with Rhinovirus (hRV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) being the most prevalent agents, both in single infection and coinfection. Oxygen therapy time was longer in the most seriously ill patients (p<0.001). 32.4% (35) received some medication, which was, most frequently, antibiotics. A positive and significant association was found between age less than 3 months and hospitalization longer than 5 days (OR=2.5; CI: 1.1-5.8; p=0.02); and between a positive RSV diagnosis and a severe condition (OR: 7.7; CI: 1.95-39.6; p<0.001). Conclusions: The characteristics and medical conditions considered by the literature as risk factors for the morbidity and severity of a lower respiratory tract infection were found more frequently in the study population. hRV and RSV were the most commonly-detected viral agents. We found a positive association between RSV infection and the severity of the condition.

Usefulness of lung ultrasound in the evaluation of children with lower respiratory tract infection in the emergency room / Utilidad de ecografía pulmonar en la valoración de niños con infección respiratoria baja en urgencias

Abstract Background: Lung ultrasound is a bedside tool that allows the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in pediatric patients through the lung ultrasound score (LUS). We aimed to evaluate a group of patients under 3 years of age with lower respiratory tract infections using LUS at the Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. Methods: We included patients younger than 3 years admitted to the emergency department with lower respiratory tract infections. A lung ultrasound was performed within the first 24 h of admission to the emergency department and evaluated using LUS. We analyzed age, sex, etiology of infection, days of stay, use of mechanical ventilation, Downes scale, failure of mechanical ventilation on admission, and mortality. Descriptive analysis was performed with frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables and medians and interquartile intervals for quantitative variables. Differences in the distribution of LUS variables were evaluated with the Fishers´ exact test and Student´s t-test. Results: We included a total of 19 patients with lower respiratory tract infections, 73.7% with bronchiolitis. Fifty percent of the cases scored 7 on the LUS, 91.7% were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, and 53.8% required invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: The use of LUS in lower respiratory tract infections can predict the need for PICU admission, the use of invasive ventilatory support, and prolonged hospital stay.

Resumen Introducción: El ultrasonido pulmonar es una herramienta a pie de cama que permite evaluar la afectación del parénquima pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos por medio de la escala de LUS (lung ultrasound score, por sus siglas en inglés). El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar a niños menores de 3 años con infección respiratoria baja mediante la escala de LUS, en el Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 3 años que ingresaron al Servicio de Urgencias con infección respiratoria baja. Se realizó ecografía pulmonar en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a urgencias y se evaluó mediante la escala de LUS. Se analizó, edad, sexo, etiología de la infección, días de estancia, uso de terapia ventilatoria, escala de Downes, fracaso a la terapia ventilatoria de ingreso y mortalidad. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo por medio de frecuencia y porcentaje para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas con mediana e intervalo intercuartil. Las diferencias en la distribución de las variables por la escala de LUS con la prueba exacta de Fisher y la t de Student. Resultados: Se identificaron 19 pacientes con infección pulmonar aguda, de los cuales el 73.7% presentó bronquiolitis. El 50% de los casos obtuvo 7 puntos de la escala de LUS, el 91.7% ingresó a UCIP y el 53.8% requirió ventilación mecánica asistida. Conclusiones: El uso de la escala LUS en infección respiratoria baja puede predecir la necesidad de ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, así como la utilización de soporte ventilatorio invasivo y una estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

Usefulness of lung ultrasound in the evaluation of children with lower respiratory tract infection in the emergency room.

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound is a bedside tool that allows the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in pediatric patients through the lung ultrasound score (LUS). We aimed to evaluate a group of patients under 3 years of age with lower respiratory tract infections using LUS at the Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. METHODS: We included patients younger than 3 years admitted to the emergency department with lower respiratory tract infections. A lung ultrasound was performed within the first 24 h of admission to the emergency department and evaluated using LUS. We analyzed age, sex, etiology of infection, days of stay, use of mechanical ventilation, Downes scale, failure of mechanical ventilation on admission, and mortality. Descriptive analysis was performed with frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables and medians and interquartile intervals for quantitative variables. Differences in the distribution of LUS variables were evaluated with the Fishers' exact test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: We included a total of 19 patients with lower respiratory tract infections, 73.7% with bronchiolitis. Fifty percent of the cases scored 7 on the LUS, 91.7% were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, and 53.8% required invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LUS in lower respiratory tract infections can predict the need for PICU admission, the use of invasive ventilatory support, and prolonged hospital stay.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El ultrasonido pulmonar es una herramienta a pie de cama que permite evaluar la afectación del parénquima pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos por medio de la escala de LUS (lung ultrasound score, por sus siglas en inglés). El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar a niños menores de 3 años con infección respiratoria baja mediante la escala de LUS, en el Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 3 años que ingresaron al Servicio de Urgencias con infección respiratoria baja. Se realizó ecografía pulmonar en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a urgencias y se evaluó mediante la escala de LUS. Se analizó, edad, sexo, etiología de la infección, días de estancia, uso de terapia ventilatoria, escala de Downes, fracaso a la terapia ventilatoria de ingreso y mortalidad. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo por medio de frecuencia y porcentaje para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas con mediana e intervalo intercuartil. Las diferencias en la distribución de las variables por la escala de LUS con la prueba exacta de Fisher y la t de Student. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 19 pacientes con infección pulmonar aguda, de los cuales el 73.7% presentó bronquiolitis. El 50% de los casos obtuvo 7 puntos de la escala de LUS, el 91.7% ingresó a UCIP y el 53.8% requirió ventilación mecánica asistida. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la escala LUS en infección respiratoria baja puede predecir la necesidad de ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, así como la utilización de soporte ventilatorio invasivo y una estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans in children: case series at a pediatric hospital in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare lung disease; there are limited reports in South America. CASE REPORT: We report 10 patients with this disease diagnosed at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña (Lima-Peru). The median age at diagnosis was 19 months and all patients had a history of severe acute respiratory infection. The most frequent symptoms were cough, respiratory distress, wheezing, and hypoxemia. The mosaic attenuation pattern was the most frequent on the tomography. All the patients had positive serology for adenovirus. The treatment received was methylprednisolone pulses, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and inhaled corticosteroids. No patient died during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In previously healthy children with a history of severe acute respiratory infection and persistent bronchial obstructive symptoms, the diagnosis of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans should be considered. This is the first report in Peru with a therapeutic regimen adapted to our institution.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa es una enfermedad pulmonar poco frecuente; existen limitados reportes en Sudamérica. CASO CLÍNICO: En esta serie se reportan 10 pacientes con esta enfermedad diagnosticados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña (Lima-Perú). La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 19 meses. Todos los pacientes presentaron el antecedente de infección respiratoria aguda grave. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos, dificultad respiratoria, sibilancias e hipoxemia; el patrón de atenuación en mosaico fue la característica más frecuente en la tomografía. Todos tenían serología positiva para adenovirus. Se administró tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona, azitromicina, hidroxicloroquina y corticoides inhalados. Ningún paciente falleció durante el seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: En los niños previamente sanos con antecedente de infección respiratoria aguda grave y sintomatología obstructivo bronquial persistente se debe considerar el diagnóstico de bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa. Este es el primer reporte en Perú con un régimen terapéutico adaptado a nuestra institución.

Bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa en niños: serie de casos en un hospital pediátrico de Perú / Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans in children: case series at a pediatric hospital in Peru

Resumen Introducción: La bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa es una enfermedad pulmonar poco frecuente; existen limitados reportes en Sudamérica. Caso clínico: En esta serie se reportan 10 pacientes con esta enfermedad diagnosticados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña (Lima-Perú). La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 19 meses. Todos los pacientes presentaron el antecedente de infección respiratoria aguda grave. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos, dificultad respiratoria, sibilancias e hipoxemia; el patrón de atenuación en mosaico fue la característica más frecuente en la tomografía. Todos tenían serología positiva para adenovirus. Se administró tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona, azitromicina, hidroxicloroquina y corticoides inhalados. Ningún paciente falleció durante el seguimiento. Conclusiones: En los niños previamente sanos con antecedente de infección respiratoria aguda grave y sintomatología obstructivo bronquial persistente se debe considerar el diagnóstico de bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa. Este es el primer reporte en Perú con un régimen terapéutico adaptado a nuestra institución.

Abstract Background: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare lung disease; there are limited reports in South America. Case report: We report 10 patients with this disease diagnosed at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña (Lima-Peru). The median age at diagnosis was 19 months and all patients had a history of severe acute respiratory infection. The most frequent symptoms were cough, respiratory distress, wheezing, and hypoxemia. The mosaic attenuation pattern was the most frequent on the tomography. All the patients had positive serology for adenovirus. The treatment received was methylprednisolone pulses, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and inhaled corticosteroids. No patient died during the follow-up. Conclusions: In previously healthy children with a history of severe acute respiratory infection and persistent bronchial obstructive symptoms, the diagnosis of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans should be considered. This is the first report in Peru with a therapeutic regimen adapted to our institution.

Human bocavirus respiratory infection: Tracing the path from viral replication and virus-cell interactions to diagnostic methods.

Human bocaviruses were first described between 2005 and 2010, identified in respiratory and enteric tract samples of children. Screening studies have shown worldwide distribution. Based on phylogenetic analysis, they were classified into four genotypes (HBoV1-4). From a clinical perspective, human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is considered the most relevant, since it can cause upper and lower acute respiratory tract infection, mainly in infants, including common cold, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, as well as wheezing in susceptible patients. However, the specific processes leading to structural, biochemical, and functional changes resulting in the different clinical presentations have not been elucidated yet. This review surveys the interactions between the virus and target cells that can potentially explain disease-causing mechanisms. It also summarises the clinical phenotype of cases, stressing the role of HBoV1 as an aetiological agent of lower acute respiratory infection in infants, together with laboratory tests for detection and diagnosis. By exploring the current knowledge on the epidemiology of HBoV1, insights into the complex scenario of paediatric respiratory infections are presented, as well as the potential effects that changes in the circulation can have on the dynamics of respiratory agents, spotlighting the benefits of comprehensively increase insights into incidence, interrelationships with co-circulating agents and potential control of HBoV1.

Severe cryptogenic bronchiolitis: Case report.

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a progressive fibrotic process that predominantly affects the small airways and is identified as constrictive bronchiolitis by pathologists. It is commonly associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), lung transplant, exposure to inhaled toxins, post-infectious processes, autoimmune diseases, and sometimes, no known cause. In the latter case, it is referred to as cryptogenic bronchiolitis obliterans. A 52-year-old Hispanic man with a medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease was referred to the pulmonary department due to experiencing dyspnea on exertion, intermittent dry cough, and progressive limitation of activities of daily living. Spirometry revealed severe obstructive changes, and chest high-resolution computed tomography showed ground-glass opacities with nodular infiltrates in the upper lobes, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The patient underwent a lung surgical biopsy of the right upper and lower lobes, which revealed extensive constrictive bronchiolitis. Due to the patient's worsening general condition, bilateral lung transplantation succeeded without any further complications. Following the transplantation, the patient showed good recovery and functional improvement. Bronchiolitis obliterans, or constrictive bronchiolitis, has a variable natural history. It is associated with a higher risk of mortality in allogenic HSCT. When BO is secondary to inhalation of toxic gases, it is usually nonprogressive and limited to toxin exposure. Autoimmune diseases or cryptogenic bronchiolitis are rare and have a heterogeneous clinical course. To make a proper diagnosis, clinical history, radiologic and histologic findings must be considered.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Daily Life Functioning After Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term impact of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission on daily life functioning while exploring the potential mediating role of neurocognitive outcome. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional observational study compared children aged 6-12 years with previous PICU admission (age ≤1 year) for bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation ("patient group," n = 65) to demographically comparable healthy peers ("control group," n = 76). The patient group was selected because bronchiolitis is not expected to affect neurocognitive functioning in itself. Assessed daily life outcome domains were behavioral and emotional functioning, academic performance, and health-related quality of life (QoL). The role of neurocognitive outcomes in the relationship between PICU admission and daily life functioning was assessed by mediation analysis. RESULTS: The patient group did not differ from the control group regarding behavioral and emotional functioning but performed poorer on academic performance and school-related QoL (Ps ≤ .04, d = -0.48 to -0.26). Within the patient group, lower full-scale IQ (FSIQ) was associated with poorer academic performance and school-related QoL (Ps ≤ .02). Poorer verbal memory was associated with poorer spelling performance (P = .002). FSIQ mediated the observed effects of PICU admission on reading comprehension and arithmetic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Children admitted to the PICU are at risk for long-term adverse daily life outcomes in terms of academic performance and school-related QoL. Findings suggest that lower intelligence may contribute to academic difficulties after PICU admission. Findings underline the importance of monitoring daily life and neurocognitive functioning after PICU admission.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Influenza, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations in Children in Colorado During the 2021-2022 Respiratory Virus Season.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during their cocirculation 2021-2022 respiratory virus season. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Colorado's hospital respiratory surveillance data comparing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-, influenza-, and RSV-hospitalized cases < 18 years of age admitted and undergoing standardized molecular testing between October 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Multivariable log-binomial regression modeling evaluated associations between pathogen type and diagnosis, intensive care unit admission, hospital length of stay, and highest level of respiratory support received. RESULTS: Among 847 hospitalized cases, 490 (57.9%) were RSV associated, 306 (36.1%) were COVID-19 associated, and 51 (6%) were influenza associated. Most RSV cases were <4 years of age (92.9%), whereas influenza hospitalizations were observed in older children. RSV cases were more likely to require oxygen support higher than nasal cannula compared with COVID-19 and influenza cases (P < .0001), although COVID-19 cases were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation than influenza and RSV cases (P < .0001). Using multivariable log-binomial regression analyses, compared with children with COVID-19, the risk of intensive care unit admission was highest among children with influenza (relative risk, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.22-3.19), whereas the risk of pneumonia, bronchiolitis, longer hospital length of stay, and need for oxygen were more likely among children with RSV. CONCLUSIONS: In a season with respiratory pathogen cocirculation, children were hospitalized most commonly for RSV, were younger, and required higher oxygen support and non-invasive ventilation compared with children with influenza and COVID-19.

Oxygen saturation thresholds for bronchiolitis at high altitudes: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence suggesting that exaggerated reliance on pulse oximetry (SpO2) and the use of arbitrary/inadequate thresholds of SpO2 might drive unnecessary hospitalizations for viral bronchiolitis, especially among high-altitude residents. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of two oxygen SpO2 thresholds for deciding whether infants with viral bronchiolitis living at high altitudes need hospital admission or can be discharged home. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness study was performed to compare the cost and clinical outcomes of two oxygen SpO2 thresholds, adjusted or not, to an altitude above the sea level of Bogota, Colombia (2640 m), for deciding whether infants with viral bronchiolitis need hospitalization or can be discharged home. The principal outcome was avoidance of hospital admission. RESULTS: Compared to the use of an SpO2 threshold of 90%, using an SpO2 threshold of 85% in infants with viral bronchiolitis was associated with lower overall costs (US$130.4 vs. US$194.0 average cost per patient) and a higher probability of hospitalization avoided (0.7500 vs. 0.5900), thus leading to dominance. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an SpO2 threshold below 90% for deciding on hospitalization in infants with viral bronchiolitis living at high altitudes appears to be logical, secure, and cost-effective.