Consultas tardías en los servicios de emergencias pediátricas durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Uruguay, entre el 13 de marzo y el 29 de julio de 2020

En diciembre de 2019, en Wuhan, China, se detectaron los primeros casos de SARS-CoV-2. En Uruguay, desde el 16 de marzo de 2020 se suspendieron las actividades de enseñanza, deportivas y espectáculos públicos. Varios países reportaron una marcada disminución de las visitas a urgencias. Algunos niños presentaron enfermedades ocasionales o descompensaciones de enfermedades crónicas, consultando en forma tardía con el riesgo que ello implica. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una descripción de las consultas tardías durante la pandemia. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico y descriptivo entre el 13 de marzo y el 29 de julio de 2020. Se definió consulta tardía como los ingresos por injurias agudas con más de 6 horas de evolución, fiebre mayor a 72 horas de evolución, dificultad respiratoria con más de 12 horas de evolución, síntomas agudos, como dolor abdominal, de más de 24 horas de evolución, síntomas de más de 12 horas de evolución en niños con enfermedades crónicas que determinaron descompensación e ingreso. Se incluyeron 27 centros. Se registraron un total de 34.260 consultas en urgencia, se incluyeron 189 niños para el estudio. El promedio de edad fue de 6 años; 17 pacientes requirieron ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Predominó la apendicitis entre los diagnósticos al alta. Esta investigación puso en evidencia la existencia de consultas tardías en nuestro país. Esto contribuye a ponderar el impacto negativo de la pandemia en la población pediátrica.

Summary: In December 2019, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in Wuhan. In Uruguay, since March 16, teaching, sports and public entertainment activities were suspended. Several countries reported a marked decrease in emergency room visits. Some children presented occasional illnesses or decompensations from chronic illnesses, consulting late with the risk that this implies. The objective of the work is to make a description of late consultations during the pandemic. A multicenter and descriptive study was carried out between March 13 and July 29, 2020. "Late consultation" was defined as admissions for: Acute injuries with more than 6 hours of evolution, fever greater than 72 hours of evolution, difficulty respiratory disease with more than 12 hours of evolution, acute symptoms such as abdominal pain of more than 24 hours of evolution, symptoms of more than 12 hours of evolution in children with chronic diseases that determined decompensation and admission. 27 centers were included. A total of 34260 emergency consultations were registered, 189 children were included for the study. The average age was 6 years. 17 patients required admission to the ICU. Appendicitis predominated among the diagnoses at discharge. This research revealed the existence of late consultations in our country. This helps to weigh the negative impact of the pandemic on the pediatric population.

Em dezembro de 2019, em Wuhan, foram detectados os primeiros casos de SARS-CoV-2. No Uruguai, desde 16 de março, as atividades de ensino, esporte e entretenimento público foram suspensas. Vários países relataram uma diminuição acentuada nas visitas ao pronto-socorro. Algumas crianças apresentavam doenças ocasionais ou descompensações de doenças crônicas, consultando tardiamente os riscos que isso implica. O objetivo do trabalho é fazer uma descrição das consultas tardias durante a pandemia. Um estudo multicêntrico e descritivo foi realizado entre 13 de março e 29 de julho de 2020. Consulta tardia foi definida como internações por: Lesões agudas com mais de 6 horas de evolução, febre maior que 72 horas de evolução, dificuldade respiratória com mais de 12 horas de evolução, sintomas agudos como dor abdominal com mais de 24 horas de evolução, sintomas com mais de 12 horas de evolução em crianças com doenças crônicas que determinaram descompensação e internação. 26 centros foram incluídos. Um total de 34.260 consultas de emergência foram registradas, 189 crianças foram incluídas no estudo. A idade média era de 6 anos. 17 pacientes necessitaram de internação na UTI. Apendicite predominou entre os diagnósticos na alta. Esta pesquisa revelou a existência de consultas tardias em nosso país. Isso ajuda a pesar o impacto negativo da pandemia na população pediátrica.

Treatment of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Uruguay: Results of 2 Consecutive Protocols Over 20 Years.

We evaluated the outcome of 71 children with de novo acute myeloid leukemia enrolled in 2 consecutive protocols in the main pediatric hospital in Uruguay. In the LAM97 protocol (n=34), patients received, as consolidation, autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), depending on the availability or not of a matched sibling donor. In the LAM08 protocol (n=37), patients were stratified into risk groups, autologous HSCT was abandoned, and allogeneic HSCT was limited to intermediate-risk patients with matched sibling donor and to all patients who fulfilled the high-risk criteria. Complete remission was achieved in 91% and 92% of patients in LAM97 and LAM08, respectively. Deaths in complete remission were 9.6% and 17.6%, respectively. The incidence of relapse was significantly higher in LAM97, 35.4%, versus 12.5% in LAM08. The 5-year event-free survival and overall survival were 50.0% and 55.9% in LAM97 and 59.9% and 64.8% in LAM08. The 5-year overall survival rates in each of the risk groups were 85.7% and 100% for low risk, 50.0% and 61.2% for intermediate risk, and 42.9% and 50.0% for high risk in LAM97 and LAM08 protocols, respectively. Survival has improved over the last 2 decades, and results are comparable to those published in Europe and North America.

High Risk Neuroblastoma in Uruguay. Where are we? / Neuroblastoma de Alto Riesgo en Uruguay. ¿Dónde estamos? / Neuroblastoma de Alto Risco no Uruguai. Onde estamos?

Introdução: El neuroblastoma es el tumor sólido extracraneal más frecuente en niños. Aproximadamente el 50 % de los pacientes son clasificados como de alto riesgo, con base en características clínicas, biológicas e histológicas. Objetivo: Describir a la población asistida en el Centro Hemato-Oncológíco Pediátrico (CHOP) del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) con diagnóstico de neuroblastoma de alto riesgo, su tratamiento y sobrevida. Método: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de todos los pacientes con neuroblastoma de alto riesgo diagnosticados en el CHOP entre el 2001 y el 2015. En el CHOP se ubica el Registro Nacional de Cáncer Pediátrico, así como también el Archivo de Historias Clínicas de todos los pacientes. Los datos son recolectados y analizados por el sector de estadística. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 35 pacientes, de los cuales 20 (57%) eran varones con mediana de edad de 36,6 meses (5-93), localización suprarrenal 23 (66%) y 100% estadio IV. Metástasis, médula ósea y hueso: 27 (71%). Treinta y tres pacientes recibieron autotransplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos (TPH) (94%). Estatus previo a TPH, remisión completa: 19 (58 %), remisión parcial: 14 (42%). Mortalidad relacionada al tratamiento: 15 % y de recaídas: 68 %. Mediana de tiempo de recaída: 15 meses (3-52). La probabilidad de sobrevida global y sobrevida libre de eventos a 5 años fue de 37,8% ± 8,4 y 23,8% ± 7,3 (mediana de seguimiento 40 meses). Conclusión: A pesar del tratamiento intensivo y de las medidas de soporte adecuadas, el pronóstico en los niños con neuroblastoma de alto riesgo sigue siendo pobre en nuestro país. Es necesario incorporar nuevas estrategias terapéuticas aún no disponibles en nuestro medio.

Introduction: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Approximately 50% of patients are classified as high risk on the basis of clinical, biological, and histological characteristics. Objective: To describe the population of patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma at the Centro Hemato-Oncológíco Pediátrico (CHOP, Center for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) of the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR, Pereira Rossell Hospital), in terms of their treatment and survival. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with highrisk neuroblastoma at the CHOP between 2001 and 2015. The National Registry of Pediatric Cancer is located at the CHOP, as is the Archive of Patient Clinical Histories. The data are collected and analyzed by the statistics sector. Results: Among the 35 patients diagnosed, 20 (57%) were men, the median age was 36.6 months (range, 5-93 months), and the tumor had an adrenal location in 23 (66%). All of the tumors were classified as stage IV. Metastasis to the bone marrow or bone was seen in 27 (71%). Thirty-three patients (94%) received autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). The status prior to HSCT was complete remission in 19 (58%) and partial remission in 14 (42%). The treatment-related mortality rate was 15%, and the relapse rate was 68%. The median time to relapse was 15 months (3-52 months). The probability of overall survival and 5-year event-free survival was 37.8% ± 8.4 and 23.8% ± 7.3 (median follow-up of 40 months), respectively. Conclusion: Despite intensive treatment and adequate support measures, the prognosis for high-risk neuroblastoma in children remains poor in Uruguay. There is a need to incorporate new therapeutic strategies not yet available in our country.

Introducción:O neuroblastoma é o tumor sólido extracraniano mais frequente em crianças. Aproximadamente 50% dos pacientes são classificados como de alto risco considerando as características clínicas, biológicas e histológicas. Objetivo: Descrever a população atendida no Centro Hemato-Oncológíco Pediátrico (CHOP) do Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) com diagnóstico de neuroblastoma de alto risco, seu tratamento e sobrevida. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de todos os pacientes com neuroblastoma de alto risco diagnosticados no CHOP, no período entre 2001 e 2015. O Registro Nacional de Câncer Pediátrico está localizado no CHOP, bem como o Arquivo de Histórias Clínicas de todos os pacientes. Os dados são coletados e analisados pelo setor estatístico. Resultados: Foram diagnosticados 35 pacientes. Vinte (57%) eram do sexo masculino. Mediana de idade: 36,6 meses (5-93). Localização suprarrenal: 23 (66%). Estádio IV 100%. Metástases, medula óssea e osso: 27 (71%). Trinta e três pacientes receberam transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) (94%). Status prévio a TCTH, remissão completa: 19 (58%), remissão parcial: 14 (42%). Incidência de mortalidade relacionada ao tratamento: 15% e de recaídas: 68%. Mediana do tempo de recaída: 15 meses (3-52). A probabilidade de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de eventos aos cinco anos foi de 37,8% ± 8,4 e 23,8% ± 7,3 (mediana de seguimento 40 meses). Conclusão: Apesar do tratamento intensivo e medidas de suporte adequadas, o prognóstico em crianças com neuroblastoma de alto continua sendo pobre no Uruguai. É necessário incorporar novas estratégias terapêuticas que ainda não estão disponíveis em nosso meio

Cánula nasal de alto flujo en niños con crisis asmática en un servicio de urgencias pediátrico / High-flow nasal cannula therapy in children with severe asthma exacerbations in a pediatric emergency department

Resumen: Introducción: la oxigenoterapia por catéter nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) es un recurso terapéutico probado en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en lactantes; hay pocos trabajos en niños mayores en la urgencia pediátrica. Se aplica en el Departamento de Emergencia Pediátrica (DEP) del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) desde 2013 en lactantes con broncoobstrucción. Publicaciones recientes avalan su aplicación en niños de todas las edades. Objetivos: comunicar la experiencia con el uso de CNAF en pacientes mayores de 2 años con crisis asmática moderada-severa en el DEP-CHPR. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de niños mayores de 2 años con crisis asmática asistidos con CNAF en el DEP-CHPR entre 01/06/13 y el 31/08/2016. La severidad de la crisis asmática se evaluó siguiendo el Pediatric Asthma Score (severa > 11, moderada 8 a 11). Se utilizó equipo Fisher Paykel, con flujímetro de hasta 70 L/min. Resultados: 78 pacientes (41 niñas). Crisis asmática moderada 34; severa 44. PAS: media 11 (9-14). Flujo máximo: media 30 L/m (12-60). Duración OAF en DEP: media 15 h (1-46). CNAF como único soporte respiratorio: 42; ventilación no invasiva 33. AVM: tres pacientes. En un paciente: se detectó neumotórax hipertensivo en la radiografía realizada después del inicio de la CNAF. No hubo fallecimientos. Conclusiones: la CNAF resultó un recurso terapéutico sencillo y accesible para el tratamiento inicial de niños mayores de 2 años con fallo respiratorio. Se utilizaron flujos de 2 L/kg/min, con buena tolerancia. Constituyó el único soporte respiratorio en la mitad de este grupo. Su indicación temprana en el tratamiento escalonado de la crisis asmática en la emergencia ha aumentado; deberá considerarse en los protocolos de atención de la crisis asmática.

Summary: Introduction: high flow nasal cannula is used for the treatment of acute respiratory failure in infants, although there are few publications referred to older children in the Emergency Department. HFNC has been used at the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of Pereira Rossell Hospital since 2013, in infants with bronchial obstruction. Recent research has found it may be recommended for children of all ages. Objectives: to describe the experience in the use of HFNC in patients older than 2 years old, when they presented moderate and severe asthma exacerbation episodes at the in Pediatric Emergency Department of Pereira Rossell Hospital. Method: descriptive, retrospective study including children older than 2 years old with asthma exacerbations treated with HFNC, at the in Pediatric Emergency Department of Pereira Rossell Hospital between 06/01/13 - 08/31/16. The severity of acute asthma was evaluated with the Pediatric Asthma Score (severe being > 11, and moderate from 8 to 11). Fisher Paykel CNAF equipment was used up to 70 L/min. Results: 78 patients (41 female): Moderate exacerbation 34; severe 44. PAS: median 11 (9-14). Maximum flow: median 30L/m (12 - 60). HFNC in PED: median 15 h (1-46). HFNC as the only respiratory support: 42; non- invasive ventilation: 33. MVA: 3 patients. 1 patient: hypertensive pneumothorax in x-ray performed after the initiation of HNFC. No deaths recorded. Conclusions: HNFC was a simple and accessible therapy for the initial treatment of children older than 2 years old with acute respiratory failure. Oxygen flows of 2 L/k/min were used and no complications arose. It was the only respiratory support in half of these children. Its early indication in progressive treatment of acute asthma has increased. HNFC should now be included in protocols for management of asthma exacerbations.