Core outcomes and factors influencing the experience of care for children with severe acute exacerbations of asthma: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the outcomes considered important, and factors influencing the patient experience, for parents and caregivers of children presenting to hospital with a severe acute exacerbation of asthma. This work contributes to the outcome-identification process in developing a core outcome set (COS) for future clinical trials in children with severe acute asthma. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving semistructured interviews with parents and caregivers of children who presented to hospital with a severe acute exacerbation of asthma. SETTING: Hospitals in 12 countries associated with the global Pediatric Emergency Research Networks, including high-income and middle-income countries. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, by teleconference/video-call, or by phone. FINDINGS: Overall, there were 54 interviews with parents and caregivers; 2 interviews also involved the child. Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit or high-dependency unit (HDU) admission, and treatment costs were highlighted as important outcomes influencing the patient and family experience. Other potential clinical trial outcomes included work of breathing, speed of recovery and side effects. In addition, the patient and family experience was impacted by decision-making leading up to seeking hospital care, transit to hospital, waiting times and the use of intravenous treatment. Satisfaction of care was related to communication with clinicians and frequent reassessment. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the outcomes that parents and caregivers believe to be the most important to be considered in the process of developing a COS for the treatment of acute severe exacerbations of asthma.

Fluid Resuscitation and Inotropic Support in Patients With Septic Shock Treated in Pediatric Emergency Department: An Open-Label Trial.

Introduction Fluid resuscitation and inotropic support are essential interventions to improve cardiovascular function in patients with septic shock. However, the optimal volume of fluids and the timing of inotropic support to achieve the resolution of shock are controversial. They may depend on the availability of critical care support services.  Aims To compare early versus the delayed start of epinephrine administration after fluids bolus in children with septic shock.  Methods  We conducted an open-label randomized trial in which patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with septic shock and arterial hypotension were treated in two Pediatric Emergency Departments in Paraguay (Hospital de Clinicas of Universidad Nacional de Asunción and Instituto Privado del Niño) between 2015 and 2020. Septic shock was defined according to the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines. All patients received antibiotics and 40 ml/kg of fluids (two boluses of 20ml/kg if there were no signs of fluid overload) during the first hour. They were then divided into two groups: Group 1 received epinephrine infusion and maintenance fluids. Group 2 received an additional 20 ml/kg of fluids and then was started on epinephrine infusion.  Results Of 229 patients screened, 63 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 2.8±3.5 years. A total of 52% were female. Group 1 comprised 33 patients, and group 2 comprised a total of 30. Significant differences were found between group 1 and group 2 in the following: mortality (10% vs. 33%, p: 0.026, RR: 3.1, CI: 95%: 1-10), need for mechanical ventilation (10% vs. 41%, p: 0.006, RR: 4, CI: 95%: 1.3-12), and altered vascular hypoperfusion after one hour of interventions (7% vs. 59%, p<0,001, RR: 8.2, CI: 95%: 2-32). Conclusions Early administration of epinephrine infusion after initial fluid therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes than delayed administration.

Adherence to Pediatric Sepsis Treatment Recommendations at Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Study in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is one of the most urgent health care issues worldwide. Guidelines for early identification and treatment are essential to decrease sepsis-related mortality. Our aim was to collect data on the epidemiology of pediatric septic shock (PSS) from the emergency department (PED) and to assess adherence to recommendations for its management in the first hour. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted evaluating children with PSS seen at the PED of 10 tertiary-care centers in Latin America. Adherence to guidelines was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 219 patients (median age, 3.7 years); 43% had comorbidities, 31% risk factors for developing sepsis, 74% clinical signs of "cold shock," and 13% of "warm shock," 22% had hypotension on admission. Consciousness was impaired in 55%. A peripheral line was used as initial access in 78% (median placement time, 10 minutes). Fluid and antibiotics infusion was achieved within a median time of 30 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 20-60 minutes) and 40 minutes (IQR, 20-60 minutes), respectively; 40% responded inadequately to fluids requiring vasoactive drugs (median time at initiation, 60 minutes; IQR, 30-135 minutes). Delay to vasoactive drug infusion was significantly longer when a central line was placed compared to a peripheral line (median time, 133 minutes [59-278 minutes] vs 42 minutes [30-70 minutes], respectively [ P < 0.001]). Adherence to all treatment goals was achieved in 13%. Mortality was 10%. An association between mortality and hypotension on admission was found (26.1% with hypotension vs 4.9% without; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found poor adherence to the international recommendations for the treatment of PSS in the first hour at the PED in third-level hospitals in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is one of the most urgent health care issues worldwide. Guidelines for early identification and treatment are essential to decrease sepsis-related mortality. Our aim was to collect data on the epidemiology of pediatric septic shock (PSS) from the emergency department (PED) and to assess adherence to recommendations for its management in the first hour. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted evaluating children with PSS seen at the PED of 10 tertiary-care centers in Latin America. Adherence to guidelines was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 219 patients (median age, 3.7 years); 43% had comorbidities, 31% risk factors for developing sepsis, 74% clinical signs of "cold shock," and 13% of "warm shock," 22% had hypotension on admission. Consciousness was impaired in 55%. A peripheral line was used as initial access in 78% (median placement time, 10 minutes). Fluid and antibiotics infusion was achieved within a median time of 30 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 20­60 minutes) and 40 minutes (IQR, 20­60 minutes), respectively; 40% responded inadequately to fluids requiring vasoactive drugs (median time at initiation, 60 minutes; IQR, 30­135 minutes). Delay to vasoactive drug infusion was significantly longer when a central line was placed compared to a peripheral line (median time, 133 minutes [59­278 minutes] vs 42 minutes [30­70 minutes], respectively [ P < 0.001]). Adherence to all treatment goals was achieved in 13%. Mortality was 10%. An association between mortality and hypotension on admission was found (26.1% with hypotension vs 4.9% without; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found poor adherence to the international recommendations for the treatment of PSS in the first hour at the PED in third-level hospitals in Latin America.

Latin American Consensus on the Management of Sepsis in Children: Sociedad Latinoamericana de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos [Latin American Pediatric Intensive Care Society] (SLACIP) Task Force: Executive Summary.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), more specifically in Latin America. Design: A panel was formed consisting of 27 experts with experience in the treatment of pediatric sepsis and two methodologists working in Latin American countries. The experts were organized into 10 nominal groups, each coordinated by a member. Methods: A formal consensus was formed based on the modified Delphi method, combining the opinions of nominal groups of experts with the interpretation of available scientific evidence, in a systematic process of consolidating a body of recommendations. The systematic search was performed by a specialized librarian and included specific algorithms for the Cochrane Specialized Register, PubMed, Lilacs, and Scopus, as well as for OpenGrey databases for grey literature. The GRADEpro GDT guide was used to classify each of the selected articles. Special emphasis was placed on search engines that included original research conducted in LMICs. Studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were covered. Through virtual meetings held between February 2020 and February 2021, the entire group of experts reviewed the recommendations and suggestions. Result: At the end of the 12 months of work, the consensus provided 62 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sepsis in LMICs. Overall, 60 were strong recommendations, although 56 of these had a low level of evidence. Conclusions: These are the first consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric sepsis focused on LMICs, more specifically in Latin American countries. The consensus shows that, in these regions, where the burden of pediatric sepsis is greater than in high-income countries, there is little high-level evidence. Despite the limitations, this consensus is an important step forward for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sepsis in Latin America.

Traumatismo craneoencefálico leve en el departamento de urgencias de pediatría del Hospital de Clínicas de San Lorenzo: características clínico epidemiológicas y frecuencia

RESUMEN Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico ocurre comúnmente en la infancia. La mayoría de los traumatismos craneales en niños son leves y no están asociados con lesiones cerebrales o secuelas a largo plazo. Sin embargo, un pequeño número de niños que parecen estar en bajo riesgo puede tener una lesión cerebral traumática clínicamente importante. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia, características clínicas y epidemiológicas del traumatismo cráneo encefálico leve en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas del hospital de clínicas de San Lorenzo. Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, se incluyeron pacientes menores a 18 años con diagnóstico de Traumatismo craneoencefálico leve que ingresan a sala de observación del Departamento de Urgencias del Hospital de Clínicas desde noviembre del 2017 hasta noviembre del 2019. Resultados: fueron ingresados 55 pacientes con diagnóstico de TCE leve, el 53% del sexo masculino, el 36% pertenecían a lactantes mayores, la mayoría procedían del área metropolitana. En cuanto al mecanismo de traumatismo el 62% fue por caída de propia altura con un promedio de 0,9 ± 0,91 m, el 20% presento pérdida del conocimiento. Todos los pacientes ingresaron al departamento de urgencias vigiles y con un Glasgow 15/15, en cuanto a los hallazgos radiológicos se constató fractura de cráneo en 5% Se realizo estudios de imagen en el 55% de los pacientes en donde más del 60% fueron normales. Conclusión: en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico leve los médicos deben decidir si el paciente se realizará una tomografía en base al juicio clínico y a guías internacionalmente estandarizadas para tal efecto ya que las mismas exponen a radiaciones ionizantes que aumentan los riesgos a largo plazo de neoplasias letales. Esto permite que los niños con riesgo bajo a intermedio no sean expuestos innecesariamente a radiaciones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Traumatic brain injury occurs commonly in childhood. Most head injuries in children are mild and are not associated with long-term brain injuries or sequelae. However, a small number of children who appear to be at low risk may have a clinically important TBI. Objective: to determine the frequency, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of mild head trauma in the pediatric emergency department of the San Lorenzo Clinical Hospital. Materials and Methods: this was an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study that included patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of mild head injury who were admitted to the observation room of the Emergency Department of the Clinical Hospital from November 2017 to November 2019. Results: 55 patients with a diagnosis of mild TBI were admitted, 53% male, 36% were older infants, the majority came from the metropolitan area. Regarding the trauma mechanism, 62% was due to a fall from their own height with an average of 0.9 ± 0.91 m, 20% presented loss of consciousness. All patients were admitted to the emergency department awake and with a Glasgow 15/15, regarding the radiological findings, a skull fracture was confirmed in 5%. Imaging studies were performed in 55% of the patients, more than 60% of these were normal. Conclusion: in patients with mild head injury, doctors must decide whether the patient will undergo a tomography based on clinical judgment and internationally standardized guidelines for this purpose, since they expose them to ionizing radiation that increases the long-term risks of lethal neoplasms. This allows low to intermediate risk children to not be unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

Salbutamol and ipratropium by inhaler is superior to nebulizer in children with severe acute asthma exacerbation: Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: In moderate-severe asthma exacerbation, salbutamol by inhaler (MDI) is superior to salbutamol delivered by nebulizer (NEB); however, to our knowledge, no studies in children with exclusively severe exacerbations were performed. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of salbutamol and ipratropium bromide by MDI versus by NEB in severe asthma exacerbations. METHODS: We performed a clinical trial enrolling 103 children (2-14 years of age) with severe asthma exacerbations (defined by the Pulmonary Score ≥ 7) seen at the emergency room in Asuncion, Paraguay. One group received salbutamol and ipratropium (two puff every 10 min for 2 h and then every 30 min for 2 h more) by MDI with a valved-holding chamber and mask along with oxygen by a cannula separately (MDI-SIB); and the other received nebulization with oxygen (NEB-SIB) of salbutamol and ipratropium (1 every 20 min for 2 h and then every 30 min for 2 h more). Primary outcome was the rate of hospitalization (Pulmonary Score ≥ 7) after 4 h and secondary outcome was oxygen saturation. RESULTS: Fifty two children received MDI-SIB and 51 NEB-SIB. After the 4th hour, children on MDI-SIB had significantly (P = 0.003) lower rate of hospital admission than on NEB-SIB (5.8% vs 27.5%, RR: 0.21 [0.06-0.69], respectively). Similarly, a significant improved clinical score after 60 min and increase in oxygen saturation after 90 min of treatment was observed in MDI-SIB versus NEB-SIB group (4.46 ± 0.7 vs 5.76 ± 0.65, P < 0.00001; and 90.5 ± 1.7 vs 88.43 1 ± 1, P < 0.00001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Even in severe asthma exacerbations administration of salbutamol and ipratropium by MDI with valved-holding chamber and mask along with oxygen by a cannula separately was more effective than by a nebulizer.

Consenso Internacional de Gastroenteritis Aguda en Urgencias. Comité de Emergencias SLACIP (Sociedad Latino Americana de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos)

Este documento pretende poner al alcance de todo profesional de salud una guía actualizada en el diagnóstico y manejo de la gastroenteritis aguda en pediatría, ya que esta enfermedad es una de las principales causas de consultas y hospitalizaciones. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura proponiendo una herramienta útil con el objetivo de reducir el impacto de la enfermedad en términos de incidencia, morbilidad y mortalidad. El tratamiento de la gastroenteritis debe ir dirigido a la prevención de la deshidratación y el desequilibrio electrolítico que produce, con líquidos adecuados, sales de rehidratación oral y el mantenimiento de la alimentación oral. La causa de esta enfermedad es principalmente viral y los criterios para el uso de antibióticos es controversial. Los coadyuvantes para disminuir el tiempo de enfermedad así como la frecuencia de la diarrea, en muchos de los casos están en estudio; por lo tanto el manejo guiado, estructurado y sistematizado garantizará en muchos casos el éxito del tratamiento de la gastroenteritis en los niños.

This document aims to provide an updated guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute gastroenteritis in pediatrics, as this disease is one of the main causes of consultations and hospitalizations. By performing an exhaustive review of the literature to produce a useful tool, this proposal aims to reduce the impact of the disease incidence, morbidity and mortality. The goal of gastroenteritis treatment is to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance that it can produce, with adequate liquids, oral rehydration salts and maintenance of oral feeding. The causes of this disease are mostly viral and the criteria for antibiotic use is controversial. Treatment modalities to reduce the time of illness as well as the frequency of diarrhea are, in many cases, currently under study; therefore, guided, structured and systematized management will ensure the successful treatment of gastroenteritis in most children.

Chlamydia pneumoniae, and mycoplasma pneumoniae: Are they related to severe asthma in childhood?

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are frequent agents of acute respiratory diseases and they have been recognized as infectious triggers of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of these triggers and their relationship to severe asthma. METHODS: 82 patients were enrolled in a prospective cross-sectional study from January 2007 to March 2013 and they were divided into three study groups: Group 1: 27 children with severe asthma, Group 2: 29 children with stable asthma and Group 3: 26 children which was the control group. Serological tests included IgG and IgM for both C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. RESULTS: Average age ± SD was 10.9 ± 2.5 for Group 1; 10.1 ± 2.9 for Group 2 and 9.9± 1.9 for Group 3 (p = 0.4). M. pneumoniae IgM was observed in 6/27 (22.2%) in Group 1, 2/29 (6.9%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in the Control Group (p = 0,01). C.pneumoniae IgM was present in 7/26 (26.9%) in Group 1, 2/29 (6.9%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in Group 3 (p = 0.005). No significant difference was observed between Group 2 and Group 3. M. pneumoniae IgG was observed in 7/27 (25.9%) in Group 1, 4/29 (13.7%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in the Control Group (p < 0,05). C.pneumoniae IgG was present in 8/26 (30.7%) in Group 1, 5/29 (17.2%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in Group 3 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae may play a role in the development of severe asthma.

Hidratación parenteral en Pediatría. Cambios de paradigmas? / Parenteral Hydration in Children, is the Paradigm Shifting ?

Los fluidos de mantenimiento intravenosos (IV) son diseñados para mantener la homeostasis cuando el paciente es incapaz de ingerir el agua requerida, electrolitos, y energía. La tradicional determinación de fluidos de volumen y su composición data del artículo de Hollyday y Segar del año 1957, el cuál describe la relación entre peso, gasto energético, pérdidas fisiológicas y niños sanos. Basados en estas estimaciones de requerimientos diarios de electrolitos, esta información apoya el uso de fluidos hipotónicos que fueron ampliamente usados en pediatría. Sin embargo el uso de los fluidos hipotónicos en pacientes hospitalizados quienes pueden tener desarreglos fisiológicos, menos gasto calórico, disminución del ritmo diurético, y elevados niveles de hormona antidiurética no constituye una alternativa óptima. Varios trabajos han demostrado en las 2 últimas décadas que las soluciones hipotónicas pueden llevar a un aumento de la incidencia de hiponatremia. Está alteración electrolítica puede ser muy dañina y peligrosa para el organismo desde graves patologías neurológicas hasta la muerte. Esta revisión presenta la evidencia para el uso de fluidos isotónicos más que hipotónicos como solución intravenosa de mantenimiento .

Maintenance intravenous (IV) fluid share designed to maintain homeostasis in patients unable to ingest required water, electrolytes, and calories. The traditional criteria for determining fluid volume and composition date from a 1957 article by Holliday and Segar that describes the relation shipsbet ween weight ,energy consumption, physiologic loss, and healthy children.Their estimates of daily electrolyte requirements support the use of the hypotonic solutions that were once much used in pediatric cases. How everinhos pitalized patients who may have physiologic disorders, reduced caloric requirements and urine output,and high levels of antidiuretic hormone,the use of hypotonic fluids is not ideal. Various studies over the last two decades have demonstrated that hypotonic solutions may cause increased incidence of hyponatremia. This dy selectrolytemia can be very harmful and cause severe pathologies ranging from neurological disorders to death. This review provides evidence supporting the use of isotonic rather than hypotonic fluids for maintenance intrav enous therapy.

Infecciones respiratorias altas y bajas por Chlamydia trachomatis en recién nacidos y lactantes: riesgos y resultados / Upper- and lower-respiratory tract infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis in newborns and infants: risks and results

Introducción: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) es una bacteria causante de una infección asociada, con un amplio rango de manifestaciones clínicas que afectan las vías respiratorias altas y bajas en infantes, que pueden ir de un cuadro leve a severo, tales como congestión nasal, rinitis, neumonía y apnea. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y presentar resultados de estudios realizados a recién nacidos y lactantes que presentan enfermedad respiratoria alta y baja. Materiales y Métodos: Desde 1997 al 2010 los recién nacidos y lactantes con dificultad para alimentarse y distress respiratorio que han consultado en dos instituciones, fueron evaluados con IFD para detectar anticuerpos fluorescentes directos contra C. trachmatis, por medio de aspirados naso-faríngeos. Los pacientes con resultados positivos recibieron tratamiento y fueron seguidos con controles hasta el año de edad. Resultados: Cincuenta y un pacientes dieron resultado positivo para CT. El promedio de edad materna fue de 28±4. Edad gestacional fue 38±1 semanas. Pre-términos (34-•36 EG). Edad media de inicio de los síntomas 16,6 ± 14.2 semanas con un rango de 1-62 días. Rinitis fue observado en 56.9%, apnea en 7.8%, han debutado como síndrome bronquial obstructivo (SBO) en 11.8%, bronquiolitis en 9.8% y taquipnea transitoria en el 2%. Hospitalización fue necesaria en el 45,1 %, y 23,5% en UTI. SBO recurrente fue observado en un total de 47,1% al año de edad. Conclusión: Una importante morbilidad fue observada en infantes con infección por C. trachomatis, presentación de rinitis severa en recién nacidos, episodios de SBO, resultando en un alto porcentaje de admisión hospitalaria y en UTI.

Inhaled salbutamol plus ipratropium in moderate and severe asthma crises in children.

BACKGROUND: The combination of inhaled ß(2) agonists and anticholinergics is recommended for children with acute asthma, although there are few randomized controlled trials. The aim of the study was to determine whether salbutamol plus ipratropium bromide improves oxygenation and lung function and reduces the frequency of hospitalization in children with asthma crises. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of children aged 2-18 years with moderate to severe asthma crises. Patients were evaluated using the asthma score and spirometry. They received six nebulizations of salbutamol plus placebo or salbutamol plus ipratropium and were reevaluated at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 minutes, at which time it was decided whether they were to be admitted. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients completed the study, 49 in the salbutamol plus ipratropium group and 48 in the salbutamol-only group. There were no differences in the status at baseline between the two groups. Children treated with salbutamol plus ipratropium presented a greater improvement in clinical state and lung function and required hospitalization less frequently (18.4%) than children in the salbutamol group (43.8%) (p = .007). Improvement was more marked in children with severe asthma crises than in those with moderate crises. The effect of salbutamol plus ipratropium was similar in children over 8 years of age and in younger children. CONCLUSIONS: Salbutamol plus ipratropium bromide improves lung function in asthmatic children with moderate to severe asthma crises, independently of age. The effect is greater in children with severe crises, with a substantial reduction in the need for hospitalization.

Single oral dose of dexamethasone in outpatients with bronchiolitis: a placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The management of bronchiolitis is still controversial and to the best of our knowledge, no clinical trial with oral corticosteroids in outpatients has been carried out in developing countries. The objective was to compare the efficacy of a single dose of oral dexamethasone in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis presenting to an emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Paraguay. At baseline, respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI), heart and respiratory rates, and transcutaneous haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) were recorded. Children received either a single dose of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo; and then both groups received two nebulisations with adrenaline. Respiratory status was recorded again after the 1st and 4th hours. The primary outcome was RDAI improvement at the 4th hour; and the secondary was the hospital admission rate. RESULTS: During 5 months, 80 (33.3 %) out of 240 infants who consulted with acute respiratory illness fulfilled the inclusion criteria. During the trial 15 were excluded, therefore, 65 infants (33 in the dexamethasone vs. 32 in the placebo group) finished the study. Baseline characteristics and respiratory status were similar between groups. There were no differences in RDAI, heart and respiratory rate and SpO(2) between groups after the 1st and 4th hours. The hospitalisation rate was similar between groups (21 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.9, respectively), independently of the virus identified. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with moderate-severe bronchiolitis who were treated with a single dose of dexamethasone did not significantly alter the rate of hospitalisation or respiratory status.

Single oral dose of dexamethasone in outpatients with bronchiolitis: a placebo controlled trial

Background and objective: The management of bronchiolitis is still controversial and to the best of our knowledge, no clinical trial with oral corticosteroids in out patients has been carried out in developing countries. The objective was to compare the efficacy of a single dose of oral dexamethasone in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis presenting to an emergency department. Material and Methods: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Paraguay. At baseline, respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI), heart and respiratory rates, and transcutaneous haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. Children received either a single dose of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo; and then both groups received two nebulisations with adrenaline. Respiratory status was recorded again after the 1 stand 4th hours. The primary outcome was RDAI improvement at the 4th hour; and the secondary was the hospital admission rate. Results: During 5 months, 80 (33.3 %) out of 240 infants who consulted with acute respiratory illness fulfilled the inclusion criteria. During the trial 15 were excluded, therefore, 65 infants (33 in the dexamethasone vs. 32 in the placebo group) finished the study. Baseline characteristics and respiratory status were similar between groups. There were no differences in RDAI, heart and respiratory rate and SpO2 between groups after the 1st and 4th hours. The hospitalisation rate was similar between groups (21 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.9, respectively), independently of the virus identified. Conclusions: Infants with moderate-severe bronchiolitis who were treated with a single dose of dexamethasone did not significantly alter the rate of hospitalisation or respiratory status (AU)

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Surfactante en falla respiratoria aguda ¿Es una alternativa? / Surfactant in acute respiratory failure. Is it an alternative?

La apreciación de la importancia de la deficiencia del agente tensionactivo llamado surfactante en el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en el recién nacido generó los primeros estudios clínicos para su administración al comienzo del decenio del 1960. Si bien los primeros estudios no arrojaron resultados benéficos de trascendencia, persistieron los trabajos de investigación en el área encontrándose, posteiormente una gran utilidad en la neonatología. En la primera etapa fueron los prematuros los grandes beneficiados, luego dicho beneficio se extendió a los recién nacidos de término en puntuales enfermedades y actualmente existen importantes esfuerzos en investigar la posible utilidad en cuadros de falla respiratorio aguda severa, de diferentes etiologías, en pacientes pediátricos. Esta revisión, pretende analizar y comentar los distintos artículos científicos publicados como resultado de los numerosos trabajos experimentales de esta patología que todavía sigue siendo muy preocupante