Comparing healthcare systems between the Netherlands and Australia in management for children with acute gastroenteritis.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis is a highly contagious disease demanding effective public health and clinical care systems for prevention and early intervention to avoid outbreaks and symptom deterioration. The Netherlands and Australia are both top-performing, high-income countries where general practitioners (GPs) act as healthcare gatekeepers. However, there is a lower annual incidence and per-case costs for childhood gastroenteritis in Australia. Understanding the systems and policies in different countries can lead to improvements in processes and care. Therefore, we aimed to compare public health systems and clinical care for children with acute gastroenteritis in both countries. METHODS: A cross-country expert study was conducted for the Netherlands and Australia. Using the Health System Performance Assessment framework and discussions within the research group, two questionnaires (public health and clinical care) were developed. Questionnaires were delivered to local experts in the Netherlands and the state of Victoria, Australia. Data synthesis employed a narrative approach with constant comparison. RESULTS: In Australia, rotavirus vaccination is implemented in a national program with immunisation requirements and legislation for prevention, which is not the case in the Netherlands. Access to care differs, as Dutch children must visit their regular GP before the hospital, while in Australia, children have multiple options and can go directly to hospital. Funding varies, with the Netherlands providing fully funded healthcare for children, whilst in Australia it depends on which GP (co-payment required or not) and hospital (public or private) they visit. Additionally, the guideline-recommended dosage of the antiemetic ondansetron is lower in the Netherlands. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare approaches for managing childhood gastroenteritis differ between the Netherlands and Australia. The lower annual incidence and per-case costs for childhood gastroenteritis in Australia cannot solely be explained by the differences in healthcare system functions. Nevertheless, Australia's robust public health system, characterized by legislation for vaccinations and quarantine, and the Netherland's well-established clinical care system, featuring fully funded continuity of care and lower ondansetron dosages, offer opportunities for enhancing healthcare in both countries.

Evaluation of a guideline for supportive anthroposophic therapies for hospitalised children with acute gastroenteritis - A prospective case series study.

OBJECTIVE: Even though several German children's hospitals offer integrative, anthroposophic medical therapies in addition to the standard medical care, guidelines for these anthroposophic therapies are still rare. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of implementing a published, consensus-based guideline for the treatment of children with acute gastroenteritis (aGE) with anthroposophic therapies in the community hospital Herdecke. DESIGN: A prospective case series of paediatric patients (≤18 years) with an aGE admitted to the department of integrative paediatrics of the community hospital Herdecke was conducted. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data was recorded at initial presentation and at follow-up visits. Physicians were surveyed with a questionnaire to evaluate feasibility of implementing the guideline. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (0-15 years; 22 male, 40 female) were included in the case series. All patients received some form of anthroposophic therapy. The most frequently used remedies were Geum urbanum, Nux vomica and Bolus alba comp. Treating physicians showed a high adherence to the expert-based consensus guideline in their prescribed therapies. All physicians stated that they were familiar with the guideline and used the recommendation to inform their therapy decision. Suitability for daily use and effectiveness in treating the main symptoms of aGE were highly scored by the physicians. CONCLUSION: The consensus-based guideline of anthroposophic therapies for aGE in children was successfully implemented and found to be useful for physicians in clinical practice.

Viral gastroenteritis.

Since the discovery of norovirus in 1972 as a cause of what was contemporarily known as acute infectious non-bacterial gastroenteritis, scientific understanding of the viral gastroenteritides has continued to evolve. It is now recognised that a small number of viruses are the predominant cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, in both high-income and low-income settings. Although treatment is still largely restricted to the replacement of fluid and electrolytes, improved diagnostics have allowed attribution of illness, enabling both targeted treatment of individual patients and prioritisation of interventions for populations worldwide. Questions remain regarding specific genetic and immunological factors underlying host susceptibility, and the optimal clinical management of patients who are susceptible to severe or prolonged manifestations of disease. Meanwhile, the worldwide implementation of rotavirus vaccines has led to substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality, and spurred interest in vaccine development to diminish the impact of the most prevalent viruses that are implicated in this syndrome.

Síndrome urémico hemolítico: reporte de dos casos pediátricos con nexo epidemiológico / Hemolytic uremic syndrome: report of two pediatric clinical cases with epidemiologic link / Síndrome urémico hemolítico: reporte de casos pediátricos con nexo epidemiológico

Introducción: el síndrome hemolítico urémico (SHU) es en muchos países, de las causas más frecuentes de insuficiencia renal aguda. La mayoría de los casos ocurre luego de un episodio de gastroenteritis aguda (GEA) por Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga (STEC). En Uruguay a pesar de ser una enfermedad de notificación obligatoria, existe subregistro. Objetivo: describir dos casos clínicos de SHU asociados a GEA con nexo epidemiológico. Casos clínicos: se trata de dos varones de 4 y 5 años, sanos. En los días previos, ingesta de carne en el mismo local comercial. Consultaron por dolor abdominal, deposiciones líquidas y vómitos reiterados. El niño de 4 años presentaba fiebre y deposiciones líquidas con sangre. El niño de 5 años dolor abdominal. El estado de hidratación y las constantes vitales eran normales en ambos. Fueron admitidos a cuidados moderados. A las 48 horas y a los 5 días, respectivamente, agregan palidez cutáneo-mucosa intensa, edemas y oliguria. Estudios complementarios: anemia, plaquetopenia e insuficiencia renal. Ingresaron a cuidados intensivos y se realizó diálisis peritoneal. La investigación de STEC fue negativa y la evolución favorable. Conclusiones: en menores de 5 años el SHU asociado a GEA es la forma de enfermedad más frecuente. En Uruguay predominan las cepas STEC no-O157. En estos casos no se pudo identificar el agente. La existencia de un nexo epidemiológico alerta sobre la necesidad de extremar los cuidados en la preparación y cocción de la carne. Debido a la asociación con una enfermedad prevalente, es necesario tener presente esta complicación para poder sospecharla e iniciar el tratamiento en forma precoz y oportuna.

Introduction: hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is one of the most frequent causes of acute renal failure in many countries. Most cases occur after an episode of acute gastroenteritis (GEA) due to the Shiga toxin producing Escherichia Soli (STEC). In Uruguay, despite being a disease that requires mandatory notification, it is under reported. Objective: to describe two clinical cases of HUS associated with GEA with an epidemiological link. Clinical cases: these are two healthy boys aged 4 and 5 years. In the previous days, they reported meat intake in the same commercial premises. They consulted for abdominal pain, liquid stools and repeated vomiting. The 4 year old boy had a fever and bloody stools. The 5 year old boy had abdominal pain. They both showed normal hydration levels and vital signs. They were admitted to moderate care. At 48 hours and 5 days, respectively, they showed intense skin and mucosal paleness, edema and oliguria. Complementary studies: anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. They were admitted to intensive care and peritoneal dialysis was performed. The STEC's investigation was negative and the evolution favorable. Conclusions: in children under 5 years of age, HUS associated with GEA is the most frequent form of the disease. In Uruguay, non-O157 STEC strains predominate. In these cases, the agent could not be identified. The existence of an epidemiological link warns us about the need for extreme care in the preparation and cooking of meat. Due to the association with a prevalent disease, it is necessary to keep this complication in mind in order to suspect it and initiate early and timely treatment.

Introdução: a síndrome hemolítico urêmica (SHU) é uma das causas mais frequentes de insuficiência renal aguda em muitos países. A maioria dos casos ocorre após um episódio de gastroenterite aguda (GEA) devido à Escherichia Coli, a toxina produtora de Shiga (STEC). No Uruguai, apesar de ser uma doença de notificação compulsória, há subnotificação. Objetivo: descrever dois casos clínicos de SHU associada à AGE com vínculo epidemiológico. Casos clínicos: dois meninos saudáveis com idades entre 4 e 5 anos. Nos dias anteriores, eles reportaram consumo de carne nos mesmos estabe- lecimentos comerciais. Eles consultaram para dor abdominal, fezes líquidas e vômitos repetidos. O menino de 4 anos teve febre e fezes com sangue. O menino de 5 anos teve dores abdominais. O estado de hidratação e os sinais vitais foram normais em ambos meninos. Foram internados em cuidados moderados. Às 48 horas e 5 dias, respectivamente, apresentaram aliás palidez intensa da pele e mucosas, edema e oligúria. Realizaramse estudos complementares: anemia, trombocitopenia e insuficiência renal. Eles foram internados em terapia intensiva e realizouse diálise peritoneal. A investigação do STEC foi negativa e a evolução favorável. Conclusões: em crianças menores de 5 anos, a SHU associada à GEA é a forma mais frequente da doença. No Uruguai, predominam cepas STEC não-O157. Nesses casos, o agente não pôde ser identificado. A existência de um nexo epidemiológico alerta para a necessidade de extremo cuidado no preparo e cozimento da carne. Devido à associação com doença prevalente, é necessário considerar essa complicação para suspeitar e iniciar o tratamento precoce e oportunamente.

The importance of an early gastroenteritis diagnosis to discard MIS-C during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

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Eficacia de un protocolo de asesoramiento médico telefónico formalizado para consultas por fiebre o gastroenteritis en centros de comunicación médica de emergencia. Ensayo clínico AMTF / Efficacy of emergency medical center use of a protocol during telephone calls to give medical advice related to fever or gastroenteritis: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Objetivos. Determinar la eficacia de un protocolo de asesoramiento médico telefónico formalizado (AMTF), realizado por un médico para consultas, para fiebre o gastroenteritis en centros de comunicación médica de emergencia. Método. Ensayo clínico por conglomerado, controlado. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados al grupo AMTF o al grupo de atención habitual. Participaron 6 centros de comunicación médica de emergencia franceses. Se incluyeron pacientes que solicitaban asistencia telefónica por fiebre o gastroenteritis. El grupo ATMF realizó recomendaciones protocolizadas sobre el manejo terapéutico. Se valoró el número de consultas presenciales o ingreso hospitalario durante los 15 días siguientes a la consulta. También se evaluó la satisfacción del paciente y el coste económico. Resultados. Se incluyeron 2.498 llamadas. El grupo ATMF (n = 1.234) tuvo un riesgo relativo de 0,70 (CI 95% 0,58 a 0,85) de requerir un ingreso hospitalario o de realizar una consulta no programada durante el seguimiento. No hubo diferencias entre los dos grupos en cuanto al uso de ambulancia, el ingreso en cuidados intensivos, la mortalidad o morbilidad y la mejoría de los síntomas. La satisfacción de los pacientes fue del 90%. El coste total fue de 91 euros en el grupo de la ATMF y de 150 euros en el grupo de atención habitual (p < 0,01). Conclusiones. El grupo ATMF se asoció con una disminución de las consultas presenciales no programadas o del ingreso en el hospital. Este procedimiento es seguro y comporta un menor coste que la atención que se realiza habitualmente en la actualidad. (AU)

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of emergency medical center physicians' use of a protocol to guide their management of telephone consultations for fever and gastroenteritis. Material and methods: Cluster randomized controlled trial. Participating centers were randomized to use the telephone protocol or provide usual telephone assistance. Six emergency centers in France included calls from patients needing advice on fever or gastroenteritis. Centers assigned to the protocol followed specific guidelines on managing the call and giving advice on treatment. Primary endpoints were the number of in-person visits and hospital admissions required within 15 days of the call. Secondary endpoints were patient satisfaction and costs. Results: A total of 2498 calls were included. Use of the assigned protocol while attending 1234 calls was associated with a relative risk for hospitalization or an unscheduled in-person visit for care of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.58-0.85) versus usual practice. Ambulance use, admission to an intensive care unit, mortality, morbidity, and symptom improvement did not differ significantly between centers using the protocol and those following usual practice. Ninety percent of the patients were satisfied. The cost of care was €91 in centers applying the protocol and €150 in the other centers (P .01). Conclusion: Use of the protocol was associated with fewer unscheduled in-person visits for care and fewer hospital admissions. The protocol is safe and less costly than the centers' usual approaches to giving telephone advice. (AU)

A propósito de un caso clínico: mujer con gastroenteritis aguda / About a clinical case of a woman with acute gastroenteritis

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 80 años, afectada de una gastroenteritis aguda de 2 semanas de evolución en posible relación con un cuadro viral. La causa principal es la infección transmitida por alimentos y superficies contaminadas, que en personas de edad avanzada supone un riesgo para su vida debido a la deshidratación. Por ello, será fundamental una reposición de líquidos oral e intravenosa, además de una introducción temprana de alimentación sólida. La valoración de las respuestas de la paciente se ha realizado a partir de los requisitos de autocuidado de Dorothea Orem. La evolución ha sido favorable, y en el periodo de una semana se redujeron las deposiciones en frecuencia y características favoreciendo así la restauración de la piel perianal, se sustituyó la fluidoterapia con reposición de electrolitos por hidratación oral, y la dieta astringente pasó a dieta basal, con buena tolerancia

We present here the case of an 80 old female patient, affected by an acute gastroenteritis of two weeks of evolution in possible relation with a viral case. The main cause is infection transmitted by food and contaminated surfaces. Therefore, an oral and intravenous fluid replacement will be essential, as well as an early introduction of solid nutrition. The assessment of the patient's responses was based on the self-care requirements of Dorothea Orem. The evolution has been favorable and in a period of one week the depositions in frequency and characteristics were reduced favoring the restoration of the perianal skin, fluid therapy has been replaced with the replacement of electrolytes by oral hydration, and the astringent diet has passed a basal diet, with good tolerance

Factores predictores de reconsulta por gastroenteritis aguda en urgencias pediátricas: estudio de casos y controles / Predictor factors for emergency department revisiting of children with acute gastroenteritis: case-control study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir factores de riesgo de reconsulta en pacientes con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis aguda, identificables en su primera visita a Urgencias. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio casos-control, incluye pacientes entre 0-16 años que consultan en Urgencias de un hospital terciario durante 4 años. Se define caso el episodio de Urgencias con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis que reconsulta durante las 72 h posteriores. Se seleccionó un control por cada caso, siendo este el primer paciente que consultó tras cada caso con el mismo diagnóstico y que no reconsultó posteriormente. Se estudiaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas e intervenciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas llevadas a cabo durante la primera visita, realizándose análisis uni y multivariable del riesgo de reconsulta utilizando modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Los diagnósticos de gastroenteritis supusieron el 5,3% de todas las visitas a urgencias. 745 pacientes (6,2%) reconsultaron en las siguientes 72 h. En el análisis multivariado se encontró asociación entre la reconsulta con cada año de aumento de edad (OR 0,94; IC 95%: 0,91-0,97), ausencia de vacunación de rotavirus (OR 1,47; IC 95%: 1,11-1,95), no valoración previa en atención primaria (OR 1,55; IC 95%: 1,09-2,19), mayor número de deposiciones en las últimas 24 h (OR 1,06; IC 95% 1,02-1,10) y recogida de coprocultivo en Urgencias (OR 1,54; IC 95%: 1,05-2,24). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes de menor edad con elevada frecuencia de deposiciones son especialmente susceptibles de volver a consultar en los servicios de Urgencias. La vacunación frente a rotavirus podría disminuir las reconsultas. Ninguna de las actuaciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas realizadas parece disminuir el número de revisitas a Urgencias.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work is to describe risk factors for reconsultation in patients with an acute gastroenteritis diagnosis, identifiable in their first visit to the Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Case-control study, including patients aged between 0-16 years who consulted in the Emer gency Department (ED) of a tertiary hospital for 4 years. The case is defined as the episode with a gastroenteritis diagnosis that reconsulted within 72 hours. A control was selected for each case, which was the first patient to consult after each case with the same diagnosis and not reconsulted later. Epidemiological and clinical variables, and diagnostic-therapeutic interventions carried out during the first visit were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the reconsultation risk were per formed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Gastroenteritis diagnoses accounted for 5.3% of all ED visits. 745 patients (6.2%) reconsulted within 72 hours. Multivariate analysis found association between reconsultation with each year of increasing age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), absence of rotavirus vaccination (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.95), no prior assessment in primary care (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.19), increased stool output in the last 24 hours (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10), and stool collection in the ED (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with an increased stool output are especially susceptible to return to the ED for consultation. Rotavirus vaccination could reduce reconsultation. None of the diagnostic-therapeutic actions carried out seems to reduce the number of visits to the ED.

Gastroenteritis aguda por norovirus en pacientes con atención hospitalaria: estudio transversal / Acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus in patients with hospital care: a cross-sectional study

Resumen Introducción: Debido a la disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares en la atención clínica, las gastroenteritis agudas (GEA) por norovirus han retomado importancia como un agente causante de hospitalización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes menores de 16 años hospitalizados por GEA por norovirus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se recabó información clínica de los pacientes atendidos en hospitalización del 1 de noviembre del 2016 al 28 de febrero del 2018 por GEA con detección de norovirus (genotipo I y II) en heces por medio de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Resultados: Estudiamos 103 pacientes; 96 (93.2%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 86.6-96.7%) con deteccion de genotipo II y 7 (6.8%; IC 95%: 5.3-8.7%) de genotipo I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 anos. El 48.5% fueron atendidos durante el invierno. La evolucion fue a la autolimitacion en menos de 7 días en todos con manejo hidroelectrolitico. No hubo diferencias en la gravedad y sintomas segun el grupo viral: en ambos predominaron los vómitos (82%). Solo un paciente cursó con perforación intestinal por coinfección con Shigella sp.; tres pacientes (3.1%) manifestaron crisis convulsivas (dos febriles y una epiléptica). Conclusiones: La GEA por norovirus, a pesar de causar una enfermedad meritoria de hospitalización, tiene un pronóstico favorable con autolimitación rápida. Su detección por pruebas rápidas en heces podría evitar la prescripción injustificada de antibióticos.

Abstract Background: Because of the availability of molecular techniques in clinical care, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) due to norovirus has returned to importance as a causative agent of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and evolution of patients less than 16 years hospitalized for AGE associated with norovirus. Methods: Retrospective study. Clinical information of the patients attended from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018 by AGE with detection of norovirus (genotype I and II) in faeces by means of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase was collected. Results: We studied 103 patients; 96 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.6-96.7%) with genotype II detection and seven (6.8%; 95% CI: 5.3-8.7%) genotype I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 years. 48.5% attended during the winter. The evolution was to self-limitation in less than 7 days in all with hydro electrolytic management. There were no differences in the severity and symptoms according to the viral group; in both cases the vomiting predominated (82%). Only one patient had intestinal perforation due to co-infection with Shigella sp.; three patients (3.1%) manifested seizures (two febrile and one epileptic convulsions). Conclusions: Despite causing a meritorious disease of hospitalization, GEA by norovirus has a favorable prognosis with rapid self-limitation. Its timely detection by rapid tests in feces could avoid the unjustified prescription of antibiotics.

Gastroenteropatía eosinofílica y obstrucción digestiva / Eosinophilic gastroenteropathy and digestive obstruction

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Hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions among children under five years of age: cross-sectional study / Internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária em crianças menores de cinco anos: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions constitute an important indicator for monitoring the quality of primary healthcare. This study aimed to describe hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions found among children under five years of age (according to their age and sex), in two cities in Paraíba, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out in the municipalities of Cabedelo and Bayeux, in Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected from four public pediatric hospitals in Paraíba that receive children from these municipalities. Hospital admission authorizations were consulted to gather information on the children's profile and the characteristics of their hospitalizations. Differences in the causes of admissions and the respective lengths of hospital stay length were analyzed according to age group and sex. RESULTS: The proportion of hospital admissions due to primary care-sensitive conditions was 82.4%. The most frequent causes were: bacterial pneumonia (59.38%), infectious gastroenteritis and its complications (23.59%) and kidney and urinary tract infection (9.67%). Boys had higher frequency of hospitalizations due to primary care-sensitive conditions than girls. The median hospitalization due to primary care-sensitive conditions was found to be four days. The duration of hospital stays due to primary care-sensitive conditions was significantly longer than those due to conditions that were not sensitive to primary care. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of hospital admissions due to primary care-sensitive conditions were highlighted, especially among children of male sex, with long periods of hospitalization.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: As internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária constituem importante indicador para o monitoramento da qualidade da atenção primária à saúde. O presente estudo objetivou descrever as internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária em crianças menores de cinco anos (por idade e sexo) em duas cidades da Paraíba. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal realizado nos municípios de Cabedelo e Bayeux, ­Paraíba, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Coletaram-se os dados nos quatro hospitais públicos pediátricos da Paraíba que internam crianças residentes nos municípios estudados. A partir das autorizações de internação hospitalar, colheram-se informações relativas ao perfil da criança e características das internações. Analisaram-se as diferenças nas causas de internações e respectivos tempos de hospitalização segundo faixa etária e sexo. RESULTADOS: A proporção de internação por condição sensível à atenção primária foi de 82,4%. As causas mais frequentes foram: pneumonias bacterianas (59,38%), gastroenterites infecciosas e suas complicações (23,59%) e infecção do rim e trato urinário (9,67%). Meninos apresentaram maior frequência de internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária do que meninas. Verificou-se mediana de quatro dias de hospitalização para as condições sensíveis à atenção primária. O tempo de hospitalização por condição sensível à atenção primária foi significantemente maior do que o tempo da condição não sensível à atenção primária. CONCLUSÕES: Ressaltam-se altas taxas de internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária, principalmente em crianças do sexo masculino, com longos períodos de hospitalização.

Group A rotavirus gastroenteritis: post-vaccine era, genotypes and zoonotic transmission / Gastroenterite por rotavírus do grupo A: era pós-vacinal, genótipos e transmissão zoonótica

ABSTRACT This article provides a review of immunity, diagnosis, and clinical aspects of rotavirus disease. It also informs about the changes in epidemiology of diarrheal disease and genetic diversity of circulating group A rotavirus strains following the introduction of vaccines. Group A rotavirus is the major pathogen causing gastroenteritis in animals. Its segmented RNA genome can lead to the emergence of new or unusual strains in human populations via interspecies transmission and/or reassortment events.

RESUMO Este artigo fornece uma revisão sobre imunidade, diagnóstico e aspectos clínicos da doença causada por rotavírus. Também aponta as principais mudanças no perfil epidemiológico da doença diarreica e na diversidade genética das cepas circulantes de rotavírus do grupo A, após a introdução vacinal. O rotavírus do grupo A é o principal patógeno associado à gastroenterite em animais. Seu genoma RNA segmentado pode levar ao surgimento de cepas novas ou incomuns na população humana, por meio de transmissão entre espécies e eventos de rearranjo.

Vacunas contra rotavirus: estado actual y tendencias futuras / Rotavirus vaccines: current status and future trends

Antes de la introducción de las vacunas contra el rotavirus en 2006, este patógeno era considerado la principal causa de gastroenteritis entre los niños menores de cinco años de edad, de todo el mundo. Las vacunas son una estrategia fundamental para proteger a los niños de la gastroenteritis severa por rotavirus. Actualmente existen dos vacunas comerciales disponibles Rotarix® y RotaTeq® y su aplicación está teniendo un impacto en la reducción en las hospitalizaciones y consultas, sin embargo, para los países pobres los costos para sostener un programa de inmunización son relativamente elevados. Existe además la preocupación de que la vacuna conlleve a la selección y difusión de cepas nuevas y antigénicamente diferentes que traigan consigo la disminución de eficacia de la vacuna. Para solventar estos aspectos los productores trabajan en la búsqueda de nuevas vacunas como es la vacuna de origen indio ROTAVAC®. Las autoridades sanitarias de varios países han implementado programas de vigilancia en hospitales centinelas para seguir la hospitalización debido a la gastroenteritis por rotavirus y conducir estudios para evaluar la efectividad e impacto de la vacuna(AU)

Prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in 2006, this pathogen was the leading cause of gastroenteritis among children under five years old of the entire world. Vaccines are a principal strategy to protect children against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. There are currently two vaccines commercially available Rotarix® and RotaTeq® and their administration is having a significant impact on the reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations and ambulatory consultations. However, the cost of supporting a national immunization program for poor countries is relatively high. There is also the concern that the vaccine may lead to the selection and spread of new strains antigenically different, decreasing the vaccine efficacy. In order to solve these issues some vaccine manufacturers are developing new vaccines such as ROTAVAC® licensed for use in India. Health authorities in several countries have implemented monitoring programs in sentinel hospitals to follow hospitalization due to rotavirus gastroenteritis and to conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the vaccine(AU)

Microbiota y enfermedades gastrointestinales / Microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases

La colonización bacteriana se establece inmediatamente después del nacimiento, por contacto directo con la microbiota materna, y puede modificarse durante la lactancia. Están apareciendo datos indicativos de que modificaciones cuantitativas y cualitativas de la microbiota intestinal son capaces de estimular cambios en la activación del sistema inmune que pueden conducir a la aparición de enfermedades gastrointestinales o extraintestinales. El equilibrio entre la microbiota patógena y beneficiosa durante la niñez y la adolescencia es importante para la salud gastrointestinal, incluyendo la protección frente a patógenos, la inhibición de patógenos, el procesamiento de nutrientes (síntesis de vitamina K), el estímulo de la angiogénesis y la regulación del almacenamiento de la grasa corporal. También los probióticos pueden modular la microbiota intestinal para favorecer la salud del huésped. Este artículo es una revisión sobre la acción moduladora de la microbiota intestinal en la prevención y el tratamiento coadyuvante de las enfermedades gastrointestinales pediátricas

The bacterial colonisation is established immediately after birth, through direct contact with maternal microbiota, and may be influenced during lactation. There is emerging evidence indicating that quantitative and qualitative changes on gut microbiota contribute to alterations in the mucosal activation of the immune system, leading to intra- or extra-intestinal diseases. A balance between pathogenic and beneficial microbiota throughout childhood and adolescence is important to gastrointestinal health, including protection against pathogens, inhibition of pathogens, nutrient processing (synthesis of vitamin K), stimulation of angiogenesis, and regulation of host fat storage. Probiotics can promote an intentional modulation of intestinal microbiota favouring the health of the host. A review is presented on the modulation of intestinal microbiota on prevention, and adjuvant treatment of some paediatric gastrointestinal diseases

Aspectos epidemiológicos y carga asistencial de gastroenteritis agudas por Campylobacter y Salmonella / Campylobacter and Salmonella acute gastroenteritis: Epidemiology and health care utilization

Fundamento y objetivo: En Cataluña, los sistemas de notificación y vigilancia no permiten conocer la incidencia real ni la carga asistencial de las gastroenteritis agudas (GEA) bacterianas de origen alimentario por Campylobacter ySalmonella, objeto de este estudio. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de los casos de GEA por Campylobacter y Salmonella en los años 2002 y 2012 en una región de Cataluña, España, identificados a partir de cultivos microbiológicos. Resultados: La incidencia estimada de GEA por Salmonella se redujo un 50% en 2012, y la de Campylobacter, un 20%. Los niños entre 1-4 años fueron los más afectados en ambos períodos. Se observaron diferencias significativas según el microorganismo en la presentación clínica de algunos síntomas y en la duración de la enfermedad. Acudieron al Servicio de Urgencias el 63,7% de los casos, y un 15% requirieron hospitalización, siendo más frecuente entre los casos de salmonelosis. Conclusión: La incidencia de GEA por Campylobacter y Salmonella se ha reducido, pero continúa siendo importante, como lo es la carga asistencial para ambas infecciones. El control de estas dolencias requiere una mayor adecuación de los actuales sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica (AU)

Background and objective: In Catalonia the current surveillance systems do not allow to know the true incidence or the health care utilization of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella infections. The aim of this study is to analyze these characteristics. Patients and methods: Descriptive study of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections reported in 2002 and 2012 in Catalonia, Spain. We included cases isolated and reported by the laboratory to a regional Surveillance Unit. Results: The estimated incidence of Salmonella and Campylobacter AGE decreased by almost 50% and 20% respectively in 2012. Children between one and 4 years old were the most affected in both years. Significant differences in the clinical characteristics and disease duration were observed betweenCampylobacter and Salmonella. Visits to the Emergency Department and hospitalization rates were 63.7% and 15%, being more frequent among salmonellosis cases. Conclusion The estimated incidence of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections has decreased, however rates are still important, as well as it is the health care utilization in both diseases. Current surveillance systems need appropriateness improvements to reach a better control of these infections (AU)

Use of probiotics for management of acute gastroenteritis: a position paper by the ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics

The use of probiotics has been suggested in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in addition to early rehydration and avoidance of dietary restrictions. This document provides recommendations for the use of probiotics for the treatment of AGE in previously healthy infants and children based on a systematic review of previously completed systematic reviews and of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published subsequently to these reviews. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 RCTs that used a given probiotic (with strain specification) were available. The GRADE system developed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations Working Group, was used to grade the strength of evidence and grades of recommendations used in these guidelines. It offers 4 categories of the quality of the evidence (high, moderate, low, and very low) and 2 categories of the strength of recommendation (strong or weak). The use of the following probiotics (in alphabetical order) may be considered in the management of children with AGE in addition to rehydration therapy: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (low quality of evidence, strong recommendation) and Saccharomyces boulardii (low quality of evidence, strong recommendation). Less compelling evidence is available for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (very low quality of evidence, weak recommendation) and heat-inactivated Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (very low quality of evidence, weak recommendation). The latter, although traditionally discussed with other probiotics, does not fit with the definition of probiotics. Other strains or combinations of strains have been tested, but evidence of their efficacy is weak or preliminary.

Antieméticos na redução dos vômitos por gastroenterite aguda em criançase adolescentes / Antiemetics for reducing vomiting in acute gastroenteritis in children and adolescents

Introdução: O vômito é uma manifestação comum da gastroenterite aguda em crianças e adolescentes. Quando não tratado, pode ser um obstáculo para a terapia de reidratação oral, que é a pedra angular no controle da gastroenterite aguda. Ainda são necessárias evidências relativas à segurança e à eficácia do uso de antieméticos para vômitos em gastroenterite aguda em crianças.Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança de antieméticos para o vômito induzido por gastroenterite em crianças e adolescentes.Métodos: Busca por estudos: Os autores buscaram no CochraneUpper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Group Trials Register, que contém referências identificadas a partir de amplas pesquisas de banco de dados eletrônicos, e realizaram também busca manual em revistas relevantes e livros de resumos de conferências. A busca foi refeita e está atualizada até 20 de julho de 2010. Critérios de seleção dos estudos: Foram incluídos apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) e quasi-randomizados comparando o uso de máscaras cirúrgicas descartáveis com a não utilização de máscara.Coleta e análise dos dados: Dois revisores extraíram os dadosindependentemente.Principais resultados: Foram incluídos 7 estudos envolvendo 1.020 participantes. O tempo médio para a cessação do vômito foi de 0,34 dias a menos com supositório de dimenidrinato em comparação com placebo (P = 0,036) (n = 1 estudo). Dados de 3 estudos comparando ondansetrona oral com placebo mostraram: (a) redução imediata da taxa de internação hospitalar (risco relativo [RR] = 0,40; número necessário para tratar [NNT] = 17; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% = 10 a 100), mas nenhuma diferença entre as taxas de hospitalização em 72 horas após a alta do Departamento de Emergência (DE); (b) redução das taxas de reidratação intravenosa, tanto durante a estadia no DE (RR = 0,41; NNT = 5; IC95% = 4 a 8) quanto no seguimento de 72 horas após a alta da estadia no DE (do pior ao melhor cenário para o ondansetrona: RR = 0,57; NNT = 6; IC 95% = 4 a 13) e (c) um aumento na proporção de pacientes com a cessação do vômito (RR = 1,34; NNT = 5; IC 95% = 3 a 7). Não houve diferença significativa nas taxas de retorno ao médico ou de eventos adversos, embora diarreia tenha sido relatada como um efeito colateral em quatro dos cinco estudos com ondansetrona. Em um estudo da proporção de pacientes com a cessaçãodo vômito em 24 horas foi de 58% com ondansetrona intravenosa, 17% com placebo e 33% com metoclopramida (valor de P = 0,039).Conclusão: A ondansetrona oral aumentou a proporção de pacientes que pararam de vomitar e reduziu o número dos que necessitaram de hidratação intravenosa e internação imediata. A ondansetrona e a metoclopramida intravenosas reduziram o número de episódios de vômitos e de internação hospitalar, e o supositório de dimenidrinato reduziu aduração de vômitos.