Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intoxicados admitidos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de un hospital en Chile / Retrospective study of poisoned patients admitted to a hospital's pediatric intensive care unit in Chile

Introducción. Las intoxicaciones pediátricas son un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las intoxicaciones pediátricas que fueron atendidas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de un hospital en Chile. Población y métodos. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados con intoxicación e ingresados a la UCIP entre los años 2013 y 2017. Resultados. Un total de 105 casos fueron identificados, lo que representa un 3 % del total de ingresos registrados en el período estudiado. La mediana de edad de los pacientes resultó ser de 10 años. El 73,3 % de los casos correspondieron a pacientes de sexo femenino. El 51 % de los casos se asociaron a intoxicaciones intencionales y el 83 % fue causado por exposición a medicamentos. Los medicamentos identificados con mayor frecuencia fueron los antidepresivos (11,2 %), analgésicos no esteroides (10,7 %). La ingesta fue la vía de exposición más común (93 %). El promedio de estadía de los pacientes en UCIP fue de 1,3 días. Dos pacientes ingresaron en la UCI: uno requirió intubación y otro hemodiálisis. Se determinaron relaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el sexo del paciente y la circunstancia de exposición, y entre la condición psiquiátrica del paciente y el número de sustancias tóxicas ingeridas. Conclusión. La mayoría de las intoxicaciones atendidas en la UCIP fueron intencionales y correspondieron a pacientes de sexo femenino, a quienes se les asoció alguna patología psiquiátrica. Los grupos de medicamentos identificados con mayor frecuencia fueron los antidepresivos y los antiinflamatorios no esteroides.

Introduction. Pediatric poisoning is a public health problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to establish the characteristics of pediatric cases of poisoning seen at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a hospital in Chile. Population and methods. The medical records of patients diagnosed with poisoning and admitted to the PICU between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed. Results. A total of 105 cases were identified, who account for 3% of all admissions recorded in the study period. Patients' median age was 10 years. In total, 73.3% of cases were female patients; 51% of cases were associated with intentional poisoning; and 83% were caused by drug exposure. The most common drugs identified were antidepressants (11.2%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.7%). Intake was the most frequent route of exposure (93%). The average length of stay in the PICU was 1.3 days. One patient required intubation and another required hemodialysis in the PICU. Statistically significant relationships were established between patient sex and the circumstance of exposure and between the patient's psychiatric condition and the number of toxic substances ingested. Conclusion. Most poisoning cases seen at the PICU were intentional and occurred in female patients, who had a psychiatric condition. The most common drugs identified were antidepressants and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

Retrospective study of poisoned patients admitted to a hospital's pediatric intensive care unit in Chile. / Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intoxicados admitidos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de un hospital en Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric poisoning is a public health problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to establish the characteristics of pediatric cases of poisoning seen at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a hospital in Chile. POPULATION AND METHODS: The medical records of patients diagnosed with poisoning and admitted to the PICU between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 105 cases were identified, who account for 3% of all admissions recorded in the study period. Patients' median age was 10 years. In total, 73.3% of cases were female patients; 51% of cases were associated with intentional poisoning; and 83% were caused by drug exposure. The most common drugs identified were antidepressants (11.2%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.7%). Intake was the most frequent route of exposure (93%). The average length of stay in the PICU was 1.3 days. One patient required intubation and another required hemodialysis in the PICU. Statistically significant relationships were established between patient sex and the circumstance of exposure and between the patient's psychiatric condition and the number of toxic substances ingested. CONCLUSIONS: Most poisoning cases seen at the PICU were intentional and occurred in female patients, who had a psychiatric condition. The most common drugs identified were antidepressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Introducción.Las intoxicaciones pediátricas son un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las intoxicaciones pediátricas que fueron atendidas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de un hospital en Chile. Población y métodos. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados con intoxicación e ingresados a la UCIP entre los años 2013 y 2017. Resultados. Un total de 105 casos fueron identificados, lo que representa un 3 % del total de ingresos registrados en el período estudiado. La mediana de edad de los pacientes resultó ser de 10años. El 73,3% de los casos correspondieron a pacientes de sexo femenino. El 51% de los casos se asociaron a intoxicaciones intencionales y el 83% fue causado por exposición a medicamentos. Los medicamentos identificados con mayor frecuencia fueron los antidepresivos (11,2 %), analgésicos no esteroides (10,7 %). La ingesta fue la vía de exposición más común (93 %). El promedio de estadía de los pacientes en UCIP fue de 1,3 días. Dos pacientes ingresaron en la UCI: uno requirió intubación y otro hemodiálisis. Se determinaron relaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el sexo del paciente y la circunstancia de exposición, y entre la condición psiquiátrica del paciente y el número de sustancias tóxicas ingeridas. Conclusión. La mayoría de las intoxicaciones atendidas en la UCIP fueron intencionales y correspondieron a pacientes de sexo femenino, a quienes se les asoció alguna patología psiquiátrica. Los grupos de medicamentos identificados con mayor frecuencia fueron los antidepresivos y los antiinflamatorios no esteroides.

[Acute flaccid myelitis and enterovirus infection: a severe emerging disease]. / Mielitis flácida aguda e infección por enterovirus: una enfermedad grave emergente.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a neuroinflammatory disease characterized by acute asymmetric weakness of the limbs associated with lesions of the gray matter of the spinal cord. It mainly affects children and has been increasingly identified since 2014. OBJECTIVE: To describe a severe emerging neurological disease in Chile. CLINICAL CASE: Three children (2 females), previously healthy were in cluded. The age at the onset was between 4 and 6 years. All presented an acute febrile illness associated with upper respiratory symptoms, rapid onset of proximal asymmetric limb weakness, spinal fluid pleocytosis, and enterovirus isolated from nasopharyngeal swab; two patients developed tetraparesis. The MRI of the spinal cord showed T2 hyperintensity of the grey matter. The three patients were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and two required mechanical ventilation. No significant improvements were observed after the use of immunomodulatory therapy and plasma ex change. At 12 months of follow-up, one case was quadriplegic and ventilator-dependent; the second died of ventricular arrhythmia in the PICU, and the third one is under rehabilitation with partial recovery. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first cases of this severe emerging neurological disease in our country. In a child with predominantly proximal and asymmetric acute limb paralysis, pediatricians must have a high index of suspicion for AFM. Since it can progress rapidly and lead to respiratory failure, suspected AFM should be considered a medical emergency.

Comparison of Interleukin-6 Plasma Concentration in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 and Pediatric Sepsis.

Importance: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection is thought to be driven by a post-viral dysregulated immune response, where interleukin 6 (IL-6) might have a central role. In this setting, IL-6 inhibitors are prescribed as immunomodulation in cases refractory to standard therapy. Objective: To compare plasma IL-6 concentration between critically ill children with MIS-C and sepsis. Design: A retrospective cohort study from previously collected data. Setting: Individual patient data were gathered from three different international datasets. Participants: Critically ill children between 1 month-old and 18 years old, with an IL-6 level measured within 48 h of admission to intensive care. Septic patients were diagnosed according to Surviving Sepsis Campaign definition and MIS-C cases by CDC criteria. We excluded children with immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive therapy. Exposure: None. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary outcome was IL-6 plasma concentration in MIS-C and sepsis group at admission to the intensive care unit. We described demographics, inflammatory biomarkers, and clinical outcomes for both groups. A subgroup analysis for shock in each group was done. Results: We analyzed 66 patients with MIS-C and 44 patients with sepsis. MIS-C cases were older [96 (48, 144) vs. 20 (5, 132) months old, p < 0.01], but no differences in sex (41 vs. 43% female, p = 0.8) compared to septic group. Mechanical ventilation use was 48.5 vs. 93% (p < 0.001), vasoactive drug use 79 vs. 66% (p = 0.13), and mortality 4.6 vs. 34.1% (p < 0.01) in MIS-C group compared to sepsis. IL-6 was 156 (36, 579) ng/dl in MIS-C and 1,432 (122, 6,886) ng/dl in sepsis (p < 0.01), while no significant differences were observed in procalcitonin (PCT) and c-reactive protein (CRP). 52/66 (78.8%) patients had shock in MIS-C group, and 29/44 (65.9%) had septic shock in sepsis group. Septic shock had a significantly higher plasma IL-6 concentration than the three other sub-groups. Differences in IL-6, CRP, and PCT were not statistically different between MIS-C with and without shock. Conclusions and Relevance: IL-6 plasma concentration was elevated in critically ill MIS-C patients but at levels much lower than those of sepsis. Furthermore, IL-6 levels don't discriminate between MIS-C cases with and without shock. These results lead us to question the role of IL-6 in the pathobiology of MIS-C, its diagnosis, clinical outcomes, and, more importantly, the off-label use of IL-6 inhibitors for these cases.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in critically ill children: experience of the pediatric intensive care unit of two centers in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique used in a wide spectrum of diseases. We aim to review the indications, complications, and outcomes of critically ill children who received TPE and to compare a membrane versus centrifugal method in this cohort. METHODS: A retrospective observational study in two pediatric intensive care units in Chile during eight years (2011-2019) Results: A total of 36 patients underwent 167 TPE sessions (20 centrifugation and 16 membrane-based). The more frequent indications for TPE were autoimmune neurological diseases in 14 cases, renal diseases (9), and rheumatological disorders (5). 58 % of children received other immunomodulatory therapy. According to ASFA, 45 % of cases were I-II category, 50 % to III, and 5% not classified. Response to treatment was complete in 64 % (23/36) and partial in 33 % (12/36). Complications occurred in 17.4 % of sessions, and the most frequent was transient hypotension during the procedure. Overall survival at discharge from the PICU was 92 %. Patients who received TPE as a single therapy (n = 26) survived 96 %. The clinical outcomes between the two apheresis methods were similar. Survivors had a significantly lower PELOD score on admission (14.5 vs. 6.5, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: TPE is mainly indicated as a rescue treatment in neurological autoimmune diseases refractory to conventional immunomodulatory treatment. Complications in critically ill children are mild and low. The outcome in children requiring TPE as a single therapy is good, and no differences were observed with centrifugation or membrane method.

Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Associated With SARS-CoV-2: A Case Series Quantitative Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (PIMS-TS) is infrequent, but children might present as a life-threatening disease. In a systematic quantitative review, we analyzed 11 studies of PIMS-TS, including 468 children reported before July 1, 2020. We found a myriad of clinical features, but we were able to describe common characteristics: previously healthy school-aged children, persistent fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, lymphopenia, and high inflammatory markers. Clinical syndromes such as myocarditis and Kawasaki disease were present in only one third of cases each one. Pediatric intensive care unit admission was frequent, although length of stay was less than 1 week, and mortality was low. Most patients received immunoglobulin or steroids, although the level of evidence for that treatment is low. The PIMS-ST was recently described, and the detailed quantitative pooled data will increase clinicians' awareness, improve diagnosis, and promptly start treatment. This analysis also highlights the necessity of future collaborative studies, given the heterogeneous nature of the PIMS-TS.

[Vitamin D and pediatrics respiratory diseases]. / Vitamina D y enfermedades respiratorias pediátricas.

The better understanding of the global activity of vitamin D has led to an intense search for its involvement in non-skeletal diseases. This article presents an updated review of the relationship between vitamin D and pediatric respiratory pathology. A literature search was performed in PUBMED using free terms and MESH terms: vitamin D, asthma, respiratory system diseases, and bronchiolitis. Stu dies in human patients younger than 18 years and animals, published in English and Spanish until 2017 were included. 507 articles were found, of which 43 were included. Indirect evidence suggests a role of vitamin D and fetal lung maturation. In relation to pediatric pulmonary pathology, studies are scarce and inconclusive. Recent meta-analyses performed with individualized evaluation of the participants shows an important protective role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of severe asthma exacerbations and acute viral infections. In bronchiolitis, the results are contradictory, with no clear relationship between plasma levels and severity. There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. A direct relationship between the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and vitamin D plasma levels has recently been proposed, although the exact mechanisms involved in this association are unknown. Current information suggests that vitamin D supplementation may represent a cost-effective strategy in redu cing important causes of infant morbidity and mortality.

Vitamina D y enfermedades respiratorias pediátricas / Vitamin D and pediatrics respiratory diseases

Resumen: El mejor entendimiento sobre la actividad global de la vitamina D, ha llevado a una intensa búsque da de sus implicancias en enfermedades no esqueléticas. En este artículo se presenta una revisión actualizada de la relación entre la vitamina D y la patología respiratoria pediátrica. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PUBMED utilizando términos libres y MESH: vitamina D, enfermedades del sistema respiratorio, asma, bronquiolitis. Se seleccionó estudios en humanos menores de 18 años y animales, publicados en inglés y español hasta el 2017. Se encontraron 507 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 43. Evidencia indirecta apunta hacia un rol de la vitamina D y la maduración pulmonar fetal. En relación a la patología pulmonar pediátrica, los estudios son escasos y poco concluyentes. Nuevos meta - análisis, con evaluación individualizada de los participantes, muestran un importante rol protector de la suplementación en la prevención de exacerbaciones asmáticas severas e infecciones virales agudas. En bronquiolitis los resultados son contradictorios, sin relación clara entre niveles plasmáticos y severidad. No existe suficiente evidencia que evalué los beneficios en fibrosis quística y tuberculosis. Recientemente se ha propuesto una relación directa entre la severidad de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño y los niveles plasmáticos de vitamina D, aunque se desconoce los mecanismos exactos involucrados a esta asociación. La información actual permite suponer que la suplementación de vitamina D puede representar una estrategia costo - efectiva en la reducción de importantes causas de morbimortalidad infantil.

Abstract: The better understanding of the global activity of vitamin D has led to an intense search for its involvement in non-skeletal diseases. This article presents an updated review of the relationship between vitamin D and pediatric respiratory pathology. A literature search was performed in PUBMED using free terms and MESH terms: vitamin D, asthma, respiratory system diseases, and bronchiolitis. Stu dies in human patients younger than 18 years and animals, published in English and Spanish until 2017 were included. 507 articles were found, of which 43 were included. Indirect evidence suggests a role of vitamin D and fetal lung maturation. In relation to pediatric pulmonary pathology, studies are scarce and inconclusive. Recent meta-analyses performed with individualized evaluation of the participants shows an important protective role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of severe asthma exacerbations and acute viral infections. In bronchiolitis, the results are contradictory, with no clear relationship between plasma levels and severity. There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. A direct relationship between the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and vitamin D plasma levels has recently been proposed, although the exact mechanisms involved in this association are unknown. Current information suggests that vitamin D supplementation may represent a cost-effective strategy in redu cing important causes of infant morbidity and mortality.

Déficit de vitamina D en niños ingresados en cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Vitamin D deficiency in children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit

Introducción: La vitamina D posee múltiples acciones sobre el organismo: es necesaria para la salud ósea, la función cardiovascular y del sistema inmune. En adultos críticos, el déficit de vitamina D (DVD) es frecuente y se ha asociado a sepsis y a desenlaces clínicos desfavorables. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia del DVD y establecer su asociación con desenlaces clínicos relevantes en niños ingresados a una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP) en Concepción, región del centro-sur de Chile. Pacientes y método: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo observacional en 90 niños. Los niveles plasmáticos de vitamina D fueron medidos al ingreso en la UCIP. Se analizaron características demográficas, escalas de gravedad (PRISM, PELOD, VIS) y desenlaces clínicos. El déficit de 25OHD se definió como niveles < 20 ng/mL. Se determinó la asociación entre el DVD y desenlaces relevantes mediante el cálculo del riesgo relativo (RR). Resultados: El valor promedio (DE) de la vitamina D en toda la cohorte fue de 22,8 (1,0) ng/mL. La prevalencia del DVD fue del 43,3%. El DVD se asoció significativamente con el uso de fármacos vasoactivos (RR 1,6; IC 95%: 1,2-2,3; p < 0,01), ventilación mecánica (RR 2,2; IC 95%: 1,2-3,9; p < 0,01), shock séptico (RR 1,9; IC 95%: 1,3-2,9; p < 0,001) y necesidad de fluidos de reanimación > 40 ml/kg en las primeras 24 h (RR 1,5; IC 95%: 1,1-2,1; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: En este estudio, el DVD al ingreso en UCIP fue prevalente en pacientes pediátricos críticos y se asoció a desenlaces clínicos adversos. Se requieren más ensayos para determinar si la restauración rápida de los niveles de vitamina D permitiría mejorar los desenlaces clínicos en niños críticamente enfermos.

Introduction: Vitamin D is essential for bone health, as well as for cardiovascular and immune function. In critically ill adults vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common, and is associated with sepsis and higher critical illness severity. Objectives: To establish the prevalence of VDD and its association with clinically relevant outcomes in children admitted to a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Concepcion, Chile. Patients and method: Prospective observational cohort study in 90 consecutive children admitted to the PICU in a university general hospital. Blood was collected on admission to PICU and analysed for 25-OH-D levels. Severity of illness and vasopressor use were assessed using PRISM, PELOD, and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) score. VDD was defined as a serum 25-OH-D level < 20 ng/ml. Relative risks (RR) were calculated to determine the association between VDD and relevant clinical outcomes. Results: Mean (SD) serum vitamin D (25-OH-D) level in the cohort was 22.8 (1.0) ng/ml. The prevalence of VDD was 43.3%. VDD was associated with vasopressors use (RR 1.6; 95%CI: 1.2-2.3; P<.01), mechanical ventilation (RR 2.2; 95%CI: 1.2-3.9, P<.01), septic shock (RR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.9, P<.001), and fluid bolus > 40 ml/kg in the first 24 h of admission (RR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.1, P<.05). Conclusions: In this study, VDD at PICU admission was prevalent in critically ill children and was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to assess the potential benefit of optimizing vitamin D status in the PICU.

[Vitamin D deficiency in children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit]. / Déficit de vitamina D en niños ingresados en cuidados intensivos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D is essential for bone health, as well as for cardiovascular and immune function. In critically ill adults vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common, and is associated with sepsis and higher critical illness severity. OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of VDD and its association with clinically relevant outcomes in children admitted to a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Concepcion, Chile. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective observational cohort study in 90 consecutive children admitted to the PICU in a university general hospital. Blood was collected on admission to PICU and analysed for 25-OH-D levels. Severity of illness and vasopressor use were assessed using PRISM, PELOD, and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) score. VDD was defined as a serum 25-OH-D level<20ng/ml. Relative risks (RR) were calculated to determine the association between VDD and relevant clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Mean (SD) serum vitamin D (25-OH-D) level in the cohort was 22.8 (1.0)ng/ml. The prevalence of VDD was 43.3%. VDD was associated with vasopressors use (RR1.6; 95%CI: 1.2-2.3; P<.01), mechanical ventilation (RR2.2; 95%CI: 1.2-3.9, P<.01), septic shock (RR1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.9, P<.001), and fluid bolus>40ml/kg in the first 24h of admission (RR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.1, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, VDD at PICU admission was prevalent in critically ill children and was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to assess the potential benefit of optimizing vitamin D status in the PICU.

Actualización en el tratamiento de bronquiolitis aguda: menos es más / Update in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis: less is more

Viral bronchiolitis is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in children under two years old. Evidence-based management guidelines suggest that there is no effective treatment for bronchiolitis and that supportive care - hydration and oxygenation - remains the cornerstone of clinical management. In this review we describe the current guidelines of treatment with emphasis in the limitation of unnecessary testing and intervention. Also, we discuss the future directions in the research of new therapies for bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis viral es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños de menos de dos años de edad en todo el mundo. Las guías clínicas basadas en la evidencia sugieren que no existe un tratamiento efectivo para la bronquiolitis y que la hidratación y una adecuada oxigenación, siguen siendo la base del manejo clínico. En esta revisión, se describen las actuales guías de tratamiento haciendo énfasis en limitar los exámenes e intervenciones innecesarias. También discutimos la investigación en nuevas terapias para la bronquiolitis.

Valor predictivo de la procalcitonina en niños con sospecha de sepsis / Predictive value of procalcitonin in children with suspected sepsis Abstract

Introducción: El uso de biomarcadores podría constituir una herramienta en el diagnóstico, pronóstico y estratificación en la sepsis. El objetivo fue analizar el valor de la procalcitonina (PCT), proteína C reactiva (PCR) y lactato en la predicción de shock séptico, mortalidad y en la estratificación en niños con sospecha de sepsis. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo en 81 pacientes en los cuales se midió niveles plasmáticos de PCT, PCR y lactato al ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Los pacientes se categorizaron en síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, sepsis, sepsis grave y shock séptico. Resultados: Las concentraciones de la PCT (ng/mL) aumentaron significativamente de acuerdo a la gravedad de la sepsis: 0,36 (0-1,2) para síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica; 1,96 (0,4-3,5) para sepsis; 7,5 (3,9-11,1) en sepsis grave; y 58,9 (35,1-82,7) para shock séptico (p < 0,001). Comparada con la PCR y el lactato, el área bajo la curva ROC reveló un poder discriminativo favorable de la PCT para predecir shock séptico y mortalidad: 0,91 (IC95%: 0,83-0,97) y 0,80 (IC95%: 0,69-0,88), respectivamente. Conclusiones: A diferencia de la PCR y el lactato, la determinación de la PCT al ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos es un buen predictor de shock séptico y mortalidad, y permite estratificar a los pacientes de acuerdo a la gravedad de la sepsis.

Introduction: The use of biomarkers could be a tool for diagnosis, prognosis and stratifying children with sepsis. Our main goal was to analyze the value of procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP) and lactate in predicting mortality, septic shock and the stratification in children with suspected sepsis Patients and method: Prospective study in 81 patients. Plasma levels of PCT, CRP and lactate were measured at admission in the pediatric intensive care unit. Patients were categorized into systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Results: Concentrations of PCT (ng/mL) increased significantly according to the severity of sepsis: 0.36 (0-1.2) for systemic inflammatory response syndrome; 1.96 (0.4-3.5) for sepsis; 7.5 (3.9-11.1) for severe sepsis; and 58.9 (35.1-82.7) for septic shock (P <.001). Compared to CRP and lactate, the area under the ROC curve revealed a good discriminative power of PCT to predict septic shock and mortality, 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83-0.97) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69-0.88), respectively. Conclusions: In contrast to CRP and lactate, the determination of PCT in pediatric intensive care unit admission is a good predictor of mortality and septic shock and can stratify patients according to severity of sepsis.