Acquired Hip Dysplasia in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Infection in the First Four Years of Life.

Acquired hip dysplasia has been described in children with cerebral palsy (CP); periodic surveillance is recommended in this population to prevent hip displacement and dislocation. Children with congenital zika syndrome (CZS) may present a spectrum of neurological impairments with changes in tonus, posture, and movement similar to children with CP. However, the relationship between CZS and hip dysplasia has not been characterized. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to describe the occurrence of hip dysplasia in patients with CZS. Sixty-four children with CZS from 6 to 48 months of age were included and followed at a tertiary referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with periodic radiologic and clinical hip assessments. Twenty-six (41%) patients were diagnosed with hip dysplasia during follow-up; mean age at diagnosis was 23 months. According to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 58 (91%) patients had severe impairment (GMFCS IV and V) at the first evaluation. All patients with progression to hip dysplasia had microcephaly and were classified as GMFCS IV or V. Pain and functional limitation were reported by 22 (84%) caregivers of children with hip dysplasia. All patients were referred to specialized orthopedic care; eight (31%) underwent surgical treatment during follow-up. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing a hip surveillance program and improving access to orthopedic treatment for children with CZS in order to decrease the chances of dysplasia-related complications and improve quality of life.

Characterizing Disabilities in Preschool Aged Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome with the ICF Model.

Understanding functioning and disabilities in children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is essential for health planning. We describe disabilities present in children with CZS followed in a reference hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on the biopsychosocial model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This was a cohort study of children >3 years of age with CZS. Disability was characterized through outcomes related to ICF components assessed via clinical and motor development evaluations. Among 50 children, with a median age of 40 months, 47 (94%) presented with severe impairment and 46 (92%) had microcephaly. Damage to the head and neck was found in most children, with abnormal central nervous system imaging universally present. Most children had cognitive impairment (92%), muscle tone problems (90%), and speech deficits (94%). We found movement limitations in all categories but more pervasively (80−94%), in postural transfers and displacements. The main environmental factors identified in the ICF model were the use of products or substances for personal consumption and access to health services. Children with CZS have extremely high rates of disability beyond aged 3 years, particularly regarding motor activity. ICF-based models can contribute to the assessment of health domains.

Anthropometric Parameters of Children with Congenital Zika Virus Exposure in the First Three Years of Life.

Little is known about the impact of congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure on growth in the first years of life. In this prospective cohort study,201 ZIKV antenatally-exposed children were followed at a tertiary referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eighty-seven were classified as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) patients and 114 as not congenital Zika syndrome (NCZS); growth parameters were described and compared between groups and with WHO standard growth curves. Thirty-four (39%) newborns with CZS and seven (6%) NCZS were small for gestational age (p < 0.001). NCZS mean weight measures ranged from −0.45 ± 0.1 to 0.27 ± 0.2 standard deviations (SD) from the WHO growth curve median during follow-up, versus −1.84 ± 0.2 to −2.15 ± 0.2 SD for the CZS group (p < 0.001). Length mean z-scores varied from −0.3 ± 0.1 at 1 month to 0.17 ± 0.2 SD between 31 and 36 months in the NCZS group, versus −2.3 ± 0.3 to −2.0 ± 0.17 SD in the CZS group (p < 0.001). Weight/height (W/H) and BMI z-scores reached -1.45 ± 0.2 SD in CZS patients between 31 and 36 months, versus 0.23 ± 0.2 SD in the NCZS group (p < 0.01). Between 25 and 36 months of age, more than 50% of the 70 evaluated CZS children were below weight and height limits; 36 (37.1%) were below the W/H cut-off. Gastrostomy was performed in 23 (26%) children with CZS. During the first three years of life, CZS patients had severe and early growth deficits, while growth of NCZS children was normal by WHO standards.

ZIKA Virus Neutralizing Antibody Kinetics in Antenatally Exposed Infants.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with severe congenital abnormalities and laboratory diagnosis of antenatal infection is difficult. Here we evaluated ZIKV neutralizing antibody (nAb) kinetics in infants born to mothers with PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy. METHODS: Neonates (n = 98) had serum specimens tested repeatedly for ZIKV nAb over the first 2 years of life using virus neutralization test (VNT). ZIKV neonatal infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in blood or urine and/or presence of ZIKV IgM antibodies, and results were correlated with infant clinical features. RESULTS: Postnatal laboratory evidence of ZIKV vertical transmission was obtained for 60.2% of children, while 32.7% exhibited clinical abnormalities. Congenital abnormalities were found in 37.3% of children with confirmed ZIKV infection and 31.0% of children without confirmed infection (P = .734). All but 1 child displayed a physiologic decline in ZIKV nAb, reflecting maternal antibody decay, despite an early ZIKV-IgM response in one-third of infants. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure do not develop ZIKV nAb despite an early IgM response. Therefore, ZIKV VNT in children is not useful for diagnosis of congenital infection. In light of these findings, it remains to be determined if children infected in utero are potentially susceptible to reinfection.

24-hour Holter findings in infants with in-utero exposure to the Zika virus: a series of cases.

Severe neurological problems and other special manifestations such as high prevalence of structural cardiac changes has been described in infants vertically exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) and has been called congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS). Previous studies have shown that the 24-hour Holter heart rate variability (HRV) analysis allows the prediction of worse outcomes in infants with neurological impairment and higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular diseases. This study describes the 24-hour Holter findings of infants with confirmed vertical exposure to the ZIKV by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in the mother's blood during pregnancy and/or in the urine or cerebrospinal fluid of the newborn. Data analysis was descriptive and included two subgroups according to the presence of fetal distress, positive PCR to ZIKV in the newborn, CZS and severe microcephaly. Heart rate, pauses, arrhythmias, ST segment and QT interval analyses and HRV evaluation through R-R, SDNN, pNN50 and rMMSD were described. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess differences between the two subgroups. The sample consisted of 15 infants with a mean age of 16 months, nine of whom were male. No arrhythmias or QT interval changes were observed. The comparison of HRV through the Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between patients with and without CZS, with and without severe microcephaly, with lower HRV in the groups with severe microcephaly and CZS. The study suggests that there is an increased risk of SIDS and cardiovascular diseases in this group of patients.

Neurodevelopment of children exposed intra-uterus by Zika virus: A case series.

The main goal of this manuscript was to investigate the neurodevelopment of children exposed by Zika virus in the intrauterine period who are asymptomatic at birth. Newborns with documented Zika virus exposure during the intrauterine period who were asymptomatic at birth were followed in the first two years of life for neurodevelopment using Bayley III test. Children were classified as having normal or delayed neurodevelopment for age based on most recent Bayley III evaluation results. Eighty-four infants were included in the study. The first Bayley III evaluation was performed at a mean chronological age of 9.7±3.1 month; 13 children (15%) had a delay in one of the three domains, distributed as follow: 10 (12%) in the language domain and 3 (3.5%) in the motor domain. The most recent Bayley III evaluation was performed at a mean age 15.3±3.1 months; 42 children (50%) had a delay in one of the three domains: 4 (5%) in cognition, 31 (37%) in language, and 20 (24%) in motor performance. There were no statistical differences in Gender, Gestational Age, Birth Weight and Head Circurference at birth between children with normal and delayed neurodevelopment for age. A very high proportion of children exposed ZIKV during pregnancy who were asymptomatic at birth demonstrated a delay in neurodevelopment, mainly in the language domain, the first two years of life.

Visual function in infants with antenatal Zika virus exposure.

PURPOSE: To report the findings of a cross-sectional study of visual function in infants with confirmed or suspected antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection seen at a single referral center in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: Infants were examined following the ZIKV outbreak period at Instituto Fernandes Figueira/FIOCRUZ. Visual function was considered abnormal if an infant could not fix and follow a standardized high-contrast target (10 cm) by 3-6 months of age. Visual function and associations with structural eye abnormalities, central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, microcephaly, and nystagmus were assessed. Sensitivity and specificity of screening criteria for structural eye abnormalities was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 173 infants met inclusion criteria. Abnormal visual function was found in 52 infants (30.0%) and was significantly associated with eye abnormalities (40/52; OR = 44.2; 95% CI, 16.6-117.6), CNS abnormalities (50/52; OR = 64.0; 95% CI, 14.7-277.6), microcephaly (44/52; OR = 31.5; 95% CI, 12.7-77.8), and nystagmus (26/52; OR = 120.0; 95% CI, 15.6-924.5). Using microcephaly as screening criteria for the detection of eye abnormalities provided a sensitivity of 88.9% (95% CI, 76.0-96.3) and specificity of 82.8% (95% CI, 75.1-88.9). Using both abnormal visual function and microcephaly increased sensitivity to 100% (95% CI, 92.1-100.0) and decreased specificity to 80.5% (95% CI, 72.5-86.9). CONCLUSIONS: Infants with suspected antenatal ZIKV infection and reduced visual function should be referred to an ophthalmologist. Visual function assessments are helpful in screening for antenatal ZIKV exposure in resource-limited settings and can identify infants who may benefit from visual habilitation.

Eye Findings in Infants With Suspected or Confirmed Antenatal Zika Virus Exposure.

: media-1vid110.1542/5804915134001PEDS-VA_2018-1104Video Abstract OBJECTIVES: To characterize ophthalmic manifestations of confirmed or suspected antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure. METHODS: Infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure were referred for evaluation during the 2015-2016 Rio de Janeiro outbreak. Mothers with symptomatic ZIKV infection during pregnancy and/or infants with microcephaly or other findings that were suggestive of suspected antenatal exposure were tested with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Complete eye examinations were performed by pediatric ophthalmologists between January 2016 and February 2017. The main outcome measure was eye abnormalities in RT-PCR-positive and suspected (ie, not tested or RT-PCR-negative) antenatal ZIKV cases. RESULTS: Of 224 infants, 189 had RT-PCR testing performed. Of 189 patients, 156 had positive RT-PCR results in their blood, urine, and/or placenta. Of 224 infants, 90 had central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, including microcephaly (62 infants). Eye abnormalities were present in 57 of 224 (25.4%) infants. Optic nerve (44 of 57; 77.2%) and retina abnormalities (37 of 57; 64.9%) were the most common. The group with suspected ZIKV infection (68 infants) had proportionally more eye (36.8% vs 20.5%; P = .022) and CNS abnormalities (68.3% vs 28.1%; P = .008), likely because of referral patterns. Eye abnormalities consistent with ZIKV infection were clinically comparable in both RT-PCR-positive and unconfirmed groups, including 4 RT-PCR-positive infants of 5 without any CNS abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Similar eye manifestations were identified regardless of laboratory confirmation. Well-appearing infants were also found to have eye abnormalities. Therefore, all infants born after ZIKV outbreaks should be universally screened for eye abnormalities.

Congenital Zika virus syndrome in infants: repercussions for the promotion of families' mental health. / Síndrome congênita do Zika vírus em lactentes: repercussões na promoção da saúde mental das famílias.

This article aims to discuss the impacts of the promotion of families' mental health following the diagnosis of Zika virus infection in the pregnant woman and/or congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZVS) in the infant. The study also aims to foster reflection on mother-infant bonding in this context. The study is relevant not only because there is still so much to learn about CZVS, with its enormous capacity for dispersion and many doubts as to the physical consequences and psychological impacts, but also due to the urgent need to provide families and/or caregivers with guidelines for care and alternatives for dealing with the illness. The study was conducted in an outpatient clinic specifically providing care to children with CZVS at the Unit for Infectious Diseases in Pediatrics in a tertiary hospital of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The team is multidisciplinary, and each member conducts an assessment based on their specific field of knowledge. This qualitative study drew on participant observation, and the data analysis showed that the use of virtual social networks, which function (independently of the medicine approaches) as channels for communication and collective discussion of the different experiences, in order to share strategies to overcome the diagnosed impossibilities.

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os impactos na promoção da saúde mental nas famílias a partir do diagnóstico de infecção pelo vírus Zika na gestante e/ou a presença da síndrome congênita do Zika vírus (SCZV) na criança. Busca ainda favorecer uma reflexão a respeito da construção do vínculo mãe-bebê nesse cenário. A relevância do estudo se dá não somente pelo fato de a SCZV ser ainda pouco conhecida, com uma enorme capacidade de dispersão e com muitas dúvidas quanto às consequências físicas e ao impacto psíquico causado, como também pela urgência em ser dada às famílias e/ou cuidadores diretrizes de acolhimento e alternativas para lidar com a doença. O estudo foi desenvolvido em ambulatório específico para o cuidado de crianças com SCZV da Unidade de Doenças Infecciosas em Pediatria de um hospital terciário do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A equipe é caracterizada como multiprofissional e cada um de seus integrantes faz uma avaliação com base no campo de saber específico. A pesquisa de cunho qualitativo foi realizada valendo-se da observação participante, e a análise dos dados revelou que a utilização das redes sociais virtuais, as quais independentemente dos caminhos seguidos pela medicina, funcionam como veículo de comunicação e discussão coletiva de diferentes vivências, no intuito de compartilhar estratégias para a superação de impossibilidades diagnosticadas.

El objetivo de este artículo es discutir impactos en la promoción de la salud mental dentro de las familias a cuyas gestantes se les ha diagnosticado infección por el virus Zika, y/o la presencia del síndrome congénito del virus Zika (SCZV, por sus siglas en portugués) en el niño. También pretende favorecer la reflexión respecto a la construcción del vínculo madre-bebé en este escenario. La relevancia del estudio se produce no solamente por el hecho de que el SCZV sea todavía poco conocido, con una enorme capacidad de dispersión, y con muchas dudas respecto a las consecuencias físicas y el impacto psíquico causado, sino también por la urgencia en proporcionar a las familias y/o cuidadores directrices de acogida y alternativas para enfrentarse a esta enfermedad. El estudio se desarrolló en un ambulatorio específico para el cuidado de niños con SCZV de la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas en Pediatría de un hospital terciario del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El equipo estaba caracterizado como multiprofesional y cada uno de sus integrantes realizó una evaluación a partir de un campo de saber específico. La investigación de cuño cualitativo se realizó a partir de la observación participante. El análisis de datos reveló que la utilización de las redes sociales virtuales, independientemente de los caminos seguidos por la medicina, funciona como un vehículo de comunicación y discusión colectiva sobre diferentes vivencias, con el fin de compartir estrategias para la superación de las imposibilidades diagnosticadas.

Socio-demographic inequalities in the clinical characteristics of dengue haemorrhagic fever in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2007-2008.

In 2007-2008, the city of Rio de Janeiro underwent an epidemiological change, with increases in the incidence in children and in severe forms of dengue. To describe the clinical profile and spatial distribution of dengue we performed an ecological study based on dengue surveillance data using the Brazilian classification (2005): dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue with complications. χ 2 test was used to describe the clinical and socio-demographic variables (P < 0.05). Spatial distribution of incidence and case-fatality was explored with thematic maps, Moran and Geary indices (P < 0.05). Of the total of 151 527 dengue cases, 38 808 met the inclusion criteria; 42.4% <18 years; 22.9% dengue with complications and 2.7% DHF. Case-fatality was higher in infants (1.4%) and in DHF (7.7%). Bleeding was more frequent in adolescents and adults while plasma leakage was more common in preschoolers and schoolchildren. The highest incidence was found in the West Zone of the city, in a different area from that of the worst case-fatality (P < 0.05). Although the incidence of DHF was higher in schoolchildren, infants showed higher case-fatality. The area with the highest case-fatality did not present the highest incidence, which suggests problems in the organization of health services.

Síndrome congênita do Zika vírus em lactentes: repercussões na promoção da saúde mental das famílias / Síndrome congénito por el virus Zika en lactantes: repercusiones en la promoción de la salud mental de las familias / Congenital Zika virus syndrome in infants: repercussions for the promotion of families' mental health

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os impactos na promoção da saúde mental nas famílias a partir do diagnóstico de infecção pelo vírus Zika na gestante e/ou a presença da síndrome congênita do Zika vírus (SCZV) na criança. Busca ainda favorecer uma reflexão a respeito da construção do vínculo mãe-bebê nesse cenário. A relevância do estudo se dá não somente pelo fato de a SCZV ser ainda pouco conhecida, com uma enorme capacidade de dispersão e com muitas dúvidas quanto às consequências físicas e ao impacto psíquico causado, como também pela urgência em ser dada às famílias e/ou cuidadores diretrizes de acolhimento e alternativas para lidar com a doença. O estudo foi desenvolvido em ambulatório específico para o cuidado de crianças com SCZV da Unidade de Doenças Infecciosas em Pediatria de um hospital terciário do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A equipe é caracterizada como multiprofissional e cada um de seus integrantes faz uma avaliação com base no campo de saber específico. A pesquisa de cunho qualitativo foi realizada valendo-se da observação participante, e a análise dos dados revelou que a utilização das redes sociais virtuais, as quais independentemente dos caminhos seguidos pela medicina, funcionam como veículo de comunicação e discussão coletiva de diferentes vivências, no intuito de compartilhar estratégias para a superação de impossibilidades diagnosticadas.

Resumen: El objetivo de este artículo es discutir impactos en la promoción de la salud mental dentro de las familias a cuyas gestantes se les ha diagnosticado infección por el virus Zika, y/o la presencia del síndrome congénito del virus Zika (SCZV, por sus siglas en portugués) en el niño. También pretende favorecer la reflexión respecto a la construcción del vínculo madre-bebé en este escenario. La relevancia del estudio se produce no solamente por el hecho de que el SCZV sea todavía poco conocido, con una enorme capacidad de dispersión, y con muchas dudas respecto a las consecuencias físicas y el impacto psíquico causado, sino también por la urgencia en proporcionar a las familias y/o cuidadores directrices de acogida y alternativas para enfrentarse a esta enfermedad. El estudio se desarrolló en un ambulatorio específico para el cuidado de niños con SCZV de la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas en Pediatría de un hospital terciario del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El equipo estaba caracterizado como multiprofesional y cada uno de sus integrantes realizó una evaluación a partir de un campo de saber específico. La investigación de cuño cualitativo se realizó a partir de la observación participante. El análisis de datos reveló que la utilización de las redes sociales virtuales, independientemente de los caminos seguidos por la medicina, funciona como un vehículo de comunicación y discusión colectiva sobre diferentes vivencias, con el fin de compartir estrategias para la superación de las imposibilidades diagnosticadas.

Abstract: This article aims to discuss the impacts of the promotion of families' mental health following the diagnosis of Zika virus infection in the pregnant woman and/or congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZVS) in the infant. The study also aims to foster reflection on mother-infant bonding in this context. The study is relevant not only because there is still so much to learn about CZVS, with its enormous capacity for dispersion and many doubts as to the physical consequences and psychological impacts, but also due to the urgent need to provide families and/or caregivers with guidelines for care and alternatives for dealing with the illness. The study was conducted in an outpatient clinic specifically providing care to children with CZVS at the Unit for Infectious Diseases in Pediatrics in a tertiary hospital of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The team is multidisciplinary, and each member conducts an assessment based on their specific field of knowledge. This qualitative study drew on participant observation, and the data analysis showed that the use of virtual social networks, which function (independently of the medicine approaches) as channels for communication and collective discussion of the different experiences, in order to share strategies to overcome the diagnosed impossibilities.

Screening Criteria for Ophthalmic Manifestations of Congenital Zika Virus Infection.

Importance: Current guidelines recommend screening eye examinations for infants with microcephaly or laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection but not for all infants potentially exposed to Zika virus in utero. Objective: To evaluate eye findings in a cohort of infants whose mothers had polymerase chain reaction-confirmed Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this descriptive case series performed from January 2 through October 30, 2016, infants were examined from birth to 1 year of age by a multidisciplinary medical team, including a pediatric ophthalmologist, from Fernandes Figueira Institute, a Ministry of Health referral center for high-risk pregnancies and infectious diseases in children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Participants: Mother-infant pairs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who presented with suspected Zika virus infection during pregnancy were referred to our institution and had serum, urine, amniotic fluid, or placenta samples tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction for Zika virus. Main Outcomes and Measures: Description of eye findings, presence of microcephaly or other central nervous system abnormalities, and timing of infection in infants with confirmed Zika virus during pregnancy. Eye abnormalities were correlated with central nervous system findings, microcephaly, and the timing of maternal infection. Results: Of the 112 with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed Zika virus infection in maternal specimens, 24 infants (21.4%) examined had eye abnormalities (median age at first eye examination, 31 days; range, 0-305 days). Ten infants (41.7%) with eye abnormalities did not have microcephaly, and 8 (33.3%) did not have any central nervous system findings. Fourteen infants with eye abnormalities (58.3%) were born to women infected in the first trimester, 8 (33.3%) in the second trimester, and 2 (8.3%) in the third trimester. Optic nerve and retinal abnormalities were the most frequent findings. Eye abnormalities were statistically associated with microcephaly (odds ratio [OR], 19.1; 95% CI, 6.0-61.0), other central nervous system abnormalities (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.6-11.2), arthrogryposis (OR, 29.0; 95% CI, 3.3-255.8), and maternal trimester of infection (first trimester OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.9-13.2; second trimester OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-1.2; and third trimester OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-1.2). Conclusions and Relevance: Eye abnormalities may be the only initial finding in congenital Zika virus infection. All infants with potential maternal Zika virus exposure at any time during pregnancy should undergo screening eye examinations regardless of the presence or absence of central nervous system abnormalities.

Clinical and laboratory signs associated to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children / Sinais clínicos e laboratoriais para o dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the validity of clinical and laboratory signs to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children. Methods: Retrospective cohort of children (<18 years) hospitalized with dengue diagnosis (2007-2008). Serious dengue disease was defined as death or use of advanced life support therapy. Accuracy measures and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated. Results: Of the total (n = 145), 53.1% were female, 69% aged 2-11 years, and 15.9% evolved to the worse outcome. Lethargy had the best accuracy (positive likelihood ratio >19 and negative likelihood ratio <0.6). Pleural effusion and abdominal distension had higher sensitivity (82.6%). History of bleeding (epistaxis, gingival or gastrointestinal bleeding) and severe hemorrhage (pulmonary or gastrointestinal bleeding) in physical examination were more frequent in serious dengue disease (p < 0.01), but with poor accuracy (positive likelihood ratio = 1.89 and 3.89; negative likelihood ratio = 0.53 and 0.60, respectively). Serum albumin was lower in serious dengue forms (p < 0.01). Despite statistical significance (p < 0.05), both groups presented thrombocytopenia. Platelets count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin parameters had area under the curve <0.5. Conclusions: Lethargy, abdominal distension, pleural effusion, and hypoalbuminemia were the best clinical and laboratorial markers of serious dengue disease in hospitalized children, while bleeding, severe hemorrhage, hemoconcentration and thrombocytopenia did not reach adequate diagnostic accuracy. In pediatric referral hospitals, the absence of hemoconcentration does not imply absence of plasma leakage, particularly in children with previous fluid replacement. These findings may contribute to the clinical management of dengue in children at referral hospitals.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a validade dos sinais clínicos e laboratoriais para o dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas. Métodos Coorte retrospectivo de crianças (<18 anos) internadas com dengue (2007-2008). Evolução grave foi definida como óbito ou pelo uso de terapia de suporte avançado de vida. Foram calculadas medidas de acurácia e área sob a curva ROC. Resultados Do total (n = 145), 53,1% casos eram do sexo feminino, 69% de 2 a 11 anos e 15,9% evoluíram para gravidade. Letargia obteve a melhor acurácia (razão de verossimilhança positiva RVP > 19 e RV negativa RVN < 0,6). Derrame pleural e distensão abdominal apresentaram maior sensibilidade (se = 82,6%). Relato de sangramentos (epistaxe, gengivorragia ou gastrointestinal) e hemorragia grave (pulmonar ou gastrointestinal) presente no exame físico foi mais frequente nos casos com evolução grave (p <0,01), porém com baixa acurácia (RVP = 1,89 e 3,89; RVN = 0,53 e 0,60, respectivamente). Os níveis de albumina sérica foram mais baixos nas formas graves (p <0,01). Ambos os grupos apresentaram trombocitopenia, apesar da diferença estatística (p <0,05). Contagem de plaquetas, hematócrito e hemoglobina apresentaram área sob a curva ROC < 0,5. Conclusões Letargia, distensão abdominal, derrame pleural e hipoalbuminemia foram os melhores marcadores clínicos e laboratoriais de dengue com evolução grave em crianças hospitalizadas, enquanto sangramento, hemorragia grave, hemoconcentração e trombocitopenia não tiveram boa acurácia diagnóstica. Em hospitais de referência pediátricos, a ausência de hemoconcentração não implica ausência de extravasamento plasmático, particularmente quando há reposição anterior de volume. Esses resultados podem contribuir para o manejo clínico do dengue em crianças em hospitais de referência.

Clinical and laboratory signs associated to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of clinical and laboratory signs to serious dengue disease in hospitalized children. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of children (<18 years) hospitalized with dengue diagnosis (2007-2008). Serious dengue disease was defined as death or use of advanced life support therapy. Accuracy measures and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated. RESULTS: Of the total (n=145), 53.1% were female, 69% aged 2-11 years, and 15.9% evolved to the worse outcome. Lethargy had the best accuracy (positive likelihood ratio >19 and negative likelihood ratio <0.6). Pleural effusion and abdominal distension had higher sensitivity (82.6%). History of bleeding (epistaxis, gingival or gastrointestinal bleeding) and severe hemorrhage (pulmonary or gastrointestinal bleeding) in physical examination were more frequent in serious dengue disease (p<0.01), but with poor accuracy (positive likelihood ratio=1.89 and 3.89; negative likelihood ratio=0.53 and 0.60, respectively). Serum albumin was lower in serious dengue forms (p<0.01). Despite statistical significance (p<0.05), both groups presented thrombocytopenia. Platelets count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin parameters had area under the curve <0.5. CONCLUSIONS: Lethargy, abdominal distension, pleural effusion, and hypoalbuminemia were the best clinical and laboratorial markers of serious dengue disease in hospitalized children, while bleeding, severe hemorrhage, hemoconcentration and thrombocytopenia did not reach adequate diagnostic accuracy. In pediatric referral hospitals, the absence of hemoconcentration does not imply absence of plasma leakage, particularly in children with previous fluid replacement. These findings may contribute to the clinical management of dengue in children at referral hospitals.

Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII as agent of meningitis in a healthy child in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: report of an autochthonous case.

Cryptococcus gattii causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent hosts, occurring endemically in some tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, this fungus was involved in an outbreak in Vancouver Island and British Columbia (Canada). In this temperate region, the VGII type is predominant. The paper describes an autochthonous case of meningoencephalitis by C. gattii VGII in a previously health child in Rio de Janeiro, considered nonendemic region of Brazil. The fungus was identified by biochemical tests and the molecular type was determined by URA5-RFLP. The present report highlights the need for clinical vigilance for primary cryptococcal meningitis in nonendemic areas.

Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII as agent of meningitis in a healthy child in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: report of an autochthonous case / Cryptococcus gattii tipo molecular VGII como agente causador de meningoencefalite em criança saudável no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: relato de um caso autóctone

Cryptococcus gattii causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent hosts, occurring endemically in some tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, this fungus was involved in an outbreak in Vancouver Island and British Columbia (Canada). In this temperate region, the VGII type is predominant. The paper describes an autochthonous case of meningoencephalitis by C. gattii VGII in a previously health child in Rio de Janeiro, considered nonendemic region of Brazil. The fungus was identified by biochemical tests and the molecular type was determined by URA5-RFLP. The present report highlights the need for clinical vigilance for primary cryptococcal meningitis in nonendemic areas.

Cryptococcus gattii é causa de meningoencefalite em hospedeiros imunocompetentes, ocorrendo endemicamente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Recentemente foi causador de surtos na Ilha de Vancouver e na Columbia Britânica (Canadá). Nesta região de clima temperado, o tipo VGII é predominante. Relatamos um caso de meningoencefalite pelo C.gattii tipo VGII acometendo criança previamente saudável autóctone do Rio de Janeiro, região não endêmica do Brasil. O agente foi identificado por testes bioquímicos e o tipo molecular determinado através de URA5-RFLP. O presente relato enfatiza a necessidade de vigilância clínica para a meningite criptocóccica primária em áreas não endêmicas.

Gestantes colonizadas pelo Streptococcus do grupo B e seus recém-nascidos: análise crítica da conduta adotada no Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz / Beta-hemolytic streptococcus in pregnant women and their newborn infants: a critical analysis of the protocol used at Fernandes Figueira Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicação do protocolo do Centers of Disease Control (CDC, 2002) quanto à profilaxia da sepse neonatal precoce por Streptococcus do grupo B (SGB). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários de 125 gestantes colonizadas pelo SGB e 133 recém-nascidos, no período de janeiro/2003 a dezembro/2006. A conduta intraparto foi considerada correta quando a gestante recebia antibioticoprofilaxia pelo menos quatro horas antes do parto, ou quando não recebia, mas era submetida a parto cesáreo eletivo. A conduta intraparto foi considerada incorreta quando a gestante recebia antibioticoprofilaxia menos de quatro horas antes do parto, a prescrição antibiótica estava incorreta ou quando não havia profilaxia prescrita. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de colonização materna pelo SGB foi de 4,7 por cento. A época de coleta do swab vaginal/retal variou entre 14 e 40 semanas de gestação, com média de 32 semanas. Das gestantes colonizadas, 54 (43 por cento) receberam conduta intraparto correta. Dos 133 recém-nascidos estudados, 95 (71 por cento) receberam avaliação diagnóstica corretamente, 17 (13 por cento) evoluíram com sepse clínica e um (0,75 por cento) apresentou sepse comprovada. A incidência de sepse foi maior em recém-nascidos cujas mães não receberam profilaxia intraparto corretamente, porém esta associação não apresentou diferença estatística significativa (18 versus 7 por cento, p>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de o protocolo para prevenção de sepse precoce pelo SGB estar implementado na instituição, ainda é possível observar falhas na profilaxia intraparto materna. Essas falhas representam oportunidades perdidas na prevenção da sepse precoce pelo SGB.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the guidelines of the Centers of Disease Control (CDC, 2002) regarding the prophylaxes of group B Streptococcus (GBS) early onset neonatal sepsis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study by chart review of 125 pregnant women colonized by GBS and 133 neonates born at a 3rd level maternity hospital, from January/2003 to December/2006. The intrapartum management was deemed correct when pregnant women were given prophylactic antibiotic at least four hours before delivery or when they did not receive medication but were submitted to elective cesarean section. The intrapartum management was considered incorrect when the pregnant woman was given antibiotic prophylaxis less than four hours before delivery, when the antibiotic prescription was inadequate or no prophylaxis had been prescribed. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal colonization by GBS was 4.7 percent. The time when the vaginal/rectal swab was collected ranged between 14-40 (mean 32) weeks of gestation. Among the colonized mothers, 54 (43 percent) received correct intrapartum management. Among 133 studied infants, 95 (71 percent) received a correct diagnosis; 17 (13 percent) developed clinical sepsis and one (0.75 percent) had proven bacterial sepsis. The incidence of sepsis was higher in infants whose mothers did not receive a correct intrapartum prophylaxis, but this difference was not significant (18 versus 7 percent, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the guidelines to prevent perinatal GBS disease are in place, there are flaws in the intrapartum prophylaxis and in infants' evaluation. These flaws represent missed opportunities to prevent early onset GBS sepsis.