Advancing Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Diagnosis through High-Speed Video Microscopy Analysis.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder that impairs motile cilia, essential for respiratory health, with a reported prevalence of 1 in 16,309 within Hispanic populations. Despite 70% of Puerto Rican patients having the RSPH4A [c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)] founder mutation, the characterization of the ciliary dysfunction remains unidentified due to the unavailability of advanced diagnostic modalities like High-Speed Video Microscopy Analysis (HSVA). Our study implemented HSVA for the first time on the island as a tool to better diagnose and characterize the RSPH4A [c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)] founder mutation in Puerto Rican patients. By applying HSVA, we analyzed the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and pattern (CBP) in native Puerto Rican patients with PCD. Our results showed decreased CBF and a rotational CBP linked to the RSPH4A founder mutation in Puerto Ricans, presenting a novel diagnostic marker that could be implemented as an axillary test into the PCD diagnosis algorithm in Puerto Rico. The integration of HSVA technology in Puerto Rico substantially enhances the PCD evaluation and diagnosis framework, facilitating prompt detection and early intervention for improved disease management. This initiative, demonstrating the potential of HSVA as an adjunctive test within the PCD diagnostic algorithm, could serve as a blueprint for analogous developments throughout Latin America.

Evaluation of negative binomial and zero-inflated negative binomial models for the analysis of zero-inflated count data: application to the telemedicine for children with medical complexity trial.

BACKGROUND: Two characteristics of commonly used outcomes in medical research are zero inflation and non-negative integers; examples include the number of hospital admissions or emergency department visits, where the majority of patients will have zero counts. Zero-inflated regression models were devised to analyze this type of data. However, the performance of zero-inflated regression models or the properties of data best suited for these analyses have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the performance of two generalized linear models, negative binomial and zero-inflated negative binomial, for analyzing zero-inflated count data. Simulation scenarios assumed a randomized controlled trial design and varied the true underlying distribution, sample size, and rate of zero inflation. We compared the models in terms of bias, mean squared error, and coverage. Additionally, we used logistic regression to determine which data properties are most important for predicting the best-fitting model. RESULTS: We first found that, regardless of the rate of zero inflation, there was little difference between the conventional negative binomial and its zero-inflated counterpart in terms of bias of the marginal treatment group coefficient. Second, even when the outcome was simulated from a zero-inflated distribution, a negative binomial model was favored above its ZI counterpart in terms of the Akaike Information Criterion. Third, the mean and skewness of the non-zero part of the data were stronger predictors of model preference than the percentage of zero counts. These results were not affected by the sample size, which ranged from 60 to 800. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that the rate of zero inflation and overdispersion in the outcome should not be the sole and main justification for choosing zero-inflated regression models. Investigators should also consider other data characteristics when choosing a model for count data. In addition, if the performance of the NB and ZINB regression models is reasonably comparable even with ZI outcomes, we advocate the use of the NB regression model due to its clear and straightforward interpretation of the results.

Pulmonary outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients based on defect size (CDH Study Group Stage).

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. Previous investigation has shown that postnatal inpatient morbidity is linked to diaphragmatic defect size. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term pulmonary outcomes by CDH study group defect size. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for CDH patients (n=133) managed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a single children's hospital within an adult hospital system and subsequently followed up at a comprehensive multidisciplinary CDH clinic (n=102) from January 2012 to April 2022. CDH patients were stratified according to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group (CDHSG) Stage, and then categorized as low-risk (LR), defect size A and B, or high-risk (HR), defect size C and D. Inpatient data, including the presence of pulmonary hypertension, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) utilization, and mechanical ventilation days, were collected. Post-discharge data including the prevalence of asthma, pulmonary hypertension, emergency department visits, the total number of hospitalizations, and average rehospitalization days were collected. Frequentist analysis was used. Results: The outcomes for 133 NICU patients were analyzed (HR: n=54, LR: n=79). During NICU stay, the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension [HR: 16/54 (30%) vs. LR: 9/79 (12%), P=0.009], ECLS utilization [HR: 19/54 (35%) vs. LR: 4/79 (5%), P<0.001], and the average number of mechanical ventilation days [HR: 17 days (IQR: 12-27) vs. LR: 5 days (IQR: 2-9), P<0.001] were significantly higher in the HR CDH group. Post NICU discharge, the prevalence of asthma [HR: 20/54 (37%), vs. LR: 17/79 (22%), P=0.050)] and the total days of rehospitalization [HR: 9 (IQR: 2-27) vs. LR: 4 (IQR: 1-8), P=0.035] were significantly higher in HR group. Of the patients seen in the comprehensive multidisciplinary CDH clinic, obstructive lung disease measured by impulse oscillometry was increased in the HR CDH population compared to the reference group [median R5Hz was 12.95 kPa/(L/s) in CDH vs. 9.8 kPa/(L/s) (P=0.010)]. Conclusions: HR CDHSG Stage is associated with worse inpatient and long-term pulmonary outcomes.

Use of term reference infants in assessing the developmental outcome of extremely preterm infants: lessons learned in a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Extremely preterm (EP) impairment rates are likely underestimated using the Bayley III norm-based thresholds scores and may be better assessed relative to concurrent healthy term reference (TR) infants born in the same hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, certified examiners in the Neonatal Research Network (NRN) evaluated EP survivors and a sample of healthy TR infants recruited near the 2-year assessment age. RESULTS: We assessed 1452 EP infants and 183 TR infants. TR-based thresholds showed higher overall EP impairment than Bayley norm-based thresholds (O.R. = 1.86; [95% CI 1.56-2.23], especially for severe impairment (36% vs. 24%; p ≤ 0.001). Difficulty recruiting TR patients at 2 years extended the study by 14 months and affected their demographics. CONCLUSION: Impairment rates among EP infants appear to be substantially underestimated from Bayley III norms. These rates may be best assessed by comparison with healthy term infants followed with minimal attrition from birth in the same centers. GOV ID: Term Reference (under the Generic Database Study): NCT00063063.

Bronchiectasis Assessment in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Non-Invasive Approach Using Forced Oscillation Technique.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from the dysfunction of motile cilia, which can cause chronic upper and lower respiratory infections leading to bronchiectasis. However, there is a need for additional tools to monitor the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is an effort-independent lung function test that can be used to evaluate respiratory mechanics. In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the radiographic findings associated with respiratory impedance (resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs)) measured by FOT in six adult PCD patients and one pediatric with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. We compared the radiographic findings on a high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) scan with the FOT results. Our findings suggest that respiratory impedance measured by FOT may be a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD patients with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. However, further research is necessary to validate these results and determine the sensitivity and specificity of bronchiectasis monitoring in PCD patients with other genetic mutations.

Prevalence of genetic mutations in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (aatd) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an underrecognized genetic disorder associated mainly with pulmonary emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All individuals with COPD regardless of age or ethnicity should be tested for AATD, but in Colombia its prevalence in unknown. MAIN OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the genetic mutations, present in AATD in adult patients with COPD in Colombia, using a genotyping test on cells from the oral mucosa. METHODS: This was a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study which included adult patients attending seven COPD care centres in Colombia. Demographic data, medical history, including history of exposure to smoking and biomass smoke, most recent spirometry, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment received, serum AAT levels, and mutations detected by the genotyping test were recorded for all the recruited patients. For the comparison of variables between the groups with and without mutation, we used the X2 test for the qualitative variables and the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test according to their distribution. MAIN FINDINGS: We collected a sample of 1,107 patients, the median age was 73.8 years (87.6-79.9). Mutations were documented in 144 patients (13.01%), the majority had the M/S mutation (78.50%), followed by M/Z (9.72%). One patient had a ZZ mutation and two patients had null alleles. In total, 23 patients had mutations associated with serum AAT deficiency (levels below 60 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic mutations were documented in 13.01% of patients with COPD in Colombia and 2.07% were AATD-related, showing that there is a significant number of underdiagnosed patients.

Screening for asthma in preschool children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Asthma in preschool children is poorly defined, proving to be a challenge for early detection. The Breathmobile Case Identification Survey (BCIS) has been shown to be a feasible screening tool in older SCD children and could be effective in younger children. We attempted to validate the BCIS as an asthma screening tool in preschool children with SCD. METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center study of 50 children aged 2-5 years with SCD. BCIS was administered to all patients and a pulmonologist blinded to the results evaluated patients for asthma. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained to assess risk factors for asthma and acute chest syndrome in this population. RESULTS: Asthma prevalence (n = 3/50; 6%) was lower than atopic dermatitis (20%) and allergic rhinitis (32%). Sensitivity (100%), specificity (85%), positive predictive value (30%), and negative predictive value (100%) of the BCIS were high. Clinical demographics, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, viral respiratory infection, hematology parameters, sickle hemoglobin subtype, tobacco smoke exposure, and hydroxyurea were not different between patients with or without history of ACS, although eosinophil was significantly lower in the ACS group (p = 0.0093). All those with asthma had ACS, known viral respiratory infection resulting in hospitalization (3 RSV and 1 influenza), and HbSS (homozygous Hemoglobin SS) subtype. CONCLUSION: The BCIS is an effective asthma screening tool in preschool children with SCD. Asthma prevalence in young children with SCD is low. Previously known ACS risk factors were not seen, possibly from the beneficial effects of early life initiation of hydroxyurea.

The RSPH4A Gene in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

The radial spoke head protein 4 homolog A (RSPH4A) gene is one of more than 50 genes that cause Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare genetic ciliopathy. Genetic mutations in the RSPH4A gene alter an important protein structure involved in ciliary pathogenesis. Radial spoke proteins, such as RSPH4A, have been conserved across multiple species. In humans, ciliary function deficiency caused by RSPH4A pathogenic variants results in a clinical phenotype characterized by recurrent oto-sino-pulmonary infections. More than 30 pathogenic RSPH4A genetic variants have been associated with PCD. In Puerto Rican Hispanics, a founder mutation (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) has been described. The spectrum of the RSPH4A PCD phenotype does not include laterality defects, which results in a challenging diagnosis. PCD diagnostic tools can combine transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nasal nitric oxide (nNO), High-Speed Video microscopy Analysis (HSVA), and immunofluorescence. The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge about the RSPH4A gene in PCD, ranging from basic science to human clinical phenotype.

Plasma Biomarkers and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in the Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease which requires endoscopy with biopsies for diagnosis and monitoring. We aimed to identify a panel of non-invasive markers that could help identify patients with active EoE. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 128 children aged 5-18 years old, scheduled for endoscopy for suspected esophageal or peptic disease. On the day of the endoscopy, fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured; and blood was collected for peripheral absolute eosinophil count (AEC), plasma amino acids, and plasma polyamine analysis. Patients were grouped into controls (n = 91), EoE in remission (n = 16), or active EoE (n = 21), based on esophageal eosinophilia and history of EoE. RESULTS: AEC was not statistically significant different among the groups compared ( P = 0.056). Plasma amino acids: citrulline (CIT), ß-alanine (ß-ALA), and cysteine (CYS) were higher in active EoE compared to controls ( P < 0.05). The polyamine spermine was lower in active EoE versus controls ( P < 0.05). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the predictive capability of a combined score made of FeNO, ß-ALA, CYS, and spermine had an area under curve (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96) in differentiating active EoE from controls and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74-1.00) when differentiating active EoE from EoE in remission. CONCLUSION: A panel comprising FeNO, 2 plasma amino acids (ß-ALA, CYS) and the polyamine spermine can be used as a non-invasive tool to differentiate active EoE patients from controls.

Pulmonary hypertension screening in children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Screening for pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is recommended in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, best approaches are poorly described. We examined the utility of PHT symptoms, echocardiogram (ECHO), N-terminal-pro hormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and BNP to screen for PHT in the SCD pediatric population. METHODS: Children (8-18 years old) with SCD-HbSS and HbSthal° were prospectively included and underwent PHT screening. The screening consisted of a comprehensive PHT symptoms evaluation, ECHO measurement, and NT-proBNP and BNP levels. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included (mean age 12 ± 5.7 years; >80% on hydroxyurea), of which 37% had a symptom consistent with PHT, including exertional dyspnea (26.5%), fatigue (17.6%), palpitation (14.7%), and chest pain (10.3%). ECHO was obtained in 53 (72.6%) patients, with only ECHO of 48 patients included in the final analysis. Elevated ECHO peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) >2.5 m/s or indirect findings to suggest PHT were seen in only two of 48 (4.2%). No significant differences were seen between those with and without PHT symptoms when compared for NT-proBNP, BNP, hemoglobin, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, asthma, oxygen saturation, and sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: PHT symptoms are not consistent with ECHO, NT-proBNP nor BNP findings in children with SCD. PHT prevalence based on TRV was low in children on hydroxyurea, therefore screening may not be warranted for this group.

Nasal Nitric Oxide Levels: Improving the Diagnosis of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Puerto Rico.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease characterized by motile cilia dysfunction with a prevalence of 1 in 16,309 individuals in Hispanic populations. In Puerto Rico, the prevalence of PCD is unknown. Diagnosis of PCD in Puerto Rico is challenging due to the lack of diagnostic technology. Algorithms for PCD diagnosis include clinical history, genetic testing, ciliary biopsy, and nasal Nitric Oxide (nNO) levels. For the first time, this study successfully implemented and measured the nNO levels in subjects with the RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)) as a diagnostic tool to complement the current algorithm for PCD diagnosis on the island. The nNO level differentiated homozygous subjects with PCD due to the RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)) founder mutation compared to healthy gender-age matched controls and subjects with VUS or negative genetic testing for PCD. The acquisition of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as nNO positively impacted and expanded our current PCD diagnostic capabilities in Puerto Rico for our founder genetic mutation. The addition of nNO technology promotes earlier disease screening and recognition for patients with PCD on the island. The access to nNO helped us to properly characterize the PCD diagnosis for patients with the RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)). As a result, our findings will allow us to be part of the national PCD foundation registry and represent Puerto Rican Hispanics in future PCD multicentric clinical trials.

The Genetics of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Puerto Rico.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been linked to more than 50 genes that cause a spectrum of clinical symptoms, including newborn respiratory distress, sinopulmonary infections, and laterality abnormalities. Although the RSPH4A (c.921+3_6delAAGT) pathogenic variant has been related to Hispanic groups with Puerto Rican ancestry, it is uncertain how frequently other PCD-implicated genes are present on the island. A retrospective chart review of n = 127 genetic reports from Puerto Rican subjects who underwent genetic screening for PCD variants was conducted from 2018 to 2022. Of 127 subjects, 29.1% subjects presented PCD pathogenic variants, and 13.4% were homozygous for the RSPH4A (c.921+3_6delAAGT) founder mutation. The most common pathogenic variants were in RSPH4A and ZMYND10 genes. A description of the frequency and geographic distribution of implicated PCD pathogenic variants in Puerto Rico is presented. Our findings reconfirm that the presence of PCD in Puerto Rico is predominantly due to a founder pathogenic variant in the RSPH4A (c.921+3_6delAAGT) splice site. Understanding the frequency of PCD genetic variants in Puerto Rico is essential to map a future genotype-phenotype PCD spectrum in Puerto Rican Hispanics with a heterogeneous ancestry.

Sleep Apnea Screening in Children With Sickle Cell Anemia.

BACKGROUND: Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended by current guidelines in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but no specific approach is described. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) is a validated detection tool for OSA in children. We assessed the utility of PSQ to screen for OSA in children with concomitant SCA and snoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study, in children 4 to 18 years old with SCA. Subjects were assessed for snoring and PSQ administered at the same visit. All children with snoring were then referred for polysomnography. RESULTS: A total of 106 subjects were screened. Habitual snoring prevalence was 51/106 (48.1%). In the snoring group, OSA was detected in 83.9% (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥1.0/h) and 22.6% (AHI ≥5.0/h), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of PSQ in children with snoring was 46.2% and 20.0% (AHI ≥1.0/h), and 57.1% and 50.0% (AHI ≥5.0/h), respectively. Physician assessment for snoring had a high sensitivity of 70.3% but low specificity of 58.4% (AHI ≥1.0/h), and 87.5% and 41.5% (AHI ≥5.0/h), respectively. CONCLUSION: PSQ is a poor screening tool for detection of OSA in those children with SCA who snore. Physician assessment for snoring could however be an initial approach before polysomnography.

Hydrocortisone to Improve Survival without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a prevalent complication after extremely preterm birth. Inflammation with mechanical ventilation may contribute to its development. Whether hydrocortisone treatment after the second postnatal week can improve survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia and without adverse neurodevelopmental effects is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a trial involving infants who had a gestational age of less than 30 weeks and who had been intubated for at least 7 days at 14 to 28 days. Infants were randomly assigned to receive either hydrocortisone (4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day tapered over a period of 10 days) or placebo. Mandatory extubation thresholds were specified. The primary efficacy outcome was survival without moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, and the primary safety outcome was survival without moderate or severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 22 to 26 months of corrected age. RESULTS: We enrolled 800 infants (mean [±SD] birth weight, 715±167 g; mean gestational age, 24.9±1.5 weeks). Survival without moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks occurred in 66 of 398 infants (16.6%) in the hydrocortisone group and in 53 of 402 (13.2%) in the placebo group (adjusted rate ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93 to 1.74). Two-year outcomes were known for 91.0% of the infants. Survival without moderate or severe neurodevelopmental impairment occurred in 132 of 358 infants (36.9%) in the hydrocortisone group and in 134 of 359 (37.3%) in the placebo group (adjusted rate ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.18). Hypertension that was treated with medication occurred more frequently with hydrocortisone than with placebo (4.3% vs. 1.0%). Other adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial involving preterm infants, hydrocortisone treatment starting on postnatal day 14 to 28 did not result in substantially higher survival without moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia than placebo. Survival without moderate or severe neurodevelopmental impairment did not differ substantially between the two groups. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01353313.).

Research Agenda for Implementation of Principles of Care for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs.

OBJECTIVE: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) have a range of medical, educational, and support service needs to achieve optimal health and wellness. Principles of care for CYSHCN have been well described, but the literature is lacking particularly on implementation and integration of care across different settings and systems. The objective of this manuscript is to define a research agenda for principles of care for CYSHCN. METHODS: Literature review examined principles of care for CYSHCN. Existing research gaps and priorities for principles of care were drawn from the literature review, a recently developed national research agenda for CYSHCN, and stakeholder consensus. RESULTS: Specific implementation areas of inquiry include family partner roles within and across systems; life course approach for CYSHCN; roles and training of interdisciplinary team members; and implementation, spread, and sustainability studies. Proposed methods include implementation science-based and comparative effectiveness research. A common set of metrics including health care utilization, clinical outcomes, and family and provider needs should be considered to evaluate implementation of principles of care. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation science and comparative effectiveness methods are needed to further understanding about how to adopt and spread principles of care for CYSHCN. The evolving demographics of CYSHCN add relevance and urgency for research findings.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Ancestral Haplotypes Analysis of the RSPH4A Founder Mutation in Puerto Rico.

Genetic mutations in >50 genes, including RSPH4A, can lead to primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). RSPH4A mutations affect radial spokes, which alter the configuration of the ciliary ultrastructure and lead to chronic oto-sinopulmonary disease. The RSPH4A [c.921+3_6delAAGT] founder mutation was described as one cause of PCD without laterality defects in Puerto Rico. The average Puerto Rican genetic composition includes 64% European, 21% African ancestral, and 15% Native-American or Taino, a native tribe in the Caribbean at the start of the European colonization, genes. Due to the relatively elevated Taino ancestry on the island, it might have contributed to the endemicity of the RSPH4A [c.921+3_6delAAGT] splice site mutation. However, the ancestry of this mutation is still not confirmed. This article describes the two pediatric PCD cases with the Puerto Rican foundermutationand reports an ancestral haplotype analysis of the RSPH4A [c.921+3_6delAAGT] splice site mutation. A median-joining haplotype network was constructed with the genome sequence data from 104 Puerto Rican subjects in the 1000 Genomes Project (1000GP). This study found that the RSPH4A [c.921+3_6delAAGT] splice site mutation was carried to Puerto Rico from Europe by conquistadors or shortly after the conquest and that it gained frequency on the island through genetic drift fueled by a subsequent population expansion.

Telemedicine for Children With Medical Complexity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is widely used but has uncertain value. We assessed telemedicine to further improve outcomes and reduce costs of comprehensive care (CC) for medically complex children. METHODS: We conducted a single-center randomized clinical trial comparing telemedicine with CC relative to CC alone for medically complex children in reducing care days outside the home (clinic, emergency department, or hospital; primary outcome), rate of children developing serious illnesses (causing death, ICU admission, or hospital stay >7 days), and health system costs. We used intent-to-treat Bayesian analyses with neutral prior assuming no benefit. All participants received CC, which included 24/7 phone access to primary care providers (PCPs), low patient-to-PCP ratio, and hospital consultation from PCPs. The telemedicine group also received remote audiovisual communication with the PCPs. RESULTS: Between August 22, 2018, and March 23, 2020, we randomly assigned 422 medically complex children (209 to CC with telemedicine and 213 to CC alone) before meeting predefined stopping rules. The probability of a reduction with CC with telemedicine versus CC alone was 99% for care days outside the home (12.94 vs 16.94 per child-year; Bayesian rate ratio, 0.80 [95% credible interval, 0.66-0.98]), 95% for rate of children with a serious illness (0.29 vs 0.62 per child-year; rate ratio, 0.68 [0.43-1.07]) and 91% for mean total health system costs (US$33 718 vs US$41 281 per child-year; Bayesian cost ratio, 0.85 [0.67-1.08]). CONCLUSION: The addition of telemedicine to CC likely reduced care days outside the home, serious illnesses, other adverse outcomes, and health care costs for medically complex children.

Intravenous immunoglobulin as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19: A case report and literature review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has infected and caused the death of an alarming number of individuals worldwide. No specific treatment has been internationally standardized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, in some cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as adjuvant treatment in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We report a case of a 50-year-old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who received 5 days course of IVIG as adjuvant therapy. Invasive respiratory support was avoided. The patient had a successful recovery and was discharged without supplemental oxygen. A high dose of IVIG may improve survival in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In the current report, we reviewed literature on how IVIG use may improve the early stages of the disease.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Diagnostic Challenges: Understanding the Clinical Phenotype of the Puerto Rican RSPH4A Founder Mutation.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, heterogeneous ciliopathy resulting in chronic oto-sino-pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, newborn respiratory distress, and laterality defects. PCD diagnosis can be achieved by following diagnostic algorithms that include electron microscopy, genetics, and ancillary testing. Genetic mutations in more than 45 genes, including RSPH4A, can lead to PCD. RSPH4A mutations located on chromosome six, affect radial spokes and results in central complex apparatus abnormalities. The RSPH4A [c.921 + 3_6delAAGT] founder mutation was described as one cause of PCD without laterality defects in Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are further diagnostic challenges present in the Puerto Rican population to diagnose PCD. We describe the demographics, clinical features, and RSPH4A genetic variants in 13 patients with clinical PCD affecting 11 Puerto Ricans from unrelated families.

First Characterization of the Formation of Anthocyanin-Ge and Anthocyanin-B Complexes through UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Quantum Chemical Calculations.

The occurrence of anthocyanin (ACN) and metal (Me) complexes has been widely supported by many research works while the possibility that ACNs bind to metalloids (Mds) is yet to be proven. Here, metalloids (H3BO3 for B; GeO2 for Ge) were added to cyanidin-based solutions at pH 5, 6, and 7 and ACN-Md stoichiometric ratios of 1:1, 1:10, 1:100, and 1:500, and UV-vis transmittance spectroscopy as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to test this hypothesis. Ge and B addition caused bathochromic and hyperchromic shifts on ACN UV-vis spectra, particularly pronounced at pH 5 and a 1:500 (ACN:Md) ratio. ACN-Me complexation reactions have been evaluated where Ge showed a higher capability to bind to ACNs than B. Among the complexes envisioned, those labeled as b1, b2, and b3 feature UV-vis spectra compatible with experiments. The combination of experimental and computational data offers for the first time evidence of the formation of ACN-Md complexes.