Pediatric COVID-19 in Argentina: a comprehensive analysis of disease and economic burden through official data and a systematic literature review.

Background: Limited data are available on the clinical impact and economic burden of COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Argentina. We aimed to estimate the disease and economic burden of COVID-19 on children and adolescents. Methods: We analyzed official national databases and conducted a supplemental systematic review of the published literature with meta-analysis in children aged 0-18. The period of interest was from March 2020 to August 2021, before the introduction of vaccination in this age group as a national strategic plan. In addition, we used a cost of illness analysis to estimate the direct medical costs associated with COVID-19. All costs are reported in US dollars 2023. Results: A total of 450,503 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 180 multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) were reported in Argentina in the study period. Fourteen observational clinical studies were identified. The meta-analyses of severity level from hospital patients showed that according to different studies 15%-28% of cases were asymptomatic, 68%-88% were mild or moderate, and 3%-10% were severe or critical. About 28% of children had an underlying disease. In addition, the estimated economic burden associated with COVID-19 was 80 million dollars and 4 million dollars corresponded to MISC. Conclusion: Significant impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system and substantial economic implications for the pediatric population in Argentina were identified. The findings should help policymakers to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

Results of training with a low-cost simulation model for endoscope-assisted scaphocephaly repair.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscope-assisted repair of sagittal craniosynostosis is an effective technique that requires a learning curve. Surgical simulation models can be applied to acquire the necessary skills for this procedure. Several models with a wide range of costs have been described for training in this technique. The aim of this work was to present the results of training with a low-cost simulation model for endoscope-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis repair. METHODS: A simulation model for sagittal craniosynostosis was developed using low-cost materials. The model is easily assembled and allows successive uses. Three neurosurgery residents, 3 fellows, and 2 neurosurgeons performed a 4-session training program in sagittal craniosynostosis repair. The Global Rating Scale (GRS) score, number of errors, and the time required to perform the task were reported by 2 independent evaluators using a checklist. Measurements were compared between the first and last training using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. All participants completed a questionnaire (5-point Likert scale) regarding the realism of the simulation model. RESULTS: A model was developed to recreate the steps required to perform an endoscope-assisted scaphocephaly repair with the patient in a simulated sphinx position. All participants improved their GRS performance between the first and final training. The median time needed to perform the initial training was 47.5 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 44.5-48 minutes, interrater difference [IRD] p = 0.77), and for the last training was 40.5 minutes (IQR 35.5-43 minutes, IRD p > 0.99). The median number of errors reported in the initial training was 5.5 (IQR 3-7.75 errors, IRD p = 0.8), and in the last training was 1 (IQR 0.75-2.25 errors, IRD p = 0.35). There was a statistically significant difference regarding the time and number of errors between the initial and final training (p < 0.001). More than 85% of the participants found that the surface anatomy, skull and anterior fontanel, fused sagittal suture, and epidural space of the model were realistic and had appropriate detail required to perform the surgery. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the endoscope handling was realistic, and that the steps and skills required to complete the task were representative of those required for the real procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost sagittal craniosynostosis simulation model was developed, allowing successive uses. The acquisition of skills within the simulation was demonstrated for all participants regarding the GRS score and the number of errors and time needed to perform the task. In addition, the model was found to be realistic in terms of anatomical references and the procedural steps required for this minimally invasive technique.

Ultrasound attenuation imaging: a reproducible alternative for the noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hepatic steatosis is a global public health concern, as an increasing number of children are affected by this condition. Liver biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method; however, this procedure is invasive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction has been accepted as an alternative to biopsy. However, this method is limited by cost and availability. Ultrasound (US) attenuation imaging is an upcoming tool for noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children. A limited number of publications have focused on US attenuation imaging and the stages of hepatic steatosis in children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the usefulness of ultrasound attenuation imaging for the diagnosis and quantification of hepatic steatosis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July and November 2021, 174 patients were included and divided into two groups: group 1, patients with risk factors for steatosis (n = 147), and group 2, patients without risk factors for steatosis (n = 27). In all cases, age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI percentile were determined. B-mode US (two observers) and US attenuation imaging with attenuation coefficient acquisition (two independent sessions, two different observers) were performed in both groups. Steatosis was classified into four grades (0: absent, 1: mild, 2: moderate and 3: severe) using B-mode US. Attenuation coefficient acquisition was correlated with steatosis score according to Spearman's correlation. Attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements' interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: All attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements were satisfactory without technical failures. The median values for group 1 for the first session were 0.64 (0.57-0.69) dB/cm/MHz and 0.64 (0.60-0.70) dB/cm/MHz for the second session. The median values for group 2 for the first session were 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz and 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for the second. The average attenuation coefficient acquisition was 0.65 (0.59-0.69) dB/cm/MHz for group 1 and 0.54 (0.52-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for group 2. There was excellent interobserver agreement at 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96). There was substantial agreement between both observers (κ = 0.77, with a P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between ultrasound attenuation imaging and B-mode scores for both observers (r = 0.87, P < 0.001 for observer 1; r = 0.86, P < 0.001 for observer 2). Attenuation coefficient acquisition median values were significantly different for each steatosis grade (P < 0.001). In the assessment of steatosis by B-mode US, the agreement between the two observers was moderate (κ = 0.49 and κ = 0.55, respectively, with a P < 0.001 in both cases). CONCLUSION: US attenuation imaging is a promising tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric steatosis, which provides a more repeatable form of classification, especially at low levels of steatosis detectable in B-mode US.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections: A case-control study from a pediatric referral hospital in Argentina.

Background: Antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI) remain a leading cause morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients with a high impact on the public health system. Data in resource-limited countries, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean region, are scarce. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for acquiring carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteremia in children and to assess the use of resources. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze demographic, epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and outcome data as well as the use of resources between 2014 and 2019. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify risk factors associated with CRE-BSI. The R software version 4.1.2 was used. Results: A total of 46 cases with CRE-BSI and 92 controls with gram-negative non-CRE-BSI were included. No statistical difference was observed regarding: median age (36 months; IQR, 11.2-117 vs. 48 months, IQR 13-119), male sex (50 vs. 60%), and underlying disease (98 vs. 91%) in cases vs. controls, respectively. The most frequent mechanism of CRE bacteremia were: KPC in 74%, OXA in 15%, and NDM in 6.5%. A total of 54.3% of cases vs. 32.6 % (p = 0.016) of controls were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and 48 vs. 21% (p = 0.001) required mechanical ventilation. Bacteremia secondary to intra-abdominal infection was observed in 56.5% of cases vs. 35% of controls (p = 0.032). Previous colonization with CRE was detected in 76% of cases vs. 8% of controls. Combination antimicrobial treatment was most frequent in cases vs. control (100 vs. 56.5%). No difference was observed in median length of hospital stay (22 days; IQR, 19-31 in cases vs. 17.5 days; IQR, 10-31 in controls; p = 0.8). Overall case fatality ratio was 13 vs. 5.5%, respectively. The most statistically significant risk factors included previous PICU stay (OR, 4; 95%CI, 2-8), invasive procedures/surgery (OR, 3; 95%CI, 1-7), central venous catheter placement (OR, 6.5; 95%CI, 2-19), urinary catheter placement (OR, 9; 95%CI 4-20), mechanical ventilation (OR, 4; 95%CI, 2-10), liver transplantation (OR, 8; 95%CI, 2-26), meropenem treatment (OR, 8.4; 3.5-22.6) in univariate analysis. The logistic regression model used for multivariate analysis yielded significant differences for previous meropenem treatment (OR, 13; 95%CI, 3-77; p = 0.001), liver transplantation (OR, 13; 95%CI, 2.5-100; p = 0.006), and urinary catheter placement (OR, 9; 95%CI, 1.4-94; p = 0.03). Conclusion: CRE-BSI affects hospitalized children with underlying disease, mainly after liver transplantation, with previous urinary catheter use and receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to high PICU requirement and mortality. These risk factors will have to be taken into account in our region in order to establish adequate health policies and programs to improve antimicrobial stewardship.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Related to COVID-19 in Children From Latin America and the Caribbean Region: A Systematic Review With a Meta-Analysis of Data From Regional Surveillance Systems.

Background: With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing numbers of cases of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported worldwide; however, it is unclear whether this syndrome has a differential pattern in children from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and outcome characteristics of patients with MIS-C in LAC countries. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the main electronic databases and scientific meetings from March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Available reports on epidemiological surveillance of countries in the region during the same period were analyzed. Results: Of the 464 relevant studies identified, 23 were included with 592 patients with MIS-C from LAC. Mean age was 6.6 years (IQR, 6-7.4 years); 60% were male. The most common clinical manifestations were fever, rash, and conjunctival injection; 59% showed Kawasaki disease. Pool proportion of shock was 52%. A total of 47% of patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), 23% required mechanical ventilation, and 74% required vasoactive drugs. Intravenous gamma globulin alone was administered in 87% of patients, and in combination with steroids in 60% of cases. Length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR, 9-10) and PICU stay 5.75 (IQR, 5-6). Overall case fatality ratio was 4% and for those hospitalized in the PICU it was 7%. Conclusion: Limited information was available on the clinical outcomes. Improvements in the surveillance system are required to obtain a better epidemiologic overview in the region.