Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a risk factor for asthma in school children and adolescents: A systematic review

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects extremely pre-term infants, and remains the most common complication of prematurity. Several studies have shown that prematurity predisposes to the development of asthma in school children and adolescents. Nevertheless, it is not clear to what extent a history of BPD involves an additional risk. Methods: A systematic review of studies assessing the association between BPD and asthma in school-children and adolescents was made. A literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to retrieve articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2016. Results: A total of 17 studies comprising 7433 patients were included in the review. There was considerable heterogeneity in the definitions of BPD and asthma among studies. Overall, the prevalence of asthma was higher in children and adolescents with a history of prematurity and BPD compared with those who did not develop BPD. However, in only one of the studies did this difference reach statistical significance. The main limitation of this review was potential bias due to the lack of adjustment for confounding factors between exposure (BPD) and outcome (asthma) in most of the studies. Conclusion:Based on the studies reviewed, it cannot be argued that BPD, as an independent factor of prematurity, increases the risk of asthma defined by clinical parameters in school-children and adolescents. Further studies of greater methodological quality and homogeneous diagnostic criteria of BPD and asthma are needed for improved assessment of this association (AU)

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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a risk factor for asthma in school children and adolescents: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects extremely pre-term infants, and remains the most common complication of prematurity. Several studies have shown that prematurity predisposes to the development of asthma in school children and adolescents. Nevertheless, it is not clear to what extent a history of BPD involves an additional risk. METHODS: A systematic review of studies assessing the association between BPD and asthma in school-children and adolescents was made. A literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to retrieve articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2016. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies comprising 7433 patients were included in the review. There was considerable heterogeneity in the definitions of BPD and asthma among studies. Overall, the prevalence of asthma was higher in children and adolescents with a history of prematurity and BPD compared with those who did not develop BPD. However, in only one of the studies did this difference reach statistical significance. The main limitation of this review was potential bias due to the lack of adjustment for confounding factors between exposure (BPD) and outcome (asthma) in most of the studies. CONCLUSION: Based on the studies reviewed, it cannot be argued that BPD, as an independent factor of prematurity, increases the risk of asthma defined by clinical parameters in school-children and adolescents. Further studies of greater methodological quality and homogeneous diagnostic criteria of BPD and asthma are needed for improved assessment of this association.

Protocolo de seguimiento de los pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar / Guidelines for the follow up of patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

La displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) es la secuela más prevalente del recién nacido pretérmino, y sigue suponiendo un motivo frecuente de consulta en las unidades de Neumología Pediátrica. La decisión del alta de la unidad neonatal debe apoyarse en una valoración exhaustiva de la situación clínica del paciente y en el cumplimiento de unos requisitos, que incluyen la estabilidad respiratoria y nutricional, y la instrucción a los cuidadores en el manejo domiciliario. Para un control adecuado de la enfermedad, es necesario que quede establecido, previamente al alta, un calendario de visitas y de exploraciones complementarias, y deben aplicarse las pautas de prevención de exacerbaciones y el tratamiento apropiados. El concepto de DBP como enfermedad multisistémica es fundamental en el seguimiento de los pacientes y debe ser tenido en cuenta para un buen control de la enfermedad. En este documento, el Grupo de Trabajo de Patología Respiratoria Perinatal de la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica propone un protocolo que sirva como referencia para unificar el seguimiento de los pacientes con DBP entre los diferentes centros y ámbitos asistenciales. Se revisan los aspectos a tener en cuenta en la evaluación previa al alta de la Unidad Neonatal y las principales complicaciones durante el seguimiento. Seguidamente, se detallan las recomendaciones en materia de tratamiento de la enfermedad y prevención de complicaciones, los controles tras el alta y su cronología

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of preterm birth, and remains a major problem in pediatric pulmonology units. The decision of discharging from the Neonatal Unit should be based on a thorough assessment of the condition of the patient and compliance with certain requirements, including respiratory and nutritional stability, and caregiver education on disease management. For proper control of the disease, a schedule of visits and complementary tests should be established prior to discharge, and guidelines for prevention of exacerbations and appropriate treatment should be applied. In this paper, the Working Group in Perinatal Respiratory Diseases of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pulmonology proposes a protocol to serve as a reference for the follow up of patients with BPD among different centers and health care settings. Key factors to consider when planning discharge from the Neonatal Unit and during follow up are reviewed. Recommendations on treatment and prevention of complications are then discussed. The final section of this guide aims to provide a specific schedule for follow-up and diagnostic interventions to be performed in patients with BPD

[Guidelines for the follow up of patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia]. / Protocolo de seguimiento de los pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of preterm birth, and remains a major problem in pediatric pulmonology units. The decision of discharging from the Neonatal Unit should be based on a thorough assessment of the condition of the patient and compliance with certain requirements, including respiratory and nutritional stability, and caregiver education on disease management. For proper control of the disease, a schedule of visits and complementary tests should be established prior to discharge, and guidelines for prevention of exacerbations and appropriate treatment should be applied. In this paper, the Working Group in Perinatal Respiratory Diseases of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pulmonology proposes a protocol to serve as a reference for the follow up of patients with BPD among different centers and health care settings. Key factors to consider when planning discharge from the Neonatal Unit and during follow up are reviewed. Recommendations on treatment and prevention of complications are then discussed. The final section of this guide aims to provide a specific schedule for follow-up and diagnostic interventions to be performed in patients with BPD.

Infección tardía por estreptococo grupo B en gemelos nacidos mediante cesárea / Late-onset group B streptococcus disease in twins delivered by caesarean section

El estreptococo del grupo B (EGB) es un germen comensal de la microflora intestinal, bien conocido por producir infección invasiva precoz y tardía en el recién nacido. La transmisión de la infección precoz por EGB se produce de forma vertical, y la introducción de la profilaxis antibiótica intraparto en las últimas décadas ha supuesto una reducción drástica en la incidencia. Los avances en la prevención y conocimiento de los factores de riesgo de la infección tardía se encuentran estáticos desde hace varias décadas. La continua modificación y mejora de las guías sobre profilaxis, factores de riesgo y prevención de la infección precoz por EGB siguen sin abarcar la infección tardía por dicho patógeno. Los casos clínicos presentados ilustran la presencia de zonas grises en las recomendaciones clínicas actuales y en el conocimiento de la etiopatiogenia de la enfermedad tardía

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a commensal pathogen of the gut microflora with a well-established role in the aetiology of early and late onset GBS infections in the newborn. The incidence of early onset infections by vertical transmission has been drastically reducedin recent decades with the use of intravenous intrapartum prophylaxis. Progress in risk factor detection and prophylaxis of late-onset infection has however remained static. The ongoing modifications and improvements of the guidelines regarding prophylaxis, risk factors and prevention of the early-onset GBS disease have not addressed late-onset GBS infection in detail. The following cases illustrate the presence of grey areas in current guidelines and in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of late-onset disease

[Late-onset Group B Streptococcus disease in twins delivered by caesarean section]. / Infección tardía por estreptococo grupo B en gemelos nacidos mediante cesárea.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a commensal pathogen of the gut microflora with a well-established role in the aetiology of early and late onset GBS infections in the newborn. The incidence of early onset infections by vertical transmission has been drastically reduced in recent decades with the use of intravenous intrapartum prophylaxis. Progress in risk factor detection and prophylaxis of late-onset infection has however remained static. The ongoing modifications and improvements of the guidelines regarding prophylaxis, risk factors and prevention of the early-onset GBS disease have not addressed late-onset GBS infection in detail. The following cases illustrate the presence of grey areas in current guidelines and in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of late-onset disease.

Valor de la determinación de óxido nítrico exhalado en el diagnóstico de asma episódica / Diagnostic value of exhaled nitric oxide measurement in mild asthma

Objetivos: Determinar el valor diagnóstico de la fracción exhalada del óxido nítrico (FENO) en el asma episódica. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal llevado a cabo en un grupo de pacientes sin antecedentes de patología respiratoria o alérgica (grupo control) y un grupo de pacientes con asma episódica sin tratamiento de base (grupo asma), con edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 14 años. El protocolo incluyó la medición de la FENO con el analizador portátil NIOX MINO®, seguido de estudio alergológico y espirometría forzada. La repetibilidad de la técnica se analizó con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase, el coeficiente de repetibilidad y el coeficiente de variación. El valor diagnóstico se determinó con la sensibilidad, especificidad, área bajo la curva ROC y la razón de verosimilitud positiva. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 87 pacientes en el grupo control y 57 en el grupo asma. El valor medio ± desviación estándar de la FENO en el grupo control fue de 12,1±13,5 ppb y en asmáticos de 42,9±24,5 ppb (p<0,001). El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0,98 (IC del 95%, 0,96-0,99) y de 0,97 (IC del 95%, 0,92-0,99) en controles y asmáticos, respectivamente; el coeficiente de repetibilidad de 5,5 y 9,2; y el coeficiente de variación (mediana) del 8,3 y el 6,1%. El punto de corte de la FENO que optimizó el valor de la sensibilidad y especificidad (el 91,4 y el 87,2%, respectivamente), fue de 19 ppb, con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,93 (IC del 95%, 0,88-0,97) (p<0,001) y una RVP de 7,1. La sensibilización subclínica a neumoalérgenos fue la principal causa de falsos positivos. Conclusiones: La determinación de la FENO con NIOX-MINO® tiene una adecuada repetibilidad, especialmente en los pacientes sanos. En los asmáticos sería recomendable obtener el promedio de dos mediciones. La prueba posee un alto valor diagnóstico en el asma episódica. La sensibilización subclínica a neumoalérgenos puede elevar la FENO hasta niveles patológicos (AU)

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in mild asthma. Material and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study in a group of patients with no history of respiratory or allergic illness (control group) and a group of patients with a history of mild asthma with no baseline treatment (asthma group), both aged 6 to 14 years. The following examinations were performed: measurement of FENO using the portable NIOX MINO® device, allergy tests and spirometry. Repeatability of paired FENO measurements was estimated with the intraclass correlation coefficient, the repeatability coefficient and the variation coefficient. The diagnostic value was assessed with the sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for each cut-off point. Results: Eighty-seven patients were included in the control group and 57 in the asthma group. The mean FENO value was 12.1 ppb (SD 13.5) in the control group and 42.9 ppb (SD 24.5) in asthmatics (P<0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92-0.99) in controls and asthmatics, respectively. The repeatability coefficient was 5.5 in controls and 9.2 in asthmatic children, and the median variation coefficient was 8.3% and 6.1%. The optimal cut-off value for FENO was 19 ppb (sensitivity and specificity were 91.4% and 87.2%, respectively). The area under the ROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.97) (P<0.001) and the LR+ was 7.1. Subclinical sensitisation to pneumoallergens accounted for most false positive cases. Conclusions: The determination of FENO with NIOX MINO® has an adequate repeatability, especially for healthy patients. For asthmatic patients we recommend determining the average of two measurements. The test has a high diagnostic value in mild asthma. Subclinical sensitisation to pneumoallergens can cause the FENO value to rise to pathologic levels (AU)

[Diagnostic value of exhaled nitric oxide measurement in mild asthma]. / Valor de la determinación de óxido nítrico exhalado en el diagnóstico de asma episódica.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) in mild asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in a group of patients with no history of respiratory or allergic illness (control group) and a group of patients with a history of mild asthma with no baseline treatment (asthma group), both aged 6 to 14 years. The following examinations were performed: measurement of FE(NO) using the portable NIOX MINO(®) device, allergy tests and spirometry. Repeatability of paired FE(NO) measurements was estimated with the intraclass correlation coefficient, the repeatability coefficient and the variation coefficient. The diagnostic value was assessed with the sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for each cut-off point. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included in the control group and 57 in the asthma group. The mean FE(NO) value was 12.1 ppb (SD 13.5) in the control group and 42.9 ppb (SD 24.5) in asthmatics (P<.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92-0.99) in controls and asthmatics, respectively. The repeatability coefficient was 5.5 in controls and 9.2 in asthmatic children, and the median variation coefficient was 8.3% and 6.1%. The optimal cut-off value for FE(NO) was 19 ppb (sensitivity and specificity were 91.4% and 87.2%, respectively). The area under the ROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.97) (P<.001) and the LR+ was 7.1. Subclinical sensitisation to pneumoallergens accounted for most false positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of FE(NO) with NIOX MINO(®) has an adequate repeatability, especially for healthy patients. For asthmatic patients we recommend determining the average of two measurements. The test has a high diagnostic value in mild asthma. Subclinical sensitisation to pneumoallergens can cause the FE(NO) value to rise to pathologic levels.

Incidencia y factores de riesgo de bronquitis sibilantes en los primeros 6 meses de vida en una cohorte de Alzira (Valencia) / Incidence of wheezing and associated risk factors in the first 6 months of life of a cohort in Valencia (Spain)

Objetivos Determinar la incidencia de bronquitis sibilantes (BS) en los primeros 6 meses de vida en la población de Alzira (Valencia) y analizar los factores de riesgo asociados. Métodos Estudio longitudinal prospectivo basado en una cohorte de 636 niños, incluidos consecutivamente entre marzo de 2007 y noviembre de 2008 tras el nacimiento. Revisión de historias clínicas hospitalarias y ambulatorias a los 6 meses de vida y envío de cuestionarios por correo. Análisis bivariante y multivariante de los distintos factores de riesgo registrados mediante regresión de Cox. Resultados A los 6 meses, el 25,2% de los niños había presentado al menos un episodio de BS, y el 5,6% había presentado 3 o más episodios. El 11,6% de los niños recibió atención en urgencias en alguna ocasión, el 6,6% recibió corticoides orales y el 4% precisó ingreso hospitalario. Se comportaron como factores de riesgo independientes de BS el sexo masculino (riesgo relativo [RR]: 2,1; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,5-2,9), la menor edad gestacional (RR: 1,1; IC del 95%: 1,0-1,2), el nacimiento en el tercer trimestre (RR: 3,5; IC del 95%: 2,0-5,9), el cuarto trimestre (RR: 2,0; IC del 95%: 1,1-3,6) del año, la menor edad materna (RR: 0,9; IC del 95%: 1,0-1,1), la existencia de hermanos mayores (RR: 3,1; IC del 95%: 2,2-4,5), la exposición al tabaco (RR: 1,4; IC del 95%: 1,0-2,0) y el antecedente de asma en la madre (RR: 1,7; IC del 95%: 1,0-3,0); lo hicieron como factores protectores la lactancia materna durante un período igual o superior a 3 meses (RR: 0,6; IC del 95%: 0,4-0,8) y el origen inmigrante de los padres (RR: 0,6, IC del 95%: 0,4- 0,9). Conclusiones La incidencia acumulada de BS en los primeros 6 meses de vida en nuestra población es elevada, y supera la descrita en otros estudios. La mayor parte de los factores de riesgo coinciden con los que señalan otros autores. Destacan como más importantes la existencia de hermanos mayores y el nacimiento en el tercer trimestre del año, lo que refleja el importante papel de las infecciones víricas en la patogenia de las BS a estas edades (AU)

Objectives To determine the incidence of wheezing at 6 months of life in the town of Alzira (Valencia, Spain), and to analyse associated risk factors. Methods We included 636 newborns in a longitudinal birth cohort study between March 2007 and November 2008. Data were collected from hospital and primary care medical records and from questionnaires sent at 6 months post-natal. Bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to examine the risk factors associated with wheezing. Results At 6 months, 25.2% of infants had had 1 or more episodes of wheezing, whereas 5.6% had had 3 or more episodes. Emergency visits were reported in 11.6% of the infants, treatment with oral corticosteroids in 6.6% and admission to hospital in 4%. Independent risk factors for wheezing were male sex (relative risk [RR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.5 to 2.9), younger gestational age (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.2), season of birth between July and September (RR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0 to 5.9) and between October and December (RR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.6), younger maternal age (RR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.1), having siblings (RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.2 to 4.5), exposure to smoke (RR: 1.4, 95% CI: 12.0 to 2.0) and history of maternal asthma (RR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.0). Breast feeding for at least 3 months (RR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.8) and having immigrant parents (RR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.9) were protective against wheezing. Conclusion A high cumulative incidence of wheezing in the first 6 months of life was found in our population, in comparison with data reported in other cohort studies. Estimated risk factors were generally in accordance with those described by other authors. Having siblings and season of birth between July and September were the most important risk factors, reflecting the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of wheezing in early childhood (AU)

[Incidence of wheezing and associated risk factors in the first 6 months of life of a cohort in Valencia (Spain)]. / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de bronquitis sibilantes en los primeros 6 meses de vida en una cohorte de Alzira (Valencia).

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of wheezing at 6 months of life in the town of Alzira (Valencia, Spain), and to analyse associated risk factors. METHODS: We included 636 newborns in a longitudinal birth cohort study between March 2007 and November 2008. Data were collected from hospital and primary care medical records and from questionnaires sent at 6 months post-natal. Bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to examine the risk factors associated with wheezing. RESULTS: At 6 months, 25.2% of infants had had 1 or more episodes of wheezing, whereas 5.6% had had 3 or more episodes. Emergency visits were reported in 11.6% of the infants, treatment with oral corticosteroids in 6.6% and admission to hospital in 4%. Independent risk factors for wheezing were male sex (relative risk [RR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.5 to 2.9), younger gestational age (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.2), season of birth between July and September (RR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0 to 5.9) and between October and December (RR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.6), younger maternal age (RR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.1), having siblings (RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.2 to 4.5), exposure to smoke (RR: 1.4, 95% CI: 12.0 to 2.0) and history of maternal asthma (RR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.0). Breast feeding for at least 3 months (RR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.8) and having immigrant parents (RR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.9) were protective against wheezing. CONCLUSION: A high cumulative incidence of wheezing in the first 6 months of life was found in our population, in comparison with data reported in other cohort studies. Estimated risk factors were generally in accordance with those described by other authors. Having siblings and season of birth between July and September were the most important risk factors, reflecting the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of wheezing in early childhood.

[Estimation of incidence and analysis of sepsis in an area of Valencia (Spain)]. / Incidencia estimada y análisis de la sepsis en un área de Valencia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence of sepsis in an area of Valencia, as well as its characteristics, and to evaluate short-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An active surveillance program was carried out to determine the incidence and characteristics of sepsis. All patients attending the Hospital de La Ribera from January 1999 to December 2004 were included. Incidence rates were calculated and logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The incidence rate was 60.9 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence was highest among children younger than 1 year (1,138 per 100,000 person-years). A total of 14.4 % of cases were nosocomial infections. The most common microorganisms found were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Microbiologically undocumented sepsis accounted for 32 % of the cases. The case-fatality rate was 1.3 %. Seventeen patients (11.1 %) were transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). The risk of being transferred to an ICU was 14 times higher in patients with meningitis than in those with other sources of infection, independently of age and microbiological characteristics (OR 13.9, 95 % CI 2.6-75.3, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of sepsis is high in the pediatric age group. Clinical sepsis represented an important percentage of pediatric sepsis in our center. The main factor associated with patient transfer to the ICU was the central nervous system as the source of sepsis.

Incidencia estimada y análisis de la sepsis en un área de Valencia / Estimation of incidence and analysis of sepsis in an area of Valencia (Spain)

Objetivos. Estudiar la incidencia de sepsis en un área de Valencia, conocer las características de los casos y evaluar su evolución a corto plazo. Pacientes y métodos. Se desarrolló un programa de vigilancia epidemiológica activo para determinar la incidencia de sepsis y conocer sus características. Se consideró caso todo paciente que acudió al Hospital de La Ribera desde enero de 1999 a diciembre de 2004. Se calculó la densidad de incidencia y se realizó un análisis de regresión logística. Resultados. La densidad de incidencia fue 60,9 por 100.000 persona-años. La mayor incidencia se observó en los menores de un año (1.138 por 100.000 persona-años). El 14,4 % de los casos correspondieron a infecciones nosocomiales. Los microorganismos aislados más frecuentemente fueron Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae y Neisseria meningitidis. La sepsis no documentada microbiológicamente correspondió al 32 % de los casos. La letalidad fue del 1,3 %. Se trasladaron a una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) 17 casos (11,1 %). Los casos de meningitis tuvieron 14 veces más probabilidades de ser trasladados a una UCI que los casos cuyo foco de la infección tuvo otra localización, independientemente de la edad y de las características microbiológicas (odds ratio: 13,9; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 2,6-75,3; p = >0,002). Conclusiones. La sepsis en pediatría tiene una incidencia elevada. La sepsis clínica representó un porcentaje importante de los casos. El principal factor asociado al traslado de los pacientes a la UCI fue la sepsis con origen en el sistema nervioso central

Objectives. To study the incidence of sepsis in an area of Valencia, as well as its characteristics, and to evaluate short-term outcomes. Patients and methods. An active surveillance program was carried out to determine the incidence and characteristics of sepsis. All patients attending the Hospital de La Ribera from January 1999 to December 2004 were included. Incidence rates were calculated and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results. The incidence rate was 60.9 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence was highest among children younger than 1 year (1,138 per 100,000 person-years). A total of 14.4 % of cases were nosocomial infections. The most common microorganisms found were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Microbiologically undocumented sepsis accounted for 32 % of the cases. The case-fatality rate was 1.3 %. Seventeen patients (11.1 %) were transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). The risk of being transferred to an ICU was 14 times higher in patients with meningitis than in those with other sources of infection, independently of age and microbiological characteristics (OR 13.9, 95 % CI 2.6-75.3, P = 0.002). Conclusions. The incidence rate of sepsis is high in the pediatric age group. Clinical sepsis represented an important percentage of pediatric sepsis in our center. The main factor associated with patient transfer to the ICU was the central nervous system as the source of sepsis