Predictors of a positive oral food challenge to cow's milk in children sensitized to cow's milk

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) is often based on clinical history and on specific IgE levels and/or skin-prick tests (SPT), both of which are sensitive but not specific. The gold standard, oral food challenge (OFC), is expensive and time-consuming and involves a risk of severe allergic reactions. This study aimed to determine the value of specific IgEs, ratios of specific IgEs for cow's milk and its components to total IgE, and wheal size on SPT for predicting a positive OFC for CMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 72 patients [median age, four years; age range 0.75-15 years] sensitized to cow's milk who underwent OFCs to milk. predictive variables between patients with positive and negative OFCs were compared. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were uses to assess variables' discriminatory capacity and Youden's index to determine the best cut-offs for predicting CMA. RESULTS: The OFC was positive in 39 (54%) patients. Wheal size on SPT and all specific IgEs and specific-to-total IgE ratios were significantly different between patients with positive OFCs and those with negative OFCs (p < 0.001). The variable with the greatest area under the ROC curve was casein-specific IgE (0.98), followed by β-lactoglobulin-specific IgE (0.923), casein-specific-to-total-IgE ratio (0.919), and α-lactalbumin-specific IgE (0.908). Casein-specific IgE ≥ 0.95kU/L yielded 88.9% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: In our center, casein-specific IgE > 0.95kU/L can obviate an OFC to cow's milk for the diagnosis of CMA in patients sensitized to cow's milk with a compatible history

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Predictors of a positive oral food challenge to cow's milk in children sensitized to cow's milk.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) is often based on clinical history and on specific IgE levels and/or skin-prick tests (SPT), both of which are sensitive but not specific. The gold standard, oral food challenge (OFC), is expensive and time-consuming and involves a risk of severe allergic reactions. This study aimed to determine the value of specific IgEs, ratios of specific IgEs for cow's milk and its components to total IgE, and wheal size on SPT for predicting a positive OFC for CMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 72 patients [median age, four years; age range 0.75-15 years] sensitized to cow's milk who underwent OFCs to milk. predictive variables between patients with positive and negative OFCs were compared. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were uses to assess variables' discriminatory capacity and Youden's index to determine the best cut-offs for predicting CMA. RESULTS: The OFC was positive in 39 (54%) patients. Wheal size on SPT and all specific IgEs and specific-to-total IgE ratios were significantly different between patients with positive OFCs and those with negative OFCs (p<0.001). The variable with the greatest area under the ROC curve was casein-specific IgE (0.98), followed by ß-lactoglobulin-specific IgE (0.923), casein-specific-to-total-IgE ratio (0.919), and α-lactalbumin-specific IgE (0.908). Casein-specific IgE ≥0.95kU/L yielded 88.9% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: In our center, casein-specific IgE >0.95kU/L can obviate an OFC to cow's milk for the diagnosis of CMA in patients sensitized to cow's milk with a compatible history.

Lactante con distrés respiratorio en invierno. Más allá de las bronquiolitis / Infant with respiratory disters in winter. Beyond bronchiolitis

La dificultad respiratoria en el lactante engloba varias entidades clínicas. Aunque en invierno la más frecuente es la bronquiolitis, no debemos olvidar, entre ellas, las malformaciones pulmonares congénitas (MPC). Se presenta el caso de un lactante de 6 semanas de vida que acudió a Urgencias en invierno por un cuadro de dificultad respiratoria en contexto catarral. Se realizó un diagnóstico inicial de bronquiolitis, pero posteriormente se alcanzó el diagnóstico correcto de enfisema lobar congénito (ELC). Se publica este caso para hacer hincapié en la importancia de revisar un diagnóstico con enfoque analítico, especialmente cuando el curso clínico no es típico. También nos debe servir para recordar que, a pesar de la mejora del diagnóstico prenatal, el diagnóstico de una MPC puede ser en el periodo neonatal o incluso más tardío. Por lo tanto, las MPC deben considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de síntomas respiratorios en un niño

Respiratory distress in the infant encompasses several clinical entities. Although bronchiolitis is the most frequent in winter, we should not forget congenital pulmonary malformations (CPMs). We are reporting a case of 6-week-old male presented to pediatric emergency ward during the winter period with respiratory distress in context of a cold. An initial diagnosis of bronchiolitis was made. The authors explore how the correct diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) was reached. This case emphasizes the importance of reviewing a diagnosis through an analytical approach, particularly in non-typical clinical courses. It should also help us to remember that despite the improvement of prenatal diagnosis, we also have CPMs diagnosis in the neonatal period or even later. Therefore, CPMs need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory symptoms in a child

Tratamientos respiratorios en la enfermedad neuromuscular / Respiratory treatments in neuromuscular disease

Revisadas en un artículo anterior la fisiopatología respiratoria del enfermo neuromuscular (ENM), así como su evaluación clínica y las principales complicaciones causantes de su deterioro pulmonar, en el presente artículo se describen los tratamientos respiratorios necesarios para preservar la función pulmonar del ENM durante el mayor tiempo posible, así como en situaciones especiales (infecciones respiratorias, cirugía de escoliosis, etc.). Se hace especial hincapié en la utilidad de la ventilación no invasiva cuyo uso está cambiando la historia natural de muchas de estas enfermedades. La prolongación de la vida en estos niños permite que lleguen a las unidades de neumología de adultos para proseguir su atención. La transición desde la pediatría debe ser un proceso activo, progresivo en el tiempo y poco estresante para el paciente ante la adaptación a ese nuevo entorno, manteniendo siempre una atención multidisciplinar

In a previous article, a review was presented of the respiratory pathophysiology of the patient with neuromuscular disease, as well as their clinical evaluation and the major complications causing pulmonary deterioration. This article presents the respiratory treatments required to preserve lung function in neuromuscular disease as long as possible, as well as in special situations (respiratory infections, spinal curvature surgery, etc.). Special emphasis is made on the use of non-invasive ventilation, which is changing the natural history of many of these diseases. The increase in survival and life expectancy of these children means that they can continue their clinical care in adult units. The transition from pediatric care must be an active, timely and progressive process. It may be slightly stressful for the patient before the adaptation to this new environment, with multidisciplinary care always being maintained

[Respiratory treatments in neuromuscular disease]. / Tratamientos respiratorios en la enfermedad neuromuscular.

In a previous article, a review was presented of the respiratory pathophysiology of the patient with neuromuscular disease, as well as their clinical evaluation and the major complications causing pulmonary deterioration. This article presents the respiratory treatments required to preserve lung function in neuromuscular disease as long as possible, as well as in special situations (respiratory infections, spinal curvature surgery, etc.). Special emphasis is made on the use of non-invasive ventilation, which is changing the natural history of many of these diseases. The increase in survival and life expectancy of these children means that they can continue their clinical care in adult units. The transition from pediatric care must be an active, timely and progressive process. It may be slightly stressful for the patient before the adaptation to this new environment, with multidisciplinary care always being maintained.

Derrame pleural paraneumónico / Parapneumonic pleural effusion

La neumonía es la causa más frecuente de derrame pleural en niños. En los últimos años se han observado cambios epidemiológicos con un aumento de la prevalencia de complicaciones y de ingresos por derrame pleural, así como cambios en la etiología (gérmenes y serotipos), pudiendo estar relacionados con el uso más racional de antibióticos y los cambios en la estrategia vacuna. No hay evidencias en Pediatría para algunas de las recomendaciones sobre manejo del derrame pelural paraneumónico. Es por ello que realizamos esta revisión, basándose en las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica y la evidencia científica actual. El tratamiento deberá basarse en el empleo adecuado y precoz de antibioterapia endovenosa. El uso de técnicas complementarias, como la colocación de drenaje pleural (con o sin fibrinolíticos), la realización de toracoscopia y toracotomía, dependerá de la presencia de complicaciones y del estadio evolutivo del derrame (AU)

Pneumonia is the most frequent cause of pleural effusion in children. In recent years, changes in the epidemiological pattern have been observed, with an increase of complications and rate of admissions. Microbiological changes have been also described, such as types of bacteria and serotypes implicated, which can be related to different antibiotic policy and immunization schedule. No conclusive guidelines have been published for pediatric population regarding the management of parapneumonic pleural effusion. Therefore, we reviewed this topic based on Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica (Spanish Society of Pediatric Pulmonology) recommendations and a review of the existing literature. Treatment should be based on early diagnosis and proper intravenous antibiotic use. Pleural effusion management includes different procedures such as pleural drainage (with or without fibirnolytics), thoracoscopy and thoracotomy, depending on the presence of complications and the evolutive stage (AU)

Recomendaciones previas al vuelo y a viajes con exposición a altitud en pacientes con patología respiratoria / Recommendations for management of patients with lung disease planning a flight or high altitude travel

Cada año un gran número de niños viajan en avión y se desplazan a lugares con altitud significativa. La mayoría de estos viajes se producen sin incidentes reseñables. Debido a los numerosos cambios socioeconómicos recientes, también ha aumentado la cantidad de pacientes con patología cardiopulmonar previa que realizan este tipo de desplazamientos. Los cambios ambientales en estos entornos, en especial la hipoxia, puede conllevar un riesgo de sucesos adversos importantes. El pediatra debe de conocer las patologías susceptibles de complicaciones en altitud, así como los estudios previos necesarios y las recomendaciones de prevención y tratamiento de las complicaciones en estas circunstancias. El Grupo de Trabajo de Técnicas de la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica se propuso la elaboración de un documento que revisara la literatura publicada sobre el tema, estableciendo unas recomendaciones de utilidad en el manejo de estos pacientes (AU)

Every year a large number of children travel by plane and/or to places with high altitudes. Most of these journeys occur without incident. Immigration and recent socioeconomic changes have also increased the number of patients with cardiopulmonary disease who travel. Environmental changes in these places, especially lower oxygen, can lead to a risk of significant adverse events. The paediatrician must be aware of the diseases that are susceptible to complications, as well as the necessary preliminary studies and recommendations for treatment in these circumstances. The Techniques Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Chest Diseases undertook to design a document reviewing the literature on the subject, providing some useful recommendations in the management of these patients (AU)

[Recommendations for management of patients with lung disease planning a flight or high altitude travel]. / Recomendaciones previas al vuelo y a viajes con exposición a altitud en pacientes con patología respiratoria.

Every year a large number of children travel by plane and/or to places with high altitudes. Most of these journeys occur without incident. Immigration and recent socioeconomic changes have also increased the number of patients with cardiopulmonary disease who travel. Environmental changes in these places, especially lower oxygen, can lead to a risk of significant adverse events. The paediatrician must be aware of the diseases that are susceptible to complications, as well as the necessary preliminary studies and recommendations for treatment in these circumstances. The Techniques Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Chest Diseases undertook to design a document reviewing the literature on the subject, providing some useful recommendations in the management of these patients.

Pulmón y altitud. Recomendaciones para el viaje en altitud / No disponible

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Guía de diagnóstico y tratamiento del asma de control difícil en el niño / Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for difficult-to-control asthma in children

Los niños con asma de control difícil (ACD) requieren frecuentes consultas, reciben complejos regímenes de tratamiento y, a menudo, requieren ingresos en el hospital. Su frecuencia es escasa, y abarca no más del 5% de la población asmática. El ACD requiere un diagnóstico de certeza, por lo que se tendrán que descartar causas de falso ACD, y es necesario hacer un diagnóstico diferencial con factores de enfermedad sobreañadida, medioambientales, psicológicos, y analizar causas que determinen una baja adherencia al tratamiento. Ante un verdadero ACD, el estudio de la inflamación (óxido nítrico exhalado, esputo inducido, lavado broncoalveolar y biopsia bronquial), la función pulmonar y la clínica nos pueden permitir clasificar el ACD en diversos fenotipos que nos facilitarán la toma de decisiones terapéuticas (AU)

Children suffering from difficult-to-control asthma (DCA) require frequent appointments with their physician, complex treatment regimes and often admissions to hospital. Less than 5% of the asthmatic population suffer this condition. DCA must be correctly characterised to rule out false causes of DCA and requires making a differential diagnosis from pathologies that mimic asthma, comorbidity, environmental and psychological factors, and analysing the factors to determine poor treatment compliance. In true DCA cases, inflammation studies (exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage and bronchial biopsy), pulmonary function and other clinical aspects can classify DCA into different phenotypes which could make therapeutic decision-making easier (AU)

[Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for difficult-to-control asthma in children]. / Guía de diagnóstico y tratamiento del asma de control difícil en el niño.

Children suffering from difficult-to-control asthma (DCA) require frequent appointments with their physician, complex treatment regimes and often admissions to hospital. Less than 5% of the asthmatic population suffer this condition. DCA must be correctly characterised to rule out false causes of DCA and requires making a differential diagnosis from pathologies that mimic asthma, comorbidity, environmental and psychological factors, and analysing the factors to determine poor treatment compliance. In true DCA cases, inflammation studies (exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage and bronchial biopsy), pulmonary function and other clinical aspects can classify DCA into different phenotypes which could make therapeutic decision-making easier.

Hipertensión pulmonar asociada al VIH en una adolescente con infección de transmisión vertical / Pulmonary hypertension associated with vertically transmitted HIV infection in an adolescent girl

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[Respiratory function assessment in cooperative patients. Part II]. / Estudio de la función pulmonar en el paciente colaborador. Parte II.

Analysis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness using bronchial provocation tests are a key feature in the diagnosis of asthma, as well as a valid tool for monitoring disease severity, clinical course, and treatment response. We review non-specific bronchial challenge tests, including pharmacological stimuli (methacholine, adenosine) and physical stimuli (exercise, hypertonic saline, cold air hyperventilation). Although there is some correlation among responses to the distinct tests, individual responses are also observed. The indication for a single test will depend on whether the procedure will be used for diagnostic or epidemiologic purposes, and on experience of its use. Frequently, complementary information will be obtained. Indirect airway challenges tests such as physical stimuli and adenosine are more specific for asthma diagnosis.

Estudio de la función pulmonar en el paciente colaborador. Parte II / Respiratory function assessment in cooperative patients. Part II

El análisis de la hiperrespuesta bronquial mediante pruebas de provocación bronquial es uno de los pilares fundamentales para el diagnóstico de asma, así como un instrumento válido para la monitorización de la enfermedad, valoración de su gravedad, su evolución y la respuesta al tratamiento. Revisamos las pruebas de provocación bronquial inespecíficas tanto por estímulos físicos (ejercicio físico, soluciones hiperosmolares, y la hiperventilación con aire frío) como por fármacos (metacolina y adenosina). Aunque hay una cierta correlación entre las respuestas a diferentes tipos de prueba, hay niños que responden de forma diferente. La elección de la prueba que hay que utilizar dependerá de los fines diagnósticos o epidemiológicos que persigamos, de la experiencia de su utilización, dándonos frecuentemente información complementaria. Las pruebas de provocación indirectas como los estímulos físicos y la adenosina son más específicas del asma

Analysis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness using bronchial provocation tests are a key feature in the diagnosis of asthma, as well as a valid tool for monitoring disease severity, clinical course, and treatment response. We review non-specific bronchial challenge tests, including pharmacological stimuli (methacholine, adenosine) and physical stimuli (exercise, hypertonic saline, cold air hyperventilation). Although there is some correlation among responses to the distinct tests, individual responses are also observed. The indication for a single test will depend on whether the procedure will be used for diagnostic or epidemiologic purposes, and on experience of its use. Frequently, complementary information will be obtained. Indirect airway challenges tests such as physical stimuli and adenosine are more specific for asthma diagnosis

[Respiratory function assessment in cooperative patients. Part I. Spiromery and bronchodilator reversibility testing]. / Estudio de la función pulmonar en el paciente colaborador. Parte I.

Assessment of respiratory function is the principal tool in the study of patients with lung diseases, allowing physiopathological alterations to be detected, and the severity of the process, its clinical course, and treatment response to be identified. Nowadays, assessment of respiratory function is among the investigations used by Spanish pediatricians. The Techniques Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pneumology undertook the design of a protocol for the study of pulmonary function in children that would incorporate the most recent published consensus documents on basic pulmonary function assessment (spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility testing) and on airway hyperreactivity evaluation using nonspecific provocation tests. The aim of this protocol is to provide a guide to good clinical practice until new changes, based on scientific evidence, are produced.

Estudio de la función pulmonar en el paciente colaborador. Parte I / Respiratory function assessment in cooperative patients. Part I. Spiromery and bronchodilator reversibility testing

La exploración de la función pulmonar es una herramienta fundamental en el estudio de los pacientes con problemas neumológicos. Permite detectar alteraciones fisiopatológicas, valorar la gravedad de un proceso, su evolución y la respuesta al tratamiento. En la actualidad forma parte de las exploraciones utilizadas por los pediatras españoles. El grupo de Técnicas de la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica (SENP) se propuso elaborar un protocolo de estudio de la función pulmonar en el paciente pediátrico que incorpore los últimos estándares acordados, fundamentalmente, sobre la práctica de estudios de la función pulmonar básica (espirometría y prueba broncodilatadora) y sobre el estudio de la hiperreactividad de la vía aérea mediante pruebas de provocación inespecífica. Con él se pretende obtener una guía de buena práctica clínica como referencia hasta que se produzcan cambios basados en nuevas evidencias científicas

Assessment of respiratory function is the principal tool in the study of patients with lung diseases, allowing physiopathological alterations to be detected, and the severity of the process, its clinical course, and treatment response to be identified. Nowadays, assessment of respiratory function is among the investigations used by Spanish pediatricians. The Techniques Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pneumology undertook the design of a protocol for the study of pulmonary function in children that would incorporate the most recent published consensus documents on basic pulmonary function assessment (spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility testing) and on airway hyperreactivity evaluation using nonspecific provocation tests. The aim of this protocol is to provide a guide to good clinical practice until new changes, based on scientific evidence, are produced

Estrategias diagnósticas en el asma de difícil control / No disponible

Las definiciones de asma y los consensos actuales para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del mismo continúan teniendo limitaciones. Probablemente son útiles para la gran mayoría de casos pero en ciertos subgrupos clínicos son claramente limitados. Probablemente porque dentro de lo que mejor deberíamos enumerar “síndrome asmático” pueden haber diferentes fenotipos de asma y los consensos no diferencian las actuaciones sobre los mismos. Esto sería de especial importancia en el asma de difícil control que aunque poco frecuente sí es causa de importante morbilidad y coste sanitario. Mejoras en los instrumentos de valoración de la función pulmonar, del tipo de inflamación de las vías aéreas y del control clínico sobre el asma nos deben permitir empezar a aproximarnos mejor al diagnóstico y tratamiento de los diferentes fenotipos, hecho que en la actualidad depende prácticamente de forma exclusiva de la clínica del paciente y de la experiencia del clínico. Pero antes de catalogar a un niño de asma de difícil control nos deberemos contestar las siguientes preguntas: ¿se trata efectivamente de asma?, ¿hay comorbilidades que dificultan el control?, ¿el tratamiento y su cumplimiento es el adecuado? Para ello será preciso revisar el diagnóstico diferencial aplicando las exploraciones complementarias pertinentes y comprobar la adecuación y cumplimiento del tratamiento. Una vez descartado “el falso” asma de difícil control deberemos explorar la existencia de resistencia al tratamiento y si es así nos encontraremos delante de un verdadero asma de difícil control o asma refractario. Es en este nivel donde se deberán aplicar estrategias diagnosticas por parte del especialista con exploraciones, que en la actualidad aún son en ocasiones agresivas y/o técnicamente dificultosas, que nos permitan diferenciar o caracterizar escenarios que requerirán probablemente diferentes aproximaciones terapéuticas presentes y futuras (AU)

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