Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding Caused by Multiple Small Intestinal Diverticula: A Case Study

We report the case of a 71-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities who was admitted to the hospital due to hematochezia, without hemodynamic instability. Initial investigations, including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, did not reveal the cause of bleeding. However, the patient experienced increased bleeding, anemia, and hemodynamic instability during her hospital stay. Subsequent selective angiography did not show any signs of active bleeding. In light of the persistent shock, surgical intervention was performed, which revealed blood originating from multiple diverticula in the jejunum.

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 71 años con múltiples comorbilidades que ingresó por hematoquecia sin inestabilidad hemodinámica. Se inició el estudio con una colonoscopia sin evidenciar la causa; durante la estancia hospitalaria presentó un aumento del sangrado, anemización e inestabilidad hemodinámica, por lo que se realizó una endoscopia digestiva alta sin hallazgos; posteriormente, se realizó una angiografía selectiva sin evidencia de sangrado activo. Ante el choque persistente se llevó a cirugía en la que se evidenció sangre proveniente del intestino delgado secundaria a la presencia de divertículos múltiples en el yeyuno.

Bronquiolitis obliterante y SARS-CoV-2: el inicio de una asociación

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 en la población pediátrica gene-ralmente se manifiesta con síntomas leves; sin embargo, en pacientes con co-morbilidades puede haber compromiso pulmonar grave. Se presenta el caso de un lactante de tres meses de edad con una infección por SARS-CoV-2, con sintomatología respiratoria persistente por 8 semanas después de la infección inicial, con RPC persistentemente positiva, requiriendo varias hospitalizaciones, oxígeno suplementario y ventilación mecánica invasiva. Se encontraron hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos compatibles con una bronquiolitis obliterante asociada a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Hubo una adecuada respuesta clínica, después del inicio de tratamiento de primera línea para bronquiolitis obliterante, y una evolución favorable durante el seguimiento hasta la fecha, evidenciando la importancia de tener en cuenta esta asociación en la práctica clínica.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population usually manifests with mild symptoms; however, in patients with comorbidities, there may be a severe pulmonary compromise. We present the case of a 3-month-old patient with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with persistent respiratory symptoms up to 8 weeks after the initial infection, with a persistently positive PCR test, requiring several hospitalizations, supplemental oxygen, and even invasive mechanical ventilation. Clinical and radiological manifestations were found consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adequate clinical response was documented after starting first-line treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans with satisfactory evolution during follow-up to date, evidencing the importance of considering this association in clinical practice.

Intermittent hypoxia and respiratory patterns during sleep of preterm infants aged 3 to 18 months residing at high altitude.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of apneas on oxygen saturation and the presence of intermittent hypoxia, during sleep of preterm infants (PTIs) born at high altitudes and compare with full-term infants (FTIs) at the same altitude. METHODS: PTIs and FTIs from 3 to 18 months were included. They were divided into three age groups: 3-4 months (Group 1); 6-7 months (Group 2), and 10-18 months (Group 3). Polysomnography parameters and oxygenation indices were evaluated. Intermittent hypoxia was defined as brief, repetitive cycles of decreased oxygen saturation. Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple comparisons, t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used. RESULTS: 127 PTI and 175 FTI were included. Total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was higher in PTI that FTI in all age groups (Group 1: 33.5/h vs. 12.8/h, p = 0.042; Group 2: 27.0/h vs. 7.4/h, p < 0.001; and Group 3: 11.6/h vs. 3.1/h, p < 0.001). In Group 3, central-AHI (8.0/h vs. 2.3/h, p < 0.001) and obstructive-AHI (1.8/h vs. 0.6/h, p < 0.008) were higher in PTI than FTI. T90 (7.0% vs. 0.5, p < 0.001), oxygen desaturation index (39.8/h vs. 11.3, p < 0.001) were higher in PTI than FTI, nadir SpO2 (70.0% vs. 80.0, p<0.001) was lower in PTI. CONCLUSION: At high altitude, compared to FTI, PTI have a higher rate of respiratory events, greater desaturation, and a delayed resolution of these conditions, suggesting the persistence of intermittent hypoxia during the first 18 months of life. This indicates the need for follow-up of these infants for timely diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disturbances during sleep.

Acute Abdomen and Appendicitis in 1010 Pediatric Patients With COVID-19 or MIS-C: A Multinational Experience from Latin America.

BACKGROUND: To date, there are only sporadic reports of acute abdomen and appendicitis in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). METHODS: Children 17 years of age or younger assessed in 5 Latin American countries with a diagnosis of microbiologically confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and children fulfilling MIS-C definition were included. For children with acute abdomen, we investigate main radiologic patterns, surgical treatment and intraoperative findings, outcomes. FINDINGS: One-thousand ten children were enrolled. Forty-two children (4.2%) had a clinical diagnosis of acute abdomen. Four (9.5%) were diagnosed with MIS-C and did not undergo surgery. The remaining 38 children (3.8%) underwent abdominal surgery due to suspected appendicitis, 34 of them (89.7%) had an intraoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), while 4 of them had nonsurgical findings. Eight children died (0.8%), none of them being diagnosed with appendicitis. Children with AA were significantly older than those without (P < 0.0001). Children with complicated appendicitis had more frequently fever (85.7% vs. 60%), intestinal distension on the abdominal radiograph (7.1% vs. none), leukocytosis (85.7% vs. 40%) and high levels of C-reactive protein (35.7% vs. 5%), although differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that children may present with acute abdomen during COVID-19 or MIS-C, which is not always associated with intraoperative findings of appendicitis, particularly in case of MIS-C. Further studies are needed to better characterize children with acute abdomen during COVID-19 or MIS-C, to avoid delay in diagnosis of surgical conditions and at the same time, minimize unnecessary surgical approaches.

EndoFLIP: una nueva tecnología / EndoFLIP: a new technology

Resumen Mediante la distensión de un balón con líquido conductor, la sonda de imagen luminal funcional endoluminal (EndoFLIP) evalúa las propiedades biomecánicas como la distensibilidad, volumen, presión e inclusive diámetros de regiones esfinterianas como la unión gastroesofágica, píloro y ano. La mayor evidencia en la utilidad clínica de la EndoFLIP está en los trastornos de motilidad esofágica, principalmente para identificar acalasia cuando la manometría esofágica de alta resolución y otras imágenes no logran diagnosticarla e inclusive, mediante el programa de FLIP 2.0, caracteriza la acalasia en subtipos a partir de patrones de motilidad del esófago distal en respuesta a la distensión. Se ha demostrado recientemente que la EndoFLIP tiene un rol diagnóstico, pronóstico o terapéutico en otras patologías como la esofagitis eosinofílica, reflujo gastroesofágico, gastroparesia, durante la fundoplicatura y dilatación esofágica.

Abstract EndoFLIP evaluates biomechanical properties such as distensibility, volume, pressure, and even diameters of sphincter regions like the gastroesophageal junction, pylorus, and anus, by distending a balloon with a conductive medium. The best evidence of the clinical utility of EndoFLIP is observed in esophageal motility disorders, mainly when identifying achalasia when high-resolution esophageal manometry and other images fail to diagnose it. Even EndoFLIP 2.0 characterizes achalasia into subtypes based on distal esophageal motility patterns in response to distention. Recently, it has been shown that this system has a diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic role in other diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and gastroparesis, and during fundoplication and esophageal dilation.

High rates of antibiotic prescriptions in children with COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome: A multinational experience in 990 cases from Latin America.

AIM: This study aims to assess rates of antibiotic prescriptions and its determinants in in children with COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C). METHODS: Children <18 years-old assessed in five Latin Americas countries with a diagnosis of COVID-19 or MIS-C were enrolled. Antibiotic prescriptions and factors associated with their use were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 990 children were included: 921 (93%) with COVID-19, 69 (7.0%) with MIS-C. The prevalence of antibiotic use was 24.5% (n = 243). MIS-C with (OR = 45.48) or without (OR = 10.35) cardiac involvement, provision of intensive care (OR = 9.60), need for hospital care (OR = 6.87), pneumonia and/or ARDS detected through chest X-rays (OR = 4.40), administration of systemic corticosteroids (OR = 4.39), oxygen support, mechanical ventilation or CPAP (OR = 2.21), pyrexia (OR = 1.84), and female sex (OR = 1.50) were independently associated with increased use of antibiotics. There was significant variation in antibiotic use across the hospitals. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high rate of antibiotic prescriptions in children with COVID-19, in particular in those with severe disease or MIS-C. Prospective studies are needed to provide better evidence on the recognition and management of bacterial infections in COVID-19 children.

COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Latin American Children: A Multinational Study.

BACKGROUND: To date, there are no comprehensive data on pediatric COVID-19 from Latin America. This study aims to assess COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in Latin American children, to appropriately plan and allocate resources to face the pandemic on a local and international level. METHODS: Ambispective multicenter cohort study from 5 Latin American countries. Children 18 years of age or younger with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or fulfilling MIS-C definition were included. FINDINGS: Four hundred nine children were included, with a median age of 3.0 years (interquartile range 0.6-9.0). Of these, 95 (23.2%) were diagnosed with MIS-C. One hundred ninety-one (46.7%) children were admitted to hospital and 52 (12.7%) required admission to a pediatric intensive care unit. Ninety-two (22.5%) patients required oxygen support: 8 (2%) were started on continuous positive airway pressure and 29 (7%) on mechanical ventilation. Thirty-five (8.5%) patients required inotropic support. The following factors were associated with pediatric intensive care unit admission: preexisting medical condition (P < 0.0001), immunodeficiency (P = 0.01), lower respiratory tract infection (P < 0.0001), gastrointestinal symptoms (P = 0.006), radiologic changes suggestive of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (P < 0.0001) and low socioeconomic conditions (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a generally more severe form of COVID-19 and a high number of MIS-C in Latin American children, compared with studies from China, Europe and North America, and support current evidence of a more severe disease in Latin/Hispanic children or in people of lower socioeconomic level. The findings highlight an urgent need for more data on COVID-19 in Latin America.

Trombosis de vena cava inferior y endocarditis en un paciente prematuro: Caso clínico / Inferior vena cava thrombosis and endocarditis in a premature patient: Case report

Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava represents a significant percentage of all venous thrombosis that take place during the neonatal period, generally associated with risk factors such as the use of central venous catheter. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis in preterm infants is low. Objectives: To characterize the case of a preterm neonate with both conditions and to detail the disease changing spectrum in the neonatal population and its therapeutic possibilities. Case report: Premature newborn, 31 + 5 weeks of gestation who presented Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia, developed progressive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and right atrium secondary to the use of umbilical venous catheter, with subsequent diagnosis of endocarditis. He was treated with anticoagulation with subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Given a favorable evolution, it was decided to continue the anticoagulation therapy for 4-6 weeks, and at the time of discharge, aspirin treatment was given. Conclusions: The preterm infant with infective endocarditis and intracardiac thrombus presents an interesting management dilemma. Treatment should be individualized according to the clinical evolution and safety profile of thrombolytic and/or anticoagulant agents. Availability and advantages of low molecular weight heparin have led to its use as an alternative treatment in neonates and infants with deep venous thrombosis.

La trombosis de la vena cava inferior corresponde a un porcentaje importante de las trombosis venosas en la etapa neonatal, generalmente asociado a factores de riesgo como el uso de catéter venoso central. La incidencia de endocarditis bacteriana en recién nacidos prematuros es baja. Objetivos: Caracterizar el caso de un neonato pretérmino en que se asociaron ambas patologías y detallar el espectro cambiante de esta enfermedad en la población neonatal y sus posibilidades terapéuticas. Caso clínico: Recién nacido prematuro de 31 + 5 semanas de gestación, que presentó bacteriemia por Enterococo faecalis, evolucionó con trombosis progresiva de la vena cava inferior y aurícula derecha secundaria al uso de catéter venoso umbilical, con posterior diagnóstico de endocarditis. Se manejó con anticoagulación con heparina de bajo peso molecular en forma subcutánea, dada evolución favorable, se decidió continuar manejo médico con terapia anticoagulante por 4-6 semanas, y al alta manejo con aspirina. Conclusiones: El neonato pretérmino con endocarditis infecciosa y trombo intracardiaco presentan un dilema interesante de manejo, por lo cual se debe individualizar el tratamiento según la evolución clínica y el perfil de seguridad de los agentes trombolíticos y/o anticoagulantes. La disponibilidad y las ventajas de la heparina de bajo peso molecular ha dado lugar a su uso como una alternativa de tratamiento en neonatos y niños con trombosis venosa profunda.

[Inferior vena cava thrombosis and endocarditis in a premature patient: case report]. / Trombosis de vena cava inferior y endocarditis en un paciente prematuro: caso clínico.

UNLABELLED: Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava represents a significant percentage of all venous thrombosis that take place during the neonatal period, generally associated with risk factors such as the use of central venous catheter. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis in preterm infants is low. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the case of a preterm neonate with both conditions and to detail the disease changing spectrum in the neonatal population and its therapeutic possibilities. CASE REPORT: Premature newborn, 31 + 5 weeks of gestation who presented Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia, developed progressive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and right atrium secondary to the use of umbilical venous catheter, with subsequent diagnosis of endocarditis. He was treated with anticoagulation with subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Given a favorable evolution, it was decided to continue the anticoagulation therapy for 4-6 weeks, and at the time of discharge, aspirin treatment was given. CONCLUSIONS: The preterm infant with infective endocarditis and intracardiac thrombus presents an interesting management dilemma. Treatment should be individualized according to the clinical evolution and safety profile of thrombolytic and/or anticoagulant agents. Availability and advantages of low molecular weight heparin have led to its use as an alternative treatment in neonates and infants with deep venous thrombosis.