[Overnight extubation is not associated with extubation failure in pediatric intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study]. / La extubación durante la noche no se asocia con su fracaso en pacientes pediátricos de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.

There is little known about the time of the day and the nature of it (business day/non-business day) at which extubation is performed, and whether it is safe during the night. OBJECTIVE: to describe the frequency of nocturnal extubation (NE) and non-business day extubation (nBDE). In addition, to determine the association between these and clinical outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective cohort study of patients under 18 years of age who received invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and underwent an extubation attempt in a high complexity Pediatric Critical Patient Unit (PCPU) between 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2021. Primary exposure: NE, which was defined as that performed between 20:01 and 8:00 hours. Its association with extubation failure (EF), duration of invasive MV, and length of stay in the PCPU was evaluated. RESULTS: 146 patients were included [58.9% males, age 1.14 (0.25 - 5.5) years]. NE was performed in 17.8%. Nocturnal extubation was not associated with EF nor was the day of extubation. The EF was 3.8% in NE and 5% in daytime extubation (DE) (p = 0.80). Duration of invasive MV was shorter in NE than DE [48 (24-73.5) vs. 72 (48-96) h, p = 0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: NE was not associated with EF. Patients with NE had shorter duration of invasive MV, and the latter was associated with EF. Withdrawal of invasive MV should be considered at the first opportunity and be determined by clinical factors, rather than time of day.

[Septic shock in intensive care units. Current focus on treatment]. / Shock séptico en unidad de cuidados intensivos. Enfoque actual en el tratamiento.

Essential therapeutic principles in children with septic shock persist over time, although some new concepts have been recently incorporated, and fully awareness of pediatricians and intensivists is essential. Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental intervention, but the kind of ideal fluid has not been established yet, as each of these interventions has specific limitations and there is no evidence supportive of the superiority of one type of fluid. Should septic shock persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation, the use of inotropic medication and/or vasopressors is indicated. New vasoactive drugs can be used in refractory septic shock caused by vasopressors, and the use of hydrocortisone should be considered in children with suspected adrenal insufficiency, as it reduces the need for vasopressors. The indications for red blood cells transfusion or the optimal level of glycemia are still controversial, with no consensus on the threshold value for the use of these blood products or the initiation of insulin administration, respectively. Likewise, the use of high-volume hemofiltration is a controversial issue and further study is needed on the routine recommendation in the course of septic shock. Nutritional support is crucial, as malnutrition is a serious complication that should be properly prevented and treated. The aim of this paper is to provide update on the most recent advances as concerns the treatment of septic shock in the pediatric population.

Shock séptico en unidad de cuidados intensivos: Enfoque actual en el tratamiento / Septic shock in intensive care units: Current focus on treatment

Los pilares terapéuticos del niño con shock séptico se mantienen en el tiempo, sin embargo, se han incorporado nuevos conceptos, siendo importante que el pediatra y el intensivista tengan conocimiento a cabalidad de ellos. La reanimación con fluidos es una intervención fundamental, no obstante, aún no se ha establecido un tipo de fluido ideal, presentando cada uno limitaciones específicas, no existiendo evidencia sobre la superioridad de un tipo de fluido. Si a pesar de una adecuada resucitación con fluidos persiste el shock, el inicio de inótropos y/o vasopresores está indicado. En caso de refractariedad al uso de vasopresores, nuevos fármacos vasoactivos pueden ser empleados y el uso de hidrocortisona debe considerarse en niños con sospecha de insuficiencia suprarrenal. Existe controversia respecto a la transfusión de glóbulos rojos o el nivel óptimo de glucemia, no existiendo consenso en el valor umbral para el uso de estos hemocomponentes o el inicio de insulina, respectivamente. Asimismo, la utilización de la hemofiltración de alto volumen (HFAV)aún permanece controversial, requiriendo mayores estudios para su recomendación en forma rutinaria en el curso de un shock séptico refractario. El soporte nutricional es primordial, ya que la desnutrición es una grave complicación que debe ser prevenida y tratada adecuadamente. El objetivo de la presente revisión es entregar una actualización en los más recientes avances en tratamiento del shock séptico en la población pediátrica.

Essential therapeutic principles in children with septic shock persist over time, although some new concepts have been recently incorporated, and fully awareness of pediatricians and intensivists is essential. Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental intervention, but the kind of ideal fluid has not been established yet, as each of these interventions has specific limitations and there is no evidence supportive of the superiority of one type of fluid. Should septic shock persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation, the use of inotropic medication and/or vasopressors is indicated. New vasoactive drugs can be used in refractory septic shock caused by vasopressors, and the use of hydrocortisone should be considered in children with suspected adrenal insufficiency, as it reduces the need for vasopressors. The indications for red blood cells transfusion or the optimal level of glycemia are still controversial, with no consensus on the threshold value for the use of these blood products or the initiation of insulin administration, respectively. Likewise, the use of high-volume hemofiltration is a controversial issue and further study is needed on the routine recommendation in the course of septic shock. Nutritional support is crucial, as malnutrition is a serious complication that should be properly prevented and treated. The aim of this paper is to provide update on the most recent advances as concerns the treatment of septic shock in the pediatric population.

[Ventilation strategies in the child with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure]. / Estrategias ventilatorias ante el niño con síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo e hipoxemia grave.

In this review, we assemble the fundamental concepts of the use of mechanical ventilation (MV) in children with acute respiratory failure (ARDS) and refractory hypoxemia. We also discusses topics of protective ventilation and recruitment potential, and specifically examine the options of ventilation and/or maneuvers designed to optimize the non-aerated lung tissue: alveolar recruitment maneuvers, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titulation, high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), aimed at correcting the mismatch ventilation/perfusion (V/Q): use of prone position. The only pharmacological intervention analyzed is the use of neuromuscular blockers. In clinical practice, the protective MV concept involves using an individual adjustment of the PEEP and volume tidal (V(T)). Use of recruitment maneuvers and PEEP downward titration can improve lung function in patients with ARDS and severe hypoxemia. We must keep in mind HFOV instauration as early as possible in response to failure of MV. The use of early and prolonged prone can improve gas exchange in hopes of a better control of what caused the use of MV.

Shock séptico en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: terapéutica avanzada, inmunoparálisis y genómica. Estado del arte / Septic shock in ICU: Advanced therapeutics, immunoparalysis and genomics. State of the art

En las últimas décadas, se han incorporado nuevos y trascendentes conceptos para el tratamiento avanzado del paciente en shock séptico. Se debe considerar el uso de terapia inmune en grupos seleccionados de pacientes. Las terapias de sustitución renal de carácter continuo son bien toleradas y su empleo precoz evita sobrecargas de fluidos. El uso de hemofiltración de alto volumen puede jugar un papel en el paciente séptico hiperdinámico. La plasmaféresis es útil en el paciente con disfunción multiorgánica. El empleo de soporte extracorpóreo se debe considerar en quienes presentan shock séptico refractario. La inmunoparálisis se ha asociado con infecciones nosocomiales y mortalidad tardía. La información obtenida de los marcadores genéticos puede permitir la búsqueda de una medicina basada en la genómica

New and important concepts have emerged for the advanced management of the child with septic shock in the recent decades. Attending physicians in the Pediatric intensive care unit must be fully aware of them to improve patient care in the critical care unit. It should be considered the use of immune therapy only in selected groups of patients. Continuous renal replacement therapies are well tolerated and their early use prevents deleterious fluid overload. Removal of inflammatory mediators by using high volume hemofiltration may play a role in hyperdynamic septic patients. The use of plasmapheresis is recommended in patients with thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ failure. Extracorporeal support use should be considered in those with refractory septic shock despite goals directed therapy. The immunoparalysis has been associated with nosocomial infections and late mortality. The information from genetic markers may allow early intervention and preventive genomics-based medicine

[Septic shock in ICU: advanced therapeutics, immunoparalysis and genomics. State of the art]. / Shock séptico en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: terapéutica avanzada, inmunoparálisis y genómica. Estado del arte.

New and important concepts have emerged for the advanced management of the child with septic shock in the recent decades. Attending physicians in the Pediatric intensive care unit must be fully aware of them to improve patient care in the critical care unit. It should be considered the use of immune therapy only in selected groups of patients. Continuous renal replacement therapies are well tolerated and their early use prevents deleterious fluid overload. Removal of inflammatory mediators by using high volume hemofiltration may play a role in hyperdynamic septic patients. The use of plasmapheresis is recommended in patients with thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ failure. Extracorporeal support use should be considered in those with refractory septic shock despite goals directed therapy. The immunoparalysis has been associated with nosocomial infections and late mortality. The information from genetic markers may allow early intervention and preventive genomics-based medicine.

Shock séptico en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: terapéutica avanzada, inmunoparálisis y genómica. Estado del arte. / [Septic shock in ICU: advanced therapeutics, immunoparalysis and genomics. State of the art].

New and important concepts have emerged for the advanced management of the child with septic shock in the recent decades. Attending physicians in the Pediatric intensive care unit must be fully aware of them to improve patient care in the critical care unit. It should be considered the use of immune therapy only in selected groups of patients. Continuous renal replacement therapies are well tolerated and their early use prevents deleterious fluid overload. Removal of inflammatory mediators by using high volume hemofiltration may play a role in hyperdynamic septic patients. The use of plasmapheresis is recommended in patients with thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ failure. Extracorporeal support use should be considered in those with refractory septic shock despite goals directed therapy. The immunoparalysis has been associated with nosocomial infections and late mortality. The information from genetic markers may allow early intervention and preventive genomics-based medicine.

Shock séptico en pediatría II. enfoque actual en el diagnóstico y tratamiento / Septic shock in pediatrics II. current concepts in diagnosis and treatment

Aunque los principios básicos para el diagnóstico y los pilares terapéuticos del niño con shock séptico se mantienen en el tiempo, es innegable que en las últimas décadas se han incorporado nuevos y trascendentes conceptos, siendo importante que el médico tratante en el Servicio de Urgencia tenga conocimiento a cabalidad de ellos. En la segunda parte de esta actualización se discuten las similitudes y diferencias entre la población infantil y adulta, la utilidad de las metas de reanimación metabólicas, como también el enfoque terapéutico inicial en el paciente séptico. Los conceptos más importantes revisados se refieren a las diferencias entre el niño y adulto con shock séptico, especialmente en la fisiopatología, clínica y tratamiento. Se recalca la importancia de expansión de la volemia y el uso de drogas vasoactivas si no hay respuesta a fluidos de reanimación. El manejo terapéutico debe estar orientado a la búsqueda de la normalización de metas macrohemodinámicas y de perfusión sistémica. Se deben evitar los errores más frecuentes de observar en el tratamiento inicial del paciente séptico. Esta entidad presenta una elevada incidencia y mortalidad, por lo cual el manejo precoz y agresivo es de máxima importancia en pediatría.

Although the basic concepts of diagnosis and therapy of the child with septic shock have remained similar over time, it is undeniable that in recent decades, new and important concepts have been added, and any treating physician either at the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit should be fully aware of them. This second part discusses the similarities and differences between pediatric and adult populations, the utility of metabolic resuscitation goals, as well as the initial therapeutic approach in septic patients. The most important concepts of this work make reference to the differences between children and adults with septic shock, specifically regarding to pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment. Volume expansion and vasoactive drugs are crucial if there is no response to fluid resuscitation. The therapeutic management should focus on finding the normalization of macrohemodynamic and systemic perfusion targets. Common observation mistakes in the initial treatment of septic patients should be avoided. This condition has a high incidence and mortality rate; therefore an early and aggressive treatment is essential.

Shock séptico en pediatría I: enfoque actual en el diagnóstico y tratamiento / Septic shock in pediatrics I: current approach in diagnosis and therapeutics

El shock séptico es una de las principales causas de mortalidad infantil a nivel mundial y representa una compleja y progresiva vía inflamatoria secundaria a una enfermedad infecciosa, la cual origina disfunción cardiovascular aguda, no necesariamente hipotensión arterial, condicionando disoxia tisular y eventualmente falla celular y orgánica. Los paquetes de medidas de resucitación propuestos enfatizan el reconocimiento clínico y un tratamiento precoz. Estas intervenciones se basan en la pronta y agresiva resucitación con fluidos intravenosos para una adecuada perfusión tisular, administración de antibióticos, remoción del foco infeccioso y el uso de drogas vasoactivas en caso de ser necesario. La terapia debe evaluarse permanentemente según la normalización de metas clínicas y de laboratorio. En la presente publicación se actualiza el conocimiento de las características epidemiológicas y fisiopatológicas de la sepsis, una puesta al día en definiciones operacionales, campañas internacionales y referentes a las iniciativas propuestas para disminuir su morbimortalidad. Se aborda el enfoque terapéutico inicial en el servicio de urgencia. El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer el estado actual del conocimiento en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del paciente con shock séptico especialmente en su fase inicial previo al ingreso a UCI.

Septic shock is a major cause of infant mortality worldwide and represents the progressive underlying inflammatory pathway secondary to an infectious disease, which causes acute cardiovascular dysfunction, not necessarily hypotension, tissue dysoxia and eventually cellular and organ failure. Standard resuscitative measures emphasize clinical recognition and early treatment. These interventions are based on early and aggressive resuscitation with intravenous fluids to optimize tissue perfusion, antibiotics, removal of the source of infection and the use of vasoactive drugs if necessary. Therapy should be permanently evaluated according to the standardized laboratory and clinical targets. This publication is an update on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of sepsis, operational definitions, current international campaigns and initiatives concerning proposals to decrease the morbidity and mortality of this condition. It also addresses initial therapeutic approaches in the emergency room. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with septic shock especially in the initial phase before admissions to intensive care units.

La microcirculación en el paciente crítico: parte II: evaluación y microcirculación como objetivo terapéutico / Microcirculation in the critically ill patient: part II: evaluation and microcirculation as a therapeutic target

La sepsis grave y shock séptico involucran una compleja red de alteraciones circulatorias, inflamatorias y metabólicas que llevan finalmente a una disrupción energética celular. Las alteraciones microcirculatorias son frecuentes en el paciente séptico. Su observación directa mediante el uso de vídeomicroscopia como sides-tream dark field (SDF) ha permitido la construcción de falla microcirculatoria como concepto clínico en el paciente crítico. Diversas intervenciones terapéuticas empleadas rutinariamente en el tratamiento del paciente crítico parecen estar asociadas con cambios limitados en la perfusión de la microcirculación, con independencia de la hemodinamia sistémica, debido a la naturaleza heterogénea de estas alteraciones y los mecanismos potencialmente involucrados.

Severe sepsis and septic shock involve circulatory, inflammatory and metabolic disorders eventually resulting in a disruption of cellular energy. Microcirculatory disturbances are common in septic patients. Direct observation using sidestream dark field (SDF) videomicroscopy has enabled the construction of microcirculatory failure as a clinical concept in the critically ill patients. Many therapeutic interventions routinely used in the treatment of critically ill patients seem to be associated with limited changes in microcirculatory perfusion, irrespective of systemic hemodynamics, given the heterogeneous nature of these changes and the mechanisms potentially involved.

La microcirculación en el paciente crítico: parte I: generalidades y fisiología en el paciente séptico / Microcirculation in the critically ill. Part I: Review and physiology of septic patients

Severe sepsis and septic shock involve circulatory, inflammatory and metabolic disorders eventually resulting in a disruption of cellular energy. Microcirculatory disturbances are common in septic patients. Microcir-culation is the primary site of oxygen and nutrients exchange to cells. Direct observation using Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging has allowed direct visualization of microcirculatory failure in critically ill patients. Septic shock is characterized by weak or vulnerable microcirculatory units and heterogeneity of microcircula-tory flow. Multiple mechanisms may contribute to these alterations, including endothelial dysfunction, altered glycocalyx, impaired inter-cell communication and adhesion and rolling of white blood cells and platelets. Many therapeutic interventions routinely used in the treatment of critically ill patients seem to result in limited changes in microcirculatory perfusion, irrespective of systemic hemodynamics, due to the heterogeneous nature of these changes and the potentially involved mechanisms. Therefore, microcirculatory alterations and their presence in states of shock, especially in septic shock, can represent diagnostic and severity stratification tools and may be a target for therapeutic intervention (microcirculatory resuscitation), besides suggesting a prognostic role.

La sepsis grave y shock séptico involucran una compleja red de alteraciones circulatorias, inflamatorias y metabólicas que llevan finalmente a una disrupción energética celular. Las alteraciones microcirculatorias son frecuentes en el paciente séptico. La microcirculación corresponde al sitio anatómico-funcional donde ocurre el intercambio de oxígeno y nutrientes hacia la célula. Su observación directa mediante el uso de videomicroscopía como sidestream dark field (SDF) ha permitido la construcción de falla microcirculatoria como concepto clínico en el paciente crítico. En el shock séptico la existencia de unidades microcirculatorias débiles y la heterogeneidad del flujo microcirculatorio son características. Múltiples mecanismos contribuyen a estas alteraciones, incluyendo la disfunción endotelial, daño del glicocálix, alteración en la comunicación intercelular, adhesión y rotación de leucocitos y plaquetas. Diversas intervenciones terapéuticas empleadas rutinariamente en el tratamiento del paciente crítico parecen estar asociadas con cambios limitados en la perfusión de la microcirculación, con independencia de la hemodinamia sistémica, debido a la naturaleza heterogénea de estas alteraciones y los mecanismos potencialmente involucrados. Así, las alteraciones microcirculatorias y su persistencia en estados de shock, especialmente shock séptico, se pueden mostrar como una herramienta diagnóstica y de estratificación de gravedad, pudiendo ser un objetivo de intervención terapéutica (resucitación microcirculatoria) presentando a su vez un rol pronóstico.

Consecuencias hemodinámicas y respiratorias del síndrome compartimental abdominal en un modelo experimental / Hemodynamic and respiratory alterations in an experimental abdominal compartment syndrome model

Introduction: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe and under-reported condition among the pediatric population due to inadequate warning and recognition. It can be caused by medical and surgical reasons, resulting in a high mortality rate. objective: To determine the magnitude of the initial hemodynamic and respiratory consequences triggered by the induction of ACS in an experimental model. Methods: The model consisted of twelve anesthetized pigs (4.8 +/- 0.1 kg). The ACS was induced by instillation of colloid solution in the peritoneal cavity to obtain an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 24.9 +/- 0.6 mmHg. In basal conditions and after the ACS induction, a conventional hemodynamic monitoring and transpulmonary thermodilution were performed. At the same time, arterial blood gases and lung mechanics analysis were measured. results: There was a reduction of cardiac output by 16 percent (5.19 +/- 0.33 to 4.34 +/- 0.28 l/min/m², p = 0.01) and abdominal perfusion pressure by 20 percent (72.3 +/- 3.2 to 57.3 +/- 4.0 mmHg, p <0.001) without changes in heart rate, arterial or central venous pressure. In addition there was an approximately 50 percent worsening of respiratory system compliance (1.28 +/- 0.09 to 0.62 +/- 0.04 ml/cmH2O/kg, p = 0.002) associated with a significant increase in intrathoracic pressure and slight decrease in oxygenation. Discussion: In this experimental model, the early development of hemodynamic and pulmonary dysfunction could be observed. A reduction of cardiac output that was not detected by conventional monitoring and a substantial deterioration of lung mechanics, characteristic of restrictive disease, associated with mild alterations in gas exchange were reported. It is essential then to monitor the IAP in patients predisposed to develop ACS, especially in the case of organ dysfunction deterioration, as severe hypotension and hypoxemia are late signs of this complication.

Introducción: El síndrome compartimental abdominal (SCA) es una entidad grave, de escaso reporte en población pediátrica por una inadecuada alerta y reconocimiento. Puede ser originado por causas médicas y quirúrgicas, presentando una elevada mortalidad. objetivo: Determinar la magnitud de las consecuencias hemodinámicas y respiratorias iniciales desencadenadas por la inducción de un SCA en un modelo experimental. Método: Doce cerdos anestesiados (4,8 +/- 0,1 kg). El SCA fue inducido con instilación de solución coloide en cavidad peritoneal para obtener una presión intra-abdominal (PIA) de 25 +/- 5 mmHg. En condiciones basales y posterior a inducción del SCA se realizó monitorización hemodinámica convencional y termodilución transpulmonar. Paralelamente se midió gasometría arterial y análisis de mecánica pulmonar. resultados: Hubo una reducción del gasto cardíaco en 16 por ciento (5,19 +/- 0,33 a 4,34 +/- 0,28 l/min/m², p = 0,01) y de la presión de perfusión abdominal en 20 por ciento (72,3 +/- 3,2 a 57,3 +/- 4,0 mmHg, p < 0,001) sin cambios en frecuencia cardiaca, presión arterial y venosa central. Además ocurrió un deterioro de la compliance del sistema respiratorio cercana al 50 por ciento (1,28 +/- 0,09 a 0,62 +/- 0,04 ml/cmH2O/kg, p = 0,002) asociado a un incremento significativo en las presiones intratorácicas y disminución leve de la oxigenación. Discusión: En este modelo experimental se pudo apreciar el desarrollo temprano de disfunción hemodinámica y pulmonar. Se evidenció una reducción de gasto cardiaco no detectado por la monitorización convencional y un deterioro substancial de la mecánica pulmonar, propia de una enfermedad restrictiva, asociado a alteraciones leves del intercambio gaseoso. Creemos que es fundamental monitorizar la PIA en pacientes predispuestos a desarrollar un SCA, más aún ante empeoramiento de disfunciones orgánicas dado que la hipotensión e hipoxemia grave son signos tardíos de esta complicación.

Evaluación de la microcirculación sublingual en un paciente en shock séptico / Sublingual microcirculation asessment in a patient with septic shock

Introduction: Septic shock involves a complicated network of circulatory, inflammatory and metabolic disturbances,leading to cellular energetic disruption. Microcirculatory alterations are frequently observed in septic shock, being characteristic the presence of weak microcirculatory units and heterogeneous microcircu-latory flow. Clinical case: A female patient, two months of age, with a pulmonary process-originated septic shock is presented. The description of microcirculation alterations at 24, 72 and 120 hrs was performed while the patient underwent therapy. A MicroScan®, (MicroVision Medical, Amsterdam, Holland) was utilised on the sublingual area. The patient received ventilation support, reanimation fluids, vasoactive drugs and antibiotics. The patient presented low proportion of perfused capillary vessels, low ratio of microcirculatory flow and a high heterogeneity in flow in the first measurement, all of them independant from systemic hemodynamics and disoxia indicators. These severe alterations improved progressively at 72 and 120 hrs of therapy. Discussion: Microcirculatory alterations and its time evolution may be a tool for dynamic diagnostic and severity staging assesment in septic shock. Further studies should assess microcirculation as a target for therapeutic intervention (microcirculatory resuscitation), being also of prognostic value for septic shock and severe sepsis in children.

Introducción: El shock séptico involucra una compleja red de alteraciones circulatorias, inflamatorias y metabólicas que conducen a una disrupción energética celular. En el shock séptico se observan frecuentemente alteraciones microcirculatorias, siendo característico la existencia de unidades microcirculatorias débiles y un flujo microcirculatorio heterogéneo. Caso clínico: Se presenta una paciente de dos meses de edad con shock séptico de foco pulmonar, en la que realizamos una descripción de las alteraciones microcirculatorias a las 24, 72 y 120 h durante su tratamiento. Se utilizó MicroScan®, (MicroVision Medical, Amsterdam, Holanda) en el área sublingual. La paciente recibió soporte ventilatorio, fluidos de reanimación, drogas vasoactivas y antibióticos. En la medición inicial la paciente presentaba una baja proporción de capilares perfundidos, un bajo índice de flujo microcirculatorio y una alta heterogeneidad de flujo, todas ellas con independencia de la hemodinamia sistémica e indicadores de disoxia. Estas alteraciones graves mejoraron progresivamente a las 72 y 120 h de tratamiento. Discusión: Las alteraciones microcirculatorias y su evolución temporal pueden ser una herramienta diagnóstica dinámica y de estratificación de gravedad en estados de shock séptico. En estudios futuros la microcirculación deberá ser evaluada como un objetivo de intervención terapéutica (resucitación microcirculatoria) presentando a su vez un rol pronóstico en el shock séptico y sepsis grave en niños.

[PIRO classification in pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock: a new model for staging and its potential usefulness in prognoses]. / Clasificación PIRO en sepsis grave y shock séptico pediátrico: Nuevo modelo de estratificación y su utilidad en pronóstico.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a dynamic process that involves complex interactions between the pathogenic micro-organisms and the host. The understanding of this heterogeneous disease has led to the development of a new system for stratification of septic patients: the PIRO system: Predisposition (P) -Insult/Infection (I) -Response (R) -Organ disfunction (O), a classification aimed to determine the risk of death in patients with sepsis. Only a few studies have validated this classification system in children. OBJECTIVE: To empirically test the accuracy of the PIRO system in pediatric patients with septic shock and severe sepsis and associate its individual components to predict mortality. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed in a 13 bed PICU during 24 months (January 2006 to December 2007) Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were recorded in all patients with a diagnosis of septic shock and severe sepsis during the study period. For all patients the PIRO classification system was applied by one of four authors using paramethers measured at admission. RESULTS: Atotal of 42 patients were included with a mean age of 11 months (range 3.25-58.3) of which 52% were male. Overall mortality was 19% and variables associated with mortality for each category were: (P) Chronic illness (OR: 7 IC95% 0.95-51) and Immunodeficiency (OR: 6.2; IC95% 1.1-35.2); (R) leucopema (OR 9; IC95%: 1.96-41.72); (O) more thanthree dysfunctional organs (OR: 6.1; IC95%: 1.22-31). None of the (I) variables were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The PIRO classification system identified factors associated with a fatal outcome in our population. The test is relatively simple to apply but cross-sectional studies are required to define variables associated with death that should then be prospectivelly validated.

Rol de la evaluación preparticipativa en adolescentes, en el diagnóstico de enfermedades cardiovasculares y prevención de muerte súbita / Screenig for cardiovascular diseases among teenagers that will engage in sport activities

Promotion of physical activity must be apriority in all modern societies, but there are some persons with medical conditions that can develop serious symptoms associated with sports, that can even be fatal, such as sudden death (SD). Adolescents are the age groups with the higher level of participation in recreation or competitive sports. International studies have demonstrated that approximately 1:250.000 adolescents die during the practice of sports. Of these, 50 percent had a prodrome 24 hours before the event and 75 percent had an underlying cardiovascular disease. Therefore, adolescents should be screened for cardiovascular diseases prior to their engagement in sports. This review gives a scientific approach to this issue, usually oversized by mass media. It also analyzes and reports international governmental strategies and practical tools for the clinician that must perform this type of screening.

Clasificación PIRO en sepsis grave y shock séptico pediátrico: Nuevo modelo de estratificación y su utilidad en pronóstico / PIRO classification in pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock: A new model for staging and its potential usefulness in prognoses

Background: Sepsis is a dynamic process that involves complex interactions between the pathogenic micro-organisms and the host. The understanding of this heterogeneous disease has led to the development of a new system for stratification of septic patients: the PIRO system: Predisposition (P) -Insult/Infection (I) -Response (R) -Organ disfunction (O), a classification aimed to determine the risk of death in patients with sepsis. Only a few studies have validated this classification system in children. Objective: To empirically test the accuracy of the PIRO system in pediatric patients with septic shock and severe sepsis and associate its individual components to predict mortality. Patients and Method: A retrospective chart review was performed in a 13 bed PICU during 24 months (January 2006 to December 2007) Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were recorded in all patients with a diagnosis of septic shock and severe sepsis during the study period. For all patients the PIRO classification system was applied by one of four authors using paramethers measured at admission. Results: Atotal of 42 patients were included with a mean age of 11 months (range 3.25-58.3) of which 52 percent were male. Overall mortality was 19 percent and variables associated with mortality for each category were: (P) Chronic illness (OR: 7 IC95 percent 0.95-51) and Immunodeficiency (OR: 6.2; IC95 percent 1.1-35.2); (R) leucopema (OR 9; IC95 percent: 1.96-41.72); (O) more thanthree dysfunctional organs (OR: 6.1; IC95 percent: 1.22-31). None of the (I) variables were associated with mortality. Conclusions: The PIRO classification system identified factors associated with a fatal outcome in our population. The test is relatively simple to apply but cross-sectional studies are required to define variables associated with death that should then be prospectivelly validated.

Introducción: La compresión de la sepsis como un proceso dinámico, resultado de la interacción entre hospedero y agente infeccioso, ha llevado al sistema de estratificación "PIRO" (P) Predisposición, (I) Injuria/ Infección, (R) Respuesta y (O) disfunción de Órganos, clasificación orientada a predecir la muerte en pacientes con sepsis, a ganar adeptos. Sin embargo, faltan estudios clínicos que lo validen. Objetivo: Evaluar la certeza de la clasificación "PIRO" en sepsis grave y shock séptico para predecir mortalidad. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo efectuado en una UCI pediátrica de 13 camas durante 24 meses (enero 2006 a diciembre 2007). Uno de los cuatro autores registró las características demográficas, clínicas y microbiológicas de la totalidad de pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de sepsis grave y shock séptico, agrupándolos según sobrevida. Fueron clasificadas estas variables según sistema PIRO Se evaluó la asociación de estas variables con la mortalidad. Resultados: 42 pacientes, edad 11 meses (3,2-58) y mortalidad 19 por ciento. Las variables asociadas a mortalidad fueron: (P) antecedente de patología crónica (OR: 7; IC95 por ciento 0,95-51) e inmunodeficiencia (6,2; 1,1-35,2); (R) leucopenia (9; 1,96-41,72); (O) disfunción de 3 o más órganos (6,1; 1,22-31). Ninguna de las variables (I) se asoció a mortalidad. Conclusiones: El sistema "PIRO" es un modelo en desarrollo para una clasificación individual, de fácil aplicación. Permite reconocer factores asociados a un resultado fatal, en la presente casuística dado por inmunodeficiencia, leucopenia y fallo de tres o más sistemas. Es importante realizar estudios transversales para definir una etapificación PIRO consensuada y luego validarla prospectivamente.

[Congenital asplenia and pneumococcal purpura fulminans in a pediatric patient: case report with pathological findings and review]. / Asplenia congénita y purpura fulminans neumocóccico en paciente pediátrico: reporte de caso con necropsia y revisión del tema.

Absent or defective splenic function is associated with a high risk of fulminant bacterial infections, especially due to encapsulated bacteria. Not knowing this condition may delay medical treatment. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of sepsis in these patients. Asplenic patients are at high risk for septic shock and eventually purpura fulminans, a life-threatening condition. We report the case of a 3 years oíd girl, with mitral stenosis and recurrent pneumonía that was admitted due to fever but in the next few hours presented hypotension, purpura and livedo reticularis. Laboratory test showed leucopenia (3.400/mm(3)), bandemia (43% of immature forms), thrombocytopenia, hypoprothombinemia and severe lactic acidosis (ph: 7.0 and lactic acid 11 mmol/1). The patient developed septic shock and multiorganic failure. Mechanical ventilation, volume resuscitation, vasoactive drugs and antibiotic therapy was initiated. Ultrasound was performed on the second day, demostrating asplenia. Peripheral blood smear showed Howell-Jolly bodies. Patient had a positive blood culture for penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotype 19F). Patient died of intracerebral hemorrhage after 8 days of admission. Necropsy confirmed asplenia and bilateral suprarenal haemorrhage. Absence of spleen can lead to life threatening infections, it is important to recognize it because vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis can provide life-saving protection. This case provides a reminder to pursue asplenia as a potential underlying mechanism for invasive bacterial infection in children.

Asplenia congénita y purpura fulminans neumocóccico en paciente pediátrico: reporte de caso con necropsia y revisión del tema / Congenital asplenia and pneumococcal purpura fulminans in a pediatric patient: case report with pathological findings and review

Absent or defective splenic function is associated with a high risk of fulminant bacterial infections, especially due to encapsulated bacteria. Not knowing this condition may delay medical treatment. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of sepsis in these patients. Asplenic patients are at high risk for septic shock and eventually purpura fulminans, a life-threatening condition. We report the case of a 3 years oíd girl, with mitral stenosis and recurrent pneumonía that was admitted due to fever but in the next few hours presented hypotension, purpura and livedo reticularis. Laboratory test showed leucopenia (3.400/mm³), bandemia (43 percent of immature forms), thrombocytopenia, hypoprothombinemia and severe lactic acidosis (ph: 7.0 and lactic acid 11 mmol/1). The patient developed septic shock and multiorganic failure. Mechanical ventilation, volume resuscitation, vasoactive drugs and antibiotic therapy was initiated. Ultrasound was performed on the second day, demostrating asplenia. Peripheral blood smear showed Howell-Jolly bodies. Patient had a positive blood culture for penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotype 19F). Patient died of intracerebral hemorrhage after 8 days of admission. Necropsy confirmed asplenia and bilateral suprarenal haemorrhage. Absence of spleen can lead to life threatening infections, it is important to recognize it because vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis can provide life-saving protection. This case provides a reminder to pursue asplenia as a potential underlying mechanism for invasive bacterial infection in children.

La condición de asplenia predispone a infecciones invasoras por bacterias capsuladas. Desconocer previamente ese antecedente dificulta y retarda el tratamiento médico. Streptococcus pneumoniae es el agente habitualmente causal de sepsis en estos pacientes. Los individuos asplénicos son particularmente proclives a evolucionar con shock séptico y eventual-mente al desarrollo de purpura fulminans, entidad altamente letal. Comunicamos el caso de una paciente con 3 años de edad y antecedente de cardiopatía y neumonías a repetición. Ingresó con compromiso sensorial, febril, hipotensa, con púrpura y livedo reticularis. En los exámenes de laboratorio destacaba la presencia de leucopenia (3.400/ mm³) trombopenia e hipoprotrombinemia (39 por ciento). Se inició ventilación mecánica, reanimación con volumen, fármacos vasoactivos y antibioterapia con vancomicina, clindamicina y ceftriaxona. Evolucionó con shock séptico refractario y síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple. Al segundo día de evolución una ecograña de abdomen comprobó la ausencia de bazo. En el frotis sanguíneo se evidenciaron corpúsculos de Howell-Jolly. Hemocul-tivo (+) S. pneumoniae resistente a penicilina (serotipo 19F). Un infarto hemorrágico cerebral ocasionó su deceso al octavo día. El estudio necrópsico corroboró la asplenia y evidenció necrohemorragia suprarrenal bilateral. La sepsis en un paciente asplénico puede ser de alguna forma prevenible mediante profilaxis antimicrobiana y vacunación neumocóccica. Dado los antecedentes de la paciente la búsqueda de asplenia era fundamental.