Early markers of endocrinometabolic disease in newborns with delayed intrauterine growth.

INTRODUCTION: The adjustments to malnutrition in growth restricted fetus (GRF) that lead to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood are not well known. The most feasible explanation for this association is the hypothesis of catch up. Some studies postulate a greater influence of catch up growth than the low birth weight itself in developing metabolic and cardiovascular disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (defined as weight percentile at birth less than 10th) born during a one-year period. Clinical data of patients were recorded (gender, gestational age, data about breastfeeding and anthropometry during follow-up every 3 months). Some details of pregnancy and characteristics of the mother were also registered. Serum biochemical parameters (IGF-1, IGF-BP3, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, DLD cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA) were collected at birth from cord blood, 9 and 12 months. Two main comparative groups were established: those GRF who made a catch-up growth (increase in weight Z score higher than 0,67) during the follow-up and those who did not get it. RESULTS: 126 GRF children were born in the study period. 125 accepted the inclusion in the study and 67 of them completed the full monitoring for a year; 47 of them made recovery growth and 20 did not. A significant difference between both groups was found in glucose in umbilical cord and triglycerides at 12 months: GRF children with catch up growth showed lower glucose levels (p = 0.03) and higher levels of triglycerides (p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in the rest of laboratory parameters analyzed (IGF-1, IGF-BP3, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, DLD cholesterol, HOMA at 9 and 12 months or triglycerides at 9 months). CONCLUSIONS: Those GRF with catch up growth during the first year of life have early changes in the triglycerides at the end of that period with higher levels than those GRF children without catch up growth. This finding could be useful to develop a tool for early detection of GRF children with higher metabolic risk in order to prevent future pathology.

[Psychomotor development in late preterms at two years of age: a comparison with full-term newborn infants using two different instruments]. / Desarrollo psicomotor en prematuros tardios a los dos años de edad: comparacion con recien nacidos a termino mediante dos herramientas diferentes.

INTRODUCTION: Late preterm infants currently constitute 70% of preterm infant births. They present greater comorbidity, including neurodevelopment disorders, which may not manifest until the school age. AIM: To identify the existence of difficulties in the neurodevelopment at the age of two years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The psychomotor development was performed at two years of age in late preterm infants and term control group born at our center between January and September 2014, with Brunet-Lezine Revised test and Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) questionnaire. RESULTS: 88 children were included. Late preterm infants had lower scores in the language area and postural developmental. Girls achieved better results than males at global developmental age, oculo-motor coordination, language area and sociability. The ASQ-3 questionnaire detected differences in communication and socio-individual. Prematurity and male sex were identified as an independent risk factor to present a developmental disorder, prematurity for language impairment and male sex for younger developmental age and language impairment. The correlation between language assessment with the Brunet-Lezine Revised test and the ASQ-3 questionnaire was good, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.7 (p < 0.001), showing the usefulness of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm infants have a lower developmental age in the language area at two years. Prematurity and male sex are risk factors for developmental disorder. Language assessment with the ASQ-3 questionnaire may be a useful tool to detect disorders and intervene early.

TITLE: Desarrollo psicomotor en prematuros tardios a los dos años de edad: comparacion con recien nacidos a termino mediante dos herramientas diferentes.Introduccion. Los prematuros tardios constituyen actualmente el 70% de los nacimientos prematuros. Presentan mayor comorbilidad, incluyendo las alteraciones del neurodesarrollo, que pueden no manifestarse hasta la escolarizacion. Objetivo. Identificar dificultades en el desarrollo neurologico a los dos años de edad. Sujetos y metodos. Se valoro el desarrollo psicomotor a los dos años de los prematuros tardios y del grupo control a termino nacidos en nuestro centro entre enero y septiembre del año 2014 mediante la escala de Brunet-Lezine revisada y el cuestionario de edades y etapas para la deteccion de trastornos del neurodesarrollo Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3). Resultados. Se incluyo a 88 niños. Los prematuros tardios presentaron puntuaciones inferiores en el lenguaje y el desarrollo postural. Las niñas obtuvieron resultados superiores en la edad de desarrollo global, la coordinacion oculomotriz, el lenguaje y la sociabilidad. El cuestionario ASQ-3 detecto las diferencias en comunicacion y socioindividuales. Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para presentar alteracion del desarrollo la prematuridad, para alteracion del lenguaje, y el sexo masculino, para menor edad de desarrollo y alteracion del lenguaje. La correlacion entre la valoracion del lenguaje con la escala de Brunet-Lezine revisada y el cuestionario ASQ-3 fue buena, con un coeficiente de correlacion de Pearson de 0,7 (p < 0,001), lo que muestra la utilidad del cuestionario. Conclusiones. Los prematuros tardios presentan menor desarrollo del lenguaje a los dos años. La prematuridad y el sexo masculino son factores de riesgo para presentar alteracion. La valoracion del lenguaje con el cuestionario ASQ-3 puede ser util para detectar alteraciones.

[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.

Recurrent wheezing and asthma after bocavirus bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Human bocavirus (HBoV) was recently discovered and identified as an important cause of respiratory infection in young children. However, the relationship between HBoV-bronchiolitis and the development of recurrent wheezing has not yet been established. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study in order to describe the mid-term outcome, regarding the development of recurrent wheezing and asthma of HBoV-bronchiolitis patients and to compare it with RSV-bronchiolitis infants. METHODS: We studied 80 children (10 with HBoV and 70 with RSV infection), currently aged ≥4 years and previously hospitalised during the seasons 2004-2009 due to acute bronchiolitis. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected through structured clinical interviews at the follow-up visit. Spirometry and skin prick tests to common food and inhaled allergens were performed. RESULTS: All HBoV-patients developed recurrent wheezing and half of them had asthma at age 5-7 years. Almost 30% required hospital admission for recurrent wheezing. Asthma (odds ratio (OR)=1.28) and current asthma (OR=2.18) were significantly more frequent in children with HBoV-bronchiolitis than in RSV-bronchiolitis. FEV1 values were 99.2±4.8 in HBoV-group vs. 103±11 in RSV-group, p: 0.09. No differences were found with respect to allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, proportion of positive prick tests, and family history of atopy or asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Severe HBoV-bronchiolitis in infancy was strongly associated with asthma at 5-7 years.

Infecciones virales de las vías respiratorias en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales / Infecciones virales de las vías respiratorias en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales Viral respiratory tract infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones virales respiratorias son causa de importante morbimortalidad en recién nacidos prematuros. Hemos realizado un estudio prospectivo en nuestra unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) para determinar la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias, su impacto, epidemiología y pronóstico en neonatos de alto riesgo. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo realizado entre septiembre del 2011 y mayo del 2013 entre todos los recién nacidos < 32 semanas de edad gestacional y aquellos niños cuya patología pudiera dar lugar a pensar en un ingreso superior a las 2 semanas. Se recogieron aspirados nasofaríngeos (ANF) el primer día de vida y semanalmente hasta el alta para estudio virológico mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa. En los casos en los que los niños presentaban síntomas respiratorios, se procedió a recoger un nuevo ANF. El pediatra cumplimentó un cuestionario con los datos clínicos. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a 60 niños; 30 (50%) de ellos con una edad gestacional < 32 semanas y 36 (60%) con un peso < 1.500 g. Se recogió un total de 256 ANF, 24 de los cuales resultaron positivos (9,3%). Estas 24 muestras positivas correspondieron solo a 13 niños (21,6% de los pacientes). De ellos, 9 resultaron sintomáticos y presentaron 11 episodios de infección (2 pacientes experimentaron 2 episodios diferentes con control negativo entre ellos). El virus más frecuentemente identificado -el 79% de las muestras (19)- fue el rinovirus (RV). El dato clínico más frecuente fue la presencia o incremento de apneas (75%) y la necesidad de oxigenoterapia. CONCLUSIONES: Las infecciones por RV son frecuentes en la UCIN y los recién nacidos pretérmino tienen un alto riesgo de presentar infecciones de relevancia clínica

INTRODUCTION: Viral respiratory infections cause major morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We have performed a prospective study in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to determine the incidence of respiratory infections, their impact and the epidemiology and outcome in high risk neonates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2011 to May 2013 a prospective study was conducted in all preterm infants < 32 weeks gestational age and in all term newborns admitted to NICU for any pathology that are anticipated to have an income exceeding two weeks. A nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected the first day of life and weekly until discharge for virologic study with polymerase chain reaction. When these babies presented respiratory symptoms a new NPA was collected in this moment. A clinical form was filled by the physician. RESULTS: A total of 60 infants were analyzed: 30 (50%) had a gestational age < 32 weeks and 36 (60%) weighing less than 1500 grams. We collected a total of 256 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, 24 of them being positive (9.3%). These 24 positive samples corresponded to 13 infants in our cohort (21.6% of the patients). Of them, 9 were symptomatic and had 11 episodes of infection (2 patients had two different episodes with negative control between them). The most frequently identified virus was rhinovirus in (19) 79% of cases. The most frequent clinical data was the presence or increased of apneas (75%) and the needed of oxygenotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: HRV infections are prevalent in the NICU, and preterm infants have a high risk of infections with clinical relevance

[Viral respiratory tract infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit]. / Infecciones virales de las vías respiratorias en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales.

INTRODUCTION: Viral respiratory infections cause major morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We have performed a prospective study in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to determine the incidence of respiratory infections, their impact and the epidemiology and outcome in high risk neonates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2011 to May 2013 a prospective study was conducted in all preterm infants < 32 weeks gestational age and in all term newborns admitted to NICU for any pathology that are anticipated to have an income exceeding two weeks. A nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected the first day of life and weekly until discharge for virologic study with polymerase chain reaction. When these babies presented respiratory symptoms a new NPA was collected in this moment. A clinical form was filled by the physician. RESULTS: A total of 60 infants were analyzed: 30 (50%) had a gestational age < 32 weeks and 36 (60%) weighing less than 1500 grams. We collected a total of 256 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, 24 of them being positive (9.3%). These 24 positive samples corresponded to 13 infants in our cohort (21.6% of the patients). Of them, 9 were symptomatic and had 11 episodes of infection (2 patients had two different episodes with negative control between them). The most frequently identified virus was rhinovirus in (19) 79% of cases. The most frequent clinical data was the presence or increased of apneas (75%) and the needed of oxygenotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: HRV infections are prevalent in the NICU, and preterm infants have a high risk of infections with clinical relevance.

Hospital admission due to respiratory viral infections in moderate preterm, late preterm and term infants during their first year of life.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory viral infections are a major cause of hospitalisation in infants <1 year and might cause severe symptoms in preterm infants. Our aim was to analyse admissions due to respiratory infections in moderate, late and term infants, and to identify risk factors for hospitalisation in preterm versus term. METHODS: Prospective study in a cohort of moderate and late preterm, and term infants born between October/2011 and December/2012. Admissions due to respiratory infections during the first year of life were analysed and compared among moderate (32-33), late (34-36) and term infants. Sixteen respiratory viruses were detected by RT-PCR. Clinical data were collected. RESULTS: 30 (20.9%) out of 143 preterm infants required admission for respiratory infection, versus 129 (6.9%) of 1858 term infants born in the same period (p<0.0001, OR: 3.6 CI 2.0 to 5.0). Hospitalised children had a higher prevalence of hyaline membrane disease (HMD) at birth (p<0.001, OR: 7.7 CI: 2.121 to 27.954) and needed more mechanical ventilation (p<0.001, OR: 5.7 CI: 1.813 to 18.396). Virus was identified in 25/30 (83%) preterm babies, and in 110/129 (85%) term infants. The most frequent viruses in preterm infants were RSV (76%) rhinovirus (20%). Clinical and epidemiological characteristics among term and preterm infants were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of respiratory admissions during the first year of life is up to 3.6 times higher in moderate and late preterm. Once admitted, clinical features of respiratory episodes requiring hospitalisation are similar among term and preterm infants. Hyaline membrane disease and mechanical ventilation were also risk factors for respiratory admissions.

Viral respiratory tract infections in the neonatal intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Viral respiratory infections cause major morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We have performed a prospective study in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to determine the incidence of respiratory infections, their impact and the epidemiology and outcome in high risk neonates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2011 to May 2013 a prospective study was conducted in all preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age and in all term newborns admitted to NICU for any pathology that was anticipated to have an admission exceeding two weeks. A nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected the first day of life and weekly until discharge for virologic study with polymerase chain reaction. When these babies presented respiratory symptoms a new NPA was collected at this moment. A clinical form was filled by the physician. RESULTS: A total of 60 infants were analysed: 30 (50%) had a gestational age <32 weeks and 36 (60%) weighed less than 1500 g. We collected a total of 256 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, 24 of them being positive (9.3%). These 24 positive samples corresponded to 13 infants in our cohort (21.6% of the patients). Of them, 9 were symptomatic and had 11 episodes of infection (2 patients had two different episodes with negative control between them). The most frequently identified virus was rhinovirus in (19) 79% of cases. The most frequent clinical data was the presence or increase in apneas (75%) and the need for oxygenotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: HRV infections are prevalent in the NICU, and preterm infants have a high risk of infections with clinical relevance.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones virales respiratorias son causa de importante morbimortalidad en recién nacidos prematuros. Hemos realizado un estudio prospectivo en nuestra unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) para determinar la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias, su impacto, epidemiología y pronóstico en neonatos de alto riesgo. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo realizado entre septiembre del 2011 y mayo del 2013 entre todos los recién nacidos < 32 semanas de edad gestacional y aquellos niños cuya patología pudiera dar lugar a pensar en un ingreso superior a las 2 semanas. Se recogieron aspirados nasofaríngeos (ANF) el primer día de vida y semanalmente hasta el alta para estudio virológico mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa. En los casos en los que los niños presentaban síntomas respiratorios, se procedió a recoger un nuevo ANF. El pediatra cumplimentó un cuestionario con los datos clínicos. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a 60 niños; 30 (50%) de ellos con una edad gestacional <32 semanas y 36 (60%) con un peso <1.500 g. Se recogió un total de 256 ANF, 24 de los cuales resultaron positivos (9,3%). Estas 24 muestras positivas correspondieron solo a 13 niños (21,6% de los pacientes). De ellos, 9 resultaron sintomáticos y presentaron 11 episodios de infección (2 pacientes experimentaron 2 episodios diferentes con control negativo entre ellos). El virus más frecuentemente identificado ­ el 79% de las muestras (19) ­ fue el rinovirus (RV). El dato clínico más frecuente fue la presencia o incremento de apneas (75%) y la necesidad de oxigenoterapia. CONCLUSIONES: Las infecciones por RV son frecuentes en la UCIN y los recién nacidos pretérmino tienen un alto riesgo de presentar infecciones de relevancia clínica.

[Human parechovirus-3 infection in a neonate with fever and suspected sepsis]. / Infección por parechovirus 3 en un neonato con fiebre y sospecha de sepsis.

The human parechovirus (HPeV) are viruses of the recently described Picornaviridae family and are causing several infections in young children. The pathology associated with these viruses is beginning to emerge. The HPeV type 3, has been described particularly in association with sepsis-like febrile syndromes, meningitis and encephalitis in very young infants and neonates. We report the case of a 14-day-old girl with a fever and clinical sepsis that required hospitalization and in which HPeV-3 was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid. The blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid bacterial cultures were negative, and the patient improved. This case illustrates the usefulness of investigating parechovirus infection in neonates with fever or suspected sepsis.

Bariatric surgery, a risk factor for rhabdomyolysis

La rabdomiolisis tras cirugía bariatrica es una complicación rara pero posible. Presentamos un caso de rabdomiolisis y fallo renal agudo tras by-pass gástrico laparoscópico en paciente con obesidad mórbida. Su conocimiento puede ayudar a predecir y manejar esta complicación infradiagnosticada cuyo diagnostico precoz mejora el tratamiento de estos pacientes y previene las complicaciones posteriores (AU)

Rhabdomyolysis has been increasingly recognized as a complication of bariatric surgery. We report a case of this complication and its consequences, in a patient who had undergone bariatric surgery, with a very high creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and whose renal function failed. Obesity causes a range of effects on all major organ systems. Knowledge of these effects and issues specific to the intensive care unit care of bariatric patients can help to predict and manage this underestimated complication in this population in which early diagnosis can alter the outcome (AU)

Bariatric surgery, a risk factor for rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis has been increasingly recognized as a complication of bariatric surgery. We report a case of this complication and its consequences, in a patient who had undergone bariatric surgery, with a very high creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and whose renal function failed. Obesity causes a range of effects on all major organ systems. Knowledge of these effects and issues specific to the intensive care unit care of bariatric patients can help to predict and manage this underestimated complication in this population in which early diagnosis can alter the outcome.

Etiología y diagnóstico de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y sus formas complicadas / Aetiology and diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia and its complicated forms

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una enfermedad frecuente en la infancia, en cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento participan diversas especialidades pediátricas. Esto ha motivado que la Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica (SENP) y la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP) elaboren un documento de consenso sobre el diagnóstico de la NAC, revisando mediante la medicina basada en la evidencia aquellos aspectos prácticos sobre el mismo. Se analizan la etiología y la epidemiología, con los cambios actuales, así como la validez de ciertas pruebas complementarias, como los reactantes de fase aguda, los métodos microbiológicos y los métodos de imagen, orientando al pediatra en la utilidad real de los mismos(AU)

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood disease, involving several paediatric subspecialties in its diagnosis and treatment. This has prompted the Spanish Society of Paediatric Pulmonology (SENP) and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP) to prepare a consensus document on the diagnosis of CAP, assessing the practical aspects by means of evidence-based medicine. It discusses the aetiology and epidemiology, with the current changes and the validity of certain laboratory tests, such as acute phase reactants, microbiological and imaging techniques, guiding the paediatricians in the real value of these tests(AU)

Role of emerging respiratory viruses in children with severe acute wheezing.

BACKGROUND: Acute wheezing episodes are frequently associated with respiratory viral infections in children. However, the role of the recently described respiratory viruses is not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human bocavirus (HBoV), and 14 other respiratory viruses in hospitalized children with acute wheezing. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on children <14 years old, admitted with an acute expiratory wheezing episode from September 2005 to June 2008. Viruses were detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates by polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: A viral pathogen was identified in 444 (71%) out of 626 hospitalized acute wheezing episodes. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently detected (27%), followed by rhinovirus (24%), adenovirus (17.8%), HBoV (16%), and HMPV (4.7%). The rate of viral detection was significantly higher in infants (77.3%), than in older children (59.8%) (P < 0.001). RSV and HBoV were more prevalent in infants (P < 0.001) than in older children. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent viruses found in severe acute wheezing episodes were RSV and rhinovirus not only in childhood, but also in infancy. However, other emerging viruses such as HBoV and metapneumovirus also play an important role in wheezing episodes.

Asma y virus / No disponible

No disponible

Detection of new respiratory viruses in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis: a three-year prospective study.

AIM: We have designed a study with the objective of describing the clinical impact of other viruses different from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis. METHODS: A 3 year prospective study was conducted on infants admitted to the Paediatrics Department of the Severo Ochoa Hospital (Spain). We studied the frequency of 16 respiratory viruses. Clinical characteristics of RSV-only infections were compared with other single agent viral infections. RESULTS: Positive results were confirmed in 275 (86.5%) of the 318 children studied. A single virus was detected in 196 patients and 79 were dual or multiple viral infections. RSV was detected in 61.3% of total bronchiolitis. Rhinovirus (RV) was 17.4% of the identified virus, followed by human bocavirus (HBoV), adenovirus and metapneumovirus (hMPV). Only RV, HBoV and hMPV were significant as single infections. RSV patients were younger than HBoV (p > 0.0001) and hMPV (p = 0.025). Seasonality was clearly different between them. Children with RSV infection needed treatment in the intensive care unit more frequently than others. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized infants, RSV was the most frequent agent in bronchiolitis in winter, but other viruses were present in 47% of the patients. RV, HBoV and hMPV had a significant proportion of single infections. Clinical characteristics were similar amongst them, but seasonality was clearly different.

[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.

Virus y asma / Viruses and asthma

El asma es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de la vía aérea, con dos componentes esenciales: la inflamación y el remodelado de la vía aérea. Los cambios fisiopatológicos subyacentes son el resultado de una compleja interacción entre factores genéticos y ambientales, entre los cuales figuran con una gran importancia los virus respiratorios. La asociación epidemiológica entre la bronquiolitis vírica en la infancia, especialmente asociada a virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), y el desarrollo posterior de asma se ha descrito desde hace décadas. La distinta respuesta de los niños tras la infección por VRS podría depender de factores genéticos relacionados con el balance inmunológico de los linfocitos Th1/Th2. Además varios polimorfismos genéticos se han asociado con cambios en las citoquinas, con los niveles de IgE y con aumento en la frecuencia de los episodios de sibilancias. Por otro lado, en los últimos años se ha observado que no solo la bronquiolitis por VRS es un factor de riesgo de asma en la infancia, sino que la infección por otros virus como metapneumovirus humano y rinovirus pueden suponer un riesgo incluso mayor. Sin embargo, estudios recientes han demostrado que algunas infecciones, sobre todo si ocurren en edades muy precoces, pueden proteger del desarrollo de asma. La relación de los virus respiratorios con las exacerbaciones asmáticas también es conocida desde hace mucho tiempo, aunque los estudios iniciales referían tasas de detección viral de entre el 10% y el 25% de las crisis asmáticas. Recientemente los estudios basados en técnicas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) han aumentado considerablemente la proporción de exacerbaciones asmáticas asociadas a virus. De entre ellos, VRS y rinovirus son los más frecuentes. Aunque no está totalmente aclarado el mecanismo por el que los virus desencadenan exacerbaciones asmáticas en sujetos predispuestos, se han implicado diversos mediadores inflamatorios, fundamentalmente interleucinas, que estimulan el reclutamiento de las células inflamatorias en la vía aérea. La liberación de los productos derivados de la activación de estas células (proteína catiónica eosinofílica, elastasa, etc.) pueden contribuir a la fisiopatología de la obstrucción asmática (AU)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with two essential components: bronchial inflammation and airway remodelling. The pathophysiologic patterns arise from an intricate network of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including mainly respiratory viruses. Epidemiologic association between viral bronchiolitis in infancy, mainly RSV bronchiolitis, and asthma development later in life has been described for decades. The different children response after RSV infection might depend on genetic factors related with Th1/Th2 immunologic balance. Furthermore, several genetic polymorphisms have been associated with changes in cytokines, IgE levels and higher frequency of wheezing episodes. In the other hand, recent studies have shown that other viruses as rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus might impose an even higher risk or asthma than RSV. However, other studies have shown that some infections, especially those occurred early in life, might protect for asthma development. An association between colds and asthma exacerbations has long been recognized, but early studies yielded low virus detection rates of approximately 10%-25%. Recently the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, has shown that respiratory viruses are responsible for a much higher proportion of asthma exacerbations. RSV and rhinovirus are by far the most frequent. The exact molecular mechanisms by which viruses cause exacerbations in predisposed subjects remain unclear. However, several inflammatory mediators, mainly IL-6, IL-8, IL-11 and IL-16, that lead to an influx of inflammatory cells into the airway, have been implicated. The release of inflammatory cell products (eosinophil cationic protein, elastase, etc) might also contribute to the pathophysiology of asthmatic obstruction (AU)

Human bocavirus infection in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Human bocavirus (HBoV) plays a non-insignificant role as a pathogen in respiratory tract diseases in the pediatric population, especially in infants younger than 2 years of age. In this paper, we have described two cases of a possible nosocomial infection in a neonatal intensive care unit being HBoV the sole detected respiratory virus in clinical samples.