Turnaround times for molecular testing of pediatric viral cerebrospinal fluid samples in United Kingdom laboratories.

BACKGROUND: Rapid molecular testing has revolutionized the management of suspected viral meningitis and encephalitis by providing an etiological diagnosis in < 90 min with potential to improve outcomes and shorten inpatient stays. However, use of molecular assays can vary widely. AIM: To evaluate current practice for molecular testing of pediatric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples across the United Kingdom using a structured questionnaire. METHODS: A structured telephone questionnaire survey was conducted between July and August 2020. Data was collected on the availability of viral CSF nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), criteria used for testing and turnaround times including the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. RESULTS: Of 196/212 (92%) microbiology laboratories responded; 63/196 (32%) were excluded from final analysis as they had no on-site microbiology laboratory and outsourced their samples. Of 133 Laboratories included in the study, 47/133 (35%) had onsite facilities for viral CSF NAAT. Hospitals currently undertaking onsite NAAT (n = 47) had much faster turnaround times with 39 centers (83%) providing results in ≤ 24 h as compared to those referring samples to neighboring laboratories (5/86; 6%). CONCLUSION: Onsite/near-patient rapid NAAT (including polymerase chain reaction) is recommended wherever possible to optimize patient management in the acute setting.

Chryseobacterium indologenes Bacteraemia: A Potential Cause of Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis in a Full-term Baby

Chryseobacterium indologenes is considered as an emerging pathogen known to cause pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis in children. It has been reported previously, mainly from the Indian subcontinent, as a rare cause of early-onset neonatal infection, mostly affecting preterm infants. We report the first case in the United Kingdom in which C. indologenes was isolated from the blood culture of a term infant who was clinically suspected of having early-onset neonatal sepsis. Our case had a good outcome, but mortality has been reported in published literature. A positive neonatal blood culture of C. indologenes should not automatically be considered as a contaminant; and a joint discussion between neonatologists and microbiologists should determine the appropriate management and antibiotic regimen. Key Words: Early-onset neonatal sepsis, Bacteremia, Chryseobacterium indologenes, Contaminant, Antibiotics.

The recognition and nursing management of common oncological emergencies in children.

An oncological emergency may be the initial presentation of a cancer, a sign of cancer progression, or a complication of cancer treatment. The most frequently encountered paediatric oncological emergencies include neutropenic sepsis, hyperleukocytosis, brain tumours presenting with raised intracranial pressure, tumour lysis syndrome and superior mediastinal syndrome. These are all life-threatening conditions that require urgent recognition and management. Health professionals working in an emergency department (ED) are likely to be involved in managing these children. This article brings together the current guidance and recommendations for these specific emergencies. It also includes two case studies that demonstrate the challenges health professionals can face while managing these situations. It is important that health professionals have an acute awareness of oncological emergencies. Confidence in recognising the presentations, diagnoses and initial management are essential because these conditions may be life-threatening and time critical.

Painless expanding facial swelling.

A previously healthy 11-year-old girl sustained a mosquito bite on her right cheek while on holiday in rural Bangladesh. A painless lump developed at the site, and over the ensuing 2 months gradually expanded. She was otherwise completely asymptomatic; there was no family history of note. On examination, there was obvious swelling affecting the right cheek and visible abnormality of the upper gum with displacement of the right upper central incisor (figure 1).

Acute abdominal surgical presentations in children.

Surgical conditions affecting the abdomen in children can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality if they are not recognised and managed appropriately. It is therefore important that the correct diagnosis is made quickly, and the appropriate intervention is initiated in a timely manner and, if necessary, rapid transfer is made to a specialist paediatric surgical facility. This article provides an overview of the different surgical presentations encountered in children, and outlines the most important points in the history, examination and management of such cases, whether encountered in the emergency setting or in the community. Two illustrative case studies have been included to demonstrate how these emergencies may present in clinical practice.

IMPROVED ADHERENCE TO THE ESPGHAN GUIDELINES IS NECESSARY FOR DIAGNOSING CELIAC DISEASE IN CHILDREN: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by the ingestion of gluten. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines published in 2012 suggested a no-biopsy pathway (NBP) for symptomatic children with IgA tissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) ≥10x upper limit of normal (ULN). Biopsy confirmation remained mandatory for other cases. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case note study was aimed at evaluating the adherence to the ESPGHAN 2012 guidelines for diagnosing CD in our unit. METHODS: Forty-three cases with positive TGA-IgA were identified by a laboratory database search from January 2013 to December 2019. 6 of 43 patients were not referred for a confirmation of CD diagnosis. Data was collected on the diagnostic pathways followed, and appropriateness of adherence was compared with the existing ESPGHAN guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were included with 35 children diagnosed with CD. 29/35 (83%) were diagnosed via the NBP;15/29 (52%) children did not meet all the criteria required for NBP, but were diagnosed and managed as having CD. 20/35 (57%) children were diagnosed with CD in adherence to the 2012 guidelines. CONCLUSION: The recommended diagnostic guidelines were frequently not implemented; adherence to the guidelines may improve following regular educational sessions. The revised 2020 ESPGHAN guidelines which exclude HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing would address the issue of diagnosis for the 10/15 NBP cases (with TGA-IgA >10xULN) in our study who did not have HLA testing and were therefore non-adherent to the 2012 diagnostic guidelines. NBP, with the reduced need for endoscopy may be beneficial in resource limited settings.

Uma melhor adesão às diretrizes da ESPGHAN é necessária para o diagnóstico da doença celíaca em crianças: uma experiência de um único centro / Improved adherence to the espghan guidelines is necessary for diagnosing celiac disease in children: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by the ingestion of gluten. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines published in 2012 suggested a no-biopsy pathway (NBP) for symptomatic children with IgA tissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) ≥10x upper limit of normal (ULN). Biopsy confirmation remained mandatory for other cases. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case note study was aimed at evaluating the adherence to the ESPGHAN 2012 guidelines for diagnosing CD in our unit. METHODS: Forty-three cases with positive TGA-IgA were identified by a laboratory database search from January 2013 to December 2019. 6 of 43 patients were not referred for a confirmation of CD diagnosis. Data was collected on the diagnostic pathways followed, and appropriateness of adherence was compared with the existing ESPGHAN guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were included with 35 children diagnosed with CD. 29/35 (83%) were diagnosed via the NBP;15/29 (52%) children did not meet all the criteria required for NBP, but were diagnosed and managed as having CD. 20/35 (57%) children were diagnosed with CD in adherence to the 2012 guidelines. CONCLUSION: The recommended diagnostic guidelines were frequently not implemented; adherence to the guidelines may improve following regular educational sessions. The revised 2020 ESPGHAN guidelines which exclude HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing would address the issue of diagnosis for the 10/15 NBP cases (with TGA-IgA >10xULN) in our study who did not have HLA testing and were therefore non-adherent to the 2012 diagnostic guidelines. NBP, with the reduced need for endoscopy may be beneficial in resource limited settings.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença celíaca (DC) é uma doença sistêmica imuno-mediada provocada pela ingestão de glúten. As diretrizes da Sociedade Europeia de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica, Hepatologia e Nutrição (ESPGHAN) publicadas em 2012 sugeriram uma via sem biópsia (VSB) para crianças sintomáticas com transglutaminase de tecido IgA (TGA-IgA) ≥10x limite superior do normal (LSN). A confirmação da biópsia permaneceu obrigatória para outros casos. OBJETIVO: Este estudo retrospectivo de dados de caso teve como objetivo avaliar a adesão às diretrizes da ESPGHAN 2012 para o diagnóstico de DC em nossa unidade. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e três casos com TGA-IgA positivo foram identificados por uma pesquisa laboratorial de banco de dados de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2019. Seis de 43 pacientes não foram encaminhados para confirmação do diagnóstico de DC. Os dados foram coletados nas vias diagnósticas seguidas, e a adequação da adesão foi comparada com as diretrizes ESPGHAN existentes. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 37 casos com 35 crianças diagnosticadas com DC. Foram diagnosticados 29 (83%) de 35 VSB; 15 (52%) de 29 crianças não atenderam a todos os critérios exigidos para a VSB, mas foram diagnosticadas e gerenciadas como tendo DC. Vinte (57%) em 35 foram diagnosticadas com DC em adesão às diretrizes de 2012. CONCLUSÃO: As diretrizes diagnósticas recomendadas não foram frequentemente implementadas; a adesão às diretrizes pode melhorar após sessões educativas regulares. As diretrizes revisadas ESPGHAN de 2020 que excluem os testes HLA-DQ2/DQ8 abordariam a questão do diagnóstico para 10 em 15 casos VSB (com TGA-IgA >10x LSN) em nosso estudo os quais não fizeram testes de HLA e, portanto, não aderiram às diretrizes de diagnóstico de 2012. A VSB, com a necessidade reduzida de endoscopia, pode ser benéfica em configurações limitadas de recursos.

Recognition and management of neonatal sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis results from acute bacterial or viral infection occurring in the first 28 days of life. It causes significant morbidity and mortality, although the outcome can be improved by early recognition and prompt treatment by health professionals. This article describes the most common causes of sepsis, and explains why neonates are particularly vulnerable to infection. It highlights the non-specific way in which an infant with a serious infection may present, indicating the crucial features to elicit during history taking and examination, and emphasising the 'red-flag' signs and symptoms that should increase suspicion of a serious illness. The authors have adapted National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to produce an evidence-based approach to the management of an infant with suspected sepsis, and describe the roles of nurses in ensuring effective treatment and best outcomes for these babies.

COVID-19-Related Potential Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Childhood in a Neonate Presenting as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

A term infant with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn developed clinical and laboratory features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in childhood (MIS-C) between days 12 and 14. Mother and baby were anti-SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG positive and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM negative on day 18, with negative COVID-19 PCR on repeated testing; possible first documentation of neonatal MIS-C following passive transfer of maternal antibodies.

Hypothermia induced by therapeutic doses of antipyretics: misdiagnosis of cold sepsis.

Fever is a natural and almost universal mammalian response to infection. There exists a fear amongst general public and healthcare providers regarding fever being harmful leading to its overzealous management with antipyretics. Although the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest the use of single antipyretic agent for management of fever, combination therapy with paracetamol, and ibuprofen is common in paediatric practice in the United Kingdom. These antipyretics at times can cause significant adverse events even when administered at regular therapeutic doses. We describe a young boy who presented with significant hypothermia (34.1°C) and was initially treated as cold sepsis. Once the boy got warmed up and as blood results became subsequently available, it became clearer that the hypothermia was secondary to therapeutic doses of antipyretics. In conclusion, we hope to improve awareness regarding this condition in clinical practice and educate health care professionals and caregivers with recommended NICE guidelines.

Accessory scrotum with perineal lipoma/hamartoma mimicking penoscrotal pseudoduplication.

Congenital anomalies of the scrotum are thought to be caused by an abnormal migration of the labioscrotal swelling during the embryological process. We report the case of an infant in whom suspected penoscrotal pseudoduplication was apparent at delivery. Imaging using ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging allowed anatomical delineation of the abnormality and the appropriate surgical intervention to be determined. Full surgical correction was done at 4 weeks of age with good outcome. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the management of congenital scrotal abnormalities.

Decreased level of consciousness in a child: recognition and management.

A child presenting with decreased level of conscious (dLOC) is of great concern due to the wide range of possible causes, and potential for death or serious long-term sequelae. It is therefore vital that health professionals can recognise a child with dLOC quickly, intervene appropriately and escalate for senior review as a matter of urgency. This article provides an explanation for the mechanisms of decreased consciousness, outlines the different causative pathologies, and provides a simple and logical approach to the first-line recognition and management that a health professional may apply when faced with such a patient. Illustrative case studies have been included, to demonstrate how children with dLOC may present in clinical practice.

Recognition and management of febrile convulsions in children.

Febrile convulsions (FCs) are characterised by convulsions associated with fever in children aged between 6 months and 6 years. FCs are relatively common and affect 3-4% of children in western countries. This is the most common seizure disorder seen in children. The cause of febrile illness in FC is usually benign and most frequently due to acute viral infection. Convulsions secondary to an intracranial infection (e.g. meningitis, encephalitis) or from acute electrolyte imbalance should not be labelled as FCs. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical history, and further investigations are generally unnecessary; management is largely symptomatic. Prolonged FC may need anticonvulsant medication to stop the seizure. Referral to paediatric neurologists may be considered in cases of complex or recurrent FC or in children where there is a pre-existing neurological disorder. One third of children with a first FC will develop a further FC during subsequent febrile illness; the likelihood increases in presence of other risk factors. This article outlines the presentation, management, investigations and prognosis for FC, and highlights how nurses in different clinical settings can provide education, support and counselling to help families return to normality after the event. An illustrative case study is also included to highlight the challenges faced by health professionals while managing children with this condition.

Nursing management of paediatric asthma in emergency departments.

Childhood asthma is a complex disease which may be resistant to treatment and varies in its clinical presentation. The number of children admitted to emergency departments (EDs) with acute exacerbation of asthma is high and many are managed solely in the department. The correct assessment of the severity of an exacerbation can be achieved through competent history taking, examination and accurate recording of observations. Nurses working in EDs should be able to recognise the clinical signs and symptoms of acute asthma, assess severity and advise on appropriate management. Nurses should have some knowledge of first-line management and how and when to help deliver these therapies. They should also be able to guide patients in discharge and follow-up care, develop a rapport with families and educate them on topics such as trigger avoidance. The assessment and management of these patients as outlined in this article is based on the British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network ( 2016 ).