Pityriasis lichenoides: assessment of 41 pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the characteristics and treatment response of patients with pityriasis lichenoides seen in the last 43 years in a pediatric dermatology service. METHODS: This was a retrospective, analytical, longitudinal study of patients under 15 years of age. The medical records were reviewed and data were presented as frequencies, means and variances. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test, Pearson/Yates chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression model were used, with p < 0.05 considered. RESULTS: 41 patients were included, 32 (78.0%) with pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC), five (12.2%) with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and four (9.8%) with clinical PLC without biopsy. The age range of school children and adolescents was 19 (46.3%) and 13 (31.7%) respectively and 27 (65.8%) were male. Two peaks of the highest frequency were observed between 2004 and 2006 (10 patients - 24.4%) and another between 2019 and 2021 (6 patients - 14.7%). There was remission in 71.9% (n = 23), with 56.6% (n = 17) of those who used antibiotic therapy and 80% (n = 4) of those who had phototherapy. The chance of remission was 13 times greater in patients with disease onset after 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical form most commonly found was PLC mainly in school children and adolescents. The frequency peaks coincided with infectious outbreaks. The remission rate was satisfactory with antibiotic therapy, but higher with phototherapy. Remission was greater in patients with disease onset after 5 years of age.

Dermatite atópica grave: guia prático de tratamento da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Severe atopic dermatitis: a practical treatment guide from the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença cutânea inflamatória, crônica, comum, complexa e de etiologia multifatorial, que se manifesta clinicamente com prurido muitas vezes incapacitante, lesões recorrentes do tipo eczema, xerose e que pode evoluir para liquenificação. Embora o conhecimento sobre a sua fisiopatologia venham crescendo nos últimos anos, ainda as formas graves são frequentes e representam um desafio para o clínico. Para o presente guia realizou-se revisão não sistemática da literatura relacionada à DA grave refratária aos tratamentos habituais com o objetivo de elaborar um documento prático e que auxilie na compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na DA, assim como dos possíveis fatores de risco associados à sua apresentação. A integridade da barreira cutânea é um dos pontos fundamentais para a manutenção da homeostase da pele. Além dos cuidados gerais: evitação dos agentes desencadeantes e/ou irritantes, o uso de hidratantes, suporte emocional, entre outros, o uso de agentes anti-inflamatórios/imunossupressores de uso tópico e/ou sistêmico também foi revisado. A aquisição de novos agentes, os imunobiológicos e as pequenas moléculas, melhorou a terapêutica para os pacientes com formas graves de DA, sobretudo as refratárias aos tratamentos convencionais.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, common, and complex inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. It manifests clinically with often disabling pruritus, recurrent eczema-like lesions, and xerosis, and can progress to lichenification. Although understanding of the disease's pathophysiology has been growing in recent years, severe forms are still frequent and represent a challenge for clinicians. A non-systematic review of the literature on severe atopic dermatitis refractory to conventional treatment was conducted to develop the present guide, whose purpose is to help clarify the mechanisms involved in the disease and possible risk factors. The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental for maintaining skin homeostasis. In addition to general care, patients should avoid triggering and/or irritating agents and moisturizers and seek emotional support, etc.; the use of topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents was also reviewed. New agents, immunobiologicals, and small molecules have led to a broader range of therapies for patients with severe forms of the disease, especially cases refractory to conventional treatment.

Protocol of care for foreign-body ingestion in children: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to suggest a care protocol for foreign-body ingestion, address the clinical aspects, and identify the ingested object, severity, and professional conduct. METHODS: This is a qualitative study. We used books and original articles published in national and international journals (BIREME, SCIELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE/PubMed) in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. RESULTS: The ingestion of a radiolucent object should be evaluated radiographically and with endoscopy for cases with symptoms of impaction and radiolucent objects. Coins are the most commonly involved foreign bodies. In asymptomatic patients, it often requires only a conservative form of management. Ingestion of batteries, magnets, and sharp objects carries a high risk of serious clinical complications and should have an endoscopic or surgical approach. In view of this, each pediatric emergency service, based on these recommendations, has the possibility to develop an individual protocol to identify and remove the ingested foreign body. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol of care for foreign-body ingestion in children depends on the object ingested, time of ingestion, symptoms, and local epidemiological context. This study provides some suggestions for decision-making in the conduct of health professionals.

Protocol of care for foreign-body ingestion in children: a qualitative study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to suggest a care protocol for foreign-body ingestion, address the clinical aspects, and identify the ingested object, severity, and professional conduct. METHODS: This is a qualitative study. We used books and original articles published in national and international journals (BIREME, SCIELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE/PubMed) in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. RESULTS: The ingestion of a radiolucent object should be evaluated radiographically and with endoscopy for cases with symptoms of impaction and radiolucent objects. Coins are the most commonly involved foreign bodies. In asymptomatic patients, it often requires only a conservative form of management. Ingestion of batteries, magnets, and sharp objects carries a high risk of serious clinical complications and should have an endoscopic or surgical approach. In view of this, each pediatric emergency service, based on these recommendations, has the possibility to develop an individual protocol to identify and remove the ingested foreign body. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol of care for foreign-body ingestion in children depends on the object ingested, time of ingestion, symptoms, and local epidemiological context. This study provides some suggestions for decision-making in the conduct of health professionals.

Guia prático de atualização em dermatite atópica - Parte I: etiopatogenia, clínica e diagnóstico. Posicionamento conjunto da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Updated practical guide on atopic dermatitis - Part I: etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Joint position paper of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença crônica e recidivante que acomete principalmente pacientes da faixa etária pediátrica. A fisiopatologia inclui fatores genéticos, alterações na barreira cutânea e imunológicas. A prevalência da DA no Brasil, entre adolescentes, oscila entre 7,1% e 12,5%, com tendência à estabilização. O diagnóstico é clínico, e exames complementares auxiliam na determinação dos fatores desencadeantes. A identificação dos fatores irritantes e/ou desencadeantes envolvidos permite melhor controle das crises. Entre os fatores desencadeantes destacam-se os agentes infecciosos, alérgenos alimentares e aeroalérgenos. Tomando-se como ponto de partida o "Guia Prático para o Manejo da Dermatite Atópica ­ opinião conjunta de especialistas em alergologia da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunopatologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria" publicado em 2006, foi realizada revisão e atualização dos conceitos apresentados por grupo de alergologistas, dermatologistas e pediatras especializados no tratamento de pacientes com DA. O objetivo desta revisão foi elaborar um documento prático e que auxilie na compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na DA, assim como dos possíveis fatores de risco associados a sua apresentação, bem como sobre a avaliação subsidiária disponível para a identificação dos fatores associados à DA.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent skin disease that mainly affects pediatric patients. The pathophysiology of AD includes genetic factors, skin barrier abnormalities, and immunological factors. The prevalence of AD in Brazil, among adolescents, ranges from 7.1% to 12.5%, with a trend towards stabilization. The diagnosis of AD is clinical, and complementary tests can help determine the triggering factors. Identification of the irritating and/or triggering factors involved allows better control of exacerbations. Among the triggering factors, infectious agents, food allergens, and aeroallergens stand out. Taking as a starting point the Practical Guide for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis ­ joint opinion of specialists in allergology of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunopathology and of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, published in 2006, the present paper describes the results of the review and update of different concepts related to AD, conducted by a group of allergists, dermatologists, and pediatricians specializing in the treatment of patients with AD. The objective of this review was to design a practical document that can help improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in AD, possible risk factors associated with its presentation, as well as ancillary tests available to identify factors associated with AD.

Guia prático de atualização em dermatite atópica - Parte II: abordagem terapêutica. Posicionamento conjunto da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia e da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria / Updated practical guide on atopic dermatitis - Part II: treatment approach. Joint position paper of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

Nas últimas décadas o conhecimento sobre a etiopatogenia da dermatite atópica (DA) avançou muito. Além da identificação dos principais agentes desencadeantes e/ou agravantes envolvidos na expressão clínica da DA, verificou-se ser a integridade da barreira cutânea um dos pontos fundamentais para a manutenção da homeostase da pele. Assim, no tratamento do paciente com DA, além da evitação dos agentes desencadeantes e/ou irritantes, o uso de hidratantes é parte fundamental, e acredita-se que tenha ação preventiva de surtos agudos. Além disso, a aquisição de agentes anti-inflamatórios de uso tópico tem permitido o controle de pacientes com formas leves a moderadas da DA. Embora tenham uso mais restrito, os agentes imunossupressores sistêmicos também têm sido empregados no tratamento de pacientes com DA grave ou refratária aos procedimentos habituais. Comenta-se também a imunoterapia alérgeno-específica como tratamento adjuvante da DA para alguns pacientes, sobretudo alérgicos aos ácaros e com manifestações respiratórias associadas. A aquisição de novos agentes, os imunobiológicos, também são apresentados à luz das evidências científicas e clínicas atuais. O presente guia prático de atualização em dermatite atópica ­ abordagem terapêutica teve por objetivo rever os esquemas de tratamento disponíveis e empregados no acompanhamento de pacientes com DA, além de apresentar terapêuticas futuras, como os agentes imunobiológicos que em breve estarão à disposição para o tratamento de formas mais graves e/ou refratárias da DA.

Over the last few decades, knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) advanced greatly. The main triggering and/or aggravating factors involved in the clinical expression of AD have been identified, and cutaneous barrier integrity has been found to be key for the maintenance of skin homeostasis. Thus, when treating patients with AD, in addition to avoiding triggering and/ or irritating agents, recommending the use of skin moisturizers is paramount ­ and believed to have a preventive action against acute outbreaks. Moreover, topical anti-inflammatory agents have allowed AD control in patients with mild to moderate forms of the disease. Although more restricted, systemic immunosuppressive agents have also been used in the treatment of patients with severe or refractory AD. Specific allergen immunotherapy is presented as a possible adjunctive treatment for AD in some patients, especially those allergic to mites and presenting associated respiratory manifestations. Finally, the use of new immunobiological agents is discussed in the light of the scientific and clinical evidence currently available. The objectives of this updated practical guide on atopic dermatitis ­ treatment approach were to review the treatment regimens available and used in the follow-up of patients with AD and to present new therapies (e.g., immunobiological agents) that will soon be available for the treatment of more severe and/ or refractory forms of AD.

The relevance of recognizing clinical and morphologic features of pityriasis lichenoides: clinicopathological study of 29 cases.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a lymphoproliferative disease of unknown origin; its diagnosis is based on clinical characteristics and confirmed by histology. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and histological features of PL in 29 pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of children (patients less than 15 years old) diagnosed with PL between 1986 and 2010 at a Reference Service in Pediatric Dermatology from South Brazil. RESULTS: Twenty-nine PL cases were found by chart review in 24 years. Mean age of diagnosis was 8 years (22 to 178 months) and a mean time of diagnosis was 13.8 months (1 to 120 months). Twenty cases (69%) were male. Seasonal correlation was found with colder months in 62% of cases (p<0.01). Clinical diagnosis was pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) in 25 cases, and pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) in four. Itching was the main reported symptom occurring in 13 (45%). Fourteen cases had been histologically evaluated. In six, microscopic findings were consistent with PLC, in four consistent with PLEVA, and four biopsies exhibited mixed characteristics of both forms. Concordance between clinical and histological diagnosis was seen in most cases. CONCLUSION: PL occurs in children and young adults, more commonly in males, and during cold months. PLC was the more frequent clinicohistologic form, and necrotic lesions characterized PLEVA. Associating clinical and histological findings is important for differentiating between PLC and PLEVA diagnosis.

Soroprevalência de hepatite A em crianças e adolescentes / Seroprevalence of hepatitis A in children and adolescents

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a soroprevalência de hepatite A (VHA) em crianças e adolescentes com idade entre 1 e 14 anos, e identificar fatores associados à infecção prévia. MÉTODO: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, realizado entre fevereiro e agosto de 2006, em Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil, e em sua região metropolitana. A análise laboratorial constituiu-se de pesquisa qualitativa de anticorpos totais para o VHA em amostra de sangue total. RESULTADOS: No estudo, 901 crianças e adolescentes foram incluídos. A distribuição por faixa etária foi: 237 (26,3 por cento) entre 1 e 4 anos; 313 (34,7 por cento) entre 5 e 9 anos; e 351 (39 por cento) entre 10 e 14 anos. A taxa de soroprevalência geral encontrada foi de 19,8 por cento, e por grupo etário foi de 3, 21,1 e 29,9 por cento (p < 0,01), respectivamente. Na análise multivariada, demonstrou-se que os fatores que, em conjunto, mantiveram associação positiva com as prevalências de anticorpos contra o VHA na população estudada foram: faixa etária de 5 a 9 e 10 a 14 anos, morar em casas com um ou mais habitantes por cômodo, frequentar refeitório comunitário e ter baixa renda per capita. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram uma baixa prevalência de anticorpos contra o VHA, o que justifica o uso de medidas profiláticas, que incluem a vacinação precoce.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV) in children and adolescents aged 1 to 14 years, and to identify factors associated with a history of infection. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted form February to August 2006 in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and the surrounding municipalities (Greater Curitiba). Laboratory analysis comprised qualitative assay for total HAV antibodies in whole blood samples. RESULTS: A total of 901 children and adolescents were recruited for the study. Age distribution was as follows: 1 to 4 years, n = 237 (26.3 percent); 5 to 9 years, n = 313 (34.7 percent); and 10 to 14 years, n = 351 (39 percent). The global rate of seroprevalence was 19.8 percent, and seroprevalence rates by age group were 3 percent, 21.1 percent and 29.9 percent respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the following factors, in combination, had a positive association with the prevalence rate of antibodies against HAV in the study population: age groups 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years, living in a household with more than one inhabitant per room, shared eating area and low per capita income. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a low prevalence of antibodies against HAV, which justifies the use of prophylactic measures, including early vaccination.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV) in children and adolescents aged 1 to 14 years, and to identify factors associated with a history of infection. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted form February to August 2006 in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and the surrounding municipalities (Greater Curitiba). Laboratory analysis comprised qualitative assay for total HAV antibodies in whole blood samples. RESULTS: A total of 901 children and adolescents were recruited for the study. Age distribution was as follows: 1 to 4 years, n = 237 (26.3%); 5 to 9 years, n = 313 (34.7%); and 10 to 14 years, n = 351 (39%). The global rate of seroprevalence was 19.8%, and seroprevalence rates by age group were 3%, 21.1% and 29.9% respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the following factors, in combination, had a positive association with the prevalence rate of antibodies against HAV in the study population: age groups 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years, living in a household with more than one inhabitant per room, shared eating area and low per capita income. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a low prevalence of antibodies against HAV, which justifies the use of prophylactic measures, including early vaccination.

Granuloma anular: aspectos clínicos y evolutivos de 52 pacientes / Granuloma annulare: clinical and developmental aspects of 52 patients

Introducción: El granuloma anular (GA) es una dermatosis benigna autolimitada. Se observa con mayor frecuencia en la edad escolar y, si bien la causa es desconocida, se postula que puede ser una reacción inmune de hipersensibilidad tardía a diversos antígenos. El diagnóstico es clínico y se basa en la presencia de placas de centro hipercrómico o color piel normal y límites papulares arciformes. La asociación con diabetes mellitus en los pacientes en la franja etaria pediátrica aún es controvertida. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar las características clínicas y evolutivas del GA en la infancia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de pacientes de hasta 15 años de edad que tuvieron diagnóstico de GA, entre los años 1990 y 2008 en el servicio de atención terciaria de la ciudad de Curitiba, Brasil. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 52 casos de GA. La edad media de inicio fue de 4,5 años (14 meses a 12 años). En el 88% de los casos, las lesiones fueron asintomáticas. La forma localizada ocurrió en 39 (75%) pacientes, la profunda en 9 (17%) y las formas generalizada y perforante en 2 casos respectivamente. De los 33 pacientes con seguimiento, el 78,7% presentó mejoría de las lesiones en un período medio de 8 meses (1 a 35 meses). La glucemia en ayunas fue normal en los 18 (34%) casos evaluados. Un paciente tenía diagnóstico previo de diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Discusión: En esta población el GA afectó predominantemente al sexo femenino, con lesiones circinadas y localizadas en el dorso de los pies. La forma clínica más común fue la localizada, no hubo alteración de la glucemia y la resolución espontánea ocurrió en la mayoría de los casos.

Introduction: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a self-limited dermatosis. It is observed at school age the cause is unknown, it is believed to be an immune reaction of delayed hypersensitivity to various antigens. The diagnosis is clinical and based on the presence of arciform plaques with Introduction: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a self-limited dermatosis. It is observed at school age and hyperpigmented or flesh-coloured skin center. The association with diabetes mellitus in the pediatric population remains controversial. The objective of this work is to evaluate the clinical features and outcome of granuloma annulare in childhood. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients up to 15 years of age diagnosed with GA, between 1990 and 2008, in a tertiary care center of the city of Curitiba, Brasil. Results: We evaluated 52 cases of GA. The average age of onset was 4.5 years (14 months to 12 years). In 88% of cases the lesions were asymptomatic. The localized type was observed in 39 (75%) patients, deep lesions in 9 (17%) and generalized and perforating type in 2 cases each. Of the 33 patients with follow-up, 78.7% showed improvement in the lesions over an average period of 8 months (1 to 35 months). Glycemia was normal in the 18 cases evaluated. One patient had a previous diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Discussion: We found, among the studied population, that GA occurred predominantly in females, with localized circinate lesions occurring mainly in the dorsal region of the feet. There was no increase in blood glucose and the spontaneous resolution occurred in most of the cases.