Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and the Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics for vaccination of immunosuppressed individuals.

The number of people with immunosuppression is increasing considerably due to their greater survival and the use of new immunosuppressive treatments for various chronic diseases. This is a heterogeneous group of patients in whom vaccination as a preventive measure is one of the basic pillars of their wellbeing, given their increased risk of contracting infections. This consensus, developed jointly by the Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases) and the Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Asociación Española de Pediatría (Spanish Association of Paediatrics), provides guidelines for the development of a personalised vaccination schedule for patients in special situations, including general recommendations and specific recommendations for vaccination of bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients, children with inborn errors of immunity, oncologic patients, patients with chronic or systemic diseases and immunosuppressed travellers.

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica y el Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría para la vacunación en inmunodeprimidos / Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and the Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics for vaccination of immunosuppressed individuals

El número de personas con inmunodepresión está aumentando considerablemente debido a su mayor supervivencia y al empleo de nuevas terapias inmunosupresoras en diversas patologías crónicas. Se trata de un grupo heterogéneo de pacientes en los que la vacunación como arma preventiva supone uno de los pilares básicos de su bienestar, por su elevado riesgo a padecer infecciones. Este consenso, elaborado conjuntamente entre la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP) y el Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (CAV-AEP), aporta unas directrices para programar un calendario adaptado a cada paciente en situaciones especiales que incluye recomendaciones generales, vacunación en pacientes con trasplante de médula y trasplante de órgano sólido, vacunación en niños con errores innatos de la inmunidad, vacunación en el paciente oncológico, vacunación en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas o sistémicas y vacunación en niños viajeros inmunodeprimidos.(AU)

The number of people with immunosuppression is increasing considerably due to their greater survival and the use of new immunosuppressive treatments for various chronic diseases. This is a heterogeneous group of patients in whom vaccination as a preventive measure is one of the basic pillars of their wellbeing, given their increased risk of contracting infections. This consensus, developed jointly by the Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases) and the Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Asociación Española de Pediatría (Spanish Association of Paediatrics), provides guidelines for the development of a personalised vaccination schedule for patients in special situations, including general recommendations and specific recommendations for vaccination of bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients, children with inborn errors of immunity, oncologic patients, patients with chronic or systemic diseases and immunosuppressed travellers.(AU)

Invasive Bacterial Infections in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: 2014-2019.

BACKGROUND: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at a high risk of invasive bacterial infections (IBI). Universal penicillin prophylaxis and vaccination, especially against Streptococcus pneumoniae, have deeply changed its epidemiology. Analysis of IBI in children with SCD in a post-13-valent pneumococcal vaccine era is limited. METHODS: Twenty-eight pediatric hospitals from 5 European countries retrospectively collected IBI episodes in SCD children aged 1 month to 18 years between 2014 and 2019. IBI was defined as a positive bacterial culture or polymerase chain reaction from a normally sterile fluid: blood, cerebrospinal, joint, or pleural fluid and deep surgical specimen. RESULTS: We recorded 169 IBI episodes. Salmonella spp. was the main isolated bacteria (n = 44, 26%), followed by Streptococcus pneumonia (Sp; n = 31, 18%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 20, 12%). Salmonella prevailed in osteoarticular infections and in primary bacteremia (45% and 23% of episodes, respectively) and Sp in meningitis and acute chest syndrome (88% and 50%, respectively). All Sp IBI occurred in children ≤10 years old, including 35% in children 5 to 10 years old. Twenty-seven (17%) children had complications of infection and 3 died: 2 because of Sp, and 1 because of Salmonella. The main risk factors for a severe IBI were a previous IBI and pneumococcal infection (17 Sp/51 cases). CONCLUSIONS: In a post-13-valent pneumococcal vaccine era, Salmonella was the leading cause of bacteremia in IBI in children with SCD in Europe. Sp came second, was isolated in children ≤10 years old, and was more likely to cause severe and fatal cases.

Serologic evolution and follow-up to IgG antibodies of infants born to mothers with gestational COVID.

BACKGROUND: It is known that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy cross the placenta but the duration and the protective effect of these antibodies in infants is scarce. METHODS: This prospective study included mothers with SARS-COV-2 infection during pregnancy and their infants from April 2020 to March 2021. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were performed on women and infants at birth and at two and six months during follow-up. Anthropometrical measures and physical and neurological examinations and a clinical history of symptoms and COVID-19 diagnosis were collected. Simple linear regression was performed to compare categorical and continuous variables. To compare the mother's and infant's antibody titers evolution, a mixed linear regression model was used. A predictive model of newborn antibody titers at birth has been established by means of simple stepwise linear regression. RESULTS: 51 mother-infant couples were included. 45 (90%) of the mothers and 44 (86.3%) of the newborns had a positive serology al birth. These antibodies were progressively decreasing and were positive in 34 (66.7%) and 7 (13.7%) of infants at 2 and 6 months, respectively. IgG titers of newborns at birth were related to mothers' titers, with a positive moderate correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.82, p < 0,001). Fetal/maternal antibodies placental transference rate was 1.3 (IQR: 0.7-2.2). The maternal IgG titers at delivery and the type of maternal infection (acute, recent, or past infection) was significantly related with infants' antibody titers at birth. No other epidemiological or clinical factors were related to antibodies titers. Neurodevelopment, psychomotor development, and growth were normal in 94.2% of infants in the third follow-up visit. No infants had a COVID-19 diagnosis during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies is high in newborns from mothers with recent or past infection at delivery, but these antibodies decrease after the first months of life. Infant's IgG titers were related to maternal IgG titers at delivery. Further studies are needed to learn about the protective role of maternal antibodies in infants.

What Does Sexual Behaviour Encompass? Mapping Human Sexual Repertoire / ¿Qué Conductas Componen el Comportamiento Sexual? Mapeo del Repertorio Sexual Humano

Introduction: For sciences applied to sexual behaviour, research has traditionally reported a wide variety of non-unified pools with a lack of a gold standard classification. Therefore, this work aimed to propose a comprehensivetaxonomy. Methods: A broad model was developed under expert criteria using a thematic analysis of the literature.After that, a systematic review was conducted to test and extend it within the given conditions of unification. Results:36 variables of actions and surrounding context were found and allocated in 5 groups: partner description, combinatoryvariables, objects associated, paraphilic behaviours and actual behaviours. 650 reports were screened, and 143were fully assessed. Of them, one was finally selected to add to the previous model. Discussion: A comprehensivetaxonomy was brought in, along with a method to expand and retest it if necessary. It is aimed to set a commonlyshared framework of repertoires to enable valid comparisons among samples or individuals.(AU)

Introducción: Para las ciencias del comportamiento sobre la conducta sexual, tradicionalmente, la investigación haexpuesto conjuntos no unificados de repertorios en ausencia de clasificaciones fundamentales. Por ello, este trabajotrata de exponer una propuesta de taxonomía completa y fundamentada. Métodos: Se desarrolló una propuesta delargo alcance bajo criterio de expertos haciendo un análisis temático de la literatura. Después, se llevó a cabo unarevisión sistemática para ponerla a prueba y extenderla. Resultados: Se encontraron 36 variables descriptivas delas acciones y el contexto inmediato, y se situaron en 5 grupos: pareja (descripción), combinatorio, elementos uobjetos (asociados), conductas parafílicas y conducta sexual. Se revisaron 650 estudios de los que 143 se evaluaronen profundidad. Sólo un elemento fue incluido al listado final tras la revisión sistemática. Discusión: Se obtuvo unataxonomía general del comportamiento sexual humano. El objetivo de este mapeo es facilitar mejores comparacionesentre muestras o individuos basándose en un criterio de referencia unificado.(AU)

Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in a Pediatric Patient With Severe Combined Immunodeficiency and Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

We describe the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient with severe combined immunodeficiency who required urgent stem cell transplantation to cure his disease.

Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2023 Recommendations.

As it does every year, the CAV-AEP publishes the update of its recommendations for the use of vaccines in children, adolescents and pregnant women residing in Spain. The 2 + 1 schedule is maintained in infants (at 2, 4 and 11 months), including preterm infants, with the hexavalent vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB) and the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine. A booster dose with DTaP-IPV is needed at 6 years for those who received the 2 + 1 series with hexavalent vaccine as infants, in addition to 1 dose of dTap in adolescence. Routine vaccination of pregnant women with a dose of dTap is recommended in each pregnancy, preferably between weeks 27 and 32 of gestation, although can be given from 20 weeks if there is risk of preterm delivery. All infants should receive the rotavirus vaccine (2-3 doses) and the 4CMenB vaccine (2 + 1 series). All children aged 6-59 months should be vaccinated against influenza each year. The MenACWY vaccine should be given routinely at 12 months of age and in adolescence between ages 12 and 18 years. The recommendations for the MMR vaccine (12 months and 3-4 years) and varicella vaccine (15 months and 3-4 years) also remain unchanged, using the MMRV vaccine for the second dose. Recommendations for the use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the paediatric age group will be updated periodically on the CAV-AEP website. The HPV vaccine is indicated in all adolescents, regardless of sex, at age 12 years. Novelties include the recommendation of routine administration of nirsevimab to neonates and infants aged less than 6 months for passive immunization against RSV, and the recommendations regarding the hexavalent vaccine are consolidated in a single section.

Calendario de inmunizaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2023 / Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2023 Recommendations

Como cada año, el Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (CAV-AEP) actualiza sus recomendaciones de inmunización en niños, adolescentes y embarazadas residentes en España.Se mantiene el esquema 2+1 en lactantes (dos, cuatro y 11 meses), incluyendo prematuros, para vacunas hexavalentes (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) y neumocócica conjugada 13-valente.A los seis años de edad, refuerzo con DTPa-VPI a los que recibieron la pauta 2+1 con hexavalentes siendo lactantes, y, en la adolescencia, Tdpa, una dosis. En gestantes, Tdpa en cada embarazo, preferentemente entre las semanas 27 y 32, aunque si hay riesgo de parto pretérmino se puede desde la semana 20 de gestación.Todos los lactantes deben recibir vacunas contra rotavirus (dos o tres dosis) y meningococo B (2+1).Todos los niños de entre seis y 59 meses deben ser vacunados anualmente contra la gripe, además de los grupos de riesgo desde los 6 meses.MenACWY debe administrarse a los 12 meses de edad y a los adolescentes entre 12 y 18 años que no la hayan recibido.Se mantienen las recomendaciones sobre SRP (12 meses y tres a cuatro años) y varicela (15 meses y tres a cuatro años), procurando en la segunda dosis el uso de la vacuna tetravírica (SRPV).Las recomendaciones para el uso de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en la edad pediátrica se actualizarán periódicamente en la web del CAV-AEP.Vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humanon (VPH) indicada para todos los adolescentes, independientemente del género, a los 12 años.Como novedades, se incluyen la recomendación de uso de nirsevimab sistemático en recién nacidos y lactantes menores de seis meses como inmunización pasiva contra el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), y se aglutinan las hexavalentes en un solo apartado. (AU)

As it does every year, the CAV-AEP publishes the update of its recommendations for the use of vaccines in children, adolescents and pregnant women residing in Spain.The 2 + 1 schedule is maintained in infants (at 2, 4 and 11 months), including preterm infants, with the hexavalent vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB) and the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine.A booster dose with DTaP-IPV is needed at 6 years for those who received the 2 + 1 series with hexavalent vaccine as infants, in addition to 1 dose of dTap in adolescence. Routine vaccination of pregnant women with a dose of dTap is recommended in each pregnancy, preferably between weeks 27 and 32 of gestation, although can be given from 20 weeks if there is risk of preterm delivery.All infants should receive the rotavirus vaccine (2–3 doses) and the 4 CMenB vaccine (2 + 1 series).All children aged 6–59 months should be vaccinated against influenza each year, in addition to risk groups from 6 months.The MenACWY vaccine should be given routinely at 12 months of age and in adolescence between ages 12 and 18 years.The recommendations for the MMR vaccine (12 months and 3–4 years) and varicella vaccine (15 months and 3–4 years) also remain unchanged, using the MMRV vaccine for the second dose.Recommendations for the use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the paediatric age group will be updated periodically on the CAV-AEP website.The HPV vaccine is indicated in all adolescents, regardless of sex, at age 12 years.Novelties include the recommendation of routine administration of nirsevimab to neonates and infants aged less than 6 months for passive immunization against RSV, and the recommendations regarding the hexavalent vaccine are consolidated in a single section. (AU)

Impact of Gestational COVID-19 on Neonatal Outcomes: Is Vertical Infection Possible?

BACKGROUND: The vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains highly debated. Here, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2-transmission in newborns with intrauterine conditions. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational and multicentric study involving 13 Spanish hospitals included in the GEStational and NEOnatal-COVID cohort. Pregnant women with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during any trimester of pregnancy or delivery and their newborns were included from March to November 2020. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were also obtained. Viral loads were analyzed in different maternal and newborn biological samples (placenta, breast milk and maternal blood; urine, meconium and newborn blood). RESULTS: A total of 177 newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were included. Newborns were tested by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using nasopharyngeal swabs within the first 24-48 hours of life and at 14 days of life. In total 5.1% were considered to have SARS-CoV-2 infection in the neonatal period, with 1.7% considered intrauterine and 3.4% intrapartum or early postnatal transmission cases. There were no differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of the pregnant women and their newborns' susceptibility to infections in their perinatal history or background. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible, although rare, with early postnatal transmission occurring more frequently. Most infected newborns remained asymptomatic or had mild symptoms that evolved well during follow-up. We did not find any maternal characteristics predisposing infants to neonatal infection. All infected newborn mothers had acute infection at delivery.Although there was no presence of SARS-CoV2 in cord blood or breast milk samples, SARS-CoV-2 viral load was detected in urine and meconium samples from infected newborns.

New diagnosis of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 8 Latin-American countries during 2018.

BACKGROUND: Important prevention efforts have led to a reduction in mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) globally. However, new cases of paediatric HIV infections still occur. Early diagnosis of new HIV infections is essential to start an appropriate antiretroviral treatment to avoid childhood morbidity and mortality related to infection. The aim of this study was to describe the new cases of MTCT in Latin-American referral hospitals. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre and descriptive study of the new cases of MTCT diagnosed during 2018 in 13 referral hospitals from 8 Latin-American countries (Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama) belonging to PLANTAIDS (Paediatric Network for Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of HIV in Children), was conducted. PLANTAIDS is included in CYTED (Ibero-American Programme of Science and Technology for Development). RESULTS: Eighty-one children (40.7% males) were included, median age at diagnosis of 2.33 years (IQR:0.7-4.7). Less than 3% of women knew their HIV diagnosis before pregnancy. More than 80% of them were diagnosed after delivery, 8.7% during pregnancy, and 2.9% at delivery. Only one patient underwent antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to pregnancy. At diagnosis, 50.0% of the children presented with an advanced stage of disease (stage C following the current CDC classification for HIV infection), and 34.4% had less than 15% CD4+ cells/mm3. The time elapsed between delivery and the maternal diagnosis was correlated with the age of children at diagnosis, ρ = 0.760, p < 0.001. Younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.03), a smaller number of previous hospitalizations (p < 0.01), and better immunovirological status (p < 0.01) were found in children whose mothers knew their HIV status at delivery, compared to mothers who were not aware of it. CONCLUSIONS: Although MTCT in Latin America has declined in recent years, our series shows there are still cases that indicate some failures in prevention, being a critical point to improve an earlier diagnosis of pregnant women. Half of the children were diagnosed in an advanced stage of disease and the delay in maternal diagnosis entailed a worse clinical and immunological child' prognosis.

Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors in a Spanish sample of HIV-positive youth compared to uninfected peers.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was twofold: a) to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep disturbances in young patients with vertically-transmitted HIV infection compared to uninfected peers, and b) to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial and medication-related variables and other clinical risk and protective factors related to psychological symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two groups with independent measures (36 youth with vertically transmitted HIV infection and 39 HIV-negative peers). We used 3 standardised assessment tools and a sociodemographic/psychosocial questionnaire (STAI, BDI, PSQI and adapted sociodemographic test). We performed univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The univariate analysis did not find significant differences between groups either in psychosocial factors or in the clinical scores. The multivariable analysis found that the presence of psychological symptoms was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and past events. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors and the social environment seemed to correlate more strongly to psychological symptoms than HIV status and to explain better the current psychological state of individuals.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de síntomas psicológicos en una muestra española de jóvenes con VIH en comparación con pares no infectados / Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors in a Spanish sample of HIV-positive youth compared to uninfected peers

Introducción: Los objetivos principales del estudio fueron dos: a)identificar la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y de ansiedad y trastornos del sueño en pacientes jóvenes con infección por VIH de transmisión vertical en comparación con un grupo de pares no infectados, y b)identificar factores sociodemográficos, psicosociales y relacionados con la medicación y otros factores de riesgo y protectores relacionados con los síntomas psicológicos. Métodos: Estudio transversal en dos grupos con medidas independientes: 36 sujetos con VIH (transmisión vertical) y 39 sin VIH (no infectados). Se emplearon tres instrumentos de evaluación estandarizados y un cuestionario sociodemográfico/psicosocial (STAI, BDI, PSQI y test sociodemográfico adaptado). Se realizó análisis univariante y multivariante. Resultados: El análisis univariante no reveló diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en las variables psicosociales o las escalas clínicas. El análisis multivariante encontró que los síntomas psicológicos se asociaban con fuerza a factores sociodemográficos y experiencias del pasado. Conclusiones: El entorno y las variables psicosociales parecen estar asociados más estrechamente con los síntomas psicológicos que el estado de VIH y podrían explicar mejor el estado psicológico actual del individuo. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of the study was twofold: (i)to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep disturbances in young patients with vertically-transmitted HIV infection compared to uninfected peers, and (ii)to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial and medication-related variables and other clinical risk and protective factors related to psychological symptoms. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two groups with independent measures (36 youth with vertically transmitted HIV infection and 39 HIV-negative peers). We used three standardised assessment tools and a sociodemographic/psychosocial questionnaire (STAI, BDI, PSQI and adapted sociodemographic test). We performed univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: The univariate analysis did not find significant differences between groups either in psychosocial factors or in the clinical scores. The multivariable analysis found that the presence of psychological symptoms was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and past events. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors and the social environment seemed to correlate more strongly to psychological symptoms than HIV status and to explain better the current psychological state of individuals. (AU)

Immunization schedule of the Pediatric Spanish Association: 2022 recommendations.

After reviewing the best available scientific information, CAV-AEP publishes their new recommendations to protect pregnant women, children and adolescents living in Spain through vaccination. The same recommendations as the previous year regarding hexavalent vaccines, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine of 13 serotypes, booster with tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis (Tdpa-IPV) at 6 years and with tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdpa) at 12-14 years and pregnant women from week 27 (from week 20 if there is a high risk of preterm delivery). Also with rotavirus, tetraantigenic meningococcal B (2+1), meningococcal quadrivalent (MenACWY), MMR, varicella and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, for both genders. As novelties this year the CAV-AEP recommends: Influenza vaccination from 6 to 59 months of age whenever feasible and does not harm the vaccination program aimed at people at higher risk. According to official national recommendations, the CAV-AEP recommends the systematic use of COVID mRNA vaccines since 5 years old.

Calendario de vacunaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: Recomendaciones 2022 / Immunisation schedule of the Pediatric Spanish Association: 2022 recommendations

Tras la revisión de la mejor información científica disponible, el CAV-AEP publica las nuevas recomendaciones para proteger con vacunas a las embarazadas, los niños y los adolescentes residentes en España. Se mantienen las mismas recomendaciones que el año anterior en cuanto a las vacunas hexavalentes y a la vacuna neumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos, al refuerzo con tétanos, difteria, tosferina y poliomielitis inactivada (Tdpa-VPI) a los seis años y con tétanos, difteria y tosferina (Tdpa) a los 12-14 años y a las embarazadas a partir de la semana 27 (desde la semana 20 si hay alto riesgo de parto pretérmino). Lo mismo sucede con las vacunas del rotavirus, del meningococo B tetraantigénica (2 + 1), de la vacuna meningocócica tetravalente (MenACWY), de la triple vírica, de la varicela y de la vacuna del virus del papiloma humano (VPH), en ambos géneros.Como novedades este año el CAV-AEP recomienda: La vacunación antigripal de seis a 59 meses de edad siempre que sea factible y no perjudique al programa vacunal dirigido a las personas de mayor riesgo. En consonancia con las recomendaciones oficiales nacionales, el CAV-AEP recomienda el uso sistemático a partir de los 5 años de las vacunas para la COVID-19 de ARNm. (AU)

After reviewing the best available scientific information, CAV-AEP publishes their new recommendations to protect pregnant women, children and adolescents living in Spain through vaccination. The same recommendations as the previous year regarding hexavalent vaccines, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine of 13 serotypes, booster with tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis (Tdpa-IPV) at 6 years and with tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdpa) at 12–14 years and pregnant women from week 27 (from week 20 if there is a high risk of preterm delivery). Also with rotavirus, tetraantigenic meningococcal B (2+1), meningococcal quadrivalent (MenACWY), MMR, varicella and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, for both genders. As novelties this year the CAV-AEP recommends: Influenza vaccination from 6 to 59 months of age whenever feasible and does not harm the vaccination program aimed at people at higher risk. According to official national recommendations, the CAV-AEP recommends the systematic use of COVID mRNA vaccines since 5 years old. (AU)

Risk-score based strategy to minimize antibiotic exposure in children with sickle cell disease and fever.

Severe bacterial infections (SBI) have become less frequent in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the last decades. However, because of their potential risk of SBI, they usually receive empirical therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics when they develop fever and are hospitalized in many cases. We performed a prospective study including 79 SCD patients with fever [median age 4.1 (1.7-7.5) years, 78.5% males; 17 of the episodes were diagnosed with SBI and 4 of them were confirmed] and developed a risk score for the prediction of SBI. The optimal score included CRP > 3 mg/dl, IL-6 > 125 pg/ml and hypoxemia, with an AUC of 0.91 (0.83-0.96) for the prediction of confirmed SBI and 0.86 (0.77-0.93) for possible SBI. We classified the patients in 3 groups: low, intermediate and high risk of SBI. Our risk-score-based management proposal could help to safely minimize antibiotic treatments and hospital admissions in children with SCD at low risk of SBI.

Interleukin 6 as a marker of severe bacterial infection in children with sickle cell disease and fever: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Etiological diagnosis of fever in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is often challenging. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of inflammatory biomarkers in SCD febrile children and controls, in order to determine predictors of severe bacterial infection (SBI). METHODS: A prospective, case-control study was carried out during 3 years, including patients younger than 18 years with SCD and fever (cases) and asymptomatic steady-state SCD children (controls). Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, including 10 serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17a, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and comparisons among study subgroups were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (79 cases and 58 controls) were included in the study; 78.5% males, median age 4.1 (1.7-7.5) years. Four cases were diagnosed with SBI, 41 viral infection (VI), 33 no proven infection (NPI) and 1 bacterial-viral coinfection (the latter excluded from the subanalyses). IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with SBI than in patients with VI or NPI (163 vs 0.7 vs 0.7 pg/ml, p < 0.001), and undetectable in all controls. The rest of the cytokines analyzed did not show any significant difference. The optimal cut-off value of IL-6 for the diagnosis of SBI was 125 pg/mL, with high PPV and NPV (PPV of 100% for a prevalence rate of 5, 10 and 15% and NPV of 98.7%, 97.3% and 95.8% for those prevalences rates, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found that IL-6 (with a cut-off value of 125 pg/ml) was an optimal marker for SBI in this cohort of febrile SCD children, with high PPV and NPV. Therefore, given its rapid elevation, IL-6 may be useful to early discriminate SCD children at risk of SBI, in order to guide their management.

Early antiretroviral therapy initiation effect on metabolic profile in vertically HIV-1-infected children.

BACKGROUND: Early combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) in perinatally acquired HIV-1 children has been associated with a rapid viral suppression, small HIV-1 reservoir size and reduced mortality and morbidity. Immunometabolism has emerged as an important field in HIV-1 infection offering both relevant knowledge regarding immunopathogenesis and potential targets for therapies against HIV-1. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic profile of HIV-1-infected children depending on their age at cART initiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Plasma samples from perinatally HIV-1-infected children under suppressive cART who initiated an early cART (first 12 weeks after birth, EARLY, n = 10) and late cART (12-50 weeks after birth, LATE, n = 10) were analysed. Comparative plasma proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics analyses were performed by nanoLC-Orbitrap, UHPLC-qTOF and GC-qTOF, respectively. RESULTS: Seven of the 188 proteins identified exhibited differences comparing EARLY and LATE groups of HIV-1-infected children. Despite no differences in the lipidomic (n = 115) and metabolomic (n = 81) profiles, strong correlations were found between proteins and lipid levels as well as metabolites, including glucidic components and amino acids, with clinical parameters. The ratio among different proteins showed high discriminatory power of EARLY and LATE groups. CONCLUSIONS: Protein signature show a different proinflammatory state associated with a late cART introduction. Its associations with lipid levels and the relationships found between metabolites and clinical parameters may potentially trigger premature non-AIDS events in this HIV-1 population, including atherosclerotic diseases and metabolic disorders. Antiretroviral treatment should be started as soon as possible in perinatally acquired HIV-1-infected children to prevent them from future long-life complications.

[Immunisation schedule of the Pediatric Spanish Association: 2021 recommendations]. / Calendario de vacunaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2021.

The CAV-AEP annually publishes the immunisation schedule considered optimal for all children and adolescent resident in Spain, taking into account the available evidence. The 2+1 schedule is recommended (2, 4, and 11 months) with hexavalent vaccines (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) and with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate.A 6-year booster is recommended, preferably with DTPa (if available), with a dose of polio for those who received 2+1 schemes, as well as vaccination with Tdpa in adolescents and in each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks. Rotavirus vaccine should be systematic for all infants. Meningococcal B vaccine, with a 2+1 schedule, should be included in routine calendar. In addition to the inclusion of the conjugated tetravalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) at 12 years of age with catch up to 18 years, inclusive, the CAV recommends this vaccine to be also included at 12 months of age, replacing MenC. Likewise, it is recommended in those over 6 weeks of age with risk factors or who travel to countries with a high incidence of these serogroups. Two-dose schedules for triple viral (12 months and 3-4 years) and varicella (15 months and 3-4 years) will be used. The second dose could be applied as a tetraviral vaccine. Universal systematic vaccination against HPV is recommended, regardless of gender, preferably at 12 years, and greater effort should be made to improve coverage. The 9 genotype extends coverage for both genders.

Calendario de vacunaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2021 / Immunisation schedule of the Pediatric Spanish Association: 2021 recommendations

El CAV-AEP publica anualmente el calendario de vacunaciones que estima idóneo para los niños y adolescentes residentes en España, teniendo en cuenta la evidencia científica disponible. Se mantiene el esquema 2 + 1 (2, 4 y 11 meses) con vacunas hexavalentes (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) y con antineumocócica conjugada 13-valente. Se aconseja un refuerzo a los 6 años, preferentemente con DTPa (si está disponible), junto a una dosis de polio para aquellos que recibieron esquemas 2 + 1, así como vacunación con Tdpa en adolescentes y en cada embarazo, preferentemente entre las 27 y 32 semanas. La vacuna del rotavirus debería ser sistemática para todos los lactantes. Se insiste en la incorporación en el calendario de la vacuna antimeningocócica B, con esquema 2 + 1 en lactantes. Además de la inclusión de la vacuna antimeningocócica conjugada tetravalente (MenACWY) a los 12 años con rescate hasta 18 años, inclusive, el CAV-AEP recomienda que esta vacuna sea introducida también a los 12 meses de edad, sustituyendo a MenC. Igualmente, se recomienda en los mayores de 6 semanas de edad con factores de riesgo o que viajen a países de elevada incidencia de estos serogrupos. Se emplearán esquemas de dos dosis para triple vírica (12 meses y 3-4 años) y varicela (15 meses y 3-4 años). La segunda dosis se podría aplicar como vacuna tetravírica. Se recomienda la vacunación sistemática universal frente al VPH, con independencia del género, preferentemente a los 12 años, insistiendo en un mayor esfuerzo para mejorar las coberturas. La de 9 genotipos amplía la cobertura para ambos sexos

The CAV-AEP annually publishes the immunisation schedule considered optimal for all children and adolescent resident in Spain, taking into account the available evidence. The 2 + 1 schedule is recommended (2, 4, and 11 months) with hexavalent vaccines (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) and with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate.A 6-year booster is recommended, preferably with DTPa (if available), with a dose of polio for those who received 2 + 1 schemes, as well as vaccination with Tdpa in adolescents and in each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks. Rotavirus vaccine should be systematic for all infants. Meningococcal B vaccine, with a 2 + 1 schedule, should be included in routine calendar. In addition to the inclusion of the conjugated tetravalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) at 12 years of age with catch up to 18 years, inclusive, the CAV recommends this vaccine to be also included at 12 months of age, replacing MenC. Likewise, it is recommended in those over 6 weeks of age with risk factors or who travel to countries with a high incidence of these serogroups. Two-dose schedules for triple viral (12 months and 3-4 years) and varicella (15 months and 3-4 years) will be used. The second dose could be applied as a tetraviral vaccine. Universal systematic vaccination against HPV is recommended, regardless of gender, preferably at 12 years, and greater effort should be made to improve coverage. The 9 genotype extends coverage for both genders