[Kawasaki disease: Diagnosis and treatment]. / Enfermedad de Kawasaki: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. In spite of the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), the absence of a specific diagnostic test and due to there being IGIV-refractory patients, Kawasaki disease is a major cause of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of Kawasaki disease, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments used and the CAA observed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and December 2008 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was based on the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2004. RESULTS: Twenty three children were identified. Median age was 26 months (range: 2 months-10 years). Nineteen children (82%) were younger than 5 years old. Fever and changes in the lips and oral cavity were present in all cases. Twenty-one patients (91%) received IGIV, all of them before the 10th day of disease. One child (4.7%) required the administration of more than one dose of IGIV, because persistence of fever. CAA was recorded in three patients [13.0%, (95% CI: 1-26%)], including a four month-old boy. All patients with CAA were treated with the recommended dose of IGIV, 2g/kg, between the 5th and 8th day of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Kawasaki disease was more common in children less than five years old. We observed a high rate of CAA in children with Kawasaki disease in spite of appropriate and timely treatment.

Enfermedad de Kawasaki: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Kawasaki disease: Diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: La enfermedad de Kawasaki es la principal causa de cardiopatía adquirida en niños en los países desarrollados. A pesar de un tratamiento eficaz, la dificultad en el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad, así como la existencia de pacientes no respondedores siguen haciendo de esta enfermedad una causa de enfermedad coronaria importante en nuestro medio. Objetivos: Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki, los tratamientos empleados y las alteraciones coronarias secundarias. Métodos: Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de los niños diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki desde enero de 2002 hasta diciembre de 2008 en un hospital de tercer nivel del área sur de Madrid. Se consideró diagnóstico de enfermedad la presencia de los criterios clínicos propuestos por la Academia Americana de Pediatría en 2004.ResultadosVeintitrés pacientes fueron diagnosticados de enfermedad de Kawasaki durante el periodo estudiado. La mediana de edad fue de 26 meses (rango: 2 meses–10 años). Diecinueve pacientes (82%) eran menores de 5 años. Todos los pacientes presentaron fiebre y afectación bucofaríngea. Veintiún pacientes (91%) fueron tratados con inmunoglobulina intravenosa (IGIV), todos antes del 10° día de enfermedad [mediana 5,5 días, (rango 2–8 días)]. Diecisiete de estos pacientes (81%) recibieron el tratamiento a partir del 5° día de fiebre. En un solo caso (4,7%) se administró más de una dosis de IGIV por persistencia de la fiebre. Tres varones [13,0%, (IC 95%: 1–26%)], uno de ellos de 4 meses de edad, desarrollaron aneurismas coronarios. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio se confirma que la enfermedad de Kawasaki afecta predominantemente a niños menores de 5 años. El porcentaje de anomalías coronarias sigue siendo elevado a pesar de un tratamiento precoz y adecuado (AU)

Introduction: Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. In spite of the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV), the absence of a specific diagnostic test and due to there being IGIV-refractory patients, Kawasaki disease is a major cause of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). Objectives: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of Kawasaki disease, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments used and the CAA observed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and December 2008 in a tertiary public Hospital in the South of Madrid. The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was based on the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2004.ResultsTwenty three children were identified. Median age was 26 months (range: 2 months–10 years). Nineteen children (82%) were younger than 5 years old. Fever and changes in the lips and oral cavity were present in all cases. Twenty-one patients (91%) received IGIV, all of them before the 10th day of disease. One child (4.7%) required the administration of more than one dose of IGIV, because persistence of fever. CAA was recorded in three patients [13.0%, (95% CI: 1–26%)], including a four month-old boy. All patients with CAA were treated with the recommended dose of IGIV, 2g/kg, between the 5th and 8th day of disease. Conclusions: Kawasaki disease was more common in children less than five years old. We observed a high rate of CAA in children with Kawasaki disease in spite of appropriate and timely treatment (AU)

Revisión de los casos de paludismo de los últimos 12 años en el Hospital Universitario de Getafe / Malaria in the South of Madrid: A clinical and epidemiological review

Introducción: La incidencia del paludismo está creciendo en España y es potencialmente grave en niños. Hay poca información sobre el paludismo infantil en España. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, así como el tratamiento efectuado en los casos de paludismo en el Hospital Universitario de Getafe. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los casos diagnosticados en el hospital desde 1995 hasta 2007. Se analizaron datos sobre epidemiología, clínica, métodos diagnósticos y tratamiento en 2 períodos comparativos de 6 años: antes y después de enero de 2001. Resultados: Se confirmaron 18 casos de paludismo, con predominio de mujeres (2:1). El rango de edad osciló entre 13 meses y 13 años, con una mediana de 60 meses. Todos habían realizado un viaje reciente a un país endémico. Se detectó un aumento en la incidencia (p<0,01) a partir del año 2001. La clínica más frecuente fue fiebre y síntomas gastrointestinales, con hepatomegalia o esplenomegalia en el 75%. La trombopenia y la anemia fueron hallazgos frecuentes. Se realizó un examen microscópico (frotis fino) en el 100% de los casos. La identificación de la especie de Plasmodium se obtuvo mediante PCR (polymerase chain reaction ‘reacción en cadena de la polimerasa’) en 16 casos, y se detectó Plasmodium falciparum en un 89% de éstos. Se trataron con sulfato de quinina y clindamicina un 72% de los casos. No hubo ningún caso de malaria complicada o fallecimiento. Conclusiones: La incidencia del paludismo importado está aumentando en el área sur de Madrid, y el agente causal mayoritario es el P. falciparum. La visualización del protozoo en el examen microscópico y la detección de su antígeno en sangre son buenos métodos de diagnóstico, pero es fundamental realizar una PCR al ingreso para conocer la especie de Plasmodium y para identificar posibles parasitaciones mixtas. Dada su potencial gravedad en la infancia, se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha para iniciar de forma precoz un adecuado tratamiento, lo que condiciona un mejor pronóstico (AU)

Introduction: Malaria has increased in Spain, and is potentially severe in children. Information on pediatric malaria in Spain is scarce. The aim is to evaluate the clinical, therapeutic and epidemiological characteristics of children diagnosed with malaria in our hospital. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on all pediatric cases of malaria diagnosed in Getafe University Hospital, from January 1995 to November 2006. Epidemiological and clinical features, as well as diagnostic methods, treatments and outcome were studied. An analysis of two comparative periods (before and after January 2000) was carried out. Results: Eighteen cases of confirmed malaria were identified, twelve girls and six boys. The age range was from 13 months to 13 years with a median age of 60 months. All patients had recently travelled to or from endemic countries. Despite having a stable number of admissions to hospital over time, all but two patients were diagnosed in the second period (P<0.01).Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common symptoms, with liver or spleen enlargement in 75%. Thrombocytopenia and anemia were common. No cases of complicated malaria or death occurred. Plasmodium identification by microscopic examination was used in all cases. Identification of Plasmodium species with PCR was carried out in 16 children. P. falciparum was found in 89% of these cases. Quinine-sulphate and clindamycin were used in 72%. Conclusions: The incidence of pediatric malaria is increasing in the southern area of Madrid, with P. falciparum as the most frequently identified species. Microscopic visualization or identification of its antigen are gold-standard diagnostic methods, however, identification with PCR is essential upon admission to determine the species and discard possible multiple infestations. Pediatricians must learn to suspect this potentially severe disease, in order to establish an early treatment that may improve the prognosis (AU)

[Malaria in the South of Madrid: a clinical and epidemiological review]. / Revisión de los casos de paludismo de los últimos 12 años en el Hospital Universitario de Getafe.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria has increased in Spain, and is potentially severe in children. Information on pediatric malaria in Spain is scarce. The aim is to evaluate the clinical, therapeutic and epidemiological characteristics of children diagnosed with malaria in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on all pediatric cases of malaria diagnosed in Getafe University Hospital, from January 1995 to November 2006. Epidemiological and clinical features, as well as diagnostic methods, treatments and outcome were studied. An analysis of two comparative periods (before and after January 2000) was carried out. RESULTS: Eighteen cases of confirmed malaria were identified, twelve girls and six boys. The age range was from 13 months to 13 years with a median age of 60 months. All patients had recently travelled to or from endemic countries. Despite having a stable number of admissions to hospital over time, all but two patients were diagnosed in the second period (P<0.01). Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common symptoms, with liver or spleen enlargement in 75%. Thrombocytopenia and anemia were common. No cases of complicated malaria or death occurred. Plasmodium identification by microscopic examination was used in all cases. Identification of Plasmodium species with PCR was carried out in 16 children. P. falciparum was found in 89% of these cases. Quinine-sulphate and clindamycin were used in 72%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pediatric malaria is increasing in the southern area of Madrid, with P. falciparum as the most frequently identified species. Microscopic visualization or identification of its antigen are gold-standard diagnostic methods, however, identification with PCR is essential upon admission to determine the species and discard possible multiple infestations. Pediatricians must learn to suspect this potentially severe disease, in order to establish an early treatment that may improve the prognosis.

[Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the pediatric age group]. / Tuberculosis mutirresistente en la edad pediátrica.

AIMS: To study the clinical and epidemiological features in eight pediatric patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) diagnosed from 1994 to 2005 in three hospitals in Madrid (Spain). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients aged less than 15 years old with positive culture for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and patients with negative cultures diagnosed after contact with MDR-TB. RESULTS: Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in seven patients and arthritis in one. Fifty percent of the patients were immigrants and an adult source case was found in four (50%). M. tuberculosis was isolated in gastric juice in four patients and in synovial biopsy in one. In three patients cultures were negative but these patients had previously been in contact with MDR-TB. Two strains were resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, four were resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin and streptomycin, one was resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and pyrazinamide, and one was resistant to 11 drugs. Six patients initially received conventional treatment without improvement. Patients received therapy for 15 months (range: 12 to 18) with 3 to 5 drugs according to the sensitivity study. The following adverse effects were observed: creatine phosphokinase increase (one patient), tendinitis (one patient), alteration of visual evoked responses (one patient) and transitory psychosis (one patient). One patient required pulmonary lobectomy. All patients responded satisfactorily to medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB should be suspected in patients not responding to TB treatment, especially those from countries with high resistance rates. In patients with negative cultures, treatment should rely on the results of a sensitivity study in the adult source case. MDR-TB requires the use of second-line anti-TB drugs for prolonged periods with possible toxic effects.

Tuberculosis mutirresistente en la edad pediátrica / Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the pediatric age group

Objetivos Estudiar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de 8 pacientes pediátricos con tuberculosis multirresistente (TB-MDR) diagnosticados en 3 hospitales de Madrid entre 1994 y 2005. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo que incluye pacientes menores de 15 años con aislamiento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis multirresistente y sin aislamiento que empezaron tras contacto con TB-MDR. Resultados Se diagnosticaron 7 tuberculosis pulmonares y una artritis. El 50 % eran inmigrantes y en el 50 % se confirmó contacto con adulto enfermo. Se aisló M. tuberculosis en jugo gástrico (4) y biopsia sinovial (1). En 3 pacientes no se consiguió aislamiento, pero se confirmó contacto con TB-MDR. Dos cepas presentaron resistencia a isoniazida (H) y rifampicina (R), cuatro a H, R y estreptomicina (S), una a H, R, S y pirazinamida (Z) y una a 11 fármacos. Seis pacientes recibieron tratamiento convencional inicial sin presentar mejoría. Una vez conocida la sensibilidad de la cepa, se administró tratamiento durante una media de 15 meses (rango: 12-18 meses) con 3-5 fármacos efectivos. Los efectos secundarios observados fueron: aumento de creatinfosfocinasa (1), tendinitis (1), alteración de potenciales visuales (1) y psicosis transitoria (1). Un paciente requirió lobectomía. Todos los pacientes evolucionaron satisfactoriamente. Conclusiones La TB-MDR debe sospecharse en casos con mala evolución, especialmente si proceden de zonas con altas tasas de resistencia. En niños enfermos con cultivos negativos y expuestos a TB-MDR, el tratamiento se realizará según el estudio de resistencias del caso índice. La resistencia limita las opciones terapéuticas y conlleva la utilización de fármacos con posibles efectos tóxicos

Aims To study the clinical and epidemiological features in eight pediatric patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) diagnosed from 1994 to 2005 in three hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Methods A retrospective study was performed in patients aged less than 15 years old with positive culture for multidrugresistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and patients with negative cultures diagnosed after contact with MDR-TB. Results Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in seven patients and arthritis in one. Fifty percent of the patients were immigrants and an adult source case was found in four (50 %). M. tuberculosis was isolated in gastric juice in four patients and in synovial biopsy in one. In three patients cultures were negative but these patients had previously been in contact with MDR-TB. Two strains were resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, four were resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin and streptomycin, one was resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and pyrazinamide, and one was resistant to 11 drugs. Six patients initially received conventional treatment without improvement. Patients received therapy for 15 months (range: 12 to 18) with 3 to 5 drugs according to the sensitivity study. The following adverse effects were observed: creatine phosphokinase increase (one patient), tendinitis (one patient), alteration of visual evoked responses (one patient) and transitory psychosis (one patient). One patient required pulmonary lobectomy. All patients responded satisfactorily to medical treatment. Conclusions MDR-TB should be suspected in patients not responding to TB treatment, especially those from countries with high resistance rates. In patients with negative cultures, treatment should rely on the results of a sensitivity study in the adult source case. MDR-TB requires the use of second- line anti-TB drugs for prolonged periods with possible toxic effects

[Why are HIV-infected infants still being born in Spain?]. / Por qué se infectan aún niños con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en España?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the success of preventive measures against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and -2 (HIV-1 and -2) in developed countries, HIV-infected infants continue to be born. The aim of this study was to evaluate failures in the prevention of MTCT and the clinical characteristics of infected infants. METHODS: The Foundation for the Investigation and Prevention of AIDS in Spain (FIPSE) Cohort in Madrid prospectively follows up children at risk of MTCT HIV born in eight public hospitals in Madrid. From May 2000 to December 2005, 632 children born to HIV-infected mothers were evaluated. Data from pregnancy follow-up, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and symptoms at diagnosis in infected infants were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine infants were infected. The rate of vertical transmission was 1.42 (95% CI 0.7-2.68). Of the nine mothers, seven had not received ART during pregnancy (and five had not received ART at delivery). Of the mothers who received ART, one had only done so for the last month of pregnancy. Two infants were given three drugs as prevention of MTCT, one received bitherapy and six received monotherapy. The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 months (range 7 days-2 years). The mean plasma viral load at diagnosis was 276,000 copies/ml (range: 11,900-1,000,000). Five of the infants were symptomatic at diagnosis (P. jirovaci pneumonia in two, sepsis in one, recurrent bacterial infections in one, hepatosplenomegaly in one). Four of the nine infants had been admitted to hospital prior to HIV diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Missed opportunities for the prevention of MTCT were identified in eight of the nine HIV-infected infants (89%). Administration of AZT during labor in HIV-infected mothers and triple therapy for the prevention of MTCT in high risk infants is not universal. Hospital admission in young infants at risk might lead to suspicion of infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Improved implementation of all the preventive measures for MTCT should be encouraged.

¿Por qué se infectan aún niños con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en España? / Why are HIV-infected infants still being born in Spain?

Introducción A pesar del éxito en la prevención de la transmisión vertical (TV) del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipos 1 y 2 (VIH-1 y 2) en los países desarrollados, todavía siguen naciendo niños infectados. El propósito de este análisis es evaluar los fallos en la prevención de la TV y las características de los niños infectados Métodos La Cohorte FIPSE de Madrid sigue prospectivamente a los niños hijos de gestantes VIH que nacen en 8 hospitales públicos de Madrid. Desde mayo de 2000 hasta diciembre de 2005, se siguieron 632 niños. Se han analizado los datos de la gestación, seguimiento, tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR), y clínica al diagnóstico de los casos de TV. Resultados Se infectaron 9 niños. La tasa de TV fue del 1,42 % (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 0,7-2,68). 7/9 madres no recibieron TAR durante la gestación (y de ellas, cinco tampoco lo recibieron en el parto). De las madres que recibieron TAR, una sólo cumplió un mes de tratamiento. Dos niños recibieron triple terapia como prevención de la TV, un niño recibió biterapia y, el resto, monoterapia. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 2,4 meses (rango: 7 días-2 años). La carga viral media en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 276.000 copias/ml (rango: 11.900-1.000.000). Un total de 5/9 de los casos eran sintomáticos al diagnóstico (2 neumonías por Pneumocystis jiroveci, una sepsis, una infección bacteriana de repetición, una hepatoesplenomegalia). Un total de 4/9 requirieron ingreso hospitalario antes del diagnóstico de VIH. Discusión Se identificaron "oportunidades perdidas" de prevención de la TV en 8 de los 9 niños infectados (89 %). El uso de zidovudina durante el parto y la triple terapia al recién nacido de riesgo no están universalmente extendidos. El ingreso hospitalario de lactantes en riesgo de TV debería hacer sospechar una posible infección. Se debería reforzar el acceso y la implementación de todas las medidas de prevención de la TV en el sistema sanitario

Introduction Despite the success of preventive measures against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and -2 (HIV-1 and -2) in developed countries, HIV-infected infants continue to be born. The aim of this study was to evaluate failures in the prevention of MTCT and the clinical characteristics of infected infants. Methods The Foundation for the Investigation and Prevention of AIDS in Spain (FIPSE) Cohort in Madrid prospectively follows up children at risk of MTCT HIV born in eight public hospitals in Madrid. From May 2000 to December 2005, 632 children born to HIV-infected mothers were evaluated. Data from pregnancy follow-up, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and symptoms at diagnosis in infected infants were analyzed. Results Nine infants were infected. The rate of vertical transmission was 1.42 (95 % CI 0.7-2.68). Of the nine mothers, seven had not received ART during pregnancy (and five had not received ART at delivery). Of the mothers who received ART, one had only done so for the last month of pregnancy. Two infants were given three drugs as prevention of MTCT, one received bitherapy and six received monotherapy. The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 months (range 7 days-2 years). The mean plasma viral load at diagnosis was 276,000 copies/ml (range: 11,900-1,000,000). Five of the infants were symptomatic at diagnosis (P. jirovaci pneumonia in two, sepsis in one, recurrent bacterial infections in one, hepatosplenomegaly in one). Four of the nine infants had been admitted to hospital prior to HIV diagnosis. Discussion Missed opportunities for the prevention of MTCT were identified in eight of the nine HIV-infected infants (89 %). Administration of AZT during labor in HIV-infected mothers and triple therapy for the prevention of MTCT in high risk infants is not universal. Hospital admission in young infants at risk might lead to suspicion of infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Improved implementation of all the preventive measures for MTCT should be encouraged

Hepatoesplenomegalia febril en un lactante / Febrile hepatosplenomegaly in an infant

La esplenomegalia febril es un desafío diagnóstico, y más aún desde la Atención Primaria. Describimos un caso de una lactante, con fiebre intermitente de varias semanas de evolución. El hallazgo dominante era una esplenomegalia llamativa de 7-8 cm y una hepatomegaliade menor tamaño. Se realizaron pruebas complementarias siguiendo el protocolo diagnóstico, y se encontraron cifras normales de leucocitos, con anemia y trombopenia leve, aumento de colesterol, triglicéridos y ferritina. Se recogieron cultivos (sangre, heces, orina),que fueron negativos y serologías de virus, bacterias atípicas y leishmania, también negativas.Ante la anemización progresiva se ingresó a la paciente durante una semana, sin llegar a un diagnóstico. Posteriormente, y cuando la paciente se encontraba en seguimiento en la consulta de Atención Primaria, se recibió el resultado positivo para PCR (Reacción en Cadenade la Polimerasa) de Leishmania sp. La paciente reingresó y fue tratada con Anfotericina B liposomal en dosis estándar, con desaparición de la fiebre y disminución progresiva de la esplenomegalia. Desde el inicio de los síntomas presentaba además una lesión costrosa en cuerocabelludo, que fue biopsiada dos meses después del ingreso, y que dio como resultado leishmaniasis cutánea. En poco tiempo la lesión evolucionó a alopecia cicatricial, y no fue necesario ningún otro tratamiento.El kala-azar o leishmaniasis visceral es endémico en el área mediterránea, y es habitualmente causado en nuestro medio por L. infantum. Cursa habitualmente con pancitopenia y fiebre en picos, incluso períodos de defervescencia, yes la esplenomegalia el hallazgo habitual. El tratamiento clásico incluye los antimoniales aunque, debido a las resistencias (sobre todo en lasformas de la India), se puede tratar con anfotericina B liposomal. Se han descrito casos de leishmaniasisviscerales y cutáneas concomitantes, sobre todo en inmunodeficiencias. Creemos interesante este caso en ef que describimos a una lactante, no inmunodeprimida, con ambos tipos de leishmaniasis: visceral y cutánea, que sería el primero descrito en nuestro país

Fever and splenomegaly are a diagnostic challenge, mainly from Primary Care Centres. We describe here the case of a female infant with intermittent fever over several weeks, in which a giant splenomegaly of 7-8 cm and a smaller hepatomegaly were the main symptoms. Diagnosticprotocol was followed, and normal accounts of leucocytes were found, but also anemia and mild thrombopenia, with increased cholesterol, triglicerydes and ferritine. The procedure included cultures (urine, blood, faeces) and serology from virus, atypical bacteria and leishmania, allof them negative. Increasing anemia was the cause of hospital admission for one week, although no diagnosis was reached. Afterwards, when the patient was being followed in our Primary Care Centre, a positive result for Leishmania sp PCR (Polimerase Chain Reaction) was informed. With a diagnose of visceral leishmaniasis, the patient then received standard doses of liposomal Amfotericin B disappearing afterwards fever and (slowly over a period of several months) splenomegaly. From the beginning of symptoms, our infant showed a scabbed lesionon her scalp, which was biopsied two months after treatment with amfotericin, being "cutaneousleishmaniasis" the new diagnose. The patient did not receive any other treatment and her lesion improved, although it remains as an atrophic scar.Kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the Mediterranean countries, being L. infantumthe most prevalenfspecies in our afea. Pancytopenia and high fever are common, although afebrile periods of time can also be found in leishmaniasis case series. Splenomegaly is the most common symptom. Classic treatment included pentavalent antimonials but due torecent resistance of Indian species to this drug, visceralleishmaniasis can be treated with liposomalamfotericin B. Concomitant cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis have been described, moreover among immunodepressed adults. We believe this is a very interesting case, where we describe a healthy infant with both types of leishmaniasis: visceral and cutaneous, which is the first one described in our country

[Spondylodiscitis in the autonomus community of Madrid (Spain)]. / Espondilodiscitis en la Comunidad de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Spondylodiscitis is a relatively uncommon entity in infancy and childhood, with typical, although non-specific symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features at presentation and follow-up in patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis in hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All cases of spondylodiscitis diagnosed in children in the hospitals of La Paz, Niño Jesús, Gregorio Marañón, Severo Ochoa, Doce de Octubre and Getafe in Madrid were reviewed. Their clinical features, diagnostic tests, treatment and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty children with a mean age of 37 months were studied. The level of disc involvement was L5-S1 in six patients, L2-L3 in five, L3-L4 in four, C6-C7 in two, and D12-L1 in one. The mean time before diagnosis was 20 +/- 16 days. The most frequent symptoms were gait disturbances, limping, or inability to remain seated. Eleven patients had low grade fever (< 38.5 degrees C). Other less specific symptoms were irritability, constipation and abdominal pain. All patients presented moderate leukocytosis without neutrophilia. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 60 +/- 26. The most frequently used diagnostic tests were conventional spine radiographs, technetium-99m bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received antibiotics; three received oral antibiotics only and the remaining patients received intravenous and oral antibiotics. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were cefuroxime, cloxacillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. The duration of treatment ranged between 3 and 8 weeks. All patients had a favorable outcome, although in eight, radiological sequelae were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Spondylodiscitis is not exceptional in childhood and awareness of this entity among pediatricians should be increased.

Espondilodiscitis en la Comunidad de Madrid / Spondylodiscitis in the autonomous community of Madrid (Spain)

Introducción: La espondilodiscitis es una entidad relativamente infrecuente en la infancia, que cursa con una sintomatología típica, aunque poco específica. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de los pacientes con este diagnóstico en los hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron los casos de espondilodiscitis diagnosticados en los últimos 5 años en los hospitales La Paz, Niño Jesús, Gregorio Marañón, Severo Ochoa, Doce de Octubre y Getafe. Se recogieron las características clínicas, las pruebas diagnósticas, el tratamiento y la evolución. Resultados: Se estudiaron 20 niños con una edad media de 37 meses. El nivel lesión al fue L5-S1 en 6 casos, L-2-L3 en cinco,L3-L4 en 4 casos, C5-C6 y C6-C7 en dos y D12-L1 en uno. El tiempo hasta el diagnóstico fue de 20 +/- 16 días. La sintomatología más frecuente fue la alteración de la marcha, cojerao rechazo de la sedestación. Presentaron fiebre no muy elevada (< 38,5 °C) 11 pacientes. Otros síntomas más inespecíficos fueron irritabilidad, estreñimiento y dolor abdominal. Todos los pacientes presentaron leucocitosis moderada sin neutrofilia. La velocidad de sedimentación globular estuvo elevada (60 +/- 26).Las técnicas diagnósticas más empleadas fueron la radiografía convencional, la gammagrafía y la resonancia magnética. Todos recibieron antibióticos, tres de ellos orales y el resto oral e intravenosos. Los antibióticos más empleados fueron cefuroxima, cloxacilina y amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico. La duración del tratamiento osciló entre3 y 8 semanas. Todos los pacientes evolucionaron de manera favorable, aunque en 8 casos se encontraron secuelas radiológicas. Conclusiones: La espondilodiscitis no es una entidad excepcional en niños y creemos que precisa mayor atención por parte delos pediatras

Introduction: Spondylodiscitis is a relatively uncommon entity in infancy and childhood, with typical, although non-specificsymptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features at presentation and follow-up in patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis in hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. Patients and methods: All cases of spondylodiscitis diagnosed in children in the hospitals of La Paz, Niño Jesús, Gregorio Marañón, Severo Ochoa, Doce de Octubre and Getafe in Madrid were reviewed. Their clinical features, diagnostic tests, treatment and follow-up were analyzed. Results: Twenty children with a mean age of 37 months were studied. The level of disc involvement was L5-S1 in six patients,L2-L3 in five, L3-L4 in four, C6-C7 in two, and D12-L1in one. The mean time before diagnosis was 20 +/- 16 days. The most frequent symptoms were gait disturbances, limping, or inability to remain seated. Eleven patients had low grade fever (< 38.5 °C). Other less specific symptoms were irritability, constipation and abdominal pain. All patients presented moderate leukocytosis without neutrophilia. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was60 +/- 26.The most frequently used diagnostic tests were conventional spine radiographs, technetium-99m bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received antibiotics; three received oral antibiotics only and the remaining patients received intravenous and oral antibiotics. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were cefuroxime, cloxacillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. The duration of treatment ranged between 3 and 8 weeks. All patients had a favorable outcome, although in eight, radiological sequelae were observed. Conclusions: Spondylodiscitis is not exceptional in childhood and awareness of this entity among pediatricians should be increased

Utilidad de la procalcitonina sérica en la orientación etiológica de los niños con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Utility of serum procalcitonin as a diagnostic guide in children with community-acquired pneumonia

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Fiebre periódica, estomatitis aftosa, faringitis y adenitis cervical: a propósito de tres casos / Periodic fever, apththous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis: report of three cases

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