Point-of-care lung ultrasound score for predicting escalated care in children with respiratory distress.

PURPOSE: Respiratory distress due to lower respiratory illnesses is a leading cause of death in children. Early recognition of high-risk populations is critical for the allocation of adequate resources. Our goal was to assess whether the lung ultrasound (US) score obtained at admission in children with respiratory distress predicts the need for escalated care. METHODS: This prospective study included 0-18-year-old patients with respiratory distress admitted to three emergency departments in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, between July 2019 and September 2021. The enrolled patients underwent lung US performed by a pediatric emergency physician within two hours of arrival. Lung ultrasound scores ranging from 0 to 36 were computed. The primary outcome was the need for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), or mechanical ventilation within 24 h. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included. The diagnoses included wheezing (33%), bronchiolitis (27%), pneumonia (16%), asthma (9%), and miscellaneous (16%). Thirty-five patients (34%) required escalated care and had a higher lung ultrasound score: median 13 (0-34) vs 2 (0-21), p < 0.0001; area under the curve (AUC): 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.90). The best cut-off score derived from Youden's index was seven (sensitivity: 71.4%; specificity: 79.4%; odds ratio (OR): 9.6 [95% CI: 3.8-24.7]). A lung US score above 12 was highly specific and had a positive likelihood ratio of 8.74 (95% CI:3.21-23.86). CONCLUSION: An elevated lung US score measured in the first assessment of children with any type of respiratory distress was predictive of severity as defined by the need for escalated care with HFNC, NIV, or mechanical ventilation.

Fast, cheap and feasible: Implementation of pediatric telemedicine in a public hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective: In Brazil, telemedicine was allowed as an exception during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its recognized value and availability, telemedicine is not universally used, suggesting that some barriers prevent its adoption and acceptance within the community. This study aims to describe the implementation of a low-cost telemedicine service in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. Method: Retrospective descriptive study reporting the first three months (April to June 2020) of the experience of implementing a low-cost telemedicine emergency care program in a public tertiary hospital. The service was available to patients up to 18 years of age enrolled in this hospital. A tool for assessing the severity of the patient was developed, the aim of standardizing the procedure, while maintaining quality and safety. Guardian's satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire sent after teleconsultations. Results: 255 teleconsultations were carried out with 140 different patients. Of the total consultations, 182 were from 99 patients that had performed the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) or had direct contact with a person known to be positive for COVID-19. Only 26 (14%) were referred to an in-person consultation. No deaths, adverse events or delayed diagnosis were recorded. 86% of the patients who answered the satisfaction questionnaire were satisfied and 92% would use telemedicine again. Conclusion: This study presents an innovative implementation of a telemedicine program in a public and exclusively pediatric tertiary service, serving as a reference for future implementation in other public services in Brazil and developing countries.

Fast, cheap and feasible: Implementation of pediatric telemedicine in a public hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, telemedicine was allowed as an exception during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its recognized value and availability, telemedicine is not universally used, suggesting that some barriers prevent its adoption and acceptance within the community. This study aims to describe the implementation of a low-cost telemedicine service in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. METHOD: Retrospective descriptive study reporting the first three months (April to June 2020) of the experience of implementing a low-cost telemedicine emergency care program in a public tertiary hospital. The service was available to patients up to 18 years of age enrolled in this hospital. A tool for assessing the severity of the patient was developed, the aim of standardizing the procedure, while maintaining quality and safety. Guardian's satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire sent after teleconsultations. RESULTS: 255 teleconsultations were carried out with 140 different patients. Of the total consultations, 182 were from 99 patients that had performed the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) or had direct contact with a person known to be positive for COVID-19. Only 26 (14%) were referred to an in-person consultation. No deaths, adverse events or delayed diagnosis were recorded. 86% of the patients who answered the satisfaction questionnaire were satisfied and 92% would use telemedicine again. CONCLUSION: This study presents an innovative implementation of a telemedicine program in a public and exclusively pediatric tertiary service, serving as a reference for future implementation in other public services in Brazil and developing countries.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Changing the view: impact of simulation-based mastery learning in pediatric tracheal intubation with videolaryngoscopy

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of a training program using simulation-based mastery learning on the performance of residents in pediatric intubations with videolaryngoscopy. Method: Retrospective cohort study carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2016 and June 2018 evaluating a database that included the performance of residents before and after training, as well as the outcome of tracheal intubations. A total of 59 pediatric residents were evaluated in the pre-training with a skills' checklist in the scenario with an intubation simulator; subsequently, they were trained individually using a simulator and deliberate practice in the department itself. After training, the residents were expected to have a minimum passing grade (90/100) in a simulated scenario. The success of the first attempted intubation, use of videolaryngoscopy, and complications in patients older than 1 year of age during the study period were also recorded in clinical practice. Results: Before training, the mean grade was 77.5/100 (SD 15.2), with only 23.7% (14/59) of residents reaching the minimum passing grade of 90/100. After training, 100% of the residents reached the grade, with an average of 94.9/100 (SD 3.2), p < 0.01, with only 5.1% (3/59) needing more practice time than that initially allocated. The success rate in the first attempt at intubation in the emergency department with videolaryngoscopy was 77.8% (21/27). The rate of adverse events associated with intubations was 26% (7/27), representing a serious event. Conclusions: Simulation-based mastery learning increased residents' skills related to intubation and allowed safe tracheal intubations with video laryngoscopy.

Changing the view: impact of simulation-based mastery learning in pediatric tracheal intubation with videolaryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a training program using simulation-based mastery learning on the performance of residents in pediatric intubations with videolaryngoscopy. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2016 and June 2018 evaluating a database that included the performance of residents before and after training, as well as the outcome of tracheal intubations. A total of 59 pediatric residents were evaluated in the pre-training with a skills' checklist in the scenario with an intubation simulator; subsequently, they were trained individually using a simulator and deliberate practice in the department itself. After training, the residents were expected to have a minimum passing grade (90/100) in a simulated scenario. The success of the first attempted intubation, use of videolaryngoscopy, and complications in patients older than 1year of age during the study period were also recorded in clinical practice. RESULTS: Before training, the mean grade was 77.5/100 (SD 15.2), with only 23.7% (14/59) of residents reaching the minimum passing grade of 90/100. After training, 100% of the residents reached the grade, with an average of 94.9/100 (SD 3.2), p<0.01, with only 5.1% (3/59) needing more practice time than that initially allocated. The success rate in the first attempt at intubation in the emergency department with videolaryngoscopy was 77.8% (21/27). The rate of adverse events associated with intubations was 26% (7/27), representing a serious event. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based mastery learning increased residents' skills related to intubation and allowed safe tracheal intubations with video laryngoscopy.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging in pediatric COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There has been limited data regarding the usefulness of lung ultrasound (US) in children with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To describe lung US imaging findings and aeration score of 34 children with COVID-19. METHODS: This study included 0-16-year-old patients with confirmed COVID-19, who were admitted between April 19 and June 18, 2020 in two hospitals in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lung US was performed as part of the routine evaluation by a skilled Pediatric Emergency physician. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and severity classifications were done according to an available clinical definition. The lung US findings were described for each lung field and a validated ultrasound lung aeration score was calculated. Data obtained was correlated with clinical information and other imaging modalities available for each case. RESULTS: Thirty-four confirmed COVID-19 patients had a lung US performed during this period. Eighteen (18/34) had abnormalities on the lung US, but eight of them (8/18) had a normal chest radiograph. Ultrasound lung aeration score medians for severe/critical, moderate, and mild disease were 17.5 (2-30), 4 (range 0-14), 0 (range 0-15), respectively (p = 0.001). Twelve patients (12/34) also had a chest computed tomography (CT) performed; both the findings and topography of lung compromise on the CT were consistent with the information obtained by lung US. CONCLUSION: Point-of-care lung US may have a key role in assessing lung injury in children with COVID-19.

Mortality in adolescents and young adults with chronic diseases during 16 years: a study in a Latin American tertiary hospital / Mortalidade entre adolescentes e adultos jovens com doenças crônicas durante 16 anos: estudo em um hospital terciário da América Latina

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate mortality in adolescents and young adult patients with chronic diseases followed in a Latin American tertiary hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in a tertiary/academic hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Death occurred in 529/2850 (18.5%) adolescents and young adult patients with chronic diseases, and 25/529 (4.7%) were excluded due to incomplete medical charts. Therefore, 504 deaths were evaluated. Results: Deaths occurred in 316/504 (63%) of early adolescent patients and in 188/504 (37%) of late adolescent/young adult patients. Further comparisons between early adolescents (n = 316) and late adolescent/young adult patients (n = 188) with pediatric chronic diseases at the last hospitalization showed that the median disease duration (22.0 [0-173] vs. 43.0 [0-227] months, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in early adolescents vs. late adolescent/young adult patients. The median number of previous hospitalizations was significantly lower in the former group (4.0 [1-45] vs. 6.0 [1-52], p < 0.001), whereas the last hospitalization in intensive care unit was significantly higher (60% vs. 47%, p = 0.003). Regarding supportive measures, palliative care was significantly lower in the younger group compared to the older group (33% vs. 43%, p = 0.02). The frequencies of renal replacement therapy (22% vs. 13%, p = 0.02), vasoactive agents (65% vs. 54%, p = 0.01), and transfusion of blood products (75% vs. 66%, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the younger group. The five most important etiologies of pediatric chronic diseases were: neoplasias (54.2%), hepatic diseases/transplantation (10%), human immunodeficiency virus (5.9%), and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (4.9%). Autopsy was performed in 58/504 (11%), and discordance between clinical and postmortem diagnoses was evidenced in 24/58 (41.3%). Conclusions: Almost 20% of deaths occurred in adolescents and young adults with distinct supportive care and severe disease patterns. Discordance between clinical diagnosis and autopsy was frequently observed.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a mortalidade entre adolescentes e pacientes adultos jovens com doenças crônicas acompanhados em um hospital terciário na América Latina. Métodos: Foi feito um estudo retrospectivo transversal em um hospital terciário/universitário no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Houve mortalidade de 529/2.850(18,5%) pacientes adolescentes e adultos jovens com doenças crônicas, porém 25/529(4,7%) foram excluídos devido a prontuários médicos incompletos. Portanto, foram avaliados 504 óbitos. Resultados: Ocorrem 316/504(63%) óbitos entre pacientes no início da adolescência e 188/504(37%) pacientes no fim da adolescência/adultos jovens. As comparações adicionais entre os pacientes no início da adolescência (n = 316) e no fim da adolescência/pacientes jovens (n = 188) com doenças crônicas pediátricas na última internação mostraram que a duração média da doença [22,0 (0-173) em comparação com 43,0 (0-227) meses, p < 0,001], foi significativamente menor nos pacientes no início da adolescência em comparação com os pacientes no fim da adolescência/adultos jovens. O número médio de internação anterior foi significativamente menor no primeiro grupo [4,0 (1-45) em comparação com 6,0 (1-52), p < 0,001], ao passo que a última internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi significativamente maior (60% em comparação com 47%, p = 0,003). Com relação a medidas de suporte, o cuidado paliativo foi significativamente menor no grupo de pacientes no início da adolescência em comparação com o grupo de pacientes no fim da adolescência (33% em comparação com 43%, p = 0,02). As frequências de terapia de substituição renal (22% em comparação com 13%, p = 0,02), agentes vasoativos (65% em comparação com 54%, p = 0,01) e transfusão de hemoderivados (75% em comparação com 66%, p = 0,03) foram significativamente maiores no primeiro grupo. As cinco etiologias mais importantes de doenças crônicas pediátricas foram: neoplasias (54,2%), doenças hepáticas/transplante (10%), vírus da imunodeficiência humana (5,9%), lúpus eritematoso sistêmico de início na infância e artrite idiopática juvenil (4,9%). Foi feita autópsia em 58/504 (11%) e a discordância entre os diagnósticos clínico e pós-morte foi comprovada em 24/58 (41,3%). Conclusões: Quase 20% dos óbitos ocorreram em adolescentes e adultos jovens com diferentes padrões de cuidados de suporte e doenças graves. A discordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e a necropsia foi frequentemente observada.

Mortality in adolescents and young adults with chronic diseases during 16 years: a study in a Latin American tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate mortality in adolescents and young adult patients with chronic diseases followed in a Latin American tertiary hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in a tertiary/academic hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Death occurred in 529/2850 (18.5%) adolescents and young adult patients with chronic diseases, and 25/529 (4.7%) were excluded due to incomplete medical charts. Therefore, 504 deaths were evaluated. RESULTS: Deaths occurred in 316/504 (63%) of early adolescent patients and in 188/504 (37%) of late adolescent/young adult patients. Further comparisons between early adolescents (n=316) and late adolescent/young adult patients (n=188) with pediatric chronic diseases at the last hospitalization showed that the median disease duration (22.0 [0-173] vs. 43.0 [0-227] months, p<0.001) was significantly lower in early adolescents vs. late adolescent/young adult patients. The median number of previous hospitalizations was significantly lower in the former group (4.0 [1-45] vs. 6.0 [1-52], p<0.001), whereas the last hospitalization in intensive care unit was significantly higher (60% vs. 47%, p=0.003). Regarding supportive measures, palliative care was significantly lower in the younger group compared to the older group (33% vs. 43%, p=0.02). The frequencies of renal replacement therapy (22% vs. 13%, p=0.02), vasoactive agents (65% vs. 54%, p=0.01), and transfusion of blood products (75% vs. 66%, p=0.03) were significantly higher in the younger group. The five most important etiologies of pediatric chronic diseases were: neoplasias (54.2%), hepatic diseases/transplantation (10%), human immunodeficiency virus (5.9%), and childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (4.9%). Autopsy was performed in 58/504 (11%), and discordance between clinical and postmortem diagnoses was evidenced in 24/58 (41.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Almost 20% of deaths occurred in adolescents and young adults with distinct supportive care and severe disease patterns. Discordance between clinical diagnosis and autopsy was frequently observed.

Pediatric chronic patients at outpatient clinics: a study in a Latin American University Hospital / Pacientes pediátricos crônicos em clínicas ambulatoriais: estudo em um hospital universitário da América Latina

Abstract Objective: To describe the characteristics of children and adolescentes with chronic diseases of outpatient clinics at a tertiary university hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 16,237 patients with chronic diseases followed-up in one year. The data were collected through the electronic system, according to the number of physician appointments in 23 pediatric specialties. Patients were divided in two groups: children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years). Early (10-14 years) and late (15-19 years) adolescent groups were also analyzed. Results: Of the total sample, 56% were children and 46% were adolescents. The frequencies of following pediatric specialties were significantly higher in adolescents when compared with children: cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, nephrology/renal transplantation, neurology, nutrology, oncology, palliative and pain care, psychiatry, and rheumatology (p < 0.05). The frequencies of emergency service visits (30% vs. 17%, p < 0.001), hospitalizations (23% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), intensive care unit admissions (6% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and deaths (1% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.002) were significantly lower in adolescents than in children. However, the number of physician appointments (≥13) per patient was also higher in the adolescent group (5% vs. 6%, p = 0.018). Further analysis comparison between early and late adolescents revealed that the first group had significantly more physician appointments (35% vs. 32%, p = 0.025), and required more than two pediatric specialties (22% vs. 21%, p = 0.047). Likewise, the frequencies of emergency service visits (19% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and hospitalizations (12% vs. 10%, p = 0.035) were higher in early adolescents. Conclusions: This study evaluated a large population in a Latin American hospital and suggested that early adolescents with chronic diseases required many appointments, multiple specialties and hospital admissions.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever características de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas de clínicas ambulatoriais em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 16.237 pacientes com doenças crônicas acompanhados em um ano. Os dados foram coletados por meio de dados do sistema eletrônico de acordo com o número de consultas médicas em 23 especialidades pediátricas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: crianças (0-9 anos) e adolescentes (10-19 anos). Também foram analisados grupos de jovens adolescentes (10-14 anos) e adolescentes mais velhos (15-19 anos). Resultados: 54% eram crianças e 46% eram adolescentes. As frequências das seguintes especialidades pediátricas foram significativamente maiores em adolescentes em comparação a crianças: cardiologia, endocrinologia, hematologia, nefrologia/transplante renal, neurologia, nutrologia, oncologia, cuidados paliativos e cuidado da dor, psiquiatria e reumatologia (p < 0,05). As frequências de visitas a serviços de emergência (30%, em comparação a 17%, p < 0,001), internações (23%, em comparação a 11%, p < 0,001), internações em unidade de terapia intensiva (6%, em comparação a 2%, p < 0,001) e óbitos (1%, em comparação a 0,6%, p = 0,002) foram significativamente menores em adolescentes do que em crianças. Contudo, o número de consultas médicas (≥ 13) por paciente (também) foi maior em grupos de adolescentes (5%, em comparação a 6%, p = 0,018). A comparação de análises adicionais entre jovens adolescentes e adolescentes mais velhos revelou que o primeiro grupo apresentou um número significativamente maior de consultas médicas (35%, em comparação a 32%, p = 0,025) e precisou de mais de duas especialidades pediátricas (22%, em comparação a 21%, p = 0,047). Da mesma forma, as frequências de visitas a serviços de emergência (19%, em comparação a 14%, p < 0,001) e internações (12%, em comparação a 10%, p = 0,035) foram maiores em jovens adolescentes. Conclusões: Este estudo avaliou uma grande população em um hospital da América Latina e sugeriu que jovens adolescentes com doenças crônicas precisaram de muitas consultas, diversas especialidades e internações hospitalares.

Correction to: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis: initial risk factors and outcomes in a Latin American tertiary center.

One of the author's name on this article was incorrectly spelled as "Sylvia C. L. Fahrat" . The correct spelling is "Sylvia C. L. Farhat" and is now presented correctly in this article. The original article has been corrected.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis: initial risk factors and outcomes in a Latin American tertiary center.

The objective of this study was to evaluate prevalence, initial risk factors, and outcomes in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) patients in Latin America. Two hundred ninety-six patients (validated EULAR/PRINTO/PRES HSP criteria) were assessed by demographic data, clinical/laboratorial involvements, and treatments in the first 3 months after diagnosis. They were followed-up in a Latin American tertiary center and were divided in two groups: with and without nephritis. Persistent non-nephrotic proteinuria, nephrotic proteinuria, and acute/chronic kidney injury were also systematically evaluated at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years after diagnosis. HSPN was evidenced in 139/296 (47%) in the first 3 months. The median age at diagnosis was significantly higher in HSPN patients compared without renal involvement [6.6 (1.5-17.7) vs. 5.7 (0.9-13.5) years, p = 0.022]. The frequencies of persistent purpura (31 vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), recurrent abdominal pain (16 vs. 7%, p = 0.011), gastrointestinal bleeding (25 vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), and corticosteroid use (54 vs. 41%, p = 0.023) were significantly higher in the former group. Logistic regression demonstrated that the independent variables associated with HSNP were persistent purpura (OR = 3.601; 95% CI (1.605-8.079); p = 0.002) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.991; 95% CI (1.245-7.183); p = 0.014). Further analysis of patients without HSPN in the first 3 months revealed that 29/118 (25%) had persistent non-nephrotic proteinuria and/or hematuria in 1 year, 19/61 (31%) in 5 years, 6/17 (35%) in 10 years and 4/6 (67%) in 15 years after diagnosis. None of them had chronic kidney injury or were submitted to renal replacement therapy. The present study observed HSPN in almost one half of patients in the first months of disease, and HSPN was associated with persistent purpura and gastrointestinal bleeding. One fourth of patients had nephritis only evidenced during follow-up without severe renal manifestations.

Pediatric chronic patients at outpatient clinics: a study in a Latin American University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of children and adolescentes with chronic diseases of outpatient clinics at a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 16,237 patients with chronic diseases followed-up in one year. The data were collected through the electronic system, according to the number of physician appointments in 23 pediatric specialties. Patients were divided in two groups: children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years). Early (10-14 years) and late (15-19 years) adolescent groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 56% were children and 46% were adolescents. The frequencies of following pediatric specialties were significantly higher in adolescents when compared with children: cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, nephrology/renal transplantation, neurology, nutrology, oncology, palliative and pain care, psychiatry, and rheumatology (p<0.05). The frequencies of emergency service visits (30% vs. 17%, p<0.001), hospitalizations (23% vs. 11%, p<0.001), intensive care unit admissions (6% vs. 2%, p<0.001), and deaths (1% vs. 0.6%, p=0.002) were significantly lower in adolescents than in children. However, the number of physician appointments (≥13) per patient was also higher in the adolescent group (5% vs. 6%, p=0.018). Further analysis comparison between early and late adolescents revealed that the first group had significantly more physician appointments (35% vs. 32%, p=0.025), and required more than two pediatric specialties (22% vs. 21%, p=0.047). Likewise, the frequencies of emergency service visits (19% vs. 14%, p<0.001) and hospitalizations (12% vs. 10%, p=0.035) were higher in early adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated a large population in a Latin American hospital and suggested that early adolescents with chronic diseases required many appointments, multiple specialties and hospital admissions.

Are prematurity and environmental factors determinants for developing childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of exposure to air pollutants and inhalable environmental elements during pregnancy and after birth until childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus(cSLE) diagnosis. METHODS: This case-control study comprised 30 cSLE patients and 86 healthy controls living in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. A structured and reliable questionnaire (kappa index for test-retest was 0.78) assessed demographic data, gestational and perinatal-related-factors, and exposure to inhalable elements during pregnancy and after birth (occupational exposure to inhalable particles and/or volatile vapor, and/or tobacco, as well as, the presence of industrial activities or gas stations near the home/work/daycare/school). Tropospheric pollutants included: particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). RESULTS: The median current age was similar between cSLE patients and healthy controls [16.0 (5-21) versus 15.0 (4-21) years, p = .32], likewise the frequency of female gender (87% versus 78%, p = .43). The frequencies of prematurity (30% versus 6%, p = .001), maternal occupational exposure during pregnancy (59% versus 12%, p < .001), exposure to volatile vapor (48% versus 8%, p < .001) and fetal smoking (maternal and/or secondhand) (37% versus 19%, p = .008) were significantly higher in cSLE patients compared with controls. In a multivariate analysis regarding the gestation period, maternal occupational exposure (OR 13.5, 95% CI 2.5-72.4, p = .002), fetal smoking (OR 8.6, 95%CI 1.6-47, p = .013) and prematurity (OR 15.8, 95%CI 1.9-135.3, p = .012) remained risk factors for cSLE development. Furthermore, exposure to secondhand smoking during pregnancy and after birth (OR 9.1, 95%CI 1.8-42.1, p = .002) was also a risk factor for cSLE development. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity and environmental factors were risk factors for developing cSLE.

High-fidelity simulation versus case-based discussion for teaching medical students in Brazil about pediatric emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare high-fidelity simulation with case-based discussion for teaching medical students about pediatric emergencies, as assessed by a knowledge post-test, a knowledge retention test and a survey of satisfaction with the method. METHODS: This was a non-randomized controlled study using a crossover design for the methods, as well as multiple-choice questionnaire tests and a satisfaction survey. Final-year medical students were allocated into two groups: group 1 participated in an anaphylaxis simulation and a discussion of a supraventricular tachycardia case, and conversely, group 2 participated in a discussion of an anaphylaxis case and a supraventricular tachycardia simulation. Students were tested on each theme at the end of their rotation (post-test) and 4-6 months later (retention test). RESULTS: Most students (108, or 66.3%) completed all of the tests. The mean scores for simulation versus case-based discussion were respectively 43.6% versus 46.6% for the anaphylaxis pre-test (p=0.42), 63.5% versus 67.8% for the post-test (p=0.13) and 61.5% versus 65.5% for the retention test (p=0.19). Additionally, the mean scores were respectively 33.9% versus 31.6% for the supraventricular tachycardia pre-test (p=0.44), 42.5% versus 47.7% for the post-test (p=0.09) and 41.5% versus 39.5% for the retention test (p=0.47). For both themes, there was improvement between the pre-test and the post-test (p<0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the post-test and the retention test (p>0.05). Moreover, the satisfaction survey revealed a preference for simulation (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As a single intervention, simulation is not significantly different from case-based discussion in terms of acquisition and retention of knowledge but is superior in terms of student satisfaction.

High-fidelity simulation versus case-based discussion for teaching medical students in Brazil about pediatric emergencies

OBJECTIVE: To compare high-fidelity simulation with case-based discussion for teaching medical students about pediatric emergencies, as assessed by a knowledge post-test, a knowledge retention test and a survey of satisfaction with the method. METHODS: This was a non-randomized controlled study using a crossover design for the methods, as well as multiple-choice questionnaire tests and a satisfaction survey. Final-year medical students were allocated into two groups: group 1 participated in an anaphylaxis simulation and a discussion of a supraventricular tachycardia case, and conversely, group 2 participated in a discussion of an anaphylaxis case and a supraventricular tachycardia simulation. Students were tested on each theme at the end of their rotation (post-test) and 4-6 months later (retention test). RESULTS: Most students (108, or 66.3%) completed all of the tests. The mean scores for simulation versus case-based discussion were respectively 43.6% versus 46.6% for the anaphylaxis pre-test (p=0.42), 63.5% versus 67.8% for the post-test (p=0.13) and 61.5% versus 65.5% for the retention test (p=0.19). Additionally, the mean scores were respectively 33.9% versus 31.6% for the supraventricular tachycardia pre-test (p=0.44), 42.5% versus 47.7% for the post-test (p=0.09) and 41.5% versus 39.5% for the retention test (p=0.47). For both themes, there was improvement between the pre-test and the post-test (p<0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the post-test and the retention test (p>0.05). Moreover, the satisfaction survey revealed a preference for simulation (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As a single intervention, simulation is not significantly different from case-based discussion in terms of acquisition and retention of knowledge but is superior in terms of student satisfaction. .

Exposure to Air Pollutants and Disease Activity in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between exposure to air pollutants in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area and disease activity in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. METHODS: A longitudinal panel study based on 409 consecutive visits of juvenile-onset SLE patients living in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area was carried out. Disease activity was evaluated in accordance with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and the patients were divided into 2 groups: those with SLEDAI scores ≤8 and those with SLEDAI scores >8. Daily concentrations of inhaled particulate matter (PM10 ), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), ozone, and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated on the 21 days preceding the medical visits. A generalized estimation equation model was used to assess the impact of these measurements on SLEDAI-2K scores, considering the fixed effects for repetitive measurements. The models were adjusted for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, corticosteroid use (daily and cumulative doses), antimalarial use, the use of immunosuppressive agents, the presence of infection 20 days preceding the medical appointment, and the minimum temperature and relative humidity outdoors. RESULTS: PM10 , NO2 , and CO were risk factors for juvenile-onset SLE disease activity (SLEDAI-2K score >8) approximately 2 weeks after exposure. A 13.4 µg/m(3) increase in the PM10 moving average (from lag 12 to lag 15) was associated with a 34% increase (95% confidence interval 7.0-68.0) in the risk of a SLEDAI-2K score >8. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that exposure to inhaled pollutants may increase the risk of disease activity in children with juvenile-onset SLE in a large urban center.

Risk factors for juvenile dermatomyositis: exposure to tobacco and air pollutants during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of exposure to inhaled environmental factors during pregnancy on the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM). METHODS: We performed a case­control study comprising 20 juvenile DM patients and 56 healthy controls matched by age and sex who were residents in the metropolitan region of a large city. A questionnaire assessed demographic data and environmental inhalation exposure during pregnancy (occupational exposure to demolition, chalk, construction and/or quarry dust, paints, varnish, gasoline vapor, and/or battery fluids; stationary sources of inhaled pollution near the mother's home; and maternal tobacco exposure). Daily concentrations of inhaled particulate matter, SO2, NO2, O3, and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated throughout the gestational period. RESULTS: Maternal occupational exposure to school chalk dust/gasoline vapor in the juvenile DM group was significantly higher compared with controls (50% versus 4.6%; P = 0.001). Smoking mothers and secondhand smoke exposure at home during pregnancy were significantly higher in the juvenile DM group versus controls (smoking mothers: 20% versus 1.7%; P = 0.01, and secondhand smoke: 35% versus 19%; P = 0.07). In univariate logistic regression models, maternal smoking, occupational exposure to inhaled agents, and the highest tertile of tropospheric CO (3.2­5.4 parts per million) in the third trimester were significantly associated with juvenile DM (P ≤ 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, smoking mother (odds ratio [OR] 13.26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.21­144.29], P = 0.03), occupational exposure (OR 35.39 [95% CI 1.97­632.80], P = 0.01), and CO (third tertile) exposure in the third trimester of gestation (OR 12.21 [95% CI 1.28­115.96], P = 0.03) remained risk factors for juvenile DM. CONCLUSION: Inhaled pollutants and tobacco smoking during fetal development may contribute to juvenile DM.