Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el índice de masa corporal de niños asistidos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the body mass index of children seen in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivo. Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 5 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4 ± 0,8 años; el 48,1 % fueron mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó del 12,6 % (IC95% 11,6-13,6) al 20,9 % (IC95% 19,6-22-2); p <0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.

Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6­13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6­22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.

Reingreso hospitalario a 30 días en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades crónicas complejas / Thirty-day readmissions in children with complex chronic conditions

Introducción: La tasa de reingreso hospitalario a 30 días del alta es una medida de calidad de la atención médica. Los pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades crónicas complejas tienen altas tasas de reingreso. La falla en la transición entre el cuidado hospitalario y domiciliario podría explicar este fenómeno. Objetivos: Estimar la tasa de incidencia de reingreso hospitalario a 30 días en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades crónicas complejas, estimar cuántos son potencialmente prevenibles y explorar posibles factores asociados a reingreso. Materiales y método: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo incluyendo pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedades crónicas complejas de un mes a 18 años de edad. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedad oncológica y cardiopatías congénitas. Se evaluaron el reingreso a 30 días y el reingreso potencialmente prevenible. Se valoraron características sociodemográficas, geográficas, clínicas y de la transición hacia el cuidado domiciliario. Resultados: Se incluyeron 171 hospitalizaciones; dentro de los 30 días reingresaron 28 pacientes (16,4%; IC95% 11,6-22,7). De los 28 reingresos, 23 (82,1%; IC95% 64,4-92,1) fueron potencialmente prevenibles. La enfermedad respiratoria se asoció con mayor probabilidad de reingreso. No se encontró asociación entre el reingreso a 30 días y los factores de la transición al cuidado domiciliario evaluados. Conclusiones: La tasa de reingreso a 30 días en pacientes con enfermedad crónica compleja fue del 16,4%, y el 82,1% fueron potencialmente prevenibles. Únicamente la enfermedad respiratoria se comportó como factor de riesgo para reingreso a 30 días.(AU)

Introduction: The rate of hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge is a quality indicator in health care. Paediatric patients with complex chronic conditions have high readmission rates. Failure in the transition between hospital and home care could explain this phenomenon. Objectives: To estimate the incidence rate of 30-day hospital readmission in paediatric patients with complex chronic conditions, estimate how many are potentially preventable and explore factors associated with readmission. Materials and method: Cohort study including hospitalized patients with complex chronic conditions aged one month to 18 years. Patients with cancer or with congenital heart disease requiring surgical correction were excluded. The outcomes assessed were 30-day readmission rate and potentially preventable readmissions. We analysed sociodemographic, geographic, clinical and transition to home care characteristics as factors potentially associated with readmission. Results: The study included 171 hospitalizations, and 28 patients were readmitted within 30 days (16.4%; 95% CI, 11.6–22.7). Of the 28 readmissions, 23 were potentially preventable (82.1%; 95% CI, 64.4–92.1). Respiratory disease was associated with a higher probability of readmission. There was no association between 30-day readmission and the characteristics of the transition to home care. Conclusions: The 30-day readmission rate in patients with complex chronic disease was 16.4%, and 82.1% of readmissions were potentially preventable. Respiratory disease was the only identified risk factor for 30-day readmission.(AU)

Thirty-day readmissions in children with complex chronic conditions.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge is a quality indicator in health care. Paediatric patients with complex chronic conditions have high readmission rates. Failure in the transition between hospital and home care could explain this phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence rate of 30-day hospital readmission in paediatric patients with complex chronic conditions, estimate how many are potentially preventable and explore factors associated with readmission. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Cohort study including hospitalised patients with complex chronic conditions aged 1 month to 18 years. Patients with cancer or with congenital heart disease requiring surgical correction were excluded. The outcomes assessed were 30-day readmission rate and potentially preventable readmissions. We analysed sociodemographic, geographic, clinical and transition to home care characteristics as factors potentially associated with readmission. RESULTS: The study included 171 hospitalizations, and 28 patients were readmitted within 30 days (16.4%; 95% CI, 11.6%-22.7%). Of the 28 readmissions, 23 were potentially preventable (82.1%; 95% CI, 64.4%-92.1%). Respiratory disease was associated with a higher probability of readmission. There was no association between 30-day readmission and the characteristics of the transition to home care. CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day readmission rate in patients with complex chronic disease was 16.4%, and 82.1% of readmissions were potentially preventable. Respiratory disease was the only identified risk factor for 30-day readmission.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the body mass index of children seen in the City of Buenos Aires. / Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el índice de masa corporal de niños asistidos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6-13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6-22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.

Introducción. El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivo. Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 5 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4 ± 0,8 años; el 48,1 % fueron mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó del 12,6 % (IC95% 11,6-13,6) al 20,9 % (IC95% 19,6-22-2); p <0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.

Waiting for the next winter. Outpatient pediatric visits for respiratory infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric visits due to acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) decreased, but most reports are from hospitalized patients. There is little information on this phenomenon in outpatients, who are the majority in ALRI. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ALRI-related outpatient visits in the City of Buenos Aires. METHODS: Observational study including all outpatient visits of children under 2 years of age to the public health system of the City of Buenos Aires, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. We analyzed the total number of visits and the ALRI-related visits, and their distribution throughout the study period. RESULTS: A total of 704,426 visits were registered, 7.38% of them due to ALRI. ALRI-related visits decreased from the implementation of a national lockdown (2020) and increased again as the restriction measures decreased, particularly the return to full school attendance (2021). In general, the proportion of ALRI-related visits was significantly higher in the cold months than in the warm ones (9.8% vs. 5.5%; odds ratio: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.73-1.79; p < .001). This difference was observed before (2018 and 2019) and after the pandemic (2022), but not in 2020-2021. The peak of ALRI-related visits occurred in the cold months in pre-pandemic years (2018-2019), did not appear in 2020, reappeared delayed in 2021, and recovered seasonality in 2022. CONCLUSION: Outpatient ALRI-related visits decreased significantly in the city of Buenos Aires during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently seem to have recovered their magnitude and seasonality.

[Exclusive breastfeeding and disease evolution in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis]. / Lactancia materna exclusiva y evolución de la enfermedad en lactantes hospitalizados por bronquiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is the main reason for hospitalization in infancy. Breastfeeding is a protective factor aga inst infections, however, although there is evidence that breastfeeding could prevent hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis, its effect in patients already hospitalized because of this disease is less clear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there are differences in the evolution of patients hospitalized due to bronchiolitis fed with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) vs. breast milk substitutes (BMS). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospec tive cohort study. Children hospitalized due to bronchiolitis aged from 1 to 6 months were included. Evolution was compared with respect to days of hospitalization, days of oxygen therapy, requirement of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), presence of associated pneumonia, transfer to intensive care, and death. RESULTS: During the study period, 131 infants hospitalized due to bronchiolitis met the selection criteria, 54 were fed with EBF, 29 with BMS, and 48 received mixed feeding. The EBF group required significantly fewer days of oxygen therapy (5.1 ± 2.4 vs. 6.6 ± 3.5; p < 0.02) and hospitalization (7.0 ± 2.4 vs. 8.4 ± 3.6; p < 0.04) than the BMS group. Although males in the BMS group required on average more days of hospitalization and oxygen therapy, this difference was not statistically significant. No deaths were recorded in the groups studied. CONCLUSION: Patients fed with EBF required fewer days of oxygen therapy and hospitalization than those who received BMS.

[Circulation dynamics of respiratory syncytial virus and its relationship with ambient temperature. 25-year series in Buenos Aires] / Dinámica de circulación de virus sincicial respiratorio y su relación con la temperatura ambiental. Serie de 25 años en Buenos Aires.

Objective: To evaluate changes in RSV seasonality in the last 25 years and their correlation with the mean annual temperature. Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on RSV and temperature data from the City of Buenos Aires (1995-2019). For each year, we describe the beginning, end, and duration of the RSV season and the correlation with the mean annual temperature. Results: We identified 10,183 RSV infections. The duration of the RSV season decreased significantly (1995: 29 weeks vs. 2019: 18 weeks; R: 0.6 (p< 0.001)), due to an earlier ending (1995: week 45 vs. 2019: week 34; 0.6 (p<0.001)). No correlation was observed between mean annual temperature and the duration, start, or end of the RSV season. Conclusion: In the last 25 years, the duration of the RSV season has been significantly shortened due to an earlier ending, without correlation with temperature.

Introducción: El cambio climático global podría alterar la circulación del virus sincicial respiratorio (VSR). Objetivo: Evaluar modificaciones en la circulación de VSR en los últimos 25 años y su correlación con la temperatura ambiente. Métodos: Estudio transversal, utilizando registros de VSR y temperatura de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (1995-2019). Para cada año, describimos inicio, fin y duración de la temporada de VSR y evaluamos su correlación con la temperatura media anual. Resultados: Se identificaron 10183 infecciones por VSR. La duración de la temporada disminuyó significativamente (1995: 29 semanas vs. 2019: 18 semanas; R: 0.6 (p< 0,001)), debido a una finalización más precoz (1995: semana 45 vs. 2019: semana 34; 0,6 (p<0,001)). No se observó correlación entre temperatura media anual y duración, comienzo ni finalización de la temporada de VSR. Conclusión: En los últimos 25 años, la duración de la temporada de VSR se acortó significativamente, sin correlación con la temperatura.

Evaluación de residentes de pediatría con una modalidad virtual durante la pandemia COVID 19: presentación de una experiencia / Using a virtual mode for the pediatric residents evaluation during the COVID 19 pandemic: report of an experience

El examen clínico objetivo estructurado (ECOE) es una herramienta válida para medir competencias clínicas. En el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 se debieron adaptar las evaluaciones, habitualmente presenciales, a un formato virtual. El objetivo de este artículo es comunicar la experiencia de utilizar una modalidad virtual del ECOE para residentes de primer año de pediatría durante la pandemia por COVID-19. El ECOE comprendió 12 estaciones utilizando casos simulados en línea y consultas virtuales a distancia. Participaron del ECOE 115 residentes, aprobaron 110 (95,7%) y solo 17 participantes aprobaron el 100% de las estaciones. Las estaciones con mejor rendimiento fueron las referidas a alimentación complementaria, abordaje del traumatismo encéfalo craneano, interpretación de resultados de laboratorio y de imágenes radiológicas. El menor rendimiento se observó en uso de equipo de protección personal y vacunas. La encuesta de satisfacción fue respondida por 80/115 participantes (69,5%). El 91% de los participantes encontró fácil de utilizar la plataforma virtual. La mayoría (73/80) consideró que los temas fueron acordes al nivel de formación. La estación de pautas madurativas fue identificada como la más difícil. El 57% refirió que el ECOE les resultó útil para identificar puntos débiles en su formación. La implementación de una modalidad virtual del ECOE fue posible y presentó buena aceptación de los participantes.

The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a helpful tool for assessing clinical competencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, assessments usually carried out in person had to be adapted to a virtual format. We aim to report our experience using a virtual OSCE administered to first-year pediatric residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The OSCE included 12 stations, including online simulated cases and virtual remote consultations. In total 115 residents participated in the OSCE; 110 (95.7%) passed the test, but only 17 participants passed all stations. The stations with the highest performance were related to complementary feeding, management of traumatic head injury, interpretation of lab test results and imaging. The lowest performance was observed using personal protective equipment and checking vaccine schedules. The user satisfaction survey was completed by 80 out of 115 participants (69.5%); 91 % of the participants found the virtual platform easy to use. Most of the residents (73/80) considered the topics to be appropriate for their training level. The station related to child development guidelines was identified as the most challenging. 57% reported that the OSCE was helpful for identifying weaknesses in their training. Conclusion: the implementation of a virtual OSCE was feasible and it was well accepted by the participants.

Impacto de la contaminación ambiental en las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria en niños menores de 2 años.

Introducción: La contaminación del aire incrementaría el riesgo de infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) en pediatría. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la contaminación del aire en las consultas por IRA realizadas en efectores del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Método: estudio ecológico, de series temporales. Fuentes de información: Agencia de Protección Ambiental, Servicio Meteorológico Nacional e Historia de Salud Integral del Sistema de Gestión Hospitalaria. Población: Pacientes menores de 2 años que consultaron por IRA a un efector del GCBA y que residían en una comuna con monitoreo ambiental continuo, durante el 2018. Variables de predicción: Niveles diarios de CO, NO2, PM10 de las estaciones de monitoreo ambiental continuo de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Variables de resultado: número de consultas totales y por IRA. Variables a controlar: efector, sexo y temperatura media. Se construyó una definición operativa para seleccionar en la base de datos a las consultas objeto de estudio. Resultados: Se registraron 80.287 consultas, 24.847 por IRA (30%). Las consultas por IRA tuvieron correlación positiva en la estación "Córdoba" con el N2O (RR: 1,13 [1,00-1,28]). El número de consultas por IRA en los meses fríos fue mayor que en los cálidos (19,9% vs 11,9%; RR:1,67 [1,61-1,72]). Conclusión: Los valores promedios de PM10 y N2O muestran correlación con el número de las consultas totales y por infección respiratoria aguda, respectivamente. Las consultas se incrementaron durante el invierno.

Ética en investigación: desafíos durante la pandemia / Research ethics: challenges during the pandemic

Durante la pandemia de Covid-19 los hospitales pediatricos se vieron menos afectados, debido a la menor infección en niños, y sus recursos fueron reasignados en distintas tareas.. El Comité de Ética en Investigación del Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde presenta los distintos procedimientos implementados en esta emergencia, para sostener diferentes investigaciones, y que les permitió una rápida respuesta a esta situación.

[Time of ethics review of research proposals: results of an observational study]. / Tiempos de evaluación ética de protocolos de investigación: resultados de un estudio observacional.

The review of research protocols by Research Ethics Committees (RECs), essential to ensure the protection of participants, has been managed in the City of Buenos Aires through the PRIISA.BA electronic platform since January 2020. The aim of the present study was to describe ethical review times, their temporal evolution, and predictors of their duration. We conducted an observational study that included all the protocols reviewed between January 2020 and September 2021. Times to approval and to first observation were calculated. Temporal trends in times, and the multivariate association between these and protocol and IRB characteristics were evaluated. 2,781 protocols reviewed in 62 RECs were included. The median time to approval was 29.11 (RIQ 11.29 to 63.35) days, and time to first observation was 8.92 (RIQ 2.05 to 18.18) days. The times were significantly reduced throughout the study period. We detected as variables independently associated with shorter time to approval to be a COVID proposal, having funding and the number of centers to perform the study and having been reviewed by an RECs with more than 10 members. Making observations to the protocol was associated with more time. The results of the present work suggest that ethical review times were reduced during study period. In addition, variables associated with time were identified that could be the object of interventions to improve the process.

Acute respiratory health effects of air pollution on consultations in children under 2 years old / [Impacto de la contaminación ambiental en las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria en niños menores de 2 años.]

Introduction: Air pollution would increase the risk of severe infection repiratory in pediatrics. Research Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, National Meteorological. Service and Integral Health History of the Hospital Management System. Population: Patients under 2 years old who consulted for severe infection repiratory in effectors of Buenos Aires City Government and lived commune with continuous environmental monitoring during 2018. Predictors were daily levels of air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrous dioxide, particulate matter < 10 µ). Pollutants were measured at three monitoring stations. Temporal variables (media temperature), sex and effector were controlled. Result Variable: Total numbers of visits and total numbers of visits for severe infection respiratory. To select in the data base the visits to analyze an operative definition was made. Objective: Review impact of air pollution visits for severe infection repiratory in effectors of Buenos Aires City Government. Method: Ecologic research, time-series. Results: 80.287 visits were registered, 24.847 for severe infection respiratory (30%). The visits for severe infection respiratory had positive correlation in Cordoba station with N2O (RR: 1,13 [1,00-1,28]). The numbers of visits for severe infection respiratory was higher during cold months than warm months. (19,9% vs 11,9%; RR:1,67 [1,61-1,72]). Conclusion: average values of PM10 and N2O show correlation with the numbers of total visits and visits for severe infection respiratory. The visits increase during winter.

Introducción: La contaminación del aire incrementaría el riesgo de infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) en pediatría. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la contaminación del aire en las consultas por IRA realizadas en efectores del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Método: Estudio ecológico, de series temporales. Fuentes de información: Agencia de Protección Ambiental, Servicio Meteorológico Nacional e Historia de Salud Integral del Sistema de Gestión Hospitalaria. Población: Pacientes menores de 2 años que consultaron por IRA a un efector del GCBA y que residían en una comuna con monitoreo ambiental continuo, durante el 2018. Variables de predicción: Niveles diarios de CO, NO2, PM10 de las estaciones de monitoreo ambiental continuo de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Variables de resultado: número de consultas totales y por IRA. Variables a controlar: efector, sexo y temperatura media. Se construyó una definición operativa para seleccionar en la base de datos a las consultas objeto de estudio. Resultados: Se registraron 80.287 consultas, 24.847 por IRA (30%). Las consultas por IRA tuvieron correlación positiva en la estación "Córdoba" con el N2O (RR: 1,13 [1,00-1,28]). El número de consultas por IRA en los meses fríos fue mayor que en los cálidos (19,9% vs 11,9%; RR:1,67 [1,61-1,72]). Conclusión: Los valores promedios de PM10 y N2O muestran correlación con el número de las consultas totales y por infección respiratoria aguda, respectivamente. Las consultas se incrementaron durante el invierno.

Tiempos de evaluación ética de protocolos de investigación: resultados de un estudio observacional / Time of ethics review of research proposals: results of an observational study

La evaluación de protocolos de investigación por Comités de Ética en Investigación (CEI), esencialpara garantizar la protección de los participantes, se gestiona en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires a través laplataforma electrónica PRIISA.BA desde enero del 2020. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describirlos tiempos de evaluación ética, su evolución temporal, y los predictores de su duración. Se realizóun estudio observacional que incluyó todos los protocolos evaluados entre enero de 2020 y septiem-bre de 2021. Se calcularon los tiempos al dictamen final y a la primera observación. Se evaluaron lastendencias temporales de los tiempos, y la asociación multivariada entre éstos y características de losprotocolos y de los CEI. Se incluyeron 2781 protocolos evaluados en 62 CEI. La mediana de tiempo aldictamen final fue de 29.11 (RIQ 11.29 a 63.35) días, y del tiempo a la primera observación de 8.92(RIQ 2.05 a 18.18) días. Los tiempos se redujeron significativamente a lo largo del período de estudio.Detectamos como variables independientemente asociadas a menor tiempo a la temática COVID, tenerfinanciamiento y el número de centros a realizarse el estudio y haber sido evaluado en un CEI con másde 10 miembros. La realización de observaciones al protocolo se asoció a mayor tiempo. Los resultadosdel presente trabajo sugieren que los tiempos de evaluación ética se redujeron durante el período deestudio. Además, se identificaron variables asociadas con los tiempos, que podrían ser objeto de inter-venciones para mejorar el proceso.(AU)

The review of research protocols by Research Ethics Committees (RECs), essential to ensure theprotection of participants, has been managed in the City of Buenos Aires through the PRIISA.BA elec-tronic platform since January 2020. The aim of the present study was to describe ethical review times,their temporal evolution, and predictors of their duration. We conducted an observational study thatincluded all the protocols reviewed between January 2020 and September 2021. Times to approvaland to first observation were calculated. Temporal trends in times, and the multivariate associationbetween these and protocol and IRB characteristics were evaluated. 2,781 protocols reviewed in 62RECs were included. The median time to approval was 29.11 (RIQ 11.29 to 63.35) days, and time to firstobservation was 8.92 (RIQ 2.05 to 18.18) days. The times were significantly reduced throughout thestudy period. We detected as variables independently associated with shorter time to approval to bea COVID proposal, having funding and the number of centers to perform the study and having beenreviewed by an RECs with more than 10 members. Making observations to the protocol was associatedwith more time. The results of the present work suggest that ethical review times were reduced duringstudy period. In addition, variables associated with time were identified that could be the object ofinterventions to improve the process.(AU)

Persistent symptoms after COVID-19 in children and adolescents from Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: Although long COVID-19 is widely recognized in adults, less information is available about this condition in children, especially in developing countries. Here, we studied the long-term symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection beyond 3 months and the associated risk factors in a pediatric population. METHODS: This observational study included 639 Argentinian children and adolescents with previously confirmed COVID-19 from June 2020-June 2021 and 577 children without previous COVID-19. Parents completed a survey about symptoms that their child had for >3 months after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: At least one persistent symptom was observed more frequently in children with previous COVID-19 than in the non-COVID-19 group (34% vs 13%, P <0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the risk of headache, dizziness, loss of taste, dyspnea, cough, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of weight by three- to seven-fold. The loss of smell was only reported in infected children. After controlling for the other variables, older age, symptomatic COVID-19, and comorbidities were independent predictors of long-term symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of children experienced persistent symptoms after COVID-19. Older age, symptomatic infection, and comorbidities were shown to be risk factors for long COVID-19. Pediatric long COVID-19 is a new condition that requires further investigation.