Trauma por caída de altura en niños que requirieron hospitalización / Trauma for fall of height in children who required hospitalization

Introducción. En Argentina, el trauma es la causa más frecuente de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año, con una elevada morbilidad y un alto costo para el sistema de salud. La caída de altura es la principal causa de lesiones traumáticas luego de los eventos por vehículo a motor. Objetivos. Explorar factores relacionados con traumatismos por caída de altura en pacientes hospitalizados, clasificar sus causas, describir la topografía lesional y analizar factores de riesgo y el evento traumático a través del Índice de Trauma Pediátrico (ITP). Material y métodos. Estudio de sección transversal con posterior tratamiento analítico mediante regresión logística. Se incluyeron 113 niños en forma consecutiva, de 0 a 18 años que requirieron hospitalización por trauma por caída de altura entre el 15 de noviembre de 2014 al 14 de noviembre de 2015, con seguimiento longitudinal hasta el alta. Dentro del universo de niños con trauma, se eligió el subconjunto de pacientes arriba mencionado. Se realizó una entrevista a los padres y se diseñó una ficha médica con datos obtenidos de las historias clínicas. Los pacientes enrolados se dividieron en dos grupos según el Índice de Trauma Pediátrico (ITP) para identificar potenciales factores de riesgo mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Se estratificaron en tres grupos etarios para el análisis de la topografía lesional. Resultados. De los 113 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, el 55,9% las caídas fueron por negligencia, siendo las lesiones más frecuentes el traumatismo encéfalo craneano (TEC) en menores de 3 años y de los miembros en niños mayores; los factores de riesgo identificados fueron el juego durante el evento y la presencia de gas natural, ambos predictores de trauma de menor gravedad. Conclusiones. Se pudo solo determinar la asociación de dos de los factores de riesgo explorados, probablemente relacionados a la n de pacientes en relación a las múltiples variables incluidas. La causa más frecuente de trauma fue por negligencia; el TEC fue la lesión más frecuente en niños pequeños y en los mayores fue el compromiso de miembros en la población estudiada

Introduction. Trauma injuries are the main cause of mortality in children older than 1 year, producing high morbidity and high costs in health system. After motor vehicle-related injuries, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in children. Objectives. To explore factors related to trauma due to height fall in hospitalized patients, to classify the causes of trauma due to height fall, to identify the injuries topography and to analyze the association between risk factors and trauma events using the Pediatric Trauma Index. Methods. In this cross-section study, with posterior logistic regression analysis, one hundred and thirteen children consecutively admitted for trauma due to fall height, from 0 to 18 years old, from November 15th, 2014 to November 14th, 2015 were prospectively evaluated. Parental interviews were conducted, and medical file, based on clinical records was designed. The sample was divided in two groups according to the Pediatric Trauma Index in order to identify risk factors through a logistic regression model. Patients were stratified in 3 age groups for the analysis of lesion topography. Results. Of the 113 patients included, 55.9% of the falls were due to negligence, cranioencephalic trauma (TEC) was the main trauma in children less than 3 years old, and limb fractures predominated in older population. In the multiple regression analysis, the risk factors identified were game activity and gas for home use, both predictors of less severity trauma. Conclusions. We could only determine the association of two of the risk factors explored, probably related to the number of patients in relation to the multiple variables included. We can demonstrate only the association of two of all risk factors explored, probably related with n of patients and the multiple variables included. The most frequent cause of trauma was due to negligence. In the studied population, TEC was the most frequent injury in small children and in the older children the commitment of members

Lesiones no intencionales por vehículos a motor en pediatría. Estudio epidemiológico en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez" / Unintentional injuries by motor vehicles in pediatrics. Epidemiological study of admitted patients to the "Ricardo Gutierrez" Children's Hospital

Introducción: El trauma es la causa más frecuente de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año en Argentina y presenta elevada morbilidad y alto costo para el sistema de salud. Los traumatismos por vehículo a motor (VAM) son una de las causas más frecuentes de lesiones graves. Objetivo: Identificar las causas, cinemática, topografía lesional y analizar el impacto de los factores epidemiológicos relacionados con traumatismos por VAM en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez" (HNRG). Analizar factores de riesgo pasibles de intervención. Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, analítico y de predictores. Se incluyeron 47 niños de 0 a 18 años, internados por lesiones por VAM entre el 1 de abril de 2015 al 31 de marzo de 2017. Se confeccionó una ficha médica con datos obtenidos de las historias clínicas y entrevista a los padres. Los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos: pasajeros, peatones y biciclistas. La severidad se valoró según el Índice de Trauma Pediátrico (ITP) en dos grupos para identificar factores de riesgo para trauma grave (ITP≤8) mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Variables predictivas: características demográficas del paciente y sus padres, nivel y factores de riesgo socio-económicos, datos del incidente, asistencia inicial, evolución y su causa. Para analizar la injuria topográfica, se estratificaron tres grupos etarios. Resultados: En el 36.2% la causa del evento fue negligencia. En el 68.1% de los eventos el mecanismo lesional fue atropello. La topografía más frecuente fue Sistema Nervioso Central (SNC) 42.6% aislado y 57.5% asociado a otras lesiones. Se estimó un aumento de la probabilidad de riesgo de ingresar a cuidados intensivos de 15,27 veces, cada vez que ITP pasa de >8 a grave. Conclusiones: En más del 66% de los eventos las causas fueron: negligencia e imprudencia. El mecanismo lesional más frecuente fue el atropello. Los menores de 3 años presentaron trauma aislado de SNC (66%). Los pacientes con ITP bajo presentaron elevada probabilidad de requerir cuidados intensivos. Se recomienda enfatizar en educación, prevención e investigación para generar propuestas multisectoriales, fijar prioridades y monitorizar las intervenciones

Introduction: In our country trauma is the most frequent cause of death in children more than one year old, representing a high morbidity and an economic burden for the health system. Motor vehicle trauma (MVT) is one of the most frequent causes of severe injuries. Objective: To identify the causes, the kinematics and the injury topography and to analyze the impact of the epidemiological factors related to MVT of admitted patients to the "Ricardo Gutierrez" Children's Hospital. Modifiable risk factors were also analyzed. Methodology: Observational, prospective, analytical and predictive study. Forty seven (47) children between the ages of 0 and 18 years were included, all of them admitted with MVT injuries between April 1st 2015 and March 31st 2017, with follow up until discharge. A medical record was created with data from clinical history and interviews with parents. The enrolled inpatients were subdivided into three (3) groups: passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. Injury severity was assessed by the "Pediatric Trauma Index" (PTI) in two groups to identify risk factors for severe trauma (PTI ≤8) through a logistic regression model. Predictive variables: demographic characteristics in hospitalized children and their parents, socio-economic level and risk factors, event information, initial assistance and evolution of the clinical case. Injury topography was stratified in three (3) age groups. Results: Car hit was responsible for 68.1% of the events. Negligence was found in 36.2% of the causes. Central nervous system (CNS) was the most frequent topography: isolated in 42.6% and associated with other lesions in 57.5%. Identified risk factors: when PTI was >8 or critical, the risk probability to be admitted into intensive care units increased by 15.27 times. Conclusion: Car crash was the most frequent injury mechanism. Negligence and imprudence were 2/3 of the events causes. Children under three (3) years presented isolated CNS trauma (66%). PTI ≤8 was associated with high probability of intensive care requirement. Education, prevention programs and research are necessary in order to generate multisectoral proposals, to fix priorities, including monitoring and surveillance interventions

Pediatric trauma. Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez".

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system. OBJECTIVE: To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma. POPULATION AND METHODS: Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. PREDICTIVE OUTCOME MEASURES: patients' and parents' demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system. CONCLUSIONS: The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.

Trauma en pediatría: Estudio epidemiológico en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez" / Pediatric trauma: Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"

Introducción. En Argentina, el trauma es la causa más frecuente de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año, con una elevada morbilidad y un alto costo para el sistema de salud. Objetivo. Identificar las causas de las lesiones en los pacientes internados por trauma y analizar la asociación entre los factores epidemiológicos y el trauma grave. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo. Se incluyeron los niños de 0-18 años internados por trauma no intencional entre abril de 2012 y marzo de 2013. Se dividieron en dos grupos según el índice de trauma pediátrico grave (8 o menor) para identificar factores de riesgo mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Variables predictivas: características demográficas del paciente y sus padres, factores socioeconómicos, datos del incidente, asistencia inicial, evolución y factores de riesgo. Se estratificaron en tres grupos etarios para el análisis de la topografía de la lesión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 237 pacientes. En menores de 3 años, predominó el traumatismo craneoencefálico y, en mayores de 3 años, las fracturas de miembros. En el análisis bivariado, padres extranjeros, indigencia o pobreza, causa inmediata prevenible, altura peligrosa y calefacción insegura resultaron estadísticamente significativos. Por regresión múltiple, quedaron incluidas las variables padres extranjeros, residencia en asentamiento, causa inmediata prevenible y calefacción insegura. Conclusiones. La principal causa de trauma fue la caída de altura y algunos de los factores socioeconómicos explorados se asociaron a mayor riesgo de trauma. Esto podría ser utilizado para elaborar medidas de prevención.

Introduction.In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system. Objective.To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma. Population and Methods.Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. Predictive outcome measures: patients' and parents' demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location. Results.Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system. Conclusions.The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.

Trauma en pediatría: Estudio epidemiológico en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez" / Pediatric trauma: Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"

Introducción. En Argentina, el trauma es la causa más frecuente de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año, con una elevada morbilidad y un alto costo para el sistema de salud. Objetivo. Identificar las causas de las lesiones en los pacientes internados por trauma y analizar la asociación entre los factores epidemiológicos y el trauma grave. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo. Se incluyeron los niños de 0-18 años internados por trauma no intencional entre abril de 2012 y marzo de 2013. Se dividieron en dos grupos según el índice de trauma pediátrico grave (8 o menor) para identificar factores de riesgo mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Variables predictivas: características demográficas del paciente y sus padres, factores socioeconómicos, datos del incidente, asistencia inicial, evolución y factores de riesgo. Se estratificaron en tres grupos etarios para el análisis de la topografía de la lesión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 237 pacientes. En menores de 3 años, predominó el traumatismo craneoencefálico y, en mayores de 3 años, las fracturas de miembros. En el análisis bivariado, padres extranjeros, indigencia o pobreza, causa inmediata prevenible, altura peligrosa y calefacción insegura resultaron estadísticamente significativos. Por regresión múltiple, quedaron incluidas las variables padres extranjeros, residencia en asentamiento, causa inmediata prevenible y calefacción insegura. Conclusiones. La principal causa de trauma fue la caída de altura y algunos de los factores socioeconómicos explorados se asociaron a mayor riesgo de trauma. Esto podría ser utilizado para elaborar medidas de prevención.(AU)

Introduction.In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system. Objective.To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma. Population and Methods.Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. Predictive outcome measures: patients and parents demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location. Results.Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system. Conclusions.The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.(AU)

Trauma en pediatría: Estudio epidemiológico en pacientes internados en el Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez" / Pediatric trauma: Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"

Introducción. En Argentina, el trauma es la causa más frecuente de muerte en niños mayores de 1 año, con una elevada morbilidad y un alto costo para el sistema de salud. Objetivo. Identificar las causas de las lesiones en los pacientes internados por trauma y analizar la asociación entre los factores epidemiológicos y el trauma grave. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo. Se incluyeron los niños de 0-18 años internados por trauma no intencional entre abril de 2012 y marzo de 2013. Se dividieron en dos grupos según el índice de trauma pediátrico grave (8 o menor) para identificar factores de riesgo mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Variables predictivas: características demográficas del paciente y sus padres, factores socioeconómicos, datos del incidente, asistencia inicial, evolución y factores de riesgo. Se estratificaron en tres grupos etarios para el análisis de la topografía de la lesión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 237 pacientes. En menores de 3 años, predominó el traumatismo craneoencefálico y, en mayores de 3 años, las fracturas de miembros. En el análisis bivariado, padres extranjeros, indigencia o pobreza, causa inmediata prevenible, altura peligrosa y calefacción insegura resultaron estadísticamente significativos. Por regresión múltiple, quedaron incluidas las variables padres extranjeros, residencia en asentamiento, causa inmediata prevenible y calefacción insegura. Conclusiones. La principal causa de trauma fue la caída de altura y algunos de los factores socioeconómicos explorados se asociaron a mayor riesgo de trauma. Esto podría ser utilizado para elaborar medidas de prevención.(AU)

Introduction.In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system. Objective.To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma. Population and Methods.Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. Predictive outcome measures: patients and parents demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location. Results.Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system. Conclusions.The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.(AU)

Pediatric trauma. Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez". / Pediatric trauma. Epidemiological study among patients admitted to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez".

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, trauma is the most common cause of death among children older than 1 year old, has a high morbidity rate, and results in large costs for the health system. OBJECTIVE: To identify causes of injuries in patients admitted to the hospital due to a trauma, and to analyze the relationship between epidemiological factors and severe trauma. POPULATION AND METHODS: Prospective study. Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years old admitted to the hospital due to unintentional trauma between April 2012 and March 2013 were included. They were divided into two groups based on severity according to the pediatric trauma score (8 or lower) to identify risk factors by means of a logistic regression model. PREDICTIVE OUTCOME MEASURES: patients and parents demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, event data, initial care, course, and risk factors. Patients were stratified into three age groups for the analysis of the type of injury and the anatomic location. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Traumatic brain injuries were predominant among children younger than 3 years old, while limb fractures were most common among children older than 3 years old. In the bivariate analysis, foreign parents, a state of poverty or destitution, an immediate preventable cause, dangerous heights, and an unsafe heating system were statistically significant outcome measures. Based on multiple regression, outcome measures included were foreign parents, living in a slum area, an immediate preventable cause, and an unsafe heating system. CONCLUSIONS: The main cause of trauma was related to falls from heights, and some of the studied socioeconomic factors were associated with a higher risk of trauma. This information may be useful to develop prevention measures.

[Nasal septal abscess]. / Absceso del septum nasal.

A nasal septal abscess (NA) is defined as a collection of pus between the cartilage or bony septum and its normally applied mucoperichondrium or mucoperiostium. It is an uncommon disease which should be suspected in a patient with acute onset of nasal obstruction and recent history of nasal trauma, periodontal infection or an inflammatory process of the rhinosinusal region. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with bilateral NA caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MR-CO) in order to emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment to prevent the potentially dangerous spread of infection and the development of severe functional and cosmetic sequelae.

[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (Wilkie syndrome): case report]. / Síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (síndrome de Wilkie): Caso clínico.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction. The syndrome results from compression of the third portion of duodenum as it crosses underneath the superior mesenteric artery, related to conditions that reduce the aortomesenteric angle (acute weight loss) or after scoliosis surgery. Patients may present symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, such as upper abdominal distension and epigastric tenderness, usually relieved by posture changing. Diagnose must be complemented with an upper gastrointestinal barium-contrast radiography. Conservative treatment is usually effective with early diagnosis. Surgery is needed when conservative measures are ineffective. We present the case of a 18 year-old patient with Wilkie's syndrome secondary to scoliosis surgery. The patient presented symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, and diagnosis was confirmed with upper gastrointestinal barium-contrast radiography. The patient started conservative treatment with proper positioning after eating and nutritional support to provide optimal calories supply.

Absceso del septum nasal / Nasal septal abscess

Se define como absceso del septum nasal (AN) a la colección de pus entre el cartílago o hueso del septum nasal y el mucopericondrioo mucoperiostio. Se trata de una patología poco frecuente que el pediatra debesospechar ante todo paciente que presente obstrucción nasal deinstalación aguda e historia reciente de traumatismo, infecciónperiodontal o proceso inflamatorio que involucre la regiónrinosinusal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 8 años con AN bilateral por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente de la comunidad (MR-CO), con el objeto de enfatizar la necesidad de un rápido diagnóstico y tratamiento para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas graves y posibles secuelas funcionalesy estéticas.

Síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (síndrome de Wilkie): caso clínico / Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (Wilkie syndrome): case report

El síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (síndrome de Wilkie) es una causa poco frecuente de obstrucción duodenal de origen vascular. Se asocia con situaciones que disminuyen elángulo entre la arteria mesentérica superior y la aorta (compásaortomesentérico) secundarias a pérdida de grasa retroperitoneal (descenso brusco de peso o caquexia) o procedimientos que determinan hiperextensión dorsal, especialmente enpostquirúrgicos de cirugía correctora de escoliosis. Clínicamente, se manifiesta por obstrucción intestinal alta. El diagnósticoes radiológico y el tratamiento es inicialmente médico. El tratamiento quirúrgico se reserva para casos refractarios. Se describe el caso de un paciente de 18 años con síndrome de Wilkie, secundario a cirugía correctora de escoliosis dorsolumbar. Con la sospecha clínica se realiza seriada gastroduodenal que confirma el diagnóstico. Inicia tratamiento médico con dieta hipercalórica fraccionada y medidas posturales con buena respuesta.

[Acute abdomen as initial manifestation of meningococcemia]. / Abdomen agudo como manifestación inicial de meningococemia.

Abdominal pain as an initial symptom of meningococcemia is an infrequent entity, rarely described in literature. We present a case of a 4 year-old, male, previously healthy child with a 24 hour history of fever and abdominal pain. He is admitted in a surgical unit with a diagnosis of acute abdomen for surgical resolution. The clinical course turns unfavorably, and patient presents signs of severe sepsis. Urgent laparotomy is performed, observing little brownish fluid and mesenteric adenitis. He then exhibits palpable purpuric rapidly progressive lesions in lower extremities, progressing to septic shock. Later, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is isolated from blood cultures. The aim of this article is drawing attention to a nontypical form of manifestation of meningococcemia, as a delayed diagnosis and treatment has an impact on morbidity and mortality among the pediatric population.

Abdomen agudo como manifestación inicial de meningococemia / Acute abdomen as initial manifestation of menincococcemia

El abdomen agudo como síntoma inicial de meningococemia es una entidad muy poco frecuente y raramente descripta en la bibliografía. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 4 años de edad, sexo masculino, previamente sano, que consulta por síndrome febril y dolor abdominal de 24 h de evolución. Seinterna en unidad clínico-quirúrgica con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El paciente evoluciona desfavorablemente y súbitamente presenta signos compatibles con sepsis grave. Se realiza laparotomía de urgencia; se observa escasa cantidad de líquido citrino libre en cavidad con adenitis mesentérica. Desarrolla luego lesiones purpúricas palpables de rápida progresión en miembros inferiores y evolución al shock séptico. Se aísla en hemocultivos periféricos Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo B. El objetivo de esta publicación es exponer y alertar sobre una modalidad de presentación clínica poco frecuente de la meningococemia, pues el retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento impactan sobre la morbimortalidad en la población pediátrica.

Abdominal pain as an initial symptom of meningococcemia is an infrequent entity, rarely described in literature. We present a case of a 4 year-old, male, previously healthy child with a 24 hour history of fever and abdominal pain. He is admitted in a surgical unit with a diagnosis of acute abdomen for surgical resolution. The clinical course turns unfavorably, and patient presents signs of severe sepsis. Urgent laparotomy is performed, observing little brownish fluid and mesenteric adenitis. He then exhibits palpable purpuric rapidly progressive lesions in lower extremities, progressing to septic shock. Later, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is isolated from blood cultures.The aim of this article is drawing attention to a nontypical form of manifestation of meningococcemia, as a delayeddiagnosis and treatment has an impact on morbidity and mortality among the pediatric population.

Abdomen agudo como manifestación inicial de meningococemia / Acute abdomen as initial manifestation of menincococcemia

El abdomen agudo como síntoma inicial de meningococemia es una entidad muy poco frecuente y raramente descripta en la bibliografía. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 4 años de edad, sexo masculino, previamente sano, que consulta por síndrome febril y dolor abdominal de 24 h de evolución. Seinterna en unidad clínico-quirúrgica con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El paciente evoluciona desfavorablemente y súbitamente presenta signos compatibles con sepsis grave. Se realiza laparotomía de urgencia; se observa escasa cantidad de líquido citrino libre en cavidad con adenitis mesentérica. Desarrolla luego lesiones purpúricas palpables de rápida progresión en miembros inferiores y evolución al shock séptico. Se aísla en hemocultivos periféricos Neisseria meningitidis serogrupo B. El objetivo de esta publicación es exponer y alertar sobre una modalidad de presentación clínica poco frecuente de la meningococemia, pues el retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento impactan sobre la morbimortalidad en la población pediátrica. (AU)

Abdominal pain as an initial symptom of meningococcemia is an infrequent entity, rarely described in literature. We present a case of a 4 year-old, male, previously healthy child with a 24 hour history of fever and abdominal pain. He is admitted in a surgical unit with a diagnosis of acute abdomen for surgical resolution. The clinical course turns unfavorably, and patient presents signs of severe sepsis. Urgent laparotomy is performed, observing little brownish fluid and mesenteric adenitis. He then exhibits palpable purpuric rapidly progressive lesions in lower extremities, progressing to septic shock. Later, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is isolated from blood cultures.The aim of this article is drawing attention to a nontypical form of manifestation of meningococcemia, as a delayeddiagnosis and treatment has an impact on morbidity and mortality among the pediatric population.(AU)