Lactancia materna en España y factores relacionados con su instauración y mantenimiento: estudio LAyDI (PAPenRed) / Breastfeeding in Spain and the factors related to its establishment and maintenance: LAyDI Study (PAPenRed)

Objetivo: Conocer estadísticas reales sobre lactancia materna en España, así como factores socioculturales y perinatales que afectan a su inicio y mantenimiento. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, longitudinal, de ámbito nacional (estudio LAyDI). Sitio: Consulta de pediatras de atención primaria. Participantes: Cohorte de recién nacidos entre abril de 2017 y marzo de 2018 en España que se siguieron hasta los dos años en ocho visitas. Medidas principales: Se analizaron las tasas de los diferentes tipos de lactancia en cada visita y también se analizaron variables relacionadas con la gestación, el parto, el período neonatal, sociales, económicas y biológicas. Resultados: Muestra inicial de 1.946 (50,1% varones). El 90,7% decidieron iniciar lactancia materna al nacimiento. La cifra de lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) fue del 66,4% a los 15días y del 35,2% a los 6meses. Cualquier tipo de lactancia materna (lactancia materna total [LMT]) a los 6meses fue del 61,7%. La supervivencia de LMT presentó una mediana de 6,0meses (IC95%: 6,0-6,1). Variables relacionadas con LME a los 15días: hijos previos, nivel de educación de madre, ausencia de enfermedad durante el embarazo, no separación madre e hijo al nacer, no utilización de chupete, no existencia de problemas en pezones, y momento de decisión tipo lactancia. Variables relacionadas con mayor duración LMT son: la relación mayor de 5años de los padres, no usar de chupete, colecho al mes de vida, decidir lactancia materna antes del embarazo, recibir información sobre lactancia durante el embarazo y utilizar apoyo de asociaciones. Conclusiones: El abandono temprano de la lactancia materna es un problema importante en las sociedades occidentales. Existen factores sobre los que se puede actuar para mejorar resultados.(AU)

Objective: To find out actual statistics on breastfeeding in Spain, as well as sociocultural and perinatal factors that affect its initiation and maintenance. Design: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, nationwide study (XXX study). Site: Primary care paediatricians’ office. Participants: Cohort of newborns born between April 2017 and March 2018 in Spain who were followed up to two years of age in 8 visits. Main measures: Rates of different types of breastfeeding were analysed at each visit and variables related to gestation, delivery, neonatal period, social, economic and biological variables were also analysed. Results: Initial sample of 1946 (50.1% male). 90.7% decided to initiate breastfeeding at birth. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 66.4% at 15days and 35.2% at 6months. Any type of breastfeeding (total breastfeeding [TBF]) at 6months was 61.7%. Median survival from TBF was 6.0months (95%CI: 6.0-6.1). Variables related to EBF at 15days: previous children, mother's level of education, absence of illness during pregnancy, no separation of mother and child at birth, no dummy use, no nipple problems, and time of decision to breastfeed. Variables related to longer duration of TBF: relationship of parents older than 5years, no dummy use, co-sleeping at one month of life, deciding to breastfeed before pregnancy, receiving information on breastfeeding during pregnancy and using support from associations. Conclusions: Early abandonment of breastfeeding is a major problem in Western societies. There are factors that can be worked on to improve outcomes.(AU)

[Breastfeeding in Spain and the factors related to its establishment and maintenance: LAyDI Study (PAPenRed)]. / Lactancia materna en España y factores relacionados con su instauración y mantenimiento: estudio LAyDI (PAPenRed).

OBJECTIVE: To find out actual statistics on breastfeeding in Spain, as well as sociocultural and perinatal factors that affect its initiation and maintenance. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, nationwide study (XXX study). SITE: Primary care paediatricians' office. PARTICIPANTS: Cohort of newborns born between April 2017 and March 2018 in Spain who were followed up to two years of age in 8 visits. MAIN MEASURES: Rates of different types of breastfeeding were analysed at each visit and variables related to gestation, delivery, neonatal period, social, economic and biological variables were also analysed. RESULTS: Initial sample of 1946 (50.1% male). 90.7% decided to initiate breastfeeding at birth. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 66.4% at 15days and 35.2% at 6months. Any type of breastfeeding (total breastfeeding [TBF]) at 6months was 61.7%. Median survival from TBF was 6.0months (95%CI: 6.0-6.1). Variables related to EBF at 15days: previous children, mother's level of education, absence of illness during pregnancy, no separation of mother and child at birth, no dummy use, no nipple problems, and time of decision to breastfeed. Variables related to longer duration of TBF: relationship of parents older than 5years, no dummy use, co-sleeping at one month of life, deciding to breastfeed before pregnancy, receiving information on breastfeeding during pregnancy and using support from associations. CONCLUSIONS: Early abandonment of breastfeeding is a major problem in Western societies. There are factors that can be worked on to improve outcomes.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care.

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives.

Programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) en pediatría de atención primaria / Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care

La resistencia a antibióticos supone una amenaza para la salud pública a nivel mundial. Su estrecha relación con el consumo de antibióticos hace necesaria la adopción de medidas para optimizar su uso. Los programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) se diseñan para mejorar los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con infecciones, minimizar los efectos adversos asociados a su uso y garantizar la administración de tratamientos costo-eficientes. En la práctica clínica pediátrica el uso inadecuado de antibióticos es una realidad. Es por ello que los PROA deben incluir objetivos y estrategias específicos dirigidos a familias y pediatras. La implementación de estos programas requiere la implicación de instituciones, profesionales y población, adaptándolos a las características de cada ámbito asistencial. La atención primaria (AP) pediátrica presenta unas peculiaridades organizativas y asistenciales (hiperdemanda e inmediatez, escasos recursos profesionales especializados, dificultades en el acceso a la formación continuada y a la retroalimentación informativa) que exigen el diseño de medidas y estrategias propias para conseguir los objetivos fijados, que incluyan medidas estructurales, organizativas, de flujo de información y de formación continuada. Es necesario que estos programas alcancen a todos los profesionales, abordando la formación continuada, las herramientas de apoyo a la prescripción y el acceso a pruebas diagnósticas, con la adecuada coordinación interniveles. Se debe evaluar periódicamente el impacto de las distintas acciones en los objetivos planteados. La información generada debe revertir a los profesionales para que puedan adaptar su práctica clínica a la consecución óptima de los objetivos. (AU)

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives. (AU)

Estudio retrospectivo sobre la efectividad y seguridad de la pauta antibiótica reducida a 5-7 días en la faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica comparada con la pauta clásica de 10 días / Retrospective study on the effectiveness and safety of the shortened 5- to 7-day antibiotic regimen for acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis compared to the classic 10-day regimen

Introducción: El tratamiento antibiótico clásico de la faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica es una pauta de 10 días; sin embargo, la aparición de resistencias antibióticas induce a explorar pautas más cortas. Material y métodos: Seleccionamos a aquellos pacientes diagnosticados de faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica en 2 cupos de pediatría de un centro de salud entre junio de 2016 y abril de 2020. Se compararon los resultados de aquellos que recibieron tratamiento 8-10 días con el de aquellos que lo recibieron 5-7 días. Resultados: Se analizaron 350 episodios (252 pacientes). El 64% recibieron tratamiento durante 8-10 días (grupo 1) y el 36% durante 5-7 días (grupo 2). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la aparición de faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica o escarlatina los 3 meses posteriores (OR 0,97; IC 95%: 0,46-2,03), con una proporción similar en ambos grupos (9,8 vs. 9,5%). Sin diferenciar el tipo de infección (faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica, escarlatina u otro tipo de infección streptocócica), se observaron resultados similares (OR 0,81; IC 95%: 0,41-1,59) con el 13,4% en el grupo 1 y el 11,1% en el 2. Respecto a la aparición de reacciones adversas medicamentosas recogidas en la historia clínica, fue de 2,7% en el grupo 1 y 0,8% en el 2 (OR 0,29; IC 95%: 0,04-2,44). Conclusiones: Según nuestra experiencia, la pauta antibiótica corta (5-7 días) en faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica no es menos efectiva ni más insegura que la clásica pauta de 10 días. (AU)

Introduction: Antibiotherapy regimens for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis traditionally last 10 days, but the development of resistance to different antimicrobials has motivated the exploration of shorter courses. Material and methods: We selected patients given a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in 2 paediatric caseloads of one primary care centre between June 2016 and April 2020. We compared outcomes in patients treated with 8- to 10-day courses versus 5- to 7-day courses. Results: The analysis included 350 care episodes (252 patients). Sixty-four percent were managed with 8- to 10-day courses of antibiotherapy (group 1) and 36% with 5- to 7-day courses (group 2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever in the 3 months that followed (OR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.46-2.03), with similar percentages in both groups (9.8 vs. 9.5%). Overall, without differentiating based on the type of infection (streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever or other streptococcal infections), we found similar outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.41-1.59): 13.4% in group 1 and 11.1% in group 2. We also found no differences in the frequency of adverse events documented in the health records (OR, 0.29; 95% CI: 0.04-2.44): 2.7% in group 1 and 0.8% in group 2. Conclusions: In our experience, a shorter antibiotic course (5-7 days) is not less effective or more unsafe for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis than the traditional 10-day course. (AU)

Retrospective study on the effectiveness and safety of the shortened 5- to 7-day antibiotic regimen for acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis compared to the classic 10-day regimen.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotherapy regimens for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis traditionally last 10 days, but the development of resistance to different antimicrobials has motivated the exploration of shorter courses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected patients given a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in 2 paediatric caseloads of 1 primary care centre between June 2016 and April 2020. We compared outcomes in patients treated with 8- to 10-day courses versus 5- to 7-day courses. RESULTS: The analysis included 350 care episodes (252 patients). Sixty-four percent were managed with 8- to 10-day courses of antibiotherapy (group 1) and 36% with 5- to 7-day courses (group 2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever in the 3 months that followed (OR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-2.03), with similar percentages in both groups (9.8% vs 9.5%). Overall, without differentiating based on the type of infection (streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever or other streptococcal infections), we found similar outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.41-1.59): 13.4% in group 1 and 11.1% in group 2. We also found no differences in the frequency of adverse events documented in the health records (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.04-2.44): 2.7% in group 1 and 0.8% in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a shorter antibiotic course (5-7 days) is not less effective or more unsafe for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis than the traditional 10-day course.

Estudio diagnóstico de tos ferina mediante técnica de PCR en consultas de Atención Primaria / Diagnostic study of pertussis using PCR in primary care clinics

Introducción: La tos ferina es una infección respiratoria causada por bacterias del género Bordetella, principalmente por las especies pertussis y parapertussis. A pesar de las altas coberturas vacunales en países desarrollados, está considerada como una enfermedad reemergente existiendo, además, una infranotificación y un infradiagnóstico especialmente en los pacientes que no precisan derivación hospitalaria. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y multicéntrico de diagnóstico de casos de tos ferina, así como el estudio de sus contactos en 17 consultas de pediatría de Atención Primaria (AP) mediante la toma de muestras para realización de técnicas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) a lo largo de cuatro años y tras la implantación de la vacunación sistemática de la tos ferina en el embarazo. Resultados: Se diagnostican un total de 50 pacientes; la tasa de incidencia estimada en estos años fue superior a las publicadas en edad pediátrica. Un 14% de los casos sucedieron en menores de un año. La media de edad fue de 6,7 años. La tos estuvo presente en el 100% de los casos, seguida de los vómitos y rinorrea como síntomas más frecuentes. Sólo un paciente precisó ingreso y ninguno falleció ni presentó complicaciones. Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) (BP) fue el agente causal predominante. Sólo un 40% conocía la fuente de contagio. En un 26% de los casos se comprobó mediante PCR tos ferina en sus contactos y en un 46% se sospechó clínicamente, aunque sin confirmación microbiológica. Conclusiones: El acceso a pruebas diagnósticas (PCR) para tos ferina en AP permite optimizar su diagnóstico y tratamiento, cortar la cadena de transmisión, conocer las tasas de incidencia reales y valorar el impacto de la vacunación sistemática de las embarazadas en esta enfermedad. (AU)

Introduction: Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria of the genus Bordetella, mainly pertussis and parapertussis species. Despite the high vaccination coverage in developed countries, it is considered a re-emerging disease that is also underreported and underdiagnosed, especially in patients who do not require hospital referral. Material and methods: Descriptive, prospective and multicentre study of pertussis diagnosis and contact investigation in 17 primary care paediatric clinics through collection of samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing over a period of 4 years and after the implementation of routine vaccination against pertussis during pregnancy. Results: Pertussis was diagnosed in a total of 50 patients; the estimated incidence in these years was higher compared to previous rates in the paediatric age group. Fourteen percent of the cases occurred in children aged less than 1 year. The mean age was 6.7 years. Cough was present in 100% of cases, followed in frequency by vomiting and rhinorrhoea. Only 1 patient required hospital admission, and none died or developed complications. B. pertussis was the predominant causative agent. Only 40% knew the source of infection. In 26% of the cases, pertussis was confirmed in contacts of the patient by PCR, and in 46% it was suspected based on the clinical presentation but without microbiological confirmation. Conclusions: Access to diagnostic tests (PCR) for pertussis in primary care allows us to optimise its diagnosis and treatment, to break the chain of transmission, to know the real incidence rates and to assess the impact of routine vaccination of pregnant women on this disease. (AU)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: características clínicas diferenciales y dificultades diagnósticas de las neumonías atípicas en niños / Mycoplasma pneumoniae: differential clinical features and diagnostic challenges in atypical pneumonias in children

Introducción: la neumonía por Mycoplasma pneumoniae continúa estando infradiagnosticada en las consultas de Pediatría de Atención Primaria, especialmente en los niños más pequeños. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo en 9 cupos pediátricos, sobre niños desde 1 mes a 14 años con neumonía diagnosticada mediante radiografía y clínica compatible. Diagnóstico etiológico mediante serología en la fase aguda. Se analiza la relación de diferentes variables con la etiología atípica y no atípica. Resultados: de los 92 pacientes incluidos, un 30,4% fueron neumonías atípicas que, a pesar de no ser raras en menores de 2 años (26% del total a esta edad), predominaron en los mayores de 5 años (80,9%). La edad media en meses fue significativamente mayor en atípicas (74,2 ± 42,2), que en las no atípicas (35,9 ± 33,8; p <0,0001). La congestión nasal (42,8%; OR: 1,8; p <0,01) y la taquipnea (64,2%; OR: 2,4; p <0,014) fueron significativamente más frecuentes en las no atípicas. El patrón alveolar se observó en el 53,6% de las neumonías atípicas, sin diferencias con las no atípicas. Solamente un 25% de las neumonías atípicas fueron correctamente tratadas inicialmente con macrólidos en monoterapia sin existir diferencias en cuanto a su evolución con respecto a la elección de un tipo u otro de terapia antibiótica. Las neumonías no atípicas precisaron antibioterapia intravenosa con una mayor frecuencia (15,6%) de forma no estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: las neumonías por gérmenes atípicos parecen más prevalentes en niños pequeños de lo previamente descrito, en ocasiones en coexistencia con virus. Su mejor diagnóstico y tratamiento continúan siendo un reto por resolver (AU)

Introduction: pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae continues to be underdiagnosed in paediatric primary care, especially in younger children.Material and methods: prospective study conducted in 9 primary care paediatric caseloads, including children aged 1 month to 14 years with pneumonia diagnosed based on compatible radiographic findings and clinical features. The aetiological diagnosis was made by acute-phase serological testing. We analysed the association of different variables with atypical and typical aetiologies.Results: of the 92 patients in the sample, 30.4% had atypical pneumonias which, while not rare in children under 2 years (26%) predominated in children over 5 years (80.9%). The mean age in months was significantly higher in cases with an atypical (74.2±42.2) versus typical (35.9±33.8) aetiology (p<0.0001). Nasal congestion (42.8%; OR 1.8; p<0.01) and tachypnoea (64.2%; OR 2.4; p<0.014) were significantly more frequent in typical pneumonia. The alveolar pattern was observed in 53.6% of atypical pneumonias, with no differences compared to typical pneumonias. Only 25% of atypical pneumonia cases were treated correctly with first-line macrolide monotherapy, with no differences in outcomes based on the choice of antibiotherapy. Patients with typical pneumonia required intravenous antibiotic therapy more frequently (15.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: atypical germs were more frequent at younger ages than previously described, in some cases with concomitant detection of viruses. Improving the diagnosis and treatment of atypical pneumonia remains a challenge. (AU)

Diagnostic study of pertussis using PCR in primary care clinics.

INTRODUCTION: Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria of the genus Bordetella, mainly pertussis and parapertussis species. Despite the high vaccination coverage in developed countries, it is considered a re-emerging disease that is also underreported and underdiagnosed, especially in patients who do not require hospital referral. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, prospective and multicentre study of pertussis diagnosis and contact investigation in 17 primary care paediatric clinics through collection of samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing over a period of 4 years and after the implementation of routine vaccination against pertussis during pregnancy. RESULTS: Pertussis was diagnosed in a total of 50 patients; the estimated incidence in these years was higher compared to previous rates in the paediatric age group. Fourteen percent of the cases occurred in children aged less than 1 year. The mean age was 6.7 years. Cough was present in 100% of cases, followed in frequency by vomiting and rhinorrhoea. Only 1 patient required hospital admission, and none died or developed complications. B. pertussis was the predominant causative agent. Only 40% knew the source of infection. In 26% of the cases, pertussis was confirmed in contacts of the patient by PCR, and in 46% it was suspected based on the clinical presentation but without microbiological confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: Access to diagnostic tests (PCR) for pertussis in primary care allows us to optimise its diagnosis and treatment, to break the chain of transmission, to know the real incidence rates and to assess the impact of routine vaccination of pregnant women on this disease.

Expresión clínica de la COVID-19 en pediatría de atención primaria: estudio COVIDPAP / COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study

Objetivos: En España, las pruebas diagnósticas de COVID-19 en atención primaria estuvieron disponibles desde mayo de 2020. Previamente la mayoría de los estudios describían pacientes hospitalarios: la fiebre y la tos eran los síntomas más frecuentes. Interesaba conocer la expresión clínica de la COVID-19 pediátrica en la comunidad. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo analítico observacional de casos pediátricos (0-14 años) de 255 pediatras de atención primaria españoles, del 12/5/2020 al 30/4/2021. Los diagnósticos se determinaron por PCR, test rápido de detección de antígeno o serología IgG positiva. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10.021 niños, 48,4% mujeres, con una edad media de 8,04±4,17 años. Se detectó la infección por búsqueda de contactos (70,9%) o síntomas compatibles (18,8%). El hogar familiar fue la principal fuente de contagio (64,9%), seguido por los colegios (10%) o de origen desconocido (9,9%). No hubo diferencias significativas en la incidencia entre temporadas vacacionales o lectivas. El 43,2% fueron asintomáticos. Los síntomas más frecuentemente encontrados fueron rinorrea en menores de 2 años, fiebre entre 3 y 8 años y cefalea en mayores de 9 años. Se describen exhaustivamente los síntomas y signos observados por edad. Se hospitalizaron a 8 pacientes, uno con un síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. No hubo fallecimientos. Conclusiones: La COVID-19 es una enfermedad leve con un gran número de casos asintomáticos, con pocas hospitalizaciones y fallecimientos. El lugar principal de transmisión es el domicilio y el cierre de colegios debería ser el último recurso para controlar la pandemia. No se pudo describir un cuadro clínico característico de la enfermedad. (AU)

Objectives: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. Methods: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14y) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. Results: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04±4.17 years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in <2y, fever in 3-8y and headache in >9y. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. Conclusions: Pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found. (AU)

COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study.

OBJECTIVES: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients or patients in A&E departments, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. METHODS: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14years) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. RESULTS: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04±4.17years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in <2years, fever in 3-8years and headache in >9years. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found.

[COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study]. / Expresión clínica de la COVID-19 en pediatría de atención primaria: estudio COVIDPAP.

Objectives: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. Methods: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14y) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. Results: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04 ± 4.17 years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in < 2 y, fever in 3-8 y and headache in > 9 y. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. Conclusions: Pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found.

Abordaje terapéutico de la otitis media aguda en atención primaria de un área urbana. Evaluación de la prescripción diferida de antibióticos / Therapeutic approach to acute otitis media in primary care in an urban area. Delayed antibiotic prescription evaluation

ntroducción: La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta y prescripción antibiótica en pediatría. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la prescripción antibiótica diferida en OMA en pediatría en atención primaria. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, mediante revisión de historias clínicas en un centro de salud urbano de la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón de niños con OMA de tres cupos en los que los facultativos realizan prescripción diferida. Mediante regresión logística se analizan las variables posiblemente relacionadas con la prescripción antibiótica. Resultados: Se analizan 1.390 episodios de OMA en 696 pacientes. Se realizó prescripción inmediata de antibióticos en el 67,6% (IC 95% 65,1-70,0) de episodios, sintomática exclusiva en el 13,7% (IC 95% 11,9-15,6) y antibiótica diferida en el 18,7% (IC 95% 16,7-20,8), dispensándose finalmente el antimicrobiano en el 53,5% (IC 95% 47,4-59,5) de estos últimos. Factores relacionados significativamente con la adquisición final antimicrobiana en prescripción diferida son la edad entre 0-2 años (OR 1,89; IC 95% 1,25-2,87), la bilateralidad (OR 2,54; IC 95% 1,48-4,35), la otalgia (OR 0,49; IC 95% 0,29-0,82), la fiebre (OR 2,67; IC 95% 1,95-3,65), el abombamiento (OR 3,63; IC 95% 2,50-5,29) y la otorrea (OR 25,98; IC 95% 12,75-52,92). Los mismos factores influyen en la prescripción global de antibióticos. Se indicó principalmente amoxicilina (74,6%), seguido de amoxicilina-clavulánico (17,0%).Conclusiones: La prescripción diferida en OMA parece útil para disminuir el consumo de antibióticos, siendo necesario avanzar en su implantación. (AU)

Background and objectives: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most frequent causes of consultation and antibiotic prescription in pediatrics. The objective of this work is to evaluate the practice of delayed antibiotic prescription in AOM in pediatrics primary care. Material and methods: Observational, retrospective study, through reviewing of medical records in a primary care center of Aragon Community of children with OMA in which doctors perform delayed prescription. Logistic regression analyzes possibly related to antibiotic prescription factors. Results: 1,390 episodes of AOM are analyzed in 696 patients. Immediate antibiotic prescription is performed in 67.6% (95% CI 65.1-70.0) of episodes, exclusive symptomatic in 13.7% (95% CI 11.9-15.6), and delayed antibiotic in 18.7% (95% CI 16.7-20.8), finally being given in 53.5% (95% CI 47.4-59.5) of these. Factors significantly related to final antimicrobial dispensation in delayed prescription are aged between 0 and 2 years (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25-2.87), bilaterality (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.48-4.35), ear pain (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.82), fever (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.95-3.65), bulging (OR 3.63, 95% CI 2.50-5.29) and otorrhea (OR 25.98, 95% CI 12.75-52.92). The same factors have influence on global prescription of antibiotics. Amoxicillin (74.6%) is the most indicated antibiotic, followed by amoxicillin–clavulanic (17.0%).Conclusions: Delayed prescription in AOM seems to be useful to reduce antibiotics consumption, being necessary to advance in its implantation. (AU)

COVID-19 in children: clinical and epidemiological spectrum in the community.

Most publications on pediatric COVID-19 in Spain were performed at the beginning of the pandemic when some diagnostic tools were not widely available. This study aims to show the real spectrum of the infection based on wide detection of cases due to symptoms and contact tracing. A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0 to 14 years) from the region of Aragón between May 12 and October 31, 2020. Diagnostics was by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test, or positive IgG serology. There were 5933 positive children included. Of them, 49.03% were women. The mean age was 7.53 ± 4.28 years. The source of infection could not be determined in 17.8% of cases. As for the rest, was determined to be within the family environment in 67.8%. The percentage of asymptomatic patients was 50.3%. Among symptomatic patients, fever (58.1%) and cough (46.7%) were the most frequent symptoms. Hospitalization was required in 0.52% of infected, intensive care unit admission was on 0.05%, and there was one death (0.02%). Children under the age of one presented some symptoms more frequently (71.6% vs 48.5%; OR 2.68; 95% CI 2.08 to 3.45; p < 0.001) and required more hospitalizations (3.9% vs 0.34%; OR 11.52; 95% CI 5.65 to 23.52; p < 0.001).Conclusion: In our environment, SARS-CoV-2 infection is like other mild respiratory viral infections in the population under the age of 15. The contagion occurs mainly in the family environment, the number of asymptomatic is high, being the symptoms mild and the complications very infrequent. What is Known: • Pediatric infection produced by SARS-CoV-2 has manifested as a mild disease in relation to adult age, although with higher affectation at the youngest ages. • Nearly all studies on epidemiology and clinical spectrum of the disease were conducted with patients diagnosed at the beginning of the pandemic. By then, diagnostic tools were only available in hospitals and in emergency units. What is New: • Once diagnostic means were available in primary care medicine and were used not only for the diagnosis of clinical symptoms of the patient, but for the tracing of case contacts, a much more precise approach to the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease was allowed, as described in this study.

Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing the nostrils of Spanish children.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing healthy Spanish children. METHODS: Between March and July 2018, 1876 Spanish children younger than 14 years attending primary healthcare centers were recruited from rural and urban areas. Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the anterior nostrils was analyzed. MecA and mecC genes, antibiotic susceptibility, and genotyping according to the spa were determined in all strains, and the following toxins were examined: Panton-Valentine leucocidin (pvl), toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst), and exfoliative toxins (eta, etb, etd). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCCmec) typing were performed on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, as well as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: 619 strains were isolated in 1876 children (33%), and 92% of them were sent for characterization to the Spanish National Centre of Microbiology (n = 572). Twenty (3.5%) of these strains were mecA-positive. Several spa types were detected among MRSA, being t002 the most frequently observed (30%), associating with SCCmec IVc. Among MSSA, 33% were positive for tst, while only 0.73% were positive for pvl. The 20 MRSA strains were negative for pvl, and 6 (30%) harbored the tst gene. CONCLUSIONS: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in Spanish children is rare, with t002 being the most observed spa type, associated with SCCmec IVc. None of the MRSA strains produced pvl, but up to 30% of S. aureus strains were positive for tst.