NUM-score: A clinical-analytical model for personalised imaging after urinary tract infections.

AIM: To identify predictive variables and construct a predictive model along with a decision algorithm to identify nephrourological malformations (NUM) in children with febrile urinary tract infections (fUTI), enhancing the efficiency of imaging diagnostics. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients aged <16 years with fUTI at the Emergency Department with subsequent microbiological confirmation between 2014 and 2020. The follow-up period was at least 2 years. Patients were categorised into two groups: 'NUM' with previously known nephrourological anomalies or those diagnosed during the follow-up and 'Non-NUM' group. RESULTS: Out of 836 eligible patients, 26.8% had underlying NUMs. The study identified six key risk factors: recurrent UTIs, non-Escherichia coli infection, moderate acute kidney injury, procalcitonin levels >2 µg/L, age <3 months at the first UTI and fUTIs beyond 24 months. These risk factors were used to develop a predictive model with an 80.7% accuracy rate and elaborate a NUM-score classifying patients into low, moderate and high-risk groups, with a 10%, 35% and 93% prevalence of NUM. We propose an algorithm for approaching imaging tests following a fUTI. CONCLUSION: Our predictive score may help physicians decide about imaging tests. However, prospective validation of the model will be necessary before its application in daily clinical practice.

Hyponatremia and other potential markers of ultrasound abnormalities after a first febrile urinary tract infection in children.

Urinary tract infections are the initial manifestation in 30% of urinary tract malformations. Identifying these patients, who could benefit from a specific treatment, is still challenging. Hyponatremia during urinary tract infection has been proposed as a urinary tract malformation marker. We evaluate the prevalence of hyponatremia during febrile urinary tract infections and its association with subjacent urinary tract malformations. We performed a retrospective study of healthy patients under 16 years, diagnosed with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection, who had undergone blood testing in the acute episode and at least one renal ultrasound during follow-up (January 2014-November 2020). Hyponatremia was defined as (serum sodium ≤ 130 mEq/L). According to imaging findings, we classified patients into three groups: normal kidney ultrasound, mild pelviectasis, and significant urinary tract malformation. We performed logistic regression models to identify independent risk factors for urinary tract malformation and mild pelviectasis. We included 492 patients and 2.8% presented hyponatremia. We identified normal ultrasound in 77%, mild pelviectasis in 10.8%, and urinary tract malformation in 12% of patients. We found an association between mild pelviectasis and hyponatremia [OR 6.6 (CI95% 1.6-26.6)]. However, we found no association between hyponatremia and urinary tract malformation. The parameters that were associated with malformations were presenting a non-E. coli infection, C-reactive-protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia. CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia during the first episode of febrile urinary tract infection is present in 2.8% of patients and is associated with mild pelviectasis in imaging. However, hyponatremia does not indicate a greater need for complementary tests to screen for urinary tract malformations. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Urinary tract infection is the first manifestation in 30% of children with urinary tract malformation. • Hyponatremia could be a marker to identify these children and guide the imaging approach. WHAT IS NEW: • Around 12% of children with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection have a urinary tract malformation. • Non-E. coli infection, C-reactive protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia are markers for malformations to guide diagnostic imaging tests, but hyponatremia (Na ≤ 130 mEq/l) is not a reliable marker.

Blood analysis for screening of electrolyte and kidney function alterations in patients with febrile urinary tract infection.

AIM: To describe the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and clinical relevance of electrolyte disturbances and acute kidney injury (AKI) during febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). METHODS: Retrospective observational study of well/fair-appearing patients between 2 months and 16 years, with no previous relevant medical history, diagnosed with fUTI in the paediatric emergency department (PED) with subsequent microbiological confirmation. Analytical alteration (AA) data were considered: AKI (creatinine elevation × 1.5 the median for age), plasma sodium alteration (≤130 or ≥150 mEq/L), and potassium alteration (≤3 or ≥6 mEq/L). RESULTS: We included 590 patients, 17.8% presented AA (13 hyponatremia, 7 hyperkalaemia, and 87 AKI). No patient presented severe analytic alterations or a higher frequency of symptoms potentially attributable to these alterations (seizures, irritability, or lethargy). Risk factors associated with these AA were clinical dehydration (OR = 3.5 95% CI: 1.04-11.7; p = 0.044) and presenting a temperature >39°C (OR = 1.9 95% CI: 1.14-3.1; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Electrolyte and renal function disturbances are infrequent in the previously healthy paediatric population with a fUTI. If present, they are asymptomatic and not severe. Based on our results, performing systematic blood analysis to rule out AA appears no longer justified, especially in the absence of risk factors.

Vólvulo intestinal en niños de edad escolar: reto diagnóstico en urgencias / Intestinal volvulus in school-age children: an emergency care challenge

El dolor abdominal supone uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en los Servicios de Urgencias Pediátricas. El vólvulo intestinal es una entidad infrecuente pero que sin un diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico precoces tiene consecuencias devastadoras, siendo una de las urgencias que todos los pediatras deben conocer. Los vólvulos suponen hasta el 14% de las causas de síndrome de intestino corto que pueden llegar a precisar trasplante intestinal. Requiere un alto índice de sospecha, ya que las pruebas complementarias pueden ser inespecíficas y su normalidad no descarta esta patología. Únicamente la intervención quirúrgica confirma el diagnóstico de vólvulo intestinal. Presentamos los casos de cuatro pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Urgencias y fueron diagnosticados de vólvulo intestinal. (AU)

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting paediatric emergency departments. Intestinal volvulus is an infrequent condition, but without early diagnosis and surgical treatment it has devastating consequences, and it is one of the emergencies that paediatricians must be aware of. Intestinal volvulus accounts for up to 14% short bowel syndrome cases that may require bowel transplantation. A high level of suspicion must be maintained, as the results of diagnostic tests may be nonspecific and normal results do not rule it out. Surgical intervention is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal volvulus. We present the cases of 4 patients who attended the emergency department and received a diagnosis of volvulus. (AU)

Documento de recomendaciones sobre la rehidratación intravenosa rápida en gastroenteritis aguda / Recommendation document on rapid intravenous rehydration in acute gastroenteritis

Introducción: Existe consenso en cuanto a la eficacia y seguridad de las pautas de rehidratación intravenosa rápida (RIR) en niños con deshidratación secundaria a gastroenteritis aguda (GEA), pero también una gran variabilidad en su uso en la práctica clínica. Objetivo: Elaborar un documento de recomendaciones sobre la RIR en población pediátrica basadas en la evidencia científica. Metodología: Se diseñó un proyecto basado en metodología GRADE, siguiendo el siguiente esquema de trabajo: formación del grupo de trabajo; formulación de preguntas de investigación y definición de «desenlaces de interés»; puntuación y selección de ítems; revisión bibliográfica; evaluación y síntesis de la evidencia (GRADE); revisión, discusión y formulación de recomendaciones. Se incluyeron 10 preguntas clínicas y 15 desenlaces de interés (siete de eficacia y ocho de seguridad). Resultados: Se establecieron 16 recomendaciones, destacando como principales: 1) la RIR es segura en niños con deshidratación leve-moderada secundaria a GEA, salvo contraindicación expresa o comorbilidad aguda grave (recomendación fuerte, evidencia moderada); 2) se recomienda su uso en este contexto cuando la rehidratación oral haya fracasado o esté contraindicada (fuerte, alta); 3) se recomienda utilizar sueros isotónicos (fuerte, alta), sugiriendo como primera opción el suero fisiológico (débil, baja), añadiendo glucosa (2,5%) en pacientes con glucemia normal y cetosis (fuerte, moderada); 4) se recomienda un ritmo de infusión de 20 mL/kg/hora (fuerte, alta), durante una a cuatro horas (fuerte, moderada). Conclusiones: En este documento se establecen recomendaciones de consenso, basadas en la evidencia científica disponible, que podrían contribuir a homogeneizar el uso de la RIR en nuestro medio. (AU)

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of the rapid intravenous rehydration (RIR) guidelines in children affected by dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis is supported by current scientific evidence, but there is also great variability in its use in clinical practice. Objective: To prepare a document with evidence-based recommendations about RIR in paediatric population. Methods: The project was developed based on GRADE methodology, according to the following work schedule: Working Group training; creation of a catalogue of questions about research and definition of «relevant outcomes»; score and selection criteria for each item; bibliographic review; scientific evidence evaluation and synthesis (GRADE); review, discussion and creation of recommendations. 10 clinical questions and 15 relevant outcomes were created (7 about efficacy and 8 about security). Results: Sixteen recommendations were set up, from which we can highlight as the main ones: (1) RIR is safe for children affected by mild-moderate dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis, unless expressly contraindicated or acute severe comorbidity (strong recommendation and moderate evidence). (2) Its use is recommended in this situation when oral rehydration has failed or due to contraindication (strong and high). (3) Isotonic fluids are recommended (strong and high), suggesting saline fluid as the first option (light and low), supplemented by glucose (2.5%) in those patients showing normoglycemia and ketosis (strong and moderate). (4) A rhythm of 20 cc/kg/h is recommended (strong and high) during 1–4 h (strong and moderate). Conclusions: This document establishes consensus recommendations, based on the available scientific evidence, which could contribute to the standardisation of the use of RIR in our setting. (AU)

Recommendation document on rapid intravenous rehydration in acute gastroenteritis.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and safety of the Rapid Intravenous Rehydration (RIR) guidelines in children affected by dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis is supported by current scientific evidence, but there is also great variability in its use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To prepare a document with evidence-based recommendations about RIR in paediatric population. METHODS: The project was developed based on GRADE methodology, according to the following work schedule: Working Group training; creation of a catalogue of questions about research and definition of "relevant outcomes"; score and selection criteria for each item; bibliographic review; scientific evidence evaluation and synthesis (GRADE); review, discussion and creation of recommendations. 10 clinical questions and 15 relevant outcomes were created (7 about efficacy and 8 about security). RESULTS: 16 recommendations were set up, from which we can highlight as the main ones: 1) RIR is safe for children affected by mild-moderate dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis, unless expressly contraindicated or acute severe comorbidity (strong recommendation, moderate evidence). 2) Its use is recommended in this situation when oral rehydration has failed or due to contraindication (strong, high). 3) Isotonic fluids are recommended (strong, high), suggesting saline fluid as the first option (light, low), supplemented by glucose (2.5%) in those patients showing normoglycemia and ketosis (strong, moderate). 4) A rhythm of 20cc/kg/h is recommended (strong, high) during 1-4 h (strong, moderate). CONCLUSIONS: This document establishes consensus recommendations, based on the available scientific evidence, which could contribute to the standardisation of the use of RIR in our setting.

Valor de la ecografía abdominal en la evaluación de la ileítis infecciosa aguda en niños / Value of abdominal ultrasound for evaluation of acute infectious ileitis in children

No disponible

[Recommendation document on rapid intravenous rehydration in acute gastroenteritis]. / Documento de recomendaciones sobre la rehidratación intravenosa rápida en gastroenteritis aguda.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and safety of the rapid intravenous rehydration (RIR) guidelines in children affected by dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis is supported by current scientific evidence, but there is also great variability in its use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To prepare a document with evidence-based recommendations about RIR in paediatric population. METHODS: The project was developed based on GRADE methodology, according to the following work schedule: Working Group training; creation of a catalogue of questions about research and definition of «relevant outcomes¼; score and selection criteria for each item; bibliographic review; scientific evidence evaluation and synthesis (GRADE); review, discussion and creation of recommendations. 10 clinical questions and 15 relevant outcomes were created (7 about efficacy and 8 about security). RESULTS: Sixteen recommendations were set up, from which we can highlight as the main ones: (1) RIR is safe for children affected by mild-moderate dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis, unless expressly contraindicated or acute severe comorbidity (strong recommendation and moderate evidence). (2) Its use is recommended in this situation when oral rehydration has failed or due to contraindication (strong and high). (3) Isotonic fluids are recommended (strong and high), suggesting saline fluid as the first option (light and low), supplemented by glucose (2.5%) in those patients showing normoglycemia and ketosis (strong and moderate). (4) A rhythm of 20 cc/kg/h is recommended (strong and high) during 1-4 h (strong and moderate). CONCLUSIONS: This document establishes consensus recommendations, based on the available scientific evidence, which could contribute to the standardisation of the use of RIR in our setting.

Evaluación de los métodos de recogida de orina en menores de 2 años en un servicio de urgencias pediátricas / Evaluation of urine collection methods in <2-year-olds in a Paediatric Emergency Unit

Objetivo: describir el éxito de los dos métodos de recogida orina estéril más habituales, sondaje y estimulación vesical, en menores de 2 años atendidos en urgencias del Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid).Método: estudio descriptivo de serie de casos realizado entre mayo y junio de 2018. La población diana fue la población menor de 2 años atendida por el hospital, a quienes se solicitaba una muestra de orina estéril (muestra calculada n= 206; muestreo consecutivo). Se seleccionó la técnica de recogida según el protocolo (estimulación previa a sondaje en menores de 6 meses; sondaje el resto). Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, la técnica de recogida (estimulación, sondaje vesical, estimulación con sondaje), la administración de sacarosa, el tiempo de estimulación, el número de sondajes e intentos de estimulación, la contaminación de la muestra y el malestar del paciente. Se llevaron a cabo análisis univariantes y bivariantes.Resultados: se recogieron 210 muestras (58,6% mujeres; 76,2 % < 6 meses). Se consiguió eficacia en el 91,2% de las estimulaciones tras la segunda estimulación (mediana de tiempo 41 sg [Q1 22- Q3 90]) y en el primer intento del 83,5% de los sondajes. Se contaminó el 8,8 % de las muestras recogidas por estimulación frente a ninguna por sondaje vesical (p= 0,008). El uso de sacarosa disminuyó el malestar (p= 0,028) sin afectar al éxito de las técnicas (p> 0,05).Conclusión: el éxito de ambas técnicas fue alto. La contaminación de la muestra fue menor en los sondajes vesicales que en las estimulaciones. El uso de sacarosa disminuyó el malestar y no afectó al éxito de la técnica.(AU)

Objective: to describe the success of the two most common methods for sterile urine collection, bladder catheterization and stimulation, in <2-year-old patients managed at the Emergency Unit of the Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid).Method: a descriptive study of a series of cases, conducted between May and June, 2018. The target population was the <2-year-old patient population managed by the hospital, who were requested a sterile urine sample (calculated sample n= 206; consecutive sampling). The collection technique was selected according to protocol (stimulation before catheterization in patients under 6 months of age; catheterization for the rest). Sociodemographic variables were measured, as well as the collection technique (stimulation, bladder catheterization, stimulation with catheterization), sucrose administration, time of stimulation, number of catheterization and stimulation attempts, sample contamination, and patient discomfort. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted.Results: in total, 210 samples were collected (58.6% female; 76.2% < 6 months). Efficacy was achieved in 91.2% of stimulations after the second attempt (median time: 41 seconds [Q1 22- Q3 90]) and at the first attempt in 83.5% of catheterizations. There was contamination in 8.8% of samples collected by stimulation vs. none with bladder catheterization (p= 0.008). The use of sucrose reduced the discomfort (p= 0.028) without any impact on the success of techniques (p> 0.05).Conclusion: there was high success with both techniques. Sample contamination was lower with bladder catheterizations than with stimulations. The use of sucrose reduced discomfort without any impact on technique success.(AU)

Handlebar Hernia: An Uncommon Traumatic Abdominal Hernia.

ABSTRACT: Handlebar hernia is a type of traumatic abdominal wall hernia caused by the impact of a bicycle handlebar against the abdominal wall. A good anamnesis and physical examination are important for the correct diagnosis, and ultrasonography is an accessible tool in the emergency department for imaging confirmation. We describe a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department after an abdominal trauma caused by a handlebar. Ultrasonography revealed an abdominal wall defect with herniation of omentum and bowel loops. Conservative management was initially established, followed by surgical treatment due to persistent symptoms.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en urgencias: primeros hallazgos en un hospital de Madrid / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department: Early findings from a hospital in Madrid

INTRODUCCIÓN: SARS-CoV-2, responsable de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), fue detectado por primera vez en España el 31 de enero de 2020. El 14 de marzo fue declarado el estado de alarma con el objetivo de controlar la pandemia. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las consecuencias de esta crisis sanitaria sobre el patrón de demanda asistencial, así como el manejo y las características de los pacientes con sospecha de COVID-19 en el Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional en niños y adolescentes menores de 18 años, atendidos en nuestro Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas durante el periodo comprendido desde el 14 de marzo hasta el 17 de abril de 2020. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se atendieron 1.666 pacientes, un 65,4% menos que en el mismo periodo de 2019. La edad media fue de 5,4 años y el 51,2% eran varones. El 39,9% fueron clasificados con niveles de alta prioridad, un 6,5% más que en 2019. Los principales motivos de consulta fueron fiebre (26,5%), síntomas respiratorios (16,1%) y traumatismos (15,2%). Un total de 218 pacientes (13%) fueron diagnosticados de posible COVID-19, confirmándose la infección en el 18,4%. El 44% (96/218) fueron diagnosticados de infección respiratoria inferior y el 33,9% (74/218), superior. El 23,8% (52/218) fueron hospitalizados. CONCLUSIONES: Durante el brote epidémico SARS-CoV-2 disminuyó la demanda de asistencia pediátrica urgente, aumentando la proporción de casos con niveles de triaje de alta prioridad. La mayoría de los pacientes con sospecha o confirmación microbiológica de COVID-19 cursaron con clínica respiratoria leve

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first detected in Spain on 31 January 2020. On 14 March 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Spain in a bid to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The aim of our study is to analyse the impact on emergency medicine attendance after the national lockdown, as well as the clinical presentation and the management of patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Paediatric Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included children and adolescents under the age of 18, attended in our Paediatric Emergency Department during the period March 14 to April 17, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1,666 patients were attended during the study period, 65.4% less than in the same period of 2019. Just over half (51.2%) were males, and mean age was 5.4 years. In triage, 39.9% were high priority levels, 6.5% more than 2019. Most frequent reasons for consultation at the Paediatric Emergency Department were fever (26.5%), respiratory symptoms (16.1%), and trauma (15.2%). A total of 218 patients (13%) received a diagnosis of possible COVID-19, with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in 18.4%, and 23.8% (52/218) were hospitalised. At discharge, 44% (96/218) were diagnosed with lower, and 33.9% (74/218) with upper respiratory infection. CONCLUSIONS: During the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for urgent paediatric care decreased, with the proportion of cases with high priority triage levels increasing. Most of the patients with suspected or microbiological confirmation of COVID-19 had mild respiratory symptoms

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department: Early findings from a hospital in Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first detected in Spain on 31 January 2020. On 14 March 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Spain in a bid to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The aim of our study is to analyze the impact on emergency medicine attendance after the national lockdown, as well as the clinical presentation and the management of patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Paediatric Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included children and adolescents under the age of 18, attended in our Paediatric Emergency Department during the period March 14 to April 17, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1666 patients were attended during the study period, 65.4% less than in the same period of 2019. Just over half (51.2%) were males, and mean age was 5.4 years. In triage, 39.9% were high priority levels, 6.5% more than 2019. Most frequent reasons for consultation at the Paediatric Emergency Department were fever (26.5%), respiratory symptoms (16.1%), and trauma (15.2%). A total of 218 patients (13%) received a diagnosis of possible COVID-19, with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in 18.4%, and 23.8% (52/218) were hospitalised. At discharge, 44% (96/218) were diagnosed with lower, and 33.9% (74/218) with upper respiratory infection. CONCLUSIONS: During the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for urgent paediatric care decreased, with the proportion of cases with high priority triage levels increasing. Most of the patients with suspected or microbiological confirmation of COVID-19 had mild respiratory symptoms.

INTRODUCCIÓN: SARS-CoV-2, responsable de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), fue detectado por primera vez en España el 31 de enero de 2020. El 14 de marzo fue declarado el estado de alarma con el objetivo de controlar la pandemia. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las consecuencias de esta crisis sanitaria sobre el patrón de demanda asistencial, así como el manejo y las características de los pacientes con sospecha de COVID-19 en el Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional en niños y adolescentes menores de 18 años, atendidos en nuestro Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas durante el periodo comprendido desde el 14 de marzo hasta el 17 de abril de 2020. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se atendieron 1.666 pacientes, un 65,4% menos que en el mismo periodo de 2019. La edad media fue de 5,4 años y el 51,2% eran varones. El 39,9% fueron clasificados con niveles de alta prioridad, un 6,5% más que en 2019. Los principales motivos de consulta fueron fiebre (26,5%), síntomas respiratorios (16,1%) y traumatismos (15,2%). Un total de 218 pacientes (13%) fueron diagnosticados de posible COVID-19, confirmándose la infección en el 18,4%. El 44% (96/218) fueron diagnosticados de infección respiratoria inferior y el 33,9% (74/218), superior. El 23,8% (52/218) fueron hospitalizados. CONCLUSIONES: Durante el brote epidémico SARS-CoV-2 disminuyó la demanda de asistencia pediátrica urgente, aumentando la proporción de casos con niveles de triaje de alta prioridad. La mayoría de los pacientes con sospecha o confirmación microbiológica de COVID-19 cursaron con clínica respiratoria leve.

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department: Early findings from a hospital in Madrid]. / Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en urgencias: primeros hallazgos en un hospital de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first detected in Spain on 31 January 2020. On 14 March 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Spain in a bid to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The aim of our study is to analyse the impact on emergency medicine attendance after the national lockdown, as well as the clinical presentation and the management of patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Paediatric Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included children and adolescents under the age of 18, attended in our Paediatric Emergency Department during the period March 14 to April 17, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1,666 patients were attended during the study period, 65.4% less than in the same period of 2019. Just over half (51.2%) were males, and mean age was 5.4 years. In triage, 39.9% were high priority levels, 6.5% more than 2019. Most frequent reasons for consultation at the Paediatric Emergency Department were fever (26.5%), respiratory symptoms (16.1%), and trauma (15.2%). A total of 218 patients (13%) received a diagnosis of possible COVID-19, with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in 18.4%, and 23.8% (52/218) were hospitalised. At discharge, 44% (96/218) were diagnosed with lower, and 33.9% (74/218) with upper respiratory infection. CONCLUSIONS: During the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for urgent paediatric care decreased, with the proportion of cases with high priority triage levels increasing. Most of the patients with suspected or microbiological confirmation of COVID-19 had mild respiratory symptoms.

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome in a child with interleukin-17 inhibitor treatment for psoriasis.

A 6-year-old girl presented with fever, skin rash, anuria, and conjunctivitis that rapidly progressed to toxic shock syndrome. Following hospital discharge, she developed a staphylococcal abscess on the lower extremity. She had recently received the first two doses of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor secukinumab for resistant plaque psoriasis. IL-17 is known to be essential in host defense against Staphylococcus aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) associated with an IL-17 inhibitor.

Assessment of proadrenomedullin as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker of acute appendicitis in children with acute abdominal pain.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most frequent surgical pathologies in pediatrics. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the utility of proadrenomedullin (pro-ADM) for the diagnosis of AA. METHODS: Prospective, analytical, observational, and multicenter study conducted in 6 pediatric emergency departments. Children up to 18 years of age with suspected AA were included. Clinical, epidemiological, and analytical data were collected. RESULTS: We studied 285 children with an average age of 9.5 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1-9.9). AA was diagnosed in 103 children (36.1%), with complications in 10 of them (9.7%). The mean concentration of pro-ADM (nmol/L) was higher in children with AA (0.51 nmol/L, SD 0.16) than in children with acute abdominal pain (AAP) of another etiology (0.44 nmol/L, SD 0.14; p < 0.001). This difference was greater in complicated cases compared with uncomplicated AA (0.64 nmol/L, SD 0.17 and 0.50 nmol/L, SD 0.15, respectively; p = 0.005). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.59-0.72) for pro-ADM, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.63-0.76) for C-reactive protein (CRP), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.89) for neutrophils, and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.89) for total leukocytes. The most reliable combination to rule out AA was CRP ≤1.25 mg/dL and pro-ADM ≤0.35 nmol/L with a sensitivity of 96% and a negative predictive value of 93%. CONCLUSION: Children with AA presented higher pro-ADM values than children with AAP of other etiologies, especially in cases of complicated AA. The combination of low values of pro-ADM and CRP can help to select children with low risk of AA.