Thoracic Aortic Intima-Media Thickness in Preschool Children Born Small for Gestational Age.

OBJECTIVE: To assess thoracic aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) as a marker of thoracic aortic remodeling in children born small for gestational age (SGA). STUDY DESIGN: We assessed thoracic aIMT, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 239 patients (117 SGA; 122 appropriate for gestational age controls) age 6-8 years. Each SGA participant was matched 1:1 based on sex, gestational age, and birth date. Thoracic aIMT was determined by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: SGA children showed a significant increase in both aIMT (0.89 mm [0.12] vs 0.79 mm [0.11], P < .001) and cIMT (.50 mm [0.05] vs 0.49 mm [0.04], P < .001) compared with appropriate for gestational age controls, but the magnitude of the difference in aIMT was greater than that in cIMT (standardized difference of the means: +84% vs +27%). aIMT was linearly correlated with aortic arch PWV as measured by echocardiography (r = 0.211, P < .001) but not with carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.113, P = .111). Born SGA was independently associated with increased aIMT after controlling for perinatal, anthropometric, and biochemical determinants in linear regression models. CONCLUSIONS: SGA children exhibit increased thoracic aIMT and aortic arch PWV in early childhood that may suggest the presence of structural changes in the thoracic aorta wall architecture. Measurement of ascending aIMT by transthoracic echocardiography is feasible and reproducible and may be a useful marker of vascular disease.

Utilidad de la ecografía pulmonar precoz en bronquiolitis aguda leve-moderada: estudio piloto / Usefulness of early lung ultrasound in acute mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis. A pilot study

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la correlación entre hallazgos de la ecografía pulmonar realizada precozmente con las escalas de gravedad clínica y su asociación con la evolución posterior en la bronquiolitis aguda (BA) leve-moderada. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Se incluyó a lactantes con BA leve-moderada evaluados mediante ecografía pulmonar en las primeras 24 h tras la atención hospitalaria. Se graduó la afectación pulmonar (rango 0-50 puntos) sobre la base de un score ecográfico (ScECO). Se evaluó la correlación entre el ScECO y 2 escalas clínicas de uso habitual: escala de Wood Downes Ferres modificada (WDFM) y escala del Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD). Así mismo se valoró la asociación entre el ScECO y la evolución clínica posterior (ingreso en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos [UCIP], días de hospitalización y días de oxigenoterapia). RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 59 pacientes con una edad mediana de 90 días (RIQ: 30-270 días). La puntuación mediana del ScECO fue de 6 puntos (2-8) en los pacientes que no requirieron ingreso, 9 (5-13,7) en los ingresados en planta y 17 (14,5-18) en los pacientes que precisaron traslado de planta a la UCIP (p = 0,001). El ScECO tuvo una correlación lineal moderada con la escala de WDFM (rho = 0,504, p < 0,001) y HSJD (rho = 0,518; p < 0,001). El ScECO se asoció al ingreso en UCIP (OR 2,5 [IC del 95%: 1,1-5,9]; p = 0,035), mayor estancia hospitalaria (1,2 días (IC del 95%: 0,55, 1,86); p = 0,001) y duración de oxigenoterapia (0,87 días (IC del 95%: 0,26, 1,48); p = 0,006). CONCLUSIONES: La ecografía pulmonar precoz se correlaciona de forma moderada con la gravedad de la BA evaluada por escalas clínicas y guarda cierta relación con la evolución clínica

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between the findings seen in early lung ultrasound with the clinical severity scales, and its association with the subsequent progression of the mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis (AB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study conducted on infants with mild-moderate BA, using lung ultrasound in the first 24 hours of hospital care. The lung involvement was graded (range 0-50 points) based on an ultrasound score (ScECO) and 2 routinely used clinical scales: the modified Wood Downes Ferres (WDFM), and the Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (HSJD). The relationship between the ScECO and the subsequent clinical progression (admission to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), days in hospital, and days of oxygen therapy), was also determined. RESULTS: The study included a total of 59 patients, with a median age of 90 days (IQR: 30-270 days). The median ScECO score was 6 points (2-8) in the patients that did not require hospital admission, with 9 points (5-13.7) admitted to the ward, and 17 (14.5-18) in the patients who needed to be transferred from the ward to the PICU (P = .001). The ScECO had a moderate lineal association with the WDFM scale (rho = 0.504, P<.001) and the HSJD (rho = 0.518; P<.001). The ScECO was associated with admission to PICU (OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.1-5.9); P=.035), longer hospital stay (1.2 days 95% CI: 0.55-1.86); P=.001] and duration of oxygen therapy [0.87 days (95% CI: 0.26-1.48); P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate correlation between early lung ultrasound findings with the severity of the AB evaluated by the clinical scales, as well as some relationship with the clinical progression

[Usefulness of early lung ultrasound in acute mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis. A pilot study]. / Utilidad de la ecografía pulmonar precoz en bronquiolitis aguda leve-moderada: estudio piloto.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between the findings seen in early lung ultrasound with the clinical severity scales, and its association with the subsequent progression of the mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis (AB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study conducted on infants with mild-moderate BA, using lung ultrasound in the first 24hours of hospital care. The lung involvement was graded (range 0-50 points) based on an ultrasound score (ScECO) and 2routinely used clinical scales: the modified Wood Downes Ferres (WDFM), and the Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (HSJD). The relationship between the ScECO and the subsequent clinical progression (admission to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), days in hospital, and days of oxygen therapy), was also determined. RESULTS: The study included a total of 59 patients, with a median age of 90 days (IQR: 30-270 days). The median ScECO score was 6 points (2-8) in the patients that did not require hospital admission, with 9 points (5-13.7) admitted to the ward, and 17 (14.5-18) in the patients who needed to be transferred from the ward to the PICU (P=.001). The ScECO had a moderate lineal association with the WDFM scale (rho=0.504, P<.001) and the HSJD (rho=0.518; P<.001). The ScECO was associated with admission to PICU [OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.1-5.9); P=.035], longer hospital stay [1.2 days 95% CI: 0.55-1.86); P=.001] and duration of oxygen therapy [0.87 days (95% CI: 0.26-1.48); P=.006]. CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate correlation between early lung ultrasound findings with the severity of the AB evaluated by the clinical scales, as well as some relationship with the clinical progression.

Canalización del tronco braquiocefálico guiada por ecografía en neonatos y lactantes / Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in neonates and infants

INTRODUCCIÓN: La inserción de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) en neonatos y lactantes pequeños es una técnica difícil y de riesgo. La canalización guiada por ecografía (ECO) aumenta la tasa de éxito y reduce las complicaciones. El acceso más habitual es el de yugular interna; sin embargo, en neonatos y lactante pequeños es técnicamente más difícil que a otras edades. Presentamos nuestra experiencia preliminar con una nueva técnica de canalización venosa central aplicable a neonatos y lactantes pequeños: el acceso supraclavicular del tronco braquiocefálico (TBC) guiado por ECO. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos de neonatos y lactantes de peso inferior a 5kg en los que se ha intentado la canalización guiada por ECO del TBC mediante abordaje supraclavicular. Se utilizó un abordaje longitudinal en plano del TBC desde la fosa supraclavicular con un transductor lineal de 12Hz o microcónvex de 8Hz. Todas las canalizaciones fueron realizadas por el mismo operador, un pediatra con experiencia previa en la canalización guiada por ECO. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 6 pacientes con una mediana (rango) de peso de 2,1 (0,94-4,1) kg y edad de 1,9 (0,6-4) meses. En 2 casos se requirieron 2 intentos, canalizándose el TBC en un intento en los 4 restantes. No se observaron complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento ni con la permanencia del catéter, siendo los CVC retirados al cabo de 9 (6-15) días. CONCLUSIÓN: El acceso supraclavicular al TBC guiado por ecografía es una alternativa factible y segura en neonatos y lactantes muy pequeños. Son necesarios más estudios antes su utilización rutinaria en la práctica clínica

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in neonates and small infants is a challenging and high risk procedure. Ultrasound (US) guided cannulation increases the success rate and reduces procedural-related complications. The internal jugular vein is the most frequent site for US-guided CVC insertion. However this approach is technically demanding in neonates and small infants. US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a new approach that may be advantageous in case of difficult central venous catheterization. We present our preliminary experience with this technique in a case series of neonates and small infants. METHODS: Case series of neonates and small infants weighing less than 5kg, in whom US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the BCV was attempted. A longitudinal 'in plane' supraclavicular approach to the BCV was performed using a 12Hz linear or a 8Hz microconvex transducer. All cannulations were performed by the same operator, a pediatrician with previous experience in US-guided central venous catheterization. RESULTS: the study included 6 patients with a median (range) weight of 2.1 (0.94-4.1) kg and age of 1.9 (0.6-4) months. Two cases required 2 punctures, while cannulation was achieved at the first attempt in the remaining 4 cases. There were no procedural or catheter-related complications. CVCs were withdrawn after 9 (6-15) days. CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided supraclavicular approach to the BCV is a feasible and safe alternative in neonates and very small infants. More studies are needed to define the role of this new venous access before its routine application in daily practice

[Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in neonates and infants]. / Canalización del tronco braquiocefálico guiada por ecografía en neonatos y lactantes.

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in neonates and small infants is a challenging and high risk procedure. Ultrasound (US) guided cannulation increases the success rate and reduces procedural-related complications. The internal jugular vein is the most frequent site for US-guided CVC insertion. However this approach is technically demanding in neonates and small infants. US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a new approach that may be advantageous in case of difficult central venous catheterization. We present our preliminary experience with this technique in a case series of neonates and small infants. METHODS: Case series of neonates and small infants weighing less than 5kg, in whom US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the BCV was attempted. A longitudinal "in plane" supraclavicular approach to the BCV was performed using a 12Hz linear or a 8Hz microconvex transducer. All cannulations were performed by the same operator, a pediatrician with previous experience in US-guided central venous catheterization. RESULTS: The study included 6 patients with a median (range) weight of 2.1 (0.94-4.1) kg and age of 1.9 (0.6-4) months. Two cases required 2 punctures, while cannulation was achieved at the first attempt in the remaining 4 cases. There were no procedural or catheter-related complications. CVCs were withdrawn after 9 (6-15) days. CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided supraclavicular approach to the BCV is a feasible and safe alternative in neonates and very small infants. More studies are needed to define the role of this new venous access before its routine application in daily practice.

Location of the Central Venous Catheter Tip With Bedside Ultrasound in Young Children: Can We Eliminate the Need for Chest Radiography?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of bedside ultrasound and chest radiography to verify central venous catheter tip positioning. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: PICU of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Patients aged 0-14 who required a central venous catheter. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Central venous catheter tip location was confirmed by ultrasound and chest radiography. Central venous catheters were classified as intra-atrial or extra-atrial according to their positions in relation to the cavoatrial junction. Central venous catheters located outside the vena cava were considered malpositioned. The distance between the catheter tip and the cavoatrial junction was measured. The time elapsed from image capture to interpretation was recorded. Fifty-one central venous catheters in 40 patients were analyzed. Chest radiography and ultrasound results agreed 94% of the time (κ coefficient, 0.638; p < 0.001) in determining intra-atrial and extra-atrial locations and 92% of the time in determining the diagnosis of central venous catheter malposition (κ coefficient, 0.670; p < 0.001). Chest radiography indicated a greater distance between the central venous catheter tip and the cavoatrial junction than measured by ultrasound, with a mean difference of 0.38 cm (95% CI, +0.27, +0.48 cm). Three central venous catheters were classified as extra-atrial by chest radiography but as intra-atrial by ultrasound. To locate the central venous catheter tip, ultrasound required less time than chest radiography (22.96 min [20.43 min] vs 2.23 min [1.06 min]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bedside ultrasound showed a good agreement with chest radiography in detecting central venous catheter tip location and revealing incorrect positions. Ultrasound could be a preferable method for routine verification of central venous catheter tip and can contribute to increased patient safety.

Coexistence of polyarteritis nodosa and psoriatic arthritis in a child: an unreported association: Polyarteritis nodosa and Psoriatic arthitritis.

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a non-frequent vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels. Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is described as a "unique inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis" with an inexact prevalence rate due to the lack of widely accepted classification criteria. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy that presented with fever of unknown origin plus clinical signs of sacroiliitis, bilateral enthesitis of the plantar fascia, and skin psoriasis. He acutely developed erythematous and tender nodular lesions in the lower limbs that lasted around 3 weeks and spontaneously disappeared at the same time as the fever. He was diagnosed as having PAN and PA according to clinical and histological criteria. This is the first report of the coexistence of PAN and PA in a child indicating a possible relation (maybe cross-reactivity of an infectious agent) between PAN and spondiloarthritis.