Risk Factors Associated with Intensive Care Admission in Children with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in Latin America: A Multicenter Observational Study of the REKAMLATINA Network.

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 varies widely in its presentation and severity, with low mortality in high-income countries. In this study in 16 Latin American countries, we sought to characterize patients with MIS-C in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) compared with those hospitalized on the general wards and analyze the factors associated with severity, outcomes, and treatment received. Study Design: An observational ambispective cohort study was conducted including children 1 month to 18 years old in 84 hospitals from the REKAMLATINA network from January 2020 to June 2022. Results: A total of 1239 children with MIS-C were included. The median age was 6.5 years (IQR 2.5-10.1). Eighty-four percent (1043/1239) were previously healthy. Forty-eight percent (590/1239) were admitted to the PICU. These patients had more myocardial dysfunction (20% vs 4%; P < 0.01) with no difference in the frequency of coronary abnormalities (P = 0.77) when compared to general ward subjects. Of the children in the PICU, 83.4% (494/589) required vasoactive drugs, and 43.4% (256/589) invasive mechanical ventilation, due to respiratory failure and pneumonia (57% vs 32%; P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the need for PICU transfer were age over 6 years (aOR 1.76 95% CI 1.25-2.49), shock (aOR 7.06 95% CI 5.14-9.80), seizures (aOR 2.44 95% CI 1.14-5.36), thrombocytopenia (aOR 2.43 95% CI 1.77-3.34), elevated C-reactive protein (aOR 1.89 95% CI 1.29-2.79), and chest x-ray abnormalities (aOR 2.29 95% CI 1.67-3.13). The overall mortality was 4.8%. Conclusions: Children with MIS-C who have the highest risk of being admitted to a PICU in Latin American countries are those over age six, with shock, seizures, a more robust inflammatory response, and chest x-ray abnormalities. The mortality rate is five times greater when compared with high-income countries, despite a high proportion of patients receiving adequate treatment.

Characterization and prognostic factors of children with sepsis in a high complexity hospital. / Caracterización y factores pronósticos de niños con sepsis en un hospital de alta complejidad.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with sepsis admitted to a high-complexity healthcare center in Latin America. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive observational study. Patients between one month to 17 years of age with sepsis diagnosis were included. Studied variables included demographics, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and treatment administered, determining predictors of mortality. A descriptive analysis was performed using the Chi-square or Fisher test. RESULTS: 186 patients were included and 72% of them had comorbidities. Respiratory disease was the most frequent source of sepsis (29%), followed by gastrointestinal infection (11%) and catheter-related bacteremia (11%). 60% of patients had at least one organ dysfunction, the most frequent being respiratory dysfunction (70%). 60% of the patients presented multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Blood cultures showed a positive result in 37% of cases. The two most common first-hour interventions included IV resuscitation fluids (67%) and antibiotics (36%). Vasopressor support and mechanical ventilation were used in 33% and 34% of patients, respectively. Overall mortality was 12% and was higher in patients diagnosed with MODS (59%) or who presented with some organ dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Organ dysfunction was frequent. Patients with some type of organ dysfunction or MODS presented higher mortality. Despite global and institutional guidelines focused on improving diagnosis and treatment, in less than half of the patients sepsis was adequately detected and first-hour IV fluids and antibiotics administration rates were below 70%.

Experience of the use of lock therapy in pediatric patients with central venous catheter. / Experiencia del uso de terapia de sello en pacientes pediátricos con catéter venoso central.

Lock therapy is useful for preserving indwelling catheters. Few lock therapy studies have been published in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients using therapeutic and prophylactic lock therapy for six years in a high-complexity hospital in Colombia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study of patients aged < 18 years who received lock therapy. Collected variables included demographic data, clinical characteristics, blood test results, therapeutic interventions, frequency of admission to the pediatric critical care unit, and mortality. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: 54 patients were included in the study, most of them males, with 67 episodes of therapeutic lock therapy use. The most frequent diagnosis was hematological neoplasm (61%). Among these patients, 88% presented neutropenia while receiving lock therapy. Catheter preservation was achieved in 75% of the cases. Aminoglycosides were the most commonly used antibiotics (38%). Mortality due to catheter-related bacteremia was 6%. Catheter preservation using ethanol solution 70% was achieved in 62% of the patients with prophylactic lock therapy, all of whom had chronic gastrointestinal pathology. CONCLUSION: Catheter preservation rates were 75% and 62% in patients with therapeutic and prophylactic lock therapy, respectively, with a higher rate achieved among cancer patients with neutropenia (80%). Aminoglycosides and vancomycin were the most commonly used antibiotics.

[Clinical characterization of girls with Turner syndrome]. / Caracterización de una cohorte de pacientes pediátricas con Síndrome de Turner.

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in women with partial or complete absence of an X chromosome. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, laboratory, and genotypic characteristics of patients with Turner syndrome, treated at three health institutions in Medellin. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out. A total of 97 patients with Turner syndrome (< 18 years) confirmed by karyotype between 2011 and 2018 were included. Patients whose karyotype did not meet the specification of the American College of Medical Genetics were excluded. Data on sociodemographic details, nutritional variables, phenotypic characteristics, and laboratory tests were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed in SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 8.5 years (IQR 4-12). The main clinical characteristic was short stature (90%). Additionally, they presented cardiovascular malformations (35%), renal alterations (26%), hearing disorders, mainly hypoacusis (33%), and neuropsychiatric disorders (44%). The most frequent karyotype was 45,X (51%) followed by 45,X/46,XX (14%). The patients with 45,X karyotype had the most classic clinical characteristics. Patients > 5 years old had a higher proportion of weight excess than the general population. Dyslipidemia was found in 62% and hypothyroidism in 22%. 70% of patients > 11 years received pubertal induction; 23% presented spontaneous puberty and 44% of them required hormonal maintenance. 86% received somatropin. CONCLUSION: The patients with Turner syndrome in our study presented a high frequency of short stature and cardiovascular, renal, hearing, endocrine, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The diagnosis was delayed due to the lack of clinical suspicion given its variable presentation.

Apnea or cyanosis as COVID-19 initial presentation in newborns.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in newborns varies from asymptomatic infection to severe illness. Apnea or cyanosis as the earliest symptoms is rarely mentioned. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of newborns with COVID-19 infection admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit considering cyanosis or apnea as a form of presentation. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive observational study with retrospectively collected data. All neonates under 30 days old and preterm infants with corrected gestational age of 44 weeks who had confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with a positive antigen or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and who were attended to between March 2020 and March 2022 were included. RESULTS: During the two years of the study, 410 patients were admitted to the neonatal unit. Twenty-six patients (6.3%) presented with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main clinical characteristic at admission was apnea in 55% and cyanosis in 45%. Of the 11 patients admitted with this presentation, eight were diagnosed with COVID-19 acute upper respiratory disease, and three met the definition of COVID-19 bronchiolitis. A large proportion of the patients had a mild infection (65%, n = 17), 31% (n = 8) had a severe infection and only one patient had a critical infection, accounting for 4%. CONCLUSIONS: Apnea and cyanosis can be a manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in newborns, which suggests the need to include it in the diagnostic workup as other viral respiratory infections.

Side Effects After Use of Bedside Thaw Method for Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Allogeneic Transplantations in a Pediatric Cohort: A Single-center Experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several strategies and procedures have been described for thawing umbilical cord blood (UCB) products. The ideal method for each center depends on the resources, staff training, and access to each of these. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of side effects using the bedside thaw method after unrelated UCB transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For 34 children, patient, donor, graft characteristics, and side effects were identified. In addition, we attempted to identify the risk factors that could be associated with side effects. RESULTS: 68% of patients experienced any adverse reaction. All the reactions were mild and transient events. The most frequent side effects were vomiting, hypertension, hemolytic reactions, and fever. There were more gastrointestinal events with a faster infusion rate. CONCLUSION: The thawed at the bedside method is a practical, easy, and safe technique for cord blood transplantation in pediatric-patient settings.

[Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in pediatrics: experience of a high complexity center in Latin-America]. / Endoscopia digestiva superior en pediatría: experiencia de un centro de alta complejidad de Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize pediatric patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a high-complexity hospital. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study in patients under 14 years of age who underwent EGD at the Hospital San Vicente Fundación de Medellín, between January 2019 and June 2020. The following sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated: age, sex, type of health insurance, place of origin, service where the procedure was indicated, indications for endoscopy, type of care, purpose of the procedure, endoscopic findings, endoscopic intervention, complications associated with the procedure or anesthesia, and relevance of the procedure. RESULTS: 466 patients who underwent 552 endoscopies were included. Fifty-seven percent of the patients were male. In diagnostic EGD, the main indications were abdominal pain (23%) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (17%). In therapeutic EGD, the most frequently performed procedures were percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (41%), foreign body removal (27%), and esophageal dilation (24%). The complication rate related to the procedure was 0.5% and in relation to anesthesia was 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: EGD in pediatric patients is an effective and safe tool if performed with an appropriate indication. One-third of therapeutic EGD could be avoided from primary prevention.

Prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados / Prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric hospitalized patients

Resumen Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, durante seis años. Métodos: Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que revisó información retrospectiva obtenida de los registros de las historias clínicas de pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados: De un total de 382 pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en el periodo estudiado se obtuvo una prevalencia de HTA del 30.6%, la de hipertensión sistólica fue 23.6% y la de diastólica 20.7%. Los niños menores de cinco años, el uso de vancomicina y la estancia en cuidado crítico aumentan significativamente el riesgo de presentar hipertensión durante la hospitalización. Conclusiones: En pediatría la frecuencia de HTA en pacientes hospitalizados es elevada, mayor a la prevalencia reportada en pacientes ambulatorios. Se debe reconocer el grupo de mayor riesgo y los factores potencialmente modificables, así como definir el inicio de tratamiento de forma oportuna. Las complicaciones son bajas, excepto la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, por lo que es necesario un seguimiento a largo plazo.

Abstract Objective: To establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital center in Medellin, Colombia for 6 years. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out that reviewed retrospective information obtained from the clinical records of patients under 18 years of age hospitalized at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. Results: From a total of 382 pediatric patients hospitalized in the studied period, a prevalence of hypertension of 30.6% was found. Systolic hypertension prevalence was 23.6% and diastolic 20.7%. Age under 5, treatment with vancomycin and critical care admission increased the risk of being hypertensive during hospitalization. Conclusions: In children the frequency of hypertension in hospitalized patients is higher than the prevalence reported in outpatients. The highest risk group and potentially modifiable factors must be recognized and treatment administered in a timely manner. Secondary complications are low, except for left ventricular hypertrophy, which requires long-term follow-up.

Prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital center in Medellin, Colombia for 6 years. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out that reviewed retrospective information obtained from the clinical records of patients under 18 years of age hospitalized at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. RESULTS: From a total of 382 pediatric patients hospitalized in the studied period, a prevalence of hypertension of 30.6% was found. Systolic hypertension prevalence was 23.6% and diastolic 20.7%. Age under 5, treatment with vancomycin and critical care admission increased the risk of being hypertensive during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In children the frequency of hypertension in hospitalized patients is higher than the prevalence reported in outpatients. The highest risk group and potentially modifiable factors must be recognized and treatment administered in a timely manner. Secondary complications are low, except for left ventricular hypertrophy, which requires long-term follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Establecer la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, durante seis años. MÉTODOS: Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que revisó información retrospectiva obtenida de los registros de las historias clínicas de pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, Colombia. RESULTADOS: De un total de 382 pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en el periodo estudiado se obtuvo una prevalencia de HTA del 30.6%, la de hipertensión sistólica fue 23.6% y la de diastólica 20.7%. Los niños menores de cinco años, el uso de vancomicina y la estancia en cuidado crítico aumentan significativamente el riesgo de presentar hipertensión durante la hospitalización. CONCLUSIONES: En pediatría la frecuencia de HTA en pacientes hospitalizados es elevada, mayor a la prevalencia reportada en pacientes ambulatorios. Se debe reconocer el grupo de mayor riesgo y los factores potencialmente modificables, así como definir el inicio de tratamiento de forma oportuna. Las complicaciones son bajas, excepto la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, por lo que es necesario un seguimiento a largo plazo.

Endothelial and Glycocalyx Biomarkers in Children With Sepsis After One Bolus of Unbalanced or Balanced Crystalloids.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the disruption of endothelial glycocalyx integrity in children with sepsis receiving fluid resuscitation with either balanced or unbalanced crystalloids. The primary outcome was endothelial glycocalyx disruption (using perfused boundary region >2 µm on sublingual video microscopy and syndecan-1 greater than 80 mg/dL) according to the type of crystalloid. The secondary outcomes were increased vascular permeability (using angiopoietin-2 level), apoptosis (using annexin A5 level), and associated clinical changes. DESIGN: A single-center prospective cohort study from January to December 2021. SETTING: Twelve medical-surgical PICU beds at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Children with sepsis/septic shock before and after receiving fluid resuscitation with crystalloids for hemodynamic instability. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We included 106 patients (3.9 yr [interquartile range, 0.60-13.10 yr]); 58 of 106 (55%) received boluses of unbalanced crystalloid. This group had greater odds of endothelial glycocalyx degradation (84.5% vs 60.4%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.49-9.58; p < 0.01) 6 hours after fluid administration, which correlated with increased angiopoietin-2 (rho = 0.4; p < 0.05) and elevated annexin A5 ( p = 0.04). This group also had greater odds of metabolic acidosis associated with elevated syndecan-1 (odds ratio [OR], 4.88; 95% CI, 1.23-28.08) and acute kidney injury (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.12-3.18) associated with endothelial glycocalyx damage. The perfused boundary region returned to baseline 24 hours after receiving the crystalloid boluses. CONCLUSIONS: Children with sepsis, particularly those who receive unbalanced crystalloid solutions during resuscitation, show loss and worsening of endothelial glycocalyx. The abnormality peaks at around 6 hours after fluid administration and is associated with greater odds of metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury.

Characterization of serum vitamin D levels in pediatric patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children. An association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) and the development of the disease have been detected. The aim of this study was to describe 25OH vitamin D levels in patients aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in three pediatric endocrinology outpatient centers in Medellín, Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collection. We evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, presence of comorbidities, and frequency of vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. The 25OH vitamin D levels were sufficient in 65% of the cases according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria and in 10% of the cases according to the Endocrine Society criteria. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were normal in 53% and 45% of the patients, respectively. All patients had normal magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels. No differences were found in the exploratory analysis when comparing 25OH vitamin D levels, thyroid antibody levels, and thyroid volume. CONCLUSIONS: In this chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis population, we did not find an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to IOM or the Endocrine Society criteria compared with previous data from the general population. No statistically significant differences were found in the exploratory analysis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La tiroiditis linfocítica crónica o tiroiditis de Hashimoto es la causa más frecuente de hipotiroidismo adquirido en la edad pediátrica. Se ha detectado una asociación entre concentraciones bajas de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OH vitamina D) y el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las concentraciones de 25OH vitamina D en pacientes de 5 a 18 años con diagnóstico de tiroiditis linfocítica crónica en tres centros de consulta externa de endocrinología pediátrica enMedellín,Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de corte transversal con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, particularidades del diagnóstico, presencia de comorbilidad y frecuencia de deficiencia de vitamina D. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 60 pacientes. La concentración de 25OH vitamina D fue suficiente en el 65% de los casos según los criterios de Institute of Medicine (IOM) y en el 10% de los casos según los criterios de la Endocrine Society. Los valores de calcio y fósforo sérico fueron normales en el 53% y el 45% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Todos los pacientes presentaron concentraciones normales de magnesio y paratohormona. No se encontraron diferencias en el análisis exploratorio al comparar la concentración de 25OH vitamina D, de anticuerpos tiroideos y el volumen tiroideo. CONCLUSIONES: En esta población con tiroiditis linfocítica crónica no se encontró una mayor prevalencia de deficiencia de 25OH vitamina D según los criterios del IOM y de la Endocrine Society en comparación con datos previos de la población general. En el análisis exploratorio no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Clinical Characteristics of Children With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Hospital in Latin America.

Objective: COVID-19 infections have shown a different behavior in children than in adults. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients seen at a reference hospital in Colombia. Method: A descriptive, observational study in patients under the age of 18 years with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR or antigen) between April 2020 and March 2021. Multiple variables were studied, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, lab measurements, treatments administered, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. Results: A total of 361 patients were included of whom 196 (54%) were males. The median age was 3 years. Of all the patients, 65 (18%) were asymptomatic. The majority of patients had no comorbidities (n = 225, 76%). In those who were symptomatic (n = 296, 82%), the most frequent complaints were fever (n = 178, 60%), nasal congestion (n = 164, 55%) and cough (n = 149, 50%). Chest x-rays were normal in 73 patients (50%). When abnormalities were found, interstitial (29%) and alveolar (12%) patterns were the most prevalent. One hundred and fifty-seven children (53%) required general ward hospitalization, and 24 patients (8%) required pediatric intensive care admission. The global mortality was 0.8% (3 patients). Conclusions: The majority of cases were asymptomatic or mild. However, a significant percentage of patients required general ward admission, and some even required intensive care. The main symptom of COVID-19 infections in newborns was apnea. A second COVID-19 RT-PCR may be necessary to detect infections in critically ill patients with a high clinical suspicion of the disease if an initial test was negative.

Hipertiroidismo en niños y adolescentes: experiencia en un hospital universitario en Colombia / Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents: Experience in a university hospital in Colombia

Introducción. El hipertiroidismo es una condición heterogénea caracterizada por la producción excesiva de hormonas tiroideas. Su aparición en la edad pediátrica representa un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas y paraclínicas, así como la evolución y las diferencias entre las principales causas etiológicas de los pacientes con hipertiroidismo atendidos por el Servicio de Endocrinología Pediátrica del Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación en Medellín, Colombia, entre el 1° de julio de 2015 y el 30 de junio de 2020. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional transversal con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Resultados. Se incluyeron 54 pacientes con una edad media de 11,9 años, 72,2 % de ellos mujeres. El 11,1 % tenía antecedentes familiares de enfermedad de Graves y 29,6 % de otras enfermedades tiroideas. El bocio fue la manifestación clínica más frecuente (83,3 %). El 92,6 % había recibido terapia con metimazol, el 79,6 % requirió betabloqueador y el 11,2 % necesitó una terapia farmacológica adicional. Se presentaron reacciones adversas a la medicación en el 16,7 %. En el 20,4 % de los pacientes hubo resolución del hipertiroidismo (espontánea: 9,3 %; posterior a la ablación con yodo radiactivo: 9,3 %, y después de la cirugía: 1,9 %). Conclusión. El hipertiroidismo es una enfermedad con manifestaciones clínicas diversas. La causa más frecuente es la enfermedad de Graves, seguida por la hashitoxicosis. En este estudio, la hashitoxicosis fue más frecuente que en estudios previos. La duración y los efectos secundarios del tratamiento farmacológico fueron similares a los reportados previamente, pero es de resaltar la mayor frecuencia de agranulocitosis en nuestra población.

Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is a heterogeneous condition characterized by the excessive production of thyroid hormones. It represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Objective: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and the evolution and differences between the main etiologies in patients with hyperthyroidism treated by the Pediatric Endocrinology Service at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación in Medellín, Colombia, between July 1st., 2015, and June 30th., 2020. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collection. Results: We included 54 patients with a mean age of 11.9 years, 72.2% of whom were female; 85.2% had no history of comorbidities related to autoimmunity; 11.1% had a family history of Graves' disease, and 29.6% of other thyroid diseases. Goiter was the most frequent clinical manifestation (83.3%) and 92.6% of the patients received treatment with methimazole, 79.6% required beta-blockers, and 11.2% additional drug therapy. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 16.7% of the patients and in 20.4% there was a resolution of hyperthyroidism (spontaneous: 9.3%; after radio-iodine ablation: 9.3%, and after surgery: 1.9%). Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism is a disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Its most frequent cause is Graves' disease followed by hashitoxicosis, which in this study had a higher frequency than that reported in the literature. The duration and side effects of pharmacological treatment were similar to those previously reported, but the higher frequency of agranulocytosis is noteworthy.

Caracterización de la concentración sérica de vitamina D en pacientes pediátricos con tiroiditis linfocítica crónica / Characterization of serum vitamin D levels in pediatric patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

Resumen Introducción: La tiroiditis linfocítica crónica o tiroiditis de Hashimoto es la causa más frecuente de hipotiroidismo adquirido en la edad pediátrica. Se ha detectado una asociación entre concentraciones bajas de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OH vitamina D) y el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las concentraciones de 25OH vitamina D en pacientes de 5 a 18 años con diagnóstico de tiroiditis linfocítica crónica en tres centros de consulta externa de endocrinología pediátrica enMedellín,Colombia. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de corte transversal con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, particularidades del diagnóstico, presencia de comorbilidad y frecuencia de deficiencia de vitamina D. Resultados: Se incluyeron 60 pacientes. La concentración de 25OH vitamina D fue suficiente en el 65% de los casos según los criterios de Institute of Medicine (IOM) y en el 10% de los casos según los criterios de la Endocrine Society. Los valores de calcio y fósforo sérico fueron normales en el 53% y el 45% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Todos los pacientes presentaron concentraciones normales de magnesio y paratohormona. No se encontraron diferencias en el análisis exploratorio al comparar la concentración de 25OH vitamina D, de anticuerpos tiroideos y el volumen tiroideo. Conclusiones: En esta población con tiroiditis linfocítica crónica no se encontró una mayor prevalencia de deficiencia de 25OH vitamina D según los criterios del IOM y de la Endocrine Society en comparación con datos previos de la población general. En el análisis exploratorio no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Abstract Background: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children. An association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) and the development of the disease have been detected. The aim of this study was to describe 25OH vitamin D levels in patients aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in three pediatric endocrinology outpatient centers in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collection. We evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, presence of comorbidities, and frequency of vitamin D deficiency. Results: Sixty patients were included. The 25OH vitamin D levels were sufficient in 65% of the cases according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria and in 10% of the cases according to the Endocrine Society criteria. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were normal in 53% and 45% of the patients, respectively. All patients had normal magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels. No differences were found in the exploratory analysis when comparing 25OH vitamin D levels, thyroid antibody levels, and thyroid volume. Conclusions: In this chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis population, we did not find an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to IOM or the Endocrine Society criteria compared with previous data from the general population. No statistically significant differences were found in the exploratory analysis.

Mortality and clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with covid-19 in critically ill patients: an observational multicenter study (MISCO study).

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation and severity of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) is widespread and presents a very low mortality rate in high-income countries. This research describes the clinical characteristics of MIS-C in critically ill children in middle-income countries and the factors associated with the rate of mortality and patients with critical outcomes. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted in 14 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Colombia between April 01, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Patient age ranged between one month and 18 years, and each patient met the requirements set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) for MIS-C. RESULTS: There were seventy-eight children in this study. The median age was seven years (IQR 1-11), 18 % (14/78) were under one year old, and 56 % were male. 35 % of patients (29/78) were obese or overweight. The PICU stay per individual was six days (IQR 4-7), and 100 % had a fever upon arrival to the clinic lasting at least five days (IQR 3.7-6). 70 % (55/78) of patients had diarrhea, and 87 % (68/78) had shock or systolic myocardial dysfunction (78 %). Coronary aneurysms were found in 35 % (27/78) of cases, and pericardial effusion was found in 36 %. When compared to existing data in high-income countries, there was a higher mortality rate observed (9 % vs. 1.8 %; p=0.001). When assessing the group of patients that did not survive, a higher frequency of ferritin levels was found, above 500 ngr/mL (100 % vs. 45 %; p=0.012), as well as more cardiovascular complications (100 % vs. 54 %; p = 0.019) when compared to the group that survived. The main treatments received were immunoglobulin (91 %), vasoactive support (76 %), steroids (70.5 %) and antiplatelets (44 %). CONCLUSIONS: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children due to SARS-CoV-2 in critically ill children living in a middle-income country has some clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics similar to those described in high-income countries. The observed inflammatory response and cardiovascular involvement were conditions that, added to the later presentation, may explain the higher mortality seen in these children.

Utilidad de los criterios de Murray para el procesamiento de esputo en pacientes con fibrosis quística. Laboratorio de Infectados de la Universidad de Antioquia (Medellín/Colombia) / Utility of the Murray criteria for sputum processing in patients with cystic fibrosis. Laboratory of Infected of the University of Antioquia (Medellín/Colombia)

Resumen Introducción: la fibrosis quística (FQ) es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva que aumenta la viscosidad de las secreciones, en especial las del árbol respiratorio; genera inflamación crónica y colonización/infección por microorganismos, conduciendo a deterioro de la función pulmonar y muerte. Nuestro estudio evaluó la calidad del esputo de pacientes con FQ que ingresaron al Laboratorio de Infectados de la UdeA con base a los criterios de Murray. Metodología: estudio descriptivo con información retrospectiva, incluyendo todos los esputos de pacientes con FQ, recolectados entre enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: se analizaron 686 muestras de 85 pacientes, de las cuáles se obtuvo cultivo positivo en 501 (73 %) y el 21 % no cumplían los criterios de calidad según Murray. De 908 aislamientos identificados, 823 (90.6 %) corresponden a microorganismos considerados como patógenos en la vía aérea de los pacientes con FQ donde se incluyen S aureus, Pseudomonas spp, H influenzae, Burkhordelia spp, A. xylosoxidans, S maltophilia, A fumigatus, entre otras. Conclusiones: los criterios de Murray no se deben utilizar para definir el procesamiento o no del esputo en pacientes con FQ.

Abstract Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects the production and viscosity of secretions, especially the origin of the respiratory airways; generating chronic inflammation and colonization / infection by microorganisms, leading to functional deterioration and death. Our study evaluated the quality of sputum samples from patients with CF who enter the Infected Laboratory of the UDEA based on the Murray criteria. Methodology: A descriptive study with retrospective information was carried out. All sputum from patients with CF were included, collected between January 2015 and December 2018 in the Infected Laboratory of the University of Antioquia. Results: We analyzed 686 samples from 85 patients with CF, positive culture was obtained in 501 (73 %), considering that 21 % of the respiratory samples did not meet the quality criteria according to Murray criteria. Of 908 isolates identified, 823 (90.6 %) correspond to microorganisms considered as pathogens in the airway of CF patients including S aureus, Pseudomonas spp, H influenzae, Burkhordelia spp, A. xylosoxidans, S maltophilia, A fumigatus, among others. Conclusions: The Murray criteria should not be used to define the processing or not of the sputum in patients with CF, all should be processed.

Caracterización de los pacientes menores de 15 años con tuberculosis en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, 2011-2018 / Characterization of patients with tuberculosis under 15 years of age at Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, 2011- 2018

Resumen La Tuberculosis (TB) es la enfermedad infecciosa que más daño ha causado a la especie humana a lo largo de toda la historia, tanto por el número de enfermos como de muertos. Se ha calculado que en los últimos 200 años ha sido la responsable de la muerte de más de 1.000 millones de personas (1). La TB sigue siendo una de las enfermedades infecciosas más importante en esta época, y es el fiel reflejo de las enormes diferencias económicas y sociales que siguen existiendo en la población mundial1,2. Objetivo: describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes menores de 15 años con TB en el período 2011 - 2018 en un Hospital de cuarto nivel de la ciudad de Medellín - Colombia. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Incluyó pacientes menores de 15 años que asistieron al Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación (HUSVF) a quienes se les diagnosticó TB pulmonar y/o extrapulmonar, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2011 a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: 184 historias de pacientes con TB cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Setenta y un pacientes (38.6 %) correspondían a TB pulmonar, 59 (32 %) a otras TB intratorácicas y 54 (29.3 %) a TB extrapulmonar. Las formas de TB más frecuentes fueron: ganglionar, del sistema nervioso central (SNC) y diseminada. De los niños menores de 5 años, el 50 % presentaron algún grado de desnutrición. La confirmación microbiológica por cultivo o baciloscopia (BK) estuvo presente en 91 pacientes (49.4 %) y por Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR) en 72 (39.1 %). Conclusiones: la TB infantil requiere un alto índice de sospecha. La suma de criterios es muy importante para su diagnóstico dada la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, sin embargo la búsqueda exhaustiva de la micobacteria es una estrategia útil para un tratamiento efectivo.

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) is the infectious disease that has caused the worst damage to the human species throughout history, both in terms of number of patients as well as deaths. It has been estimated that in the last 200 years, it has been responsible for the death of over 1 billion people (1). TB is currently one of the most important infectious diseases and it serves as a reflection of the huge economic and social differences that prevail in human population1,2. Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients younger than 15 years of age with TB from 2011 to 2018 in a fourth level hospital in Medellin - Colombia. Methodology: cross-sectional study of patients younger than 15 years of age who were evaluated and diagnosed with pulmonary and/or extra pulmonary TB at San Vicente de Paul University Hospital Foundation from January 2011 to December 2018. Results: A hundred-eighty patients with TB were included in the study, 71 (38,6 %) with pulmonary TB and 54 (29.3 %) with extra pulmonary TB. The most frequent clinical forms were lymph node compromise, central nervous system (CNS) infection and disseminated form. Thirty children (50 %) younger than 5 years of age had some degree of malnutrition. Microbiological confirmation by smear microscopy or culture was confirmed in 91 cases (49.4 %) and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in 72 cases (39.1 %). Conclusions: Childhood TB requires a high index of suspicion; the sum of different criteria is essential for its diagnosis. However, an exhaustive search for the mycobacteria is a useful strategy to get an effective treatment.

Antiemetics in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Several antiemetics have been used in children with acute gastroenteritis. However, there is still controversy over their use. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and safety of antiemetics for controlling vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin America and the Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences, and gray literature, until December 2018. STUDY SELECTION: We selected randomized clinical trials comparing metoclopramide, ondansetron, domperidone, dexamethasone, dimenhydrinate, and granisetron. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed pairwise and network meta-analysis using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included (3482 children). Ondansetron revealed the largest effect in comparison to placebo for cessation of vomiting (odds ratio = 0.28 [95% credible interval = 0.16 to 0.46]; quality of evidence: high) and for hospitalization (odds ratio = 2.93 [95% credible interval = 1.69 to 6.18]; quality of evidence: moderate). Ondansetron was the only intervention that reduced the need for intravenous rehydration and the number of vomiting episodes. When considering side effects, dimenhydrinate was the only intervention that was worse than placebo. LIMITATIONS: Most treatment comparisons had low- or very low-quality evidence, because of risk of biases and imprecise estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron is the only intervention that revealed an effect on the cessation of vomiting, on preventing hospitalizations, and in reducing the need for intravenous rehydration. Ondansetron was also considered a safe intervention.

Acute Infectious Diarrhea and Gastroenteritis in Children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aimed to summarize the most current evidence on the main aspects of the diarrheal diseases in children. The following key elements were addressed: definitions, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, dietary management, pharmacological treatments, and prevention. We covered the following questions: What are the most important clinical and laboratory features of the disease? What are the best approaches for the dietary management? What is the best way to classify the hydration status, and to prevent and treat the dehydration? What are the most effective and safe interventions for reducing the diarrhea and vomiting? RECENT FINDINGS: Diarrheal diseases are one of the most common diseases in childhood. The most common cause is rotavirus. A key element in the approach of a child with diarrhea is determining their hydration status, which determines the fluid management. Laboratory tests are nor routinely required, as most of the cases, they do not affect the management and it should be indicated only in selected cases. Several treatments have been studied to reduce the duration of the diarrhea. Only symbiotics and zinc have shown to be effective and safe with high certainty on the evidence. Rest of the interventions although seem to be effective have low to very low quality of the evidence. The only effective and safe antiemetic for controlling vomiting is ondansetron. A list of antimicrobials indications according to the identified microorganisms is provided. We summarized the most current evidence on diagnosis, management, and prevention of diarrhea in children. More research is needed in some areas such as dehydration scales, rehydration management, antidiarrheals, and antibiotic treatments.

Gelatin tannate for acute diarrhoea and gastroenteritis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and safety of gelatin tannate (GT) for reducing the duration of the acute diarrhoea and gastroenteritis (ADG) in children. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS and grey literature, published from inception to October 2018. No language restrictions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials in children with ADG, comparing GT with placebo. RESULTS: Of 797 titles identified, we included three studies (276 children). We performed a random effects model meta-analysis for the main outcome (diarrhoea duration). We did not find significant differences between GT and placebo for diarrhoea duration (mean difference (MD)=-15.85 hours; 95% CI -42.24 to 14.82, I2=92%; three studies), stool frequency at day 2 (MD=0.11 stools/day; 95% CI -0.39 to 0.62: I2=26%; two studies), diarrhoea at day 3 (risk ratio [RR]=0.46; 95% CI 0.06 to 3.47: I2=73%; two studies), vomiting (RR=1.31; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.80: I2=0%; two studies) or adverse events (RR=0.86; 95% CI 0.27 to 2.66: I2=0%; two studies). Most common adverse events included abdominal pain and nausea. CONCLUSION: The effect of GT was no different to placebo for mean diarrhoea duration (low certainty on the evidence) and stool frequency at day 2 (high certainty) and for the presence of diarrhoea at day 3 (very low certainty) of vomiting (moderate certainty) and of adverse events (low certainty). PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018087902.