Application of infrared thermography in diagnosing peripherally inserted central venous catheter infections in children with cancer.

APPROACH: Children affected by oncological diseases are often fitted with central venous catheters (CVCs). Catheter infection is a frequent complication, sometimes accompanied by thrombosis. A case/control-type pilot study of children with oncological diseases fitted with a CVC is here designed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this preliminary study is to use infrared thermography to discern whether there is an infection in patients with a CVC and, if so, to undertake a close follow-up of its evolution, after administering a therapy. Thermal asymmetry by mean and maximum temperatures (temperature affected ROI - temperature contralateral ROI) is measured. MAIN RESULTS: In all cases with catheter infection, thermal asymmetry values were higher than in controls without infection, allowing us to assess improvement after starting the treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: These preliminary results are satisfactory because they reflect the advantages of using infrared thermography on oncological child patients, as it is a harmless, non-contact, accessible and quick technique, allowing us to reduce the use of ionizing radiation and quantify the clinical signs of inflammation, which are otherwise only qualitatively detectable in clinical examination. By doing so, it may be possible to anticipate infection and provide early treatment, and, moreover, to observe whether there is any complication after starting a treatment. More studies need to be undertaken with an extensive paediatric population to establish reference values.

Cardiopatías congénitas en niños con síndrome de Down / Congenital heart disease in children with Down syndrome

El síndrome de Down (SD) es la anomalía cromosómica más frecuente. En este síndrome, los defectos cardíacos son frecuentes, llegando a afectar entre el 35-60% de los pacientes. La anomalía más común es el canal atrioventricular completo, que es casi exclusivo de estos pacientes, que representan hasta el 80% de todos los casos diagnosticados. Otras anomalías que pueden presentarse son comunicación interauricular (CIA), comunicación intervetricular (CIV), persistencia del conducto arterioso (PDA) y la tetralogía de Fallot (TF). El no reconocimiento de estos defectos precozmente puede tener serias consecuencias. El estudio cardiológico, incluyendo ecocardiografía, al nacimiento permite un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento adecuado. Es necesario un seguimiento a lo largo de toda la vida por la posibilidad de aparición de complicaciones posteriores, aun en el caso de ausencia de anomalías cardíacas durante la infancia (AU)

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality. In this syndrome, cardiac defects are common reaching to affect between 35-60% of the patients. The most common anomaly is complete atrioventricular septal defect, which is almost exclusive of these patients, representing 80% of all cases diagnosed. Other abnormalities that may occur are atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and tetralogy of Fallot. Failure to recognize this defect early in life can have serious consequences. The cardiologic study, including echocardiography, at birth allows an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Monitoring is required because of the possibility of developing further complications, even in the case of absence of cardiac anomalies in childhood (AU)

[Management of peritonsillar infections]. / Tratamiento de la infección periamigdalina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics in children with peritonsillar infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective study was performed through a review of the clinical histories of patients attending the emergency unit in the previous 6 years. The variables gathered were age, sex, recurrent tonsillitis, previous upper airway infection, antibiotic administration, and therapeutic approach. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children were admitted, with a mean age of 7.4 +/- 1.6 years (boys 1.6:1). Twenty-seven percent had recurrent tonsillitis. At the visit, 57.8 % had an upper respiratory infection and 65 % were taking antibiotic treatment, especially macrolides. The treatment selected at our center consisted of the association of penicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate acid with clindamycin, including corticosteroids. Ten children underwent computed tomography and nine underwent fine-needle aspiration. Drainage was performed in 20.6 % of confirmed abscesses. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.6 +/- 1.6 days. Delayed tonsillectomy was performed in 31 %, except in one patient who developed a parapharyngeal abscess. Currently, 18.9 % of all peritonsillar infections occur in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in these infections is probably related to inappropriate use of antibiotics in respiratory diseases. Diagnosis is clinical, and infections are often resolved by intravenous administration of beta-lactams with clindamycin and an expectant attitude. When an abscess is suspected or there is no clinical improvement, fine-needle aspiration or computed tomography is warranted and drainage should be performed if an abscess is confirmed. Tonsillectomy, usually delayed, is only indicated in patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

Tratamiento de la infección periamigdalina / Management of peritonsillar infections

Objetivo Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de niños afectados de infección periamigdalar. Pacientes y métodos Estudio longitudinal y restrospectivo de revisión de historias clínicas en los casos detectados los últimos 6 años atendidos en Urgencias. Se anotaron las variables de edad, sexo, amigdalitis de repetición, catarro previo de vías altas, administración de antibiótico y actitud terapéutica adoptada. Resultados Fueron ingresados 29 niños cuya edad media era de 7,4 +/- 1,6 años (varones 1,6:1). El 27 % cursaba con amigdalitis de repetición y el 57,8 % con catarro en el momento de la consulta, de los que el 65 % llevaba tratamiento antibiótico, especialmente macrólidos. El tratamiento seleccionado en nuestro centro fue la asociación penicilina o amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico con clindamicina, incluyendo corticoides. En 10 niños se practicó estudio de imagen mediante tomografía axial (TC) y en nueve punción-aspiración mediante aguja fina (PAAF). Ante la confirmación de absceso, se efectuó drenaje en el 20,6 % de los casos. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 5,6 +/- 1,6 días. Se practicó amigdalectomía diferida en el 31 %, excepto en un caso que desarrolló un absceso parafaríngeo. La población infantil padece en la actualidad el 18,9 % de todos los casos de infección periamigdalina. Conclusiones Este incremento está probablemente relacionado con el tratamiento inapropiado de antibióticos en enfermedades respiratorias. El diagnóstico es clínico y a menudo la administración intravenosa de betalactámicos con clindamicina y una actitud expectante son resolutivos. La sospecha de absceso o la ausencia de mejoría clínica recomiendan realizar PAAF y/o TC y drenaje ante su confirmación. La amigdalectomía, normalmente diferida, debería indicarse sólo en casos de amigdalitis de repetición

Objective To evaluate the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics in children with peritonsillar infections. Patients and methods A longitudinal retrospective study was performed through a review of the clinical histories of patients attending the emergency unit in the previous 6 years. The variables gathered were age, sex, recurrent tonsillitis, previous upper airway infection, antibiotic administration, and therapeutic approach. Results Twenty-nine children were admitted, with a mean age of 7.4 +/- 1.6 years (boys 1.6:1). Twenty-seven percent had recurrent tonsillitis. At the visit, 57.8 % had an upper respiratory infection and 65 % were taking antibiotic treatment, especially macrolides. The treatment selected at our center consisted of the association of penicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate acid with clindamycin, including corticosteroids. Ten children underwent computed tomography and nine underwent fine-needle aspiration. Drainage was performed in 20.6 % of confirmed abscesses. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.6 +/- 1.6 days. Delayed tonsillectomy was performed in 31 %, except in one patient who developed a parapharyngeal abscess. Currently, 18.9 % of all peritonsillar infections occur in the pediatric population. Conclusions The increase in these infections is probably related to inappropriate use of antibiotics in respiratory diseases. Diagnosis is clinical, and infections are often resolved by intravenous administration of Beta-lactams with clindamycin and an expectant attitude. When an abscess is suspected or there is no clinical improvement, fine-needle aspiration or computed tomography is warranted and drainage should be performed if an abscess is confirmed. Tonsillectomy, usually delayed, is only indicated in patients with recurrent tonsillitis

[Functional constipation: prospective study and treatment response]. / Estreñimiento funcional: estudio prospectivo y respuesta al tratamiento.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) with and without encopresis, the factors involved in its onset, and treatment response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 62 children was performed using a standard questionnaire (onset-age, regular toilet use, encopresis, complications, dietary habits and environmental and psychological factors) and physical and anthropometric assessment. FC was defined as a stool frequency of less than 3 bowel movements/week, with passage of large or scybalous stools, with or without 2 or more soiling episodes per week, without underlying disease. Treatment included demystification, behavioral modification and drugs (mineral oil and senna). Each child was periodically re-evaluated, and treatment was considered successful when the defecation rate was 3 or more bowel movements/week, discomfort was absent, and fecal soiling frequency was 2 or fewer episodes/ month. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: FC accounted for 13 % of all first consultations (60 % boys, 40 % girls; mean age at diagnosis 6.1 years). The most frequent manifestations were painful defecation (60 %), rectorrhagia (42 %), obstructive episodes (34 %) and anal fissure or hemorrhoids (17 %); 19 patients (31 %) had encopresis. Nutritional assessment revealed that 84 % of the patients was well nourished and 16 % was overweight. Fiber intake was deficient in more than 60 %. Sixteen (26 %) patients underwent successful relief of impaction with senna (20-30 mg/dose) combined with mineral oil. Maintenance treatment included mineral oil (15-30 ml/day) and senna at the minimum effective dose (5-15 mg/day). Satisfactory results were achieved 1 month later in 32 % of the children, 3-6 months later in 71 %, and 6-12 months later in 85 %; successful response was closely related to regular toilet habits, dietary modification and a shift in the family's attitude.

Estreñimiento funcional: estudio prospectivo y respuesta al tratamiento / Functional constipation: prospective study and treatment response

Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia del estreñimiento funcional asociado o no a encopresis, los factores implicados en su desarrollo y la respuesta al tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 62 niños en el que se incluyó cuestionario estándar (edad de comienzo, hábito higiénico, encopresis, complicaciones, encuesta dietética y factores psicológico-ambientales) y exploraciones clínica y antropométrica. Se definió estreñimiento funcional a la frecuencia de defecación inferior a 3 veces/semana con heces voluminosas o escíbalos, acompañado o no de 2 manchados/semana, sin causa orgánica. El tratamiento incluyó desmitificación, corrección de hábitos y fármacos (lubricantes y senósidos). Se reevaluaron periódicamente considerándose respuesta positiva si la defecación fue igual a 3 veces/semana, sin molestias y menos de 2 manchados/mes. Resultados y conclusiones: El estreñimiento funcional supuso el 13 % de las primeras consultas, siendo el 60 % niños y el 40 % niñas, con edad promedio de 6,1 años. Las principales manifestaciones fueron dolor a la defecación (60 %), rectorragia (42 %), episodios obstructivos (32 %) y fisuras y/o hemorroides (18 %); en 19 casos (31 %) se asoció encopresis. El 84 % estaba normonutrido y el 16 % tenían sobrepeso, siendo la alimentación deficitaria en fibra en más del 60 %. Requirieron desimpactación 16 niños con la combinación de senósidos (20-30 mg/dosis) y aceite de parafina, con total eficacia. El tratamiento de mantenimiento incluyó lubricantes (15-30 ml/día) y senósidos en la dosis mínima eficaz (media: 5-15 mg/día). La respuesta al mes fue positiva en el 32 %, a los 3-6 meses en el 71 % y a los 6-12 meses en el 85 % y se relacionó de forma estrecha con la modificación de los hábitos higiénico-dietéticos y el cambio en la actitud familiar

Objective To assess the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) with and without encopresis, the factors involved in its onset, and treatment response. Patients and methods A prospective study of 62 children was performed using a standard questionnaire (onset-age, regular toilet use, encopresis, complications, dietary habits and environmental and psychological factors) and physical and anthropometric assessment. FC was defined as a stool frequency of less than 3 bowel movements/week, with passage of large or scybalous stools, with or without 2 or more soiling episodes per week, without underlying disease. Treatment included demystification, behavioral modification and drugs (mineral oil and senna). Each child was periodically re-evaluated, and treatment was considered successful when the defecation rate was 3 or more bowel movements/week, discomfort was absent, and fecal soiling frequency was 2 or fewer episodes/ month. Results and conclusions FC accounted for 13 % of all first consultations (60 % boys, 40 % girls; mean age at diagnosis 6.1 years). The most frequent manifestations were painful defecation (60 %), rectorrhagia (42 %), obstructive episodes (34 %) and anal fissure or hemorrhoids (17 %); 19 patients (31 %) had encopresis. Nutritional assessment revealed that 84 % of the patients was well nourished and 16 % was overweight. Fiber intake was deficient in more than 60 %. Sixteen (26 %) patients underwent successful relief of impaction with senna (20-30 mg/dose) combined with mineral oil. Maintenance treatment included mineral oil (15-30 ml/day) and senna at the minimum effective dose (5-15 mg/day). Satisfactory results were achieved 1 month later in 32 % of the children, 3-6 months later in 71 %, and 6-12 months later in 85 %; successful response was closely related to regular toilet habits, dietary modification and a shift in the family's attitude

[Nutritional intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Relationship with pulmonary function]. / Intervención nutricional en niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística. Relación con la función pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of early and continuous nutritional intervention in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its possible implication in pulmonary function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Included is the follow-up of 19 patients with CF (11 female and 8 male children), from 17 months to 18 years of age, and a mean disease duration of 10 years. Genotype from 16 patients is delta F 508 (10 homozygotic, 6 heterozygotic). The following items have been performed every 2-3 months: clinical, dietary and anthropometrical assessment, classifying nutritional status (NS) by Z scores of weight/height, % of weight to height, body mass index, and Z scores of height/age. Concurrently, respiratory secretions culture and spirometry were obtained; and annually, biochemistry, hematologic and feces determinations. Nutritional intervention included: dietary recommendations, oral or invasive enteral nutrition (EN) and pharmacologic treatment with pancreatic enzymes, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and oligoelements. RESULTS AND COMMENTARIES: Most of them experienced anthropometrical improvement being significant for weight, the relationship of weight/height and the tricipital fold (p < 0.05). The Z score for height has remained steady. Sixteen patients (84%) have developed exocrine pancreatic failure, and 3 (16%) glucose intolerance. Fourteen (73%) have been colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Last mean spirometry values were: FVC (%) 85.4 +/- 18.6 and FEV1 (%) 85.9 +/- 24.1, with a significant correlation between % of weight to height and FVC (coefficient 0.552, p = 0.022) and FEV1 (coefficient 0.625, p = 0.007). Seventy nine percent have required some sort of nutritional support: 3 cases (16%) invasive EN, and the remaining oral EN. CONCLUSIONS: Without nutritional support, many patients with CF do not seem to meet their demands. EN monitoring allows for and early and effective intervention. A close correlation has been demonstrated between nutritional status and pulmonary function.

Intervención nutricional en niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística. Relación con la función pulmonar / Nutritional intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Relationship with pulmonary function

Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la intervención nutricional precoz y continuada en pacientes pediátricos con fibrosis quística (FQ) y su posible implicación en la función pulmonar. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyen el seguimiento de 19 pacientes con FQ (11 niñas, 8 niños) de 17 meses a 18 años de edad y promedio de 10 años de enfermedad. El genotipo de 16 pacientes es delta F 508 (10 homo, 6 heterocigotos). Cada 2-3 meses se les ha realizado: valoración clínica, dietética y antropométrica clasificando el estado de nutrición (EN) según Z pesto/talla, % peso para la talla, índice de masa corporal y Z talla/edad. Coincidentemente se obtuvo cultivo de secreciones respiratorias y espirometría; y anualmente determinaciones bioquímicas, hematológicas y de heces. La intervención nutricional incluyó: recomendaciones dietéticas, nutrición enteral (NE) oral o invasiva y tratamiento farmacológico con enzimas pancreáticos, vitaminas liposolubles, minerales y oligoelementos. Resultados y comentarios: La mayoría experimentaron mejoría antropométrica resultando significativa para el peso, relación peso/talla y pliegue tricipital (p < 0,05). La puntuación Z se ha mantenido estable. Dieciséis pacientes (84%) han desarrollado insuficiencia pancreática exocrina y 3 (16%) intolerancia a la glucosa. Catorce (73%) se han colonizado por Pseudomonas aeuroginosa. Los valores promedio de la última espirometría fueron: FVC (%) 85,4 ± 18,6 y FEV1 (%) 85,9 ± 24,1 encontrándose una correlación positiva significativa entre el % del peso para la talla y FVC (coef 0,552, p = 0,022) y con FEV1 (coef. 0,625; p = 0,007). El 79% han requerido algún tipo de apoyo nutritional: 3 casos (16%) NE invasiva y el resto tratamiento con NE oral. Conclusiones: Sin soporte nutricional muchos pacientes con FQ no parecen cubrir su requerimientos. La monitorización del EN permite la actuación precoz y efectiva. Se demuestra una correlación estrecha entre el estado de nutrición y la función pulmonar (AU)

Objective: To assess the effects of early and continuous nutritional intervention in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its possible implication in pulmonary function. Patients and methods:Included is the follow-up of 19 patients with CF (11 female and 8 male children), from 17 months to 18 years of age, and a mean disease duration of 10 years. Genotype from 16 patients is delta F 508 (10 homozygotic, 6 heterozygotic). The following items have been performed every 2-3 months: clinical, dietary and anthropometrical assessment, classifying nutritional status (NS) by Z scores of weight/height, % of weight to height, body mass index, and Z scores of height/age. Concurrently, respiratory secretions culture and spirometry were obtained; and annually, biochemistry, hematologic and feces determinations. Nutritional intervention included: dietary recommendations, oral or invasive enteral nutrition (EN) and pharmacologic treatment with pancreatic enzymes, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and oligoelements. Results and commentaries: Most of them experienced anthropometrical improvement being significant for weight, the relationship of weight/height and the tricipital fold (p < 0.05). The Z score for height has remained steady. Sixteen patients (84%) have developed exocrine pancreatic failure, and 3 (16%) glucose intolerance. Fourteen (73%) have been colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Last mean spirometry values were: FVC (%) 85.4 ± 18.6 and FEV1 (%) 85.9 ± 24.1, with a significant correlation between % of weight to height and FVC (coefficient 0.552, p = 0.022) and FEV1 (coefficient 0.625, p = 0.007). Seventy nine percent have required some sort of nutritional support: 3 cases (16%) invasive EN, and the remaining oral EN. Conclusions: Without nutritional support, many patients with CF do not seem to meet their demands. EN monitoring allows for and early and effective intervention. A close correlation has been demonstrated between nutritional status and pulmonary function (AU)

[Cerebral infarct secondary to carotid artery dissection]. / Infarto cerebral isquémico por disección de arteria carótida interna.

Dissection of the internal carotid artery is an important cause of ischemic stroke in children and young patients. Trauma and/or an underlying structural defect of the arterial wall have been suggested to be predisposing factors. The typical patient presents with ipsilateral headache or neck pain, ipsilateral Horner's syndrome and delayed ischemic symptoms. Diagnosis is given by ultrasound, transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography and conventional angiography. Treatment of this type of injury includes anticoagulation therapy, antiplatelet therapy and surgery. We report a 14-year-old boy with internal carotid artery dissection who presented with ischemic stroke.

Infarto cerebral isquémico por disección de arteria carótida interna / Ischemic stroke secondary to carotid artery dissection

La disección de la arteria carótida interna es una causa importante de ictus isquémico en niños y pacientes jóvenes. En la patogenia se han implicado traumatismos y/o un posible defecto estructural de la pared arterial. Las manifestaciones clínicas típicas incluyen cefalea o dolor de cuello y síndrome de Horner en el lado de la disección, con la aparición después de síntomas isquémicos cerebrales. La ecografía, el Doppler transcraneal, la resonancia magnética (RM), la angiorresonancia y la angiografía proporcionan el diagnóstico. Las opciones de tratamiento comprenden anticoagulantes, antiagregantes plaquetarios y cirugía. Presentamos un adolescente de 14 años con un ictus isquémico secundario a disección de la arteria carótida interna. (AU)

[Urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, uric acid and oxalic acid in normal children]. / Excreción urinaria de calcio, magnesio, ácido úrico y ácido oxálico en niños normales.

A group of normal children with a free diet was studied. Their first morning urine (n = 176) and their 24-hour-urine (n = 64) was collected, valuing the calciuria, magnesiuria, uricosuria and oxaluria, establishing their relationship with a dietetic survey. Ca/Cr rate value was 0.13 +/- 0.7 mg/mg in the morning urine, and 0.12 +/- 0.06 mg/mg in the 24-hour-urine. Calciuria (mg/kg/day) was 2.46 +/- 1.45, higher to that noticed by other authors. Prevalence of hypercalciuria was 7.8%. We haven't noticed any correlation between the calciuria (mg/kg/day) and the consumption of proteins and carbohydrates. A positive correlation was found between Ca/Cr and Na/Cr rate, together with high natriuria (3.87 +/- 1.35 mEq/kg/day); these findings could justify the elevated calciuria in the children studied. Mean values of magnesium and uric acid were 0.04 +/- 0.02 and 0.30 +/- 0.08 mg/100 ml FG, respectively and the oxaluria was 34.51 +/- 16.35 mg/day/1.73 m2.