Role of dexamethasone in controlling the proinflammatory cytokine cascade in the first episode of paediatric acute pyelonephritis.

AIM: Febrile urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection in childhood. The kidney damage after acute pyelonephritis (APN) could be related to the stimulation of the proinflammatory response. We aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines and the effect of dexamethasone after a first episode of APN. METHODS: Subanalysis of the DEXCAR RCT in which children with confirmed APN (1 month-14 years) were randomly assigned to receive a 3 days course of either intravenous dexamethasone or placebo. Urinary cytokine levels at diagnosis and after 72 h of treatment were measured. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were recruited. Younger patients, males and those with abnormalities in the ultrasound study or vesicoureteral reflux showed higher values of urinary cytokines. Patients with severe APN had higher Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)α levels (81.0 ± 75.8 vs. 33.6 ± 48.5 pg/mg creatinine, p = 0.015). Both intervention groups showed similar basal clinical characteristics, including urinary cytokine levels. Treatment reduced urinary cytokine levels irrespective of dexamethasone administration. Neither the intervention group nor the urinary cytokine levels modulated the development of kidney scars. CONCLUSION: Basal urinary cytokines were associated with age, abnormal ultrasound and vesicoureteral reflux. Patients with severe APN had higher TNFa urinary levels. Administration of dexamethasone in children with APN does not improve the control of the proinflammatory cytokine cascade.

Airway surface liquid pH in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis / PH del líquido de la vía aérea en pacientes pediátricos con fibrosis quística

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have more acidic airway surface liquid (ASL), which can denature antimicrobial defensins. Induced sputum is non-invasive and is as representative as bronchoalveolar lavage. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to analyse the ASL pH obtained by induced sputum and assess the relationship between clinical features in paediatric CF patients. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in CF paediatric patients. Sputum was induced in a patient by inhaling 4.5% hypertonic saline, the sputum was collected into a sterile container for pathological analysis, and the pH was measured from the liquid part (ASL) in a gas machine. Results: A total of 27 patients were included in the study: mean age (11.96 ± 3.9) years, mean sweat test (99.38 ± 17.76) ng/L, common mutation Del508F (N24, 88.8%), mean FEV1% 91.94% ± –12.6%, Staphylococcus colonization 14 (51.9%), normal chest CT 8 (29.6%), air trapping 12 (44.4%), bronchiectasis 6 (22.2%), and mean ASL pH 6.72 ± 0.06 (n = 15). A significant correlation was found between a higher sweat test and lower ASL pH (R = 0.683, p = 0.005). There were no differences between altered chest CT (p = 0.199) and positive Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.17). Conclusion: This is the first publication that use induced sputum to obtain the ASL pH in CF patients. The ASL pH in CF patients is usually acidic and correlated with altered transmembrane function conductance. (AU)

Antecedentes: Los pacientes con fibrosis quística (FQ) tienen el líquido de la vía aérea (ASL) ácido, provocando desnaturalización de defensinas antimicrobianas. El esputo inducido es reproducible, no invasivo y la muestra es equiparable al lavado broncoalveolar. Objetivo: Evaluar el pH ASL obtenido por esputo inducido y analizar sus implicaciones clínicas, en niños FQ. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo desarrollado en niños FQ. El esputo se indujo mediante inhalación de solución salina hipertónica 4,5%. Se recolectó el esputo y posterior al análisis patológico el ASL se colocó en una jeringa y se midió pH con una máquina de gases. Resultados: Se incluyeron 27 pacientes: edad (11,96 ± 3,9) años, test del sudor (99,38 ± 17,76) ng/L, variante común Del508F (N24, 88,8%), FEV1% 91,94% ± 12,6%, Staphylococcus 14 (51,9%), TAC pulmonar normal 8 (29,6%), atrapamiento 12 (44,4%), bronquiectasias 6 (22,2%), pH ASL 6,72 ± 0,06 (n = 15). Se observó correlación significativa entre niveles elevados del test del sudor y pH ASL ácido (R = 0,683, p = 0,005). No hubo correlación entre pH ASL y TAC pulmonar alterado (p = 0,199) o S. aureus positivo (p = 0,17). Conclusiones: Esta es la primera publicación que utiliza esputo inducido para medir pH del ASL en FQ. El pH ASL se correlacionó con la alteración del gen de conductancia transmembranal. (AU)

Effect of Protein Intake Early in Life on Kidney Volume and Blood Pressure at 11 Years of Age.

High protein intake has been associated with kidney hypertrophy, which is usually reversible; however, when it occurs early in life, it could lead to cell programming with a long-lasting effect. This study aimed to assess whether higher protein ingestion early in life has a persistent effect on kidney volume at 11 years of age, as well as its influence on blood pressure. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial that compared the growth of infants fed with a higher-protein formula versus those fed with a lower-protein formula, with a control group of breastfed infants. Renal ultrasound and anthropometric measurements were assessed at 6 months and 11 years of age. At 11 years, urinary protein, albumin and creatinine, and blood pressure were measured in 232 children. Feeding with a higher-protein formula was associated with a larger kidney volume (ß = 8.71, 95%CI 0.09-17.33, p = 0.048) and higher systolic blood pressure (ß = 3.43, 95%CI 0.78-6.08, p = 0.011) at 11 years of age. Microalbuminuria was detected in 7% of the patients, with no differences among groups (p = 0.56). The effect of increased protein ingestion early in life may condition kidney volume and blood pressure in later childhood.

New diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children during the COVID-19 pandemic Regional multicenter study in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to determine whether during the year 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in children compared to the previous 2 years. It is also to find out if lockdowns and the difficulty providing face-to-face care in the health system have led to children showing more severe symptoms at the time of diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational multicenter study of the province of Tarragona where data is collected from new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in patients under the age of 15 during the year 2020 and compared with years 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: The number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes during 2020 was 37 cases compared to 2019 and 2018 which was 23 and 29 respectively. The median age at onset was 9 years, 54% males. There was an increase in new diagnoses in the range of 10 to14-year-olds, with a decrease in the range of 0-4 year-olds. In 2020, the incidence in the group of patients with families from the Maghreb area rose from 52.2 cases per 100,000 population/year (c/105 p-y) in 2019 to 135.8 in 2020. Compared to the previous year, 2020 showed a significant decrease of ketoacidosis at the onset. None of the patients was diagnosed with COVID-19 during admission. CONCLUSION: During the year 2020 concurring with the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatrics. Contrary to expectations, the presentation did not worsen by decreasing the proportions of ketoacidosis at onset. This data would suggest that, although attendance in the different health facilities dropped drastically during the year 2020 at the expense of virtual consultations, health systems and families were able to detect the symptoms of the disease early.

Effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on child blood pressure in a European cohort.

Hypertension is a public health issue that can have its origin in the early phases of development. Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) could play a role in offspring's cardio-metabolic programming. To assess the relationship between MSDP and later blood pressure (BP) in children we conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized dietary intervention trial (EU-Childhood Obesity Project). Healthy term infants with normal birth weight were recruited during the first 8 weeks of life in 5 European countries and followed until 11 years of age. Data on MSDP was collected at recruitment. BP and anthropometry were assessed at 11 years of age. Children were classified according to AAP guidelines as normal BP: BP < 90th percentile; high BP: ≥ 90th percentile with the subset of children having BP > 95th percentile categorized as hypertensive. Out of 572 children, 20% were exposed to MSDP. At 11 years, 26.8% had BP over the 90th centile. MSDP beyond 12 weeks of gestation was associated with higher systolic BP percentile (adjusted B 6.935; 95% CI 0.454, 13.429; p = 0.036) and over twofold increase likelihood of hypertension (OR 2.195; 95% CI 1.089, 4.423; p = 0.028) in children at 11 years. MSDP was significantly associated with later BP in children.

[New diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional multicenter study in Spain]. / Nuevos diagnósticos de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 en niños durante la pandemia COVID-19. Estudio multicéntrico regional en España.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine whether during the year 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in children compared to the previous 2 years. It is also to find out if lockdowns and the difficulty providing face-to-face care in the health system have led to children showing more severe symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Material and methods: Retrospective observational multicenter study of the province of Tarragona where data is collected from new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in patients under the age of 15 during the year 2020 and compared with years 2018 and 2019. Results: The number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes during 2020 was 37 cases compared to 2019 and 2018 which was 23 and 29 respectively. The median age at onset was 9 years, 54% males. There was an increase in new diagnoses in the range of 10 to14-year-olds, with a decrease in the range of 0 to 4 year-olds. In 2020, the incidence in the group of patients with families from the Maghreb area rose from 52.2 cases per 100,000 population/year (c/105 p-y) in 2019 to 135.8 in 2020. Compared to the previous year, 2020 showed a significant decrease of ketoacidosis at the onset. None of the patients was diagnosed with COVID-19 during admission. Conclusion: During the year 2020 concurring with the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatrics. Contrary to expectations, the presentation did not worsen by decreasing the proportions of ketoacidosis at onset. This data would suggest that, although attendance in the different health facilities dropped drastically during the year 2020 at the expense of virtual consultations, health systems and families were able to detect the symptoms of the disease early.

Dexamethasone to prevent kidney scarring in acute pyelonephritis: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in childhood and is associated with long-term complications. We aimed to assess the effect of adjuvant dexamethasone treatment on reducing kidney scarring after acute pyelonephritis (APN) in children. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (RCT) where children from 1 month to 14 years of age with proven APN were randomly assigned to receive a 3-day course of either an intravenous corticosteroid (dexamethasone 0.30 mg per kg/day) twice daily or placebo. The late technetium 99 m-dimercaptosuric acid scintigraphy (> 6 months after acute episode) was performed to assess kidney scar persistence. Kidney scarring risk factors (vesicoureteral reflux, kidney congenital anomalies, or urinary tract dilatation) were also assessed. RESULTS: Ninety-one participants completed the follow-up and were finally included (dexamethasone n = 49 and placebo n = 42). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Twenty participants showed persistent kidney scarring after > 6 months of follow-up without differences in incidence between groups (22% and 21% in the dexamethasone and placebo groups, p = 0.907). Renal damage severity in the early DMSA (ß = 0.648, p = 0.023) and procalcitonin values (ß = 0.065 p = 0.027) significantly modulated scar development. Vesicoureteral reflux grade showed a trend towards significance (ß = 0.545, p = 0.054), but dexamethasone treatment showed no effect. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone showed no effect on reducing the risk of scar formation in children with APN. Hence, there is no evidence for an adjuvant corticosteroid treatment recommendation in children with APN. However, the study was limited by not achieving the predicted sample size and the expected scar formation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02034851. Registered in January 14, 2014. "A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information."

Utilidad del antígeno para el diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con y sin síntomas / Usefulness of the antigen for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with and without symptoms

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Actinomicosi com a causa d'abscessos laterocervicals recidivants / Actinomicosis como causa de abscesos laterocervicales de repetición / Actinomycosis as a cause of recurrent cervical abscesses

Introducció: l'adenitis cervical aguda és relativament freqüent en pediatria. Davant adenitis o abscessos cervicals de repetició o d'evolució tòrpida, cal descartar malformacions congènites (quist branquial, fístula del si piriforme o quist tiroglòs), infeccions per micobacteris i immunodeficiències. Altres causes més infreqüents són la nocardiosi, l'actinomicosi, la toxoplasmosi i els tumors. Cas clínic: es presenta el cas d'una nena de 7 anys amb antecedents d'abscessos laterocervicals de repetició (cinc episodis des dels 2 anys) que consulta per nou episodi. Prèviament havia requerit drenatge quirúrgic en quatre ocasions (amigdalectomia i marsupialització de l'abscés en un episodi). Els estudis microbiològics havien mostrat creixement de flora orofaríngia, i els estudis d'imatge no havien objectivat malformacions. En l'episodi actual es realitza drenatge i s'aïlla Actinomyces odontolyticus al cultiu anaerobi del material purulent drenat. Completa cinc setmanes d'antibioteràpia endovenosa i sis mesos més amb tractament oral, i presenta una evolució excel•lent. Comentaris: l'actinomicosi és una malaltia infreqüent cau-sada per bacteris del gènere Actinomyces. La forma de presentació més habitual és la d'abscessos cervicals recidivants. L'aïllament del germen no sempre és fàcil perquè requereix condicions específiques per obtenir creixement. La presència de grànuls de sulfur a la histologia pot ajudar al diagnòstic. L'actinomicosi requereix desbridament quirúrgic i/o drenatge i tractament antibiòtic perllongat per tal d'aconseguir la curació definitiva

Introducción. La adenitis cervical aguda es relativamente frecuente en pediatría. Ante adenitis o abscesos cervicales de repetición o de evolución tórpida es necesario descartar malformaciones congénitas (quiste branquial, fístula del seno piriforme o quiste tirogloso), infecciones por micobacterias e inmunodeficiencias. Otras causas más infrecuentes son la nocardiosis, la actinomicosis, la toxoplasmosis y los tumores. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 años con antecedentes de abscesos laterocervicales de repetición (cinco episodios desde los 2 años) que consulta por nuevo episodio. Previamente había requerido drenaje quirúrgico en cuatro ocasiones (amigdalectomía y marsupialización del absceso en un episodio). Los estudios microbiológicos habían mostrado crecimiento de flora orofaríngea y los estudios de imagen no habían objetivado malformaciones. En el episodio actual se realiza drenaje y se aísla Actinomyces odontolyticus en el cultivo anaerobio del material purulento drenado. Completa cinco semanas de antibioterapia endovenosa y seis meses más con tratamiento oral, presentando excelente evolución. Comentarios. La actinomicosis es una enfermedad infrecuente causada por bacterias del género Actinomyces. La forma de presentación más habitual es la de abscesos cervicales recidivantes. El aislamiento del germen no siempre es fácil porque requiere condiciones específicas para obtener crecimiento. La presencia de gránulos de sulfuro en la histología puede ayudar al diagnóstico. La actinomicosis requiere desbridamiento quirúrgico y/o drenaje y tratamiento antibiótico prolongado para conseguir la curación definitiva (AU)

Introduction. Acute cervical adenitis is quite frequent in paediatrics. In the presence of recurrent or refractory adenitis or cervical abscesses it is necessary to rule-out congenital malformations (branchial cleft cyst, pyriform sinus or thyroglossal cyst), mycobacterial infections and immunodeficiencies. Other less common causes are nocardiosis, actinomycosis, and tumours. Case report. A 7-year-old girl with history of repeated cervical abscesses (five episodes since she was 2 years old) returned for a new-onset cervical abscess. Previously she required surgical drainage in four occasions (in one episode tonsillectomy and marsupialization was done). Microbiological studies revealed normal oropharyngeal flora, immunological evaluation was normal, and no congenital malformations were detected on imaging studies. In the current episode an anaerobic culture of the drainage grew Actinomyces odontolyticus. The patient responded well to 5 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy and 6 more months of oral treatment, with full resolution. Comments. Actinomycosis is an infrequent disease caused by bacteria from Actinomyces genera. The more usual presentation is repeated cervical abscesses. The isolation of the bacterium can be congènidifficult as it requires specific anaerobic conditions for growth. The presence of sulfur granules in histology can help with the diagnosis. Actinomycosis requires surgical debridement or drainage and extended antibiotic course for definitive treatment and full recovery (AU)

Nen de 2 anys amb abdomen agut i ascites / No disponible

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