How can we improve the quality of health care in hospital attendance of medically complex children? / ¿Cómo podemos mejorar la calidad de la atención hospitalaria de los pacientes crónicos complejos en pediatría?

Hospital care of medically complex children (MCC) is increasing, although its real prevalence in Spain is unknown. OBJECTIVE: to analyze hospital admissions and outpatient follow-up of MCC in order to identify strategies to improve the quality of care of MCC. PATIENTS AND METHOD: An analytical, observational, and retrospective study was carried out. We included MCC who were admitted to Pediatric Hospitalization in the last 5 years, in a tertiary hospital without a specific unit for MCC. Clinical data related to their underlying pathology, outpatient visits, and hospital admissions were collected. A multivariate study was carried out to describe risk factors of the need for technological support and to predict prolonged admissions and the hospital consultation rate. RESULTS: 99 MCC (55.6% males) aged 3.9 (2-8) years were included. 41.4% of MCC required technological support at home and presented the highest number of comorbidities, hospital admissions, and care by different specialists (p < 0.01). Older MCC (p < 0.01) with underlying digestive disease (p < 0.04) and respiratory comorbidity (p < 0.04) presented a longer mean hospital stays. Younger patients with more admissions, longer average stay, and a lack of follow-up by the link nurse were associated with a greater number of annual consultations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MCC require a high number of annual consultations and have long hospital stays. The creation of specialized consultations for MCC, multidisciplinary care, and the participation of the link nurse are strategies to improve the quality of care for MCC in hospitals without specific MCC units.

Clinical Relevance of RSV and SARS-CoV-2 Coinfections in Infants and Young Children.

We analyzed the frequency, clinical impact and severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 coinfections in a single pediatric center between March 2020 and January 2023. Compared to single RSV infections, RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfections were uncommon (2.1%), occurred more frequently during circulation of omicron, and were associated with increased disease severity as defined by longer hospitalization and increased need for high-flow nasal cannula.

Clinical Phenotype of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis before and during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this report was to comprehensively analyze the clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in 2021 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare them with those in the five previous RSV seasons. We hypothesized that the clinical and demographic features of children hospitalized with RSV infection in 2021 were different from those hospitalized in previous respiratory seasons. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective observational study, children younger than 2 years hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021, at the Department of Pediatrics of the Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, were included. We compared the clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis in the five seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the subsequent off-seasonal surge of RSV infections. RESULTS: We found a significant reduction in hospitalizations for RSV bronchiolitis during the usual winter epidemic period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children hospitalized with RSV infection in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, were older than children hospitalized in the prepandemic period (2015-2020; 4.0 [1.6-9.2] vs. 3 [1.5-6.5] months; p < 0.01). We also found shorter duration of oxygen days during the COVID-19 period compared with previous respiratory seasons (3 [2-5] vs. 4 [2-6] days; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic modified the RSV seasonality with a significant reduction in RSV hospitalizations during the expected 2020-2021 season and a reappearance of RSV 7 months later than expected. We also found changes in the median age of children with RSV bronchiolitis during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic compared with the prepandemic RSV seasons and shorter duration of oxygen days suggesting a modest reduction in disease severity. We hypothesize that this observation reflects the lack of RSV circulation in the previous months (April 2020-March 2021), with a larger pool of vulnerable infants that had not been previously infected. KEY POINTS: · The COVID-19 pandemic shifted RSV seasonality.. · RSV children hospitalized during the pandemic were older.. · Modest reduction in disease severity was observed during the pandemic..

¿Sobreestimamos las necesidades de líquidos? Complicaciones del uso de sueros isotónicos de mantenimiento en plantas de hospitalización pediátrica / Do we overestimate intravenous fluid therapy needs? Adverse effects related to isotonic solutions during paediatric hospital admissions

Introducción: La fluidoterapia intravenosa es un tratamiento ampliamente utilizado en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las complicaciones asociadas al uso de sueros isotónicos de mantenimiento en pacientes hospitalizados y comparar la frecuencia de aparición de estas complicaciones con distintos ritmos de administración. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados de entre tres meses y 15 años de edad que recibieron tratamiento con fluidoterapia isotónica 0,9% con glucosa al 5% durante las primeras 24 horas de ingreso. Se dividieron en dos cohortes según el ritmo de fluidoterapia: restringido<100% vs. no restringido cercano al 100% necesidades basales (NNBB), calculadas según la regla de Holliday y Segar. Se recogieron variables clínicas y analíticas en dos tiempos de estudio (T0 al ingreso y T1 a las 24 horas de la fluidoterapia). Se realizó un estudio uni y multivariante para identificar factores de riesgo de complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron 84 pacientes, de los cuales 33 recibieron fluidoterapia restringida y 51 pacientes con 100% NNBB. Las principales complicaciones desarrolladas en las primeras 24 horas fueron hipercloremia> 110 mEq/L (16,6%) y edemas (19%). La aparición de edemas fue más frecuente en pacientes de menor edad (p <0,01) y la hipercloremia se asoció con el desarrollo de edemas (OR 1,73 [1,0-3,8]), p=0,06. Conclusiones: La administración de sueros isotónicos no está exenta de complicaciones, probablemente relacionadas con el ritmo de administración y más frecuentes en lactantes. Son necesarios estudios que revisen las necesidades de líquidos en niños hospitalizados. (AU)

Introduction: Maintenance intravenous fluids are frequently used in hospitalised paediatric patients. The aim of the study was to describe the adverse effects of isotonic fluid therapy in hospitalised patients, and its prevalence based on the rate of infusion. Materials and methods: A prospective clinical observational study was designed. We included hospitalised patients between 3 months-old and 15-years-old were included with 0.9% isotonic solutions with 5% glucose within the first 24h of administration. They were divided into two groups, depending on the quantity of liquid they received (restricted<100% vs. 100% maintenance needs). Clinical data and laboratory findings were recorded in two different times (T0 when they were admitted to hospital and T1 within the first 24h of administration). Results: The study included 84 patients, 33 received <100% maintenance needs and 51 patients received around 100%. The main adverse effects notified in the first 24h of administration were hyperchloremia>110mEq/L (16.6%) and oedema (19%). Oedema was more frequent in patients with lower age (p<0.01). The hyperchloremia at 24h of intravenous fluids was an independent risk factor of developing oedema (OR 1.73 [1.0–3.8], p=0.06). Conclusions: The use of isotonic fluids is not free from adverse effects, probably related to the rate of infusion and more likely to appear in infants. It is necessary more studies that review the correct estimation of intravenous fluid needs in hospitalised children. (AU)

Situación actual y retos de los pediatras españoles en el manejo del dolor infantil / Challenges and current status of children pain management in Spain

El dolor en Pediatría es un síntoma con frecuencia infradiagnosticado y deficientemente tratado a pesar de su prevalencia, siendo el déficit de conocimientos de los pediatras una de las barreras para garantizar un manejo eficaz. El presente trabajo describe el escenario actual y los retos en el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico del dolor infantil por pediatras en nuestro medio. Los resultados se obtienen de un estudio transversal descriptivo que se realiza entre octubre de 2021 y marzo de 2022 mediante encuesta de difusión a pediatras españoles diseñada por el Grupo Español para el Estudio de Dolor Pediátrico. Se pone el foco especialmente en las oportunidades de formación en diferentes aspectos del dolor pediátrico. (AU)

Pain in children population is prevalent, but its proper diagnosis and management are frequently insufficient in pediatrics daily practice. Lack of knowledge of the professionals in charge is a recognized barrier to ensure an appropiate approach to pain in this population. Our present study reflects the current status of pain management and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment that pediatricians face in their daily work. This information is obtained from a survey made with a voluntary questionaire, desinged and distributed online by Grupo Español para el Estudio del Dolor Pediátrico to pediatricians in Spain from October 2021 to March 2022. The final objective of the questionaire was to shed some light into the problem and find out which areas of pain management knowledge are in need of improvement. (AU)

Challenges and current status of children pain management in Spain.

Pain in children population is prevalent, but its proper diagnosis and management are frequently insufficient in pediatrics daily practice. Lack of knowledge of the professionals in charge is a recognized barrier to ensure an appropiate approach to pain in this population. Our present study reflects the current status of pain management and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment that pediatricians face in their daily work. This information is obtained from a survey made with a voluntary questionaire, desinged and distributed online by "Grupo Español para el Estudio del Dolor Pediátrico (GEEDP)" to pediatricians in Spain from october 2021 to march 2022. The final objective of the questionaire was to shed some light into the problem and find out which areas of pain management knowledge are in need of improvent.

Do we overestimate intravenous fluid therapy needs? Adverse effects related to isotonic solutions during pediatric hospital admissions.

INTRODUCTION: Maintenance intravenous fluids are frequently used in hospitalised pediatric patients. The aim of the study was to describe the adverse effects of isotonic fluid therapy in hospitalised patients, and its prevalence based on the rate of infusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective clinical observational study was designed. We included hospitalised patients between 3 months-old and 15-years-old were included with 0,9% isotonic solutions with 5% glucose within the first 24 h of administration. They were divided into two groups, depending on the quantity of liquid they received (restricted <100% vs 100% maintenance needs). Clinical data and laboratory findings were recorded in two different times (T0 when they were admitted to hospital and T1 within the first 24 h of administration). RESULTS: The study included 84 patients, 33 received <100% maintenance needs and 51 patients received around 100%. The main adverse effects notified in the first 24 h of administration were hyperchloremia >110 mEq/L (16.6%) and oedema (19%). Oedema was more frequent in patients with lower age (p < 0,01). The hyperchloremia at 24 h of intravenous fluids was an independent risk factor of developing oedema (OR 1,73 (1,0-3,8), p = 0,06). CONCLUSION: The use of isotonic fluids is not free from adverse effects, probably related to the rate of infusion and more likely to appear in infants. It`s necessary more studies that review the correct estimation of intravenous fluid needs in hospitalized children.

Nasal and Fecal Microbiota and Immunoprofiling of Infants With and Without RSV Bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis associated with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants aged < 1 year. The main objective of this work was to assess the nasal and fecal microbiota and immune profiles in infants with RSV bronchiolitis, and to compare them with those of healthy infants. For this purpose, a total of 58 infants with RSV-positive bronchiolitis and 17 healthy infants (aged < 18 months) were recruited in this case-control study, which was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Gregorio Marañón. Nasal and fecal samples were obtained and submitted to bacterial microbiota analysis by 16S rDNA sequencing and to analysis of several immune factors related to inflammatory processes. Nasal samples in which Haemophilus and/or Moraxella accounted for > 20% of the total sequences were exclusively detected among infants of the bronchiolitis group. In this group, the relative abundances of Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were significantly lower than in nasal samples from the control group while the opposite was observed for those of Haemophilus and Mannheimia. Fecal bacterial microbiota of infants with bronchiolitis was similar to that of healthy infants. Significant differences were obtained between bronchiolitis and control groups for both the frequency of detection and concentration of BAFF/TNFSF13B and sTNF.R1 in nasal samples. The concentration of BAFF/TNFSF13B was also significantly higher in fecal samples from the bronchiolitis group. In conclusion, signatures of RSV-associated bronchiolitis have been found in this study, including dominance of Haemophilus and a high concentration of BAFF/TNFSF13B, IL-8 and sTNF.R1 in nasal samples, and a high fecal concentration of BAFF/TNFSF13B.

Parálisis súbita de la supraversión de la mirada en una niña de 9 años / Sudden paralysis of upward gaze in a 9-year-old girl

No disponible

Detección de factores de riesgo de reingreso prevenible en la hospitalización pediátrica / Detection of risk factors for preventable paediatric hospital readmissions

Introducción y objetivos: La tasa de reingresos hospitalarios es un indicador de calidad de la asistencia hospitalaria. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir factores de riesgo de reingreso prevenible en la hospitalización pediátrica. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, retrospectivo, unicéntrico realizado en las plantas de Pediatría de un hospital terciario (junio de 2012 a noviembre de 2015). Se definió reingreso al que acontecía en los primeros 30 días del ingreso previo: muy precoz (en menos de 48 h), precoz (2-7 días) y tardío (a partir de 7 días). Se definió reingreso prevenible al que ocurrió en los primeros 15 días y por la misma causa del primer ingreso. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas y clínicas. Se realizó un estudio univariante y posteriormente multivariante. Resultados: En el período de estudio ingresaron en las plantas de Pediatría General Hospitalaria 5.459 pacientes y reingresaron 226 (tasa de reingreso del 4,1%). Cuando la tasa de ocupación hospitalaria es mayor del 70%, el porcentaje global de reingresos es significativamente mayor (8,5 vs. 2,5%), p < 0,001. En el análisis de regresión de Cox se objetivó que la presencia de enfermedad de base y el número de visitas a urgencias desde el alta son factores de predicción de reingreso prevenible. Conclusiones: La tasa de reingresos es mayor en los períodos de mayor presión asistencial. El reingreso de los pacientes con patología crónica de base es prevenible, y por lo tanto hay que diseñar estrategias para intentar evitarlo

Introduction and objectives: Readmission rate is an indicator of the quality of hospital care. The aim of the study is to identify potential preventable factors for paediatric readmission. Material and methods: A descriptive, analytical, longitudinal, and single centre study was carried out in the Paediatric Hospitalisation ward of a tertiary hospital during the period from June 2012 to November 2015. Readmission was defined as the one that occurs in the first 30 days of previous admission, as very early readmission if it occurs in the first 48 hours, early readmission in the 2-7 days, and late readmission if occurs after 7 days. Preventable readmission is defined as one that takes place in the first 15 days and for the same reason as the first admission. Epidemiological and clinical variables were analysed. A univariate and multivariate study was carried out. Results: In the study period, 5,459 patients were admitted to the paediatric hospital, of which 226 of them were readmissions (rate of readmission: 4.1%). When the hospital occupation rate was greater than 70%, the overall percentage of readmissions was significantly higher (8.5% vs 2.5%; P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, it was found that having a chronic disease and the number of visits to emergency care units before admission, are predictive factors of preventable readmission. Conclusions: The rate of readmissions is greater in the periods of higher care pressure. The readmission of patients with chronic condition is preventable, and therefore strategies must be designed to try to avoid them

Disminuyendo el dolor en los procedimientos invasivos durante la hospitalización pediátrica: ¿ficción, realidad o realidad virtual? / Reducing the pain in invasive procedures during paediatric hospital admissions: Fiction, reality or virtual reality?

Introducción: La realización de procedimientos invasivos dolorosos con fines terapéuticos o diagnósticos en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados es frecuente en la práctica diaria. Se deben buscar estrategias encaminadas a disminuir el dolor y la ansiedad durante estas técnicas, como el uso de realidad virtual (RV). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y prospectivo, en el cual se incluyeron todos los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados de entre 4 y 15 años que precisaron procedimientos invasivos. Se recogieron escalas de valoración de dolor y ansiedad a los pacientes (ajustadas a su edad), familiares y personal sanitario y se comparó el uso de la RV, de manera aislada y asociado a una crema anestésica (prilocaína/lidocaína crema 2,5%), con un grupo control en el que no se utilizó ninguna técnica analgésica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 58 pacientes, de los cuales 38 usaron la RV (grupo RV) y 20 pacientes no recibieron ninguna técnica analgésica ni de distracción (grupo control). El uso de RV disminuyó las puntuaciones en la mediana de las escalas de dolor en niños, familiares y personal sanitario (grupo control 4/5 vs. grupo RV 1/5, p < 0,001), y en las escalas de ansiedad en niños (grupo control 4/5 vs. grupo RV 1/5, p = 0,001). En el análisis multivariante, el número de punciones (R2: 0,5; β: 0,6; p = 0,01) y la ausencia de técnicas coadyuvantes (β: -0,9; p = 0,02) se asociaron con puntuaciones más elevadas en la escala del dolor en niños. Comentarios: El empleo de RV disminuy:e el dolor y la ansiedad durante la realización de procedimientos invasivos en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados

Introduction: Potentially painful invasive procedures are often performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in hospitalised paediatric patients. Approaches, such as virtual reality (VR), should be sought in order to minimise pain and anxiety during these procedures. Materials and methods: Hospitalised patients between 4 and 15-years-old requiring an invasive procedure were included. Pain and anxiety evaluation scales were given to children, relatives and health workers. A comparison was made with patients in whom VR was used (with or without concomitant use of a prilocaine/ lidocaine 2.5% analgesic cream) and patients in whom neither VR nor analgesic cream were used. Results: The study included 58 patients, 38 in the VR group and 20 in the control group. Pain scores, as performed by patients, relatives and health workers, significantly decreased in the VR group (control group median 4/5 vs. VR group median 1/5, P < .001). Patient-reported anxiety scales were also lower in the VR group (control group median 4/5 vs. VR group 1/5, P = .001). The number of punctures (R2: 0.5, β: 0.6; P = .01) and the lack of analgesic techniques (β: -0.9; P = .02) were associated with higher scores in patient-reported pain scales. Comments: The use of VR can reduce pain and anxiety during invasive procedures in hospitalized children

¿Cuál es el flujo inicial idóneo en la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo para el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis en las plantas de hospitalización? / What is the optimal flow on starting high-flow oxygen therapy for bronchiolitis treatment in paediatric wards?

Introducción: La oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz de la bronquiolitis en las plantas de hospitalización. Se desconoce cuál es el flujo óptimo para iniciar esta terapia. Nuestro objetivo es analizar si hay diferencias en la evolución de los pacientes según el flujo inicial empleado. Métodos: Durante el periodo 2014-2016 se realizó un estudio clínico observacional y analítico de cohortes prospectivas en lactantes ingresados por bronquiolitis que precisaron OAF. Se establecieron dos cohortes en función del flujo inicial: cohorte 1: flujo 15 l/min (OAF-15); cohorte 2: flujo 10l/min (OAF-10). El fracaso terapéutico se definió como la presentación de pausas de apnea o a la ausencia de mejoría clínica en las siguientes 12-24 h. Se construyeron modelos probabilísticos multivariantes para identificar variables predictivas de fracaso terapéutico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes. Mediana de edad, 4 meses (RIQ2-13). Recibieron tratamiento con OAF-10 el 54% y con OAF-15 el 46%. En la cohorte OAF-15 la frecuencia respiratoria empezó a disminuir en la primera hora y en la cohorte OAF-10 a partir de las 6 primeras horas (p = 0,03). En la cohorte OAF-10 ocurrió fracaso terapéutico en el 71%, frente al 15% de la OAF-15 (p < 0,01). Precisaron ingreso en la UCIP el 35%, en la cohorte OAF-10 vs el 18% en la OAF-15 (p = 0,11). No se encontraron efectos adversos en ninguna de las cohortes. Conclusiones: La OAF a 15l/min en el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis es segura y eficaz, consigue una mejoría precoz de la frecuencia respiratoria y tiene un menor porcentaje de fracaso terapéutico

Introduction: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a safe and effective treatment in bronchiolitis in paediatric wards. The optimal flow on starting HFNC is still unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in clinical outcome of patients according the initial flow. Methods: A prospective, observational and analytical study was conducted between 2014 and 2016 on infants admitted with bronchiolitis and who required HFNC. Two cohorts were established according to the initial flow: cohort 1: flow 15 L/min (HFNC-15), and cohort 2: flow 10 L/min (HFNC-10). Treatment failure was defined as the presentation of apnoea or the absence of clinical improvement in the first 12-24 hours. Multivariate probabilistic models were built to identify predictive variables of treatment failure. Results: A total of 57 patients were included. The median age was 4 months (IQR 2-13), and 54% received treatment with HFNC-10 and 46% with HFNC-15. In HFNC-15 cohort, respiratory rate (RR) decreased in the first hour, and in the HFNC-10 cohort in the first 6hours (P = .03). In HFNC-10 cohort, treatment failure rate was 71%, compared to 15% of HFNC-15 (P < .01). Admission to PICU was required in 35% of the HFNC-10 group vs 18% in HFNC-15 (P = .11). No adverse effects were found. Conclusions: The use of HFNC 15L/min in bronchiolitis treatment in paediatric wards is safe and effective, achieves a faster improvement of respiratory rate and has a lower treatment failure rate

[Detection of risk factors for preventable paediatric hospital readmissions]. / Detección de factores de riesgo de reingreso prevenible en la hospitalización pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Readmission rate is an indicator of the quality of hospital care. The aim of the study is to identify potential preventable factors for paediatric readmission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, analytical, longitudinal, and single centre study was carried out in the Paediatric Hospitalisation ward of a tertiary hospital during the period from June 2012 to November 2015. Readmission was defined as the one that occurs in the first 30 days of previous admission, as very early readmission if it occurs in the first 48hours, early readmission in the 2-7 days, and late readmission if occurs after 7 days. Preventable readmission is defined as one that takes place in the first 15 days and for the same reason as the first admission. Epidemiological and clinical variables were analysed. A univariate and multivariate study was carried out. RESULTS: In the study period, 5,459 patients were admitted to the paediatric hospital, of which 226 of them were readmissions (rate of readmission: 4.1%). When the hospital occupation rate was greater than 70%, the overall percentage of readmissions was significantly higher (8.5% vs 2.5%; P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, it was found that having a chronic disease and the number of visits to emergency care units before admission, are predictive factors of preventable readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of readmissions is greater in the periods of higher care pressure. The readmission of patients with chronic condition is preventable, and therefore strategies must be designed to try to avoid them.

[What is the optimal flow on starting high-flow oxygen therapy for bronchiolitis treatment in paediatric wards?] / ¿Cuál es el flujo inicial idóneo en la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo para el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis en las plantas de hospitalización?

INTRODUCTION: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a safe and effective treatment in bronchiolitis in paediatric wards. The optimal flow on starting HFNC is still unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in clinical outcome of patients according the initial flow. METHODS: A prospective, observational and analytical study was conducted between 2014 and 2016 on infants admitted with bronchiolitis and who required HFNC. Two cohorts were established according to the initial flow: cohort1: flow 15L/min (HFNC-15), and cohort2: flow 10L/min (HFNC-10). Treatment failure was defined as the presentation of apnoea or the absence of clinical improvement in the first 12-24hours. Multivariate probabilistic models were built to identify predictive variables of treatment failure. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included. The median age was 4months (IQR 2-13), and 54% received treatment with HFNC-10 and 46% with HFNC-15. In HFNC-15 cohort, respiratory rate (RR) decreased in the first hour, and in the HFNC-10 cohort in the first 6hours (P=.03). In HFNC-10 cohort, treatment failure rate was 71%, compared to 15% of HFNC-15 (P<.01). Admission to PICU was required in 35% of the HFNC-10 group vs 18% in HFNC-15 (P=.11). No adverse effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HFNC 15L/min in bronchiolitis treatment in paediatric wards is safe and effective, achieves a faster improvement of respiratory rate and has a lower treatment failure rate.

Tratamiento con oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en las crisis asmáticas en la planta de hospitalización de pediatría: nuestra experiencia / Treatment with high-flow oxygen therapy in asthma exacerbations in a paediatric hospital ward: Experience from 2012 to 2016

Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia de tratamiento con OAF en pacientes ingresados por crisis asmática (CA) en una planta de hospitalización pediátrica (PHP), así como analizar la diferencia de la evolución según sean tratados de entrada con flujos de 15lpm o inferiores a 15l pm. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y analítico en niños (4 a 15 años) ingresados por CA en la PHP de un hospital terciario entre 2012 y 2016. Se compararon 2 grupos de pacientes: los tratados con OAF y los tratados con oxigenoterapia convencional; se construyó un modelo de regresión logística para identificar variables predictivas de necesidad de OAF. Se comparó la evolución de los pacientes en función del flujo de inicio de la OAF (15l pm vs <15l pm). Resultados: Se incluyeron 536 pacientes con CA, de los que 40 (7,5%) precisaron OAF. La mediana de edad fue de 5 (4-6) años. La OAF en los pacientes con CA produjo una reducción en la frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria y Pulmonary Score en las primeras 3-6horas de tratamiento. En el análisis multivariante los pacientes con una mayor puntuación en el PS y un mayor número de ingresos previos precisaron con más frecuencia OAF. Los pacientes tratados con un flujo de inicio de 15lpm ingresaron menos frecuentemente en UCIP que aquellos con flujo inicial inferior a 15lpm (13% vs. 47%, p = 0,05). Conclusión: La OAF como tratamiento de las CA en las PHP parece ser una terapia de gran utilidad. El Pulmonary Score y el número de ingresos previos permite identificar un grupo de riesgo de precisar OAF

Objective: To assess the experience with oxygen therapy with a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in hospital on patients with asthmatic exacerbation (AE) in a paediatric ward, and to assess the clinical outcome according with the initial oxygen flow (15l pm or < 15l pm). Methods: This was a retrospective study of children aged 4 to 15 years with AE admitted to a paediatric ward in a tertiary level hospital between 2012 and 2016. Two groups of patients were compared; Group 1: patients treated with HFNC, and Group 2: patients treated with conventional oxygen therapy. A logistic regression model was constructed in order to identify predictive variables of HFNC. The clinical outcome of the patients was also compared according to the initial flow of HFNC (15l pm VS <15l pm). Results: The study included a total of 536 patients with AE, 40 (7.5%) of whom required HFNC. The median age was 5 (4-6) years. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and Pulmonary Score (PS) significantly decreased at 3-6 hours after starting HFNC in Group 1. In the multivariate analysis, patients with high Pulmonary Score values and greater number of previous admissions required HFNC more frequently. Patients treated with an initial flow of 15lpm were admitted less frequently to the PICU than those with an initial flow less than 15lpm (13% vs 47%, p = .05). Conclusion: HFNC seems to be a useful therapy for asthma exacerbation in paediatric wards. Severity of Pulmonary Score and the number of previous admissions could enable a risk group that needs HFNC to be identified

[Reducing the pain in invasive procedures during paediatric hospital admissions: Fiction, reality or virtual reality?] / Disminuyendo el dolor en los procedimientos invasivos durante la hospitalización pediátrica: ¿ficción, realidad o realidad virtual?

INTRODUCTION: Potentially painful invasive procedures are often performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in hospitalised paediatric patients. Approaches, such as virtual reality (VR), should be sought in order to minimise pain and anxiety during these procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospitalised patients between 4 and 15-years-old requiring an invasive procedure were included. Pain and anxiety evaluation scales were given to children, relatives and health workers. A comparison was made with patients in whom VR was used (with or without concomitant use of a prilocaine/ lidocaine 2.5% analgesic cream) and patients in whom neither VR nor analgesic cream were used. RESULTS: The study included 58 patients, 38 in the VR group and 20 in the control group. Pain scores, as performed by patients, relatives and health workers, significantly decreased in the VR group (control group median 4/5 vs. VR group median 1/5, P<.001). Patient-reported anxiety scales were also lower in the VR group (control group median 4/5 vs. VR group 1/5, P=.001). The number of punctures (R2: 0.5, ß: 0.6; P=.01) and the lack of analgesic techniques (ß: -0.9; P=.02) were associated with higher scores in patient-reported pain scales. COMMENTS: The use of VR can reduce pain and anxiety during invasive procedures in hospitalized children.

[Treatment with high-flow oxygen therapy in asthma exacerbations in a paediatric hospital ward: Experience from 2012 to 2016]. / Tratamiento con oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en las crisis asmáticas en la planta de hospitalización de pediatría: nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience with oxygen therapy with a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in hospital on patients with asthmatic exacerbation (AE) in a paediatric ward, and to assess the clinical outcome according with the initial oxygen flow (15lpm or <15lpm). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of children aged 4 to 15 years with AE admitted to a paediatric ward in a tertiary level hospital between 2012 and 2016. Two groups of patients were compared; Group 1: patients treated with HFNC, and Group 2: patients treated with conventional oxygen therapy. A logistic regression model was constructed in order to identify predictive variables of HFNC. The clinical outcome of the patients was also compared according to the initial flow of HFNC (15lpm VS <15lpm). RESULTS: The study included a total of 536 patients with AE, 40 (7.5%) of whom required HFNC. The median age was 5 (4-6) years. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and Pulmonary Score (PS) significantly decreased at 3-6hours after starting HFNC in Group 1. In the multivariate analysis, patients with high Pulmonary Score values and greater number of previous admissions required HFNC more frequently. Patients treated with an initial flow of 15lpm were admitted less frequently to the PICU than those with an initial flow less than 15lpm (13% vs 47%, p=.05). CONCLUSION: HFNC seems to be a useful therapy for asthma exacerbation in paediatric wards. Severity of Pulmonary Score and the number of previous admissions could enable a risk group that needs HFNC to be identified.