Disseminated gonococcal disease in pediatrics: Case report and review of the literature.

Hematogenous spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a sexually transmitted pathogen, results in disseminated gonococcal disease (DGD), also known as arthritis-dermatitis syndrome, due to the development of skin lesions, tenosynovitis, and arthritis. The most frequently affected population is young adults. We describe the case of an adolescent female who acutely developed skin lesions, arthritis, tenosynovitis, and constitutional symptoms. The causal agent was identified by a culture of vaginal secretion and treated with ceftriaxone for 7 days with complete recovery. It is important to differentiate this clinical picture from other types of arthritis developed in adolescence.

Case Report: Molecular Characterization of Bloodstream Infections due to Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Pediatric Case Series.

Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant threat to public health due to the high rate of multidrug-resistant strains. However, information on the molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bloodstream infections in children is scarce. This study aimed to describe the molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections in children from a hospital in Mexico. A retrospective study was conducted during the period 2017-2022. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the clinical records. Mass spectrometry was used for the identification of the strains. To confirm A. baumannii strains, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied using a gyrB sequence. The carbapenemase-encoding resistance genes were detected by PCR. Six cases of CRAB were documented, including five in neonates. The median intensive care unit stay was 20 days, and all cases had an invasive medical device. Half of the patients had at least one medical condition. A high prevalence of coresistance was observed in most of the antibiotic groups. Three of the six strains coharbored carbapenemase genes: blaOXA-51, blaOXA-24, and blaIMP. Mortality was reported in two neonate patients. The present study shows a high rate of coharboring blaOXA-51, blaOXA-24, and blaIMP-1, which has a direct impact on therapeutic decisions. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs is urgent to stop the spread of this microorganism.

Frontal penetrating arrow injury: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating arrow injuries of the head and neck are exceedingly rare in pediatric patients. This pathology has high morbidity and mortality because of the presence of vital organs, the airway, and large vessels. Therefore, the treatment and removal of an arrow is a challenge that requires multidisciplinary management. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room after an arrow injury to the frontal region. The arrowhead was lodged in the oropharynx. Imaging studies showed a lesion of the paranasal sinuses without compromising vital structures. The arrow was successfully removed by retrograde nasoendoscopy without complications, and the patient was discharged. CONCLUSION: Although rare, maxillofacial arrow injuries have high morbidity and mortality and require multidisciplinary management to preserve function and aesthetics.

Genome Sequences of Bordetella pertussis Isolates from Outbreaks in Northeastern Mexico.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 4 Bordetella pertussis isolates which correspond to major clones isolated between 2008 and 2014 from two outbreaks in northeastern Mexico. The B. pertussis clinical isolates belong to the ptxP3 lineage, and they are grouped into two major clusters, defined by the fimH allele.

Design of a Rheumatology Transition Clinic for a Resource-Constrained Setting.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the design process of a medical care program for adolescents with pediatric onset rheumatic diseases (PRD) during the transition from pediatric to adult care in a resource-constrained hospital. METHODS: The model of attention was developed in three steps: 1) the selection of a multidisciplinary team, 2) the evaluation of the state of readiness of patients and caregivers for the transition, and 3) the design of a strategy of attention according to local needs. The results of the first two steps were used in order to develop the strategy of attention. RESULTS: The transition process was structured in three stages: pretransition (at pediatric rheumatology clinic), Transition Clinic for Adolescents with Rheumatic Diseases (TCARD, the main intervention), and post-transition (at adult rheumatology clinic). Each stage was divided, in turn, into a variable number of phases (8 in total), which included activities and goals that patients and caregivers were to accomplish during the process. A multidisciplinary approach was planned by pediatric and adult rheumatologists, nutritionists, physiatrists, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, and social worker. During TCARD, counseling, education, nutritional, physical, and mental health interventions were considered. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed transition model for patients with rheumatic diseases can be a useful tool in developing countries.

Pediatric Phaeohyphomycosis: A 44-Year Systematic Review of Reported Cases.

BACKGROUND: Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by pigmented fungi, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised hosts and in disseminated disease. In adults with disseminated disease, mortality is as high as 79%. Data in children are derived from case reports and series. We conducted this study to review the characteristics of phaeohyphomycoses in children. METHODS: We conducted this study following the PRISMA 2020 guideline for reporting systematic reviews. We performed a review of the reported cases of pediatric phaeohyphomycoses in core bibliographic databases published in the English and Spanish language, between June 1977 and October 2021. We included all eligible cases in patients <18 years to determine the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 130 cases were reviewed. The mean age was 8 years. The most common underlying conditions and risk factors included hematologic malignancies (32.5%), neutropenia (26.9%), steroid therapy (24.6%), trauma or surgery (23.1%), and children that received a transplant (14.6%). The most common presentation was localized infection (61.5%); skin and soft tissue infections were the most prevalent (25.4%). Exserohilum spp (20.8%) and Exophiala spp (17.7%) were the most common organisms isolated. Antifungal therapy remains as the most frequent treatment (87%). Overall mortality rate was 22.3% (localized 13.7% vs disseminated 37.3%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this review suggest that phaeohyphomycoses in children have a better outcome compared to adults. We report a lower mortality rate in children when compared with adults in disseminated infection (37.3% vs 79%) and CNS infection (50% vs 60-70%). However, there is a wide variation in mortality rates according to the infection site, treatment, and underlying conditions. Prospective studies are needed.

Molecular epidemiology and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a tertiary care hospital in northeastern Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease considered a public health concern. In the present study, we analyzed the epidemiology and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from patients with pulmonary TB. METHODOLOGY: Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (n = 190) were obtained from patients with pulmonary TB admitted to Dr. José Eleuterio González University Hospital (UH). Each M. tuberculosis isolate was analyzed by spoligotyping (spacer oligonucleotide typing) and MIRU-VNTR (Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units-Variable Number Tandem Repeat). Drug resistance was evaluated using the Anyplex™ II MTB/MDR/XDR assay. RESULTS: The predominant spoligotypes observed were X1 (SIT 119, n = 46), T1 (SIT 53, n = 40), H3 (SIT 50, n = 13), Beijing (SIT 1, n = 11), and EAI2-Manila (SIT 19, n = 8). MIRU-VNTR analysis showed that the locus QUB-26 had the highest allelic variability. The observed drug resistance included monoresistance to rifampicin (2.6%; n = 5), isoniazid (3.2%; n = 6), and fluoroquinolones (1.6%; n = 3) as well as multidrug resistance (5.3%; n = 10). All of the Beijing strains were susceptible. Regarding comorbidities, 13.7% (26/190) of the patients were co-infected with TB and HIV (TB+HIV+), and 31.6% (55/190) had TB along with diabetes (TB + diabetes). CONCLUSIONS: The most prevalent lineages were X1 (SIT 119; 24.3%) and T1 (SIT 53; 21%). An alarming proportion (12.6%) of M. tuberculosis isolates presented drug resistance. To effectively manage TB, continuous surveillance of regional strain dissemination, drug resistance profiles, and TB-associated comorbidities is crucial.

Acute Hepatitis in a Pediatric Patient with COVID -19: Case Report / Hepatitis Aguda en un paciente pediátrico con COVID-19

COVID-19 typically courses with mild clinical manifestations; however, a pediatric patient might get severe sequelae and complications when there is an infection. There is no information about liver complications due to COVID-19 in children in Mexico. This case report will set a precedent about timely diagnosis for hepatitis as a complication for COVID-19 disease in young patients in Mexico. Clinical case: A 12-years-old man has intermittent generalized abdominal pain misdiagnosed and treated for irritable bowel syndrome 3 days prior. The abdominal pain stayed, and a day after the patient vomited 3 times (each one after every meal). The patient started with orangish urine, weakness, fatigue and hyporexia 1 day prior to admission. The day of the admittance, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test was performed, giving a positive result. Once he was admitted, laboratory tests were made, showing an increase of liver enzyme levels, showing liver disease as a complication for the viral infection. Conclusion: Pediatrics patients might get Hepatitis due to COVID-19. In a patient with abdominal pain or other liver disease symptoms while coursing with the virus or even after the infection, further investigation must be made.

El COVID-19 típicamente cursa con manifestaciones clínicas leves, sin embargo, un paciente pediátrico puede presentar secuelas y complicaciones graves cuando existe una infección. No hay información sobre complicaciones hepáticas por COVID-19 en niños en México. Este reporte de caso sentará un precedente sobre el diagnóstico oportuno de hepatitis como complicación de la enfermedad COVID-19 en pacientes jóvenes en México. Caso clínico: Varón de 12 años con dolor abdominal generalizado intermitente mal diagnosticado y tratado por colon irritable 3 días antes. El dolor abdominal se mantuvo, y al día siguiente el paciente vomitó 3 veces (cada una después de cada comida). El paciente comenzó con orina anaranjada, debilidad, fatiga e hiporexia 1 día antes de su ingreso. El día del ingreso se le realizó una prueba de RT-PCR de COVID-19 dando positivo. Una vez que ingresó, se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio que mostraron un aumento de los niveles de enzimas hepáticas, lo que mostró una enfermedad hepática como complicación de la infección viral. Conclusión: Los pacientes pediátricos pueden contraer hepatitis por COVID-19. En un paciente con dolor abdominal u otros síntomas de enfermedad hepática mientras cursa con el virus o incluso después de la infección, se debe realizar una investigación adicional.

Outcomes of transitional care programs on adolescent chronic inflammatory systemic diseases: systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Patients with juvenile chronic inflammatory systemic diseases (jCID) are vulnerable to many circumstances when transitioning to adult-centered healthcare; this increases the burden of disease and worsen their quality of life. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from inception to March 16th, 2021. We included observational, randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that evaluated a transitional care program for adolescents and young adults with jCIDs. We extracted information regarding health-related quality of life, disease activity, drop-out rates, clinical attendance rates, hospital admission rates, disease-related knowledge, surgeries performed, drug toxicity and satisfaction rates. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The implementation of transition programs showed a reduction on hospital admission rates for those with transition program (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.61; I 2 = 0%; p = 0.97), rates of surgeries performed (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59; I 2 = 0%; p = 0.50) and drop-out rates from the adult clinic (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.46; I 2 = 0%; p = 0.88). No differences were found in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: The available body of evidence supports the implementation of transition programs as it could be a determining factor to prevent hospital admission rates, surgeries needed and adult clinic attendance rates.

Severe COVID-19 patients have severe vitamin D deficiency in Northeast Mexico.

Introduction: Objective: the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 severity is not consistent. We compared prevalences and analyzed the association between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity in Northeast Mexico. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with individuals consecutively included at a referral diagnostic center during March-September 2020 (n = 181). Concurrently, every patient admitted to intensive care was also consecutively included (n = 116). Serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL was considered vitamin D deficiency. Descriptive, ANOVA, and multivariate ordinal regression analyses were performed. Results: vitamin D deficiency prevalence was 63.8 % (95 % CI, 54.7, 72.0) in severe COVID-19; 25.6 % (95 % CI, 17.4, 36.0) in mild COVID-19; and 42.4 % (95 % CI, 33.2, 52.3) in non-diseased individuals. Vitamin D deficiency increased 5 times the odds of severe COVID-19 (95 % CI, 1.1, 24.3), independently of sex, age, body mass index, and inflammatory markers. Conclusions: this study is the first report of vitamin D deficiency in Northeast Mexico. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with COVID-19 severity.

Introducción: Objetivo: la asociación entre la vitamina D y la gravedad de la COVID-19 no es consistente. Se comparó la prevalencia y se analizó la asociación de la deficiencia de vitamina D con la gravedad de los pacientes con COVID-19 en el noreste de México. Métodos: este fue un estudio transversal. Se incluyó consecutivamente a individuos de un centro de diagnóstico de referencia durante marzo-septiembre de 2020 (n = 181). Paralelamente, se reclutó a todos los pacientes que ingresaron a cuidados intensivos en ese mismo periodo (n = 116). Se consideró que había deficiencia de vitamina D ante cifras de 25(OH)D sérica < 20 ng/ml. Se realizaron un análisis descriptivo, un ANOVA y una regresión ordinal multivariante. Resultados: la prevalencia de la deficiencia de vitamina D fue del 63,8 % (IC del 95 %: 54,7; 72,0) en la COVID-19 grave, del 25,6 % (IC del 95 %: 17,4; 36,0) en la COVID-19 leve y del 42,4 % (IC del 95 %: 33,2; 52,3) sin COVID-19. La deficiencia aumentó 5 veces las probabilidades de una COVID-19 grave (IC del 95 %: 1,1; 23,9) independientemente del sexo, la edad, el índice de masa corporal y los marcadores inflamatorios. Conclusiones: este estudio es el primer informe de la deficiencia de vitamina D en el noreste de México. La deficiencia de vitamina D se asoció con la gravedad de la COVID-19.

Economic impact of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) requires complex care that generate elevated costs, which results in a high economic impact for the family. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and cluster the information currently available on healthcare costs associated with JIA after the introduction of biological therapies. METHODS: We comprehensively searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Databases for studies from January 2000 to March 2021. Reviewers working independently and in duplicate appraised the quality and included primary studies that report total, direct and/or indirect costs related to JIA for at least one year. The costs were converted to United States dollars and an inflationary adjustment was made. RESULTS: We found 18 eligible studies including data from 6,540 patients. Total costs were reported in 10 articles, ranging from $310 USD to $44,832 USD annually. Direct costs were reported in 16 articles ($193 USD to $32,446 USD), showing a proportion of 55 to 98 % of total costs. Those costs were mostly related to medications and medical appointments. Six studies reported indirect costs ($117 USD to $12,385 USD). Four studies reported costs according to JIA category observing the highest in polyarticular JIA. Total and direct costs increased up to three times after biological therapy initiation. A high risk of reporting bias and inconsistency of the methodology used were found. CONCLUSION: The costs of JIA are substantial, and the highest are derived from medication and medical appointments. Indirect costs of JIA are underrepresented in costs analysis.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Blood Donors from Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, during 2020: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Evaluation.

The progression and distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are continuously changing over time and can be traced by blood donors' serological survey. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood donors in Nuevo Leon, Mexico during 2020 as a strategy for the rapid evaluation of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and asymptomatic case detection. We collected residual plasma samples from blood donors who attended two regional donation centers from January to December of 2020 to identify changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG prevalence. Plasma samples were analyzed on the Abbott Architect instrument using the commercial Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG chemiluminescent assay. We found a total of 99 reactive samples from 2068 analyzed plasma samples, resulting in a raw prevalence of 4.87%. Donors aged 18-49 years were more likely to be seropositive compared to those aged >50 years (p < 0.001). Weekly seroprevalence increased from 1.8% during the early pandemic stage to 27.59% by the end of the year. Prevalence was 1.46-fold higher in females compared to males. Case geographical mapping showed that Monterrey city recorded the majority of SARS-CoV-2 cases. These results show that there is a growing trend of seroprevalence over time associated with asymptomatic infection that is unnoticed under the current epidemiological surveillance protocols.

Prevalence of IgG antibodies induced by the SARS-COV-2 virus in asymptomatic adults in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Population-based immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence studies in asymptomatic individuals in Latin America are scarce. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of IgG antibodies induced by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic adults, 5-8 months after the first case was reported in a northeastern state of Mexico. This was a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in Nuevo Leon during August-November 2020. Individuals ≥18 years with no previous diagnosis or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were consecutively screened in one of the busiest subway stations. Also, a search for eligible individuals was done from house-to-house, after selecting densely populated geographic sectors of each of the municipalities of the metropolitan area (n = 4495). The IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were analyzed. The IgG antibody positivity rate was 27.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.8, 28.4); there were no differences by sex or age (p > 0.05). Analysis by month showed a gradual increase from 11.9% (August) to 31.9% (November); Week 39 had the highest positivity rate (42.2%, 95% CI: 34.2, 50.7). Most people did not have evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preventive measures and promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine should be strengthened.

Decline in influenza cases in Mexico after the implementation of public health measures for COVID-19.

Mexico took swift action and has strictly followed mitigation measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, COVID-19. In this study we compared influenza activity indicators in our country after the implementation of public health measures for COVID-19. We compared indicators of influenza activity in 2020 before and after public health measures were taken to reduce COVID-19 with the corresponding indicators from three preceding years and the immediate one, and the potential decrease in seasonal influenza cases/deaths. Nationwide surveillance data revealed a drastic decline in influenza diagnosis in outpatient clinics and public hospitals, influenza positivity rates of clinical specimens, and confirmed severe cases during the following 10 weeks of 2020 as lockdown activities and control measures were established compared with the same period of 2019. Our results suggest that the measures taken for COVID-19 were effective in reducing the spread of other viral respiratory diseases as influenza in our country.

Case Report: Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis due to Acanthamoeba spp. in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient.

Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) caused by Acanthamoeba is a rare infection with central nervous system (CNS) involvement usually with fatal consequences. Currently, information regarding GAE in children is scarce and is limited only to case reports and case series. A 13-year-old immunocompetent male patient with a 6-month history of progressive and intermittent headaches presented to our institution. One week before hospital admission, the patient showed signs of CNS involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple lesions with supra- and infratentorial cerebral abscesses. An empiric treatment with combined antibiotics was given, but the patient died after 20 days of hospital stay. A postmortem diagnosis confirmed GAE. Although it is a rare disease in pediatric patients, GAE should be considered in children with a chronic history of fever, headache, and vomiting with CNS involvement.

Psychosocial and economic impact of rheumatic diseases on caregivers of Mexican children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric rheumatic disease (PRD) patients and their caregivers face a number of challenges, including the consequences of the PRD in patients and the impact on multiple dimensions of the caregivers' daily lives. The objective of this study is to measure the economic, psychological and social impact that PRD has on the caregivers of Mexican children. METHODS: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study including primary caregivers of children and adolescents with PRD (JIA, JDM and JSLE) during April and November, 2019. A trained interviewer conducted the CAREGIVERS questionnaire, a specific, 28-item multidimensional tool validated to measure the impact on different dimensions of the lives of caregivers. Sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare system data were collected for further analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred participants were recruited (women 169, 84.5%, aged 38 [IQR 33-44] years); 109 (54.5%) cared for patients with JIA, 28 (14%) JDM and 63 (31.5%) JSLE. The healthcare system was found to be determinant on the impact of the disease. The emotional impact was higher in all the participants, regardless of the specific diagnoses. The social dimension showed significant differences regarding PRD, healthcare system, time to reach the center, presence of disability, active disease, cutaneous and systemic manifestations, treatment and partner. Financial and work impacts were more frequent in those caring for JSLE and less so in those with a partner. Family relationships changed in 81 caregivers (25 [12.5%] worsened and 56 [28%] improved). No variables affecting spirituality were found. For caregivers without a partner, the social networks impact increased. CONCLUSION: The influence of sociodemographic factors can be devastating on families with children with a PRD. These data will help physicians to identify the areas with the greatest need for intervention to achieve comprehensive care for caregivers and their patients.

Predicting the optimal depth of ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein central venous catheters in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Poor positioning of a central venous catheter (CVC) can cause severe complications. The objective is to create a formula that predicts the optimal insertion depth of a real time ultrasound-guided CVC in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in newborns. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2017, 91 newborns that required a CVC were included in a prospective observational study. Variables such as gestational age, gender, weight, height, and neck length were studied. On the chest x-ray, the distance between the insertion site on the skin and the catheter tip was measured. RESULTS: Of the patients included, 50 (54.9%) were males and 40 (44.4%) females; 64 (70.3%) were preterm. Mean gestational age was 33.44 (25 to 41) weeks, weight 2020 (580 to 3980) g, and height 43.04 (26 to 53) cm. Variables were correlated with catheter length and an algorithm was modeled for the introduction method, in which the highest corrected determination coefficient was obtained for weight (R2 = 0.723). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the weight of the newborn was the most significant individual predictor of optimal insertion depth of a CVC in the RIJV. The formula Y = 2.6 + 0.7 (weight in kg) that we suggest is practical and reproducible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health Rabies virus variants identified in Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, from 2008 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To identify rabies virus variants (RVVs) isolated from bats and terrestrial mammals in Nuevo Leon between 2008 and 2015 and Coahuila in 2006. SAMPLE: RVVs isolated from 15 bats and terrestrial mammals in Nuevo Leon and from a cow (Bos taurus) in Coahuila, along with 46 reference rabies virus sequences. PROCEDURES: Antigenic characterization of the 16 isolates was performed with an indirect fluorescent antibody technique. Genomic sequencing of the nucleoprotein gene in the 16 isolates was performed with a reverse transcription PCR assay. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the 62 sequences was performed by means of Bayesian inference. RESULTS: 9 isolates from bats and 1 isolate from a domestic cat that became infected as a result of contact with a Mexican free-tailed bat all clustered in the lineage associated with Lasiurus spp in the Americas or the lineage associated with Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana. An isolate from a domestic dog was identified as a variant associated with the dog-coyote lineage. The RVV isolated from a fox clustered in an Arizona fox lineage. The 3 RVVs from skunks (Mephitis macroura) were placed in a lineage with variants isolated from spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius). The RVV isolated from the cow was clustered in a lineage associated with foxes in Texas and separate from the lineage for the fox from Nuevo Leon. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results reinforced the need for Mexico to implement rabies surveillance and monitoring programs for bats and wild-living terrestrial carnivores.