Risk of alterations in neurodevelopment in infants and preschool children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Some cancer survivors experience difficulties with concentration, attention, and memory; however, there are no studies on neurodevelopment in patients under 5 years of age who are undergoing cancer treatment. Our aim was to evaluate neurodevelopment in cancer patients under 5 years of age using the Early Development Instrument (EDI) test, considering factors such as nutritional status, type of cancer, and treatment effect. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2018 to March 2019. Patients with cancer diagnoses outside the central nervous system in any phase of cancer treatment were included. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included. Regarding fine motor skills, 28% of patients with retinoblastoma and 23% of patients with leukemia or lymphoma had a risk of developmental delay compared to 0% of patients with solid tumors (p = 0.025). The final results showed that 19 (42.2%) patients had normal neurodevelopment (gray), 7 (15.5%) had a delay in neurodevelopment (light gray), and 19 (42.2%) had a risk of developmental delay (black). Regarding developmental delay, 52% of patients in the leukemia and lymphoma group, 71% in the retinoblastoma group, and 23% in the solid tumor group presented developmental delay (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of delay and lag in neurodevelopment is common in cancer patients under 5 years of age undergoing treatment. However, more studies are required to evaluate the effect of treatment on this group of patients as it may be affected by various factors.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En algunos pacientes supervivientes de cáncer se presentan dificultades de concentración, atención y memoria, sin embargo no hay estudios en relación al neurodesarrollo en pacientes menores de 5 años que se encuentran en tratamiento oncológico. Por lo que el objetivo fue valorar el neurodesarrollo en pacientes con cáncer durante el tratamiento oncológico mediante la prueba EDI tomando en cuenta diversos factores como su estado nutricional, tipo de cancer, y el efecto del tratamiento. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, de febrero de 2018 a marzo de 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 1 año y menores de 5 años con diagnóstico de cáncer fuera del sistema nervioso central, en tratamiento oncológico. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 45 pacientes. En el área motor fina el 28% de los pacientes con retinoblastoma y 23% con leucemias y linfomas se encontraron en rojo (retraso) en comparación con 0% de los pacientes con tumores sólidos (p = 0.025). En el resultado global se encontró que 19 (42.2%) pacientes tuvieron neurodesarrollo normal (gris), 7 (15.5%) rezago en el neurodesarrollo (gris claro) y 19 (42.2%) con riesgo de retraso en el desarrollo (negro). De los pacientes que presentaron riesgo de retraso el 52% fueron del grupo de leucemias y linfomas, el 71% en el grupo de retinoblastoma y el 23% del grupo de tumores sólidos (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de riesgo de retraso y rezago en el neurodesarrollo es frecuente en menores de 5 años con diagnóstico de cáncer. Se requieren más estudios, para evaluar el efecto del tratamiento en este grupo de pacientes, ya que pueden influir diversos factores.

Association between phase angle and the nutritional status in pediatric populations: a systematic review.

Background and aims: Malnutrition is prevalent in pediatric populations with any disease, and it is also related to changes in body composition. In addition, recent studies have documented relationships between these changes and phase angle (PhA), an important parameter of functional nutritional assessment. PhA could be a new marker of nutritional status. Many studies have generated information about the association between PhA and malnutrition in various pathologies, although the vast majority of this information is from adult populations. In this systematic review, we answered the following question: What is the association between PhA and the nutritional status in pediatric populations? Methods: We performed a systematic search of the Medline/PubMed and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases (LILACS) databases for studies published up to October 2022. The inclusion criteria were pediatric subjects, which reported the relationship between PhA and the nutritional status with any objective nutritional indicator, and PhA was measured by electric impedance and reported at 50 kHz. We synthesized data from the studies that reported cutoff analysis of PhA with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, mean PhA values presented by nutritional status strata, and correlations between PhA and nutritional status indicators. We assessed the risk of bias by using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Results: Of the 126 studies we identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies reported the association between PhA and objective indicators of nutritional status, including weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) <-1 standard deviation (SD) for malnutrition, height-for-age z-score (HAZ) for malnutrition-stunting, body mass index (BMI) for the starvation state, body mass index z-score (BMIz) and BMI for malnutrition, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <11 cm for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and fat-free mass index z-score (FFMIz) <-2 z-score for moderate malnutrition, among others. The report of these associations between PhA and nutritional status was based on cutoff points generated with ROC curve analysis or comparison of mean PhA values, which were reported stratified by the presence or absence of malnutrition, and correlations between PhA and anthropometric indicators for the evaluation of the nutritional status in the pediatric population. It was difficult to compare the studies due to the heterogeneity of the bioelectrical impedance analysis models used, how PhA was reported (standardized, percentiles, or degrees), and the anthropometric indicators used to diagnose malnutrition. Conclusion: The early identification of malnutrition is relevant to establish the correct nutritional treatment; PhA appears to be a sensitive indicator of nutritional status and is easy to obtain. Although the results of this review are inadequate to establish PhA cutoff points associated with malnutrition in pediatric populations, in most of the studies, there was an association between PhA and objective indicators of nutritional status. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022362413, identifier: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022362413.

High resting energy expenditure, less fat-free mass, and less muscle strength in HIV-infected children: a matched, cross-sectional study.

Background and aims: Many improvements have been made in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pediatric patients; however, challenges remain in terms of achieving normal growth, body composition, and metabolism during treatment, etc. Current nutritional recommendations are based on studies performed in adults, with limited data on the HIV-infected pediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) of asymptomatic HIV-infected pediatric patients with healthy counterparts and to compare body composition, dietary intake, and physical activity between the two groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic HIV-infected children who were receiving antiretroviral therapy; the infected group was compared with the uninfected group, matched by age (± 6 months), sex, and body mass index (± 0.5 z-score). Participants were recruited between 2021 and 2022, as outpatients. In both groups, REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand strength, measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Results: Seventy-eight participants were enrolled, where n = 39 HIV-infected children and n = 39 controls, with a mean age of 11.6 ± 3.4 years old. REE was significantly higher in the HIV group (1254.4 ± 334.7 kcal/day vs. 1124.7 ± 321 kcal/day, p = 0.013) than in the control group. Fat-free mass (FFM) was lower in the HIV group (28.2 ± 10.5 kg vs. 32 ± 11.2 kg, p = 0.001); this trend continued when the index skeletal muscle was evaluated (7.2 ± 1.2 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.04). The strength of the dominant hand was also lower in the HIV group (12 (8-18) kg vs. 20 (10.5-26) kg, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Children with asymptomatic HIV infection have higher REE than their uninfected peers. They also present decreased FFM, skeletal muscle mass index, and muscle strength. These parameters should be considered during nutritional assessment in this population to have a favorable impact on nutritional status and growth.

[Validation of the instrument "Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease", a tool to identify risk of malnutrition and feeding difficulties in infants with congenital heart disease]. / Validación del instrumento Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease, una herramienta para identificar riesgo de desnutrición y dificultades de alimentación en lactantes con cardiopatías congénitas.

Introduction: Introduction: currently, various tools have been designed to timely detect the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children. In those with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD), there is only one tool developed in Canada: Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease (IMFC:CHD), which was designed in English. Objective: to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Spanish adaptation of the IMFC:CHD tool in infants with CHD. Methods: cross-sectional validation study carried out in two stages. The first, of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the tool, and the second, of validation of the new translated tool, where evidence of reliability and validity were obtained. Results: in the first stage, the tool was translated and adapted to the Spanish language; for the second stage, 24 infants diagnosed with CHD were included. The concurrent criterion validity between the screening tool and the anthropometric evaluation was evaluated, obtaining a substantial agreement (κ = 0.660, 95 % CI: 0.36-0.95) and for the predictive criterion validity, which was compared with the days of hospital stay, moderate agreement was obtained (κ = 0.489, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8). The reliability of the tool was evaluated through external consistency, measuring the inter-observer agreement, obtaining a substantial agreement (κ = 0.789, 95 % CI: 0.5-0.9), and the reproducibility of the tool showed an almost perfect agreement (κ = 1, CI 95 %: 0.9-1.0). Conclusions: the IMFC:CHD tool showed adequate validity and reliability, and could be considered as a useful resource for the identification of severe malnutrition.

Introducción: Introducción: actualmente, se han diseñado diversas herramientas para detectar oportunamente el riesgo de desnutrición en niños hospitalizados. En aquellos con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas (CC), solo existe una herramienta desarrollada en Canadá, llamada Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease (IMFC:CHD), la cual fue diseñada en idioma inglés. Objetivo: evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de la adaptación en español de la herramienta IMFC:CHD en lactantes con CC. Métodos: estudio transversal de validación realizado en dos etapas: la primera, de traducción y adaptación transcultural de la herramienta; y la segunda, de validación de la nueva herramienta traducida, donde se obtuvieron las evidencias de confiabilidad y validez. Resultados: en la primera etapa se obtuvo la herramienta traducida y adaptada al idioma español; para la segunda etapa se incluyeron 24 lactantes con diagnóstico de CC. Se evaluó la validez de criterio concurrente entre la herramienta de tamizaje y la evaluación antropométrica, obteniéndose un acuerdo sustancial (κ = 0,660, IC 95 %: 0,36-0,95). Para la validez de criterio predictiva, la cual fue comparada con los días de estancia hospitalaria, se obtuvo un acuerdo moderado (κ = 0,489, IC 95 %: 0,1-0,8). La confiabilidad de la herramienta se evaluó mediante consistencia externa, midiendo la concordancia interobservador, y se obtuvo un acuerdo sustancial (κ = 0,789, IC 95 %: 0,5-0,9); la reproducibilidad de la herramienta mostró un acuerdo casi perfecto (κ = 1, IC 95 %: 0,9-1,0). Conclusiones: la herramienta IMFC:CHD mostró una adecuada validez y confiabilidad, por lo que podría considerarse un recurso útil para la identificación de desnutrición grave.

Clinical characteristics and mortality predictors of patients with cancer hospitalized by COVID-19 in a pediatric third-level referral center.

Background: More than 135 million COVID-19 cases (coronavirus disease 2019) have been reported worldwide until today, with over 2.9 million deaths. Several studies have demonstrated that disease severity is lower in the pediatric population than in adults; however, differences are described in patients with chronic diseases, including oncological patients. Current world literature suggests patients with comorbidities, including cancer, have an increased risk of unfortunate outcomes. Therefore, our objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and epidemiological factors associated with mortality in a cohort of pediatric cancer patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of the cases of patients with cancer hospitalized for COVID-19. A total of 40 pediatrics were included in the analysis. Data from pediatric patients with COVID-19 included clinical and epidemiological records, laboratory, imaging studies, COVID-19 diagnostic methods, and medical treatment. Results: Of the 40 pediatric patients admitted with cancer with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 42.5% were solid tumors, 40% leukemias, and 17.5% lymphomas. The clinical parameters associated with mortality were stage IV tumor (p = 0.029) and intubation (p < 0.001). The biochemical factors associated with lower survival were thrombocytopenia under 25,000 cells/mm3 (p < 0.001), D-dimer over 1 µg/ml (p = 0.003), clinical malnutrition (p = 0.023), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Our findings showed that the fever was the most frequent symptom, and the clinical parameters associated with mortality were stage IV tumor, intubation, saturation percentage, RDW, platelets, creatinine, ALT, D-dimer, ferritin, and FiO2 percentage. The thrombocytopenia, D-dimer, nutritional status, and disseminated intravascular coagulation were significantly associated with lower survival.

Validación del instrumento Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease, una herramienta para identificar riesgo de desnutrición y dificultades de alimentación en lactantes con cardiopatías congénitas / Validation of the instrument “Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease”, a tool to identify risk of malnutrition and feeding difficulties in infants with congenital heart disease

Introducción: actualmente, se han diseñado diversas herramientas para detectar oportunamente el riesgo de desnutrición en niños hospitalizados. En aquellos con diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas (CC), solo existe una herramienta desarrollada en Canadá, llamada Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease (IMFC:CHD), la cual fue diseñada en idioma inglés. Objetivo: evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de la adaptación en español de la herramienta IMFC:CHD en lactantes con CC. Métodos: estudio transversal de validación realizado en dos etapas: la primera, de traducción y adaptación transcultural de la herramienta; y la segunda, de validación de la nueva herramienta traducida, donde se obtuvieron las evidencias de confiabilidad y validez. Resultados: en la primera etapa se obtuvo la herramienta traducida y adaptada al idioma español; para la segunda etapa se incluyeron 24 lactantes con diagnóstico de CC. Se evaluó la validez de criterio concurrente entre la herramienta de tamizaje y la evaluación antropométrica, obteniéndose un acuerdo sustancial (κ = 0,660, IC 95 %: 0,36-0,95). Para la validez de criterio predictiva, la cual fue comparada con los días de estancia hospitalaria, se obtuvo un acuerdo moderado (κ = 0,489, IC 95 %: 0,1-0,8). La confiabilidad de la herramienta se evaluó mediante consistencia externa, midiendo la concordancia interobservador, y se obtuvo un acuerdo sustancial (κ = 0,789, IC 95 %: 0,5-0,9); la reproducibilidad de la herramienta mostró un acuerdo casi perfecto (κ = 1, IC 95 %: 0,9-1,0). Conclusiones: la herramienta IMFC:CHD mostró una adecuada validez y confiabilidad, por lo que podría considerarse un recurso útil para la identificación de desnutrición grave. (AU)

Introduction: currently, various tools have been designed to timely detect the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children. In those with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD), there is only one tool developed in Canada: Infant Malnutrition and Feeding Checklist for Congenital Heart Disease (IMFC:CHD), which was designed in English. Objective: to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Spanish adaptation of the IMFC:CHD tool in infants with CHD. Methods: cross-sectional validation study carried out in two stages. The first, of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the tool, and the second, of validation of the new translated tool, where evidence of reliability and validity were obtained. Results: in the first stage, the tool was translated and adapted to the Spanish language; for the second stage, 24 infants diagnosed with CHD were included. The concurrent criterion validity between the screening tool and the anthropometric evaluation was evaluated, obtaining a substantial agreement (κ = 0.660, 95 % CI: 0.36-0.95) and for the predictive criterion validity, which was compared with the days of hospital stay, moderate agreement was obtained (κ = 0.489, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8). The reliability of the tool was evaluated through external consistency, measuring theinter-observer agreement, obtaining a substantial agreement (κ = 0.789, 95 % CI: 0.5-0.9), and the reproducibility of the tool showed an almost perfect agreement (κ = 1, CI 95 %: 0.9-1.0). Conclusions: the IMFC:CHD tool showed adequate validity and reliability, and could be considered as a useful resource for the identification of severe malnutrition. (AU)