[Hypercholesterolemia: a therapeutic approach]. / Hipercolesterolemia. Abordaje terapéutico.

High blood cholesterol levels represent an important cardiovascular risk factor. Hypercholesterolemia is defined as levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol above 95th percentile for age and gender. For the paediatric population, selective screening is recommended in children older than 2 years who are overweight, with a family history of early cardiovascular disease or whose parents have high cholesterol levels. Initial therapeutic approach includes diet therapy, appropriate physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes. Drug treatment should be considered in children from the age of 10 who, after having followed appropriate diet recommendations, still have very high LDL-cholesterol levels or moderately high levels with concomitant risk factors. In case of extremely high LDL-cholesterol levels, drug treatment should be taken into consideration at earlier ages (8 years old). Modest response is usually observed with bile acid-binding resins. Statins can be considered first-choice drugs, once evidence on their efficacy and safety has been shown.

[Childhood obesity. Recommendations of the Nutrition Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics. Part I. Prevention. Early detection. Role of the pediatrician]. / Obesidad Infantil. Recomendaciones del Comité de Nutrición de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. Parte I. Prevención. Detección precoz. Papel del pediatra.

Obesity is a pathologic entity characterized by an increase in fat body mass and is a global public health problem. In Spain, between 1984 (the Paidos study) and 2000 (the enKid study), the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increased and significant differences were found among the autonomous communities. Consequently prophylactic measures were implemented throughout the country and in 2005 the Ministry of Health developed the NAOS strategy (strategy for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention). Within the medical area of this intervention, primary care pediatricians acquire a key role. Aware of this, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, through the Nutrition Committee, aims to provide information on the current situation concerning the etiopathogenesis and early identification of at-risk populations. The epidemiology and risk periods in the pediatric age group are reviewed and recommendations on healthy lifestyle are provided, bearing in mind diet and physical activity throughout childhood, with the aim of preventing overweight and obesity.

[Inherited metabolic disorders in pediatric emergency services]. / Enfermedades metabólicas congénitas en un servicio de urgencias pediátricas.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in the early diagnosis and treatment have led to improved survival, and a better quality of life for patients with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD). They can go to the Pediatric Emergency Services (PES) for reasons unrelated to their disease. The purpose of this study was to review the characteristics of visitors to the PES of these patients in a tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all visits from patients with IMD to the PES of Hospital Infantil La Paz over the years 2011 and 2012. IMD type, complaint, duration of symptoms, need for hospitalization, and presence of metabolic decompensation was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 107 visits were analyzed, with the most frequent reason being for consultation of respiratory processes (30.8%). When the consultation was for vomiting, patients with protein-related disorders were those who delayed less in going to PES. One third of visitors were admitted, half of them due to metabolic decompensation of the underlying pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IMD came to PES for many different reasons, which in some cases were the cause or consequence of an acute metabolic decompensation that led to hospitalization. Being diseases with low prevalence, it would be useful to have diagnostic and therapeutic protocols in order to provide optimal care.

[Nutrition recommendations for children who practice sports]. / Recomendaciones nutricionales para el niño deportista.

Several health benefits have been attributed to sports practice, and an adequate nutrition status helps to maintain an optimal performance. Children most frequently practice non-competitive and non-endurance activities in a school setting. The dietary intake of children who practice sports should be similar to the general population, properly meeting their energy and nutrient requirements. During the activity performance, correct hydration should be aimed for, with water appearing to be an adequate source in most cases. General calorie and micronutrient supplementation should not be commonly recommended in children. Paediatricians must control nutritional status and dietary habits of children who practice sports, especially in those cases when weight-loss is aimed for, as well as take into account the psychological implications of competitive sports practice.

Actualización en el soporte nutricional del paciente pediátrico críticamente enfermo / Update on nutritional support in paediatric critically ill patients

El paciente pediátrico críticamente enfermo (CE) presenta una situación de alto riesgo nutricional, secundaria a la respuesta adaptativa al estrés que desencadena una situación proinflamatoria y de catabolismo en fases iniciales de la enfermedad. La prevalencia de desnutrición en estos pacientes es elevada y se asocia a una mayor mortalidad. Además, tanto la desnutrición como la obesidad conllevan un aumento de la morbilidad. En estos pacientes el soporte nutricional (SN) debe tener como objetivo no sólo mantener un adecuado estado nutricional, sino también modular dicha respuesta metabólica, neuroendocrina e inflamatoria, optimizar los beneficios de la respuesta adaptativa al estrés y, a medio-largo plazo, reducir las consecuencias negativas que pudieran derivarse de esta respuesta. A pesar de la importancia del SN en el paciente CE, la evidencia de la que disponemos es aún escasa, por lo que muchas de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas se basan en opiniones de expertos y en estudios realizados en pacientes adultos o en niños no CE. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se han publicado distintos estudios cuyos resultados permiten mejorar el SN de estos pacientes: ajustar el aporte energético-proteico en función de la fase de la enfermedad, evitar la sobrenutrición y la hiperglucemia, la importancia de la nutrición enteral como vía de elección del SN, la superación de distintas barreras que dificultan su instauración o el momento de inicio de la nutrición parenteral. Estos aspectos se abordarán en esta revisión (AU)

Paediatric critically ill (CI) patients are characterised by a high nutritional risk, due to the hyper-catabolism and the inflammatory state secondary to the stress response to critical illness in the acute phase. Malnutrition prevalence in these patients remains high and it is associated to a higher mortality rate. In addition, both malnutrition and obesity are associated with a worse clinical evolution. Nutritional support (NS) should focus not only in the achievement of an adequate nutritional status, moreover it can also modulate the metabolic, neuro-endocrine and inflammatory response, optimizing the benefits of this response in the short term and reducing the adverse outcomes in the medium and long term. Despite the importance of NS in the paediatric CI patient, the evidence available is scare, so international consensus-based guidelines mostly rely on expert opinion, studies in adults or non-critically ill children. Nevertheless, during recent years several studies have provided more data regarding NS in these patients; to adjust the energy provided depending of the illness phase, to avoid overfeeding and hyperglycaemia, the choice of appropriate route of feeding, the necessity of overcoming several barriers to start enteral nutrition and its importance in the CI patient or the timing to initiate parental nutrition, are topics that will be covered in this review (AU)

Síndrome de realimentación en pediatría: clínica, diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento / Refeeding syndrome in children: symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and management

El síndrome de realimentación es un proceso fisiopatológico asociado a trastornos de la glucosa y desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico que involucran principalmente a los iones intracelulares (fosfato, potasio y magnesio). Este síndrome se asocia con el soporte nutricional (oral, enteral o parenteral) en pacientes con riesgo de desnutrición o con desnutrición severa. Es muy importante valorar la presencia de factores de riesgo, estudiar los iones séricos e iniciar la alimentación de manera progresiva. El apoyo nutricional correcto es fundamental, con la supervisión diaria de los electrólitos séricos, los signos vitales y el equilibrio de líquidos, así como un correcto diseño del soporte nutricional (AU)

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a term that describes the metabolic and clinical changes that occur on aggressive nutritional rehabilitation of a malnourished patient. A shift from carbohydrate metabolism to fat and protein catabolism occurs. Hypophosphatemia is the hallmark of RFS. Other electrolyte abnormalities are associated with RFS, however, such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. RFS is associated to any nutritional support (more frequently to parenteral nutrition) in malnourished patients'. A proper nutritional support is required to avoid RFS, checking daily liquid balance, electrolytes and vital signs (AU)

[Nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians in Spanish children younger than 3 years]. / Problemas nutricionales percibidos por los pediatras en niños Españoles menores de 3 años.

INTRODUCTION: Parents are most responsible for nutritional education of children, and pediatricians must advise and help them with their doubts. The purpose of this study was to know the relevance of nutritional topics in daily practice and the main nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians in children under 3 years of age. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study performed in 2 stages. First stage consisted on discussion meetings with 30 random-selected pediatricians from Madrid and Barcelona. Results were used to design the on-line questionnaire of the second stage (76 questions related to nutrition in children under 3 years). A random and representative sample of Spanish pediatricians was selected for this stage. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty one pediatricians, among 258 sampled, completed the questionnaire. They referred to see a mean of 588 patients/month. The main perceived nutritional problems in the first year of life were iron and vitamin deficiencies and poor weight gain. In the next months, excess in carbohydrates and lipid intake and overweight were the main problems perceived. Parents were considered the main actors regarding their children's nutritional health, but their concern in these questions significantly reduced with children's age (p < 0,0001). Factors considered to have the greatest relevance in the acquisition of good nutritional habits were to provide a diet adjusted for children's requirements and to observe the appropriate sleeping hours. The proportion of children who receive nutritional counseling varied from 88% (0-6 months) to 61% (24-36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Despite of the relevance given by pediatricians, educational intervention regarding nutritional health is not ideal. Nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians varied with children's age.

[Validation of a nutritional screening tool for hospitalized pediatric patients]. / Validación de una herramienta de cribado nutricional para pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition among hospitalized patients has clinical implications, and interest has arisen to find screening tools able to identify subjects under risk. At present, there is no consensus about the most suitable nutrition screening tool for pediatric patients. AIM: To validate STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics) pediatric screening tool in Spain. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of patients admitted to a 3rd level children's hospital with both medical and surgical specialities. During the first 24 hours of admission, STAMP screening tool was applied. For its validation, results were compared with those obtained from a nutritional assessment performed by specialist staff, which included clinical, anthropometric and body composition data. RESULTS: A sample of 250 children was studied. Nutritional assessment identified 64 patients (25.6%) under risk, 40 of whom were malnourished (16%). STAMP classified 48.4% of the patients as being under nutritional risk. This tool showed 75% sensitivity and 60.8% specificity when identifying patients under risk according to nutritional assessment. It showed 90% sensitivity and 59.5% specificity when identifying malnourished patients. COMMENTS: Malnutrition was less frequent than that reported in other European countries, although diagnosis technique was different. STAMP is a simple and useful tool for nutritional screening, avoiding the need to assess all patients on admission in order to identify those under nutritional risk.

[Iron deficiency in infants and toddlers: impact on health and preventive strategies]. / Importancia de la ferropenia en el niño pequeño: repercusiones y prevención.

Infants and toddlers represent a risk population for iron deficiency (ID), due to their relatively high requirements, which are frequently associated with a poor intake of iron-rich foods. A possible association between ID and impaired cognitive and psychomotor development has been described, and it has been suggested that some of these effects can be irreversible. For this reason, prevention of ID has become a subject of much concern. To promote an adequate dietetic iron intake is the most important approach for the prevention of ID. Exclusive breast-feeding provides adequate amounts of iron during the first 4-6 months of life, and iron-fortified formula should be used when an alternative is necessary. Fortified cereals and foods containing haem iron, such as meat, should be introduced early in complementary feeding. In toddlers, iron requirements can be satisfied with a daily consumption of at least one serving of iron-containing foods, along with enhancers of iron absorption. When daily requirements are not properly met by food intake, and in some high-risk populations, screening for ID and iron supplementation should be considered.

Consejos prácticos para la prescripción de nutrición parenteral pediátrica / Practical advice for prescribing pediatric parenteral nutrition

La nutrición parenteral es una técnica ampliamente extendida en pediatría. Su prescripción debe realizarse teniendo en cuenta las particularidades del niño enfermo en diversos aspectos: requerimientos energéticos, hidroelectrolíticos y de macro/micronutrientes, utilización metabólica de los nutrientes, capacidad de las vías de infusión, etc. El cálculo sistematizado ayudará a prevenir errores y evitar complicaciones. En el presente artículo se revisan las recomendaciones internacionales de macro/micronutrientes para la nutrición parenteral pediátrica y se repasan diversas cuestiones prácticas que resultan de ayuda para el clínico, como el cálculo del aporte energético, las proporciones entre macronutrientes para procurar el mejor rendimiento, los aspectos sobre seguridad y el aporte proporcionado de micronutrientes, entre otras (AU)

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a widely-used therapeutic option in pediatrics. When prescribing PN, clinicians must pay particular attention to specific characteristics of the pediatric patient regarding energy requirements, metabolic use of nutrients, venous access, etc. Systematized prescription will help to avoid miscalculations and prevent adverse events. This paper reviews international recommendations for PN prescribing and gathers advice on useful practical issues, e.g. calculation of energy intake, precise proportions between macronutrients, security issues, and other (AU)

Consensus on paediatric enteral nutrition access: a document approved by SENPE/SEGHNP/ANECIPN/SECP.

Standardization of clinical procedures has become a desirable objective in contemporary medical practice. To this effect, the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) has endeavoured to create clinical practice guidelines and/or documents of consensus as well as quality standards in artificial nutrition. As a result, the SENPE´s Standardization Team has put together the "Document of Consensus in Enteral Access for Paediatric Nutritional Support" supported by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SEGHNP), the National Association of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery (ANECIPN), and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Surgery (SECP). The present publication is a reduced version of our work; the complete document will be published as a monographic issue. It analyzes enteral access options in the pediatric patient, reviews the levels of evidence and provides the team-members' experience. Similarly, it details general and specific indications for pediatric enteral support, current techniques, care guidelines, methods of administration and complications of each enteral access. The data published by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and several European Societies has also been incorporated.

Enfermedades metabólicas congénitas en un servicio de urgencias pediátricas / Inherited metabolic disorders in pediatric emergency services

Introducción: Los avances en el diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento han propiciado una mayor supervivencia, y en mejores condiciones, de los pacientes con enfermedades metabólicas congénitas (EMC). Estos pueden acudir a los Servicios de Urgencias Pediátricas (SUP) por motivos relacionados o no con su enfermedad. El propósito de este trabajo fue revisar las características de las visitas al SUP de estos pacientes, en un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se analizaron todas las visitas al SUP del Hospital Infantil La Paz durante los años 2011 y 2012 de pacientes con EMC. Se registraron el tipo de EMC, el motivo de consulta, el tiempo de evolución de los síntomas, la necesidad de ingreso hospitalario y la presencia de descompensación metabólica. Resultados: En total, fueron analizadas 107 visitas, siendo el motivo de consulta más frecuente los procesos respiratorios (30,8%). Cuando la consulta fue por vómitos, los pacientes con trastornos relacionados con las proteínas fueron los que menos tardaron en acudir al SUP. Un tercio de las visitas se siguió de ingreso, siendo la mitad de ellas por descompensación metabólica de la patología de base. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EMC acudieron al SUP por motivos muy diversos, que en algunos casos fueron causa o consecuencia de una descompensación metabólica aguda que motivó el ingreso hospitalario. Al tratarse de enfermedades con baja prevalencia individual, resulta de interés contar con protocolos diagnóstico-terapéuticos que faciliten una atención óptima (AU)

Introduction: Advances in the early diagnosis and treatment have led to improved survival, and a better quality of life for patients with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD). They can go to the Pediatric Emergency Services (PES) for reasons unrelated to their disease. The purpose of this study was to review the characteristics of visitors to the PES of these patients in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all visits from patients with IMD to the PES of Hospital Infantil La Paz over the years 2011 and 2012. IMD type, complaint, duration of symptoms, need for hospitalization, and presence of metabolic decompensation was recorded. Results: A total of 107 visits were analyzed, with the most frequent reason being for consultation of respiratory processes (30.8%). When the consultation was for vomiting, patients with protein-related disorders were those who delayed less in going to PES. One third of visitors were admitted, half of them due to metabolic decompensation of the underlying pathology. Conclusions: Patients with IMD came to PES for many different reasons, which in some cases were the cause or consequence of an acute metabolic decompensation that led to hospitalization. Being diseases with low prevalence, it would be useful to have diagnostic and therapeutic protocols in order to provide optimal care (AU)

Home parenteral nutrition in children: procedures, experiences and reflections.

This document summarizes the issues raised in a think-tank meeting held by professionals with expertise in pediatric Home Parenteral Nutrition. This nutritional technology enables patients to return home to their family and social environment, improves their quality of life and decreases health-care costs; however, it is complex and requires an experienced nutritional support team. Patient selection is normally made according to their underlying disease, the estimated duration of support and family and social characteristics. The patient''s family must agree to take on caregiver's responsibilities and should be able to perform treatment safely and effectively after receiving proper training from the nutritional support team. Close monitoring must be carried out to ensure tolerance and effectiveness of nutritional support, thereby avoiding complications. This nutritional treatment achieves, in most cases, recovery and intestinal adaptation in varying periods of time. In certain diseases, and when home parenteral nutrition becomes complicated, intestinal transplant may be recommendable, so referral to rehabilitation units and Intestinal Transplantation should be made early on.

Recomendaciones nutricionales para el niño deportista / Nutrition recommendations for children who practice sports

El deporte tiene numerosos beneficios para la salud y una adecuada nutrición ayuda a conseguir un óptimo rendimiento. La mayor parte de la actividad deportiva realizada por la población infantil tiene lugar en el ámbito escolar, no incluye actividades de resistencia y con frecuencia no tiene carácter de alta competición. Las características de la dieta del niño deportista son similares a la de la población pediátrica general, debiendo asegurar una óptima cobertura de los requerimientos. Durante la realización de la actividad, debe asegurarse una correcta hidratación y para ello el agua resulta la bebida más adecuada en la mayor parte de las situaciones, quedando el uso de otros productos reservado en pediatría a situaciones especiales muy concretas. La utilización sistemática de suplementos energéticos, así como la de micronutrientes, no está justificada con carácter general. El pediatra debe conocer y monitorizar el estado nutricional y los hábitos dietéticos del niño deportista, vigilar estrechamente aquellas situaciones donde se pretenda una disminución del peso corporal y valorar los aspectos psicológicos relacionados con la práctica deportiva competitiva

Several health benefits have been attributed to sports practice, and an adequate nutrition status helps to maintain an optimal performance. Children most frequently practice non-competitive and non-endurance activities in a school setting. The dietary intake of children who practice sports should be similar to the general population, properly meeting their energy and nutrient requirements. During the activity performance, correct hydration should be aimed for, with water appearing to be an adequate source in most cases. General calorie and micronutrient supplementation should not be commonly recommended in children. Paediatricians must control nutritional status and dietary habits of children who practice sports, especially in those cases when weight-loss is aimed for, as well as take into account the psychological implications of competitive sports practice

Problemas nutricionales percibidos por los pediatras en niños españoles menores de 3 años / Nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians in Spanish children younger than 3 years

Introducción: Los padres son los principales responsables de la educación nutricional de sus hijos y es labor del pediatra orientar y resolver problemas al respecto. En este estudio se pretende conocer la relevancia de las cuestiones nutricionales en la consulta del pediatra y los principales problemas nutricionales percibidos en los menores de 3 años. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal en dos fases. La primera consistió en entrevistas y grupos de discusión con 30 pediatras seleccionados aleatoriamente en Madrid y Barcelona. Los resultados se utilizaron para diseñar el cuestionario online (76 preguntas relacionadas con la nutrición en niños de 0-3 años) de la siguiente fase, en la que participaron pediatras seleccionados de forma aleatoria y representativa del territorio nacional. Resultados: De 258 pediatras seleccionados, completaron el cuestionario 151, que atendían a una media de 588 pacientes/mes. Los principales problemas nutricionales percibidos hasta los 12 meses fueron las deficiencias de hierro y vitaminas y la escasa ganancia de peso, y posteriormente la ingesta excesiva de carbohidratos y lípidos y el sobrepeso. Los padres fueron considerados los actores principales en la salud nutricional de sus hijos, pero su preocupación por esta cuestión se reduce significativamente (p < 0,0001) con la edad del niño. Los aspectos considerados más importantes para obtener unos buenos hábitos alimentarios fueron la alimentación adaptada a las necesidades del niño y respetar el tiempo de sueño. El porcentaje de pacientes que recibe recomendaciones de hábitos nutricionales varió del 88% (0-6 meses) al 61% (24-36 meses). Conclusiones: A pesar de considerar la salud nutricional importante, la intervención educativa del pediatra al respecto no es óptima. Los problemas nutricionales percibidos fueron distintos según la edad (AU)

Introduction: Parents are most responsible for nutritional education of children, and pediatritians must advise and help them with their doubts. The purpose of this study was to know the relevance of nutritional topics in daily practice and the main nutritional problems perceived by pediatritians in children under 3 years of age. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study performed in 2 stages. First stage consisted on discussion meetings with 30 random-selected pediatritians from Madrid and Barcelona. Results were used to design the on-line questionnaire of the second stage (76 questions related to nutrition in children under 3 years). A random and representative sample of Spanish pediatritians was selected for this stage. Results: One hundred and fifty one pediatritians, among 258 sampled, completed the questionnaire. They referred to see a mean of 588 patients/month. The main perceived nutritional problems in the first year of life were iron and vitamin deficiencies and poor weight gain. In the next months, excess in carbohydrates and lipid intake and overweight were the main problems perceived. Parents were considered the main actors regarding their children's nutritional health, but their concern in these questions significantly reduced with children's age (p < 0,0001). Factors considered to have the greatest relevance in the acquisition of good nutritional habits were to provide a diet adjusted for children's requirements and to observe the appropriate sleeping hours. The proportion of children who receive nutritional counseling varied from 88% (0-6 months) to 61% (24-36 months). Conclusions: Despite of the relevance given by pediatritians, educational intervention regarding nutritional health is not ideal. Nutritional problems perceived by pediatritians varied with children's age (AU)

Validación de una herramienta de cribado nutricional para pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados / Validation of a nutritional screening tool for hospitalized pediatric patients

Introducción: La malnutrición en los pacientes hospitalizados tiene implicaciones clínicas y evolutivas, por lo que existe interés en desarrollar métodos de cribado que identifiquen los individuos de riesgo. En la actualidad no existe consenso acerca de la herramienta de cribado nutricional más apropiada para aplicar en población pediátrica. Objetivo: Validar en España la herramienta de cribado nutricional pediátrico STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics). Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes ingresados en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel con diferentes especialidades médicas y quirúrgicas. En las primeras 24 horas de ingreso se aplicó el método de cribado nutricional STAMP. Para la validación de sus resultados se llevó a cabo una valoración del estado nutricional que incluyó datos clínicos, antropométricos y de composición corporal realizada por personal especializado en nutrición. Resultados: Fueron estudiados 250 niños. La valoración nutricional detectó 64 pacientes (25,6%) considerados de riesgo, de los cuales 40 (16%) estaban ya malnutridos. STAMP clasificó un 48,4% de la muestra como de riesgo nutricional elevado. Dicho método mostró una sensibilidad del 75% y una especificidad del 60,8% para identificar los pacientes considerados de riesgo en la valoración nutricional, y una sensibilidad del 90% y especificidad del 59,5% para detectar los malnutridos. Comentarios: La frecuencia de malnutrición fue algo inferior a la de otros países de nuestro entorno, aunque el método diagnóstico fue diferente. El método STAMP es una herramienta sencilla y útil para el cribado nutricional, que evitaría la necesidad de valorar a todos los pacientes al ingreso para detectar los sujetos de riesgo (AU)

Background: Malnutrition among hospitalized patients has clinical implications, and interest has arisen to find screening tools able to identify subjects under risk. At present, there is no consensus about the most suitable nutrition screening tool for pediatric patients. Aim: To validate STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics) pediatric screening tool in Spain. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of patients admitted to a 3rd level children's hospital with both medical and surgical specialities. During the first 24 hours of admission, STAMP screening tool was applied. For its validation, results were compared with those obtained from a nutritional assessment performed by specialist staff, which included clinical, anthropometric and body composition data. Results: A sample of 250 children was studied. Nutritional assessment identified 64 patients (25.6%) under risk, 40 of whom were malnourished (16%). STAMP classified 48.4% of the patients as being under nutritional risk. This tool showed 75% sensitivity and 60.8% specificity when identifying patients under risk according to nutritional assessment. It showed 90% sensitivity and 59.5% specificity when identifying malnourished patients. Comments: Malnutrition was less frequent than that reported in other European countries, although diagnosis technique was different. STAMP is a simple and useful tool for nutritional screening, avoiding the need to assess all patients on admission in order to identify those under nutritional risk (AU)

Home parenteral nutritrion in children: procedures, experiences and reflections / La nutrición parenteral pediátrica domiciliaria: procedimientos, experiencias y reflexiones

This document summarizes the issues raised in a think tank meeting held by professionals with expertise in pediatric Home Parenteral Nutrition. This nutritional technology enables patients to return home to their family and social environment, improves their quality of life and decreases health-care costs; however, it is complex and requires an experienced nutritional support team. Patient selection is normally made according to their underlying disease, the estimated duration of support and family and social characteristics. The patient’s family must agree to take on caregiver’s responsibilities and should be able to perform treatment safely and effectively after receiving proper training from the nutritional support team. Close monitoring must be carried out to ensure tolerance and effectiveness of nutritional support, there by avoiding complications. This nutritional treatment achieves, in most cases, recovery and intestinal adaptation in varying periods of time. In certain diseases, and when home parenteral nutrition becomes complicated, intestinal transplant may be recommendable, so referral to rehabilitation units and Intestinal Transplantation should be made early on (AU)

El presente documento resume los aspectos abordados en una Jornada de puesta en común con la participación de profesionales con experiencia en nutrición parenteral domiciliaria pediátrica. Este tratamiento permite el retorno de los pacientes a su medio familiar y social, mejora su calidad de vida y disminuye los costes sanitarios pero es complejo y requiere un equipo de soporte nutricional experimentado. La selección del paciente se realizará en función de su enfermedad de base, la duración estimada del soporte y las características familiares y sociales. La familia del paciente ha de querer hacerse cargo de su cuidado y debe ser capaz de realizar el tratamiento de forma segura y eficaz tras recibir la formación adecuada por el equipo de soporte nutricional. El seguimiento ha de efectuarse de forma estrecha para asegurar la tolerancia y eficacia del soporte, evitando las complicaciones. Este tratamiento nutricional consigue, en la mayoría de los casos, la recuperación y adaptación intestinal en periodos variables de tiempo. En ciertas patologías y cuando la nutrición parenteral domiciliaria se complica puede estar indicado el trasplante intestinal, por lo que la remisión a las Unidades de Rehabilitación Intestinal y Trasplante debe hacerse de forma precoz (AU)

Respuesta y comentarios de los autores: Acerca de «Alimentación del lactante y riesgo nutricional» / Comment & response: About «Infant food and nutritional risk»

No disponible

Alimentación del lactante y riesgo nutricional / Infant food and nutritional risk

Los dos primeros años de vida representan un periodo de gran vulnerabilidad para el ser humano. Decidir la composición de la dieta o la forma de administrar los alimentos a esta edad obliga a conocer los riesgos generales e individuales que se puedan presentar en cada niño, afrontándolos desde un conocimiento suficiente de la fisiología de la digestión, la absorción y el metabolismo de los nutrientes y la semiología de los trastornos que pueden necesitar una valoración específica. En los últimos años, se ha ido produciendo una delegación de responsabilidades respecto a la alimentación del niño por parte de los pediatras y de alguno de sus órganos de representación. Las razones de esta delegación son múltiples y se analizan en este documento. La publicación de la Orden SAS/1730/2010, que regula el Programa Formativo de la Especialidad de Enfermería Pediátrica, es un punto más en esta pendiente. Basándose en la exigencia de cualificación profesional, de calidad en los procesos y servicios, en el presente texto se defiende la idea de que la alimentación del lactante debe ser decidida y supervisada por el pediatra(AU)

The first two years of life represent a period of great vulnerability for humans. Decide the composition of the diet or the way food can be administered at this age compel to know the general and individual risks that may arise in every child, confronting them from an adequate knowledge of the physiology of digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients and other signs of nutritional disorders that may require a specific assessment. In recent years it has been producing a delegation of responsibility for feeding the child by pediatricians and some of their representative institutions. The reasons for this delegation are many, and are discussed in this document. The publication of the Order SAS/1730/2010 regulating Specialist Educational Program Pediatric Nursing is a point on this tendency. Based on the requirement of professional qualifications, quality in processes and services, in this paper it is argued that the idea of infant feeding should be determined and monitored by the pediatrician(AU)

Importancia de la ferropenia en el niño pequeño: repercusiones y prevención / Iron deficiency in infants and toddlers: impact on health and preventive strategies

Los lactantes y niños menores de 5 años constituyen un grupo de riesgo para el desarrollo de ferropenia, al conjugarse frecuentemente en ellos unos requerimientos elevados con una ingesta escasa de hierro de alta biodisponibilidad. En esta edad, la ferropenia se ha relacionado con alteraciones del desarrollo psicomotor, entre otros trastornos, y algunos de sus efectos pueden permanecer en el tiempo, a pesar de la restauración de unos adecuados niveles de hierro. Por este motivo, las estrategias encaminadas a la prevención resultan de máxima importancia. El pilar fundamental para la prevención de la ferropenia durante la lactancia y primera infancia es una adecuada orientación dietética. Durante los primeros 4-6 meses de vida, la leche materna es capaz de cubrir adecuadamente los requerimientos, debiendo utilizarse como alternativa, en caso necesario, una fórmula fortificada. Durante la diversificación, se recomienda introducir de forma precoz los cereales fortificados y las carnes. En el niño pequeño, el consumo diario de al menos una ración de alimentos que aporten hierro de alta biodisponibilidad, combinándolos adecuadamente con otros que favorezcan su absorción, es importante para lograrla cobertura de los requerimientos. Únicamente cuando éstos no sean cubiertos por la alimentación habitual, y en determinados grupos de riesgo, se debe realizar de forma seleccionada cribado y suplementación medicamentosa (AU)

Infants and toddlers represent a risk population for iron deficiency (ID), due to their relatively high requirements, which are frequently associated with a poor intake of iron-rich foods. A possible association between ID and impaired cognitive and psychomotor development thas been described, and it has been suggested that some of these effects can be irreversible. For this reason, prevention of ID has become a subject of much concern. To promote an adequate dietetic iron intake is the most important approach for the prevention of ID. Exclusive breast-feeding provides adequate amounts of iron during the first 4-6 months of life, and iron-fortified formula should be used when an alternative is necessary. Fortified cereals and foods containing haem iron, such as meat, should be introduced early in complementary feeding. In toddlers, iron requirements can be satisfied with a daily consumption of atleast one serving of iron-containing foods, along with enhancers of iron absorption. When daily requirements are not properly met by food intake, and in some high-risk populations, screening for ID and iron supplementation should be considered (AU)