Respective roles of non-pharmaceutical interventions in bronchiolitis outbreaks: an interrupted time-series analysis based on a multinational surveillance system.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis is a major source of morbimortality among young children worldwide. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to reduce the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may have had an important impact on bronchiolitis outbreaks, as well as major societal consequences. Discriminating between their respective impacts would help define optimal public health strategies against bronchiolitis. We aimed to assess the respective impact of each NPI on bronchiolitis outbreaks in 14 European countries. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series analysis based on a multicentre international study. All children diagnosed with bronchiolitis presenting to the paediatric emergency department of one of 27 centres from January 2018 to March 2021 were included. We assessed the association between each NPI and change in the bronchiolitis trend over time by seasonally adjusted multivariable quasi-Poisson regression modelling. RESULTS: In total, 42 916 children were included. We observed an overall cumulative 78% (95% CI -100- -54%; p<0.0001) reduction in bronchiolitis cases following NPI implementation. The decrease varied between countries from -97% (95% CI -100- -47%; p=0.0005) to -36% (95% CI -79-7%; p=0.105). Full lockdown (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.21 (95% CI 0.14-0.30); p<0.001), secondary school closure (IRR 0.33 (95% CI 0.20-0.52); p<0.0001), wearing a mask indoors (IRR 0.49 (95% CI 0.25-0.94); p=0.034) and teleworking (IRR 0.55 (95% CI 0.31-0.97); p=0.038) were independently associated with reducing bronchiolitis. CONCLUSIONS: Several NPIs were associated with a reduction of bronchiolitis outbreaks, including full lockdown, school closure, teleworking and facial masking. Some of these public health interventions may be considered to further reduce the global burden of bronchiolitis.

Presentations of children to emergency departments across Europe and the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational observational study.

BACKGROUND: During the initial phase of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reduced numbers of acutely ill or injured children presented to emergency departments (EDs). Concerns were raised about the potential for delayed and more severe presentations and an increase in diagnoses such as diabetic ketoacidosis and mental health issues. This multinational observational study aimed to study the number of children presenting to EDs across Europe during the early COVID-19 pandemic and factors influencing this and to investigate changes in severity of illness and diagnoses. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Routine health data were extracted retrospectively from electronic patient records of children aged 18 years and under, presenting to 38 EDs in 16 European countries for the period January 2018 to May 2020, using predefined and standardized data domains. Observed and predicted numbers of ED attendances were calculated for the period February 2020 to May 2020. Poisson models and incidence rate ratios (IRRs), using predicted counts for each site as offset to adjust for case-mix differences, were used to compare age groups, diagnoses, and outcomes. Reductions in pediatric ED attendances, hospital admissions, and high triage urgencies were seen in all participating sites. ED attendances were relatively higher in countries with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (IRR 2.26, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.70, p < 0.001) and in children aged <12 months (12 to <24 months IRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89; 2 to <5 years IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.82; 5 to <12 years IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.70; 12 to 18 years IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.74; versus age <12 months as reference group, p < 0.001). The lowering of pediatric intensive care admissions was not as great as that of general admissions (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, p < 0.001). Lower triage urgencies were reduced more than higher triage urgencies (urgent triage IRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.12; emergent and very urgent triage IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.49 to 1.57; versus nonurgent triage category, p < 0.001). Reductions were highest and sustained throughout the study period for children with communicable infectious diseases. The main limitation was the retrospective nature of the study, using routine clinical data from a wide range of European hospitals and health systems. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in ED attendances were seen across Europe during the first COVID-19 lockdown period. More severely ill children continued to attend hospital more frequently compared to those with minor injuries and illnesses, although absolute numbers fell. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN91495258 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91495258.

Pediatric severe asthma with fungal sensitization is mediated by steroid-resistant IL-33.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is unknown. IL-33 is important in fungus-induced asthma exacerbations, but its role in fungal sensitization is unexplored. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether fungal sensitization in children with severe therapy-resistant asthma is mediated by IL-33. METHODS: Eighty-two children (median age, 11.7 years; 63% male) with severe therapy-resistant asthma were included. SAFS (n = 38) was defined as specific IgE or skin prick test response positivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, or Cladosporium herbarum. Clinical features and airway immunopathology were assessed. Chronic exposure to house dust mite and A alternata were compared in a neonatal mouse model. RESULTS: Children with SAFS had earlier symptom onset (0.5 vs 1.5 years, P = .006), higher total IgE levels (637 vs 177 IU/mL, P = .002), and nonfungal inhalant allergen-specific IgE. Significantly more children with SAFS were prescribed maintenance oral steroids (42% vs 14%, P = .02). SAFS was associated with higher airway IL-33 levels. In neonatal mice A alternata exposure induced higher serum IgE levels, pulmonary IL-33 levels, and IL-13(+) innate lymphoid cell (ILC) and TH2 cell numbers but similar airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with those after house dust mite exposure. Lung IL-33 levels, IL-13(+) ILC numbers, TH2 cell numbers, IL-13 levels, and AHR remained increased with inhaled budesonide during A alternata exposure, but all features were significantly reduced in ST2(-/-) mice lacking a functional receptor for IL-33. CONCLUSION: Pediatric SAFS was associated with more oral steroid therapy and higher IL-33 levels. A alternata exposure resulted in increased IL-33-mediated ILC2 numbers, TH2 cell numbers, and steroid-resistant AHR. IL-33 might be a novel therapeutic target for SAFS.

Non-COVID-19 respiratory viral infection.

Implemented control measures brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have changed the prevalence of other respiratory viruses, often relegating them to a secondary plan. However, it must not be forgotten that a diverse group of viruses, including other human coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumoviruses, parainfluenza and influenza, continue to be responsible for a large burden of disease. In fact, they are among the most common causes of acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections globally. Viral respiratory infections can be categorised in several ways, including by clinical syndrome or aetiological agent. We describe their clinical spectrum. Distinctive imaging features, advances in microbiological diagnosis and treatment of severe forms are also discussed. Educational aims: To summarise the knowledge on the spectrum of disease that respiratory viral infections can cause and recognise how often they overlap.To learn the most common causes of respiratory viral infections and acknowledge other less frequent agents that may target certain key populations (e.g. immunocompromised patients).To improve awareness of the recent advances in diagnostic methods, including molecular assays and helpful features in imaging techniques.To identify supportive care strategies pivotal in the management of severe respiratory viral infections.

[Growth and puberty in type 1 diabetes mellitus - experience from a pediatric endocrinology unit]. / Crescimento e puberdade na diabetes mellitus tipo 1 - experiência de uma unidade de endocrinologia pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in children. It is associated with vascular and neuropathic complications, and may also affect growth and development. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the metabolic control and disease duration with growth and puberty in patients with T1DM followed in a Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis. Sample obtained from patients with T1DM followed in Hospital Santa Maria Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic (Lisbon - Portugal) since 1994 until March 2011. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients diagnosed before the onset of puberty and who had attained their final height during the follow-up. VARIABLES: sex, age, weight and height at diagnosis and final, parents' height, growth velocity, pubertal height gain, age at menarche and metabolic control during puberty. RESULTS: 39 patients, 51% female, 82% diagnosed less than five years before puberty. Fifty-four percent presented an average HbA1c between 8-10%, what we considered reasonable. There seems to be a trend towards an inverse association between HbA1c and the maximum speed of growth and pubertal height gain, although not statistically significant. These patients were taller than average at diagnosis (z-score: male 0.9; female: 0.5) and lost height during puberty, yet attained final heights within normal range and matching their target heights. CONCLUSIONS: Although HbA1c seems to negatively influence maximum growth rate and pubertal height gain, there was no compromise in final height in this group of patients.

The impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation on paediatric cystic fibrosis patients' morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) plays a well-recognised pathogenic role in cystic fibrosis (CF). AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence and incidence of colonisation by MRSA, clinical impact of MRSA colonisation (year after first MRSA isolation), risk factors and pattern of antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: Retrospective review of paediatric CF patients colonised with MRSA followed-up at the CF Unit of Hospital de Santa Maria 2003-2007. RESULTS: Twelve of the 60 patients followed-up during this period were MRSA-positive at some time (chronic colonisation in 3 patients). Mean age at acquisition was 9 years 10 months and mean time interval between CF diagnosis and MRSA acquisition 5 years 7 months. An important rise in MRSA colonisation prevalence and incidence was observed, with the highest rate seen in 2007 (prevalence 14.3% and incidence 8.9%). Four patients had received anti-staphylococcal prophylaxis with flucloxacillin. An increase in the total number of in-patient days was observed in four patients (two with chronic colonisation). Deterioration in lung function was seen in five patients (including the three patients with chronic colonisation). Only one patient had a decrease in body mass index percentile. Resistance to clindamycin and rifampin was the most frequently seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed significant clinical deterioration in patients with chronic colonisation by MRSA, reinforcing the importance of effective and timely decolonisation strategies.

Edema hemorrágico agudo da infância: uma vasculite com bom prognóstico / Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: a vasculitis with good prognosis

OBJETIVOS: Relatar dois casos de edema hemorrágico agudo da infância, que consiste numa vasculite rara, caracterizada por lesões cutâneas purpúricas e edema periférico, sem envolvimento sistêmico (excetuando- se a febre), que tem início súbito, curso benigno e evolui espontaneamente para a cura. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: Os autores apresentam dois casos de crianças do sexo masculino, com 11 e 12 meses de idade, que foram atendidos no serviço de urgência por febre e lesões purpúricas exuberantes de agravamento progressivo. O diagnóstico de edema hemorrágico agudo da infância foi feito por exclusão e sustentado pelo fato de que, apesar da impressionante apresentação cutânea, ambos os lactentes apresentavam um ótimo estado geral e a tríade clássica desta entidade: febre, edema e lesões purpúricas da face, orelhas e extremidades. Houve regressão total das lesões cutâneas em aproximadamente uma semana, sem sequelas em ambos os casos. CONCLUSÕES: Existem pouco mais de 100 casos publicados mundialmente de edema hemorrágico agudo da infância. A raridade dessa vasculite pode dever-se a um subdiagnóstico ou diagnóstico equivocado de outras vasculites leucocitoclásticas, principalmente a Púrpura de HenochSchönlein. Além desta, existem outras doenças a considerar no diagnóstico diferencial, como meningococemia, doença de Kawasaki e eritema multiforme, que apresentam similaridades, mas ao mesmo tempo características distintas que permitem excluí-las. É fundamental o diagnóstico oportuno do edema hemorrágico agudo da infância, de modo a evitar exames complementares e terapêuticas desnecessárias, além de tranquilizar a família quanto ao bom prognóstico da doença.

AIMS: To report two cases of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy, a rare vasculitis characterized by purpuric skin lesions and peripheral edema without systemic involvement (excluding fever), which has a sudden onset and an usually benign course, with spontaneous resolution. CASES DESCRIPTION: The authors describe two cases of male infants, 11 and 12 months old, who were admitted to the emergency department with fever and progressively worsening purpuric lesions. The diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy was made by exclusion and sustained by the fact that, despite the impressive skin presentation, both infants had a good general state and presented the classic triad of this entity: fever, peripheral edema, and purpuric lesions on the face, ears and extremities. Both boys presented total regression of the lesions in about one week, without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: There are just over 100 cases of hemorrhagic edema of infancy reported worldwide. The rarity of this vasculitis may be due to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis of other leukocytoclastic vasculitis, mostly Henoch-Schönlein purpura. In addition to this, there are other conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis, such as meningococcemia, Kawasaki disease and erythema multiforme, which have similarities, but at the same time distinctive features that allow to exclude them. Timely diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic edema of childhood is crucial to avoid unnecessary therapies and supplementary tests, as well as to reassure the family about the good prognosis of the disease.