Proposal for a preventive protocol for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe adverse reaction experienced by some patients exposed to certain drugs (antiresorptives such as bisphosphonates or denosumab, and antiangiogenic drugs). From a review of the literature it appears that there is no uniform criterion when selecting preventive measures; these vary according to author. Likewise, the measures recommended are usually general, so that in few cases they result in specific actions to be applied depending on the different variables involved such as the type of drug used, the duration of its application, the underlying pathology, the presence or absence of risk factors, etc. The aim of this study has been to design a preventive protocol which can be easily applied in any clinic or by any dental care service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook an exhaustive literature review to find any articles related to the topic of study, namely, preventive measures for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, on the one hand generically and on the other focusing on dental implant treatment. The most part the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. From 3946 items, we selected a total of 21 items. RESULTS: From the analysis of the selected articles, several protocols have been developed that are easy to apply in a dental clinic.: Protocol 1. Before starting treatment with antiresorptives (Patients who are going to be treated for osteoporosis / Patients who are going to be treated for cancer). Protocol 2. Once treatment is initiated with antiresorptives (Patients being treated for osteoporosis / Patients being treated for cancer). CONCLUSIONS: The application of these protocols requires an interdisciplinary team which can handle the various treatments and apply the measures contained in them. Along with a team of well-educated and trained dentists, it is equally important to maintain contact with the medical team involved in the treatment of the underlying pathology, especially rheumatologists, oncologists, internists and gynaecologists. All the above requires a great staff learning and organization effort, continuous training and coordination of the whole team involved in the preventive management of these patients.

Accuracy of CD64 expression on neutrophils and monocytes in bacterial infection diagnosis at pediatric intensive care admission.

The CD64 receptor has been described as an interesting bacterial infection biomarker. Its expression has not been studied in previously healthy children admitted to pediatric critical care unit (PICU). Our objective was firstly to describe the CD64 expression and secondly study its diagnostic accuracy to discriminate bacterial versus viral infection in this children. We made a prospective double-blind observational study (March 2016-February 2018). A flow cytometry (FC) was done from peripheral blood at PICU admission. We studied the percentage of CD64+ neutrophils and the CD64 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) on neutrophils (nCD64) and monocytes (mCD64). Statistical analyses were performed with non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Twenty children in the bacterial infection group (BIG) and 25 in the viral infection group (VIG). Children in BIG showed higher values of CD64+ neutrophils (p = 0.000), nCD64 (p = 0.001), and mCD64 (p = 0.003). In addition, CD64+ neutrophils and nCD64 expression have positive correlation with procalcitonin and C reactive protein. The nCD64 area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83 (p = 0.000). The %CD64+ neutrophils showed an AUC of 0.828 (p = 0.000). The mCD64 AUC was 0.83 (p = 0.003). The nCD64 and %CD64+ neutrophils also showed higher combined values of sensitivity (74%) and specificity (90%) than all classical biomarkers.In our series CD64 expression allows to discriminate between bacterial and viral infection at PICU admission. Future studies should confirm this and be focused in the study of CD64 correlation with clinical data and its utility as an evolution biomarker in critical care children.

TLR2-TLR4/CD14 polymorphisms and predisposition to severe invasive infections by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PURPOSE: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are major causes of severe invasive bacterial infections in some individuals. Apparently the genetic is a major susceptibility determinant to these infectious diseases. We study if the functional polymorphisms within genes of the innate immune system (TLR2-TLR4 and CD14) are related to the predisposition to severe invasive infections caused by S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive study. Sixty-six Caucasian healthy children and 173 consecutive Caucasian children with invasive bacterial infections by N. meningitidis (n=59) and S. pneumoniae (n=114) were enrolled between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. All blood samples were genotyped with description of the coding polymorphisms in p.R753Q of TLR2 gene and p.D299G of TLR4 gene as well as the promotor polymorphism c.-159C>T of the CD14 gene. RESULTS: Compared to the controls the p.753Q allele of TLR2 and the allele c.-159T of CD14 were more frequent in patients with S. pneumoniae (p<0.0001 and p=0.0167) and meningococcal infections (p=0.0003 and p=0.0276 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Genetical variations in the innate immune system by polymorphisms in the TLR2 and CD14, could be related with an increases susceptibility to severe invasive infections by S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis.

Early prognostic factors for morbidity and mortality in severe traumatic brain injury. Experience in a child polytrauma unit.

OBJECTIVE: To identify early prognostic factors that lead to an increased risk of unfavorable prognosis. DESIGN: Observational cohort study from October 2002 to October 2017. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Patients with severe TBI admitted to intensive care were included. VARIABLES AND INTERVENTIONS: Epidemiological, clinical, analytical and therapeutic variables were collected. The functional capacity of the patient was assessed at 6 months using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). An unfavorable prognosis was considered a GOS less than or equal to 3. A univariate analysis was performed to compare the groups with good and bad prognosis and their relationship with the different variables. A multivariate analysis was performed to predict the patient's prognosis. RESULTS: 98 patients were included, 61.2% males, median age 6.4 years (IQR 2.49-11.23). 84.7% were treated by the out-of-hospital emergency services. At 6 months, 51% presented satisfactory recovery, 26.5% moderate sequelae, 6.1% severe sequelae, and 2% vegetative state. 14.3% died. Statistical significance was found between the score on the prehospital Glasgow coma scale, pupillary reactivity, arterial hypotension, hypoxia, certain analytical and radiological alterations, such as compression of the basal cisterns, with an unfavorable prognosis. The multivariate analysis showed that it is possible to make predictive models of the evolution of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: it is possible to identify prognostic factors of poor evolution in the first 24 h after trauma. Knowledge of them can help clinical decision-making as well as offer better information to families.

Respiratory and pharmacological management in severe acute bronchiolitis: Were clinical guidelines not written for critical care?

PURPOSE: The treatment applied for children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for severe acute bronchiolitis may differ from general recommendations. The first objective of our study was to describe the treatments offered to these children in a Spanish tertiary PICU. The second objective was to analyse the changes in management derived from the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) bronchiolitis guideline in 2014. METHODS: This was a retrospective-prospective observational study conducted during two epidemic waves (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). The AAP guidelines were distributed and taught to PICU staff between both epidemic waves. RESULTS: A total of 138 children were enrolled (78 male). In the first period, 78 children were enrolled. The median age was 1.8 months (IQR 1.1-3.6). There were no differences between the management in the two periods, except for the use of high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT); its use increased in the second period. Overall, 83% of patients received non-invasive ventilation or HFOT. Children older than 12 months received HFOT exclusively. In comparison, continuous positive airway pressure and bi-level positive airway pressure were used less during the period 2015-2016 (P=0.036). Regarding pharmacological therapy, 70% of patients received antibiotics, 23% steroids, 33% salbutamol, 31% adrenaline, and 7% hypertonic saline. The mortality rate was zero. CONCLUSIONS: Our PICU did not follow the AAP recommendations. There were no differences between the two periods, except in the use of HFOT. All children older than 12 months received HFOT exclusively. The rate of using invasive mechanical ventilation was also low.

Early prognostic factors for morbidity and mortality in severe traumatic brain injury. Experience in a child polytrauma unit. / Factores pronósticos precoces de morbimortalidad en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave en niños. Experiencia en una unidad de politraumatismo infantil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify early prognostic factors that lead to an increased risk of unfavorable prognosis. DESIGN: Observational cohort study from October 2002 to October 2017. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Patients with severe TBI admitted to intensive care were included. VARIABLES AND INTERVENTIONS: Epidemiological, clinical, analytical and therapeutic variables were collected. The functional capacity of the patient was assessed at 6 months using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). An unfavorable prognosis was considered a GOS ≤3. A univariate analysis was performed to compare the groups with good and bad prognosis and their relationship with the different variables. A multivariate analysis was performed to predict the patient's prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were included, 61.2% males, median age 6.4years (IQR 2.49-11.23). 84.7% were treated by the out-of-hospital emergency services. At 6 months, 51% presented satisfactory recovery, 26.5% moderate sequelae, 6.1% severe sequelae, and 2% vegetative state. 14.3% died. Statistical significance was found between the score on the prehospital Glasgow coma scale, pupillary reactivity, arterial hypotension, hypoxia, certain analytical and radiological alterations, such as compression of the basal cisterns, with an unfavorable prognosis. The multivariate analysis showed that it is possible to make predictive models of the evolution of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to identify prognostic factors of poor evolution in the first 24hours after trauma. Knowledge of them can help clinical decision-making as well as offer better information to families.

Narrative review of pediatric critical care humanization: Where we are? / Revisión narrativa sobre humanización en cuidados intensivos pediátricos: ¿dónde estamos?

The humanization of care emerges as a response to something that seems indisputable: the scientific and technological developments in Intensive Care Units. Such development has improved the care of the critically ill patient in quantitative terms, but has perhaps caused the emotional needs of patients, families and professionals to be regarded as secondary concerns. The humanization of healthcare should be discussed without confusing or discussing the humanity displayed by professionals. In this paper we review and describe the different strategic lines proposed in order to secure humanized care, and adopt a critical approach to their adaptation and current status in the field of pediatric critical care.

[Pleural effusion in children with pneumonia: a study of 63 cases]. / Derrame pleural en niños con neumonía. Estudio de 63 casos.

INTRODUCTION: An increase in the number and severity of pleural effusions has been observed in the last few years. The aim of the study is to describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical findings and the treatment of this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients admitted into the PICU in Hospital Niño Jesús with parapneumonic pleural effusion from January 2005 to May 2006. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. An increase of 29 % was observed in the number of patients admitted with parapneumonia effusion from 2005 to 2006. The most common aetiology was Streptococcus pneumoniae. In 65 % of patients pleural effusion was an empyema and in 33 % it was an exudate. In all patients with C-reactive protein below 100 mg/L the effusion was an exudate, whereas 81 % of patients with C-reactive protein above 170 mg/L had an empyema, p < 0.05. The patients who had an exudate needed lower doses of fibrinolytics than those who had an empyema (1.6 vs. 4.5, p < 0.05). The number of days having a chest tube or admitted in PICU was lower in patients with exudate (3 days each) than those with empyema (7 and 9 days respectively) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the number of complicated pneumonias is observed amongst children in our country, S. pneumoniae being the main aetiology. Using laboratory techniques such as C-reactive protein can help to distinguish between complicated and uncomplicated pneumonia. Pleural effusion characteristics seem to have an influence on the need for fibrinolytic and the length of chest tube treatment.

[Management of pediatric multiple trauma patients. Perspective of the pediatric intensive care unit]. / Asistencia al paciente politraumatizado. Realidad actual desde la perspectiva de las unidades de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology and management of pediatric trauma patients as well as the organizational, human and technical resources dedicated to these children from the perspective of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized data collection form was sent to 43 PICUs in Spain. Items inquired about the existence of training courses, trauma clinical practice guidelines and trauma registers, and which physician was in charge of trauma patients. Data on casuistics, the age of trauma patients, and the availability of human and technical resources, were also recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four PICUs completed the questionnaire. The PICU physician was responsible for trauma patient care in 66% of the hospitals. No training courses were available in 59% of the hospitals. No trauma register was available in 62% of the hospitals. Trauma patients represented 11% of PICU admissions, and most patients were aged up to 14 years old. An anesthetist was always at the hospital in 100% of the hospitals. A radiologist and traumatologist were always at the hospital in 91%, a neurosurgeon in 66% and a pediatric surgeon in 50%. The remaining surgical and medical specialties were on call. Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring was available in 87% of the PICUs, jugular venous saturation monitoring in 54% and continuous electroencephalogram and transcranial Doppler ultrasound in 50%. Computed tomography and ultrasound were available at all times in all hospitals. Magnetic nuclear resonance and echocardiography were available at all times in 44% of the hospitals, and arteriography in 42%. CONCLUSION: In Spain, the organization of pediatric trauma management is based on pediatric teams under the supervision of a PICU physician. Some hospitals show a lack of technical and human resources. Therefore, the minimum criteria required to consider a hospital as a pediatric trauma center should be established. Trauma training courses are required.

[Sudden death and ventricular fibrillation of possible ischemic origin in a boy with hypertrophic myocardiopathy]. / Muerte súbita y fibrilación ventricular de posible origen isquémico en un niño con miocardiopatía hipertrófica.

It has been presented a case of an eleven-year-old patient admitted with a pattern of ventricular fibrillation and diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Admission analysis and myocardia anatomy evolution suggested ischemic etiology. We checked the risk factors of sudden death, its relation with ischemic disease and the etiology of ischemia in the hypertrophic myocardiopathy.

[Cantrell's pentalogy: complete treatment, step by step]. / Pentalogía de Cantrell: tratamiento completo, paso a paso.

Since MAYOR and CANTRELL described in 1953 and in 1958 the ectopia cordis associated to other four anomalies, few cases have been reported, and only a small part of them have survived. We report the case of a neonate who presented with the features of the pentalogy. On the 3rd day we found at operation the heart laying over the left hepatic lobe, no pericardium could be identified and diaphragm was absent at its anterior edge. We made an "isolating sac" with duramadre fixed to the anterior thoracic wall, to both sides and to the posterior diaphragmatic defect. The initial management of the ventral defect is described. At the age of two years we initiated the definitive treatment aiming to: 1. To protect the heart. 2. To correct the huge abdominal eventration following the closure of the omphalocele. We described in details the technic employed to cover the precordial defect, to reconstruct the diaphragm, and finally as we treated in three consecutives stages the huge abdominal eventration.

[Extreme reactive thrombocytosis in a healthy 6 year-old child]. / Trombocitosis extrema reactiva en un niño sano de 6 años.

Thrombocytosis is usually a casual finding in children. Reactive or secondary thrombocytosis is the more common form, being the infections diseases the most prevalent cause of it. Regarding the number of platelets there are four degrees of thrombocytosis; in its extreme degree the number of platelets exceeds 1,000,000/mm(3). We describe a case of extreme reactive thrombocytosis in a healthy 6-year-old child. He required critical care admission for diagnosis and treatment (maximum number of platelets 7,283,000/mm(3)). We review the different causes of thrombocytosis in childhood, the differential diagnosis, and the available treatments in case of extreme thrombocytosis.

Extreme reactive thrombocytosis in a healthy 6 year-old child.

Thrombocytosis is usually found by chance in children. Reactive or secondary thrombocytosis is the more common form, with infectious diseases being the most prevalent cause of it. Regarding the number of platelets there are four degrees of thrombocytosis; in its extreme degree the number of platelets exceeds 1,000,000/mm3. We describe a case of extreme reactive thrombocytosis in a healthy 6-year-old child. He required critical care admission for diagnosis and treatment (maximum number of platelets 7,283,000/mm3). We review the different causes of thrombocytosis in childhood, the differential diagnosis, and the available treatments in case of extreme thrombocytosis.

La trombocitosis es un hallazgo casual frecuente en pediatría. En niños, predominan las formas secundarias, siendo las infecciones su causa más prevalente. Se distinguen 4 grados de trombocitosis en función del número de plaquetas; en la forma extrema, se supera el 1.000.000/mm3. Se presenta un caso de trombocitosis extrema reactiva en un niño sano de 6 años, que requirió ingreso en cuidados intensivos para tratamiento y diagnóstico (cifra máxima de plaquetas de 7.283.000/mm3). Se revisan las diferentes causas de trombocitosis en la infancia, se describe el diagnóstico diferencial y se discute sobre los diferentes tratamientos disponibles ante un caso como el descrito.