Factores de riesgo para bacteriemia en neutropenia febril en pacientes pediátricos Hemato-Oncológicos

Aim: Febrile neutropenia is a frequent complication, with high mortality, of hemato/oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. In Latinamerica there are few studies showning clinical or laboratory criteria to classify the patients in high risk for bacteremia, associated to fever with neutropenia. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study. All hemato-oncology patients admitted at the Hospital pediatric, from January 1st, 2016 to July 31, 2017 with febrile neutropenia due to chemotherapy were included. Results:  318 episodes of fever and neutropenia due to chemotherapy were included of a total of 170 patients with cancer during the 19 months of the study.  77% of the episodes were classified as high risk for severe sepsis for bacteremia after analysis. 2.2% had positive blood culture with a prevalence of Gram’s negative bacteria (62,5%). There were no deaths. The study population demonstrates higher risk for bacteremia on patients presenting hypotension (OR: 29.9), a central catheter (OR: 8.1) and platelets count of ≤ 50000/mm3 (OR: 5.0). Conclusion: With these results, it has been validated clinical and laboratory parameters that can be applied to the costarican population, to stratify the risk for bacteremia of patients with fever and neutropenia. This, in the future, optimizing the assessment and the appropriate empiric antimicrobial coverage, reducing the antimicrobial resistance and improving the outcome of complications of patients with cancer.Objetivo: La neutropenia febril es una complicación frecuente en pacientes hemato-oncológicos al recibir quimioterapia, con una morbi-mortalidad importante. En América Latina son escasos los estudios validando parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio que puedan utilizarse para clasificar el riesgo de bacteriemia, asociado a neutropenia febril. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional. Se incluyeron los pacientes hemato-oncológicos hospitalizados por presentar neutropenia febril secundaria a quimioterapia en el hospital pediátrico del 1ro de enero 2016 al 31 de julio 2017. Resultados: Se incluyeron 318 episodios de neutropenia febril secundario a quimioterapia presentándose en 170 pacientes con cáncer durante 19 meses del estudio.  Los episodios se dieron predominantemente en pacientes con leucemia linfocítica aguda (67%); 77% de los episodios clasificándose como alto riesgo para bacteriemia después del análisis respectivo. En 2.2% de los casos se obtuvo identificación microbiológica en hemocultivos, prevaleciendo la infección por Gram negativos (62,5%). No hubo mortalidad asociada.  La presencia de hipotensión (OR: 29.9), catéter venoso central (OR: 8.1) y conteo plaquetario ≤ 50.000/mm3 (OR: 5.0) al ingreso fueron parámetros que confirieron mayor riesgo de bacteriemia en nuestra población. Conclusión: Con estos resultados, se han validado parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio que pueden aplicarse en la población costarricense para clasificar el riesgo de bacteriemia en los pacientes con neutropenia y fiebre. Así, optimizar el abordaje, adecuar la terapia antimicrobiana empírica, reducir el riesgo de resistencia antimicrobiana y mejorar la calidad de atención de los pacientes con cáncer en aras de mejorar la sobrevida de esta población

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in western countries: decreasing incidence as the pandemic progresses? An observational multicenter international cross-sectional study

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (MIS-C) has been reported worldwide.1–7 The case definition of MIS-C has been estab- lished by different institutions and organizations such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (May 14, 2020),8 the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the United Kingdom (RCPCH) (May 1, 2020)9,10 and the World Health Organi- zation (WHO) (May 15, 2020).1Postprint (published version

Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Kawasaki Disease in Children from Latin America: A Multicenter Observational Study from the REKAMLATINA Network

Objetivos: Describir la presentación clínica, el manejo y los resultados de la enfermedad de Kawasaki (EK) en Latinoamérica y evaluar los indicadores pronósticos tempranos de aneurisma de la arteria coronaria (AAC). Diseño del estudio: Se realizó un estudio observacional basado en el registro de la EK en 64 centros pediátricos participantes de 19 países latinoamericanos de forma retrospectiva entre el 1 de enero de 2009 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013, y de forma prospectiva desde el 1 de junio de 2014 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2017. Se recopilaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio iniciales. Se utilizó una regresión logística que incorporaba factores clínicos y la puntuación z máxima de la arteria coronaria en la presentación inicial (entre 10 días antes y 5 días después de la inmunoglobulina intravenosa [IGIV]) para desarrollar un modelo pronóstico de AAC durante el seguimiento (>5 días después de la IGIV). Resultados: De 1853 pacientes con EK, el ingreso tardío (>10 días tras el inicio de la fiebre) se produjo en el 16%, el 25% tuvo EK incompleta y el 11% fue resistente a la IGIV. Entre los 671 sujetos con puntuación z de la arteria coronaria notificada durante el seguimiento (mediana: 79 días; IQR: 36, 186), el 21% presentaba AAC, incluido un 4% con aneurismas gigantes. Un modelo pronóstico simple que utilizaba sólo una puntuación z de la arteria coronaria máxima ≥2,5 en la presentación inicial fue óptimo para predecir la AAC durante el seguimiento (área bajo la curva: 0,84; IC del 95%: 0,80, 0,88). Conclusiones: De nuestra población latinoamericana, la puntuación z de la arteria coronaria ≥2,5 en la presentación inicial fue el factor pronóstico más importante que precedió a la AAC durante el seguimiento. Estos resultados resaltan la importancia de la ecocardiografía temprana durante la presentación inicial de la EK. © 2023 Los autoresObjectives: To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Latin America and to evaluate early prognostic indicators of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). Study design: An observational KD registry-based study was conducted in 64 participating pediatric centers across 19 Latin American countries retrospectively between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, and prospectively from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2017. Demographic and initial clinical and laboratory data were collected. Logistic regression incorporating clinical factors and maximum coronary artery z-score at initial presentation (between 10 days before and 5 days after intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG]) was used to develop a prognostic model for CAA during follow-up (>5 days after IVIG). Results: Of 1853 patients with KD, delayed admission (>10 days after fever onset) occurred in 16%, 25% had incomplete KD, and 11% were resistant to IVIG. Among 671 subjects with reported coronary artery z-score during follow-up (median: 79 days; IQR: 36, 186), 21% had CAA, including 4% with giant aneurysms. A simple prognostic model utilizing only a maximum coronary artery z-score ≥2.5 at initial presentation was optimal to predict CAA during follow-up (area under the curve: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.88). Conclusion: From our Latin American population, coronary artery z-score ≥2.5 at initial presentation was the most important prognostic factor preceding CAA during follow-up. These results highlight the importance of early echocardiography during the initial presentation of KD. © 2023 The Author(s

To TST or not to TST: is tuberculin skin testing necessary before BCG immunisation in children?

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is one of the most commonly administered vaccines worldwide. In countries with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, it is generally given shortly after birth. In a number of low TB prevalence countries, BCG is used as a travel vaccine, typically given to children outside the neonatal period prior to visiting regions where TB is common. In this setting, it is recommended that latent TB infection (LTBI) resulting from prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is excluded by a tuberculin skin test (TST) before BCG immunisation. This is to avoid the risk of an accelerated local reaction that is more common in individuals who have LTBI. In addition, BCG immunisation in individuals with LTBI is unnecessary, as it does not provide protection against progression to active TB disease. We review and discuss current international guidelines and recommendations on the need to screen children for LTBI prior to BCG immunisation. Guidelines vary significantly regarding age-related cut-offs and additional selection criteria. This variation primarily reflects the lack of evidence on which to base recommendations. We suggest an alternative strategy using a risk assessment questionnaire to identify children who should have a TST before BCG immunisation. This targeted approach will reduce the number of children unnecessarily screened, whilst allowing the identification of those with LTBI, who need further evaluation and treatment

Varicella prevention in Costa Rica: impact of a one-dose schedule universal vaccination

Introduction: To describe the impact following a 1-dose Varicella vaccination schedule introduced in Costa Rica in September 2007. Areas covered: This is a retrospective review using epidemiologic surveillance national databases of varicella cases and hospitalizations, period 2000–2015. We analyzed age-related varicella incidence cases and hospitalization trends before and after the vaccine introduction. Expert commentary: Varicella vaccine coverage among children 16 months age increased from 76% in 2008 to 95% in 2015. During this period Costa Rica reached a 73.8% reduction of Varicella reported cases and 85.9% reduction of hospitalizations in the general population. Among children under 5 years of age, that reduction was 79.1% and 87%, respectively. Varicella complications in hospitalized patients decreased 98%, from n = 53 in 2008 to n = 1 in 2014. After 8-years post implementation of a 1-dose schedule of universal varicella vaccination, a dramatic overall disease reduction in incidence, hospitalizations and complicated cases has been observed in all age groups

Seroprevalence of dengue virus antibodies in asymptomatic Costa Rican children, 2002-2003: a pilot study La seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra el virus del dengue en niños costarricenses asintomáticos, 2002-2003: estudio piloto

OBJECTIVES: Since 1993 dengue has become more frequent in Costa Rica. Adults have been the most affected population, while children have remained virtually unharmed. So far no studies have investigated how many asymptomatic children have been affected by this virus. This pilot study documents the seroprevalence, measured as the presence of IgG antibodies, of dengue virus in asymptomatic children from two different geographical areas. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective epidemiologic study compared the presence of antibodies in children who live in a coastal region of a tropical country where dengue is endemic, and an inland area where dengue is not endemic. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the serum for dengue virus IgG antibodies. None of the children had a prior history of dengue, fever, immunosuppressive therapy or underlying disease. RESULTS: During the period from July 2002 to July 2003, 103 children were recruited from each area. In the costal region we found a seroprevalence of 36.9%. In the inland area seroprevalence was 2.9% CONCLUSIONS: We found a substantial number of asymptomatic infections in Costa Rican children. This greatly increases the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome in these children, in whom previous dengue infection had gone undetected. Preventive efforts should be targeted at the costal region due to the higher prevalence in this area.OBJETIVOS: Desde 1993, la frecuencia de dengue en Costa Rica ha venido aumentando. La población de adultos ha sido la más afectada, mientras que en los niños apenas se han presentado casos. Hasta el momento no se han realizado estudios para determinar cuántos niños asintomáticos se han visto afectados por el virus de la enfermedad. Este estudio piloto documenta la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos de tipo IgG contra el virus del dengue en niños asintomáticos procedentes de dos zonas geográficas distintas. MÉTODOS: En este estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y prospectivo se comparó la presencia de anticuerpos en niños que vivían en la zona costera de un país tropical donde el dengue es endémico, y en una zona del interior donde no lo es. Se usó inmunoadsorción enzimática para detectar IgG en el suero. Ninguno de los niños tenía antecedentes de dengue, enfermedad febril, tratamiento inmunosupresor o enfermedad subyacente. RESULTADOS: Durante el período transcurrido desde julio de 2003 hasta julio de 2003, se reunió a 103 niños de cada área. En la zona costera encontramos una seroprevalencia de IgG de 36,9%; en el interior, de 2,9%. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos muchos casos de infección asintomática por el virus del dengue en niños costarricenses. Esto conlleva un riesgo elevado de fiebre hemorrágica del dengue o de síndrome de choque por dengue en estos niños en quienes la infección había pasado inadvertida. Es necesario tomar medidas preventivas en la región del litoral debido a la mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad en ella

The current prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema related symptoms in school-aged children in Costa Rica

Objective: Asthma prevalence in Costa Rica is among the highest worldwide. We aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma among school-age children in the Central Highland Area of Costa Rica. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was performed. Parents or guardians of children aged 6–13 years completed written questionnaires. Results: Total of 2817 school-aged children returned these questionnaires (74.1% return rate). The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema was 21.9%, 42.6%, and 19.2%, respectively. The co-existence of the 3 diseases was seen in 22.6% of children with asthma. Boys had a slightly higher prevalence of these conditions, and younger children had higher prevalence of asthma and eczema, but lower prevalence of rhinitis than older children. The use of acetaminophen and antibiotics in the first 12 months of life showed a significant association with the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. Wheezing with exercise, dry cough at night, and ever rhinitis was highly associated with asthma symptoms in the last 12 months. In contrast, no association was found between children exposed to smoking at home. Frequent traffic next to the house was reported more frequently by the parents of children with asthma, although no significant association was found. Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma showed a significant decrease compared to previous studies. However, there was an unexpected high prevalence of rhinitis. Exposure to acetaminophen and antibiotic during the first year of life was highly associated with asthma symptoms.Objetivo: La prevalencia del asma en Costa Rica es una de las más altas del mundo. Nuestro objetivo es determinar determinar la prevalencia de asma en niños en edad escolar en la zona del Altiplano Central de Costa Rica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal utilizando el cuestionario International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Los padres o tutores de los niños de 6 a 13 años completaron cuestionarios escritos. Resultados: Un total de 2817 niños en edad escolar devolvieron estos cuestionarios (tasa de devolución del 74,1%). La prevalencia de asma, rinitis y eczema fue del 21,9%, el 42,6% y el 19,2%, respectivamente. La coexistencia de las 3 enfermedades se observó en el 22,6% de los niños con asma. Los niños tenían Los niños varones tenían una prevalencia ligeramente mayor de estas enfermedades, y los niños más pequeños tenían una mayor prevalencia de asma y eczema, pero menor prevalencia de rinitis que los niños mayores. El uso de paracetamol y antibióticos en los primeros 12 meses de vida mostró una asociación significativa con la prevalencia de asma, rinitis y eczema. Las sibilancias con el ejercicio, la tos seca por la noche y la rinitis de siempre estaban altamente asociadas con los síntomas de asma en los últimos 12 meses. En cambio, no se encontró ninguna asociación entre los niños expuestos al tabaco en casa. Los padres de los niños con asma informaron de que había tráfico frecuente junto a la casa los padres de los niños con asma, aunque no se encontró una asociación significativa. significativa. Conclusiones: La prevalencia del asma mostró una disminución significativa en comparación con estudios anteriores. estudios anteriores. Sin embargo, hubo una alta prevalencia inesperada de rinitis. La exposición al paracetamol y a los antibióticos durante el primer año de vida estuvo muy asociada a los síntomas de asma.Hospital Nacional de Niños, Costa RicaTullane University, Estados UnidosUniversidad Nacional, Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica, Costa RicaEscuela de Medicina Veterinari

Mycobacteria-specific cytokine responses detect tuberculosis infection and distinguish latent from active tuberculosis

RATIONALE: Current immunodiagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB), including the tuberculin skin test and IFN-? release assay (IGRA), have significant limitations, which include their inability to distinguish between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB, a distinction critical for clinical management.OBJECTIVES: To identify mycobacteria-specific cytokine biomarkers that characterize TB infection, determine their diagnostic performance characteristics, and establish whether these biomarkers can distinguish between LTBI and active TB.METHODS: A total of 149 children investigated for TB infection were recruited; all participants underwent a tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay. In parallel, whole-blood assays using early secretory antigenic target-6, culture filtrate protein-10, and PPD as stimulatory antigens were undertaken, and cytokine responses were determined by xMAP multiplex assays.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: IFN-?, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-13, and MIP-1? (macrophage inflammatory protein-1?) responses were significantly higher in LTBI and active TB cases than in TB-uninfected individuals, irrespective of the stimulant. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that IP-10, TNF-?, and IL-2 responses achieved high sensitivity and specificity for the distinction between TB-uninfected and TB-infected individuals. TNF-?, IL-1ra, and IL-10 responses had the greatest ability to distinguish between LTBI and active TB cases; the combinations of TNF-?/IL-1ra and TNF-?/IL-10 achieved correct classification of 95.5% and 100% of cases, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: We identified several mycobacteria-specific cytokine biomarkers with the potential to be exploited for immunodiagnosis. Incorporation of these biomarkers into future immunodiagnostic assays for TB could result in substantial gains in sensitivity and allow the distinction between LTBI and active TB based on a blood test alone

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in Western Countries? Decreasing Incidence as the Pandemic Progresses?: An Observational Multicenter International Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 variations as well as immune protection after previous infections and/or vaccination may have altered the incidence of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). We aimed to report an international time-series analysis of the incidence of MIS-C to determine if there was a shift in the regions or countries included into the study. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international, cross-sectional study. We collected the MIS-C incidence from the participant regions and countries for the period July 2020 to November 2021. We assessed the ratio between MIS-C cases and COVID-19 pediatric cases in children <18 years diagnosed 4 weeks earlier (average time for the temporal association observed in this disease) for the study period. We performed a binomial regression analysis for 8 participating sites [Bogotá (Colombia), Chile, Costa Rica, Lazio (Italy), Mexico DF, Panama, The Netherlands and Catalonia (Spain)]. RESULTS: We included 904 cases of MIS-C, among a reference population of 17,906,432 children. We estimated a global significant decrease trend ratio in MIS-C cases/COVID-19 diagnosed cases in the previous month ( P < 0.001). When analyzing separately each of the sites, Chile and The Netherlands maintained a significant decrease trend ( P < 0.001), but this ratio was not statistically significant for the rest of sites. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first international study describing a global reduction in the trend of the MIS-C incidence during the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination and other factors possibly linked to the virus itself and/or community transmission may have played a role in preventing new MIS-C cases