RN&C: Ano de 2022
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- Acute Campylobacter spp. gastroenteritis in the Pediatric Emergency Department of a level II hospitalPublication . Sá, Liliana; Pinheiro, Teresa; Silva, Joana; Pedrosa, Adriana; Soares, Laura; Costa, Miguel; Rocha, CristinaIntroduction: Campylobacter spp. is the main cause of pediatric acute bacterial gastroenteritis (ABG) in the European Union, with greater incidence in children under five years old. Most patients present complete recovery within days of infection, with no associated comorbidities. Antibiotic therapy should be reserved for severe cases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, symptoms, treatment, and complications of Campylobacter spp. infection in pediatric patients with ABG. Material and methods: Case-by-case review of the clinical records of patients evaluated in the Pediatric Emergency Department of a level II hospital with a diagnosis of ABG and Campylobacter spp. isolated from stool samples over a five-year period (2013-2017). Results: Of the 1990 stool tests performed, 637 (32%) were positive for the presence of bacteria. Campylobacter spp. was identified in the samples of 459 patients (72%). Eighteen patients were excluded for insufficient data, making up a final sample of 441 patients, with a mean age of three years old. Clinically, patients presented with aqueous diarrhea (59.6%), bloody diarrhea (43.8%), bloody and mucus diarrhea (15.4%), mucus diarrhea (3.9%), vomiting (36.3%), abdominal pain (24.3%), fever (63%), seizures (0.9%), and rash (0.2%). Eighty-nine patients were hospitalized. Eleven patients received antibiotic therapy. Discussion: This study represents the largest national case-by-case review of ABG by Campylobacter spp. in the pediatric population. Campylobacter was the main bacteria identified, mostly associated with self-limited disease. Conclusion: A judicious use of stool tests allows etiological identification in ABG. The growing number of cases of ABG by Campylobacter spp. reinforces the need for better hygiene procedures.
- Acute pancreatitis in children: Ten-year experience of a level II hospitalPublication . Manuel, Ana Rute; Vieira, Rita Gabriela; Torre, Maria De Lurdes; Lemos, Piedade SandeIntroduction: The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children is increasing, together with the awareness of the need for pediatric-specific management recommendations. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology, etiology, management, and clinical course of pediatric AP cases followed at a secondary hospital. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all pediatric AP cases admitted to a level II hospital in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, Portugal, between January 2009 and December 2018. Results: Eight cases of pediatric AP were identified, with an average age of 12 years (minimum 4 years, maximum 16 years) and classified according to etiology as drug-induced (n=3), biliary (n=1), infectious (n=1), and idiopathic (n=3). Recurrent AP was identified in one patient. The median hospital stay was 6.5 days. The main symptoms at presentation were abdominal pain (100.0%) and vomiting (75.0%). All patients had increased levels of amylase activity in serum (>3 times the upper limit of normal). Pancreatic image abnormalities were observed in five patients (62.5%), four in the abdominal ultrasound and one in computed tomography scan. One patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Two patients received a course of antibiotics. All cases were classified as mild, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition classification. Discussion: This series showed a predominance of secondary over idiopathic AP, in agreement with recently published studies reporting a reduction in the incidence of idiopathic AP due to increased efforts to identify the underlying causes of the disease. Since the incidence of AP is increasing in pediatric age, physicians should be aware of recent recommendations for the optimal management of the condition in this age group.
- Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and PsychosisPublication . Videira, Mafalda; Santos, Pedro; Santos, VeraIntroduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an heterogeneous condition in which periods of altered perception or delusions may arise. Similarly, individuals with psychotic disorders may have obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Case report: A male adolescent presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with obsessive symptomatology with three months of evolution. Three weeks later, he returned to the ED showing symptom worsening and reporting delusions, being admitted to the inpatient unit to clarify the diagnosis. No positive symptoms were reported during hospitalization. During follow-up, the patient reported an episode of apparent delusional perception that he associated with the beginning of symptoms, again raising the question of whether a psychotic episode was present. Discussion/Conclusions: The distinction between obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosis is not always clear, with obsessive-compulsive disorder being a significant comorbidity in patients with a first psychotic episode. Close patient assessment is required for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
- Characterization of play, sleep, and behavior in preschool-aged childrenPublication . Fernandes Bragança Oliveira, Raquel; Pinto, Margarida; Nogueira, Mayara; Ferreira, Margarida; Mota, Bárbara; Lourenço, Lara; Pinto, FátimaIntroduction: Playing is a fundamental activity of childhood. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the playing habits of Portuguese children aged between three and five years old. The secondary goals were to investigate children’s sleeping habits, audiovisual media exposure, and behavior, as well as caregivers ́ perception of these.Material and methods: Observational study based on the application of an online questionnaire to parents and caregivers about children’s sociodemographic features, playing habits, exposure to screens, sleep, and behavior.Results: A total of 240 questionnaires were retrieved, 58.3% (n=140) of which regarding male children. Overall, 93.9% (n=225) of children attended or had previously attended kindergarten, 56.9% (n=137) practiced at least one extracurricular activity, 64.4% (n=155) played outdoors in most days, and 80.9% (n=194) played with their peers. Most caregivers (68.3%, n=164) daily played with their children, but 95% (n=228) would like to do it more often. Free play was preferred among children (64%, n=154). Most children (77.4%, n=186) had contacted with audiovisual media before the age of 18 months. Most caregivers (89.6%, n=215) considered that their children slept well, with 27.4% (n=66) acknowledging that they threw frequent tantrums and 21.3% (n=51) that they were impulsive or aggressive. Most caregivers recognized the importance of playing for children. Regarding sleep habits and behavior, lower focus in quiet activities (odds ratio [OR] 4.638, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.902-11.314) and more regular tantrums (OR 2.317, 95% CI 1.022-5.250) were independent predictors of sleeping problems. Conclusion: Free playing, frequent outdoor playing, and playing with other children stood out as protective factors of children’s physical and mental health. However, inadequate screen exposure and schedule overload with structured activities represent concerns that should be addressed in Pediatric appointments. Family-centered playful learning should be encouraged.
- Congenital disorders of glycosylationPublication . Mendes, Ana Raquel; Quelhas, D; Correia, Joana; Paiva Coelho, Margarida; Bandeira, Anabela; Martins, EsmeraldaCongenital disorders of glycosylation are a highly variable, rapidly expanding family of genetic diseases that result from defects in the synthesis of glycans. The vast majority of these monogenic diseases are inherited in an autosomal recessive way, but some types follow an autosomal dominant or X-linked inheritance. The present work aimed to review the state of the art of congenital disorders of glycosylation, including available therapeutic options, and present a simplified diagnostic approach to this group of diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation can be classified into four categories: N-linked glycosylation defects, O-linked glycosylation defects, combined glycosylation defects, and glycosphingolipid and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor synthesis defects. The phenotype may range from mild to severe, depending on disease severity. Clinical features include dysmorphic features, neurologic, dermatologic, cardiac, endocrine, immunologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal and liver involvement, and skeletal muscle abnormalities. As there is no universal or pathognomonic sign or symptom and no sensitive diagnostic test, it is of foremost importance to keep a high index of suspicion of these diseases. When a congenital disorder of glycosylation is suspected, the first step in screening is to perform serum transferrin isoelectric focusing. Molecular genetic testing is the most specific diagnostic test. Treatment is usually symptomatic, with specific treatment only available for some of these disorders. Since congenital defects of glycosylation may affect any organ at any age and have variable clinical presentation, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with multiorgan involvement.
- Cross-allergy between penicillins and cephalosporins: a paradigm shiftPublication . Dias, Liliana; Neves, ClaudiaAllergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics are the most common cause of allergic drug reactions. The incorrect diagnosis prevents patients from receiving a highly effective therapy. The potential cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporin has very significant therapeutic implications. Penicillins and cephalosporins share a common beta-lactam ring and side chains. A number of studies indicate that the R1 side chain, rather than the ring itself, is the determining factor for cross-reactivity. Herein is presented a review of the immunologic mechanisms implicated in penicillin and cephalosporin cross-reactivity and a practical approach to the use of cephalosporins in patients allergic to penicillin.
- Dermatology clinical casePublication . Luís, Telma; Clemêncio, Tatiana; Santos, André L.; Loureiro, FernandaThe case of a teenager with guttate psoriasis secondary to trauma and upper airway infection is reported. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common psoriasis variant in pediatric age. Infection and trauma (leading to Koebner phenomenon) seem to be major triggers of the condition. The diagnosis is clinical. Most cases with no previous history of psoriasis spontaneously remit. Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs, as well as phototherapy, are the first-line treatments.
- Maculopapular cutaneous MastocytosisPublication . Soares Pinho, Crisbety; Barreto, Inês; Rebimbas, Sandra; Coelho, SóniaMastocytosis is a rare disorder caused by proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various tissues, with characteristic symptoms associated with the release of their mediators. Its cutaneous form, usually benign, is the most frequent among children. The authors report the case of a two-month-old male infant who presented to the Emergency Department with small, tan-to-brown macules and papules distributed mainly on the trunk, which progressively became nodular and bullous, with one month of evolution. Darier´s sign was positive. The absence of systemic signs and analytic (including serum tryptase level) and echographic changes was consistent with the diagnosis of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis, or urticaria pigmentosa, subsequently confirmed by skin biopsy. Treatment with anti-histaminic therapy and topical immunosuppressant and avoidance of triggering factors led to a positive outcome.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination in children with egg allergyPublication . Cunha, Leonor; Almeida, Diana Oliveira; dos Santos, Filipa Rodrigues; Falcão, HelenaIntroduction: Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood. Administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended in pediatric age. Despite the presence of traces of egg protein in its composition, the literature recommends MMR vaccine administration regardless of the patient’s past egg allergy history, identifying cases in which the administration should occur in hospital setting. Purpose: To characterize the pediatric population referred to the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto for MMR vaccine administration and investigate vaccination safety in children with egg allergy or sensitization. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of clinical records of children with confirmed or suspected egg allergy referred to the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department for administration of the MMR vaccine between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2019. Results: Among 60 children studied, 90% presented symptoms upon egg intake, with cutaneous reactions being the most prevalent (67%) and four reported cases of anaphylaxis. Allergy to cow’s milk protein (55%), followed by allergy to other foods (45%) were the most frequent personal histories of allergic diseases. Asthma was identified in 10% of patients and was controlled in all cases. Among children referred for vaccination booster dose, one had had a reaction to the previous MMR vaccine dose. Three children developed late local skin reactions, and one had a late systemic reaction after vaccination. All children had negative oral food challenge. Conclusion: MMR vaccine administration is safe and recommended in pediatric age, regardless of egg allergy history. However, immunization should be performed in hospital setting in children with a history of anaphylaxis due to egg allergy, previous anaphylactic reaction to MMR vaccine or one of its constituents, uncontrolled asthma with documented egg allergy, and uncontrolled asthma with allergy to a previous MMR vaccine dose.
- Persistent fever and hemoptoic sputum – clinical casePublication . Mosca, Sara; Magalhães, Adriana; Couto Guerra, Isabel; Azevedo, InêsForeign body aspiration (FBA) is a common and serious problem in children. Considering that signs and symptoms can be non-specific and subtle, it is of utmost importance to recognize vulnerable patient groups, combine an accurate history with complete physical examination, and follow a structured diagnostic approach towards correct diagnosis. In the present case, a high index of suspicion was essential to prevent a delay in FBA diagnosis, discuss the appropriate management strategy and improve patient outcomes.