CMIN_SP_Artigos publicados em revistas indexadas na Pubmed/Medline
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- Leigh Syndrome Spectrum: A Portuguese Population Cohort in an Evolutionary Genetic EraPublication . Baldo, Manuela Schubert; Nogueira, Célia; Pereira, Cristina; Janeiro, Patrícia; Ferreira, Sara; Lourenço, Charles M.; Bandeira, Anabela; Martins, Esmeralda; Magalhães, Marina; Rodrigues, Esmeralda; Santos, Helena; Ferreira, Ana Cristina; Vilarinho, LauraMitochondrial diseases are the most common inherited inborn error of metabolism resulting in deficient ATP generation, due to failure in homeostasis and proper bioenergetics. The most frequent mitochondrial disease manifestation in children is Leigh syndrome (LS), encompassing clinical, neuroradiological, biochemical, and molecular features. It typically affects infants but occurs anytime in life. Considering recent updates, LS clinical presentation has been stretched, and is now named LS spectrum (LSS), including classical LS and Leigh-like presentations. Apart from clinical diagnosis challenges, the molecular characterization also progressed from Sanger techniques to NGS (next-generation sequencing), encompassing analysis of nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This upgrade resumed steps and favored diagnosis. Hereby, our paper presents molecular and clinical data on a Portuguese cohort of 40 positive cases of LSS. A total of 28 patients presented mutation in mtDNA and 12 in nDNA, with novel mutations identified in a heterogeneous group of genes. The present results contribute to the better knowledge of the molecular basis of LS and expand the clinical spectrum associated with this syndrome.
- Association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and sleep in preschoolersPublication . Gomes, Rita; Sousa, Bebiana; Gonzaga, Diana; Prior, Catarina; Rios, Marta; Vaz Matos, InêsIntroduction: Sleep problems are frequent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some authors have tried to characterize paediatric sleep habits in Portugal, but none has focused on preschool-age children nor attempted to establish their association with ADHD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in preschool-age children and to study their association with sleep habits. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. We distributed questionnaires to a random sample of caregivers of children enrolled in early childhood education centres in Porto. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, television watching and outdoor activities. We assessed ADHD symptoms and sleep habits with the Portuguese versions of the Conners' Parents Rating Scale, Revised and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT), respectively. Results: The study included 381 preschoolers (50.90% male). We found high scores for ADHD symptoms in 13.10%, with a higher prevalence in girls (14.40% vs. 11.85%; P = 0.276). In the CSHQ-PT, 45.70% of participants had a mean total score greater than 48, which is the cut-off point applied in the screening of sleep disturbances in the Portuguese population. There was a significant association between high scores for ADHD symptoms and a lower maternal education level (P < 0.001), a shorter sleep duration (P = 0.049), and higher scores on parasomnias (P = 0.019) and sleep disordered breathing (P = 0.002) in CSHQ-PT subscales. Conclusions: ADHD and sleep disorders are common in preschoolers, in Porto, and this study suggests some clinical correlations between them. Since these interactions are complex and far from being elucidated, further studies are paramount to provide guidance for prevention and managing strategies in younger children at risk for ADHD.
- Yellow papules on the face and scalpPublication . Ashworth, Joanna; Oliveira, Miguel; Ferreira, Luísa; Machado, Susana
- Vaccine breakthrough hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNsPublication . Bastard, Paul; Vazquez, Sara E.; Liu, Jamin; Laurie, Matthew T.; Wang, Chung Yu; Gervais, Adrian; Le Voyer, Tom; Bizien, Lucy; Zamecnik, Colin; Philippot, Quentin; Rosain, Jérémie; Catherinot, Emilie; Willmore, Andrew; Mitchell, Anthea M.; Bair, Rebecca; Garçon, Pierre; Kenney, Heather; Fekkar, Arnaud; Salagianni, Maria; Poulakou, Garyphallia; Siouti, Eleni; Sahanic, Sabina; Tancevski, Ivan; Weiss, Günter; Nagl, Laurenz; Manry, Jérémy; Duvlis, Sotirija; Arroyo-Sánchez, Daniel; Paz Artal, Estela; Rubio, Luis; Perani, Cristiano; Bezzi, Michela; Sottini, Alessandra; Quaresima, Virginia; Roussel, Lucie; Vinh, Donald C.; Reyes, Luis Felipe; Garzaro, Margaux; Hatipoglu, Nevin; Boutboul, David; Tandjaoui-Lambiotte, Yacine; Borghesi, Alessandro; Aliberti, Anna; Cassaniti, Irene; Venet, Fabienne; Monneret, Guillaume; Halwani, Rabih; Sharif-Askari, Narjes Saheb; Danielson, Jeffrey; Burrel, Sonia; Morbieu, Caroline; Stepanovskyy, Yurii; Bondarenko, Anastasia; Volokha, Alla; Boyarchuk, Oksana; Gagro, Alenka; Neuville, Mathilde; Neven, Bénédicte; Keles, Sevgi; Hernu, Romain; Bal, Antonin; Novelli, Antonio; Novelli, Giuseppe; Saker, Kahina; Ailioaie, Oana; Antolí, Arnau; Jeziorski, Eric; Rocamora-Blanch, Gemma; Teixeira, Carla; Delaunay, Clarisse; Lhuillier, Marine; Le Turnier, Paul; Zhang, Yu; Mahevas, Matthieu; Pan-Hammarström, Qiang; Abolhassani, Hassan; Bompoil, Thierry; Dorgham, Karim; Gorochov, Guy; Laouenan, Cédric; Rodríguez-Gallego, Carlos; Ng, Lisa F. P.; Renia, Laurent; Pujol, Aurora; Belot, Alexandre; Raffi, François; Allende, Luis M.; Martinez-Picado, Javier; Ozcelik, Tayfun; Imberti, Luisa; Notarangelo, Luigi D.; Troya, Jesus; Solanich, Xavier; Zhang, Shen-Ying; Puel, Anne; Wilson, Michael R.; Trouillet-Assant, Sophie; Abel, Laurent; Jouanguy, Emmanuelle; Ye, Chun Jimmie; Cobat, Aurélie; Thompson, Leslie M.; Andreakos, Evangelos; Zhang, Qian; Anderson, Mark S.; Casanova, Jean-Laurent; DeRisi, Joseph L.Life-threatening "breakthrough" cases of critical COVID-19 are attributed to poor or waning antibody (Ab) response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in individuals already at risk. Preexisting auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs underlie at least 15% of critical COVID-19 pneumonia cases in unvaccinated individuals; their contribution to hypoxemic breakthrough cases in vaccinated people is unknown. We studied a cohort of 48 individuals (aged 20 to 86 years) who received two doses of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine and developed a breakthrough infection with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia 2 weeks to 4 months later. Ab levels to the vaccine, neutralization of the virus, and auto-Abs to type I IFNs were measured in the plasma. Forty-two individuals had no known deficiency of B cell immunity and a normal Ab response to the vaccine. Among them, 10 (24%) had auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs (aged 43 to 86 years). Eight of these 10 patients had auto-Abs neutralizing both IFN-α2 and IFN-ω, whereas two neutralized IFN-ω only. No patient neutralized IFN-β. Seven neutralized type I IFNs at 10 ng/ml and three at 100 pg/ml only. Seven patients neutralized SARS-CoV-2 D614G and Delta efficiently, whereas one patient neutralized Delta slightly less efficiently. Two of the three patients neutralizing only type I IFNs at 100 pg/ml neutralized both D614G and Delta less efficiently. Despite two mRNA vaccine inoculations and the presence of circulating Abs capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs may underlie a notable proportion of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia cases, highlighting the importance of this particularly vulnerable population.
- Enhancing Public Health Communication Regarding Vaccine Trials: Design and Development of the Pan-European VACCELERATE ToolkitPublication . Argyropoulos, Christos D; Leckler, Janina; Salmanton-García, Jon; Constantinou, Marinos; Alexandrou, Alexandra; Themistocleous, Sophia; Noula, Evgenia; Shiamakkides, George; Nearchou, Andria; Stewart, Fiona A; Albus, Kerstin; Koniordou, Markela; Kopsidas, Ioannis; Spivak, Orly; Hellemans, Margot; Hendrickx, Greet; Davis, Ruth Joanna; Azzini, Anna Maria; Simon, Paula Valle; Carcas-Sansuan, Antonio Javier; Askling, Helena Hervius; Vene, Sirkka; Prellezo, Jana Baranda; Álvarez-Barco, Elena; Macken, Alan J; Di Marzo, Romina; Luís, Catarina; Olesen, Ole F; Frias Iniesta, Jesus A; Barta, Imre; Tóth, Krisztina; Akova, Murat; Bonten, Marc M J; Cohen-Kandli, Miriam; Cox, Rebecca Jane; Součková, Lenka; Husa, Petr; Jancoriene, Ligita; Launay, Odile; Lundgren, Jens; Mallon, Patrick; Armeftis, Charis; Marques, Laura; Naucler, Pontus; Ochando, Jordi; Tacconelli, Evelina; van Damme, Pierre; Zaoutis, Theoklis; Hofstraat, Sanne; Bruijning-Verhagen, Patricia; Zeitlinger, Markus; Cornely, Oliver A; Pana, Zoi DorotheaBackground: The pan-European VACCELERATE network aims to implement the first transnational harmonized and sustainable vaccine trial Volunteer Registry, being a single entry point for potential volunteers of large-scale vaccine trials across Europe. This work exhibits a set of harmonized vaccine trial-related educational and promotional tools for the general public, designed and disseminated by the pan-European VACCELERATE network. Objective: This study primarily aimed to design and develop a standard toolkit to increase positive attitudes and access to trustworthy information for better access and increased recruitment to vaccine trials for the public. More specifically, the produced tools are focused on inclusiveness and equity, and are targeting different population groups, including underserved ones, as potential volunteers for the VACCELERATE Volunteer Registry (older individuals, migrants, children, and adolescents). The promotional and educational material is aligned with the main objectives of the Volunteer Registry to increase public literacy and awareness regarding vaccine-related clinical research or trials and trial participation, including informed consent and legal issues, side effects, and frequently asked questions regarding vaccine trial design. Methods: Tools were developed per the aims and principles of the VACCELERATE project, focusing on trial inclusiveness and equity, and are adjusted to local country-wise requirements to improve public health communication. The produced tools are selected based on the cognitive theory, inclusiveness, and equity of differently aged and underrepresented groups, and standardized material from several official trustworthy sources (eg, COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access; the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; the European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and the World Health Organization). A team of multidisciplinary specialists (infectious diseases, vaccine research, medicine, and education) edited and reviewed the subtitles and scripts of the educational videos, extended brochures, interactive cards, and puzzles. Graphic designers selected the color palette, audio settings, and dubbing for the video story-tales and implemented QR codes. Results: This study presents the first set of harmonized promotional and educational materials and tools (ie, educational cards, educational and promotional videos, extended brochures, flyers, posters, and puzzles) for vaccine clinical research (eg, COVID-19 vaccines). These tools inform the public about possible benefits and disadvantages of trial participation and build confidence among participants about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the health care system. This material has been translated into several languages and is intended to be freely and easily accessible to facilitate dissemination among VACCELERATE network participant countries and the European and global scientific, industrial, and public community. Conclusions: The produced material could help fill knowledge gaps of health care personnel, providing the appropriate future patient education for vaccine trials, and tackling vaccine hesitancy and parents' concerns for potential participation of children in vaccine trials.
- Pediatric Thyroidectomy: Experience From a Portuguese HospitalPublication . Vieira, Paula; Barbosa Sequeira, Joana; Santos Monteiro, Sílvia; De Carvalho Vaz, Ana; da Silva Cardoso, Juliana; Ribeiro, Luís; Mendes, Catarina; Freitas, Joana; Ribeiro de Castro, João; Borges, Teresa; Oliveira, Maria JoãoBackground and objective Pediatric thyroid disease requiring surgery is rare. Thyroid nodules are a frequent indication for surgery and are mostly benign. However, up to 25% of cases can be malignant. In this study, we aimed to describe our center's experience with regard to pediatric thyroid surgery. Methods This was a retrospective transverse study involving pediatric patients who underwent thyroid surgery at a tertiary hospital between January 2010 and December 2021. Results A total of 14 patients underwent 15 surgeries. The main reason for referral to pediatric endocrinology was thyroid nodules (n=10). Thirteen fine needle aspirations (FNAs) were performed, with follicular tumor (n=6) being the most common finding. The median age of patients at surgery was 15.9 years [interquartile range (IQR): 14.0-16.8]. The most common surgical indications were the presence of a follicular tumor on FNA (n=5) and thyroid nodule size causing symptoms (n=5). There was one case of prophylactic thyroidectomy due to the identification of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) mutation. The most frequently described histopathology results were follicular adenoma (n=6) and colloid nodular goiter (n=6). Three postoperative complications were observed in three different patients: bilateral lesion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, cervical hematoma, and transient hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemia. Conclusion In our study, the most frequent surgical indication was a follicular tumor. A good correlation was found between FNA cytology and final histopathology results, which is in accordance with previous studies. This reinforces the importance of FNA in diagnosis and surgical planning. The rate of complications in our study is comparable to that in larger single-center series in the literature.
- Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Case SeriesPublication . Teixeira, Beatriz; Gonçalves, Vera; Cardoso, Ana Lúcia; Ribeiro Fernandes, Sofia; Rocha, Liliana; Garrido, Cristina; Sarmento, AlziraPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible clinical-radiographic abnormality. It is characterized by headache, altered consciousness, seizures, and visual disruption, in addition to characteristic white matter edema lesions in the parieto-occipital areas of the brain. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage. This paper presents the cases of three patients with PRES with concurrent diagnoses of glomerulonephritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and sickle cell disease. All patients experienced systemic hypertension, seizures, and altered consciousness. All patients were admitted to intensive care for decreased level of awareness or status epilepticus requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Anticonvulsants and antihypertensive therapy were essential. No chronic complications were recorded.
- Wilson’s Disease: A Prevalence Study in a Portuguese PopulationPublication . Sousa, Bebiana; Magalhães, Pedro; Pinto, Alfredo; Trindade, Eunice; Silva, Ermelinda; Presa Ramos, José; Freitas, Sara; Lopes, Susana; Antunes, HenedinaIntroduction Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare and underdiagnosed genetic disorder caused by anomalous tissue copper deposition, and for which epidemiological studies, specifically in Portugal, are scarce. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of WD and provide a description of its main clinical and laboratory features. Methods A retrospective study was carried out, with a search between 1995 and 2015, of all patients with a minimum follow-up of three months and birth confirmed in the northern region of Portugal, with an estimated population of 3,689,682 inhabitants. Database collection was based on the Portuguese National Health Service's clinical coding system, relying on clinical data from 13 northern Portuguese hospitals, liver biopsy histology results, and hospital prescription records. Clinical and biochemical correlations were statistically assessed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests. Results Over the 20-year period, a prevalence of 1:37.000 and an incidence of one per million person-year was found. A total of 94 patients were analyzed, with a slight male predominance (53%), the majority with the onset of clinical manifestations in pediatric age (56%), with a median age at diagnosis of 16.6 years (interquartile range of 12.3-20,.8 years). Most patients presented with predominant liver disease (54.8%), with more than a third with cirrhosis; mixed hepatic and neurological manifestations in 17.9%; and mainly neurological symptoms in 10.7% of the patients. Neurological impairment was strongly associated with delayed development of the manifestations of the disease (p = 0.001) and also a higher detection of Kayser-Fleischer rings (p < 0.001), present in 27.0% of the patients. Regarding therapy, penicillamine has been the most widely used, with adverse reactions reported in 24.8%. At six and 12 months after initiation of therapy, a significant decrease in liver enzymes was found (ALT: p = 0.002; AST: p = 0.002, respectively), but no significant reduction was observed in urinary copper excretion. Conclusion This was one of the first studies regarding WD prevalence in a Portuguese population, contributing to a better understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of WD in the northern region of Portugal. WD should be considered in any individual with unexplained hepatic or neurological manifestations, and initial symptoms may manifest at an early age, even in children less than five years old. A high percentage of patients were identified in the early stages of the disease by asymptomatic elevation of transaminases. Following copper chelation therapy, cytolysis markers appear to be more sensitive indicators of treatment response.
- Recurrent Appendicitis in Children: The Impact of a Poorly Known DiseasePublication . Monteiro, Sara; Capela, Mariana; Araújo, Ana Rita; Tavares, Marta; Pinto, JoãoChronic and recurrent appendicitis is rare in pediatric patients and can be easily misdiagnosed due to its unusual presentation and low incidence rate. We present the case of an 11-year-old male with recurrent right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain persisting for 19 months. The patient experienced pain flare-ups accompanied by paleness and gait limp, without fever or other symptoms. Despite extensive medical examinations, including imaging and endoscopy, a definitive diagnosis remained elusive. As serial abdominal ultrasounds reported an appendix at the upper limit of the normal caliber and symptoms persisted despite medical therapy, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing a congested ileocecal appendix with erosions and granulocytic inflammatory infiltrate, consistent with appendicitis. Post-appendectomy, the patient's symptoms resolved, significantly improving his quality of life (QoL), as evidenced by the DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Module (DCGM). This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing chronic and recurrent appendicitis, emphasizing the need for improved awareness, case definitions, and research to better understand and manage these conditions. Moreover, the report highlights the substantial impact of such conditions on patients' physical, social, and psychological well-being using the only health-related QoL instrument developed across cultures for children with chronic diseases: the DCGM.
- Acute Fulminant Cerebral Edema in a Child With Suspected MeningoencephalitisPublication . Monteiro, Sara; Teixeira, Beatriz; Fraga, Carolina; Dias, Andreia; Cardoso, Ana Lúcia; Meireles, Daniel; Sarmento, Alzira; Ferreira, Paula Regina; Silva, João; Garrido, Cristina; Gonçalves, SaraAcute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE) is a recently identified encephalitis type associated with significant morbimortality. Described as rare, limited data exists on its early detection and treatment. This paper describes a case of AFCE that progressed to unresponsive intracranial hypertension. A previously healthy four-year-old boy presented with fever, myalgias, and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic assessments showed cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, and despite medical interventions, his condition deteriorated rapidly and developed severe cerebral edema and herniation within 24 hours. A decompressive craniectomy was attempted to decrease intracranial pressure, without success. This case emphasizes the urgency of early AFCE recognition and effective management strategies given its severe prognosis, aiming to improve understanding and spur further research