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Objective: In Brazil, telemedicine was allowed as an exception during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its recognized value and availability, telemedicine is not universally used, suggesting that some barriers prevent its adoption and acceptance within the community. This study aims to describe the implementation of a low-cost telemedicine service in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. Method: Retrospective descriptive study reporting the first three months (April to June 2020) of the experience of implementing a low-cost telemedicine emergency care program in a public tertiary hospital. The service was available to patients up to 18 years of age enrolled in this hospital. A tool for assessing the severity of the patient was developed, the aim of standardizing the procedure, while maintaining quality and safety. Guardian’s satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire sent after teleconsultations. Results: 255 teleconsultations were carried out with 140 different patients. Of the total consultations, 182 were from 99 patients that had performed the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) or had direct contact with a person known to be positive for COVID-19. Only 26 (14%) were referred to an in-person consultation. No deaths, adverse events or delayed diagnosis were recorded. 86% of the patients who answered the satisfaction questionnaire were satisfied and 92% would use telemedicine again. Conclusion: This study presents an innovative implementation of a telemedicine program in a public and exclusively pediatric tertiary service, serving as a reference for future implementation in other public services in Brazil and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effect of a training program using simulation-based mastery learning on the performance of residents in pediatric intubations with videolaryngoscopy. Method: Retrospective cohort study carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2016 and June 2018 evaluating a database that included the performance of residents before and after training, as well as the outcome of tracheal intubations. A total of 59 pediatric residents were evaluated in the pre-training with a skills' checklist in the scenario with an intubation simulator; subsequently, they were trained individually using a simulator and deliberate practice in the department itself. After training, the residents were expected to have a minimum passing grade (90/100) in a simulated scenario. The success of the first attempted intubation, use of videolaryngoscopy, and complications in patients older than 1 year of age during the study period were also recorded in clinical practice. Results: Before training, the mean grade was 77.5/100 (SD 15.2), with only 23.7% (14/59) of residents reaching the minimum passing grade of 90/100. After training, 100% of the residents reached the grade, with an average of 94.9/100 (SD 3.2), p < 0.01, with only 5.1% (3/59) needing more practice time than that initially allocated. The success rate in the first attempt at intubation in the emergency department with videolaryngoscopy was 77.8% (21/27). The rate of adverse events associated with intubations was 26% (7/27), representing a serious event. Conclusions: Simulation-based mastery learning increased residents' skills related to intubation and allowed safe tracheal intubations with video laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jornal de Pediatria is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jornal de Pediatria is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate prevalence, initial risk factors, and outcomes in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) patients in Latin America. Two hundred ninety-six patients (validated EULAR/PRINTO/PRES HSP criteria) were assessed by demographic data, clinical/laboratorial involvements, and treatments in the first 3 months after diagnosis. They were followed-up in a Latin American tertiary center and were divided in two groups: with and without nephritis. Persistent non-nephrotic proteinuria, nephrotic proteinuria, and acute/chronic kidney injury were also systematically evaluated at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years after diagnosis. HSPN was evidenced in 139/296 (47%) in the first 3 months. The median age at diagnosis was significantly higher in HSPN patients compared without renal involvement [6.6 (1.5-17.7) vs. 5.7 (0.9-13.5) years, p = 0.022]. The frequencies of persistent purpura (31 vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), recurrent abdominal pain (16 vs. 7%, p = 0.011), gastrointestinal bleeding (25 vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), and corticosteroid use (54 vs. 41%, p = 0.023) were significantly higher in the former group. Logistic regression demonstrated that the independent variables associated with HSNP were persistent purpura (OR = 3.601; 95% CI (1.605-8.079); p = 0.002) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.991; 95% CI (1.245-7.183); p = 0.014). Further analysis of patients without HSPN in the first 3 months revealed that 29/118 (25%) had persistent non-nephrotic proteinuria and/or hematuria in 1 year, 19/61 (31%) in 5 years, 6/17 (35%) in 10 years and 4/6 (67%) in 15 years after diagnosis. None of them had chronic kidney injury or were submitted to renal replacement therapy. The present study observed HSPN in almost one half of patients in the first months of disease, and HSPN was associated with persistent purpura and gastrointestinal bleeding. One fourth of patients had nephritis only evidenced during follow-up without severe renal manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of exposure to air pollutants and inhalable environmental elements during pregnancy and after birth until childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus(cSLE) diagnosis. Methods: This case-control study comprised 30 cSLE patients and 86 healthy controls living in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. A structured and reliable questionnaire (kappa index for test-retest was 0.78) assessed demographic data, gestational and perinatal-related-factors, and exposure to inhalable elements during pregnancy and after birth (occupational exposure to inhalable particles and/or volatile vapor, and/or tobacco, as well as, the presence of industrial activities or gas stations near the home/work/daycare/school). Tropospheric pollutants included: particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). Results: The median current age was similar between cSLE patients and healthy controls [16.0 (5-21) versus 15.0 (4-21) years, p=.32], likewise the frequency of female gender (87% versus 78%, p=.43). The frequencies of prematurity (30% versus 6%, p=.001), maternal occupational exposure during pregnancy (59% versus 12%, p<.001), exposure to volatile vapor (48% versus 8%, p<.001) and fetal smoking (maternal and/or secondhand) (37% versus 19%, p=.008) were significantly higher in cSLE patients compared with controls. In a multivariate analysis regarding the gestation period, maternal occupational exposure (OR 13.5, 95% CI 2.5-72.4, p=.002), fetal smoking (OR 8.6, 95%CI 1.6-47, p=.013) and prematurity (OR 15.8, 95%CI 1.9-135.3, p=.012) remained risk factors for cSLE development. Furthermore, exposure to secondhand smoking during pregnancy and after birth (OR 9.1, 95%CI 1.8-42.1, p=.002) was also a risk factor for cSLE development. Conclusions: Prematurity and environmental factors were risk factors for developing cSLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between exposure to air pollutants in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area and disease activity in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.Methods: A longitudinal panel study based on 409 consecutive visits of juvenile-onset SLE patients living in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area was carried out. Disease activity was evaluated in accordance with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and the patients were divided into 2 groups: those with SLEDAI scores ≤8 and those with SLEDAI scores >8. Daily concentrations of inhaled particulate matter (PM10 ), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), ozone, and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated on the 21 days preceding the medical visits. A generalized estimation equation model was used to assess the impact of these measurements on SLEDAI-2K scores, considering the fixed effects for repetitive measurements. The models were adjusted for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, corticosteroid use (daily and cumulative doses), antimalarial use, the use of immunosuppressive agents, the presence of infection 20 days preceding the medical appointment, and the minimum temperature and relative humidity outdoors.Results: PM10 , NO2 , and CO were risk factors for juvenile-onset SLE disease activity (SLEDAI-2K score >8) approximately 2 weeks after exposure. A 13.4 μg/m(3) increase in the PM10 moving average (from lag 12 to lag 15) was associated with a 34% increase (95% confidence interval 7.0-68.0) in the risk of a SLEDAI-2K score >8.Conclusion: This is the first study to show that exposure to inhaled pollutants may increase the risk of disease activity in children with juvenile-onset SLE in a large urban center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which aimed to determine the association between air pollutants and the occurrence of respiratory exacerbations in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this study, the generalized estimation equation model for binomial distribution was used in the assessment. It concluded that exposure to short-term air pollution in large urban center increases the risk of a pulmonary exacerbation in patients with CF.

DKA is a severe metabolic derangement characterized by dehydration, loss of electrolytes, hyperglycemia, hyperketonemia, acidosis and progressive loss of consciousness that results from severe insulin deficiency combined with the effects of increased levels of counterregulatory hormones (catecholamines, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone). The biochemical criteria for diagnosis are: blood glucose > 200 mg/dl, venous pH <7.3 or bicarbonate <15 mEq/L, ketonemia >3 mmol/L and presence of ketonuria. A patient with DKA must be managed in an emergency ward by an experienced staff or in an intensive care unit (ICU), in order to provide an intensive monitoring of the vital and neurological signs, and of the patient's clinical and biochemical response to treatment. DKA treatment guidelines include: restoration of circulating volume and electrolyte replacement; correction of insulin deficiency aiming at the resolution of metabolic acidosis and ketosis; reduction of risk of cerebral edema; avoidance of other complications of therapy (hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremic acidosis); identification and treatment of precipitating events. In Brazil, there are few pediatric ICU beds in public hospitals, so an alternative protocol was designed to abbreviate the time on intravenous infusion lines in order to facilitate DKA management in general emergency wards. The main differences between this protocol and the international guidelines are: intravenous fluid will be stopped when oral fluids are well tolerated and total deficit will be replaced orally; if potassium analysis still indicate need for replacement, it will be given orally; subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin analog is administered at 0.15 U/kg dose every 2-3 hours until resolution of metabolic acidosis; approximately 12 hours after treatment initiation, intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin is initiated at the dose of 0.6-1 U/kg/day, and it will be lowered to 0.4-0.7 U/kg/day at discharge from hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To look for technical simplification and economic efficiency in the treatment of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with subcutaneous use of the fast-acting insulin analog (lispro) and compare its use with regular intravenous insulin treatment.Research Design and Methods: In this controlled clinical trial from June 2001 to June 2003, we randomized 60 episodes of DKA with a blood glucose level > or = 16.6 mmol/l (300 mg/dl), venous pH <7.3 and/or bicarbonate <15 mmol/l, or ketonuria greater than + +. Of the 60 episodes, 30 were treated with subcutaneous lispro (0.15 units/kg) given every 2 h (lispro group) and the other 30 cases received continuous intravenous regular insulin (0.1 unit x kg(-1) x h(-1); CIRI group). Volume deficit was repaired with 10-ml/kg aliquots of 0.9% sodium chloride. Laboratory monitoring included hourly bedside capillary glucose, venous blood gas, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and electrolytes. Plasma blood glucose levels were measured on admission, 2 h after admission, when capillary blood glucose reached < or = 13.8 mmol/l (250 mg/dl), and 6, 12, and 24 h thereafter.Results: Capillary glucose levels decreased by 2.9 and 2.6 mmol x l(-1) x h(-1) in the lispro and CIRI groups, respectively, but blood glucose fluctuated at different time intervals. In the CIRI group, metabolic acidosis and ketosis resolved in the first 6-h period after capillary glucose reached 13.8 mmol/l, whereas in the lispro group, they resolved in the next 6-h interval; however, both groups met DKA recovery criteria without complications.Conclusions: DKA treatment with a subcutaneous fast-acting insulin analog represents a cost-effective and technically simplified procedure that precludes intensive care unit admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE -- To look for technical simplification and economic efficiency in the treatment of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with subcutaneous use of the fast-acting insulin analog (lispro) and compare its use with regular intravenous insulin treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- In this controlled clinical trial from June 2001 to June 2003, we randomized 60 episodes of DKA with a blood glucose level ≥16.6 mmol/l (300 mg/dl), venous pH <7.3 and/or bicarbonate <15 mmol/l, or ketonuria greater than + +. Of the 60 episodes, 30 were treated with subcutaneous lispro (0.15 units/kg) given every 2 h (lispro group) and the other 30 cases received continuous intravenous regular insulin (0.1 unit ⋅ kg[sup -1] ⋅ h[sup -1]; CIRI group). Volume deficit was repaired with 10-ml/kg aliquots of 0.9% sodium chloride. Laboratory monitoring included hourly bedside capillary glucose, venous blood gas, β-hydroxybutyrate, and electrolytes. Plasma blood glucose levels were measured on admission, 2 h after admission, when capillary blood glucose reached ≤13.8 mmol/l (250 mg/dl), and 6, 12, and 24 h thereafter. RESULTS -- Capillary glucose levels decreased by 2.9 and 2.6 mmol ⋅ 1[sup -1] ⋅ h[sup -1] in the lispro and CIRI groups, respectively, but blood glucose fluctuated at different time intervals. In the CIRI group, metabolic acidosis and ketosis resolved in the first 6-h period after capillary glucose reached 13.8 mmol/l, whereas in the lispro group, they resolved in the next 6-h interval; however, both groups met DKA recovery criteria without complications. CONCLUSIONS -- DKA treatment with a subcutaneous fast-acting insulin analog represents a cost-effective and technically simplified procedure that precludes intensive care unit admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been limited data regarding the usefulness of lung ultrasound (US) in children with COVID-19. Objective: To describe lung US imaging findings and aeration score of 34 children with COVID-19. Methods: This study included 0–16-year-old patients with confirmed COVID-19, who were admitted between April 19 and June 18, 2020 in two hospitals in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lung US was performed as part of the routine evaluation by a skilled Pediatric Emergency physician. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and severity classifications were done according to an available clinical definition. The lung US findings were described for each lung field and a validated ultrasound lung aeration score was calculated. Data obtained was correlated with clinical information and other imaging modalities available for each case. Results: Thirty-four confirmed COVID-19 patients had a lung US performed during this period. Eighteen (18/34) had abnormalities on the lung US, but eight of them (8/18) had a normal chest radiograph. Ultrasound lung aeration score medians for severe/critical, moderate, and mild disease were 17.5 (2–30), 4 (range 0–14), 0 (range 0–15), respectively (p = 0.001). Twelve patients (12/34) also had a chest computed tomography (CT) performed; both the findings and topography of lung compromise on the CT were consistent with the information obtained by lung US. Conclusion: Point-of-care lung US may have a key role in assessing lung injury in children with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the author’s name on this article was incorrectly spelled as “Sylvia C. L. Fahrat”. The correct spelling is “Sylvia C. L. Farhat” and is now presented correctly in this article. The original article has been corrected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]