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We conducted an observational study performed within the Spanish Registry of Children with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of new cases of cCMV. Our study suggest a significant decrease in the monthly rate of new cCMV diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in the differential diagnosis between Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and tuberculosis (TB) in children affected with subacute/chronic submandibular/cervical lymphadenitis. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter observational study comparing children with microbiologically confirmed MAC lymphadenitis from the European NontuberculouS MycoBacterial Lymphadenitis in childrEn study with children with TB lymphadenitis from the Spanish Network for the Study of Pediatric TB database. RESULTS: Overall, 78 patients with MAC and 34 with TB lymphadenitis were included. Among MAC cases, 44 out of 74 (59.5%) had positive tuberculin skin test (TST) results at the 5-mm cut-off, compared with 32 out of 33 (97%) TB cases (P

A progressive increase in the incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms is being reported. Among these resistant microorganisms, the main threats are extended-spectrum β-lactamase-, AmpC-, and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. To address this important problem, it is essential to establish pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship programs, perform active epidemiological surveillance and develop an adequate infection control policy. The therapeutic approach of these infections is often complex, frequently requiring antibiotics with less experience in children. In this position document made by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the epidemiology and treatment of these infections are reviewed according to the best available evidence.

BACKGROUND: Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) in dried blood spots (DBSs) collected for newborn screening has been assessed for retrospective diagnosis of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, with variable results (sensitivities ranging from 34% to 100%). We aimed to assess the accuracy of this technique in Spain in a large patient series. METHODS: Ambispective, multicenter study including patients with confirmed cCMV from the Spanish Registry of cCMV patients. cCMV was established on the presence of CMV DNA in any body fluid, by positive culture findings or by molecular techniques during the first 2 weeks of life. Children in whom cCMV had been excluded were used as negative controls. Neonatal DBS samples were collected from both groups. The presence of CMV DNA was assessed by rt-PCR (RealStar CMV, Altona, Germany) in a central laboratory. RESULTS: One-hundred three patients and 81 controls from 10 hospitals were included. The performance of CMV DNA determination in DBS for the diagnosis of cCMV was as follows (95% confidence interval): sensitivity 0.56 (0.47-0.65), specificity 0.98 (0.91-0.99), positive likelihood ratio 22.81 (5.74-90.58) and negative likelihood ratio 0.45 (0.36-0.56). Sensitivity increased with the birth viral load (bVL) log category. In cCMV patients, lower bVL was the single variable associated with a negative DBS rt-PCR result (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of CMV rt-PCR in DBS in our series was low and correlated with the bVL. Thus, a negative DBS result would not rule out cCMV infection, especially in patients with a low viremia level at birth.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CMVc) affects 0.7%-6% of recent births. Among its clinical manifestations are low weight and length at birth. OBJECTIVE: Describe the growth patterns of children with CMVc in their early years. METHODS: Observational, multicenter study of patients with CMVc. Anthropometric data were collected during the first 2 years of life and compared with World Health Organization standards. RESULTS: Anthropometric characteristics of 383 children with CMVc were studied, of which 198 (51%) were symptomatic at birth. At birth, 9% were small for gestational age (SGA) in terms of their weight and length and 17% had microcephaly. At 24 ± 3 months, 10% had a weight and length =2 SD, and 13% a head circumference =2 SD. Of those who were SGA at birth, at 24 ± 3 months >20% remained at =2 SD of their weight and length. Conversely, 75% of children with low weight or length at 24 ± 3 had not been SGA at birth. 20% of infants with microcephaly at birth remained with microcephaly, and 10% of those without microcephaly developed it at 24 ± 3 months. The average growth rate in length and weight was normal. Patients who were symptomatic at birth, premature and with motor and neurocognitive impairment had a significantly higher risk of low weight and length at 24 ± 3 months. CONCLUSION: Around 10% of children with CMVc are at =2 SD in weight, length and head circumference at 24 ± 3 months. The lack of adequate growth is associated with symptoms at birth, prematurity and motor and neurocognitive impairment. Growth impairment could be incorporated into the symptomatic spectrum of CMVc.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most important infectious disease all over the world, with a high morbidity and mortality. Pediatric tuberculosis has been a neglected epidemic, due to the difficulties in assessing its global impact, reduced incidence and lower infectivity compared to adults. In 2015, the WHO reported 1 million cases of paediatric TB and 169,000 deaths. In Europe, the emergence of MDR TB is a major concern, representing 16% of the new diagnosis in Eastern Europe. In 2014, it was estimated that about 219,000 children were infected by MDR-TB-strains in Europe, and 2,120 developed the disease. Spain is the Western European country with more paediatric cases, with an incidence 4.3/100,000 inhabitants in 2014. Paediatric tuberculosis mortality in Spain is rare, but extra-pulmonary disease is associated with significant complications. The prevalence of paediatric drug resistant TB in Spain is over 4%, higher than the estimated incidence in adult population, representing mayor difficulties for therapeutic intervention. These data reveal that paediatric TB is still a Public Health priority in our country. The difficulties in diagnosis and the lack of optimal paediatric drug formulations are the major challenges for controlling the childhood's tuberculosis epidemic. A group of national paeditric TB experts has reviewed the international guidelines and the most recent evidences, and has established new recommendations for the management of paediatric TB contacts, latent infection and active TB disease, especially focused in drug resistant cases. This document replaces the former national guidelines from the Spanish Society for Pediatric Infectios Diseases, although the prior recommendations on the diagnosis remain valid.

Resumen: Entre las infecciones por hongos, las micosis superficiales, adquiridas por contacto directo o indirecto con un animal o con una persona infectados, son las más habituales en la infancia. Los patógenos más frecuentes en el niño inmunocompetente son las levaduras (Candida y Malasezzia) y los dermatofitos. La morbilidad de las micosis superficiales es tan importante como poco considerada, pues existe la falsa impresión de que constituyen un problema menor pese a su gran incidencia en la práctica habitual. En el presente documento de consenso, elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones de Manejo Ambulatorio de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap) y la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP), se abordan los aspectos esenciales de la infección micótica superficial en el niño inmunocompetente. Abstract: Superficial mycoses, acquired by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal or person, are frequent in childhood. The most common pathogens in immunocompetent children are yeasts (Candida and Malasezzia) and dermatophytes. The morbidity of the superficial mycoses is as important as trivialized, which gives the false impression that it constitutes a minor problem despite its high incidence in routine practice. In this consensus document of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Outpatient and Primary Care (SEPEAP), the essential aspects of superficial fungal infection in the immunocompetent child are addressed.

Resumen: Entre las infecciones por hongos, las micosis superficiales, adquiridas por contacto directo o indirecto con un animal o con una persona infectados, son las más habituales en la infancia. Los patógenos más frecuentes en el niño inmunocompetente son las levaduras (Candida y Malasezzia) y los dermatofitos. La morbilidad de las micosis superficiales es tan importante como poco considerada, pues existe la falsa impresión de que constituyen un problema menor pese a su gran incidencia en la práctica habitual. En el presente documento de consenso, elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones de Manejo Ambulatorio de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap) y la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP), se abordan los aspectos esenciales de la infección micótica superficial en el niño inmunocompetente.

INTRODUCTION: There are no paediatric formulations of anti-tuberculous drugs in Spain, with the only exception being rifampicin. Some paediatricians often prescribe composite formulations (CF), while others prefer to give crushed tablets. Nevertheless, there is no consensus in this regard, or any pharmacokinetic studies validating these procedures. In this situation, the Spanish Network for the Study of Paediatric Tuberculosis (pTBred) has launched the Magistral Project, which has as its first phase aims to analyse the desirability of developing child-friendly pharmaceutical formulations and other aspects regarding the anti-tuberculous drug prescription in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicentre, nationwide study was conducted, based on an online questionnaire sent to members of pTBred between February and March 2015. RESULTS: Fifty-four responses from 67 consulted institutions were received. Most of the respondents reported prescribing crushed tablets. A significant number of those surveyed, although being fewer, prescribe CF, for which availability varies widely among institutions. Eighty-three percent replied that it would be essential to have fixed dose combinations of anti-tuberculous drugs, specifically adapted to paediatric doses and administered by CF or tablets. Among the surveyed institutions, differences were found in the management of latent tuberculosis infection, in the use of directly observed therapy, and in the monitoring of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey reveals great diversity in anti-tuberculous drug prescription in children, due to the lack of suitable infant formulations, which could have an impact on treatment adherence and outcomes. pTBred intends to develop a pioneering and useful consensus document on the management of anti-tuberculous medication in children.

Tuberculosis (TB) screening in pregnancy using tuberculin skin test (TST) is recommended in case of symptoms of TB disease, close contact with a patient with infectious TB, or high risk of developing active disease. The new interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) tests are recommended in BCG-vaccinated pregnant women with positive TST and no known risk factors for TB, and in those immunocompromised, with clinical suspicion of TB but negative TST. TB diagnosis is difficult due to the non-specific symptoms, the increased frequency of extrapulmonary disease, the delay in radiological examinations, and the high rate of tuberculin anergy. Neonatal TB can be acquired in utero (congenital TB), or through airborne transmission after delivery (postnatal TB). Congenital TB is extremely rare and does not cause fetal malformations. It may be evident at birth, although it usually presents after the second week of life. In newborns with no family history of TB, the disease should be considered in cases of miliary pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly with focal lesions, or lymphocytic meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia, especially in those born to immigrants from high TB-burden countries. TST is usually negative, and IGRAs have lower sensitivity than in older children. However, the yield of acid-fast smear and culture is higher, mostly in congenital TB. Molecular diagnosis techniques enable early diagnosis and detection of drug resistance mutations. There is a substantial risk of disseminated disease and death.

In pregnant women who have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB), primary isoniazid prophylaxis is only recommended in cases of immunosuppression, chronic medical conditions or obstetric risk factors, and close and sustained contact with a patient with infectious TB. Isoniazid prophylaxis for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended in women who have close contact with an infectious TB patient or have risk factors for progression to active disease. Otherwise, it should be delayed until at least three weeks after delivery. Treatment of TB disease during pregnancy is the same as for the general adult population. Infants born to mothers with disseminated or extrapulmonary TB in pregnancy, with active TB at delivery, or with postnatal exposure to TB, should undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Primary isoniazid prophylaxis for at least 12 weeks is recommended for those with negative diagnostic tests and no evidence of disease. Repeated negative diagnostic tests are mandatory before interrupting prophylaxis. Isoniazid for 9 months is recommended in LTBI. Treatment of neonatal TB disease is similar to that of older children, but should be maintained for at least 9 months. Respiratory isolation is recommended in congenital TB, and in postnatal TB with positive gastric or bronchial aspirate acid-fast smears. Separation of mother and infant is only necessary when the mother has received treatment for less than 2 weeks, is sputum smear-positive, or has drug-resistant TB. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated, and in case of mother-infant separation expressed breast milk feeding is recommended.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is the result of transplacental fetal infection by Toxoplasma gondii after the primary maternal infection. The severity of the disease depends on the gestational age at transmission. First trimester infections are more severe, but less frequent, than third trimester infections. Acute maternal infection is diagnosed by seroconversion or by the detection of IgM antibodies and a low IgG avidity test. In these cases, spiramycin should be initiated to prevent transmission to the fetus. For identification of fetal infection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of amniotic fluid after 18 weeks gestation should be performed. If fetal infection is confirmed, the mothers should be treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid. Most infants infected in utero are born with no obvious signs of toxoplasmosis, but up to 80% developed learning and visual disabilities later in life. Neonatal diagnosis with IgM/IgA antibodies or blood/cerebrospinal fluid PCR may be difficult because false-negative results frequently occur. In these cases diagnosis is possible by demonstrating a rise in IgG titers during follow-up or by the detection of antibodies beyond one year of age. Early treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine may improve the ophthalmologic and neurological outcome. Congenital toxoplasmosis is a preventable disease. Pre-pregnancy screening and appropriate counseling regarding prevention measures in seronegative women may prevent fetal infection.

Se presenta el documento de consenso sobre otitis media aguda (OMA) de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP), la Sociedad Española de Urgencias Pediátricas (SEUP) y la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap). Se analizan la etiología de la enfermedad y los posibles cambios de esta después de la introducción de la vacunas antineumocócicas 7-valente, 10-valente y 13-valente. Se hace una propuesta diagnóstica basada en la clasificación de la OMA en confirmada o probable. Se considera OMA confirmada si hay coincidencia de tres criterios: comienzo agudo, signos de ocupación del oído medio (u otorrea) y signos o síntomas inflamatorios, como otalgia o intensa hiperemia timpánica, y OMA probable cuando existan solo dos criterios. Se propone como tratamiento antibiótico de elección la amoxicilina oral en dosis de 80 mg/kg/día repartidas cada ocho horas. El tratamiento con amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico en dosis de 80 mg/kg/día se indica si el niño es menor de seis meses, en lactantes con clínica grave (fiebre >39 ºC o dolor muy intenso), cuando haya historia familiar de secuelas óticas por OMA o un fracaso terapéutico de la amoxicilina. We present the consensus document on acute otitis media (AOM) written by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectology (SEIP), the Spanish Society of Outpatient and Primary Care Pediatrics (SEPEAP), the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergency Care (SEUP) and the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPAP). The document analyses the etiology of the disease and the possible shifts in it following the introduction of the 7-valent, 10-valent, and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccines. The document proposes diagnosing AOM as confirmed or probable. The AOM diagnosis is considered confirmed if three criteria are met: acute onset, signs of fluid in the middle ear (or otorrhea), and symptoms of inflammation, such as otalgia or marked erythema in the middle ear, and considered probable when only two of these criteria are met. The proposed first choice for antibiotic treatment is 80 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin administered orally in doses at eight hour intervals. Treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in doses of 80 mg/kg/day are indicated in children younger than six months, in infants with a severe presentation (fever >39 ºC or acute pain), when there is a family history of AOM sequelae, or in cases of amoxicillin treatment failure.