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Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the main complications of vegetarianism. Infants of vegetarian mothers have greater risk of deficiency and irreversible neurological compromise if deficiency is not identified and treated. We describe the case of a 1 month 20 days-old infant who consulted due to paroxysmal episodes of epileptogenic mechanism; laboratory tests identified a deficiency in vitamin B12 as the cause. After confirmation of diagnosis, treatment with intramuscular vitamin B12 was established with full remission of symptoms, good evolution and psychomotor development without alterations. Considering current alimentary trends, it is necessary to include a detailed maternal nutritional anamnesis in regular clinical practice, in order to detect the risk of this vitamin deficiency at an early stage and to prevent it.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the main complications of vegetarianism. Infants of vegetarian mothers have greater risk of deficiency and irreversible neurological compromise if deficiency is not identified and treated. We describe the case of a 1 month 20 days-old infant who consulted due to paroxysmal episodes of epileptogenic mechanism; laboratory tests identified a deficiency in vitamin B12 as the cause. After confirmation of diagnosis, treatment with intramuscular vitamin B12 was established with full remission of symptoms, good evolution and psychomotor development without alterations. Considering current alimentary trends, it is necessary to include a detailed maternal nutritional anamnesis in regular clinical practice, in order to detect the risk of this vitamin deficiency at an early stage and to prevent it.El déficit de vitamina B12 es una de las complicaciones más importantes que puede producir el vegetarianismo. Los lactantes hijos de madres vegetarianas tienen riesgo aumentado de deficiencia y de presentar compromiso neurológico irreversible si esta no se identifica y corrige adecuadamente. Se describe el caso de un lactante de un mes y veinte días que consultó por episodios paroxísticos de mecanismo epileptógeno, en el cual los estudios complementarios permitieron identificar un déficit de vitamina B12 como causa de estos. Tras la confirmación diagnóstica, se instauró el tratamiento con vitamina B12 intramuscular, con remisión completa de los síntomas, buena evolución posterior y desarrollo psicomotor sin alteraciones. Teniendo en cuenta las tendencias alimentarias actuales, es necesario incorporar, en la práctica clínica habitual, la anamnesis nutricional materna detallada para detectar precozmente el riesgo de déficit de esta vitamina y prevenirlo.

Resumen: Introducción: la detección temprana de problemas del desarrollo en niños permite aplicar intervenciones oportunas que mejoran el pronóstico y disminuyen la discapacidad. Esto requiere aplicar pruebas de pesquisas sensibles, sencillas y de bajo costo. Con este propósito, en Uruguay se desarrolló la Guía Nacional para la Vigilancia del desarrollo del Niño y la Niña menores de 5 años versión 2 (GNVD V2). Su utilización requiere conocer las propiedades psicométricas e índices fijos y variables. Objetivo: validación concurrente de la GNVD V2 frente al Inventario de Desarrollo Battelle 4ª edición. Método: se realizó un estudio transversal, observacional, en una muestra representativa de niños de 1 mes a 5 años de centros educativos de Montevideo. Se relacionaron los resultados de la aplicación de la GNVD V2 con los del Inventario de Desarrollo Battelle 4ª edición. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivo y negativo de la GNVD V2, según diferentes puntos de corte. Se estimó el beneficio clínico de su aplicación mediante las razones de verosimilitud o likelihood ratios. Se realizó análisis psicométrico. Resultados: la validación se realizó con 341 niños. No haber fallado en ninguna de las 12 conductas ubicadas a la izquierda de las cuatro áreas correspondientes a su edad presenta sensibilidad 77%, especificidad 65%, valor predictivo positivo 42% y valor predictivo negativo 89%. Con dicho punto de corte, el LR (+) es 2,2 y el LR (-) 0,35 y la probabilidad de presentar un trastorno cuando no pasa la prueba 1,6 y cuando la pasa 0,26. Conclusiones: la GNVD V2 posee propiedades psicométricas adecuadas e índices fijos similares a tests validados a nivel internacional que permiten recomendarlo como instrumento nacional de pesquisa. Summary: Introduction: early detection of developmental problems in children enables the application of timely interventions that improve prognosis and reduce disabilities. To that end, the application of sensitive, simple and low-cost screening procedures is required, what led to the creation of the “National Guidelines for the Surveillance of Early Childhood Development (under 5 years old children)” (GNVD V2). Use of these guidelines relies on awareness of psychometric properties a well as fixed rates and variables. Objective: concurrent validation of GNVD V2 with Battelle Developmental Inventory, Fourth Edition. Method: we conducted a transversal, observational study in a representative sample of children between 1 month and 5 years old from different schools in Montevideo. Subsequently, results from the application of GNVD V2 were compared to the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Fourth Edition. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive positive and negative values of the GNVD V2 were calculated for the different cut-off points. The clinical benefit if its application was estimated by means of likelihood ratios. A psychometric analysis was performed. Results: validation was done with 341 children. No failure occurring in any of the behaviors to the left of the four areas corresponding to age represents 77% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 42% positive predictive value and 89% negative predictive value. Given such cut-off point, LR+ is 2.2 and LR- is 0.35, and the likelihood of there being a disorder when not passing the test is 1.6 and 0.26 when passing it. Conclusions: GNVD V2 has the right psychometric properties and fixed rates that are similar to globally validated tests that allow for it to be recommended as the national screening instrument. Resumo: Introdução: a detecção precoce de problemas de desenvolvimento em crianças permite aplicar intervenções oportunas que melhoram o prognóstico e diminuem as deficiências. Para isso é necessário aplicar provas de pesquisa sensíveis, simples e de baixo custo. Com este propósito, desenvolveu-se no Uruguai a Guía Nacional para la Vigilancia del desarrollo del Niño y la Niña menores de 5 años Versión 2 (GNVD V2). Para utilizá-la é necessário conhecer as propriedades psicométricas e os índices fixos e variáveis. Objetivo: validação concorrente da GNVD V2 comparada com o Inventário de Desenvolvimento Battelle 4ª edição. Métodos: realizou-se um estudo transversal, observacional, em uma amostra representativa de crianças com idades entre 1 mês e 5 anos de centros educativos de Montevidéu. Os resultados da aplicação da GNVD V2 foram comparados com os do Inventário de Desenvolvimento Battelle 4ª edição. A sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos da GNVD V2 segundo diferentes pontos de corte foram calculados. O benefício clínico de sua aplicação mediante as razões de verossimilhança ou “likelihood ratio” (LR) foi estimado. Uma análise psicométrica foi realizada. Resultados: a validação foi realizada com 341 crianças. Não haver mostrado falhas em nenhuma das 12 condutas a esquerda das quatro áreas correspondentes à sua idade apresenta sensibilidade 77%, especificidade 65%, valor preditivo positivo 42% e valor preditivo negativo 89%. Com este ponto de corte, o LR (+) é 2.2 e o LR (-) 0.35 e a probabilidade de apresentar um transtorno quando não passa a prova 1.6 e quando passa 0.26. Conclusões: a GNVD V2 possui propriedades psicométricas adequadas e índices fixos similares a testes validados a nível internacional que permitem recomendá-lo como instrumento nacional de pesquisa.

pemphigus vulgaris is a serious and infrequent disease in children. Its timely diagnosis and treatment allows modifying its prognosis. The objective is to describe its clinical characteristics, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this uncommon autoimmune blistering disease in children.2-year-old male patient, previously healthy. He initially presented generalized dermatosis with maximum lesion areas at the umbilical region, limbs and genitals; characterized by blisters, some denuded, and of easy bleeding, without mucosal involvement nor fever. Bullous impetigo was diagnosed and topical and systemic antibiotic treatment was started, showing no clinical improvement. He developed extension of the lesions with oral and anal mucosal involvement. The histologic and direct immunofluorescent study of lesions and perilesional skin confirm the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The patient started treatment with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents with good clinical response.Due to the similarity with other more prevalent infectious and inflammatory diseases, a high index of suspicion is required in order to avoid delays in the diagnosis and the start of treatment. In patients with blisters with an unexpected clinical evolu tion, it is necessary to conduct a joint evaluation with a dermatologist and to assess the opportunity of performing a biopsy of the lesion and perilesional skin for histological study and direct immunofluo rescence, which will allow diagnostic confirmation.

Introduction: pemphigus vulgaris is a serious and infrequent disease in children. Its timely diagnosis and treatment allows modifying its prognosis. The objective is to describe its clinical characteristics, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this uncommon autoimmune blistering disease in children. Clinical Case: 2-year-old male patient, previously healthy. He initially presented generalized dermatosis with maximum lesion areas at the umbilical region, limbs and genitals; characterized by blisters, some denuded, and of easy bleeding, without mucosal involvement nor fever. Bullous impetigo was diagnosed and topical and systemic antibiotic treatment was started, showing no clinical improvement. He developed extension of the lesions with oral and anal mucosal involvement. The histologic and direct immunofluorescent study of lesions and perilesional skin confirm the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The patient started treatment with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents with good clinical response. Conclusions: Due to the similarity with other more prevalent infectious and inflammatory diseases, a high index of suspicion is required in order to avoid delays in the diagnosis and the start of treatment. In patients with blisters with an unexpected clinical evolution, it is necessary to conduct a joint evaluation with a dermatologist and to assess the opportunity of performing a biopsy of the lesion and perilesional skin for histological study and direct immunofluorescence, which will allow diagnostic confirmation.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación costo-efectividad del programa de vacunación universal con la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente (VCN7) en niños menores de 5 años en Uruguay. MÉTODOS: Se desarrolló un modelo Markov simulando una cohorte de 48 000 niños nacidos en 2007 y su evolución hasta los 76 años de edad. El caso base usó un esquema de tres dosis con una duración estimada de protección de cinco años. La presunción de eficacia y efectividad de la vacuna se realizó acorde con estudios realizados en Estados Unidos con ajuste a la prevalencia-incidencia de serotipos en Uruguay. Los resultados se expresaron como costo incremental por año de vida ganado (AVG) y por año de vida [ganado] ajustado por calidad (AVAC). RESULTADOS: Para el caso base, el costo incremental fue de US$ 7 334,6 por AVG y US$ 4 655,8 por AVAC, previniéndose 8 muertes y 4 882 casos de otitis, 56 bacteriemias-sepsis, 429 neumonías y 7 meningitis. El modelo muestra sensibilidad a variaciones en eficacia, costo de la vacuna y tasa de mortalidad por neumonía. CONCLUSIONES: El programa de vacunación universal con VCN7 en Uruguay es altamente costo-efectivo y, en consecuencia, recomendable para otros países con carga de enfermedad neumocócica y cobertura de serotipos similares a Uruguay.OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness ratio of the program for universal vaccination with heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in children under 5 years of age in Uruguay. METHODS: A Markov model was developed that simulated a cohort of 48 000 children born in 2007 and their progress to age 76. The baseline case used a regimen of three doses with estimated protection for five years. The presumption of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness was based on studies conducted in the United States with adjustment for serotype prevalence-incidence in Uruguay. The results were expressed as the incremental cost per life year gained (LYG) and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) [gained]. RESULTS: For the baseline case, the incremental cost was US $7334.60 for each LYG and US $4655.80 for each QALY. Eight deaths and 4 882 cases of otitis, 56 cases of bacteremia-sepsis, 429 cases of pneumonia, and 7 cases of meningitis were prevented. The model shows sensitivity to variations in vaccine cost, efficacy, and pneumonia-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The universal vaccination program with PCV7 in Uruguay is highly cost-effective. Therefore, it is recommended for other countries with burden of pneumococcal disease and serotype coverage similar to those of Uruguay.

Introducción: En Uruguay, la neumonía bacteriana adquirida en la comunidad causa una importante morbimortalidad. Streptococcus pneumoniae es el agente etiológico más frecuente. La enfermedad es más grave en niños menores de 2 años. Un interrogante aún no totalmente aclarado es la relación que existe entre la susceptibilidad disminuida del neumococo a la penicilina y su evolución. Objetivos: Comparar la evolución de niños de 0 a 24 meses de edad hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell con neumonía invasiva por cepas de S. pneumoniae sensibles y con susceptibilidad disminuida a la penicilina. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyó a los niños de 0 a 24 meses, hospitalizados entre el 1 de enero de 1998 y el 31 de diciembre de 2005, con neumonía neumocócica invasiva, en los que se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) para la penicilina. Se consideraron sensibles las cepas con CIM < 0,06 μg/ml y con una susceptibilidad disminuida las cepas con CIM entre 0,1 y 1 μg/ml (susceptibilidad intermedia) y las cepas con CIM ≥ 2 μg/ml (resistentes). Se comparó la duración de la estancia hospitalaria y la evolución de ambos grupos a través de la presencia de los siguientes criterios de gravedad: empiema, sepsis, shock séptico, necesidad de asistencia ventilatoria mecánica y muerte. Resultados: Cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 168 niños. Las cepas de S. pneumoniae fueron sensibles a penicilina en 90 niños y con susceptibilidad disminuida en 78. Ambos grupos fueron comparables en relación con la edad, la co-morbilidad, el estado nutricional y el tratamiento antibiótico al ingreso. La evolución medida por los criterios de gravedad mencionados no mostró diferencias significativas. El promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue similar en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La resistencia de S. pneumoniae a la penicilina no influyó en la evolución de la neumonía en este grupo de niños. : Introduction: In Uruguay community acquired bacterial pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. S. pneumoniae is the most frequent agent. The disease is more severe in children less than two years old. The relationship between pneumococcal penicillin resistance and outcome is still an unresolved problem. Objectives: To compare the outcome of children 0 to 24 months old hospitalized in the Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, with invasive pneumococcal pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae susceptible and resistant to penicillin. Patients and methods: Children 0 to 24 months old with invasive pneumococcal pneumonia, admitted between January 1st 1998 and December 31st 2005 were included. Susceptibility to penicillin was defined as a MIC < 0.06 μg/ml, reduced susceptibility was defined as a MIC of 0.1 to 1 μg/ml (intermediate) and as a MIC ≥ 2 μg/ml (resistant). Outcome was evaluated with the following criteria: empyema, sepsis, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and death. Length of hospital stay and outcome were compared in both groups. Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 168 children. S. pneumoniae was susceptible to penicillin in 90 children and with reduced susceptibility in 78. Both groups were similar in age, comorbidity, nutritional status and initial antibiotic treatment. There were no significant differences in outcome and length of hospital stay. Conclusions: S. pneumoniae resistance to penicillin did not affect the outcome of pneumonia in this group of children.

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness ratio of the program for universal vaccination with heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in children under 5 years of age in Uruguay.A Markov model was developed that simulated a cohort of 48 000 children born in 2007 and their progress to age 76. The baseline case used a regimen of three doses with estimated protection for five years. The presumption of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness was based on studies conducted in the United States with adjustment for serotype prevalence-incidence in Uruguay. The results were expressed as the incremental cost per life year gained (LYG) and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) [gained].For the baseline case, the incremental cost was US $7334.60 for each LYG and US $4655.80 for each QALY. Eight deaths and 4 882 cases of otitis, 56 cases of bacteremia-sepsis, 429 cases of pneumonia, and 7 cases of meningitis were prevented. The model shows sensitivity to variations in vaccine cost, efficacy, and pneumonia-related mortality.The universal vaccination program with PCV7 in Uruguay is highly cost-effective. Therefore, it is recommended for other countries with burden of pneumococcal disease and serotype coverage similar to those of Uruguay.