Cerebral palsy is associated with complications such as low bone mineral density, which is more severe in patients with greater motor involvement. Assisted standing helps to prevent or delay this complication; however, its effect is controversial because the type of stander, the type of standing (dynamic or static), and its dosage are not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of assisted standing on bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy. A systematic review was carried out in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines, using 5 databases. The results were presented using tables, a risk of bias analysis, and a narrative synthesis. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Assisted standing generates positive changes in bone mineral density, but further research is required, with studies that have greater methodological rigor, longer follow-up periods, and a larger number of patients.
Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6-13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6-22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In Argentina, dengue fever is an epidemic disease; most cases are reported during the hot months. Until epidemiological week (EW) 20/2023, 106 672 cases were reported across 18 of the 24 provinces of Argentina. Children younger than 2 years are among the main groups at risk. Recognizing signs and symptoms and identifying risk factors is fundamental for the management of cases at a higher risk of severity. Here we describe the case of a 32-day-old female patient who was hospitalized due to febrile syndrome without a source, who had a differential diagnosis of viral meningitis and sepsis and progressed to leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia in association with rash and edema. The diagnosis of dengue fever was established based on clinical, epidemiological, and positive IgM data.
Poisoning by naphthalene is uncommon in children. It is a type of poisoning brought on by ingesting, inhaling, or coming into touch with naphthalene-containing substances on the skin. Patients typically present with an initial onset of dark brown urine, watery diarrhea, and bile vomit. The signs include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and low pulse oximetry readings even with oxygen support. Hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, renal failure, and hyperbilirubinemia are all detected in blood tests. Erythrocyte transfusion, ascorbic acid, methylene blue, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) therapies are provided to inpatients in addition to symptomatic treatment. We present a 23-month-old male patient who developed methemoglobinemia and acute ıntravascular hemolysis, who was followed up in the intensive care unit for five days due to naphthalene intoxication. Although naphthalene poisoning is very rare, it should be known that it has fatal consequences, and more care should be taken in its use and sale.
Objective. To provide a framework for healthcare professionals managing pediatric patients who are on active glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and to develop recommendations for the prevention and treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis in the pediatric population. Methods. A panel of experts on bone and pediatric diseases developed a series of PICO questions that address issues related to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients on GC therapy. In accordance with the GRADE approach, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, summarized effect estimations, and classified the quality of the evidence. Then, voting and the formulation of recommendations followed. Results. Seven recommendations and six general principles were developed for GC-induced osteoporosis in the pediatric population. Conclusion. These recommendations provide guidance for clinicians who must make decisions concerning pediatric patients undergoing treatment with GC.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare breastfeeding and related factors (age, level of education, age at first pregnancy, etc.), and complementary feeding practices between Syrian refugee and native Turkish mothers. Material and methods: This descriptive-comparative study examined the nutritional characteristics of infants aged 9 to 60 months whose mothers were Turkish or Syrian refugees who attended Kızıltepe State Hospital between January 2022 and July 2022. Results: 204 mothers (126 Turkish and 78 Syrian) who had a child aged 9-60 months were included. The average age of the mothers was 27.60 ± 5.17 years for Turkish citizens and 28.91 ± 5.62 for Syrian refugees, without significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.091). Postpartum breastfeeding was 91.3% and breastfeeding duration was 12 (0-24) months in Turkish citizens; in Syrian refugees, breastfeeding was 84.6% and average breastfeeding time was 9 (0- 24) months (respectively, breast milk intake p: 0.144, uptake time p: 0.161; no statistical difference). Breastfeeding training was received by 23.8% of Turkish citizens and 5.1% of Syrian refugees; there was a significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.001). Conclusion: In refugee groups, infant and maternal nutrition practices are disrupted. Working in conjunction with local and international organizations and state agencies that give help to refugee groups, the appropriate interventions, initiatives, supports, and awareness-raising activities would strive to improve practices in mother and baby nutrition and narrow gaps.
Introduction. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatrics. Recognizing and managing it adequately is critical. Simulation is used to improve medical skills. The objective of this study was to establish the proportion of pediatric residents who recognized a respiratory arrest in a child at a simulation center. Methods. This was an observational study in 77 residents. A simulation of a patient with respiratory distress that progressed to respiratory arrest was used. Results. Among the 77 participants, 48 recognized respiratory arrest (62.3%). The mean time to recognize respiratory arrest was 38.16 seconds. Conclusion. Respiratory arrest was recognized by 62.3% of participants. Among those who did so, the average time was 38.16 seconds. Severe failures were noted in some of the expected interventions.