Revista de la Sociedad Boliviana de Pediatría

Folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects

Pubertal gynecomastia

La ginecomastia puberal puede causar problemas de autoestima y deterioro en la calidad de vida en los púberes afectados, al representar las glándulas mamarias un símbolo femenino. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las características clínicas y bioquímicas de los púberes con ginecomastia, atendidos en el consultorio de endocrinología pediátrica del "Centro Médico Siraní", durante el período 2008 - 2012. Se atendieron 123 pacientes derivados con el diagnóstico de ginecomastia; 26 fueron excluidos (22 por presentar lipomastia y 4 por no cumplir el seguimiento clínico) y se estudiaron 97. La mayoría de los pacientes presentó talla adecuada para la edad y desarrollo genital estadios 2 y 3 de Tanner, con una evolución de seis a doce meses de ginecomastia, bilateral y simétrica. La ansiedad fue el síntoma más frecuente y en 95 de ellos no se evidenciaron antecedentes de ingesta de fármacos. En todos los pacientes fueron normales los niveles de testosterona, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactina, HCG y TSH. El tratamiento fue expectante en 83 púberes, indicándose tamoxifeno en 6 pacientes (los que presentaron ansiedad severa); ocho fueron derivados a cirugía plástica, por presentar ginecomastia de más de dos años de evolución. La ansiedad fue el síntoma más frecuente entre los pacientes, los exámenes de laboratorio fueron normales y el tratamiento, en general, fue expectante; en los púberes con ansiedad severa se indicó tamoxifeno y los que presentaron ginecomastia de más de dos años de evolución fueron derivados a cirugía plástica.

Pubertal gynecomastia can cause problems of self-esteem and deterioration in the quality of life in the affected adolescents, as far as mammary glands represent a feminine symbol. The objective of the present work was to analyze the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the adolescents with gynecomastia, who were seen at the endocrinology paediatric room of the "Centro Médico Siraní", between 2008-2012. 123 patients derived with the gynecomastia diagnosis were seen; 26 were excluded (22 to present lipomastia and 4 not to fulfil the clinical pursuit) and 97 were studied. Most of the patients presented stature accord to chronological age and genital development stages 2 and 3 of Tanner, with an evolution of six to twelve months of bilateral and symmetrical gynecomastia. Anxiety was the most frequent symptom and in 95 of them antecedents of drug ingestion was not demonstrated. In all the patients the testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, GH and TSH levels were normal. The treatment was expectant in 83 adolescents, tamoxifen was indicated in 6 patients (those who presented severe anxiety); 8 were derived to plastic surgery, to present gynecomastia of more than two years of evolution. Anxiety was the main symptom among the patients, the laboratorial results were normal and the treatment, in general, was expectant; in the adolescents with severe anxiety tamoxifen was indicated and the ones who presented gynecomastia of more than two years of evolution were derived to plastic surgery.

Administration of folic acid and other micronutrients to pregnant women in Colombia

Objetivo. Caracterizar el consumo de ácido fólico (AF) y otros micronutrientes en forma de medicamentos en un grupo de mujeres gestantes colombianas. Métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se obtuvo información por medio de entrevistas a gestantes y de sus registros de historia clínica de control prenatal y/o atención del parto en cuatro ciudades de Colombia. La muestra fue de 1 637 mujeres atendidas en 15 instituciones. Resultados. A 1 315 gestantes (80,3%) les recomendaron consumir AF, con prescripción realizada por médico al 84% de ellas; 90,3% adhirieron al tratamiento. A 85,6% el AF les fue suministrado por la empresa aseguradora de salud, y 10,7% lo compró de su bolsillo. La prescripción fue pertinente en 0,2% de las mujeres. Su consumo fue totalmente oportuno en 0,2% y totalmente inoportuno en 41,9% de las gestantes. A 1 192 mujeres (72,8%) les recomendaron otros micronutrientes; a 77,6% de ellas se los recomendó el médico, y 88,7% adhirieron al tratamiento. Conclusiones. Se recomienda y se consume AF y otros micronutrientes de manera inadecuada, sin evaluar las necesidades individuales de las mujeres gestantes. Se invita a reflexionar sobre la utilidad de los programas que promueven el consumo masivo de micronutrientes en forma de medicamento durante el embarazo; los programas parecen desconocer las causas fundamentales de los problemas nutricionales que aquejan a la población.

Objective. To characterize the intake of folic acid (FA) and other micronutrients in medicinal form in a group of pregnant women in Colombia. Methods. Descriptive observational study. Information was obtained from interviews of pregnant women and from the clinical records of their prenatal check-ups and/or delivery in four cities in Colombia. The sample consisted of 1 637 women seen in 15 institutions. Results. A total of 1 315 pregnant women (80.3%) were advised to take FA, and 84% received a prescription, 90.3% of whom adhered to the treatment. FA was provided to 85.6% of them by their health insurance company and 10.7% purchased it themselves. The prescription was appropriate for 0.2% of the women; its use was entirely appropriate for 0.2% of the pregnant women and totally inappropriate for 41.9%. Other micronutrients were recommended to 1 192 women (72.8%), 77.6% of whom received the advice from their physician, with 88.7% adhering to the treatment. Conclusions. FA and other micronutrients are inappropriately recommended to pregnant women and taken without assessing their individual needs. The usefulness of programs that promote mass consumption of micronutrients in medicinal form during pregnancy should be reexamined. These programs seem not to recognize the fundamental causes of the population's nutritional problems.

Unusual case of neonatal hemolytic disease

La enfermedad hemolítica del feto y del recién nacido es una afección inmunológica isoinmune, frecuente en casos de incompatibilidad a grupos ABO, menos frecuente en casos de incompatibilidad a grupo Rh y aún menos frecuente en casos de incompatibilidad a grupos menores. Presentamos el caso de un neonato de 20 días de vida del sexo masculino con grupo y Rh similares a la madre, transferido a nuestro hospital por presentar ictericia con niveles séricos de bilirrubina elevada y anemia severa. Previo a estudios hematológicos se inició fototerapia y transfusiones sanguíneas. Estudios posteriores confirmaron que la anemia hemolítica e ictericia del paciente fueron debidas a la presencia de anticuerpos irregulares Anti C y anti Cw. La hemolisis cedió paulatinamente, la evolución del neonato fue favorable y el paciente fue externado con una biometría hemática normal y sin problemas posteriores. El presente caso nos recuerda y llama la atención que con la declinación de la anemia hemolítica por incompatibilidad Rh, se debe tener en cuenta ictericia y hemolisis secundaria a grupos inusuales o menores.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is an autoimmune disease, frequently seen in cases of ABO incompatibility, less frequent in Rh disease and very rare in cases on incompatibility to minor blood groups. We report the case of a 20 days old newborn with compatible blood group and Rh, transferred to our hospital because jaundice and severe anemia. After a lab work up, he received blood transfusions and phototherapy. The lab results were positive for anti-bodies anti C and anti Cw. The jaundice and anemia resolved and the patient was discharge without any further problems.

Hepatoblastoma: unusual cause of acute surgical abdomen

Presentamos el caso clínico de un escolar de 6 años y 3 meses con hepatoblastoma y que se manifestó como un abdomen agudo quirúrgico, que es una presentación poco frecuente dentro de la incidencia de este tumor.

We present the clinical case of a school for 6 years and 3 months with hepatoblastoma and which manifested itself as a surgical acute abdomen, which is a rare presentation within the incidence of this tumor.

Casamassima syndrome

El síndrome de Cassamasima se caracteriza por una triada que consiste en alteraciones costo vertebrales, atresia anal y alteraciones genitourinarias, siendo un síndrome de presentación rara y cuya supervivencia estará determinada por la gravedad de las alteraciones. Presentamos el caso de un niño con características típicas de este síndrome.

Cassamasima syndrome is characterized by a triad consisting costo vertebral alterations, anal atresia, and genito urinary disorders, being rare and whose survival is determined by the severity of the disturbances. We report the case of a child with typical features of this syndrome.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of children with autism espectrum

At-home non-invasive ventilatory assistance for children: initial impact of a national program in Chile

Introducción: La asistencia ventilatoria no invasiva domiciliaria (AVNI) es una modalidad de ventilación mecánica prolongada que puede ser proporcionada a niños con insuficiencia ventilatoria crónica. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, resultados en su evolución y calidad de vida relacionada a salud (CVRS) en pacientes ingresados a un programa nacional de AVNI. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de pacientes del programa durante 24 meses (2006-2008). Se utilizó un protocolo de seguimiento previamente definido. Resultados: 177 niños, edad promedio 9,7 ± 4,7 años. Catorce fallecieron por causas no relacionadas a la AVNI. Diagnósticos: enfermedad neuromuscular (ENM) 64%, mielomeningocele operado 6%, síndrome apnea obstructiva del sueño 6%, enfermedad del parénquima pulmonar 20% y miscelánea 4%. Respecto al año previo al ingreso las hospitalizaciones disminuyeron de 60 a 21% (p < 0,00001) y de 1,3 hospitalizaciones/ paciente/año a 0,3 (p < 0,00001). En 82 pacientes la CVRS mejoró, AUQUEI 17,2 ± 5,6 puntos (p < 0,05), IRS 26,4 ± 8,2 puntos (p < 0,05). En 21 pacientes con ENM y entrenamiento respiratorio hubo mejoría de la Pimax (27 cmH2O; p < 0,05) y no hubo disminución en la CVF. Conclusiones: AVNI disminuyó las hospitalizaciones y mejoró la CVRS de los pacientes ingresados al programa nacional. En un grupo de pacientes mejoró la fuerza muscular con estabilización de la función respiratoria.

Introduction: Prolonged mechanical ventilation may be provided to children with chronic ventilatory failure as non-invasive ventilatory assistance at home (NIVA). Objective: To describe clinical characteristics, evolution outcomes and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of pediatric patients admitted into the Chilean NIVA program. Patients and Methods: Medical files of patients included in the program, were reviewed during a period of 24 months (2006-2008), using follow-up protocols. Results: There were a total of 177 children, with an average age of 9.7 ± 4.7 years. Fourteen patients died of non-related causes. Diagnoses were: neuromuscular disease (NMD) 64%, myelomeningocele 6%, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome 6%, lung disease 20% and miscellaneous 4%. Compared to the previous year, hospitalization decreased from 60 to 21% (p < 0.00001) and from 1.3 hospitalizations/patient/year to 0.3 (p < 0.00001). HRQOL improved significantly, AUQUEI 17.2 ± 5.6 (p < 0.05), IRS 26.4 ± 8.2 points (p < 0.05) in 82 patients. In 21 patients with NMD an average increase of 27 cmH2O on muscular inspiratory pressure (p < 0.05) after respiratory training was observed. Conclusions: The NIVA program reduced hospitalizations and improved HRQOL. In a group of patients the muscle strength increased with stable respiratory function.

Systematic follow-up of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with a gestational age of 35 to 37 weeks

Objetivos: Identificar os resultados do acompanhamento da bilirrubinemia na primeira semana de vida em uma coorte de recém-nascidos (RNs) de 350/7 a 376/7 semanas de idade gestacional e estabelecer fatores de risco para reinternação para fototerapia pós-alta hospitalar (bilirrubinemia total > 18 mg/dL). Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo em hospital público universitário. Os recém-nascidos tiveram acompanhamento da bilirrubina total plasmática ou transcutânea pré- e pós-alta da enfermaria de alojamento conjunto para avaliação da necessidade de fototerapia. Foi empregada uma abordagem sistematizada, utilizando-se os percentis de risco de uma curva de referência. Resultados: Foram estudados 392 RNs. Uma consulta ambulatorial foi necessáriaem 61,7% dos RNs. Tiveram valores máximos de bilirrubinemia total ≥ 20 mg/dL 34 RNs (8,7%), e três RNs (0,8%) apresentaram bilirrubinemia total entre 25-30 mg/dL. Fototerapia foi indicada após alta em 74 RNs (18,9%). Os fatores de risco foram a perda de peso do nascimento até o primeiro retorno e os percentis à alta acima do P40. A bilirrubinemia total à alta acima do P95 foi associada ao maior risco de reinternação [RR = 49,5 (6,6-370,3)]. A perda de peso até o primeiro retorno foi o único preditor clínico independente [RR = 1,16 (1,04-1,17)]. Conclusão: A abordagem sistematizada da bilirrubinemia na 1ª semana foi efetiva na prevenção de hiperbilirrubinemias perigosas. O suporte à amamentação e a alta hospitalar após a estabilização da perda de peso podem ser medidas preventivas da reinternação por hiperbilirrubinemia.

Objectives: To determine the outcomes of an intervention for follow-up of bilirubinemia in the first week of life in a cohort of newborn infants with gestational ages between 350/7 and 376/7 weeks and to determine risk factors for re-admission for phototherapy (total bilirubin > 18 mg/dL). Methods: Retrospective cohort study carried out at a public teaching hospital. Neonates underwent periodic monitoring of total bilirubin levels (measured in plasma or by transcutaneous device) before and after discharge to assess the need for phototherapy. A systematic approach, based on risk percentiles of a bilirubin reference curve, was employed. Results: The study sample comprised 392 neonates. Only one outpatient visit was required in 61.7% of newborns. Peak total bilirubin was ≥ 20 mg/dL in 34 neonates (8.7%), andreached 25-30 mg/dL in three (0.8%). Phototherapy was indicated after discharge in 74 neonates (18.9%). Weight loss between birth and first follow-up visit and total bilirubin above the 40th percentile at discharge were risk factors for requiring phototherapy. Total bilirubin above the 95th percentile at discharge was associated with greater risk of readmission (RR = 49.5 [6.6-370.3]). Weight loss between discharge and first follow-up visit was the sole independent clinical predictor (RR =1.16 [1.04-1.17]). Conclusion: Systematic follow-up during the first week of life was effective in preventing dangerous hyperbilirubinemia. Encouraging breast feeding and discharging neonates only after weight loss has been stabilized may prevent readmission due to hyperbilirubinemia.

Music therapy may increase breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns: a randomized controlled trial

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da musicoterapia nos índices de aleitamento materno entre mães de recém-nascidos prematuros. Método: Neste ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado e aberto, mães de neonatos prematuros com peso ≤ 1.750 g foram submetidas a sessões de musicoterapia três vezes por semana durante 60 minutos. Os desfechos foram os índices de aleitamento materno na ocasião da alta hospitalar do bebê e em consultas de seguimento (7-15 dias, 30 e 60 dias após a alta). Resultados: Foram avaliadas 94 mães (48 no grupo da musicoterapia e 46 no grupo controle). O aleitamento materno foi significativamente mais frequente no grupo da musicoterapia na primeira consulta de seguimento [risco relativo (RR) = 1,26; intervalo de confiaba de 95% (IC95%) = 1,01-1,57; p = 0,03; número necessário para tratar (NNT) = 5,6]. Esse grupo também apresentou índices mais elevados de aleitamento materno na ocasião da alta do bebê (RR = 1,22; IC95% = 0,99-1,51; p = 0,06; NNT = 6,3), e 30 e 60 dias após a alta (RR = 1,21; IC95% = 0,73-5,66; p = 0,13 e RR = 1,28; IC95% = 0,95-1,71; p = 0,09, respectivamente), mas esses resultados não foram estatisticamente significativos. Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que a musicoterapia teve efeito significativo no aumento do índice de aleitamento materno entre mães de recém-nascidos prematuros na primeira consulta de seguimento, e uma influencia positiva (embora não significativa) que se estendeu até 60 dias depois da alta. A musicoterapia pode ser útil para elevar os índices de aleitamento materno entre mães de prematuros.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of music therapy on breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns. Method: In this open randomized controlled trial, mothers of premature neonates weighting ≤ 1,750 g were submitted to music therapy sessions three times a week for 60 minutes. The endpoints were breastfeeding rates at the moment of infant hospital discharge and at follow-up visits (7-15 days, 30 and 60 days after discharge). Results: A total of 94 mothers (48 in the music therapy group and 46 in the comparison group) were studied. Breastfeeding was significantly more frequent in the music therapy group at the first followup visit [relative risk (RR) = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.01-1.57; p = 0.03; number needed to treat (NNT) = 5.6]. Moreover, this group showed higher breastfeeding rates at the moment of infant discharge (RR = 1.22; 95%CI = 0.99-1.51; p = 0.06; NNT = 6.3) and at days 30 and 60 after discharge (RR = 1.21; 95%CI = 0.73-5.6; p = 0.13 and RR = 1.28; 95%CI = 0.95-1.71; p = 0.09, respectively), but those results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that music therapy had a significant effect in increasing breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns at the first follow-up visit, and also a positive influence (although not significant) that lasted up to 60 days after infant discharge. Music therapy may be useful for increasing breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns.

Practical guide for the management of the child perinatal exposed to HIV

CUESTIONARIO NUMERO 49 - PREGUNTAS CORRESPONDIENTES AL TEMA: GUÍA PRÁCTICA PARA EL MANEJO DEL NIÑO EXPUESTO PERINATALMENTE AL VIH