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Abstract Objective: In this article, the authors aimed to review the different tools used in the monitoring of enthesitis-related arthritis. Sources: The authors performed a literature review on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The dataset included the original research and the reviews including patients with enthesitis-related arthritis or juvenile spondylarthritis up to October 2020. Summary of finding: Enthesitis-related arthritis is a category of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is characterized by the presence of enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, as well as axial involvement. The only validated tool for disease activity measurement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the Disease Activity Score: It has proven its reliability and sensitivity. Nevertheless, due to an absence of validated evaluation tools, the extent of functional impairment, as well as the children and parents’ perception of the disease, could not be objectively perceived. Despite the great progress in the field of imaging modalities, the role they play in the evaluation of disease activity is still controversial. This is partially due to the lack of validated scoring systems. Conclusion: Further work is still required to standardize the monitoring strategy and validate the outcome measures in enthesitis-related arthritis.

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Abstract Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Cystatin C in acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates Sources: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Database were searched to retrieve the literature related to the diagnostic value of Cystatin C for neonatal AKI from inception to May 10, 2021. Subsequently, the quality of included studies was determined using the QUADAS-2 tool. Stata 15.0 statistical software was used to calculate the combined sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Additionally, meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis contributed to explore the sources of heterogeneity Summary of the findings: Twelve articles were included. The pooled sensitivity was 0.84 (95%CI: 0.74-0.91), the pooled specificity was 0.81 (95%CI: 0.75-0.86), the pooled PLR was 4.39 (95%CI: 3.23-5.97), the pooled NLR was 0.19 (95%CI: 0.11-0.34), and the DOR was 22.58 (95%CI: 10.44-48.83). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95%CI: 0.85-0.90). No significant publication bias was identified (p > 0.05).

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Abstract Objective: To describe the type of milk used to feed infants seen in private pediatric practices in Brazil. To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding, type of delivery, and history of prematurity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and observational study that included 4929 infants in the first year of life seen in private pediatric practices in the five geographic regions of Brazil. Mothers provided information about the type of milk used by their infant, the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), and whether the birth was premature. Results: Breastfeeding was the only source of milk for 56.1% (1546/2755) of infants in the first six months of life and 32.9% (716/2174) in the second. Of the infants who received other types of milk besides breastfeeding, there was a predominance of infant formula in 98.6% and 93.8% of the infants, respectively, in the first and in the second six months of life. Whole cow's milk was used by 0.7% (20/2755) of infants in the first six months and by 4.1% (90/2174) of infants in the second (p < 0.001). In the first six months of life, breastfeeding as the only type of milk was associated with vaginal delivery (OR = 1.79; p < 0.001) and not having a history of prematurity (OR = 2.48; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Breastfeeding was the only milk source for more than half of infants before 180 days of life. Birth by cesarean section and history of prematurity were negatively associated with breastfeeding as the only source of milk used in infant feeding.

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Abstract Objective: To evaluate sleep characteristics of parents and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic and predictors for sleep disturbances. Methods: Cross-sectional web-based study using an online survey made available for dyads of parents and their children during the 7th week of quarantine in southern Brazil. Parents' and adolescents’ sleep were characterized using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. For children aged 0-3 years parents completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, for those aged 4-12 years the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Parents also informed, subjectively, their perception about sleep habits during social distancing. Multiple regression was run to predict sleep disturbances in adults using independent variables: sex, income, education, children age, and children with sleep disturbances. Results: Data from 577 dyads showed sleep alterations in 69,8% of adults, in 58,6% of children aged 0-3 years, 33,9% in the 4-12 years range (with a predominance of disorders of initiating or maintaining sleep), and 56,6% in adolescents. Sex (female) and children with sleep disturbances were significant predictors of a sleep problem in parents (p < 0.005). Subjective perception revealed complaints related to emotional concerns such as anxiety and fear in adults and due to alterations in routine in children and adolescents. Conclusion: The present study’s data showed an increased rate of sleep problems among families during quarantine both measured by validated instruments and also based on personal perception.

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Abstract Objective: To evaluate the complementary feeding practices, food intake, and nutritional status of infants on a cow’s milk protein elimination diet. Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted to compare infants aged 4-18 months who were on a cow’s milk protein elimination diet with a control group of healthy infants without any dietary restrictions. General information on the child’s health, demographic data, and food consumption were collected. Results: The study included 96 infants in the elimination diet group and 99 in the control group. In the elimination diet group, the median age (in months) of introduction of solid foods (5.0 × 4.0; p < 0.001) and water (5.5 × 4.0; p < 0.05) was later, consumption of soft drinks and industrialized cookies was less frequent (p < 0.05), and a lower index of complementary feeding inadequacies (2.75 × 3.50; p < 0.001) was observed. The elimination diet group presented lower individual values of Z scores for weight/age, weight/height, and body mass index/age, although they were fed with higher amounts of energy (117.4 × 81.3 kcal/kg of weight; p < 0.001) and macro-and micronutrients, except for vitamin A. In the elimination diet group, breast milk and its substitutes contributed to more than 67% of energy intake. Although calcium consumption was a deficit in 31.5% of the infants, none received supplementation. Conclusion: Infants on an elimination diet presented more adequate complementary feeding practices and higher nutritional intake, despite lower body weight values.

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Abstract Objective: To study the occurrence of alexithymia in obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 102 obese adolescents. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychometric data (alexithymia and binge eating) were analyzed The Brazilian version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Binge Eating Scale were used for psychometric data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, chi-square, linear regression, and logistic regression. The study was approved by Research Ethics Committee. Results: A 22% occurrence of alexithymia was observed. Considering the category “possible alexithymia”, half of the participants presented some alexithymic behavior. Adolescents with alexithymia had higher binge eating scores (alexithymia 16,2 versus possible alexithymia 11,7 versus no alexithymia 8,5; ANOVA p < 0,0005) and three times more binge eating behavior than adolescents with no alexithymia or possible alexithymia (alexithymia 36.4% versus 17.2% possible alexithymia versus 11.8% no alexithymia; chi-square = 6,2, p = 0.04). In simple linear regression, alexithymia scores were positively associated with binge eating scores (r2 = 0,4; p = 0,002). Binary logistic regression showed a three times higher probability of an adolescent with severe obesity to meet the criteria for alexithymia. Conclusion: There was a 22% occurrence of alexithymia in obese adolescents. It was positively associated with obesity severity and higher binge eating scores, suggesting a relationship between severe obesity, alexithymia, and binge eating behavior.

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Abstract Objective: To evaluate idiopathic musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal pain syndromes, and use of electronic devices in adolescents with asthma and healthy controls. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 asthmatic adolescents and 300 controls. Adolescents completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding painful symptoms, use of electronic devices, and physical activity. Seven musculoskeletal pain syndromes were evaluated, and Asthma Control Test (ACT) was assessed. Results: Musculoskeletal pain (42% vs. 61%, p = 0.0002) and musculoskeletal pain syndromes (2.7% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.0006) were significantly lower in asthmatic adolescents than in controls. The frequency of pain in the hands and wrists was reduced in asthmatic than in controls (12.6% vs. 31.1%, p = 0.004), in addition to cell phone use (80% vs. 93%, p < 0.0001), simultaneous use of at least two electronic media (47% vs. 91%, p < 0.0001), myofascial syndrome (0% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.043), and tendinitis (0% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.008). Logistic regression analysis, including asthma with musculoskeletal pain as the dependent variable, and female sex, ACT > 20, simultaneous use of at least two electronic devices, cell phone use, and weekends and weekdays of cell phone use, as independent variables, showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.929–6.316; p = 0.0009) and ACT ≥ 20 (OR, 0.194; 95% CI, 0.039–0.967; p = 0.045) were associated with asthma and musculoskeletal pain (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.206). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes were lower in adolescents with asthma. Female sex was associated with musculoskeletal pain in asthmatic, whereas patients with asthma symptoms and well-controlled disease reported a lower prevalence of musculoskeletal pain.

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Abstract Objective: To assess the BMI among children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) and its correlation to ghrelin, Growth Hormone (GH), and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients attending the Pediatric endocrine clinic were enrolled, allocated into two groups: group I: GHD children; group II: ISS children. Ghrelin, IGF-1 and GH in both groups were measured. Results: Ghrelin was significantly higher among GHD group (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a strong negative correlation between IGF-1 and ghrelin (r = -0.977, p-value = < 0.001) while a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.419, p-value = 0.006). There was a weak positive non-significant correlation between IGF-1 and BMI (r = 0.276, p-value = 0.077). In GHD group, there was a weak positive non-significant correlation between ghrelin and GHmax measurement (r = 0.052, p-value = 0.824), while a weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.243, p-value = 0.288). In GHD group, there was a moderate positive correlation between ghrelin and BMI (r = 0.500, p-value = 0.021), but weak negative non-significant correlation between both variables in ISS group (r = -0.255, p-value = 0.265). Conclusion: There was a negative feedback loop between ghrelin and IGF-1, whereas a positive feedback between ghrelin and BMI. BMI was more affected in the ISS group but was non-signifi-cantly correlated with ghrelin. There was no significant compensatory response of ghrelin suggesting its contribution to the pathogenesis of ISS.

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Abstract Objective: In previous studies, smaller renal volumes were reported in prematurely born infants, however, these renal volumes were not corrected for body surface area, the main determinant of renal size. Given the rapid growth of the renal cortex after premature birth, the authors hypothesized that corrected volumes would not differ from healthy controls. Methods: Ambispective cohort study with prospective follow-up of prematurely born babies in a large specialized center and retrospectively recruited healthy control group. Children were assessed for renal length and renal volumes at age 5 by three independent ultrasonographers. Detailed anthropometry, blood pressure and renal function were also obtained. Age independent z-scores were calculated for all parameters and compared using descriptive statistics. Results: Eighty-nine premature study participants (median 32 weeks gestational age) and 33 healthy controls (median 38 weeks gestational age) were studied. Study participants did not differ in age, sex, Afro-Colombian descent, height, blood pressure, serum creatinine, or new Schwartz eGFR. Premature study participants had a significantly lower weight (17.65 ± 2.93 kg) than controls (19.05 ± 2.81 kg, p = 0.0072) and lower body surface area. The right renal volumes were significantly smaller (39.4 vs 43.4 mL), but after correction for body surface area, the renal volume and renal length z-scores were identical for both kidneys (mean right kidney -0.707 vs -0.507; mean left kidney -0.498 vs -0.524, respectively). Conclusion: Renal volumes need to be corrected to body surface area. After correction for body surface area, 5-year-old healthy and prematurely born children have comparable renal volumes.

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Abstract Objectives: To describe the management, to compare treatment at initial referral vs. during specialized follow-up, and to describe outcomes of children with functional constipation (FC) referred to a Brazilian tertiary care center. Methods: Retrospective study, including children (4–18 years) with FC followed at a single center from 2006 to 2019. Demographics, treatments, time of follow-up, and outcomes were analyzed. The management of FC followed an institutional protocol. Results: 104 patients were identified, 79 were eligible and included in the analysis: 59% male, mean age at referral was 6.4 years, and mean duration of symptoms was 4.4 years. There were significant changes in the therapy(ies) used at the time of referral compared to during follow-up, with a noticeable increase in the frequency of the use of polyethylene glycol, enemas, magnesium hydroxide, and bisacodyl; 5.1% received trans-anal irrigation, and 3.8% underwent surgery. Outcomes were favorable in more than half of the cases: 31% improved; 19.5% had complete resolution and 2.5% were transferred back to primary care. Symptoms remained unchanged in 30.4%, and no patients experienced worsening of symptoms. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.8 years. When comparing patients with favorable vs. unfavorable outcomes, the authors did not identify significant differences in gender, age, therapies used, duration of symptoms, or length of follow-up. Conclusions: Children with FC are often referred to specialized care not receiving optimal therapy. Many patients whose FC was labeled “refractory” may be treated successfully with a well-established plan of care, and do not truly present intractable constipation.

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Abstract Objectives: To contribute to a better understanding of the maternal genetic mechanisms that influence obstetric outcomes and that are involved in maternal and child health, this study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal genetic variants and the offspring birth weight by analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to glucose homeostasis. Methods: Three polymorphisms were analyzed (GCK rs1799884, TCF7L2 rs7903146 and LEPR rs1137101) in 250 pregnant women who participated in a Brazilian prospective cohort study. Genotyping was performed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) using pre-designed TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. Vitamin D dosage was performed by chemiluminescence. Variance, Pearson's chi-square test and multiple linear regression were used for the statistical analysis. Results: It was possible to verify a significant association between birth weight and maternal GCK rs1799884 when obstetric outcomes, clinical and anthropometric characteristics were taken into consideration. The children of homozygous women for the minor allele GCK rs1799884 presented lower birth weight (β = -335.25, 95% CI = -669.39; -1.17, p = 0.04). Furthermore, a direct link between a leptin receptor variant and gestational duration was found (p = 0.037). Conclusion: The variant GCK rs1799884 (mm) was associated with a reduction in newborn weight in the miscegenated Brazilian population.

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Abstract Objective: This study had the purpose investigate the physical activity (PA) and sedentary time profile of children with cerebral palsy and its association with body composition. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 53 children, between 2 and 10 years old, enrolled in three health services Recife-city, northeast of Brazil. Sedentary and PA were measured for a week using the ActiGraph GTX3 accelerometer. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and an electrical bioimpedance device. Results: Time on PA was one hour longer among the mild/moderate CP compared to severe ones, but, sedentary time is similar. Dyskinetic children spent more time in PA, but also in sedentary activities (15.5 hours a day) than spastic ones (12.8). Stunting occurred in 15 (30%) of the sample, all children with stunting had severe impairment. Underweight occurred in 25% of the severe group and 11.8% in the mild/moderate group. Overweight affected 3% of the sample; no overweight children were in the severe group. Body fat% was inversely related to time spent in moderate to vigorous PA. Conclusions: Children with CP spend more than a half of their daily time in sedentary activity. In contrast, children with mild to moderate CP spent twice as much time in moderate to vigorous PA and had a tendency (p = 0.07) to spend 50% more time in light PA. Moreover, time spent on moderate to vigorous activity was inversely related to fat mass.

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Abstract Objectives: Sexual violence is a problem that affects children and adolescents regardless of social class, age, origin, religion, education level, marital status, race, or sexual orientation. This study aimed to analyze the associations between victim-offender relationships and the victim's age in cases of sexual violence involving female victims. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective observational study used data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health Surveillance in Brasília regarding the reportable crime of rape as informed by female victims in the Federal District between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. The age of the victim was classified as <15 years or 15-19 years. The offenders were classified into eight different categories according to their relationship with the victim: father, stepfather, brother, husband, boyfriend, friend, stranger, and others. The association between the victim-offender relationship and the victim's age was assessed. Results: Overall, there were 4,617 reported cases of sexual violence, with 78.3% of these (n = 3614) corresponding to children under 15 and 21.7% to adolescents 15-19 years old (n = 1003). Close relatives, including brothers, and friends were the main perpetrators in cases of girls < 15 years old. Strangers and friends were the principal perpetrators in the group of girls 15-19 years old. Conclusions: Children under 15 are the group most affected by sexual violence. Strategies must be developed to prevent the sexual abuse of children and adolescents and to facilitate the rehabilitation of victimized children.

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Abstract Objective: To explore the relationship of undernutrition and the short duration of breastfeeding with child development of children 0–66 months of age residing in Ceará, Brazil. Methods: The authors of the present study utilized population-based data from children enrolled in the Study on Maternal and Child Health in Ceará, Brazi (PESMIC). Children’s development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire third version, validated in Brazil. Undernutrition was accessed through anthropometric measures obtained by trained staff. Breastfeeding information was obtained through the mothers' report and confirmed in the child's governmental booklet. The authors used logistic regressions adjusted for sample clusters used in PESMIC design in a theoretical model for known determinants of child development following the World Health Organization nurturing framework. Results: A total of 3,566 children were enrolled in the sixth PESMIC study and had their development assessed. The authors found that 8.2%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 3.6% of children were stunted, underweight, or wasted, at the time of the interview, respectively. All studied factors were associated with a higher prevalence of child development impairment in at least one of the assessed domains. Underweight was the factor with the strongest effect, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4,14 (2,26–7,58), p < 0.001. Breastfeeding for up to two months compared to more than six months (AOR2,08 (1,38–3,12)) was also associated. Conclusions: The authors found that undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding are associated with development outcomes among Brazilian children. As a result, integrated nutritional programs may improve child development outcomes.