ABSTRACT Introduction: Although still rare, pulmonary embolism (PE) in children has been increasing over the years. Data regarding this group of patients are still sparse, which contributes to the lack of standardized prophylaxis protocols and the misdiagnosis. This study aimed to determine the incidence of pediatric PE at a Brazilian tertiary hospital, describe clinical characteristics and identify possible risk factors. We also analyzed the diagnosis and management of PE. Methods: This was a retrospective review of tertiary Brazilian single-center data of all pediatric patients (0 – 18 years) with acute PE, diagnosed radiologically, from September 2009 to May 2019. Results: The incidence of PE was 3.3 cases per 10,000 hospitalized children. All the twenty-three cases had some risk factor identified and sixteen of them (69.5%) had more than one risk factor. The most important were central venous catheter (39.1%), malignancy (34.8%) and recent surgery (34.8%). Among the children with identifiable symptoms (69.5%), the most common was dyspnea (56.2%). Only one patient did not receive antithrombotic therapy because of the high bleeding risk and most patients (70.6%) were treated for 3 to 6 months. Among the nineteen patients alive at the end of the six-month follow-up, ten (52.6%) repeated the PE image control. Seven of them (70.0%) had complete or partial resolution of the thrombosis and none had worsening images. Conclusion: Our lower incidence than that of the current literature may reflect underdiagnosis due to low suspicion of PE. At least one risk factor was identified in all patients, which emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness of high-risk children.

Abstract Introduction: Little attention is given to thrombosis associated with pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This study describes the thrombotic and hemorrhagic manifestations of APL in pediatric patients and evaluates their hemostasis, based on coagulation tests. Methods: Inclusion criteria were age 0–18 years and APL diagnosis between April 2005 and November 2017. Patients who had received blood transfusion prior to coagulation tests were excluded. Baseline coagulation tests, hematologic counts, and hemorrhagic/thrombotic manifestations were evaluated. Results: Median age was 10.7 years (1–15 years). The initial coagulation tests revealed a median Hgb of 8.3 g/dL (4.7–12.9 g/dL), median leucocyte count of 10.9 × 109/L (1.1–95.8 × 109/L), median platelet count of 31.8 × 109/L (2.0–109.0 × 109/L), median activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 31.7 s (23.0–50.4 s), median aPTT ratio of 1.0 (0.78–1.6), median thromboplastin time (PT) of 17.5 s (13.8–27.7 s), median PT activity of 62% (25–95 %), and median fibrinogen of 157.7 mg/dL (60.0–281.0 mg/dL). Three patients (13%) had thrombosis. At diagnosis, 21 patients (91.3%) had bruising, one patient (4.3%) had splenic vein and artery thrombosis and one patient (4.3%) presented without thrombohemorrhagic manifestations. During treatment, two patients (8.6%) had thrombosis. Conclusion: Knowledge of thrombosis in pediatric APL is important to determine its risk factors and the best way to treat and prevent this complication.

Abstract Due to the longer survival of critically ill children, venous thromboembolism is a problem which is becoming increasingly recognized in pediatric practice. In the last decades, several international studies have been published, shedding a light upon the epidemiology of this disease during childhood. These data show peculiarities in the clinical presentation and the significant morbidity and mortality. The new “epidemic of thrombosis” in pediatric hospitals points toward the urgent need for specific treatment and prevention protocols targeting this population. In Brazil, knowledge regarding this disease remains scarce. The lack of epidemiological data impacts both the clinical care and the design of specific public policies in the field. Thus, a national registry of pediatric venous thromboembolism is relevant to the proposal of an appropriate plan of action to create a qualified net of assistance. The improvement in educational initiatives related to the field of Pediatric Hemostasis is also very important. In this review, we have updated the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the disease, as well as the prevention strategies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sobre a Síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW) com base nas publicações mais recentes e fornecer recomendações ao pediatra geral para diagnóstico precoce e seguimento. Fonte de dados: Artigos publicados nas bases Pubmed e SciELO. A pesquisa não foi limitada a um período e incluiu todos os artigos das bases de dados. Síntese dos dados: A SPW é uma síndrome genética rara, resultante da perda do imprinting gênico expresso no cromossomo paterno 15q11-q13, sendo caracterizada por alterações endocrinológicas, como deficiência de hormônio de crescimento, obesidade, insuficiência adrenal central, hipotireoidismo, hipogonadismo, além de alterações comportamentais e déficit intelectual. Há outras comorbidades associadas, como distúrbios de sono, escoliose, constipação, problemas dentários e alterações de coagulação. O protocolo de seguimento da SPW do Instituto da Criança da Universidade de São Paulo se baseia em quarto pilares principais: dieta, exercício físico, terapia com hormônio de crescimento humano recombinante (rhGH) e manejo comportamental e cognitivo. A dieta deve ser restrita a 900 kcal/dia, de acordo com a Pirâmide Alimentar do Prader-Willi, e o exercício físico deve ser diário, aeróbico e postural. A terapia com rhGH é fortemente recomendada pela literatura científica internacional e deve ser iniciada assim que for realizado o diagnóstico da síndrome. O manejo do comportamento é realizado com estratégias para estabelecer rotina e regras. Conclusões: Se a SPW se tornar mais familiar ao pediatra geral, o diagnóstico e o tratamento começarão mais precocemente, o que irá melhorar a qualidade de vida e os cuidados desses pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To carry out a review about Prader-Willi Syndrome based on the most recent data about the subject and to give recommendation for the general pediatricians for early diagnoses and follow-up. Data sources: Scientific articles in the PubMed and SciELO databases. The research was not limited to a specific time period and included all articles in such databases. Data synthesis: The Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from the loss of imprinted gene expression within the paternal chromosome 15q11-q13. PWS is characterized by endocrine abnormalities, such as growth hormone (GH) deficiency, obesity, central adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and complex behavioral and intellectual difficulties. PWS individuals also may present other comorbidities, such as sleep disorders, scoliosis, constipation, dental issues and coagulation disorders. The follow-up protocol of the Children’s Institute at Universidade de São Paulo is based on four main pillars: diet, exercise, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and behavioral and cognitive issues. The diet must include a caloric restriction of 900 kcal/day, according to the Prader-Willi Eating Pyramid and exercise plan is focused on daily aerobic exercises and postural therapy. The rhGH therapy is highly recommended by the international scientific literature and must be started as soon as the diagnostic is made. The management of behavioral issues is based on strategies to establish routine and rules. Conclusions: If the general pediatrician becomes more familiar with PWS, the diagnosis and treatment will start earlier, which is essential to improve the quality of life and care for these individuals.

Objetivo:Avaliar o resultado de crianças com anemia aplástica grave adquirida tratadas com globulina antitimocítica de coelho e ciclosporina como tratamento inicial em nosso instituto.Métodos:Análise retrospectiva de 26 pacientes pediátricos com anemia aplástica tratados entre 1996 e 2011 com globulina antitimocítica de coelho e ciclosporina.Resultados:A taxa de resposta geral em seis meses foi de 34,6% (9/26), e a incidência acumulada de recorrência foi de 26,5% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%,1,4%-66%) em cinco anos. A incidência acumulada de evolução clonal após a terapia imunossupressora foi de 8,3% (IC 95%, 0,001%-53,7%) em cinco anos, com ambas as evoluções clonais em pacientes sem resposta que adquiriram o cariótipo com monossomia 7. A sobrevida geral em cinco anos foi de 73,6% (IC 95%, 49,2%-87,5%).Conclusões:Nossos resultados confirmam a baixa taxa de resposta com globulina antitimocítica de coelho como terapia inicial em pacientes pediátricos, da mesma forma como relatado para pacientes de todas as idades. Essa confirmação é problemática em nosso país devido à falta de globulina antitimocítica de cavalo em muitos mercados fora dos Estados Unidos, incluindo o Brasil.

Objective:To evaluate the outcome of children with severe acquired aplastic anemia treated with rabbit antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine as first-line treatment at this institution.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 26 pediatric patients with aplastic anemia, treated between 1996 and 2011 with rabbit antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporine.Results:The overall response rate at six months was 34.6% (9/26), and the cumulative incidence of relapse was 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4%-66%) at 5 years. The cumulative incidence of clonal evolution after immunosuppressive therapy was 8.3% (95% CI: 0.001%-53.7%) at five years with both clonal evolutions in non-responders who acquired monosomy 7 karyotype. The overall survival at five years was 73.6% (95% CI: 49.2%-87.5%).Conclusions:The present results confirm the poor response rate with rabbit antithymocyte globulin as first therapy in pediatrics patients, similar to what has been reported for patients of all ages. This confirmation is problematic in Brazil, given the lack of horse antithymocyte globulin in many markets outside the United States.

OBJETIVO: avaliar o comprometimento hematológico (CHE) em pacientes internados com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil (LESJ). MÉTODOS: durante o período de 1994 a 2005, ocorreram 195 internações de 77 pacientes com LESJ (critérios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia) e foram acompanhadas pela Unidade de Reumatologia Pediátrica do Instituto da Criança - Universidade de São Paulo. Essas internações foram avaliadas com relação à presença de CHE inicial ou evolutivo: anemia hemolítica auto-imune ou púrpura trombocitopênica. Todos os pacientes realizaram dois ou mais hemogramas. O diagnóstico de anemia hemolítica auto-imune (AHAI) foi estabelecido pela queda acentuada dos níveis de hemoglobina (acima de 2 g/dl), reticulocitose, aumento de desidrogenase láctica (DHL), aumento de bilirrubina indireta e teste de Coombs positivo. As manifestações hematológicas associadas à infecção, neoplasia e anemia aplásica foram excluídas. RESULTADOS: o CHE ocorreu em 14 pacientes (18,9%), com 15 internações. Destes, 11 eram do sexo feminino, sete apresentaram púrpura trombocitopênica, cinco, anemia hemolítica auto-imune e dois, síndrome de Evans. O CHE, como manifestação inicial e isolada do LESJ, foi evidenciado em três pacientes. Todos os pacientes com púrpura trombocitopênica apresentaram sangramento cutâneo (petéquias e/ou equimoses). Todos estavam em atividade da doença e apresentavam simultaneamente outras manifestações do LESJ, particularmente nefrite e vasculite. Inicialmente, todos receberam pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona e, posteriormente, prednisona. Em três pacientes, o tratamento foi predominantemente realizado para controle das manifestações hematológicas, com gamaglobulina endovenosa. Os imunossupressores mais utilizados foram pulsoterapia endovenosa com ciclosfosfamida, ciclosporina e azatioprina. Óbito ocorreu em uma paciente por sangramento de sistema nervoso central. Nenhum paciente necessitou de esplenectomia. CONCLUSÕES: o CHE isolado foi uma manifestação grave em pacientes internados com LESJ, habitualmente associado a uma doença ativa e sistêmica.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the hematological involvement (HI) in hospitalized patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). METHODS: from 1994 to 2005, 195 admissions occurred in 77 JSLE patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and were followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of the Instituto da Criança - University of São Paulo. These admissions were evaluated according to the presence of HI at onset or during the evolution of the disease: autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) or thrombocytopenic purpura. All patients performed at least two complete blood counts. AHA was defined by a fall in hemoglobin levels (beyond 2 g/dl), reticulocytosis, increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and indirect bilirubin levels, and a positive Coombs test. The hematologic manifestations associated with infection, neoplasia and aplastic anemia were excluded. RESULTS: HI occurred in 14 patients (18.9%), with 15 admissions. Among these patients, 11 were female, 7 had trombocytopenic purpura, 5 AHA and 2 Evans syndrome. HI as onset and single manifestation of JSLE was observed in three patients. All the patients with trombocytopenic purpura presented cutaneous bleeding (petechia and/or ecchymosis). All had disease activity and simultaneously presented other manifestations of JSLE, particularly nephritis and vasculitis. Initially, all patients received pulsetherapy with methylprednisolone and prednisone later. In three patients the treatment aimed predominantly the control of hematologic manifestations, with intravenous gammaglobulin. The most used immunossupressive therapies were intravenous cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine and azathioprine. One patient died of central nervous system bleeding. No patient needed splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: isolated HI was a severe manifestation in hospitalized patients with JSLE, generally associated with an active and systemic disease.

Relatamos um caso de meningite por Streptococcus pyogenes em menina de 18 dias de vida, com evolução complicada por trombose de seio sagital. São discutidos alguns aspectos da patogênese, tratamento e seguimento da doença. Frente ao aumento mundial das infecções estreptocócicas graves nos últimos 10 anos, é provável que a meningite neonatal por Streptococcus pyogenes se torne mais frequente no futuro, sendo importante estar alerta para o diagnóstico precoce e as possíveis complicações dessa infecção potencialmente letal.

We report a case of Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis in a 18 days year-old-girl with clinical course complicated by sagittal sinus thrombosis. Some aspects of the pathogenesis, treatment and follow-up of the disease are discussed. The world increase of serious streptococcal infections in the last 10 years, probably will become neonatal Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis more frequent in the future and it is important to be alert for the precocious diagnosis and the possible complications of that potentially lethal infection.