Abstract Objective To describe independent factors related to the interaction of FTO rs9939609, TMEM18 rs6548238, leptin, and adiponectin in children/adolescents with asthma, under the influence of obesity. Methods The authors performed a cross-sectional study with 57 children/adolescents, ages 8-19 years, at a tertiary hospital, from 2017 to 2018. Participants were classified by nutritional status, performed spirometry with a bronchodilator test and completed an asthma questionnaire, higher scores indicated more asthma symptoms. Two asthma groups were formed: Group 1(G1)-normal-weight; Group 2(G2)-overweight/obese. Serum was collected for adipokines (n = 32) and genetic polymorphisms (n = 53) dosages. Results Age and body mass index (BMI) correlated directly in normal-weight (p = 0.009) and obese participants (p = 0.004). Girls reported more asthma complaints (p = 0.044). Participants with negative bronchodilator responses presented lower BMI (14.55-17.16) than responders (19.4-26.84) (p = 0.049). Leptin dosages are related directly to BMI (5,34-40 ng/ml in obese × 0,54-42 ng/ml in nonobese) (p = 0.003). Levels were high in girls (4.78-17.55 µg/ml) (p = 0.029) and low in nonobese boys (0.54-6.92 µg/ml) (p = 0.006). In obese, low leptin levels (< 10 ng/ml) were found in small airway dysfunction carriers (p = 0.025); elevated adiponectin (> 5 µg/ml) correlated with FEV1/FVC > 80 % (p = 0.035) and positive bronchodilator tests (8.84-13 µg/ml) (p = 0.039); and FTO A allele correlated with low adiponectin 0-8.84 µg/ml (p = 0.021) and low FEV1/FVC (46 %-88 %) (p = 0.023). Conclusion BMI correlated directly with age and leptin levels. Obese participants presented high serum levels of leptin and FTO A allele correlated with low FEV1/FVC. Larger cohorts are necessary for better elucidation of the role of adipokines and polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity.

Abstract Objective The analysis of abdominal radiography is essential for the diagnosis and management of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns (NB). Studies, however, show a lack of agreement among physicians in the interpretation of images. This study aims to evaluate the agreement in the radiological interpretation of the NEC between examiners from different specialties (interexaminer analysis) and between the same examiner at different times (intraexaminer analysis). Methods Cross-sectional study for concordance analysis using plain radiographs of the abdomen of NB with suspected or confirmed NEC. The study included two neonatologists (Neo), two surgeons (SU), and two radiologists (RD). The participants filled out a form with questions about the radiographic findings; regarding the presence of intestinal loop distension, the specialists answered subjectively (yes or no) and objectively (calculation of the ratio between loop diameter and lumbar vertebrae measurements). Kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement analysis. Results A total of 90 radiological images were analyzed. For the interexaminer evaluation, the agreement was low (kappa<0.4) in 30 % of the answers (Neo versus SU), 38 % (Neo versus RD), and 46 % (SU versus RD). In the intraexaminer evaluation, the neonatologist and the surgeon presented substantial or almost perfect agreement in 92 % of the answers, and the radiologist in 77 %. In the evaluation of intestinal loop distention, the greatest agreement between the specialties occurred when done objectively. Conclusion The results confirmed the low intra- and interexaminer agreement in the radiological analysis of the NEC, reinforcing the importance of standardizing the methods of radiological interpretation of the disease.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to prove the effectiveness of physiological flexion swaddling and oromotor interventions in terms of the duration needed to achieve the oral feeding ability of preterm infants in the NICU. Methods A randomized clinical trial in five Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) was performed involving 70 preterm infants born at 28-34 weeks gestational age. Participants were allocated to 1) the experimental group (n = 39) received physiological flexion swaddling and oromotor interventions, and 2) the control group (n = 31) received conventional swaddling and oromotor interventions. Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to determine the effectiveness of each group according to the duration needed to achieve oral feeding ability, while Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to compare the duration of both groups. Results The experimental group had a significantly shorter duration in achieving oral feeding ability [4 (1-15) vs. 7 (2-22) days; p = 0.02]. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that infants in the experimental group achieved full oral feeding ability earlier than those in the control group (15 vs. 22 days). Conclusions Physiological flexion swaddling and oromotor interventions have been proven to be effective in shortening the number of days needed to achieve the oral feeding ability of preterm infants in the NICU.

Abstract Objective Emergence delirium is frequently observed in pediatric patients. With advancements in video-based interventions, such as cartoons, video games, and virtual reality, these modalities may contribute to a reduced incidence of emergency delirium among children. However, robust evidence supporting their efficacy remains necessary. Methods The authors conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing video-based interventions with control treatments in pediatric emergence delirium. Data were aggregated and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based interventions. Results The analysis included eight randomized controlled trials comprising 872 children. The intervention group showed a trend toward lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores (p = 0.10) and fewer emergence delirium events (p = 0.52). Seven studies demonstrated that video-based interventions significantly reduced preoperative anxiety, as indicated by decreased scores on the modified Yale Pre-operative Anxiety Scale (p < 0.00001). Anesthesia duration did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.16). Notably, subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores among children under seven years of age (p = 0.001). Conclusions Video-based interventions were linked to lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores and a decreased incidence of emergence delirium events. However, these results did not reach statistical significance across the broader sample. Notably, in children under seven, these interventions significantly reduced the scores. Level of evidence III

Abstract Objective To investigate how body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Brazilian adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) including adolescents aged 12-17 years. The relationship between adiposity and T2DM was investigated using ordinal logistic regression models. To study the association between adiposity categories and the occurrence of insulin resistance, linear regression models were used. Results The prevalence of T2DM for the same BMI category did not increase with the presence of high WC. Regarding insulin resistance, for the same BMI categories, having a high WC resulted in a higher prevalence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The only groups significantly associated with prediabetes and T2DM were those with obesity by BMI with elevated WC (POR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.45; 1.94) and obesity with normal WC (POR 1.58, 95 % CI 1.01; 2.46). Similar findings were observed concerning insulin resistance, where the increased WC had its greatest effect when associated with obesity by BMI (β Coefficient 2.20, 95 % CI 1.89; 2.50). Conclusion The combination of BMI and WC is better for assessing adolescents at risk of developing T2DM.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate changes in the blood metabolic profiles of newborns with varying intrauterine growth conditions. Specifically, we analyzed the levels of amino acids, carnitine, and succinylacetone among full-term newborns, including small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We aim to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways that may offer insights into clinical interventions. Methods A total of 5106 full-term newborns were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from all newborns between 3 and 5 days after birth and analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry to detect blood metabolites. Subsequently, we screened for different metabolites and metabolic pathways among the groups using the MetaboAnalystR package (Version 1.0.1) in R software (R-3.6.0). Results The levels of blood amino acids and carnitine metabolism differed significantly among newborns with varying intrauterine growth conditions. Full-term SGA newborns exhibited a decrease in multiple amino acids and an increase in multiple carnitines, while full-term LGA newborns showed an increase in multiple amino acids and acylcarnitines. Conclusion Continuous monitoring of the short-term and long-term growth and metabolic status of full-term SGA and LGA newborns is warranted with individualized dietary and nutritional adjustments to promote healthy growth in a timely manner. The findings of this research contribute to the broader understanding of SGA/LGA and shall inform future research on metabolomics, interventions, and long-term outcomes.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of text messages with information about atopic dermatitis (AD) on the quality of life (QoL) of children and their caregivers and on the severity of the disease. Methods Researcher-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. The experimental group (EG) received messages about AD and the control group (CG) about general health. A total of 56 children under 15 years of age and their caregivers, allocated to the CG and EG, were assessed on admission, after one month, and after four months. Improvement in QoL was measured by the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), the Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL), and the Dermatitis Family Impact Questionnaire (DFIQ), and improvement in the severity of AD by the Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Results Median age was of nine years, 33 (58.9 %) were girls. The CG and EG had similar results, except for the higher frequency of mild AD in the CG and moderate/severe AD in the EG—these severity categories were kept grouped together. Regarding mild and moderate/severe AD in the EG, the SCORAD score decreased (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001). The EASI in both groups showed a significant reduction (mild AD: CG: p = 0.01, EG: p = 0.04; moderate/severe AD: CG: p = 0.05, EG: p = 0.02). The QoL of children and caregivers improved only in the EG (p = 0.01). Intergroup analysis showed no differences. Conclusion The improvement in the severity of AD in both groups suggests the positive effects of educational interventions in general, not only those specific to the disease.

Abstract Objective To describe the reported cases of newborns subjected to tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in preventing the progression of TB disease in this population. Method Observational, descriptive case series, with secondary data. The characteristics of the participants were analyzed from the information systems of preventive treatment of TB (of Paraná), between 2009 and 2016. To evaluate which children had developed tuberculosis later or died, we used the data from the information systems of TB (in Brazil), and mortality (in Paraná), covering the years 2009 to 2018. Results A total of 24 children underwent TPT with the age at treatment onset ranging from 0 to 87 days (median: 23 days). In 95.8 %, the exposure occurred at home, and in 33.3 % of cases, the mother was the source of the infection. A total of 20.8 % of the children tested positive for tuberculosis test at 3 months of age, 83.3 % completed treatment, and 2 experienced adverse events (gastrointestinal issues). No children developed TB or died during the minimum of a 2-year evaluation period through the official databases. Conclusions In this case series, the adherence to the plan was high, with few adverse events and 100 % protection against infection.

Abstract Objective When the expectant mother is faced with an unforeseen event during pregnancy, she may experience emotional fragility and depression. This study was carried out to test the association between the time of diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and depressive symptoms in puerperal women. Method A case-control study. All mothers answered a semi-structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine factors associated with depression. Results 50 puerperal women, 23 cases and 27 controls. The proportion of puerperal depressive symptoms was 26.1 % among mothers of infants prenatally diagnosed with CCHD and 77.8 % among mothers of infants postnatally diagnosed (p = 0.001 [OR] 9.917; 95 % CI 2.703-36.379). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the use of psychotropic drugs and time of diagnosis were significantly associated with puerperal depressive symptoms. Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis of CCHD was associated with significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological trends of Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Brazil over the period 2008-2022, with a focus on understanding the incidence, mortality rates, and associated healthcare costs. The study explored potential associations between patient characteristics and the occurrence of crises in pediatric SCD cases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing national annual rates of pediatric SCD hospitalizations using data from the FioCruz platform. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including time series and ARIMA regression, were employed. Economic dimensions were assessed using cost categorization. The study followed STROBE reporting guidelines. Results Data on 81,942 pediatric SCD hospitalizations were collected, with a predominance of crisis-related cases (74.08 %). Males and children under five years old were most affected. Regional disparities were observed, with the Southwest region recording the highest hospitalization rates. ICU costs were higher for crisis-related hospitalizations. Mortality rates were significantly higher for crisis-related cases (p < 0.001), with ARIMA regression indicating a significant association between hospitalizations for crisis-related cases and mortality. Conclusion This study highlights the significant burden of pediatric SCD in Brazil, particularly crisis-related cases, suggesting a need for focused interventions. By prioritizing early detection, equitable access to healthcare, and evidence-based interventions, Brazil can mitigate the burden of SCD and improve patient outcomes. These findings contribute to informing public health policies and interventions aimed at addressing the challenges of pediatric SCD management in Brazil.

Abstract Objective To identify, map, and describe studies involving Brazilian children in early childhood in situations of social vulnerability. Source of data A scoping review including full articles published in Portuguese and English up to March 2023, with no temporal restrictions. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PEDro, and LILACS databases. Journal metrics, sample characteristics, study area, characterization of the situation of social vulnerability, and study outcomes were extracted. Summary of the findings Seventy-six articles involving a total of 107.740 children in early childhood were included in this study. These studies presented relevant findings, including the temporal publication trend, the variability of social vulnerability indicators, the scarcity of intervention studies, and the fact that 100% of eligible studies were from the health area. Negative outcomes were associated with the condition of social vulnerability in almost the entire sample, reinforcing the need for government policies capable of protecting early childhood from the effects of social vulnerability. Conclusion This scoping review mapped important findings involving Brazilian children in social vulnerability. It also identified literature gaps such as the need for intervention and multisectoral studies among health, education, and social protection.

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the central auditory system of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis through behavioral assessment of central auditory processing and electrophysiological tests to investigate short and long-latency auditory potentials, comparing them with the results obtained in the control group. Methods 117 from 7 to 21 years old patients were evaluated, 57 of them with cystic fibrosis and 60 of the control group, using behavioral evaluation of central auditory processing, auditory brainstem response and long latency auditory evoked potential. The comparison of the research groups was performed using ANOVA for Auditory Brain Response and P300 responses and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests for Central Auditory Processing responses. Results A statistically significant difference was found in the results of the GIN test between the groups and in the auditory brainstem response latency responses in waves I and V in the comparison between the groups with higher latencies in the study group. A difference was also found between latencies in the interpeak intervals I-III and III-V. The long latency auditory evoked potential analysis shows a statistically significant difference in the latency of the P300 potential, with higher latencies in the study group. Conclusion Cystic fibrosis participants presented worse performance in the gaps-in-noise test compared to the control group in the evaluation of central auditory processing, which indicates impairment of temporal resolution auditory ability. They also showed increased latency in I and V waves of auditory brainstem response, as well as an increase P300 latency in long latency auditory evoked potential.

Abstract Objective Translating and cross-culturally adapting the CFAbd-Score, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Abdominal Score, to use in Brazilian spoken Portuguese. The CFAbd-Score is a questionnaire for assessing CF-related abdominal symptoms and their influence on the quality of life (QoL). It comprises 28 questions on five domains: abdominal pain, bowel movements, eating and appetite, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and the impact of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms on QoL. Method Cross-cultural adaptation included assessment of conceptual and item equivalence, semantic, operational, and measurement equivalence. Content validity was assessed. The validation and psychometric analysis phase included 97 people with CF (pwCF), median age:14.58y (IQR 9/19), and 105 healthy individuals, 15.10y (IQR 9/20). Exploratory factor analysis (FA) identified retained factors. Internal consistency of the extracted domains was evaluated using Cronbach's α, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO) was used to check the sample adequacy. Bartlett's test tested the null hypothesis that the correlation matrix is an identity matrix. Results All items were considered relevant to the construct and good semantic equivalence of the version was recognized. FA showed the appropriate weight of all items and good internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha 0.89. Bartlett's test significance level (p < 0.001) and KMO coefficient of 0.72 indicated good adequacy for structure. Internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) were good for abdominal pain: 0.84; abdominal bloating: 0.73; flatulence: 0.76; heartburn: 0.81, and low for reflux: 0.54. Conclusion The CFAbd-Score was adapted to the Brazilian spoken Portuguese and demonstrated content and semantic equivalence. The final version showed appropriate validity, and internal consistency, preserving the psychometric properties of the original version.