Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire (CBBDQ)

ObjectiveTo translate and cross-culturally adapt the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire (CBBDQ) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The CBBDQ is an 18-item tool covering 10 bladder and 8 bowel symptoms that was developed for use with children of 5 to 12 years of age with bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD). The instrument has already been validated for use in Dutch and English.MethodIn the process of translation and cultural adaptation from English to Portuguese, the CBBDQ was submitted to undergo the required steps as established by the international methodological criteria: forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert panel review and pre-testing.ResultsNinety-three parents of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction answered the questionnaire. The mean age of the children was 7.6 ± 2.1 years and 54 were female. Internal consistency was excellent, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91 to 0.96. Additionally, reliability was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94 (95%CI: 0.85-0.93; p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe translation and cultural adaptation of the CBBDQ enabled a quantitative evaluation of bladder and bowel symptoms to be performed in Brazilian children. The scores achieved allow the severity of BBD to be evaluated, as well as the patient’s progress during treatment. The use of this questionnaire in clinical practice and research will allow more consistent data on BBD to be obtained.     

Voiding school for children with idiopathic urinary incontinence and/or bladder dysfunction

ObjectiveIndividually applied urotherapy is first-line treatment in children with bladder dysfunction. A new concept of treatment for small groups of children was applied and evaluated.Patients and MethodsTwo hundred children, 116 of them girls, aged 3–14 years (median 7.2) with bladder dysfunction and incontinence received urotherapy in small groups (2–5), called voiding school (VS). Outcome was evaluated after 3 and 12 months by voiding/leakage diary and questionnaire, and at 3 months by uroflow and post-void residual urine as well.ResultsThe outcome of VS was independent of age and gender. At follow up at 3 and 12 months, respectively, 35% and 40% of the children were cured and another 30% and 34% improved (P ≤ 0.0001). Compared with the year before start of VS, urinary tract infections decreased from 34% to 6% (P < 0.0001). Median residual urine decreased from 15 ml before VS to 6 ml after 3 months (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe concept of VS is a good alternative to individual urotherapy, with the outcome of fewer urinary tract infections and improved continence. Urotherapy for groups of children compared to individual treatment is also expected to have financial benefits.     

Physical fitness and activity,metabolic profile,adipokines and endothelial function in children

ObjectivesThe prevalence of obesity is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is endothelial dysfunction in children with normal or excess weight, and whether the metabolic profile, adipokines, and endothelial dysfunction would be more strongly associated with physical fitness or with physical activity levels.MethodCross-sectional study involving children aged 5–12 years. The evaluation included venous occlusion plethysmography, serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and insulin, lipid profile, physical activity score (PAQ-C questionnaire), and physical fitness evaluation (Yo-Yo test).ResultsA total of 62 children participated in this study. Based on the body mass index, 27 were eutrophic, 10 overweight and 25 obese. Triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HOMA-IR, and leptin were higher in the obese and excess-weight groups compared to the eutrophic group (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol and adiponectin levels were higher in the eutrophic group compared to the obese and excess-weight groups (p < 0.01). Flow-mediated vasodilation after hyperemia was higher in the eutrophic group in comparison to obese and excess-weight subjects (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the physical activity levels among groups measured by PAQ-C. The Yo-Yo test was significantly associated with HDL cholesterol (rho = −0.41; p = 0.01), and this association remained after adjusting for body mass index z-score (rho = 0.28; p = 0.03).ConclusionThis study showed that endothelial dysfunction is already present in obese children, suggesting a predisposition to atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, HDL cholesterol levels were correlated with physical fitness, regardless of body mass index.     

Risk factors for progression to end-stage renal disease in children with posterior urethral valves

ObjectiveTo identify the variables which affect long-term renal outcome in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV).Materials and methodsRetrospective analysis of 260 children with PUV who underwent ablation of valves in 1992–2008 at our tertiary care center. The following risk factors for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were analyzed: nadir serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dl, bilateral grade 3 or higher VUR at diagnosis, recurrent febrile UTIs, and severe bladder dysfunction. Patients were divided into two groups: those who developed ESRD (group 1) and those who did not (group 2).ResultsForty (17.62%) patients had nadir serum creatinine >1 mg/dl. At time of initial presentation, high-grade VUR was seen in 63.1% and 33.5% of groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.002). Overall, 77 (34%) of the boys developed breakthrough urinary tract infections: 37.03% and 33.5% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 1). Fifty-nine (26%) patients were found to have severe bladder dysfunction: 77.8% and 19% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). Twenty-seven (11.89%) patients progressed to ESRD, at mean age of 11.21 years (5–16). On univariate analysis, the risk-predicting variables were: nadir serum creatinine value greater than 1 mg/dl (P < 0.0001), bilateral high-grade VUR (P = 0.002) and severe bladder dysfunction (P < 0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, nadir serum creatinine greater than 1 mg/dl (OR 23.79; CI 8.20–69.05) and severe bladder dysfunction (OR 5.67; CI 1.90–16.93) were found to be independent risk factors predictive of ultimate progression to ESRD.ConclusionsNadir serum creatinine and bladder dysfunction are the main factors affecting long-term renal outcome in cases of PUV. Early identification and treatment of bladder dysfunction may thus be beneficial.     

Peristeen integrated transanal irrigation system successfully treats faecal incontinence in children

ObjectiveFaecal incontinence secondary to myelomeningocele, Hirschsprung disease, and anorectal anomalies remains a significant and common problem. We aimed to report our 5-year experience with the Peristeen trans-anal irrigation system (TAIS) to manage such children.Patients and methodThis study was a combination of a retrospective case note review and assessment using a validated quality of life questionnaire (QOL) to determine pre- and post-TAIS bowel function and continence. QOL scores and functional outcomes before and during TAIS use were compared using Wilcoxon matched pairs test (p < 0.05 significant).ResultsTwenty-four children (median age 6 years) were managed with the TAIS 2006–2011 to treat faecal incontinence. Three did not tolerate the system. Median QOL scores in 20 out of 21 patients using TAIS demonstrated significant improvement in bowel management and continence. Two discontinued use due to failure to improve continence; one underwent the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure and one returned to oral/rectal medications. Nineteen of 24 patients (79%) continue to use TAIS.ConclusionsThe Peristeen TAIS is an effective, safe, non-operative alternative to MACE in children with faecal incontinence, if initial compliance can be achieved.     

Severe bladder dysfunction revealed prenatally or during infancy

ObjectiveAlthough thought to be an acquired condition, non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder may sometimes be a congenital dysfunction, revealed before toilet training. We report our experience with the condition diagnosed prenatally or during early infancy.Patients and methodWe retrospectively reviewed cases of severe bladder dysfunction with upper-tract impairment, without neurological or obstructive pathology, in children diagnosed before toilet training: five with prenatal diagnosis of severe hydro-ureteronephrosis (group 1) and six with signs of bladder dysfunction during infancy (group 2).ResultsFollow up of group 1 showed decompensation toward severe bladder dysfunction, diagnosed after either toilet training or ureteral reimplantation (n = 3). After a median follow up of 14 years (0.5–20), four were on clean intermittent catheterization with bladder augmentation and one required sphincteric re-education with good result. Two of the five had chronic renal failure. In group 2, six children (two females) presented at median age of 20 months (2–30) with indirect signs of bladder dysfunction, including vesicoureteral reflux (n = 4) and/or hydro-ureteronephrosis (n = 4). After a median follow up of 11 years (5–20), three were on clean intermittent catheterization (two Mitrofanoff channels), and three underwent bladder augmentation. Three children had chronic renal failure of whom one underwent renal transplant.ConclusionThese cases of severe bladder dysfunction were initially misdiagnosed. In both groups, follow up revealed severe dilatation of the upper tract and secondary renal impairment. Antenatal diagnosis of bilateral pyeloureteral dilatation may be the first sign of early bladder dysfunction.     

MICI-MINOTS: Linguistic and metric validation of a pediatric questionnaire on knowledge about inflammatory bowel disease

BackgroundTherapeutic education is an essential part of the treatment of chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD-KID, developed in Canada in English, assesses children's and adolescents’ acquired knowledge about their condition and has been validated in Canadian and Australian populations. However, there is no pediatric questionnaire in French to assess patients’ knowledge about IBD.ObjectiveTo report the linguistic validation process and metric validity of the MICI-MINOTS, the French version of the IBD-KID.MethodThe translation process consisted of three consecutive steps: forward–backward translation, acceptability testing, and cognitive interviews. The IBD-KID consists of 23 questions, but a 24th question about immunomodulatory therapy was added in the MICI-MINOTS. Psychometric testing was conducted with five groups: children with IBD, their parents, children in a control group, their parents, and health workers recruited from the Timone Pediatric Hospital and the Saint-Sébastien Maternal and Child Protection Center, Marseille, France. A total of 15 individuals completed the tool twice, with a 15-day interval. Internal consistency, reliability, external validity, reproducibility, and sensitivity to change were tested.ResultsA total of 38 children with IBD (sex: 20 boys, 18 girls; age: 13.90 [± 2.88] years; 25 with Crohn's disease), 20 children in the control group, 58 parents (every child was included with one parent), and 62 health workers were included in the analysis. Intraclass correlation was 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.98) for test–retest assessment. Readability using the Scolarius score corresponded to elementary school level. Among the children with IBD, 89.5% answered all 24 questions. For 23 questions, the mean score of children with IBD was higher than among children in the control group: 9.58 (± 3.01) versus 5.47 (± 3.56), respectively (P < 0.01). Parents of children with IBD scored higher than parents of children in the control group: 10.63 (± 3.16) versus 8.4 (± 3.07), respectively (P = 0.012). In the health workers’ group, pediatric residents (17.82 ± 3.46) scored higher than nurses 11.75 (± 3.4) and ward clerks (8.67 ± 2.40; P < 0.01). Patients’ knowledge score was significantly related to their parents’ knowledge score (r = 0.402, P = 0.012) for 23 questions.ConclusionThe French version of the IBD-KID showed satisfactory psychometric properties to assess knowledge about the disease in French-speaking children.     

Safety and one-year efficacy of intrathecal baclofen therapy in children with intractable spastic cerebral palsy

BackgroundProspective studies that address both efficacy and safety of continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen (CITB) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), and that use outcome measures beyond muscle tone are lacking.AimsTo study the efficacy at 12 months and safety up to 24 months after start of CITB in children with intractable spastic CP.MethodsNine girls and eight boys, aged 13.7 years (SD 2.9), received a SynchroMed pump for CITB. We prospectively recorded effects and adverse events at regular follow-up visits up to 24 months. Outcome measures included the 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) for individual problems, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and health related quality of life as measured with the Child Health Questionnaire-PF50.ResultsCITB for 12 months significantly improved the VAS for individual problems with 4.7 (SD 2.0; p = 0.000), VAS for ease of care with 5.2 (SD 2.1; p = 0.000), VAS for pain with 5.4 (SD 2.7; p = 0.002); GMFM sitting dimension with 3.3 (range ?4.0 to 22.0; p = 0.022), GMFM goal dimension with 4.0 (range 0.0–26.0; p = 0.007); and Child Health Questionnaire-PF50 domains of bodily pain/discomfort with 25.6 (SD 35.9; p = 0.016) and mental health with 9.8 (SD 11.3; p = 0.007). During a mean follow-up of 18.4 months (range 12–24), we recorded 80 adverse events. Eight adverse events were serious, but not life-threatening.ConclusionsCITB was effective at 12 months and safe up to 24 months for carefully selected children with intractable spastic CP. CITB relieved pain, facilitated ease of care and improved mental health. The majority of children could extend their activities and participation.     

The effectiveness of early parental coaching in the autism spectrum disorder

ObjectiveAnalysis of the effectiveness of early Parental Coaching in the Autism Spectrum Disorder.MethodRandomized, controlled and blinded clinical trial to analyze parent-child interaction videos.ResultsThe sample consisted of 18 children being followed up at the Autism Outpatient Clinic of a Neuropediatric Center in southern Brazil diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, between 29 and 42 months of age, randomly allocated to two groups: the Study Group (SG; n = 9), which received Parental Coaching performed by a professional certified by the Early Start Denver Model; and the Control Group (CG; n = 9), which was in a routine follow-up, without treatment and training of parents by a trained professional. The parents of the SG were willing to attend weekly meetings and to apply the instructional techniques at home with their children. It took 12 weeks and an average of 2 h per meeting.ConclusionsThe learning rate for comprehensive development skills in the Early Start Denver Model checklist, such as receptive communication, expressive communication, social capacity, imitation, cognition, games, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, behavior, and personal independence was significantly higher in the SG, as well as the strategies and the quality of interaction between parents and children. Thus, Parental Coaching presents as a possibility of early intervention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.     

Gabapentin: A novel drug as add-on therapy in cases of refractory overactive bladder in children

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of gabapentin as an add-on therapy in children presenting with overactive bladder (OAB) not responding to conventional anticholinergics.Materials and methodsChildren with refractory OAB were included prospectively from March 2009 to February 2010. The inclusion criterion was persistence of symptoms while on conventional anticholinergics for 6 months. Gabapentin was prescribed as an add-on therapy. The patients were followed 4 weekly with bladder diary and urodynamic study was repeated at 3 months.ResultsThere were 31 children, 26 of neurogenic OAB and 5 of non-neurogenic origin. Mean ± SD age was 8.5 ± 5.3 years. Data were analyzed in 30 patients as treatment was terminated in 1 due to adverse effects. Continence improved in 16 (53.3%) patients. Voiding volume improved from 175 ± 90 to 320 ± 110 ml (p < 0.03). Objective assessment of OAB symptom relief showed marked improvement (p < 0.05). Mean maximum cystometric bladder capacity improved from 210 ± 94 to 360 ± 110 ml (p < 0.02). The maximal detrusor contraction decreased from 75 ± 35 to 25 ± 15 cm H₂O (p < 0.02). Fourteen patients (46.7%) failed to respond to gabapentin therapy. These patients had baseline maximum cystometric bladder capacity <60% for age and maximum detrusor contractions >50 cm of water (p < 0.03).ConclusionsGabapentin gives moderate results in children with OAB refractory to conventional anticholinergics. In general, the drug is well tolerated with fewer adverse effects.     

A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial on probiotics in small bowel bacterial overgrowth in children treated with omeprazole

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence of small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) in children treated with omeprazole, and to test whether probiotics influence the incidence.MethodsA double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 70 children treated orally during four weeks with 20 mg omeprazole per day. Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 (1.9 × 10⁹ cfu) and Lactobacillus acidophillus R0052 (0.1 × 10⁹ cfu) were simultaneously given daily to 36 subjects (probiotic group), while 34 subjects received placebo (placebo group). The diagnosis of SBBO was based on the development of suggestive symptoms, in combination with a positive glucose breath test.ResultsAfter one month of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment, 30% (21/70) had a positive breath test suggesting SBBO; of these 62% were symptomatic. Five children developed SBBO-like symptoms, but had a negative breath test; and 44 (63%) were symptom free and had a negative breath test. There was no difference in the incidence of positive breath tests in the probiotic versus the placebo group (33% vs 26.5%; p = 0.13).ConclusionsSince symptoms suggesting SBBO developed in 26% of PPI-treated children, and since the glucose breath test was abnormal in 72% of these, this side-effect should be more frequently considered. The probiotic tested did not decrease the risk to develop SBBO.     

Laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty in children from age of 3 years: Our clinical outcomes compared with open surgery

ObjectiveTo report clinical outcomes for laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in children compared with open pyeloplasty (OP) and literature findings.Patients and methodsIn a prospective study, the outcomes of 57 consecutive transperitoneal LP in children from the age of 3 years were analyzed and compared with a matched historic control group of OP and with series of LP in the literature. Successful result was defined as resolution of symptoms, no conversion or re-operation, improved hydronephrosis, and/or improved renographic drainage.ResultsMean operative time was 177 (SD 50.5) min in the LP group and 108 (SD 25.6) min in the OP group (p < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 1.2 (SD 0.46) days in the LP and 6.7 (SD 1.2) days in the OP group. Improvement in renographic drainage was observed more often after LP than after OP (98% vs 83%; p = 0.010). A successful result was reported in 56 (98%) LP and 54 (95%) OP (p = 0.298) patients. Our LP series demonstrates a high success rate compared to literature data.ConclusionsOur LP has a similar success rate and more often improved renographic drainage in comparison to OP. Furthermore, our LP demonstrates a shorter hospital stay and favorable outcomes compared to the literature. We thus regard LP as standard treatment for repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children from the age of 3 years.     

The role of the thalamus in neuro-cognitive dysfunction in early unilateral hemispheric injury: A multimodality imaging study of children with Sturge–Weber syndrome

BackgroundSturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) with unilateral hemispheric involvement is a clinical model of early onset, chronic, often progressive hemispheric injury, resulting in variable neuro-cognitive impairment.AimsTo evaluate if abnormal diffusion and metabolism of the thalamus, a central relay station with extensive cortical connections, may serve as a simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive dysfunction in SWS.MethodsWe obtained both diffusion tensor imaging and FDG PET in 20 children (11 girls; age range: 3–12.4 years) with unilateral SWS. Diffusion parameters as well as FDG uptake were measured in thalami, compared to normal control values, and correlated with the extent of cortical hypometabolism, deep venous abnormalities and cognitive (IQ) as well as fine motor functions.ResultsChildren with SWS had significantly higher thalamic glucose metabolic asymmetry than controls (p = 0.001). Thalamic metabolic asymmetries correlated positively with the asymmetry of thalamic diffusivity (p = 0.001) and also with the extent of cortical hypometabolism (p < 0.001). Severe thalamic asymmetries of glucose metabolism and diffusion were strong predictors of low IQ (metabolism: p = 0.002; diffusivity: p = 0.01), even after controlling for age and extent of cortical glucose hypometabolism in children with left hemispheric involvement. Ipsilateral thalamic glucose hypometabolism was also associated with impairment of fine motor functions (p = 0.002).ConclusionsBoth diffusion and glucose metabolic abnormalities of the thalamus are closely related to cognitive functions, independent of age and cortical metabolic abnormalities, in children with unilateral SWS. Thalamic metabolic asymmetry is a robust but simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive outcome in children with early unilateral hemispheric injury caused by Sturge–Weber syndrome.     

Asociación entre el estado nutricional y las capacidades físicas en niños de 6 a 18 años de Medellín (Colombia)

IntroductionNutritional disorders in childhood may cause a decline in motor abilities and increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood.ObjectiveTo assess the association between nutritional status and motor abilities.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed that included 12,872 children aged between 6 and 18 years who underwent a clinical evaluation and various physical tests.ResultsAmong the children, 66% had a Tanner maturation stage 1 and 2, 6% were under-nourished, and 12.2% were at risk of overweight and obesity. The obese children had a decrease in aerobic power (in 2.72 mL O2 kg^–1·min^–1; 95% CI: 1.89 to 3.56; P < .001), speed (0.14 m·sec; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.22; P < .001), explosive strength (0.10 m; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.13; P < .001), agility, strength endurance and balance. Under-nourished children showed a decrease in speed (0.13 m·sec; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.20; P < .001), explosive strength (0.04 m; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0 07; P < .004), and strength endurance.ConclusionsThere was an association between nutritional status and motor abilities in the children included in this study. Obese children showed the worst results in physical tests, and the under-nourished ones showed a decrease in speed, explosive strength and strength endurance.     

Dramatic impact of morbid obesity on child lung development

ObjectiveTo assess the respiratory function and sleep characteristics of obese adults and children.MethodsAll patients with non-syndromic, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 3 z-scores for children and ≥ 40.00 kg/m² for adults), referred for pulmonary function tests at Lille University Hospital, were retrospectively included.ResultsA total of 69 children (mean ± SD BMI 36.8 ± 6.7 and mean BMI z-score 4.7 ± 1.0) and 70 adults were included (mean BMI 45.7 ± 6.2). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 13 children (26%) and 40 adults (80%). Reduced lung volumes were observed in 34 children (50.0%) and 16 adults (24.0%) and both the mean functional residual capacity (FRC) and the mean residual volume (RV) were lower in children than in adults (FRC: ?1.7 ± 2.1 z-score in children vs. ?1.0 ± 1.1 in adults, P = 0.026; and RV: ?0.8 ± 1.2 z-score in children vs. ?0.1 ± 1.1 in adults, P = 0.002). The prevalence of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was greater in adults (40.7% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.007). Children had a higher average oxygen saturation (median of 96.0% [91.0–98.0] vs. 93.0% [76.0–97.0] in adults, P < 0.0001).ConclusionObesity has consequences for lung volumes in children; however, a longitudinal study is needed to determine the impact on pulmonary expansion and growth.     

Severe and fatal forms of COVID-19 in children

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe severe forms of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including patient characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, as well as the disease management and outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center, observational study conducted in a pediatric intensive and high-dependency care unit (PICU, HDU) in an urban hospital in Paris. All patients, aged from 1 month to 18 years, admitted for confirmed or highly suspected SARS-CoV-2 were included.ResultsWe analyzed the data of 27 children. Comorbidities (n = 19, 70%) were mainly neurological (n = 7), respiratory, (n = 4), or sickle cell disease (n = 4). SARS-CoV-2 PCR results were positive in 24 children (nasopharyngeal swabs). The three remaining children had a chest CT scan consistent with COVID-19. Respiratory involvement was observed in 24 patients (89%). Supportive treatments were invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 9), catecholamine (n = 4), erythropheresis (n = 4), renal replacement therapy (n = 1), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1). Five children died, of whom three were without past medical history.ConclusionThis study highlighted the large spectrum of clinical presentation and time course of disease progression as well as the non-negligible occurrence of pediatric life-threatening and fatal cases of COVID-19 mostly in patients with comorbidities. Additional laboratory investigations are needed to further analyze the mechanism underlying the variability of SARS-Cov-2 pathogenicity in children.     

Physical activity assessment in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis compared with controls

ObjectiveWe aimed to assess physical activity (PA) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared with healthy peers and to determine factors influencing PA level.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of the measured level of PA in children with JIA, compared with age- and gender-matched healthy schoolchildren. PA was estimated using a physical activity questionnaire for children and for adolescents (cPAQ/aPAQ). Disease activity was evaluated with the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS). Functional ability was assessed with the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ).ResultsA total of 55 children with JIA and 55 healthy control schoolchildren were included. Children with JIA had significantly lower levels of PA compared with their healthy peers as assessed with the cPAQ/aPAQ (P = 0.0121). In total, 76% of the JIA group spent the day sleeping and sitting, which was significantly higher compared with the reference group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.055, respectively). Low PA level was associated with systemic JIA (P = 0.002, OR = 2.123), polyarticular JIA with positive rheumatoid factor (P = 0.001, OR = 2.014), JADAS-27 ≥ 6 (P = 0.001, OR = 2.524), patients undergoing treatment (P = 0.001, OR = 1.271), and higher CHAQ (P = 0.002, OR = 2.461).ConclusionChildren with JIA were less physically active than their healthy peers and less active than recommended for general health.     

Vitamin D deficiency and low hemoglobin level as risk factors for severity of acute lower respiratory tract infections in Egyptian children: A case-control study

ObjectiveAcute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) is an important cause of morbidity in the developed world, and both morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Vitamin D has a major role in both acquired and innate immunity. Anemic children have less oxygen carrying capacity of blood. This study was done to determine the relation between vitamin D deficiency, anemia and the severity of ALRTIs in hospitalized children.MethodsThis study included 96 hospitalized infants with ALRTI, 48 diagnosed with pneumonia and 48 with bronchiolitis. Mean age was 10.67 ± 3.143 months. Matched age and sex infants with no respiratory illness were included. Serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D was measured in all cases and controls by Radio-immune assay. Hemoglobin level was measured by Coulter.ResultsVitamin D deficiency and low hemoglobin level were positively correlated with the severity of ALRTIs (r = 0.798 and P = 0.001) and (r = 0.708, P = 0.028), respectively. Low vitamin D level was significantly correlated with low hemoglobin level (r = 0.708, P = 0.028).ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was associated with severity of ALRTIs. Low hemoglobin level was more prevalent in those children. Improving the nutritional status in children by preventing vitamin D deficiency and low hemoglobin might influence the outcome of children with ALRTI.     

Efficacy of intrathecal baclofen therapy in children with intractable spastic cerebral palsy: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIntractable spasticity can be treated effectively with continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen. Because evidence for its use in the treatment of children with spastic cerebral palsy is lacking, we conducted a randomised controlled trial.AimsTo test whether continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen is effective in comparison with standard treatment only.MethodsSeventeen children, aged 13.2 (SD 2.8) years, with intractable spastic cerebral palsy were randomised to receive a Synchromed pump for continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen after either 1 month (CITB group) or 6 months (Control group). Primary outcomes were the 6-month-change scores on the 0–10 visual analogue scale for individually formulated problems and the caregiver assistance scale of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory self-care domain. One of the secondary outcome measures was health related quality of life as measured with the Child Health Questionnaire-PF50.ResultsNine children were randomly assigned to the CITB group and eight to the Control group. The visual analogue scale for individual problems improved with 4.0 (SD 1.7) in the CITB group and changed with ?0.2 (SD 1.3) in the Control group (p = 0.001). Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory scores did not change significantly. The Child Health Questionnaire-PF50 6-month-change score significantly differed in favour of the CITB group for the domains of bodily pain/discomfort (p = 0.014), mental health (p = 0.045), psychosocial status (p = 0.027) and parents' personal time limitation (p = 0.043).ConclusionThe results of this randomised controlled trial establish continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen to be effective in carefully selected children with problems caused by intractable spastic cerebral palsy.