Publications
143 results found
Piccinelli E, Herberg J, Kang H, et al., 2021, Segmental and global longitudinal strain differences between children with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and Kawasaki disease, EACVI – Best of Imaging 2020, Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP), Pages: 1-1, ISSN: 2047-2404
Harwood R, Allin B, Jones CE, et al., 2021, A national consensus management pathway for paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS): results of a national Delphi process, LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH, Vol: 5, Pages: 133-141, ISSN: 2352-4642
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- Citations: 189
Gómez-Carballa A, Barral-Arca R, Cebey-López M, et al., 2021, Host transcriptomic response following administration of rotavirus vaccine in infants' mimics wild type infection, Frontiers in Immunology, Vol: 11, ISSN: 1664-3224
Background: Rotavirus (RV) is an enteric pathogen that has devastating impact on childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. The immunologic mechanism underlying the protection achieved after RV vaccination is not yet fully understood. Methods: We compared the transcriptome of children affected by community-acquired RV infection and children immunized with a live attenuated RV vaccine (RotaTeq®). Results: RV vaccination mimics the wild type infection causing similar changes in children's transcriptome, including transcripts associated with cell cycle, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, intussusception, and abnormal morphology of midgut. A machine learning approach allowed to detect a combination of nine-transcripts that differentiates vaccinated from convalescent-naturally infected children (AUC: 90%; 95%CI: 70-100) and distinguishes between acute-infected and healthy control children (in both cases, AUC: 100%; 95%CI: 100-100). We identified a miRNA hsa-mir-149 that seems to play a role in the host defense against viral pathogens and may have an antiviral role. Discussion: Our findings might shed further light in the understanding of RV infection, its functional link to intussusception causes, as well as guide development of antiviral treatments and safer and more effective vaccines. The nine-transcript signature may constitute a marker of vaccine protection and helps to differentiate vaccinated from naturally infected or susceptible children.
Borensztajn D, Hagedoorn N, Rivero Calle I, et al., 2021, Variation in hospital admission in febrile children evaluated at the Emergency Department (ED) in Europe: PERFORM, a multicentre prospective observational study, PLoS One, Vol: 16, ISSN: 1932-6203
ObjectivesHospitalisation is frequently used as a marker of disease severity in observational Emergency Department (ED) studies. The comparison of ED admission rates is complex in potentially being influenced by the characteristics of the region, ED, physician and patient. We aimed to study variation in ED admission rates of febrile children, to assess whether variation could be explained by disease severity and to identify patient groups with large variation, in order to use this to reduce unnecessary health care utilization that is often due to practice variation.DesignMOFICHE (Management and Outcome of Fever in children in Europe, part of the PERFORM study, www.perform2020.org), is a prospective cohort study using routinely collected data on febrile children regarding patient characteristics (age, referral, vital signs and clinical alarming signs), diagnostic tests, therapy, diagnosis and hospital admission.Setting and participantsData were collected on febrile children aged 0–18 years presenting to 12 European EDs (2017–2018).Main outcome measuresWe compared admission rates between EDs by using standardised admission rates after adjusting for patient characteristics and initiated tests at the ED, where standardised rates >1 demonstrate higher admission rates than expected and rates <1 indicate lower rates than expected based on the ED patient population.ResultsWe included 38,120 children. Of those, 9.695 (25.4%) were admitted to a general ward (range EDs 5.1–54.5%). Adjusted standardised admission rates ranged between 0.6 and 1.5. The largest variation was seen in short admission rates (0.1–5.0), PICU admission rates (0.2–2.2), upper respiratory tract infections (0.4–1.7) and fever without focus (0.5–2.7). Variation was small in sepsis/meningitis (0.9–1.1).ConclusionsLarge variation exists in admission rates of febrile children evaluated at European EDs, however, this variation is largely reduced after correc
Li HK, Kaforou M, Rodriguez-Manzano J, et al., 2021, Discovery and Validation of a 3-Gene Transcriptional Signature to Distinguish COVID-19 and Other Viral Infections from Bacterial Sepsis in Adults; A Case-Control then Observational Cohort Study, Publisher: Elsevier BV
Bautista-Rodriguez C, Sanchez-de-Toledo J, Clark BC, et al., 2021, Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: an international survey., Pediatrics, ISSN: 0031-4005
Objective. To describe presentation, hospital course and predictors of bad outcome in MultisystemInflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).Methods. Retrospective data review of a case series of children meeting published definition forMIS-C discharged/died between March 1st and June 15th, 2020, from 33 participating European,Asian and American hospitals. Data was collected through a web-based survey and includedclinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings and treatmentmanagement.Results. We included 183 patients (109 males [59.6%]; mean age 7.0±4.7 years; black race,56[30.6%]; obesity, 48[26.2%]) with MIS-C. Overall, 114/183(62.3%) had evidence of SARSCoV-2 infection. All presented with fever, 117/183 (63.9%) with gastrointestinal symptoms and79/183 (43.2%) with shock, that was associated with black race, higher inflammation and imagingabnormalities. Twenty-seven patients (14.7%) fulfilled criteria for Kawasaki disease. They wereyounger with no shock, fewer gastrointestinal, cardio-respiratory and neurological symptoms. Theremaining 77 patients (49.3%) had mainly fever and inflammation. Inotropic support, mechanicalventilation and ECMO were indicated in 72 (39.3%), 43 (23.5%) and 4 (2.2%) patients,respectively. A shorter duration of symptoms prior to admission was found to be associated withpoor patient outcome and for ECMO/death, with 72.3% (95% CI 0.56-0.90, p=0.006) increasedrisk per day reduction and with 63.3% (95% CI 0.47-0.82, p<0.0001) increased risk per dayreduction respectively.Conclusion. In this case series, children with MIS-C presented with a wide clinical spectrum,including KD-like, life-threatening shock and milder forms with mainly fever and inflammation.A shorter duration of symptoms prior to admission was associated with worse outcome.
Willems E, Lores-Motta L, Zanichelli A, et al., 2020, Quantitative multiplex profiling of the complement system to diagnose complement-mediated diseases, Clinical & Translational Immunology, Vol: 9, Pages: 1-12, ISSN: 2050-0068
ObjectivesComplement deficiencies are difficult to diagnose because of the variability of symptoms and the complexity of the diagnostic process. Here, we applied a novel ‘complementomics’ approach to study the impact of various complement deficiencies on circulating complement levels.MethodsUsing a quantitative multiplex mass spectrometry assay, we analysed 44 peptides to profile 34 complement proteins simultaneously in 40 healthy controls and 83 individuals with a diagnosed deficiency or a potential pathogenic variant in 14 different complement proteins.ResultsApart from confirming near or total absence of the respective protein in plasma of complement‐deficient patients, this mass spectrometry‐based profiling method led to the identification of additional deficiencies. In many cases, partial depletion of the pathway up‐ and/or downstream of the absent protein was measured. This was especially found in patients deficient for complement inhibitors, such as angioedema patients with a C1‐inhibitor deficiency. The added value of complementomics was shown in three patients with poorly defined complement deficiencies.ConclusionOur study shows the potential clinical utility of profiling circulating complement proteins as a comprehensive read‐out of various complement deficiencies. Particularly, our approach provides insight into the intricate interplay between complement proteins due to functional coupling, which contributes to the better understanding of the various disease phenotypes and improvement of care for patients with complement‐mediated diseases.
Altamar IB, Whittaker E, Herberg J, et al., 2020, Short-term Sequalae of Children With Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporarily Associated With Sars-cov-2 Infection (pims-ts) Assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, ISSN: 0009-7322
Borghesi A, Trück J, Asgari S, et al., 2020, Whole-exome sequencing for the identification of rare variants in primary immunodeficiency genes in children with sepsis - a prospective population-based cohort study., Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol: 71, Pages: e614-e623, ISSN: 1058-4838
BACKGROUND: The role of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in susceptibility to sepsis remains unknown. It is unclear whether children with sepsis benefit from genetic investigations. We hypothesized that sepsis may represent the first manifestation of underlying PID. We applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to a national cohort of children with sepsis to identify rare, predicted pathogenic variants in PID genes. METHODS: Multicenter population-based prospective study including previously healthy children ≥28 days and <17 years admitted with blood culture-proven sepsis. Using a stringent variant filtering procedure, analysis of WES data was restricted to rare, predicted pathogenic variants in 240 PID genes for which increased susceptibility to bacterial infection has been reported. RESULTS: 176 children presenting with 185 sepsis episodes underwent WES (median age 52 months, IQR 15.4-126.4). 41 unique predicted pathogenic PID variants (1 homozygous, 5 hemizygous, and 35 heterozygous) were found in 35/176 (20%) patients, including 3/176 (2%) patients carrying variants which were previously reported to lead to PID. The variants occurred in PID genes across all 8 PID categories as defined by the International Union of Immunological Societies. We did not observe a significant correlation between clinical or laboratory characteristics of patients and the presence or absence of PID variants. CONCLUSIONS: Applying WES to a population-based cohort of previously healthy children with bacterial sepsis detected Variants of Uncertain Significance in PID genes in one out of five children. Future studies need to investigate the functional relevance of these variants to determine whether variants in PID genes contribute to pediatric sepsis susceptibility.
Tregoning J, Busse D, Kaforou M, et al., 2020, Interferon-induced Protein-44 and Interferon-induced Protein 44-like restrict replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Journal of Virology, Vol: 94, Pages: 1-15, ISSN: 0022-538X
Cellular intrinsic immunity, mediated by the expression of an array of interferon-stimulated antiviral genes, is a vital part of host defence. We have previously used a bioinformatic screen to identify two interferon stimulated genes (ISG) with poorly characterised function, Interferon-induced protein 44 (IFI44) and interferon-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L), as potentially being important in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. Using overexpression systems, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout, and a knockout mouse model we investigated the antiviral capability of these genes in the control of RSV replication. Over-expression of IFI44 or IFI44L was sufficient to restrict RSV infection at an early time post infection. Knocking out these genes in mammalian airway epithelial cells increased levels of infection. Both genes express antiproliferative factors that have no effect on RSV attachment but reduce RSV replication in a minigenome assay. The loss of Ifi44 was associated with a more severe infection phenotype in a mouse model of infection. These studies demonstrate a function for IFI44 and IFI44L in controlling RSV infection.
Nijman R, Joergensen R, Levin M, et al., 2020, Management of children with fever at risk for paediatric sepsis: a prospective study in paediatric emergency care, Frontiers in Pediatrics, Vol: 8, Pages: 1-17, ISSN: 2296-2360
Objective: To study warning signs of serious infections in febrile children presenting to PED, ascertain their risk of having sepsis, and evaluate their management.Design: Prospective observational study.Setting: A single pediatric emergency department (PED).Participants: Febrile children, aged 1 month−16 years, with >= 1 warning signs of sepsis.Interventions and Main outcome measures: Clinical characteristics, including different thresholds for tachycardia and tachypnoea, and their association with (1) delivery of pediatric sepsis 6 (PS6) interventions, (2) final diagnosis of invasive bacterial infection (IBI), (3) the risk for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, and (4) death.Results: Forty-one percent of 5,156 febrile children had warning signs of sepsis. 1,606 (34%) children had tachypnoea and 1,907 (39%) children had tachycardia when using APLS threshold values. Using the NICE sepsis guidelines thresholds resulted in 1,512 (32%) children having tachypnoea (kappa 0.56) and 2,769 (57%) children having tachycardia (kappa 0.66). Of 1,628 PED visits spanning 1,551 disease episodes, six children (0.4%) had IBI, with one death (0.06%), corresponding with 256 children requiring escalation of care according to sepsis guideline recommendations for each child with IBI. There were five additional PICU admissions (0.4%). 121 (7%) had intravenous antibiotics in PED; 39 children (2%) had an intravenous fluid bolus, inotrope drugs were started in one child. 440 children (27%) were reviewed by a senior clinician. In 4/11 children with IBI or PICU admission or death, PS6 interventions were delivered within 60 min after arriving. 1,062 (65%) visits had no PS6 interventions. Diagnostic performance of vital signs or sepsis criteria for predicting serious illness yielded a large proportion of false positives. Lactataemia was not associated with giving iv fluid boluses (p = 0.19) or presence of serious bacterial infections (p = 0.128).Conclusion: Many febrile chi
Pennisi I, Rodriguez Manzano J, Miscourides N, et al., 2020, A method for determining a diagnostic outcome
Hagedoorn N, Borensztajn D, Nijman R, et al., 2020, Variation in antibiotic prescription rates in febrile children presenting to Emergency Departments across Europe (MOFICHE): a multicentre observational study, PLoS Medicine, Vol: 17, ISSN: 1549-1277
BackgroundThe prescription rate of antibiotics is high for febrile children visiting the emergency department (ED), contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Large studies at European EDs covering diversity in antibiotic and broad-spectrum prescriptions in all febrile children are lacking. A better understanding of variability in antibiotic prescriptions in EDs and its relation with viral or bacterial disease is essential for the development and implementation of interventions to optimise antibiotic use. As part of the PERFORM (Personalised Risk assessment in Febrile illness to Optimise Real-life Management across the European Union) project, the MOFICHE (Management and Outcome of Fever in Children in Europe) study aims to investigate variation and appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in febrile children visiting EDs in Europe.Methods and findingsBetween January 2017 and April 2018, data were prospectively collected on febrile children aged 0–18 years presenting to 12 EDs in 8 European countries (Austria, Germany, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands [n = 3], Spain, Slovenia, United Kingdom [n = 3]). These EDs were based in university hospitals (n = 9) or large teaching hospitals (n = 3). Main outcomes were (1) antibiotic prescription rate; (2) the proportion of antibiotics that were broad-spectrum antibiotics; (3) the proportion of antibiotics of appropriate indication (presumed bacterial), inappropriate indication (presumed viral), or inconclusive indication (unknown bacterial/viral or other); (4) the proportion of oral antibiotics of inappropriate duration; and (5) the proportion of antibiotics that were guideline-concordant in uncomplicated urinary and upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs). We determined variation of antibiotic prescription and broad-spectrum prescription by calculating standardised prescription rates using multilevel logistic regression and adjusted for general characteristics (e.g., age, sex, comorbidity, referral), diseas
Montaldo P, Cunnington A, Oliveira V, et al., 2020, Transcriptomic profile of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy, Scientific Reports, Vol: 10, Pages: 1-7, ISSN: 2045-2322
A rapid and early diagnostic test to identify the encephalopathic babies at risk of adverse outcome may accelerate the development of neuroprotectants. We examined if a whole blood transcriptomic signature measured soon after birth,predicts adverse neurodevelopmental outcomeeighteenmonths after neonatal encephalopathy.We performed next generation sequencing on whole blood ribonucleic acid obtained within sixhours of birth from the first 47encephalopathic babies recruited to the Hypothermia for Encephalopathy in Low and middle-income countries (HELIX)trial. Two infants with blood culture positive sepsis were excluded, and the data from remaining 45 were analysed. A total of 855genes were significantly differentially expressed between the good and adverse outcome groups, of which RGS1and SMC4 werethe most significant. Biological pathway analysis adjusted for gender, trial randomisation allocation (cooling therapy versus usual care) and estimated blood leukocyte proportions revealed over-representation of genes from pathways related to melatoninand polo-like kinase in babieswith adverse outcome. These preliminary data suggest that transcriptomic profiling may be a promising tool for rapid risk stratification in neonatal encephalopathy. It may provide insights into biological mechanismsand identify novel therapeutic targetsfor neuroprotection.
Vergnano S, Bamford A, Bandi S, et al., 2020, Paediatric antimicrobial stewardship programmes in the UK's regional children's hospitals, JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION, Vol: 105, Pages: 736-740, ISSN: 0195-6701
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- Citations: 5
Harwood R, Allin B, Jones CE, et al., 2020, A national consensus management pathway for Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome - Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS): The results of a national Delphi process
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>To develop a consensus management pathway for children with Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome - Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Design</jats:title><jats:p>A three-phase online Delphi process and virtual consensus meeting sought consensus over the investigation, management and research priorities from 98 multidisciplinary participants caring for children with PIMS-TS. 46 participants (47%) completed all three phases. Participants were grouped into three panels and scored each statement from 1 (disagree) to 9 (strongly agree). In phase two participants were shown their panel’s scores, and in phase three all panels’ scores.</jats:p><jats:p>Consensus agreement was defined as ≥70% of participants in each panel scoring the statement 7-9, and <15% scoring 1-3, and consensus disagreement was the opposite of this. Statements which achieved consensus in 2/3 panels were discussed at the consensus meeting, and when ≥70% participants agreed with the statement it achieved consensus.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>255 statements were assessed, with ‘consensus agreement’ achieved for 111 (44%), ‘consensus disagreement’ for 29 (11%), and no consensus for 115 (45%). The 140 consensus statements were used to derive the consensus management pathway.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>A national consensus pathway has been developed for children suspected of having the novel syndrome PIMS-TS in a timely, cost-efficient manner, in the midst of a global pandemic. Use of a rapid online Delphi process has made this consensus process possible. Future evidence will i
Zandstra J, van de Geer A, Tanck MWT, et al., 2020, Biomarkers for the discrimination of acute kawasaki disease from infections in childhood, Frontiers in Pediatrics, Vol: 8, ISSN: 2296-2360
Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of early childhood mimicking several infectious diseases. Differentiation between KD and infectious diseases is essential as KD's most important complication—the development of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA)—can be largely avoided by timely treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Currently, KD diagnosis is only based on clinical criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether routine C-reactive protein (CRP) and additional inflammatory parameters myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP8/14 or S100A8/9) and human neutrophil-derived elastase (HNE) could distinguish KD from infectious diseases.Methods and Results: The cross-sectional study included KD patients and children with proven infections as well as febrile controls. Patients were recruited between July 2006 and December 2018 in Europe and USA. MRP8/14, CRP, and HNE were assessed for their discriminatory ability by multiple logistic regression analysis with backward selection and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. In the discovery cohort, the combination of MRP8/14+CRP discriminated KD patients (n = 48) from patients with infection (n = 105), with area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.88. The HNE values did not improve discrimination. The first validation cohort confirmed the predictive value of MRP8/14+CRP to discriminate acute KD patients (n = 26) from those with infections (n = 150), with an AUC of 0.78. The second validation cohort of acute KD patients (n = 25) and febrile controls (n = 50) showed an AUC of 0.72, which improved to 0.84 when HNE was included.Conclusion: When used in combination, the plasma markers MRP8/14, CRP, and HNE may assist in the discrimination of KD from both proven and suspected infection.
Whittaker E, Bamford A, Kenny J, et al., 2020, Clinical characteristics of 58 children with a pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2, JAMA, Vol: 324, Pages: 259-269, ISSN: 0098-7484
Importance In communities with high rates of coronavirus disease 2019, reports have emerged of children with an unusual syndrome of fever and inflammation.Objectives To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of hospitalized children who met criteria for the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (PIMS-TS) and compare these characteristics with other pediatric inflammatory disorders.Design, Setting, and Participants Case series of 58 children from 8 hospitals in England admitted between March 23 and May 16, 2020, with persistent fever and laboratory evidence of inflammation meeting published definitions for PIMS-TS. The final date of follow-up was May 22, 2020. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were abstracted by medical record review, and were compared with clinical characteristics of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) (n = 1132), KD shock syndrome (n = 45), and toxic shock syndrome (n = 37) who had been admitted to hospitals in Europe and the US from 2002 to 2019.Exposures Signs and symptoms and laboratory and imaging findings of children who met definitional criteria for PIMS-TS from the UK, the US, and World Health Organization.Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of children meeting definitional criteria for PIMS-TS, and comparison with the characteristics of other pediatric inflammatory disorders.Results Fifty-eight children (median age, 9 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 5.7-14]; 33 girls [57%]) were identified who met the criteria for PIMS-TS. Results from SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests were positive in 15 of 58 patients (26%) and SARS-CoV-2 IgG test results were positive in 40 of 46 (87%). In total, 45 of 58 patients (78%) had evidence of current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. All children presented with fever and nonspecific symptoms, including v
Hodeib S, Herberg JA, Levin M, et al., 2020, Human genetics of meningococcal infections, Human Genetics, Vol: 139, Pages: 961-980, ISSN: 0340-6717
Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial septicaemia and meningitis worldwide. Meningococcal disease is rare but can be life threatening with a tendency to affect children. Many studies have investigated the role of human genetics in predisposition to N. meningitidis infection. These have identified both rare single-gene mutations as well as more common polymorphisms associated with meningococcal disease susceptibility and severity. These findings provide clues to the pathogenesis of N. meningitidis, the basis of host susceptibility to infection and to the aetiology of severe disease. From the multiple discoveries of monogenic complement deficiencies to the associations of complement factor H and complement factor H-related three polymorphisms to meningococcal disease, the complement pathway is highlighted as being central to the genetic control of meningococcal disease. This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the host genetic basis of meningococcal disease with respect to the different stages of meningococcal infection.
Mashbat B, Bellos E, Hodeib S, et al., 2020, A rare mutation in SPLUNC1 underlies meningococcal disease affecting bacterial adherence and invasion, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol: 70, Pages: 2045-2053, ISSN: 1058-4838
BackgroundNeisseriameningitidis (Nm) is a nasopharyngeal commensal carried by healthy individuals. However, invasive infections occurs in a minority of individuals, with devastating consequences. There is evidence that common polymorphisms are associated with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) but the contribution of rare variants other than complement has not been determined.MethodsWe identified familial cases of IMD in the UK meningococcal disease study and the European Union Life-threatening Infectious Disease Study. Candidate genetic variants were identified by whole exome sequencing of two patients with familial IMD. Candidate variants were further validated by in vitro assays.ResultsExomes of two siblings with IMD identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation in BPIFA1/SPLUNC1. Sequencing of 186 other non-familial cases identified another unrelated IMD patient with the same mutation. SPLUNC1 is an innate immune defence protein expressed in the nasopharyngeal epithelia, however, its role in invasive infections is unknown. In vitro assays demonstrated that recombinant SPLUNC1 inhibits biofilm formation by Nm, and impedes Nm adhesion and invasion of human airway cells. The dominant negative mutant rSPLUNC1 (p.G22E) showed reduced anti-biofilm activity, increased meningococcal adhesion and invasion of cells compared with wild type SPLUNC1.ConclusionsA mutation in SPLUNC1 affecting mucosal attachment, biofilm formation and invasion of mucosal epithelial cells is a new genetic cause of meningococcal disease.
Vazquez-Ortiz M, Argiz L, Machinena A, et al., 2020, Diagnostic criteria for acute FPIES: What are we missing?, JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE, Vol: 8, Pages: 1717-+, ISSN: 2213-2198
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- Citations: 11
Venkatesan S, Myles PR, Bolton KJ, et al., 2020, Neuraminidase inhibitors and hospital length of stay: a meta-analysis of individual participant data to determine treatment effectiveness among patients hospitalized with nonfatal 2009 pandemic iInfluenza A(H1N1) virus infection, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol: 221, Pages: 356-266, ISSN: 0022-1899
BACKGROUND: The effect of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) treatment on length of stay (LoS) in patients hospitalized with influenza is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a one-stage individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis exploring the association between NAI treatment and LoS in patients hospitalized with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) virus (A[H1N1]pdm09) infection. Using mixed-effects negative binomial regression and adjusting for the propensity to receive NAI, antibiotic, and corticosteroid treatment, we calculated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Patients with a LoS of <1 day and those who died while hospitalized were excluded. RESULTS: We analyzed data on 18 309 patients from 70 clinical centers. After adjustment, NAI treatment initiated at hospitalization was associated with a 19% reduction in the LoS among patients with clinically suspected or laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, .78-.85), compared with later or no initiation of NAI treatment. Similar statistically significant associations were seen in all clinical subgroups. NAI treatment (at any time), compared with no NAI treatment, and NAI treatment initiated <2 days after symptom onset, compared with later or no initiation of NAI treatment, showed mixed patterns of association with the LoS. CONCLUSIONS: When patients hospitalized with influenza are treated with NAIs, treatment initiated on admission, regardless of time since symptom onset, is associated with a reduced LoS, compared with later or no initiation of treatment.
Wang X, Nijman R, Camuzeaux S, et al., 2019, Plasma lipid profiles discriminate bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, Scientific Reports, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2045-2322
Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection are often non-specific, and there is no definitive test for the accurate diagnosis of infection. The ‘omics’ approaches to identifying biomarkers from the host-response to bacterial infection are promising. In this study, lipidomic analysis was carried out with plasma samples obtained from febrile children with confirmed bacterial infection (n=20) and confirmed viral infection (n=20). We show for the first time that bacterial and viral infection produces distinct profile in the host lipidome. Some species of glycerophosphoinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine and cholesterol sulfate were higher in the confirmed virus infected group, while some species of fatty acids, glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoserine, lactosylceramide and bilirubin were lower in the confirmed virus infected group when compared with confirmed bacterial infected group..A combination of three lipids achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.911 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.98). This pilot study demonstrates the potential of metabolic biomarkers to assist clinicians in distinguishing bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, to facilitate effective clinical management and to the limit inappropriate use of antibiotics.
Secka F, Herberg J, Sarr I, et al., 2019, Bacteremia in childhood life-threatening infections in urban Gambia: EUCLIDS in West Africa, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2328-8957
BackgroundThe limited availability of microbiology services in sub-Saharan Africa impedes accurate diagno-sis of bacterial pathogens and understanding of trends in prevalence and antibiotic sensitivities. We aimed to characterize bacteremia amongst hospitalized children in The Gambia and to identi-fy factors associated with bacteremia and mortality. MethodsWe prospectively studied children presenting with suspected severe infection to two urban hos-pitals in The Gambia, between January 2013 and September 2015. Demographic and anthropo-metric data, clinical features, management and blood culture results were documented. Urine screens for antibiotic activity were performed in a subset of participants. ResultsOf 411 children enrolled (median age 29 months; IQR: 11-82), 79.5% (325/409) reported pre-hospital antibiotic use. Antimicrobial activity by urinary screen for antibiotic activity was detected in 70.8% (n=80/113). 66 bacterial pathogens were identified in 65 (15.8%) participants and Staphylococcus aureus predominated. Gram positive organisms were more commonly identified than Gram-negative (p<0.01). Antibiotic resistance against first-line antimicrobials (ampicillin and gentamicin) was common among Gram-negative bacteria (39%; range 25-100%). Factors signif-icantly associated with bacteremia included: gender, hydration status, musculoskeletal examina-tion findings, admission to the MRCG-LSHTM hospital, and meeting sepsis criteria. Those asso-ciated with increased mortality were presence of a comorbidity, clinical pallor, tachypnoea and altered consciousness. Tachycardia was associated with reduced mortality. ConclusionsThe bacteremia rate in children with suspected childhood life-threatening infectious diseases in The Gambia is high. The pattern of pathogen prevalence and antimicrobial resistance has changed over time compared to previous studies illustrating the importance of robust bacterial surveillance programs in resource-limited settings.
Hsia Y, Lee BR, Versporten A, et al., 2019, Use of the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve classification to define patterns of hospital antibiotic use (AWaRe): an analysis of paediatric survey data from 56 countries, LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH, Vol: 7, Pages: E861-E871, ISSN: 2214-109X
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- Citations: 142
Willems E, Alkema W, Keizer-Garritsen J, et al., 2019, Biosynthetic homeostasis and resilience of the complement system in health and infectious disease, EBioMedicine, Vol: 45, Pages: 303-313, ISSN: 2352-3964
BACKGROUND: The complement system is a central component of the innate immune system. Constitutive biosynthesis of complement proteins is essential for homeostasis. Dysregulation as a consequence of genetic or environmental cues can lead to inflammatory syndromes or increased susceptibility to infection. However, very little is known about steady state levels in children or its kinetics during infection. METHODS: With a newly developed multiplex mass spectrometry-based method we analyzed the levels of 32 complement proteins in healthy individuals and in a group of pediatric patients infected with bacterial or viral pathogens. FINDINGS: In plasma from young infants we found reduced levels of C4BP, ficolin-3, factor B, classical pathway components C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, C1R, and terminal pathway components C5, C8, C9, as compared to healthy adults; whereas the majority of complement regulating (inhibitory) proteins reach adult levels at very young age. Both viral and bacterial infections in children generally lead to a slight overall increase in complement levels, with some exceptions. The kinetics of complement levels during invasive bacterial infections only showed minor changes, except for a significant increase and decrease of CRP and clusterin, respectively. INTERPRETATION: The combination of lower levels of activating and higher levels of regulating complement proteins, would potentially raise the threshold of activation, which might lead to suppressed complement activation in the first phase of life. There is hardly any measurable complement consumption during bacterial or viral infection. Altogether, expression of the complement proteins appears surprisingly stable, which suggests that the system is continuously replenished. FUND: European Union's Horizon 2020, project PERFORM, grant agreement No. 668303.
Borensztajn D, Yeung S, Hagedoorn NN, et al., 2019, Diversity in the emergency care for febrile children in Europe: a questionnaire study, BMJ Paediatrics Open, Vol: 3, ISSN: 2399-9772
Objective: To provide an overview of care in emergency departments (EDs) across Europe in order to interpret observational data and implement interventions regarding the management of febrile children. Design and setting: An electronic questionnaire was sent to the principal investigators of an ongoing study (PERFORM (Personalised Risk assessment in Febrile illness to Optimise Real-life Management), www.perform2020.eu) in 11 European hospitals in eight countries: Austria, Germany, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK. Outcome measures: The questionnaire covered indicators in three domains: local ED quality (supervision, guideline availability, paper vs electronic health records), organisation of healthcare (primary care, immunisation), and local factors influencing or reflecting resource use (availability of point-of-care tests, admission rates). Results: Reported admission rates ranged from 4% to 51%. In six settings (Athens, Graz, Ljubljana, Riga, Rotterdam, Santiago de Compostela), the supervising ED physicians were general paediatricians, in two (Liverpool, London) these were paediatric emergency physicians, in two (Nijmegen, Newcastle) supervision could take place by either a general paediatrician or a general emergency physician, and in one (München) this could be either a general paediatrician or a paediatric emergency physician. The supervising physician was present on site in all settings during office hours and in five out of eleven settings during out-of-office hours. Guidelines for fever and sepsis were available in all settings; however, the type of guideline that was used differed. Primary care was available in all settings during office hours and in eight during out-of-office hours. There were differences in routine immunisations as well as in additional immunisations that were offered; immunisation rates varied between and within countries. Conclusion: Differences in local, regional and national aspects of care exist in th
Wang X, Nijman R, Camuzeaux S, et al., 2019, Viral and bacterial infection elicit distinct changes in plasma lipids in febrile children, Publisher: BioRxiv
Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments in the UK. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection are often non-specific, and there is no definitive test for the accurate diagnosis of infection. As a result, many children are prescribed antibiotics often unnecessarily, while others with life-threatening bacterial infections can remain untreated. The ‘omics’ approaches to identifying biomarkers from the host-response to bacterial infection are promising. In this study, lipidomic analysis was carried out with plasma samples obtained from febrile children with confirmed bacterial infection (n=20) and confirmed viral infection (n=20). We show for the first time that bacterial and viral infection elicit distinct changes in the host lipidome. Glycerophosphoinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophosphotidylcholine and cholesterol sulfate were increased in the confirmed virus infected group, while fatty acids, glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoserine, lactosylceramide and bilirubin were increased in cases with confirmed bacterial infection. A combination of three lipids achieved the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.918 (95% CI 0.835 to 1). This pilot study demonstrates the potential of metabolic biomarkers to assist clinicians in distinguishing bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, to facilitate effective clinical management and to the limit inappropriate use of antibiotics.
Borghini L, Png E, Binder A, et al., 2019, Identification of regulatory variants associated with genetic susceptibility to meningococcal disease, Scientific Reports, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2045-2322
Non-coding genetic variants play an important role in driving susceptibility to complex diseases but their characterization remains challenging. Here, we employed a novel approach to interrogate the genetic risk of such polymorphisms in a more systematic way by targeting specific regulatory regions relevant for the phenotype studied. We applied this method to meningococcal disease susceptibility, using the DNA binding pattern of RELA – a NF-kB subunit, master regulator of the response to infection – under bacterial stimuli in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. We designed a custom panel to cover these RELA binding sites and used it for targeted sequencing in cases and controls. Variant calling and association analysis were performed followed by validation of candidate polymorphisms by genotyping in three independent cohorts. We identified two new polymorphisms, rs4823231 and rs11913168, showing signs of association with meningococcal disease susceptibility. In addition, using our genomic data as well as publicly available resources, we found evidences for these SNPs to have potential regulatory effects on ATXN10 and LIF genes respectively. The variants and related candidate genes are relevant for infectious diseases and may have important contribution for meningococcal disease pathology. Finally, we described a novel genetic association approach that could be applied to other phenotypes.
Gal M, Gobat N, Francis NA, et al., 2019, Priority needs for conducting pandemic-relevant clinical research with children in Europe: a consensus study with pediatric clinician-researchers, Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, Vol: 38, Pages: 82-86, ISSN: 0891-3668
BACKGROUND: Infectious disease pandemics (IDP) pose a considerable global threat and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including children. Pediatric clinical research in pandemics is essential to improve children's healthcare and minimize risks of harm by interventions that lack an adequate evidence base for this population. The unique features of IDPs require consideration of special processes to facilitate clinical research. We aimed to obtain consensus on pediatric clinician-researchers' perceptions of the priorities to feasibly conduct clinical pediatric pandemic research in Europe. METHODS: Mixed method study in 2 stages, recruiting pediatric clinician-researchers with experience of conducting pediatric infectious disease (ID) research in clinical settings in Europe. Stage one was an expert stakeholder workshop and interviews. Discussions focused on participant's experience of conducting pediatric ID research and processes to facilitate pandemic research. Information informed stage two; an on-line consensus survey to identify pediatric clinician-researchers priorities to enable IDP research. RESULTS: Twenty-three pediatric clinician-researchers attended the workshop and thirty-nine completed the survey. Priorities were primarily focused on structural and operational requirements of research design and regulation: 1) Clarity within the European Clinical Trials Directive for pediatric pandemic research; 2) Simplified regulatory processes for research involving clinical samples and data; and 3) Improved relationships between regulatory bodies and researchers. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that changes need to be made to the current regulatory environment to facilitate and improve pediatric research in the pandemic context. These findings can provide expert evidence to research policy decision makers and regulators and to develop a strategy to lobby for change.
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