Mercedes Gil-Campos

Obesidad Infantil. Recomendaciones del Comité de Nutrición de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. Parte I. Prevención. Detección precoz. Papel del pediatra

Obesity is a pathologic entity characterized by an increase in fat body mass and is a global public health problem. In Spain, between 1984 (the Paidos study) and 2000 (the enKid study), the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increased and significant differences were found among the autonomous communities. Consequently prophylactic measures were implemented throughout the country and in 2005 the Ministry of Health developed the NAOS strategy (strategy for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention). Within the medical area of this intervention, primary care pediatricians acquire a key role. Aware of this, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, through the Nutrition Committee, aims to provide information on the current situation concerning the etiopathogenesis and early identification of at-risk populations. The epidemiology and risk periods in the pediatric age group are reviewed and recommendations on healthy lifestyle are provided, bearing in mind diet and physical activity throughout childhood, with the aim of preventing overweight and obesity.

Las alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a la obesidad están ya presentes en los primeros años de vida: estudio colaborativo español

UNLABELLEDnThe objectives of this study are to provide a description of the demographic, anthropometric characteristics and metabolic abnormalities in children with early-onset (< 10 years) and of very-early-onset obesity (< 5 years). We also evaluate the diagnostic ability using the definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) according to different criteria.nnnMETHODSnIt is a retrospective, case-control, cross-sectional, multicenter study. A total of 10 Pediatric Endocrinology Units in different Spanish hospitals were involved. A group of 469 children with early-onset obesity and another group of 30 children with very early-onset obesity were studied. The control group consisted of 224 healthy children younger than 10 years. Anthropometric and analytical determination of carbohydrates metabolism parameters and the lipid profile were performed.nnnRESULTSnThe presence of metabolic alterations associated with obesity in children and adolescents in Spain is remarkable, either on their own, or encompassed within the definition of MS. This prevalence increases substantially when considering the peripheral resistance to insulin action as a diagnostic criterion. It also shows how children who could not be diagnosed with MS according to the definition provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) due to age below 10 years, these alterations are already present in a remarkable percentage. In fact, metabolic abnormalities are already present in the very-early-onset obese children ( <5 years).nnnCONCLUSIONnIn Spanish children there are metabolic alterations associated with obesity in the infant-juvenile stages alone or encompassed within the definition of MS,and are already present at earlier ages.

Prepubertal children with suitable fitness and physical activity present reduced risk of oxidative stress

To assess the impact of fitness status and physical activity on oxidative stress in prepubertal children, we measured selected biomarkers such as protein carbonyls (PC), lipid peroxidation products, and total nitrites, as well as the antioxidant system: total glutathione (TG), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione peroxidase. A total of 132 healthy children ages 7-12, at prepubertal stage, were classified into two groups according to their fitness level: low fitness (LF) and high fitness (HF). They were observed while engaged in an after-school exercise program, and a questionnaire was created to obtain information on their physical activity or sedentary habits. Plasma and red blood cells were obtained to analyze biomarkers. Regarding oxidative stress markers, the LF group and the sedentary group showed higher levels of TG and GSSG and a lower GSH/GSSG ratio than the HF group and the children engaged in physical activity. A negative association was found between PC and GSSG and TG and between TG and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between GSSG and fitness, with a positive correlation with the GSH/GSSG ratio. TG, GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio seem to be reliable markers of oxidative stress in healthy prepubertal children with low fitness or sedentary habits. This research contributes to the recognition that an adequate level of fitness and recreational physical activity in childhood leads to better health and oxidative status.

Comprehensive long-term efficacy and safety of recombinant human alpha-mannosidase (velmanase alfa) treatment in patients with alpha-mannosidosis

IntroductionLong-term outcome data provide important insights into the clinical utility of enzyme replacement therapies. Such data are presented for velmanase alfa in the treatment of alpha-mannosidosis (AM).MethodsPatient data (nu2009=u200933; 14 adults, 19 paediatric) from the clinical development programme for velmanase alfa were integrated in this prospectively-designed analysis of long-term efficacy and safety. Patients who participated in the phase I/II or phase III trials and were continuing to receive treatment after completion of the trials were invited to participate in a comprehensive evaluation visit to assess long-term outcomes. Primary endpoints were changes in serum oligosaccharide and the 3-minute stair climb test (3MSCT).ResultsMean (SD) treatment exposure was 29.3 (15.2) months. Serum oligosaccharide levels were significantly reduced in the overall population at 12xa0months (mean change: –72.7%, Pu2009<u20090.001) and remained statistically significant at last observation (−62.8%, Pu2009<u20090.001). A mean improvement of +9.3% in 3MSCT was observed at 12xa0months (Pu2009=u20090.013), which also remained statistically significant at last observation (+13.8%, Pu2009=u20090.004), with a more pronounced improvement detected in the paediatric subgroup. No treatment-emergent adverse events were reported leading to permanent treatment discontinuation.ConclusionsPatients treated with velmanase alfa experienced improvements in biochemical and functional measures that were maintained for up to 4xa0years. Long term follow-up is important and further supports the use of velmanase alfa as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AM. Based on the currently available data set, no baseline characteristic can be predictive of treatment outcome. Early treatment during paediatric age showed better outcome in functional endpoints.

Recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo de Obesidad de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología Pediátrica sobre hábitos de alimentación para la prevención de la obesidad y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la infancia

Childhood obesity is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and early mortality. This paper summarises the currently available evidence on the implications of dietary factors on the development and prevention of obesity in paediatric patients. Evidence-based recommendations are: promote the consumption of slowly absorbed carbohydrates and reduce those with a high-glycaemic-index, avoid intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Fat may provide up to 30-35% of the daily energy intake and saturated fat should provide no more than 10% of daily energy intake; reduce cholesterol intake, avoid formula milk with a high protein content during the first year; promote higher fibre content in the diet, reduce sodium intake, and have at least four meals a day, avoiding regular consumption of fast food and snacks.

Efficacy and safety of Velmanase alfa in the treatment of patients with alpha-mannosidosis: results from the core and extension phase analysis of a phase III multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

IntroductionThis phase III, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (and extension phase) was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of velmanase alfa (VA) in alpha-mannosidosis (AM) patients.MethodsTwenty-five patients were randomised to weekly 1xa0mg/kg VA or placebo for 52xa0weeks. At study conclusion, placebo patients switched to VA; 23 patients continued receiving VA in compassionate-use/follow-on studies and were evaluated in the extension phase [last observation (LO)]. Co-primary endpoints were changes in serum oligosaccharide (S-oligo) and in the 3-min stair-climb test (3MSCT).ResultsMean relative change in S-oligo in the VA arm was −77.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) −81.6 to −72.8] at week 52 andu2009−62.9% (95% CI −85.8 to −40.0) at LO; mean relative change in the placebo arm was −24.1% (95% CI −40.3 to −3.6) at week 52 andu2009−55.7% (95% CI −76.4 to −34.9) at LO after switch to active treatment. Mean relative change in 3MSCT at week 52 was −1.1% (95% CI −9.0 to 7.6) andu2009−u2009% (95% CI −13.4 to 6.5) for VA and placebo, respectively. At LO, the mean relative change was 3.9% (95% CI −5.5 to 13.2) in the VA arm and 9.0% (95% CI −10.3 to 28.3) in placebo patients after switch to active treatment. Similar improvement pattern was observed in secondary parameters. A post hoc analysis investigated whether some factors at baseline could account for treatment outcome; none of those factors were predictive of the response to VA, besides age.ConclusionsThese findings support the utility of VA for the treatment of AM, with more evident benefit over time and when treatment is started in the paediatric age.

Uso de azúcares y edulcorantes en la alimentación del niño. Recomendaciones del Comité de Nutrición de la Asociación Española de Pediatría

The term «sweetener» refers to a food additive that imparts a sweet flavour and usually provides no or very low energy. It is used to sweeten foods, medicines and food supplements with no nutritional purposes. For years, no-calorie sweeteners have been used as substitutes for all or part of the sugar content in foods and beverages. In recent decades its consumption has risen to prevent tooth decay, or as an aid in weight control, obesity and diabetes and, in general, to achieve an optimal energy balance. However, consumption of sugary or sweetened food and soft drinks is high, making this situation of special interest in calorie intake and in the poor behavioural pattern of eating habits in children. In addition, questions remain among consumers about the risks to health associated with their use, whether they are artificial or natural. The «artificial sweeteners» are the group of greatest interest in research in order to demonstrate their safety and to provide firm data on their possible therapeutic effects. The aim of the present document is to increase information for paediatricians on the characteristics of different sweeteners, and to advise on the choice of sweeteners, based on their properties.

Prepubertal children with a history of extra-uterine growth restriction exhibit low-grade inflammation.

Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) may induce significant metabolic and inflammatory anomalies, increasing the risk of obesity and CVD later in life. Similarly, alterations in the adipose tissue may lead to metabolic changes in children with a history of extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR). These mechanisms may induce alterations in immune response during early life. The aim of the present study was to compare pro-inflammatory markers in prepubertal EUGR children with those in a reference population. A total of thirty-eight prepubertal children with a history of EUGR and a reference group including 123 healthy age- and sex-matched children were selected. Perinatal data were examined. In the prepubertal stage, the concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were measured in both groups. The serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma concentrations of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein type 1 (MCP-1), neural growth factor, TNF-α and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 were determined. The plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers CRP, HGF, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-α were higher in the EUGR group than in the reference group (P< 0·001). After adjustment for gestational age, birth weight and length, blood pressure values and TNF-α concentrations remained higher in the EUGR group than in the reference group. Therefore, further investigations should be conducted in EUGR children to evaluate the potential negative impact of metabolic, nutritional and pro-inflammatory changes induced by the EUGR condition.

Study on the nutritional status and feeding habits in school-children in Madrid City (Spain) during the economic crisis

INTRODUCTIONnthe recent economic and financial crisis has affected most Western countries, especially families of low socioeconomic classes.xa0We speculate that worsening of socioeconomic condition associated with the crisis would increase obesity, mainly in disadvantaged families.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSncross-sectional study of the 290,111 children aged three to 12 years old attending public school during the termxa02014-2015 in Madrid City, by means of a stratified weighted sample randomly chosen, taking into account age (grade), city district and schools. The questionnaire included weight and height (auto-reported), dietary report (weekly frequency of intake), as well as socioeconomic variables.nnnRESULTSn1,208 questionnaires were evaluated from 64 classes. Half of participants were boys; 42% were younger than five years old, 35% werebetween six and eight years old, and 23% older than eight. Undernutrition was present in 5.0%, and excess of weight (overweight + obesity) inxa036.7%. Undernutrition was higher in children under the age of six (9.1%). No relationship was found between undernutrition and the characteristicsxa0of the families but was slightly higher in families where both parents were unemployed. Excess of weight was higher in children of non-Spaniardxa0parents (44% vs 32%, p < 0.0001), as well as in those families with economic problems (41% vs 31%, p = 0.0005). Only for meat, grains andxa0dairy, the weekly intake was close to the recommendations.nnnCONCLUSIONSnchildren from lower income households were at a higher risk of being overweight compared with their peers. Participation in axa0school-based food aid program may reduce food insecurity for children and their families.

Evaluation of the vasoactive-inotropic score, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin and cardiac troponin I as predictors of low cardiac output syndrome in children after congenital heart disease surgery

OBJECTIVEnTo determine the predictive value of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) in low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in children after congenital heart disease surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to establish whether mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), associated to the IS and VIS scores, increases the predictive capacity in LCOS.nnnDESIGNnA prospective observational study was carried out.nnnSETTINGnA Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.nnnPATIENTSnA total of 117children with congenital heart disease underwent CPB. Patients were divided into two groups: LCOS and non-LCOS.nnnINTERVENTIONSnThe clinical and analytical data were recorded at 2, 12, 24 and 48h post-CPB. Logistic regression was used to develop a risk prediction model using LCOS as dependent variable.nnnMAIN OUTCOME MEASURESnLCOS, IS, VIS, MR-proADM, cTn-I, age, sex, CPB time, PIM-2, Aristotle score.nnnRESULTSnWhile statistical significance was not recorded for IS in the multivariate analysis, VIS was seen to be independently associated to LCOS. On the other hand, VIS>15.5 at 2h post-CPB, adjusted for age and CPB timepoints, showed high specificity (92.87%; 95%CI: 86.75-98.96) and increased negative predictive value (75.59%, 95%CI: 71.1-88.08) for the diagnosis of LCOS at 48h post-CPB. The predictive power for LCOS did not increase when VIS was combined with cTn-I >14ng/ml at 2h and MR-proADM >1.5nmol/l at 24h post-CPB.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe VIS score at 2h post-CPB was identified as an independent early predictor of LCOS. This predictive value was not increased when associated with LCOS cardiac biomarkers. The VIS score was more useful than IS post-CPB in making early therapeutic decisions in clinical practice post-CPB.