Increase in acute mastoiditis at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

Common respiratory infections were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to general protective and hygiene measures. The gradual withdrawal of these non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) was associated with a notable increase in these infections, particularly in pediatric and adult otorhinolaryngology. The aim of this retrospective monocentric study was to evaluate the impact of NPI during the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and severity of acute mastoiditis (AM).

METHODS

Pre-pandemic clinical data of AM cases from 2011 to 2019 were compared with infection counts from January 2020 to June 2023 for seasonal periodicity, age-specific differences, pathogens, and complication rates in a German third-level hospital.

RESULTS

Out of 196 patients with AM 133 were children, the majority between 1 and 5 years of age. Complications of AM, such as meningitis, brain abscess, and sinus vein thrombosis, were more common in adults (87%) than in children (17%). Morbidity and mortality rates were similar before, during and after the pandemic. Pneumococci were the most common pathogen in both age groups, with a post-pandemic cumulation of Streptococcus pyogenes infections in children. While pre-pandemic cases clustered in spring, seasonality was absent in all age groups during the main phase of the pandemic. The cessation of NPI caused a steep rise in AM cases in both age groups starting from December 2022.

CONCLUSION

NPI during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the incidence of AM. Their reversal led to a substantial increase in the incidence of AM during the post-pandemic period, which may be due to a general increase in viral respiratory infections and an insufficiently trained immune system.

Health care utilisation of asylum seekers and refugees in the South-West of Germany

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence on utilisation of health care by recently arrived asylum seekers and refugees in high-income countries is available. This study aims to describe the implementation of an integrated care facility (ICF) in an initial reception centre and measure the utilisation of care and the influence of operational parameters.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study design, using medical records, we followed inhabitants of a reception centre in Germany between 11.10.2015 and 30.05.2018. We assessed frequency of visits and revisits to a newly established integrated care facility (ICF), and the effects of the ICF on visits to the local emergency department (LED) in the regional tertiary hospital using survival analysis and time series regression. We also explore the influence of operational parameters on the different implementation phases; phase 1: provisional clinic with 1-2 hours of physician presence daily, phase 2: implementation of ICF with 2-4 hours of care by a team of doctors and nurses daily, phase 3: routine running of ICF with daily operational hours of 10am-2pm with care provided by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and nurses.

RESULTS

14,419 total medical visits were recorded from 1,883 persons seeking health care in the ICF. The absolute number of visits per day remained similar over the study period (19·9/day), yet the relative number of visits changed from 2·2 to 15 per 100 inhabitants from phase 2 to 3, respectively. Most visits were due to respiratory infections (612/3080, 20%), and trauma and musculoskeletal conditions (441/3080, 14%). The rate of revisits to ICF was 2·9 per person per month (95%CI 2·9-3), more for those older, female, from North Africa and those with a translator present. The ratio of visits to the LED changed from 0·3/100 inhabitants per day to 0·14/100 inhabitants after implementation of the ICF and back to 0·3/100 inhabitants during the routine running.

CONCLUSIONS

Though seasonal variation and referral practices must be considered, a high rate of revisits to the ICF were recorded. While visits to the LED decreased after the implementation of the ICF, visits returned to the pre-ICF levels during the routine running of the ICF. The results show that AS&R require reliable access to health care, yet the needs of specific groups of migrants may be different, especially those with language barriers, minority groups or those from certain regions. As such, care should be migrant sensitive and adapt to the changing needs of the population. Though more research is required to better understand the differing needs of migrants, this study may help to inform guidelines surrounding migrant sensitive standards of care in Germany.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab in patients with monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: results from the interim analysis of the RELIANCE registry

OBJECTIVE

Interim analysis of the RELIANCE registry, an on-going, non-interventional, open-label, multicentre, prospective study evaluating the long-term safety, dosing regimens and effectiveness of canakinumab in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), tumour-necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) or mevalonate-kinase deficiency (MKD)/hyperimmunoglobulin-D syndrome (HIDS).

METHODS

From September 2017 for patients with CAPS, and June 2018 for patients with FMF, TRAPS or MKD/HIDS, the registry enrolled paediatric (aged ≥2 years) and adult patients (aged ≥18 years) receiving canakinumab as part of their routine medical care. Safety, canakinumab dose, disease activity and quality of life outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and every 6 months until end of study visit.

RESULTS

At the analysis cut-off date (December 2020), 168 patients (91 CAPS, 54 FMF, 16 TRAPS and 7 MKD/HIDS) were enrolled. 85 (50.9%) patients were female and 72 (43.1%) were children (<18 years). The median patient age was 20.0 years (range 2.0-79.0 years). In the CAPS cohort, serious infections and serious adverse drug-reactions were more common in patients receiving higher than the recommended starting dose (SD) of canakinumab. A trend to receive >SD of canakinumab was observed in the pooled population. The majority of patients were reported as having either absent or mild/moderate disease activity (physician's global assessment) from baseline to Month 30, with a stable proportion of patients (~70%) in remission under canakinumab treatment. Patient-reported disease activity (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Autoinflammatory Disease Activity Index), fatigue (VAS); markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) remained well-controlled throughout.

CONCLUSION

Data from this analysis confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of canakinumab for the treatment of CAPS, FMF, TRAPS and MKD/HIDS.

Immune-epithelial cell cross-talk enhances antiviral responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 in children

The risk of developing severe COVID-19 rises dramatically with age. Schoolchildren are significantly less likely than older people to die from SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this age-dependence are unknown. In primary infections, innate immunity is critical due to the lack of immune memory. Children, in particular, have a significantly stronger interferon response due to a primed state of their airway epithelium. In single-cell transcriptomes of nasal turbinates, we find increased frequencies of immune cells and stronger cytokine-mediated interactions with epithelial cells, resulting in increased epithelial expression of viral sensors (RIG-I, MDA5) via IRF1. In vitro, adolescent peripheral blood mononuclear cells produce more cytokines, priming A549 cells for stronger interferon responses to SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, our findings suggest that increased numbers of immune cells in the airways of children and enhanced cytokine-based interactions with epithelial cells tune the setpoint of the epithelial antiviral system. Our findings shed light on the molecular basis of children's remarkable resistance to COVID-19 and may suggest a novel concept for immunoprophylactic treatments.

Live-virus neutralization of the omicron variant in children and adults 14 months after SARS-CoV-2 wild-type infection

Data on cross-neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant more than one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection are urgently needed, especially in children, to predict the likelihood of reinfection and to guide vaccination strategies. In a prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated live-virus neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron (BA.1) variant in children compared with adults 14 months after mild or asymptomatic wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also evaluated immunity to reinfection conferred by previous infection plus COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. We studied 36 adults and 34 children 14 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. While 94% of unvaccinated adults (16/17) and children (32/34) neutralized the delta (B.1.617.2) variant, only 1/17 (5.9%) unvaccinated adults, 0/16 (0%) adolescents and 5/18 (27.8%) children <12 years of age had neutralizing activity against omicron (BA.1). In convalescent adults, one or two doses of mRNA vaccine increased delta and omicron neutralization 32-fold, similar to a third mRNA vaccination in uninfected adults. Neutralization of omicron was 8-fold lower than that of delta in both groups. In conclusion, our data indicate that humoral immunity induced by previous SARS-CoV-2 wild-type infection more than 1 year ago is insufficient to neutralize the current immune escape omicron variant. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Serum neutralizing capacity and T-cell response against the omicron BA.1 variant in seropositive children and their parents one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Introduction

Durability of immune protection against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 remains enigmatic, especially in the pediatric population and in the context of immune-evading variants of concern. Obviously, this knowledge is required for measures to contain the spread of infection and in selecting rational preventive measures.

Methods

Here, we investigated the serum neutralization capacity of 36 seropositive adults and 34 children approximately one year after infection with the ancestral Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 by using a pseudovirus neutralization assay.

Results

We found that 88.9% of seropositive adult (32/36) and 94.1% of seropositive children (32/34) convalescents retained the neutralizing activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain (WT). Although, the neutralization effect against Omicron BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1) was significantly lower, 70.6% (24/34) of children and 41.7% (15/36) of adults possessed BA.1 cross-neutralizing antibodies. The spike 1 (S1)-specific T cell recall capacity using an activation-induced marker assay was analyzed in 18 adults and 16 children. All participants had detectable S1-specific CD4 T cells against WT, and 72.2% (13/18) adults and 81,3% (13/16) children had detectable S1 WT-specific CD8 T cells. CD4 cross-reactivity against BA.1 was demonstrated in all investigated adults (18/18), and 66.7% (12/18) adult participants had also detectable specific CD8 BA.1 T cells while we detected BA.1 S1 reactive CD4 and CD8 T cells in 81.3% (13/16) children.

Discussion

Together, our findings demonstrate that infection with the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 in children as well as in adults induces robust serological as well as T cell memory responses that persist over at least 12 months. This suggests persistent immunological memory and partial cross-reactivity against Omicron BA.1.

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI in pediatric patients with synovitis of the knee joint: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing synovial inflammation by administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents is limited by invasiveness and possible side effects, especially in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE

We investigated diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging compared to contrast-enhanced MRI for detecting synovitis of the knee in a population of pediatrics and young adults. In addition we compared quantitative measures of synovial diffusion and perfusion to a group of healthy volunteers.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 8 pediatric patients with 10 symptomatic knees (6 girls and 2 boys, mean age 13 years) with known or suspected synovitis underwent pre- and post-contrast 3.0 T MRI of the knee joint and additional DWI sequences between October 2016 and July 2019. For comparison we enrolled 5 healthy young adults (2 women and 3 men, median age 27 years) with contrast-free MRI of both knees. Post-contrast T1w images and DWI images at b = 1000s/mm² with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of patients were separately rated by two independent and blinded readers with different levels of experience for the presence or absence and degree of synovitis along with the level of confidence. We measured signal intensity on DWI of synovium, joint effusion and muscle with regions of interests and calculated the IVIM-parameters tissue diffusion coefficient (D) and perfusion fraction (f) for patients and volunteers.

RESULTS

All patients showed at least some synovial contrast enhancement, 8 (80%) children knees were diagnosed with synovitis on contrast-enhanced (= ce)-T1w, the diagnostic standard. Ratings by the first and second reader on ce-T1w and DWI showed full agreement (kappa = 1) in diagnosing synovitis and substantial agreement (k = 0,655) for the degree of synovial enhancement. Interobserver agreement on DWI showed fair agreement (k = 0,220) between both readers. Diagnostic confidence was lower on DWI. Mean D- and f-values of muscle was comparable between patients and volunteers. Effusion mean D was higher, mean f was lower, synovial mean D was lower, mean f higher in patients than in volunteers. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Diffusion-weighted MRI with IVIM imaging remains a promising, though reader-dependent alternative to i.v. contrast-enhanced imaging in pediatric patients to reliably diagnose, or rule out, synovitis of the knee joint. We detected significantly restricted synovial diffusion and increased perfusion in patients compared to healthy volunteers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethical Comitee University Hospital Ulm, Nr. 320/16.

Long COVID symptoms in exposed and infected children, adolescents and their parents one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A prospective observational cohort study

Background

Long COVID in children and adolescents remains poorly understood due to a lack of well-controlled studies with long-term follow-up. In particular, the impact of the family context on persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unknown. We examined long COVID symptoms in a cohort of infected children, adolescents, and adults and their exposed but non-infected household members approximately 1 year after infection and investigated clustering of persistent symptoms within households.

Methods

1267 members of 341 households (404 children aged <14 years, 140 adolescents aged 14-18 years and 723 adults) were categorized as having had either a SARS-CoV-2 infection or household exposure to SARS-CoV-2 without infection, based on three serological assays and history of laboratory-confirmed infection. Participants completed questionnaires assessing the presence of long COVID symptoms 11-12 months after infection in the household using online questionnaires.

Findings

The prevalence of moderate or severe persistent symptoms was statistically significantly higher in infected than in exposed women (36.4% [95% CI: 30.7–42.4%] vs 14.2% [95% CI: 8.7–21.5%]), infected men (22.9% [95% CI: 17.9–28.5%] vs 10.3% [95% CI: 5.8–16.9%]) and infected adolescent girls (32.1% 95% CI: 17.2–50.5%] vs 8.9% [95%CI: 3.1–19.8%]). However, moderate or severe persistent symptoms were not statistically more common in infected adolescent boys aged 14–18 (9.7% [95% CI: 2.8–23.6%] or in infected children <14 years (girls: 4.3% [95% CI: 1.2–11.0%]; boys: 3.7% [95% CI: 1.1–9.6%]) than in their exposed counterparts (adolescent boys: 0.0% [95% CI: 0.0–6.7%]; girls < 14 years: 2.3% [95% CI: 0·7–6·1%]; boys < 14 years: 0.0% [95% CI: 0.0–2.0%]). The number of persistent symptoms reported by individuals was associated with the number of persistent symptoms reported by their household members (IRR=1·11, p=·005, 95% CI [1.03–1.20]).

Interpretation

In this controlled, multi-centre study, infected men, women and adolescent girls were at increased risk of negative outcomes 11-12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amongst non-infected adults, prevalence of negative outcomes was also high. Prolonged symptoms tended to cluster within families, suggesting family-level interventions for long COVID could prove useful.

Funding

Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Infektiologische Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge am Beispiel der Ukraine

Hintergrund

Bis Anfang Juni 2022 sind ca. 300.000 Kinder und Jugendliche aus der Ukraine im deutschen Ausländerzentralregister registriert worden.

Die vorliegenden Handlungsempfehlungen sollen die Grundlage für eine evidenzbasierte und zielgerichtete infektiologische Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge am Beispiel der Ukraine schaffen.

Ziele

Die Handlungsempfehlungen sollen medizinisches Personal in der Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge aus der Ukraine unterstützen, um

1. einen unvollständigen Impfschutz frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu vervollständigen;

2. übliche Infektionskrankheiten zu diagnostizieren und zu behandeln;

3. in Deutschland seltene Infektionskrankheiten frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu therapieren.

Material und Methoden

Die Handlungsempfehlungen wurden als durch die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF) koordinierte Leitlinie der Stufe 1 verfasst und an die Situation Flucht aus der Ukraine angepasst.

Die Empfehlungen wurden durch eine repräsentativ zusammengesetzte Expertengruppe der beteiligten Fachgesellschaften im informellen Konsens erarbeitet und final von den Vorständen der Fachgesellschaften offiziell verabschiedet.

Ergebnisse

Es werden Empfehlungen für den Umfang der Anamnese und der körperlichen Untersuchung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge, angepasst an die Situation Flucht aus der Ukraine, ausgesprochen. Für alle minderjährigen Flüchtlinge werden die Bestimmung eines Differenzialblutbilds sowie Untersuchungen auf Tuberkulose, Hepatitis B und C sowie eine Human-Immunodeficiency-Virus(HIV)-Infektion empfohlen.

Zur raschen Vervollständigung des Impfstatus wird eine alters- und Indikationsbezogene Priorisierung einzelner Impfungen vorgenommen.

Diskussion

Angesichts anhaltend hoher Flüchtlingszahlen nicht nur aus der Ukraine ist eine weitere Professionalisierung der medizinischen Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge notwendig. Hierzu sollten die notwendigen strukturellen und personellen Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen werden.

POS0220 LONG-TERM SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CANAKINUMAB IN CRYOPYRIN-ASSOCIATED PERIODIC SYNDROMES – 36-MONTH DATA FROM THE RELIANCE REGISTRY

Background

The cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndromes (CAPS) are hereditary monogenic autoinflammatory diseases with severe systemic and organ inflammation due to increased production of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The subcutaneously administered monoclonal antibody canakinumab (CAN) effectively inhibits IL-1β and results in rapid remission of CAPS symptoms in clinical trials as well as in real-life.

Objectives

The RELIANCE registry is designed to explore long-term safety and effectiveness of CAN under routine clinical practice conditions in pediatric (≥2 years) and adult patients with CAPS, including Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID)/chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA).

Methods

This prospective, non-interventional, observational study with a 3-year follow-up enrolls patients in Germany with clinically confirmed diagnoses of CAPS routinely receiving CAN. In 6-monthly visits, clinical data, physician assessments and patient-reported outcomes are evaluated starting at baseline.

Results

98 CAPS patients (52% female; 15 [15%] NOMID/CINCA subtypes) were enrolled by December 2021 (Table 1). At baseline, median age was 20 years and median duration of prior CAN treatment was 6 years. At the 36 months visit, 74% of patients reached disease remission by physicians´ assessment along with increasing rates of absent disease activity (patient’s assessment, median 2.0 at baseline and 0.0 month 36). In addition, patients reported low levels of fatigue (absent to mild/moderate: 87% at baseline and 95% at month 36). At baseline, CAPS impaired social life in 47% of patients (37% at month 36) and 33% (23% at month 36) reported days off from school/work. Lab parameters were within normal limits. Remission and disease control were sustained as evaluated parameters remained stable or even decreased over time.

Table 1.

Patient and physician assessment of clinical CAPS disease activity and laboratory markers over time.

Baseline12 months36 monthsNumber of patients, N987240Number (%) of patients in disease remission (physician assessment)64 (68)48 (70)28 (74)Patient’s assessment of current disease activity; 0–10, median (min; max)2.0 (0; 7)2.0 (0; 7)0.0 (0; 6)Patient’s assessment of current fatigue; 0–10, median (min; max)3.0 (0; 9)2.0 (0; 8)1.0 (0; 8)Number (%) of patients without impairment of social life by the disease34 (53)35 (65.0)17 (63)CRP (mg/dl) | SAA (mg/dl); median0.1 | 0.30.1 | 0.50.1 | 0.3Number (%) of patients with disease-related symptomsprior to inclusion into the study | at baseline12 months36 monthsFever75 (80) | 14 (15)19 (28)4 (11)Fatigue84 (89) | 49 (52)36 (52)17 (46)Conjunctivitis/Uveitis63 (67) | 27 (29)21 (30)7 (19)Headache68 (72) | 30 (32)30 (43)9 (24)Arthralgia/arthritis80 (85) | 32 (34)30 (43)14 (38)Impairment of hearing35 (37) | 23 (25)18 (26)11 (30)Trigger (cold, stress, infections, vaccinations, hormones)71 (76) | 32 (34)21 (30)3 (8)SAENumber of eventsIncidence rate* per 100 patient yearsAll types of SAE | SADR63 | 28#25.98 | 11.55

CRP, c-reactive protein; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; n. a., not annotated; SAA, serum amyloid A; SADR, serious adverse drug reaction; SAE, serious adverse event

*Incidence rate = number of events * 36,525 / sum of observation days (=88,558)

#Abdominal pain, Alport’s syndrome, appendicitis, arthralgia, blister, cardiovascular disorder, chest pain, circulatory collapse, dehydration, diplopia, dyspnoea, erythema, febrile convulsion, gastroenteritis, glomerulonephritis, haemophilus test positive, myalgia, oedema, pneumonia, premature delivery, skin discoloration, tonsillectomy, tonsillitis bacterial, tonsillitis streptococcal, vision blurred (all N=1 event), pyrexia (3 events)

Conclusion

The 36-month interim analysis of the RELIANCE study demonstrates that long-term CAN treatment is safe and effective in patients with CAPS, independent of subtype severity.

Disclosure of Interests

J. B. Kuemmerle-Deschner Consultant of: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Birgit Kortus-Goetze Paid instructor for: Novartis, Prasad Oommen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Ales Janda: None declared, Jürgen Rech Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Chugai, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, MSD; Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Chugai, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sobi, Catharina Schuetz: None declared, Tilmann Kallinich Consultant of: Sobi, Novartis, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Frank Weller-Heinemann: None declared, Gerd Horneff Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bayer, Chugai, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Chugai, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Ivan Foeldvari Consultant of: Novartis, Hexal, Medac, Pfizer, Florian Meier Speakers bureau: Novartis, Michael Borte Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Shire, Tobias Krickau Speakers bureau: Novartis, Consultant of: Novartis, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Julia Weber-Arden Employee of: Novartis, Norbert Blank Consultant of: Novartis, Sobi, Lilly, Pfizer, Abbvie, BMS, MSD, Actelion, UCB, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sobi

POS1374 LONG-TERM SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOINFLAMMATORY DISEASES - INTERIM ANALYSIS OF THE RELIANCE REGISTRY

Background

Autoinflammatory diseases (AID) are characterized by severe systemic and organ inflammation as well as high burden of disease for patients and their families. Treatment with the monoclonal antibody canakinumab (CAN), an interleukin-1β inhibitor, has been proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials and real-life.

Objectives

The present study explores the long-term efficacy and safety of CAN in routine clinical practice conditions in pediatric (age ≥2 years) and adult patients with CAPS (cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes), FMF (familial Mediterranean fever), TRAPS (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome) and HIDS/MKD (hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome/mevalonate kinase deficiency).

Methods

RELIANCE is a prospective, non-interventional, observational study based in Germany. Patients with clinically confirmed diagnoses of AID routinely receiving CAN are enrolled. Besides efficacy parameters regarding disease activity and remission, safety parameters were recorded at baseline and assessed at 6-monthly intervals.

Results

Here, we present the interim analysis of patients with AID (N=199) enrolled in the RELIANCE Registry between October 2017 and December 2021. Mean age in this cohort was 24.4 years (2–79 years) and the proportion of female patients was 53% (N=104). At baseline, median duration of prior CAN treatment was 2 years (0–12 years).

A total of 123 patients (62%) experienced any AE (N=653) among which nasopharyngitis, increase of inflammatory markers and pyrexia were the most frequent AE with incidence rates per 100 patient years (IR) of 8.3, 6.2, and 6.2, respectively.

29 patients (15%) were affected by severe AE (SAE, total number N=90) including 11 patients (6%) with SAE suspected to be drug-related (SADR; total number N=30) with IR from 0.2 to 0.7 (Table 1). Overall, 16 AE comprised upper respiratory tract infections (URI). One death (COVID-19, not related) and one malignancy (skin papilloma, not related) were reported. No vertigo and no hypersensitivity reactions were observed. N=10 (IR 2.36) vaccination reactions were reported (no SAE).

Table 1.

Overview of the CAN safety data of the RELIANCE study across all study indications (N=199 patients).

Type of eventNumber of eventsIR‡AE total653154.43AE non-serious563133.15AE, non-serious, not related31774.97AE, URI163.78AE, non-serious adverse drug reaction24658.18SAE, total9021.28SAE, not related6014.19SADR#, total307.09

#Abdominal pain; Alport’s syndrome, appendicitis, arthralgia, blister, cardiovascular disorder, chest pain, circulatory collapse, dehydration, diplopia, dyspnoea, erythema, febrile convulsion, gastroenteritis, glomerulonephritis, Haemophilus test positive, myalgia, oedema, pneumonia, premature delivery, skin discoloration, tachycardia, tonsillitis bacterial, tonsillitis streptococcal, vision blurred (each n=1 event, IR 0.24‡), tonsillectomy (2 events, IR 0.47‡), pyrexia (3 events, IR 0.71‡), not yet coded (hospital admission due to exsiccosis upon gastroenteritis, 1 event, IR 0.35‡)

‡IR, incidence rate per 100 patient years; AE, adverse event; URI, upper respiratory tract infection; SAE, severe adverse event, SADR, severe adverse drug reaction

Incidence rate = number of events * 36,525 / sum of observation days (=154,442)

Conclusion

The interim data from the RELIANCE study, the longest running real-life canakinumab registry, confirm safety of long-term canakinumab treatment across the entire study population. A trend for dose-related increase of SAE/SADR requires continuous close monitoring and awareness in patient groups (children, severe phenotypes, certain genotypes) requiring greater than standard dose treatment regimens.

Disclosure of Interests

J. B. Kuemmerle-Deschner Consultant of: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Jörg Henes Consultant of: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Roche, Janssen, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Roche, Birgit Kortus-Goetze Consultant of: Novartis, Tilmann Kallinich Consultant of: Sobi, Novartis, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Prasad Oommen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Jürgen Rech Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Chugai, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, MSD; Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Chugai, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi, UCB, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sobi, Tobias Krickau Speakers bureau: Novartis, Consultant of: Novartis, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Frank Weller-Heinemann: None declared, Gerd Horneff Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bayer, Chugai, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Chugai, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Ales Janda: None declared, Ivan Foeldvari Consultant of: Novartis, Hexal, Medac, Pfizer, Catharina Schuetz: None declared, Frank Dressler Consultant of: Abbvie, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Michael Borte Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Shire, Markus Hufnagel Consultant of: Novartis and SOBI, Florian Meier Speakers bureau: Novartis, Michael Fiene: None declared, Julia Weber-Arden Employee of: Novartis, Norbert Blank Consultant of: Novartis, Sobi, Lilly, Pfizer, Abbvie, BMS, MSD, Actelion, UCB, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sobi

POS0221 LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH TRAPS (TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTOR-ASSOCIATED PERIODIC SYNDROME) – INTERIM ANALYSIS OF THE RELIANCE REGISTRY

Background

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is a rare hereditary autoinflammatory disease characterized by periodic fever as well as severe systemic and organ inflammation. Successful treatment was achieved with the interleukin-1β inhibitor canakinumab (CAN) in a pivotal phase 3 study, in which 45% of patients reached clinical remission after 16 weeks (primary endpoint)1. CAN has been approved and applied for the treatment of TRAPS patients since 20172.

Objectives

The present study explores the long-term efficacy and safety of CAN under routine clinical practice conditions in pediatric (age ≥2 years) and adult TRAPS patients.

Methods

RELIANCE is a prospective, non-interventional, multi-center, observational study based in Germany. Patients with clinically confirmed diagnosis of TRAPS who routinely receive CAN are enrolled in order to evaluate efficacy and safety of CAN under standard clinical practice conditions at baseline and at 6-monthly intervals.

Results

The interim analysis of TRAPS patients enrolled by December 2021 includes baseline (N=19, 1 patient with atypical TRAPS) and preliminary 24-month data. Of these patients, N=12 (63%) were females and median age at baseline was 16 years (3–43 years).

Preliminary results indicate stable remission by physicians´ assessment and laboratory parameters. Disease control by patients´ assessment showed no major changes over time (Table 1). In total, N=7 adverse drug reactions where observed, of which none was classified as severe.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics and interim analysis data of patients with TRAPS.

Baseline(N=19)12 months(N=15)24 months(N=8)Number (%) of patients in disease remission (physician assessment)9 (53)11 (79)4 (67)Physician assessment of disease activity, percentage of absent/mild-moderate/severe rating35 / 59 / 057 / 36 / 767 / 33 / 0Patient´s assessment of current disease activity; 0–10, median (min; max)1.5 (0; 8)1.0 (0; 6)0 (0; 7)Patient´s assessment of current fatigue; 0–10, median (min; max)1.0 (0; 8)1.0 (0; 8)0 (0; 8)Number (%) of patients without impairment of social life by the disease5 (56)4 (44)2 (100)Number (%) of patients with days absent from work/school during last 6 months8 (44)6 (40)1 (14)CRP, median (mg/dl)0.20.10.2SAA, median (mg/dl)0.50.40.4ESR, median (mm/h)7.05.56.0SAENumber of eventsIncidence rate# per 100 patient yearsAll types of SAE924.2SADR00.0

CRP, c-reactive protein; SAA, serum amyloid A; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; #Numbers/percentage do not sum up to N=19/100%, due to unknown weight of some patients

Conclusion

Baseline characteristics and interim data of TRAPS patients are available from the RELIANCE study. Further interim and end-of-study data will be analyzed to assess efficacy and safety of long-term treatment as well as dosing effects in TRAPS patients.

References

[1]De Benedetti F, et al. Canakinumab for the treatment of autoinflammatory recurrent fever syndromes. N Engl J Med 2018;378:1908–19

[2]Ilaris, INN-canakinumab (europa.eu)

Disclosure of Interests

Norbert Blank Consultant of: Novartis, Sobi, Lilly, Pfizer, Abbvie, BMS, MSD, Actelion, UCB, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sobi, Catharina Schuetz: None declared, Jörg Henes Consultant of: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Roche, Janssen, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Roche, Tilmann Kallinich Consultant of: Sobi, Novartis, Roche, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Prasad Oommen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Michael Borte Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Shire, Markus Hufnagel Grant/research support from: Novartis, Ales Janda: None declared, Julia Weber-Arden Employee of: Novartis, J. B. Kuemmerle-Deschner Consultant of: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi, Grant/research support from: Novartis, AbbVie, Sobi

Aktualisierte Empfehlungen zur infektiologischen Versorgung von Flüchtlingen im Kindes- und Jugendalter in Deutschland (Stand 30. März 2022), angemeldet als S1-Leitlinie (AWMF-Register Nr. 048-017)

Hintergrund

Mit etwa 190.000 Asylanträgen im Jahr 2021 ist Deutschland das wichtigste Aufnahmeland von Asylsuchenden in Europa.

Die vorliegenden Handlungsempfehlungen sollen eine Grundlage für eine evidenzbasierte und zielgerichtete infektiologische Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge schaffen.

Ziele

Die Handlungsempfehlungen sollen medizinisches Personal in der Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge unterstützen, um

1. einen unvollständigen Impfschutz frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu vervollständigen;

2. übliche Infektionskrankheiten zu diagnostizieren und zu behandeln;

3. in Deutschland seltene Infektionskrankheiten frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu therapieren.

Material und Methoden

Die Handlungsempfehlungen wurden als AWMF-Leitlinie Stufe 1 verfasst.

Entsprechend wurden die Empfehlungen durch eine repräsentativ zusammengesetzte Expertengruppe der beteiligten Fachgesellschaften im informellen Konsens erarbeitet und final von den Vorständen der Fachgesellschaften offiziell verabschiedet.

Ergebnisse

Es werden Empfehlungen ausgesprochen, für den Umfang der Anamnese und der körperlichen Untersuchung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge. Für alle minderjährigen Flüchtlinge werden die Bestimmung eines Differenzialblutbildes sowie Untersuchungen auf Tuberkulose und Hepatitis B empfohlen.

Je nach Herkunft und Alter werden weitere gezielte Untersuchungen z. B. auf Hepatitis C, HIV oder Schistosomiasis empfohlen. Zur raschen Vervollständigung des Impfstatus wird eine alters- und indikationsbezogene Priorisierung einzelner Impfungen vorgenommen.

Diskussion

Angesichts anhaltend hoher Flüchtlingszahlen ist eine weitere Professionalisierung der medizinischen Versorgung minderjähriger Flüchtlinge notwendig. Hierzu sollten die notwendigen strukturellen und personellen Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen werden.

Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Households with Children, Southwest Germany, May-August 2020

Resolving the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in households with members from different generations is crucial for containing the current pandemic. We conducted a large-scale, multicenter, cross-sectional seroepidemiologic household transmission study in southwest Germany during May 11-August 1, 2020. We included 1,625 study participants from 405 households that each had ≥1 child and 1 reverse transcription PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected index case-patient. The overall secondary attack rate was 31.6% and was significantly higher in exposed adults (37.5%) than in children (24.6%-29.2%; p = <0.015); the rate was also significantly higher when the index case-patient was >60 years of age (72.9%; p = 0.039). Other risk factors for infectiousness of the index case-patient were SARS-CoV-2-seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 27.8, 95% CI 8.26-93.5), fever (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.14-3.31), and cough (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.21-3.53). Secondary infections in household contacts generate a substantial disease burden.

Imaging in non-bacterial osteomyelitis in children and adolescents: diagnosis, differential diagnosis and follow-up-an educational review based on a literature survey and own clinical experiences

Background

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone disorder affecting children and adolescents. Previously classified as a rare disease, recent studies suggest a higher incidence of the disease. CNO may develop into the clinical presentation of chronic recurrent osteomyelitis (CRMO) with high relapse rate and multifocality.

Main body

Diagnosis of CNO/CRMO is often delayed, with implications for disease severity and relapse rate. This can be significantly improved by knowledge of the disease entity and its characteristics. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has several advantages compared to other imaging methods and is increasingly applied in clinical studies. Recent studies show that a whole-body (WB) coverage (WB-MRI) without contrast agent administration is a rational approach. This educational review is based on a systematic analysis of international peer-reviewed articles and presents our own clinical experiences. It provides an overview of disease entity, incidence and clinical diagnosis. The role of imaging, especially of whole-body MRI, is discussed in detail. Finally, practical advice for imaging, including flowcharts explaining when and how to apply imaging, is provided.

Conclusion

Knowing the specifics of CNO/CRMO and the importance of MRI/whole-body MRI allows rapid and efficient diagnosis as well as therapy support and helps to avoid irreversible secondary damage.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and Their Parents in Southwest Germany

Importance

School and daycare closures were enforced as measures to confine the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, based on the assumption that young children may play a key role in severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread. Given the grave consequences of contact restrictions for children, a better understanding of their contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic is of great importance.

Objective

To describe the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children aged 1 to 10 years, compared with a corresponding parent of each child, in a population-based sample.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This large-scale, multicenter, cross-sectional investigation (the COVID-19 BaWü study) enrolled children aged 1 to 10 years and a corresponding parent between April 22 and May 15, 2020, in southwest Germany.

Exposures

Potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were infection and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. Participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunofluorescence tests. Discordant results were clarified by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, a second enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or an in-house Luminex-based assay.

Results

This study included 4964 participants: 2482 children (median age, 6 [range, 1-10] years; 1265 boys [51.0%]) and 2482 parents (median age, 40 [range, 23-66] years; 615 men [24.8%]). Two participants (0.04%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was low in parents (1.8% [95% CI, 1.2-2.4%]) and 3-fold lower in children (0.6% [95% CI, 0.3-1.0%]). Among 56 families with at least 1 child or parent with seropositivity, the combination of a parent with seropositivity and a corresponding child with seronegativity was 4.3 (95% CI, 1.19-15.52) times higher than the combination of a parent who was seronegative and a corresponding child with seropositivity. We observed virus-neutralizing activity for 66 of 70 IgG-positive serum samples (94.3%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection during a period of lockdown in southwest Germany was particularly low in children aged 1 to 10 years. Accordingly, it is unlikely that children have boosted the pandemic. This SARS-CoV-2 prevalence study, which appears to be the largest focusing on children, is instructive for how ad hoc mass testing provides the basis for rational political decision-making in a pandemic.

[COVID-19: treatment strategies of German-speaking pediatric rheumatologists : Results of an online survey]

Hintergrund

Zuverlässige Daten zu Verlauf und Therapie von COVID-19 („corona virus disease 2019“) bei Kindern mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen unter Immunsuppression fehlen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Abbildung individueller Strategien der Mitglieder der Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie (GKJR) im Umgang mit COVID-19.

Methodik

Mittels Online-Umfrage wurden im Mai 2020 das Meinungsbild der GKJR-Mitglieder zum Umgang mit DMARDs („disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs“) bei COVID-19-Erkrankung sowie die Bereitschaft zum Einsatz spezieller Therapieansätze bei Patienten mit unterschiedlicher Schwere von COVID-19 erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Es nahmen 71 Kollegen (27,3 % aller befragten ärztlichen Mitglieder) an der Umfrage teil; davon hatten 28,2 % bereits Patienten mit COVID-19 betreut. Über 95 % der Teilnehmer lehnten eine präventive Anpassung der antirheumatischen Therapie im Rahmen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie ab. Bei ambulanten Patienten unter Immunsuppression mit nachgewiesener COVID-19-Erkrankung würden mehr als 50 % der Teilnehmer folgende Therapien aussetzen: intravenöse hoch dosierte Steroide, Cyclophosphamid, Anti-CD20-Antikörper, sowie eine BAFF-, CTLA-4-, TNF-α-Blockade. Hingegen würden nichtsteroidale Antiphlogistika, Hydroxychloroquin (HCQ), orale Steroide, Mycophenolat, IL-1-Blockade sowie Immunglobuline (Ig) von >70 % der Kollegen weiter fortgeführt. Bei stationären Patienten mit COVID-19 würden insgesamt 74,6 % der Kollegen eine COVID-19-gerichtete Therapie erwägen. Bei stabilem Verlauf unter O₂-Therapie (Stufe I) würden am häufigsten HCQ (18,3 %), Azithromycin (16,9 %) und Ig (9,9 %) in Betracht gezogen. Bei drohendem (Stufe II) bzw. manifestem Zytokinsturm (Stufe III) würden am häufigsten Anakinra (40,8 % bei Stufe II bzw. 46,5 % bei Stufe III), Tocilizumab (26,8 % bzw. 40,8 %), Steroide (25,4 % bzw. 33,8 %) und Remdesivir (29,6 % bzw. 38,0 %) eingesetzt. Von vielen Kollegen wurde betont, dass die Therapiestrategie individuell und der klinischen Situation entsprechend angepasst werden soll.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der Online-Umfrage sind vor dem Hintergrund einer aktuell in Deutschland niedrigen Prävalenz von COVID-19 zu sehen und spiegeln somit theoretische Überlegungen der Befragten wider. Da Kinder derzeit nicht im Fokus von prospektiven COVID-19-Studien stehen, scheint der kontinuierliche und kritische kollegiale Fachaustausch bei Therapieentscheidungen umso wichtiger zu sein.

Loss of B cells and their precursors is the most constant feature of GATA-2 deficiency in childhood myelodysplastic syndrome

GATA-2 deficiency was recently described as common cause of overlapping syndromes of immunodeficiency, lymphedema, familiar myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia. The aim of our study was to analyze bone marrow and peripheral blood samples of children with myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia to define prevalence of the GATA2 mutation and to assess whether mutations in GATA-2 transcription factor exhibit specific immunophenotypic features. The prevalence of a GATA2 mutation in a consecutively diagnosed cohort of children was 14% in advanced forms of myelodysplastic syndrome (refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and myelodysplasia-related acute myeloid leukemia), 17% in refractory cytopenia of childhood, and 0% in aplastic anemia. In GATA-2-deficient cases, we found the most profound B-cell lymphopenia, including its progenitors in blood and bone marrow, which correlated with significantly diminished intronRSS-Kde recombination excision circles in comparison to other myelodysplastic syndrome/aplastic anemia cases. The other typical features of GATA-2 deficiency (monocytopenia and natural killer cell lymphopenia) were less discriminative. In conclusion, we suggest screening for GATA2 mutations in pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome, preferentially in patients with impaired B-cell homeostasis in bone marrow and peripheral blood (low number of progenitors, intronRSS-Kde recombination excision circles and naïve cells).

X-linked agammaglobulinemia in community-acquired pneumonia cases revealed by immunoglobulin level screening at hospital admission

In children with primary immunodeficiencies, the onset of symptoms precedes the diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment by months or years. This delay in diagnosis is due to the fact that while these disorders are rare, some of the infections seen in immunodeficient patients are common. Defective antibody production represents the largest group among these disorders, with otitis, sinusitis and pneumonia as the most frequent initial manifestation. We performed a prospective study of humoral immunity in children hospitalized due to community-acquired pneumonia in tertiary care hospital. Out of 254 patients (131 boys, 123 girls, median age 4.5 years) recruited over 3 years, we found 2 boys (age 11 and 21 months) lacking serum immunoglobulins and circulating B cells. Subsequent genetic analysis confirmed diagnosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Despite their immunodeficiency, the pneumonia was uncomplicated in both patients and did not call for immunological evaluation. However, the immunoglobulin screening at admission allowed for an early diagnosis of the immunodeficiency and timely initiation of immunoglobulin substitution, the key prerequisite for a favorable course of the disease.Simple and inexpensive immuno-globulin measurement during the manage-ment of hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia may help in early identification of patients with compromised humoral immunity and prevent serious complications.

Clinical and immunological overlap between autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and common variable immunodeficiency

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is mainly caused by defects in the CD95 pathway. Raised CD3+TCRαβ+CD4-CD8- double negative T cells and impaired T cell apoptosis are hallmarks of the disease. In contrast, the B cell compartment has been less well studied. We found an altered distribution of B cell subsets with raised transitional B cells and reduced marginal zone B cells, switched memory B cells and plasma blasts in most of 22 analyzed ALPS patients. Moreover, 5 out of 66 ALPS patients presented with low IgG and susceptibility to infection revealing a significant overlap between ALPS and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). In patients presenting with lymphoproliferation, cytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired B cell differentiation, serum biomarkers were helpful in addition to apoptosis tests for the identification of ALPS patients. Our observations may indicate a role for apoptosis defects in some diseases currently classified as CVID.

Flow-rate fluctuations in the outpouring of grains from a two-dimensional silo

We present experimental results obtained with a two-dimensional silo discharging under gravity through an orifice at the flat bottom. High-speed measurements provide enough time resolution to detect every single bead that goes out and this allows the measurement of the flow rate in short-time windows. Two different regimes are clearly distinguished: one for large orifices, which can be described by Gaussian fluctuations, and another for small orifices, in which extreme events appear. The frontier between those two regimes coincides with the outlet size below which jamming events are frequent. Moreover, it is shown that the power spectrum of the flow-rate oscillations is not dominated by any particular frequency.

Prolonged impairment of polymorphonuclear cells functions in one infant with transient zinc deficiency: a case report

BACKGROUND

Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system. The zinc deficiency diminishes antibody- and cell-mediated responses in man. Lymphopenia and thymic atrophy are usually the early hallmarks of zinc deficiency. Surprisingly, only scarce data are available about polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) functions in infants with zinc deficiency. We present the results of immunological analyses in one infant with transient zinc deficiency due to decreased zinc concentration in mother milk resulting in severe lactogenic acrodermatitis enteropathica.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Nine repeated examination of oxidative burst of PMNs and immunoglobulin levels using nitroblue tetrazolium dye test, chemiluminescence, flow cytometry and nephelometry were performed in the infant with severe zinc deficiency during 28 months period.

RESULTS

The unusual prolonged but transient impairment of PMNs respiratory burst accompanied with hypogammaglobulinaemia developed since the age of 2.5 months. Dramatic improvement of the skin was observed within days with total resolution of skin lesions on the 9th day of zinc therapy, but decreased PMNs respiratory burst persisted until the age of 23 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that zinc deficiency may lead to prolonged impairment of polymorphonuclear cells functions and hypogammaglobulinaemia.

Evaluation of health care related web resources based on web citation analysis and other quality criteria

Automatic system for ranking of educational health care related web resources based on quality criteria was developed. Automatic retrieval of new web resources from well-known directories followed by their automatic evaluation is a keystone of the system. The system provides this information: a) location of the resource and its author, b) number of back links to the resource, c) checks presence of electronic labels of quality. Currently the system encompasses more than 500 links to educational web resources divided into 47 medical specialities. The resources in all categories are ranked according to their link popularity, the electronic labels of quality are presented. History of link popularity is recorded and might be displayed at every resource. There are 2 language editions. The system operates automatically, the editors check and correct the retrieved values. The described system adds to webcite indexing criteria for objective evaluation of quality of webpages. It is useful for the selection of optimum education resources in health care.

Long-term retention of knowledge after a distance course in medical informatics at Charles University Prague

BACKGROUND

Distance education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor. The electronic distance learning called e-learning has evolved with the development of computer technologies and electronic communication.

PURPOSE

Before setting the distance way of teaching as a standard part of medical schools' curricula, the impact of number of factors on the effectiveness of this way of teaching should be considered.

METHODS

A group of 38 students went through a distance course of medical informatics. The course consisted of 10 lessons. At the end of the course the students sat for a final test that contained 60 multiple-choice test questions. There was always one correct answer. Time limit for test completion was 60 minutes. After 12 months, 31 students from the original group sat for the same test. The topics of the course were not repeated in the meantime. The students were not aware that their knowledge would be tested after 1 year.

RESULTS

The average retention of knowledge expressed as a percentage of the students' performance in the first test was 66.8%. The knowledge retention correlated significantly with the statement "I liked the online course more than the classroom course" and positively with the number of hours spent with the computer weekly.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention of knowledge after the electronic distance course after 12 months is close to 67%. Other results indicate that we can expect better retention of knowledge from independent, responsible, and positively motivated students who can easily operate information technologies.

[Compression of the trachea by a hematoma caused by an internal jugular vein catheter]

In a patient with thrombocytopenia, respiratory obstruction because of a hematoma occurred following internal jugular vein cannulation. This patient recovered completely after surgical intervention. With the following precautions in mind, puncture of the internal jugular vein in patients with coagulopathies has a high success rate and does not result in severe complications: Internal jugular vein cannulation by an experienced physician; optimal conditions for puncture by increasing venous pressure and diameter with slight Trendelenburg position and Valsalva maneuver in patients with spontaneous breathing, or positive end-expiratory pressure in patients with artificial ventilation; catheter insertion by the Seldinger technique; manual compression of the puncture site for 10-15 min; and vein puncture with ultrasonographic aid if possible.

[Atracurium--increased duration of its effect following alcuronium]

The duration of action of a supplementary dose of Atracurium 0.125 mg/kg after an initial dose of Atracurium 0.5 mg/kg respectively Alcuronium 0.25 mg/kg was investigated in 2 groups of 7 patients each. The average duration of action of Atracurium after Alcuronium (44.62 +/- 9.95 min) was 1.75 times longer than that of Atracurium after Atracurium (25.49 +/- 4.08 min). The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.05). For the clinical application of a combination of Atracurium with Alcuronium, 2 conclusions which might appear contradictory can be considered: 1. the pretreatment with Alcuronium can enhance intentionally the duration of action of Atracurium and spare total dosage of muscle relaxants at the same time. Prompt antagonism of muscle blockade of Atracurium remains unchanged according to our experience. 2. the pretreatment with Alcuronium may be dangerous whenever Atracurium is administered close to the end of the operation because of the possibility of prolonged postoperative muscle relaxation.

[Hypoglycemia caused by lidocaine overdosage]

Hypoglycaemia with manifest clinical symptoms has been observed in four patients with cardiac insufficiency after infiltration of high doses of lidocaine prior to surgery. The depressing influence of lidocaine on blood glucose levels has also been seen in six out of 12 patients to whom a pacemaker was implanted in local anaesthesia. The interaction between hepatic glucose- and lidocaine-metabolism could possibly be responsible for this effect. Therefore the evaluation of blood glucose level and iv. administration of glucose is advisable in patients with systemic toxic reactions following lidocaine overdosage to avoid unnecessary symptomatic therapy.

[Obstruction of bacterial filters in general anesthesia]

3 cases of impaired ventilation during general anaesthesia caused by obstruction of bacterial filters on the expiratory limb of the anaesthesia circuit are reported. For explanation, faulty cleaning procedures or defects by manufacturing of bacterial filters possibly have been responsible for these dangerous complications. Finally, the risks and questionable hygienic efficacy of bacterial filters are discussed.

[Lactate in the diagnosis of acute intestinal vascular occlusions]

The diagnostic value of lactate in acute occlusion of intestinal vessels was investigated in two groups of patients: Group 1 included 86 patients with reconstructions of aorta and intestinal arteries: The lactate-concentrations measured during uncomplicated postoperative course over 24 hours remained within the normal range of 4.31 +/- 1.06 mmol/l. Only in 3 patients with acute postoperative occlusion of intestinal arteries, lactate rose to high pathologic levels up to 59.94 mmol/l. In 10 patients after reconstruction of acute mesenteric artery occlusion the postoperative lactate levels enforced the decision in 9 cases against and in one patient to second look operation. Group 2 included 36 patients with acute abdomen: In 18 patients with intestinal vascular occlusions the mean value of lactate was 7.45 +/- 2.86 mmol/l, in 18 patients without intestinal ischemia lactate was only 1.94 +/- 1.02 mmol/l. The statistical difference is significant. In summary, the results of this study document the reliable value of lactate for the diagnosis of acute occlusions of intestinal vessels during pre- and postoperative course.

[Anesthesia adjacent to the spine in vascular surgery in high-risk patients]

From 1978 to 1982, 515 patients underwent vascular surgery with 230 operations performed under epidural analgesia and 330 operations under spinal anaesthesia. In the case of vascular surgery on the lower limbs epidural analgesia was effective in 168 patients (97.1%) and ineffective in five (2.9%), spinal anaesthesia was effective in 312 patients (98.7%) and ineffective in four (1.3%). Epidural analgesia was effective for vascular surgery on the lower abdomen in 40 patients (70.2%), and inadequate in 17 patients (29.8%), whilst spinal anaesthesia was adequate in 9 patients (64%) and inadequate in 5 patients (36%). Nevertheless, lumbar spinal and epidural analgesia may be the method of choice in high-risk patients undergoing vascular surgery, especially on the lower limbs.

[Lumbar spinal and epidural anesthesia for vascular surgery]

From 1979-1981, a total of 355 high risk patients were scheduled for vascular surgery under lumbar spinal or epidural anaesthesia. 201 patients were given spinal anaesthesia and 140 patients continuous epidural anaesthesia. 14 patients had punction failure. The analgesia for vascular surgery on the lower extremities done under spinal anaesthesia was adequate in 193 patients (98%) and insufficient in only 4 patients (2%). Epidural anaesthesia was adequate for 117 patients (96%) and insufficient in 5 (4%). The analgesia for vascular surgery on lower abdomen done under spinal anaesthesia was adequate in 9 patients (64%) and insufficient in 5 patients (36%), epidural anaesthesia, being adequate for 31 patients (65%) and insufficient for 17 patients (35%). Lumbar spinal and epidural anaesthesia are therefore alternative methods to general anaesthesia for high risk patients undergoing vascular surgery, especially on lower extremities. Spinal anaesthesia offers reliable surgical analgesia and good muscle relaxation but it is limited in time. Continuous epidural anaesthesia on the other hand does guarantee unlimited operating time and provides pre- and postoperative pain relief.

[Neurological complications secondary to subclavian venipuncture (author's transl)]

Report on 2 cases of transient phrenic nerve paresis respectively stationary brachial plexus paresis secondary to percutaneous subclavian venipuncture. In retrospect, the disregard of unfavourable anatomical conditions at the site of venipuncture was an important pathogenic factor for this neurological complications.

[Intraoperative cardiac arrest and postoperative coma secondary to flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) (author's transl)]

Report on a case of cardiac arrest and coma lasting 10 hours secondary to the i.v. administration of 2 mg Flunitrazepam. The possible cardiorespiratory depressant respectively cerebral side-effects of Flunitrazepam are discussed. The high concentration of Flunitrazepam in the registered ampules is misleading to overdosage.

[Insertion and removal of intravaginal tampons during estrus synchronization in heifers]

In eight trials, 197 heifers were synchronized with gestagen chlorsuperlutin (CSL). The intravaginal tampons soaked with chlorsuperlutin were introduced in the vagina by means of an applier by a vaginal speculum. Silon threads were attached to the tampons, by which they were pulled out after treatment. The mentioned method of application removes the great physical exertion needed for manual application and increases labour productivity in tampon application by about 200%. The hazard of tampon contamination is reduced to the minimum. Of the two tampon types tested (ester and ether type) the ester type was found to be better for not needing sterilization if the disinfectant Aseptin is dropped upon it prior to application. The retention of the tampons was 94.9%. Eighty-four per cent of the retained tampons could be removed by pulling the silon threads. About 40 to 60% of CSL is excreted from the tampons during the treatment. If the initial content of CSL is increased, its excretion is raised as well.

[Halothane-intoxication by failure of the halothane-vaporizer]

Regular measurement of the Halothane-concentration delivered by the output of the vaporizer is necessary to avoid a clinically dangerous situation due to Halothane-overdosage.

[Dopamin-therapy for acute postoperative renal failure (author's transl)]

In 10 out 14 patients with acute postoperative renal failure the administration of a dopamin-drip (175-350 mcg/min) resulted in an increase in urinary output more than 30 ml/h. But there was no decrease of the high lethality by postoperative renal failure.