Anales de pediatría : publicación oficial de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (A.E.P.)
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To investigate the reliability of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as an early diagnostic test (within the first 12 hours of life) of neonatal sepsis in newborns with maternal or neonatal risk factors for infection. ⋯ Serum PCT levels<2 ng/ml within the first 6-12 hours of life in newborns with risk factors for infection are useful as a screening assay to rule out neonatal sepsis with a sensitivity of 100% (false negatives=0% and NPV=100%). However, for subsequent confirmation a more specific assay (with a low false positive rate and high PPV) should be used, such as C-reactive protein. The higher cost of the serum PCT test should be weighed against shorter admissions as a result of its use.
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We report a case of pyroglutamic acidemia probably related to acetaminophen administration. A 16-month boy recovering from hemolytic uremic syndrome abruptly developed unexplained high anion gap metabolic acidosis requiring hemodialysis. Septic shock, lactic acidosis and salicylate intoxication were ruled out. ⋯ Urine and blood pyroglutamic acid levels were 392 mmol/mol creatinine (reference range: 9-55) and 9.8 mmol/L (reference range<0.16), respectively. The patient was receiving acetaminophen. We conclude that pyroglutamic acidosis should be considered in patients receiving acetaminophen who abruptly develop high anion gap metabolic acidosis not attributable to more common causes.
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Pyomyositis is an acute bacterial infection of skeletal striated muscle typical of tropical countries but infrequent in our environment. The present review aims to describe the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and outcome of patients with pyomyositis in our hospital. ⋯ Pyomyositis should be included in the differential diagnosis in children with fever, pain and/or functional impotence, even though this entity is infrequent in our environment. The most sensitive diagnostic test is magnetic resonance imaging. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, outcome is good.