Hernán García

Aims An increase in type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence has been observed in several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to determine T1D incidence trends in Chilean children between 2006 and 2021, and specifically evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population. Methods We reviewed mandatory notifications of T1D in Chile's public and private health system in youth < 20 years between 2006 and 2021, and compared COVID-19 pre-pandemic and pandemic incidence. Results In Chile, 9472 new T1D cases in children were confirmed between 2006 and 2021. The mean annual T1D incidence in the entire period was 12.7/100,000 inhabitants, with an incidence of 11.7/100,000 between 2006 and 2019 vs. 20.2/100,000 during 2020–2021 (β = 0.691, [95%CI 0.479–0903], p < 0.001.) The highest incidence was observed in the 10–14 years age group, but a significant increasing incidence was observed in all age groups. The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021, had the highest incidence rate of the study period. While a 5% mean annual increase was observed between 2006 and 2019, in 2021 the T1D incidence jumped 28.5% compared with the two previous years. We found a higher T1D incidence in population with private insurance than public insurance (14.8 vs. 11.7/100.000, respectively, RR = 1.26 [95%CI 1.03–1.53], p < 0.027). Conclusions T1D incidence rates in Chilean youth doubled between 2006 and 2018, subsequently presenting a striking increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Preterm neonates are at risk for metabolic syndrome later in life. Whether prematurity constitutes an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome remains controversial.Objective: To compare anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin resistance variables between children who were born very preterm (VPT, 37 gestational weeks) and adequate for gestational age (AGA).Methods: We designed a cross‐sectional cohort study, recruiting 120 children (5.0–8.5 years old) from the preterm clinic at Red de Salud UC‐Christus and Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río, and term children from the community. We excluded children born small for gestational age, based on INTERGROWTH21. Anthropometrics data were classified using WHO reference standards. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), triglyceride‐to‐HDL‐C ratio (TG/HDL‐C) and Pediatric Score Index for Metabolic Syndrome (PsiMS) were calculated.Results: VPT children born AGA had lower HDL cholesterol levels (p = .019) and a higher PsiMS score than those born at term (p = .043). We observed a higher percentage of children with HDL cholesterol ≤40 mg/dl (13.0% vs. 2.3%, p = .026) and BP ≥90th percentile among the VPT children than among the Term children (26.0% vs. 11.6%, p = .031).Conclusions: At school age, blood pressure was higher, and HDL‐C was lower among VPT children born AGA, suggesting a potential metabolic risk; therefore, it is essential to follow this group throughout their lives.

El principal rol de la vitamina D es la regulación del metabolismo del calcio, cuya principal fuente es la vitamina D3 que se obtiene principalmente por la acción de la luz ultravioleta (UV) en la piel.Objetivo: Evaluar las diferencias estacionales en las concentraciones de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3 (25OHVitD3), hormona paratiroidea (PTH), fosfatasa alcalina (FA) y calcio en niños en edad escolar.Sujetos y Método: Se midieron las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3, PTH, FA y calcio en niños de 5 a 8 años, sin suplementación de Vitamina D, reclutados en Santiago de Chile (latitud -33.4372) en distintas estaciones del año. El estatus de VitD fue definido como suficiente con concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 > 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insuficiente 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) y deficiente < 12 ng/ mL (30 nmol/L) en base a las recomendaciones del grupo de expertos del “Consenso Global para la Prevención y Manejo del Raquitismo Nutricional”.Resultados: En total participaron 133 niños (89 prematuros menor o igual a 32 semanas), 41 durante el verano, 28 en otoño, 35 en invierno y 29 en primavera. La diferencia de las medias entre el verano y el invierno fue de 9,6 ng/mL para 25OHVitD3 (p < 0,0001), -11,1 pg/mL para PTH (p < 0,0001) y -47,5 UI/mL para FA (p = 0,01). En las concentraciones de calcio no se observaron diferencias. El 97,6% de los sujetos fueron clasificados con estatus de suficiencia (> 20 ng/mL) en verano, lo que disminuyó significativamente en invierno (54,3%, p < 0,0001).Conclusiones: Las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 disminuyeron en aproximadamente la mitad de los niños durante el invierno, lo que se vio acompañado de un aumento de la PTH y FA, asociado a concentraciones normales de calcio. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, la suplementación con VitD en niños podría ser necesaria durante otoño e invierno

El principal rol de la vitamina D es la regulación del metabolismo del calcio, cuya principal fuente es la vitamina D3 que se obtiene principalmente por la acción de la luz ultravioleta (UV) en la piel.Objetivo: Evaluar las diferencias estacionales en las concentraciones de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3 (25OHVitD3), hormona paratiroidea (PTH), fosfatasa alcalina (FA) y calcio en niños en edad escolar.Sujetos y Método: Se midieron las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3, PTH, FA y calcio en niños de 5 a 8 años, sin suplementación de Vitamina D, reclutados en Santiago de Chile (latitud -33.4372) en distintas estaciones del año. El estatus de VitD fue definido como suficiente con concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 > 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insuficiente 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) y deficiente < 12 ng/ mL (30 nmol/L) en base a las recomendaciones del grupo de expertos del “Consenso Global para la Prevención y Manejo del Raquitismo Nutricional”.Resultados: En total participaron 133 niños (89 prematuros menor o igual a 32 semanas), 41 durante el verano, 28 en otoño, 35 en invierno y 29 en primavera. La diferencia de las medias entre el verano y el invierno fue de 9,6 ng/mL para 25OHVitD3 (p < 0,0001), -11,1 pg/mL para PTH (p < 0,0001) y -47,5 UI/mL para FA (p = 0,01). En las concentraciones de calcio no se observaron diferencias. El 97,6% de los sujetos fueron clasificados con estatus de suficiencia (> 20 ng/mL) en verano, lo que disminuyó significativamente en invierno (54,3%, p < 0,0001).Conclusiones: Las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 disminuyeron en aproximadamente la mitad de los niños durante el invierno, lo que se vio acompañado de un aumento de la PTH y FA, asociado a concentraciones normales de calcio. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, la suplementación con VitD en niños podría ser necesaria durante otoño e invierno

FULL TEXT PDF Un mal control metabólico en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) se asocia a complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. Los adolescentes con Diabetes tipo 1 presentan peor control metabólico comparado con pacientes de otros grupos etarios. Escasos estudios han demostrado una asociación entre síntomas depresivos de las madres con el control metabólico de sus hijos adolescente. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre síntomas depresivos maternos y control metabólico de adolescentes con DM1. Sujetos y Método: Estudio observacional transversal realizado en adolescentes, edades 10 a 18 años, con diagnóstico de DM1 de más de un año de evolución y sus madres. Se aplicó test de Beck II, cuestionario de depresión infantil, cuestionario SALUFAM y cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos. Se realizó hemoglobina glicosilada capilar, como marcador de control metabólico. Resultados: Se estudiaron 86 parejas (madre-hijo adolescente), adolescentes de edad media 14.04 años y 5.95 años de evolución de DM1. El 25.6% (n 22) de las madres presentó síntomas depresivos, asociándose a peor control metabólico en sus hijos (HbA1c: 7.66% y 8.91%, p < 0.001). El 17.9% de adolescentes presentó síntomas depresivos, no asociándose a síntomas depresivos maternos ni a peor control metabólico. Los síntomas depresivos maternos se asociaron a menor nivel educacional materno y paterno, mayor número de hijos en la familia, presencia de otros hermanos con enfermedades crónicas y a mayor vulnerabilidad en salud (SALUFAM). Conclusiones: La presencia de síntomas depresivos maternos se asocia a peor control metabólico en el adolescente con DM1, siendo fundamental un enfoque multidisciplinario familiar para obtener mejores resultados metabólicos en los adolescentes.

BACKGROUND High sodium intake has been associated with various noncommunicable disease like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. To estimate accurately sodium intake is challenging in clinical practice. We investigate the usefulness and limitations of assessing sodium intake simultaneously by dietary assessment and urinary samples in both children and adults. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study design inviting 298 Chilean subjects (74 children and 222 adults) aged between 9 and 66 years of both genders. Sodium intake by dietary assessment was obtained from Chilean food composition data, based on FAO tables. Sodium and creatinine excretion were measured in 24-hour urine samples, in all participants. RESULTS Adequate urinary collection was obtained in 81% of children (59/74) and 61% of adults (135/222). The mean sodium intake by dietary assessment was similar to the sodium excretion in 24 hours (3,121±1,153mg/d vs. 3,114±1,353mg/24h, P = nonsignificant) in children but was significantly lower (3,208±1,284mg/d vs. 4,160±1,651mg/24h, P < 0.001) in adults. In both children and adults, sodium intake correlated with urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.456, P < 0.003 and r = 0.390, P < 0.001, respectively). Secondary analyses also suggested that the dietary assessment was more inaccurate in overweight adult subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that average sodium intake was higher than recommended in both children and adults (WHO ≤2,000mg/d). The sodium intake estimated by dietary assessment correlated with urinary excretion in all subjects, but in obese adults was more inaccurate than in children. Future studies to validate the appropriate test to assess sodium intake by age and nutritional status are warranted.

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is defined as a height of < or = 2 standard deviations (SD) from the mean for age. The use of Growth Hormone (GH) in ISS is controversial, and there are not results for adult height (AH) in Chilean patients with ISS treated with GH. The objective of the study is to compare AH in patients treated with GH with the height prediction at beginning of treatment. AH was considered with bone age ≥ 17 in males and ≥15 in females. The height SD according to the NCHS curves at beginning and ending of treatment were used for the comparison. Height prediction (HP) was calculated by Bayley-Pinneau method. AH was reached by 18/47 patients with ISS treated with GH. Initial height -2.1 ± 0.85 SD (133.1±6.8 cm) and HP -1.94±0.86 SD, and were treated since 11.6 ± 1.2 years old. After one year of treatment their height was -1.64 ± 0.69 SD, and AH was -1.28 +/- 0.62 SD (163.76 +/- 7.22 cm). It is suggested that treatment with GH for ISS is effective to increase AH. Although with wide individual variability, a mean increase of 0.67±0.9 SD (+2.67 cm) was obtained in the AH. This is the first report on Adult Height in Chilean patients.

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a cardiometabolic risk indicator in children. A value greater than or equal to 0.55 is an effective screening tool for identifying obese children with metabolic syndrome. However, it is unclear whether this cutoff can be applied equally to any age or gender.To analyze the variability of WHtR by age, gender and pubertal stage in elementary school children.Cross-sectional study in 2,980 school children (6-14 years old, 51% male) of Santiago, Chile. We measured weight, height and waist circumference and calculated body mass index and WHtR. Pubertal stage was assessed and classified as peripubertal (Tanner I and II) and pubertal (Tanner III, IV and V).The mean age was 9.9 ± 2.3 years, with no gender difference (p = 0.5). Eighty one percent of boys and 59.4% of girls were peripubertal (p < 0.001). The association between age-adjusted WHtR by gender and pubertal stage was not significant (p = 0.409). Therefore mean, standard deviation and percentiles of WHtR were calculated without sex and pubertal stage segmentations.Since WHtR does not vary with age, gender and pubertal status in elementary school children, it is possible to use a single cutoff value, previously defined in this population, to identify children with cardiometabolic risk.

The GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in hypertension as a modulator of mineralocorticoid receptor activity. Our aim is to investigate the frequency of polymorphisms rs10951982 (intron 1, G>A) and rs836478 (intron 3, T>C) in the RAC1 gene and perform association studies with clinical and biochemical parameters in a Chilean pediatric cohort. Two hundred two normotensive (NT) subjects (aged 4–16 years) were divided into 2 groups: NT subjects with hypertensive parents (NH; n = 103) and NT subjects with NT parents (NN; n = 99). We measured markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8, and tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial damage (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 metalloproteinase-9, and metalloproteinase-2), and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde). Data were expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). We found differences in polymorphism rs836478 (intron 3, C>T) in both genotypic (χ² = 15.2, 2df; P = 0.0005) and allelic (X²=5.5, 1df; P = 0.01) frequencies in NH vs. NN subjects. NH subjects with a TT genotype showed increase MMP9 expression (median = 2.3, IQR - 1.6–3.2; vs. median = 1.6, IQR = 1.6–2.3 AU; P = 0.01) and lower IL-6 expression (median = 8.8, IQR = 7.0–11.8; vs. median = 12.1, IQR = 8.2–14.7 pg/ml; P = 0.02) compared with subjects with TC/CC genotype. No difference in the allelic frequency distribution was seen in the polymorphism rs10951982 (NH vs. NN: χ₂=0.2, 1df; P = 0.6). For this SNP, NN subjects with GA/AA genotype showed decreased diastolic BP indexes compared with subjects with native GG genotype (median = 1.08, IQR = 1.0–1.2; vs. median = 0.99, IQR = 0.94–1.1; P = 0.02). We report the frequency of polymorphisms rs836478 and rs10951982 of the RAC1 gene in a Spanish-Amerindian cohort. The polymorphism rs836478 was associated with an increased expression in markers of inflammation and endothelial damage (MMP9 and IL-6) in pediatric subjects with a hypertensive genetic background.