Objective: This study aims to determine the staphylococcal nasal carriage rates of children who are between one-to-five years old and residing in Botanical Gardens, Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. The following shall also be investigated: antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates, factors associated with S. aureus nasal carriage, and other pathologic organisms colonizing the anterior nares in this population. Methods: Nasal swabs were taken from each subject and cultured after informed consent was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to determine factors with significant association with nasal colonization. Results: Ten (12.9%) out of 77 subjects were positive for S. aureus nasal colonization, one of which was oxacillin-resistant. Only the gross monthly income showed significant association with nasal carriage (p=0.03, OR = 0.59, 95% CI). Four subjects (5.1%) were carriers of S. pneumoniae. Conclusions The study shows a relatively low rate of Methicillin Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage. The MRSA isolate was sensitive to all other anti-staphylococcal drugs tested, similar to other studies on Community Acquired-MRSA (CA-MRSA). Local surveillance studies are essential in the control of CA-MRSA and in guiding local antibiotic policies for staphylococcal infections. Further studies on a bigger population are needed to determine rates, resistance patterns and risk factors associated with nasal colonization.
Staphylococcus aureus ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The immune system of children with malignancies is compromised by chemotherapy and by the cancer itself. In addition, frequent intravenous cannulation, indwelling catheters, malnutrition, prolonged exposure to antibiotics and frequent hospitalizations increase the risk for infection. Neutropenia may lead to an inappropriately low inflammatory response so that fever may be the only manifestation of infection. Management of this complication can vary widely, relating to different geographic patterns of infections and antimicrobial resistance, as well as, issues of treatment availability and cost attainment. The objective of this study was to determine the etiology of infections in febrile neutropenic cancer patients aged 18 years and below who were undergoing chemotherapy at the Makati Medical Center. Inpatient charts of 21 episodes of febrile neutropenia in 19 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were reviewed. The primary diseases were mostly acute leukemias (94.7%). Sites of documented infections were the respiratory tract (26.1%), skin and soft tissues (21.7%) oral cavity, ear and sinuses (19.6%), gastrointestinal tract (17.4%), bloodstream (8.7%) and the genitourinary tract (6.5%). Cultures from different sites of infection yielded Escherichia coli (36.4%) and Staphylococcus species (27.3%) to be the most common isolates. The overall mortality was 4.8%. Although broad spectrum antibiotics were used as empiric therapy, the number of isolates obtained was too few to allow a standard recommendation on an appropriate antibiotic regimen.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Infant Newborn ; NEUTROPENIA ; DRUG THERAPY ; NEOPLASMS

Peripheral lymphadenopathy is a common clinical problem wherein surgery is performed, especially, when malignancy cannot be eliminated as a differential diagnosis. In the Philippine setting, there is a paucity of data on the incidence of lymphadenopathy in children. Objectives: This descriptive study aims to describe the clinical profile and histopathologic diagnoses of peripheral lymphadenopathy requiring biopsy in children aged one-to-eighteen years seen at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) from 1998 to 2008. Methods: Patients' charts were reviewed and 22 patients were included in the study; 17 were male and 5 were female. All patients underwent excision biopsy, except for one who had fine needle aspiration biopsy. Results: The most common sites of peripheral lymphadenopathy were cervical (78%) and inguinal (14%). The most common histopathologic diagnoses were benign etiology (46%), tuberculous (TB) adenitis (32%), and malignancy (23%). Of the malignant cases, three were Hodgkin's lymphoma and two were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Clinical profile included the findings that patients with benign etiology were younger, presented more frequently with fever; and males were more commonly affected; whereas children with malignant etiology were older, had a shorter duration of lymphadenopathy, which were of a larger size, and with accompanying weight loss. Conclusion: The following occurred more often in patients with malignancy: children more than 12 years old, cervical location of lymph nodes, shorter duration of lymph node enlargement, the lack of response to initial antibiotic treatment, and the presence of certain signs and symptoms such as fever and weight loss. Excision biopsy was the predominant surgical procedure used despite extensive invasiveness and the requirement of general anesthesia.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Infant Newborn ; LYMPHATIC DISEASES ; LYMPHADENITIS ; TUBERCULOSIS

BACKGROUND: The H1N1/09 virus was reported to be similar to the seasonal flu. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) documented a substantial proportion of patients with H1N1/09 who developed severe illness and death particularly among those with underlying medical conditions. Presently, to our knowledge, there is no data in the Philippines where the demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of children positive for H1N1/09 virus were compared to those with influenza but were negative for H1N1/09.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment and outcome of the two groups.

METHODS: A review was done of the charts of 162 patients who were tested for H1N1/09 virus by RT-PCR assay at the Makati Medical Center from May 5 to July 16, 2009. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical features, treatment and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Categorical variables used between the two groups were compared using Fisher's exact test or Chi square test while quantitative variables were compared using T-test; odds ratio was determined.

RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included in this study. The largest group of patients positive for H1N1/09 was from the age group of 11-15 years old (35.8%). Risk factors such as travel history and exposure to a confirmed case showed no association to having a positive H1N1/09 test. Clinical features such as fever (100%) and cough (82.1%) were the most common presenting symptoms for both groups. Majority of these patients were given supportive treatment and out of 162 subjects, 91.4 % were treated as outpatient. Clinical outcome showed one mortality from the case group and none from the controls.

CONCLUSION: Thus, the demographic characteristics and clinical findings were similar for both groups. Future studies are recommended to include those with influenza-like illness not tested for H1N1/09 virus.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child Preschool ; INFLUENZA A VIRUS ; Oseltamivir ; DIAGNOSIS ; DEMOGRAPHY ; PREVENTION AND CONTROL

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been implicated as a significant etiologic agent of lower respiratory tract infection among children to 18 years old, however, its prevalence in younger children age 5 years and below appears to be increasing.
OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine the prevalence, clinical and radiologic features associated with children 5 years old and below admitted with respiratory tract infection.
METHODS: This is a prospective case control study involving children 5 years old and below with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection, and were tested for M. pneumoniae IgM at the Makati Medical Center and admitted between May 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012. Subjects were children with positive M pneumoniae IgM test (MPP) and controls were children with negative M pneumoniae IgM test (MPN). Clinical, radiologic and laboratory characteristics of MPP and MPN were recorded.
RESULTS: Twenty-one out of 82 (25.6%) subjects were MPP. The male to female ratio was 1:1.05 witha mean age of 34 months. Clinical, radiologic characteristic and laboratory findings between MPP and MPN were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection among the subjects was 25.6%. distinguish M. pneumoniae infection.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Hospitalization ; Laboratories ; Immunoglobulin M

Objective: This paper looked into the outcome of currently used antibiotic regimens for neonatal sepsis in a tertiary hospital. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed all cases of culture positive neonatal sepsis delivered in a tertiary hospital between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015. Demographic profile, stratification as to early-onset and late-onset sepsis, clinical manifestations, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility results, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: There were 28 cases of culture positive neonatal sepsis reported during the study period, and prematurity and low birth weight were the major risk factors identified. Of these, 8 were early-onset sepsis and 20 were late-onset sepsis cases. Respiratory symptoms were the most common presenting manifestations. Sepsis isolates were evenly distributed between gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci with no ESBL E. coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae identified. The institution’s current empiric antibiotic regimen of cefuroxime and amikacin for early-onset neonatal sepsis was shifted to another drug in 57% of cases. Piperacillintazobactam or carbapenem was given for late-onset sepsis. The addition of vancomycin for late-onset sepsis was done where Staphylococcus was considered. Sepsis due to gram-negative bacilli had a high mortality rate. Conclusion Our institution’s empiric antibiotic regimen which consists of cefuroxime and amikacin for early onset sepsis is effective in 43% of cases. A carbapenem or piperacillin-tazobactam, even without amikacin, proved to be effective for late-onset sepsis. Vancomycin, should be considered for late-onset sepsis, if staphyloccoccal disease is suspected.
Neonatal Sepsis ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Low Birth Weight

Background: Meningitis is a neurological emergency causing significant morbidity and mortality. This research determined the etiologies, clinical presentation, and ancillary work-up findings of different types of meningitis. Objective: To characterize the documented pediatric meningitis cases in a tertiary hospital admitted between January 1, 1997 to August 31, 2017. Methods: This was a retrospective study which entailed review of charts of all pediatric cases 0 to 18 years old with a discharge diagnosis of meningitis (bacterial, viral, tuberculous or fungal) from January 1, 1997 to August 31, 2017 at an urban tertiary medical center. Results: This study included 127 subjects, where 74 (58.3%) had bacterial, 34 (26.8%) had viral, 17 (13.4%) had tuberculous, and 2 (1.6%) had fungal meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (12.2%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (6.8%) and Salmonella enteritidis (6.8%) were the top bacteria identified. Neonatal infections were caused by gram-negative bacilli (66.7%) and gram-positive cocci (33.3%). Bacterial, tuberculous, and viral meningitis were seen in the 1-11 months, 2-4 years and 5-10-year age groups respectively. Prolonged fever (mean 27.2, median 14 days) and cranial nerve palsies (23.5%) were noted in tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The highest CSF mean WBC (2043±9056 WBC/µL) and mean protein (300±365.6mg/dL) were seen in bacterial and tuberculous meningitis respectively. The combination of hydrocephalus, basal enhancement and infarct was unique to patients with tuberculous meningitis. Recurrent seizures were the most common complication of bacterial (36.5%), viral (20.6%) and tuberculous (100%) meningitis. Ceftriaxone (24.3%), acyclovir (38.2%), and isoniazid/rifampicin/pyrazinamide/ethambutol (76.5%) were the most common antimicrobials for bacterial, viral, and tuberculous meningitis. Fever duration before admission was significantly longer in TBM (14 days) than in viral (4 days) and bacterial meningitis (2 days). Length of hospital stay for viral meningitis (6.5 days) was significantly shorter than for TB (14 days) and bacterial meningitis (12 days). Mortality rates were 12% and 11% for bacterial and viral meningitis respectively. No mortality was seen in patients with TB and fungal meningitis. Conclusions In this 20-year review of childhood meningitis, bacterial meningitis was the most common type of pediatric meningitis which presented with marked CSF pleoctyosis. The longest fever duration and the highest proportion of cranial nerve involvement were seen in TBM, which also had the unique combined findings of leptomeningeal enhancement, hydrocephalus and infarct on imaging. Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic for bacterial meningitis, except in neonates where a combination of cefuroxime-amikacin was initially given until microbiological confirmation became available. Recurrent seizures were the most common complication of bacterial, viral and TB meningitis. The shortest hospital stay with the highest full recovery rate was seen in viral meningitis.
Meningitis ; Therapeutics

Introduction: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a problem commonly encountered by infectious disease specialists, and even general pediatricians, in spite of the improvement in diagnostic modalities. There is no local study on childhood FUO from a private hospital. Thus, there is a need to determine the etiology of FUO seen in private practice, which may be different from those encountered in government or teaching hospitals. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the etiologies of childhood FUO from two private, urban, tertiary hospitals, as evaluated by a single pediatric infectious disease physician; and to discuss epidemiologic, clinical and diagnostic clues for the most common etiologies. Methods: Childhood FUO cases were compiled from 1993 to 2020. Each consecutive, inpatient, admission or referral of a patient, 18 years or younger, was logged into a personal computer, and the discharge diagnosis for the FUO was recorded. Clinical, epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic data, relevant to the FUO diagnosis were likewise recorded. FUO was defined as daily fever of 380C for ten consecutive days, or more, with no etiology identified after being admitted for seven days. Results: Of 171 cases of childhood FUO, the etiology was an infection in 68%, collagen-vascular disease in 13%, miscellaneous cause in 8%, malignancy in 6%, and no diagnosis in 5%. The most common infections were Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) mononucleosis, tuberculosis, enteric fever, sinusitis, pneumonia and incomplete Kawasaki disease. The most common collagen vascular diseases were juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was the most common miscellaneous cause. Lymphoma was the most common malignancy. Conclusion This study found EBV mononucleosis, sinusitis, pneumonia, incomplete Kawasaki disease, lymphoma, HLH and Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease to be FUO etiologies not reported previously in other local reports.
Child ; Fever ; Inpatients

Human ; Quarantine

Objectives: This study aimed to establish the accuracy of TB PCR versus TB culture and rifampicin resistance detection by PCR versus conventional susceptibility testing of body fluids in diagnosing tuberculosis in pediatric patients 3 months to 18 years with suspected tuberculous disease at a tertiary care center. Methods: This is a retrospective analytical study of patients seen between January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2017, with clinical and radiographic features suggestive of tuberculosis, who had diagnostic testing of body fluids for TB PCR and TB culture. Results: Among 159 patients suspected of TB, 46 (28%) tested positive by PCR, of which one was rifampicin-resistant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of TB PCR, using TB culture as the gold standard were 90%, 91.6%, 78.3%, and 96.5% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of TB PCR for detecting rifampicin resistance, using TB culture and sensitivity as the gold standard, were 33%, 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Overall, the accuracy of TB PCR in detecting TB disease is 91.2% and the accuracy of TB PCR in detecting rifampicin resistance is 95%. Conclusion Findings in our study suggest that TB PCR play an important role in TB disease diagnosis, but clinical and radiological assessment continue to be essential in the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. The accuracy of TB PCR in detecting TB disease in children is 91.2% and the accuracy of TB PCR in detecting Rifampicin resistance is 95%.
Tuberculosis ; Pediatrics