NASCER E CRESCER - BIRTH AND GROWTH MEDICAL JOURNAL

Dermatologic clinical case

2025-01-10T15:22:14+00:00

Phytophotodermatosis (PPD) is a skin reaction caused by contact with furocoumarins, photosensitizing substances present in certain plants, followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Herein we report a case of a 17-year-old teenager who developed a cutaneous reaction after using rue (Ruta graveolens) as a homemade treatment for acne. The condition presented with a characteristic inflammatory phase, followed by a hyperpigmentation phase. A diagnosis of PPD due to rue was established, and with rue eviction there was a full resolution.
The authors aim to raise awareness about this condition which requires a high level of clinical suspicion for identifying the etiological agent. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in preventing the worsening and recurrence of the reaction.

Right aortic arch: the value of the upper mediastinum view in fetal echocardiography

2025-01-27T17:15:23+00:00

The prenatal diagnosis of a right aortic arch consists of the visualization of a malposition of the aorta crossing the upper mediastinum to the right side of the trachea. The detection rate of this anatomic abnormality has improved with the introduction of the upper mediastinum views in routine fetal ultrasonographic evaluation. The following case report demonstrates a fetus affected by an isolated right aortic arch emphasizing the importance of the five Yagel views of the fetal heart.

Severe back pain in an adolescent - what to suspect?

2024-07-16T10:29:49+01:00

We present a case involving an adolescent who visited our emergency department with a two-day history of debilitating lower back pain affecting daily activities. The pain’s intensity and presence of fever raised concerns, prompting a bone scintigraphy that led to an osteomyelitis diagnosis. Timely identification of osteomyelitis is crucial due to its potential life-threatening nature. Staphylococcus aureus infection, prevalent in skin and deep tissue infections, is the most common etiology across all age groups. Swift diagnosis and treatment play a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes.

Lipschütz ulcer: a diagnosis to remember in acute genital ulceration in adolescents

2024-06-05T09:27:35+01:00

Lipschütz ulcer (LU) is a rare cause of acute genital ulceration, usually in a mirror pattern, that mainly affects adolescents without previous sexual contact. The aetiology is unclear, but infectious and idiopathic causes have been associated with its onset. LU can cause significant pain but is self-limited and typically resolves within two to six weeks.

A case report of a 12-year-old girl with LU is presented, who was initially misdiagnosed with genital herpes. After excluding other causes of genital ulceration, she was ultimately diagnosed with LU and treated with medication to control the pain and promote healing. The patient recovered fully after five weeks and remained asymptomatic one year later.

LU is a rare cause of vaginal ulceration in non-sexually active adolescents that can be easily overlooked in the differential diagnosis. The disease is self-limited, but in some cases may require hospitalization for pain management.

Pollen-food syndrome during pediatric age: a case series

2024-09-18T15:02:37+01:00

Introduction: Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is an immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction, caused by cross-reactivity between pollen and antigens of foods such as those in fruits, vegetables, and/or nuts, in patients with pollinosis.
Aims and Methods: The aim of this study was to present clinical manifestations of PFS, using a case series of six pediatric patients with PFS and pollen allergy referred to our Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department.
Results: The age at diagnosis ranged between 10 and 17 years old, and three of the patients were male. All patients reported experiencing oral allergy syndrome. The main foods reported as triggers were apple, peach, pear, kiwi and banana. The allergic diagnostic workup revealed sensitisation to PR-10 and profilins, the main proteins involved in PFS. Currently, all patients remain asymptomatic after the fresh fruits’ eviction.
Conclusion: We emphasize the importance of recognition of this entity to provide an adequate management.

Specific learning disorders – the role of the pediatrician in a multidisciplinary approach

2024-12-17T08:48:57+00:00

The main specific learning disorders are addressed, with regard to their definition, screening, diagnosis and general therapeutic guidance strategies. Particular attention is given to the role of the Pediatrician in early identification of risk factors and clinical manifestations, timely referencing for evaluation by appropriate subspecialists - contributing to a timely diagnosis and early intervention - and overall coordination of the multidisciplinary team.

Embracing a New Chapter at Birth and Growth Medical Journal, in times of new forms of intelligence

2025-06-25T16:21:19+01:00

Campylobacter spp Gastroenteritis in Paediatric Patients of a Portuguese Hospital: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2025-01-14T09:21:46+00:00

Introduction: Campylobacter spp is the main cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis. This study aims to characterise cases of Campylobacter spp acute gastroenteritis (CAG) over the past 10 years in a Portuguese hospital setting and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and management of these infections.
Methods Observational descriptive study of CAG in a Portuguese Paediatrics Department, from 01. June.2013 to 31. December.2023. Diagnosis was established by stool culture/molecular methods.
Results: Among 3391 stool samples analysed, 766 tested positive, and Campylobacter spp was isolated in 582 of them. A total of 502 CAG were diagnosed: 89% caused by C. jejuni, 63% were male, and the median age was 2 years. Co-infections were found in 12% of the cases. The incidence of CAG increased over the years, mainly after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions: Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase of CAG, mainly affecting young children and boys. After COVID-19, the incidence of campylobacteriosis increased, for reasons that remain to be clarified. Although the clinical course was mostly benign, the acute complications raised after the pandemic.