Browsing by Author "Pinheiro, Teresa"
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- Acute Campylobacter spp. gastroenteritis in the Pediatric Emergency Department of a level II hospitalPublication . Sá, Liliana; Pinheiro, Teresa; Silva, Joana; Pedrosa, Adriana; Soares, Laura; Costa, Miguel; Rocha, CristinaIntroduction: Campylobacter spp. is the main cause of pediatric acute bacterial gastroenteritis (ABG) in the European Union, with greater incidence in children under five years old. Most patients present complete recovery within days of infection, with no associated comorbidities. Antibiotic therapy should be reserved for severe cases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, symptoms, treatment, and complications of Campylobacter spp. infection in pediatric patients with ABG. Material and methods: Case-by-case review of the clinical records of patients evaluated in the Pediatric Emergency Department of a level II hospital with a diagnosis of ABG and Campylobacter spp. isolated from stool samples over a five-year period (2013-2017). Results: Of the 1990 stool tests performed, 637 (32%) were positive for the presence of bacteria. Campylobacter spp. was identified in the samples of 459 patients (72%). Eighteen patients were excluded for insufficient data, making up a final sample of 441 patients, with a mean age of three years old. Clinically, patients presented with aqueous diarrhea (59.6%), bloody diarrhea (43.8%), bloody and mucus diarrhea (15.4%), mucus diarrhea (3.9%), vomiting (36.3%), abdominal pain (24.3%), fever (63%), seizures (0.9%), and rash (0.2%). Eighty-nine patients were hospitalized. Eleven patients received antibiotic therapy. Discussion: This study represents the largest national case-by-case review of ABG by Campylobacter spp. in the pediatric population. Campylobacter was the main bacteria identified, mostly associated with self-limited disease. Conclusion: A judicious use of stool tests allows etiological identification in ABG. The growing number of cases of ABG by Campylobacter spp. reinforces the need for better hygiene procedures.
- Methylphenidate-induced dyskinesia, an underrecognized adverse effect In ADHD treatmentPublication . Pinheiro, Teresa; Maia, CarlaAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the leading mental and behavioral disorders in childhood and adolescence and remains a clinical challenge for healthcare professionals. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment option for children over six years of age, but it is not without side effects. While the most common are mild and reversible upon therapy discontinuation, less recognized complications may occur, such as MPH-induced dyskinesia. Dyskinesia may present acutely, with the sudden onset of involuntary movements shortly after MPH administration (acute dyskinesia) or tardively, developing gradually after weeks of treatment (tardive dyskinesia). The cause of this drug-induced effect remains unclear. Herein is reported the first case in the literature of a patient with ADHD who developed symptoms of acute and tardive dyskinesia while receiving MPH. This case highlights the importance of awareness and early recognition of this rare but potentially stigmatizing adverse effect.