Objective: To assess psychosocial quality of life in school-age children of divorced parents. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the pediatric outpatient clinic of a community hospital. Children 5 to 12 years old from married families and divorced families were included. Child quality of life was assessed through maternal reports using a Child Health Questionnaire -Parent Form 50. A multiple linear regression model was constructed including clinically relevant variables significant on univariate analysis (beta coefficient and 95%CI).Results: Three hundred and thirty families were invited to participate and 313 completed the questionnaire. Univariate analysis showed that quality of life was significantly associated with parental separation, child sex, time spent with the father, standard of living, and maternal education. In a multiple linear regression model, quality of life scores decreased in boys -4.5 (-6.8 to -2.3) and increased for time spent with the father 0.09 (0.01 to 0.2). In divorced families, multiple linear regression showed that quality of life scores increased when parents had separated by mutual agreement 6.1 (2.7 to 9.4), when the mother had university level education 5.9 (1.7 to 10.1) and for each year elapsed since separation 0.6 (0.2 to 1.1), whereas scores decreased in boys -5.4 (-9.5 to -1.3) and for each one-year increment of maternal age -0.4 (-0.7 to -0.05). Conclusion:Children's psychosocial quality of life was affected by divorce. The Child Health Questionnaire can be useful to detect a decline in the psychosocial quality of life.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2009;85(6):547-552: Argentina, child, health status, health-related quality of life, family relations, Child Health Questionnaire. ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida psicossocial em filhos de pais separados em idade escolar.Métodos: Conduziu-se um estudo transversal no ambulatório pediátrico de um hospital comunitário. Foram incluídas crianças de 5 a 12 anos de idade, de famílias intactas e de famílias separadas. A qualidade de vida das crianças foi avaliada através de relatórios maternos, utilizando-se o Child Health Questionnaire -Parent Form 50. Um modelo de regressão linear múltipla foi construído incluindo variáveis clinicamente relevantes significativas para a análise univariada (coeficiente beta e IC de 95%).Resultados: Trezentas e trinta famílias foram convidadas a participar e 313 preencheram o questionário. A análise univariada demonstrou que a qualidade de vida estava significativamente associada à separação parental, sexo da criança, tempo passado com o pai, padrão de vida e nível de instrução materno. Em um modelo de regressão linear múltipla, os escores de qualidade de vida se mostraram mais baixos em meninos -4,5 (-6,8 a -2,3) e mais altos para tempo passado com o pai 0,09 (0,01 a 0,2). Em famílias separadas, a regressão demonstrou que os escores de qualidade de vida foram maiores quando a separação dos pais ocorrera em acordo mútuo 6,1 (2,7 a 9,4), quando a mãe possuía nível universitário 5,9 (...

True hermaphroditism usually appears with ambiguous genitalia requiring extensive evaluation during the neonatal period. There have been occasional cases with better differentiation of external genitalia, leading to delays in diagnosis. We report the case of an adolescent boy with true hermaphroditism who presented with normal external genitalia and no sexual ambiguity. He was referred due to progressive gynecomastia and arrest of puberty. He presented at the age of 16 years for gynecomastia of rapid progression with normal penile development and both gonads in scrotum and normal testosterone and increased gonadotropin levels. Gonadal ultrasound scan was compatible with testicular and ovarian tissues in scrotum, and the karyotype showed two cellular lines (46,XX/46,XY). Gonadal histology revealed bilateral ovotestes. A genotype polymerase chain reaction mediated analysis using seven microsatellite markers did not confirm chimerism. Clinical findings and mechanism of generation are discussed.

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Introduction:Latex allergy is one of the main reasons of anaphylaxis in the operating room. The prevalence of this condition is higher among patients with myelomeningocele. Epidemiological data obtained from Argentine patients is scarce. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of latex sensitivity and latex allergy in a population of patients with myelomeningocele and to describe associated risk factors. Population and Methods: Descriptive, crosssectional, observational study. Family and personal history of allergy, number of surgeries, history of symptoms caused by having been in contact with latex or cross-reactive foods, eosinophil count, measurement of total immunoglobulin E and specific immunoglobulin E levels by means of skin and serologic testing for latex, aeroallergens and cross-reactive fruit. Results: Eighty-two patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele were assessed: 41 were males and their average age was 15.3 ± 7.66 years old. Out of all patients, two did not complete skin and serologic testing. Among the remaining 80 patients, 16 (19.51%) had latex allergy, 46 (57.5%) were not allergic, and 18 (22%) showed sensitivity but not allergy. Having undergone more than five surgeries was a risk factor associated with latex allergy (p= 0.035). No significant association was observed with the remaining outcome measures. Conclusion: According to this study, the prevalence of latex allergy in this population of patients is 19.51% and the most important risk factor for this condition is a history of having undergone more than five surgeries.

Objective. To assess different aspects of the perception of sexuality among students before and after a workshop. Population and methods. Descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative before and after intervention study without a control group. School year, status in relation to sexuality, preferred sources of information, and perception of self-care in relation to sexuality care were analyzed. Results. A total of 272 surveys were completed before the workshop and 259, after the workshop. The perception about a better level of information increased (72.3 % versus 90.7 %), and doubts, fears, and embarrassment decreased. The preference for the workshop as an information source increased (49.1 % versus 69.9 %), and an improvement was observed in the perception of a correct use of condoms (66.8 % versus 81.1 %), birth control pills (20.3 % versus 42.5 %), and emergency contraception (18.5 % versus 40.9 %). Conclusion. Students' information and perception of self-care in relation to sexuality increased.