Unexpected results of a nationwide, treatment-independent assessment of fecal incontinence in patients with anorectal anomalies

Purpose

To determine the anorectal function in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) in order to facilitate patient counseling and follow-up.

Methods

Data were collected by the German network for urorectal malformations (CURE-Net) according to the International Krickenbeck consensus. Questionnaires on bowel function and a defecation protocol were completed by the families/patients. The clinical findings were assessed from the patients’ clinical records.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-seven patients with ARM were assessed, 175 patients gave complete data on continence, 52 of them were excluded due to mental retardation, age, and earlier type of pullthrough. Complete continence was found in 27 %, perineal fistula in 40 %, rectourethral/vesical in 10 %, vestibular in 24 %, cloaca in 0 %. Krickenbeck grade 1 soiling: 42 %, grade 2 and 3: 31 %. Forty-nine percent of the incontinent patients practiced bowel management, reaching continence in 19 %. The statement of constipation (67 %) was validated with the last clinical findings, showing coprostasis in 46 %, “Not suffering constipation” was confirmed in 61 % and falsified in 29 %.

Conclusion

ARM patients in Germany, as assessed by independent researchers, show a high rate of fecal incontinence and insufficiently treated constipation. Parents should be counseled accordingly and motivated to engage in consequent follow-up. Intensified efforts in the conservative treatment of constipation and fecal incontinence are crucial to improvement.     

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Hirschsprung’s Disease/Anorectal Malformation Quality of life Questionnaire (HAQL) into Swedish

Purpose

Children with anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung’s Disease (HD) often have functional problems with constipation or incontinence. The Hirschsprung’s Disease/Anorectal malformation Quality of life Questionnaire (HAQL) developed in the Netherlands is a disease-specific instrument measuring the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with fecal incontinence. HAQL includes several domains with questions concerning diet, laxatives, constipation, diarrhea, urine and fecal incontinence, in addition to social and emotional functioning, body image, and physical symptoms. The purpose of the study was to translate and culturally adapt the HAQL questionnaire into Swedish.

Method

The translation was carried out according to accepted translation guidelines and a backward/forward translation method was used.

Results

The translation correlated well with the original. All in all the Swedish and the Dutch versions agreed well. The Swedish translators chose to use a more simplified language in the questionnaires intended for the children, but used another choice of words in the proxy version and the adolescents’ version.

Conclusions

The translation of the HAQL instrument into Swedish gives us a disease-specific QoL instrument for children and adolescents born with HD and anorectal malformations (ARM). The translated and culturally adapted HAQL instrument is included in a survey regarding children and adolescents born with ARM.     

Prospective evaluation of comorbidity and psychosocial need in children and adolescents with anorectal malformations. Part 2: Evaluation of psychosocial need

Purpose

Only a few patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) have satisfactory bowel functions. Studies of ARM have reported psychosocial problems in up to 73% of patients. The aim of the current study was to document the psychosocial needs of patients with ARM.

Methods

Between June 2004 and September 2005, 44 patients with ARM were treated; the sample included 30 patients (23 males and 7 females) aged 4–17. To focus on potential psychosocial strain, a comprehensive grading system with a sophisticated perspective of continence, associated malformations, number of surgical interventions and postoperative complications was introduced. For psychosocial screening, the following instruments were used: German “Basis-Dokumentation” (BADO), Impact on Family Scale (IFS), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). All families assessed their own psychosocial needs. An extensive psychosocial programme was provided.

Results

Twenty-three patients were suffering severe burden according to the comprehensive grading system. Nearly half of the families reported increased financial stress, and one-third reported emotional or hyperactivity problems of the child. More than 70% confirmed psychosocial need.

Conclusions

Paediatric surgeons should promote psychosocial support for all patients who suffer severe forms of ARM or its numerous associated malformations as well as for patients undergoing numerous surgical interventions or having many postoperative complications.     

Antegrade continence enema (ACE): predictors of outcome in 111 patients

Purpose

The antegrade continence enema (ACE) is used as a means of managing faecal incontinence and constipation with varying outcomes. We aim to evaluate our outcomes of ACEs and identify predictors of outcome.

Methods

A retrospective case-note review of patients ≤16 years of age undergoing an ACE (March 2000–September 2013) was carried out. Data collected included: patient demographics, functional outcomes and complications. Data are quoted as median (range) and compared using Mann–Whitney and Fisher’s exact test. Univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of successful outcomes. P < 0.05 is significant. Successful outcome = total continence/occasional leakage and failed outcome = regular soiling and/or constipation.

Results

111 patients with complete data sets underwent an ACE [59 % male, median age = 9.5 years (3.4–16 years)] and median follow-up = 48 months (4 months–11 years 4 months). Underlying diagnoses were idiopathic constipation (n = 68), anorectal malformation (n = 27), neuropathic bowel (n = 7), Hirschsprung disease (n = 5) and gastrointestinal dysmotility (n = 4). Social continence was achieved in 87/111 (78 %). Fifteen percent of patients underwent reversal of ACE due to resolution of symptoms. There was no difference in outcomes related to diagnosis, gender, age or follow-up duration. Complication rate was 20.7 % (23/111).

Conclusions

The ACE is safe and effective in the management of intractable constipation and soiling. No predictors of outcome were identified.     

Does mothers’ perception of social support mediate the relationship between fecal incontinence and quality of life of the child?

Purpose

Fecal incontinence is a common problem in children and adolescents with anorectal malformation (ARM) and may negatively impact psycho-social well-being. Mothers’ perception of social support has been proved to contribute to children’s quality of life (QOL). Considering ARM studies, the role of family and social resources have received little attention. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether mothers’ perception of social support mediates the impact of child fecal incontinence on his/her QOL.

Methods

One hundred and nine mothers with a child born with ARM (aged 6–15 years old; mean age = 11 years) completed questionnaires including the fecal incontinence subscale of the Hirschsprung’s Disease/Anorectal Malformation QOL Questionnaire, the Pediatric QOL Inventory, and a social relationship questionnaire. Structural equation models were used to explore the relations hypothesized.

Results

No differences were found in the QOL scores across gender. The hypothesized model fits the data well; mothers’ perception of social support partially mediated the relationship between fecal incontinence and QOL.

Conclusions

An important direction for pediatric surgeons and their interdisciplinary teams may be to develop strategies to strengthen mothers’ social relationships.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of isolated hypoganglionosis

Background

Some patients suspected with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD), however, were diagnosed as having isolated hypoganglionosis according to the updated pathohistologic methods. This study was undertaken to investigate the diagnostic methods and the therapeutic results of isolated hypoganglionosis in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made on 17 patients with isolated hypoganglionosis (hypoganglionosis group) identified pathologically after operation. The data included clinical presentations, barium enema, anorectal manometry, histochemical staining for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) before operation, histological results after operation and follow-up outcomes. The data of hypoganglionosis with HD (HD group) were compared retrospectively.

Results

Common complaint of the patients with hypoganglionosis and HD was intractable constipation. Barium enema showed typical narrowing and distended segment of the colon in 9 patients in the hypoganglionosis group (9/16) and in 15 patients in the HD group (15/18). In the hypoganglionosis group, in 15 patients who underwent anorectal manometry only 5 showed absent rectal anal inhibitory reflex, significantly lower than the rate in the HD group (17/18) (P<0.05). From 16 patients in hypoganglionosis group, positive staining for AChE was noted in 3 patients (3/16, 18.8%), significantly lower than that in the HD group (16/18, 88.9%) (P<0.05). Thirteen patients in the hypoganglionosis group received subtotal colectomy, while only 5 patients needed subtotal colectomy in the HD group. In the hypoganglionosis group, except 2 patients who suffered from mild enterocolitis after operation and recovered after conservative therapy, all patients recovered uneventfully without wound dehiscence, intestinal fistula, fecal incontinence or constipation recurrence. In the HD group, one patient suffered from anastomotic leak and got secondary operation, one patient had anastomotic stricture at 1 year after operation and recovered by dilatation, and other three patients suffered from mild enterocolitis after operation and recovered after conservative therapy.

Conclusions

Hypoganglionosis is a common disease, and could be finally confirmed by full-thickness biopsies in different bowel segments. The resection range can be estimated according to barium enema and 24-hour delayed X-ray findings, by which the satisfactory result in short-term follow-up can be obtained.     

Feelings of depression in people with arm: The role of critical incidents and perceived difficulties in close and sexual relationships

Purpose

Managing a chronic disease may be a difficult task which may lead patients to experience psychological distress and depression. Some studies showed that, in ARM patients, fecal incontinence (FI) is related to symptoms of depression while others studies did not. No studies investigated this relationship in adults. Since fear of having FI episodes, negative feelings associated with these episodes, and difficulties in close and sexual relationships are often reported by patients as important consequences of ARM, we were interested in investigating whether these aspects contribute in explaining feelings of depression.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 160 adult members of the Italian Association for Anorectal Malformation. A new scale measuring the fear of having FI episodes, negative feelings associated with these episodes and difficulties in close/sexual relationship was developed. Depressive feelings and FI were also measured.

Results

Seventy-two adults answered the questionnaires. Regression analyses showed that, in males, depressive feelings were predicted by difficulties in close and sexual relationships (B = 0.46; P < 0.01), while, in females, they were predicted by the fear of having FI episodes (B = 0.53; P < 0.05) and by negative feelings (B = 0.58; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Interventions aimed to prevent depression in ARM patients should consider gender and should be targeted on different aspects.     

Anorectal malformations associated spinal cord anomalies

Purpose

The present study aims to identify clinical and pathological factors that can predict the risk of spinal cord anomalies (SCA) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM), the need for neurosurgery, and to define the impact of SCA on the outcome of patients with ARM.

Methods

A 16-year retrospective analysis of all patients treated at a single tertiary children’s Hospital with diagnosis of ARM. Data were collected to assess the impact of defined clinical characteristics on prevalence of SCA (detected at MRI). Children surgically treated or not for SCA were compared for age, clinical symptoms and type of anomalies at surgery or at last follow-up, respectively. Moreover, patients with intermediate/high ARMs, with or without SCA were compared for neurogenic bladder (NB), constipation, soiling and need for bowel management (BM).

Results

Two hundred and seventy-five children were treated for ARM in the study period, 142 had spinal MRI that showed SCA in 85. Patients with SCA had significantly higher prevalence of preterm birth (p < 0.05), cardiac anomalies (p = 0.02), vertebral anomalies (p = 0.0075), abnormal sacrum (p < 0.0001), and VACTERL association (p = 0.0233). Ten patients were surgically treated for SCA. The prevalence of neurological bladder and neuro-motor deficits, of vertebral and genital anomalies, particularly cryptorchidism, was significantly higher in the operated group (p < 0.01, for each analysis). In patients with intermediate/high ARMs, no significant difference was observed between those with or without SCA, in terms of prevalence of NB, intestinal function and need for BM.

Conclusions

In patients with ARM, factors that can predict a higher prevalence of SCA and also determine an increased indication to neurosurgery may be identified. SCA by itself does not seem to affect the functional prognosis of children with intermediate/high ARM. These data may help physicians in stratifying the clinical and diagnostic pathway of patients with ARM.

     

The influence of anorectal malformations on fertility: a systematic review

Purpose

This systematic review aims to give an overview of available evidence concerning the influence of anorectal malformations (ARM) on fertility.

Methods

We conducted a search in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library conformed to the PRISMA standards. All studies reporting on fertility and ARM were included.

Results

2,905 studies were identified. Based on title, abstract and full text, nine articles on 429 patients remained to answer the research question. Childbirth rate was the only reported outcome parameter to describe fertility. An overall childbirth rate of 27 % (range 0–57 %) was found. Mean age at time of study ranged from 23 to 35 years. There was no statistical significant difference in childbirth rate between female and male patients, based on seven studies (p = 0.45). Patients with a more complex type of ARM (imperforated anus without fistula, rectourethral bulbar and prostatic fistulas, rectobladderneck fistulas and cloacal malformations) had a lower childbirth rate compared to healthy controls, whereas in patients with a less complex ARM (rectoperineal or rectovestibular fistula) the childbirth rate was similar to healthy controls. Patients with a more complex type of ARM had a significant lower childbirth rate than patients with a less complex type of ARM (18 vs 47 %, respectively) (p = 0.0001). When further dividing these patients by gender, this difference was only seen in female patients (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In patients with a more complex type of ARM a lower childbirth rate was found compared to healthy controls and patients with a less complex type of ARM. The latter was only seen in female patients. However, conclusions concerning fertility in ARM patients have to be taken with caution due to limited quality of the studies. Further investigation is recommended.     

MRI anatomy of anteriorly displaced anus: what obstructs defecation?

Background

Anteriorly displaced anus is an anomaly that is debated with regard to its nomenclature, diagnosis and management.

Objective

To describe MRI anatomy of the anal canal in children with anteriorly displaced anus and its impact on the process of defecation.

Materials and methods

We prospectively examined ten children (7 girls, 3 boys; age range 7 months to 8 years, mean 3 years) with anteriorly displaced anus between August 2009 and April 2012. Noncontrast MRI examinations were performed on a 1.5-T magnet. T1- and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo images were acquired in axial, sagittal and coronal planes of the pelvis. The anorectal angle and the relative hiatal distance were measured in mid-sagittal images, and compared with those of a control group using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

In children with anteriorly displaced anus, no anatomical abnormality was depicted at the level of the proximal anal canal. However, the distal anal canal was displaced anteriorly, running out its external muscle cuff, which remained un-displaced at the usual site of the anus. This changes the orientation of the central axis of the anal canal by passing across instead of along the fibers of the longitudinal muscle coat. Children with anteriorly displaced anus had a more obtuse anorectal angle (mean 112.1°), which was significantly greater than that of the control group (mean 86.2°).

Conclusion

MRI is a valuable tool in studying the anatomy of the anal canal in children with anteriorly displaced anus. The abnormal orientation of the longitudinal muscle across the anal canal can explain the obstructed defecation in these children. Based on this study, it might be of interest to use MRI in studying equivocal cases and children with unexplained constipation.     

Abnormal neural crest innervation in Sox10-Venus mice with all-trans retinoic acid-induced anorectal malformations

Background/purpose

Despite technical advances in the surgical/medical care of anorectal malformation (ARM), persistent unsatisfactory postoperative bowel habit has been attributed to histopathologic abnormalities of the distal rectum/pouch (DRP) and hypoplasia of anal sphincter muscles (ASM). We used Sox10-Venus mice with ARM induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to investigate neural crest cell (NCC) innervation in the DRP and ASM.

Method

Pregnant Sox10-Venus mice were administered single doses of 50, 70, or 100 mg/kg of ATRA on embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) then sacrificed on either E16.5 or E19.5. Bowel specimens comprising the anorectum were examined using fluorescence microscopy without immunohistochemical staining (FMIS). Anti-PGP9.5 was used to delineate ganglion cells and anti-SMA for smooth muscles.

Results

The appropriate dose of ATRA for inducing ARM was 50 mg/kg. Under FMIS, all ARM embryos (n = 5; all high type; 3 male:2 female) had less NCC innervation with thick Venus-positive nerve fibers in the DRP compared with normal embryos (n = 8); there was abnormal NCC innervation in the DRP and absent ASM in ARM mice.

Conclusion

We are the first to delineate abnormal enteric nervous system innervation in the DRP of ARM mice without using immunohistochemical staining techniques thus allowing specimens to be examined without any distortion.     

Wide variation in anal sphincter muscles in cases of high- and intermediate-type male anorectal malformation

Purpose

The distribution of sphincter muscle complex in anorectal malformation (ARM) needs to be investigated on a case-by-case basis. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the differences in the anal sphincter muscles between patients with the same type of ARM. Computed tomography (CT) data from cases of high- and intermediate-type male patients with ARM were reviewed using three-dimensional (3D) image analysis.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven male patients with ARM (18 high and 9 intermediate) before anorectoplasty were assessed using multidetector-row helical CT (MRH-CT). A 3D reconstruction was made using volume rendering method. The multi-dimensional sections of the 3D reconstructed images of the pelvic muscles were then analyzed and compared with schematic drawings from the literature.

Results

The sphincters in the high and intermediate types of ARM could be divided into five groups. In 13 out of 18 cases in the high type and 7 out of 9 cases in the intermediate type, images of the sphincter muscles appeared different from schematic drawings appearing in the literature.

Conclusion

In both high and intermediate types of ARM, more than 2/3 of cases demonstrated unexpectedly displaced and deformed hypoplastic sphincters. Therefore, we recommend that variations in anal sphincter should be investigated on an individual basis prior to surgery.     

Association of Hirschsprung’s disease and anorectal malformation: a systematic review

Background

The association of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) and anorectal malformation (ARM) is rare. The exact incidence of this association is not known but HD coexisting with ARM has been reported in 2.3 to 3.4 % of ARM cases. Most of the reported cases in the literature have been single case reports. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of HD associated with ARM and its relationship to other syndromes.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed for the keywords “association of Hirschsprung’s disease and anorectal malformation”, “aganglionosis and anorectal malformation” as well as “congenital megacolon and anorectal malformation”. Resulting publications were reviewed for epidemiology, operative treatment and morbidity. Reference lists were screened for additional cases.

Results

A total of 38 articles reported 90 cases of HD coexisting with ARM from 1952 to 2013. Twenty eight articles reported 40 single case reports of this association. Ten articles reported 50 cases of HD in case series of 2,465 ARM patients, resulting in an incidence of 2 % of this association. Gender was reported in 63 cases, with 30 males (48 %) and 33 females (52 %). Associated syndromes were reported in 23 patients: Currarino syndrome in 11, Down syndrome in 8, Cat eye syndrome in 3 and Pallister-Hall syndrome in one case. Extent of aganglionosis was reported in 49 cases and included classical rectosigmoid disease in 36, long segment aganglionosis in 5, total colonic aganglionosis in 7 and total intestinal aganglionosis in one patient. In 35 % of the patients stoma was created in the aganglionotic region and failed to work. There was a median delay of 8 months for the diagnosis of HD from initial diagnosis of ARM. Various surgical techniques were employed for the pull-through operation for HD.

Conclusion

The review confirms that the recognition of HD is often delayed because of the initial diagnosis of ARM and the fact that the dysfunctional colostomy is usually proximal to the affected aganglionotic bowel. There is a high incidence of associated syndromes when HD coexists with ARM.     

German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal Malformations: first evaluation and interpretation of postoperative urological complications in anorectal malformations

Objective

The aim of the German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal Malformations is to collect data of affected patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) or extrophy?Cepispadias complex, and to investigate molecular causes, clinical implications, and psychosocial outcome. The current issue was to assess the postoperative sequelae related to lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with ARM.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and sixty-seven patients with ARM (112 females, 155 males, median age 6?years, range 0?C56?years) were investigated via standardized case report forms comprising interview, analysis of medical data, and personal questionnaires.

Results

Thirty-two patients (12%, 23 males, 9 females) suffered from neurogenic bladder dysfunction, mainly associated with recto-urethral fistula (11 cases, 34%), and recto-vesical fistula (6 cases, 19%). Sixty-eight patients (26%, 35 males, 57 females) have experienced lifetime urinary tract infection, primarily associated with recto-urethral fistula (21 cases, 31%), and vestibular fistula (13 cases, 19%). According to type of operation, the highest number of postoperative urologic problems was reported after abdominosacroperineal pull-through.

Conclusion

Besides reconstructing the ARM, another main goal is the preservation of lower urinary tract function. In our data, there seems to be a close correlation between operative strategies and postoperative complications.     

Long-term functional outcome after untethering surgery for a tethered spinal cord in patients with anorectal malformations

Background

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is associated with a tethered spinal cord (TSC). Long-term functional outcome of untethering surgery for TSC in patients with ARM has not been well evaluated.

Methods

Patients aged 7 years and older who underwent repair of ARM and spinal magnetic resonance imaging from January 1995 to December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Untethering surgery was performed in all patients who were diagnosed with TSC, regardless of the presence or of neurological symptoms. Clinical symptoms reflecting anorectal, urinary, and lower limb function were compared between patients complicated with TSC (TSC group, n = 17) and those without TSC (non-TSC group, n = 14).

Results

The median age at functional evaluation was 11.7 and 12.9 years in the TSC and non-TSC groups, respectively (p = 0.52). Untethering surgery for TSC was performed at a median age of 1.3 years. Preoperative urinary and lower limb dysfunction, except for vesicoureteral reflux in the TSC group in one patient, was improved after surgical detethering. Current anorectal function was comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

Long-term functional outcome in patients with ARM and TSC undergoing untethering surgery is equivalent to that in those without TSC. Prophylactic surgical detethering for patients with ARM and TSC can be a treatment of choice to maximize neurological functional outcome.

     

Comparison between US and MRI in the prenatal assessment of lung malformations

Background

The contribution of MRI in the prenatal evaluation of congenital lung abnormalities (CLA) has not been extensively investigated.

Objective

(1) To compare diagnostic accuracy and assessment of prognostic factors between US and MRI in CLA and (2) to assess the diagnosis agreement between prenatal imaging and postnatal diagnosis.

Materials and methods

We included 23 consecutive fetuses who underwent concomitant US and MRI during gestation as well as postnatal CT and surgery (n = 22).

Results

US-MRI sets were performed at median gestational age of 26 (n = 16) and 34 (n = 22) weeks. Postnatal diagnoses were 11 congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM), 4 bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS), 6 hybrid lesions and 2 cysts. US and MRI agreement was significantly better during the second trimester than during the third one (P = 0.02). Disagreements were related to missed cysts (n = 5), mediastinal shift (n = 6) and vessels (n = 5). US and MRI diagnosis agreement was present in 20 cases, including 5 cases of misdiagnosis. US and MRI were concordant with postnatal diagnosis in 17 and 16 cases, respectively.

Conclusion

In our series, no clear superiority of MRI over US in the prenatal evaluation of CLA was demonstrated, but US better demonstrated systemic feeding vessels and MRI cysts and normal lung adjacent to the lesion.     

Sexual function in adults with anorectal malformation: psychosocial adaptation. German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal Malformations (CURE-Net)

Purpose

The aim of the German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal Malformations (CURE-Net) is to collect data of affected patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) to investigate molecular causes, clinical implications and psychosocial outcome. The current issue was to examine sexual function and to explore psychosocial adaptation in adults with ARM.

Methods

This qualitative study using narrative inquiry is part of a larger multi-center study of clinical queries and quality of life in patients with ARM. The guided interview focused on analysis of sexual function.

Results

55 adult patients with ARM (23 females, 32 males, median age 23 years, range from 18 to 56 years) were investigated via standardized case-report forms comprising interview, analysis of medical data and personal questionnaires. In the female patients, 8 (35 %) of them lived alone and 15 (65 %) had sexual intercourse. In the male patients, the majority of 20 (69 %) patients lived alone and 13 (45 %) had sexual intercourse. 6 of the females got pregnant, 5 got 2 or more children. 3 of the men induced 2 or more pregnancies and fathered children.

Conclusion

Besides reconstructing the ARM, another main goal is the preservation of sexual function. According to our data, there seems to be a close relationship between psychosocial development and sexual activity.     

The impact of preparation and support procedures for children with sickle cell disease undergoing MRI

Background

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often undergo MRI studies to assess brain injury or to quantify hepatic iron. MRI requires the child to lie motionless for 30–60?min, thus sedation/anesthesia might be used to facilitate successful completion of exams, but this poses additional risks for SCD patients. To improve children’s ability to cope with MRI examinations and avoid sedation, our institution established preparation and support procedures (PSP).

Objective

To investigate the impact of PSP in reducing the need for sedation during MRI exams among children with SCD.

Materials and methods

Data on successful completion of MRI testing were compared among 5- to 12-year-olds who underwent brain MRI or liver R2*MRI with or without receiving PSP.

Results

Seventy-one children with SCD (median age 9.85?years, range 5.57–12.99?years) underwent a brain MRI (n?=?60) or liver R2*MRI (n?=?11). Children who received PSP were more likely to complete an interpretable MRI exam than those who did not (30 of 33; 91% vs. 27 of 38; 71%, unadjusted OR?=?4.1 (P?=?0.04) and OR?=?8.5 (P?<?0.01) when adjusting for age.

Conclusion

PSP can help young children with SCD complete clinically interpretable, nonsedated MRI exams, avoiding the risks of sedation/anesthesia.     

Effect of headphones on sevoflurane requirement for MRI

Background

Acoustic noise may have adverse effects, even in patients under general anesthetic.

Objective

We aimed to determine the effect of headphones on sevoflurane requirements in children undergoing general anesthesia for an MRI scan.

Materials and methods

Children scheduled for MRI were enrolled in the study. Sevoflurane was used for general anesthesia in all children. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, one to wear headphones and the other none. After reaching a predetermined end-tidal concentration, the MRI scan was initiated, and the patient was evaluated by an observer blinded to the concentration of sevoflurane. Awakening was defined as eye opening, onset of continued purposeful movement or phonation. Using the Dixon up-and-down method, each target concentration was determined by the response of the previous child in the same group.

Results

The study included 28 children undergoing MRI. There was a significant difference in ED50 between the two groups (0.92, 0.81–1.02, vs. 0.47, 0.42–0.63; P?<?0.001). The times to spontaneous arm and leg movements, eye opening and discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly shorter in patients with headphones than in those without (P?<?0.001). However, there was no difference in times to hospital discharge (P?=?0.056).

Conclusion

Noise-concealing headphones decrease inhalational anesthetic requirements and facilitate recovery. We recommend the routine use of headphones in children undergoing an MRI scan.