Is contralateral inguinal exploration necessary in preterm girls undergoing inguinal hernia repair during the first months of life?

Background

To assess the need for contralateral surgical exploration in preterm girls with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia.

Methods

The medical data of girls operated for inguinal hernia between 2004 and 2016 in a single pediatric surgery center were retrospectively collected. Preterm girls operated for unilateral hernia before 6 months of life were selected (55/517 cases) to assess the incidence and risk factors for contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia (CMIH).

Results

CMIH was observed in 7% of cases (4 girls with a right inguinal hernia in 3 cases) at a mean age of 4.2 years. Only one case occurred early (3 months). Birth weight and term were comparable (1674?±?620 g and 32?±?5 WA without CMIH vs. 1694?±?582 g and 33?±?3 WA with CMIH).

Conclusion

Contralateral inguinal hernia is very rare and generally occurs several years after inguinal repair surgery in preterm girls, which should encourage practitioners to follow these children throughout childhood for the subsequent development of inguinal hernia. This study did not find any arguments in favor of systematic contralateral exploration in preterm girls.

     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open pediatric inguinal hernia repairs at two institutions

Background/Purpose

The proposed benefits of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the pediatric population include easier access to the contralateral groin and avoidance of manipulation of the spermatic cord; however, some studies also report higher recurrence rates. Due to these differences, the traditional open technique is still used by many pediatric surgeons. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of two institutions that employed different techniques.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients who had open repair of inguinal hernias at hospital A or laparoscopic repair at hospital B. Data collection included age of patients, laterality, operative time, and complications.

Results

From 2010 to 2015, 154 patients underwent open repair at hospital A and 220 patients underwent laparoscopic repair at hospital B. The mean operative time was 52 min for the open technique and 23 min for the laparoscopic technique (p?<?0.01). There were 2.6% complications and 0.65% recurrences with the open technique, compared to 4.6% complications and 2.7% recurrences with the laparoscopic technique (p?>?0.2).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic hernia repairs at hospital B are associated with shorter operative times and have similar outcomes as open repairs at hospital A. A prospective study with both techniques done at the same institution is warranted.

     

Subjective and objective image differences in pediatric computed tomography cardiac angiography using lower iodine concentration

Background

Several recent studies showed the optimal contrast enhancement with a low-concentration and iso-osmolar contrast media in both adult and pediatric patients. However, low contrast media concentrations are not routinely used due to concerns of suboptimal enhancement of cardiac structures and small vessels.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of using iso-osmolar contrast media containing a low iodine dose for CT cardiac angiography at 80 kilovolts (kVp) in neonates and infants.

Materials and methods

The iodixanol 270 group consisted of 79 CT scans and the iopromide 370 group of 62 CT scans in patients ≤1 year old. Objective measurement of the contrast enhancement was analyzed and contrast-to-noise ratios of the ascending aorta and left ventricle were calculated. Regarding subjective measurement, a four-point scale system was devised to evaluate degrees of contrast enhancement, image noise, motion artifact and overall image quality of each image set. Reader performance for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment was evaluated.

Results

Group objective and subjective measurements were nonsignificantly different. Overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for correctly differentiating iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 by visual assessment were 42.8%, 59%, and 50%, respectively.

Conclusion

The application of iodixanol 270 achieved optimal enhancement for performing pediatric cardiac CT angiography at 80 kVp in neonates and infants. Objective measurements of contrast enhancement and subjective image quality assessments were not statistically different in the iodixanol 270 and iopromide 370 groups.

     

Cardiac diagnostics before oral propranolol therapy in infantile hemangioma: retrospective evaluation of 234 infants

Background

The indication and extent of cardiac screening before oral propranolol therapy (OPT) in patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) has been challenged. In this study, we evaluated pre-OPT cardiac diagnostics in a pediatric IH cohort in our department.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of infants ≤ 12 months old with IH undergoing OPT. The diagnostics prior to OPT, occurrence of complications, and outcome were recorded.

Results

A total of 234 patients were evaluated. The mean age at the onset of OPT was 4.2 ± 0.3 months, the average duration of OPT was 6.1 ± 0.1 months, and the average follow-up was 12.3 ± 0.7 months. Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms were performed prior to OPT in all patients. One hundred and three (44.0%) echocardiograms revealed pathological findings, 19 (8.1%) of which were minor (including atrial septal defects, pulmonary stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus). Pathological findings were observed in 17 (7.3%) of electrocardiograms, only one (0.4%) of which was minor (suspected cardiac arrhythmia, subsequently excluded by long-term electrocardiogram analysis). These findings did not contraindicate OPT and no severe adverse events associated with OPT occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Routine cardiac screening by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram before OPT is debatable and not routinely indicated in children with IH. Further studies are necessary to draw definite conclusions on the reasonable indication and extent of this diagnostic approach.

     

Pediatric non-diabetic ketoacidosis: a case-series report

Background

This study is to explore the clinical characteristics, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with non-diabetic ketoacidosis.

Methods

Retrospective patient chart review was performed between March 2009 to March 2015. Cases were included if they met the selection criteria for non-diabetic ketoacidosis, which were: 1) Age?≤?18 years; 2) urine ketone positive ++ or >8.0 mmol/L; 3) blood ketone >3.1 mmol/L; 4) acidosis (pH?<?7.3) and/or HCO₃?<?15 mmol/L; 5) random blood glucose level?<?11.1 mmol/L. Patients who met the criteria 1, 4, 5, plus either 2 or 3, were defined as non-diabetic ketoacidosis and were included in the report.

Results

Five patients with 7 episodes of non-diabetic ketoacidosis were identified. They all presented with dehydration, poor appetite, and Kussmaul breathing. Patients treated with insulin plus glucose supplementation had a quicker recovery from acidosis, in comparison to those treated with bicarbonate infusion and continuous renal replacement therapy. Two patients treated with bicarbonate infusion developed transient coma and seizures during the treatment.

Conclusion

Despite normal or low blood glucose levels, patients with non-diabetic ketoacidosis should receive insulin administration with glucose supplementation to correct ketoacidosis.

     

Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Corrective Cardiac Surgery In Infants

Objective

To assess neurodevelopmental status in Indian infants undergoing corrective surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) and to analyze factors associated with neurodevelopmental delay.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary-care pediatric cardiology facility.

Participants

Consecutive infants undergoing corrective surgery for CHD (January 2013–December 2014). Palliative procedures, and patients with known genetic syndromes were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Neurodevelopmental evaluation 3 months, and one year after surgery using Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants (DASII); scores were categorized as delayed if ≤70.

Results

Of the 162 children enrolled, delayed PDI and MDI scores were observed in 33.5% and 19.6% of patients at 3 months, respectively; this reduced to 14.5 % on 1-year follow-up. On multivariate analysis, delayed PDI outcome at one year was predicted by early term birth and one-year postoperative head circumference Z-score <–2. Delayed MDI was associated with higher mean perfusion pressure on cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac diagnosis and peri-operative factors did not impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions

Neurodevelopmental status is delayed in 14.5% of infants one year after corrective infant heart surgery.

     

Clinical safety of 3-T brain magnetic resonance imaging in newborns

Background

The effects and potential hazards of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T in newborns are debated.

Objective

Assess the impact of 3-T MRI in newborns on body temperature and physiological parameters.

Material and methods

Forty-nine newborns, born preterm and at term, underwent 3-T brain MRI at term-corrected age. Rectal and skin temperature, oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded before, during and after the scan.

Results

A statistically significant increase in skin temperature of 0.6 °C was observed at the end of the MRI scan (P<0.01). There was no significant changes in rectal temperature, heart rate or oxygen saturation.

Conclusion

Core temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturation in newborns were not affected by 3-T brain MR scanning.

     

Onset ages of hepatopulmonary syndrome and pulmonary hypertension in patients with biliary atresia

Purpose

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) are extrahepatic complications of biliary atresia (BA). Their detection is sometimes delayed, which may result in missed opportunities for liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the onset ages of HPS and PoPH in BA patients.

Methods

BA patients followed at our institution were identified. Patients visited our clinic for routine blood work, as well as regular electrocardiography, chest X-rays, and arterial blood gas tests. Lung perfusion scintigraphy and cardiac ultrasound were performed to diagnose HPS. Cardiac catheterization was conducted to diagnose PoPH.

Results

The study population consisted of 88 BA patients. The median follow-up duration was 11.6 years (range 0.8–26.0 years). Six patients (6.8%) developed HPS and three patients (3.4%) developed PoPH. The median age of onset of HPS was significantly younger than that of PoPH (HPS: 4 years, PoPH: 15 years, P < 0.019). Two patients (66%) with PoPH died, while all patients with HPS survivied.

Conclusion

The onset of HPS was significantly earlier than that of PoPH. The mortality rate was high in patients with PoPH. Teenagers with BA should receive routine cardiac echocardiograms to detect PH in its early stages.

     

Implications of non-accidental trauma on resource utilization and outcomes

Purpose

The purpose was to compare the resource utilization and outcomes between patients with suspected (SUSP) and confirmed (CONF) non-accidental trauma (NAT).

Methods

The institutional trauma registry was reviewed for patients aged 0–18 years presenting from 2007 to 2012 with a diagnosis of suspicion for NAT. Patients with suspected and confirmed NAT were compared.

Results

There were 281 patients included. CONF presented with a higher heart rate (142?±?27 vs 128?±?23 bpm, p?<?0.01), lower systolic blood pressure (100?±?18 vs 105?±?16 mm Hg, p?=?0.03), and higher Injury Severity Score (15?±?11 vs 9?±?5, p?<?0.01). SUSP received fewer consultations (1.6?±?0.7 vs 2.4?±?1.1, 95% CI ? 0.58 to ? 0.09, p?<?0.01) and had a shorter length of stay (1.6?±?1.3 vs 7.8?±?9.8 days, 95% CI ? 4.58 to ? 0.72, p?<?0.01). SUSP were more often discharged home (OR 94.22, 95% CI: 21.26–417.476, p?<?0.01). CONF had a higher mortality rate (8.2 vs 0%, p?<?0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with confirmed NAT present with more severe injuries and require more hospital resources compared to patients in whom NAT is suspected and ruled out.

     

Pediatric Asthma and Food Allergy

Objective

To quantitatively summarize the evidence from observational studies on the relation between pediatric asthma and food allergy.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in Medline and EMBASE (August 2016). Two independent reviewers appraised the studies and extracted the estimates of interest. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tools. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 32 relevant studies were identified but only 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Using random-effect model, food allergy showed strong association with asthma in children (OR = 2.87 [95% CI: 2.05–4.00]; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study suggested that food allergy is associated with an increased risk of asthma in children.

     

Use of venovenous ECMO for neonatal and pediatric ECMO: a decade of experience at a tertiary children’s hospital

Background

Advances in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have led to increased use of venovenous (VV) ECMO in the pediatric population. We present the evolution and experience of pediatric VV ECMO at a tertiary care institution.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study from 01/2005 to 07/2016 was performed, comparing by cannulation mode. Survival to discharge, complications, and decannulation analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 160 patients (105 NICU, 55 PICU) required 13?±?11 days of ECMO. VV cannulation was used primarily in 83 patients with 64% survival, while venoarterial (VA) ECMO was used in 77 patients with 54% survival. Overall, 74% of patients (n?=?118) were successfully decannulated; 57% survived to discharge. VA ECMO had a higher rate of intra-cranial hemorrhage than VV (22 vs 9%, p?=?0.003). Sixteen VA patients (21%) had radiographic evidence of a cerebral ischemic insult. No cardiac complications occurred with the use of dual-lumen VV cannulas. There were no differences in complications (p?=?0.40) or re-operations (p?=?0.85) between the VV and VA groups.

Conclusion

Dual-lumen VV ECMO can be safely performed with appropriate image guidance, is associated with a lower rate of intra-cranial hemorrhage, and may be the preferred first-line mode of ECMO support in appropriately selected NICU and PICU patients.

Level of evidence

II.

     

Clinical and laboratory predictors of blood loss in young swine: a model for pediatric hemorrhage

Background

The pediatric patient’s response to hemorrhage as a function of young age is not well understood. As a result, there is no consensus on optimal resuscitation strategies for hemorrhagic shock in pediatric patients, or on the identification of clinical triggers to prompt implementation. The study objective was to develop a model of pediatric hemorrhage using young pigs to simulate school-aged children, and determine clinical and laboratory indicators for significant hemorrhage.

Materials and methods

29 non-splenectomized female pigs, aged 3 months, weighing 30–40 kg, were randomized into groups with varying degrees of hemorrhage. Bleeding occurred intermittently over 5 h while the animals were anesthetized but spontaneously breathing. Various physiologic and biochemical markers were used to monitor the piglets during hemorrhage.

Results

Swine experiencing up to 50% hemorrhage survived without exception throughout the course of hemorrhage. 80% (4/5) of the animals in the 60% hemorrhage group survived. Need for respiratory support was universal when blood loss reached 50% of estimated blood volume. Blood pressure was not useful in classifying the degree of shock. Heart rate was helpful in differentiating between the extremes of blood loss examined. Arterial pCO_2, pH, lactate, HCO₃ and creatinine levels, as well as urine output, changed significantly with increasing blood loss.

Conclusions

Young swine are resilient against hemorrhage, although hemorrhage of 50% or greater universally require respiratory support. In this animal model, with the exception of heart rate, vital signs were minimally helpful in identification of shock. However, change in select laboratory values from baseline was significant with increasing blood loss.

Level of evidence

This was a level II prospective comparative study.

     

Preliminary report on endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment in children: results of a multicentric series

Background

Pilonidal disease is a troublesome acquired condition for whom various surgical treatments have been proposed with relatively high recurrence and complication rates. Since EPSiT technique has been described in 2013, it became an alternative treatment in adult practice. Our study reports the results of a multicentre series of pediatric patients who underwent EPSiT procedure over a 21-month period.

Methods

Between July 2015 and March 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing EPSiT in four different pediatric surgical units have been enrolled. Details regarding demographic data, detailed surgical procedure, outcome and complications have been recorded.

Results

A total of 43 patients underwent EPSiT procedure. Mean age was 15 years. There was a slight female preponderance. Mean weight and height at surgery were 67 kg and 168 cm, respectively. In 14% of cases a previous ineffective procedure was performed. Mean length of procedure was 34 min and median hospital stay was 24 h (12–72 h). Median length of follow-up was 4 months (range 3–18 months). Complications leading to reoperation were reported in 9% of cases with an overall resolution rate of 88%.

Discussion

EPSiT proved to be feasible and safe even in the pediatric population. The effectiveness and safety of the procedure suggest that this technique can represent a valid alternative for the treatment of pilonidal disease in children.

     

Differential impact of flow and mouth leak on oropharyngeal humidification during high-flow nasal cannula: a neonatal bench study

Background

Heated humidification is paramount during neonatal high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, there is little knowledge about the influence of flow rate and mouth leak on oropharyngeal humidification and temperature.

Methods

The effect of the Optiflow HFNC on oropharyngeal gas conditioning was investigated at flow rates of 4, 6 and 8 L min^?1 with and without mouth leak in a bench model simulating physiological oropharyngeal air conditions during spontaneous breathing. Temperature and absolute humidity (AH) were measured using a digital thermo-hygrosensor.

Results

Without mouth leak, oropharyngeal temperature and AH increased significantly with increasing flow (P < 0.001). Mouth leak did not affect this increase up to 6 L min^?1, but at 8 L min^?1, temperature and AH plateaued, and the effect of mouth leak became statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mouth leak during HFNC had a negative impact on oropharyngeal gas conditioning when high flows were applied. However, temperature and AH always remained clinically acceptable.

     

Radiation dose associated with CT-guided drain placement for pediatric patients

Background

To date, there are limited radiation dose data on CT-guided procedures in pediatric patients.

Objective

Our goal was to quantify the radiation dose associated with pediatric CT-guided drain placement and follow-up drain evaluations in order to estimate effective dose.

Materials and methods

We searched the electronic medical record and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to identify all pediatric (<18 years old) CT-guided drain placements performed between January 2008 and December 2013 at our institution. We compiled patient data and radiation dose information from CT-guided drain placements as well as pre-procedural diagnostic CTs and post-procedural follow-up fluoroscopic abscess catheter injections (sinograms). Then we converted dose–length product, fluoroscopy time and number of acquisitions to effective doses using Monte Carlo simulations and age-appropriate conversion factors based on annual quality-control testing.

Results

Fifty-two drainages were identified with mean patient age of 11.0 years (5 weeks to 17 years). Most children had diagnoses of appendicitis (n=23) or inflammatory bowel disease (n=11). Forty-seven patients had diagnostic CTs, with a mean effective dose of 7.3 mSv (range 1.1–25.5 mSv). Drains remained in place for an average of 16.9 days (range 0–75 days), with an average of 0.9 (0–5) sinograms per patient in follow-up. The mean effective dose for all drainages and follow-up exams was 5.3 mSv (0.7–17.1) and 62% (32/52) of the children had effective doses less than 5 mSv.

Conclusion

The majority of pediatric patients who have undergone CT-guided drain placements at our institution have received total radiation doses on par with diagnostic ranges. This information could be useful when describing the dose of radiation to parents and providers when CT-guided drain placement is necessary.

     

Quantifying the pediatric surgical need in Uganda: results of a nationwide cross-sectional,household survey

Purpose

Little is known about the prevalence of pediatric surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Many children never seek medical care, thus the true prevalence of surgical conditions in children in Uganda is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of surgical conditions in children in Uganda.

Methods

Using the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) survey, we enumerated 4248 individuals in 2315 households in 105 randomly selected clusters throughout Uganda. Children aged 0–18 were included if randomly selected from the household; for those who could not answer for themselves, parents served as surrogates.

Results

Of 2176 children surveyed, 160 (7.4 %) reported a currently untreated surgical condition. Lifetime prevalence of surgical conditions was 14.0 % (305/2176). The predominant cause of surgical conditions was trauma (48.4 %), followed by wounds (19.7 %), acquired deformities (16.2 %), and burns (12.5 %). Of 90 pediatric household deaths, 31.1 % were associated with a surgically treatable proximate cause of death (28/90 deaths).

Conclusion

Although some trauma-related surgical burden among children can be adequately addressed at district hospitals, the need for diagnostics, human resources, and curative services for more severe trauma cases, congenital deformities, and masses outweighs the current capacity of hospitals and trained pediatric surgeons in Uganda.

     

Structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of the lung in cystic fibrosis

Background

Because of its absence of ionising radiation and possibility for obtaining functional information, MRI is promising for assessing lung disease in children who require repetitive imaging for long-term follow-up.

Objective

To describe MRI findings in children with cystic fibrosis and evaluate semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced lung perfusion.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively compared lung MRI in 25 children and young adults with cystic fibrosis (median age 3.7 years) to 12 children (median age 2 years) imaged for other pathologies. MRI at 1.5 T included respiratory-gated sequences and contrast-enhanced lung perfusion imaging. We described and graded any morphologic change. Signal enhancement and time to peak values of perfusion abnormalities were compared to those of normally enhancing lung parenchyma.

Results

Frequent findings in patients with cystic fibrosis were bronchial wall thickening (24/25, 96%), areas of consolidation (22/25, 88%), enlarged lymph nodes (20/25, 80%), bronchiectasis (5/25, 20%) and mucus plugging (3/25, 12%). Compared to normally enhancing lung, perfusion defects (21/25, 84%), characterised by decreased enhancement, showed prolonged time to peak. Areas of consolidation showed increased enhancement. While time to peak of procedure-related atelectasis was not significantly different from that of normal lung, disease-related consolidation showed prolonged time to peak (P=0.01).

Conclusion

Lung MRI demonstrates structural and perfusion abnormalities in children and young people with cystic fibrosis. Semi-quantitative assessment of dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging might allow differentiation between procedure-related atelectasis and disease-related consolidation.

     

Erosive Potential of Sugar Free and Sugar Containing Pediatric Medicines Given Regularly and Long Term to Children

Objective

To assess the erosive potential of 94 pediatric medicines of various therapeutic groups in vitro.

Methods

In vitro measurement of endogenous pH and titratable acidity (mmol) of 94 formulations was done. Endogenous pH was measured using a pH meter, followed by titration with 0.1-M NaOH using phenolphthalein as indicator.

Results

Overall, 55 (59%) formulations had an endogenous pH of <5.5. The mean (±SD) endogenous pH and titratable acidity for 45 SC formulations were 5.52?±?1.18 and 0.165?±?0.131 mmol, respectively; for 49 sugars-free (SF) formulations, these figures were 5.81?±?1.43 and 0.393?±?1.225 mmol (P?>?0.05).Compared with their SC bioequivalents, eight SF medicines showed no significant differences for pH or titratable acidity, while 10 higher-strength medicines showed lower pH (P 0.035) and greater titratable acidity (P 0.026) than their lower-strength equivalents. Chewable and dispersible tablets, gastrointestinal medicines and antibiotics were significant predictors of higher pH. In contrast, effervescent tablets, and nutrition and blood preparations were significant predictors of higher titratable acidity.

Conclusions

Pediatric SF medicines were not more erosive than SC medicines in vitro; a more significant predictor of their erosive potential was dose form. Higher the dose form more was the erosive potential of the medicine.

     

Impact of simulation-based training on perceived provider confidence in acute multidisciplinary pediatric trauma resuscitation

Purpose

Simulation-based training has the potential to improve team-based care. We hypothesized that implementation of an in situ multidisciplinary simulation-based training program would improve provider confidence in team-based management of severely injured pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

An in situ multidisciplinary pediatric trauma simulation-based training program with structured debriefing was implemented at a free-standing children’s hospital. Trauma providers were anonymously surveyed 1 month before (pre-), 1 month after (post-), and 2 years after implementation.

Results

Survey response rate was 49% (n?=?93/190) pre-simulation, 22% (n?=?42/190) post-simulation, and 79% (n?=?150/190) at 2-year follow-up. These providers reported more anxiety (p?=?0.01) and less confidence (p?=?0.02) 1-month post-simulation. At 2-year follow-up, trained providers reported less anxiety (p?=?0.02) and greater confidence (p?=?0.01), compared to untrained providers.

Conclusions

Implementation of an in situ multidisciplinary pediatric trauma simulation-based training program may initially lead to increased anxiety, but long-term exposure may lead to greater confidence.

Level of evidence

II, Prospective cohort.