Empyema Due to Thoracic Migrating Appendicolith

Background

Retained appendicolith following appendicectomy, and can cause recurrent abscess in the abdomen and retroperitoneum.

Case characteristics

11-yr-old boy who presented with subpulmonic abscess and pneumonia following appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis.

Observations

Thoracotomy revealed a thick walled subpulmonic abscess surrounding an appendicolith along with a rent in the posterolateral aspect of the diaphragm.

Message

In children presenting with pus collections and a history of recent appendicectomy, the possibility of a migrating appendicolith should be considered.

     

Synovial arteriovenous malformation masquerading as arthritis

Background

Synovial arteriovenous malformation is rare.

Case characteristics

We present three children with recurrent monoarthritis secondary to synovial arteriovenous malformation.

Outcome

Two children underwent excision of arteriovenous malformation. Another child had diffuse arteriovenous malformation, which was inoperable.

Message

Synovial arteriovenous malformations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of monoarthritis, especially of the knee.

     

Computed tomography localization of the appendix in the pediatric population relative to the lumbar spine

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to evaluate suspected acute appendicitis. Although very effective, CT uses ionizing radiation, exposing patients to an increased risk of cancer.

Objective

This study assessed the potential for decreasing the field of view of the CT (and therefore the dose to the patient) in the evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis in children.

Materials and methods

This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 212 consecutive patients who underwent CT for suspected acute appendicitis. The most superior aspect of the appendix with respect to vertebral bodies was recorded. Age, gender and diagnosis (negative, acute appendicitis or alternative diagnosis) were noted.

Results

The appendix was visualized in 190 of 212 subjects (89.6%). Overall, all visualized appendixes were located at or below the level of L1. Sixty-three of the subjects (29.7%) were diagnosed with acute appendicitis via CT imaging. All appendixes in patients with acute appendicitis were located at or below the level of the L3 vertebral body, predominating at the level of L5. Six subjects (3.1%) received alternative diagnoses, including pneumonia, pyelonephritis, small bowel obstruction and infected urachal cyst. There were no differences in appendix location with regard to diagnosis, gender, or age (P=0.664, 0.748 and 0.705, respectively).

Conclusion

CT field of view may be decreased to the level of L1 or L3 superiorly, decreasing radiation dose without affecting the rate of appendix visualization.

     

Conservative antibiotic treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis is feasible

Purpose

Appendectomy versus conservative antibiotic treatment (CAT) for children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis (AUA) remains unresolved, with concerns regarding the practicality of CAT. We analyzed our center’s experience with CAT for AUA, using a protocol with strict inclusion, exclusion and treatment criteria.

Methods

Non-randomized, prospective cohort study included all children admitted betwee 2014 and 2016, with clinical and laboratory tests suspicious for AUA. Data collected included clinical signs and symptoms; laboratory, ultrasound and pathology results. Follow-up was conducted through clinic visits, telephone conversations and national registry analysis.

Results

Included in CAT: 362 children, 19 underwent appendectomy within 1–2 days. Overall, 75 were readmitted for recurrent acute appendicitis during 22 months (6–43) follow-up. Thirty were treated successfully with antibiotics a second time. The remaining 45 had appendectomy. Overall, 86.8% underwent CAT with no surgery. Histology of all recurrent AUA revealed no perforations.

Conclusion

We confirm the feasibility of conservative management of AUA in children. A rigorous diagnostic plan with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria will lead to high success rate of CAT with a strong safety profile. CAT does not compete with surgery or render appendectomy unnecessary. It is a safe alternative to surgery in selected cases.

     

Antiphospholipid Syndrome Complicating Pneumococcal Meningitis

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a multisystem auto-immune disorder characterized by arterial or venous thrombosis in children.

Case characteristics

11-year-old child with pneumococcal meningitis also had cerebral sinus vein thrombosis and pulmonary artery segmental thrombosis.

Observation

Pro-thrombotic evaluation showed positive lupus anticoagulant at baseline and after 12 weeks. Investigations for lupus were negative at admission and after one year of follow-up.

Message

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a possibility even in thrombosis occurring in the setting of meningitis.

     

Imaging in pediatric appendicitis is key to a low normal appendix percentage: a national audit on the outcome of appendectomy for appendicitis in children

Purpose

A laparoscopic approach for emergency appendectomy is increasingly used, in pediatric patients as well. The objective of this study is to audit the current state of diagnostic work-up, surgical techniques and its outcome in children with acute appendicitis.

Methods

A prospective consecutive observational cohort study was carried out in a 2-month study period. All patients under 18 years that were operated for suspected acute appendicitis were included. Primary outcome was the infectious complication rate after open and laparoscopic approach; secondary outcomes were preoperative use of imaging and post-operative predictive value of imaging, normal appendix rate and children with a postoperative ileus.

Results

A total of 541 children were operated for suspected acute appendicitis in 62 Dutch hospitals. Preoperative imaging was used in 98.9% of children. The normal appendix rate was 3.1%. In 523 children an appendectomy was performed. Laparoscopy was used in 61% of the patients and conversion rate was 1.7%. Complicated appendicitis was diagnosed in 29.4% of children. Overall 30-day complication rate was 11.9% and similar after open and laparoscopic. No difference was found in superficial surgical site infections, nor in intra-abdominal abscesses between the open and laparoscopic approach. Complicated appendicitis is an independent risk factor for infectious complications.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach is most frequently used, except for young children. Superficial surgical site infections are more frequent after open surgery only in patients with complicated appendicitis. The normal appendix rate is low, most likely because of routine preoperative imaging.

     

Right atrial diverticulosis and early-onset arrhythmia: Rare cause of incessant neonatal arrhythmia

Background

Atrial flutter not responding to medications could be secondary to structural malformations of heart.

Case characteristics

A 5-year-old child with resistant arrhythmia, with onset in neonatal period.

Outcome

Multiple right atrial diverticuli were detected on CT angiography and cardiac catheterization. Patient reverted to sinus rhythm following surgical excision of diverticuli.

Message

In cases of intractable supraventricular tachycardia, structural anomalies of atrium should be suspected.

     

Weekend vs. weekday appendectomy for complicated appendicitis,effects on outcomes and operative approach

Purpose

We hypothesized that laparoscopic (LA) or open appendectomy (OA) outcomes in complicated appendicitis are associated with weekend vs. weekday procedure date.

Methods

We queried the Kids’ Inpatient Database (1997–2012) for complicated (540.0, 540.1) appendicitis treated with LA or OA. Propensity score (PS)-matched analysis compared outcomes associated with weekend vs. weekday LA and OA.

Results

Overall, 103,501 cases of complicated appendicitis were identified. On 1:1 PS-matched analyses of complicated appendicitis, weekday OA had increased wound infection rates (odds ratio: 1.3) vs. weekend OA, p?<?0.001. Weekend OA had higher pneumonia rates (1.4) and longer length of stay, but lower home healthcare requirement following discharge vs. weekday OA, p?<?0.05. Weekend and weekday LA had no significant outcome differences.

Conclusion

On a PS-matched comparison of appendectomies performed for complicated appendicitis on weekends and weekdays, procedure day is associated with different complication rates and resource utilization for OA. For LA, no weekend effect was noted for complicated appendicitis. To ensure the optimal patient care, prospective studies should be sought to identify causes of complications dependent on the day of procedure.

     

Creating diagnostic criteria for perforated appendicitis using cross-sectional imaging

Introduction

Preoperative determination of perforated versus acute appendicitis can be difficult. We compared CT and MRI performance in diagnosing perforated appendicitis, and created diagnostic criteria.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy within one day of CT or MRI between 1/1/2013 and 1/16/2016. True diagnosis was determined by pathology report. Findings on CT/MRI were grouped into “hard” findings (abscess, pneumoperitoneum, extruded fecalith, appendiceal wall with visible hole) and “soft” findings (extensive/diffuse inflammation/free fluid, phlegmon). Correlation of white blood cell count (WBC), temperature, peritoneal signs, and symptom duration >72 h with perforation was assessed using logistic regression. Significant correlates were incorporated in clinical criteria.

Results

135 patients underwent appendectomy after CT/MRI. Fifty patients underwent MRI and 85 CT. Using hard and/or soft findings, MRI was 86.7% sensitive and 74.3% specific, compared to 68.4% (p = 0.19) and 92.4% (p = 0.025) for CT. WBC > 15, temperature >38.0 °C, and peritoneal signs predicted perforation. Diagnostic accuracy of MRI was highest using imaging findings alone. Accuracy of CT was improved by mandating at least one of the previous three clinical correlates, resulting in 68.4% sensitivity and 93.9% specificity.

Conclusions

MRI trended toward more sensitive and CT was more specific for complicated appendicitis. CT specificity is improved by our algorithm.

     

Steroid pulse therapy for Kawasaki disease complicated with myocarditis

Background

The clinical management of intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS) is obscure.

Case characteristics

Three children presented with intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant KDSS complicated with myocarditis.

Outcome

All cases were successfully managed with steroid pulse therapy.

Message

Steroid pulse therapy is effective in immunoglobulin-resistant KDSS.

     

Hämorrhagischer Schock im frühen Kindesalter – Besonderheiten der Kreislaufregulation

Background

Acute hemorrhages in neonates and young children can be compensated for a long period of time until a decrease in blood pressure and manifest shock occur.

Objective

To determine the characteristics of the pathophysiology of the circulation in children and to recognize critical signs and symptoms of hemorrhage.

Material and methods

Pathophysiology and discussion of the literature

Results

Shock in neonates and children can be present long before a decrease in blood pressure occurs. It is characterized by tachycardia, tachy(dys)pnea, prolonged capillary refilling time, disorders of consciousness (apathy), disturbance of temperature regulation and reduced urine output. Laboratory markers are metabolic acidosis and elevated lactate and a normocytic anemia earlier than in adults.

Conclusion

In contrast to adults a decrease in blood pressure in neonates and young children is a late sign of shock, whereas normocytic anemia occurs earlier than in adults.

     

Bilateral Spontaneous Urinoma in a Cyanotic Child

Background

Urinoma is an encapsulated collection of extravasated urine, secondary to trauma or obstructive uropathy. Spontaneous bilateral urinoma is rare.

Case characteristics

7-year-old boy with cyanotic heart disease and fever of unknown origin.

Obeservation

The ultrasound abdomen and CT abdomen revealed bilateral spontaneous urinoma which was aspirated and was found to be infected. Following intravenous atibiotics the child became afebrile, with subsequent renal scans showing no recurrence.

Message

Hypoxia and consequent polycythemia may be responsible for perinephric leaks leading to Non-traumatic spontaneous urinoma.

     

Improving First-hour Breastfeeding Initiation Rate After Cesarean Deliveries: A Quality Improvement Study

Objective

To improve the rates of first hour initiation of breastfeeding in neonates born through cesarean section from 0 to 80% over 3 months through a quality improvement (QI) process.

Design

Quality improvement study.

Setting

Labor Room-Operation Theatre of a tertiary care hospital.

Participants

Stable newborns ≥35 weeks of gestation born by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Procedure

A team of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians and anesthetists analyzed possible reasons for delayed initiation of breastfeeding by Process flow mapping and Fish bone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do- Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

Outcome measure

Proportion of eligible babies breast fed within 1 hour of delivery.

Results

The rate of first-hour initiation of breastfeeding increased from 0% to 93% over the study period. The result was sustained even after the last PDSA cycle, without any additional resources.

Conclusions

A QI approach was able to accomplish sustained improvement in first-hour breastfeeding rates in cesarean deliveries.

     

Family-centered care to complement care of sick newborns: <Emphasis Type="Italic">A randomized controlled trial</Emphasis>

Objective

To assess the impact of family-centered care in delivery of care to sick newborns, on nosocomial infection rate.

Design

Randomized controlled trial

Setting

Tertiary referral nursery (October 2010 to March 2012).

Participants

295 neonates randomized at the time of hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit.

Intervention

Parent-attendant of intervention group were trained using an indigenously developed and pretested, culturally sensitive, simple audio-video tool that covered domains of personal hygiene, hand washing, danger signs recognition and feeding of sick neonate. Control group received routine care by nurses and doctors.

Outcome measure

Primary: culture positive nosocomial infection rate. Secondary: culture negative nosocomial infection rate, duration of hospitalization, mortality and breastfeeding rate.

Results

Two-thirds of family caregivers were fathers/ mothers and about 20% were grandparents. About 60% of family care givers were either illiterate (25%) or primary/middle pass (34%). Incidence of nosocomial episodes of sepsis was not different between groups (incidence rate difference 0.74, 95 % CI -4.21, 5.6, P = 0.76). Pre-discharge exclusive breastfeeding rates were significantly higher in intervention group [80.4% vs 66.7% (P=0.007)].

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in nosocomial infection rate between the two groups. Translating and adapting principles of family-centered care was feasible, and improved the pre-discharge exclusive breastfeeding rates.

     

Urinary biomarkers in pediatric appendicitis

Purpose

The diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis is still a challenge, resulting in perforation and negative appendectomies. The aim of this study was to evaluate novel biomarkers in urine and to use the most promising biomarkers in conjunction with the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), to see whether this could improve the accuracy of diagnosing appendicitis.

Methods

A prospective study of children with suspected appendicitis was conducted with assessment of PAS, routine blood tests, and measurements of four novel urinary biomarkers: leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG), calprotectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and substance P. The biomarkers were blindly determined with commercial ELISAs. Urine creatinine was used to adjust for dehydration. The diagnosis of appendicitis was based on histopathological analysis.

Results

Forty-four children with suspected appendicitis were included, of which twenty-two (50 %) had confirmed appendicitis. LRG in urine was elevated in children with appendicitis compared to children without (p < 0.001), and was higher in children with gangrenous and perforated appendicitis compared to those with phlegmonous appendicitis (p = 0.003). No statistical significances between groups were found for calprotectin, IL-6 or substance P. LRG had a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.86 (95 % CI 0.79–0.99), and a better diagnostic performance than all routine blood tests. LRG in conjunction with PAS showed 95 % sensitivity, 90 % specificity, 91 % positive predictive value, and 95 % negative predictive value.

Conclusion

LRG, adjusted for dehydration, is a promising novel urinary biomarker for appendicitis in children. LRG in combination with PAS has a high diagnostic performance.

     

Maturation of pelvic ossification centers on computed tomography in normal children

Background

The pelvis is composed of three paired primary ossification centers: the pubis, the ischium and the ilium. During maturation, multiple secondary ossification centers can be seen in the synchondroses between these bones and in the pelvic apophyses. The fragmented appearance of these centers can be confused with pathology.

Objective

To examine development of pelvic ossification centers by CT and determine normal appearance throughout childhood.

Materials and methods

Three pediatric radiologists reviewed 325 pelvic CT scans in children and young adults 5–18 years old and graded 6 pelvic ossification centers to evaluate maturational changes in critical structures.

Results

Rate and progression of ossification and age at complete fusion vary with gender at the different ossification centers in the growing pelvis.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the normal CT appearance of ossification centers throughout childhood is important to differentiate the normal appearance from pathology.

     

Transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram for healthy term and late preterm neonates in first 96 hours of life

Objective

To develop nomogram of Transcutaneous Bilirubin among healthy term and late-preterm neonates during first 96 hours of age.

Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Setting

Neonatal unit of a tertiary care Hospital of Central Gujarat, India.

Participants

1075 healthy term and late preterm neonates (≥35weeks).

Intervention

Six-hourly transcutaneous bilirubin was obtained from birth to 96 hour of life using Drager JM 103 Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer.

Main outcome measures

Nomogram of Transcutaneous Bilirubin with percentile values was obtained, rate of rise of bilirubin was calculated and predictive ability of normative data was analyzed for subsequent need of phototherapy.

Results

The age-specific percentile curves and nomogram were developed from the transcutaneous bilirubin readings of 1,010 neonates. Rate of rise in first 12 hour was 0.2 mg/dL and was 0.17 mg/dL in 12 to 24 hour of life which decreased on second day of life. Neonates who required phototherapy had consistently higher readings of transcutaneous bilirubin and also higher rate of rise in first 48 hrs.

Conclusion

Neonates whose transcutaneous bilirubin is above the 50th percentile should be monitored for the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia.

     

Disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent toddler

Background

Immunodeficient children are more prone for invasive cryptococcal infections.

Case characteristics

A 2-year-old boy with disseminated cryptococcosis was evaluated for underlying immunodeficiency without success.

Intervention/outcome

Child was managed successfully.

Message

Immunocompetent children with disseminated cryptococcosis can present diagnostic or therapeutic challenge in resource-limited settings.

     

Endoscopic Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux and Long-term Follow-up

Objectives

To report our experience with endoscopic management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) by injection of a tissue bulking substance–Dextranomer/ hyaluronic acid copolymer at vesicoureteric junction.

Design

Retrospective analyses of case records.

Setting

Pediatric Surgery department in a tertiary care government Institute.

Participants

500 children (767 renal units) consecutively referred to the out-patient department with vesicoureteral reflux noted on micturating cysto-urethrogram (MCU) over a period of 13 years (2004-2016).

Intervention

Preoperative VUR grading and renal scars on radionuclide scans were documented. Dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer was injected through a cystoscope at the vesicoureteral junction as a day care procedure under short anesthesia. Patients were followed (average duration 27.3 mo) with clinical assessment, periodic urine cultures and renal scans.

Main outcome measure

Cessation of VUR and symptomatic relief / clinical success postoperatively at 3 months.

Results

Complete symptomatic relief was obtained in 482 (96.4%) patients. In 681 units where MCU was available, 614 (90%) units showed resolution of VUR.

Conclusion

Endoscopic injection of tissue bulking substances at vesicoureteric junction to stop VUR seems to be an effective intervention

     

Obstructive uropathy and severe acute kidney injury from renal calculi due to adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency

Background

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency is an uncommon genetic cause of chronic kidney disease due to crystalline nephropathy.

Methods

A case of a Chinese boy with APRT deficiency presenting with severe acute kidney injury secondary to obstructive uropathy from multiple renal calculi was reviewed.

Results

The patient underwent staged removal of the calculi. Infrared spectrometry of the renal calculi showed 2,8-dihydroxyadenine. APRT deficiency was confirmed with abolished APRT enzyme activity in red blood cells. He was started on allopurinol and low purine diet with complete resolution of the residual calculi.

Conclusion

APRT deficiency should be considered in patients with multiple radiolucent renal calculi.