Colonic manometry as predictor of cecostomy success in children with defecation disorders

Purpose

The aim of this study was to define the predictive value of colonic manometry and contrast enema before cecostomy placement in children with defecation disorders.

Methods

Medical records, contrast enema, and colonic manometry studies were reviewed for 32 children with defecation disorders who underwent cecostomy placement between 1999 and 2004. Diagnoses included idiopathic constipation (n = 13), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), cerebral palsy (n = 1), imperforate anus (n = 6), spinal abnormality (n = 6), and anal with spinal abnormality (n = 4). Contrast enemas were evaluated for the presence of anatomic abnormalities and the degree of colonic dilatation. Colonic manometry was considered normal when high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) occurred from proximal to distal colon. Clinical success was defined as normal defecation frequency with no or occasional fecal incontinence.

Results

Colonic manometry was done on 32 and contrast enema on 24 patients before cecostomy. At follow-up, 25 patients (78%) fulfilled the success criteria. Absence of HAPC throughout the colon was related to unsuccessful outcome (P = .03). Colonic response with normal HAPC after bisacodyl administration was predictive of success (P = .03). Presence of colonic dilatation was not associated with colonic dysmotility.

Conclusion

Colonic manometry is helpful in predicting the outcome after cecostomy. Patients with generalized colonic dysmotility are less likely to benefit from use of antegrade enemas via cecostomy. Normal colonic response to bisacodyl predicts favorable outcome.     

Transcutaneous oxygen tension as a predictor of success after an amputation

We measured local transcutaneous oxygen tension at the foot and proximal and distal to the knee in 162 patients who then had 206 amputations. When the values for oxygen tension at the foot and distal to the knee were compared with the success or failure of healing after an amputation of the foot or distal to the knee, respectively, a clearly increasing probability of failure was correlated with decreasing transcutaneous oxygen tension. However, even at a tension of zero the probability of failure was not 100 per cent. The results were similar for diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Preoperative values for transcutaneous oxygen tension were a much more consistent predictor of success or failure of healing after an amputation of the foot or distal to the knee than were measurements of systolic blood pressure at the ankle, but neither was predictive of the outcome after an above-the-knee amputation.     

Tumor volume change as a predictor of chemotherapeutic response in osteosarcoma

The change in osteosarcoma tumor volume after preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and its relationship to the histopathologic response was investigated using various reproducible volumetric methods. Tumor volume was measured before and after chemotherapy in 41 patients with osteosarcoma using an ellipsoid formula in plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging measurement. Based on intraobserver and interobserver variability for the volumetric measurements of each method, three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging measurement was the most reproducible. In three-dimensional magnetic resonance measurements, the correlation of the histopathologic response with absolute and relative total tumor volume changes and extraosseous volume change were significant. The good responder group showed a greater reduction in tumor volume after chemotherapy, although there was no significant difference in pretreatment tumor volume between the good and poor responder groups. The group with a decreased or stable tumor volume represented a good histopathologic response with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 76%, and positive predictive value of 88%. The change in tumor volume of osteosarcoma measured by three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging could predict histopathologic response after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.     

Fever as a predictor of infection in burned children

Although children with burns often develop fevers, we have found no reports characterizing the course and duration of these fevers. To evaluate the predictive value of fever as an indicator of infection in burned children, we reviewed the hospital charts of all 223 children admitted to a regional burn center in the years 1979 through 1982. The highest temperature reading for each 8-hour period of the child's hospitalization was recorded. The highest mean temperature in burned children occurred at 38 to 96 hours after the burn injury; the peak temperatures appeared at the same time, regardless of whether the child had an infection. All of the 23 children with infections (100%) and 145 of the 200 without infections (73%) had a recorded temperature reading of 38.2 degrees C or higher within 2 weeks after their burn injury. When children less than 4 years, or children with more than 20% total body surface area burns were considered alone, the presence of a temperature greater than 38.2 degrees C was not significant in differentiating those with infections. Fever is not a specific predictor of infection in burned children; in children less than 4 years of age and in children with more than 20% burns, fever has no predictive value for the presence of infection. The physical examination is a reliable source of information about wound infection, sepsis, or other childhood infections, and should be the primary tool used in making the diagnosis of infection in burned children.     

Case volume as a predictor of inpatient mortality after esophagectomy

HYPOTHESIS: Volume criteria are poor predictors of inpatient mortality after esophagectomy. Because many factors influence mortality for complex procedures, this study was designed to quantify such factors and analyze the volume-outcome relationship for esophagectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for esophagectomies. We performed multivariate analysis to identify patient and institution risk factors for death and, by using all reported volume thresholds, calculated the probability of choosing a provider with a low mortality. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2000, included in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Inpatient mortality. RESULTS: We identified 8075 cases of esophagectomy; 3243 had complete data sets. The national average mortality rate was 11.4%. Independent risk factors for mortality included comorbidity, age (> 65 years), female sex, race, and surgeon volume. Choosing a surgeon or hospital on the basis of a particular volume threshold had a modest influence on the probability of that provider having a low mortality. A low-volume hospital (defined by the Leapfrog Group criterion as < 13 cases per year) had a probability of 61% of having a mortality of less than 10%, whereas a high-volume hospital had a probability of 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Patient factors have a greater influence on inpatient mortality than case volume does. Although there is generally an inverse relationship between case volume and mortality, there is wide scatter between individual surgeons and hospitals, with a complex volume-outcome relationship. Using volume criteria alone to choose a provider may in some instances increase the risk of mortality.     

Tumour volume as a predictor of necrosis after chemotherapy in Ewing's sarcoma

We studied the CT and MR scans, and the histology of 50 patients with primary Ewing's sarcoma of bone to determine the association between the change in tumour volume and necrosis after chemotherapy, and to ascertain their influence on prognosis. The mean age of the patients was 17 years. The limbs were involved in 40 and the axial bones in ten. The volume of the tumour at diagnosis varied from 31 to 1790 ml. There was a significant relationship between necrosis and the measured change in volume of the tumour after chemotherapy. Progression of the tumour despite chemotherapy was seen only in patients with necrosis of grades 4 to 6. Necrosis significantly influenced survival (p < 0.05), but the effect of change in volume was less significant. Change in volume of the tumour is a good predictor of necrosis induced by chemotherapy. Necrosis is a strong prognostic factor in Ewing's sarcoma.     

Serum prostate-specific antigen as a predictor of prostate volume in the community: the Krimpen study

OBJECTIVES: Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is considered a proxy for prostate volume (PV). This study investigates which range of PSA values has the best utility in the determination of PV (<30 cc, at 30, 40, and 50 cc), and whether PSA performs better than digital rectal examination (DRE) when estimating PV. METHODS: In a population-based follow-up study of 1688 men in Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands, at baseline we estimated PV by DRE and by transrectal planimetric ultrasound (TRUS), in addition to measuring PSA. Men who tested positive for prostate cancer (PCa) at baseline and at 2 and 4 yr of follow-up were excluded from the analyses (n=142). Of the men without PCa, PSA and PV data were available in 1524 participants. RESULTS: Of all 1524 men analysed, 76.7% had a PSA of 0-2.0, 15.0% had a PSA of 2.1-4.0, and 8.3% a PSA>4. Low PSA ranges (0-2 and 2.1-4.0) discriminate better for a PV of 30 cc (eg, in men with a PSA range of 2.1-2.5 ng/ml there was a 72% chance of having a PV>30 cc). Higher ranges of PSA (>4.0) discriminate better for a PV>40 or 50 cc. (eg, in men with a PSA in the range of 4.1-7.0 ng/ml there was a 69% chance of having a PV>40 cc and in men with a PSA>10 ng/ml there was a 75% chance of a PV>50 cc). The receiver operating curve (ROC) for the performance of PSA in estimating a PV>30 cc shows an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79, denoting reasonable discrimination, and AUCs of 0.86 and 0.92, denoting good discrimination of PVs>40 cc and >50 cc, respectively. PSA performed significantly better than DRE at estimating PV. Multiple regression analysis shows that both DRE and an interaction term for age and PSA provided minimal additional information beyond PSA in the prediction of PV; however, their contribution is numerically minimal/not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: In men for whom a diagnosis of PCa has been ruled out, PSA can be used to detect an enlarged prostate (>30 cc and with more accuracy PV>40 or 50 cc). More precision in estimating PV can be obtained when using a formula that contains PSA, age, DRE, and an interaction term between age and PSA; however, the clinical advantage of the formula over PSA alone is only modest as shown by the ROC curves. Thus, for clinicians looking for an easy and fast way to identify patients with an enlarged prostate, PSA is a good approximation for men without PCa.     

Anterior transcanal tympanoplasty: a novel technique to repair anterior perforations.

OBJECTIVE: To report a novel, minimally invasive technique for anterior tympanic membrane (TM) perforation repair. STUDY DESIGN: A transcanal repair of the anterior TM was performed on 45 patients. METHODS: A total of 689 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media underwent surgical intervention; of these, 45 patients with isolated anterior TM perforations underwent an anterior tympanoplasty. This approach is similar to a transcanal approach for small posterior perforations; an anterior rather than a posterior flap is raised. RESULTS: Perforations ranged from 20 to 50 percent in size. Preoperative air-bone gaps ranged from 5 to 51 dB and averaged 25 dB. Postoperative air-bone gaps ranged from 0 to 33 dB and averaged 14 dB. Of 45 patients, 40 (88%) had closure of their perforations. Data from 1- to 10-year follow-up are provided. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior transcanal tympanoplasty is a minimally invasive technique to repair anterior TM perforations. The procedure is simple and obviates the need for a large postauricular incision.     

Stroke volume variation as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing brain surgery

Changes in arterial blood pressure induced by mechanical ventilation allow assessment of cardiac preload. In this study, stroke volume variation (SVV), which is the percentage change between the maximal and minimal stroke volumes (SV) divided by the average of the minimum and maximum over a floating period of 30 s, continuously displayed by the PiCCO continuous cardiac output monitor, was evaluated as a predictor of fluid responsiveness. Fifteen patients undergoing brain surgery were included. During surgery, graded volume loading was performed with each volume loading step (VLS) consisting of 100 mL of 6% hydroxyethylstarch given for 2 min. Successive responsive VLSs were performed (increase in SV > 5% after a VLS) until a change in SV of < 5 % was reached (nonresponsive). A total of 140 VLSs were performed. Responsive and nonresponsive VLSs differed in their pre-VLS values of systolic blood pressure, SV, and SVV, but not in the values of heart rate and central venous pressure. By using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for SVV (0.870, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.809 to 0.903) was statistically more than those for central venous pressure (0.493, 95% CI: 0.397 to 0.590, P = 7 x 10(-10)), heart rate (0.593, 95% CI: 0.443 to 0.635, P = 5.7 x 10(-10)), and systolic blood pressure (0.729, 95% CI: 0.645 to 0.813, P: = 4.3 x 10(-3)). An SVV value of 9.5% or more, will predict an increase in the SV of at least 5% in response to a 100-mL volume load, with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 93%. IMPLICATIONS: Stroke volume variation may be used as a continuous preload variable and in combination with the continuously measured cardiac output, defining on-line the most important characteristics of cardiac function, allowing for optimal fluid management.     

TORPs and PORPs in tympanoplasty: a review of 1042 operations

We reviewed 1042 operations in which a Plasti-Pore prosthesis was used for reconstruction of the sound pressure transfer mechanism. In all cases cartilage was interposed between the prosthesis and the tympanic membrane or graft. The short-term hearing results for these cases are the same as for other techniques but the hearing is more stable in the long run. Other advantages of this technique are a reduced incidence of recurrent and residual cholesteatoma. Extrusion occurred in 7% of the cases but has become less frequent with recent refinements in technique. We intend to continue using Plasti-Pore prostheses in tympanoplasty.     

Surgeon-directed ultrasound for trauma is a predictor of intra-abdominal injury in children

This study investigated the efficacy of surgeon-directed focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) in conjunction with physical exam (PEx) as a predictor of intra-abdominal injury in children. Injured children (ages < or = 17) presenting to a level I trauma center with abdominal trauma were evaluated in the emergency department (ED) by the trauma team of surgical attendings and residents. PEx and FAST were performed immediately upon arrival to the ED and results compared to CT, the standard exam for presence of intra-abdominal injury. Data was collected prospectively from July 1, 2000, until April 30, 2002. One hundred and twenty injured children underwent evaluation of abdominal trauma with PEx, FAST, and abdominal CT. Two patients had false-negative CT scans. Bayesian analysis was applied to the results of the remaining 118 patients. FAST compared with CT findings revealed sensitivity 70 per cent, specificity 100 per cent, positive predictive value 100 per cent, and negative predictive value 92 per cent. FAST results were combined with PEx findings such that either suggestive of intra-abdominal injury was regarded as a "positive exam." Sensitivity was 100 per cent, specificity 74 per cent, positive predictive value 53 per cent, and negative predictive value 100 per cent. Surgeon-directed FAST with consideration of PEx is a predictor of intra-abdominal injury in children.     

Proteinuria as a predictor of disease progression in children with hypodysplastic nephropathy

Little is known about the role of proteinuria in the progression of childhood renal diseases. We analyzed the decline in creatinine clearance (C _Cr) and kidney survival in 225 children (185 males) with chronic renal failure (CRF) due to isolated hypodysplasia or hypodysplasia associated with urological abnormalities. The data were based on the information available in the Italian Pediatric Registry of CRF (ItalKid Project), which includes patients from all of Italy aged <20 years with C _Cr levels of <75 ml/min per 1.73 m². Patients aged <2 years and those with C _Cr levels of <20 ml/min per 1.73 m² or a follow-up of <1 year were excluded from the analysis, as were those receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. At baseline, the patients had a mean age of 7.8±4.2 years, a mean C _Cr of 50±16.3 ml/min per 1.73 m², a median urinary protein/urinary creatinine (uPr/uCr) ratio of 0.38 (range 0.02–7.21), and a mean duration of follow-up of 3.5±1.1 years. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of their baseline proteinuria levels: group A normal (uPr/uCr <0.2) n=83; group B low (uPr/uCr 0.2–0.9) n=71; and group C mild (uPr/uCr >0.9) n=71. Patients in groups A and B showed a significantly slower decline in C _Cr than those in group C (slope +0.16±3.64 and –0.54±3.67 vs. –3.61±5.47, P<0.0001) and a higher rate of kidney survival after 5 years (96.7% and 94.1% vs. 44.9%, P<0.01). By multivariate analysis, the baseline uPr/uCr ratio (P<0.01) and age (P<0.0001) correlated with a faster decline in C _Cr irrespective of baseline C _Cr. There was no correlation with mean arterial blood pressure. We conclude that proteinuria is an independent predictor of progression to end-stage renal failure also in children whose renal impairment is due to congenital hypodysplasia.This paper was written on behalf of all the members of the ItalKid Project whose contribution has been essential. Members of the ItalKid Project:G. Aceto (Bari), G. Airoldi (Borgomanero), G. Amici (Ancona), A. Ammenti (Parma), B. Andretta (Padova), G. Ardissino (Milano), F. Ardito (Bologna), B. Assael (Verona), L. Avolio (Pavia), S. Bassi (Montichiari), F. Battaglino (Vicenza), R. Bellantuono (Bari), A. Bettinelli (Merate), C. Bigi (Lecco), S. Binda (Varese), C. Bini (Como), D. Bissi (Gallarate), R. Boero (Torino), R. Bonaudo (Torino), A. Bordugo (Pordenone), M. Borzani (Milano), M. Bosio (Milano), A. Bottelli (Varese), G. Bovio (Pavia), A. Bracone (Bra), G. Capasso (Napoli), M. Capizzi (Milano), D. Caringella (Bari), I. Carnera (Siracusa), M.R. Caruso (Bergamo), D. Cattarelli (Brescia), V. Cecchetti (Milano), M. Cecconi (Ancona), V. Cecinati (Bari), A. Ciofani (Pescara), A. Claris-Appiani (Milano), R. Coppo (Torino), F. Corona (Milano), A. Corsini (Bentivoglio), R. Costanzo (Ragusa), P. Cussino (Savigliano), M. DAgostino (Bergamo), V. Daccò (Milano), G. Daidone (Siracusa), R. DallAmico (Thiene), L. Dardanelli (Cuneo), R. De Castro (Bologna), V. De Cristofaro (Sondrio), M. De Gennaro (Roma), S. De Pascale (Bergamo), N. De Santo (Napoli), D. Delfino (R. Calabria), C.A. DellAgnola (Milano), L. Dello Strologo (Roma), L. Dertenois (Genova), A. Dessanti (Sassari), A. Di Benedetto (Catania), A. Di Leone (Cosenza), F. Di Lorenzo (Bologna), P. Di Turi (Bologna), A. Edefonti (Milano), W. Erckert (Silandro), A. Fabris (Verona), V. Fanos (Verona), C. Fede (Messina), A. Fella (Napoli), R. Ferraro (Scorrano), M.T. Ferrazzano (Anzio), R. Ferré (Breno), A. Ferretti (Napoli), B. Fogazzi (Brescia), P. Formentin (Cittadella), C. Fortini (Ferrara), E. Fossali (Milano), G. Fossati Bellani (Milano), M. Gaido (Torino), R. Galato (Milano), G. Gargano (Modena), V. Georgacopulo (Ferrara), L. Ghio (Milano), R. Giachino (Ivrea), M. Giani (Milano), S. Gianni (Siracusa), B. Gianoglio (Torino), M. Girodano (Bari), V. Goj (Milano), F. Grancini (Milano), G. Grott (Chieri), S. Guez (Milano), R. Gusmano (Genova), A. Iovino (Napoli), C. Isimbaldi (Lecco), A. La Manna (Napoli), G. Lama (Napoli), R. Landoni (Cinisello B.), S. Li Volti (Catania), A. Liardo (Caltagirone), V. Lotti (Cesena), R. Lubrano (Roma), I. Luongo (Napoli), E. Mancini (Bologna), N. Manganaro (Messina), M. Marangella (Torino), C. Marchesoni (Trento), K. Marenzi (Segrate), S. Maringhini (Palermo), G. Marra (Milano), E. Marras (Torino), V. Mei (Bologna), F. Menni (Milano), N. Miglietti (Brescia), R. Mignani (Rimini), P. Minelli (Bologna), R. Moioli (Milano), P. Molinari (Bologna), G. Montini (Padova), M. Montis (Cagliari), G. Mosiello (Roma), L. Murer (Padova), G. Nebbia (Milano), M. Neunhauserer (Brunico), P. Nitsch (Parma), M. Noto (Palermo), C. Oppezzo (Milano), F. Paolillo (Lodi), T. Papalia (Cosenza), R. Parini (Milano), L. Parola (Magenta), F. Passione (Foggia), L. Pavanello (CastelfrancoV.), C. Pecoraro (Napoli), M. Pedron (Bolzano), I. Pela (Firenze), A. Pellegatta (Busto Arsizio), P. Pelliccia (Chieti), M. Pennesi (Trieste), C. Pennetta (Manduria), R. Penza (Bari), L. Peratoner (Pordenone), F. Perfumo (Genova), G. Perino (Torino), C. Pesce (Vicenza), L. Pisanello (Padova), M. Pitter (Mirano), L. Pontesilli (Roma), M. Porcellini (Torino), A. Pota (Napoli), R. Prandini (Bologna), F. Puteo (Bari), I. Ratsch (Ancona), E. Ravaioli (Rimini), G. Remuzzi (Bergamo), G. Riccipetitoni (Cosenza), G. Ripanti (Pesaro), G. Rizzoni (Roma), N. Roberto (Milano), A. Rosini (Ancona), M. Rossi Doria (Bologna), S. Rota (Bergamo), M. Ruzza (Milano), D. Scorrano (Belluno), A. Selicorni (Milano), G. Selvaggio (Milano), F. Sereni (Milano), O. Sernia (Savigliano), C. Setzu (Cagliari), C. Sforzini (Milano), L. Stallone (S. Giovanni Rotondo), M. Tagliaferri (Treviglio), L. Tampieri (Lugo), A. Testagrossa (Messina), A. Turrisi (Trapani), G. Vallini (Cinisello Balsamo), E. Verrina (Genova), S. Viola (Pavia), G. Visconti (Palermo), A. Voghenzi (Ferrara), G. Zacchello (Padova)     

Procalcitonin as a predictor of renal scarring in infants and young children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) as a marker of renal scars in infants and young children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis. Children aged 7 days to 36 months admitted for first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) to a pediatric emergency department were prospectively enrolled. The PCT concentration was determined at admission. Acute ^99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy was performed within 7 days of admission and repeated 12 months later when abnormal findings were obtained on the first scan. Of the 72 children enrolled in the study, 52 showed signs of acute pyelonephritis (APN) on the first DMSA scan. A follow-up scintigraphy at the 12-month follow-up performed on 41 patients revealed that 14 (34%) patients had developed renal scars; these patients also presented significantly higher PCT values than those without permanent renal lesions [2.3 (interquartile range 1–11.6) vs. 0.5 (0.2–1.4) ng/mL; p = 0.007]. A comparison of the PCT concentration in patients with febrile UTI without renal involvement, with APN without scar development and with APN with subsequent renal scarring revealed a significant increasing trend (p = 0.006, Kruskal–Wallis test). The area under the ROC curve for scar prediction was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.85), with an optimum statistical cut-off value of 1 ng/mL (sensitivity 78.6%; specificity 63.8%). Based on these results, we suggest that serum PCT concentration at admission is a useful predictive tool of renal scarring in infants and young children with acute pyelonephritis.