Journal of pediatric surgery
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In an effort to improve the reporting quality of clinical research, the Journal of Pediatric Surgery instituted specific reporting guidelines for authors beginning June 2006. This study was conducted to evaluate whether these guidelines improved reporting of observational studies. ⋯ The introduction of the Guidelines resulted in significant improvement in the quality of reporting in the Journal. The low cost vs the benefit suggests that the Guidelines can be an effective way to improve reporting quality in nonrandomized studies. We encourage further efforts to increase inclusion of reporting criteria as well as evaluation and improvement of the Guidelines. We suggest that editors of other surgical publications consider implementing analogous guidelines.
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The optimal therapy for intestinal failure (IF) is unknown. The results of a systematic, protocol-driven management strategy by a multidisciplinary team are described. ⋯ The institution of a multidisciplinary team and a protocol-driven strategy to prevent PNALD improves survival in IF. Further studies are recommended.
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Comparative Study
Pediatric American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program: feasibility of a novel, prospective assessment of surgical outcomes.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) provides validated assessment of surgical outcomes. This study reports initiation of an ACS NSQIP Pediatric at 4 children's hospitals. ⋯ These data represent the first multiinstitutional prospective assessment of specialty-specific surgical outcomes in children. The ACS NSQIP Pediatric is poised for institutional expansion and future development of risk-adjusted models.
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Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial
First reported experience with intramuscular diaphragm pacing in replacing positive pressure mechanical ventilators in children.
Diaphragm pacing (DP) has been shown to successfully replace mechanical ventilators for adult tetraplegic patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. This is the first report of DP in ventilator-dependent children. ⋯ Diaphragm pacing successfully replaced mechanical ventilators, which improves quality of life.
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Comparative Study
A critical review of premature infants with inguinal hernias: optimal timing of repair, incarceration risk, and postoperative apnea.
This study evaluated the optimal timing for repair, incarceration risk, and postoperative apnea rate in premature infants with inguinal hernias. ⋯ There is minimal risk of postoperative apnea for premature infants undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair. The risk of incarceration in premature infants discharged from the NICU with a known hernia is low. Herniorrhaphy before discharge from the NICU was associated with a prolonged hospital stay.