Journal of pediatric surgery
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A 4-month-old female infant presented to our institute with recurrent pneumonia and was diagnosed with a right lower lobe esophageal bronchus. This congenital anomaly is extremely rare with very few cases reported in the literature. We describe the diagnostic workup and management that led to a successful outcome.
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There are few studies comparing venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pediatric noncardiac sepsis patients. ⋯ These data demonstrate improved survival in VV vs. VA ECMO in select pediatric septic patients without congenital heart disease. When technically feasible, physicians should consider VV ECMO as first therapeutic choice in this patient population.
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The pediatric quality indicators (PDIs) were developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to compare patient safety and quality of pediatric care. These are being considered for mandatory reporting as well as pay-for-performance efforts. The present study evaluates the PDIs' predictive value for surgical outcomes in children. ⋯ The present study shows that PDIs are associated with increased mortality risk as well as increased hospital stay and total hospital charges. This provides positive evidence for the utility of these indicators as metrics for quality and patient safety.
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Overnight observation for apneic events is standard practice in former preterm infants. However, the literature supporting current protocols is dated. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the post-anesthetic risks in these patients. ⋯ Conservative guidelines for overnight observation after inguinal hernia repair could be set for patients born before 37 weeks gestation who are under 50 weeks PCA.