Journal of pediatric surgery
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Comparative Study
Hospital admissions for respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive before and after Nissen fundoplication.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether Nissen fundoplication decreases hospital admissions for respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive (FTT). ⋯ Nissen fundoplication did not improve hospital admissions for pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT. Associated neurologic disorders increased readmissions for pneumonia, respiratory distress/apnea, and FTT, whereas increasing age decreased readmission for respiratory distress and FTT.
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Transport extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is currently available at 12 centers. We report a 22-year experience from the only facility providing global transport ECMO. Indications for transport ECMO include lack of ECMO services, inability to transport conventionally, inability to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and need to move a patient on ECMO for specialized services such as organ transplantation. ⋯ Transport ECMO is feasible and effective, with survival rates comparable to inhouse ECMO. We have used transport ECMO to help children at non-ECMO centers with pulmonary failure who have not improved with inhaled nitric oxide and high-frequency ventilation. We have also transported a child after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which may represent an emerging indication for transport ECMO. Transport ECMO often is the only option for children too unstable for conventional transport or those already on ECMO and requiring a specialized service at another facility, such as organ transplantation.
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Because of concerns for infectious and hemorrhagic complications, methods of obtaining central venous access after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) vary by institution. For infants requiring ECMO, it has been our practice to exchange the venous cannula for a tunneled central venous catheter (Broviac) at the time of decannulation. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of catheter-related complications in these patients to a national registry. ⋯ Critically ill neonates have limited vascular access. The placement of Broviac catheters in the internal jugular vein after ECMO decannulation maximally uses this limited resource. Despite concerns that such catheters are at increased risk for complications, we have found this practice to be safe and effective in this high-risk population.
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We compared injury severity, hospital course, and outcomes between adolescent blunt trauma patients with and without positive toxicology screens. ⋯ A significant number of adolescents had positive toxicology screens. Our data suggest that toxicology-positive patients were more severely injured, required more hospital care, and had worse outcomes than other adolescent blunt trauma victims.
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Comparative Study Historical Article
Do pediatric patients with trauma in Florida have reduced mortality rates when treated in designated trauma centers?
The purposes of the study were to compare the survival associated with treatment of seriously injured patients with pediatric trauma in Florida at designated trauma centers (DTCs) with nontrauma center (NCs) acute care hospitals and to evaluate differences in mortality between designated pediatric and nonpediatric trauma centers. ⋯ Optimal care of the seriously injured child requires both the extensive and immediate resources of a DTC as well as pediatric-specific specialty support.