Journal of pediatric surgery
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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is uncommon in pediatrics. Because of the growing concern about the risks of radiation in children, the authors analyzed whether an extensive radiologic workup influences management and outcome. ⋯ More than 70% of SPMs were related to bronchospasm or respiratory tract infections. Idiopathic SPMs deserve more attention because of the concern about esophageal perforation, although most investigations will be negative. SPM usually is a self-limited condition, and prognosis is related to the underlying disorder. Consequently, with clinical improvement, aggressive investigation and follow-up x-ray rarely is warranted.
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Comparative Study
Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonatal respiratory failure: does routine, cephalad jugular drainage improve outcome?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), may be life saving for infants with severe respiratory failure, and when possible, veno-venous bypass through a jugular double lumen cannula, can be expected to provide satisfactory support for most patients. Some ECMO centers favor routine placement of a cephalad jugular cannula for the theoretical benefits of augmented (desaturated) venous return, reduction of atrial recirculation, and cerebral venous decompression. The purpose of this study was to querie the ELSO registry for patients who had undergone VV-ECMO and compare outcomes for patients with a double lumen cannula only (VVDL), with those who had both a double lumen and cephalad jugular cannula (VVDL + V). ⋯ The theoretical benefits of routine placement of a cephalad jugular cannula during VV-ECMO via a jugular double lumen cannula are not substantiated by critical analysis of ELSO data.
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Several techniques are described for closure of the gastroschisis abdominal wall defect. The authors describe a technique that allows for spontaneous closure that is simple, cosmetically appealing, and minimizes intraabdominal pressure after bowel reduction. ⋯ The plastic closure of gastroschisis is simple, safe, and cosmetically appealing. Intraabdominal pressures are well controlled, and the umbilical position remains centrally located in this sutureless technique. Umbilical defects can occur but are observed for spontaneous closure like most primary umbilical hernias.
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Moderate hypothermia throughout intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) injury reduces multiple organ dysfunction. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been shown to be protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) proteins are pivotal determinants of the cellular response to reperfusion injury. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of hypothermic protection during IIR. ⋯ The protective effect of moderate hypothermia on liver is not mediated by HSP expression at this time-point. Hypothermia may act by decreasing hepatic STAT activation, supporting the potential therapeutic role of moderate hypothermia. Modulation of STAT activation may also provide novel therapeutic targets.
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Traumatic spinal injury (TSI) is an uncommon source of morbidity and mortality in children. The aim of this study was to describe childhood TSI in a single level 1 urban pediatric trauma center. ⋯ TSI in children requires a different preventive and therapeutic logarithm compared with that of adults. The potential devastating nature of TSI warrants that the health care team always maintains a high index of suspicion for injury. Future prospective studies are needed to further elucidate injury patterns.