Journal of pediatric surgery
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Reported outcomes of neonatal surgery in low-income countries (LICs) are poor. We examined epidemiology, outcomes, and met and unmet need of neonatal surgical diseases in Uganda. ⋯ More than two thirds of surgical neonates survived despite late presentation and lack of critical care. Epidemiology and outcomes differ greatly with HICs. A high burden of hidden mortality exists, and only a negligible fraction of the population need for neonatal surgery is met by health services.
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Initial hematocrit (Hct) is generally not considered a marker of acute blood loss because it is assumed that physiologic response of fluid conservation to hemorrhage is delayed. We challenged this idea by theorizing that admission Hct correlates with conventional signs of shock and predicts the use of blood transfusion during resuscitation of pediatric trauma patients. ⋯ Initial Hct correlates significantly with conventional signs of shock and is a strong independent predictor for blood transfusion with better predictability than other clinical factors.
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Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) have been designed to provide faster access to trauma center care in cases of life-threatening injury. However, the ideal recipient population is not fully characterized, and indications for helicopter transport in pediatric trauma vary dramatically by county, state, and region. Overtriage, or unnecessary utilization, can lead to additional patient risk and expense. In this study we perform a nationwide descriptive analysis of HEMS for pediatric trauma and assess the incidence of overtriage in this group. ⋯ Helicopter overtriage is prevalent among pediatric trauma patients nationwide. The ideal model to predict need for HEMS must consider clinical outcomes in the context of judicious resource utilization. The development of guidelines for HEMS use in pediatric trauma could potentially limit unnecessary transfers while still identifying children who require trauma center care in a timely fashion.
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The purpose of this study was to examine the volume and variability of noncardiac surgeries performed in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring cardiac surgery in the first year of life. ⋯ Children with CHD requiring cardiac surgery frequently also undergo noncardiac surgical procedures; however, considerable variability in the frequency of these procedures exists across hospitals. This suggests a lack of uniformity in indications used for surgical intervention. Further research should aim to better standardize care for this complex patient population.
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Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is most common in young adults but can also affect teenagers. Although many techniques have been used to treat pilonidal sinus disease in adults, few studies have compared treatment methods for the condition in teenagers. In this study, we aimed to compare the modified Limberg flap technique with the excision and primary closure technique, both of which are used routinely in adults and teenage patients. ⋯ When compared with adults, teenage pilonidal sinus disease occurs more frequently in females. In this study, no correlation existed between the number of sinuses, symptoms, BMI and postoperative complications. Based on the results of this study, the modified Limberg flap technique has a low complication rate when used to treat pilonidal sinus disease in teenagers.