Bmc Pediatr
-
Review Meta Analysis
Arginine supplementation in prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in the premature infant: an updated systematic review.
Hypoxic-ischemic injury is thought to play a significant role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Nitric Oxide (NO) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gut and is involved in regulation of mucosal blood flow and maintenance of mucosal integrity. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthases. Our primary objective was to determine the effectiveness of supplemental L-arginine versus placebo in prevention of NEC in preterm infants ≤ 34 weeks gestational age by systematic review of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). ⋯ L-arginine supplementation appears to be protective in prevention of NEC in preterm infants and without any significant impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 36 months of corrected age. With the addition of the results of one more study to the literature, an intriguing role for L-arginine supplementation continues to gain support. However, large multi-centre RCTs are needed before this can become common practice.
-
Clinical factors that affect the likelihood of abuse in children with femur fractures have not been well elucidated. Consequently, specifying which children with femur fractures warrant an abuse evaluation is difficult. Therefore the purpose of this study is to estimate the proportion of femur fractures in young children attributable to abuse and to identify demographic, injury and presentation characteristics that affect the probability that femur fractures are secondary to abuse. ⋯ Studies commonly find a high proportion of abuse among children less than 12 months old with femur fractures. The reported trauma history, physical examination findings and radiologic results must be examined for characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of abuse determination.
-
Clinical factors that affect the likelihood of abuse in children with femur fractures have not been well elucidated. Consequently, specifying which children with femur fractures warrant an abuse evaluation is difficult. Therefore the purpose of this study is to estimate the proportion of femur fractures in young children attributable to abuse and to identify demographic, injury and presentation characteristics that affect the probability that femur fractures are secondary to abuse. ⋯ Studies commonly find a high proportion of abuse among children less than 12 months old with femur fractures. The reported trauma history, physical examination findings and radiologic results must be examined for characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of abuse determination.
-
Review Case Reports
Acute myopia and angle closure glaucoma from topiramate in a seven-year-old: a case report and review of the literature.
A case is reported of acute bilateral myopia and angle closure glaucoma in a 7-year-old patient from topiramate toxicity. This is the second known reported case of topiramate induced acute angle closure glaucoma and third known reported case of topiramate induced acute myopia in a pediatric patient. ⋯ Acute angle closure glaucoma is a well-known side effect of topiramate, but is rarely seen in children. It cautions providers to the potential ophthalmic side effects of commonly used medications in the pediatric population. It highlights the need to keep a broad differential in mind when encountering sudden onset blurry vision in the primary care clinic, the need for careful consideration of side effects when starting topiramate therapy in a child, and the need for parental counseling of side effects.
-
Fetus in fetu is a rare congenital anomaly and is defined as a monozygotic twin incorporated into the abdomen of its sibling during development. Fetus in fetu is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass. Unlike teratomas, fetus in fetu is a benign disorder. ⋯ Fetus in fetu is a rare entity that typically presents in infancy and early childhood. It should be differentiated from a teratoma because of the teratoma's malignant potential. Preoperative diagnosis is based on radiologic findings. The treatment of fetus in fetu is operative to relieve obstruction, prevent further compression and possible complications. Complete excision allows confirmation of the diagnosis and lowers the risk of recurrence.