Pediatr Neonatol
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Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of febrile self-limiting systemic vasculitis, which affects the coronary arteries (CA) and may cause cardiac ischemia during childhood and adult life. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has become the standard therapy for KD. However, it is still uncertain if CA outcome is associated with the timing of IVIG administration with reference to fever onset. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that although IVIG treatment within 10 days is important to minimize development of cardiac pathology, neither occurrence of CA lesions in IVIG-treated children nor the time frame for resolution of established CA abnormalities was associated with the timing of IVIG administration. Age <1 year and high ESR (>40 mm/hour) predict a delay in resolution of CA lesions among children with KD.
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Pneumothorax is more frequent in the neonatal period, especially among premature infants. Pigtail catheters have been shown to be as effective as and less invasive than traditional chest tubes in adults; however, data regarding premature infants are limited. We aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and complications associated with the placement of traditional chest tubes versus pigtail catheters in premature infants with pneumothoraces. ⋯ Pigtail catheters are a safe and effective alternative to traditional chest tubes for premature infants receiving treatment for pneumothoraces in a neonatal intensive care unit. Placement of pigtail catheters is an easy and quick bedside procedure and is particularly useful for premature infants who require immediate air drainage.