Case of split notochord syndrome: a neonate with thoracic neuroenteric cyst, abdominal duodenal duplication cyst, malrotation and vertebral anomalies.

The authors describe a case of a male neonate with split notochord syndrome presenting with cervico-thoracic deformity, thoracic neuroenteric cyst, separate abdominal duodenal duplication cyst and concurrent intestinal malrotation. This combination of abnormalities is very rare. When these lesions are suspected, patients must be investigated carefully.This case is presented not only to recount an infrequent combination of structural abnormalities but also to raise awareness of the signs that should point to clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis.Following surgical excision of the thoracic neuroenteric cyst, the patient has made a good recovery.

Profiling gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in critically ill children.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial use during the treatment of critical illness influences gastrointestinal fermentation endpoints, host immune response and metabolic activity including the conversion of primary to secondary bile acids. We previously observed reduced fermentation capacity in the faecal microbiota of critically ill children upon hospital admission. Here, we further explore the timecourse of the relationship between the microbiome and bile acid profile in faecal samples collected from critically ill children. The microbiome was assayed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and faecal water bile acids were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. In comparison to admission faecal samples, members of the Lachnospiraceae recovered during the late-acute phase (days 8-10) of hospitalisation. Patients with infections had a lower proportion of Lachnospiraceae in their gut microbiota than controls and patients with primary admitting diagnoses. Keystone species linked to ecological recovery were observed to decline with the length of PICU admission. These species were further suppressed in patients with systemic infection, respiratory failure, and undergoing surgery. Bile acid composition recovers quickly after intervention for critical illness which may be aided by the compositional shift in Lachnospiraceae. Our findings suggest gut microbiota recovery can be readily assessed via measurement of faecal bile acids.

Predicting use of high-flow nasal cannula therapy following extubation in paediatrics.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is widely used for respiratory support within paediatrics, most commonly used as a supportive measure in acute respiratory failure, aiming to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). It is increasingly being used following extubation of critically ill children potentially at a higher risk of requiring re-intubation. Less data indicate the use for post-extubation HFNC therapy or possible clinical outcomes of this therapy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify reasons for, and variables to predict, the use of HFNC therapy post-extubation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective case-control study. METHODS: All children admitted to a nine-bedded regional paediatric intensive care unit requiring IMV between 18 December 2017 and 28 November 2018 were identified. The demographic data and bedside clinical and laboratory variables of the patients requiring HFNC therapy were compared with those who did not require HFNC. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the median age and weight of children receiving HFNC therapy post-extubation compared with children not receiving it. In a logistic regression model, the highest ventilation (peak inspiratory pressure) and oxygen requirements in the first 24 hours of admission, along with the presence of comorbidity and use of HFNC therapy prior to intubation, predicted the use of HFNC following extubation, (r2 0.42, area under the receiver operating curve 0.843, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The direct correlation between high initial ventilatory requirements and pre-existing comorbidity was significant for the use of post-extubation HFNC therapy. This may be useful to stratify children in the use of HFNC therapy post-extubation in the critically ill population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides evidence that it may be possible to predict the use of HFNC therapy post-extubation. Avoiding unnecessary use of this therapy improves patient care while providing a positive economic impact.