The global problem of child maltreatment: Perspectives on mechanisms of influence and illness presentation.

Child abuse and neglect negatively impact both neurological and psychological development. Patterns of abuse are learned and repeated in families. Adverse childhood experiences are a risk factor for psychopathology later in life, including borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is prevalent in clinical populations in the United States, but its prevalence has not been well-documented in most other parts of the world. The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of culture upon the intergenerational transmission of childhood maltreatment and the clinical presentation of abused children. To facilitate this exploration, we will consider the cases of four adolescent girls in unique socioeconomic and cultural settings around the world: Liberia, El Salvador, India, and a Congolese immigrant in France. Each of these girls endorsed some features of BPD, but only two met full criteria. In societies in which externalizing behaviors are not acceptable, children may internalize their distress or separate from their families. Defining BPD in terms of internal experience makes it more difficult to identify, but it would allow for the inclusion of cases in which symptoms may manifest differently while the underlying problem is similar.

Beyond a physical symptom: the importance of psychosocial factors in multiple sclerosis pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pain affects around two-thirds of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Biomedical treatments show limited efficacy. A recently developed cognitive-behavioural model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pain suggests several psychosocial factors may worsen pain and related disability. The current study investigated whether psychosocial factors drawn from this model explain significant amounts of the variance in pain severity and interference over and above measures of disease severity and pain subtype. METHODS: Six hundred and twelve pwMS experiencing pain completed a U.K. wide cross-sectional survey including valid and reliable psychometric questionnaires. Hierarchical regressions determined the relative contribution of disease severity and psychosocial factors to predicting pain severity and interference. RESULTS: All psychosocial factors including distress, negative beliefs about pain and its consequences, and avoidance of activity, were related to pain outcomes, explaining a further 24% and 30% of the variance in pain severity and interference after controlling for demographic and disease variables. Findings were similar for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: All pwMS reported significant pain and associated disability even though over 90% were taking pain medication. Psychosocial factors identified as important in predicting pain severity and, to a greater extent, pain interference are potentially modifiable and may be important treatment targets for both pain subtypes.

Isolated partial, transient hypoglossal nerve injury following acupuncture.

We report a case of isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury following ipsilateral acupuncture for migraines in a 53-year-old lady. The palsy was partial, with no associated dysarthria, and transient. Further examination and imaging was negative. Cranial nerve injuries secondary to acupuncture are not reported in the literature, but are a theoretical risk given the location of the cranial nerves in the neck. Anatomical knowledge is essential in those administering the treatment, and those reviewing patients with possible complications.

Radioisotopic localization of (90)Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan in patients with CD20+ non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PURPOSE: (90)Yttrium-ibritumomab-tiuxetan (Zevalin) is an effective treatment for relapsed or refractory low-grade, follicular, or transformed B-cell NHL. The purpose of this study is to assess whether tissue and cellular localization of (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan determined by autoradiography and radioactivity localized to tumor tissue might enhance our understanding of the mechanism of action of radioimmunotherapy. METHODS: Eight eligible patients had CD20+ NHL, a bulky peripheral lymph node, and were scheduled for (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan treatment. 2-Deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D: -glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was performed prior to treatment and at 12 weeks after therapy for assessment of response. Bone marrow, lymph node, and blood samples were collected 114 +/- 3 h after 14.8 MBq/kg (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan and processed for histology, scintillation counting, and microscopic autoradiography. RESULTS: Pericellular membrane localization of (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan to lymphoma cells was observed by autoradiography in the involved areas of lymph node with absence of significant localization in histologically normal sections of bone marrow. Pericellular radioactivity and the highest quantitative radioactivity were observed in lymph node samples of responding patients. CONCLUSIONS: (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan localizes to the surface membrane of CD20+ lymphoma cells in affected lymph nodes. The patients with the highest quantitative concentration of radioactivity to the lymph node as determined by scintillation counting were observed to have a clinical and FDG-PET/CT response.

Feeding difficulties and growth delay in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome versus d-transposition of the great arteries.

The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of feeding difficulties in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for growth failure. The etiologies include poor caloric intake, inability to utilize calories effectively, and increased metabolic demands. The goals of our study were to (1) identify feeding difficulties in infants with HLHS and d-TGA and (2) assess their growth in the first year of life. We performed a chart review of 27 consecutive infants with HLHS and 26 with d-TGA. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic and clinical variables within each group and are presented as means +/- standard deviations. HLHS and d-TGA groups were compared on time to achieving nutritional goals using the log rank test, on complication rate using the chi-square test, and on weight using the t-test. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Birth weight was similar for both the HLHS and d-TGA groups (3.19 +/- 0.69 vs 3.35 +/- 0.65 kg, respectively; p = 0.38). Infants with HLHS weighed less than those with d-TGA at l month (3.29 +/- 0.58 vs 3.70 +/- 0.60 kg, respectively; p = 0.021), 6 months (6.27 +/- 1.06 vs 7.31 +/- 1.02 kg, p = 0.003), and 12 months of age (8.40 +/- 1.11 vs 9.49 +/- 1.01 kg, p = 0.006). Time to achieving full caloric intake (at least 100 kcal/kg/day) for the HLHS group (24 +/- 11.9 days) was significantly longer than for the d-TGA group (12.0 +/- 11.2 days, p < 0.001). In addition, infants with HLHS had a higher incidence of feeding-related complications that those with d-TGA (48 vs 4%, respectively; p = 0.001). Compared to the d-TGA group, infants with HLHS weighed less at follow-up, took longer to reach nutritional goals, and had a much higher incidence of feeding-related complications.

Resective surgery to treat refractory status epilepticus in children with focal epileptogenesis.

Prolonged high-dose suppressive therapy (HDST) is a mainstay in the management of refractory status epilepticus (RSE), albeit with high morbidity and mortality. The authors studied 10 patients who were carefully selected for epilepsy surgery after failing prolonged (>2 weeks) HDST. Status epilepticus was stopped acutely in all of them with no mortality and no substantial morbidity. At follow-up (median 7 months), 7 (70%) of 10 patients were seizure free, and 3 (30%) of 10 had significant improvement in their epilepsy.

Effect of RSV bronchiolitis practice guidelines on resource utilization.

We sought to determine whether institution of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) practice guidelines decreased resource utilization for a heterogeneous population of children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis. Patients less than 24 months old with RSV bronchiolitis at a pediatric referral center were identified by retrospective chart review for consecutive RSV seasons. Before the guidelines were instituted patients were less likely to have a documented physician's assessment of response to albuterol, were more likely to have received supplemental oxygen and cardiorespiratory monitoring, and to be discharged on an albuterol regimen. Patients received more albuterol treatments. After the guidelines were in place fewer resources were utilized in the care of patients with RSV bronchiolitis. RSV practice guidelines may simplify and streamline the care of a heterogeneous population of children with bronchiolitis.

[The role of implicit knowledge in therapeutic change. Some implications of developmental observations for adult psychotherapy]. / Die Rolle des impliziten Wissens bei der therapeutischen Veränderung. Einige Auswirkungen entwicklungspsychologischer Beobachtungen für die psychotherapeutische Behandlung Erwachsener.

Several aspects of development change that are dependent on interactions between parent and infant are examined for their value in casting light on the process of change in adult psychotherapies. First, the domain of implicit knowledge (where changes necessarily occur in nonverbal infants) is identified. The vast majority of therapeutic change is found to occur in this domain. We then examine the improvised, largely unpredictable, nonlinear environments toward mutual goals that characterize the process of parent-infant and therapist-patient interactions. Finally, we provide a microdescription of these processes and provide a terminology for the "moments" that make up their flow. Of particular importance is the "moment of meeting", in which the participants interact in a way that created a new implicit, intersubjective understanding of their relationship and permits a new "way-of-being-with-the-other". We view "moments of meeting" as the key element in bringing about change in implicit knowledge, just as interpretations are thought to be the key element in bringing about change in explicit knowledge.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ranitidine in critically ill children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ranitidine in critically ill children and to design a dosage regimen that achieves a gastric pH > or =4. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Mechanically ventilated, critically ill children > or =10 kg who required intravenous ranitidine for stress ulcer prophylaxis. INTERVENTIONS: Ranitidine pharmacokinetics were determined after a single intravenous dose. Gastric pH was monitored hourly via nasogastric pH probe. After the last blood sample, patients received an intravenous bolus of ranitidine (0.5 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.1 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)). The infusion was increased incrementally (0.05 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)) until reaching gastric pH > or =4 for > or =75% of a 24-hr period, after which steady-state plasma concentrations were measured. Plasma concentrations were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-three children (ranging in age from 1.4 to 17.1 yrs) were studied. Pharmacokinetic variables included a clearance of 511.7 +/- 219.7 mL x kg(-1) x hr(-1), volume of distribution of 1.53 +/- 0.99 L/kg, and half-life of 3.01 +/- 1.35 hrs. After the single intravenous dose (1.52 +/- 0.47 mg/kg), gastric pH increased from 1.6 +/- 1.0 to 5.1 +/- 1.1 (p <.001), which was associated with a plasma concentration of 373 +/- 257 ng/mL. Based on the pharmacokinetic variables, the dose of intravenous ranitidine required to target 373 ng/mL as the average steady-state concentration is 1.5 mg/kg administered every 8 hrs. During the continuous infusion, the mean steady-state ranitidine concentration associated with gastric pH > or =4 was 287 +/- 133 ng/mL. This concentration may be achieved with an intravenous loading dose of 0.45 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.15 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1). CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetics of ranitidine in critically ill children are variable. The description of ranitidine's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this study may used to design an initial ranitidine dosage regimen that targets a gastric pH > or =4. Thereafter, gastric pH should be monitored and the dose of ranitidine adjusted accordingly.

Modified Norwood procedure with a high-flow cardiopulmonary bypass strategy results in low mortality without late arch obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The results of our modification of the stage I Norwood procedure, in which we use only autologous tissue to reconstruct the aortic arch, were reviewed. A high-flow, low-pressure cardiopulmonary bypass protocol (with phenoxybenzamine), before and after a period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, was used. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1999, 59 patients, aged 1 to 353 days (median 4 days) and weighing 1.7 to 6.8 kg (median 3.2 kg), underwent a modified Norwood procedure. The ascending aortic diameter ranged from 1.5 to 8 mm (median 3 mm). The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was 3 mm in 21 patients (36%) and 3.5 mm or larger in 38 patients (64%). RESULTS: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass times ranged from 15 to 64 minutes (median 37 minutes) and 44 to 144 minutes (median 88 minutes), respectively. Early postoperative survival was 83%. By univariate analysis, early mortality was associated with an ascending aortic diameter of 2.5 mm or less (P =.01). Weight, circulatory arrest and bypass times, diagnosis (hypoplastic left heart syndrome vs variant), shunt size, and date of the procedure did not affect survival. For a median follow-up period of 37 months (range 4-63 months), 42 (61%) patients underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary shunts, 10 (17%) had Fontan operations, and 1 patient underwent transplantation after a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt. Eight patients subsequently died, for a 1-year actuarial survival of 72% (95% confidence interval: 60%-84%). Neoaortic arch obstruction was corrected in 3 patients (5%). CONCLUSIONS: At intermediate-term follow-up, our modification of the Norwood procedure together with our perioperative strategies has resulted in acceptable outcomes with a low incidence of neoaortic arch obstruction. Patients with a small ascending aortic diameter have emerged as a high-risk group, but a recent technical modification may improve the outlook for these patients.

Can pediatricians define and apply the concept of brain death?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine pediatric residents' and attending physicians' ability to define brain death, their ability to apply this standard of death to a clinical scenario, and their knowledge regarding the legal necessity of confirmatory testing when determining death by brain criteria. We compared resident and attending self-confidence at discussing brain death with their ability to define brain death and apply this concept to a clinical scenario. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire was sent to 136 residents, postgraduate years 1 through 3, at four accredited pediatric training programs in the United States. Participation was tracked by return address. One follow-up request for participation was made. A similar procedure was followed for 140 faculty pediatricians at two of the institutions. Demographic information including level of training, subspecialty training, training program, and formal ethics training was collected. Respondents defined brain death, interpreted a clinical scenario, and stated whether confirmatory testing is legally required to determine death by brain criteria. Respondents rated their confidence at explaining brain death to a patient's family on a scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent (118/136) of resident surveys were returned. Thirty-six percent (42/118) of the residents correctly defined brain death. Forty-three percent (51/118) of residents correctly interpreted the clinical scenario. Fifty-five percent (65/118) of the residents correctly recognized that brain death could be determined without a confirmatory test. Residents who correctly defined brain death were as confident as those who did not (2.8 +/- 1 vs 1.5 +/- 1). Residents who correctly interpreted the clinical scenario were as confident as those who did not (2.6 +/- 1 vs 1.9 +/- 0.9). Eighty percent (112/140) of attending physician surveys were returned. Thirty-nine percent (44/112) of attending physicians correctly defined brain death. Fifty-three percent (59/112) correctly interpreted the clinical scenario. Fifty-eight percent (65/112) recognized that brain death can be diagnosed without confirmatory testing. All pediatric intensivists (n = 12) correctly answered all three questions. Their performance was significantly better than other pediatricians. Attendings who correctly defined brain death were more confident than those who did not (4.2 +/- 1 vs 1.1 +/- 0. 9). Attendings who correctly interpreted the clinical scenario were more confident than those who did not (3.8 +/- 1.2 vs 2.2 +/- 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric residents and attendings have difficulty defining and applying the concept of brain death. This concept is difficult to grasp and internalize for many pediatricians. To ensure that critical decisions are made by knowledgeable physicians and well-informed families, more effective educational strategies need to be identified.

Respiratory syncytical virus-induced chemokine expression in the lower airways: eosinophil recruitment and degranulation.

Characterization of chemokine expression patterns in virus-infected epithelial cells provides important clues to the pathophysiology of such infections. The aim of this study was to determine the chemokine response pattern of respiratory epithelium when infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Macrophage inflammatory protein-1-alpha (MIP-1-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and RANTES concentrations were measured from RSV-infected HEp-2, MRC-5, and WI-38 cell culture supernatants daily following infection. Additionally, MIP-1-alpha, IL-8, and RANTES concentrations were measured from lower respiratory secretions obtained from 10 intubated infants (0-24 mo) with RSV bronchiolitis, and from 10 control subjects. Our results indicate that respiratory epithelial cells respond to RSV infection by producing MIP-1-alpha, IL-8, and RANTES. Production of MIP-1-alpha required ongoing viral replication, whereas RANTES and IL-8 could be elicited by inactivated forms of the virus. MIP-1-alpha, RANTES, and IL-8 were also present in lower airway secretions obtained from patients with RSV bronchiolitis. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), the eosinophil secretory ribonucleases, were detected in lower airway secretions from RSV-infected patients; ECP concentrations correlated with MIP-1-alpha concentrations (r = 0.93). We conclude that MIP-1-alpha is present in the lower airways during severe RSV disease. The correlation between MIP-1-alpha and ECP concentrations suggests a role for eosinophil degranulation products in the pathogenesis of RSV bronchiolitis.

Gastric pH control in critically ill children receiving intravenous ranitidine.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the dose of ranitidine recommended in commonly used pediatric drug dosage handbooks (2 to 4 mg/kg/day i.v.) results in successful gastric pH control (pH of >4) in critically ill children. DESIGN: Prospective sample. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty consecutive patients who received >24 hrs of scheduled intermittent intravenous ranitidine for stress ulcer prophylaxis were enrolled in the study. Patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction and those who received enteral nutrition through the nasogastric tube were excluded from enrollment. INTERVENTION: Gastric pH was determined at the end of the ranitidine dosing interval, 1 hr after the dose, and at the midpoint between doses. All pH measurements were made from a sample of nasogastric aspirate, using pH sensitive paper. Gastric pH control with ranitidine was considered unsuccessful (poorly controlled) if the pH was <4 for any of the three measurements. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-five patients (median age 36 mos; range 2 wks to 264 mos) were included in the analysis. Eighty-two percent of the patients were mechanically ventilated, 16% were pharmacologically paralyzed, 18% required vasoactive infusions, 36% were nourished via transpyloric feeding tubes, and 7% received total parenteral nutrition. Gastric pH was poorly controlled in 36% of patients. Among these patients, the pH at the end of the dosing interval was significantly lower than the pH measured at 1 hr or at the midpoint between doses (p < .05). Seventy-one percent of patients who received <3 mg/kg/day of ranitidine had poor gastric pH control as compared with 19% who received a minimum of 3 mg/kg/day (p< .05). Poor control of gastric pH was not associated with feeding, intubation status, presence of pharmacologic paralysis, use of vasoactive infusions, or age (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The minimum ranitidine dose recommended in commonly used pediatric drug references resulted in unsuccessful gastric pH control in a high percentage of pediatric intensive care unit patients. Critically ill children with normal renal and hepatic function should be treated with a minimum 3 mg/kg/day of intravenous ranitidine and the dose should be titrated to a gastric pH of > or =4.

Non-interpretive mechanisms in psychoanalytic therapy. The 'something more' than interpretation. The Process of Change Study Group.

It is by now generally accepted that something more than interpretation is necessary to bring about therapeutic change. Using an approach based on recent studies of mother-infant interaction and non-linear dynamic systems and their relation to theories of mind, the authors propose that the something more resides in interactional intersubjective process that give rise to what they will call 'implicit relational knowing'. This relational procedural domain is intrapsychically distinct from the symbolic domain. In the analytic relationship it comprises intersubjective moments occurring between patient and analyst that can create new organisations in, or reorganise not only the relationship between the interactants, but more importantly the patient's implicit procedural knowledge, his ways of being with others. The distinct qualities and consequences of these moments (now moments, 'moments of meeting') are modelled and discussed in terms of a sequencing process that they call moving along. Conceptions of the shared implicit relationship, transference and countertransference are discussed within the parameters of this perspective, which is distinguished from other relational theories and self-psychology. In sum, powerful therapeutic action occurs within implicit relational knowledge. They propose that much of what is observed to be lasting therapeutic effect results from such changes in this intersubjective relational domain.

Nonradiographic assessment of enteral feeding tube position.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a clinical, nonradiographic criterion can be used to predict when the tip of a blindly placed feeding tube is in the small intestine. DESIGN: Prospective sample. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Critically ill children requiring transpyloric feeding. INTERVENTIONS: The small bowel was intubated, using a blind, bedside transpyloric feeding tube placement protocol. The feeding tube was considered to be in the small bowel when <2 mL of a 10- mL aliquot of insufflated air could be aspirated from the feeding tube. This clinical criterion was confirmed with an abdominal radiograph. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 1 month to 19 yrs (median 6 months). Weight ranged from 2.2 to 60 kg (median 4.9). Median time to feeding tube placement was 10 mins (range 5 to 60). Eighty-nine percent of the patients were mechanically ventilated, while 28% of these patients were pharmacologically paralyzed. Seventy-five feeding tubes were inserted. There were no known complications. Ninety-nine (74/75) percent of the feeding tubes were positioned in the small bowel. The inability to aspirate insufflated air correctly predicted small bowel intubation with 99% certainty (Sequential Probability Ratio Test, p = .05 and power = .80). This test incorrectly predicted the position of only one feeding tube, the 26th, which was in the stomach. Of the 74 feeding tubes positioned in the small bowel, 13 feeding tubes were in the duodenum and 61 were in the jejunum. CONCLUSIONS: The inability to aspirate insufflated air confirms the transpyloric position of a feeding tube. Other clinical criteria did not successfully predict small bowel intubation. Use of this single test may obviate confirmatory abdominal radiographs in carefully selected patients and may lead to more cost-effective and timely initiation of enteral feedings.

Comparison of simultaneously obtained arterial and capillary blood gases in pediatric intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether capillary blood gas measurements provide a clinically acceptable estimate of arterial pH, PCO2, and PO2. DESIGN: Prospective convenience sample. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit at a referral children's hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty children > 1 month of age with indwelling arterial catheters. INTERVENTIONS: A local anesthetic was applied to the third finger of the hand contralateral to a radial artery catheter. After 90 mins, simultaneous arterial and capillary blood gases were drawn. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Arterial and capillary pH, PcO2, and PO2 were measured. Heart rate and Wong/Baker faces score were noted before and during capillary blood gas collection to assess discomfort associated with blood collection. There was a strong correlation between capillary and arterial pH (r2 = .903, p < .0001). The relative average bias of the capillary pH was 0.009, with capillary lower than arterial and 95% limits of agreement of +/- 0.032. In all patients, the absolute value of the difference between arterial and capillary pH was < or = 0.05. There was a strong correlation between arterial and capillary PCO2 (r2 = .955, p < .0001). The relative average bias of the capillary PCO2 was 1.6 torr (0.21 kPa), with capillary higher than arterial and 95% limits of agreement of +/- 4.5 torr (+/- 0.6 kPa). In two of 50 patients, the absolute value of the difference between arterial and capillary PCO2 was > 6.5 torr (> 0.87 kPa). Despite a statistically significant correlation between capillary and arterial PO2 (r2 = .358, p < .0001), the absolute value of the difference between arterial and capillary PO2 was > 6.5 torr (> 0.87 kPa) in 42 of 50 patients. Pain, endotracheal intubation, vasoactive drips, or pharmacologic paralysis did not affect accuracy of the capillary pH or PCO2. CONCLUSIONS: Capillary blood gases accurately reflect arterial pH and PCO2 in most pediatric intensive care unit patients. Capillary samples did not significantly underestimate arterial hypercarbia or acidosis. This conservative reflection of metabolic status may be particularly useful in hemodynamically stable patients with mild-to-moderate lung disease.

Treatment of convulsive status epilepticus with propofol: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) refractory to treatment with benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, and phenytoin presents a challenge to pediatric emergency and critical care specialists. Prompt seizure control may prevent mortality and morbidity. CASE: A nine-month-old girl with hereditary fructose intolerance had prolonged, refractory CSE. Her seizures promptly stopped after administration of propofol (3 mg/kg bolus followed by infusion of 100 micrograms/kg/min). This dose resulted in electroencephalographic burst suppression. She required endotracheal intubation, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and pressor support. DISCUSSION: This is the first pediatric case of prolonged, refractory CSE treated with propofol. The adult experience is reviewed. Propofol should be used only in a setting where definitive airway control and hemodynamic support is possible.

Fluoroscopic foley catheter removal of esophageal foreign bodies in children: experience with 415 episodes.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of the fluoroscopic Foley catheter technique (FFCT) for removal of esophageal foreign bodies (EEBs) in children, and to identify factors associated with decreased success. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS: An 11-year retrospective review of all pediatric patients undergoing the FFCT for removal of EFBs at a tertiary-care children's hospital was performed. RESULTS: Four-hundred and fifteen cases are reported. The median age was 29 months (range, 4 to 193); children < or = 24 months accounted for 45% (185) of the cases. Of all episodes 86% (355) involved children without known esophageal pathology. Coins comprised 76% (316) of the EFBs. The FFCT was successful in 91% (378) of the cases. In the 60 episodes involving children with underlying esophageal pathology, the technique had an 83% success rate compared to 92% in children without known pathology (P < .05). There were 290 patients where the duration of impaction was known. The success rate was 96% if the duration was 3 days or less compared to 50% if the duration was longer (P < .0001). Though the overall success in children < or = 24 months was less than older children (88% vs 94%, P < .05), this effect disappeared when corrected for duration of impaction. Minor complications occurred in 2% of the episodes, and major complications were noted in 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The FFCT appears to be a safe and effective method for removal of EFBs especially in children without underlying esophageal lesions and a duration of impaction < or = 3 days. Major complications are rare.