Unusual malignant neoplasms of ovary in children: two cases report.

Sex cord tumors with annular tubules are known to originate from the sex cord of embryonic gonads that synthesize Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, granulosa cells, and theca cells of the ovarian stroma, while ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type is a type of neuroendocrine tumor. Both these tumors are uncommon, potentially malignant neoplasms in children. We report the case of a sex cord tumor with annular tubules in an 11-year-old girl and a case of small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type in a 10-year-old girl. We also discuss the prognosis and management of these tumors.

Diaphragmatic eventration in children.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic eventration (ED) is a rare anomaly defined by a permanent elevation of a hemidiaphragm without defects. Clinical manifestations are diverse, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening respiratory distress. The aim of this study is to report our experience of management of eight children with ED over the past 15 years. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving 8 infants and children with ED managed at the department of pediatric surgery of Tunis Children's Hospital. RESULTS: Five patients (2 males, 3 females) whose ages ranged from 5 month to 7 years (mean, 13 months) were operated on using diaphragmatic plication (3 right-sided and 2 left-sided plications) for symptomatic ED with a dramatic improvement in their respiratory status. Another infant (a 3-month-old boy) was admitted for respiratory distress that required mechanical ventilatory support. He died before operation because of sepsis. Two other asymptomatic patients with incidentally diagnosed ED were followed up for 5 years on average. Chest x-ray suggested eventration in all cases. Ultrasound was found to be a useful modality for diagnosis in 6 cases. There were no cases of associated malformation. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic eventration in children is usually congenital but may be acquired. Chest ultrasound is an important imaging modality for diagnosis. Diaphragmatic plication appears to be safe and effective. Surgical intervention is not recommended in asymptomatic patients.

Gastric perforation in the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Gastric perforation in neonates is an uncommon condition. It could be spontaneous but a contributing cause should be sought. AIM: To review our experience of treating 8 neonates with gastric perforation over the past 20 years. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all newborns admitted to our hospital between 1990 and 2010 with regard to gender, age at admission, contributing factors, associated anomalies, site of perforation, type of operation, and outcome. RESULTS: Of the eight neonates, five were female and three male. The average weight was 2130 g. Four babies were premature. Three infants were ventilated for respiratory difficulty. Five patients had associated anomalies. Perforation occurred in the lesser curvature in 4, at the greater curvature in 3, and at the anterior antrum surface in 1. All patients were treated with gastrorrhaphy. Four neonates required additional gastrostomy. Mortality was 75% (6 infants). CONCLUSION: Active perinatal management, early treatment of primary pathologies, and protection of the stomach against distension in neonates at risk are essential in the management of neonatal gastric perforation.

Ropivacaine 0.2% versus Bupivacaine 0.25% in para-umbilical block in children.

BACKGROUND: Para-umbilical block was an old block that regains a new interest. No study was available using Ropivacaine in this block. AIM: To compare quality of analgesia after using Ropivacaine 0.2% to Bupivacaine 0.25% in para-umbilical blocks. METHODS: In a prospective randomized double blind study we included one to six years old children, scheduled for umbilical herniorrhaphy. The children were randomized in two groups to receive in para-umbilical block by side: Ropivacaine 0.2%: 0.2 ml.kg-1 (group GR) or Bupivacaine 0.25%: 0.2 ml.kg-1 (group GB). RESULTS: The data of 75 children (GR= 38; GB= 37) were analyzed. The groups were comparable regarding the demographics' characters. The scores of Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale in different postoperative times were comparable between the two groups. No difference was noted in the time of the first analgesic request. The two groups were comparable regarding the peroperative analgesia. No complication was recorded in this study. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine 0.2% is equivalent to the Bupivacaine 0.25% concerning postoperative and peroperative analgesia in the para-umbilical block for umbilical herniorrhaphy.

Congenital bilobar emphysema.

Congenital bilobar emphysema is reported to be extremely rare. We describe 3 cases, and we review the diagnosis problems and treatment methods of this childhood respiratory tract pathologic condition.