Role of Urinary Biomarkers (Transforming Growth Factor ß1, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, and Cystatin C) as a Prognostic Factor of Renal Outcome in the Posterior Urethral Valve.

Background: The urinary biomarker response precedes the appearance of any renal structural or functional derangement. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), and Cystatin C (CysC) can act as the early prognostic markers in posterior urethral valve (PUV) patients. Aim: To compare the urinary levels of TGF-ß1, NGAL, and CysC between PUV cases and age matched controls and to correlate these with renal structural and functional parameters. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included children with PUV diagnosed using the standard investigations and an equal number of age-matched controls with nonurological problems. For the study subjects, the urinary samples were collected at three different time points (pre- and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months), whereas for controls, only single-voided samples were studied. The urinary levels of TGF-ß1, NGAL, and CysC were estimated by the standardized techniques using the ELISA kits. Statistical methods were used to drive the comparisons between cases and controls. Results: Fifteen children with a median age of 10 (5-48) months were enrolled in each of the two groups. The mean uTGF-ß1 in the case group was significantly higher at all three time points (43.20 ± 6.13 pg/ml, 43.33 ± 11.89 pg/ml and 40.71 ± 9.01 pg/ml) as compared to the control group (29.12 ± 8.31 pg/ml) (P ≤ 0.001). The median uNGAL in the case group was also higher (17.78 ng/ml, 2.35 ng/ml and 2.536 ng/ml) as compared to the control group (1.31 ng/ml). However, the difference was significant only preoperatively (P = 0.02). The median uCysC in case group was similarly higher (0.347 µg/ml, 0.439 µg/ml, and 0.382 µg/ml) than the control group (0.243 µg/ml) (P > 0.05). Serum creatinine in the case group (0.49 mg/dl) showed no significant rise above that of control (0.24 mg/dl). A cutoff value of uTGF-ß1 = 36.55 pg/ml (P < 0.001), uNGAL = 0.879 ng/ml (P = 0.02), and uCysC = 0.25 µg/ml (P = 0.22) was found to be associated with renal damage in PUV. A significant correlation was found between uNGAL and S. creatinine at 3 months (r = 0.43, P = 0.017) and 6 months (r = 0.47, P = 0.08). Conclusion: The elevated uTGF-ß1, a decline in uNGAL and an increase in uCysC suggests ongoing inflammation, improvement in hydronephrosis and a prolonged proximal tubular dysfunction in PUV patients, respectively.

"Necklace of magnets" in the abdomen: an unusual case with "multiple" bowel perforations.

Magnetic foreign body ingestion poses a threat especially if more than one is ingested. If consumed alone, small magnetic foreign bodies are likely to pass without significant event; however, when multiple magnets are ingested, they can be attracted to each other through the intestinal wall, which may lead to serious consequences and complications, including bowel perforation, obstruction, peritonitis, and death. We report a case of a 2-years male child patient presented with multiple small round magnetic beads ingestion from a magnetic pendant that appeared like a necklace pearl after conglomeration on abdominal radiograph. On exploration, we found multiple perforations involving ileum, cecum, and transverse colon, with multiple conglomerated beads extruding from the perforation sites.

Pediatric Age-adjusted Shock Index (SIPA): From Injury to Outcome in Blunt Abdominal Trauma.

Purpose: The Shock Index Pediatric Age-Adjusted (SIPA) score is a useful tool for identifying pediatric trauma patients at a risk of poor outcomes and for triaging. We are studying the relationship between elevated SIPA score and specific outcomes in pediatric trauma patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which case records of 58 pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma were evaluated and tabulated for their SIPA scores only at the time of their initial presentation and categorized into two groups - normal SIPA and elevated SIPA. The primary outcomes were need for blood transfusion, need for any intervention, and need for emergency surgery, and the secondary outcomes were need for computed tomography (CT) scan, need for a ventilator, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Statistical methods were applied to find a relationship between elevated SIPA score and the primary and secondary outcomes. Results: An elevated SIPA score was noted in 27 (46%) patients. There was a significant relationship between elevated SIPA scores and patients needing blood transfusion (68.75%, n = 11) and length of hospital stay (10.48 ± 7.54 days). A significant relationship between elevated SIPA score and need for emergency surgery (54.54%, n = 6), need for a CT scan (56%, n = 14), and ICU stay (50%, n = 2) was not found. Conclusion: We have seen in our study that elevated SIPA scores at presentation are significantly related to need for blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. In more than half of the patients, elevated SIPA was associated with need for emergency surgery and requirement of CT scan, but it was statistically not significant. Therefore, assessment of this parameter can help in identifying such poor outcomes.

Role of Ultrasonography and Inflammatory Markers in Predicting Complicated Appendicitis.

Aim: The aim is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory investigations and ultrasonography (USG) in distinguishing complicated appendicitis (C-AA) from uncomplicated appendicitis (UC-AA). Materials and Methods: Forty-six children who underwent appendicectomy at our center between November 2018 and July 2020 were included. Based on intraoperative findings, they were divided into two groups - complicated (perforated, gangrenous, or associated with fecal peritonitis; n = 18) and UC-AA (n = 28). USG findings and inflammatory markers were compared in both groups at admission. Results: At admission, the mean values for total leukocyte count (TLC) (16090.56 vs. 11739.29 per mm3), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (35.8 vs. 31.62 mg/L), and procalcitonin (PCT) (3.83 vs. 1.41 ng/mL) were significantly higher in C-AA. Visualization of a blind tubular aperistaltic structure was the only sonographic sign showing statistical significance - significantly lower in C-AA (50% vs. 90%). Independent predictors of C-AA were - duration of symptoms >48 h (odds ratio [OR] 6.3), free fluid/loculated collection in right iliac fossa (OR 3.75), TLC >11000/mm3 (OR 3.6), hsCRP >35 mg/L (OR 6.0), PCT >0.6 ng/mL (OR 4.02), and nonvisualization of appendix on USG (OR 8.33). Biochemical factors were sensitive (89%) and specific (55%) in differentiating C-AA from UC-AA but the addition of sonological parameters significantly improved the specificity of predicting complicated AA to 61% (P = 0.0036). Conclusion: Combining laboratory data with sonological findings significantly improves the predictive value for differentiating C-AA from UC-AA and can help decide operative approach and prognosticating.

Triple Diversion Technique in Complete Duodenal Transaction Following Blunt Trauma Abdomen: A Time-Tested Method in a Very Rare Injury.

Duodenal injury following blunt abdominal trauma is extremely rare in children and many times, it has delayed presentation, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. A patient with complete duodenal transaction is a surgical challenge and management involves the time of presentation and extent of visceral damage. A 10-year-old boy was brought with features of bowel perforation after road traffic accident and underwent emergency laparotomy which revealed complete transaction of duodenum at D1 and D2 and pyloroduodenal junction extending toward lesser curvature. Primary closure of pyloroduodenal junction and D1-D2 was done with omental patch along with triple tube decompression (cholecystostomy, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy). The patient had an uneventful recovery. Primary closure of disturbed ends with triple diversion is a safe approach in young children with complete duodenal transaction in absence of gross peritoneal contamination and early presentation.

Congenital Cutaneous Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (pPNET) of Scalp: Youngest Case So Far.

Congenital cutaneous peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) is very rare and also very rarely located in scalp. Only two cases of PNET as primary tumor in scalp are reported so far in the literature. Non mutilating surgical excision, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used in treating these rare tumors. We present the youngest case report of PNET of scalp in 10-month-old girl who was managed by surgical excision with good cosmetic outcome and disease-free 20 months post-operative period.

Retroperitoneal Immature Teratoma in a Neonate.

We report a rare case of large immature retroperitoneal teratoma in a neonate. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of dealing with such a case have been discussed and the relevant literature reviewed.

Pseudoaneurysm of Left Ventricle following Staphylococcal Pericarditis in a Child.

Formation of pseudo-aneurysm of the left ventricle is a rare entity particularly in the pediatric age group. We report a case of a pseudo-aneurysm of the left ventricle in a 6-year-old boy who initially presented to us with staphylococcus aureus septicemia. The left ventricular pseudo-aneurysm was surgically resected and the boy was discharged in a healthy condition.

Masterly inactivity in infantile haemangioma: Does it still hold relevance?

BACKGROUND: Haemangiomas are a source of concern to the parents. It has long been advised to plan a conservative management and counsel the attendants in various literatures owing to the spontaneous regression in these cases. We tried to find out the role of conservative management in our setup. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of conservative management in infantile haemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from January 2001 to December 2012 including infants with haemangioma in low risk locations. Patients were evaluated at periodic intervals for regression and complications. Interventions done were surgical excision/ cauterisation in cases presenting with complications in the form of bleed or severe ulceration or in residual lesion not responding to the conservative management. RESULTS: A total of 104 cases were included. Mean age of the cases at presentation was 32 weeks (range: 6-48 weeks). Mean follow-up was 48 months (range: 9-68 months). Average lesion size at the time of presentation was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm 2 and the average lesion size at last presentation was 1.8 ± 0.5 cm 2 . A total of 28 cases presented with complications as bleed, ulceration. These cases were located at extremities and were managed by excision in 13 cases and cauterisation in 15 cases. 13 cases presented with rapid proliferation. Thus, 41 (39.4%) cases presented with complications or rapid progression. Complete regression was seen in 49 cases and remaining 14 (22.2%) cases had some residual lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management should be offered only to very small lesions located at concealed sites. Lesions located at extremities and exposed sites should not be considered for conservative management.

An unusual presentation of hydrochloric acid ingestion: a mystery unraveled.

BACKGROUND: Unintentional acid ingestion is less commonly encountered than alkali ingestion. The injury develops for hours to days after ingestion and often results in progressively increasing difficulty in airway management. However, gastric perforation is rare. CASE: A 3-year-old boy presented to us with an orotonsillopharyngeal membrane and severe upper airway obstruction. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with a case of gastric perforation due to unintentional hydrochloric acid ingestion. He was treated with partial gastrectomy and feeding jejunostomy, and the recovery was good. CONCLUSIONS: Unintentional hydrochloric acid ingestion is rare in children. The manifestations masquerade many other clinical conditions, and the diagnosis is difficult in cases in which history of ingestion is not available. Treatment is symptomatic, and emergency surgery is indicated in case of gastrointestinal perforation.

Congenital cystic lesions of the lungs: The perils of misdiagnosis - A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: A majority of cystic lesions in the western world are detected antenatally, whereas, the diagnosis in our setup occurs once the child becomes symptomatic. Surgical management is primarily dictated by the presence of symptoms, recurrent infection, and rarely by the potential risk of malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on all consecutive patients with cystic lung lesions managed at our center from January 2000 through June 2011 for antenatal diagnosis, presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and complications. RESULTS: Forty cystic lung lesions were identified. Only 8% were antenatally detected. Out of 40, the final diagnosis was congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in 19, congenital lobar emphysema in 11, and bronchogenic cysts and pulmonary sequestration in five each. Of these, 20% had received a course of prior antitubercular therapy and 30% had an intercostal drain inserted prior to referral to our center. Postoperative morbidity in the form of bronchopleural fistula, pneumothorax, and non-expansion of the residual lung was noted in 10% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Antenatal diagnosis of these lesions is still uncommon in third world countries. Prior to referral to a pediatric surgical center a large number of patients received antitubercular drugs and an intercostal drain insertion, due to incorrect diagnosis.

Transanal impalement of double J steel bar with colonic and jejunal injury: A unique pediatric case report.

Pediatric transanal impalement injuries are relatively uncommon and most are attributed to accidental fall on offending objects, sexual assault or blunt trauma. There may be difficulty in recognizing or properly treating such injuries because their severity may not be reflected externally. Evaluation of suspected rectal impalement injury involves careful history and physical examination and proper investigation. There are very few reports on pediatric perianal impalement with associated visceral injuries. We report a case of assault transanal impalement injury associated with mesenteric tear and jejunal perforation leading to devitalization of proximal jejunum in a 2 year male child and relevant literatures were reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, such dual proximal and distal gastrointestinal injury in such a small child has not been reported in any of the English literature so far.

Pediatric retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy: An initial experience of 15 cases.

Retroperitoneoscopic approach of nephrectomy in pediatric patients is a debatable issue from surgical point of view. Experience of anesthetic management of 15 such patients from a tertiary care teaching hospital has been described here. We found that capno-retroperitoneum increases end-tidal carbon-di-oxide, but normocapnea was achieved in the most of the patients. No significant hemodynamic changes were noted in any patients. However, subcutaneous emphysema was common, but self-limiting without any serious consequence. Postoperative pain after this procedure is usually manageable by nonopioid analgesics.

Intra thoracic migration of ureteric stent after exstrophy bladder closure: Unusual complication.

Classic bladder exstrophy is a rare malformation of the genitourinary tract requiring surgical intervention either one-staged or staged fashion. Premature stent dislodgement is a well-known reported complication. We are reporting an unusual case of migration of ureteric stent to thoracic cavity leading to the pleural effusion and respiratory distress in early post-operative period.