Characterization of Pediatric Breast Abscesses and Optimal Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Literature on pediatric breast abscesses is sparse; therefore, treatment is based on adult literature which has shifted from incision and drainage (I&D) to needle aspiration. However, children may require different treatment due to different risk factors and the presence of a developing breast bud. We sought to characterize pediatric breast abscesses and compare outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients presenting with a primary breast abscess from January 2008 to December 2018 was conducted. Primary outcome was persistent disease. Antibiotic utilization, treatment required, and risk factors for abscess and recurrence were also assessed. A follow-up survey regarding scarring, deformity, and further procedures was administered. Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests for group comparisons and multivariable regression to determine associations with recurrence were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included. The median age was 12.8 y [IQR 4.9, 14.3], 81% were women, and 51% were African-American. Most commonly, patients were treated with antibiotics alone (47%), followed by I&D (27%), and aspiration (26%). Twelve patients (13%) had persistent disease. There was no difference in demographic or clinical characteristics between those with persistent disease and those who responded to initial treatment. The success rates of primary treatment were 80% with antibiotics alone, 90% with aspiration, and 96% with I&D (P = 0.35). The median time to follow-up survey was 6.5 y [IQR 4.4, 8.5]. Four patients who underwent I&D initially reported significant scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment modality was not associated with persistent disease. A trial of antibiotics alone may be considered to minimize the risk of breast bud damage and adverse cosmetic outcomes with invasive intervention.

Ligament of Treitz Release With Duodenal Lowering for Pediatric Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Operative approaches for superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) vary from Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy to the more conservative division of the ligament of Treitz with inferior duodenal derotation known as the Strong procedure. We sought to examine outcomes following a modified version of Strong procedure where the duodenum is lowered as opposed to derotated for the management of SMAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent surgical management of SMAS between January 2008 and December 2017. An online survey regarding symptom resolution, feeding practices, and the need for additional procedures was distributed. Data are reported as medians with interquartile range (IQR) and proportions as percentages. RESULTS: Seven patients with a median age of 15 y (IQR 8, 16) and median body mass index of 16.9 (IQR, 12.6, 22.1) were included. Presenting symptoms included pain (71%), nausea (57%), and vomiting (43%). Six patients initially underwent duodenal lowering, whereas one patient underwent duodenoduodenostomy. One patient underwent adhesiolysis for bowel obstruction in the early postoperative period. All patients had symptom resolution at a postoperative follow-up of 22 d (IQR, 15, 45). Two patients had symptom recurrence, and one patient required reoperation. Six patients completed the survey at a median of 2.3 y (IQR, 1.7, 3.2) postoperatively, of which four underwent duodenal lowering. Of these, 75% (n = 3) were asymptomatic. One patient with recurrence reported occasional nausea and emesis but has not required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Release of the ligament of Treitz with duodenal lowering results in resolution of symptoms in 75% of patients. This operative approach may be considered before performing more complex operations for SMAS.

Therapeutic Direction Versus Adverse Outcomes in Children Undergoing Lung Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Lung biopsy is part of the diagnostic workup for multiple diseases. Although the morbidity of the procedure has decreased with the use of thoracoscopy, lung biopsy still holds substantial risk for patients. Therefore, we evaluated the likelihood of lung biopsies impacting treatment compared to complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-institution, retrospective chart review of patients less than aged 18 y undergoing lung biopsy from 2010 to 2016. Details of demographics, hospital course, adverse events, complications, pathology, and follow-up were recorded. All values are reported as medians with interquartile range. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 7 y old (interquartile range 1.4, 15). Eighty-seven percent (33) of biopsies were performed thoracoscopically, with a 3% conversion rate. Adverse events occurred in 25% (9) of cases with the majority involving prolonged respiratory failure (n = 7). Complications occurred in 16% (6) of cases including pneumothorax (13%, n = 5) and cardiac arrest (3%, n = 1). A third of these complications (n = 2) required reoperation, and both were decompressions of tension pneumothoraces. Pathology established a diagnosis in 62% (n = 23) of cases, yet treatment was changed in only 43% of cases. No preoperative variables were associated with the pathology establishing a diagnosis or changing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lung biopsy for questionable pulmonary disease changed treatment in less than half of cases, with significant perioperative morbidity. Careful consideration should therefore be given to who would benefit most from lung biopsy.

Withholding Urinary Catheters in Children Receiving Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: In some institutions, urinary catheters (UCs) have been placed in all patients receiving opioid patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) because of the increased incidence of urinary retention. Our institutional data demonstrated no UC replacements in 48 children who had PCA for perforated appendicitis who had their catheters removed before discontinuation of the PCA. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we discontinued the practice of requiring UC with PCA for perforated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective list of patients with perforated appendicitis was maintained. Data were gathered regarding 60 consecutive patients. UC placement was allowed for specific indications including urinary retention and surgeon discretion. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (27%) received a UC with 14 of these being placed in the operating room (OR). Two UCs were placed outside the OR for urinary retention. Patients who underwent UC placement in the OR weighed significantly more than those who did not (33 versus 42 kg, P = 0.05). No patients required replacement of the catheter once removed. There were no postoperative urinary tract infections. Median PCA duration was 68 h (50, 98) for patients with UC placed in the OR compared with 60 h (47, 78) (P = 0.42). Median postoperative length of stay for patients with UC placed in the OR was 95 h (76, 140) compared with 90 h (70, 113) (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: UC can be withheld from patients with perforated appendicitis who are placed on PCA with a very low placement rate. UC placement at time of operation did not lengthen time receiving PCA or length of stay.

Efficacy of oral antibiotics in children with post-operative abscess from perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative intra-abdominal abscess (PIAA) is the most common complication after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (PA). Typically, intravenous antibiotics by a peripherally inserted venous catheter are utilized to treat the abscess. We sought to evaluate the role of oral antibiotics in this population. METHODS: This is a retrospective review conducted of children between January 2005 and September 2015 with a PIAA. Demographics, clinical course, complications, and follow-up were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Comparative analysis was performed on those who were treated with oral vs IV antibiotics after diagnosis of PIAA. RESULTS: 103 children were included. Days of symptoms prior to admission were 3.2 ± 2.3 days with a WBC of 17.9 ± 6.4. Median time to diagnosis of PIAA from appendectomy was 7 days (7, 10). Mean total length of stay was 10 ± 3.4 days. 42% were treated with oral antibiotics (n = 43) versus 58% IV antibiotics (n = 60) at the time of discharge. We found a significant increase in total length of hospital stay (9.1 vs 10.7, p = 0.02) and number of medical encounters required for treatment (3.4 vs 4.4, p ≤ 0.01) in the IV group. CONCLUSIONS: PIAA treatment after appendectomy for PA can be treated with oral antibiotics with equivalent outcomes as IV antibiotic treatment, but with shorter length of hospitalizations and less medical encounters required.

Mitigating disparity in children with acute appendicitis: Impact of patient-driven protocols.

PURPOSE: Previous reports in the literature demonstrate racial and ethnic disparities for children diagnosed with acute appendicitis, with minorities experiencing worse outcomes. At our institution, we have developed an evidence based patient driven protocol for children following laparoscopic appendectomy. However, the influence of such protocol on mitigating racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to assess the impact of our protocol by evaluating the influence of race and ethnicity on surgical outcomes among children treated for acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted. Children undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy at our freestanding children's hospital between December 2015 and July 2017 were included. Demographic data, post-operative length of stay, same day discharge rates and hospital readmission rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Patients were classified by their race and ethnic background. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with a p value <.05 determined as significant. RESULTS: A total of 786 children were included, with the majority being either White (70%, n = 547), Black (8%, n = 62) or Hispanic (17%, n = 133); 569 patients (72%) were found to have non-perforated appendicitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of same day discharge among White, Black or Hispanic children respectively (88% vs. 77% vs. 86%, p = .126). Of the 217 children with perforated appendicitis, Hispanic children had increased rates of perforation (41%, n = 55) compared to White and Black children respectively (23%, n = 128 and 29%, n = 18, p = .001). However, average post-operative length of stay were similar among White, Black and Hispanic children (96 h vs. 95 h vs. 98 h, p = .015). On multivariate analysis, the only significant risk factor for an elevated post-operative length of stay was the presence of a perforation. CONCLUSION: Our evidence based patient driven protocol effectively mitigates racial and ethnic disparities found in children with acute appendicitis. Further prospective investigation into the role of such patient-driven protocols to mitigate healthcare disparities is warranted. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study; Level 3.

Laparoscopic Ladd Procedure for the Management of Malrotation and Volvulus.

Introduction: While laparoscopic Ladd procedure is commonly performed in patients with asymptomatic malrotation, a paucity of data exists on children with volvulus or with low weight (≤3 kg). Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic Ladd procedure in these complex patient populations. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing operation for malrotation from 2008 to 2018 was performed. Specific subgroup analysis was performed comparing outcomes after open and laparoscopic approaches in patients presenting with acute volvulus or in low-weight (<3 kg) patients. Results: Out of 110 patients, 38 (35%) presented with volvulus and 72 (65%) without volvulus. In patients with volvulus, 16 (42%) underwent laparoscopy and 22 (58%) had an open procedure. More patients in the open group had a preoperative diagnosis of volvulus (63.6% vs. 12.5%, P = .002). Operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (87 vs. 61 minutes, P = .029), with 7 patients being converted to an open procedure (44%). Days to regular diet, hospital length of stay, and recurrent volvulus were similar between groups. In patients weighting <3 kg, 10 patients underwent laparoscopy and 10 patients had an open procedure. Demographics, operative time, postoperative outcomes, and complications were similar between groups. One person in the laparoscopic group was converted to open. Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of malrotation, even in the presence of volvulus and low patient weight, is safe and effective, with low rates of recurrent volvulus. If exposure is suboptimal, conversion to open in patients with volvulus should be considered.

Outcomes of Ostomy Location in Children: Placement of the Ostomy at the Umbilicus.

PURPOSE: Neonatal exploratory laparotomies are often performed with a transumbilical incision in our institution, so umbilical ostomy placement has become more common. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of neonates with ostomy placement at the umbilicus in comparison to more traditional stoma locations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of neonates that underwent an exploratory laparotomy with ostomy creation between January 2010 and September 2015. Demographics, presentation, feedings, ostomy position, postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with P-value <.05 determined as significant. Results reported as means ± standard deviation and medians with interquartile ranges. RESULTS: Fifty-four children were included, 37% (n = 20) had stomas at the umbilicus. Most common other stoma location was the right lower quadrant (63%, n = 34). Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was the most common indication for surgery in both groups. Days to stoma output were similar between the two groups, [3 (1, 6) versus 2 (1, 5), P = .96]. Days to initiation of feeds were delayed in the umbilical ostomy group [15 (9.5, 23.5) versus 6 (4, 10), P = .02]. Comparing only NEC patients, initiation of feeds was similar [22 (14, 56) versus 15.5 (8, 43), P = .73]. Umbilical ostomies had an increase in prolapse/peristomal hernias (7 versus 3, P = .01), but no patients required operative revision. CONCLUSION: Umbilical ostomies had similar time to stoma function compared to other sites, but a delay in initiation of oral feeds likely secondary to a higher percentage of patients with NEC.

The Laparoscopic Versus Open Approach for Reduction of Intussusception in Infants and Children: An Updated Institutional Experience.

PURPOSE: We have previously demonstrated successful laparoscopic management after failed enema reduction of children with intussusception. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of our mature experience with laparoscopic reduction by evaluating operative success, duration of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and hospital readmission rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective review was conducted on children (age 0-18 years) who failed enema reduction of intussusception between 2008 and 2017. Cases were classified as either open or laparoscopic. Demographic data, incidence of bowel resection, postoperative length of stay, complications, and hospital readmission rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with a P value <.05 determined as significant. RESULTS: A total of 81 children were included in our study with 63 patients (78%) undergoing a laparoscopic reduction and 18 patients (22%) undergoing an open operation. Laparoscopic reduction carried similar complication rates (11%) when compared with children undergoing an open reduction (11%, P = 1.00). Furthermore, both hospital readmission rates and returns to the operating room were similar between the two groups (P = .345 and P = .672, respectively). The median postoperative length of stay was shorter for patients undergoing a laparoscopic reduction (4 days, interquartile range [IQR], 2-5 days) than for patients undergoing an open reduction (5 days, IQR, 4-6 days, P = .001). Children undergoing a laparoscopic reduction had a decreased rate of bowel resection (43% versus 50%, P = .591) despite similar rate of pathological lead points (21% versus 22%, P = .884). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of intussusception after failed radiographic reduction yields a reduced hospital length of stay with no increase in hospital readmission rates and reoperations.

National study of emergency department visits for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 1993-2005.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about recent trends in U.S. emergency department (ED) visits for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) or about ED management of AECOPD. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of ED visits for AECOPD and to evaluate concordance with guideline-recommended care. METHODS: Data were obtained from National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). ED visits for AECOPD, during 1993 to 2005, were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Concordance with guideline recommendations was evaluated using process measures. RESULTS: Over the 13-year study period, there was an average annual 0.6 million ED visits for AECOPD, and the visit rates for AECOPD were consistently high (3.2 per 1,000 U.S. population; P(trend) = 0.13). The trends in the use of chest radiograph, pulse oximetry, or bronchodilator remained stable (all P(trend) > 0.5). By contrast, the use of systemic corticosteroids increased from 29% in 1993-1994 to 60% in 2005, antibiotics increased from 14% to 42%, and methylxanthines decreased from 15% to <1% (all P(trend) < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed patients in the South (vs. the Northeast) were less likely to receive systemic corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4 to 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The high burden of ED visits for AECOPD persisted. Overall concordance with guideline-recommended care for AECOPD was moderate, and some emergency treatments had improved over time.

Determination of apurinic/apyrimidinic lesions in DNA with high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

A new method has been developed to accurately measure apurinic and apyrimidinic (AP) DNA damage sites, which are lesions in DNA formed by loss of a nucleobase from oxidative stress or carcinogen adducts. If AP sites are left unrepaired (or if improperly repaired), these sites can lead to DNA mutations that may ultimately result in the formation of cancer. Hence, detection of AP sites may provide a useful indicator of exposure and susceptibility to chemical carcinogens and oxidative stress. AP detection is currently accomplished by immunodetection methods using an aldehyde reactive probe [Nakamura, J., Walker, V. E., Upton, P. B., Chiang, S.-Y., Kow, Y. W., and Swenberg, J. A. (1998) Cancer Res. 58, 222-225; Atamna, H., Cheung, I., and Ames, B. N. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 97, 686-691]; however, these approaches lack the specificity required for unequivocal identification of the AP site. Therefore, we have developed an accurate method based on mass spectrometry detection of AP sites from AP DNA that have been prelabeled with O-4-nitrobenzylhydroxylamine (NBHA). Once labeled and once the excess labeling agent has been removed, enzymatic digestion of DNA to monomeric subunits can be accomplished, followed by isolation and detection with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Optimization and validation of the experimental procedures and detection limits have been established using a model DNA oligomer (11-mer) containing uracil. Enzymatic removal of uracil with uracil glycosylase generates well-defined AP sites in both single- and double-stranded DNA. The addition of NBHA labels the AP site in the oligomer, creating a labeled 11-mer. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in the negative ionization mode was used to monitor and confirm binding of NBHA to the AP oligomer. The NBHA-tagged oligomer underwent endo- and exonuclease digestion to the 5'-deoxyribose monophosphate (5'-dRp) level, thereby releasing free 5'-dRp-NBHA. The 5'-dRp-NBHA product was partially purified by solid phase extraction and quantified by LC-MS/MS using several transitions of the deprotonated molecule ([M - H]- at m/z 363) and isotopically labeled 5'-dRp-NBHA as an internal standard. Further experiments with 5',3'-bisphosphate-deoxyribose and heat/acid-treated calf thymus DNA showed similar labeling, digestion, and detection results. Initial results show a quantification limit with 100 mug of DNA to be 100 fmol (three abasic sites per 10(7) bases).