Surgical treatment for severe pediatric tracheobronchomalacia: the 20-year experience of a single center

Abstract Objective: In children with tracheobronchomalacia, surgical management should be reserved for the most severe cases and be specific to the type and location of tracheobronchomalacia. The goal of this study is to describe the presentation and outcomes of children with severe tracheobronchomalacia undergoing surgery. Methods: Retrospective case series of 20 children operated for severe tracheobronchomalacia at a tertiary hospital from 2003 to 2023. Data were collected on symptoms age at diagnosis, associated comorbidities, previous surgery, age at surgery, operative approach, time of follow-up, and outcome. Surgical success was defined as symptom improvement. Results: The most frequent symptoms of severe tracheobronchomalacia were stridor (50 %), cyanosis (50 %), and recurrent respiratory infections (45 %). All patients had one or more underlying conditions, most commonly esophageal atresia (40 %) and prematurity (35 %). Bronchoscopy were performed in all patients. Based on etiology, patients underwent the following procedures: anterior aortopexy (n = 15/75 %), posterior tracheopexy (n = 4/20 %), and/or posterior descending aortopexy (n = 4/20 %). Three patients underwent anterior aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy procedures. After a median follow-up of 12 months, 16 patients (80 %) had improvement in respiratory symptoms. Decannulation was achieved in three (37.5 %) out of eight patients with previous tracheotomy. The presence of dying spells at diagnosis was associated with surgical failure. Conclusions: Isolated or combined surgical procedures improved respiratory symptoms in 80 % of children with severe tracheobronchomalacia. The choice of procedure should be individualized and guided by etiology: anterior aortopexy for anterior compression, posterior tracheopexy for membranous intrusion, and posterior descending aortopexy for left bronchus obstruction.

Surgical treatment for severe pediatric tracheobronchomalacia: the 20-year experience of a single center.

OBJECTIVE: In children with tracheobronchomalacia, surgical management should be reserved for the most severe cases and be specific to the type and location of tracheobronchomalacia. The goal of this study is to describe the presentation and outcomes of children with severe tracheobronchomalacia undergoing surgery. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 20 children operated for severe tracheobronchomalacia at a tertiary hospital from 2003 to 2023. Data were collected on symptoms age at diagnosis, associated comorbidities, previous surgery, age at surgery, operative approach, time of follow-up, and outcome. Surgical success was defined as symptom improvement. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms of severe tracheobronchomalacia were stridor (50 %), cyanosis (50 %), and recurrent respiratory infections (45 %). All patients had one or more underlying conditions, most commonly esophageal atresia (40 %) and prematurity (35 %). Bronchoscopy were performed in all patients. Based on etiology, patients underwent the following procedures: anterior aortopexy (n = 15/75 %), posterior tracheopexy (n = 4/20 %), and/or posterior descending aortopexy (n = 4/20 %). Three patients underwent anterior aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy procedures. After a median follow-up of 12 months, 16 patients (80 %) had improvement in respiratory symptoms. Decannulation was achieved in three (37.5 %) out of eight patients with previous tracheotomy. The presence of dying spells at diagnosis was associated with surgical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated or combined surgical procedures improved respiratory symptoms in 80 % of children with severe tracheobronchomalacia. The choice of procedure should be individualized and guided by etiology: anterior aortopexy for anterior compression, posterior tracheopexy for membranous intrusion, and posterior descending aortopexy for left bronchus obstruction.

Giant omphalocele: A novel approach for primary repair in the neonatal period using botulinum toxin.

INTRODUCTION: Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. METHODS: patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. RESULTS: while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. CONCLUSION: this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

A comparison between ultrasonography and single-phase computed tomography for preoperative assessment of solid abdominal tumors in children

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to estimate the performance of single-phase-enhanced computed tomography and ultrasonography examinations in the preoperative evaluation of solid abdominal tumors and their relationship with relevant adjacent structures in children. Methods: This retrospective study included 50 pediatric patients with malignant solid abdominal tumors treated with surgical resection between 2009-2017. Preoperative computed tomography and ultrasonography were compared to operative findings (gold standard) in the diagnosis of invasion or encasement of adjacent structures. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. Results: Renal (20.4%) and neuroblastic (19.4%) tumors were the most common. Complete surgical resection with negative margins was achieved in 44 (88%) patients. The comparison between single-phase-enhanced computed tomography and ultrasonography findings showed the following results: sensitivity = 90.3% vs 86.6%, specificity = 86.8% vs 94.6%, negative predictive value = 95.3% vs 94.4%, positive predictive value = 75.3% vs 86.9%, and accuracy = 87.9% vs 92.2%. The correlation (kappa index) between computed tomography and ultrasonography examinations was 0.72 (p < 0.001). In 14% (7/50) of the patients, the invasion of adjacent structures was diagnosed by ultrasonography but not by computed tomography (1 patient had 2 invaded structures).

A comparison between ultrasonography and single-phase computed tomography for preoperative assessment of solid abdominal tumors in children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the performance of single-phase-enhanced computed tomography and ultrasonography examinations in the preoperative evaluation of solid abdominal tumors and their relationship with relevant adjacent structures in children. METHODS: This retrospective study included 50 pediatric patients with malignant solid abdominal tumors treated with surgical resection between 2009-2017. Preoperative computed tomography and ultrasonography were compared to operative findings (gold standard) in the diagnosis of invasion or encasement of adjacent structures. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. RESULTS: Renal (20.4%) and neuroblastic (19.4%) tumors were the most common. Complete surgical resection with negative margins was achieved in 44 (88%) patients. The comparison between single-phase-enhanced computed tomography and ultrasonography findings showed the following results: sensitivity = 90.3% vs 86.6%, specificity = 86.8% vs 94.6%, negative predictive value = 95.3% vs 94.4%, positive predictive value = 75.3% vs 86.9%, and accuracy = 87.9% vs 92.2%. The correlation (kappa index) between computed tomography and ultrasonography examinations was 0.72 (p < 0.001). In 14% (7/50) of the patients, the invasion of adjacent structures was diagnosed by ultrasonography but not by computed tomography (1 patient had 2 invaded structures). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography can be considered a complementary method to single-phase-enhanced computed tomography in the preoperative evaluation of children with an abdominal tumor. The present study showed that ultrasonography and single-phase-enhanced computed tomography each possess a high accuracy in the preoperative planning of resection of solid abdominal tumors in children. Thus, it seems that the combination of both imaging methods would be enough for the evaluation of most abdominal tumors in the pediatric population.

Giant omphalocele: A novel approach for primary repair in the neonatal period using botulinum toxin / Onfalocele gigante: Uma nova abordagem para reparo primário no período neonatal utilizando toxina botulínica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. Methods: patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. Results: while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. Conclusion: this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

RESUMO Introdução: onfalocele gigante (OG) é uma condição complexa para a qual muitas alternativas terapêuticas foram desenvolvidas; no entanto, não há consenso sobre qual o melhor tratamento. Os benefícios e eficácia da toxina botulínica A (TBA) no reparo de grandes defeitos da parede abdominal em adultos foram comprovados, e o relato de uso em crianças cresceu recentemente. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever uma nova técnica para reparo primário de OG utilizando TBA durante o período neonatal e relatar nossa experiência inicial. Métodos: os pacientes foram acompanhados de agosto de 2020 a julho de 2022. A TBA foi aplicada na parede abdominal lateral nos primeiros dias de vida, seguida de correção cirúrgica do defeito abdominal. Resultados: enquanto aguardavam a cirurgia, os pacientes tiveram mínima manipulação, sem ser exigida ventilação mecânica, permaneceram em alimentação enteral plena e mantiveram contato com os pais. A linha média foi aproximada sem tensão e sem necessidade de técnicas adicionais ou uso de prótese. Os pacientes receberam alta com o defeito reparado. Conclusão: essa abordagem representa um meio-termo entre o reparo estagiado e o tratamento não-operatório. Não requer intervenções agressivas no início da vida, permitindo a manutenção do vínculo materno-infantil e a alta do paciente com defeito reparado sem a necessidade de uso de técnicas adicionais ou prótese. Acreditamos que esta técnica deva ser considerada como um novo possível recurso no manejo desta complexa condição.

Anterior component separation technique for abdominal closure in bladder exstrophy repair: Primary results.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare, complex malformation. There are three major approaches to closure. Despite this choice, abdominal wall closure in such patients is usually a challenging procedure specially in large defects and redo cases. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to present our ten first cases' results, using Anterior Component Separation (ACS) to abdominal wall closure in BE patients. STUDY DESIGN: Ten male patients with BE (median age 7 months, range from 3 to 24 months) were operated from March 2020 to March 2021 by a multi-institutional Brazilian group using the Kelly technique. In addition to BE correction, anterior component separation was performed for abdominal closure. RESULTS: Postoperative suprapubic fistulae occurred in two of ten patients, but both closed spontaneously. No evisceration, abdominal wall dehiscence, or herniation was observed at a mean follow-up time of 14 months (range from 10 to 22 months). A 3 cm extent of advancement is achievable upon traction in each side (Fig. 3). CONCLUSION: We proposed the use of anterior component separation as an alternative for abdominal closure after BE correction using the Kelly procedure. This new technique avoids mesh usage, loosens the abdominal wall tension, and reduces complications. Even However, further studies are required.

Does parental opinion differ from the health care team regarding cosmesis after hypospadias repair?

OBJECTIVE: Hypospadias is the most common malformation of the male genitalia. Surgical correction has traditionally focused on anatomic and functional outcomes, with less attention being paid to cosmetic results. Our purpose is to compare the cosmetic results of hypospadias repair among different groups of observers, namely the patient's family and the health care team, using photography and a simple rating scale. METHODS: Prospective observational study included 9 boys undergoing Snodgrass hypospadias repair. Photographs of the penis taken before, immediately after, and six months after surgery were assessed by a panel of 15 observers (parents and health care team) and a scale including three questions with diagrams for comparison with the pictures was used. Observers also assigned an overall postoperative score for the cosmetic result. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was noted for the group of parents of other children with hypospadias regarding the shape of the glans (k=0.404; p=0.008) and for the group of pediatric surgeons regarding the degree of residual curvature (k=0.467; p=0.005). Two observers in the pediatrician group have indicated good performance in the assessment of residual curvature (k=0.609; P=0.024). In the overall assessment of cosmetic outcomes, the highest scores were assigned by observers in the parents group and in the pediatrician group, while the pediatric surgeons group has one of the lowest scores (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Photography appears to be suitable for documenting corrections of hypospadias regarding penile curvature, and postoperative cosmetic result. Surgeons seem more concerned about cosmesis than parents.

Complex ventral hernia repair in a child: An association of botulinum toxin, progressive pneumoperitoneum and negative pressure therapy. A case report on an arising surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this manuscript is to report the management of a child born with giant omphalocele (GO) that developed a complex ventral hernia secondary to an unsuccessful attempt of closing the primary defect. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient underwent a one-step surgery to correct a ventral hernia associated with a largely prolapsed enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) along with an ileostomy. It was managed by a pre-operative association of botulinum toxin agent (BTA) application with preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) and trans-operative negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressing with staged abdominal closure. The patient needed 4 reoperations due to enteric fistulas. Nine days after the first surgery, it was possible to completely close the abdominal wall without mesh substitution. No signs of hernia in 9 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This is the second report in the literature and it reinforces the safety and effectiveness of the BTA injection associated with PPP in children. CONCLUSION: The use of BTA in association with PPP should be encouraged and best investigated in patients with GO. The fistulas were not attributed to the negative pressure. Maybe it is time to start defining better criteria to categorize GO in order to choose the best management for each patient.

Does parental opinion differ from the health care team regarding cosmesis after hypospadias repair?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Hypospadias is the most common malformation of the male genitalia. Surgical correction has traditionally focused on anatomic and functional outcomes, with less attention being paid to cosmetic results. Our purpose is to compare the cosmetic results of hypospadias repair among different groups of observers, namely the patient's family and the health care team, using photography and a simple rating scale. METHODS: Prospective observational study included 9 boys undergoing Snodgrass hypospadias repair. Photographs of the penis taken before, immediately after, and six months after surgery were assessed by a panel of 15 observers (parents and health care team) and a scale including three questions with diagrams for comparison with the pictures was used. Observers also assigned an overall postoperative score for the cosmetic result. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was noted for the group of parents of other children with hypospadias regarding the shape of the glans (k=0.404; p=0.008) and for the group of pediatric surgeons regarding the degree of residual curvature (k=0.467; p=0.005). Two observers in the pediatrician group have indicated good performance in the assessment of residual curvature (k=0.609; P=0.024). In the overall assessment of cosmetic outcomes, the highest scores were assigned by observers in the parents group and in the pediatrician group, while the pediatric surgeons group has one of the lowest scores (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Photography appears to be suitable for documenting corrections of hypospadias regarding penile curvature, and postoperative cosmetic result. Surgeons seem more concerned about cosmesis than parents.

Alteplase and DNase for the treatment of pleural empyema in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adjunctive intrapleural fibrinolytic is an option to treat empyema at fibrinopurulent stage, but there is controversy about which should be use. Our objective is to evaluate the action of alteplase and/or desoxyribonuclease at physical and chemical properties in vitro pus derived from an experimental induced empyema in rats. METHODS: Streptococcus pneumoniae was introduced into the pleural cavity by thoracentesis through pleural pressure monitor. Animals were euthanized after 24 h, with macroscopic thoracic evaluation and measurement of amount of intrapleural liquid that was posteriorly stored at -80 °C. Selected samples were randomly distributed into four groups, then thawed at room temperature before exposure to one of the following: G1 = alteplase (n = 12), G2 = DNase (n = 12), G3 = alteplase + DNase (n = 12), or G4 = saline (n = 6). The mean molecular size in the fluid portion of the empyema was evaluated using dynamic light scattering; viscosity of the empyema fluid was measured using the drip method. RESULTS: Macroscopic showed purulent liquid, with fibrin and septation, with mean volume of 4.16 ml (0.5-8 ml). All samples were culture-positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. Comparing with control, all experimental groups presented reduction of larger than 135 nm molecular size, but there was only significant difference with alteplase (p = 0,02). Viscosity reduced at all experimental groups, but increased at control. DNase group presented negative median (-5 mPa/s) of viscosity, and differed significantly from that observed in the control group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase, DNase and alteplase + DNase changed significantly physical and chemical properties of experimental empyema at fibrinopurulent phase: alteplase reduced molecular size larger than 135 nm and DNase reduced viscosity.

Videothoracoscopic surgery before and after chest tube drainage for children with complicated parapneumonic effusion / Cirurgia torácica vídeoassistida antes e depois de drenagem torácica em crianças com derrame parapneumônico complicado

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of videothoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and to determine whether there is a difference in the videothoracoscopic surgery outcome before or after the chest tube drainage. Methods The medical records of 79 children (mean age 35 months) undergoing videothoracoscopic surgery from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The same treatment algorithm was used in the management of all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: in group 1, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed as the initial procedure; in group 2, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed after previous chest tube drainage. Results Videothoracoscopic surgery was effective in 73 children (92.4%); the other six (7.6%) needed another procedure. Sixty patients (75.9%) were submitted directly to videothoracoscopic surgery (group 1) and 19 (24%) primarily underwent chest tube drainage (group 2). Primary videothoracoscopic surgery was associated with a decrease of hospital stay (p = 0.05), time to resolution (p = 0.024), and time with a chest tube (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between the groups regarding the time until fever resolution, time with a chest tube, and the hospital stay after videothoracoscopic surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the need for further surgery and the presence of complications. Conclusions Videothoracoscopic surgery is a highly effective procedure for treating children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion. When videothoracoscopic surgery is indicated in the presence of loculations (stage II or fibrinopurulent), no difference were observed in time of clinical improvement and hospital stay among the patients with or without chest tube drainage before videothoracoscopic surgery.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a eficácia da cirurgia torácica videoassistida no tratamento de derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado e determinar se há diferença no resultado da cirurgia torácica videoassistida realizada antes ou depois da drenagem torácica. Métodos Analisamos retrospectivamente prontuários médicos de 79 crianças (idade média de 35 meses) submetidas a cirurgia torácica videoassistida de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2011. O mesmo algoritmo de tratamento foi utilizado no manejo de todos os pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: o Grupo 1 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida como procedimento inicial; o Grupo 2 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida após drenagem torácica prévia. Resultados A cirurgia torácica videoassistida foi eficaz em 73 crianças (92,4%); as outras seis (7,6%) necessitaram outro procedimento. Sessenta pacientes (75,9%) foram diretamente submetidos a cirurgia torácica videoassistida (Grupo 1) e 19 (24%) foram primeiramente submetidos a drenagem torácica (Grupo 2). A cirurgia torácica videoassistida primária foi associada à redução do tempo de internação (p = 0,05), do tempo para resolução (p = 0,024) e do tempo com o tubo torácico (p < 0,001). Contudo, não houve diferença entre os grupos a respeito do tempo até que não tivessem mais febre, do tempo com o tubo torácico e do tempo de internação após a cirurgia torácica videoassistida. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos com relação à necessidade de cirurgia adicional e à presença de complicações. Conclusões A cirurgia torácica videoassistida é um procedimento altamente eficaz para tratar crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado. Quando a cirurgia torácica vídeoassistida é indicada na presença de loculações (fase II ou fibrinopurulenta) não há diferença no tempo de melhora clínica e no tempo de internação entre os pacientes com ou sem drenagem torácica antes da cirurgia torácica videoassistida.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) levels in a rat model of induced pleural empyema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) levels in a rat pleural effusion obtained by inoculation of intrapleural bacteria or turpentine through thoracentesis. METHODS: Thirty-Nine Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Staphylococcus aureus (SA, n = 17); Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP, n = 12); and turpentine (control, n = 10). Pleural fluid was collected through ultrasound-guided thoracentesis 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h after instillation of bacteria or turpentine. Levels of TGFB1 were measured in pleural fluid. RESULTS: At 12 h, mean TGFB1concentrations were 5.3450 pg/mL in the SA group, 5.3449 pg/mL in the SP group, and 5.3450 pg/mL in controls. At 24 h, they were 4.6700 pg/mL in the SA group, 4.6700 pg/mL in the SP group, and 4.6700 pg/mL in controls. At 36 h, they were 4.6699 pg/mL in the SA group and in control. No difference was observed among the groups in mean TGFB1concentration (p = 0.12); however, a significant intragroup reduction in mean TGFB1 was observed between 12 and 24 h (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The transforming growth factor beta 1 concentrations were not useful as a diagnostic tool or an early marker of infected pleural effusion.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) levels in a rat model of induced pleural empyema

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) levels in a rat pleural effusion obtained by inoculation of intrapleural bacteria or turpentine through thoracentesis. Methods: Thirty-Nine Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Staphylococcus aureus (SA, n = 17); Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP, n = 12); and turpentine (control, n = 10). Pleural fluid was collected through ultrasound-guided thoracentesis 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h after instillation of bacteria or turpentine. Levels of TGFB1 were measured in pleural fluid. Results: At 12 h, mean TGFB1concentrations were 5.3450 pg/mL in the SA group, 5.3449 pg/mL in the SP group, and 5.3450 pg/mL in controls. At 24 h, they were 4.6700 pg/mL in the SA group, 4.6700 pg/mL in the SP group, and 4.6700 pg/mL in controls. At 36 h, they were 4.6699 pg/mL in the SA group and in control. No difference was observed among the groups in mean TGFB1concentration (p = 0.12); however, a significant intragroup reduction in mean TGFB1 was observed between 12 and 24 h (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The transforming growth factor beta 1 concentrations were not useful as a diagnostic tool or an early marker of infected pleural effusion.

Videothoracoscopic surgery before and after chest tube drainage for children with complicated parapneumonic effusion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of videothoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and to determine whether there is a difference in the videothoracoscopic surgery outcome before or after the chest tube drainage. METHODS: The medical records of 79 children (mean age 35 months) undergoing videothoracoscopic surgery from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The same treatment algorithm was used in the management of all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: in group 1, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed as the initial procedure; in group 2, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed after previous chest tube drainage. RESULTS: Videothoracoscopic surgery was effective in 73 children (92.4%); the other six (7.6%) needed another procedure. Sixty patients (75.9%) were submitted directly to videothoracoscopic surgery (group 1) and 19 (24%) primarily underwent chest tube drainage (group 2). Primary videothoracoscopic surgery was associated with a decrease of hospital stay (p=0.05), time to resolution (p=0.024), and time with a chest tube (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between the groups regarding the time until fever resolution, time with a chest tube, and the hospital stay after videothoracoscopic surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the need for further surgery and the presence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Videothoracoscopic surgery is a highly effective procedure for treating children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion. When videothoracoscopic surgery is indicated in the presence of loculations (stage II or fibrinopurulent), no difference were observed in time of clinical improvement and hospital stay among the patients with or without chest tube drainage before videothoracoscopic surgery.

Experimental use of new absorbable tracheal stent.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Silicone and metallic stents are not effective in children with tracheobronchial stenosis or tracheomalacia. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and histological reaction of rabbit trachea to the presence of a new poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) with polyisoprene (PLGA/PI) polymer absorbable stent. METHODS: Fourteen adult white rabbits (weight, 3.0-3.5kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (n=6): PLGA/PI spiral stent; Group II (n=6): PLGA/PI fragment; and Group III (n=2): controls. After a longitudinal incision on three cervical tracheal rings, the stents and fragments were inserted into the trachea and fixed onto the lateral wall with nonabsorbable sutures. RESULTS: The stented group showed significantly more stridor at rest (p=0.0041), agitation (p=0.014), and use of accessory muscles (p=0.0002) and required more emergency endoscopies than the fragment group. Further, it showed significantly more remarkable histological inflammatory damage than the fragment and control groups (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The new PLGA/PI polymeric stent implanted into the trachea of rabbits caused more clinical manifestations and histologically verified inflammatory reaction than the PLGA/PI polymeric fragment. Future studies should be aimed at reducing the stent-wall thickness.

Accuracy of complement activation product levels to detect infected pleural effusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Pleural empyema is a well-known complication of pneumonia. If treatment is delayed, empyema may increase morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Therefore, the identification of empyema biomarkers in parapneumonic pleural effusion is desirable. Previous research has suggested complement activation products as candidate empyema markers. OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of complement activation products C3a, C5a, and C5b9 in pleural effusion induced by Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), or turpentine (control). METHODS: Thirty-nine male Wistar rats (mean weight 414 g; 290-546 g) were allocated as follows: 17 animals in the SA group, 12 in the SP group, and 10 in the control group. Bacteria or turpentine were injected into the pleural space. After 12 hr, intrapleural fluid was collected using ultrasound-guided thoracentesis. Levels of complement activation products were determined using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Two SA and one SP animals died before 12 hr. Mean levels were as follows: C3a: 1066.82 µg/ml (937.29-1196.35 µg/ml) in SA, 1188.28 µg/ml (1095.65-1280.92 µg/ml) in SP, and 679.13 µg/ml (601.29-756.98 µg/ml) in controls (P < 0.001); C5a: 55.727 ng/ml (41.22-70.23 ng/ml) in SA, 520.107 ng/ml (278.92-761.3 ng/ml) in SP, and 5.268 ng/ml (1.68-8.85 ng/ml) in controls (P < 0.001); C5b9: 15.02 ng/ml (13.1-16.94 ng/ml) in SA, 16.63 ng/ml (14.37-18.9 ng/ml) in SP, and 14.05 ng/ml (9.8-18.29 ng/ml) in controls (P = 0.692). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.987 (95% CI: 0.953-1) for C3a; 1 (1-1) for C5a; and 0.757 for C5b9 (0.523-0.990). CONCLUSIONS: In the present rat model, complement activation fragments C3a and C5a accurately detected infected pleural effusion. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:757-762. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pediatric tracheomalacia.

Tracheomalacia (TM) is defined as an increased collapsibility of the trachea due to structural anomalies of the tracheal cartilage and/or posterior membrane. Tracheomalacia has a wide range of etiologies but is most commonly present in children born with esophageal atresia and tracheal esophageal fistula. Clinical symptoms can range from minor expiratory stridor with typical barking cough to severe respiratory distress episodes to acute life-threatening events (ALTE). Although the majority of children have mild-to-moderate symptoms and will not need surgical intervention, some will need life-changing surgical treatment. This article examines the published pediatric literature on TM, discusses the details of clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and a variety of treatments.