Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Cryoanalgesia for Pectus Excavatum: When Should It be Applied?

INTRODUCTION: The addition of ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoanalgesia (PCr) for pain management after pectus excavatum (PE) surgery offers a new and advantageous approach. Our aim is to describe our experience with PCr applied on the same day, 24 hours, and 48 hours prior to PE surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective pilot study in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided PCr (2019-2022) was divided into three groups: PCr on the same day of surgery (PCrSD), PCr 24 hours before (PCr24), and PCr 48 hours before (PCr48). We describe the application of technique and data obtained by comparing the three groups. RESULTS: We present 42 patients (25 PCrSD, 11 PCr24, 6 PCr48). PCr24 had a shorter procedure duration than PCrSD (65.8 vs. 91.2 minute; p = 0.048). Related to analgesia, PCr24 and PCr48 showed lower opioid consumption than PCrSD in PCA volume (48.5 and 49.6 vs. 75.1 mL; p = 0.015) and PCA time (23.3 and 23.8 vs. 34.3 hours; p = 0.01). Degree of pain (VAS scale) on the day of surgery and on the second postoperative day was lower in PCr24 and PCr48 than in PCrSD (4 and 2 vs. 5; p = 0.012; 0 and 1 vs. 2; p = 0.01, respectively) as well as shorter hospital stay (3 and 3.5 vs. 5 days; p = 0.021). In addition, PCr24 showed lower opioid consumption and hospital stay than PCr48 (p > 0.05). The greatest savings in hospital costs were obtained in the PCr24 group. CONCLUSION: PCr48 and PCr24 prior to PE surgery offers lower opioid consumption, less pain and shorter hospital stay than PCrSD. PCr24 is comparable to PCr48, but seems to show advantages and simpler logistics for the patient and the hospital.

The Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix (Integra Single Layer) for the Correction of Malformative Chest Wall Deformities: First Case Series Reported.

Introduction Autologous tissue transfers have been used in chest wall reconstruction for decades, with high morbidity. Recently, acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have emerged as an alternative. The aim of this article is to report our initial experience in the reconstruction of malformative chest wall deformities with ADM. Methods A prospective observational study was performed in patients with malformative chest wall deformities, who were reconstructed with ADM at our institution between 2018 and 2020. We analyzed demographic variables, surgical features, postoperative complications, and cosmetic results at 12 months' follow- up. Results Four male patients were included (median age: 16 years). Two patients had bilateral costal anomalies, one patient had a unilateral chest deformity, and one patient had Poland syndrome. In all patients, blunt dissection of the subcutaneous cellular tissue overlying the defect was performed through 2.5 to 3 cm skin incisions, creating a pouch. Afterwards, several sheets of Integra Single Layer were placed in the pouch, to replace the volume defect. All patients were discharged same-day. No postoperative infections, hematomas, or seromas were observed. Only one patient presented with a partial surgical wound dehiscence. Revisions were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. All 4 patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome (Nuss Questionnaire: median score: 16 points; Q1-Q3: 22-26). Conclusion The use of ADM in malformative chest wall deformities reconstruction has not been previously described in children. This study demonstrates that the use of ADM is a safe and reliable technique. However, more studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.

Middle ear risk index (MERI) as a prognostic factor for tympanoplasty success in children.

Tympanoplasty performed in childhood has been controversial over the years because there is no clarity in determining what prognostic factors lead to surgical success. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Middle Ear Risk Index (MERI) score on the success of pediatric tympanoplasty. A retrospective case-control study was performed at a tertiary pediatric referral center. A database was created with surgical and clinical records of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) with tympanic membrane perforation, assessed and surgically managed by the same surgical team from January 2012 through March 2018. Mild MERI before tympanoplasty was found to be a protective factor against surgical failure, with an odds ratio of 0.24 (p: 0.002). The odds ratio for severe MERI in unsuccessful tympanoplasty was 5.87, with a p: 0.003, standing out as a risk factor for surgical failure. Presurgical MERI in children may be a useful tool to determine if patients are candidates for tympanoplasty, more aggressive interventions, or if medical treatment before tympanoplasty is necessary to improve prognosis. When facing a high MERI score, parents and family should be advised before surgery about the possibility of tympanoplasty failure.

Características otorrinolaringológicas en niños con trisomía 21: un estudio de 171 pacientes en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.

Introduction: Children with trisomy 21 face a wide range of conditions in the head and neck region, for which it is important that physicians are aware and have a strong understanding of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders, and their management as well. Methods: Retrospective case series of pediatric patients with trisomy 21. The spectrum of otolaryngological manifestations, their management, and outcomes of each case were analysed. Results: One hundred and seventeen pediatric patients were included. The mean age was 7.2 ± 4.2 years. More than half of the patients (63%) had hearing loss (HL). The most frequent presentation was conductive HL, predominating the mild and bilateral type. The most common otological manifestations found were external ear canal stenosis and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Up to 75% of the patients with otologic involvement required some surgical procedure. The most common rhinological manifestations were chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was present in 30% of all patients, which main treatment was tonsillectomy, followed by continuous positive and biphasic positive airway pressure treatments. Less than 5% of the patients presented a laryngeal compromise. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with trisomy 21 systematically should be referred to periodic ENT assessment due to the high incidence of manifestations in this region. Timely treatments should be offered in order to improve the health and the quality of life of the patient.

Introducción: Los niños con trisomía 21 enfrentan una amplia gama de problemas en la región de la cabeza y el cuello, por lo cual es importante reconocer las manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas que presentan, así como su apropiado manejo. Métodos: Estudio de serie de casos retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos con trisomía 21. De cada caso se analizó el espectro de manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas, el manejo establecido y los resultados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 171 niños. La edad media de la primera valoración por otorrinolaringología en la institución fue de 7.2 ± 4.2 años. Las manifestaciones otológicas más frecuentes fueron la estenosis del conducto auditivo externo y la disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio. Más de la mitad de los pacientes (63%) presentaron hipoacusia, principalmente de tipo conductivo bilateral, y hasta el 75% de los pacientes con afectación otológica requirieron algún procedimiento quirúrgico. Las manifestaciones rinológicas más comunes fueron la rinosinusitis crónica y la rinitis alérgica. La apnea obstructiva del sueño estuvo presente en el 30% de los pacientes. El tratamiento principal fue la amigdalectomía, seguida del tratamiento con dispositivos de presión positiva de la vía aérea. Menos del 5% de los pacientes presentaron un compromiso laríngeo. Conclusiones: Los pacientes pediátricos con trisomía 21 deben ser remitidos sistemáticamente a una evaluación otorrinolaringológica periódica, debido a la alta incidencia de manifestaciones en esta región. Se deben ofrecer tratamientos oportunos para mejorar su salud y calidad de vida.

[Tiempo de respuesta terapéutica al propranolol sistémico en el manejo de hemangiomas subglóticos pediátricos: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura]. / Therapeutic time of response of systemic propranolol in the management of pediatric subglottic hemangiomas: case series and review of the literature.

Background: Airway hemangiomas are congenital neoplasms of low incidence. Its clinical presentation consists of obstruction of the upper airway with progressive dyspnea and stridor and the life of the patient at risk. Infantile hemangiomas have an incidence at birth of 2%, increasing to 9% at 12 months of life. Almost 60% of childhood hemangiomas affect the head and neck region. However, localization in the upper airway is not as frequent and it is only reported in 1.8% of patients with cutaneous hemangiomas. The traditional treatment of laryngeal hemangiomas has been the administration of systemic corticosteroids for long periods, endolaryngeal surgery with CO2 laser, open surgery, tracheostomy or, recently, oral propranolol. Case report: Five cases of subglottic hemangioma treated with systemic propranolol are presented. The therapeutic time of response with the satisfactory control of obstructive symptoms and assurance of the airway was evaluated. In these cases, propranolol was shown to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of laryngeal hemangiomas with a therapeutic response time of 48 to 72 hours. Conclusions: In recent years, the treatment with oral propranolol has become the first therapeutic option due to its high efficacy and safety profile.

Introducción: Los hemangiomas de la vía aérea son neoplasias congénitas de baja incidencia. Su presentación clínica consiste en una obstrucción de la vía aérea superior con disnea progresiva y estridor, ocasionando una obstrucción grave, aguda y grave de la vía aérea. Los hemangiomas infantiles tienen una incidencia al nacimiento del 2%, incrementándose al 9% a los 12 meses de vida. Casi el 60% de los hemangiomas infantiles afectan la región de la cabeza y el cuello. Sin embargo, la localización en la vía aérea superior no es tan frecuente y solo se informa en el 1.8% de los pacientes con hemangiomas cutáneos. El tratamiento tradicional de los hemangiomas laríngeos ha sido la administración de corticoides sistémicos por periodos largos, la cirugía endolaríngea con láser de CO2, la cirugía abierta, la traqueostomía y, recientemente, el propranolol oral. Casos clínicos: Se presentan cinco casos de hemangiomas subglóticos tratados con propranolol sistémico y la evaluación del tiempo de respuesta terapéutica, definido como el control satisfactorio de los síntomas obstructivos y aseguramiento de la vía aérea. En estos casos, el propranolol mostró ser una opción efectiva y segura para el tratamiento de hemangiomas laríngeos, con un tiempo de respuesta terapéutica de 48 a 72 horas. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con propranolol oral se ha convertido en los últimos años en la primera opción terapéutica debido a su alta eficacia y su buen perfil de seguridad.

Neonatal Intrathoracic Gastric Volvulus in Marfan's Syndrome.

We report a 12-day-old male who was admitted with vomiting because of an unusual early complication of Marfan's syndrome (MS): a sliding hiatal hernia. Initial ultrasound showed no stomach at its normal position and the chest X-ray presented an intrathoracic gas bubble with the nasogastric tube inside. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study confirmed the complete herniation of the stomach into the thorax. Via an exploratory laparotomy it was carefully reintroduced into the abdomen, following a hiatal reconstruction. A Thal fundoplication and a gastrostomy were also performed to guarantee its fixation. Although characterized by cardiac/aortic abnormalities, MS should be considered in any infant with hiatal/paraesophageal hernia, which should be repaired early to avoid gastric ischemia/volvulus.

Características otorrinolaringológicas en niños con trisomía 21: un estudio de 171 pacientes en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez / Otolaryngological features in children with trisomy 21: a study of 171 patients at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez

Resumen Introducción: Los niños con trisomía 21 enfrentan una amplia gama de problemas en la región de la cabeza y el cuello, por lo cual es importante reconocer las manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas que presentan, así como su apropiado manejo. Métodos: Estudio de serie de casos retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos con trisomía 21. De cada caso se analizó el espectro de manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas, el manejo establecido y los resultados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 171 niños. La edad media de la primera valoración por otorrinolaringología en la institución fue de 7.2 ± 4.2 años. Las manifestaciones otológicas más frecuentes fueron la estenosis del conducto auditivo externo y la disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio. Más de la mitad de los pacientes (63 %) presentaron hipoacusia, principalmente de tipo conductivo bilateral, y hasta el 75 % de los pacientes con afectación otológica requirieron algún procedimiento quirúrgico. Las manifestaciones rinológicas más comunes fueron la rinosinusitis crónica y la rinitis alérgica. La apnea obstructiva del sueño estuvo presente en el 30% de los pacientes. El tratamiento principal fue la amigdalectomía, seguida del tratamiento con dispositivos de presión positiva de la vía aérea. Menos del 5 % de los pacientes presentaron un compromiso laríngeo. Conclusiones: Los pacientes pediátricos con trisomía 21 deben ser remitidos sistemáticamente a una evaluación otorrinolaringológica periódica, debido a la alta incidencia de manifestaciones en esta región. Se deben ofrecer tratamientos oportunos para mejorar su salud y calidad de vida.

Abstract Introduction: Children with trisomy 21 face a wide range of conditions in the head and neck region, for which it is important that physicians are aware and have a strong understanding of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders, and their management as well. Methods: Retrospective case series of pediatric patients with trisomy 21. The spectrum of otolaryngological manifestations, their management, and outcomes of each case were analysed. Results: One hundred and seventeen pediatric patients were included. The mean age was 7.2 ± 4.2 years. More than half of the patients (63 %) had hearing loss (HL). The most frequent presentation was conductive HL, predominating the mild and bilateral type. The most common otological manifestations found were external ear canal stenosis and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Up to 75 % of the patients with otologic involvement required some surgical procedure. The most common rhinological manifestations were chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was present in 30% of all patients, which main treatment was tonsillectomy, followed by continuous positive and biphasic positive airway pressure treatments. Less than 5 % of the patients presented a laryngeal compromise. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with trisomy 21 systematically should be referred to periodic ENT assessment due to the high incidence of manifestations in this region. Timely treatments should be offered in order to improve the health and the quality of life of the patient.

Tiempo de respuesta terapéutica al propranolol sistémico en el manejo de hemangiomas subglóticos pediátricos: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Therapeutic time of response of systemic propranolol in the management of pediatric subglottic hemangiomas: case series and review of the literature

Resumen: Introducción: Los hemangiomas de la vía aérea son neoplasias congénitas de baja incidencia. Su presentación clínica consiste en una obstrucción de la vía aérea superior con disnea progresiva y estridor, ocasionando una obstrucción grave, aguda y grave de la vía aérea. Los hemangiomas infantiles tienen una incidencia al nacimiento del 2%, incrementándose al 9% a los 12 meses de vida. Casi el 60% de los hemangiomas infantiles afectan la región de la cabeza y el cuello. Sin embargo, la localización en la vía aérea superior no es tan frecuente y solo se informa en el 1.8% de los pacientes con hemangiomas cutáneos. El tratamiento tradicional de los hemangiomas laríngeos ha sido la administración de corticoides sistémicos por periodos largos, la cirugía endolaríngea con láser de CO2, la cirugía abierta, la traqueostomía y, recientemente, el propranolol oral. Casos clínicos: Se presentan cinco casos de hemangiomas subglóticos tratados con propranolol sistémico y la evaluación del tiempo de respuesta terapéutica, definido como el control satisfactorio de los síntomas obstructivos y aseguramiento de la vía aérea. En estos casos, el propranolol mostró ser una opción efectiva y segura para el tratamiento de hemangiomas laríngeos, con un tiempo de respuesta terapéutica de 48 a 72 horas. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con propranolol oral se ha convertido en los últimos años en la primera opción terapéutica debido a su alta eficacia y su buen perfil de seguridad.

Abstract: Background: Airway hemangiomas are congenital neoplasms of low incidence. Its clinical presentation consists of obstruction of the upper airway with progressive dyspnea and stridor and the life of the patient at risk. Infantile hemangiomas have an incidence at birth of 2%, increasing to 9% at 12 months of life. Almost 60% of childhood hemangiomas affect the head and neck region. However, localization in the upper airway is not as frequent and it is only reported in 1.8% of patients with cutaneous hemangiomas. The traditional treatment of laryngeal hemangiomas has been the administration of systemic corticosteroids for long periods, endolaryngeal surgery with CO2 laser, open surgery, tracheostomy or, recently, oral propranolol. Case report: Five cases of subglottic hemangioma treated with systemic propranolol are presented. The therapeutic time of response with the satisfactory control of obstructive symptoms and assurance of the airway was evaluated. In these cases, propranolol was shown to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of laryngeal hemangiomas with a therapeutic response time of 48 to 72 hours. Conclusions: In recent years, the treatment with oral propranolol has become the first therapeutic option due to its high efficacy and safety profile.

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes isolated from the middle ear of Mexican children diagnosed with acute otitis media / Serotipificación de Streptococcus pneumoniae aislados de líquido de oído medio en niños mexicanos con diagnóstico de otitis media aguda

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the etiology and the serotypes of S. pneumoniae (Sp) in Mexican children with acute otitis media (AOM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includessamples frompatientsdiagnosed with AOM at the Federico Gomez Children's Hospital of Mexico (2002-2003),with positive culture for Sp bacteriologically confirmed in middle ear fluid obtained by tympanocentesis. All Sp were serotyped. A total of 138 samples from 135 children with AOM were included. RESULTS: Sp was isolated in 72 samples from 70 children. Sixty (85.7 percent) were previously healthy and 10 (14.3 percent) were immunocompromised. The most common serotypes were 6B and 19F (16.67 percent), and 6 A, 14 and 23F (15.27 percent). CONCLUSION: The distribution of serotypes among the children with AOM in the study is similar to that reported in developing cities, and 63.9 percent of the isolated serotypes are found to be included in the 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), 68.1 percent in the 10-Valent PCV and 83.3 percent in 13-Valent PCV.

OBJETIVO: Conocer la etiología y serotipos de S. pneumoniae (Sp) en niños mexicanos, con otitis media aguda (OMA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron las muestras de pacientes con OMA del Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (2002-2003), con cultivo positivo para Sp, (bacteriológicamente confirmados en el líquido del oído medio obtenido por timpanocentesis). Todos los Sp. fueron serotipificados. Se incluyeron 138 muestras de 135 niños con OMA. RESULTADOS: Sp. se aisló en 72 muestras de 70 niños: 60 (85.7 por ciento) eran previamente sanos y 10 (14.3 por ciento) eran inmunocomprometidos. Los serotipos más frecuentes fueron 6B y 19F (16.67 por ciento), y 6 A, 14 y 23F (15.27 por ciento). CONCLUSIONES: La distribución de los serotipos en niños con otitis media aguda fue similar a la reportada en ciudades en desarrollo y se observó que 63.9 por ciento de los serotipos aislados están incluidos en la vacuna conjugada 7-valente, 68.1 por ciento en la 10-valente y 83.3 por ciento en la 13-valente.