Weaning oxygen in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a form of chronic lung disease commonly seen in preterm infants as the sequelae following respiratory distress syndrome. The management of evolving BPD aims to minimise lung injury and prevent the impact of hypoxia and hyperoxia. Proposed morbidities include respiratory instability, pulmonary hypertension, suboptimal growth, altered cerebral oxygenation and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. The ongoing management and associated morbidity present a significant burden for carers and healthcare systems. Long-term oxygen therapy may be required for variable duration, though there is a lack of consensus and wide variation in practise when weaning supplemental oxygen. Furthermore, a shift in care towards earlier discharge and community care underlines the importance of a structured discharge and weaning process that eliminates the potential risks associated with hypoxia and hyperoxia. This review article describes recent evidence outlining oxygen saturation reference ranges in young infants, on which structured guidance can be based.

Foreskin preputioplasty and intralesional triamcinolone: a valid alternative to circumcision for balanitis xerotica obliterans.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported our short-term experience of foreskin preputioplasty as an alternative to circumcision for the treatment of foreskin balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO). In this study, we aimed to compare this technique with circumcision over a longer period. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, boys requiring surgery for BXO were offered either foreskin preputioplasty or primary circumcision. The preputioplasty technique involved triradiate preputial incisions and injection of triamcinolone intralesionally. Retrospective case-note analysis was performed to identify patient demographics, symptoms, and outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six boys underwent primary surgery for histologically confirmed BXO. One hundred four boys opted for foreskin preputioplasty, and 32, for circumcision. At a median follow-up of 14 months (interquartile range, 2.5-17.8), 84 (81%) of 104 in the preputioplasty group had a fully retractile and no macroscopic evidence of BXO. Of 104, 14 (13%) developed recurrent symptoms/BXO requiring circumcision or repeat foreskin preputioplasty. In the circumcision group, 23 (72%) of 32 had no macroscopic evidence of BXO. The incidence of meatal stenosis was significantly less in the foreskin preputioplasty group, 6 (6%) of 104 vs 6 (19%) of 32 (P = .034). CONCLUSION: Our results show a good outcome for most boys undergoing foreskin preputioplasty and intralesional triamcinolone for BXO. There is a small risk of recurrent BXO, but rates of meatal stenosis may be reduced.