Submucous leiomyoma: an uncommon cause of heavy menstrual bleeding in early adolescence.

Uterine leiomyomas are rare in the paediatric population. This report describes a rare case of a submucous leiomyoma in an adolescent girl. The patient presented with a history of abnormal and painful period which was refractory to medical treatment. Sonographic findings revealed a uterine mass that protruded through the cervix until the upper third of the vagina. A hysteroscopic resection was performed, and a pathological examination confirmed a leiomyoma. 12 months after surgery, there were no signs of recurrence. Conservative sparing-fertility management, such as hysteroscopic resection, is the best option with a type 0 submucosal fibroid, especially in adolescents and young women.

Fever at Time of Leukemia Diagnosis in Children: Predictor of Bloodstream Infection or Catheter Removal?

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of fever at diagnosis in children with leukemia and determine if fever at diagnosis is a predictor of bloodstream infection (BSI) or central venous access device (CVAD) removal for infection either within the first 30 days or between 30 and 90 days after CVAD insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-one patients with acute leukemia (July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020) who underwent a CVAD insertion within 2 weeks of diagnosis were included. Patient data included demographic characteristics, fever at diagnosis, CVAD type, antibiotics before and/or on the day of CVAD insertion, BSI incidence, BSI rates per 1,000 catheter days, and need for catheter removal after CVAD insertion within 30 days and between 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: Patients with fever at diagnosis had a significantly higher incidence of BSI within the first 30 days after CVAD insertion (17/23) than that among patients without fever (6/23) (P = .046) at diagnosis. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of BSI between 30 and 90 days after CVAD insertion between patients with fever (5/11) and those without fever at diagnosis (6/11) (P = .519). Fever at diagnosis was not a predictor of CVAD removal within 30 days (9 patients required CVAD removal; 7/9 had fever and 2/9 had no fever) (P = .181) or between 30 and 90 days (4 patients required CVAD removal; 1/4 had fever and 3/4 had no fever at diagnosis) (P = .343) after insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Fever at diagnosis in patients with leukemia is not a predictor of CVAD removal for infection.

Safety and Effectiveness of Sclerotherapy for Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the reported safety and effectiveness of sclerotherapy for the treatment of nonparasitic splenic cysts through a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through July 2023 was performed. Studies including at least 5 patients reporting percutaneous sclerotherapy of nonparasitic splenic cysts, initial and posttreatment cyst size, clinical symptoms as well as adverse events (AEs), and recurrence rates were included. A 0-8-point scale for case reports and case series was used to assess bias. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 833 citations were selected for full-text assessment, and 7 studies were included for a total of 99 patients. The methodological quality of the studies included scored 3-7. Composite analysis demonstrated 38% (95% CI, 23%-55%) rate of recurrence after treatment with significant heterogeneity; however, when assessed for a cyst size of <8 cm, recurrence dropped to 7% (95% CI, 2%-20%). Residual symptoms after treatment completion were present in 17% (95% CI, 7%-33%). Intraprocedural and postprocedural AE rates were 6% (95% CI, 3%-13%) and 6% (95% CI, 3%-12%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy of splenic cysts seemed to be safe, with a high rate of recurrence for cysts ≥8 cm.

Teorização sobre os limites à inserção da saúde bucal na Estratégia Saúde da Família / Theorization about the limits to the inclusion of oral health teams in the Family Health Strategy

Resumo Este estudo objetivou construir teorização a partir da concepção de atores sociais acerca das razões da não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) no município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, fundamentado no referencial teórico construído com base na Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal e metodológico na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD). Foram realizadas 11 entrevistas intensivas com atores sociais da gestão, do controle social e cirurgiões-dentistas do serviço público do município. Os dados foram categorizados segundo a TFD e a partir do processo de análise dos dados, construiu-se a teorização do estudo e obteve-se como categoria central "Consequência de uma concepção hegemônica doença-centrada da saúde para o modelo de atenção à saúde bucal". A concepção de saúde dos atores sociais do município contribuiu para a não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na ESF. A teorização permitiu a identificação da origem das condições do fenômeno estudado e poderá contribuir para tomada de decisões dos atores sociais em futuras ações políticas.

Abstract This study aimed to theorize, by means of social actors' conception, about the reasons for the non-inclusion of oral health in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study based on the grounded theory methodology and the National Oral Health Policy. Eleven interviews were performed with public managers, delegates who participate in the municipal health council, and dental surgeons who belong to the public health service. The theorization of the study was created through the data analysis process, which resulted in "a consequence of the dominant disease-centered oral health care model" as the main category. Data were categorized according to a methodological framework. The health concept set forth by local social actors contributed to the non-inclusion of oral healthcare teams (OHTs) in the FHS. This theorization identified the origins of the studied phenomenon and can aid in future policy decision-making carried out by local social actors.

Findings in percutaneous trans-hepatic cholecysto-cholangiography in neonates and infants presenting with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia: emphasis on differential diagnosis and cholangiographic patterns.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the causes of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in infants which if untreated leads to end-stage liver disease and death. Percutaneous Trans-hepatic Cholecysto-Cholangiography (PTCC) is a minimally invasive study which can be utilized in the diagnostic work-up of these patients. This study's purpose is to describe the experience with PTCC in neonates, the imaging findings encountered, and the abnormal patterns which warrant further investigation. METHODS: A 16-year single-center retrospective study of patients with persistent neonatal cholestasis (suspected BA) undergoing PTCC. Patient demographics, laboratory values, PTCC images, pathology and surgical reports were reviewed. RESULTS: 73 patients underwent PTCC (68% male, mean age 8.7 weeks, mean weight 4.0 Kg). The majority of studies were normal (55%). Abnormal patterns were identified in 33 cases, 79% were diagnosed with BA and 12% with Alagille syndrome. Non-opacification of the common hepatic duct with a narrowed common bile duct (42%) and isolated small gallbladder (38%) were the most common patterns in BA. CONCLUSION: PTCC is a minimally invasive study in the diagnostic work-up of infants presenting with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia (suspected BA). Further invasive investigations or surgery can be avoided when results are normal.

Occurrence and outcome of firework-related ocular injuries in Switzerland: A descriptive retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Firework-related ocular injuries (FWROI) are a major cause of preventable visual impairment. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence and outcome of FWROI in Switzerland. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients with FWROI from seven centers in Switzerland from January 2009 to August 2020. Demographic information, type of injuries, medical and surgical treatments, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and end of follow-up, occurrence and type of secondary complications, and duration of hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients (119 eyes) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 15.9 years were included in the study (71.4% male patients; 29.5% underage). Most injuries occurred around New Year's Eve (32.4%) and the Swiss national holiday on 1 August (60.9%). The most common anterior segment findings were conjunctival or corneal foreign bodies (58%), whereas Berlin's edema was the most common posterior segment finding (11.4%). Globe ruptures were found in four patients. The mean BCVA in all patients at first presentation was 0.4 ± 0.8 logMAR and improved to 0.3 ± 0.8 logMAR at last follow-up. A primary surgical intervention was performed in 48 eyes (40.3%). Hospitalization directly after the trauma was necessary for 18 patients for a mean of 5.8 ± 4.1 days, and a total of 4.9 ± 7.6 follow-up visits were needed. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first data on FWROI in Switzerland, which are helpful for further preventive and educational programs and comparisons with other countries.

Vascular anomalies: clinical perspectives.

Vascular anomalies are classified as vascular tumors or vascular malformations according to their cellular features and biological behavior. Detailed history and clinical assessment allow for the proper clinical diagnosis of most vascular anomalies and guide the choice of imaging to evaluate them. This article discusses the general information needed from a clinical history and physical exam to formulate a diagnosis of vascular anomaly. Then, the authors review the clinical findings from the most common vascular tumors and vascular malformations.

Metastasizing leiomyoma during pregnancy

Uterine leiomyoma is a benign tumor of myometrial tissue which affects women of reproductive age. Its prevalence increases with age and has a peak incidence at the age of forty. The term "metastasizing leiomyoma" refers to a tumor of dense connective tissue and smooth myometrial muscle cells located outside the uterus. This group of tumors can metastasize to different organs, the lung being its main focus. We present the case report of a 33-year-old female gravida 3, para 1, abortus 1, at 11 weeks of pregnancy, with pelvic masses. The diagnosis was metastasizing leiomyoma during pregnancy.

The use of rapamycin to treat vascular tumours and malformations: A single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of rapamycin in treating children with vascular tumours and malformations. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review at a large tertiary care paediatric centre to assess the efficacy and safety of using rapamycin to treat vascular tumours and malformations. Response to therapy was defined by patient-reported symptom improvement, radiological reduction in size of lesions, and/or improvement of laboratory parameters. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (7 with vascular tumours and 35 with vascular malformations) have been treated with rapamycin. Despite 33 of 42 patients being diagnosed in the first year of life, the median age of initiating rapamycin was 11 years. Of the 38 children treated for a minimum of 4 months, 29 (76%) exhibited a clinical response. Twenty-one patients had follow-up imaging studies and of these, 16 (76%) had radiographic decrease in lesion size. Median time to demonstration of response was 49 days. All five children with vascular tumours and all three children with vascular malformations under the age of 4 years showed a clinical response. Response rate was lower for children ≥ 4 years of age (0/2, 0% for vascular tumours; 21/28, 75% for vascular malformations). No patient experienced an infection directly related to rapamycin or discontinued rapamycin due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin is safe and efficacious in most children with select vascular tumours and malformations. Young children appear to respond better, suggesting that early initiation of rapamycin should be considered.

Imaging features and enhancement technique to diagnose and classify intrathoracic Lymphatic-venous malformations: A case report and literature review.

The diagnosis and treatment of pediatric intrathoracic lymphatic-venous malformations (LVM) can be complex due to their rarity, variable presentation and confusing nomenclature in the literature. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) has recently (2018) updated their classification to help guide the correct diagnosis, nomenclature and management of such cases. We present the case of a 12-month-old Caucasian female with a lymph-venous malformation (LVM) classified in the updated ISSVA classification as a combined vascular malformation (CLVM) defined as two or more vascular malformations found in one lesion, associated with an underlying "malformation of an individual named vessel". The patient presented with tachypnea, tachycardia and fever. While all the previous cases underwent surgical treatment, our patient was successfully treated with rapamycin and sclerotherapy. Appropriate imaging can aid in the diagnosis of vascular anomalies and in the proper ISSVA classification, saving the patient the need for a biopsy and allow for proper referral to Multidisciplinary Vascular Anomalies centers. The accurate classification can identify cases that can be treated through Interventional Radiology with sclerosing agents and medical therapy as opposed to surgery.

Image-guided chest tube drainage in the management of chylothorax post cardiac surgery in children: a single-center case series.

BACKGROUND: In children, chylothorax post cardiac surgery can be difficult to treat, may run a protracted course, and remains a source of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experience with percutaneous image-guided chest-tube drainage in the management of post-cardiac-surgery chylothoraces in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective case series of 37 post-cardiac-surgery chylothoraces in 34 children (20 boys; 59%), requiring 48 drainage procedures with placement of 53 image-guided chest tubes over the time period 2004 to 2015. We analyzed clinical and procedural details, adverse events and outcomes. Median age was 0.6 years, median weight 7.2 kg. RESULTS: Attempted treatments of chylothoraces prior to image-guided chest tubes included dietary restrictions (32/37, 86%), octreotide (12/37, 32%), steroids (7/37, 19%) and thoracic duct ligation (5/37, 14%). Image-guided chest tubes (n=43/53, 81%) were single unilateral in 29 children, bilateral in 4 (n=8/53, 15%), and there were two ipsilateral tubes in one (2/53, 4%). Effusions were isolated, walled-off, in 33/53 (62%). In 20/48 procedures (42%) effusions were septated/complex. The mean drainage through image-guided chest tubes was 17.3 mL/kg in the first 24 h, and 13.4 mL/kg/day from diagnosis to chest tube removal; total mean drainage from all chest tubes was 19.6 mL/kg/day. Nine major and 27 minor maintenance procedures were required during 1,207 tube-days (rate: 30 maintenance/1,000 tube-days). Median tube dwell time was 21 days (range 4-57 days). There were eight mild adverse events, three moderate adverse events and no severe adverse events related to image-guided chest tubes. Radiologic resolution was achieved in 26/37 (70%). Twenty-three children (68%) survived to discharge; 11 children (32%) died from underlying cardiac disease. CONCLUSION: Management of chylothorax post-cardiac-surgery in children is multidisciplinary, requiring concomitant multipronged approaches, often through a protracted course. Multiple image-guided chest tube drainages can help achieve resolution with few complications. Interventional radiology involvement in tube care and maintenance is required. Overall, mortality remains high.

Ciliary body length revisited by anterior segment optical coherence tomography: implications for safe access to the pars plana for intravitreal injections.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dependence of the ciliary body length (CBL) on the axial length (AL) and to draw conclusions on implications regarding safe pars plana access for intravitreal injections and vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS: A total of 200 individuals (mean age 42 years, SD ± 15.4) were enrolled in the study. Objective refraction and AL were obtained. Spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) was used to image and measure the CBL. RESULTS: The mean SE was - 1.64 diopters (SD ± 3.15, range - 14.5 to + 9 diopters) and the mean AL was 24.19 mm (SD ± 1.65, range 19.8-32.2 mm). There was a significant correlation between SE and AL (r2 = 0.62, p < 0.0001). Mean CBL correlated significantly with age (r2 = 0.11, p < 0.0001), AL (r2 = 0.23, p < 0.0001) and SE (r2 = 0.25, p < 0.0001). The mean CBL was 3351 µm (SD ± 459, range 2184-4451 µm). Three separate groups were defined by their AL with a normal AL group (AL 22.5 to 25 mm), a short AL group (AL < 22.5 mm) and a long AL group (AL > 25 mm). The mean CBL in the normal AL group was 3311 µm (SD ± 427), in the short AL group 2936 µm (SD ± 335) and in the long AL group 3715 µm (SD ± 365), and differed significantly (p < 0.0001) when compared. CONCLUSION: For interventions requiring pars plana access (as an intravitreal injection or vitreoretinal surgery), an incision distance of 3.5-4.0 mm posterior to the limbus is recommended. In our research, however, a difference of 0.77 mm in mean CBL between the group with short AL and the group with long AL is demonstrated, implying that the mean CBL in very short and very long eyes differs significantly. These findings suggest that the AL should be taken into account for pars plana access and that it would be advisable to prefer the shorter or longer recommended distance (3.5 and 4.0 mm, respectively) from the limbus, which correlates with the AL. If AL is > 25 mm, a distance of 4.0 mm from the limbus should be chosen; and if AL is < 22.5 mm, a distance of 3.5 mm seems adequate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE: NCT00564291, 27 Nov 2007.

The utility of post-biopsy ultrasonography in detecting complications after percutaneous liver biopsy in children.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance post image-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in children is variable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the value of 4-6-h post-procedure ultrasonography (US) in detecting post-liver-biopsy hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included pediatric patients who underwent US-guided percutaneous liver biopsies. All children had a US study obtained pre-procedure and one obtained 4-6 h post-procedure; US examinations were deemed positive if abnormalities were present. We also reviewed any subsequent imaging that was performed within 7 days (late imaging) at the discretion of the referring team. Changes in US findings (ΔUS) were graded by two radiologists using a descriptive non-validated scale (none, minimal, marked). Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were assessed pre-procedure and 4 h post-procedure. The diagnostic accuracy of US changes for detecting post-procedural hemorrhage was calculated based on a drop in Hb >1.5 g/dL or Hb >15% from baseline (ΔHb). We used a Kruskal-Wallis test to correlate the ΔHb with ΔUS. Association between late-imaging and post-procedure US findings was tested using a chi-square test. We included 224 biopsies. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of post-procedure US in detecting post-procedure hemorrhage ranged 26.3-42.1%, 72.4-93.3%, 0.22-0.42, and 0.87-0.88, respectively. No significant association was seen between the ΔHb and sonographic findings (P=0.068). No significant difference was seen in the need for late imaging between children who did and those who did not have positive US findings (P=0.814). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity and PPV of post-procedure US in detecting post-procedural hemorrhage are low. Our findings do not support routine post-procedure surveillance US.

In-hospital resource utilization, outcome analysis and radiation exposure in children undergoing appendicostomy vs cecostomy tube placement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Continence enemas for the purpose of bowel management may be delivered via trans-anal retrograde irrigations, and via antegrade conduits including surgical appendicostomy or placement of cecostomy tube (CT). An appreciation of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure allows clinicians, parents and children to make an informed decision regarding which procedure is most appropriate in individual cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in in-hospital resource utilization, surgical outcomes and radiation exposure between children undergoing appendicostomy creation and CT placement at our institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children undergoing these procedures at our institution over a 10-year period. All patients 0-18 years of age undergoing either procedure for any indication were included. Data on demographics, length of stay (LOS), radiation exposure events (REE), and surgical outcomes were collected. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen (63 appendicostomy/52 CT) patients were included. Those undergoing CT placement had significantly increased post-procedural LOS, catheter exchanges and REE compared to those undergoing appendicostomy (see Table). Reported rates of bowel control were similar between the two groups, and there was no significant difference in rates of surgical complications, although each group had unique, procedure-specific complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, appendicostomy holds a clear advantage over CT in terms of post-procedural LOS, as well as REE. In general, children with CTs require more planned and unplanned device maintenance procedures than those with appendicostomy. These findings aside, the rates of success for bowel control between the two groups are similar, and the incidence of complications does not differ significantly between the two groups. CT remains a safe and effective conduit for delivery of ACEs, and is a particularly good option in patients whose appendix has been lost or used for another conduit. However, patients wishing to avoid repeated procedures and radiation exposure may find the option of appendicostomy more attractive.

Intraperitoneal hemorrhage in neonate with multifocal hepatic hemangiomas.

We describe a case of a 5-day-old male who presented with severe hemoperitoneum due to rupture of one of multiple hepatic hemangiomas, necessitating urgent embolization. Hepatic hemangiomas are common in the pediatric age group. The multifocal type typically presents shortly after birth, and have not been reported to bleed. The focal type is typically congenital with intratumoral bleeding described as a potential complication. We report a previously undescribed presentation of multifocal hepatic hemangiomas.

Magnetic Driven Nanocarriers for pH-Responsive Doxorubicin Release in Cancer Therapy.

Doxorubicin is one of the most widely used anti-cancer drugs, but side effects and selectivity problems create a demand for alternative drug delivery systems. Herein we describe a hybrid magnetic nanomaterial as a pH-dependent doxorubicin release carrier. This nanocarrier comprises magnetic iron oxide cores with a diameter of 10 nm, enveloped in a hybrid material made of siliceous shells and ĸ-carrageenan. The hybrid shells possess high drug loading capacity and a favorable drug release profile, while the iron oxide cores allows easy manipulation via an external magnetic field. The pH responsiveness was assessed in phosphate buffers at pH levels equivalent to those of blood (pH 7.4) and tumor microenvironment (pH 4.2 and 5). The nanoparticles have a loading capacity of up to 12.3 wt.% and a release profile of 80% in 5 h at acidic pH versus 25% at blood pH. In vitro drug delivery tests on human breast cancer and non-cancer cellular cultures have shown that, compared to the free drug, the loaded nanocarriers have comparable antiproliferative effect but a less intense cytotoxic effect, especially in the non-cancer cell line. The results show a clear potential for these new hybrid nanomaterials as alternative drug carriers for doxorubicin.

Is Routine Preprocedural Bloodwork Needed for Elective Central Venous Access Device Removals in Children without Bleeding Dyscrasias?

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of routine preprocedural bloodwork during elective removal of central venous access devices (CVADs) with respect to bleeding complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent removal of a CVAD (tunneled central venous catheter [CVC] or port) by the interventional radiology service between January 2009 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Removals for infection or malfunction, without preprocedural bloodwork, with another concurrent procedure at the time of CVAD removal, or in patients with a bleeding dyscrasia were excluded. Peripherally inserted central catheter removals and temporary CVAD removals were also excluded. Routine preprocedural bloodwork included hemoglobin, platelet count, partial thromboplastin time, and International Normalized Ratio. Postprocedural complications were classified according to the Society of Interventional Radiology clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: There were 802 CVAD removals in 777 patients (351 female, 426 male). Average patient age was 8.6 years (range, 5 wk to 19 y). In total, 246 permanent CVCs and 556 ports were removed. A total of 802 cases had preprocedural bloodwork. Of the 49 patients who had a bleeding complication after the procedure (6.1%; 49 of 802), 44 had normal findings on preprocedural bloodwork and 5 had abnormal findings. There was no statistically significant difference in bleeding complications between those with normal and abnormal bloodwork results (P = .7740). CONCLUSIONS: Routine bloodwork is not necessary before elective CVAD removal in children without a bleeding dyscrasia. Most children have normal findings on preprocedural bloodwork, and the incidence of postprocedural bleeding is low and not determined by bloodwork results.

Evaluation of implanted venous port-a-caths in children with medical complexity and neurologic impairment.

BACKGROUND: Children with medical complexity and associated neurologic impairment frequently face difficulties with venous access. Intermittently they require urgent intravenous administration of fluids and medication. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of implanted port-a-caths in children with medical complexity who have neurologic impairment and difficult venous access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center observational study of port-a-caths placed by interventional radiologists in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment. We analyzed peripheral intravenous access attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, peripheral intravenous complications, alternative temporary central venous access devices, port-a-cath insertions, catheter days, access days, port-a-cath-related complications, hospital admissions and emergency department visits. We compared the year pre port-a-cath to the year post port-a-cath. RESULTS: Twenty-one children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment (10 boys, 11 girls; median age 4.1 years; median weight 13.7 kg) underwent 26 port-a-cath insertions (median catheter days 787). In the year post port-a-cath compared to pre port-a-cath there was a highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in numbers of peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts and skin punctures; and a significant reduction (P<0.05) in need for other devices, number of emergency department visits, emergency department visits resulting in hospital admissions, and total admissions. Adverse events were graded as mild (n=18), moderate (n=6) and severe (n=0). CONCLUSION: Port-a-cath placement in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment significantly reduced all peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, skin punctures, total number of emergency department visits, visits culminating in admission, and total number of inpatient admissions. Advantages must be considered against potential port-a-cath-related adverse events.

Experience with Compressed Gelfoam Plugs in Children during Liver Biopsies and Other IR Procedures: A Retrospective Single-Center Case Series.

PURPOSE: To analyze the experience using compressed gelfoam plugs (CGPs) in children during liver biopsies and other interventional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series of 477 various pediatric interventional radiology procedures using CGPs (January 2012 to December 2016) performed on 397 children (209 males, 188 females; median age, 7 years [range, 9 days-17.8 years]; median weight, 18 kg [range, 2.7-141 kg]). Of 477 procedures, most (n = 371) were liver biopsies, 98 were biopsies of other organs, and 8 were non-biopsy procedures. Analysis focused on liver biopsies. RESULTS: Of liver biopsies, a median of 2 CGPs were used per procedure, and the mean drop in hemoglobin was -0.36 g/dl (-3.0% change). Thirty-seven mild, 8 moderate, 2 severe, and 1 life-threatening (an anaphylaxis to CGP) adverse events (AEs) occurred. Analysis of liver biopsies with AEs showed significant association between number of passes, cores, and focal-type lesions (unadjusted logistic regression: P = .007, P = .022, P = .028, respectively) and age, weight, and number of passes (adjusted multiple logistic regression: P = .006, P = .032, P = .046, respectively). Technical problems relating to CGP deployment were noted in 5 (1%), without any AEs. CONCLUSIONS: CGPs were used in a wide variety of procedures and organs in children. There was 1 life-threatening AE resulting from the rare risk of anaphylaxis caused by the gelfoam-containing plug. After liver biopsies, transfusion was required in 2/371 (0.5%) procedures, 1 related to pre-biopsy anemia (0.25%).