Dual-source computed tomography protocols for the pediatric chest - scan optimization techniques.

The gold standard for pediatric chest imaging remains the CT scan. An ideal pediatric chest CT has the lowest radiation dose with the least motion degradation possible in a diagnostic scan. Because of the known inherent risks and costs of anesthesia, non-sedate options are preferred. Dual-source CTs are currently the fastest, lowest-dose CT scanners available, utilizing an ultra-high-pitch mode resulting in sub-second CTs. The dual-energy technique, available on dual-source CT scanners, gathers additional information such as pulmonary blood volume and includes relative contrast enhancement and metallic artifact reduction, features that are not available in high-pitch flash mode. In this article we discuss the benefits and tradeoffs of dual-source CT scan modes and tips on image optimization.

Administration of Single-Dose Antibiotic Does Not Decrease Oronasal Fistula Rates After Primary Palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Oronasal fistula (ONF) is a known complication after primary palatoplasty (PP). Studies investigating the effect of perioperative antibiotics on fistula rates after PP are limited by inadequate sample size or reliance on self-reporting through national databases. In this study, the authors evaluated the association between single-dose perioperative antibiotics and postoperative fistula rates after PP at a single institution. DESIGN: A retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Children younger than 2 years who underwent PP from April 2009 to September 2019 were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 2 categories: Group 1 received a single intraoperative dose of IV antibiotic, while group 2 did not. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Outcome measures included ONF formation, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission rates. Multivariable firth logistic regression, quantile regression, and χ2 tests were performed. RESULTS: Of the 424 patients, 215 and 209 patients were in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The overall ONF rate was 1.9% among all patients. Patients in group 1 experienced an ONF rate of 3.3%, while patients in group 2 had an ONF rate of 0.5%. After correcting for confounding variables, the difference in ONF rates was not statistically different (P = .68). Median LOS was 35.7 hours and 35.5 hours (P = .17), while the rate of readmission within 30 days was 4.7% and 2.4% for group 1 and 2, respectively (P = .96). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a single-dose perioperative antibiotic did not decrease fistula formation after PP, nor did it affect the patient's LOS or 30-day readmission rate.