Role of trace elements in parenteral nutrition support of the surgical neonate.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition (PN) has transformed the outcome for neonates with surgical problems in the intensive care unit. Trace element supplementation in PN is a standard practice in many neonatal intensive care units. However, many of these elements are contaminants in PN solutions, and contamination levels may, in themselves, be sufficient for normal metabolic needs. Additional supplementation may actually lead to toxicity in neonates whose requirements are small. METHODS: An electronic search of the MEDLINE, Cochrane Collaboration, and SCOPUS English language medical databases was performed for the key words "trace elements," "micro-nutrients," and "parenteral nutrition additives." Studies were categorized based on levels of evidence offered, with randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses accorded the greatest importance at the apex of the data pool and case reports and animal experiments the least importance. Articles were reviewed with the primary goal of developing uniform recommendations for trace element supplementation in the surgical neonate. The secondary goals were to review the physiologic role, metabolic demands, requirements, losses, deficiency syndromes, and toxicity symptoms associated with zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum supplementation in PN. RESULTS: Zinc supplementation must begin at initiation of PN. All other trace elements can be added to PN 2 to 4 weeks after initiation. Copper and manganese need to be withheld if the neonate develops PN-associated liver disease. The status of chromium supplementation is currently being actively debated, with contaminant levels in PN being sufficient in most cases to meet neonatal requirements. Selenium is an important component of antioxidant enzymes with a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal surgical conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Premature infants are often selenium deficient, and early supplementation has shown a reduction in sepsis events in this age group. CONCLUSION: Appropriate supplementation of trace elements in surgical infants is important, and levels should be monitored. In certain settings, it may be more appropriate to individualize trace element supplementation based on the predetermined physiologic need rather than using bundled packages of trace elements as is the current norm. Balance studies of trace element requirements should be performed to better establish clinical recommendations for optimal trace element dosing in the neonatal surgical population.

Laparoscopic reduction of intussusception: an evolving therapeutic option.

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception (IS) is a common cause of bowel obstruction in the pediatric population. Traditionally, unsuccessful hydrostatic reduction has been followed by laparotomy. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, centers have adopted laparoscopic reduction as a surgical option. We reviewed our experience with IS and investigated whether there were any advantages to performing laparoscopy over conventional laparotomy in unsuccessful air enema reduction (AE). METHODS: All the records of patients admitted from January 2001 to August 2004 with a diagnosis of IS (diagnosis code 560.0) were reviewed. Parameters investigated included age, sex, weight, radiological intervention, operative procedure, length of stay (LOS), and days to oral intake (p.o.). Statistical analysis was performed with the 2-tailed t test to compare outcomes and Fisher's exact test to assess differences in nominal frequencies. RESULTS: Seventeen males and 9 females diagnosed with IS were identified. The mean age was 2.5 years (range, 1 month to 14 years), and the average weight was 5.65 kg (range, 4.65 to 95). Twenty-three of the 26 patients (88.5%) underwent AE reduction, with success in 13 (57%). One recurred after initial successful AE, 9 failed multiple attempts at AE, and 2 attempted reductions were complicated by perforations. Fifteen patients underwent surgical reduction for unsuccessful AE or to address a pathological lead point. The success rate of laparoscopic reduction was 85%. The average time to resumption of p.o. intake for patients with successful AE was 0.5 days, and after laparoscopic reduction, the average time to p.o. intake was 1.5 days, while it was 4 days after laparotomy (P=0.05). After laparoscopic reduction, the average LOS was 6 days, but LOS was 7 days after laparotomy (P=0.66). CONCLUSION: Many children who present with IS can be treated by AE. In patients who fail AE, laparoscopy offers a safe, effective alternative to laparotomy.

Cerebral oxygenation in major pediatric trauma: its relevance to trauma severity and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is the commonest cause of death in the pediatric population, which is prone to diffuse primary brain injury aggravated by secondary insults (eg, hypoxia, hypotension). Standard monitoring involves intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure, which do not reflect true cerebral oxygenation (oxygen delivery [Do(2)]). We explore the merits of a brain tissue oxygen-directed critical care guide. METHODS: Sixteen patients with major trauma (Injury Severity Score, >16/Pediatric Trauma Score [PTS], <7) had partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (Pbto(2)) monitor (Licox; Integra Neurosciences, Plainsboro, NJ) placed under local anesthesia using twist-drill craniostomy and definitive management of associated injuries. Pbto(2) levels directed therapy intensity level (ventilator management, inotrops, blood transfusion, and others). Patient demographics, short-term physiological parameters, Pbto(2), ICP, Glasgow Coma Score, trauma scores, and outcomes were analyzed to identify the patients at risk for low Do(2). RESULTS: There were 10 males and 6 females (mean age, 14 years) sustaining motor vehicle accident (14), falls (1), and assault (1), with a mean Injury Severity Score of 36 (16-59); PTS, 3 (0-7); and Revised Trauma Score, 5.5 (4-11). Eleven patients (70%) had low Do(2) (Pbto(2), <20 mm Hg) on admission despite undergoing standard resuscitation affected by fraction of inspired oxygen, Pao(2), and cerebral perfusion pressure (P = .001). Eubaric hyperoxia improved cerebral oxygenation in the low-Do(2) group (P = .044). The Revised Trauma Score (r = 0.65) showed moderate correlation with Pbto(2) and was a significant predictor for low Do(2) (P = .001). In patients with Pbto(2) of less than 20 mm Hg, PTS correlated with cerebral oxygenation (r = 0.671, P = .033). The mean 2-hour Pbto(2) and the final Pbto(2) in survivors were significantly higher than deaths (21.6 vs 7.2 mm Hg [P = .009] and 25 vs 11 mm Hg [P = .01]). Although 4 of 6 deaths were from uncontrolled high ICP, PTS and 2-hour low Do(2) were significant for roots for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Pbto(2) monitoring allows for early recognition of low-Do(2) situations, enabling appropriate therapeutic intervention.