Umbilical Cord Ulcer and Intrauterine Death in Fetal Intestinal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of umbilical cord ulcer (UCU) that causes intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in fetal duodenal or jejunoileal atresia and the association between UCU and bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. METHODS: Perinatal outcomes were evaluated in cases of fetal intestinal atresia between 2003 and 2017. A pathological examination of the umbilical cord was performed, and bile acid concentrations in the amniotic fluid were measured. RESULTS: Among the 46 cases included in this study, there were 27 with duodenal atresia and 19 with jejunoileal atresia. There were 4 cases (8.7%) of IUFD and 1 (2.2%) neonatal death with multiple structural anomalies. UCUs were found in 37.5% (15/40) of cases, and severe UCUs with exposed vessels were significantly more common in IUFD (3/4) than in livebirth (0/42) cases (p < 0.01). The incidences of chromosomal abnormality and structural anomalies were not markedly different between livebirth (9/30 and 11/42, respectively) and IUFD (1/3 and 1/4, respectively) cases. Bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid were significantly higher in cases of UCUs than in those without (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: UCUs were not rare in fetal intestinal atresia and were associated with high bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. UCUs with exposed vessels were associated with IUFD in intestinal atresia.

[Retrospective analysis of morbidity and mortality of intestinal atresias in newborns]. / Análisis retrospectivo de la morbilidad y mortalidad de las atresias intestinales diagnosticadas en el periodo neonatal.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal atresia (IA) is the most common obstructive congenital malformation in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim is to describe the morbidity and mortality of AI in our series. METHODS: Retrospective study in infants with AI who underwent surgery in our hospital in the past 15 years. Descriptive analysis was performed by collecting clinical and epidemiological variables. Qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients, 40.6% (13) women and 59.4% (19) males, maternal age 31 ± 5 years. Prenatal care in 96.8% (30) and prenatal diagnosis in 68.8% (22). Gestational age 35 ± 3 (SG 25-41), birth weight 2,506 ± 516 g (920-3,470 g). 53% (17/32) were localized in duodenum (65% extrinsic, 35% type I); 37.5% (12/32) jejunoileal (16.6% type I, 25% type II, 16.6% type IIIa, 16.6% type IIIb and 25% type IV); 6.5% (2/32) were colonic and 3% (1/32) pyloric. In 65.6% (21/32) it was associated with other congenital malformation. 81.3% (26) were operated within the first 48 hours of life. 15.6% (5/32) required enterostomy. 21.8% (7/32) had complications requiring reoperation in 71% (5/7) with 1 case of short bowel syndrome. Median time to enteral nutrition onset was 10 days (IQR 7-15), higher in patients with ileal atresia. Hospital stay was 33 days (interquartile range 23-66 days) and overall mortality of 9.3%. CONCLUSION: In our series the congenital malformations associated with intestinal atresia were determinant in the prognosis and mortality of these patients.

OBJETIVOS: La atresia intestinal es la malformación congénita obstructiva del tubo digestivo más frecuente. Nuestro objetivo es describir la morbilidad y mortalidad de las atresias intestinales en nuestro medio. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de neonatos con atresia intestinal intervenidos en nuestro centro en los últimos 15 años. Se realiza un análisis descriptivo de variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. RESULTADOS: Un total de 32 pacientes, 40,6% (13) mujeres y 59,4% (19) varones, edad materna de 31 ± 5 años, controles prenatales en el 96,8% (30) y diagnóstico prenatal en 68,8% (22). Edad gestacional de 35 ± 3 (25-41 SG), peso al nacer 2.506 ± 516 g (920-3.470 g). El 53% (17/32) de localización duodenal (65% extrínseca y 35% tipo I); el 37,5% (12/32) yeyunoileal (16,6% tipo I, 25% tipo II, 16,6% tipo IIIa, 16,6% tipo IIIb y 25% tipo IV); el 6,5% (2/32) colónica y 3% (1/32) pilórica. El 65,6% (21/32) asociaba otra malformación congénita. El 81,3% (26) fueron intervenidos en las primeras 48 horas de vida, precisando derivación intestinal un 15,6% (5/32). El 21,8% (7/32) presentaron complicaciones, de los cuales el 71% (5/7) requirieron reintervención, con un caso de intestino corto. El tiempo medio de inicio de nutrición enteral fue 10 días (RIQ 7-15), mayor en los pacientes con atresia ileal; la estancia hospitalaria fue de 33 días (RIQ 23-66 días) y la mortalidad general, del 9,3%. CONCLUSIONES: Las malformaciones congénitas asociadas en pacientes con atresia intestinal son un factor determinante en el pronóstico y mortalidad de los mismos.

Long-term outcomes for infants with intestinal atresia studied at Children's National Medical Center.

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal atresia is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. The predominant cause of late complications in these children is prolonged dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN). Our aims were to analyze the outcomes for patients with intestinal atresia at our institution, and to see how these changed with the implementation of an intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. The patient population is all children with intestinal atresias (118 patients) treated at our institution from July 2000 to June 2010, 20 of whom became PN dependent. RESULTS: Survival to hospital discharge was 95% for all patients, and 100% for those who had isolated atresia. Twenty of 118 patients (17%) were PN dependent beyond initial hospital discharge. At discharge, their median intestinal length was 22.5 cm, and they required PN for a mean of 88.5% of energy needs. Of these 20 patients, 2 died, 2 received transplants, and 2 transferred away for transplantation. The remaining 14 joined the IRP. Their mean energy requirement from PN is presently 10%, down from 87% at IRP enrollment, and 10 patients fully weaned off PN. Eleven of the 14 children had hyperbilirubinemia, with mean direct bilirubin of 7.5 mg/dL. All resolved their cholestasis during an average of 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These results compare favorably with those reported in earlier periods. With programs such as the IRP, patients with short bowel secondary to intestinal atresia can show improvement in liver function and nutritional parameters, and discontinue PN, avoiding the need for transplantation.

[Closing gastroschisis: a distinct entity with high morbidity and mortality]. / Closing Gastroschisis: eine Sonderform der Gastroschisis mit hoher Morbidität und Mortalität.

PURPOSE: We correlate severe bowel damage in gastroschisis to the rare intrauterine event of narrowing of the abdominal wall around the protruding intestines. We describe this "closing gastroschisis" as a distinct entity. Prenatal ultrasound findings as gastric or bowel dilation were compared to the postnatal findings in order to find markers for an early in utero diagnosis of closing gastroschisis. Early diagnosis could prompt timely delivery to save the compromised bowel and avoid short gut syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We documented the pre- and postnatal course of our patients with gastroschisis from 2007 to 2009.  Closing gastroschisis was suspected antenatally and confirmed postnatally. We identified 5 out of 18 patients showing closure of the abdominal wall with varying degrees of bowel damage. Prenatal ultrasound findings were correlated to the postnatally confirmed extent of intestinal damage. RESULTS: We could not find consistent ultrasound markers for prenatal diagnosis of closing gastroschisis. In prenatal ultrasound three patients presented significant gastric dilation and then experienced severe courses postnatally due to segmental gut necrosis. One of these three died and the other two developed short gut syndrome. In one case progressive intraabdominal loop dilation with simultaneous shrinking of the extraabdominal loops occurred corresponding to closing gastroschisis with segmental midgut necrosis. CONCLUSION: Closing gastroschisis must be seen as a special form of gastroschisis. Extended intestinal damage is often life-threatening. In longitudinal observation dynamics of fetal ultrasound findings can lead to the diagnosis of closing gastroschisis. Progressive intraabdominal loop dilation is always highly suspicious and must lead to close follow-up and timely delivery.

Jejuno-ileal atresia: a 2-year preliminary study on presentation and outcome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Jejuno-ileum is the commonest site of intestinal atresia. Reports on Jejunoileal atresia in developing countries are still few. The purpose of this study is to determine the presentation and management outcomes of neonates with Jejunoileal atresia treated in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Detailed data on all babies that presented and were treated within the study period (November2008-November, 2010) were kept and analyzed. A management protocol was put up and maintained. RESULT: A total of 9 babies (7males and 2 females) were treated. They were aged 2 hours to 13 days. Their weight ranged from 1.7kg to 3.3kg. Apart from one baby which presented within 2hrs with prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, others had bilious vomiting from the first day of birth, abdominal distension and delayed or absent passage of meconium. Even though symptoms developed on the first day of birth, presentation to the surgical unit was delayed 72hours and beyond in most patients.Type I atresia is commonest (no=4).There is associated gut malrotation in 2 babies. Five babies had complications which included surgical site infection, sepsis, prolonged vomiting post operatively, aspiration, rupture of dilated proximal segment after membrane excision, entero-cutaneous fistula and malnutrition. Three babies died giving a mortality of 33.3%. Mortality is commoner in types IIIb and IV. CONCLUSION: Mortality is higher in complex atresia which most times will require neonatal intensive care and parenteral nutrition facilities. These are still lacking in our institution. Providing these facilities will further improve outcome.

Management of isolated and associated colonic atresia.

PURPOSE: Colonic atresia is a rare cause of congenital intestinal obstruction in the neonate. A review of the management and outcome of children with colonic atresia was performed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the complete records of children treated for colonic atresia during the 30-year period. RESULTS: A total of 14 newborns were treated. Seven infants suffered from an isolated colonic atresia (group 1). In the other seven infants (group 2), colonic atresia was either associated with additional intestinal atresias (n = 2), or gastroschisis (n = 5). Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in infants from group 2 compared to group 1 (40 ± 0.5 vs. 37 ± 1 weeks (P < 0.05); and 3,478 ± 208 vs. 2,626 ± 242 g (P < 0.01), respectively). The first surgical procedure was performed in all newborns within 24 h after birth. All but one infant from group 1 received primary colostomies at the level of colonic atresia, followed by end-to-side anastomoses. All but one infant from group 2 needed ileocoecal resection due to bowel necrosis. No child died in group 1, whereas three children died in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated colonic atresia is amenable with a short hospital stay and an excellent outcome. In contrast, infants with colonic atresia associated with gastroschisis present a serious clinical challenge.

Comparative outcomes in intestinal atresia: a clinical outcome and pathophysiology analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of 130 intestinal atresias between 1982 and 2007. METHODS: Records were analyzed for location, demographics, prenatal diagnosis, birth weight, associated anomalies, surgery, establishment of oral intake, re-interventions and mortality. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher test and ANOVA. RESULTS: There were 59 duodenal (30 male), 63 jejuno-ileal (34 male) and 8 colonic atresias (3 male). Prenatal diagnosis was established in 27 (46%) duodenal (DA), 26 (41%) jejuno-ileal (JIA) and 1 (12.5%) colonic atresias (CA). The mean birth weights, 2,380.5 g (SD 988) DA, 2,814 g (SD 755) JIA and 3,153 g (SD 527) CA were significantly different (p = 0.011). The mean gestational ages were 36, 37 and 37 weeks in DA, JIA and CA, respectively (p-NS). Associated congenital anomalies were seen in 41 (76%) DA, 32 (52%) JIA and 3 (38%) CA (p = 0.08, NS). The median time to full oral feeds after surgery was 18 days in DA, 20 days in JIA and 15.6 days in CA, respectively (p > 0.05). Eight patients with DA and nine patients with JIA underwent repeat surgery for adhesive obstruction. Adhesive bowel obstruction was most common in the first year after surgery in both groups (15/17). Gastroschisis was seen in six (10%) of JIA and three (35%) of CA. Two patients in the JIA group underwent bowel lengthening. Patients with gastroschisis and those with associated anomalies needed prolonged duration of TPN after JIA correction. There was no mortality in the duodenal atresia and colonic atresia groups. Six patients in the JIA group died, three of severe atresias coupled with multiple anomalies and three of cholestasis and sepsis. CONCLUSION: Distal atresias are difficult to diagnose antenatally. Proximal atresias have a significantly lower birth weight than distal atresias. Associated anomaly screening is important in all atresias.

Intestinal atresia in association with gastroschisis: a 26-year review.

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience with gastroschisis (GS) complicated by intestinal atresia over the last 26 years. Our aim was to determine the effect of different management strategies employed and the morbidity associated with this condition in our unit. METHODS: A retrospective casenote review was carried out. Data regarding the operative management of the GS and atresia was recorded. Primary outcome measures included time to commence and establish full enteral feeds, duration of parenteral nutrition, complications and outcome. RESULTS: Of 179 neonates with GS, 23 also had intestinal atresia. 13 underwent primary closure of the defect, 5 had patch closure and 5 had a silo placed. 4 atresias were 'missed' at first operation. The 19 recognised atresias were managed either by stoma formation, primary anastomosis or deferred management with subsequent primary anastomosis. There was wide variation in the outcomes of patients in each group. CONCLUSION: Differences in outcome between the management strategies are likely to reflect an inherent variability in patient condition, site of atresia, and bowel suitability for anastomosis at first surgery, rather than the mode of surgical management. Individual management plans should be tailored to the clinical condition of each patient.

Modified colostomy technique for colonic atresia in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To report a modified colostomy technique for permanent fecal diversion in calves with colonic atresia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Calves (n=19) with colonic atresia. METHODS: Clinical findings, white blood cell counts, radiologic, ultrasonographic, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=9) had conventional colostomy and group 2 (n=10) had a modified colostomy. Technique efficacy was evaluated by postoperative observation, owner satisfaction, and calf survival. RESULTS: Fifteen (79%) calves were discharged from the hospital; 4 (21%) group 1 calves died within 24 hours after surgery. Two (40%) group 1 calves died 18 and 30 days after surgery and 5 (50%) group 2 calves died 2-60 days after surgery. Eight calves reached slaughter weight (120+/-10 kg); 5 group 2 calves grew normally but the 3 group 1 calves had lower weight gain. Owners of the calves with conventional colostomy reported that the evacuation of feces was continuous whereas owners of calves with the modified colostomy reported that feces were released through the stoma in intervals. CONCLUSION: Modification of conventional colostomy by forming an hourglass shaped stoma lessens fecal incontinence but there was no difference in survival rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Modified colostomy was considered advantageous because of intermittent fecal discharge from the stoma compared with continuous fecal release in conventional colostomy. The modified technique seemingly has a beneficial effect on growth of the calf.

Congenital duodenal obstruction in the UK: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) comprising duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare congenital anomaly requiring surgical correction in early life. Identification of variation in surgical and postoperative practice in previous studies has been limited by small sample sizes. This study aimed to prospectively estimate the incidence of CDO in the UK, and report current management strategies and short-term outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective population-based, observational study for 12 months from March 2016. SETTING: Specialist neonatal surgical units in the UK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of CDO, associated anomalies and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 110 cases were identified and data forms were returned for 103 infants giving an estimated incidence of 1.22 cases per 10 000 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.49) live births. Overall, 59% of cases were suspected antenatally and associated anomalies were seen in 69%. Operative repair was carried out mostly by duodenoduodenostomy (76%) followed by duodenojejunostomy (15%). Postoperative feeding practice varied with 42% having a trans-anastomotic tube placed and 88% receiving parenteral nutrition. Re-operation rate related to the initial procedure was 3% within 28 days. Two infants died within 28 days of operation from unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: This population-based study of CDO has shown that the majority of infants have associated anomalies. There is variation in postoperative feeding strategies which represent opportunities to explore the effects of these on outcome and potentially standardise approach. Short-term outcomes are generally good.

Duodenal atresia: associated anomalies, prenatal diagnosis and outcome.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of duodenal atresia is commonly made prenatally, either as an isolated lesion or due to its association with other chromosomal abnormalities (Robertson et al. in Semin Perinatol 18:182-195, 1994; Hemming and Rankin in J Prenat Diagn 27:1205-1211, 2007). The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of associated anomalies, prenatal diagnostic accuracy and survival of cases of congenital duodenal atresia in our institution. METHODS: All cases of duodenal atresia registered with our local congenital anomaly register over a 10-year period, 1995-2004 inclusive, were studied, including those resulting in termination of pregnancies, stillbirths, intrauterine deaths and neonatal deaths. To ensure high-case ascertainment, data were cross checked with prenatal ultrasound, cytogenetic laboratory, pathology department and neonatal surgical data base. Data were analysed for associated anomalies, accuracy of prenatal diagnosis and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were initially diagnosed as having duodenal atresia, of these 4 were subsequently excluded (1 postnatal normal bowel and 3 high jejunal atresias). In the remaining 61 cases, 35 (57%) had an association with other congenital abnormalities and 26 (43%) were isolated anomalies. Thirty-five were male and 26 female (M:F = 1.4:1). Twenty-one out of 29 (72%) patients prenatally diagnosed, compared with 14 out of 32 (44%) patients diagnosed postnatally had associated anomalies. Duodenal atresia was suspected on routine prenatal ultrasonography at 20-week gestation in 33 cases and confirmed in 29 (48%) cases with 4 false-positive diagnoses (1 normal bowel and 3 high jejunal atresias). No prenatal diagnosis was made in 32 (52%) babies. Of the 61 cases, 53 were live births with 2 early neonatal deaths (1 cardiac and 1 VACTERL), 5 terminations, 2 intrauterine deaths and 1 stillbirth (Fig. 3). Overall neonatal survival was 96% (51 cases). Mortality in the group diagnosed prenatally was 34 % (10 cases). CONCLUSION: This study shows an overall increased association of duodenal atresia with Down's syndrome. In the group diagnosed prenatally, mortality as well as the association with other congenital anomalies was found to be higher. We have demonstrated a greater prenatal diagnostic accuracy, but confirm postnatal outcomes similar to previous studies.

Prognostic factors in jejuno-ileal atresia.

OBJECTIVE: Primarily to study morbidity and mortality in jejuno-ileal atresias (JIA) and prognostic factors for outcome. Secondarily to look at the incidence of reintervention. METHODS: Retrospective review of 63 patients diagnosed with JIA over a 30-year period (1975-2005). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (34 male) of mean gestational age 36 weeks and mean birth weight 2,858 g with JIA were studied. There were 14 type I, 14 type II, 16 type IIIA, 9 type IIIB, and 10 type IV atresias. Thirty-three patients (52%) had associated anomalies. Fifty-one patients underwent resection and anastamosis, five patients Bishop-Koop procedure, five ileostomies, and one strictureplasty. Intestinal dilatation severe enough to warrant surgical intervention was seen in seven patients with the more severe variants of atresia. Five tapering procedures, one Bianchi operation and one STEP procedure were performed. Average hospital stay was 41 days (8-332 days). Fifty-six were alive at follow ups averaging 1.7 years (6 months to 11 years). Nine patients needed reoperations for adhesions before the first year of life. There were seven deaths. Most patients who died had associated anomalies (P = 0.017) or types IV/V atresias (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Mild atresias have an excellent prognosis and long-term survival. Severe atresias are associated with longer PN support and secondary procedures for intestinal failure. Associated anomalies adversely affect outcomes in JIA.

Congenital intrinsic intestinal obstruction in a Caribbean country.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics, perioperative features, and outcome of congenital intrinsic intestinal obstruction in a developing Caribbean country for comparison with previous literature reports. This study included retrospective data collection on all infants referred to the hospital with a diagnosis of congenital intrinsic bowel obstruction during the period 1999-2006. Data studied were demographic features, perioperative details, surgical procedures performed, postoperative course, and early outcome. Twenty-two infants were treated, with an incidence of 3.14 per 10,000 live births. Duodenal outnumbered jejuno-ileal lesions by 1.5 to 1. Complications occurred in 68.2% of cases, and the mortality rate was 27.3%. Lower gestational age, a high leukocyte count, and more distal small bowel obstruction were significantly associated with mortality. Improvement in the outcome of surgical treatment of this problem in this population requires more effective perioperative management of prematurity and sepsis.

Complicated Gastroschisis Is Associated with Greater Intestinal Morbidity than Gastroschisis or Intestinal Atresia Alone.

AIM: The study aimed to compare outcomes and intestinal morbidity among complicated gastroschisis, isolated gastroschisis, and intestinal atresia. METHODS: In this retrospective observational single institution study, outcomes and intestinal morbidity were compared among gastroschisis complicated by intestinal atresia or perinatal bowel perforation, isolated gastroschisis, and isolated intestinal atresia. We included two cohorts; the first cohort included 68 consecutive patients with complicated gastroschisis (n = 9), isolated gastroschisis (n = 34), and intestinal atresia (n = 25) managed in our center. The second cohort included 20 patients (12 referred) with intestinal failure due to these underlying etiologies managed by our intestinal rehabilitation team. RESULTS: Patients with complicated gastroschisis had a significantly longer need for mechanical ventilation, primary hospital stay, and duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) and developed intestinal failure more often compared with other groups (p < 0.05 for all). Reoperations for surgical complications were also more frequent in patients with complicated gastroschisis (p < 0.05). Among those, who developed intestinal failure, autologous intestinal reconstruction (AIR) surgery was performed in 11 patients with comparable frequency in all groups. Repeated AIR surgery for bowel re-dilatation was required in 3/3 patients with complicated gastroschisis and 0/8 with isolated gastroschisis or intestinal atresia (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Complicated gastroschisis is associated with markedly increased intestinal morbidity, reflected by prolonged duration of PN, more frequent reoperations for intestinal complications, and bowel re-dilatation after AIR surgery, when compared with patients with isolated gastroschisis or intestinal atresia.

Clinical factors associated with in-hospital death in pediatric surgical patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit: a 15-year single tertiary center experience.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore clinical characteristics and primary surgical diagnoses associated with in-hospital death in pediatric surgical patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study includes all patients admitted to our NICU for pediatric surgical diseases between January 2001 and December 2015. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were performed to assess independent factors associated with in-hospital death. RESULTS: A total of 440 cases were included and 334 (83.5%) patients underwent one or more surgeries. Thirty six patients (8.2%) died while hospitalized in the NICU. The 5 most common surgical diagnoses were intestinal atresia/stenosis, anorectal malformation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), esophageal atresia, and urinary system disorder. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) had the highest mortality rate. Using logistic regression, in-hospital death was predicted by extremely low birth weight (ELBW) (odds ratio (OR)=6.594; P=0.006), CDH (OR=13.954; P<0.001), and NEC (OR=8.991; P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes CDH, NEC, and ELBW are independent predictive factors associated with in-hospital death of pediatric surgical patients in our NICU. Novel approaches for those conditions are required to improve the survival. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: II.

Impact of hospital transfer on surgical outcomes of intestinal atresia.

BACKGROUND: Examine effects of hospital transfer into a quaternary care center on surgical outcomes of intestinal atresia. METHODS: Children <1 yo principally diagnosed with intestinal atresia were identified using the Kids' Inpatient Database (2012). Exposure variable was patient transfer status. Outcomes measured were inpatient mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge status. Linearized standard errors, design-based F tests, and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: 1672 weighted discharges represented a national cohort. The highest income group and those with private insurance had significantly lower odds of transfer (OR:0.53 and 0.74, p < 0.05). Rural patients had significantly higher transfer rates (OR: 2.73, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed no difference in mortality (OR:0.71, p = 0.464) or non-home discharge (OR: 0.79, p = 0.166), but showed prolonged LOS (OR:1.79, p < 0.05) amongst transferred patients. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in hospital LOS and treatment access reveal a potential healthcare gap. Post-acute care resources should be improved for transferred patients.

[Co-morbidity and mortality during the first year of life in children with jejunoileal atresia]. / Comorbilidad y letalidad en el primer año de vida en niños con atresia yeyunoileal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the co-morbidity and mortality during the first year of life in children with jejunoileal atresia. DESIGN: Descriptive, comparative cohort. SITE: Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. POPULATION: Seventy children with jejunoileal atresia. MEASURES: Following variables were registered: gestational age, birth weight, sex, type and site of atresia, other congenital defects, surgical management, number of surgeries, duration of fasting, re-hospitalizations, weight and height at 6 months and one year of life, co-morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Intestinal atresia types I and II were present in 27% of the patients respectively and type IIIa in 24%. Co-morbidity in the neonatal period was 64.2%, being the most common conditions sepsis (47.1%) and anastomotic stricture (18.5%). During the first year of life co-morbidity was 51.4%, presented as functional intestinal obstruction (21.4%). Mortality was 11.4% (n = 8), the main causes of death were sepsis (n = 6) and liver failure (n = 2). The mortality rate according to the type of atresia was 44.4% for type IV, 33.3% for type IIIb and 1.3% for type I. CONCLUSIONS: Co-morbidity during the first year of life in children with jejunoileal atresia is high, and related to infections and anastomosis inherent problems. Mortality is higher for intestinal atresia type IV.

Congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction: a twenty-five year review.

From 1951 through 1975, 72 patients with congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction were seen at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. The survival rate was 55% during the first 15 years of the study, but this has increased to 88% during the last 10 years. Factors important to this increased survival rate include: earlier diagnosis and expeditious preoperative workup; expert administration of anesthesia; improved surgical technique with a greater awareness for common pitfalls, such as associated duodenal diaphragm or distal bowel atresia; frequent use of gastrostomy; use of parenteral nutrition; and better intensive nursing care.

Intestinal atresia and stenosis: analysis of survival in 120 cases.

This report reviews the clinical presentation, operative management, and survival in 120 infants with intestinal atresia and stenosis treated from 1972 to 1984. Duodenal atresia occurred in 39 neonates and duodenal stenosis in 19. Thirty-two infants had severe associated anomalies. Operative management included duodenoduodenostomy in 47 infants, duodenotomy and web excision in four, and duodenojejunostomy in seven. Jejunoileal atresia occurred in 49 infants and stenosis in three. Six infants had cystic fibrosis and nine had gastroschisis. Operative therapy included wide proximal resection and end-to-end anastomosis in 18 infants, minimal resection with antimesenteric tapering enteroplasty and anastomosis in 14 neonates, and resection with temporary enterostomies in 20 infants. Twenty-nine infants (56%) required total parenteral nutrition. Colon atresia occurred in 11 infants and stenosis in one. Initial end-colostomy with subsequent resection and anastomosis was performed in 11 infants while one underwent a primary resection. The survival rate was 91% for duodenal defects, 87% for jejunoileal cases, and 100% for colonic anomalies. Death is currently caused by severe associated anomalies in infants with duodenal atresia and sepsis and total parenteral nutrition-related cholestasis with progressive liver failure in instances of jejunoileal atresia.