RESUMEN
Shunt migration is a rare but significant complication of thoracoamniotic shunting, an intervention widely used for fetal pleural effusion. We describe a case of a term infant noted antenatally to have fetal hydrothorax that was managed with thoracoamniotic shunting but complicated by shunt migration. We also present the current literature on risk factors, complications and management of intrathoracic shunt migration. The majority of shunt migration cases are managed conservatively with no untoward postnatal sequelae, but surgical removal of the migrated shunt has been used for associated clinical complications, if visceral damage is suspected or if postnatal thoracic surgery is indicated for other reasons. We advocate an approach of conservative management for asymptomatic infants, where possible, to avoid unnecessary surgical and anaesthetic risks to very young, often already compromised children. However, further studies are still required to determine optimal management after shunt migration has occurred to ensure the best outcome.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and cost-efficiency of antibiotic management versus laparoscopic appendectomy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis (AUA) in children during the COVID-19 pandemic when resources were limited and transmission risks uncertain. METHOD: In this prospective comparative cohort study, we analyzed the data of 139 children diagnosed with AUA meeting the following inclusion criteria: 5-18 years of age, symptoms duration of ≤ 48 h, appendix diameter ≤ 11 mm and no appendicolith. Treatment outcomes between non-operative management group (78/139) and upfront laparoscopic appendectomy group (61/139) were compared. Antibiotic regimes were intravenous ceftriaxone/metronidazole or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 48 h, followed by oral antibiotics to complete total 10-days course. RESULTS: 8/78 (10.3%) children had early failure (within 48 h) requiring appendectomy. 17/70 (24.3%) patients experienced late recurrence within mean follow-up time of 16.2 ± 4.7 months. There were no statistical differences in peri-operative complications, negative appendicectomy rate, and incidence of perforation and hospitalization duration between antibiotic and surgical treatment groups. Cost per patient in upfront surgical group was significantly higher ($6208.5 ± 5284.0) than antibiotic group ($3588.6 ± 3829.8; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite 24.3% risk of recurrence of appendicitis in 16.2 ± 4.7 months, antibiotic therapy for AUA appears to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to upfront appendectomy.