Disposition of levobupivacaine during intraoperative continuous caudal epidural analgesia in a preterm neonate.

BACKGROUND: Continuous caudal epidural analgesia used intraoperatively in children is an effective and safe technique. However, in preterm neonates, developmental factors may significantly affect levobupivacaine disposition, leading to variable pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential large-variable systemic toxicity of local anesthetics. OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing the disposition of levobupivacaine used for intraoperative caudal epidural analgesia in a preterm neonate treated for the postoperative pain profile. METHOD: 4-days old neonate (postmenstrual age 35+5, weight 2140 g) with congenital anal atresia received continuous caudal epidural long-term analgesia (loading dose 1.694 mg/kg, initial infusion 0.34 mg/kg/hour) before correction surgery. The blood samples were obtained at 1.0, 1.5, 6.5, 12, and 36.5 h after the start of epidural infusion. The pharmacokinetic profile of levobupivacaine was determined by using the Stochastic Approximation Expectation Maximization algorithm. COMFORT and NIPS pain scores were used for the assessment of epidural analgesia. RESULTS: The levobupivacaine absorption rate constant, apparent volume of distribution, apparent clearance, and elimination half-life were 10.8 h-1, 0.9 L, 0.086 L/h, and 7.3 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results confirm our hypothesis of altered pharmacokinetics in the preterm neonate. Therefore, levobupivacaine therapy in these patients should be carefully monitored. Since therapeutic drug monitoring of levobupivacaine is not established in clinical routines, we suggest monitoring the intraoperative pain profile using validated scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT number: 2020-000595-37.

Anastomotic stricture prediction in patients with esophageal atresia with distal fistula.

PURPOSE: To investigate potential early risk factors for anastomotic stricture formation and assess the predictive role of post-operative esophagrams. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with esophageal atresia with distal fistula (EA/TEF) operated between 2011 and 2020. Fourteen predictive factors were tested for stricture development. Esophagrams were used to calculate early (SI1) and late (SI2) stricture index (SI = anastomosis diameter/upper pouch diameter). RESULTS: Of 185 patients operated for EA/TEF in the 10-year period, 169 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary anastomosis was performed in 130 patients and delayed anastomosis in 39 patients. Stricture formed in 55 patients (33%) within 1 year from anastomosis. Four risk factors showed strong association with stricture formation in unadjusted models: long gap (p = 0.007), delayed anastomosis (p = 0.042), SI1 (p = 0.013) and SI2 (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed SI1 as significantly predictive of stricture formation (p = 0.035). Cut-off values using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.275 for SI1 and 0.390 for SI2. The area under the ROC curve demonstrated increasing predictiveness from SI1 (AUC 0.641) to SI2 (AUC 0.877). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified an association between long gap and delayed anastomosis with stricture formation. Early and late stricture indices were predictive of stricture formation.

Plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine in neonates during caudal epidural analgesia maintained over 48 hours.

BACKGROUND: Differences in neonatal pharmacokinetics are known to cause systemic accumulation of levobupivacaine with adverse effects during epidural analgesia. Therefore, it is not recommended to surpass 48 hours of administration in neonates. Free and total levobupivacaine levels are considered as predictors of toxicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the LEVON pilot study was to detect the accumulation of levobupivacaine during epidural analgesia exceeding 48 hours in neonates. METHODS: Ten neonates received a loading dose of levobupivacaine (1.25 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.2 mg/kg/hour) epidurally. Free and total levobupivacaine concentrations were measured 0.5, 1, 6, 12, 36, 72 and 144 hours after the start of infusion. Cumulative doses of levobupivacaine, pain scores and clinical signs of toxicity were used for assessing efficacy and safety. RESULTS: The median concentrations of total levobupivacaine were 586.0, 563.0, 837.5, 957.0, 1930.0, 708.5 and 357.5 ng/ml. The median concentrations of free levobupivacaine were 4.0, 3.6, 5.5, 3.6, 5.5, 0.8 and 0.0 ng/ml. Three patients reached concerning concentrations of total levobupivacaine. Levels of free levobupivacaine remained low. No signs of toxicity were observed. CONCLUSION: Caudal epidural analgesia with levobupivacaine lasting longer than 48 hours appears to be safe providing that free levobupivacaine levels are below the presumed threshold for toxicity (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 29). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: free levobupivacaine, total levobupivacaine, neonate, caudal continuous epidural analgesia, postoperative pain.

Gastric tumors in children: single-center study with emphasis on treatment of repeated recurrence.

PURPOSE: Analysis of surgical management and survival of pediatric patients with gastric tumors treated at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with primary gastric tumors treated between 1993 and 2018 was conducted. RESULTS: Eight patients, five girls and three boys, were diagnosed with gastric tumors at an average age of 10.4 years (1 day-15.4 years). Surgical management included Billroth type I procedure in five and tumor excision in three patients. Histology revealed gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in four patients and one of each of schwannoma, myofibroblastic tumor, hamartoma and teratoma. Microscopically clear margins were reported in six patients. Repeated local recurrence occurred in three patients (2 × GIST, 1 × myofibroblastic tumors) who consequently underwent three, four and six reoperations. One of these patients had liver metastases, which were managed with ligation of the hepatic arteries. This patient was also diagnosed with a lung hamartoma, which was treated with a lobectomy. Survival rate was 100% with a median follow-up of 8.6 years (7 months-25.5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric tumors are rare in children and represent a management challenge. Repeated recurrence of GISTs and myofibroblastic tumors remains frequent even after complete resection and may necessitate multiple surgeries, therefore patients require a lifelong follow-up.

Indications and outcomes of duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head in children.

AIM OF STUDY: Duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head (DPRPH) with Roux-en-Y pancreatojejunostomy is a procedure used to remove focal pathological lesions of the pancreatic head. Although predominantly used in adult patients, it is both safe and effective in children. The aim of this study was to review our experience with this procedure, with focus on its indications, complications and long-term outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who underwent DPRPH between 1994 and 2015 was performed. Patient files were reviewed for demographic, diagnostic, operative and histological details, postoperative complications. Patients were contacted telephonically and sent questionnaires to determine long-term outcomes. RESULTS: The study cohort consists of 21 patients, 14 girls and 7 boys, with an average age of 11.72 years (range 3 months to 18.6 years), who underwent DPRPH with end-to-end anastomosis of the jejunum to the pancreatic body (Roux-en-Y anastomosis). In four cases the head and also part of the body of the pancreas was resected. In the remaining 17 cases, only the head of the pancreas was resected. Indications for DPRPH were solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (n = 10), trauma (n = 8), pancreas divisum (n = 1), focal congenital hyperinsulinism (n = 1) and pancreatic cyst (n = 1). The length of follow-up ranged from 1 to 22 years (average 9.66). One patient developed a biliary fistula, which closed spontaneously within 2 weeks after stent insertion. A recurrence of abdominal pain was reported in two patients, occurring at 7 months after the operation in one patient and at 1 year in the other. Pancreatic endocrine insufficiency did not occur in any of the 21 patients. Seven patients currently require a low fat diet, five of which need pancreatic enzyme supplementation. An additional two patients need enzyme supplementation without dietary restriction. CONCLUSION: DPRPH is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of large focal pathological lesions of the pancreatic head in children. As a less invasive procedure than pancreatoduodenectomy, it is more appropriate for the developing child.

Cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis in children; risk factors for development.

PURPOSE: To compare anthropometric data (body mass index [BMI]) in patients without lithiasis to patients with symptomatic simple cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 147 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2001-2015. Complete growth data from 98 patients was compared with anthropometric data from the population of the Czech Republic and a control group (BMI of 100 consecutive patients without biliary stones in abdominal ultrasound who were admitted to a surgical department for suspected appendicitis). RESULTS: The BMI of 75 children with simple cholelithiasis and 23 with choledocholithiasis was compared to the standard Czech pediatric population and to the control group. The median age (simple cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis) was 16 years, and 35 patients (24%) had a family history of gallstones. Types of lithiasis included multiple (n = 120), solitary (n = 11), and sludge (n = 10). Five cases had polyps and one had gallbladder dysplasia. Patients with simple cholelithiasis had significantly higher BMI compared to the control group without cholelithiasis (p<0.0001) and the standard Czech population (p = 0.03). Patients with choledocholithiasis had a mean BMI significantly higher than that of the general population (p = 0.001) and the control group (p = 0.0001). Patients with choledocholithiasis had significantly higher BMI than those with simple cholelithiasis (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients with cholelithiasis had significantly higher BMI than the general population, and patients with choledocholithiasis had significantly higher BMI than patients with simple lithiasis. Elevated BMI is a risk factor for developing choledocholithiasis. ERCP and early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with choledocholithiasis offer equivalent outcomes in patients with simple cholelithiasis.

Pancreas Divisum in Children and Duodenum-Preserving Resection of the Pancreatic Head.

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment alternatives in children with pancreas divisum (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment for PD between 1999 and 2014 at our department were evaluated for sex, age, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, biochemical markers, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and results of treatment during follow-up. RESULTS: Seven patients who underwent treatment of symptomatic PD were included in the study. The median for follow-up period was 8 years (from 26 months to 16 years). Male-to-female ratio was 4:3 and the median age at presentation was 11 years (2-14 years). Presenting symptoms were recurrent episodic epigastric pain. Pancreatitis was documented by elevated amylase or lipase levels. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was the method of diagnosis of PD in all patients. Five patients had complete PD and two had incomplete variants. Three patients improved after ERCP papillotomy. In three patients, papillotomy was unsuccessful but they have only mild episodes of pancreatitis. One patient presented at the age of 4 years with recurrent pancreatitis. She was treated surgically by duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head (DPRPH) because of severe recurrent pancreatitis occurring even after ERCP papillotomy. The patient is 26 months after operation without any reported problems. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic PD are indicated for ERCP papillotomy attempt. If there is not improvement after ERCP, then recurrent bouts of severe pancreatitis are considered as an indication for surgical procedure. DPRPH is a safe and feasible surgical alternative.

Quality of life in patients with gastroschisis is comparable with the general population: A questionnaire survey.

AIM: To evaluate long-term quality of life and somatic growth of patients with gastroschisis and compare them with the general population. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire survey of the quality of life of our patients treated between 2004-2012. RESULTS: A questionnaire was sent to our 56 patients with gastroschisis, 38 mothers of patients (68%) responded to the questionnaire. 33 of 38 mothers claim that the quality of life of their child is very good, 4 of them responded that it is good. 1 mother confessed that the quality of life was very poor. Anthropometric data show comparable results with the standard population except for patients of 1 year of age who still have lower weight (P<0.001) and body height in the 5th percentile and patients of 3 years of age who are also significantly thinner. 13% of patients in our study group have gastrointestinal problems. 9 patients (24%) attend follow-up at the neurological center (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder n=6, mental retardation n=1, dysarthria n=2), however, overall intellectual abilities are within normal range. 7 patients underwent surgery for umbilical (n=3) or inguinal hernia (n=4), 2 patients were operated on for undescended testicles, 3 patients were operated on for an adhesive ileus. 92% of mothers are very satisfied with the cosmetic result of the scar. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that the majority of patients after operation of gastroschisis have a very good quality of life without limitation in comparison with the general population. The presented anthropometric data confirm that the development of patients with gastroschisis is favourable.

Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement in 1130 children: results of an European prospective multicenter observational postauthorization safety study (PASS).

INTRODUCTION: Third-generation hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is now approved also for the use in children, but safety studies including large numbers of pediatric patients are still missing. Therefore, we performed an European multicentric prospective observational postauthorization safety study (PASS) to evaluate the use of HES 130/0.42/6:1 in normal saline (ns-HES) or a balanced electrolyte solution (bal-HES) in children undergoing surgery. METHODS: Children aged up to 12 years with ASA risk scores of I-III receiving ns-HES (Venofundin 6%; Braun) or bal-HES (Tetraspan 6%; Braun) were followed perioperatively. Demographic data, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia, hemodynamic and laboratory data, adverse events (AE), and adverse drug reactions (ADR) were documented using a standardized case report form. RESULTS: Of 1130 children studied at 11 European pediatric centers from 2006 to 2009 (ns-HES, 629 children; bal-HES, 475 children; mean age, 3.6 ± 3.8 [range, day of birth-12 years]; and body weight, 15.4 ± 13 [0.9-90 kg]), 1104 were included for analysis. The mean infused HES volume was 10.6 ± 5.8 (0.83-50) ml·kg(-1). In the 399 (36.1%) cases with blood gas analysis before and after HES infusion, hemoglobin and strong ion difference decreased significantly in both groups, whereas bicarbonate and base excess (BE before infusion: ns-HES -1.8 ± 3.1, bal-HES -1.2 ± 3.3 mm; after infusion: ns-HES -2.5 ± 2.8; bal-HES -1.1 ± 3.2 mm, P < 0.05) decreased only with ns-HES but remained stable with bal-HES. Chloride concentrations increased in both groups and were significantly higher with ns-HES (Cl before infusion: ns-HES 105.5 ± 3.6, bal-HES 104.9 ± 2.9 mm; Cl after infusion: ns-HES 107.6 ± 3.4, bal-HES 106.3 ± 2.9 mm, P < 0.05). For the AE/ADR rates, dose-response but no age relationships could be demonstrated. No serious and no severe ADR directly related to HES (i.e. anaphylactoid reaction, clotting disorders, renal failure) were observed. CONCLUSION: Moderate doses of HES 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement seem to be safe even in neonates and small infants. The probability of serious ADR is lower than 0.3%. Changes in acid-base balance may be decreased when HES is used in an acetate-containing balanced electrolyte solution instead of normal saline. Caution should be exercised in patients with renal function disturbances and those with an increased bleeding risk.

Influence of anesthesia on the results of intraoperative diagnostic electromyostimulation in patients with anorectal malformation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stimulation electromyography (sEMG) is useful in identifying the sphincter muscle (M) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs). This study evaluates the effect of anesthetic agents and M relaxants on sEMG findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen infants (10 boys and 7 girls) with a mean age of 6.3 months and mean body weight of 6.7 kg were included in a prospective randomized study. Anesthesia was induced by sevoflurane and opioids, and an epidural catheter was inserted caudally. Stimulation electromyography of levator ani M using 14 mA current was used, and latency and amplitude of the evoked compound M action potential (CMAP) were recorded. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group A received a local anesthetic epidurally, and sEMG was performed. Administration of the M relaxant and measurement of M response followed. In group B drug administration, sEMG and response measurement were performed after administration of M relaxant. RESULTS: Baseline CMAP was recorded in all patients. Average latency was 4.1 milliseconds, and average amplitude was 0.43 mV. In group A, the average latency was 4.0 milliseconds, and average amplitude was 0.65 mV. After administration of the M relaxant, the CMAP disappeared. In group B, no CMAP was observed immediately after administration of the M relaxant. CONCLUSION: Administration of the inhalational anesthetic, opioids, and local anesthetic did not influence the M response of M fibers in the levator ani M on sEMG and enables its localization during ARM reconstruction. Nondepolarizing M relaxation completely abolished the response. If M relaxant is necessary, cisatracurium is used. The most suitable method of anesthesia for ARM surgery appears to be inhalational anesthesia supplemented by opioids and epidural analgesia.

[Specific program for perioperative care in paediatric liver transplantation]. / Specifika perioperacní péce o pediatrické pacienty podstupující transplantaci jater.

With increasing survival rates, liver transplantation has reached the mainstream of medical care. Due to the experience acquired with adult liver transplantation, the program of paediatric liver transplantation develops. The surgery technique and perioperative care have to reflect anatomic and physiologic differences in childhood. This report describes organisation and outcomes of the program of paediatric liver transplantation in Transplantcentre IKEM.

Aortoesophageal fistula--an unusual complication of esophagitis caused by Dieffenbachia ingestion.

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and mostly lethal cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. We report a successful outcome of surgical treatment after resuscitation of a girl aged 12 1/2 years with AEF as a complication of esophagitis caused by Dieffenbachia ingestion. The girl ate a leaf of Dieffenbachia picta in a suicidal attempt. After 5 weeks of medical treatment of esophagitis, small blood-stained vomitus and melena appeared. Within a few hours, it was followed by a massive gastrointestinal bleeding leading to exsanguination. The girl survived despite the pitfalls in clinical presentation and errors in diagnostic approach and treatment. Emergency exploration of cervical esophagus, followed by laparotomy and thoracotomy, was performed in attempt to find the source of bleeding and to control it. Aortoesophageal fistula was located between the ascending aorta near the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk and thoracic esophagus. Resection of the fistula led to prompt circulatory stabilization. The common houseplant, Dieffenbachia picta, causes edematous swelling of mucus membranes when chewed. Dieffenbachia-caused esophagitis is very rare and this etiology of AEF has not been reported in children.