European reference network for rare inherited congenital anomalies (ERNICA) evidence based guideline on the management of gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: The European Reference Network for rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies, ERNICA, guidelines for gastroschisis cover perinatal period to help teams to improve care. METHOD: A systematic literature search including 136 publications was conducted. Research findings were assessed following the GRADE methodology. The evidence to decision framework was used to determine the strength and direction of recommendations. RESULTS: The mode or timing of delivery do not impact neonatal mortality, risk of NEC or time on parenteral nutrition (PN). Intra or extra abdominal bowel dilatation predict complex gastroschisis and longer length of hospital stay but not increased perinatal mortality. Outcomes after Bianchi procedure and primary fascia closure under anesthesia are similar. Sutureless closure decreases the rate of surgical site infections and duration of ventilation compared to surgical closure. Silo-staged closure with or without intubation results in similar outcomes. Outcomes of complex gastroschisis (CG) undergoing early or delayed surgical repair are similar. Early enteral feeds starting within 14 days is associated with lower risk of surgical site infection. RECOMMENDATIONS: The panel suggests vaginal birth between 37 and 39 w in cases of uncomplicated gastroschisis. Bianchi's approach is an option in simple gastroschisis. Sutureless closure is suggested when general anesthesia can be avoided, sutured closure. If anesthesia is required. Silo treatment without ventilation and general anesthesia can be considered. In CG with atresia primary intestinal repair can be attempted if the condition of patient and intestine allows. Enteral feeds for simple gastroschisis should start within 14 days.

Pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT): report of a multicentric national study on 294 patients.

This study aimed to report a multicentric national experience about the outcomes of pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT). The medical records of all pediatric patients, aged up to 18 years, who underwent PEPSiT in the period 2019-2021, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographics, operative details, and post-operative outcomes were assessed. A total of 294 patients (182 boys), with median age of 14 years (range 10-18), receiving PEPSiT in the study period, were enrolled. Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) was primary in 258 (87.8%) and recurrent in 36 (12.2%). The median operative time was 36 min (range 11-120). The median VAS pain score was 0.86 (range 0-3) and the median duration of analgesic use was 27 h (range 12-60). The overall success rate was 95.2% (280/294) and the median time to full healing was 23.4 days (range 19-50). Six/294 (2.0%) patients developed Clavien 2 post-operative complications. The recurrence rate was 4.8% (14/294) and all recurrences were re-operated using PEPSiT. Redo-surgery for wound debridement was performed in one (0.3%) patient with late healing. On multivariate analysis, hirsutism and typology of sinus (pits ≥ 2, paramedian and more proximal to the anus) were predictors of PSD recurrence (p = 0.001). To date, this is the largest series of PEPSiT published in the pediatric population. The outcomes reported after a 3 years experience confirm that PEPSiT is a safe, effective, and real minimally invasive procedure to treat adolescents with PSD. It provides patients quick and painless recovery, satisfactory success, and high quality of life.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Perinatal Prognostic Factors and Short-Term Outcomes in a Single-Center Series.

Background: Many prognostic factors for CDH patients are described and validated in the current literature: the size of diaphragmatic defects, need for patch repair, pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction are recognized as the most influencing outcomes. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of these parameters in the outcome of CDH patients in our department and identify any further prognostic factors. Methods: An observational retrospective single-center study was conducted including all patients treated at our centre with posterolateral CDH between 01.01.1997 and 12.31.2019. The main outcomes evaluated were mortality and length of hospital stay. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: We identified 140 patients with posterolateral CDH; 34.8% died before discharge. The overall median length of stay was 24 days. A univariate analysis confirmed that both outcomes are associated with the size of diaphragmatic defects, need for patch repair and presence of spleen-up (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis identified that the need for patch repair and maximum dopamine dose used for cardiac dysfunction are independent parameters associated with the length of stay only (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our series, the duration of hospitalization is longer for newborns with CDH treated with higher doses of dopamine for left ventricular dysfunction or needing patch repair in large diaphragmatic defects.

Complex Bench Surgery Does Not Increase the Risk of Vascular Complications after Pediatric Kidney Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular complications are severe complications of pediatric kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to investigate whether a complex bench surgery (BS) affects the outcomes. METHODS: All pediatric KT performed at the University Hospital of Padua from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed, comparing those in which a standard BS was possible to those that necessitated a complex BS. The rates of vascular complications, patients' outcome, and graft survival were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Eighty KTs were performed in 78 patients with a median age of 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.3-14) and a median body weight of 24 kg (IQR 13-37). Thirty-nine donor kidneys (49%) needed a complex BS due to anomalies of renal veins in 12 (31%) and renal arteries in 16 (41%). The remaining 11 grafts (28%) underwent an elongation of the vein. There was no difference in the rate of primary graft non function (p = 0.97), delayed graft function (p = 0.72), and overall survival (p = 0.27). The rates of vascular complications, bleedings, and venous graft thrombosis were similar (p = 0.51, p = 0.59, p = 0.78, respectively). No arterial thrombosis or stenosis was reported. CONCLUSION: Complex BS did not compromise survival of the graft and did not put the allograft at risk of vascular complications, such as bleedings or thrombosis.

The Management of Asymptomatic Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation: Results of a European Delphi Survey.

Consensus on the optimal management of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is lacking, and comparison between studies remains difficult due to a large variety in outcome measures. We aimed to define a core outcome set (COS) for pediatric patients with an asymptomatic CPAM. An online, three-round Delphi survey was conducted in two stakeholder groups of specialized caregivers (surgeons and non-surgeons) in various European centers. Proposed outcome parameters were scored according to level of importance, and the final COS was established through consensus. A total of 55 participants (33 surgeons, 22 non-surgeons) from 28 centers in 13 European countries completed the three rounds and rated 43 outcome parameters. The final COS comprises seven outcome parameters: respiratory insufficiency, surgical complications, mass effect/mediastinal shift (at three time-points) and multifocal disease (at two time-points). The seven outcome parameters included in the final COS reflect the diversity in priorities among this large group of European participants. However, we recommend the incorporation of these outcome parameters in the design of future studies, as they describe measurable and validated outcomes as well as the accepted age at measurement.

Laparo-endoscopic combination for the safe extraction of an open safety pin in a 9-month-old child. Case report.

INTRODUCTION: and importance: Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) is common among infants. In case of sharp FBs, the risk of accidental organ damage with potential life-threatening complications constitutes an absolute indication for removal. We present the case of a child, who, following the ingestion of an open safety pin, was successfully treated exclusively with minimally invasive techniques. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-month-old male patient was admitted for hematemesis. An anteroposterior and lateral X-ray of the thorax and abdomen revealed the presence of an open safety pin in the epi-mesogastric region, without a precise localization. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and laparoscopy were combined in the same intervention to localize and safely remove the foreign body. The patient was dismissed on a postoperative day 1. CLINICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The two main pitfalls of this scenario were the initially uncertain location of the foreign body and the young age of the patient. A combination of different techniques was used to safely locate and remove the foreign body, reducing hospitalization and avoiding repeated radiological exposure. An experienced team in a tertiary paediatric surgical and endoscopic centre increases the chances of success and minimizes invasiveness and the risk of complications.

Development of a core outcome set for congenital pulmonary airway malformations: study protocol of an international Delphi survey.

INTRODUCTION: A worldwide lack of consensus exists on the optimal management of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) even though the incidence is increasing. Either a surgical resection is performed or a wait-and-see policy is employed, depending on the treating physician. Management is largely based on expert opinion and scientific evidence is scarce. Wide variations in outcome measures are seen between studies making comparison difficult thus highlighting the lack of universal consensus in outcome measures as well. We aim to define a core outcome set which will include the most important core outcome parameters for paediatric patients with an asymptomatic CPAM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will include a critical appraisal of the current literature followed by a three-stage Delphi process with two stakeholder groups. One surgical group including paediatric as well as thoracic surgeons, and a non-surgeon group including paediatric pulmonologists, intensive care and neonatal specialists. All participants will score outcome parameters according to their level of importance and the most important parameters will be determined by consensus. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Electronic informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Ethical approval is not required. After the core outcome set has been defined, we intend to design an international randomised controlled trial: the COllaborative Neonatal NEtwork for the first CPAM Trial, which will be aimed at determining the optimal management of patients with asymptomatic CPAM.

Muscle functional recovery is driven by extracellular vesicles combined with muscle extracellular matrix in a volumetric muscle loss murine model.

Biological scaffolds derived from decellularized tissues are being investigated as a promising approach to repair volumetric muscle losses (VML). Indeed, extracellular matrix (ECM) from decellularized tissues is highly biocompatible and mimics the original tissue. However, the development of fibrosis and the muscle stiffness still represents a major problem. Intercellular signals mediating tissue repair are conveyed via extracellular vesicles (EVs), biologically active nanoparticles secreted by the cells. This work aimed at using muscle ECM and human EVs derived from Wharton Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC EVs) to boost tissue regeneration in a VML murine model. Mice transplanted with muscle ECM and treated with PBS or MSC EVs were analyzed after 7 and 30 days. Flow cytometry, tissue analysis, qRT-PCR and physiology test were performed. We demonstrated that angiogenesis and myogenesis were enhanced while fibrosis was reduced after EV treatment. Moreover, the inflammation was directed toward tissue repair. M2-like, pro-regenerative macrophages were significantly increased in the MSC EVs treated group compared to control. Strikingly, the histological improvements were associated with enhanced functional recovery. These results suggest that human MSC EVs can be a naturally-derived boost able to ameliorate the efficacy of tissue-specific ECM in muscle regeneration up to the restored tissue function.

Thoracoscopy versus thoracotomy for congenital lung malformations treatment: A single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim is to compare thoracoscopy to thoracotomy in the treatment of congenital lung malformations (CLM) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a retrospective monocentric cohort study. Patients treated at our Center for CLM (1991-2020) were divided in two groups: patients treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT). Characteristics of the two groups were compared through statistical analysis (GraphPad Prism7). A p value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred six patients were included: 58 in VATS group, 48 in OT group. Prenatal diagnosis was possible in 73.6%. The most frequent surgical procedures were lobectomy (43.4%) and sequestrectomy (22.6%). All VATS patients underwent lung exclusion, mostly by endobronchial blocker (69%). Mean operative time was 146.1 min (±52.04 SD) in VATS and 159.2 (±46.53 SD) in OT (p = .1973). Conversion to OT was necessary in 20.6% of VATS patients, but decreased in the last 5 years (6.2%). There were not any intraoperative complication. Respectively in VATS and OT group, length of stay (LOS) was 4.5 days ± 3.6 SD versus 7.7 ± 3.4 SD (p < .0001), chest tube duration 2.8 days ± 3.4 SD versus 3.7 ± 2.4 SD (p < .0001), antibiotic treatment duration 3.7 days ± 4.7 SD versus 5 ± 2.6 SD (p = .1196). Postoperative complications were described in 22.6%. The commonest histological diagnosis (40.6%) was congenital pulmonary airway malformation. CONCLUSION: VATS resulted a feasible, effective and safe technique. Operative time and postoperative complications were similar in VATS and OT groups. VATS conversion rate decreased in time. VATS had a statistically significant shorter LOS and chest tube duration.

Appendicitis in Children in a Large Italian COVID-19 Pandemic Area.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed the routine activities of pediatric surgical centers, and it determined the reduction of admissions in the pediatric emergency departments (PED). We reviewed the records of patients affected by acute appendicitis (AA) during the COVID-19 pandemic period in a large Italian COVID-19 pandemic area. Methods: Data regarding demographics, age, macroscopic and microscopic findings, and time between symptom onset and PED admission of patients affected by confirmed AA in the period between March and April 2020 were considered. The data were compared with those obtained during the same period of 2019, 2018, and 2017 in the included centers. Data were quoted as median (range) or absolute number. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare groups. A p ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant. Since only anonymous data have been used and the data storage meets current data protection regulations, ethical committee approval was not required for this study. Results: Eighty-six patients underwent surgical appendectomy for AA between February 20th, 2020 and April 20th, 2020; 32.5% were complicated appendicitis and 67.5% were uncomplicated. Fifty-three patients were males and 33 were females. Patients' age ranged from 3 to 17 years and the median age was 10 years. The median time between the onset of symptoms and the admission in PED was 1.85 days. The average time between the symptom onset and PED admission was 1.8 days. Conclusions: Although fear from the COVID-19 pandemic determined a delayed diagnosis of serious pediatric diseases, the increasing prevalence and severity of AA were not demonstrated in the most COVID-19-affected areas of Italy.

Feasibility of a Standardized Management for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Multicenter Study and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children still remains controversial. The current literature shows a lack of scientific evidence supporting a standardized management. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed, patients admitted for PSP in five Pediatric Surgical Units over a 9-year period (from 2008 to 2017) were included. Patient data were reviewed for each case. Management and outcomes were statistically analyzed. Results: Overall 159 patients (135 males and 24 females) were included in this study. During the first hospital admission, 62/159 patients (39%) were conservatively managed with oxygen therapy; 95/159 patients (60%) required a chest drain insertion; 2/159 patients (1%) underwent surgery because of a bilateral pneumothorax. Thoracoscopy was performed in 75/159 (47%) patients after the second hospital admission or for persistent air leak during the first access. Postoperatively, 8/75 (11%) patients developed recurrent pneumothorax requiring chest drain insertion in 3/8 (37%) cases or aspiration in 1/8 (13%), whereas 4/8 (50%) patients were conservatively managed. All of the patients but one, were confirmed to be affected by emphysematous-like changes at histology. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of being a retrospective study, we suggest that the early surgical management in children with PSP is feasible and safe and it seems to significantly reduce the recurrence rate. To the best of our knowledge there are no pediatric guidelines for the management of PSP, therefore, we support the need for prospective studies to create the evidence-based pillars for correct and standardized management of this condition.

Hirschsprung disease and Down syndrome: From the reappraisal of risk factors to the impact of surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The association of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and Down Syndrome (DS) is not uncommon (HSCR+DS). This paper aims at reporting the results of a 24-year series focusing on surgical approach, complications and long term outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The notes of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of HSCR+DS have been retrospectively reviewed. Surgical details, intraoperative complications, long term issues and functional outcome have been recorded. The results have been compared to those of patients without DS and were assessed based on surgical approach. RESULTS: A total of 23 HSCR+DS out of a series of 385 HSCR (6%) have been included. Preoperative enterocolitis (HAEC) was reported by 32%. Associated anomalies were detected in more than half of the patients. In particular, Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) were reported by 57%. Postoperative complications (mostly symptomatic anal sphincter achalasia) were experienced by 55%. Constipation was experienced by 30%; severe continence issues, by 53%. One patient suffering from severe CHDs died. With regard to complications, only symptomatic anal achalasia requiring intrasphincteric BoTox injection was significantly more frequent in HSCR+DS (30% vs 10%, p = 0.0071). Similarly, continence proved to be significantly worse in HSCR+DS. DISCUSSION: With the exception of symptomatic anal achalasia, HSCR+DS patients proved not to have a higher likelihood of complications compared to HSCR alone. On the other hand, functional results in the long term are worse. As a consequence, long term follow up and personalized rehabilitation programs are warranted for this delicate subset of HSCR patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Decellularized Diaphragmatic Muscle Drives a Constructive Angiogenic Response In Vivo.

Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (TE) aims to efficiently repair large congenital and acquired defects. Biological acellular scaffolds are considered a good tool for TE, as decellularization allows structural preservation of tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) and conservation of its unique cytokine reservoir and the ability to support angiogenesis, cell viability, and proliferation. This represents a major advantage compared to synthetic scaffolds, which can acquire these features only after modification and show limited biocompatibility. In this work, we describe the ability of a skeletal muscle acellular scaffold to promote vascularization both ex vivo and in vivo. Specifically, chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay and protein array confirmed the presence of pro-angiogenic molecules in the decellularized tissue such as HGF, VEGF, and SDF-1α. The acellular muscle was implanted in BL6/J mice both subcutaneously and ortotopically. In the first condition, the ECM-derived scaffold appeared vascularized 7 days post-implantation. When the decellularized diaphragm was ortotopically applied, newly formed blood vessels containing CD31⁺, αSMA⁺, and vWF⁺ cells were visible inside the scaffold. Systemic injection of Evans Blue proved function and perfusion of the new vessels, underlying a tissue-regenerative activation. On the contrary, the implantation of a synthetic matrix made of polytetrafluoroethylene used as control was only surrounded by vWF⁺ cells, with no cell migration inside the scaffold and clear foreign body reaction (giant cells were visible). The molecular profile and the analysis of macrophages confirmed the tendency of the synthetic scaffold to enhance inflammation instead of regeneration. In conclusion, we identified the angiogenic potential of a skeletal muscle-derived acellular scaffold and the pro-regenerative environment activated in vivo, showing clear evidence that the decellularized diaphragm is a suitable candidate for skeletal muscle tissue engineering and regeneration.

Outcomes in patients with short bowel syndrome after autologous intestinal reconstruction: Does etiology matter?

BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most common cause of intestinal failure in children. Many factors have been investigated in an attempt to define which parameters influence most survival and ability to wean off parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to investigate if aetiology of SBS affects the outcomes in paediatric patients treated with autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery. METHODS: All children with SBS who underwent autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed and outcome measures were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were divided into 4 groups according to aetiology (gastroschisis, volvulus, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intestinal atresia). No significant differences were found among groups regarding survival and median age at surgery. The volvulus group had a lower pre-operative bowel length in comparison with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia and the lowest percentage of patients off PN (30%). Gastroschisis had the lowest rate of preserved ileocaecal valve (10%), while intestinal atresia had the highest (66%). For children who weaned off PN, intestinal atresia had also the longest time to achieve enteral autonomy (14.5months), while NEC had the shortest (3.5months), followed by gastroschisis (8.5months). None of the patients needed transplant. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience it does not appear that diagnosis is significantly related to outcome and this is consistent with the conclusions of other reviews. However, it should be noted that in our series patients with volvulus had the worse outcome in terms of weaning off PN when compared with intestinal atresia. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Hearing assessment in high-risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To report results of audiometric evaluations in high-risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors and their exposure to audiological risk factors (mechanical ventilation, high frequency oscillation, aminoglycoside therapy and neuromuscular blocking agents). DESIGN: All newborns with high-risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia born between January 2003 and June 2009 were treated consecutively at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Hospital, University of Padova. Thirty-two survived and 26 of them underwent formal audiological evaluation (tonal and speech audiometry, otoacoustic emission, and immitance measurements) and follow up. RESULTS: Twenty-one children had normal hearing; 4 had conductive hearing loss, which was successfully treated; and 1 had severe sensorineural hearing loss and suffers from Turner syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our series revealed a lower prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss in high-risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors than in other studies, suggesting that the association between hearing loss and congenital diaphragmatic hernia has yet to be accurately defined and fully elucidated.