Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a result of acute calculous cholecystitis in Pediatrics. / Colecistectomía laparoscópica urgente por colecistitis aguda litiásica en Pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the increase in the prevalence of cholelithiasis in the last decades, no recommendations regarding the best treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) in Pediatrics have been developed. CLINICAL CASE: 4-year-old, 20kg male patient with no significant history referred to our institution as a result of abdominal sepsis. The blood count showed leukocytosis, with normal hemoglobin and bilirubin levels, and a normal liver function. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis, gallbladder hydrops, and an inflammatory process compatible with appendicular plastron. In the diagnostic laparoscopy, the appendix was macroscopically normal, and acute cholecystitis was observed. Given the patient's situation, and in cooperation with the General Surgery Department, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out. The patient recovered uneventfully on hospitalization day 5 under piperacillin-tazobactam treatment. DISCUSSION: There are no recommendations regarding AC treatment in children. In septic patients, cooperation between general and pediatric surgeons allows urgent cholecystectomy to be considered as a safe option.

INTRODUCCION: Pese al aumento en la prevalencia de colelitiasis durante las últimas décadas, no se han desarrollado recomendaciones sobre el mejor tratamiento de la colecistitis aguda litiásica (CA) en Pediatría. CASO CLINICO: Paciente varón de 4 años y 20 kg de peso sin antecedentes de interés, que acude derivado por sepsis de origen abdominal. Analíticamente destaca leucocitosis con hemoglobina, función hepática y bilirrubina normales. La ecografía abdominal muestra colelitiasis, hidrops vesicular y proceso inflamatorio compatible con plastrón apendicular. En laparoscopia diagnóstica se observa apéndice macroscópicamente normal y colecistitis aguda. Ante la situación del paciente se realiza, conjuntamente con Cirugía General, colecistectomía laparoscópica. El paciente se recupera sin incidencias tras 5 días de ingreso bajo cobertura con piperacilina-tazobactam. COMENTARIOS: No existen recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento de la CA en niños. En los pacientes sépticos, la colaboración entre cirujanos pediátricos y cirujanos generales permite contemplar la colecistectomía urgente como una opción segura.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica urgente por colecistitis aguda litiásica en Pediatría / Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a result of acute calculous cholecystitis in pediatrics

Introducción: Pese al aumento en la prevalencia de colelitiasisdurante las últimas décadas, no se han desarrollado recomendacionessobre el mejor tratamiento de la colecistitis aguda litiásica (CA) enPediatría. Caso clínico: Paciente varón de 4 años y 20 kg de peso sin antecedentes de interés, que acude derivado por sepsis de origen abdominal. Analíticamente destaca leucocitosis con hemoglobina, función hepáticay bilirrubina normales. La ecografía abdominal muestra colelitiasis, hidrops vesicular y proceso inflamatorio compatible con plastrón apendicular. En laparoscopia diagnóstica se observa apéndice macroscópicamentenormal y colecistitis aguda. Ante la situación del paciente se realiza,conjuntamente con Cirugía General, colecistectomía laparoscópica. Elpaciente se recupera sin incidencias tras 5 días de ingreso bajo coberturacon piperacilina-tazobactam. Comentarios: No existen recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento dela CA en niños. En los pacientes sépticos, la colaboración entre cirujanospediátricos y cirujanos generales permite contemplar la colecistectomíaurgente como una opción segura.(AU)

Introduction: In spite of the increase in the prevalence of cholelithiasis in the last decades, no recommendations regarding the best treatmentof acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) in pediatrics have been developed. Clinical case: 4-year-old, 20kg male patient with no significanthistory referred to our institution as a result of abdominal sepsis. Theblood count showed leukocytosis, with normal hemoglobin and bilirubinlevels, and a normal liver function. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis, gallbladder hydrops, and an inflammatory processcompatible with appendicular plastron. In the diagnostic laparoscopy,the appendix was macroscopically normal, and acute cholecystitis wasobserved. Given the patient’s situation, and in cooperation with theGeneral Surgery Department, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carriedout. The patient recovered uneventfully on hospitalization day 5 underpiperacillin-tazobactam treatment. Discussion: There are no recommendations regarding AC treatmentin children. In septic patients, cooperation between general and pediatricsurgeons allows urgent cholecystectomy to be considered as a safe option.(AU)

Management of splenic and/or hepatic pseudoaneurysm following abdominal trauma in pediatric patients. / Manejo del pseudoaneurisma esplénico y/o hepático después de un traumatismo abdominal en pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic and hepatic pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a rare arteriovenous injury that may occur following abdominal trauma. The most frequent complication of PA is late rupture, which can lead to hemodynamic instability. The objective of this study was to describe our experience in the management of visceral PA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients under 15 years of age with blunt abdominal trauma associated with splenic and/or hepatic injury treated from 2012 to 2020 was carried out. PA formation and management were analyzed. All patients underwent CT-scan, which allowed trauma grade to be established, and also control contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the first week following trauma. If PA was confirmed, angiography ± percutaneous embolization were performed. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with blunt trauma were included. Mean age was 8.7 ± 3.2 years (2-15 years). 68.7% (n = 22) of patients were male. Median trauma grade was grade III (grades II-IV). 33.3% (n = 5/15) of patients developed splenic PA, and 5.8% (n = 1/17) of patients developed hepatic PA, with mean diagnostic time being 3.7 ± 3 (3-8) days. PA formation was associated with higher severity scores, with a mean difference of 15.6 ± 5.3 (95% CI: 4.37:26.14 p < 0.008). All PA cases - except for one, which required urgent splenectomy - were treated with embolization (85.7%) (n = 5/6). CONCLUSION: Visceral PA is underdiagnosed, with an incidence higher than reported. Imaging studies (CEUS) are required prior to discharge in the presence of severe trauma. Treatment remains controversial, but we recommend percutaneous embolization, with splenectomy being reserved for unstable patients.

INTRODUCCION: Los pseudoaneurismas (PA) esplénicos y hepáticos son lesiones arteriovenosas raras que se pueden desarrollar tras un traumatismo abdominal. La rotura tardía es su complicación más frecuente que puede conducir a inestabilidad hemodinámica. El objetivo del presente es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de los PA viscerales. METODOLOGIA: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes menores de 15 años con traumatismo abdominal cerrado con lesión esplénica y/o hepática, entre 2012-2020. Se analizó el desarrollo de PA y el manejo realizado. En todos los pacientes se realizó tomografía computarizada estableciendo el grado del traumatismo, y estudio control en la primera semana postratumatismo mediante ecografía con contraste (CEUS). Si se confirmaba un PA se procedió a angiograma ± embolización percutánea. RESULTADOS: Un total de 32 pacientes con traumatismo cerrado, edad media 8,7 ± 3,2 años (2-15 años), 68,7% (n = 22) hombres y mediana de grado de traumatismo grado III (grado II-IV), 33,3% (n = 5/15) desarrollaron un PA esplénico y 5,8% (n = 1/17) desarrollaron un PA hepático con tiempo diagnóstico medio de 3,7 ± 3 (3-8) días. El desarrollo de PA se asoció a mayor puntuación en el índice de severidad con una diferencia de medias de 15,6 ± 5,3 (CI 95% 4,37:26,14 p < 0,008). Todos los PA se trataron mediante embolización un 85,7% (n = 5/6) excepto una esplenectomía urgente. CONCLUSION: Los PA viscerales están infradiagnosticados, con una incidencia mayor a la reportada. Consideramos que un estudio de imagen (CEUS) debe ser realizado previo al alta en los traumatismos severos. El tratamiento sigue siendo controversial: sin embargo, recomendamos la embolización percutánea reservando la esplenectomía para paciente inestables.

Manejo del pseudoaneurisma esplénico y/o hepáticodespués de un traumatismo abdominal en pediatría / Management of splenic and/or hepatic pseudoaneurysm following abdominal trauma in pediatric patients

Introducción: Los pseudoaneurismas (PA) esplénicos y hepáticos son lesiones arteriovenosas raras que se pueden desarrollar tras un tramatismo abdominal. La rotura tardía es su complicación más frecuente que puede conducir a inestabilidad hemodinámica. El objetivo del presente es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de los PA viscerales.Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes < 15 años con traumatismo abdominal cerrado con lesión esplénica y/o hepática, entre 2012-2020. Se analizó el desarrollo de PA y el manejo realizado. En todos los pacientes se realizó tomografía computarizada estableciendo el grado del traumatismo, y estudio control en la primera semana postratumatismo mediante ecografía con contraste (CEUS). Si se confirmabaun PA se procedió a angiograma ± embolización percutánea.Resultados: Un total de 32 pacientes con traumatismo cerrado, edad media 8,7 ± 3,2 años (2-15 años), 68,7% (n = 22) hombres y mediana de grado de traumatismo grado III (grado II-IV), 33,3% (n =5/15) desarrollaron un PA esplénico y 5,8% (n = 1/17) desarrollaron un PA hepático con tiempo diagnóstico medio de 3,7 ± 3 (3-8) días. El desarrollo de PA se asoció a mayor puntuación en el índice de severidad con una diferencia de medias de 15,6 ± 5,3 (CI 95% 4,37:26,14 p < 0,008). Todos los PA se trataron mediante embolización un 85,7% (n = 5/6) excepto una esplenectomía urgente.Conclusiones: Los PA viscerales están infradiagnosticados, con una incidencia mayor a la reportada. Consideramos que un estudio de imagen (CEUS) debe ser realizado previo al alta en los traumatismos severos. El tratamiento sigue siendo controversial: sin embargo, recomendamos la embolización percutánea reservando la esplenectomíapara paciente inestables.

Introduction: Splenic and hepatic seudoaneurysm (PA) is a rare arteriovenous injury that may occur following abdominal trauma. The most frequent complication of PA is late rupture, which can lead to hemodynamic instability. The objective of this study was to describe our experience in the management of visceral PA.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of patients under15 years of age with blunt abdominal trauma associated with splenicand/or hepatic injury treated from 2012 to 2020 was carried out. PAformation and management were analyzed. All patients underwent CT-scan, which allowed trauma grade to be established, and also controlcontrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the first week followingtrauma. If PA was confirmed, angiography ± percutaneous embolizationwere performed.Results: A total of 32 patients with blunt trauma were included.Mean age was 8.7 ± 3.2 years (2-15 years). 68.7% (n = 22) of patientswere male. Median trauma grade was grade III (grades II-IV). 33.3%(n = 5/15) of patients developed splenic PA, and 5.8% (n = 1/17) ofpatients developed hepatic PA, with mean diagnostic time being 3.7 ± 3(3-8) days. PA formation was associated with higher severity scores,with a mean difference of 15.6 ± 5.3 (95% CI: 4.37:26.14 p < 0.008). AllPA cases – except for one, which required urgent splenectomy – weretreated with embolization (85.7%) (n = 5/6).Conclusions: Visceral PA is underdiagnosed, with an incidencehigher than reported. Imaging studies (CEUS) are required prior todischarge in the presence of severe trauma. Treatment remains contro-versial, but we recommend percutaneous embolization, with splenectomybeing reserved for unstable patients.

Initial experience with 3D printing in the use of customized Nuss bars in pectus excavatum surgery. / Experiencia inicial en la impresión 3D para el uso de barras de Nuss personalizadas en la cirugía del pectus excavatum.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus excavatum (PE) surgical repair according to Nuss procedure is based on the intrathoracic insertion of one (or more) metallic bars for anatomical defect repair. Number of bars, bar length, bar shape, and thoracic insertion site are established during surgery, according to patient morphology, CT-scan, and especially the surgeon's experience. OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of the design, simulation, and 3D printing of customized Nuss bars for each patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective descriptive study of all patients undergoing PE surgery under 3D printing from June to December 2019 was carried out. Curvature, bar length, and optimal intercostal space were designed based on diagnostic CT-scan, and they were 3D printed full size. The resulting model was reproduced preoperatively on the usual prosthetic material, sterilized, and kept until surgery. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 6 patients. Median age was 15 years old (interquartile range: 14.25-15.25), median Haller index was 4.05 (interquartile range: 3.5-4.49), and repair index was 36.98% (interquartile range: 33.86-38.48%). A Nuss bar was introduced in all cases, without requiring removal or re-insertion. Median operating time was 79.5 minutes (interquartile range: 72.5-103). No postoperative complications were noted during follow-up (12 months). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative design of Nuss bars with customized shape and size facilitates surgical planning. It also allows for the most optimal and accurate morphological repair possible, according to patient anatomy, thus reducing the risk of requiring removal and/or re-insertion, and therefore, of surgical complications.

INTRODUCCION: La corrección quirúrgica del pectus excavatum (PE) con técnica de Nuss, se basa en la inserción intratorácica de una (o más) barras metálicas para la corrección del defecto anatómico. El número de barras, su longitud, forma y punto de inserción torácico, se deciden durante la cirugía, según la morfología del paciente, el TC y, fundamentalmente, la experiencia del cirujano. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad del diseño, simulación e impresión 3D de barras de Nuss personalizadas para cada paciente. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo, incluyendo a todos los pacientes intervenidos de PE bajo impresión 3D entre junio-diciembre 2019. Se diseñó la curvatura, longitud de la barra y espacio intercostal óptimo, en base al TC diagnóstico, y se imprimió en 3D en tamaño real. El modelo resultante se reprodujo prequirúrgicamente sobre material protésico habitual, se esterilizó y se reservó hasta la cirugía. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron 6 pacientes, mediana de edad 15 años (rango intercuartil 14,25-15,25 años). Mediana del Índice de Haller 4,05 (rango intercuartil 3,5-4,49) e índice de corrección 36,98% (rango intercuartil 33,86-38,48%). Se introdujo una barra de Nuss en todos los casos, sin precisar retirada ni reinserción. Mediana del tiempo quirúrgico 79,5 minutos (rango intercuartil 72,5-103 min). Ninguna complicación postquirúrgica durante el seguimiento (12 meses). CONCLUSIONES: El diseño prequirúrgico de la barra de Nuss, mediante forma y tamaño personalizados, facilita la planificación del procedimiento. A su vez, permite conseguir la corrección morfológica más óptima y precisa posible, según la anatomía del paciente, disminuyendo el riesgo de precisar retirada y/o reinserción de la barra, y por ende de complicaciones quirúrgicas.

Leukogram and cortisol parameters in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

This study describes changes in haematological parameters, cytokine profile, histopathology and cortisol levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of 14 animals each. In each group, eight animals were infected orally with ten third-stage larvae of A. costaricensis and six were used as a control group. The mice of groups G1 and G2 were sacrificed 14 and 24 days after infection, respectively. Samples were collected for histopathological and haematological analyses and determination of the cytokine profile and cortisol levels. Granulomatous reaction, eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis in the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver and spleen were observed with varying intensity in infected animals. Our results showed that the mice developed normocytic and hypochromic anaemia, and that the histopathological lesions caused by the experimental infection influenced increases in cortisol, neutrophil and monocyte levels. In addition to this, we detected increased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in the infected animals.

Immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric surgery: analysis of a tertiary healthcare facility. / Impacto inmediato de la pandemia por COVID-19 en cirugía pediátrica: análisis de un centro terciario.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented situation, with population lockdowns, congestion of healthcare resources, cancellation of scheduled surgical activity, fear of contagion, and delays in patient care. The objective of this study was to analyze its impact on pediatric surgical activity at a reference healthcare facility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative study of activity in the pediatric surgery environment at a Spanish reference healthcare facility was carried out. It included outpatient consultations, scheduled surgeries, and activity at the emergency department during the lockdown period in Spain (March-May 2020) vs. the same 2019 period. Number of consultations and surgeries, type of surgery performed and/or cancelled, and stage of the pathologies treated were collected. RESULTS: A 98% decrease in scheduled surgeries, an 84% decrease in healthcare burden from the pediatric emergency department, a 55.24% decrease in urgent surgeries, an 82% decrease in outpatient activity at external consultations, and a 94% decrease in inter-hospital referrals, along with a 66% increase in urgent pathology severity, were found. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled virtually all pediatric surgery activity, which caused treatment delays in severe pathologies and increased morbidity in regular urgent procedures.

INTRODUCCION: La pandemia surgida como consecuencia del virus SARS-CoV-2 ha provocado una situación inaudita, el confinamiento de la población, el colapso de los recursos sanitarios, la suspensión de la actividad programada en los servicios quirúrgicos, el miedo al contagio y la demora en la atención de pacientes. El objetivo es analizar el impacto de esta situación en la actividad del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica de un centro de referencia. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio comparativo de la actividad realizada en el ámbito de Cirugía Pediátrica de un centro de referencia español, incluyendo consultas ambulatorias, cirugía programada y actividad en urgencias durante el periodo de confinamiento (marzo-mayo 2020) frente al mismo periodo de tiempo en 2019. Se recogen el número de consultas e intervenciones, el tipo de cirugía practicada y/o anulada y el grado de evolución de las patologías atendidas. RESULTADOS: Se ha registrado un descenso del 98% de las cirugías programadas, del 84% de la presión asistencial desde urgencias pediátricas, un 55,24% menos de cirugías urgentes y un 82% la actividad ambulatoria en Consultas Externas. Se ha registrado un descenso en los traslados interhospitalarios del 94% y un incremento del 66% de la gravedad de la patología urgente. CONCLUSIONES: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha supuesto la anulación de la práctica totalidad de la actividad del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, con la consiguiente demora en el tratamiento de patologías graves y un aumento en la morbilidad de procesos urgentes habituales.

Impacto inmediato de la pandemia por COVID-19 en cirugía pediátrica: análisis de un centro terciario / Immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric surgery: analysis of a tertiary healthcare facility

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia surgida como consecuencia del virus SARS-CoV-2 ha provocado una situación inaudita, el confinamiento de la población, el colapso de los recursos sanitarios, la suspensión de la actividad programada en los servicios quirúrgicos, el miedo al contagio y la demora en la atención de pacientes. El objetivo es analizar el impacto de esta situación en la actividad del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica de un centro de referencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio comparativo de la actividad realizada en el ámbito de Cirugía Pediátrica de un centro de referencia español, incluyendo consultas ambulatorias, cirugía programada y actividad en urgencias durante el periodo de confinamiento (marzo-mayo 2020) frente al mismo periodo de tiempo en 2019. Se recogen el número de consultas e intervenciones, el tipo de cirugía practicada y/o anulada y el grado de evolución de las patologías atendidas. RESULTADOS: Se ha registrado un descenso del 98% de las cirugías programadas, del 84% de la presión asistencial desde urgencias pediátricas, un 55,24% menos de cirugías urgentes y un 82% la actividad ambulatoria en Consultas Externas. Se ha registrado un descenso en los traslados interhospitalarios del 94% y un incremento del 66% de la gravedad de la patología urgente. CONCLUSIONES: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha supuesto la anulación de la práctica totalidad de la actividad del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, con la consiguiente demora en el tratamiento de patologías graves y un aumento en la morbilidad de procesos urgentes habituales

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented situation, with population lockdowns, congestion of healthcare resources, cancellation of scheduled surgical activity, fear of contagion, and delays in patient care. The objective of this study was to analyze its impact on pediatric surgical activity at a reference healthcare facility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative study of activity in the pediatric surgery environment at a Spanish reference healthcare facility was carried out. It included outpatient consultations, scheduled surgeries, and activity at the emergency department during the lockdown period in Spain (March 2020-May 2020) vs. the same 2019 period. Number of consultations and surgeries, type of surgery performed and/or cancelled, and stage of the pathologies treated were collected. RESULTS: A 98% decrease in scheduled surgeries, an 84% decrease in healthcare burden from the pediatric emergency department, a 55.24% decrease in urgent surgeries, an 82% decrease in outpatient activity at external consultations, and a 94% decrease in inter-hospital referrals, along with a 66% increase in urgent pathology severity, were found. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled virtually all pediatric surgery activity, which caused treatment delays in severe pathologies and increased morbidity in regular urgent procedures

Altered indirect hemagglutination method for easy serotyping of Haemophilus parasuis / Método de Hemaglutinação Indireta alterado para facilitar a sorotipificação de Haemophilus parasuis

Glässer's disease is an emergent bacterial disease that affects swine husbandries worldwide causing important economic losses. The aetiological agent, Haemophilus parasuis, is currently divided in fifteen serovars but an increasing number of non-typeable serovars have been reported. Indirect hemagglutination (IHA) is indicated as a serotyping method for H. parasuis. In the present study, we describe an additional step that aims to work around a possible obstacle in the original protocol that may compromise the outcome of this assay. We observed that the choice of anticoagulant for blood collection influences and/or impairs spontaneous adsorption of H. parasuis antigens on sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). However, regardless of the anticoagulant used, chemical treatment of SRBCs with tannic acid induces a stable antigen adsorption (sensitization step). The addition of 1% BSA to SRBCs washing buffer and to antisera dilution augments IHA specificity. Tannic acid treated SRBCs combined with thermo-resistant H. parasuis antigens increases the assay resolution. Thus, our results demonstrate an improvement in the technique of H. parasuis serotyping that will prove valuable to understand Glässer's disease epidemiology and to better characterize serovars involved in outbreaks.(AU)

A Doença de Glässer é uma doença bacteriana emergente que afeta a produção de suínos em todo o mundo e causa importantes perdas econômicas. O agente etiológico, Haemophilus parasuis, é atualmente dividido em quinze sorovares; no entanto, um número crescente de cepas não tipificáveis tem sido relatado. O teste de hemaglutinação indireta (IHA) tem sido utilizado para a sorotipificação de H. parasuis. Neste estudo, descrevemos uma alteração no protocolo original de IHA e que supera uma limitação específica que pode comprometer o uso geral deste ensaio. Descobrimos que o tipo de anticoagulante utilizado para coletar os eritrócitos ovinos (SRBCs) pode comprometer a adsorção espontânea dos antígenos do H. parasuis. Por outro lado, o tratamento químico dos SRBCs com ácido tânico promove uma adsorção antigênica estável (passo de sensibilização) e independente do anticoagulante utilizado. O uso de 1% de BSA durante as lavagens dos SRBCs e na diluição dos antissoros incrementa a especificidade da IHA e, a combinação dos SRBCs tratados quimicamente com antígenos de H. parasuis termo-resistentes aumentam a resolução da IHA. Nossos resultados destacam uma melhoria na principal técnica de sorotipificação de H. parasuis, que auxiliará diretamente no entendimento da epidemiologia da Doença de Glässer e na caracterização dos sorovares envolvidos em surtos da doença.(AU)