Short and Long-Term Outcomes of PSARP versus LAARP and Single versus Staged Repair for Infants with High-Type Anorectal Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare among patients with high-type anorectal malformations (ARM): (i) short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) compared to classic posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and (ii) the results of single-stage versus staged PSARP. METHODS: Using a defined search strategy, two independent investigators systematically reviewed the English literature. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3. RESULTS: Of 567 abstracts screened, 7 papers have been included (254 pts; 121 PSARP, 133 LAARP) in the first systematic review and meta-analysis. The length of hospitalization was shortened in LAARP versus PSARP (10.9 versus 14.4 days; p < 0.0001). PSARP and LAARP were comparable in terms of early postoperative complications (28.9% versus 24.7%; p = ns) and rectal prolapse (21.6% versus 17.5%; p = ns). At long-term follow-up, the presence of voluntary bowel movements (74.0% versus 83.5%; p = ns) and the incidence of soiling (45.5% versus 47.6%; p = ns) were similar in both PSARP and LAARP. Six papers (297 pts) were included in the second systematic review, with three comparative studies included in the meta-analysis (247 pts; 117 one-stage, 130 staged procedures). No significant difference in terms of presence of voluntary bowel movements after single-stage versus staged procedures (72.6% versus 67.3%; p = ns) has been detected. CONCLUSIONS: LAARP seems to be a safe and effective procedure, showing short- and long-term outcomes similar to PSARP. One-stage PSARP could be a safe alternative to the classic three-stage procedure, even for those infants with high-type ARM. Further and larger comparative studies would be needed to corroborate these partial existing data.

Neonatal Intestinal Segmental Volvulus: What Are the Differences with Midgut Volvulus?

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal volvulus in the neonate is a surgical emergency caused by either midgut volvulus (MV) with intestinal malrotation or less commonly, by segmental volvulus (SV) without intestinal malrotation. The aim of our study was to investigate if MV and SV can be differentiated by clinical course, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Using a defined search strategy, two investigators independently identified all studies comparing MV and SV in neonates. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Of 1,026 abstracts screened, 104 full-text articles were analyzed, and 3 comparative studies were selected (112 patients). There were no differences in gestational age (37 vs. 36 weeks), birth weight (2,989 vs. 2,712 g), and age at presentation (6.9 vs. 3.8 days). SV was more commonly associated with abnormal findings on fetal ultrasound (US; 65 vs. 11.6%; p < 0.00001). Preoperatively, SV was more commonly associated with abdominal distension (32 vs. 77%; p < 0.05), whereas MV with a whirlpool sign on ultrasound (57 vs. 3%; p < 0.01). Bilious vomiting had similar incidence in both (88 ± 4% vs. 50 ± 5%). Intraoperatively, SV had a higher incidence of intestinal atresia (2 vs. 19%; p < 0.05) and need for bowel resection (13 vs. 91%; p < 0.00001). There were no differences in postoperative complications (13% MV vs. 14% SV), short bowel syndrome (15% MV vs. 0% SV; data available only from one study), and mortality (12% MV vs. 2% SV). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the paucity of studies on SV in neonates. Nonetheless, our meta-analysis clearly indicates that SV is an entity on its own with distinct clinical features and intraoperative findings that are different from MV. SV should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in all term and preterm babies with bilious vomiting after MV was ruled out-especially if abnormal fetal US and abdominal distension is present.

Management and outcomes of acute appendicitis in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way to manage the emergencies, as people faced fear of the hospitals, with possible delay in the diagnosis. Moreover, clinicians had to rearrange protocols for diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to assess whether COVID-19 pandemic influenced severity of inflammation, management, and outcomes of acute appendicitis (AA), when compared to the pre-COVID era. Using defined search strategy, two independent investigators identified those studies comparing pediatric AA during COVID-19 pandemic versus the pre-COVID-19 period. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD. Of 528 abstracts, 36 comparative studies were included (32,704pts). Time from symptoms onset to surgery was longer during the pandemics compared to the pre-COVID-19 (1.6 ± 0.9 versus 1.4 ± 0.9 days; p < 0.00001). Minimally Invasive Surgery was similar during COVID-19 (70.4 ± 30.2%) versus control period (69.6 ± 25.3%; p = ns). Complicated appendicitis was increased during the pandemics (35.9 ± 14.8%) compared to control period (33.4 ± 17.2%; p < 0.0001). Post-operative complications were comparable between these two groups (7.7 ± 6.5% versus 9.1 ± 5.3%; p = ns). It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the time of diagnosis, severity of inflammation, and type of surgery. However, the number of post-operative complications was not different between the two groups, leading to the conclusion that the patients were correctly managed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Meta-analysis on Level 3 studies.

Perinatal diagnosis of congenital urogenital sinus abnormality.

Anomalies of the urogenital sinus, which is a transient feature of the early human embryological development, are rare birth defects. Urogenital sinus abnormalities commonly present as pelvic masses, hydrometrocolpos, or ambiguous genitalia and most commonly occur within the context of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Anomalies of the urogenital sinus requires surgical repair. We experienced a case of a female newborn with congenital urogenital sinus abnormality in which the early diagnosis helped us to prevent complications by decompressing the vagina soon after birth. Antibiotic prophylaxis was sufficient to avoid infections and to decompress the genitourinary system, thus allowing a deferred elective surgery to correct the sinus.

Pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a comparison of treatment at pediatric surgery vs. thoracic surgery departments.

Management of pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) is controversial and based on guidelines on adults. Therapeutic strategies include: observation, needle aspiration, chest drain, or surgery. We aimed to assess: i) differences in the management of PSP in pediatric vs. adult departments; ii) risk of recurrence associated to each therapeutic choice; iii) management of "large" pneumothorax (i.e. >3cm at the apex on chest X-Ray); iv) role of CT scan in addressing the treatment. We reviewed all PSP treated at Pediatric Surgery Unit (PSU) and Thoracic Surgery Unit for adults (TSU) in a 10-year period (2011 to 2020). We included a total of 42 PSP: 30/42 1st episodes and 12/42 recurrences. Among the 30/42 1st episodes, 15/30 were managed in the PSU and 15/30 in the TSU. Observation was significantly most common among PSU patients (9/15, 60%) vs. TSU cases (1/15, 6.7%; p=0.005]. Chest drain placement was reduced in PSU (3/15, 20%) vs. TSU (12/15, 80%; p=0.002). Observational was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (0/10, 0%) compared to chest drain (7/15, 46.7%; p=0.01). Management of 20/42 "large" pneumothorax was: 4/20 (20%) observation, 10/20 (50%) chest drain, 2/20 (10%) needle aspiration, 4/20 (20%) surgery. Twentythree/ 29 PSP (79.3%) underwent CT-scan after the first episode. Bullae were detected in 17/23 patients and 5/17 (29.4%) had seven episodes of recurrence. PSP patients treated by PSU were more likely to receive clinical observation. Those managed by TSU were mostly treated by chest drain. Observation seems an effective choice for clinically stable PSP, with low risk of recurrence at a mid-term follow-up. CT-scan seems not to detect those patients at higher risk of recurrence.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in infants: Open or minimally invasive surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The historical gold standard treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was the open Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty (OP). Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures, including laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP), have been reported to achieve better outcomes (i.e., decreased morbidity, reduced postoperative pain, superior esthetic results, and shortened length of hospital stay, LOS), with a success rate similar to OP. The main limitation of the MIS approach is the age and weight of patients, limiting these procedures to children >1 year. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of MIS pyeloplasty compared to OP to surgically treat UPJO in children <1 year of age. Materials and methods: A systematic review was independently performed by two authors. Papers comparing both techniques (MIS pyeloplasty vs. OP) in infants were included in the meta-analysis. Data (mean ± DS or percentage) were analyzed using Rev.Man 5.4 A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Nine studies (eight retrospective and one prospective) meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 3,145 pyeloplasties have been included, with 2,859 (90.9%) OP and 286 (9.1%) MIS. Age at operation was 4.9 ± 1.4 months in OP vs. 5.8 ± 2.2 months in MIS, p = ns. Weight at surgery was 6.4 ± 1.4 kg in OP vs. 6.9 ± 1.4 kg in MIS, p = ns. Operative time was 129.4 ± 24.1 min for OP vs. 144.0 ± 32.3 min for MIS, p < 0.001. LOS was 3.2 ± 1.9 days for OP vs. 2.2 ± 0.9 days for MIS, p < 0.01. Postoperative complications were present in 10.0 ± 12.9% of OP vs. 10.9 ± 11.6% in MIS, p = ns. Failure of surgery was 5.2 ± 3.5% for OP vs. 4.2 ± 3.3% for MIS, p = ns. Conclusion: The development of miniaturized instruments and technical modifications has made MIS feasible and safe in infants and small children. MIS presented a longer operative time than OP. However, MIS seemed effective for treating UPJO in infants, showing shortened LOS compared to OP. No differences have been reported with regard to the incidence of postoperative complications and failure of pyeloplasty. Given the low quality of evidence of the meta-analysis according to the GRADE methodology, we would suggest limiting MIS procedures in infants to only those high-volume centers with experienced surgeons.

Minimally invasive vascular hitch to treat pediatric extrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction by crossing polar vessels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular hitch (VH) gained an increasing success in treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) by crossing vessels (CV) in pediatrics. AIMS OF THE STUDY: We aimed: (i) to compare laparoscopic VH versus laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (DP) to treat UPJO by CV; (ii) to review possible amelioration given by a robot-assisted procedure. METHODS: Using defined search strategy, three investigators identified all studies on laparoscopic VH. Those studies comparing VH versus DP or versus robot-assisted VH were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD. RESULTS: Systematic review - Of 2783 titles/abstracts screened, 43 full-text articles were analyzed. Twelve studies on laparoscopic VH (298 pts) reported 98.3% success rate, with 1.3% intra-operative complications. Meta-Analysis - Five studies compared laparoscopic VH versus laparoscopic DP (277 pts). Operative time was reduced in VH (102.5 ± 47.5min) compared to DP (165.7 ± 53.7min; p < 0.00001). Complications were similar (VH 4/119 pts, 3.4 ± 1.2% versus DP 15/158 pts, 9.5 ± 6.8%; p = ns). Hospital stay was shortened in VH (1.1 ± 0.9dd) versus DP (3.3 ± 3.2dd; p < 0.0001; Summary Figure). The success rate was comparable (VH 115/118 pts, 97.5 ± 1.6% versus DP 157/158 pts, 99.4 ± 0.5%; p = ns). Two prospective studies compared robot-assisted VH to laparoscopic VH (53 pts). No differences were found among complications (robot-assisted VH 0/13 pts, 0% versus laparoscopic VH 1/40 pts, 2.5%; p = ns) and success rate (robot-assisted VH 13/13 pts, 100% versus laparoscopic VH 39/40 pts, 97.5%; p = ns). DISCUSSION: Several studies have been reported long-term results of laparoscopic VH in children. However, few papers demonstrated its superiority over laparoscopic DP to treat extrinsic UPJO. In the present study, we found similar incidence of complications and success rates when comparing VH versus DP. Nonetheless, the operative time and the length of hospital stay were significantly reduced in VH compared to DP. An increasing number of surgeons performed robotic-assisted VH, reporting promising outcomes. However, only a couple of studies compared robot-assisted VH to laparoscopic VH, with a similar incidence of complications and success rate in both procedures. The main limitations of the study were related to the slight number of papers included and to their quality, since all of them were retrospective studies or prospectively followed-up cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic VH seems to be a safe and reliable procedure to treat UPJO by CV. The procedure appeared quicker than laparoscopic DP, with shortened hospital stay. Further studies are needed to corroborate these results and to establish amelioration given by a robot-assisted procedure.

Secondary hydrosalpinx in adolescents: a challenging decision-making process for surgical choice and future fertility preservation.

Hydrosalpinx in pre-pubertal children and non-sexually active adolescents is a rare finding with several etiology and negative impact on future female fertility. The therapeutic approach in these specific populations is debated and it must consider its etiology and adult guidelines focused on fertility issues, which suggest laparoscopic salpingectomy. We described two adolescent cases (15 years asymptomatic and 13 years with abdominal pain) presenting a monolateral hydrosalpinx secondary to surgery for Hirschsprung's disease and complicated appendicitis, respectively. Both patients underwent to uncomplicated robotic-assisted salpingectomy, with uneventful follow-up and preserved ovarian function. Robotic-assisted salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx secondary to previous surgical conditions is a safe and careful approach for adolescents in order to preserve ovarian vascularization, function and future fertility.

Esophageal Retained Lithium Battery in Children Younger than 6 Years: A Prompt Structured Multidisciplinary Approach Is Essential to Reduce Long-Term Consequences.

OBJECTIVES: Disk battery esophageal retention in children younger than 6 years represents an increasing endoscopic emergency, followed by a relevant risk of life-threatening late complications. Surgical removal after a failed endoscopic approach is rarely reported in the literature. We describe our experience in this scenario. METHODS: Two female asymptomatic patients aged 26 and 29 months presented within 4 hours after a witnessed ingestion of a 2-cm, 3-V lithium battery (CR2032) retained in the cervical esophagus. Both patients underwent a prolonged unsuccessful emergent endoscopic removal with a flexible instrument performed by an adult gastroenterologist. Both batteries fused with the esophageal wall were extracted through a longitudinal left cervical esophagotomy combined with minimal resection of necrotic tissues and repaired over a 12F feeding tube. RESULTS: Patients were extubated after 12 and 72 hours, respectively. Contrast study was performed after 20 and 13 days, respectively, before resuming oral feeding. At endoscopy, the first patient developed a 3-cm-long severe esophageal stenosis (35th day), followed by an asymptomatic tracheoesophageal fistula (60th day), which was conservatively treated. After spontaneous resolution of the tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal stenosis progressed, partially responsive to esophageal stenting. Short esophagectomy is under evaluation. The second patient developed an asymptomatic limited stenosis, not requiring dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: The emergent management of lithium battery ingestion needs a structured timely multidisciplinary approach in the emergency department, an experienced pediatric endoscopist, and a simultaneous engagement of pediatric surgical expertise, even in patients who do not show bleeding, to reduce esophageal exposure time to high-voltage current released by batteries, which represents the main factor conditioning tissue damage and prognosis.

Esophageal Atresia and Associated Duodenal Atresia: A Cohort Study and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal atresia (EA) is associated with duodenal atresia (DA) in 3 to 6% of cases. The management of this association is controversial and literature is scarce on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We aimed to (1) review the patients with EA + DA treated at our institution and (2) systematically review the English literature, including case series of three or more patients. RESULTS: Cohort study: Five of seventy-four patients with EA had an associated DA (6.8%). Four of five cases (80%) underwent primary repair of both atresia, one of them with gastrostomy placement (25%). One of five cases (20%) had a delayed diagnosis of DA. No mortality has occurred. Systematic Review: Six of six-hundred forty-five abstract screened were included (78 patients). Twenty-four of sixty-eight (35.3%) underwent primary correction of EA + DA, and 36/68 (52.9%) underwent staged correction. Nine of thirty-six (25%) had a missed diagnosis of DA. Thirty-six of sixty-eight underwent gastrostomy placement. Complications were observed in 14/36 patients (38.9 ± 8.2%). Overall mortality reported was 41.0 ± 30.1% (32/78 patients), in particular its incidence was 41.7 ± 27.0% after a primary treatment and 37.0 ± 44.1% following a staged approach. CONCLUSION: The management of associated EA and DA remains controversial. It seems that the staged or primary correction does not affect the mortality. Surgeons should not overlook DA when correcting an EA.

Systematic review of extracellular vesicle-based treatments for lung injury: are EVs a potential therapy for COVID-19?

Severe COVID-19 infection results in bilateral interstitial pneumonia, often leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis in survivors. Most patients with severe COVID-19 infections who died had developed ARDS. Currently, ARDS is treated with supportive measures, but regenerative medicine approaches including extracellular vesicle (EV)-based therapies have shown promise. Herein, we aimed to analyse whether EV-based therapies could be effective in treating severe pulmonary conditions that affect COVID-19 patients and to understand their relevance for an eventual therapeutic application to human patients. Using a defined search strategy, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and found 39 articles (2014-2020) that reported effects of EVs, mainly derived from stem cells, in lung injury models (one large animal study, none in human). EV treatment resulted in: (1) attenuation of inflammation (reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil infiltration, M2 macrophage polarization); (2) regeneration of alveolar epithelium (decreased apoptosis and stimulation of surfactant production); (3) repair of microvascular permeability (increased endothelial cell junction proteins); (4) prevention of fibrosis (reduced fibrin production). These effects were mediated by the release of EV cargo and identified factors including miRs-126, -30b-3p, -145, -27a-3p, syndecan-1, hepatocyte growth factor and angiopoietin-1. This review indicates that EV-based therapies hold great potential for COVID-19 related lung injuries as they target multiple pathways and enhance tissue regeneration. However, before translating EV therapies into human clinical trials, efforts should be directed at developing good manufacturing practice solutions for EVs and testing optimal dosage and administration route in large animal models.

A Rare Case of Giant Mesenteric Lipoblastoma in a 6-Year-Old Child and Review of the Literature.

Giant mesenteric lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumor arising from the adipocytes. It can mimic malignant tumors, and its diagnosis is difficult before surgery. Imaging studies could lead the diagnosis but not confirm it. Those tumors arising in the abdomen are usually larger and can cause symptoms of compression. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and a long-term follow-up is necessary to detect local recurrences. Only a few cases of lipoblastomas arising from the mesentery are reported in literature. We present a case of a rare giant lipoblastoma arising from the mesentery of a 6-year-old girl, with a history of postprandial abdominal pain.

Prevalence and risk factors for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A global view.

PURPOSE: To determine the global prevalence for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and identify CDH-related risk factors. METHODS: Using a defined strategy, a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, searching for population-based epidemiological studies to evaluate the prevalence of CDH globally and per country. Studies containing overlapping populations or timeframes were excluded. CDH-related risk factors were calculated by meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 and expressed as risk ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Prevalence: Of 8230 abstracts screened, 30 full-text articles published between 1980 and 2019 were included. The overall prevalence of CDH was 2.3 in 10,000 births (16,710 CDH babies in 73,663,758 livebirths). RISK FACTORS: From 9 studies we found that male sex [RR 1.38 (1.05-1.80), p=0.02] and maternal age >35 years [RR 1.69 (1.26-2.25), p=0.0004] were associated with CDH. Conversely, maternal black ethnicity resulted as a protective factor [RR 0.82 (0.77-0.89, p<0.00001]. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is a worldwide paucity of population-based studies, and those studies that report on prevalence and risk factors come from a small number of countries. The prevalence of CDH varies within and across geographical world regions. The main risk factors for CDH identified are male sex and older maternal age. More epidemiological studies, involving more world regions, are needed to identify possible strategies to help strengthen our understanding of the risk factors, provide clinicians with the tools necessary for prenatal and postnatal counseling, and inform policy makers on how to strategize CDH care in different parts of the world. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review and meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Conversion Rate in Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Looking for the Culprit.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used in adulthood but its application in pediatric population is limited. We report our initial experience in pediatric RAS, focusing on conversions to analyze their causes. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent RAS between June 2015 and April 2019 were included, analyzing demographics, comorbidities, previous surgery, and intraoperative surgical and anesthetic parameters. A three-arms robotic technique was used in all cases. Additional laparoscopic ports were added, when needed. The surgical team did not change during the program, whereas the anesthesiology team varied. Results: Thirty-nine patients (23 females, 16 males; mean age ± SD = 9.33 ± 4.73 years [range = 1-16]; mean weight ± SD = 35.2 ± 20.0 kg [range = 9-85]) underwent 40 different procedures (18 gastrointestinal, 15 urogynecological, 5 oncological, and 2 miscellaneous). Three procedures (7.5%) were converted to open surgery for inadequate working space (two marked bowel distension and one insufficient hepatic retraction). Converted patients were of significant lower age (mean ± standard error of mean [SEM] = 2.97 ± 1.03 versus 9.83 ± 0.77 years, P = .01) and lower weight (mean ± SEM = 11.83 ± 1.74 versus 35.47 ± 3.16 kg, P = .03). The two groups did not differ statistically for duration of facial mask ventilation before intubation (mean ± SEM = converted 10.67 ± 2.33 versus completed 10.31 ± 0.91 minutes), neuromuscular block dosage (rocuronium; mean ± SEM = converted 0.46 ± 0.06 mg/kg versus completed 0.62 ± 0.03 mg/kg) and in the type of bowel preparation (mechanical and/or pharmacological). Discussion: Conversion rate in initial pediatric RAS program is acceptable. In children, the need for conversion is mainly because of inadequate working space, particularly in smaller children, but it seems not to be influenced by measurable anesthetic factors or different regimen for bowel preparation.

Holmium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for endoscopic decompression of ureterocele in the first months of life: A comparison with electrosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: Few case series report the use of holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser to decompress ureterocele (UC) in pediatric population, and only two studies compared its outcomes with electrosurgery. This study aims to compare outcomes of Ho:YAG laser transurethral endoscopic puncture (TUP) versus electrosurgery TUP of UC in the 1st month of life, analyzing incidence of secondary surgery, redo TUP, and iatrogenic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated by TUP of UC from 2008 to 2017 was performed. Those undergoing Ho:YAG laser TUP were included in Group A, those undergoing electrocautery TUP were included in Group B. Data were compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Group A included seven patients (mean follow-up 4 years). Two required a redo TUP. Two had preoperative VUR, which resolved after TUP. Two developed VUR after TUP, which resolved spontaneously. No secondary surgery was required. Group B included nine patients (mean follow-up: 9.5 years). One required a redo TUP. Preoperative VUR was detected in 4/9 and persisted after TUP in 2. Three developed post-TUP VUR, which persisted. Five required further surgery because of persistent and symptomatic VUR. Secondary surgery was significantly lower after Ho:YAG laser compared to electrocautery TUP (P < 0.05). The incidences of both redo TUP and postoperative VUR were not significantly different between the two groups (P = ns). CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG laser TUP seems to be safe and effective in the decompression of obstructive UCs and maybe advantageous over electrocautery puncture. However, further studies with larger cohort are needed to corroborate our preliminary results.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the follow-up of pediatric abdominal injuries: value and timing.

AIMS: Primary aim was to investigate the value and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) during follow-up (FU) of splenic, hepatic and renal post-traumatic injuries in a pediatric population. Secondary aim was to extrapolate appropriate timing of FU-CEUS. METHODS: In a retrospective study, post-traumatic parenchymal injuries diagnosed with CT or CEUS, were subjected to non-operative management and followed with CEUS. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled, with isolated or combined injuries, for a total of 30 splenic, 15 hepatic and 12 renal injuries. At admission 42/46 patients underwent CT and 4/46 underwent CEUS. During FU a total of 65 CEUS were performed: 16 within 72 h to check delayed active bleeding or parenchymal rupture; 24 between 5 and 10 days post admission, to pose indication to active mobilization or to discharge; 21 between 20 and 60 days post admission to document complete healing of the lesion or pose indication to discharge in most severe injuries. No complications related to CEUS were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS is valuable and safe to follow patients with post-traumatic abdominal injuries, even if further data are needed for renal injuries. We propose a tailored approach based on injury grade and clinical course: in the first 3 days only in case of delayed bleeding or rupture suspect; between 5 and 10 days post trauma to ensure a safe active mobilization and/or pose indication to discharge, and over 20-30 days post trauma to pose indication to discharge in most severe injuries or document complete healing and permit return to sport activities.

Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is mainly based on adults. Data are controversial with regards to its management in children. We aimed to assess: (1) the length of hospital stay (LOS) between conservative management (i.e., observation with O2 administration), aspiration/chest drain, and surgical management; (2) the risk of recurrence after nonsurgical treatment versus surgery; (3) the risk of recurrence in the presence of bullae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a defined search strategy, three independent investigators identified all the studies on the management of PSP in children. Case reports, opinion articles, and gray literature publications were excluded. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. RESULTS: Of 3,089 abstracts screened, 95 full-text were analyzed, 23 were included in the quantitative analysis, and 16 were included in the meta-analysis (1,633 patients). LOS was similar between conservative and surgical management (6.2 ± 0.8 days vs. 5.9 ± 1.4 days; p = ns). Recurrence of PSP was significantly higher among children with a nonsurgical management (32%) versus those surgically treated (18%; p = 0.002). The incidence of recurrence was slightly higher in patients managed by aspiration/chest drain (34%) compared with those with a conservative management (27%; p = 0.05). Risk of recurrence in patients with or without documented bullae was not significantly different (26 vs. 38%, respectively; p = ns). CONCLUSION: Given the lack of a standardized management of pediatric PSP, the present study seems to demonstrate a better outcome in children treated with surgery as first-line of management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This is a Level III study.

Neurodevelopmental impairment in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Not an uncommon complication for survivors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: Using a defined search strategy, a systematic review was conducted to define the incidence and types of NDI, to report abnormal neuroimaging findings and to evaluate possible NDI predictors. A meta-analysis was performed on comparative studies reporting risk factors for NDI, using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Of 3541 CDH children (33 studies), 829 (23%) had NDI, with a higher incidence in CDH survivors who received ECMO treatment (49%) vs. those who had no ECMO (22%; p<0.00001). NDI included neuromuscular hypotonia (42%), hearing (13%) and visual (8%) impairment, neurobehavioral issues (20%), and learning difficulties (31%). Of 288 survivors that had postnatal neuroimaging, 49% had abnormal findings. The main risk factors for NDI were severe pulmonary hypoplasia, large defect size, ECMO use. CONCLUSIONS: NDI is a relevant problem for CDH survivors, affecting 1 in 4. The spectrum of NDI covers all developmental domains and ranges from motor and sensory (hearing, visual) deficits to cognitive, language, and behavioral impairment. Further studies should be designed to better understand the pathophysiology of NDI in CDH children and to longitudinally monitor infants born with CDH to correct risk factors that can be modifiable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Neurodevelopmental impairment in necrotising enterocolitis survivors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To determine (1) the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), (2) the impact of NEC severity on NDI in these babies and (3) the cerebral lesions found in babies with NEC. METHODS: Systematic review: three independent investigators searched for studies reporting infants with NDI and a history of NEC (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus). Meta-analysis: using RevMan V.5.3, we compared NDI incidence and type of cerebral lesions between NEC infants versus preterm infants and infants with medical vs surgical NEC. RESULTS: Of 10 674 abstracts screened, 203 full-text articles were examined. In 31 studies (n=2403 infants with NEC), NDI incidence was 40% (IQR 28%-64%) and was higher in infants with surgically treated NEC (43%) compared with medically managed NEC (27%, p<0.00001). The most common NDI in NEC was cerebral palsy (18%). Cerebral lesions: intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) was more common in NEC babies (26%) compared with preterm infants (18%; p<0.0001). There was no difference in IVH incidence between infants with surgical NEC (25%) and those treated medically (20%; p=0.4). The incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) was significantly increased in infants with NEC (11%) compared with preterm infants (5%; p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a large proportion of NEC survivors has NDI. NEC babies are at higher risk of developing IVH and/or PVL than babies with prematurity alone. The degree of NDI seems to correlate to the severity of gut damage, with a worse status in infants with surgical NEC compared with those with medical NEC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019120522.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Neonates: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSI) contribute to postoperative morbidity and mortality in children. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and identify risk factors for SSI in neonates. Methods: Using a defined strategy, three investigators searched articles on neonatal SSI published since 2000. Studies on neonates and/or patients admitted to neonatal intensive care unit following cervical/thoracic/abdominal surgery were included. Risk factors were identified from comparative studies. Meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using RevMan 5.3. Data are (mean ± SD) prevalence. Results: Systematic review-of 885 abstracts screened, 48 studies (27,760 neonates) were included. The incidence of SSI was 5.6% (1,564 patients). SSI was more frequent in males (61.8%), premature babies (77.4%), and following gastrointestinal surgery (95.4%). Meta-analysis-10 comparative studies (16,442 neonates; 946 SSI 5.7%) showed that predictive factors for SSI development were gestational age, birth weight, age at surgery, length of surgical procedure, number of procedure per patient, length of preoperative hospital stay, and preoperative sepsis. Conversely, preoperative antibiotic use was not significantly associated with development of SSI. Conclusions: Younger neonates and those undergoing abdominal procedures are at higher risk for SSI. Given the lack of evidence-based literature, prospective studies may help determine the risk factors for SSI in neonates.