Evaluation of systemic immune-inflammation index efficacy in predicting complicated appendicitis in pediatric emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most important causes of acute abdominal pain in children who are admitted to the pediatric emergency department. This study aims to determine the usefulness of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting complicated appendicitis (CA) in pediatric patients. METHODS: The patients who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of AA were evaluated retrospectively. AA and control groups were formed. AA was divided into noncomplicated and CA groups. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet (PLT)/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and SII values were recorded. The SII was calculated with the formula of PLT count × neutrophil/lymphocyte. The efficacy of biomarkers in predicting CA was compared. RESULTS: Our study included 1072 AA and 541 control patients. There were 74.3% of patients in the non-CA (NCA) group and 25.7% in the CA group. CRP, WBC count, ANC, NLR, PLR when AA and control group, complicated and NCA groups are compared in terms of laboratory parameters and SII level AA and it was higher in the CA group. While the SII value was 2164.91±1831.24 in the patients with NCA and 3132.59±2658.73 in those with CA (P<0.001). When the cut-off values were determined according to the area under the curve, CRP and SII were found to be the best biomarkers in predicting CA. CONCLUSION: Inflammation markers together with clinical evaluation may be useful in distinguishing noncomplicated and complicated AA. However, these parameters alone are not sufficient to predict CA. CRP and SII are the best predictors of CA in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy procedures.

BACKGROUND: The increased intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic surgical procedures was reported to be a factor in the development of gastroesophageal reflux. This study evaluated the presence of gastroesophageal reflux and associated factors using 24-h pH monitoring in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: Children who underwent laparoscopic surgery for presumed acute appendicitis between June 2017 and June 2018 were included in the study. After pre-operative endotracheal intubation, pH catheters were placed for 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Relationships between gastroesophageal reflux and procedure time, pre-operative fasting time, age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 60 pediatric patients were included in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 11.82 (3.71) years (range, 4-17 years). The mean (SD) body weight was 41.27 (16.72) kg (range, 15-90 kg) and the mean (SD) BMI were 17.96 (4.37). The mean pre-operative fasting time was 15.52 (12.1) h, while the mean operative time was 38.42 (17.96) min. Lower age and weight were significantly associated with the presence of post-operative gastroesophageal reflux (p<0.05). Mean procedure time, mean pre-operative fasting time, and BMI were not significantly associated with intra- or post-operative gastroesophageal reflux (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The lack of a significant relationship between mean procedure time and gastroesophageal reflux suggests that the mean duration of the laparoscopic procedures performed in this study is safe in terms of gastroesophageal reflux. The results also indicate that young age and low weight should be considered risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

LOCAL-IGF-1 and GH application IMPROVES germ cell histology, spermatogenesis and fertility after experimental testicular torsion and detorsion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) on testis histology, spermatogenesis, and fertility in prepubertal rats exposed to 6 h of testicular torsion (TT) and detorsion. MATERIAL-METHOD: Forty-eight male Wistar-albino rats weighing 30-70g and at 3-week age were allocated into six groups involving eight rats in each group as follows: Group 1:Sham, Group 2:Control, Group 3:Gelatin, Group 4:Local-IGF-1, 5: Local-GH, Group 6: Systemic-GH. Right testis was only exposed and sutured in the sham group, and right testes were rotated clockwise, 720°, fixed, and 6 h later, detorsion on the testis was done in groups 2-6. Unloaded gelatin, 5 µg local-IGF-1 loaded, and 2IU rhGH loaded gelatin were sutured to the right testis after detorsion in groups 3-5. In Group 6, 0.3IU/100gr/d rhGH was given for seven days via subcuticular route after detorsion. Each of the rats cohabited with two female rats five weeks later. Afterward, both right and left testes were removed. Mean diameter of seminiferous tubules (STD), mean biopsy score count of the testis (TBSC), mean percentage of haploid cells (HCP) were assessed, and fertility parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: STD and TBSC of the ipsilateral testes were significantly reduced in control and gelatin groups when compared to sham, local-IGF-1, and local-GH groups. STD and TBSC of the ipsilateral testes of the systemic-GH group were decreased compared to the sham group. HCP of the ipsilateral testes of control, gelatin, and systemic-GH groups were significantly lower than the sham, local-IGF-1, and local-GH groups. STD, TBSC, and HCP of the contralateral testes were significantly reduced in control and gelatin groups when compared separately to sham, local-IGF-1, systemic- GH, and local-GH groups. The difference between groups regarding potency, fertility, fecundity indexes, and mean fetus numbers were not significant. CONCLUSION: Even though there was significant and permanent histologic germ cell damage and reduced HCP in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes, experimental 6 h TT and detorsion in prepubertal rats did not have a negative impact on future fertility. Local-IGF-1and rhGH treatment improved germ cell histology and spermatogenesis in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes of prepubertal rats, subjected to 6 h of TT and detorsion.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children as a Risk for Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting: An Observational Study.

1Background: Anaesthesia is known to reduce gastric emptying and motility, which can cause gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in some patients. Monitoring pH is a reliable method for detecting reflux. In this study, we aimed to show whether GER is a risk factor for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) with oesophageal reflux measures in paediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: After obtaining approval from ethics committee, 55 paediatric patients were included. An oesophageal pH metre catheter was inserted through the nasal passage to 3 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter. pH measurements were evaluated with DeMeester score. It was accepted as acid reflux if the score was >14.7. The patients' demographic data, history of GER and verbal descriptive scale (VDS) to assess PONV and pH values were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (IBM SPSS Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, 41.8% were girls, 58.2% were boys, the mean age was 13.2 years, the mean fasting period was 7.47 hours and the mean operation time was 1.1 hours. Mean fasting and operation times did not differ statistically according to VDS. There was no significant association between VDS group and gender or pH. None of the patients had a history of GER. Thirteen patients had DeMeester score >14.7. CONCLUSION: This is the first study about the relationship between gastric pH and PONV in paediatric patients. Although some studies have shown an association between anaesthesia and reflux, we detected reflux in nine of our patients and reflux was not statistically associated with PONV in our study. Further studies with larger patient groups are needed to provide a clearer opinion.

Analyzing the effect of laparoscopy duration time on peroperative gastroesophageal reflux

Background/aim: Intraabdominal pressure (IAP) is one of the main reasons for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This study investigates whether IAP during laparoscopic surgery leads to GER in a time-dependent manner. Materials and methods: In a laparoscopy model, 15 mmHg IAP was created in 8 Wistar albino rats in the Trendelenburg position (TP). A 5 mm laparotomy was performed in the left lower abdominal region, and a 6 Fr catheter was placed intraabdominally. Air was insufflated into the abdominal cavity, and the pressure was kept constant at 15 mmHg. Esophageal pH alterations were measured by pH sticks for 4 h every 30 min. Results: The basal median esophageal pH value was 9 (8­10), the value after placing the catheter was 9 (7­10) (P = 0.47), and the median pH value after placing the subjects in TP was 9 (8­10) (P = 0.70). In our experimental model, esophageal pH values were found to decrease significantly at the 150th minute in TP and at 15 mmHg IAP (P < 0.05). Two rats died: one at the 120th minute and the other at the 240th minute (P > 0.05) Conclusion: Esophageal pH values decreased and continued to remain low following IAP increase and TP in this experimental rat model. Prolonged laparoscopic procedures can particularly lead to GER that requires instant recognition and rapid and appropriate intervention.

A rare cause of acute abdominal pain in children: Isolated tubal torsion; a case series.

Isolated tubal torsion -a rare cause of acute abdomen in children-is usually difficult to diagnose because of non-specific findings. Surgical salphingectomy is required in delayed diagnosis in most cases. Three sexual inactive adolescents diagnosed in isolated tubal torsion (ITT) were discussed for its diagnostic features and surgical management. Laboratory tests and radiological studies including ultrasonography (US), color doppler ultrasound were performed in all patients after evaluation for acute lower abdominal pain in emergency department and they underwent surgical intervention with laparotomy (n:2) and laparoscopy (n:1). One of the patients in this study had salpingectomy. Detorsion of the fallopian tube and cyst excision were performed in the remaining two patients who also had paratubal cysts. There was no recurrence in these patients during the follow-up for 3 and 2 years. The isolated tubal torsion should be kept in mind and early surgical management is essential in order to preserve fallopian tube because of its importance in fertility.

Rare Endobronchial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in Pediatric Patient Detected on PET/CT Imaging.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) can be seen in all age groups, although it is more common in children and adolescents. We report the FDG PET/CT findings in an 8-year-old boy with endobronchial IMT. Endobronchial IMT is more commonly seen in young adults.

Laparoscopic one-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy preserving gubernaculum.

OBJECTIVE: To assess gubernaculum-sparing laparoscopic one-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (FSO), in the management of high intrapelvic testis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical reports of boys who underwent laparoscopic one-stage FSO were retrospectively reviewed. High intrapelvic testis was defined as testis ≥3 cm away from ipsilateral internal ring. Testes were evaluated on physical examination at 3rd, 6th and 18th months after surgery. Children were evaluated as for their demographic data, operative findings, interventional details and outcomes. RESULTS: Seven patients met inclusion criteria of the study. Six of 7 testis were small and had abnormal appearance, compared with the contralateral testis. Average distance of the testes from the internal ring was 4.2±1.1 cm (3 to 6). Average age at surgery was 6.1±4.2 years (2 to 12). Average follow-up period was 14±5.8 months (8 to 20), and 5 testis (71.4%) were considered to be normal in volume and scrotal location. Two testes were relatively atrophic and underwent orchiectomy. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results shows a good testicular survival rate for one-stage laparoscopic FSO. Sparing collateral vasculature of the gubernaculum is important.

Effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilatation in grade 2a and 2b esophageal burns in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictability of the initial endoscopic evaluation of the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) in childhood esophageal strictures caused by corrosive ingestion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 635 endoscopies caused by corrosive ingestion between January 2000 and December 2015 in children between the ages of 0 and 18 years were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, five children with grade 2a and 15 with grade 2 b who developed esophageal strictures were evaluated for the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilatation. RESULTS: The stricture rate was 5/136 (3.6%) in grade 2a and 17/25 (68%) in grade 2 b esophageal burns. Strictures with grade 2a burn had seven (1-10) EBD sessions, and grade 2 b had 8.8 (1-30) EBD sessions. For grade 2a burns, the treatment period was 15 months and 18.8 months for grade 2 b burns. Three patients with grade 2 b and two patients with grade 2a are still on the EBD program. CONCLUSION: Initial endoscopy for caustic ingestion and esophageal injury grading may help to provide healthcare givers with information about future stricture formation and management.

A Diagnostic Dilemma for the Pediatrician: Radiolucent Tracheobronchial Foreign Body.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine the role of clinical history, physical examinations, and radiological findings in the evaluation of patients with suspected radiolucent foreign body aspiration. METHODS: The medical records of 236 children (under the age of 18 years), on whom a rigid bronchoscopy was performed between 1999 and 2015 because of suspected radiolucent foreign body aspiration, were analyzed retrospectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of clinical history, physical examinations, and radiological findings were evaluated. RESULTS: In 71.1% of all cases, the children were under the age of 3 years. The bronchoscopy showed the presence of a foreign body in 52.9% of cases, with the locations of the foreign bodies being as follows: (1) right main bronchus, 47.2%; (2) left main bronchus, 36.0%; (3) trachea, 11.2%; (4) both bronchi, 5.6%. Organic foreign bodies were found in 78% of the patients, whereas inorganic foreign bodies were detected in 22% of the patients. The sensitivity and specificity of clinical history, physical examinations, and radiological findings were 98.4% and 54.9%, 47.2% and 74.7%, and 35.2% and 92.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspirations usually occur prior to the age of 3 years, with the most frequently aspirated foreign bodies being food or items of a radiolucent nature. Clinical history, physical examinations, and radiological findings are not able to detect the presence of a radiolucent foreign body aspiration in children. Therefore, a bronchoscopy should be performed on children in whom a choking event has been witnessed, even in cases of normal radiological and clinical findings.

The outcomes of two different bulking agents (dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer) in the treatment of primary vesico-ureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: Subureteral injection of bulking agents in the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux is widely accepted therapy with high success rates. Although the grade of vesicoureteric reflux and experience of surgeon is the mainstay of this success, the characteristics of augmenting substances may have an effect particularly in the long term. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) with two different bulking agents: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) and Polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 80 patients (49 girls and 31 boys) aged 1-12 years (mean age 5.3 years) underwent endoscopic subureteral injection for correction of VUR last six years. The patients were assigned to two groups: subureteral injections of Dx/HA (45 patients and 57 ureters) and PPC (35 patients and 45 ureters). VUR was grade II in 27 ureters, grade III in 35, grade IV in 22 and grade V in 18 ureters. RESULTS: VUR was resolved in 38 (66.6%) of 57 ureters and this equates to VUR correction in 33 (73.3%) of the 45 patients in Dx/HA group. In PPC group, overall success rate was 88.8% (of 40 in 45 ureters). Thus, Thus, this equates to VUR correction in 31 (88.5%) of the 35 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our short term data show that two different bulking agent injections provide a high level of reflux resolution and this study revealed that success rate of PPC was significantly higher than Dx/HA with less material.

The outcomes of two different bulking agents (dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer) in the treatment of primary vesico-ureteral reflux

ABSTRACT Purpose Subureteral injection of bulking agents in the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux is widely accepted therapy with high success rates. Although the grade of vesicoureteric reflux and experience of surgeon is the mainstay of this success, the characteristics of augmenting substances may have an effect particularly in the long term. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) with two different bulking agents: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) and Polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC). Materials and Methods A total 80 patients (49 girls and 31 boys) aged 1-12 years (mean age 5.3 years) underwent endoscopic subureteral injection for correction of VUR last six years. The patients were assigned to two groups: subureteral injections of Dx/HA (45 patients and 57 ureters) and PPC (35 patients and 45 ureters). VUR was grade II in 27 ureters, grade III in 35, grade IV in 22 and grade V in 18 ureters. Results VUR was resolved in 38 (66.6%) of 57 ureters and this equates to VUR correction in 33 (73.3%) of the 45 patients in Dx/HA group. In PPC group, overall success rate was 88.8% (of 40 in 45 ureters). Thus, Thus, this equates to VUR correction in 31 (88.5%) of the 35 patients. Conclusions Our short term data show that two different bulking agent injections provide a high level of reflux resolution and this study revealed that success rate of PPC was significantly higher than Dx/HA with less material.