Orchidopexy for undescended testis-rate and predictors of re-ascent.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the rate of re-ascent requiring re-operation after primary orchidopexy and to investigate eventual differences between the inguinal and scrotal approach as well as other potential predictors for re-ascent. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children treated for undescended testis (UDT) with orchidopexy between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. The primary outcome was re-ascent requiring re-operation, and the secondary outcome was atrophy rate. Independent variables were age, underlying conditions, side, surgical approach, operation time, bilaterality, congenital/ascended UDT, presence of scrotal hypoplasia, presence of a patent processus vaginalis, division of external oblique, and suture of the testis. Univariate and logistic regression were used to evaluate differences between groups and risk for re-ascent. RESULTS: A total of 662 testes in 554 patients were included. Re-operation occurred in 6% (7% with inguinal approach, 3% with scrotal approach, p = 0.04). Re-operation was associated with younger age, congenital UDT, and inguinal approach, but neither of these variables remained significant in multivariate analyses. Atrophy occurred in one testis. CONCLUSION: The rate of re-ascent was 6% and the atrophy rate was 0.15%. A larger study may find predictors for re-ascent but with very low absolute risk. The lower rate of re-ascent with the scrotal approach is probably due to selection bias.

Associations between Th1-related cytokines and complicated pediatric appendicitis.

The pathogenesis of appendicitis is not understood fully, and the diagnosis can be challenging. Previous research has suggested an association between a T helper (Th) 1-dependent immune response and complicated appendicitis. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of the Th1-associated cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-ß) and the risk of complicated appendicitis in children. Appendicitis severity was determined through histopathological examination. A total of 137 children < 15 years with appendicitis were included with a median age of 10 years (IQR 8-12); 86 (63%) were boys, and 58 (42%) had complicated appendicitis. Children with complicated appendicitis had significantly higher concentrations of serum IL-6 and IL-10, and lower of TNF-ß. After adjustment for age, symptom duration, and presence of appendicolith in a multivariable logistic regression, a higher concentration of IL-6 remained associated with an increased risk of complicated appendicitis (aOR 1.001 [95% CI 1.000-1.002], p = 0.02). Serum concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-ß were not significantly associated with the risk of complicated appendicitis. In conclusion, our results suggests that the systemic inflammatory response in complicated appendicitis is complex and not solely Th1-dependent.

National survey of physicians in Swedish child health centres finds insecurity and unawareness regarding management of undescended testicles.

AIM: To investigate underlying factors for previously reported shortcomings in child health centres' (CHC) referral process of boys with undescended testicles. METHODS: A total of 386 physicians working at Swedish CHCs were surveyed regarding their knowledge about undescended testicles and their clinical management. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of non-adherence to guidelines and self-reported lack of clinical skills. RESULTS: The overall knowledge of the health benefits of undescended testicle surgery was high (89%), while two-thirds were unaware of surgery being recommended <1 year of age. One-fifth of respondents had never received guidance on examination techniques. Male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.31-0.86), education in paediatrics (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.76) and more experience (aOR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.09) significantly decreased the risk of unfamiliarity with examinations. More experience decreased the risk of stating the incorrect indications for undescended testicle surgery (aOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.95) and finding examinations difficult (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.72). Medical education outside Nordic countries was a risk factor for unawareness of guidelines (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21-3.51). CONCLUSION: The knowledge and confidence level of the study population varied widely. The results indicate a need for further theoretical and practical education among Swedish CHC physicians.

Supranormal differential renal function on MAG3 scan in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction - Prevalence and pyeloplasty during follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Children with suspected ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) may present with a paradoxical ipsilateral supranormal differential renal function (snDRF) on 99mTechnetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine scintigraphy (MAG3 scan). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of snDRF, the risk of pyeloplasty among children with UPJO and snDRF, and to explore the experience of snDRF among international pediatric urologists. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children with suspected unilateral UPJO who underwent MAG3 scan at four hospitals in Sweden between 2005 and 2020. SnDRF was defined as DRF ≥55%. Normal DRF was defined as DRF 45-54%. Primary outcome was risk of pyeloplasty. Indications for pyeloplasty were loss of >10%-points of differential renal function (DRF), ipsilateral DRF <40%, or symptomatic UPJO. Logistic and cox regressions were performed in univariate and multivariable analyses, adjusting for age, gender, year, laterality, antenatal hydronephrosis, anterior-posterior diameter (APD), and kidney size. An international questionnaire regarding the management of snDRF was developed and distributed to pediatric urologists. RESULTS: The prevalence of snDRF was 19%. SnDRF was more common in boys, children with antenatal hydronephrosis, children undergoing their first MAG3 scan at a younger age, and in the left kidney. After further exclusion of 70 children with DRF <45%, a total of 264 were included for longitudinal follow-up of median 6.6 (IQR 2.5-11.5) years. SnDRF was not associated with increased risk of pyeloplasty (adjusted OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.41-2.33), p = 0.96, and adjusted HR 1.00 (95% CI 0.53-1.91), p = 0.99) or time to pyeloplasty (1.1 years vs. 1.6 years, p = 0.40). Among the 79 surveyed pediatric urologists, a majority would not change clinical UPJO-management based on the presence or absence of ipsilateral snDRF. DISCUSSION: There are only a few studies considering the need of pyeloplasty based on the presence of snDRF and this is the first survey among pediatric urologists on its management. With more included patients than previous studies, this study showed a snDRF prevalence of 19%, congruent with the findings of others. The underlying cause of snDRF is debated, but it cannot solely be explained as an artifact of hydronephrotic kidneys. Further studies on the clinical implications of snDRF are warranted, since DRF influences the decision to operate. CONCLUSION: A fifth of all children with suspected UPJO presented with ipsilateral snDRF on initial MAG3 scan, and snDRF was not associated with a greater risk of pyeloplasty. Supported by a large group of international pediatric urology colleagues, this study concludes that the same clinical follow-up and management apply, regardless of presence of snDRF.

Sex differences in children operated with pyeloplasty for pelvoureteric junction obstruction.

PURPOSE: Pelvoureteric junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common cause of hydronephrosis in children but no previous studies have evaluated differences between boys and girls operated with pyeloplasty. This study aimed to evaluate potential differences between sexes in children operated with pyeloplasty for PUJO in terms of presentation, surgery, and long-term results. METHODS: Data was retrospectively collected from all children operated on with pyeloplasty between January 2002 and December 2020. Data contained several variables covering presentation, surgery, and long-term results. RESULTS: In total, 194 patients were included of which 126 (64.9%) were boys. There were no significant differences in prenatal findings, pelvic dilation on ultrasound, function of the affected kidney, surgical method, obstruction type, resolution of hydronephrosis, or improvement of function. Boys presented with pain more often than girls (47.4 vs 25.0%, p < 0.01) while girls were more prone to infections preoperatively (17.2 vs 7.0%, p = 0.04). All nine patients requiring reoperation were boys (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Girls with UPJO seem to experience infections as presenting symptoms more often than boys, while boys significantly more often present with pain. There is also a higher percentage of boys needing reoperation.

Mapping of referral patterns for undescended testes - Risk factors for referral of children with normal testes.

BACKGROUND: Accurate referral of boys with suspected undescended testes (UDT) is of importance to preserve fertility and reduce risk of future testicular cancer. While late referral is well studied, there is less knowledge about incorrect referrals, hence, referral of boys with normal testes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proportion of UDT referrals that did not lead to surgery or follow-up, and to assess risk factors for referral of boys with normal testes. STUDY DESIGN: All UDT referrals to a tertiary center of pediatric surgery during 2019-2020 were retrospectively assessed. Only children with suspected UDT in the referral (not suspected retractile testicles) were included. Primary outcome was normal testes at examination by a pediatric urologist. Independent variables were age, season, region of residence, referring care unit, referrer's educational level, referrer's findings, and ultrasound result. Risk factors for not needing surgery/follow-up were assessed with logistic regression and presented as adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (aOR, [95% CI]). RESULTS: A total of 378 out of 740 included boys (51.1%) had normal testes. Patients >4 years (aOR 0,53, 95% CI [0,30-0,94]), referrals from pediatric clinics (aOR 0.27, 95% CI [0.14-0.51]) or surgery clinics (aOR 0.06, 95% CI [0.01-0.38]) had lower risk of normal testes. Boys referred during spring (aOR 1.80, 95% CI [1.06-3.05]), by a non-specialist physician (aOR 1.58, 95% CI [1.01-2.48]) or referrer's description of bilateral UDT (aOR 2.34, 95% CI [1.58-3.45]), or retractile testes (aOR 6.99, 95% CI [3.61-13.55]) had higher risk of not needing surgery/follow-up. None of the referred boys that had normal testes had been re-admitted at the end of this study (October 2022). DISCUSSION: Over 50% of boys referred for UDT had normal testes. This is higher or equal to previous reports. Efforts to reduce this rate should in our setting probably be directed towards well-child centers and training in examination of testicles. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective design and the rather short follow-up time, which however should have very modest effect on the main findings. CONCLUSION: Over 50% of boys referred for UDT have normal testes. A national survey regarding the management and examination of boys testicles has been launched and directed at well-child centers to further evaluate the findings of the current study.

An Evaluation of Serum IgE and Th2-Associated Interleukins in Children With Uncomplicated and Complicated Appendicitis.

Background: The pathogenesis of appendicitis is not understood completely and establishing a correct diagnosis can be clinically challenging. Previous investigations have shown an association between a T helper cell (Th)2-mediated inflammatory response, for example immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy, and a decreased risk of complicated appendicitis. The present study aimed to evaluate differences in serum concentrations of IgE and Th2-associated interleukins (IL) in children with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Method: A prospective study including children <15 years with appendicitis. Blood samples were collected preoperatively at the time of clinical assessment at the Pediatric Emergency Department and analyzed for concentrations of serum total IgE and IL-4, IL-9, and IL-13. Associations with complicated appendicitis were evaluated through logistic regression adjusting for age, appendicolith, and symptom duration. Results: 138 children with confirmed appendicitis were included. The median age was 10 (IQR 8-12) years, 87 (63%) were boys and 58 (42%) had complicated appendicitis. Children with complicated appendicitis had significantly higher concentrations of IL-9 and IL-13 compared to children with uncomplicated appendicitis. In the univariate logistic regression, high concentrations of IL-13 were associated with an increased risk of complicated appendicitis [OR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01-1.04) p = 0.005], which remained in the multivariate analysis [aOR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01-1.04), p = 0.01]. Serum concentrations of IgE, IL-4, and IL-9 did not significantly affect the risk of complicated appendicitis. Conclusion: High levels of IL-13 seem to be associated with an increased risk of complicated appendicitis. This is incongruent with the hypothesis of an Th1/Th17-driven inflammation in this type of appendicitis.

Ten years of paediatric robotic surgery: Lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Costs and a low total number of cases may be obstacles to the successful implementation of a paediatric robotic surgery programme. The aim of this study was to evaluate a decade of paediatric robotic surgery and to reflect upon factors for success and to consider obstacles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children operated on with robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery between 2006 and 2016 were included in a retrospective, single-institutional study in Lund, Sweden. RESULTS: A total of 152 children underwent robotic surgery during the study time with the most frequent procedures being fundoplication (n = 55) and pyeloplasty (n = 53). Procedure times decreased significantly during the study period. Overall, 18 (12%) of the operations were converted to open surgery, and seven (5%) patients required a reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a low volume of surgery, we have successfully introduced robotic paediatric surgery in our department. Our operative times and conversion rates are continuously decreasing.

Patient-reported physical and psychosocial significance of abdominal scarring in anorectal malformations.

Background Abdominal scarring in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) is a permanent visible sign of a chronic congenital condition. The study's aims were to assess the physical and psychosocial significance of abdominal scarring in ARM and to propose a scar treatment approach. Methods A patient- and observer reported cross-sectional study of ARM patients with previous colostomies surgically treated 1997-2015 with minimum 4 years' follow-up after stoma closure. A maximum of 3 patient-selected scars per patient were evaluated by a) the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; 11= no symptoms, 110=worst symptoms), b) pictorial scar treatment assessment by a plastic surgeon, c) questionnaire evaluation of the scarring's psychosocial aspects, bowel- and urinary function and quality of life. Descriptive statistics were presented in median (range) and percent (%), and Pearson's r was used to evaluate linear correlations. Ethical approval and written consents were obtained. Results Twenty-seven patients (48% females) aged 12 (5-24) years old were included. Two (1-3) scars were evaluated per patient with a median POSAS score of 44 (15-78). Six patients (22%) reported scar pain, five (19%) scar pruritus and nine (33%) affected behavior, e.g. always wearing full-covered clothing in public places. Higher (worse) POSAS score and increasing age correlated (r = 0.40, p = 0.04). According to the plastic surgeon's assessment, 21 patients (78%) were suitable candidates for surgical scar treatment, among whom eight patients (30%) requested scar treatment. Conclusions Postoperative abdominal scarring should require attention in clinical ARM follow-up programs including potential corrective plastic surgery for selected patients.

Doppler ultrasound improves diagnostic accuracy for testicular torsion.

BACKGROUND: Doppler ultrasound can diagnose testicular torsion with high sensitivity and specificity but may delay surgical treatment. This study aims to assess whether the use of doppler ultrasound, in cases with intermediate clinical suspicion of testicular torsion, can improve diagnostic accuracy compared to clinical assessment alone. METHODS: We implemented a new clinical algorithm where patients with intermediate suspicion of testicular torsion undergo doppler ultrasound within 60 min. This study compared the patients that presented within one year prior to the implementation (group 1) to the patients who presented within one year after the implementation (group 2). The primary outcome measure was failure to confirm testicular torsion upon surgical exploration (negative surgical exploration). Missed testicular torsion was one of the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: 590 consecutive patients were included. 322 (55%) in group 1 and 268 (45%) in group 2. There were 9 (2.8%) testicular torsions in group 1 vs 9 (3.4%) in group 2 (p = 0.69) and 2 (0.6%) missed testicular torsions in group 1 vs 0 in group 2 (p = 0.50). Doppler ultrasound was performed in 65 patients (24.2%) in group 2 vs 0 in group 1 (p < 0.01). Negative surgical exploration was performed in 27 (8.4%) patients in group 1 vs 8 (3.0%) in group 2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Doppler ultrasound assessment of patients at intermediate clinical risk of testicular torsion significantly reduced the frequency of negative surgical explorations without increased rate of missed testicular torsions.

Associations of hair cortisol concentrations with paediatric appendicitis.

The pathogenesis of paediatric appendicitis is still an enigma. In recent years, it has become more evident that our inherent immunological responses affect the trajectory of the disease course. Long-term stress has an impact on our immune system; however, it is practically and ethically challenging to prospectively track blood measurements of cortisol-levels in asymptomatic children should an acute appendicitis episode develop. The aim of this case-control study was therefore to evaluate the effect of increased stress measured as historical imprints in hair (hair cortisol concentrations [HCC]), on the risk of developing appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. 51 children (aged < 15 years) with appendicitis (34 with complicated appendicitis), were compared to 86 healthy controls. HCC reflecting the activity of the HPA-axis 0-3 and 4-6 months prior to sampling was evaluated and compared between groups as well as between the two measurements of each study subject. In the univariate analysis with both cases and controls, an increase in HCC between the measurement timepoints was associated with a substantial increase in risk of appendicitis (OR 7.52 [95% CI 2.49-22.67], p = 0.001). This increased risk remained in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex and season (aOR OR 10.76 [95%CI 2.50-46.28], p = 0.001). When comparing the cases of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis through a multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex, the children with an increased HCC prior to appendicitis had a substantial and statistically significant increase in risk of complicated appendicitis (aOR 7.86 [95% CI 1.20-51.63], p = 0.03). Biological stress, measured as an increase in HCC, seems to be associated with an increased risk of paediatric appendicitis and a more complicated disease course.

Accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics in anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical safety during posterior sagittal anorectal plasty (PSARP) for anorectal malformations (ARM) depends on accurate pre-operative fistula localization. This study aimed to evaluate accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics. METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained. Diagnostic accuracy of pre-PSARP symptoms (stool in urine, urine in passive ostomy, urinary tract infection) and examination modalities (voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), high-pressure colostogram, cystoscopy and ostomy endoscopy) were compared to final intra-operative ARM-type classification in all male neonates born with ARM without a perineal fistula treated at a tertiary pediatric surgery center during 2001-2020. RESULTS: The 38 included neonates underwent reconstruction surgery through PSARP with diverted ostomy. Thirty-one (82%) had a recto-urinary tract fistula and seven (18%) no fistula. Ostomy endoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence (22 correctly classified/24 examined cases; 92%), and pre-operative symptoms the lowest (21/38; 55%). For pre-operative fistula level determination, cystoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy (14/20; 70%), followed by colostogram (23/35; 66%), and VCUG (21/36; 58%). No modality proved to be statistically superior to any other. CONCLUSIONS: Ostomy endoscopy has the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence, and cystoscopy and high-pressure colostogram for fistula level determination. Correct pre-operative ARM-typing reached a maximum of 60-70%.

Association of transport time with adverse outcome in paediatric trauma.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how the length of prehospital transport time affects outcome in paediatric trauma. This study evaluated the association of transport time from alarm to arrival at hospital with adverse outcome in paediatric trauma patients in Sweden. METHODS: This was a retrospective study based on prospectively collected data from the Swedish trauma registry between 2012 and 2019 of children less than 18 years with major trauma (New Injury Severity Score (NISS) greater than 15). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were emergency interventions (e.g., chest tube or laparotomy) and low functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 2-3). Primary exposure was transport time from alarm to arrival at hospital. Co-variables in multivariable regressions were gender, age, ASA score before injury, injury intention, dominant injury type, NISS, Glasgow Coma Scale score, prehospital competence and hospital level. RESULTS: Among 597 patients, 30-day mortality was 9.8 per cent, emergency interventions were performed in 34.7 per cent and low functional outcome was registered in 15.9 per cent. Median transport time was 51 (i.q.r. 37-68) minutes. After adjustment for patient, injury and hospital characteristics, no association between longer transport time and 30-day mortality, frequency of emergency interventions or lower functional outcome could be found. Treatment at a university hospital was associated with a lower risk for 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.23 (95 per cent c.i. 0.08 to 0.68), P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Longer transport time after major paediatric trauma was not associated with adverse outcome. Hence, it seems that longer transport distances should not be an obstacle against centralization of paediatric trauma care. Further studies should focus on the role of prehospital competence and other transport-associated parameters and their association with adverse outcome.

Sex and age differences in lower urinary tract dysfunction in healthy children.

AIM: Information about healthy children's urinary tract symptoms is scarce but would be helpful in children with congenital urinary tract conditions. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) questionnaire. METHODS: A 15-item questionnaire based on definitions by the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) about urinary tract function, was given to children 4-15 years old with no gastrointestinal or urinary tract conditions. The study was approved ethically. RESULTS: The response rate was 82% (311/377), 50% (n = 155) were girls. Children were of the age groups 3.5-7 years (n = 136), 8-12 years (n = 127), and 13-15 years (n = 48). More girls than boys reported urinary tract infections (20% vs 3%, p < 0.001), while prevalences of incontinence and enuresis were equivalent in both sexes. In the youngest age group, enuresis was the most frequently reported symptom (11%), then daytime incontinence (10%). The older children more frequently reported previous urinary tract infections (12% and 17% in respective groups) and daytime incontinence (9% and 6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: A LUTD questionnaire is developed and evaluated within this study. Daytime urinary incontinence is the overall most common lower urinary tract symptom and girls report infections more frequently than boys.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Bladder and Bowel Control in Children with Spina Bifida.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to describe patient-reported morbidity from neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction in a cohort of children with spina bifida. The secondary aim was to describe the overall surgical burden in these children. METHODS: Children with meningocele or myelomeningocele, born between 2000-2016, and followed by a tertiary spina bifida center were evaluated in a cross-sectional cohort study using data from charts and a prospective national follow-up program. RESULTS: In the group of 62 patients, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was used by 47 (76%) of the patients, and anticholinergic treatment was used by 36 (58%). More than one third of the patients reported inadequate results with daily urinary leakage. Laxatives and enema were used regularly by 45 (73%) and 39 (63%) patients, respectively. Inadequate results were reported by seven (11%) patients. One or more urogenital or gastrointestinal operations had been performed in 26 (42%) patients, with a total of 109 procedures overall. CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial bowel and bladder management, a significant portion of children suffered from inadequate results concerning bladder and bowel control. Many surgeries were performed in a defined group of the children. Prospective, long-term studies can evaluate if more aggressive medical and/or surgical management could increase bowel and bladder control.

A Nationwide Cohort Study of Outcome after Pediatric Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Children with appendicitis often present with complicated disease. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical management of pediatric appendicitis, and to report how disease severity and operative modality are associated with short- and long-term risks of adverse outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of all Swedish children (<18 years) diagnosed with appendicitis, 2001 to 2014 (n = 38,939). Primary and secondary outcomes were length of stay, surgical site infections, readmissions, 30-day mortality, and long-term risk of surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Implications of complicated disease and operative modality were assessed with adjustment for age, gender, and trends over time. RESULTS: Complicated appendicitis was associated with longer hospital stay (4 vs. 2 days, p < 0.001), increased risk of surgical site infection (5.9 vs. 2.3%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.64 [95% confidence interval, CI: 2.18-3.18], p < 0.001), readmission (5.5 vs. 1.2, aOR: 4.74 [95% CI: 4.08-5.53], p < 0.001), as well as long-term risk of surgery for SBO (0.7 vs. 0.2%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.89 [95% CI: 2.61-5.78], p < 0.001). Intended laparoscopic approach was associated with reduced risk of surgical site infections (2.3 vs. 3.1%, aOR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.62-0.89], p = 0.001), but no overall reduction in risk for SBO; however, successful laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with less SBO during follow-up compared with open appendectomy (aHR: 0.27 [95% CI: 0.11-0.63], p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Children treated for complicated appendicitis are at risk of substantial short- and long-term morbidities. Fewer surgical site infections were seen after intended laparoscopic appendectomy, compared with open appendectomy, also when converted procedures were accounted for.

Clinical Prediction Scores for Pediatric Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of misdiagnosis of appendicitis in children is a challenge and clinical prediction scores could be part of the solution. However, the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and the Alvarado score have shown disappointing diagnostic accuracy in pediatric validation studies, while the appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score and the novel pediatric appendicitis risk calculator (pARC) have not yet been validated thoroughly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate these four prediction scores prospectively in children with suspected appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted over a 2-year period. All patients <15 years with suspected appendicitis were eligible for inclusion. The four prediction scores were compared regarding predictive values, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Of the 318 patients included, 151 (47 %) patients had appendicitis. The AIR score and the pARC had substantially higher specificity and positive predictive value, and lower rate of false positives (7% and 2%), than the PAS and Alvarado score (36 and 28%, p < 0.001). Across the different gender and age groups, the AIR score and the pARC generally had fewer false positives than the PAS and Alvarado score. There were no significant differences in sensitivity, negative predictive values, rates of missed appendicitis, or ROC curve analysis. In decision curve analysis, the AIR score and the pARC outperformed the PAS and Alvarado score at most threshold probabilities. CONCLUSION: The AIR score and the pARC are superior to the PAS and Alvarado score in diagnosing children with suspected appendicitis.

Resolution of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty in children.

BACKGROUND: There is still a lack of knowledge regarding the natural course of resolution of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty, and no consensus exists on how resolution of hydronephrosis is defined or when resolution is expected to occur. OBJECTIVE: To determine when resolution of hydronephrosis occurs following pyeloplasty, by type of obstruction and by surgical approach. METHODS: This retrospective study included 125 children age <15 years treated with pyeloplasty and followed for two years with repeated ultrasound and MAG3 scan. Children with single kidneys, bilateral disease, and without hydronephrosis were excluded. Children with re-interventions were excluded in the evaluation of hydronephrosis but not in terms of success rate. Outcomes time to resolution of hydronephrosis (Anterior-Posterior diameter (APD) <10 mm or >50% reduction of APD) and 2-year success rate. Exposure was surgical approach and type of obstruction (intrinsic/extrinsic). Survival analysis was performed, adjusting for age, gender, year, laterality, preoperative renal function on MAG3, calyces dilatation and APD in the multivariable analysis. RESULTS: At 12 months and 24 months follow-up, 90% and 93% had reached resolution, respectively. All children with persistent dilatation had improved drainage and stable or improved function on MAG3. There was no difference in time to resolution of hydronephrosis between open versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (adjusted HR 0.90, [0.54-1.52], p = 0.70), nor between different types of obstruction (aHR 0.84 [0.53-1.34], p = 0.47). Eight children had re-intervention, all identified within 3 months after primary surgery, and four had a postoperative drop on MAG3, giving a total success rate of 91% (121/135). DISCUSSION: The vast majority of cases resolve and do so within 12 months from surgery. Since the improvement of hydronephrosis seems small between the first and second year after surgery, the value of follow-up beyond 12 months could be questioned. Based on the present study and previous literature we would recommend that children with persisting dilatation should continue their follow-up with ultrasound beyond 12 months. Children with complete resolution of their hydronephrosis at 12 months do not likely benefit from further follow-up. The same follow-up protocol should be applied, regardless of whether the obstruction is intrinsic or extrinsic in nature, or the surgery is performed with open or robotic-assisted approach. Overall, the definition of resolution of hydronephrosis varies in the literature and have impact on the results and may compromise comparisons. CONCLUSION: Surgical approach or type of obstruction does not seem to affect time to resolution of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty in children. Follow-up with ultrasound beyond 12 months does not seem to benefit children with complete resolution.