The intraperitoneal bacteriology and antimicrobial resistance in acute appendicitis among children: a retrospective cohort study between the years 2007-2017.

This study aims to describe the microbiology and susceptibility profile of the intraperitoneal flora in complicated appendicitis. It is a retrospective cohort study including children < 18-year-old with pathologically confirmed appendicitis, from 2007 to 2017. It included 1466 children. Intraperitoneal samples were obtained from 655 (44.7%) patients, and 201 (30.7%) had positive culture with 395 pathogens. Gram-negative rods comprised 67.6%, Gram-positive cocci 21.5%, and anaerobes 10.9% of the isolates. Gram-positive cocci were detected in 67 (37.8%) patients. Milleri group Streptococci was the most frequently isolated Gram-positive (44.7%). The proportional rate of Milleri group Streptococci from Gram-positive cocci increased from 9.5 to 56.3% (P < 0.001, OR 12.214). Patients with Gram-positive cocci had longer hospital stay (mean 9.36 + 6.385 vs 7.72 + 4.582, P = 0.036, (CI -3.165, -0.105)) and more complicated disease (89.5% vs 78.4%, P = 0.045, OR 2.342). Patients with Milleri group Streptococci isolates readmitted more frequently (26.5% vs 13.2%, P = 0.05, OR 2.37). Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, gentamicin, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and amikacin were detected in 29.1%, 6.5%, 2.3%, 1.2%, and 0.7% of the Gram-negative rods, respectively.Conclusion: The rates of Gram-positive cocci and particularly Milleri group Streptococci in peritoneal fluid are increasing. More complicated disease and longer hospital stay in Gram-positive cocci and higher readmission rate in Milleri group Streptococci. These emphasize the role of anti-Gram-positive antimicrobials. What is known: • Gram-negative rods are the main isolates in complicated appendicitis. • The choice of antibiotic regimen is an unsettled issue due to resistance. What is new: • Increased rate of Gram-positive cocci and Milleri group Streptococci. • More complicated disease, longer hospital stay, and higher readmission rate.

Eculizumab Is Safe and Effective as a Long-term Treatment for Protein-losing Enteropathy Due to CD55 Deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Loss of the complement inhibitor CD55 leads to a syndrome of early-onset protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), associated with intestinal lymphangiectasia and susceptibility to large-vein thrombosis. The in vitro and short-term treatment benefits of eculizumab (C5-inhibitor) therapy for CD55-deficiency have been previously demonstrated. Here we present the 18-months treatment outcomes for 3 CD55-deficiency patients with sustained therapeutic response. METHODS: Three CD55-deficiency patients received off-label eculizumab treatment. Clinical and laboratory treatment outcomes included frequency and consistency of bowl movements, weight, patient/parent reports of overall well-being, and serum albumin and total protein levels. Membrane attack complex deposition on leukocytes was tested by flow cytometry, before and during eculizumab treatment. RESULTS: Marked clinical improvement was noted in all 3 patients with resolution of PLE manifestations, that is, diarrhea, edema, malabsorption, overall well-being, growth, and quality of life. In correlation with the clinical observations, we observed progress in all laboratory outcome parameters, including increase in albumin and total protein levels, and up to 80% reduction in membrane attack complex deposition on leukocytes (P < 0.001). The progress persisted over 18 months of treatment without any severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: CD55-deficiency patients present with early-onset diarrhea, edema, severe hypoalbuminemia, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Targeted therapy with the terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab has positive clinical and laboratory outcomes in PLE related to CD55 loss-of-function mutations, previously a life-threatening condition. Our results demonstrate the potential of genetic diagnosis to guide tailored treatment, and underscore the significant role of the complement system in the intestine.

Israeli Arabs develop diverticulitis at a younger age and are more likely to require surgery than Jews.

BACKGROUND: Only few studies have examined the impact of racial differences on the age of onset, course and outcomes of diverticulitis. AIM: To provide data about the epidemiology of diverticulitis in northern Israel, and to determine whether ethnicity is a predictor of age of onset, complications, and need for surgery. METHODS: Was conducted a retrospective review of the charts of all patients diagnosed with a first episode of diverticulitis in our hospital between 2005 and 2012. RESULTS: Were found 638 patients with a first episode of acute diverticulitis in the eight year interval. Israeli Arabs developed a first episode of diverticulitis at a younger age compared to Jews (51.2 vs 63.8 years, p<0.01). Arabs living in rural areas developed diverticulitis at a younger age than Arabs living in urban centers (49.4 vs 54.5 years, P=0.03). Jewish and Arabic men developed diverticulitis at younger age compared to their female counterparts (59.9 vs 66.09, p<0.01, and 47.31 vs 56.93, p<0.01, respectively). Arabs were more likely [odds ratio (OR)=1.81 ,95% confidence interval (CI)1.12-2.90, p=0.017] than Jews to require surgical treatment (urgent or elective) for diverticulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli Arabs tend to develop diverticulitis at a younger age and are more likely to require surgical treatment for diverticulitis compared to Jews. Arabs living in rural areas develop diverticulitis at a younger age than Arabs living in urban centers. These findings highlight a need to address the root cause for ethnic differences in onset, course and outcome of acute diverticulitis.

Israeli Arabs develop diverticulitis at a younger age and are more likely to require surgery than Jews / Árabes israelitas desenvolvem diverticulite em idade mais jovem e estão mais sujeitos ao tratamento cirúrgico do que os judeus

BACKGROUND: Only few studies have examined the impact of racial differences on the age of onset, course and outcomes of diverticulitis. AIM: To provide data about the epidemiology of diverticulitis in northern Israel, and to determine whether ethnicity is a predictor of age of onset, complications, and need for surgery. METHODS: Was conducted a retrospective review of the charts of all patients diagnosed with a first episode of diverticulitis in our hospital between 2005 and 2012. RESULTS: Were found 638 patients with a first episode of acute diverticulitis in the eight year interval. Israeli Arabs developed a first episode of diverticulitis at a younger age compared to Jews (51.2 vs 63.8 years, p<0.01). Arabs living in rural areas developed diverticulitis at a younger age than Arabs living in urban centers (49.4 vs 54.5 years, P=0.03). Jewish and Arabic men developed diverticulitis at younger age compared to their female counterparts (59.9 vs 66.09, p<0.01, and 47.31 vs 56.93, p<0.01, respectively). Arabs were more likely [odds ratio (OR)=1.81 ,95% confidence interval (CI)1.12-2.90, p=0.017] than Jews to require surgical treatment (urgent or elective) for diverticulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli Arabs tend to develop diverticulitis at a younger age and are more likely to require surgical treatment for diverticulitis compared to Jews. Arabs living in rural areas develop diverticulitis at a younger age than Arabs living in urban centers. These findings highlight a need to address the root cause for ethnic differences in onset, course and outcome of acute diverticulitis. .

RACIONAL: Somente poucos estudos examinaram o impacto das diferenças raciais na idade de início, curso e os resultados da diverticulite. OBJETIVO: Fornecer dados sobre a epidemiologia da diverticulite no norte de Israel, e determinar se a etnia é preditor de idade de início, complicações e necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de todos os pacientes diagnosticados com um primeiro episódio de diverticulite em nosso hospital entre 2005 e 2012. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 638 pacientes com um primeiro episódio de diverticulite aguda no intervalo de oito anos. Os árabes israelenses desenvolveram o primeiro episódio de diverticulite em idade mais jovem em comparação com os judeus (51,2 vs 63,8 anos, p<0,01). Árabes que vivem em áreas rurais a diverticulite foi desenvolvida em idade mais jovem do que os árabes que vivem em centros urbanos (49,4 vs 54,5 anos, p=0,03). Homens judeus e árabes desenvolveram diverticulite em idade mais jovem em comparação com os seus homólogos do sexo feminino (59,9 vs 66,09, p<0,01, e 47,31 vs 56,93, p<0,01, respectivamente). Os árabes eram mais prováveis ​​do que os judeus de necessitar de tratamento cirúrgico (urgência ou eletiva) para a diverticulite [odds ratio (OR)=1,81, intervalo de confiança de 95% (CI) 1,12-2,90, p=0,017]. CONCLUSÕES: Os árabes israelenses tendem a desenvolver diverticulite em idade mais jovem e são mais propensos a necessitar de tratamento cirúrgico para a diverticulite em comparação com os judeus. Árabes que vivem em áreas rurais desenvolvem diverticulite em idade mais jovem do que os árabes que vivem em centros urbanos. Estes resultados destacam a necessidade de abordar a causa raiz para diferenças étnicas em início, o curso e o resultado da diverticulite aguda. .

[APPENDECTOMY FOR COMPLICATED APPENDICITIS IN CHILDREN--LAPAROSCOPIC OR OPEN?].

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is widely accepted for simple appendicitis but it is still debatable in complicated cases (gangrenous or perforated appendicitis). AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of LA versus open appendectomy (OA) in uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of children (< 18 years old) who underwent LA and CA from 2008 to 2011 was performed. The incidental appendectomies were excluded. The patients were divided into four groups according to the severity of the disease (uncomplicated vs complicated) and by the surgical approach (LA vs OA). Data were compared with regard to demographic features, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative findings. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 335 children underwent urgent appendectomy during this period. The overall rate of perforated appendicitis was 26.9%; 143 patients (42.7%) underwent LA and 192 patients (57.3%) underwent CA. Operative times and complication rates did not differ significantly between LA and OA in either complicated to uncomplicated appendicitis; LOS was shorter in the uncomplicated group (2.14 ± 0.17 vs 3.15 ± 0.14, p < 0.01). Two patients from the uncomplicated group underwent conversions form LA to OA (conversion rate of 1.36%) because of intraoperative bleeding, and one patient in the OA-complicated group had a cecal injury. There were no mortalities in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in children is feasible and safe, does not harbor any risks in comparison to the open traditional procedure, and allows the benefits of better view, flexible angle of approach and cosmesis.

Laparoscopic repair of a late-presenting Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia with acute gastric volvulus.

An otherwise healthy 17-year-old boy presented to the paediatric emergency department with acute severe epigastric pain. An admission abdominal radiograph demonstrated gastric dilation, associated with an elevated left hemidiaphragm. Subsequent barium contrast imaging confirmed the diagnosis of organoaxial acute gastric volvulus (AGV). Emergent exploratory laparoscopy revealed AGV with migration of the stomach, spleen, pancreatic tail, splenic flexure, left kidney and adrenal through a left-sided Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia. Following careful mobilisation of the displaced structures, a mesh closure of the diaphragmatic defect was performed. The patient's postoperative chest radiograph was unremarkable, and he was discharged on the sixth postoperative day after an uneventful recovery. At 2 months the patient was well and asymptomatic, with normal barium contrast imaging results.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignant lesions: surgical principles to improve oncologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the treatment of choice for benign adrenal lesions. Size of the lesion and radiologic features define the risk for malignancy. In lesions at high risk of malignancy, the experience with the laparoscopic approach is limited and therefore controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and oncological safety of LA for malignant disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database. All LA performed in our department from 2003 to 2011 were reviewed and demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data for those who had malignancy in the final histological report was analyzed. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range). RESULTS: Of 121 LA, we identified 20 patients with 21 malignant adrenal pathologies: 11 primary tumors, 5 adrenocortical carcinoma, 5 large B cell lymphoma, and 1 leiomyosarcoma. Ten metastatic lesions included 5 malignant melanoma (1 patient, both sides), 4 adenocarcinoma, and 1 renal cell carcinoma. There was no conversion to laparotomy. Tumor size was 4.5 (1-9.5) cm, operative duration was 79 (42-262) min, and estimated blood loss was 40 (0-250) ml. All patients resumed regular diet on postoperative day 1, and the median length of stay was 2 days after surgery. Two patients died at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Three patients were lost to follow-up. All the rest of the patients were disease-free at a follow-up of 58 (7-96) months. CONCLUSIONS: LA for primary or metastatic malignant lesions is feasible and seems oncologically safe. Surgical principles should be the same for all LA: en bloc resection of all epinephric fat, minimal touch technique, and low threshold for conversion. Size of the lesion alone should not be an indication for open surgery.

Parenteral omega-3 fatty acids (Omegaven) modulate intestinal recovery after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in a rat model.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Fatty acids from fish oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 3PUFAs) are emerging as powerful yet safe disease-modifying nutrients and are protective in severe critical care conditions including ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 3PUFAs on intestinal structural changes, enterocyte proliferation, and apoptosis after intestinal IR in a rat. METHODS: Male rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham rats underwent laparotomy, IR rats underwent occlusion of both superior mesenteric artery and portal vein for 30 minutes followed by 48 hours of reperfusion, and 3PUFA-treated IR (IR-3PUFA) rats underwent IR and were treated with Omegaven (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) given intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mL twice a day. Intestinal structural changes (Park injury score, overall bowel and mucosal weight, mucosal DNA and protein, villus height and crypt depth, cell proliferation, and apoptosis) were determined 48 hours after IR. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the level of bax and bcl-2 messenger RNA. RESULTS: A significant decrease in bowel and mucosal weight was observed in the ileum of untreated IR rats compared with sham animals. Forty-eight hours after IR, cell apoptosis remained increased in the jejunum and ileum, which coincided with increased bax/bcl-2 ratio. Cell proliferation was increased 48 hours after IR, suggesting tissue repair. Treatment with Omegaven resulted in a significant increase in bowel and mucosal weight in the jejunum and ileum, villus height in the jejunum and ileum, and crypt depth in the jejunum compared with untreated IR animals. IR-3PUFA rats also demonstrated a significantly lower Park injury score in the jejunum and ileum as well as a lower apoptotic index in the ileum compared with untreated IR animals. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral Omegaven administration decreases the intestinal mucosal injury and inhibits enterocyte apoptosis after intestinal IR in a rat.

Right abdominal mass in a 2 year-old child.

The authors report a case of a wandering spleen presenting as a right lower quadrant abdominal mass, 2 years post a transabdominal left diaphragmatic hernia repair in a 2-year-old child with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The wandering spleen was fixed laparoscopically in an extraperitoneal pouch.

Effect of simvastatin on intestinal recovery following gut ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat.

BACKGROUND: Pleiotropic (lipid lowering-independent) effects of statins are attributed to their antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and/or vascular actions. Extensive studies in various experimental models have established that pretreatment with simvastatin significantly protects heart and kidney injured by ischemia-reperfusion (IR). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of simvastatin on intestinal recovery and enterocyte turnover after intestinal IR injury in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: (1) sham rats underwent laparotomy, (2) IR-rats underwent occlusion of both superior mesenteric artery and portal vein for 30 min followed by 48 h of reperfusion, and (3) IR-SIM rats underwent IR and were treated with oral simvastatin (10 mg/kg) given by gavage immediately before and 24 h after operation. Intestinal structural changes, Park's injury score, enterocyte proliferation and enterocyte apoptosis were determined 24 h following IR. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis with P less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Treatment with simvastatin resulted in a significant increase in bowel and mucosal weight in ileum, villus height and crypt depth in jejunum and ileum compared to IR animals. IR-SIM rats had also a significantly lower intestinal injury score as well as lower apoptotic index in jejunum and ileum compared to IR animals. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with simvastatin prevents gut mucosal damage and inhibits programmed cell death following intestinal IR in a rat.

Effect of elevated intra-abdominal pressure and 100% oxygen on superior mesenteric artery blood flow and enterocyte turnover in a rat.

PURPOSE: Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has been shown to reduce mesenteric blood flow and cause intestinal damage. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of IAP and hyperoxia on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow, enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis in a rat model of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Male rats underwent midline laparotomy. SMA was isolated and ultrasonic blood flow probes were placed on the vessel for continuous measurement of regional blood flow. Two catheters were introduced into the peritoneal cavity for inflation of air and for measurement of IAP. Rats were divided into three experimental groups: (1) Sham rats were subjected to IAP of 0 mmHg, (2) ACS-air rats were subjected to IAP of 6 mmHg for 2 h and were ventilated with air, and (3) ACS-O(2) rats were subjected to IAP of 6 mmHg and were ventilated with 100% oxygen (O(2)) during the operation and for 6 h after the operation. Intestinal structural changes, enterocyte proliferation and enterocyte apoptosis were evaluated at 24 h after operation. A paired Student's t test and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test were used as indicated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: IAP at 6 mmHg caused a moderate decrease in SMA blood flow. Inhalation of 100% oxygen resulted in a trend toward an increase in SMA flow when compared to air-ventilated animals. ACS rats demonstrated a significantly lower index of proliferation in jejunum and ileum as well as a significantly greater apoptotic index in jejunum compared to sham animals. Exposure to 100% oxygen resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation in jejunum and ileum as well as in a significant decrease in cell apoptosis in jejunum compared to air-breathing animals. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model of ACS, elevated IAP decreases SMA blood flow and inhibits enterocyte turnover. Hyperoxia results in a trend toward an increase in SMA blood flow, increases enterocyte proliferation and inhibits cell death via apoptosis. These findings may have significant implications for ventilation strategies during laparoscopy.

[The management of pediatric appendicitis: an opinion survey of Israeli pediatric surgeons].

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis remains the most common acute surgical condition of the abdomen in children. However, considerable controversy still exists among surgeons as to the management of pediatric appendicitis. The goal of this study was to determine current practice patterns and provide a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies that would standardize patient care. METHODS: Members of the Israeli Pediatric Surgical Association were interviewed with respect to timing of operation, preoperative imaging, opinions on interval appendectomy, use of cultures, abdominal irrigation, transperitoneal drains, method of wound closure, spectrum and duration of post-operative antibiotic coverage and discharge criteria. RESULTS: A total of 14 of the 18 units or departments of Pediatric Surgery responded to our survey. Fifty percent of surgeons prefer to wait within 3-8 hours before the operation and wait until morning to operate on a stable child who presents in the middle of the night. A majority of respondents prefer abdominal ultrasound to CT when an imaging study is felt necessary. More than ninety percent of surgeons indicate that they routinely take intraperitoneal cultures, do not use intraperitoneal drains, use pure crystalloid to irrigate the abdominal cavity, and perform primary closure of the surgical wound, even in the presence of intraabdominal contamination. Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy as the procedure of choice is equally divided. Dissent exists in defining the importance of preoperative imaging, in the type and duration of antibiotic coverage, impact of clinical parameters on antibiotic use, and utility of discharge criteria. CONCLUSIONS: There is an apparent consensus on the many aspects of perioperative and postoperative care of pediatric appendicitis among Israeli Pediatric Surgeons (IPS). This study consolidates current opinions on appropriate management of pediatric appendicitis, providing a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies.

Bombesin stimulates enterocyte turnover following massive small bowel resection in a rat.

Recent evidence suggests that bombesin (BBS) is involved in modulation of growth and differentiation of normal small intestine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of BBS on enterocyte turnover after massive small bowel resection in a rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: Sham rats underwent bowel transection and re-anastomosis, short bowel syndrome (SBS) rats underwent a 75% small bowel resection, and SBS-BBS rats underwent bowel resection and were treated with BBS given subcutaneously at a dose of 20 mug/kg, once daily, from postoperative day 3 through 14. Parameters of intestinal adaptation (bowel and mucosal weights, mucosal DNA and protein, villus height and crypt depth), enterocyte proliferation and enterocyte apoptosis were determined in jejunum and ileum on day 15 following operation. RT-PCR technique was used to determine Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression in ileal mucosa. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test, with P less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Treatment with BBS resulted in a significant increase in ileal bowel and mucosal weight, ileal mucosal DNA and protein, jejunal and ileal villus height, jejunal crypt depth, and jejunal and ileal proliferation index compared to SBS-animals. SBS rats showed a significant increase in Bax and Bcl-2 expression in ileum that was accompanied by a significant increase in cell apoptosis compared to sham animals. SBS-BBS rats demonstrated a significant decrease in Bax and Bcl-2 expression in ileum and a decrease in apoptotic index compared to SBS-animals. In conclusion, in a rat model of SBS, BBS enhances enterocyte turnover and stimulates structural intestinal adaptation. Decreased Bax expression may be responsible for the inhibitory effect of BBS on enterocyte apoptosis.

Critical validation of ultrasound Doppler in the diagnosis of torsion of undescended testis.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion associated with undescended testis is uncommon but requires immediate treatment. Ultrasound Doppler is recognized as the preferred imaging modality for testicular torsion due to its high specificity, sensitivity and availability. OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound Doppler in diagnosis of torsion of undescended testis. METHODS: We describe three patients with known undescended testis who were admitted with groin pain and had preoperative ultrasound Doppler. The discrepancy between these and the intraoperative findings is discussed. RESULTS: In two patients incarcerated inguinal hernia was diagnosed with ultrasound Doppler; however, surgery revealed torsion of an undescended testis. In the third patient ultrasound Doppler diagnosed torsion of undescended testis, but at surgery incarcerated inguinal hernia was found, without evidence of testicular torsion. CONCLUSIONS: Torsion of undescended testis should be a clinical rather than radiologic diagnosis.