Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among parents of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission causes significant distress that can hinder the successful transition into parenthood, child-parent relations, and child development. PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to understand parental psychological phenomena. Here we assessed the emotional response of parents of newborns during NICU admission. METHODS: Two authors independently searched the PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Clinical Key, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between January 01, 2004, and December 31, 2021. The review followed Cochrane collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) statement. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Stata software (version 16) was used to compute the results. RESULTS: This review comprised 6,822 parents (5,083 mothers, 1,788 fathers; age range, 18-37 years) of NICU patients. The gestational ages and neonatal weights were 25.5-42 weeks and 750-2,920 g, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was higher among mothers (effect size [ES], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.61; and heterogeneity [I2]=97.1%; P<0.001) than among fathers (ES, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11-0.42; I2=96.6%; P<0.001). Further, the pooled prevalence of depression was higher among mothers (ES, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24-0.38; I2=91.5%; P<0.001) than among fathers (ES, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.22; I2=85.6%; P<0.001). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of stress was higher among mothers (ES, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31-0.51; I2= 93.9%; P<0.001) than among fathers (ES, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.34; I2=85.2%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: NICU admission is more stressful for mothers than fathers and can affect mental health and quality of life. Mothers reported a higher pooled prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression than fathers, possibly attributable to their feelings about birthing a sick child.

Use of an Autologous Platelet-Rich Concentrate in Hypospadias Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis.

Background: There is unanimous agreement amongst hypospadias surgeons to use an intermediate layer to cover the neourethra. Dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis (TV) flaps are the most preferred tissues to be used. Tissue glue, sealants and biomaterials are also useful where there is a paucity of local tissue to cover the neourethra. But these blood-derived products have associated infectious and allergic risks. The autologous human platelet concentrate (APC) contains biologically active factors and is safe for wound healing and soft tissue reconstruction. It has been used by few surgeons as an intermediate layer in hypospadias repair. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to systematically compare the outcomes of hypospadias surgery in children with or without using APCs. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analysis protocol was registered with INPLASY. A systematic, detailed search was carried out by the authors in the electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google Scholar and clinical trial registry. Studies were selected and compared based on primary outcome measures like urethra-cutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, wound infection and operative time. Statistical analysis was performed using a fixed-effect model, pooled risk ratio and I2 heterogeneity. Results: Four randomized studies with a total of 355 patients were included. Pooled analysis for outcome of urethra-cutaneous fistula (UCF) showed no significant difference between the groups with APC and without APC. Pooled analysis for the other outcome like meatal stenosis, wound infection and total complications showed a decrease in incidence of these complications in groups with APC. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that there is a reduction in the incidence of wound infection, meatal stenosis and total complications in patients where APC was used to cover the neourethra, although no such difference was observed in UCF rates.

Appendectomy in Management of Malrotation of Gut is it Necessary?

Introduction: Malrotation is a congenital anatomical anomaly that affects the normal positioning of the intestines. Traditional management of malrotation, as described by Ladd, consists of detorsion of the volvulus if present, division of Ladd's bands, widening of the mesenteric root, proper positioning of the small and large bowels, and a prophylactic appendectomy. This study was done to determine whether appendectomy should be an integral part of the Ladds procedure or if it can be avoided. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in one pediatric surgical unit in the tertiary care center of North India. All the cases of malrotation of the gut managed from January 2008 to December 2018 were reviewed. The details of the patients were recovered from the electronic data recording system of the hospital and manual operation theater records. The cases that have a follow-up of <5 years were not included in the study. The details were charted in an Excel Sheet for the analysis. No statistical test was performed because there was no event in patients in whom prophylactic appendectomy was not done. Results: The data analysis revealed that a total of 66 malrotation patients were managed during this period, those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among 66 cases included in the study, in 41 cases, prophylactic appendectomy was done, whereas in the rest 25, prophylactic appendectomy was not done. During the follow-up, none of the patients in whom the appendix was preserved presented with signs or symptoms related to appendicitis or any other complications. Conclusion: Ladds procedure without appendectomy can be performed in view of the potential use of the appendix in the future, and with the fact that in the current era of advanced medicine, appendicitis can be diagnosed early due to the advancement of imaging and better record keeping.

Knowledge and Compliance of Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection among Indian Health-Care Workers.

Objective: In the initial days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis for health-care workers (HCWs) involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. The present survey aimed to assess the knowledge and compliance of HCQ prophylaxis as per the ICMR recommendations among Indian HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: A validated 19-item questionnaire-based survey was distributed to HCWs in our apex tertiary care institute who had completed their duties in the COVID-19 wards to assess the knowledge, attitude, and compliance of all sections of HCWs regarding the ICMR-recommended HCQ prophylaxis. Participation in the survey was voluntary, and anonymity was maintained. Data obtained from the responses were collated and analyzed. Findings: Two hundred and fourteen out of 250 HCWs completed the survey (85.6% response rate). Among 214 participants, 87.9% were below the age of 40 years. 83.2% were aware of the use of HCQ for possible prevention of COVID-19 infection, while only 24.6% took HCQ for 7 weeks as was recommended during that period. The main reasons given by 37.3% of the HCWs for not taking HCQ were their knowledge and research on HCQ, where side effects were prominent. Side effects were reported by 35% of the respondents, of which the most notable was nausea/vomiting (14%) followed by gastritis (12%). Conclusion: The poor compliance with HCQ prophylaxis by HCWs was influenced by their knowledge and research, lack of strong scientific evidence, and drug-associated adverse effects.

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy: Still a viable option in children with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic transmural drainage is the preferred method of drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in adults; however, there is scant literature in children. We analyzed our experience of 33 endoscopic cystogastrostomies done in 29 children to find its efficacy and safety. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected database of 31 consecutive children (<18 years) who underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy from June 2013 to December 2017. The procedure was done using the standard technique with an adult duodenoscope. Data related to clinical details, technical success, complications and follow-up were collected. RESULTS: The median age was 14 (3-17) years (22 males). Indications were early satiety in 28 (90%), vomiting in 15 (48%), and duodenal obstruction and infected pseudocyst in 2 children each. Etiology includes acute pancreatitis 22, post-traumatic 4 and chronic pancreatitis 5. The procedure was successful in 29 of 31 (93.5%) children with no mortality. Adverse events happened in four cases (12.9%); two infections, another with bleeding and another with pneumoperitonium, both of which resolved spontaneously. Incidents (minor bleeding) were noted in 6 (19%). Stents were removed in 26 (90%) after 12 (7-20) weeks and got spontaneously migrated out in 3 (10%) cases. Over a median follow-up of 26 (5-48) months, 26 (90%) had no recurrence of pseudocyst and 3 (10%) had recurrence of a small, asymptomatic pseudocyst. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cystogastrostomy is a safe and effective method of draining bulging PFCs in children. The procedure carries acceptable morbidity with minimal recurrence. In younger children it may be the preferred method of drainage of PFCs.

Management of macrocystic lymphatic malformation at uncommon site with aqueous bleomycin sclerotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangioma are rare vascular malformation that results from maldevelopment of primitive lymphatic sacs. They are most frequently found in the neck and axilla, while intra-abdominal and mediastinal lymphangiomas are uncommon. Atypical site of cystic hygroma in pediatric age group are usually difficult to diagnose clinically but can be diagnosed easily by ultrasound. The aim of the study was to evaluate the result of the intralesional bleomycin for macrocystic lymphatic malformation (LM) presenting at atypical site. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All patients of LM of other than head& neck, axilla and abdomen presenting in pediatric age group were included in the study. Mainstay of diagnosis was ultrasound and was supplemented by CT scan wherever required. All patients were managed with intralesional bleomycin (ILB) and surgical excision was done only if primary therapy failed. RESULT: Total 15 cases of LM presenting at atypical sites were included in the study. Series include two case of cystic hygroma of breast, 4 cases of cystic hygroma of anterior chest wall, two case of substernal LM, three cases of LM of parotid gland, one case of inguinal region cystic hygroma and 4 cases involving submandicular area. Complete resolution was observed in 13 out of 15 cases, and two cases had less than 50% reduction in size and were managed with surgical excision after second session of ILB. CONCLUSION: Aqueous Intralesional bleomycin is a cost effective alternative to surgery even at rare sites of LM which provide better aesthetic outcome, and avoids complication associated with surgery.

Is multiple session of intralesional bleomycin mandatory for complete resolution of macrocystic lymphatic malformation?

BACKGROUND: Intralesional bleomycin scelro-therapy has become a favored line of treatment for macrocystic lymphatic malformations. However the need for multiple sessions is a drawback associated with this treatment modality. Our aim is to document whether multiple session of intra- lesional sclero-therapy is necessary for complete resolution of cystic lymphatic malformation. METHOD: Intralesional bleomycin under Ultrasound guidance was used for macrocystic lymphangioma at concentration of 3mg/ml but not exceeding the total dose (1mg/kg) body weight for single session or cumulative dose of 5mg/kg. In all cases intralesional sclerosant (ILS) was installed under proper aseptic precaution in operation theatre in general anesthesia or sedation depending on the site or size of lesion and age of the patient. Age of patients at the time of enrolment in study ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Clinical examination was the main stay of diagnosis which was supplemented by USG and/or computed tomography. Compression of the lesion site was done for few hours wherever it was possible after the ILS session. RESULT: A total of 21 patients included in our study. The age ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Male to female ratio was 8:13. The most common site of involvement was neck and axilla followed by anterior chest wall and nape of the neck. Complete resolution after single session was observed in 90.5% cases where as surgery was required in 9.5% case. Major complication was observed in one patient, who had intralesional bleeding which was managed conservatively. Transient pain and fever was observed in 23.8% of cases. Only two patient required surgical intervention where one had persistent subcutaneous fibrotic nodule and other one did not respond to ILS. CONCLUSION: Intralesional bleomycin is an effective treatment for macrocystic lesion, and complete resolution may be achieved by single session of ILS if proper principle are followed.

External Drainage of Giant Infantile Choledochal Cyst before Definitive Repair: Is it Worth?

Infantile Choledochal Cysts (IFCC) usually present with jaundice, acholic stool and abdominal lump or abdominal distension. If the surgical intervention is delayed, they rapidly progress to liver fibrosis which is considered to be irreversible if progressed to cirrhosis. We present the data of four cases (aged one month to seven months) of IFCC presented with cholangitis managed in one surgical unit in last two years. In one case, cholangitis was treated with prolonged antibiotic course before definitive repair whereas in rest, external drainage of cyst was done in addition to intravenous antibiotic to treat cholangitis. All the infants had features of cholangitis at time of presentation. Total leucocyte count ranged from 18x1000/UL to 30.6x1000/UL. Total bilirubin level at presentation ranged from 8.2 mg/dl to 18 mg/dl and Prothrombin time (INR) ranged from 1.33 to 1.9. Hepatic fibrosis was observed in all cases but cirrhosis was observed in only one case. There was no mortality but one patient had postoperative complication with prolonged hospital stay. External drainage helps in early recovery from cholangitis and better optimization of liver function. It also delays further progression to liver fibrosis by relieving the biliary outflow obstruction while waiting for definitive repair.

Small Intestinal Lymphangioma Presenting as an Acute Abdomen with Relevant Review of Literature.

Cystic lymphangioma of small bowel mesentery is rare with clinical features ranging from an asymptomatic abdominal lump to acute intestinal obstruction. We discuss two cases of lymphangioma of small bowel mesentery who presented to us as acute intestinal obstruction. In the first case exploratory laparotomy revealed a large multicystic lesion arising from small bowel mesentery just distal to the duodenojejunal junction having multiple small cysts filled with milky white fluid. The involved region of the bowel was excised. The second case had a large multicystic lesion involving the mesentery of proximal jejunum, dudenojejunal junction, encasing the entire superior mesenteric vessels. For this patient, debulking was done.

Early Nephrectomy in Unilateral Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney in Children Cures Hypertension Early: An Observation.

Objective Surgery is still indicated as the treatment of choice in subset of patients with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (UMCDK) because of its potential complications and malignant change. The purpose of this study is to present our observation that early nephrectomy may cure hypertension early in children with UMCDK and review the literature. Materials and Methods We report here four children (two males and two females) with antenatally diagnosed UMCDK with hypertension, treated in the past 4 years. All have antenatal diagnosis of UMCDK and referred to us after their birth. Diagnosis of hypertension (blood pressure > 95th percentile) was made after 3 months of follow-up in all patients. Nephrectomy was performed in all children in variable time duration. Hypertension, urinary tract infection, and desire of parents were the main indication of surgery. Results All children showed decrease in the size of their dysplastic kidney with time, but hypertension was persistent and needed antihypertensive drugs; even increase in the doses in successive follow-up. After nephrectomy, three children who were operated early got cured having normal blood pressure within variable time duration, while a child, operated late, still had high blood pressure and needed antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion Early nephrectomy in recently diagnosed hypertension in UMCDK is advisable and can cure hypertension early. Levels of Evidence The level of evidence is IV (case series with no comparison group).

Aqueous intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy in lymphatic malformation: Our experience with children and adult.

OBJECTIVES: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are aberrant proliferation of sequestrated lymphatic vessels during early embryogenesis and do not communicate directly with the general lymphatic system. The absence of vascular flow is the hallmark of LMs and is usually symptomless apart from painless disfiguring mass with concerns regarding cosmesis. DESIGN: Sclerotherapy has gained prominence as a preferred treatment modality for macrocystic lesions. Here, we present our experience with use of aqueous bleomycin as intralesional sclerosing agent, an economical first-line treatment for macrocystic variant of LMs in children and adults. While bleomycin microsphere in oil has been commonly used in many previous studies, we have used aqueous bleomycin solution as the sclerosing modality which is easily available and economical. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients of macrocystic LM including adults and children underwent bleomycin sclerotherapy under ultrasonography guidance. Number of sessions, dose administered, and the response to therapy along with all side effects were noted. RESULTS: Sixteen patients received 3 or less sessions while rest needed 4-6 sessions of sclerotherapy for desired response. The response was excellent in 22 patients while 5 patients showed good response. Eleven patients developed minor side effects in form of fever, local infection, intracystic bleed, and local skin discoloration. Postsclerotherapy, surgery was performed in two patients. CONCLUSION: The better response in the present study can be attributed to targeting of individual cysts in multiloculated lesion, ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cysts content before drug delivery, and postprocedure compression which increases the contact time between cyst wall and bleomycin reducing the chances of postprocedure seroma formation. Since the drug acts on the endothelial lining of the cyst, volume of the cyst is the major determinant in response. Aqueous bleomycin had comparable results with oil-based microsphere establishing it as an economical alternative treatment modality.

Jejunal Windsock Deformity: A Rare Cause of Incomplete Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction.

Incomplete intestinal obstruction due to windsock web of the jejunum is uncommonly noticed in neonates. We present a male neonate, prenatally suspected case of proximal bowel obstruction, who was found to have features of incomplete intestinal obstruction due to windsock deformity in jejunum. The difficulty in the diagnosis and management is discussed along with relevant literature review.

Malrotation and Midgut Volvulus associated with Asymptomatic Duplication Cyst of Jejunum.

Gastrointestinal duplications can affect any part of the alimentary tract and are notorious for their variable presentation. Their association with malrotation and midgut volvulus is rare. We describe an 8-year old boy presented with episodes of abdominal pain. Radiological workup showed whirlpool sign and abnormal relationship of mesenteric vessels. At operation, malrotation with chronic volvulus was found. Incidentally, a jejunal communicating duplication cyst was also noted.

Primary duodenal tuberculosis presenting as gastric-outlet obstruction: Its diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal tuberculosis often involves the ileocecal region. Duodenal and gastric tuberculosis found in only 1% of patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis with associated HIV infection in non-endemic areas. Duodenal obstruction due to tuberculosis is very rare and needs high index of suspicions for diagnosis. Mostly this entity is suspected on intraoperative findings. In this manuscript we emphasized on ways and means for establishing histopathological diagnosis before starting anti-tubercular treatment in such cases. METHOD AND MATERIAL: All patients of suspected gastroduodenal tuberculosis presented with feature of gastric-outlet obstruction managed during Jan 2009 to June 2011 were included in the study. After proper evaluation (routine hematological and biochemical examination, microbiological examination, serological and endoscopic evaluation) exploratory laparotomy was done and if there is no mesenteric lymphadenopathy or it is not safe to take biopsy form the diseased duodenum, multiple FNAC were taken from the diseased portion for histopathological and microbiological diagnosis. RESULT: A total of five patients were treated during this period. The most common presentation was vomiting followed by failure to thrive and weight loss; two patients had abdominal pain. Biopsy of mesenteric lymph node was possible in two cases. FNAC from diseases portion was taken in all cases. FNAC showed granulomas in four cases. Cases where even FNAC finding was non-conclusive on HPE/Microbiology was not subjected to antitubercular drug. CONCLUSION: Multiple intra-operative FNAC may be taken from the diseased portion of the duodenum to establish the histopathological diagnosis if diagnosis is not established by any other mean.

Spontaneous biliary peritonitis: Is bed side diagnosis possible?

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous biliary peritonitis is a rare cause of acute abdomen. In spontaneous biliary peritonitis there is perforation in the wall of the extra-hepatic or intra-hepatic duct occurs without any traumatic or iatrogenic injury and have been described more often in neonates. The symptoms may be acute or insidious delaying the diagnosis. Present manuscript deals with diagnosis and management of these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study and all patients of suspected biliary peritonitis presented during Dec 2010 to Feb 2012 were included in the study. After preliminary investigations in all patients abdominal paracentesis was done and in cases where intra-abdominal fluid bilirubin level was several fold higher than serum bilirubin level were subjected to exploratory laparotomy. Further investigation like T-tube cholangiogram and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was done to rule out choledochal cyst before leveling these cases as SPBD. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients were included in present series commonest presenting symptom was progressive abdominal distension without signs of overt peritonitis followed by progressive jaundice, fever and abdominal pain. On exploration site of perforation was observed in 50% of cases and in 50% of cases bile duct was not dilated. Second surgery was not required in 34% of cases. There was no mortality or significant morbidity in our series. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous perforation of bile duct is rare disease and high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis. Simple bed side test can help in diagnosis but T tube cholangiogram or MRCP are must to rule out choledochal cyst.

Single-stage repair for rectovestibular fistula without opening the fourchette.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations are one of the most common congenital defects. This study is conducted to demonstrate new technique for treatment of rectovaginal fistula without disturbing the fourchette through posterior sagittal approach. METHOD: All the patients of rectovestibular fistula admitted after the neonatal age were treated with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without opening the fourchette. The results were evaluated for cosmetic appearance and anal continence. RESULT: A total of 40 patients were included in our study. All patients were more than 1 month old. Operative time ranges from 70 to 150 minutes. The cosmetic appearance was good. Anal continence was good in 72% cases and fair in 20% cases. Fifteen percent of patients had minimal constipation and 7.5% patients had mucosal prolapse. CONCLUSION: Single-stage repair for vestibular anus through posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without opening fourchette has a good cosmetic appearance and good anal continence.