Using urinary metabolomics to identify metabolic pathways linked to cardiac structural alterations in young adults: The African-PREDICT study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Risk factor exposure from young ages was shown to contribute to cardiovascular events - cardiac hypertrophy, which may be accompanied by an altered metabolism. To determine how early metabolic alterations associate with myocardial structural changes, we profiled urinary metabolites in young adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor(s) and a control group without CVD risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included healthy adults (N = 1202), aged 20-30 years, stratified based on risk factors, i.e., obesity, physical inactivity, elevated blood pressure (BP), hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, low socio-economic status, smoking and excessive alcohol use - forming the CVD risk group (N = 1036) and the control group (N = 166). Relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMi) were measured using echocardiography. Targeted metabolomics data were obtained using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Clinic systolic BP, 24 h BP and RWT were higher in the CVD risk group compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.031). Exclusively in the CVD risk group, RWT associated with creatine and dodecanoylcarnitine; while LVMi associated with glycine, serine, glutamine, threonine, alanine, citrulline, creatine, proline, pyroglutamic acid and glutamic acid (all P ≤ 0.040). Exclusively in the control group, LVMi associated with propionylcarnitine and butyrylcarnitine (all P ≤ 0.009). CONCLUSION: In young adults without CVD, but with CVD risk factors, LVMi and RWT associated with metabolites linked energy metabolism (shifting from solely fatty acid oxidation to glycolysis, with impaired creatine kinase activity) and oxidative stress. Our findings support early onset metabolic changes accompanying cardiac structural alterations due to lifestyle and behavioural risk factors.

Markers of arterial stiffness and urinary metabolomics in young adults with early cardiovascular risk: the African-PREDICT study.

INTRODUCTION: Increased exposure to risk factors in the young and healthy contributes to arterial changes, which may be accompanied by an altered metabolism. OBJECTIVES: To increase our understanding of early metabolic alterations and how they associate with markers of arterial stiffness, we profiled urinary metabolites in young adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor(s) and in a control group without CVD risk factors. METHODS: We included healthy black and white women and men (N = 1202), aged 20-30 years with a detailed CVD risk factor profile, reflecting obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, masked hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and low socio-economic status, forming the CVD risk group (N = 1036) and the control group (N = 166). Markers of arterial stiffness, central systolic blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity were measured. A targeted metabolomics approach was followed by measuring amino acids and acylcarnitines using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS: In the CVD risk group, central systolic BP (adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity) was negatively associated with histidine, arginine, asparagine, serine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, threonine, GABA, proline, methionine, pyroglutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and butyrylcarnitine (all P ≤ 0.048). In the same group, pulse wave velocity (adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, mean arterial pressure) was negatively associated with histidine, lysine, threonine, 2-aminoadipic acid, BCAAs and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) (all P ≤ 0.044). In the control group, central systolic BP was negatively associated with pyroglutamic acid, glutamic acid and dodecanoylcarnitine (all P ≤ 0.033). CONCLUSION: In a group with increased CVD risk, markers of arterial stiffness were negatively associated with metabolites related to AAA and BCAA as well as energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Our findings may suggest that metabolic adaptations may be at play in response to increased CVD risk to maintain cardiovascular integrity.

Urinary metabolomics profiling by cardiovascular risk factors in young adults: the African Prospective study on Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular disease and Hypertension study.

AIM: Risk factors contributes to a dysregulated metabolism and may ultimately increase the predisposition for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. To increase our understanding of mechanistic pathways associated with CVD risk, we profiled the urinary metabolome according to individual and clusters of CVD risk factors in comparison with a control group without any risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Healthy black and white women and men ( N  = 1202), aged 20-30 years with a detailed CVD risk factor profile were included. CVD risk groups: obese, physical inactive, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, masked hypertensive, hyperglycaemic, dyslipidemic and low socioeconomic status. CVD risk clusters were based on the presence of 1, 2 and 3 or more risk factors. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to obtain urinary metabolomics data (amino acids and acylcarnities). Compared with the control group, higher levels of metabolites associated with aromatic and branched chain amino acid metabolism including phenylalanine, tyrosine and leucine/isoleucine were found in the obese, masked hypertensive, hyperglycaemic, low socioeconomic groups (all q  ≤ 0.032) and 3+ CVD risk cluster (all P  ≤ 0.034). Metabolites associated with the y-glutamyl cycle including glycine, histidine, serine, glutamine, methionine, cystine and pyroglutamic acid were found in the hyperglycaemic, low socioeconomic groups (all q  ≤ 0.050), 2 and 3+ CVD risk clusters (all P  ≤ 0.041). Metabolites associated with energetics including acetylcarnitine (lower levels), hexanoylcarnitine and decanoylcarnitine were found in the low socioeconomic group, 1 and 3+ CVD risk clusters ( q / P  ≤ 0.050) ( ß -oxidation). In addition to the above-mentioned amino acids, alanine and threonine were found in the hyperglycaemic, low socioeconomic groups, 2 and 3+ CVD risk clusters (all q / P  ≤ 0.047) (glycolysis). Creatine in the obese, hyperglycaemic groups (all q  ≤ 0.049) and 3+ CVD risk cluster (all P  ≤ 0.041) (creatine pathway). CONCLUSION: Exposure to CVD risk factors is associated with a dysregulated metabolism in the above-mentioned pathways that may precede the development of CVD.

Bowel Lengthening Procedures in Children with Short Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of the study are to systematically assess and critically appraise the evidence concerning two surgical techniques to lengthen the bowel in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), namely, the longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) and serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP), and to identify patient characteristics associated with a favorable outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from inception till December 2019. No language restriction was used. RESULTS: In all, 2,390 articles were found, of which 40 were included, discussing 782 patients. The median age of the patients at the primary bowel lengthening procedure was 16 months (range: 1-84 months). Meta-analysis could not be performed due to the incomparability of the groups, due to heterogeneous definitions and outcome reporting. After STEP, 46% of patients weaned off parenteral nutrition (PN) versus 52% after LILT. Mortality was 7% for STEP and 26% for LILT. Patient characteristics predictive for success (weaning or survival) were discussed in nine studies showing differing results. Quality of reporting was considered poor to fair. CONCLUSION: LILT and STEP are both valuable treatment strategies used in the management of pediatric SBS. However, currently it is not possible to advise surgeons on accurate patient selection and to predict the result of either intervention. Homogenous, prospective, outcome reporting is necessary, for which an international network is needed.

The renin-angiotensin-system and left ventricular mass in young adults: the African-PREDICT study.

PURPOSE: Raised blood pressure, with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as a central regulatory component, is one of the most important contributors to early development of left ventricular hypertrophy. Factors such as increased age, sex, black ethnicity and a low socio-economic status also contribute to left ventricular remodelling. To better understand early contributors to left ventricular mass, we investigated the relationship between left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and the components of the RAS in young healthy adults while considering ethnicity, sex and socio-economic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Black and white women and men (N = 1186) between the ages of 20-30 years were included. By using standard echocardiography, we determined LVMi. Ultra-pressure-liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to measure the RAS-fingerprint®. RESULTS: Components of the RAS such as plasma renin activity (PRA-S), angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone were suppressed in the black compared to the white group (all p < 0.001). No associations between LVMi and the RAS were evident in the total, black or white groups. With additional grouping according to sex and socio-economic status, inverse associations between LVMi and PRA-S (ß= -0.168;  p = 0.017), Ang I (ß= -0.155; p = 0.028) and Ang II (ß= -0.172; p = 0.015) were found only in low socio-economic black women. CONCLUSION: Despite a suppressed RAS in the black compared to the white group, components of the RAS were not associated with LVMi in this young cohort. The low socio-economic black women of this study population may be vulnerable to future RAS-related increases in left ventricular mass.

The relationship of blood pressure with uric acid and bilirubin in young lean and overweight/obese men and women: the African-PREDICT study.

Mounting evidence supports the central role of oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and the development of hypertension. However, most studies focusing on the non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid and bilirubin, and their relationship with obesity and hypertension were done in older populations with overt cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was therefore to compare measures of cardiovascular function (blood pressure and arterial stiffness) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid and bilirubin) between young healthy lean and overweight/obese men and women and to investigate the link between these variables. We grouped 967 men and women (aged 20-30 years) according to body mass index (BMI) categories (lean BMI < 25 kg/m2; overweight/obese BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Cardiovascular measurements included 24 h blood pressure and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Serum samples were used to analyse uric acid and bilirubin. Women and men with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 displayed higher 24 h blood pressure (P < 0.001) and uric acid (P ≤ 0.014) than their lean counterparts; lean women showed higher bilirubin (P < 0.001). In multi-variable adjusted regression analyses we found that 24 h systolic blood pressure was independently associated with uric acid (R2 = 0.10; ß = 0.19; P = 0.017) only in overweight/obese women. In lean women a negative association of 24 h systolic blood pressure with bilirubin (R2 = 0.03; ß = -0.14; P = 0.018) was found. No associations were found in men. In conclusion, we found adverse associations between blood pressure and uric acid in young healthy women with increased adiposity, but not in lean women or men.

Experience with fully covered self-expandable metal stents for anastomotic stricture following esophageal atresia repair.

There is a lack of experience with fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for the treatment of benign esophageal conditions in the pediatric population. This is the evaluation of our institutional experience of placing SEMSs for anastomotic stricture (AS) formation following esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Patients were jointly managed from the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Central Interdisciplinary Endoscopy at our institution. Thirteen children (8 male, 5 female) with a median age of 4 months (range: 1-32 months) who underwent treatment with SEMSs for a postoperative AS following EA repair between February 2006 and April 2016 were recruited into this retrospective study. SEMSs that are originally designed for other organs such as trachea, bronchus, biliary tract, or colon were inserted under general anesthesia via endoscopic guidance. Simultaneous fluoroscopy was not required in any case. In five infants, the stents were inserted primarily without previous therapy. Seven patients underwent stenting following dilatation with or without adjuncts (e.g. Mitomycin C, Triamcinolone). In one case with an AS and a simultaneous persistent tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), multiple SEMSs were applied after failure to close the fistula with fibrin glue.The median duration of individual stent placement was 30 days (range: 5-91 days). In five children up to four different biliary, bronchial or colonic SEMSs were placed successively over time. There were no problems noted at stent insertion or removal. Eight children (62%) developed complications associated with stenting. At follow-up, in eight patients (62%) AS was resolved, including all of those five cases, who had their stents inserted without previous therapy. Five children (38%), who underwent dilatation prior to stenting did not improve their AS and required further intervention. Overall, the cohort exhibited a slight, but not significant weight gain between stent insertion and (final) stent removal.Insertion of SEMSs for AS following EA repair is safe and often successful with only one single application. It can be used as a primary procedure (without previous therapy) or after failed dilatations.There was one death in this study that was unrelated to stenting and occurred 12 months after stent removal. Because of the absence of manufactured, age-related devices, SEMSs that are originally designed for other organs can be applied. Establishment of a standardized management including stent placement for the treatment of AS following EA repair in the pediatric population is required.

Treatment outcome in 60 children with pathological fractures of the humerus caused by juvenile or aneurysmal bone cysts.

The treatment of pathological fractures of the humerus caused by juvenile or aneurysmal bone cysts (JBC/ABC) should be a single approach with a high success rate and low complication rate. This study evaluates how day by day treatment concepts fulfil these aims. Children below 15 years of age with a pathological fracture of the humerus caused by a JBC or ABC between 01.01.2001 and 31.12.2010, were investigated by chart review in four major paediatric trauma centres. Age, gender, fracture localisation, X-ray findings, treatment and outcome - assessed by the Capanna classification (I to IV), were analysed. 60 children [41male, 19 female; mean age: 9 years (4-14 years)] with 43 JBC and 12 ABC were included as well as five cysts, who could not be classified definitively. First treatment was non-operatively in 33 children. Of these 27 cysts did not improve; likewise the supportive installation of cortisone in six patients did not change the outcome. The first treatment consisted of elastic stable intramedullary in 13 children; up to three nail exchanges included. But only six of these reached (nearly) complete resolution (I/II). Overall the combined mechanical and biological treatment with curettage, elastic stable intramedullary nailing, (artificial) bone substitute and in some cases growth factors was performed as the 1st-line treatment in nine patients and further in 2nd or 3rd-line treatments in 13 humeral cysts. More than half of these reached a complete or nearly complete resolution of the cyst (12x I, 5x II, 1x III, 4x IV). Major complications in all operated patients were six nails not removable and two children with upper extremities length differences. Healing rates are low for non-operative treatment, elastic stable intramedullary nailing alone and by using cortisone for cysts resolution in pathological fractures of the humerus. Data support a combined mechanical and biological treatment with curettage, elastic stable intramedullary nailing, (artificial) bone substitute and the use of growth factors.

[Bladder augmentation and urinary diversion in children and adolescents]. / Blasenaugmentation und -ersatz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen.

BACKGROUND: In children and adolescents, the indication for continent urinary diversion or bladder augmentation is rare. Today, for most patients with a neurogenic bladder, conservative treatment (clean intermittent catheterization [CIC] and pharmacotherapy) is the method of choice, while for patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC), primary reconstruction is recommended. Only after failure of conservative treatment or primary reconstruction should bladder augmentation or urinary diversion be considered. Other rare indications include patients with malignant tumor involving the lower urinary tract (e. g., rhabdomyosarcoma). DISCUSSION: In patients with a hyperreflexive, small capacity, and/or low compliance bladder with a normal upper urinary tract, bladder augmentation (bowel segments/ureter) is an option. For those unable to perform CIC via the urethra, a continent cutaneous stoma should be offered. In patients with irreparable sphincter defects and normal renal function, a continent cutaneous diversion is an option and in those with a competent anal sphincter the rectosigmoid pouch can be offered. CONCLUSION: In this review, surgical options with their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

[LiLa classification for paediatric long bone fractures. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability]. / LiLa-Klassifikation für Frakturen der langen Röhrenknochen im Wachstumsalter. Intra- und Interobserverreliabilität.

BACKGROUND: There are two child-specific fracture classification systems for long bone fractures: the AO classification of pediatric long-bone fractures (PCCF) and the LiLa classification of pediatric fractures of long bones (LiLa classification). Both are still not widely established in comparison to the adult AO classification for long bone fractures. METHODS: During a period of 12 months all long bone fractures in children were documented and classified according to the LiLa classification by experts and non-experts. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were calculated according to Cohen (kappa). RESULTS: A total of 408 fractures were classified. The intraobserver reliability for location in the skeletal and bone segment showed an almost perfect agreement (K = 0.91-0.95) and also the morphology (joint/shaft fracture) (K = 0.87-0.93). Due to different judgment of the fracture displacement in the second classification round, the intraobserver reliability of the whole classification revealed moderate agreement (K = 0.53-0.58). Interobserver reliability showed moderate agreement (K = 0.55) often due to the low quality of the X-rays. Further differences occurred due to difficulties in assigning the precise transition from metaphysis to diaphysis. CONCLUSIONS: The LiLa classification is suitable and in most cases user-friendly for classifying long bone fractures in children. Reliability is higher than in established fracture specific classifications and comparable to the AO classification of pediatric long bone fractures. Some mistakes were due to a low quality of the X-rays and some due to difficulties to classify the fractures themselves. Improvements include a more precise definition of the metaphysis and the kind of displacement. Overall the LiLa classification should still be considered as an alternative for classifying pediatric long bone fractures.

Musculoskeletal pain: a new algorithm for differential diagnosis of a cardinal symptom in pediatrics.

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a common childhood complaint associated with multiple differential diagnoses, including cancer. Considering the expanding spectrum of diagnostics, evaluat-ing a young patient with MSP is a challenge today, particularly for non-specialists in a primary care setting. Since childhood cancer is rare and most cardinal symptoms mimic rather non-serious diseases, misdiagnosis is not uncommon, but of significant prognostic relevance. To build the appropriate bridge between primary and secon-dary care for a child presenting with MSP, thereby preventing treatment delay and longterm sequelae, initial evaluation should follow a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, systematic and stepwise approach, which unites the patient's individual anamnestic, psychosocial, and clinical charac-teristics. After a systematic review of the literature, we generated multidisciplinarily quality-assured recommendations for efficient, rational and cost-effective primary care assessment of pediatric MSP. The algorithm promotes the identification and structured interpretation of the patient's individual clinical clues. It should serve the primary care physician to recognize when further intervention, rather than reassurance and follow-up, is needed using the minimum amount of testing to make an appropriate, prompt diagnosis in the clinical situation "child presenting with MSP". A German version of this algorithm has been published in the Guideline-Portal of The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies ("Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften", AWMF) in November 2013.

[Therapy of paediatric pancreatic trauma]. / Therapie traumatischer Pankreasverletzungen im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this clinical study is to evaluate diagnostics and therapeutical strategies for paediatric pancreatic trauma. It is assumed that conservative treatment is at least as good as operative treatment. PATIENTS / MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study 36  children with pancreatic trauma treated between the years 1987 and 2010 in the paediatric surgery department of the University Medical Centre Mannheim were included. Injury grades, diagnostics and treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: In a collective of 36  patients with an average age of seven years the following injuries were found: 26  grade 1, three grade  2, five grade  3 and two grade  4 injuries. Eight patients presented with polytrauma, 20 showed additional injuries. Initial levels of amylase and lipase and screening ultrasound were not always sensitive. 18  patients received conservative treatment. The remaining 18  were operated: either exploratory laparotomy and drainage or pancreas reconstruction with inner stenting or distal pancreatic resection were performed. Pancreatic pseudocysts were drained by transgastric stenting. CONCLUSION: 20 years ago blunt pancreatic trauma was usually treated operatively. Today grade 1 and grade 2 injuries should be treated conservatively. Higher graded pancreatic ductal injuries can be managed operatively with ductal stenting and organ conservation. Pancreatic resections are not always necessary. Endoscopic transgastric drainage of persisting pancreatic pseudocysts is also successful in children.

Enteric neurons from postnatal Fgf2 knockout mice differ in neurite outgrowth responses.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of several neuronal subclasses with distinct functional properties. The formation and maintenance of these distinct populations during development and aging is dependent on the support of appropriate neurotrophic factors. During early postnatal development, the ENS has to adept continuously to changing alimentation situations, which might also affect neuronal maturation and differentiation. There is evidence that basic-fibroblast-growth-factor (Fgf2) exerts neurotrophic effects in the ENS. In this study primary myenteric plexus cultures from both wild type and Fgf2-knockout mice were investigated under the influence of Fgf2 and glial-cell-line-derived-factor (GDNF). It could be demonstrated, that the influence of neurotrophic support is decreased in the Fgf2-knockouts, while the neuronal cultures of wild type revealed a more pronounced receptiveness for trophic support. These data show that Fgf2 plays a role in the development of the ENS.

Prediction of chronic lung disease, survival and need for ECMO therapy in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: additional value of fetal MRI measurements?

INTRODUCTION: The lung-to-head ratio (LHR), measured by ultrasound, and the fetal lung volume (FLV), measured by MRI, are both used to predict survival and need for extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The aim of this study is to determine whether MRI measurements of the FLV, in addition to standard ultrasound measurements of the LHR, give better prediction of chronic lung disease, mortality by day 28 and need for ECMO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral isolated CDH born between January 2002 and December 2008 were eligible for inclusion. LHR and FLV were expressed as observed-to-expected values (O/E LHR and O/E FLV). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated to determine predictive values. RESULTS: 90 patients were included in the analysis. Combined measurement of the O/E LHR and O/E FLV gave a slightly better prediction of chronic lung disease (AUC=0.83 and AUC=0.87) and need for ECMO therapy (AUC=0.77 and AUC=0.81) than standard ultrasound measurements of the O/E LHR alone. Combined measurement of the O/E LHR and O/E FLV did not improve prediction of early mortality (AUC=0.90) compared to measurement of the O/E LHR alone (AUC=0.89). An intrathoracal position of the liver was independently associated with a higher risk of early mortality (p<0.001), chronic lung disease (p=0.007) and need for ECMO therapy (p=0.001). DISCUSSION: Chronic lung disease and need for ECMO therapy are slightly better predicted by combined measurement of the O/E LHR and the O/E FLV. Early mortality is very well predicted by measurement of the O/E LHR alone. CONCLUSION: Clinical relevance of additional MRI measurements may be debated.

Actual outcome in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: the role of a standardized postnatal treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe congenital anomaly with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine a possible effect of standardized treatment on outcome in infants with CDH. METHODS: All prenatally diagnosed patients with unilateral CDH born alive between January 2006 and December 2009 at the Erasmus MC or the University Hospital Mannheim were eligible for inclusion. Patients who underwent a fetal tracheal occlusion were excluded. From November 1, 2007, all CDH patients were treated according to a standardized treatment protocol. Patients were divided into two chronological groups according to their date of birth: without standardized treatment (group 1, Jan 2006-Oct 2007) and with standardized treatment (group 2, Nov 2007-Dec 2009). Outcome measures were mortality by day 28, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as oxygen dependency at day 28, and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: 167 patients were included. By day 28, 18% of the infants had died. Of the patients who were alive at day 28, 49% had BPD. An ECMO procedure was performed in 31% of the patients. Overall mortality for all included patients was 22%. In group 1, overall mortality was 33% and in group 2 overall mortality was 12% (p = 0.004). A standardized treatment protocol was independently associated with a reduced risk for mortality by day 28 (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.68). Higher observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratios were independently associated with a lower risk for mortality by day 28 (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99), BPD (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.98) and need for ECMO (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99). An intrathoracic position of the liver was independently associated with an increased risk for BPD (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.41-6.90) and need for ECMO therapy (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.54-6.88). CONCLUSION: Survival rates in patients with CDH increased significantly after the implementation of a standardized treatment protocol.

Biomechanical analysis of a synthetic femur spiral fracture model: Influence of different materials on the stiffness in flexible intramedullary nailing.

BACKGROUND: Flexible intramedullary nail fixation of dislocated diaphyseal femur fractures has gained wide acceptance for children and adolescents with open physes. Studies with a special emphasis on complications reveal frequent problems regarding stability, usually in complex fracture types such as spiral fractures and in older children weighing >40kg. This biomechanical study analyses how much the material of the nails influences the stiffness in a synthetic bone model. METHODS: Twenty-four composite grafts (Sawbones®, 4th generation, medullar canal of 10mm) with an identical spiral fracture were used in three configurations of eight grafts. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing was performed in a retrograde C-shaped manner with two nails of equal size (2×3.5mm). Close contact of the fragments could be achieved. We compared Group A (steel nails) with Group B and C (two types of titanium nails). All specimens underwent 4-point bending, torsion and axial compression in the 0° and 9° positions, and the results were analysed. FINDINGS: Group A (steel nails) revealed a significantly higher stiffness in all directions than Group B. Apart from compression in the 9° position this steel nail fixation showed significant higher stiffness than titanium nails of Group C. Comparing Group B and C did not show an systematic difference. INTERPRETATION: In this biomechanical study with composite artificial bones the use of steel Nails demonstrated the highest stiffness in our model when compared to two different titanium nail configurations. Apart from in cases of known allergy or planned MRI-examinations our results and data from the literature question the use of titanium nails.

[Do paediatric and adult surgeons follow different approaches to physeal fractures?]. / Haben Kinderchirurgen und Erwachsenenchirurgen unterschiedliche Therapieansätze bei der Behandlung von Wachstumsfugenlösungen?

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of paediatric fractures is the concern of several different surgical specialties. There has been no scientific investigation on the different concepts of paediatric (PS) and adult surgeons (AS). METHODS: 62 paediatric traumatologists were asked concerning their experience with physeal fractures of the leg, including ten cases. RESULTS: Growth disturbances was estimated to be more rare by PS. On evaluation of the examples there were no significant differences in the judgement of degree and direction of the displacement. For displaced fractures, PS rather preferred closed reduction and immobilisation, whereas AS favoured osteosynthesis. DISCUSSION: There were no basic differences between PS and AS in the treatment of lower limb fractures. AS tend to act more invasively. At the same time they are more concerned about growth disturbances.

[Dislocated midclavicular fractures in children and adolescents: who benefits from operative treatment?]. / Dislozierte Klavikulafrakturen im Kindes- und Jugendalter: Wer profitiert von einer Operation?

BACKGROUND: Displaced midclavicular fractures in children are generally treated non-operatively. But there is a lack of age-related data concerning the functional and cosmetic results following conservative treatment and patients' content with the treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In patients with displaced midclavicular fractures complications and pain was evaluated in relation to treatment option and age. Outcome was measured with the Constant Shoulder Score, a client satisfaction questionnaire (ZUV-8) about the satisfaction with the treatment and the cosmetic result and ultrasound of both clavicles. RESULTS: A review of emergency room and fracture clinic records revealed 101 children and adolescents in whom displaced midclavicular fracture had been treated between 1/1997 and 12/2007. The follow-up included 59 patients with 60 fractures 1-10 years after the accident. Of those, 50 fractures were treated with a sling and 10 by operation. All patients under the age of ten were treated conservatively and reached very good functional and cosmetic results. Only an eight-year-old girl suffered from a painful pseudarthrosis. After resection and stabilisation by flexible intramedullary nailing, the outcome was excellent. Patients over the age of ten received a conservative treatment in 28 cases and ten had an operation (K-wires fixation n=2, elastic stable intramedullary nail n=8 in 7 patients). Functional outcome independent of treatment method was as good as in younger children, but the global and cosmetic satisfaction score was much lower. Older patients with a non-operative treatment suffered from more pain and were dissatisfied with the long immobilisation. CONCLUSION: The method of choice in children under the age of ten with a displaced clavicular fracture is the non-surgical treatment supported by sufficient pain medication. Older children reach good results but suffer from more pain and are dissatisfied by the cosmetic results and immobilisation. Because of this, active older children and adolescents with a displaced clavicular fracture benefit from elastic stable intramedullary nailing.