Breastfeeding and Formula Selection in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if formula selection, low lactose versus standard term formula, has an effect on outcomes with a comparison to breastfed infants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of neonates ≥35 weeks gestation born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) was conducted from July 2014 to November 2016. Primary outcomes included length of pharmacologic treatment (LOT), and length of stay (LOS), and weight change per day comparing term standard and low lactose formula majority feeding infants with secondary outcomes comparing breast fed majority feeding infants. RESULTS: After investigating feeding methods for 249 NAS infants, a direct comparison of formula groups showed no differences in LOS (3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.1 to 7 days), LOT (3.9, 95% CI: -0.4 to 8.1 days), or weight change per day (-2.4, 95% CI: -11.7 to 6.9 g/day). Breastfeeding improved LOT by 6.9 (95% CI: 3.4-10.5) and 10.8 days (95% CI: 5.9-15.6) and LOS by 7.4 (95% CI: 4.1-10.7) and 10.3 (95% CI: 5.8-14.9) days all reaching significance, in comparison to term and low lactose formula groups, respectively. Weight change per day was greater in the breast versus formula feeding groups when compared individually. CONCLUSION: We detected no benefit to low lactose formula in NAS infants. Breastfeeding is associated with clinical reduction in LOS and LOT but is associated with increased weight loss. KEY POINTS: · Best formula choice for a neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) infant is unknown.. · Many NAS moms cannot breastfeed.. · Low lactose formula has no impact on NAS outcomes..

Effects of Bleaching Gels on Dental Enamel Crystallography.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present research was to analyse the effects of two bleaching agents, on the enamel crystallography by means of X-ray diffraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve human sound posterior teeth, were collected for the present study (n = 12) and from each tooth two enamel slabs were obtained and randomly assigned to one of two different bleaching protocols. The first protocol involved an in-office bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide 37.5%/ SDI Polaoffice+), and the second an at-home whitening product (carbamide peroxide 16%/ PHILIPS Zoom! NiteWhite). X-ray diffraction readings were made before and after applying the treatments in order to analyse the peak intensity and crystal domain size. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were carried out to identify the composition correctly. Statistical analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Peak intensity in spectra obtained by X-ray diffraction had a tendency to diminish, mostly in the at-home bleaching group. The analysed data approximate a decrease in the crystal domain size among the samples treated for longer periods of time. Statistical analysis depicted no statistically significant differences among the experimental groups (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Crystal domain size had a tendency to decrease, mostly when the enamel was treated by bleaching gels that had to be applied by prolonged periods of time.

Outcome Differences in Neonates Exposed In-Utero to Opioids Managed in the NICU Versus Pediatric Floor.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine length of stay and length of treatment in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to those in the pediatric floor. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of infants ≥34 weeks gestation admitted with diagnosis of NAS at a single regional perinatal referral center from July 2014 to October 2015. A standardized NAS protocol for both the NICU and pediatric floor, which included guidelines for the initiation of oral morphine, escalation, and weaning, was followed. Initial location of treatment, NICU or pediatric floor, was determined by physiological stability following birth. Statistical analysis included 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square. Multivariable analysis was performed using generalized linear models to account for confounding. RESULTS: The study included 235 infants, 80 (34%) were cared for in the NICU. Infants in the NICU had a longer length of stay (27.1 ±â€Š19.1 vs 14.2 ±â€Š10.2 days, P < 0.01), and length of pharmacological treatment (18.0 ±â€Š19.9 vs 9.0 ±â€Š10.2 days, P < 0.01) compared to those on the pediatric floor, respectively. Forty-seven infants were transferred from the NICU to the pediatric floor for the remainder of their hospital stay with a mean time on the pediatric floor of 17.4 ±â€Š14.5 days. After controlling for confounding, admission to the NICU was associated with an increased length of treatment of 12.6 days (95% confidence interval 8.3-16.8) and length of stay of 12.3 days (95% confidence interval 7.9-16.6). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, admission to the pediatric floor compared to the NICU was associated with a shorter length of stay, and a shorter length of pharmacological treatment. Our data suggest that caring for infants with NAS outside of the NICU setting has the potential to improve short-term outcomes and reduce associated costs.

Incidental Durotomy in Open Versus Tubular Revision Microdiscectomy: A Retrospective Controlled Study on Incidence, Management, and Outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence, management, and outcome of incidental durotomy in revision microdiscectomy with open and minimal-access surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Incidental durotomy occurs with a variable incidence of 3%-27% in spine surgery. The highest rate occurs in revision microdiscectomy. The intraoperative and postoperative management of dural tears varies in the literature and the definite impact on clinical outcome has to be clarified. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of medical records of 135 patients who underwent revision microdiscectomy, divided into 2 subgroups: OPEN (n=82) versus minimal-access surgery (MINI, n=53). Occurrence of intraoperative dural tears, intraoperative and postoperative management of durotomy, and clinical outcomes, according to MacNab criteria, were retrospectively examined. Statistical comparisons for categorical values between groups were accomplished using the 2-tailed Fisher exact test. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The incidence of durotomy in group OPEN was 19.5% (n=16/82) and in group MINI 17.0% (n=9/53) (P=0.822). The majority of durotomies (23/25) were repaired with an absorbable fibrin sealant patch alone. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula occurred only in 1 case of the OPEN group and was treated with lumbar drainage without the need for a reoperation. Patients with durotomy of the MINI group tended to have better outcome compared with those of the OPEN group without being statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of durotomy and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula in lumbar revision microdiscectomy does not significantly differ between minimal-access and standard open procedures. The application of a fibrin sealant patch alone is an effective strategy for dural repair in revision lumbar microdiscectomy.

Minimally invasive tubular microdiscectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH). As opposed to endoscopic techniques, namely microendoscopic and endoscopic transforaminal discectomy, this microscopically assisted technique has never been used for the treatment of recurrent LDH. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive tubular microdiscectomy for recurrent LDH were included in the study. The preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, the clinical outcome according to modified Macnab criteria, and complications were analyzed retrospectively. The minimum follow-up was 1.5 years. Student t-test with paired samples was used for the statistical comparison of pre- and postoperative VAS scores. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 90 ± 35 minutes. The VAS score for leg pain was significantly reduced from 5.9 ± 2.1 preoperatively to 1.7 ± 1.3 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The overall success rate (excellent or good outcome according to Macnab criteria) was 90%. Incidental durotomy occurred in 5 patients (16.7%) without neurological consequences, CSF fistula, or negative influence to the clinical outcome. Instability occurred in 2 patients (6.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcome of minimally invasive tubular microdiscectomy is comparable to the reported success rates of other minimally invasive techniques. The dural tear rate is not associated to higher morbidity or worse outcome. The technique is an equally effective and safe treatment option for recurrent LDH.

Minimally invasive redo discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniations.

The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate which minimally invasive techniques have been used for discectomy in recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH), to present the success and complication rates and to evaluate the advantages and limitations of each technique. Discectomy for recurrent LDH is accompanied by a higher morbidity rate compared with primary LDH. Because of the limited operating field, the majority of surgeons have been discouraged from utilising a minimally invasive approach for revision surgery. Minimally invasive techniques have gained ground in the treatment of primary LDH and an increasing number of patients are expressing interest in such techniques for the treatment of recurrent LDH. Microendoscopic discectomy (MED), endoscopic transforaminal and interlaminar discectomy (ETD and EID) have been used for treatment of recurrent LDH. The reported success rate is 60-95%. Full endoscopic techniques, especially ETD, showed favourable results concerning dural tear rates but have a demanding learning curve. The limitations of ETD include dislocated disc fragments or concomitant lateral recess stenosis, and MED is more effective in these instances. All three techniques have a low delayed instability rate. MED, ETD and EID are safe and efficient treatment options for surgical management of recurrent LDH with good success and low complication rates. At the same time, they offer the advantages of minimally invasive access.

Hidrocele como manifestación inicial de tuberculosis genitourinaria y miliar / Hydrocele as initial manifestation of genitourinary and miliary tuberculosis / Hidrocele como manifestação inicial da tuberculose geniturinária e miliar

Introducción. La tuberculosis es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa que puede afectar cualquier órgano del cuerpo, incluyendo el sistema genitourinario, representando el 33.7-45.5 % de las tuberculosis extrapulmonares. El objetivo de este trabajo es reportar el caso de un paciente con hidrocele como manifestación inicial de tuberculosis genitourinaria y miliar, enfermedad que no se sospechaba. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino previamente sano, que consulta a urgencias por orquialgia e hidrocele bilateral, con secreción purulenta por escroto, requiriendo manejo antibiótico intravenoso e hidrocelectomía derecha, con hallazgos intraoperatorios de engrosamiento del epidídimo derecho, y drenaje de material caseoso y purulento. Se realizó epididimectomía ipsilateral, se solicitaron pruebas de detección de bacilos tuberculosos en espécimen y derivado proteico purificado, que fueron positivas. En el postoperatorio presentó sintomatología respiratoria; paraclínicos evidenciaron compromiso pulmonar, pleural y de la vía urinaria por bacilos tuberculosos. Se inicia manejo antituberculoso con evolución satisfactoria. Discusión. El genitourinario es considerado el segundo sistema con mayor afectación de tuberculosis extrapulmonar. El órgano más afectado es el riñón (en un 80 % con respecto a los demás) y el órgano genital es el epidídimo (22 - 55 %). Debe sospecharse en pacientes con síntomas urinarios crónicos sin causa aparente. Se asocia a una alta tasa de morbimortalidad por infertilidad y falla renal. Conclusiones. A pesar de su sintomatología inespecífica y de tratarse de una entidad poco sospechada, la tuberculosis genitourinaria debe descartarse al existir tuberculosis pulmonar. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno serán de gran importancia para evitar complicaciones secundarias. Cómo citar: Álvarez-Jaramillo J, Ortiz-Zableh AM, Tarazona-Jiménez P, Ortiz-Azuero A. Hidrocele como manifestación inicial de tuberculosis genitourinaria y miliar. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):71-78. doi:10.29375/01237047.3534

Introduction. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can affect any organ in the body, including the genitourinary system, which accounts for 33.7 - 45.5 % of non-pulmonary tuberculosis cases. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of hydrocele as initial manifestation of genitourinary and miliary tuberculosis, which was an unsuspected disease. Case Presentation. Previously healthy male patient is admitted to emergencies due to orchialgia and bilateral hydrocele, with purulent secretion from the scrotum. Was managed with intravenous antibiotic and right hydrocelectomy. Intraoperative findings of thickening of right epididymis and drainage of caseous and purulent material. Ipsilateral epididymectomy was performed; testing for detection of tubercle bacillus in specimen and purified protein derivative was requested, and was found positive. In the postoperative period, respiratory symptoms arose; paraclinical tests found compromised lungs, pleura and urinary tract by tubercle bacillus. Antituberculous treatment was initiated with satisfactory evolution. Discussion. The genitourinary system is the second-most affected system by nonpulmonary tuberculosis. The most affected organ is the kidney (by 80 % compared to the others) and the most affected genital organ is the epididymis (22 - 55 %). It should be suspected in patients with chronic urinary symptoms with no apparent cause. It is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to infertility and kidney failure. Conclusions. Despite the non-specific symptoms and because it is not normally a suspected entity, genitourinary tuberculosis should be ruled out when pulmonary tuberculosis exists. Timely diagnosis and treatment are very important in order to prevent secondary complications. Cómo citar: Álvarez-Jaramillo J, Ortiz-Zableh AM, Tarazona-Jiménez P, Ortiz-Azuero A. Hidrocele como manifestación inicial de tuberculosis genitourinaria y miliar. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):71-78. doi:10.29375/01237047.3534

Introdução. A tuberculose é uma doença infecciosa que pode afetar qualquer órgão do corpo, incluindo o sistema geniturinário, representando 33.7 a 45.5 % da tuberculose extrapulmonar. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de um paciente com hidrocele como uma manifestação inicial de tuberculose geniturinária e miliar, uma doença que não se suspeitava. Apresentação do caso. Paciente do sexo masculino previamente saudável, que consultou a emergência para orquialgia e hidrocele bilateral, com secreção purulenta do escroto, necessitando de tratamento antibiótico endovenoso e hidrocelectomia direita, com achados intraoperatórios de espessamento do epidídimo direito e drenagem de material purulento e caseoso. Foi realizada uma epididimectomia ipsilateral e foram solicitados exames de bacilos tuberculosos em espécime e derivado proteico purificado, que foram positivos. No pós-operatório, apresentou sintomas respiratórios; testes para-clínicos mostraram comprometimento pulmonar, pleural e do trato urinário devido a bacilos da tuberculose. Começa-se o tratamento antituberculose com evolução satisfatória. Discussão. O sistema geniturinário é considerado o segundo com maior comprometimento da tuberculose extrapulmonar. O órgão mais afetado é o rim (80 % em relação aos demais) e o órgão genital é o epidídimo (22 a 55 %). Deve-se suspeitar em pacientes com sintomas urinários crônicos sem causa aparente. Está associada a uma alta taxa de morbimortalidade devido à infertilidade e insuficiência renal. Conclusões. Apesar de sua sintomatologia inespecífica e de ser uma entidade pouco suspeitada, a tuberculose geniturinária deve ser descartada quando existir tuberculose pulmonar. Seu diagnóstico e tratamento oportuno serão de grande importância para evitar complicações secundárias. Cómo citar: Álvarez-Jaramillo J, Ortiz-Zableh AM, Tarazona-Jiménez P, Ortiz-Azuero A. Hidrocele como manifestación inicial de tuberculosis genitourinaria y miliar. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):71-78. doi:10.29375/01237047.3534

Análisis de la figura humana en niños y niñas desplazados en Colombia / Analysis of the human figure in displaced children in Colombia

Esta es una investigación exploratoria cuyo objetivo es analizar las características psicológicasproyectadas en el dibujo de la figura humana en 45 niños y niñas en situación de desplazadosen Colombia. El estudio se ha realizó en el departamento del Quindío, a partir de la aplicación del Test del Dibujo de la Figura Humana de Karen Machover a niños y niñas en situación dedesplazamiento forzado. Muchos niños y niñas presentan problemas de ajuste a los nuevos entornos de socialización como efecto de las secuelas del conflicto armado evidentes en áreas conflictivas proyectadas en el dibujo tales como cabeza, expresiones faciales, extremidades, tronco y escases de movimiento. El conflicto persiste de formas simbólicas en los niños yniñas, lo cual dificulta sus habilidades sociales, la relación intrafamiliar y el aprendizaje, mostrando en muchos casos reacciones defensivas tales como, elevados niveles de ansiedad,depresión, ensimismamiento, al igual que impulsividad, agresión y aptitudes desafiantes.

This is an exploratory research that aims to analyze the psychological characteristics in analyzing the human figure in 45 displaced children in Colombia. The study was conductedin the State of Quindío, based on the application of the Karen Machover - Human Figure Drawing Test to children in a situation of forced displacement. Many children experience problems adjusting to new environments of socialization as a result of the aftermath of the armed conflict, which are made evident in conflict areas projected in the drawing, such as head, facial expressions, limbs, trunk and scarcity of movement. The conflict persists ofsymbolic forms in children, which hinders their social skills, family relationship and learning, showing in many cases defensive reactions such as high levels of anxiety, depression andself-absorption, as well as impulsivity, aggression, and challenging abilities.