Cyclical vomiting syndrome: Recognition, assessment and management

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional, debilitating disorder of childhood frequently leading to hospitalization. Affected children usually experience a stereotypical pattern of vomiting though it may vary between different individuals. The vomiting is intense often bilious, and accompanied by disabling nausea. Identifiable precipitating factors for CVS include psychosocial stressors, infections, lack of sleep and occasionally even food triggers. Often, it may be difficult to distinguish episodes of CVS from other causes of acute abdomen and altered consciousness. Thus, the diagnosis of CVS remains largely one of exclusion. Investigations routinely done during the work-up of a child with suspected CVS include both blood and imaging modalities. Plasma lactate, ammonia, amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles as well as urine organic acid profile are indicated to exclude inborn errors of metabolism. The treatment remains challenging and targeted at prevention or shortening of the attacks and can be considered as abortive, supportive and prophylactic. Use of non-pharmacological therapy is also part of the management of CVS. The prognosis of CVS is variable. More insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder as well as role of non-pharmacological therapy is needed.

Imaging evaluation of hemoptysis in children

Hemoptysis is an uncommon but distressing symptom in children. It poses a diagnostic challenge as it is difficult to elicit a clear history and perform thorough physical examination in a child. The cause of hemoptysis in children can vary with the child's age. It can range from infection, milk protein allergy and congenital heart disease in early childhood, to vasculitis, bronchial tumor and bronchiectasis in older children. Acute lower respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of pediatric hemoptysis. The objective of imaging is to identify the source of bleeding, underlying primary cause, and serve as a roadmap for invasive procedures. Hemoptysis originates primarily from the bronchial arteries. The imaging modalities available for the diagnostic evaluation of hemoptysis include chest radiography, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and catheter angiography. Chest radiography is the initial screening tool. It can help in lateralizing the bleeding with high degree of accuracy and can detect several parenchymal and pleural abnormalities. However, it may be normal in up to 30% cases. MDCT is a rapid, non-invasive multiplanar imaging modality. It aids in evaluation of hemoptysis by depiction of underlying disease, assessment of consequences of hemorrhage and provides panoramic view of the thoracic vasculature. The various structures which need to be assessed carefully include the pulmonary parenchyma, tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary arteries, bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries. Since the use of MDCT entails radiation exposure, optimal low dose protocols should be used so as to keep radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable. MRI and catheter angiography have limited application.

Validation of a pediatric bedside tool to predict time to death after withdrawal of life support

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of a tool developed to predict timing of death following withdrawal of life support in children.

METHODS: Pertinent variables for all pediatric deaths (age ≤ 21 years) from 1/2009 to 6/2014 in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were extracted through a detailed review of the medical records. As originally described, a recently developed tool that predicts timing of death in children following withdrawal of life support (dallas predictor tool [DPT]) was used to calculate individual scores for each patient. Individual scores were calculated for prediction of death within 30 min (DPT30) and within 60 min (DPT60). For various resulting DPT30 and DPT60 scores, sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated.

RESULTS: There were 8829 PICU admissions resulting in 132 (1.5%) deaths. Death followed withdrawal of life support in 70 patients (53%). After excluding subjects with insufficient data to calculate DPT scores, 62 subjects were analyzed. Average age of patients was 5.3 years (SD: 6.9), median time to death after withdrawal of life support was 25 min (range; 7 min to 16 h 54 min). Respiratory failure, shock and sepsis were the most common diagnoses. Thirty-seven patients (59.6%) died within 30 min of withdrawal of life support and 52 (83.8%) died within 60 min. DPT30 scores ranged from -17 to 16. A DPT30 score ≥ -3 was most predictive of death within that time period, with sensitivity = 0.76, specificity = 0.52, AUC = 0.69 and an overall classification accuracy = 66.1%. DPT60 scores ranged from -21 to 28. A DPT60 score ≥ -9 was most predictive of death within that time period, with sensitivity = 0.75, specificity = 0.80, AUC = 0.85 and an overall classification accuracy = 75.8%.

CONCLUSION: In this external cohort, the DPT is clinically relevant in predicting time from withdrawal of life support to death. In our patients, the DPT is more useful in predicting death within 60 min of withdrawal of life support than within 30 min. Furthermore, our analysis suggests optimal cut-off scores. Additional calibration and modifications of this important tool could help guide the intensive care team and families considering DCD.

Coeliac disease in children in Christchurch, New Zealand: Presentation and patterns from 2000-2010

AIM

To evaluate the presentation patterns of a cohort of children diagnosed with coeliac disease (CD) at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.

METHODS

Children aged 16 years or less diagnosed with CD at Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, over the 11 year period between 2000 and 2010 were identified retrospectively. Diagnosis of CD was based upon standard histological criteria of endoscopically-obtained duodenal biopsies. Overlapping search methods were used to identify all relevant diagnoses within the time period. Endoscopy reports and histology findings were reviewed to confirm diagnosis. The numbers of diagnoses per year were calculated and changes in annual rates over the study period were delineated. Available records were reviewed to ascertain presenting symptoms, baseline anthropometry and the indication for referral for each child. In addition, the results of relevant investigations prior to diagnosis were accessed and reviewed. These key investigations included the results of coeliac serology testing (including tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies) as well as the results of tests measuring levels of micronutrients, such as iron. In addition, the histological findings of concurrent biopsies in the oesophagus and stomach were reviewed.

RESULTS

Over the 11 year study period, 263 children were diagnosed with CD at this New Zealand paediatric facility. Children were diagnosed from late infancy to 16.9 years: the largest subgroup of children (n = 111) were diagnosed between 5 and 12 years of age. The numbers of children diagnosed each year increased from 13 per year to 31 per year over the 11 years (P = 0.0095). Preschool children (aged less than 5 years) were more likely to have low weight, and to have diarrhoea and abdominal pain prior to diagnosis. Older children (over 5 years of age) most commonly presented with abdominal pain. Fifty-six (21.6%) of the 263 children were diagnosed following screening in high risk groups, with 38 of these children having no symptoms at diagnosis. Mean weight Z scores were lower in children aged less than five years than children aged 5-12 years or older children (-0.4096 ± 1.24, vs 0.1196 ± 0.966 vs 0.0901 ± 1.14 respectively: P = 0.0033).

CONCLUSION

Increasing numbers of children were diagnosed with CD in this New Zealand centre over this time, with varied presentations and symptoms.

Review of the evidence for the management of co-morbid Tic disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with prevalence ranging between 5% and 12% in the developed countries. Tic disorders (TD) are common co-morbidities in paediatric ADHD patients with or without pharmacotherapy treatment. There has been conflicting evidence of the role of psychostimulants in either precipitating or exacerbating TDs in ADHD patients. We carried out a literature review relating to the management of TDs in children and adolescents with ADHD through a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases. No quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) was deemed appropriate. Meta-analysis of controlled trials does not support an association between new onset or worsening of tics and normal doses of psychostimulant use. Supratherapeutic doses of dextroamphetamine have been shown to exacerbate TD. Most tics are mild or moderate and respond to psychoeducation and behavioural management. Level A evidence support the use of alpha adrenergic agonists, including Clonidine and Guanfacine, reuptake noradrenenaline inhibitors (Atomoxetine) and stimulants (Methylphenidate and Dexamphetamines) for the treatment of Tics and comorbid ADHD. Priority should be given to the management of co-morbid Tourette's syndrome (TS) or severely disabling tics in children and adolescents with ADHD. Severe TDs may require antipsychotic treatment. Antipsychotics, especially Aripiprazole, are safe and effective treatment for TS or severe Tics, but they only moderately control the co-occurring ADHD symptomatology. Short vignettes of different common clinical scenarios are presented to help clinicians determine the most appropriate treatment to consider in each patient presenting with ADHD and co-morbid TDs.

Advances in pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: From genetics to lipidomics

As a result of the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global medical concern in childhood with a closely related increased cardiometabolic risk. Knowledge on NAFLD pathophysiology has been largely expanded over the last decades. Besides the well-known key NAFLD genes (including the I148M variant of the PNPLA3 gene, the E167K allele of the TM6SF2, the GCKR gene, the MBOAT7-TMC4 rs641738 variant, and the rs72613567:TA variant in the HSD17B13 gene), an intriguing pathogenic role has also been demonstrated for the gut microbiota. More interestingly, evidence has added new factors involved in the "multiple hits" theory. In particular, omics determinants have been highlighted as potential innovative markers for NAFLD diagnosis and treatment. In fact, different branches of omics including metabolomics, lipidomics (in particular sphingolipids and ceramides), transcriptomics (including micro RNAs), epigenomics (such as DNA methylation), proteomics, and glycomics represent the most attractive pathogenic elements in NAFLD development, by providing insightful perspectives in this field. In this perspective, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of NAFLD pathophysiology in children, from the oldest pathogenic elements (including genetics) to the newest intriguing perspectives (such as omics branches).

Impact of stimulant medication on behaviour and executive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit behaviour challenges and deficits in executive functions (EF). Psychostimulant medications [e.g., methylphenidate (MPH)] are commonly prescribed for children with ADHD and are considered effective in 70% of the cases. Furthermore, only a handful of studies have investigated the long-term impact of MPH medication on EF and behaviour.

AIM

To evaluate behaviour and EF challenges in children with ADHD who were involved in an MPH treatment trial across three-time points.

METHODS

Thirty-seven children with ADHD completed a stimulant medication trial to study the short- and long-term impact of medication. Children with ADHD completed three neuropsychological assessments [Continuous Performance Test (CPT)-II, Digit Span Backwards and Spatial Span Backwards]. Parents of children with ADHD completed behaviour rating scales [Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) and Behaviour Assessment System for Children-Second Edition (BASC-2)]. Participants were evaluated at: (1) Baseline (no medication); and (2) Best-dose (BD; following four-week MPH treatment). Additionally, 18 participants returned for a long-term naturalistic follow up (FU; up to two years following BD).

RESULTS

Repeated measure analyses of variance found significant effects of time on two subscales of BRIEF and four subscales of BASC-2. Neuropsychological assessments showed some improvement, but not on all tasks following the medication trial. These improvements did not sustain at FU, with increases in EF and behaviour challenges, and a decline in performance on the CPT-II task being observed.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with ADHD reported improvements in EF and behaviours during the MPH trial but were not sustained at FU. Combining screening tools and neuropsychological assessments may be useful for monitoring medication responses.

Significance of platelet count in children admitted with bronchiolitis

AIM

To determine the true prevalence of thrombocytosis in children less than 2 years of age with bronchiolitis, its association with risk factors, disease severity and thromboembolic complications.

METHODS

A retrospective observational medical chart review of 305 infants aged two years or less hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Clinical outcomes included disease severity, duration of hospital stay, admission to pediatric intensive care unit, or death. They also included complications of thrombocytosis, including thromboembolic complications such as cerebrovascular accident, acute coronary syndrome, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, mesenteric thrombosis and arterial thrombosis and also hemorrhagic complications such as bleeding (spontaneous hemorrhage in the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or genitourinary tracts).

RESULTS

The median age was 4.7 mo and 179 were males (59%). Respiratory syncytial virus was isolated in 268 (84%), adenovirus in 23 (7%) and influenza virus A or B in 13 (4%). Thrombocytosis (platelet count > 500 × 10⁹/L) occurred in 88 (29%; 95%CI: 24%-34%), more commonly in younger infants with the platelet count declining with age. There was no significant association with the duration of illness, temperature on admission, white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein concentration, length of hospital stay or admission to the intensive care unit. No death, thrombotic or hemorrhagic events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Thrombocytosis is common in children under two years of age admitted with bronchiolitis. It is not associated with disease severity or thromboembolic complications.

Recurrent headaches may be caused by cerebral toxoplasmosis

AIM

To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches.

METHODS

The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG IgM, IgG antibodies and IgG avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo IgM, IgG.

RESULTS

The study showed that 19 children (8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) had high serum anti-TG IgG antibody levels (range: 32.2 > 240 UI/mL, mean 120.18 UI/mL; positive value for IgG was ≥ 9 UI/mL). The avidity index (AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925 (scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for IgM antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/mL (mean = 0.191 IU/mL) and all values below 0.8 IU/mL were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal (13 children), occipital (4) and parietal areas (5). Headaches usually had a pulsating (in 7 patients) and squeezing (6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy (5 patients), various infections in 3 children (chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in establishing cerebral toxoplasmosis.

CONCLUSION

Ten point six seven percent of the studied children had markedly increased serum anti-TG IgG antibodies and high AI indicated chronic infestation. It is suggested that tests for TG infection should be introduced to routine diagnostics in patients with recurrent headaches.

Recent management of urinary stone disease in a pediatric population

The incidence of stone disease has been increasing and the risk of recurrent stone formation is high in a pediatric population. It is crucial to use the most effective method with the primary goal of complete stone removal to prevent recurrence from residual fragments. While extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is still considered first line therapy in many clinics for urinary tract stones in children, endoscopic techniques are widely preferred due to miniaturization of instruments and evolution of surgical techniques. The standard procedures to treat urinary stone disease in children are the same as those used in an adult population. These include ESWL, ureterorenoscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (standard PCNL or mini-perc), laparoscopic and open surgery. ESWL is currently the procedure of choice for treating most upper urinary tract calculi in a pediatric population. In recent years, endourological management of pediatric urinary stone disease is preferred in many centers with increasing experience in endourological techniques and decreasing sizes of surgical equipment. The management of pediatric stone disease has evolved with improvements in the technique and a decrease in the size of surgical instruments. Recently, endoscopic methods have been safely and effectively used in children with minor complications. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent management of urolithiasis in children.

Confirming longline position in neonates - Survey of practice in England and Wales

AIM

To establish how neonatal units in England and Wales currently confirm longline tip position, immediately after insertion of a longline.

METHODS

We conducted a telephone survey of 170 neonatal units (37 special care baby units, 81 local neonatal units and 52 neonatal intensive care units) across England and Wales over the period from January to May 2016. Data was collected on specifically designed proformas. We gathered information on the following: Unit Level designation; whether the unit used longlines and specific type used? Modality used to confirm longline tip position? Whether guide wires were routinely removed and contrast injected to determine longline position? The responders were primarily senior nurses.

RESULTS

We had 100% response rate. Out of the total neonatal units surveyed (170) in England and Wales, 141 units (83%) used longlines. Fifty-five out of 81 local neonatal units (68%) using longlines, used ones that came with guide wires; a similar percentage of neonatal intensive care units, i.e., 31 out of 52 units (60%) did the same. All of those units used radiography, plain X-rays, to establish longline tip position. Out of 55 local neonatal units using longlines with guide wires, 42 (76%) were not removing wire to use contrast while this figure was 58% (18 out of 31 units) for neonatal intensive care units. Overall, only 49 out of 141 units (35%) of the units using longlines were using contrast. However it was interesting to note that use of contrast increased as one moved from special care baby units (25%, 2 out of 8 units) to local neonatal units (28%, 23 out of 81 units) and neonatal intensive care units level (46%, 24 out of 52 units) designation.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal units in England and Wales are overwhelmingly relying on plain radiographs to assess longline tip position immediately after insertion. Despite evidence of its usefulness, and in the absence of perhaps more accurate methods of assessing longline tip position in a reliable and consistent way, i.e., ultrasonography, contrast is only used in a third of units.

Abdominal obesity adversely affects bone mass in children

AIM

To determine the effect of childhood obesity and insulin resistance on bone health.

METHODS

We conducted a cross sectional study in pubertal adolescents and young adults 13-20 years old who were either overweight/obese or normal weight. Participants were Tanner 3 or above for pubertal stage, and had fasting blood work done to measure glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein and lipid levels. Homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using the formula (Fasting Blood Glucose *Insulin/405). Body composition and bone mineral density were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic QDR 4500, Waltham, MA, United Kingdom).

RESULTS

Percent trunk fat was associated inversely with whole body bone mineral content (BMC), whereas HOMA-IR was associated positively with whole body BMC.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that abdominal adiposity may have an adverse effect on whole body bone parameters and that this effect is not mediated by insulin resistance.

Potential carrier priming effect in Australian infants after 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction

AIM: To investigate evidence of clinical protection in infants after one dose of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vPCV) owing to carrier priming.

METHODS: Using Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System data, we conducted a descriptive analysis of cases of vaccine type invasive pneumococcal disease (VT-IPD) during “catch-up” years, when 7vPCV was carrier primed by prior administration of DTPa vaccine. We compared the number of VT-IPD cases occurring 2-9 wk after a single dose of 7vPCV (carrier primed), with those < 2 wk post vaccination, when no protection from 7vPCV was expected yet. Further comparison was conducted to compare the occurrence of VT-IPD cases vs non-VT-IPD cases after a single carrier-primed dose of 7vPCV.

RESULTS: We found four VT-IPD cases occurring < 2 wk after one carrier primed dose of 7vPCV while only one case occurred 2-9 wk later. Upon further comparison with the non-VT-IPD cases that occurred after one carrier primed dose of 7vPCV, two cases were detected within 2 wk, whereas seven occurred within 2-9 wk later; suggesting a substantial level of protection from VT-IPD occurring from 2 wk after carrier-primed dose of 7vPCV.

CONCLUSION: This data suggest that infants may benefit from just one dose of 7vPCV, likely through enhanced immunity from carrier priming effect. If this is proven, an adjusted 2-dose schedule (where the first dose of PCV is not given until after DTPa) may be sufficient and more cost-effective.

Resuscitation of extremely preterm infants - controversies and current evidence

Despite significant advances in perinatal medicine, the management of extremely preterm infants in the delivery room remains a challenge. There is an increasing evidence for improved outcomes regarding the resuscitation and stabilisation of extremely preterm infants but there is a lack of evidence in the periviable (gestational age 23-25 wk) preterm subgroup. Presence of an experienced team during the delivery of extremely preterm infant to improve outcome is reviewed. Adaptation from foetal to neonatal cardiorespiratory haemodynamics is dependent on establishing an optimal functional residual capacity in the extremely preterm infants, thus enabling adequate gas exchange. There is sufficient evidence for a gentle approach to stabilisation of these fragile infants in the delivery room. Evidence for antenatal steroids especially in the periviable infants, delayed cord clamping, strategies to establish optimal functional residual capacity, importance of temperature control and oxygenation in delivery room in extremely premature infants is reviewed in this article.

Corrosive upper gastrointestinal strictures in children: Difficulties and dilemmas

Children constitute 80% of all corrosive ingestion cases. The majority of this burden is contributed by developing countries. Accidental ingestion is common in younger children (< 5 years) while suicidal ingestion is more common in adolescents. The severity of injury depends on nature of corrosive (alkali or acid), pH, amount of ingestion and site of exposure. There are multiple doubts and dilemmas which exist in management of both acute ingestion and chronic complications. Acute ingestion leads to skin, respiratory tract or upper gastrointestinal damage which may range from trivial to life threatening complications. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an important early investigation to decide for further course of management. The use of steroids for prevention of stricture is a debatable issue. Upper gastrointestinal stricture is a common long-term sequelae of severe corrosive injury which usually develops after three weeks of ingestion. The cornerstone of management of esophageal strictures is endoscopic bougie or balloon dilatations. In case of resistant strictures, newer adjunctive therapies like intralesional steroids, mitomycin and stents can be utilized along with endoscopic dilatation. Surgery is the final resort for strictures resistant to endoscopic dilatations and adjunctive therapies. There is no consensus on best esophageal replacement conduit. Pyloric strictures require balloon dilatation , failure of which requires surgery. Patients with post-corrosive strictures should be kept in long term follow-up due to significantly increased risk of carcinoma. Despite all the endoscopic and surgical options available, management of corrosive stricture in children is a daunting task due to high chances of recurrence, perforation and complications related to poor nutrition and surgery.

Healthcare staff as promoters of parental presence at anesthetic induction: Net Promoter Score survey

BACKGROUND

Surgical intervention is usually a traumatic event that causes stress and anxiety in the pediatric patient and the family environment. To reduce the harmful effects of presurgical anxiety, parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA) is one of the more notable interventions used in medical centers. However, data on this measure are difficult to evaluate and often face resistance from healthcare staff.

AIM

To analyze the perception of the healthcare workers after the implementation of a PPIA program.

METHODS

A survey was developed and sent by email to all the healthcare staff working in the children’s area of a tertiary hospital. It consisted of 14 items divided into positive aspects of PPIA and negative aspects of PPIA evaluated with the use of a Likert scale (1 to 5). The demographics of the respondents were included in the data collected. The answers to the questions were interpreted through the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The statistical analysis compared the differences in the responses to each question of the survey made by the different groups of health personnel included.

RESULTS

A total of 141 surveys were sent out, with a response rate of 69%. Of the total number of responses, 68% were from women and 32% from men. The average age of the participants was 42.3 ± 10.6 years. As for the positive questions about the PPIA, 83% had an NPS > 50, and only one had a score between 0 and 50, which means that the quality of the service was rated as excellent or good by 100% of the respondents. On the other hand, 100% of the negative questions about the PPIA had a negative NPS. Responses to the question “PPIA increases patient safety” were significantly different (P = 0.037), with a lower percentage of pediatric surgeons (70%) thinking that PPIA increased patient safety, compared with anesthesiologists (90%), nursing (92%), and other medical personnel (96%).

CONCLUSION

The personnel who participated in the PPIA program at our center were in favor of implementation. There were no validated arguments to support worker resistance to the development of the PPIA.

Hirschsprung's disease associated enterocolitis: A comprehensive review

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by failure of the neural crest cells to migrate and populate the distal bowel during gestation affecting different lengths of intestine leading to a distal functional obstruction. Surgical treatment is needed to correct HSCR once the diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating the absence of ganglion cells or aganglionosis of the affected bowel segment. Hirschsprung's disease associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is an inflammatory complication associated with HSCR that can present either in the pre- or postoperative period and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of HAEC remains poorly understood, but intestinal dysmotility, dysbiosis and impaired mucosal defense and intestinal barrier function appear to play a significant role. There is no clear definition for HAEC, but the diagnosis is primarily clinical, and treatment is guided based on severity. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, and current therapeutic options for HAEC.

Promptly reporting of critical laboratory values in pediatrics: A work in progress

In the 21st century, the determination of alert thresholds remains the most challenging and controversial issue in clinical pediatrics. Pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical matters will consolidate or undermine the fate of any laboratory process. Pre-analytical issues need to be cleared off before the laboratory physician can dispatch the result to the pediatrician in charge. Once it is cleared off, the classification of essential laboratory results is paramount. It is more than an academic exercise and may be subdivided in the order of priority we handle it to inform promptly and safely the primary physicians. Currently, we are applying new modes of making sure relevant information is transmitted without interrupting the standard workflow of the primary physicians in charge for the child, who eventually need a fast line of action for results that may be life-threatening.

Analysis of the therapeutic evolution in the management of airway infantile hemangioma

AIM: To analyze the evolution in the management of airway infantile hemangioma (AIH) and to report the results from 3 pediatric tertiary care institutions.

METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with diagnosis of AIH and treated in 3 pediatric tertiary care institutions from 1996 to 2014 was performed.

RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with diagnosis of AIH were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 6 mo (range, 1-27). Single therapy was indicated in 16 patients and 7 patients received combined therapy. Two therapeutic groups were identified: Group A included 14 patients who were treated with steroids, interferon, laser therapy and/or surgery; group B included 9 patients treated with oral propranolol. In group A, oral corticosteroids were used in 9 patients with a good response in 3 cases (no requiring other therapeutic option), the other patients required additional treatment options. Cushing syndrome was observed in 3 patients. One patient died of a fulminant sepsis. Open surgical excision and endoscopic therapy were performed in 11 patients (in 5 of them as a single treatment) with a response rate of 54.5%. Stridor persisted in 2 cases, and one patient died during the clinical course of bronchial aspiration. In group B, oral propranolol was used in 9 patients (in 8 of them as a single treatment) with a response rate of 100%, with an mean treatment duration of 7 mo (range, 5-10); complications were not observed.

CONCLUSION: Our experience and the medical literature support the use of propranolol as a first line of treatment in AIH.

Transition from early intervention program to primary school in children with autism spectrum disorder

AIM

To evaluate the characteristics that are associated with successful transition to school outcomes in preschool aged children with autism.

METHODS

Twenty-one participants transitioning from an early intervention program were assessed at two time points; at the end of their preschool placement and approximately 5 mo later following their transition to school. Child characteristics were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Social Communication Questionnaire and the Repetitive Behaviour Scale. Transition outcomes were assessed using Teacher Rating Scale of School Adjustment and the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales to provide an understanding of each child’s school adjustment. The relationship between child characteristics and school outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

Cognitive ability and adaptive behaviour were shown to be associated with successful transition to school outcomes including participation in the classroom and being comfortable with the classroom teacher. These factors were also associated with social skills in the classroom including assertiveness and engagement.

CONCLUSION

Supporting children on the spectrum in the domains of adaptive behaviour and cognitive ability, including language skills, is important for a successful transition to school. Providing the appropriate support within structured transition programs will assist children on the spectrum with this important transition, allowing them to maximise their learning and behavioural potential.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: Is it really a rare condition in children?

AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of the children with solitary rectal ulcer.

METHODS: Fifty-five children with a confirmed diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer were studied in a period of 11 years from March 2003 to March 2014. All data were collected from the patients, their parents and medical records in the hospital.

RESULTS: From 55 studied patients, 41 were male (74.5%) and 14 female (25.5%). The mean age of the patients was 10.4 ± 3.7 years and the average time period from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer was 15.5 ± 11.2 mo. The most common clinical symptoms in our patients were rectal bleeding (n = 54, 98.2%) and straining during defecation or forceful defecation (n = 50, 90.9%). Other symptoms were as follows respectively: Sense of incomplete evacuation (n = 34, 61.8%), mucorrhea (n = 29, 52.7%), constipation (n = 14, 25.4%), tenesmus and cramping (n = 10, 18.2%), diarrhea (n = 9, 16.4%), and rectal pain (n = 5, 9.1%). The colonoscopic examination revealed 67.3% ulcer, 12.7% polypoid lesions, 10.9% erythema, 7.3% both polypoid lesions and ulcer, and 1.8% normal. Most of the lesions were in the rectosigmoid area at a distance of 4-6 cm from the anal margin. Finally, 69.8% of the patients recovered successfully with conservative, medical and surgical management.

CONCLUSION: The study revealed that solitary rectal ulcer is not so uncommon despite what was seen in previous studies. As the most common symptom was rectal bleeding, clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with this disorder and common symptoms in order to prevent its complications with early diagnosis.

Single-incision pediatric endosurgery in newborns and infants

This study focuses on the successful application of single-incision pediatric endosurgery in the treatment of congenital anomalies and acquired diseases in neonates and infants. The purpose of this scientific review consists in highlighting the spectrum, indications, applicability, and effectiveness of single-port endosurgery in children during the first 3 postnatal months.

Vaccination coverage in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and healthy peers: Cross-sectional electronic survey data

BACKGROUND

Patients with immune-mediated diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing infections, due to disease-related immune dysfunction and applying of immunosuppressive drugs.

AIM

To evaluate vaccine coverage in patients with IBD and JIA, and compare it with healthy children.

METHODS

In the cross-sectional study we included the data from a questionnaire survey of 190 Legal representatives of children with JIA (n = 81), IBD (n = 51), and healthy children (HC, n = 58). An electronic online questionnaire was created for the survey.

RESULTS

There were female predominance in JIA patients and younger onset age. Parents of JIA had higher education levels. Employment level and family status were similar in the three studied groups. Patients with JIA and IBD had lower vaccine coverage, without parental rejection of vaccinations in IBD, compare to JIA and healthy controls. The main reason for incomplete vaccination was medical conditions in IBD and JIA. IBD patients had a lower rate of normal vaccine-associated reactions compared to JIA and HC. The encouraging role of physicians for vaccinations was the lowest in JIA patients. IBD patients had more possibilities to check antibodies before immune-suppressive therapy and had more supplementary vaccinations compared to JIA and HC.

CONCLUSION

JIA and IBD patients had lower vaccine coverage compared to HC. Physicians' encouragement of vaccination and the impossibility of discus about future vaccinations and their outcomes seemed the main factors for patients with immune-mediated diseases, influencing vaccine coverage. Further investigations are required to understand the reasons for incomplete vaccinations and improve vaccine coverage in both groups, especially in rheumatic disease patients. The approaches that stimulate vaccination in healthy children are not always optimal in children with immune-mediated diseases. It is necessary to provide personalized vaccine-encouraging strategies for parents of chronically ill children with the following validation of these technics.

Transitioning antimicrobials from intravenous to oral in pediatric acute uncomplicated osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that requires prolonged antibiotic treatment and potential surgical intervention. If left untreated, acute osteomyelitis can lead to chronic osteomyelitis and overwhelming sepsis. Early treatment is necessary to prevent complications, and the standard of care is progressing to a shorter duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and transitioning to oral therapy for the rest of the treatment course. We systematically reviewed the current literature on pediatric patients with acute osteomyelitis to determine when and how to transition to oral antibiotics from a short IV course. Studies have shown that switching to oral after a short course (i.e., 3-7 d) of IV therapy has similar cure rates to continuing long-term IV therapy. Prolonged IV use is also associated with increased risk of complications. Parameters that help guide clinicians on making the switch include a downward trend in fever, improvement in local tenderness, and a normalization in C-reactive protein concentration. Based on the available literature, we recommend transitioning antibiotics to oral after 3-7 d of IV therapy for pediatric patients (except neonates) with acute uncomplicated osteomyelitis if there are signs of clinical improvement, and such regimen should be continued for a total antibiotic duration of four to six weeks.

Nurse practitioner coverage is associated with a decrease in length of stay in a pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit

AIM: To hypothesize a dedicated critical care nurse practitioner (NP) is associated with a decreased length of stay (LOS) from a pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit (PCVDU).

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients requiring care in the PCVDU from May 2001 through May 2011 comparing the 5 years prior to the 5 years post implementation of the critical care NP in 2005. LOS and room charges were obtained.

RESULTS: The average LOS decreased from a median of 55 d [interquartile range (IQR): 9.8-108.3] to a median of 12 (IQR: 4.0-41.0) with the implementation of a dedicated critical care NP (P < 1.0001). Post implementation of a dedicated NP, a savings of 25738049 in room charges was noted over 5 years.

CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates a critical care NP coverage model in a PCVDU is associated with a significantly reduced LOS demonstrating that the NP is an efficient and likely cost-effective addition to a medically comprehensive service.