Esophago-gastric junction findings on high resolution impedance manometry in children with esophageal atresia

OBJECTIVES

Using high resolution impedance manometry (HRIM), this study characterized the esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) dynamics in children with esophageal atresia (EA).

METHOD

Esophageal HRIM was performed in patients with EA aged less than 18 years. Objective motility patterns were analyzed, and EGJ data reported. Controls were pediatric patients without EA undergoing investigations for consideration of fundoplication surgery.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (M:F = 43:32, median age 1 year 3 months [3 months-17 years 4 months]) completed 133 HRIM studies. The majority (64/75, 85.3%) had EA with distal tracheo-esophageal fistula. Compared with controls, liquid swallows were poorer in patients with EA, as evident by significant differences in distension pressure emptying and bolus flow time (BFT). The integrated relaxation pressure for thin liquid swallows was significantly different between EA types, as well as when comparing patients with EA with and without previous esophageal dilatations. The BFT for solid swallows was significantly different when compared with EA types.

CONCLUSIONS

We have utilized HRIM in patients with EA to demonstrate abnormalities in their long-term EGJ function. These abnormalities correlate with poorer esophageal compliance and reduced esophageal peristalsis across the EGJ. Understanding the EGJ function in patients with EA will allow us to tailor long-term management to specific patients.

Psychosocial Outcomes of Parents of Children with Hirschsprung Disease Beyond Early Childhood

PURPOSE

The lifelong impact of Hirschsprung disease (HD) upon children and their families is increasingly well recognized. Parental psychosocial wellbeing and family functioning are determinants of psychological and health-related outcomes in children with chronic conditions. We performed a cross-sectional cohort study to evaluate the psychosocial functioning of parents/caregivers of children with HD, beyond early childhood.

METHODS

Parents/caregivers of children with HD, aged 4-14 years, managed at a tertiary pediatric surgical center were surveyed. Parent psychosocial outcomes, including adjustment to illness and family response, were assessed using four validated measures: Family Management Measure (FaMM); Parent Experience of Child Illness (PECI); Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMISR) anxiety; and PROMISR depression. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was administered to assess child quality of life (proxy-report).

RESULTS

Forty parents (mean age 38.7 ± 5.6 years) of children with HD (mean age 8.0 ± 2.5) participated. Parents expressed greater long-term uncertainty (PECI) and poorer perceived condition management ability (FaMM) than comparator chronic disease cohorts. Other scores for parental adjustment to their child's condition (PECI) and family response (FaMM) were comparable to reference cohorts. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were prevalent in our cohort (52.5 % and 42.5 % respectively); however, the proportion with moderate - severe PROMISR anxiety (χ2 = 2.50, p = 0.114) and depression (χ2 = 0.156, p = 0.693) scores did not significantly differ from the expected population distribution. Proxy-reported child quality of life (PedsQL) was significantly reduced relative to healthy children (p = 0.0003), but comparable to those with physical health problems with special healthcare needs (p = 0.624).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents of children with HD experience long-term uncertainty and have poorer perceived condition management ability than parents of children with other chronic childhood illnesses. This work highlights the importance of targeted parental education and support beyond primary surgical management, and provides a benchmark for this cohort, against which subsequent intervention-based studies may be assessed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Post-Operative Anorectal Manometry in Children following Anorectal Malformation Repair: A Systematic Review

Despite surgical correction, children with anorectal malformations may experience long-term bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence and/or disorders of evacuation. Anorectal manometry is the most widely used test of anorectal function. Although considerable attention has been devoted to its application in the anorectal malformation cohort, there have been few attempts to consolidate the findings obtained. This systematic review aimed to (1) synthesize and evaluate the existing data regarding anorectal manometry results in children following anorectal malformation repair, and (2) evaluate the manometry protocols utilized, including equipment, assessment approach, and interpretation. We reviewed four databases (Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed) for relevant articles published between 1 January 1985 and 10 March 2022. Studies reporting post-operative anorectal manometry in children (<18 years) following anorectal malformation repair were evaluated for eligibility. Sixty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. Of the combined total cohort of 2155 patients, anorectal manometry results were reported for 1755 children following repair of anorectal malformations. Reduced resting pressure was consistently identified in children with anorectal malformations, particularly in those with more complex malformation types and/or fecal incontinence. Significant variability was identified in relation to manometry equipment, protocols, and interpretation. Few studies provided adequate cohort medical characteristics to facilitate interpretation of anorectal manometry findings within the context of the broader continence mechanism. This review highlights a widespread lack of standardization in the anorectal manometry procedure used to assess anorectal function in children following anorectal malformation repair. Consequently, interpretation and comparison of findings, both within and between institutions, is exceedingly challenging, if not impossible. Standardized manometry protocols, accompanied by a consistent approach to analysis, including definitions of normality and abnormality, are essential to enhance the comparability and clinical relevance of results.

Screening for VACTERL anomalies in children with anorectal malformations: Outcomes of a standardized approach

PURPOSE

The majority of patients with an anorectal malformation (ARM) have associated congenital anomalies. It is well established that all patients diagnosed with an ARM should undergo systematic screening, including renal, spinal, and cardiac imaging. This study aimed to evaluate the findings and completeness of screening, following local implementation of standardized protocols.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed assessing all patients with an ARM managed at our tertiary pediatric surgical center, following a standardized protocol implementation for VACTERL screening (January 2016-December 2021). Cohort demographics, medical characteristics, and screening investigations were analyzed. Findings were compared with our previously published data (2000-2015), conducted prior to protocol implementation.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven (64 male, 50.4%) children were eligible for inclusion. Complete screening was performed in 107/127 (84.3%) children. Of these, one or more associated anomalies were diagnosed in 85/107 (79.4%), whilst the VACTERL association was demonstrated in 57/107 (53.3%). The proportion of children that underwent complete screening increased significantly in comparison with those assessed prior to protocol implementation (RR 0.43 [CI 0.27-0.66]; p < 0.001). Children with less complex ARM types were significantly less likely to receive complete screening (p = 0.028). Neither presence of an associated anomaly, nor prevalence of the VACTERL association, differed significantly by ARM type complexity.

CONCLUSION

Screening for associated VACTERL anomalies in children with ARM was significantly improved following standardized protocol implementation. The prevalence of associated anomalies in our cohort supports the value of routine VACTERL screening in all children with ARM, regardless of malformation type.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Post-operative colonic manometry in children with anorectal malformations: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Children with anorectal malformations may experience constipation and fecal incontinence following repair. The contribution of altered anorectal function to these persistent symptoms is relatively intuitive; however, colonic motility in this cohort is less well understood. Manometry may be used to directly assess colonic motility.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility in children with anorectal malformations and evaluate the reported equipment and protocols used to perform colonic manometry in this cohort. This systematic review was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We conducted a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library (1^st January 1985-22^nd July 2021). Studies reporting colonic manometry performed in children following anorectal malformation repair were assessed for eligibility. Data were extracted independently by two authors. Four studies were eligible for inclusion. Of the combined total cohort of 151 children, post-operative colonic manometry was conducted in 35. Insufficient reporting of medical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes restricted comparison between studies, and limited clinical applicability. No results from high-resolution colonic manometry were identified. Despite the prevalence of post-operative bowel dysfunction in children with repaired anorectal malformations, this systematic review highlighted the markedly limited evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility. This cohort may benefit from assessment with high-resolution techniques; however, future work must emphasize adherence to standardized manometry protocols, and include robust reporting of surgical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes.

Post-operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung disease is commonly encountered by pediatric surgeons. Despite advances in the surgical management, these children may experience symptoms of bowel dysfunction throughout adulthood. Anorectal manometry may be used to assess post-operative anorectal structure and function. This review aimed to consolidate and evaluate the literature pertaining to post-operative findings of anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease.

PURPOSE

(1) Synthesize the available data regarding anorectal motility patterns in children following repair of Hirschsprung disease. (2) Evaluate the reported anorectal manometry protocols.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION

This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting results of post-operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease were evaluated for inclusion.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies satisfied inclusion criteria, with a combined cohort of 939 patients. Post-operative anorectal manometry results were reported for 682 children. The majority of included studies were assessed as "poor quality." Disparate manometry protocols, heterogeneous cohorts, and lack of standardized outcome assessments introduced a risk of outcome reporting bias, limited the comparability of results, and impeded clinical translation of findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated the lack of high-quality evidence underlying the current understanding of post-operative anorectal motility in children with HD. There was little consistency in reported manometry outcomes between studies. In future work, emphasis must be placed on the application of standardized manometry protocols, cohort reporting, and patient outcome assessments.

Testicular descent: A review of a complex, multistaged process to identify potential hidden causes of UDT

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

What causes normal descent of the testis in a fetus, and what goes wrong with this complex process to cause undescended testes (UDT), or cryptorchidism? Over the last 2 decades, most authors searching for the cause(s) of UDT have looked at the 2 main hormones involved, insulin-like hormone 3 (Insl3) and testosterone (T)/ dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their known upstream (hypothalamic-pituitary axis) and intracellular 'downstream' pathways. Despite these detailed searches, the genetic causes of UDT remain elusive, which suggest the aetiology is multifactorial, and/or we are looking in the wrong place.

METHODS

In this review we highlight the intricate morphological steps involved in testicular descent, which we propose may contain the currently 'idiopathic' causes of UDT. By integrating decades of research, we have underlined many areas that have been overlooked in the search for causes of UDT.

RESULTS

It is quite likely that the common causes of UDT are still hidden in these areas, and we suggest examining these processes is worthwhile in the hope of finding the common genetic anomalies that lead to cryptorchidism. Given the fact that a fibrous barrier preventing descent is often described at orchidopexy, examination of the extracellular matrix enzymes needed to allow gubernacular migration may be a fruitful place to start.

CONCLUSION

This review of the complex anatomical steps and hormonal regulation of testicular descent highlights many areas of morphology and signalling pathways that have been overlooked in the search for causes of UDT.

BDNF is upregulated by androgen in the inguinal fat pad of immature mice and may regulate inguinoscrotal testicular descent

BACKGROUND

Androgens control rodent inguinoscrotal testicular descent during a "programming window" (E12-17). It is proposed that androgen masculinises the genitofemoral nerve, but the mechanism remains unknown. We investigate androgen receptor (AR)-containing target organs: inguinal fat pad (IFP) and mammary bud (MB), supplied by the genitofemoral nerve, hypothesizing that neurotrophic factors may retrogradely masculinise the GFN.

METHODS

The IFP, MB and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscle were collected at E12.5/E17.5 from androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Immunofluorescence and gene expression (RT-qPCR; n = 8/group) for Bdnf, active (TrkB) and inactive (truncated TrkB) receptors, Cntf and Cntf receptor were performed.

RESULTS

In the IFP at E12.5, ARKO TrkB mRNA expression was significantly downregulated compared to WT males (p < 0.0026). By E17.5, there was increased Bdnf expression (p < 0.0233). The MB had no differences at E12.5 and had regressed in WT males by E17.5. The BC had no differences at E12.5, but at E17.5 had significant upregulation of Bdnf expression in ARKO, compared to WT males. There were no differences in CNTF or CNTF receptor expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen alters active TrkB and Bdnf expression in the IFP. IFP Bdnf signalling may regulate "masculinisation" of the GFN sensory nerves to indirectly control inguinoscrotal testicular descent.

IMPACT

Androgen mediates neurotrophin release in the inguinal fat pad in mice, which may facilitate normal testicular descent by masculinising the GFN by peripheral uptake of neurotrophin. This is the first study to examine the role of neurotrophins in testicular descent. This suggests novel steps in the mechanical process of normal testicular descent that may be abnormal in some children with undescended testes.

The Majority of Boys Having Orchidopexy for Congenital Nonsyndromic Cryptorchidism during Minipuberty Exhibited Normal Reproductive Hormonal Profiles

INTRODUCTION

 The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that occurs in male minipuberty during the first 5 months of life is important for early germ cell development. Orchidopexy during minipuberty may improve fertility potential as the germinative epithelium may benefit from the naturally occurring gonadotropin stimulation. We hypothesize that most boys with congenital nonsyndromic cryptorchidism display normal reproductive hormonal profiles and histological findings during minipuberty.

METHODS

 We included boys with congenital nonsyndromic cryptorchidism who underwent orchidopexy at less than 160 days of age, having no potential for spontaneous resolution clinically. At surgery, testicular biopsies and reproductive hormones were collected and compared with normal reference values. We measured the germ cells (G/T) and type A dark spermatogonia number per tubule.

RESULTS

 Thirty-five boys aged 37 to 159 (median age: 124) days at orchidopexy were included, five were bilateral. G/T was below the normal lower range in 26% (9/35) of the cases. In six of these cases, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were above 97.5 percentile, whereas one case had FSH below 2.5 percentile. Totally, 97% (33/34, one FSH was missing) exhibited a normal LH/FSH ratio. LH was more often above 97.5 percentile than FSH: 34% (12/35) versus 3% (1/34, p < 0.001). Inhibin B was below 2.5 percentile in 17% (6/35) of cases who all proved FSH above normal mean and four had LH above normal mean.

CONCLUSION

 Generally, reproductive hormonal profiles of the cryptorchid boys exhibited normal minipubertal pattern. Thus, 26% of the boys had reduced germ cell number, and transient hypogonadotropic hypogonadism could be suspected in few cases.

Post-operative colonic manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of children experience bowel dysfunction (including constipation and fecal incontinence) following surgical repair of Hirschsprung disease (HD). Persistent symptoms are thought to relate to underlying colonic and/or anorectal dysmotility. Manometry may be used to investigate the gastrointestinal motility patterns of this population.

PURPOSE

To (1) evaluate the colonic manometry equipment and protocols used in the assessment of the post-operative HD population and (2) summarize the available evidence regarding colonic motility patterns in children with HD following surgical repair.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review of the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases (January 1, 1980 and March 9, 2020). Data were extracted independently by two authors.

STUDY SELECTION

This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting the post-operative assessment of children with HD using colonic manometry were considered for inclusion.

RESULTS

Five studies satisfied selection criteria, providing a combined total of 496 children. Of these, 184 children with repaired HD underwent colonic manometry. Studies assessed heterogeneous populations, utilized variable manometry equipment and protocols, and reported limited baseline symptom characteristics, thus restricting comparability. All studies used low-resolution colonic manometry.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlighted the paucity of evidence informing the understanding of colonic dysmotility in the post-operative HD cohort. Current literature is limited by variable methodologies, heterogeneous cohorts, and the lack of high-resolution manometry.

Quality of Life Outcomes in Primary Caregivers of Children with Esophageal Atresia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality of life (QoL) impact on primary caregivers of children with esophageal atresia.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a prospective cohort study design, inviting primary caregivers of children with esophageal atresia to complete the following questionnaires: Parent Experience of Child Illness (PECI), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, PROMIS Depression, 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The PECI, PROMIS Anxiety and Depression, and SF-12 assessed caregiver QoL, and the PedsQL assessed patient QoL. Patients with Gross type E esophageal atresia served as controls.

RESULTS

The primary caregivers of 100 patients (64 males, 36 females; median age, 4.6 years; range, 3.5 months to 19.0 years) completed questionnaires. The majority (76 of 100) of patients had Gross type C esophageal atresia. A VACTERL (vertebral anomalies, anorectal malformation, cardiac anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, limb anomalies) association was found in 30, ≥1 esophageal dilatation was performed in 57, and fundoplication was performed in 11/100. When stratified by esophageal atresia types, significant differences were found in 2 PECI subscales (unresolved sorrow/anger, P = .02; uncertainty, P = .02), in PROMIS Anxiety (P = .02), and in SF-12 mental health (P = .02) and mental component summary scores (P = .02). No significant differences were found for VACTERL association, nor esophageal dilatation. Requirement for fundoplication resulted in lower SF-12 general health score, and lower PedsQL social and physical functioning scores.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that caring for a child with esophageal atresia and a previous requirement for fundoplication impacts caregiver QoL.

Esophageal morbidity in patients following repair of esophageal atresia: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening congenital condition, affecting one in 2600 newborns. Morbidity remains high, with many patients experiencing complications, including anastomotic leak/stricture, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Increased understanding of esophageal motility patterns may help explain the etiology of these complications.

AIMS

We aimed to review knowledge regarding esophageal motility and related complications in children with EA, evaluate patients' symptomatology and relate this to esophageal motility.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42018092277), according to the PRISMA protocol. Two investigators independently conducted search strategies (OvidMEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review, BMJ BestPractice), identifying complications in patients following EA repair. Rates of esophageal dysmotility, GERD, dysphagia, anastomotic leak, anastomotic stricture, recurrent fistula formation, and esophagitis were sought.

RESULTS

A total of 65 publications met selection criteria (n = 4882). Rates of morbidity were high: esophageal dysmotility (78%), GERD (43%), dysphagia (44%), anastomotic leak (19%), anastomotic stricture (26%), recurrent fistula formation (7%), and esophagitis (47%). No correlation appeared to exist with severity of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review identified high rates of complications in children with EA, with esophageal dysmotility present in the majority of patients. Increasing survival, with resultant longer timeframes to develop morbidities, makes standardized follow-up regimens crucial.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Survival Trends and Syndromic Esophageal Atresia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Presence of a syndrome (or association) is predictive of poor survival in esophageal atresia (EA). However, most reports rely on historical patient outcomes, limiting their usefulness when estimating risk for neonates born today. We hypothesized improved syndromic EA survival due to advances in neonatal care.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center review of survival in 626 consecutive patients with EA from 1980 to 2017 was performed. Data were collected for recognized risk factors: preterm delivery; birth weight <1500 g; major cardiac disease; vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities (VACTERL); and non-VACTERL syndromes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate temporal trends in survival with respect to year of birth and syndromic EA.

RESULTS

Overall, 87% of 626 patients with EA survived, ranging from 82% in the 1980s to 91% in the 2010s. After adjusting for confounders, syndromic EA survival did not improve during the study, with no association found between year of birth and survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1.01). Aside from lethal non-VACTERL syndromes, patients with nonlethal non-VACTERL syndromes (HR 6.85, 95% CI: 3.50-13.41) and VACTERL syndrome (HR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.66-5.49) had a higher risk of death than those with nonsyndromic EA.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival of patients with syndromic EA has not improved, and patients with non-VACTERL syndromes have the highest risk of death. Importantly, this is independent of syndrome lethality, birth weight, and cardiac disease. This contemporary survival assessment will enable more accurate perinatal counseling of parents of patients with syndromic EA.

Complication profile of augmentation cystoplasty in contemporary paediatric urology: a 20-year review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the complication profile of augmentation cystoplasty in contemporary paediatric urology as well as its effect on bladder metrics.

METHODS

Consecutive operative cases were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution over 20 years (1999-2019). Short- and long-term outcomes and complications following augmentation cystoplasty were defined.

RESULTS

Of the 71 operative cases; the most common underlying diagnoses were neurogenic bladder (34%), exstrophy-epispadias complex (30%) and posterior urethral valves (23%). The most common tissue-type utilized was ileal (58%) and ureteric (30%). Peri-operative urine leak affected nine (13%) children but reservoir perforations were less common (4%). Mean end-of-study detrusor pressure improved significantly following bladder augmentation (38-17 cmH₂ O, P < 0.001). Bladder capacity improved significantly (67-89%, P = 0.041). The median follow-up was 4.5 years (interquartile range: 1.9-10 years). Bladder urolithiasis affected 13 (18%) patients, and symptomatic urinary tract infections 36 (51%) patients. Formation of a continent catheterisable channel contributed a number of complications relating predominantly to stenosis (50%). Repeat augmentation cystoplasty was necessary in three (4%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation cystoplasty is a surgical intervention that improves bladder metrics. Given the potential complications, careful patient selection and appropriate pre-operative counselling are essential. Furthermore, pro-active post-operative management and transitional care are vital in the surgical care of children following augmentation cystoplasty.

The burden of esophageal dilatations following repair of esophageal atresia

AIM

To describe the burden of esophageal dilatations in patients following esophageal atresia (EA) repair.

METHOD

A retrospective review was performed at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, of all neonates undergoing operative repair for EA over a 17-year period (1999-2015). Stricture was defined by radiological and/or intra-operative findings of narrowing at the esophageal anastomosis. Data recorded included EA type, perinatal details, operative approach, esophageal anastomosis outcome, dilatation requirement, and survival. Key endpoints were anastomotic leakage and tension, esophageal dilatation technique, dilatation frequency, fundoplication, and complications.

RESULTS

During the study period, 287 newborn EA patients were admitted, of which 258 underwent operative repair and survived to primary discharge. Excluding 11 patients with isolated tracheoesophageal fistula, 247 patients were included in the final analysis. Intra-operative anastomotic tension was documented in 41/247 (16.6%), anastomotic leak occurred in 48/247 (19.4%), and fundoplication was performed in 37/247 (15.0%). Dilatations were performed in 149/247 (60.3%). Techniques included bougie-alone (92/149, 61.7%), combination of bougie and balloon (51/149, 34.2%), and balloon-alone (6/149, 4.0%). These patients underwent 1128 dilatations; median number of dilatations per patient was 4 (interquartile range 2-8). Long-gap EA and anastomotic tension were risk factors (p < 0.01) for multiple dilatations. Complications occurred in 13/1128 (1.2%) dilatation episodes: 11/13 esophageal perforation, 2/13 clinically significant aspiration. Perforations were rare events in both balloon (6/287, 2.1%) and bougie dilatations (4/841, 0.5%); one patient had a perforation from guidewire insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal dilatation occurred in a majority of EA patients. Long-gap EA was associated with an increased burden of esophageal dilatation. Perforations were rare events in balloon and bougie dilatations.

TYPE OF STUDY

Original article - retrospective review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Cryptorchidism, gonocyte development, and the risks of germ cell malignancy and infertility: A systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT) occurs in 1%-4% of newborn males and leads to a risk of infertility and testicular malignancy. Recent research suggests that infertility and malignancy in UDT may be caused by abnormal development of the neonatal germ cells, or gonocytes, which normally transform into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) or undergo apoptosis during minipuberty at 2-6 months in humans (2-6 days in mice). We aimed to identify the current knowledge on how UDT is linked to infertility and malignancy.

METHODS

Here we review the literature from 1995 to the present to assess the possible causes of infertility and malignancy in UDT, from both human studies and animal models.

RESULTS

Both the morphological steps and many of the genes involved in germ cell development are now characterized, but the factors involved in gonocyte transformation and apoptosis in both normal and cryptorchid testes are not fully identified. During minipuberty there is evidence for the hypothalamic-pituitary axis stimulating gonocyte transformation, but without known direct control by LH and androgen, although FSH may have a role. An arrested gonocyte maybe the origin of later malignancy at least in syndromic cryptorchid testes in humans, which is consistent with the recent finding that gonocytes are normally absent in a rodent model of congenital cryptorchidism, where malignancy has not been reported.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review strengthen the view that malignancy and infertility in men with previous UDT may be caused by abnormalities in germ cell development during minipuberty.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review (secondary, filtered) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Bcl2-Associated X (BAX) Knockout in Mice Resulted in Persistence of Neonatal Testicular Germ Cells (Gonocytes)

During early testicular development, neonatal gonocytes transform into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), and any untransformed gonocytes are thought to undergo apoptosis. In human cryptorchidism, persisting gonocytes may lead to seminoma. Using Bcl2-associated X knockout (BAXKO) mice, we investigated apoptosis in gonocyte development during mouse minipuberty. Testes from BAXKO, heterozygous (HET), and wild-type (WT) littermates were collected on postnatal days 1, 3, 6, and 9 (<i>n</i> = 6/group), labelled with antibodies against mouse vasa homologue (MVH, germ cell marker) or promyelocytic leukaemia zinc-factor (PLZF, SSC marker) and imaged for cell counting. Total germ cells/tubule, i.e., the number of germ cells on and off the basement membrane (BM), were counted using Image J followed by 2-way ANOVA analysis with Prism. Total PLZF+ germ cells/tubule, PLZF+ germ cells/tubule off BM, total MVH+ germ cells/tubule, and MVH+ germ cells off BM/tubule were significantly higher at day 9 in BAXKO compared to WT and HET mice (<i>p </i>< 0.01). In conclusion, knockout of BAX in mouse leads to gonocytes persisting at the centre of the tubules after minipuberty, which failed to migrate and transform into SSC, indicating the important role of apoptosis is to eliminate undifferentiated gonocytes during transformation. Failed apoptosis in gonocytes may be the cause of malignancy in humans with cryptorchidism.

Predictors of Mortality after Primary Discharge from Hospital in Patients with Esophageal Atresia

OBJECTIVE

To describe esophageal atresia mortality rates and their associations in our cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with esophageal atresia, managed at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne (1980-2018), who subsequently died, were retrospectively identified from the prospective Nate Myers Oesophageal Atresia database. Data collected included patient and maternal demographics, vertebral anomalies, anorectal malformations, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb defects (VACTERL) associations, mortality risk factors, and preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings. Mortality before discharge was defined as death during the initial admission.

RESULTS

A total of 88 of the 650 patients (13.5%) died during the study period; mortality before discharge occurred in 66 of the 88 (75.0%); mortality after discharge occurred in 22 of the 88 (25.0%). Common causes of mortality before discharge were palliation for respiratory anomalies (15/66 [22.7%]), associated syndromes (11/66 [16.7%]), and neurologic anomalies (10/66 [15.2%]). The most common syndrome leading to palliation was trisomy 18 (7/66 [10.6%]). Causes of mortality after discharge had available documentation for 17 of 22 patients (77.3%). Common causes were respiratory compromise (6/17 [35.3%]), sudden unexplained deaths (6/17 [35.3%]), and Fanconi anemia (2/17 [11.8%]). Of the patients discharged from hospital, 22 of 584 (3.8%) subsequently died. There was no statistical difference in VACTERL association between mortality before discharge (31/61 [50.8%]) and mortality after discharge (11/20 [55.0%]), nor in incidence of twins between mortality before discharge (8/56 [14.3%]) and mortality after discharge (2/18 [11.1%]).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified predictors of mortality in patients with esophageal atresia in a large prospective cohort. Parents of children with esophageal atresia must be counselled appropriately as to the likelihood of death after discharge from hospital.

Clinical data and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) scores for children with duodenal atresia

This article presents raw data obtained from a prospectively collected database of children with duodenal atresia at tertiary pediatric surgery hospital. For all potential participants, pertinent demographic, clinical and operative data was obtained from the database. Potential participants were then contacted and invited to complete a Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) 4.0 core score and gastrointestinal module questionnaires. Participant's response to each item in the questionnaires is provided, as well as their calculated health related quality of life scores. Data has the potential to be reused in future studies examining quality of life in duodenal atresia, paediatric gastrointestinal conditions, surgical neonatal conditions and children with trisomy 21. Further analysis and discussion is contained in related research article titled "Quality of life outcomes in children born with duodenal atresia" [1].

The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 Signaling in Duodenal Atresia

Introduction

Duodenal atresia (DA) is a congenital bowel obstruction requiring major surgery in the first week of life. Three morphological phenotypes are described, reflecting increasing degrees of obstruction and discontinuity of the duodenum. The cause of DA is not known. Tandler’s original “solid cord” hypothesis conflicts with recent biological evidence, and is unable to account for differing DA types. In humans, a genetic etiology is supported by the association between Trisomy 21 and DA, and reports of familial inheritance patterns. Interruption of FGF10/FGFR2b signaling is the best demonstrated genetic link to DA in mice, with 35–75% of homozygous knockout embryos developing DA.

Purpose

This review examines the current evidence surrounding the etiology of DA. We focus on research regarding FGF10/FGFR2b signaling and its role in duodenal and other intestinal atresia. Further, we outline planned future research in this area, that we consider necessary to validate and better understand this murine model in order to successfully translate this research into clinical practice.

Conclusion

Determining the etiology of DA in humans is a clinical and scientific imperative. Fgf10/Fgfr2b murine models represent current science’s best key to unlocking this mystery. However, further research is required to understand the complex role of FGF10/FGFR2b signaling in DA development. Such complexity is expected, given the lethality of their associated defects makes ubiquitous interruption of either Fgf10 or Fgfr2b genes an unlikely cause of DA in humans. Rather, local or tissue-specific mutation in Fgf10, Fgfr2b, or their downstream targets, is the hypothesized basis of DA etiology.

'Rapid transit' constipation in children: a possible genesis for irritable bowel syndrome

Children with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) often end up at the surgeon when medical treatments have failed. This opinion piece discusses a recently described pattern of CIC called 'Rapid transit constipation (RTC)' first identified in 2011 as part of surgical workup. RTC was identified using a nuclear medicine gastrointestinal transit study (NMGIT or nuclear transit study) to determine the site of slowing within the bowel and to inform surgical treatment. Unexpectedly, we found that RTC occured in 29% of 1000 transit studies in a retrospective audit. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs in 7-21% of the population, with a higher prevalence in young children and with constipation type dominating in the young. While 60% improve with time, 40% continue with symptoms. First-line therapy for IBS in adults is a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols which reduces symptoms in > 70% of patients. In children with functional gastrointestinal disorders, fructose intolerance occurs in 35-55%. Reducing fructose produced significant improvement in 77-82% of intolerant patients. In children with RTC and a positive breath test upon fructose challenge, we found that exclusion of fructose significantly improved constipation, abdominal pain, stool consistency and decreased laxative use. We hypothesise that positive breath tests and improvement of pain and bowel frequency with sugar exclusion diets in RTC suggest these children have IBS-C. These observations raise the possibility that many children with CIC could be treated by reducing fructose early in their diet and this might prevent the development of IBS in later life.

Quality of life assessment in esophageal atresia patients: a systematic review focusing on long-gap esophageal atresia

BACKGROUND

Children born with esophageal atresia (EA) have inherent abnormalities in esophageal motility which may impact upon patient and family Quality of Life (QoL). Currently, paucity of data exists for long-term outcomes of long-gap EA. We aimed to: (1) summarize QoL tools reported in the literature, focusing upon studies involving long-gap EA patients, and (2) compare QoL for long-gap versus non-long-gap EA patients.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review of Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid databases (January 1980-May 2018) in accordance with the PRISMA protocol.

RESULT

Six studies were identified (536 patients total), and 419/536 (78%) patients completed QoL assessment. Response rates ranged from 29% to 100%. Median study size was 86 (range 8-159). Esophageal atresia type was described in 477 patients, and 74/477 (16%) were long-gap. Common assessment tools were Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Compared with healthy individuals, long-gap EA patients suffered more gastrointestinal symptoms. There were no significant differences in QoL outcomes between long-gap and non-long-gap EA patients.

CONCLUSION

Current literature suggests no significant difference in QoL outcomes between long-gap and non-long-gap EA patients. However, due to questionnaire variability and range of response rates, the data should be interpreted with care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Gonocyte transformation in congenital undescended testes: what is the role of inhibin-B in cell death?

PURPOSE

Undescended testes (UDT) are subjected to heat stress, which can disturb gonocyte transformation as well as apoptosis. This study aims to describe the apoptosis pathway occurring during minipuberty of children with unilateral (UDT), and to investigate the role of inhibin-B.

METHODS

Testicular biopsies at unilateral orchidopexy of 10 boys (6-9 months old) with normal inhibin-B (n = 5) or low inhibin-B (n = 5) were selected for immunohistochemistry and TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling) assay. Testicular tubules were labelled with antibodies against Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH, Sertoli cell marker), mouse Vasa Homolog (MVH) and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) (both germ cell markers), cleaved caspase3 (apoptotic marker), and followed by confocal imaging and cell counting with Fiji/ImageJ. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism.

RESULTS

In males with low and normal inhibin-B, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in the percentage of testicular tubules containing TUNEL + cells, number of cleaved caspase3 ± germ cells/tubule, total number of germ cells/tubule, and the percentage of fibrotic tubules or number of Sertoli cells/tubule.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that inhibin-B does not regulate cell death of gonocytes and further studies are required to uncover any role of inhibin-B in gonocyte transformation.

Delayed diagnosis of anorectal malformations in neonates

BACKGROUND

Anorectal malformations (ARM) are common congenital abnormalities of the terminal hindgut. Ideally, ARM should be diagnosed at, or shortly following, birth by careful physical examination of the perineum. Delayed diagnosis has been implicated as a risk factor for complications, including intestinal perforation. This study aimed to determine the rate of delayed diagnosis and associated intestinal perforation in ARM.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for all ARM patients managed at The Royal Children's Hospital over a 16-year period (2000-2015). Data collected included ARM type, timing of diagnosis and complications. Delayed diagnosis was defined as being at more than 24 h of age.

RESULTS

A total of 243 ARM patients (male 146/243, 60%) were included. The most frequent ARM types were perineal fistula (83/243, 34%) and rectovestibular fistula (40/243, 16%). Diagnosis was delayed beyond 24 h of age in 92 of 243 (38%) patients. The ARM type most commonly delayed in diagnosis was perineal fistula (37/83, 45%). Two patients in whom diagnosis was delayed suffered an intestinal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Delayed diagnosis in ARM patients remains a common, and potentially fatal, occurrence. Improved assessment of newborns is required to ensure timely diagnosis of ARM, and avoidance of complications associated with delayed diagnosis.