1
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Theilen TM, Rolle U. [The acute abdomen in children]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2023; 118:619-625. [PMID: 37294351 PMCID: PMC10252174 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-023-01030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because 8-10% of children in the emergency room present with acute abdominal pain, a systematic work-up is essential to rule out acute abdomen. OBJECTIVES This article highlights the etiology, symptoms, diagnostic workup, and treatment of acute abdomen in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Review of the current literature. RESULTS Abdominal inflammation, ischemia, bowel and ureteral obstruction, or abdominal bleeding are causes of acute abdomen. Extra-abdominal diseases such as otitis media in toddlers or testicular torsion in adolescent boys can also lead to symptoms of acute abdomen. Abdominal pain, (bilious) vomiting, abdominal guarding, constipation, blood-tinged stools, abdominal bruise marks, and poor condition of the patient with symptoms such as tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotonia up to shock are leading symptoms of acute abdomen. In some cases, emergent abdominal surgery is needed to treat the cause of the acute abdomen. However, in patients with pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with SARS-CoV‑2 infection (PIMS-TS), a new disease causing an acute abdomen, surgical treatment is rarely needed. CONCLUSIONS Acute abdomen can lead to nonreversible loss of an abdominal organ, such as bowel or ovary, or develop into acute deterioration of the patient's condition up to the state of shock. Therefore, a complete history and thorough physical examination are needed to timely diagnose acute abdomen and initiate specific therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till-Martin Theilen
- Klinik für Kinderchirurgie und Kinderurologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Udo Rolle
- Klinik für Kinderchirurgie und Kinderurologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
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2
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Somashekar Karanth KK, Mijar M, Shetty KB, Sultanpuri CS. Tummy pain is not often what we think - Imaging findings in uncommon causes of abdominal pain in children and adolescents - A case series. Afr J Paediatr Surg 2023; 20:147-151. [PMID: 36960512 DOI: 10.4103/ajps.ajps_161_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint in children. We came across several unusual causes of acute abdomen including jejunal haematoma, perforation and abdominal abscess following hydrostatic intussusception reduction, twisting of mesenteric cyst, perforation of sigmoid colon and Meckel's diverticulum presenting with intussusception. In this article, we aim to present imaging features of these entities so that paediatric surgeons, radiologists and other health-care providers are aware of these unusual manifestations of acute abdomen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahesh Mijar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kishan B Shetty
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Chetana S Sultanpuri
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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3
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Dargham TB, Moumneh MB, Atallah C, Zaghal A. A scoping review on acute gastrointestinal surgical complications in immunocompromised pediatric patients. ANNALS OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43159-022-00183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal complications are becoming increasingly more common and pose a significant risk on the health of children with compromised immunity caused by various etiologies such as chemotherapy and posttransplantation immunosuppression. We aim to review abdominal complications in immunocompromised children and their respective management.
Main body
This is a scoping review of the literature. PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus libraries were searched for relevant articles. Extracted data included the etiologies of immunocompromised immunity, gastrointestinal and abdominal complications in immunocompromised children, diagnosis, and treatment of these pathologies. Examples of gastrointestinal complications in immunocompromised children include, but not limited to, neutropenic enterocolitis, acute appendicitis, bowel perforation, acalculous cholecystitis, and acute pancreatitis. Our literature review showed that bacterial and fungal infections are the major causes of exacerbation and mortality. The main cause of immunosuppression in children with neutropenic enterocolitis and acute pancreatitis is chemotherapy, and management of these pathologies using intravenous fluids, antibiotic therapy, and granulocyte-stimulating factors is the current standard of care. Surgical intervention is uncommon and reserved for complicated cases. That said, in acute appendicitis and bowel perforation, laparoscopy is the mainstay treatment. However, in systemic infections, nonsurgical interventions such as transfusion and bowel rest are the gold standard. As for acalculous cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystectomy is superior to laparotomy and other surgical interventions.
Conclusion
Timely diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in the immunocompromised children is key in reducing mortality and morbidity. Both surgical and nonsurgical interventions are needed and should be further studied in order to improve outcomes.
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Kakoo Brioso E, Jonet J, Antunes SM. Acute Calculous Cholecystitis Presenting as an Acute Abdomen in a Five-Month-Old Child. Cureus 2022; 14:e25180. [PMID: 35747050 PMCID: PMC9207784 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute cholecystitis is an exceedingly rare condition in young children; nevertheless, it should be considered while investigating an acute abdomen. We report a case of a five-month-old male who presented to the pediatric emergency department with inconsolable crying, decreased oral intake, vomiting, diarrhea, and a tender right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory studies revealed elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase and the abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of acute calculous cholecystitis. The patient was treated with intravenous hydration and antimicrobial therapy, avoiding the need for emergent cholecystectomy. A calcium bilirubinate calculus was observed in the feces but no etiology was found after extensive investigation. We aim to raise awareness of this diagnosis and the need for prompt initiation of therapy to avoid complications.
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It's not always appendicitis: relatively uncommon conditions of acute abdomen in children. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.863986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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6
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Persano G, Cantone N, Pani E, Ciardini E, Noccioli B. Heterotopic pancreas in the gastrointestinal tract in children: a single-center experience and a review of the literature. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:142. [PMID: 31706342 PMCID: PMC6842505 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterotopic pancreas, that is the abnormal localization of a well-differentiated pancreatic tissue, is a rare occurrence in pediatric patients. Most lesions are found incidentally; in some circumstances, the presence of heterotopic pancreas may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as obstructive symptoms or bleeding. Patients and methods The clinical notes of patients with histological diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas treated at Meyer Children’s Hospital between 2009 and 2017 have been retrospectively examined. Four variables have been examined: clinical presentation, age at diagnosis, timing of surgery and localization of the heterotopic pancreas. Patients have been classified accordingly. Results Fourteen patients were diagnosed with heterotopic pancreas at a single institution. In half cases, heterotopic pancreas caused symptoms that warranted surgical exploration. Symptomatic patients were significantly older than patients in whom heterotopic pancreas was an incidental finding (mean age 9 years and 5 months vs 2 years and 9 months; p = 0.02). Heterotopic pancreas was more frequently found in patients who underwent urgent surgical procedure than in patients who underwent elective surgery (2.61% vs 0.22%; p < 0.0001). In all cases, foci of heterotopic pancreas were resected. Conclusion Heterotopic pancreas is usually discovered in the submucosa of the stomach, duodenum and small bowel. Heterotopic tissue may cause symptoms related to mechanical complications, bleeding from the surrounding intestinal mucosa or, occasionally, to the development of malignancy. Heterotopic tissue is a rare but clinically relevant cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. The presence of heterotopic tissue should be considered in children with gastrointestinal symptoms of unclear origin and surgical resection is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Persano
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, IRCCS Gaslini, via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Noemi Cantone
- Department of Neonatal and Emergency Surgery, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Pani
- School of Pediatric Surgery, University of Genoa, Italy - Department of Pediatric Surgery, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Ciardini
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, District Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Bruno Noccioli
- Department of Neonatal and Emergency Surgery, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Rigor J, Pinto SA, Martins-Mendes D. Porphyrias: A clinically based approach. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 67:24-29. [PMID: 31257150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porphyrias are a group of metabolic diseases, individually rare but with an important combined prevalence. Because of their pathological complexity and clinical heterogeneity, they present a challenging diagnosis. The present review aims to provide a clinically based approach to the recognition and treatment of these disorders. METHODS We carried out a search in PubMed, with the keyword "porphyria", for reviews published in English from 2010 until 2017. RESULTS The research yielded 196 papers, of which 64 were included in the final narrative review. CONCLUSIONS Porphyrias can be divided based on clinical presentation in acute neurovisceral, chronic cutaneous bullous, chronic cutaneous non-bullous and acute neurovisceral/chronic cutaneous bullous. Each individual porphyria presents a characteristic pattern of porphyrins in plasma, urine, stool and red blood cells. As such, diagnosis is easily obtained by following a simple diagnostic algorithm. Early recognition is key in managing these diseases. Neurovisceral porphyrias require acute support therapy and chronic eviction of precipitating factors. Cutaneous prophyrias, as photosensitivity disorders, rely on sunlight avoidance and, in some cases, specific therapeutic interventions. Given the rarity of these conditions, physician awareness is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Rigor
- Internal Medicine Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, E.P.E., Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Sara Almeida Pinto
- Internal Medicine Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, E.P.E., Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Martins-Mendes
- Internal Medicine Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, E.P.E., Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; Biomedicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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8
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Acute appendicitis in childhood: oral contrast does not improve CT diagnosis. Emerg Radiol 2018; 25:257-263. [PMID: 29306977 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-017-1574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared the diagnostic accuracy of CT performed without and with oral contrast for suspected appendicitis in children. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed abdomen/pelvis CT scans with IV contrast performed between 2011 and 2015 for suspected appendicitis. Oral contrast was used routinely before August 2013 and eliminated from the CT protocol thereafter. Diagnostic accuracy of CT was compared with operative/pathology reports, and included a 30-day follow-up period for non-surgical patients. For a secondary analysis, the oral contrast group was subdivided into "complete" (contrast extending into the cecum) or "partial" contrast. We also compared groups for CT turnaround time, the frequency of appendiceal perforation and abscess, and the potential influence of a prior appendix ultrasound. RESULTS Five hundred fifty-eight patients were included: 51.6% (n = 288) without oral contrast and 48.4% (n = 270) with oral contrast (of which 52% (n = 140/270) had "complete" contrast). There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy between the oral contrast and non-contrast groups (p = 0.903), with sensitivity/specificity of 93.8% (95% CI 84.8-98.3)/98.5% (CI 95.8-99.7) and 94.6% (CI 84.9-98.9)/98.3% (CI 95.7-99.5), respectively. Similarly, there was no difference in accuracy when comparing only "complete" contrast vs. non-contrast groups (p = 0.755). CT turnaround time for the non-contrast group was significantly faster (43.8 ± 37.6 min), on average, than the oral contrast group (137.4 ± 47.5 min). CONCLUSION For children evaluated by CT with IV contrast for suspected appendicitis, administering oral contrast increased wait time by > 90 min, did not reach the cecum in 48% of cases, and did not improve diagnostic accuracy. Oral contrast for pediatric CT appendicitis evaluation is not warranted.
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Seidenfaden S, Ormarsson OT, Lund SH, Bjornsson ES. Physical activity may decrease the likelihood of children developing constipation. Acta Paediatr 2018; 107:151-155. [PMID: 28898506 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Childhood constipation is common. We evaluated children diagnosed with constipation, who were referred to an Icelandic paediatric emergency department, and determined the effect of lifestyle factors on its aetiology. METHODS The parents of children who were diagnosed with constipation and participated in a phase IIB clinical trial on laxative suppositories answered an online questionnaire about their children's lifestyle and constipation in March-April 2013. The parents of nonconstipated children that visited the paediatric department of Landspitali University Hospital or an Icelandic outpatient clinic answered the same questionnaire. RESULTS We analysed responses regarding 190 children aged one year to 18 years: 60 with constipation and 130 without. We found that 40% of the constipated children had recurrent symptoms, 27% had to seek medical attention more than once and 33% received medication per rectum. The 47 of 130 control group subjects aged 10-18 were much more likely to exercise more than three times a week (72%) and for more than a hour (62%) than the 26 of 60 constipated children of the same age (42% and 35%, respectively). CONCLUSION Constipation risk factors varied with age and many children diagnosed with constipation had recurrent symptoms. Physical activity may affect the likelihood of developing constipation in older children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orri Thor Ormarsson
- Department of Paediatric Surgery; Landspitali-University Hospital; Reykjavík Iceland
| | - Sigrun H. Lund
- Centre of Public Health Sciences; University of Iceland; Reykjavík Iceland
| | - Einar S. Bjornsson
- Department of Gastroenterology; Landspitali-University Hospital; Reykjavík Iceland
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10
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Bolia R. Approach to "Upset Stomach". Indian J Pediatr 2017; 84:915-921. [PMID: 28687951 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-017-2376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An "Upset stomach" is a common problem encountered by physicians involved in the care of children. It includes, diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Though often mild and self-limiting, at times there are uncommon life-threatening conditions that require urgent care. It is important for primary physicians to recognize "alarm signs" and make a referral to the specialist at the right time. At the same time it is important to recognize what is normal and re-assure the caregivers. A detailed history and a proper systemic examination are important at presentation, looking for any "red flags". Investigations are seldom needed and the treatment is symptomatic. In acute diarrhea, adequate hydration is the cornerstone of management, which includes recognizing the degree of dehydration and treating with oral rehydration solution and Zinc. Dysentery i.e., bloody diarrhea needs treatment with antibiotics. In children with predominant vomiting and abdominal pain, it is vital to make sure one is not dealing with a "surgical "cause. If the child is not settling, a repeated examination is useful to look for the persistence or evolution of abdominal signs. Vomiting does not localize the problem to the gastro- intestinal (GI) tract and a complete systemic examination is needed to rule out an extra GI cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Bolia
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Yoshimaru K, Kinoshita Y, Matsuura T, Esumi G, Wada M, Takahashi Y, Yanagi Y, Hayashida M, Ieiri S, Taguchi T. Bowel obstruction without history of laparotomy: Clinical analysis of 70 patients. Pediatr Int 2016; 58:1205-1210. [PMID: 27061976 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the cause of bowel obstruction without a history of laparotomy (BO without HL) is difficult and can result in delay of treatment and development of a potentially life-threatening situation. We herein investigated the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients who underwent laparotomy due to BO without HL. METHODS All surgical pediatric patients aged <16 age who were diagnosed with BO without HL between January 2004 and September 2014 were included. Etiology of BO, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcome were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS Seventy patients were diagnosed with BO without HL in this period. In these 70 patients, malrotation (n = 34), intussusception (n = 19), internal hernia (n = 6) and Meckel's diverticulum (n = 5) were predominantly identified. Regarding preoperative definitive diagnosis, prevalence of internal hernia, Meckel's diverticulum or idiopathic volvulus was significantly lower than that of malrotation or intussusception (P < 0.05). Intraoperatively, the rates of strangulation and bowel resection were 55.7% and 30.0%, respectively. The optimal time for emergency operation in order to avoid strangulated bowel resection was <19 h from onset of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Malrotation and intussusception are major causes of BO without HL in children, but internal hernia, Meckel's diverticulum and idiopathic volvulus should always be taken into account, particularly because of the preoperative diagnostic difficulty and resulting high rate of intestinal resection. In order to avoid resection of the bowel, surgery should be done within 19 h before bowel ischemic change occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Yoshimaru
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kinoshita
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Genshiro Esumi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Momoko Wada
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Japan Community Health care Organization Kyushu Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yanagi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Hayashida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Miyazaki Prefectural Miyazaki Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ieiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Taguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Ormarsson OT, Asgrimsdottir GM, Loftsson T, Stefansson E, Lund SH, Bjornsson ES. Free fatty acid suppositories are as effective as docusate sodium and sorbitol enemas in treating constipation in children. Acta Paediatr 2016; 105:689-94. [PMID: 26948070 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM A well-documented, clinically proven per rectum treatment for childhood constipation is needed. This phase two clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of suppositories containing free fatty acids (FFA) compared with Klyx docusate sodium and sorbitol enemas. METHODS A randomised, controlled, single-blind study was undertaken on 77 children aged between one and 17 who presented to an emergency department in Iceland and were diagnosed with constipation. In stage one, 23 patients were randomised to receive lower dose FFA suppositories or Klyx (n = 33). In stage two, 21 different patients were randomised to receive higher dose suppositories and compared with the same Klyx control subjects. RESULTS The suppositories were effective at bowel emptying in 39% of the group who received the lower FFA doses and 81% of the group receiving higher doses, compared with 88% in the Klyx control group. Symptom relief was obtained in 30% of the group receiving the lower doses and 71% of the group receiving the higher doses, compared with 73% in the control group. CONCLUSION The higher dose FFA suppositories were as effective as the Klyx enemas with regard to bowel emptying and symptom relief and might provide an important and less invasive alternative for childhood constipation.
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Lambropoulos V, Papageorgiou I, Kepertis C, Sfoungaris D, Spyridakis I. Uncommon Surgical Causes Of Right Lower Quadrant Pain In Children. Single Center Experience. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:PR01-3. [PMID: 26155519 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/12449.5913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Right lower quadrant pain is one of the major reasons of children reference at the emergency department. The most common surgical cause, which needs appropriate management, is acute appendicitis. The purpose of this study is to reveal uncommon surgical causes found during surgery in children who were misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis in our department during the last 10 y. Data of patients who have undergone appendicectomy during a ten year period (since Feb 2004 until Mar 2014) were collected retrospectively. Eight hundred twenty children have undergone appendicectomy in our department. In six children another uncommon cause of the symptoms was revealed during surgery. In one patient the cause was a duplication cyst of the terminal ileum, in two patients an omental torsion, in one patient a meckel diverticulum torsion, in one patient a splenic rupture and in one patient a retroperitoneal tumor. All of the patients were successfully managed during the first operation. The possibility of other uncommon causes of right quadrant abdominal pain should always be kept in mind, especially when there is a negative appendicitis. However, the transaction of further paraclinical examinations - ultrasonography or computed tomography- preoperatively is under discussion. Nevertheless a thoroughly taken case history is undoubtedly always necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Lambropoulos
- Pediatric Surgeon, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "PAPAGEORGIOU" , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irene Papageorgiou
- Resident, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "PAPAGEORGIOU" , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos Kepertis
- Pediatric Surgeon, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "PAPAGEORGIOU" , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Sfoungaris
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "PAPAGEORGIOU" , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Spyridakis
- Assistant Professor, Chief of the Department of Pediatric Surgery 2nd Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "PAPAGEORGIOU" , Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Kim JH, Kang HS, Han KH, Kim SH, Shin KS, Lee MS, Jeong IH, Kim YS, Kang KS. Systemic classification for a new diagnostic approach to acute abdominal pain in children. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2014; 17:223-31. [PMID: 25587522 PMCID: PMC4291447 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2014.17.4.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With previous methods based on only age and location, there are many difficulties in identifying the etiology of acute abdominal pain in children. We sought to develop a new systematic classification of acute abdominal pain and to give some helps to physicians encountering difficulties in diagnoses. METHODS From March 2005 to May 2010, clinical data were collected retrospectively from 442 children hospitalized due to acute abdominal pain with no apparent underlying disease. According to the final diagnoses, diseases that caused acute abdominal pain were classified into nine groups. RESULTS The nine groups were group I "catastrophic surgical abdomen" (7 patients, 1.6%), group II "acute appendicitis and mesenteric lymphadenitis" (56 patients, 12.7%), group III "intestinal obstruction" (57 patients, 12.9%), group IV "viral and bacterial acute gastroenteritis" (90 patients, 20.4%), group V "peptic ulcer and gastroduodenitis" (66 patients, 14.9%), group VI "hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease" (14 patients, 3.2%), group VII "febrile viral illness and extraintestinal infection" (69 patients, 15.6%), group VIII "functional gastrointestinal disorder (acute manifestation)" (20 patients, 4.5%), and group IX "unclassified acute abdominal pain" (63 patients, 14.3%). Four patients were enrolled in two disease groups each. CONCLUSION Patients were distributed unevenly across the nine groups of acute abdominal pain. In particular, the "unclassified abdominal pain" only group was not uncommon. Considering a systemic classification for acute abdominal pain may be helpful in the diagnostic approach in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hoi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Hyun Sik Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Seung Hyo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Kyung-Sue Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Mu Suk Lee
- Department of Radiology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - In Ho Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Young Sil Kim
- Department of Pathology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Ki-Soo Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
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Tompane T, Leong CW, Bush R, Chuang NA, Dansky T, Huang JS. Appropriateness of radiology procedures performed in children with gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:970-7. [PMID: 24035771 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Exposure to ionizing radiation from diagnostic imaging procedures (DIPs) has been associated with an increased risk of cancer in children. In particular, gastrointestinal imaging has been identified as a significant factor that contributes to exposure of children to radiation during diagnostic procedures. We performed a longitudinal assessment of gastrointestinal-associated DIPs to identify practices that might be targeted to reduce exposure of pediatric patients to radiation. METHODS DIP insurance claims from 2001 through 2009 were obtained from an Independent Physicians Association in a large US metropolitan area. We retrieved and analyzed Current Procedural Terminology codes, associated International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes specific for gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions, and patient demographics associated with DIPs from insurance claims data. RESULTS Overall, 11,473 DIPs were performed on 6550 children with gastrointestinal symptoms; 1 in 30 patients received a DIP for a gastrointestinal complaint. Over the study period, the proportion of higher-radiation DIPs (computed tomography, fluoroscopy, and angiography) increased. Higher-radiation DIPs for gastrointestinal symptoms were performed more frequently in older children and in boys in the emergency department and in inpatient settings for diagnoses of abdominal pain, appendicitis, and noninfectious gastroenteritis. CONCLUSIONS Higher-radiation diagnostic imaging accounts for an increasing proportion of imaging procedures among children with gastrointestinal symptoms, even though these often are not recommended for evaluation of gastrointestinal disorders. Clinicians should be aware of these findings when ordering DIPs for gastrointestinal complaints, and clinical practice guidelines should be created to reduce diagnostic imaging-related radiation exposure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Tompane
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Curtis W Leong
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - Ruth Bush
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | | | - Tanya Dansky
- Childrens Physicians Medical Group, San Diego, California
| | - Jeannie S Huang
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California.
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Mazzei MA, Guerrini S, Cioffi Squitieri N, Cagini L, Macarini L, Coppolino F, Giganti M, Volterrani L. The role of US examination in the management of acute abdomen. Crit Ultrasound J 2013; 5 Suppl 1:S6. [PMID: 23902801 PMCID: PMC3711740 DOI: 10.1186/2036-7902-5-s1-s6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute abdomen is a medical emergency, in which there is sudden and severe pain in abdomen of recent onset with accompanying signs and symptoms that focus on an abdominal involvement. It can represent a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from a benign and self-limiting disease to a surgical emergency. Nevertheless, only one quarter of patients who have previously been classified with an acute abdomen actually receive surgical treatment, so the clinical dilemma is if the patients need surgical treatment or not and, furthermore, in which cases the surgical option needs to be urgently adopted. Due to this reason a thorough and logical approach to the diagnosis of abdominal pain is necessary. Some Authors assert that the location of pain is a useful starting point and will guide a further evaluation. However some causes are more frequent in the paediatric population (like appendicitis or adenomesenteritis) or are strictly related to the gender (i.e. gynaechologic causes). It is also important to consider special populations such as the elderly or oncologic patients, who may present with atypical symptoms of a disease. These considerations also reflect a different diagnostic approach. Today, surely the integrated imaging, and in particular the use of multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) has revolutionised the clinical approach to this condition, simplyfing the diagnosis but burdening the radiologists with the problems related to the clinical management. However although CT emerging as a modality of choice for evaluation of the acute abdomen, ultrasonography (US) remains the primary imaging technique in the majority of cases, especially in young and female patients, when the limitation of the radiation exposure should be mandatory, limiting the use of CT in cases of nondiagnostic US and in all cases where there is a discrepancy between the clinical symptoms and negative imaging at US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Mazzei
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Section of Radiological Sciences, Siena, Italy.
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