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European Journal of Pediatric Surgery... Jan 2024We present a simple surgical technique aiming to improve urine outflow through the common urogenital sinus in cloaca and facilitate drainage of existing hydrocolpos. The...
We present a simple surgical technique aiming to improve urine outflow through the common urogenital sinus in cloaca and facilitate drainage of existing hydrocolpos. The study included three cases of cloaca with associated hydrocolpos that were operated during the period 2022 through 2023. The patient is placed in the prone position for a standard posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The distal rectal fistula is severed flush with the vagina/sinus leaving an open defect in the posterior wall of the vagina/sinus. The defect is then widened distally via a vertical incision (∼1 cm) through the posterior wall of the common urogenital sinus toward but not reaching the perineum. This vertical defect is then closed horizontally displacing the posterior vaginal wall downwards toward the perineum (posterior sinuplasty). The postoperative recovery was uneventful in the three cases. Adequate drainage of hydrocolpos was confirmed by imaging at follow-up, as well as improvement of upper urinary tract dilatation. In selected cases of cloaca, posterior sinuplasty is a simple procedure that can be applied during anorectoplasty to provide effective drainage of associated hydrocolpos.
PubMed: 38351952
DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-8629 -
Pediatric Surgery International Feb 2024Hirschsprung's disease (HD) may result in an impaired quality of life (QoL) due to bowel problems, postoperative complications and other health-related issues. The...
BACKGROUND
Hirschsprung's disease (HD) may result in an impaired quality of life (QoL) due to bowel problems, postoperative complications and other health-related issues. The Hirschsprung and Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life (HAQL) questionnaire is a disease-specific instrument developed in the Netherlands to measure the QoL in patients with HD and anorectal malformations. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate HAQL in a Danish Hirschsprung population.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Translation and cultural adaptation were performed according to international guidelines. Invitations to participate in the validation were sent to 401 patients operated for HD during the period from 1985 to 2012. A total of 156 patients completed the translated and culturally adapted Danish versions of HAQL and 35 parents of children and adolescents completed the corresponding parent questionnaire. Reliability was evaluated in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for the retest step. Known groups comparison was performed with comparison of mild HD (defined as recto-sigmoidal HD) and serious HD (defined as more proximal disease).
RESULTS
The internal consistency of the dimensions was overall satisfactory for adults and adolescents but more problematic for children, where Cronbach's α was less than 0.7 in 60% of the dimensions. For both children and adolescents, the α-value was unsatisfactory for social functioning, emotional functioning, and body image. The test-retest reliability was overall good. The known groups comparison was only able to demonstrate a significant difference between mild and severe HD within one dimension.
CONCLUSIONS
The translated version of the HAQL questionnaires provides an overall reliable instrument for evaluating disease-specific QoL in a Danish HD population, but it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the questionnaire, especially in children and adolescents.
Topics: Adult; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Quality of Life; Anorectal Malformations; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hirschsprung Disease; Denmark
PubMed: 38334791
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05634-y -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Mar 2024Oesophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, and anorectal malformations are rare. This report describes a case of an infant with these three conditions treated using a...
INTRODUCTION
Oesophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, and anorectal malformations are rare. This report describes a case of an infant with these three conditions treated using a multi-stage surgical procedure.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A male infant was delivered via caesarean section at 34 weeks and 4 days of gestation, weighing 1709 g. Radiography at birth showed a coil-up of the gastrointestinal tube in the oesophagus, a double bubble sign; the patient was subsequently diagnosed with gross type C oesophageal atresia with duodenal atresia. A gastrostomy was performed at day 0. Oesophago-oesophageal anastomosis was performed after tracheoesophageal fistula and blind-end dissection. A duodeno-duodenal diamond-shaped anastomosis was performed, and a tube enterostomy was created from the gastric area near gastrostomy as a trans-anastomotic feeding tube. A colostomy was performed in the descending colon owing to a non-rotation-type anomaly of intestinal malrotation. After other multi-stage surgeries and weight gain, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was performed at age 1 year 2 months.
DISCUSSION
Triple atresia (TA), characterized by triumvirate oesophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, and anorectal malformations, remains a clinical puzzle. Notably, standardized therapeutic guidelines for managing TA are lacking. The complexity of this constellation of anomalies necessitates astute diagnostic acumen and strategic treatment planning.
CONCLUSION
Our patient showed a favourable clinical course with an accurate and timely diagnosis, serving as an experience for an innovative multi-stage therapeutic strategy. Our case showed the appropriate challenges of TA while illuminating the potential for successful outcomes through meticulous clinical management.
PubMed: 38310785
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109340 -
European Journal of Pediatric Surgery :... Feb 2024Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are complex congenital anomalies. The corrective operation is demanding and schedulable. Based on complete national data, patterns of...
BACKGROUND
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are complex congenital anomalies. The corrective operation is demanding and schedulable. Based on complete national data, patterns of care have not been analyzed in Germany yet.
METHODS
All cases with ARM were analyzed (1) at the time of birth and (2) during the hospital stay for the corrective operation, based on the national hospital discharge data (DRG statistics). Patient's comorbidities, treatment characteristics, hospital structures, and the outcome of corrective operations were analyzed with respect to the hospitals' caseload.
RESULTS
From 2016 to 2021, 1,726 newborns with ARM were treated at the time of birth in 388 hospitals. Of these hospitals, 19% had neither a pediatric nor a pediatric surgical department. At least one additional congenital anomaly was present in 49% of cases and 7% of the newborns had a birthweight below 1,500 g.In all, 2,060 corrective operations for ARM were performed in 113 hospitals in the same time period. In 24.5% of cases, at least one major complication was documented. One-third of the operations were performed in 56 hospitals, one-third in 20 hospitals, and one-third in 10 hospitals with median annual case numbers of 2, 5, and 10, respectively.Hospitals with the highest caseload operated cloacal defects more often than hospitals with the lowest caseload (7 vs. 2%) and had more early complications than hospitals with the lowest caseload (30 vs. 21%). This difference was not statistically significant after risk adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS
Children with ARM are multimorbid. Early complications after corrective surgery are common. Considering the large number of hospitals with a very low caseload, centralization of care for the complex and elective corrective surgery for ARM remains a key issue for quality of care.
PubMed: 38307106
DOI: 10.1055/a-2260-5124 -
Pediatric Surgery International Feb 2024The purpose of surgeries performed for congenital anomalies in children is to increase the survival rates and provide a developmental comparison to that of their peers.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of surgeries performed for congenital anomalies in children is to increase the survival rates and provide a developmental comparison to that of their peers.
AIM
The objective of this study was to investigate the development of children following surgery for congenital anomalies and the risk factors affecting their development.
METHODS
Our study included 33 children who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal anomalies in our clinic between 2011 and 2016, and did not have any syndrome, chromosomal abnormality, or additional abnormality. Developmental levels were evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the ASQ: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE) scales adapted for the use on Turkish children. Data on patient history were obtained retrospectively from patient files.
RESULTS
The study included 33 patients, including 11 with esophageal atresia, 6 with intestinal atresia, 11 with anorectal malformation, and 5 with Hirschsprung's disease. Developmental delay was found in the ASQ of 72.7% of the patients and the ASQ: SE tool was 27% of the patients. The rate of patients with scores below the threshold from each parameter of ASQ was higher than that of the normal population (p < 0.05). Development delay was detected using the ASQ scale in 100% of those with microcephaly at birth, in 91% of premature infants born between 1500 and 2500 g, and in 83.3% of those with low birth weight to gestational age.
CONCLUSIONS
In children who underwent surgery due to congenital anomalies, an evaluation through developmental tests, a post-surgical follow-up process, and a referral to the relevant disciplines when necessary may increase the success of surgery as well as increase the life quality of the patient.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Child; Infant; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Esophageal Atresia; Hirschsprung Disease; Anorectal Malformations; Ambulatory Care Facilities
PubMed: 38300305
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05625-5 -
European Journal of Preventive... Jun 2024Current guidelines advise against the use of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy. This is based only on previous observational evidence demonstrating an association...
AIMS
Current guidelines advise against the use of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy. This is based only on previous observational evidence demonstrating an association between statin use and congenital malformations, which is increasingly controversial. In the absence of clinical trial data, we aimed to use drug-target Mendelian randomization to model the potential impact of fetal LDL-lowering, overall and through PCSK9 drug targets, on congenital malformations.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Instrumental variants influencing LDL levels overall and through PCSK9-inhibitor drug targets were extracted from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for LDL on 1 320 016 individuals. Instrumental variants influencing circulating PCSK9 levels (pQTLs) and liver PCSK9 gene expression levels (eQTLs) were extracted, respectively, from a GWAS on 10 186 individuals and from the genotype-tissue expression project. Gene-outcome association data was extracted from the 7th release of GWAS summary data on the FinnGen cohort (n = 342 499) for eight categories of congenital malformations affecting multiple systems. Genetically proxied LDL-lowering through PCSK9 was associated with higher odds of malformations affecting multiple systems [OR 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-5.63, P = 0.018], the skin (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.33-3.75, P = 0.007), and the vertebral, anorectal, cardiovascular, tracheo-esophageal, renal, and limb association (VACTERL) (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.96, P = 0.007). An association was also found with obstructive defects of the renal pelvis and ureter, but this association was suggestive of horizontal pleiotropy. Lower PCSK9 pQTLs were associated with the same congenital malformations.
CONCLUSION
These data provide genetic evidence supporting current manufacturer advice to avoid the use of PCSK9 inhibitors during pregnancy.
Topics: Humans; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Genome-Wide Association Study; Proprotein Convertase 9; PCSK9 Inhibitors; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Biomarkers; Risk Assessment; Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Phenotype; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Anticholesteremic Agents
PubMed: 38294056
DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad402 -
Pediatric Radiology Mar 2024In children with anorectal malformations (ARMs), it is essential to have a diagnostic imaging method that helps with the evaluation of the internal anatomy. In patients...
In children with anorectal malformations (ARMs), it is essential to have a diagnostic imaging method that helps with the evaluation of the internal anatomy. In patients with a persistent cloaca, an ARM variant, in which the measurement of the urethral channel and common channel determines surgical management, there are multiple options for imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent method for this purpose, from which accurate measurements of channel length can be obtained. Additionally, the use of volumetric/isotropic sequences allows multiplanar reformatting. We present our experience with pelvic MRI and intracavitary non-paramagnetic contrast (MR genitography). This method uses volumetric T2-weighted images and the instillation of saline solution as a contrast agent to distinguish the common channel, length of the urethra, anatomy of the vagina, and presence and location of the rectal fistula. We believe this technique to be particularly useful for those working in settings with limited MRI resources.
Topics: Female; Humans; Child; Animals; Anorectal Malformations; Latin America; Hospitals, Pediatric; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Rectum; Cloaca
PubMed: 38273134
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05849-6 -
European Journal of Pediatric Surgery :... Apr 2024Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be employed in both research and clinical care to enhance our understanding of outcomes that matter to patients. This... (Review)
Review
A Narrative Review of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Their Application in Recent Pediatric Surgical Research: Advancing Knowledge and Offering New Perspectives to the Field.
INTRODUCTION
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be employed in both research and clinical care to enhance our understanding of outcomes that matter to patients. This narrative review aims to describe PROM use in recent pediatric surgical research, identify and describe psychometrically robust PROMs, providing an overview of those derived from pediatric patient input, and make recommendations for future research.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A search was conducted to identify articles published from 2021 to August 2023 describing the availability and/or use of at least one valid or reliable PROM in children with conditions including anorectal malformations, biliary atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia, abdominal wall defects, Hirschsprung's disease, sacrococcygeal teratoma, and short bowel syndrome. Articles were categorized based on their objectives in applying PROMs. Psychometrically robust PROMs were identified and described.
RESULTS
Out of the 345 articles identified, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen focused on esophageal atresia and 14 on Hirschsprung's disease. Twenty-nine PROMs were identified, with 12 deemed psychometrically robust. Seven psychometrically robust PROMs were developed using patient input in the primary item generation. Most PROMs were applied to advance understanding of conditions and/or treatment and fewer were developed or psychometrically evaluated. No PROMs were assessed for their impact or incorporated into an implementation study.
CONCLUSIONS
This review reveals gaps in the application of PROMs in recent pediatric surgical research. Emphasis should be placed on the development and utilization of psychometrically robust PROMs, broadening the scope of covered diseases, conducting impact assessments, and evaluating implementation strategies.
Topics: Humans; Child; Quality of Life; Hirschsprung Disease; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Short Bowel Syndrome
PubMed: 38272041
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778108 -
European Journal of Pediatric Surgery :... Feb 2024Children with anorectal malformations (ARMs) benefit from bowel management programs (BMPs) to manage constipation or fecal incontinence. We aimed to understand the...
INTRODUCTION
Children with anorectal malformations (ARMs) benefit from bowel management programs (BMPs) to manage constipation or fecal incontinence. We aimed to understand the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in outcomes following BMPs in this population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A single-institution, institutional review board (IRB) approved, retrospective review was performed in children with ARM who underwent BMP from 2014 to 2021. Clinical, surgical, and SDOH data were collected. Children were stratified as clean or not clean per the Rome IV criteria at the completion of BMP. Descriptive statistics were computed. Categorical variables were analyzed via Fisher's exact tests and continuous variables with Mood's median tests.
RESULTS
In total, 239 patients who underwent BMP were identified; their median age was 6.62 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.78-9.83). Of these, 81 (34%) were not clean after completing BMP. Children with prior history of antegrade enema procedures had a higher rate of failure. Children who held public insurance, lived within driving distance, had unmarried parents, lived with extended family, and lacked formal support systems had a significant association with BMP failure ( < 0.05 for all). Type of ARM, age at repair, type of repair, age at BMP, and type of BMP regimen were not significantly associated with failure.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant correlation of failure of BMPs with several SDOH elements in patients with ARM. Attention to SDOH may help identify high-risk patients in whom additional care may lead improved outcomes following BMP.
PubMed: 38262474
DOI: 10.1055/a-2252-3711 -
African Journal of Paediatric Surgery :... Jan 2024Penile agenesis is complete absence of the penis in an otherwise normal phenotypic and genotypic male at birth that results from failure of development of the genital... (Review)
Review
Penile agenesis is complete absence of the penis in an otherwise normal phenotypic and genotypic male at birth that results from failure of development of the genital tubercle. It is an extremely rare anomaly that may be associated with anomalies in other organ systems, the extent and severity of which may affect the prognosis. The management is challenging and may have far reaching implications for the individual and family. While gender reassignment with bilateral orchidectomy and feminising genitoplasty has been carried out for most patients, significant psychosexual and social issues related to the male identity may occur due to foetal or postnatal sex steroid imprinting. We report a neonate with penile agenesis with bilateral renal agenesis and anorectal malformation.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Male; Anorectal Malformations; Kidney Diseases; Genotype; Genitalia; Congenital Abnormalities; Kidney
PubMed: 38259027
DOI: 10.4103/ajps.ajps_81_22