Uretric Obstruction in Gardener's Syndrome

Desmoid tumours in Gardener's syndrome are a rare cause of ureteric obstruction. We report two cases of ureteric obstruction caused by desmoids, in a mother and daughter.

Can energy intake alter clinical and hospital outcomes in PICU?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Energy is essential for the treatment and recovery of children admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU). There are significant immediate and long-term health consequences of both under- and over-feeding in this population. Energy requirements of critically ill children vary depending on age, nutritional status, sepsis, fever, pharmacotherapy, and duration and stage of critical illness. This study aimed to determine the incidence of over- and under-feeding and to compare hospital outcomes between these feeding categories. Secondary outcomes were collected to describe the association between feeding categories and biochemistries (serum lactate, triglycerides, C-reactive protein).

METHODS

An ethics approved retrospective study of children admitted to PICU was performed. All intubated patients admitted to PICU (2008-2013) were included, except those in which an IC test was not feasible. Data collection included demographics, the primary outcome variable reported as under feeding (<90%MREE), appropriate (MREE ±10%) or overfeeding (>110% MREE) determined through comparison of measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) using indirect calorimetry (IC) to actual energy intake based on predicted basal metabolic rate (PBMR) and clinical outcomes mechanical ventilation and PICU length of stay (LOS). Data were analysed with descriptive methods, ANOVA and linear regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients aged 10 (range 0.03-204) months were included. Sixty (43%) were female and 77 (55%) were admitted after a surgical procedure. A total of 210 IC tests were conducted showing a statistically significant difference between MREE measurements and PBMR (p = 0.019). Of the 210 measurements, only 26 measures (12.4%) demonstrated appropriate feeding, while 72 (34.3) were underfed and 112 (53.3%) were overfed. Children who were overfed had significantly longer PICU LOS (median 45.5, IQR 47.8 days) compared to those children in the appropriately fed (median 21.0, IQR 54.5 days), and underfed groups (median 16.5, IQR 21.3 days). There was a mean difference between the over and under feeding category and ventilation days after adjusting for age and PRISM score (p = 0.026), suggesting decreased mechanical ventilation days for underfed. Children who were underfed had significantly higher CRP (median 75.5, IQR 152.8 mg/L) compared to those children in the appropriately fed (median 57.8, IQR 90.9 mg/L) and overfed groups (median 22.4, IQR 56.2 mg/L).

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study confirms that estimations of energy expenditure in critically ill children are inaccurate leading to unintended under and overfeeding. Importantly under feeding seems to be associated with fewer mechanical ventilation days and PICU LOS. Further research is required to elucidate the role of optimal nutrition in altering clinical variables in this population.

Dysphagia in healthy children: Characteristics and management of a consecutive cohort at a tertiary centre

OBJECTIVE

Whereas the literature is replete with reports on complex children with dysphagia (DP), the parameters characterizing non-neurologically impaired (NNI) children have been underreported, leaving a substantial knowledge gap. We set to characterize a consecutive cohort of NNI children, their management, and outcomes.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective case series. Children (<18 years old) attending a tertiary multidisciplinary swallowing clinic were eligible. Patients with neuro-developmental, neuromuscular, or syndromic abnormalities were excluded. Primary outcomes included demographics, co-morbidities, presentations, McGill score, swallowing and airway abnormalities (and their predictors). Secondary outcomes were interventions and management response.

RESULTS

From 171 consecutive patients (37-month period), 128 were included (69 males, median age 6.6 months (0.5-124.2)). Significant clinical presentations included recurrent pneumonias (20), cyanotic spells (14) and life-threatening events (10). Swallowing assessments revealed laryngeal penetration (67), aspiration (25). Other investigations included overnight oximetry (77), airway (70), and gastrointestinal endoscopy (24); revealing laryngomalacia (29), laryngeal mobility disorder (8), and subglottic stenosis (8). Non-surgical interventions involved oral diet modifications (85) and enteral nutrition (15). Surgical interventions included supraglottoplasties (18), endoscopic laryngeal cleft repair (14), and injection (19). 119 patients received intervention and at last follow-up (median 5.2 months (0.3-88.8)) 94 had improved. Of those treated 116 were on an unmodified oral diet, and 24 on a modified diet. ALTE and snoring predicted airway abnormalities, recurrent pneumonia predicted swallowing abnormalities, and age and airway lesions predicted the McGill score.

CONCLUSION

a significant proportion of NNI children with DP harbor airway and swallowing abnormalities warranting endoscopic and instrumental assessment.

Radical prostatectomy for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer

The management of advanced prostate cancer remains challenging. Traditionally, radical prostatectomy was discouraged in patients with locally advanced or node positive disease owing to the increased complication rate and treatment related morbidity. However, technical advances and refinements in surgical techniques have enabled the outcomes for patients with high risk prostate cancer to be improved. More recently, the concept of cytoreductive prostatectomy has been described where surgery (often Combined with an extended lymph node dissection) is performed in the setting of metastatic disease. Indirect evidence suggests an advantage using the cytoreductive approach. Hypothetical explanations for this observed benefit include decreased tumour burden, immune modulation, improved response to secondary treatment and avoidance of secondary complications attributable to local tumour growth. Nevertheless, prospective trials are required to investigate this further.

Systematic review of outcome measures in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis treatment trials

Background

Heterogeneity has been noted in the selection and reporting of disease-specific, pediatric outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The consequence is invalid results or difficulty comparing results across trials. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess primary outcome and outcome measure selection and reporting, in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) treatment trials. As secondary objectives, we compared trial disease definition to established concensus guidelines, and the efficacy of current EoE treatments.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL since 2001. We also searched clinical trial registries (portal.nihr.ac.uk; clinicaltrials.gov; isrctn.com; and anzctr.org.au) and references of included studies. We included RCTs of EoE treatment in patients 0–18 years. Two authors independently assessed articles.

Results

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. All identified primary outcomes, however, of 9 unique primary outcomes, only 2 were used in more than one study. In total, 25 unique primary and secondary outcome measures were employed for pediatric EoE treatment trials. Measurement properties and rationale for their selection was rarely provided. Uptake of consensus-based diagnostic criteria was 25 % in trials initiated after 2011. Due to the small number and heterogeneity of studies obtained, no meta-analysis of treatment efficacy could be undertaken. This SR was limited to exclusively pediatric RCTs.

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm the need for a standardized set of core outcomes that are universally reported in pediatric EoE trials. Consistent disease definition and standardized outcome reporting will facilitate meta-analyses across similar trials and inform future clinical decision-making.

Systematic review registration number CRD42013003798

Erectile function post robotic radical prostatectomy: technical tips to improve outcomes?

Robotic surgery is becoming more and more commonplace. At the same time, so are complications, especially related to erectile function. The population being diagnosed with cancer is younger, with more aggressive cancers and higher expectations for good erectile function postoperatively. We conduct a retrospective analysis of literature over 20 years for Embase and Medline. Search terms used include (Robotic) AND (prostatectomy) AND (erectile function). There are a variety of multifactorial causes, resulting in worsening ED post-robotic radical prostatectomy; however, there are a number of treatments that can support this. There is much we can do to help prevent patients getting postoperative erectile dysfunction post-radical surgery. However, part of this is management of realistic patient expectations.

Central venous catheter repair is not associated with an increased risk of central line infection or colonization in intestinal failure pediatric patients

PURPOSE

The intestinal failure (IF) population is dependent upon central venous catheters (CVC) to maintain minimal energy requirements for growth. Central venous catheter infections (CVCI) are frequent and an independent predictor of intestinal failure associated liver disease. A common complication in children with long-term CVC is the risk of line breakage. Given the often-limited usable vascular access sites in this population, it has been the standard of practice to perform repair of the broken line. Although widely practiced, it is unknown if this practice is associated with increased line colonization rates and subsequent line loss.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our institutional IF population over the past 8years (2006-2014) was performed. Utilizing a prospectively constructed database, all pediatric patients (n=13, ages 0-17 years) with CVC dependency enrolled in the Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Program with IF were included who underwent a repair and/or replacement procedure of their line. The control replacement group was CVCs that were replaced without being repaired (36), the experimental repair group was CVCs that were repaired (8). The primary outcome of interest was the mean number of days in each group from the intervention (replacement or repair) to line infection/colonization. Mann-Whitney tests for significance were performed with p-values <0.05 being the threshold value for significance.

RESULTS

There were no catheter repair associated CVCI. The mean number of days from the replacement or repair of a CVC to its removal owing to infection/colonization was 210.0 and 162.8days respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in time to removal owing to line infection (p=0.55).

CONCLUSION

Repair of central venous catheters in the pediatric population with intestinal failure does not lead to an increased rate of central venous catheter infection and should be performed when possible.

Assessing Nutritional Quality and Adherence to the Gluten-free Diet in Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease

PURPOSE

Little is known regarding nutritional adequacy of the gluten free diet (GFD) in children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD). The study aim was to examine macro- and micronutrient intake in children with CD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in children and adolescents (4-18 years of age) with CD (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 32). Macro- and micronutrient intake, and glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) intake was assessed using validated measures. Diet quality was assessed using the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) and the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines. Values are shown as mean ± SE.

RESULTS

Age (10.4 ± 0.7 years vs 8.7 ± 0.7 years; P = 0.06), weight-for-age z score (P = 0.27), and height-for-age z score (P = 0.23) were not different between groups. CD children consumed more fibre (15.9 ± 1.2 g per day(CD) vs 10.8 ± 0.8 g per day (controls); P < 0.001), had higher GI (CD: 54 ± 2 vs 48 ± 1; P < 0.01) and GL (CD: 118 ± 8 vs 93 ± 7; P = 0.02), and lower folate (146.7 ± 15.3 (CD) vs 245.4 ± 21.8 µg per day (controls); P < 0.001) than controls. No differences in HEI-C scores (≤ and > 80) were observed between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with CD had high intakes of fibre, GI, and GL and lower intakes of folate. This has implications for dietary counselling in this population.

Intestinal and gastric permeability in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and reflux esophagitis

OBJECTIVES

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic and immune-mediated entity that leads to a characteristic inflammation of esophageal mucosa. Patients complain of dysphagia and reflux-like symptoms. As many as 80% of patients with EoE may also have a history of atopy, and patients with asthma and eczema have previously been shown to have increased intestinal permeability. This study was designed to assess small intestinal and gastric permeability in patients with EoE and to see whether it differed from healthy individuals and patients with reflux esophagitis (RE).

METHODS

Gastric and small intestinal permeability was measured using sugar probe tests containing lactulose, mannitol, and sucrose. Lactulose-to-mannitol (L/M) ratios in the patient's urine were a measure for intestinal permeability, and total sucrose was a measure for gastric permeability.

RESULTS

We analyzed samples from 23 patients with EoE, 20 RE, 14 normal upper endoscopy with gastrointestinal symptoms, and 26 healthy controls. All of the 4 groups had L/M ratios less than the upper limit of normal (<0.025). There was no statistically significant difference in gastric permeability between the 4 groups (L/M P = 0.26, sucrose P = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that an alteration in gastric and intestinal permeability does not play a role in EoE or RE pathogenesis.

Prostate cancer and supportive care: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of men's experiences and unmet needs

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.1 million new cases diagnosed in 2012 (www.globocan.iarc.fr). Currently, there is a lack of specific guidance on supportive care for men with prostate cancer. This article describes a qualitative systematic review and synthesis examining men's experience of and need for supportive care. Seven databases were searched; 20 journal articles were identified and critically appraised. A thematic synthesis was conducted in which descriptive themes were drawn out of the data. These were peer support, support from partner, online support, cancer specialist nurse support, self‐care, communication with health professionals, unmet needs (emotional support, information needs, support for treatment‐induced side effects of incontinence and erectile dysfunction) and men's suggestions for improved delivery of supportive care. This was followed by the development of overarching analytic themes which were: uncertainty, reframing, and the timing of receiving treatment, information and support. Our results show that the most valued form of support men experienced following diagnosis was one‐to‐one peer support and support from partners. This review highlights the need for improved access to cancer specialist nurses throughout the care pathway, individually tailored supportive care and psychosexual support for treatment side effects.

Audit of PSA requesting practices in primary care compared to guidelines established by the Prostate Cancer Risk Management programme in the Avon region of the South West of England

Background

There is considerable challenge in transmitting the complicated information contained in the Prostate Cancer Risk Management (PCRM) programme in the primary care setting. 1 The practices surrounding requesting of PSA should be clearly understood by both GP and patient before requesting this investigation, and in order to further understand the needs and requirements of primary care practitioners in this regard we undertook an audit comparing practices in the Avon region of the Southwest of England compared to the guidelines of the PCRM programme. 1

Methods

Our study identified a consistent year-on-year increase in PSA requests over the study period across all age categories and regions of the southwest of England.

Results

Questionnaire review of practices surrounding the PCRM programme revealed overall good practice but with space for improvement surrounding advice regarding the limitations of prostate biopsy and the relevance of testing in the elderly.

Conclusions

Despite requesting practices generally conforming to NICE guidelines, nearly half of all abnormal primary-care PSA tests are repeated. Requests in some cases may fall short of best practice.

Use of exclusive enteral nutrition is just as effective as corticosteroids in newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in induction of remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is reported to be equivalent to that of corticosteroids (CS).

AIMS

Our objective was to compare the efficacy of EEN and CS in inducing remission in pediatric onset CD and the effects of the treatment on nutritional status and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

Medical charts were retrospectively studied for patients diagnosed with CD between 2000 and 2010 at the Stollery children's hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data were collected to assess effects of therapy; clinical remission, relapse, and severity were defined on the basis of the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index.

RESULTS

To induce remission at first presentation, 36 patients (mean age 12.9 years) received EEN and 69 (mean age 11.2 years) received CS. Remission (88.9% in the EEN group versus 91.3% in the CS group (p=0.73) at 3 months) and relapse (40.6 vs. 28.6%, respectively (p=0.12) over 12 months) were similar in both treatment groups. Thirty-four patients had paired DXA scans at the time of diagnosis and one year later: 16 given EEN and 18 given CS. Change in BMD spine z-scores based on bone age adjusted for height and chronological age was greater for EEN patients but not statistically significant (Δz-score 0.30 vs. 0.03, p=0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

EEN has similar efficacy to corticosteroids; however, EEN may lead to better BMD accrual. EEN should be preferred to corticosteroids as first-line therapy for induction of remission in pediatric CD.

Atypical croup: association with airway lesions, atopy, and esophagitis

OBJECTIVE

To report on airway endoscopic findings and gastrointestinal and atopic conditions in a large consecutive series of atypical croup.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A surgical database was searched for all children who underwent full airway endoscopy to investigate atypical croup. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of large airway lesions in patients with atypical croup undergoing endoscopy. Demographics, secondary diagnoses, and rate of positive findings were documented. Age and atopy were correlated using Spearman's correlation coefficient, and multivariate analysis identified predictors of large airway lesions.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were identified over a period of 8 years (58 boys; mean [SD] age 4.8 [3.8] years; range, 46 days to 13.7 years). Of the 80 children, 31 had positive airway findings, with 33 large airway lesions demonstrated, including 10 subglottic stenosis, 7 laryngeal clefts, 6 subglottic hemangiomas, 4 tracheomalacia, and 3 laryngomalacia. Esophagitis was diagnosed in 36 children, 5 of whom had eosinophilic esophagitis. Thirty-five children had an atopic condition including asthma, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and food allergies. Age correlated with associated atopy (coefficient 0.4, P < .0001) and predicted the presence of any airway lesion (coefficient -0.0625, P < .001) and subglottic stenosis in particular (coefficient -0.0362, P = .001). Prior intubation predicted subglottic stenosis (coefficient 0.267, P = .011).

CONCLUSION

Thirty-nine percent of airway endoscopies demonstrated large airway lesions. When eosinophilic esophagitis was sought, it was confirmed in over 1:10 patients. The findings bolster the case for airway endoscopy coupled with allergy and gastrointestinal investigations.

Management of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in 37 000 new patients a year, and causes 10 000 deaths each year in the UK (Cancer Research UK, 2011). Diagnoses are increasingly the result of screening using measurement of prostate- specific antigen levels. The natural history of early disease is unclear. Autopsy studies before prostate-specific antigen screening showed an actual latent prevalence (not diagnosed during life) of around 30% at the age of 50 years and 75% at the age of 80 years, and many of these demonstrated local invasion (Franks, 1954). One of the main current challenges in urology is distinguishing indolent prostate cancers from potentially lethal ones. The specificity of the prostate-specific antigen test for clinically significant disease remains disappointingly low and population screening is not encouraged (Ilic et al, 2011). However, prostate-specific antigen testing is often done in good faith, but pre-test counselling is essential. Thus, prostate-specific antigen testing should only be undertaken by the patient's GP or on the advice of a urologist.