Adequate timing of diagnostic tests for gastroesophageal reflux in children with esophageal atresia

OBJECTIVE

Recent guidelines made recommendations for the management of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). However, the timing for some diagnostic tests remained somehow unclear. This investigation studied the tests for gastroesophageal reflux in children aged one year old and children aged two or three.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with EA who underwent Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) and endoscopy-histology were studied retrospectively. Patients aged one when the test was performed were the YO group and patients aged two or three years old formed the OL group. Substantially impaired MII-pH was defined as total number of reflux episodes >105 or >85 (depending on age), or reflux index >10%. Substantially impaired endoscopy was defined as erosive esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Substantially impaired histology was defined as moderate-severe esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Conventional parameters and substantially impaired values of the tests were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were studied. Twenty-three MII-pH were performed (12 in YO and 11 in OL): percentages of abnormal conventional parameters of MII-pH were not significantly different in both groups. Twenty endoscopies with biopsies were performed (7 in YO and 13 in OL): percentages of esophagitis were not significantly different. Interestingly, 26.9% of all the tests performed in YO were substantially impaired vs. 10.8% of all the tests in OL (χ2 = 2.7; p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Considering the percentage of alarming results of diagnostic tests in the YO group it would be advisable that patients with EA undergo MII-pH and endoscopy-histology at one year of age.

Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed.

RESULTS

14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTEF.

[Applicability of a clinical score in patients with suspected foreign body aspiration]

OBJECTIVE

To validate the clinical score of Valdivieso et al. in the management of patients with suspected foreign body aspiration in a tertiary hospital. This score raises different scenarios according to the result: bronchoscopy, CT, observation or discharge.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients who underwent a bronchoscopy due to suspected tracheobronchial foreign body between November-2015 and November-2018. The variables proposed by the score were collected (choking, stridor, wheezing, unilateral hypoventilation, altered chest X-ray and high-risk foreign body) and the score was calculated for each patient, analyzing the performance of the test using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve.

RESULTS

Bronchoscopy was performed in 81 patients with a mean age of 2.1 years (7 months-11 years), finding foreign body in 33.3%. The area under the ROC curve of the score was 0.803 (0.695-0.911). In 6 (22.2%) patients with confirmed foreign body the score initially indicated observation in 5 cases and discharge in 1. Excluding the 49 patients with unilateral altered auscultation or when there was a nut suspected, which in our environment are clear indications for bronchoscopy, the score correctly classified the remaining 32 patients, which would have reduced the rate of normal bronchoscopies from 66% to 45%.

CONCLUSIONS

The score in our sample presents a high diagnostic power but a non-negligible false negative rate. It has a special utility in patients who do not have unilateral altered auscultation and/or choking with nuts, allowing to reduce the rate of normal bronchoscopies.

[Multidisciplinary approach on subglottic pathology: a 5-year review]

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric subglottic pathology still represents a challenge when it comes to choosing the right treatment. We present the management of patients followed in our center for this reason during the last 5 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients followed by glotosubglottic pathology (stenosis, cysts or granulomas) between 2011 and 2016 in a third level hospital.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were included in the review. Treatment options varied according to the nature, location and severity of the subglottic stenosis. Two patients with congenital subglottic stenosis were treated by laryngotracheoplasty. Seventeen patients with acquired subglottic stenosis were included: in one (5.9%) laryngotracheoplasty was performed, one (5.9%) received cricotracheal split, two of them (11.8%) underwent partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) , seven patients (41.2%) underwent microsurgery, three (17.6%) received tracheal dilatation, and the last three (17.6%) were submitted to observation without needing further treatment. Five patients with post-intubation subglottic cysts received microsurgery. Of three patients diagnosed with post-intubation subglottic granuloma, two (66%) resolved spontaneously and one (33%) required microsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of pediatric subglottic pathology remains a major challenge. Since the creation of the Airway Committee in our center, the improvement in the management of these patients has led to a multidisciplinary management, with the consequent impact on the clinical results.

Assessment of halloysite nanotubes as vehicles of isoniazid

Equilibrium and thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption of isoniazid (INH) onto halloysite nanotubes (HLNTs) and characteristics of the resultant drug/nanocarrier systems are investigated. Equilibrium studies were performed in aqueous medium at different times, temperatures and drug concentrations. The overall adsorption process was explained as the result of two simple processes: adsorption on the activated sites of HLNTs and precipitation of INH on HLNTs surface. Formation of the INH-loaded HLNTs was spontaneous, endothermic and endoentropic, increasing the thermodynamic stability of the system (ΔH=70.40kJ/mol; ΔS=0.2519kJ/molK). Solid state characterization corroborated the effective interaction between the components that was also described by modeling at molecular level by quantum mechanics calculations along with empirical interatomic potentials. Transmission electron microphotographs confirmed the double allocation and homogeneous distribution of INH in the nanohybrids. FTIR spectra revealed the interaction via hydrogen bonds between the inner hydroxyl groups of HLNTs and N in INH molecules. Loading of INH in the nanohybrids was approximately 20% w/w. Effective loading of INH and activation energies of the interactions enable to propose the designed nanohybrids in the development of modified drug delivery systems.

Risk of inadequate intakes of vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, folate, iron and calcium in the Spanish population aged 4 to 18

A meta-analysis of the most representative Spanish nutrition studies was carried out to identify inadequate intakes of vitamins, A, B1, B6, C, E, folate, iron, and calcium in children aged 4 to 18. Information on vegetable, fruit and fruit juice/beverage intake was also solicited. Data drawn from the selected studies yielded a total of 6540 children and adolescents in eight geographical areas. The sample was stratified by age (children: 4 to 14 years old and adolescents: 13-18 years old) and sex. Inadequate intakes (below two-thirds of the recommended values) were notable in children for vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A and in girls, iron. In adolescents, low intakes were especially marked for vitamin E and vitamin A, and in girls, calcium, folate, and iron. Adolescents consumed more vegetables, fruit juice, and fruit drinks whereas children had higher fruit intakes. Regional differences in consumption were also detected. Strategies for improving nutrient intake in these vulnerable populations are discussed.

Computed tomography vs clinical and multidisciplinary procedures for early evaluation of severe abdomen and chest trauma--a cost analysis approach

OBJECTIVE

To compare contrast computed tomography (CT) for evaluating abdominal and vascular chest injuries after emergency room resuscitation with multidisciplinary management based on bedside procedure (BP), e.g., peritoneal lavage, abdomen ultrasonography urography and, if indicated, CT and/or aortography or transesophageal echocardiography.

DESIGN

Randomized study.

SETTING

Emergency, critical care and radiology departments in a trauma center.

PATIENTS

The study was performed in 103 severe blunt trauma patients with a revised trauma index < 8, admitted over a 16 month period and divided into group (G1, n = 52, CT management) and group 2 (G2, n = 51, BP management).

INTERVENTIONS

A relative direct cost scale used in our trauma center was applied, and cost units (U) were assigned to each diagnostic test for cost-minimization analysis (abdomen ultrasonograph = 7.5 U, peritoneal lavage = 8 U, urography = 9 U, computed tomography = 9 U, transesophageal echocardiography = 13.5 U, and aortography = 15 U). One unit is approximately equivalent to $43.7.

RESULTS

Injury severity score (ISS) was 31.7 +/- 15.4 in G1 and 33.8 +/- 18.3 in G2. Sensitivity for CT was 90.4% (G1) vs 72.5% for BP (G2) in abdomen (P < 0.01) and 60% in chest for evaluating mediastinal hematoma etiology (G1). As Table 2 shows, G1 needed 59 tests for evaluating injuries (1.1 +/- 0.3 tests patient) while G2 required 81 tests (1.68 +/- 0.8 tests/patient) (P < 0.01). The total relative cost was 538 U for G1, 7.04 +/- 2.2 U cost/injury and 10.3 +/- 3.3 U/evaluation of trauma vs 698 U for G2, 9.84 +/- 5.03 U cost/injury and 13.68 +/- 8.5 U/evaluation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This cost-minimization study suggests that CT is a more cost-effective method for the post-emergency room resuscitation evaluation of severe abdominal blunt trauma than the multidisciplinary BP. Chest CT is a screening method for mediastinal hematoma but not for etiology.

Increase in lung volume originated by extrinsic PEEP in patients with auto-PEEP. The role of static lung compliance

The use of extrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEPe) in patients with auto-PEEP (AP) can reduce the respiratory work during weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, the application of PEEPe can produce a certain level of hyperinflation, an undesirable effect which can limit the efficacy of the reduction of respiratory work. The objective of the present study has been to determine if the increase in end expiratory lung volume (EELV) originated by the PEEPe is related to static lung compliance (SLC). We have studied 14 patients on mechanical ventilation in whom an AP of between 4 and 12 cmH2O was detected. On applying PEEPe equal to half the AP, the EELV increased slightly (77 +/- 64 ml) and was not related to pulmonary compliance. When PEEPe equal to the AP was applied, the EELV increased by 178 +/- 110 ml (range 45-375 ml, p less than 0.05), and there was a significant correlation with SLC (r = 0.659, p less than 0.05). In conclusion, the application of PEEPe equal to the AP causes a moderate increase in EELV. However, in patients with high pulmonary compliance this increase can be more important and must be taken into account when considering the use of PEEPe during weaning.