Congenital Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Protracted Diarrhea in Mitchell-Riley Syndrome

CONTEXT

Mitchell-Riley syndrome due to RFX6 gene mutations is characterized by neonatal diabetes and protracted diarrhea. The RFX6 gene encodes a transcription factor involved in enteroendocrine cell differentiation required for beta-cell maturation. In contrast to the pathway by which RFX6 mutations leads to diabetes, the mechanisms underlying protracted diarrhea are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was involved in the pathogenesis of Mitchell-Riley syndrome protracted diarrhea.

METHODS

Two case report descriptions. in a tertiary pediatric hospital. "Off-label" treatment with liraglutide. We describe 2 children diagnosed with Mitchell-Riley syndrome, presenting neonatal diabetes and protracted diarrhea. Both patients had nearly undetectable GLP-1 plasma levels and absence of GLP-1 immunostaining in distal intestine and rectum. The main outcome was to evaluate whether GLP-1 analogue therapy could improve Mitchell-Riley syndrome protracted diarrhea.

RESULTS

"Off-label" liraglutide treatment, licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment in children, was started as rescue therapy for protracted intractable diarrhea resulting in rapid improvement during the course of 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Congenital GLP-1 deficiency was identified in patients with Mitchell-Riley syndrome. The favorable response to liraglutide further supports GLP-1 involvement in the pathogenesis of protracted diarrhea and its potential therapeutic use.

A rare case of intrauterine intussusception causing ileal atresia

Intrauterine intussusception is a rare but evident cause of intestinal atresia and is usually detected intraoperatively. We report on a term neonate who presented to the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Sabah Women and Children's Hospital, Malaysia with delayed passage of meconium and intestinal obstruction, wherein the lower contrast showed a claw sign. This was a good clue that this neonate had intrauterine intussusception and this suspicion was confirmed upon laparotomy. We found an ileo-ileal intussusception causing ileal atresia, requiring resection and primary anastomosis.

[Mesenteric edema as a prenatal ultrasound sign of poor prognosis in gastroschisis]

INTRODUCTION/AIM OF THE STUDY

Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation with an easy and early prenatal diagnosis, however, it has a variable post-natal outcome. Our aim was to determine if certain ultrasound markers or early delivery were related with a worse postnatal outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of a cohort of patients with gastroschisis diagnosed between 2005-2014, with emphasis on prenatal ultrasounds, gestational age at delivery and post-natal outcome. Oligohydramnios, peel, mesenteric edema, fixed and dilated bowel with loss of peristalsis and small wall defect were considered ultrasonographic markers associated with poor prognosis. Outcome variables included: length-of-stay, complications, nutritional and respiratory factors. Non-parametric statistical analysis were used with p < 0,05 regarded as significant.

RESULTS

Clinical charts of 30 patients with gastroschisis were reviewed (17M/13F). Gestational age at diagnosis was 20 (12-31) and at delivery 36 (31-39) weeks (33% of the patients over 36+3 weeks). A 73% of the patients presented at least one ultrasonographic marker factor during follow-up. Univariate analysis showed that mesenteric edema was associated with poor outcome variables: short-bowel syndrome (p= 0,000), PN-dependence (p= 0,007) and intestinal atresia (p= 0,02). The remaining risk factors analysed, including late delivery (> 36+3 weeks) were not associated with length-of-stay, ventilatory support, digestive autonomy, complications or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the presence of ultrasonographic markers classically associated with unfavorable outcomes, nor early delivery (< 36 weeks) resulted in worse postnatal outcome. Mesenteric edema was the only alarming ultrasound marker and that may suggest the need of closer follow-up.

[Intestinal complications in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by laser coagulation (LC)]

AIM OF THE STUDY

The hemodynamic imbalance due to placental vascular anastomoses in TTTS but also vascular changes generated after intrauterine treatment may lead to hypoxic-ischemic complications. Different intestinal complications in TTTS are reviewed in this paper.

METHODS

Retrospective review of TTTS cases treated by laser coagulation (LC) from 2012-2015. Demographic data, fetal therapy, prenatal diagnosis (US, MRI) and perinatal outcome were recorded. We describe cases with intestinal complications and their postnatal management. Results are expressed by median and range.

RESULTS

29 monochorionic pregnancies with TTTS were treated (23 LC, 4 cord occlusions and 2 cord occlusions after LC). The diagnosis was made at 19 (16-26) weeks and 86% presented stage of Quintero ≥ II. In 70% of mothers survived at least one fetus with a median of 31 (24-37) weeks at birth. Four patients had intestinal complications (1 jejunal atresia, 2 ileal atresia, 1 perforated necrotizing enterocolitis), half of them had prenatal diagnosis. Postnatal resections of the affected segments and ostomies were performed. Intestinal transit was restored and there were no severe digestive sequelae after 21 (8-38) months of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Different types of intestinal complications were associated with TTTS and LC. US and MRI enable prenatal diagnosis of these complications and this allows prompt decisions after birth.

Vanishing Bowel: A Therapeutic Challenge

"Vanishing bowel" has been rarely reported in the literature. This case and discussion are intended to describe the surgical, medical, and nutrition management of this unusual congenital abnormality. Of 3 reported cases surviving vanishing bowel, one had substantial residual small bowel, another had residual small bowel and bowel-lengthening procedure, and one received an intestinal liver transplant. The patient presented in this case had residual small bowel and lengthening procedure. The patient described is well as of October 2005 (age 3.5 years), still receiving nocturnal parenteral nutrition (PN), but is eating solid foods without significant malabsorption or abdominal distention. He has experienced modest weight gain over the past 2 months.

Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and major structural birth defects

BACKGROUND

Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, but little is known about the association between maternal occupational exposure to IR and birth defects.

METHODS

We studied 38,009 mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009. We assessed odds ratios [ORs] for the association between maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR and 39 birth defects.

RESULTS

We observed significant odds ratios (ORs) for isolated hydrocephaly (adjusted OR [AOR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.2), isolated anotia/microtia (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-4.0), isolated colonic atresia (crude OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 2.5-22.3), isolated omphalocele (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6) and isolated anencephaly (crude OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.94). We also observed a nonsignificant OR for birth defects in aggregate (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9-4.6) among mothers with potential occupational exposure to fluoroscopy.

CONCLUSION

We assessed 39 birth defects, observing that maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR were associated with a significantly increased risk for 4 birth defects and a significantly protected risk for 1 birth defect. These results should be interpreted cautiously because our measurement of exposure is qualitative, some of these associations may be due to occupational exposures that are correlated with IR and some may be due to chance. However, these findings serve as the first evaluation of these relationships in a large study and may be useful for generating hypotheses for future studies.

Acquired ileal atresia induced by adhesive intestinal obstruction

Three female infants, aged 13, 7 and 18 mo respectively with acquired ileal atresia induced by adhesive small bowel obstruction are reported. Case 1 was diagnosed with urachal cyst and cyst excision was performed when she was 7-mo-old. Case 2 was diagnosed with mesenteric cyst and cyst excision was performed by laparoscopic-assisted procedure when she was 3-mo-old. Case 3 had no history of abdominal operation previously. At laparotomy ileal atresia induced by adhesive band was found.

Under pressure: a contribution to the pathogenesis of acquired ileal atresia

An acquired ileal atresia is a rare occurrence. A 3-week-old neonate is presented, who developed postnatally a type 2 ileal atresia and an ileal stenosis within a pre-existing internal hernia secondary to an adhesion band. The literature reports a total of eight cases (4 females) with acquired ileal atresia in babies ranging in age from 3 weeks to 2 years (median 4 months). Mechanical forces (eg, adhesion band, intussusception and volvulus) onto the intestine are most frequently (75%) implicated as the primary event. The distal ileum is most often affected and a type 3A atresia is identified in six of eight (75%) cases.

Ileal atresia secondary to antenatal strangulation of Littre's hernia in an exomphalos minor

We describe an unusual case of ileal atresia, resulting from antenatal strangulation of a Meckel's diverticulum in an exomphalos minor. This is a rare antenatal complication of Littre's hernia, which has not been previously described. A small exomphalos minor at the base of umbilical cord and late onset vascular accident at the narrow defect leading to ileal atresia may be missed in the prenatal diagnosis. The triad of exomphalos minor, Meckel's diverticulum and terminal ileal atresia secondary to antenatal strangulation of Littre's hernia is very rare to find in the same patient. A small exomphalos minor at the base of the umbilical cord can be missed even in the postnatal period. Our case lends direct evidence of vascular accident as a cause of ileal atresia and supports vascular theory. Whenever possible umbilicus should be preserved naturally and exomphalos sac should be opened higher up for excellent cosmetic results.

Jejunal atresia in a neonate due to intrauterine intussusception

We report a female neonate, who presented with abdominal distension and failure to pass meconium. Antenatal ultrasound at 32 weeks gestation and postnatal ultrasound on day1 suggested intestinal obstruction. During laparatomy, atresia of distal jejunum was found. The lumen of the distal segment contained an intussusceptum. Resection of the blind ends was done and end-to-end anastomosis was performed.

Humans, mice, and mechanisms of intestinal atresias: a window into understanding early intestinal development

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal atresias have long been hypothesized to result from either failure of recanalization of the intestinal lumen or in utero vascular accidents. Recent work in animal models is now calling for a reassessment of these widely held paradigms.

PURPOSE

In this review, we will examine the data that led to the original hypotheses and then evaluate more recent work challenging these hypotheses. Furthermore, we will discuss how defining the mechanism of atresia formation in animal models may provide insight into early intestinal development and the mechanism of lengthwise intestinal growth.

CONCLUSION

Such insight will be critical in developing regenerative therapies for patients with intestinal failure.

A rare type of ileal atresia due to intrauterine intussusception

Intrauterine intussusception is an extremely rare cause of intestinal atresia. We report on a full-term neonate with clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction two days after birth. The prenatal sonography at the late stage of pregnancy did not show any abnormality. The barium enema suggested distal intestinal obstruction. At surgery, a visible ileo-ileal intussusception resulting in ileal atresia was found. According to our knowledge, this presentation of ileal atresia did not fit into the present classification and have not yet been reported on. We present this rare type of ileal atresia due to intrauterine intussusception with operative evidence, which is the first case reported in the medical literature so far.

Intestinal atresia of co-twin after spontaneous cessation of blood flow through an acardiac twin

A 33-year-old woman was diagnosed at 15 weeks gestation with a twin pregnancy complicated by an acardiac acephalic foetus. The patient opted for expectant management with close foetal surveillance. Serial ultrasonography showed polyhydramnios at 22 weeks gestation. However, subsequent scans over the next two weeks showed cessation of blood flow in the acardiac foetus, decreasing size of the foetal mass, as well as gradual resolution of the polyhydramnios. Subsequent follow-up was rather uneventful and she underwent an uncomplicated elective caesarean section at 35 weeks, resulting in a healthy 2,820 g girl. The baby was found to have intestinal atresia at birth. She underwent surgery successfully and was well when discharged. The possible causes and pathophysiology of intestinal atresia are discussed.

A possible association between maternal glomerulonephritis and congenital intestinal atresia/stenosis--a population-based case-control study

The objective of the study was to estimate association between maternal glomerulonephritis during pregnancy and structural birth defects, i.e. congenital abnormalities. The prevalence of maternal glomerulonephritis during the first trimester of pregnancy in cases with different congenital abnormalities was compared to that of matched controls without congenital abnormalities in the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities. Of 22,843 cases with congenital abnormalities, 309 (1.35%) had mothers with glomerulonephritis during pregnancy, compared to 479 (1.26%) of 38,151 controls (adjusted POR with 95% CI = 1.0, 0.9-1.2). Specified groups of congenital abnormalities were also assessed versus controls. Cases with isolated intestinal atresia/stenosis (adjusted POR with 95% CI: 6.8, 1.3-37.4) based on five cases were more likely to have mothers with prospectively and medically recorded glomerulonephritis. In conclusion a higher rate of congenital isolated intestinal atresia/stenosis may be associated with the maternal glomerulonephritis. However, this finding is considered only as signal and further studies are needed to confirm or reject this possible association.

Use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists during pregnancy: neonatal outcome and congenital malformations

BACKGROUND

Exposure to Benzodiazepines (BZD) during foetal life has been suggested to contribute to neonatal morbidity and some congenital malformations, for example, orofacial clefts. Here we aimed to study the neonatal outcome and congenital malformations in neonates whose mothers reported use of BZD and/or hypnotic benzodiazepine receptor agonists (HBRA) during pregnancy.

METHODS

In the Swedish Medical Birth Register we identified 1979 infants whose mothers (n = 1944) reported use of BZD and/or HBRA in early pregnancy. An additional 401 infants were studied, born to 390 mothers who were prescribed such drugs during late pregnancy. Neonatal outcome including congenital malformations after exposure was compared with that of all births (n = 873 879).

RESULTS

An increased risk for preterm birth and low birth weight was detected in the exposed population. The rate of relatively major congenital malformations was moderately increased among infants exposed in early pregnancy (adjusted OR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.00-1.55), not explained by known teratogenic maternal co-medication. A higher than expected number of infants with pylorostenosis or alimentary tract atresia (especially small gut) was found. This was, however, based on only seven infants for each group of malformation without association to any specific BZD or HBRA. The earlier proposed increased risk for orofacial clefts was not confirmed in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal use of BZD and/or HBRA may increase the risk for preterm birth and low birth weight and cause neonatal symptoms, but does not appear to have a strong teratogenic potential. The tentative association with pylorostenosis and alimentary tract atresia needs confirmation.

Second-trimester intra-abdominal bowel dilation in fetuses with gastroschisis predicts neonatal bowel atresia

OBJECTIVE

To determine in fetuses with gastroschisis the association between intra-abdominal bowel dilation in the second trimester and neonatal bowel atresia.

METHODS

We reviewed ultrasound and medical records of fetuses with gastroschisis from January 1998 to August 2004. Fetuses with intra-abdominal bowel dilation in the second trimester were identified and followed into the neonatal period.

RESULTS

We identified 58 mother-infant pairs showing fetal gastroschisis, with at least one prenatal ultrasound at our hospital and which were delivered there, or were transported there as newborns. Forty-eight of the 58 fetuses had no intra-abdominal bowel dilation and none of these neonates had bowel atresia. Ten of the 58 fetuses had intra-abdominal bowel dilation and all had bowel atresia at birth (P<0.0001). In eight cases in which ultrasound was performed at <25 weeks' gestation, intra-abdominal bowel dilation was already present.

CONCLUSION

Intra-abdominal bowel dilation in the second trimester predicts neonatal bowel atresia in fetuses with gastroschisis.

Congenital alveolar capillary dysplasia and associated gastrointestinal anomalies

Congenital alveolar capillary dysplasia is a rare cause of irreversible pulmonary hypertension with 100% mortality. We present three cases of congenital alveolar capillary dysplasia with associated gastrointestinal abnormalities. Three full-term neonates presented with pulmonary hypertension needing ventilatory support by oscillation. Of the three, two neonates subsequently needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Abdominal distension associated with bilious aspirates was the gastrointestinal manifestation. One child had duodenal atresia and anorectal anomaly, one with intestinal malrotation and the other with a rare combination of intestinal malrotaion and total colonic Hirschsprung's disease. All three infants succumbed to pulmonary hypertension at mean age 34 days. The etiopathogenesis and pathology of this condition are discussed with a comprehensive review of the literature.

Ileal atresia associated with Hirschsprung disease (total colonic aganglionosis)

One of the most common causes of small bowel obstruction in newborns is ileal atresia, and one of the most common causes of colonic obstruction in neonates is aganglionic megacolon (Hirschsprung disease). However, atresias of the small intestinal tract associated with Hirschsprung disease are extremely rare. We describe an infant born with both ileal atresia and Hirschsprung disease. This is the 19th known report of the case of an infant who had ileal atresia associated with Hirschsprung disease.

Intestinal atresia with segmental musculature and neural defect

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible etiologic factors of small bowel atresia and to detect the prognostic role of adequate resection and tapering in postoperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Intestinal resection specimens were obtained from 10 patients with jejunoileal atresia and 3 control subjects without any gastrointestinal disease. Intestinal specimens taken from 2-cm and 4-cm proximal sides of atresia, atretic segment, and 1-cm and 2-cm distal sides of atresia were stained with Masson trichrome and H&E. Immunohistochemical staining of the biopsy specimens with synaptophysin was also performed to ascertain the number, the intensity, and the morphology of ganglia.

RESULTS

At the blind proximal end, there was segmental absence of muscular layers, presence of neural defects, and replacement of the muscular layers with fibrous tissue beside the relatively intact mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental defects in muscular and neural structures of the intestinal wall observed in both the antimesenteric and mesenteric sides of the atretic small bowel were considered to support the vascular insult theory as an etiologic factor. Adequate resection rather than tapering the dilated proximal atretic intestinal segment should be included in the surgical treatment of this pathology to avoid the intestinal dysmotility, which may result in gut-related sepsis and death in the postoperative period.

Ileal atresia and thrombo-embolic liver calcifications diagnosed after treatment with intrauterine laser coagulation therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: report of 2 cases

Ileal atresia is considered to be an acquired anomaly. It is thought to be caused by a mesenteric vascular accident during fetal life which leads to necrosis of downstream tissues. We present a case in which ileal atresia occurred after intrauterine laser coagulation therapy for a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The laser treatment might have been the etiological factor of the atresia. A second case in which thrombo-embolic calcifications were found in the liver is presented as well.

Fetal intestinal obstruction induces alteration of enteric nervous system development in human intestinal atresia

Intestinal motility disorders are a major cause of morbidity after surgical repair of intestinal atresia of unknown mechanism. We hypothesized that interruption of antenatal peristalsis may disturb the normal development of the enteric nervous system. Using a series of neuronal (synaptophysin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, neurofilaments) and nonneuronal markers (glial acidic fibrillary protein and c-Kit) and immunohistochemistry, we have defined developmental steps of the enteric nervous system in normal intestine (12 fetuses, 15 children, and 4 adults) and their alterations above and below the obstacle in 22 human intestinal atresia compared with age-matched controls. Antisynaptophysin antibody revealed the progressive conversion of the myenteric plexus from a continuous belt into regularly spaced ganglions during normal fetal gut development and, by contrast, the significantly delayed appearance of individual neuronal ganglions in the distal segments of atresia (p < 0.05). Staging using three other markers for neuronal (neurofilaments and neuronal nitric oxide synthase) and nonneuronal cells (glial acidic fibrillary protein) confirmed that maturation of the myenteric plexus was significantly delayed below atresia (p < 0.01). These results indicate that intestinal atresia impairs the development of the enteric nervous system and provide an anatomical substrate for the motility disorders observed after surgical repair. They point to the role of peristalsis in normal gut development and suggest that stimulation of peristalsis might be used to accelerate recovery.

The etiologic role of intrauterine volvulus and intussusception in jejunoileal atresia

PURPOSE

Although intussusception has been reported as quite a rare cause of jejunoileal atresia (JIA), pediatric surgeons have noted the frequent presence of intussusception as well as volvulus at surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of intrauterine intussusception and volvulus to the development of JIA.

METHODS

In 48 newborns (24 boys and 24 girls) treated for JIA at our hospital between 1978 and 2004, the operative and pathologic findings were reviewed.

RESULTS

Intussusception was responsible for gap and cord type atresia in 12 cases (25%). The cord showed an atrophic intestinal lumen in 2 cases. Volvulus was observed in 13 cases. Volvulus and intussusception were simultaneously noted in 1 case. This suggested that intussusception was the cause of the atresia, whereas volvulus was a secondary event. Neither intussusception nor volvulus was observed in high jejunal, apple peel, or multiple atresia.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrauterine volvulus and intussusception were commonly observed in single mid- and low JIA. Thus, intrauterine intussusception may be a common cause of gap and cord type JIA. Volvulus may not only cause JIA but also result from anatomic changes after the development of JIA in some cases.

Placental vascular compromise in jejunoileal atresia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The mechanisms of intrauterine vascular disruptions that result in the development of jejunoileal atresia (JIA) are not fully understood. Monochorionic twinning with fetal death of a cotwin is known to be correlated with the development of JIA in the survivor through placental communication. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether other placental vascular compromises might contribute to the development of JIA.

METHODS

Forty-five newborns (23 boys and 22 girls) who were treated for JIA at Tsukuba University Hospital from 1978 to 2003 were reviewed. Placental findings were informative in 23 cases.

RESULTS

No or slight abnormality of the placenta was found in 19 cases. Significant placental abnormalities were found in 4 patients who also had a low birth weight. One patient with apple peel atresia (APA) had excessive torsion of the umbilical cord (UC), which was inserted at the margin of the placenta, and there was an adjacent area of infarction. One patent with multiple atresia (MA) was a surviving monochorionic twin with intrauterine fetal death of the other. Another case of MA showed marginal insertion of the UC. Severe placental abnormalities including wide infarction, cyst formation, and marginal insertion of the UC were found in 1 case of MA. These 3 cases of MA were complicated with other anomalies including brain anomaly.

CONCLUSIONS

Placental vascular compromises were involved infrequently in JIA but might possibly be responsible for the development of JIA as well as associated anomalies and a low birth weight as chronic insults since an early stage of gestation in some cases.

A genetic mechanism for cecal atresia: the role of the Fgf10 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Intestinal atresia represents a significant surgically correctable cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. Intestinal development proceeds as a tube-like structure with differentiation along its axis. As the intestine differentiates, the cecum develops at the transition from small to large intestine. Fgf10 is known to serve a key role in budding morphogenesis; however, little is known about its role in the development of this transitional structure. Here we evaluate the effect of Fgf10/Fgfr2b invalidation on the developing cecum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wild-type C57Bl/6, Fgf10(-/-), and Fgfr2b(-/-) embryos harvested from timed pregnant mothers were analyzed for cecal phenotype, Fgf10 expression, and differentiation of smooth muscle actin.

RESULTS

Wt cecal development is first evident at E11.5. FGF10 is discreetly expressed in the area of the developing cecum at early stages of development. One hundred percent of Fgf10(-/-) and Fgfr2b(-/-) mutant embryos demonstrate cecal atresia with absence of epithelial and muscular layers. The development of neighboring anatomical structures such as the ileocecal valve is not affected by Fgf10/Fgfr2b invalidation.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF10 expression is localized to the cecum early in the normal development of the cecum. Fgf10(-/-) and Fgfr2b(-/-) mutant embryos demonstrate cecal atresia with complete penetrance. Epithelial and muscular layers of the cecum are not present in the atretic cecum. The Fgf10(-/-) and Fgfr2b(-/-) mutants represent a genetically reproducible animal model of autosomal recessive intestinal atresia.

Diaphragmatic duodenal atresia: laparoscopic repair

Stenosis due to a diaphragm is a type of intrinsic duodenal obstruction in newborns and even in childhood, when obstruction is partial. We present a case of a 13-month-old girl with diaphragmatic stenosis associated with a dilated first and second duodenum. Surgical management consisted of a partial excision of the diaphragm after vertical incision of the anterior part of the second duodenum followed by a transverse suture. This diamond-shaped anastomosis was successfully carried out laparoscopically. No tapering of the duodenum was performed as some authors suggest in cases of megaduodenum. The rapid resumption of peristalsis and fewer adherences than expected after such a minimally invasive approach could make a more invasive procedure unnecessary. Only long-term follow-up and greater experience will show which procedure is most suitable.

Single umbilical artery and the VATER-animal model

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Vascular disruption is recognized as a cause of congenital malformations. The authors analyzed the significance of single umbilical artery (SUA) in the Adriamycin-animal model to find out if it was associated with organ malformations.

METHODS

Pregnant SD rats were injected with Adriamycin intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg on days 6 through 9 of gestation. Serial transverse sections of full-term fetuses were analyzed by light microscopy. Embryos also were removed on different gestational days during organogenesis, and serial transverse histologic sections were examined and compared with suitable controls.

RESULTS

In experimental embryos (n = 47), presence of a SUA resulted from either persistence of the primitive umbilical arteries that joined each other ventral to the hind gut to give rise to one umbilical artery or from secondary atrophy of one of the definitive umbilical arteries. Malformations such as intestinal atresia were associated with anomalous fusion between the dorsal aorta and the persistent primitive umbilical arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA is a prominent feature of the Adriamycin-animal model. No obvious association was found between malformations and SUA that resulted from atrophy of one of the definitive umbilical arteries; however, it was associated with anomalies such as intestinal atresia when it resulted from persistence of the primitive umbilical arteries.

Ileal atresia associated with a congenital vascular band anomaly: observations on pathogenesis

We report the case of a newborn, who developed intestinal obstruction soon after birth. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a congenital vascular band anomaly extending from the antimesenteric border of the terminal ileum to the gallbladder in association with ileal atresia. Surgical intervention was performed for correction of the disorder. A review of the embryology and congenital vascular bands is presented together with discussion as to possible etiopathogenesis leading to small bowel atresia.

A very rare cause of intestinal atresia: intrauterine intussusception due to Meckel's diverticulum

Intrauterine intussusception is one of the rare causes of intestinal atresia.

CONCLUSION

A case of ileal atresia due to intrauterine intussusception caused by Meckel's diverticulum is reported.

Association of vasoconstrictive exposures with risks of gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia

BACKGROUND

Gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia are congenital anomalies that may arise from vascular disruption. It is hypothesized that maternal exposure to cocaine, amphetamines, decongestants and nicotine, all of which have vasoconstrictive actions, can contribute to these defects. The present study examined risks of gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia associated with combined exposure to vasoconstrictive drugs and cigarette smoking.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted from 1995 to 1999 in 15 cities across the United States and Canada. Mothers of 205 gastroschisis cases, 127 small intestinal atresia cases, 381 malformed controls and 416 nonmalformed controls were interviewed within 6 months of delivery.

RESULTS

Reported vasoconstrictive drugs included pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Combined exposure to vasoconstrictive drugs and cigarette smoking in the first 2.5 months of pregnancy was reported by 9% of gastroschisis cases, 9% of small intestinal atresia cases and 4% of controls. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios, controlling for the effects of age, education, income, other drug use and alcohol intake, were 2.1 (95% confidence interval = 1.0-4.4) for gastroschisis and 2.8 (1.1-6.9) for small intestinal atresia. Risks of each defect increased with increasing level of cigarettes (P for trend = 0.019 and 0.012, respectively). Vasoconstrictive drug use among smokers of 20 or more cigarettes a day increased gastroschisis risk 3.6-fold (1.3-10.3) and small intestinal atresia risk 4.2-fold (1.1-16.2).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide further evidence of vascular disruption as an etiology for gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia.

Epidemiological investigations of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in two Israeli dairy herds

An epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in Israeli Holstein-Friesian newborn calves showed a linkage with rectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis, performed less than 42 days after insemination. The odds of an exposed calf, i.e., one born to a dam that was diagnosed by early palpation as having intestinal atresia were 119.7 times higher than one born in normal control herds (95% CI; 7.4-1946.3). A total of 682 calves-at-risk was recorded from mid-1998 to mid-2000 and a total of 47 calves (6.9%) were born with intestinal atresia during this period. Two forms of intestinal atresia were recognized at post-mortem: atresia coli and atresia ilei.

Prenatally closed gastroschisis with midgut atresia

Spontaneous prenatal closure of gastroschisis (GS) is rare and usually associated with atresia of the midgut. We describe a case of GS diagnosed at 20 weeks' gestation that resolved spontaneously in utero. At delivery the infant had an ileus. A laparotomy with a jejunocolostomy was performed, but she died at 2 months of age due to complications of total parenteral nutrition.

[Usefulness of fetal echocardiography in the prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome based on material from the Department for Diagnosis of Congenital Malformation's of the Institute "Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital' in Lodz between 1994-1999. Part II]

In the years 1994-1999 at the Department for Diagnosis of Congenital Malformations at the PPMH Institute, there were ultrasound and echocardiography examinations performed in 40 foetuses with Down Syndrome. In our study most of the cases come from low risk groups of pregnant women. Extracardiac malformations were diagnosed prenatally in 25% fetuses with Down Syndrome. The most common anomaly from extracardiac malformations was duodenal atresia (13/40 cases--32.5%).

Pregnancy Associated Aplastic Anemia--A Series of 10 Cases with Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy induced aplastic anemia is a rare entity and the association is not well explained. There are approximately 80 cases in the literature and we are presenting the largest series, so far, of 10 cases.

RESULTS

Total of 10 cases had 11 pregnancies. Mean age at presentation was 25.45 years and mean gestation when symptoms first developed was 17.09 weeks. Pallor and bleeding manifestations were the most common presenting complaints. Mean Hb, TLC, ANC and platelets were 4.97 g/dl, 2.74 x 10(9)/l, 1.11 x 10(9)/l and 41 x 10(9)/l, respectively. Bone biopsy cellularity ranged from <5 to 25%. Nine out of 11 (81%) pregnancies were successful of which 7 was full term and 2 were premature. Two babies were small for dates. One spontaneous abortion and one intra uterine death (IUD) were observed. Two out of 11 mothers died due to disease after delivery. Two of the 8 surviving mothers, had spontaneous partial response (22%); 4 mothers were asymptomatic after therapy with immunosuppressives given for 6 months and 3 were lost to follow up without response. Specific therapy (cyclosporin) was tried in two mothers antenatally with partial response in one. One child whose mother was given cyclosporin antenatally had jejunal atresia at birth.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy associated aplastic anemia is a rare association. Spontaneous remission can occur in 25-30% of patients. In the first trimester patients, pregnancy can be terminated while in advanced pregnancy patients can be followed up with stringent supportive care. Cyclosporin may be a safe drug antenatally in such patients. Patients with established aplastic anemia should avoid pregnancy.

Intestinal complications associated with twin-twin transfusion syndrome after antenatal laser treatment: Report of two cases

Two infants found to have ileal atresia after birth and who had intrauterine laser treatment to interupt twin to twin transfusion are presented. The donor twin in each pregnancy died in utero.

Aplastic anaemia during pregnancy: variable clinical course and outcome

Aplastic anaemia occurring during pregnancy is a rare event and is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Prognosis is poorer when aplastic anaemia develops during pregnancy and many such patients have an unsuccessful pregnancy outcome. We report two cases of aplastic anaemia associated with pregnancy. Both the patients had very different antenatal course and outcome. Their etiopathogenesis and management is discussed.

Intrauterine intussusception--a cause for ileal atresia

A case of ileal atresia consequent to intrauterine intussusception is reported. The baby presented with features of neonatal intestinal obstruction but signs of peritonitis were absent. The intussusception was discovered on gross examination of distal atretic ileal segment. The case was managed successfully by resection and end to back anastomosis. This case is reported to highlight intrauterine intussusception as one of the causes of ileal atresia.

Acquired ileal atresia and spontaneous reconstitution of intestinal continuity in a premature infant with necrotizing enterocolitis

An 849-g (26-week gestation) premature infant had pneumoperitoneum on the 20th day of life after having normal stools and accepting partial enteric alimentation. Percutaneous penrose drainage had to be performed on 2 consecutive days at 2 different sites (right lower quadrant, left lower quadrant), at which time she stabilized. Eleven days later, she started to pass stool, and oral feeding was begun (1 to 2 mL every 4 hours). Enteral intake could not be advanced because of repeated bouts of abdominal distension, despite having regular bowel motions. Gastrointestinal contrast radiographic investigation suggested a stricture of the ileum. At laparotomy (at age 2 months) ileal atresia with a "V"-shaped defect in the mesentery was found. Surprisingly, intestinal continuity was established via an ileoileal fistula. After resection and anastomosis, she recovered fully. Mesenteric and enteric vascular ischemia (necrotizing enterocolitis) produced acquired ileal atresia-a rare occurrence. More rare is the reestablishment of intestinal continuity by fistulization.

Ultrasonographic detection of intrauterine intussusception resulting in ileal atresia complicated by meconium peritonitis

A neonate with ileal atresia (IA) complicated by meconium peritonitis (MP) whose prenatal ultrasonography (US) detected an intrauterine intussusception (IUI) is reported. Fetal ascites, dilated bowel loops, and abdominal calcifications were identified on serial US from 25 weeks of gestation. Intestinal loops with high echogenecity and a "target-like" appearance suggestive of IUI were detected in the right lower quadrant. The 2,680-g male was delivered vaginally at term and underwent a laparotomy. Fibrous adhesions and small calcifications were scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity. IA (interrupted type) was confirmed 17.0 cm cranial to the ileocecal valve (ICV). An ileo-ileal intussusception was also found between 16.5 cm and 9.0 cm cranial to the ICV. Partial resection of the ileum and an ileo-ileal anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In this case, the pathological process of IUI resulting in IA and MP was demonstrated sonographically by identifying the "target-like" appearance in the fetus.

Fusion of intussusceptum and intussuscipiens in intrauterine intussusception: a rare type of intestinal atresia

Intrauterine intussusception is well known as one of the rare causes of intestinal atresia. Although the polypoid intussusceptum is usually observed at the obstructed end on the distal side, a few cases with the polypoid lesion located apart from the blind end have been reported. To elucidate the etiology of separated polypoid intussusceptum, we reviewed 42 surgical cases of jejunal or ileal atresia over the last 12 years at Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan. Of the 42 cases, 11 were intrauterine intussusception. Two of the 11 cases were associated with polypoid intussusceptums separated from the obstructed ends; the intestinal portion between the polypoid intussusceptum and the obstructed end showed a partial two-fold proper muscle wall and a mesenteric structure invaginated between the two walls. Another case showed linear ulcers facing each other on both the intussusceptum and intussuscipiens. Linear ulceration and subsequent fusion of the intussusceptum and intussuscipiens are suggested to be the pathogenesis of the first two cases.

Colonic atresia secondary to a choledochal cyst

Colonic atresia and choledochal cyst are both uncommon congenital abnormalities. We report a case in which the two conditions coexisted and propose an aetiological link.

Multiple bowel atresias after syngeneic fetal small bowel transplantation in rats

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was the assessment of atresia formation after syngeneic fetal small bowel transplantation (SBTx) to clarify its pathogenesis.

METHODS

Seventy Lewis rat fetuses (gestational age, 18 to 19 days) were obtained by hysterotomy, and a 30-mm long section of small bowel was excised from each fetus. Each bowel graft was then transplanted into the space between the peritoneum and the rectus abdominis in 70 adult Lewis rats to expose the grafts to ischemic stress. Transplantation was successful in 63 of 70 grafts (90%). Successfully transplanted bowel grafts were harvested for macroscopic and microscopic examination 10 days posttransplantation.

RESULTS

Of the successfully transplanted grafts, only two (3%) were atresia free; 127 atretic segments were found in the remaining 61 grafts. Twenty-four grafts (38%) had a single atresia comprised of membranous stenosis (MS) in two, membranous atresia (MA) in 10, and blind ends (BEs) with or without a connecting tissue remnant in 12. Thirty-seven grafts (59%) had multiple atresias, comprised of MS, MA, or both in six, BEs alone in seven, and a combination of BEs with MS or MA in 24.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model is the first to succeed in inducing experimentally membranous stenosis and a high incidence (59%) of multiple atresias. These results suggest that bowel ischemia is responsible for multiple bowel atresia formation.

Gastroschisis and total intestinal atresia

Gastroschisis is an uncommon condition which is now being detected at an earlier stage due to the use of routine antenatal ultrasound scanning. The presence of intestinal atresia secondary to impairment of the vascular supply is well recognised and is associated with a poorer outcome because of the potential for loss of bowel length. We report a case of gastroschisis in which there was resorption of the bowel and closure of the abdominal wall defect. At laparotomy there was total intestinal atresia.