Endoscopic Chemocauterization with Trichloroacetic Acid for Congenital or Recurrent Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Children with Esophageal Atresia: Experience from a Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) is a well-known complication after surgery of EA, occurring in roughly 3-10% of the patients. Recent studies have highlighted safety and efficacy of endoscopic management of recurrent TEF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in rTEF and congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (cTEF).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with recurrent or congenital TEF who underwent endoscopic chemo-cauterization between 2018 and 2022 at a tertiary center. Children diagnosed with TEF who underwent primary or secondary endoscopic treatment were included. Median follow up time was 19 months for rTEF and 33 months for cTEF.

RESULTS

During the study period, 18 patients were treated endoscopically by chemocatuerization with TCA at our institution. Treatment of recurrent TEF was successful in 13 of 14 patients (93%) Treatment of congenital TEF was successful in 2 of 4 patients (50%). In 14 patients, closure was seen after 1-2 treatments. There were no serious adverse reactions or complications to the endoscopic treatment of TEF.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic chemocauterization is a minimal invasive technique with low morbidity and high success rate and may be considered as primary treatment for recurrent TEF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

European reference network for rare inherited congenital anomalies (ERNICA) evidence based guideline on the management of gastroschisis

BACKGROUND

The European Reference Network for rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies, ERNICA, guidelines for gastroschisis cover perinatal period to help teams to improve care.

METHOD

A systematic literature search including 136 publications was conducted. Research findings were assessed following the GRADE methodology. The evidence to decision framework was used to determine the strength and direction of recommendations.

RESULTS

The mode or timing of delivery do not impact neonatal mortality, risk of NEC or time on parenteral nutrition (PN). Intra or extra abdominal bowel dilatation predict complex gastroschisis and longer length of hospital stay but not increased perinatal mortality. Outcomes after Bianchi procedure and primary fascia closure under anesthesia are similar. Sutureless closure decreases the rate of surgical site infections and duration of ventilation compared to surgical closure. Silo-staged closure with or without intubation results in similar outcomes. Outcomes of complex gastroschisis (CG) undergoing early or delayed surgical repair are similar. Early enteral feeds starting within 14 days is associated with lower risk of surgical site infection.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The panel suggests vaginal birth between 37 and 39 w in cases of uncomplicated gastroschisis. Bianchi's approach is an option in simple gastroschisis. Sutureless closure is suggested when general anesthesia can be avoided, sutured closure. If anesthesia is required. Silo treatment without ventilation and general anesthesia can be considered. In CG with atresia primary intestinal repair can be attempted if the condition of patient and intestine allows. Enteral feeds for simple gastroschisis should start within 14 days.

Transitional Care for Patients with Congenital Colorectal Diseases: An EUPSA Network Office, ERNICA, and eUROGEN Joint Venture

BACKGROUND

Transition of care (TOC; from childhood into adulthood) of patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) ensures continuation of care for these patients. The aim of this international study was to assess the current status of TOC and adult care (AC) programs for patients with ARM and HD.

METHODS

A survey was developed by members of EUPSA, ERN eUROGEN, and ERNICA, including patient representatives (ePAGs), comprising of four domains: general information, general questions about transition to adulthood, and disease-specific questions regarding TOC and AC programs. Recruitment of centres was done by the ERNs and EUPSA, using mailing lists and social media accounts. Only descriptive statistics were reported.

RESULTS

In total, 82 centres from 21 different countries entered the survey. Approximately half of them were ERN network members. Seventy-two centres (87.8%) had a self-reported area of expertise for both ARM and HD. Specific TOC programs were installed in 44% of the centres and AC programs in 31% of these centres. When comparing centres, wide variation was observed in the content of the programs.

CONCLUSION

Despite the awareness of the importance of TOC and AC programs, these programs were installed in less than 50% of the participating centres. Various transition and AC programs were applied, with considerable heterogeneity in implementation, content and responsible caregivers involved. Sharing best practice examples and taking into account local and National Health Care Programs might lead to a better continuation of care in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Prevalence of Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome and Risk of Embryonal Tumors in Children Born with Omphalocele

AIM OF THE STUDY

Children with omphalocele have an increased prevalence of Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and thus a suspected increased risk of developing embryonal tumors, e.g. Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of BWS and the risk of embryonal tumors amongst patients born with omphalocele.

METHODS

A population-based cohort was used, including all children born in Sweden 1/1 1997-31/12 2016. Patients with omphalocele were identified through the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Medical Birth Register. For each case of omphalocele ten age and sex matched individuals unexposed for omphalocele were randomly selected for comparison. Data on BWS and embryonal tumors were collected from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish National Cancer Register.

MAIN RESULTS

Out of 207 cases of omphalocele, 15 (7.2%) were diagnosed with BWS. None of the children with omphalocele had yet developed any kind of embryonal tumor (median follow-up time 8 years). None of the 2070 controls were diagnosed with BWS but 3 (0.1%) of them had developed embryonal tumors during a median follow-up time of 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study the prevalence of BWS amongst children born with omphalocele is in the lower range of previously reported figures. Also, the prevalence of embryonal tumors amongst children with BWS is lower than expected and the risk of embryonal tumors in children with omphalocele and BWS might not be as high as previously stated. This must be taken into consideration when counseling parents prenatally.

TYPE OF STUDY

National register cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Impact of Repeat Extracorporeal Life Support on Mortality and Short-term In-hospital Morbidities in Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of repeat extracorporeal life support (ECLS) on survival and in-hospital outcomes in the congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) neonates.

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread use of ECLS, investigations on multiple ECLS courses for CDH neonates are limited.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all ECLS-eligible CDH neonates enrolled in the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group registry between 1995 and 2019. CDH infants with estimated gestational age at birth <32 weeks and a birth weight <1.8 kg and/or with major cardiac or chromosomal anomalies were excluded. The primary outcomes were survival and morbidities during the index hospitalization.

RESULTS

Of 10,089 ECLS-eligible CDH infants, 3025 (30%) received 1 ECLS course, and 160 (1.6%) received multiple courses. The overall survival rate for patients who underwent no ECLS, 1 ECLS course, and multicourse ECLS were 86.9±0.8%, 53.8±1.8%, and 43.1±7.7%, respectively. Overall ECLS survival rate is increased by 5.1±4.6% ( P =0.03) for CDH neonates treated at centers that conduct repeat ECLS compared with those that do not offer repeat ECLS. This suggests that there would be an overall survival benefit from increased use of multiple ECLS courses. Infants who did not receive ECLS support had the lowest morbidity risk, while survivors of multicourse ECLS had the highest rates of morbidities during the index hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Although survival is lower for repeat ECLS, the use of multiple ECLS courses has the potential to increase overall survival for CDH neonates. Increased use of repeat ECLS might be associated with improved survival. The potential survival advantage of repeat ECLS must be balanced against the increased risk of morbidities during the index hospitalization.

Syndromic congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Current incidence and outcome. Analysis from the congenital diaphragmatic hernia study group registry

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, CDH, associated with known or clinically suspected syndromes, and the postnatal outcomes from a large database for CDH.

METHODS

Data from the multicenter, multinational database on infants with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group Registry) born from 1996 to 2020 were analyzed. Patients with known or suspected syndromes were grouped and outcome data were analyzed and compared to those without syndromic features.

RESULTS

A total of 12,553 patients were entered in the registry during the study period, and 421 had reported known syndromes, representing 3.4% of all CDH cases in the registry. A total of 50 different associated syndromes were reported. In addition to those with clinically suspected genetic conditions, a total rate of genetic syndromes with CDH was 8.2%. The overall survival to discharge for syndromic CDH was 34% and for non-syndromic CDH was 76.7%. The most common were syndromes Fryns syndrome (19.7% of all syndromes, 17% survival), trisomy 18 or Edward syndrome (17.5%, 9% survival), trisomy 21 or Down syndrome (9%, 47% survival), trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome (6.7%, 14% survival), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (6.4% of all syndromes, 22% survival) and Pallister-Killian syndrome (5.5% of all syndromes, 39.1% survival). In addition, 379 cases had reported chromosomal anomalies and 233 cases had clinically suspected syndromes, based on two more dysmorphic features or malformations in addition to CDH, but without molecular diagnosis. The syndromic CDH group had lower birth weight and gestational age at birth and increased incidence of bilateral CDH (2.9%) and rates of non-repair (53%). The length of hospital stay was longer, and larger number of patients needed O2 at 30 days. Extracorporeal life support was used only in 15% of the cases. Those who underwent surgical repair had survival to discharge rates of 73%.

CONCLUSION

Syndromic CDH is rare and only 3.4% of the reported cases of CDH have a known syndrome or association, but, if including patients with two dysmorphic features malformations, in addition to CDH, altogether as many as 8.2% have a diagnosed or suspected genetic condition. These children have with lower survival rates. Given higher rates of non-repair and decreased extracorporeal life support use, along with a high early mortality, decision-making regarding goals of care clearly influences outcomes. Survival varies depending on the genetic cause. Early genetic diagnosis is important and may influence the decision-making.

Expanding neonatal ECMO criteria: When is the premature neonate too premature

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a universally accepted and life-saving therapy for neonates with respiratory or cardiac failure that is refractory to maximal medical management. Early studies found unacceptable risks of mortality and morbidities such as intracranial hemorrhage among premature and low birthweight neonates, leading to widely accepted ECMO inclusion criteria of gestational age ≥34 weeks and birthweight >2 kg. Although contemporary data is lacking, the most recent literature demonstrates increased survival and decreased rates of intracranial hemorrhage in premature neonates who are supported with ECMO. As such, it seems like the right time to push the boundaries of ECMO on a case-by-case basis beginning with neonates 32-34 weeks GA in large volume centers with careful neurodevelopmental follow-up to better inform practices changes on this select population.

The natural history of prenatally diagnosed congenital pulmonary airway malformations and bronchopulmonary sequestrations

BACKGROUND

The natural history of congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) and bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS) is not fully understood, and the management of the newborn with an asymptomatic lesion is a controversial issue. We aimed to study the natural history and outcome of CPAM/BPS at our institution with a policy of watchful waiting, and to investigate if any prognostic factors in the pre- and/or postnatal- period may predict the need for surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review study was conducted of children prenatally diagnosed with CPAM and/or BPS during the 18-year period, from 2002 to 2020. Data from the pre and postnatal period was collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty- six patients with prenatally observed lung lesions were entered in the study, with an overall survival rate of 94%. Fifty-six percent of the lesions decreased in size during gestation. Thirty-one percent had surgery and 69% could be managed conservatively with a median follow-up of 4 years. Nineteen percent developed symptoms after the neonatal period. Children with a presence of mediastinal shift on postnatal imaging (p = 0.003), with a high CVR (p = 0.005) and a large lesion size during gestation (p = 0.014) were significantly more likely to require surgery.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal regression is common among prenatally diagnosed CPAM/BPS and the majority of children that are asymptomatic beyond the neonatal period will remain asymptomatic throughout their childhood. Future analysis with a longer follow-up might give new insights in order to identify children at risk of developing symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Premature and Extracorporeal Life Support: Is it Time? A Systematic Review

Early preterm birth < 34 gestational weeks (GA) and birth weight (BW) <2 kg are relative contraindications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, with improved technology, ECMO is presently managed more safely and with decreasing complications. Thus, these relative contraindications may no longer apply. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the existing literature on ECMO in early and late (34-37 GA) prematurity focusing on survival to hospital discharge and the complication intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Data sources: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Database. Only publications in the English language were evaluated. Of the 36 included studies, 23 were related to ECMO support for respiratory failure, 10 for cardiac causes, and four for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Over the past decades, the frequency of ICH has declined (89-21%); survival has increased in both early prematurity (25-76%), and in CDH (33-75%), with outcome similar to late prematurity (48%). The study was limited by an inherent risk of bias from overlapping single-center and registry data. Both the risk of ICH and death have decreased in prematurely born treated with ECMO. We challenge the 34 week GA time limit for ECMO and propose an international task force to revise current guidelines. At present, gestational age < 34 weeks might no longer be considered a contraindication for ECMO in premature neonates.

National birth prevalence, associated anomalies and mortality for gastroschisis in Sweden

AIM

An increased incidence has been reported for the congenital abdominal wall defect gastroschisis. The reason for this increasing trend is not known, nor the aetiology. The aim of this study was to examine the national birth prevalence in Sweden, the termination rate, associated anomalies and the mortality of gastroschisis within the cohort.

METHODS

A nationwide, population-based descriptive study of children born with gastroschisis in Sweden between 1/1 1997 and 31/12 2016 was conducted. The cohort was collected from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and the Swedish National Patient Register. Several other national registers were then interlinked to identify outcome data.

RESULTS

The study included 361 cases of gastroschisis, 54% female. The birth prevalence was 1.52 in 10,000 live births. The termination rate was 21%. The mortality within the cohort was 4.4% with a 1-year mortality of 3.9%. Most frequent associated anomalies were gastrointestinal (11.4%), musculoskeletal (9.8%) and cardiovascular anomalies (7.9%).

CONCLUSION

During the 20-year study period, a stable birth prevalence of 1.52 per 10 000 live births was seen in Sweden. The mortality was low, 4.4%, but the termination of pregnancies was high, 21%. Almost one-third had associated congenital anomalies where gastrointestinal anomalies were the most common.

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis.

FINDINGS

We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36-39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3-3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88-4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59-2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04-1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4-5 vs ASA 1-2, 1·82 [1·40-2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1-2, 1·58, [1·30-1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02-1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41-2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05-1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47-0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50-0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48-1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality.

INTERPRETATION

Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030.

FUNDING

Wellcome Trust.

Development of a core outcome set for congenital pulmonary airway malformations: study protocol of an international Delphi survey

INTRODUCTION

A worldwide lack of consensus exists on the optimal management of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) even though the incidence is increasing. Either a surgical resection is performed or a wait-and-see policy is employed, depending on the treating physician. Management is largely based on expert opinion and scientific evidence is scarce. Wide variations in outcome measures are seen between studies making comparison difficult thus highlighting the lack of universal consensus in outcome measures as well. We aim to define a core outcome set which will include the most important core outcome parameters for paediatric patients with an asymptomatic CPAM.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will include a critical appraisal of the current literature followed by a three-stage Delphi process with two stakeholder groups. One surgical group including paediatric as well as thoracic surgeons, and a non-surgeon group including paediatric pulmonologists, intensive care and neonatal specialists. All participants will score outcome parameters according to their level of importance and the most important parameters will be determined by consensus.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Electronic informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Ethical approval is not required. After the core outcome set has been defined, we intend to design an international randomised controlled trial: the COllaborative Neonatal NEtwork for the first CPAM Trial, which will be aimed at determining the optimal management of patients with asymptomatic CPAM.

Educational level and socioeconomic status in patients born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopmental dysfunction is one of the most disabling outcomes for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors and may have a long lasting impact in adult life.

AIM

To evaluate to which extent being born with CDH has an impact on the educational level and socioeconomic status as a proxy for neurocognitive development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nationwide, population-based prospective study of newborn children in Sweden from 1982 to 2015. School grades, highest educational level and income were assessed through Swedish public registries. Children above 15 years of age with CDH were compared with randomly selected controls.

RESULTS

A significantly higher number of cases (17% vs 10%) did achieve neither a school nor a university degree. Among those who achieved a degree there was no difference in the highest level of education. The qualification points in elementary school did not differ, but in high school female cases had significantly lower qualification points than female controls. There were no differences in individual disposable income between cases and controls. However, males had higher income compared to females. Prematurity and a long hospital stay had a negative impact on educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher proportion of children born with CDH compared to controls do not achieve a school degree. Among those who achieved a degree, the school achievements and educational level were similar to controls. Prematurity and a long hospital stay are risk factors for not achieving an educational degree.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis study (high-quality prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I. I for a prognosis study - This is a high-quality, prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and associated omphalocele: a study from the CDHSG registry

BACKGROUND

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) associated with Omphalocele is a rare condition, and only a few case reports are available in the literature. Both conditions are associated with some degree of pulmonary hypoplasia. We hypothesize that the combination of CDH with Omphalocele might be associated with poorer outcomes.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of this association and postnatal outcomes from the largest database available for CDH.

METHODS

Data from the multicenter, multinational database on infants with CDH (CDHSG Registry) born from 2007 to 2018 was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 5730 entries were made into the registry during the study period. The incidence of Omphalocele associated with CDH was 0.63% (36 out of 5730). When comparing posterolateral Bochdalek hernias with Omphalocele (CDH + O) to CDH without Omphalocele (CDH-), CDH + O were born at significantly younger gestational ages. They were sicker directly after birth with significantly lower APGARs at all time points, but received ECMO significantly less often. The distribution of left vs right side or the defect size did not differ but CDH + O required patch in a significantly larger extent. CDH + O had surgical repair significantly later and had significantly higher rates of non-repairs and significantly lower survival rates. The morbidity was significantly higher with longer hospital stays and higher requirements for O2 at 30 DOL.

DISCUSSION

CDH associated with Omphalocele is a rare but more severe condition with higher mortality and morbidity rates. Newborns with these combined conditions can be difficult to stabilize or might pose complicated management problems due to pulmonary hypertension and/or pulmonary hypoplasia.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Transport on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A unique center experience

BACKGROUND

Support on Extracorporeal oxygenation membrane (ECMO) represents the last therapeutic option in the management of respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension refractory to treatment in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

AIM

The objective of this work was to present our experience of all the cases of CDH that we have transported on ECMO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of patients, national and international, with CDH transported by our service on ECMO from 1997 to 2018 were reviewed.

RESULTS

During 22 years, we performed 40 ECMO transports of newborns with CDH, 39 primary and one secondary. In 10% (4/40) we transferred patients from their primary hospital after the implantation of cannulae and commencement of ECMO to another center abroad owing to the lack of beds in our unit. Twenty (50%) of the transports were from a foreign country. Median transport distance was 560 (428-1381) km and the median transport time was 4.5 (4.2-6.3) h. The mode of transport was ground ambulance in 20%, helicopter in 10%, fixed wing aircraft in 62.5% and ground ambulance in Freight aircraft in 7.5%. In 40% of the transports, 20 complications occurred. In one of every four transports with complications, more than one event occurred. Most frequent complication was loss of tidal volumes (35%) and in 30% of the complications another patient related event was recorded. Equipment failure occurred in 20%, and climate problems and transport vehicle problems in 15%. No deaths occurred during transport. Venoarterial ECMO was used in 39 of the 40 cases. Survival to discharge was 87% for the entire period and long-term survival was 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

Long and short distance interhospital transports of CDH patients on ECMO can be performed safely. Despite occurrence of adverse events, the risk of mortality is very low. The personnel involved must be highly competent in intensive care, physiology and physics of ECMO, cannulation, intensive care transport and air transport medicine. They must also be trained to recognize risk factors in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Retrospective cohort study.

Closer location of the tracheoesophageal fistula to the carina in newborns with esophageal atresia and VACTERL association

BACKGROUND

VACTERL is a complicated syndrome with an unknown etiology where many studies have failed to identify the cause. In esophageal atresia (EA) roughly 10%-23% also have concurrent anomalies that align with VACTERL disorder. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is a difference regarding localization of the tracheoesophageal fistula between patients with VACTERL and non-VACTERL patients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of newborn operated for esophageal atresia between 2006 and 2016 at our Institution was performed. Children with a C-type fistula according to Gross and reliable preoperative tracheoesophageal fistula to carina distance measurement at rigid tracheoscopy were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were included in the study. Fifteen of those were diagnosed with VACTERL. Before and after adjusting for weight and gestational week patients with VACTERL had significantly shorter carina to fistula distance at perioperative rigid tracheoscopy (p = <0.001 nonadjusted, p = 0.016 adjusted).

CONCLUSION

Patients with VACTERL born with EA type C had shorter carina to fistula distance as shown at perioperative rigid tracheoscopy. The significantly shorter distance may not only present surgical difficulties but may also suggest a structural or molecular difference in the development of the esophageal atresia between the two groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

[EXIT: Experiences from Karolinska University Hopsital]

The main, but not sole, indication for an Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) delivery is an airway obstruction due to either laryngeal atresia or tumors in the head and neck region. Here we present our Institution's experience with eleven cases: three teratomas, four lymphatic malformations, two laryngeal atresias and two dermoid cysts. The EXIT procedure was used to secure the fetal airway while maintaining uteroplacental gas exchange and fetal hemodynamic stability through the umbilical circulation. Five fetuses required tracheostomy. Only one fetal death occurred due to extensive growth of a teratoma preventing us from establishing an airway. No other fetal or major maternal complication occurred. The EXIT procedure is a complex procedure and these rare cases should be referred to a center with a dedicated and experienced multidisciplinary team.

Maternal Risk Factors and Perinatal Characteristics in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The etiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that environmental factors play an important role in the development of CDH.

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate associated maternal risk factors in pregnancies with CDH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was a nationwide, population-based prospective case-control study consisting of a cohort of newborn children entered into the records of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Sweden, registered in the Medical Birth Registry during the period from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 2015. The study outcome CDH and the different exposures were assessed through linkage to the Swedish National Patient Registry for both cases and mothers.

RESULTS

A total of 972 cases of CDH were registered into one of the national registries in Sweden between 1982 and 2015. The incidence of neonates with CDH in Sweden from 1982 to 2015 was 3/10,000 live births. The mortality rate during the study period was 31%. Maternal age, ethnicity, parity, exposure to tobacco, BMI, IVF, previous history of spontaneous abortion or intrauterine fetal demise, and coexisting chronic diseases (urinary tract infection, chronic renal disease, pregestational diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or systemic lupus erythematous) were not associated with an increased risk of CDH in the fetus. There was a significant association between maternal hypertension and the risk of the child being affected by CDH (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.41-7.79, p = 0.01). No association was found between preeclampsia and CDH.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregestational hypertension is associated with an increased risk of giving birth to a baby with CDH, but no association was observed in pregnancies developing preeclampsia and the occurrence of CDH.

Prenatally versus postnatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia - Side, stage, and outcome

AIM

To compare outcomes between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed CDH in a large multicenter database of prospectively collected data and evaluate factors associated with poorer outcome for prenatally diagnosed CDH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used information from the multicenter, multinational CDH Study Group database on patients born between 2007 and 2015. We compared differences between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed CDH with respect to survival, side, size, ECMO needs, associated major cardiac malformations and liver position.

RESULTS

3746 cases of CDH were entered in the registry between 2007 and 2015, with an overall survival of 71%. Of those, 68% had a prenatal diagnosis. Survival rates were significantly better in the postnatally diagnosed group, 83 vs 65%. There was a higher proportion of bigger defect sizes, C and D, in the prenatally diagnosed group, but the survival rates were similar when patients were stratified by defect size. The rate of ECMO utilization was higher overall in the prenatally diagnosed group, 33 vs 22%, but it was similar within similar defect sizes. Right-sided defects are more commonly missed at prenatal screening than left-sided CDH, 53 vs 35% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatally diagnosed CDH is associated with larger defect sizes compared to those with a postnatal diagnosis, and consequently have higher morbidity and mortality. Right-sided CDH are more often missed at prenatal ultrasound. The increasing rate of prenatal detection requires a clear understanding of accurate risk stratification, in order to counsel families and to provide appropriate perinatal management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I for a Prognosis Study - This is a high-quality, prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point (death or discharge).

Lung function and pulmonary artery blood flow following prenatal maternal retinoic acid and imatinib in the nitrofen model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Lung and pulmonary vascular maldevelopment in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Retinoic acid (RA) and imatinib have been shown to improve pulmonary morphology following prenatal administration in the rat nitrofen-induced CDH model. It remains unclear if these changes translate into improved function. We evaluated the effect of prenatal RA and imatinib on postnatal lung function, structure, and pulmonary artery (PA) blood flow in the rat CDH model.

METHODS

Olive oil or nitrofen was administered alone or in combination with RA or imatinib to pregnant rats. Pups were assessed for PA blood flow by ultrasound and pulmonary function/morphology following delivery, intubation, and short-term ventilation.

RESULTS

Neither RA nor imatinib had a negative effect on lung and body growth. RA accelerated lung maturation indicated by increased alveoli number and thinner interalveolar septa and was associated with decreased PA resistance and improved oxygenation. With the exception of a decreased PA pulsatility index, no significant changes in morphology and pulmonary function were noted following imatinib.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal treatment with RA but not imatinib was associated with improved pulmonary morphology and function, and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance. This study highlights the potential of prenatal pharmacologic therapies, such as RA, for management of CDH.

Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for cervical lymphatic malformations with mediastinal expansion

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) in the mediastinum are uncommon. However, cervical LMs may expand into the mediastinum. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the management of patients with LMs involving the mediastinum and to propose a treatment algorithm to guide the management of these rare malformations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a descriptive retrospective chart review of all patients with LMs involving the mediastinum treated at our Institution between 2009 and 2015. We collected demographic data, data on investigations, management, and complications of the treatment, as well as outcomes at follow-up. Complications were defined and described according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The clinical outcome was assessed using a clinical assessment scale.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of seven patients. Airway compromise at the time of diagnosis was seen in 4 patients. Three patients had anatomical compression of the trachea and two patients had sub-total compression of the right lung. All three patients with tracheoscopy-verified compression of the trachea had compromise of the distal trachea, and a tracheostomy would not have been protective. All patients received sclerotherapy. The median time with mechanical ventilation at the neonatal intensive care unit after each sclerotherapy was eleven days (range 8-31). Each patient received sclerotherapy in median three times (range 1-9). Five of the patients (71%) were operated with excision of the LM in the mediastinum. Two of the patients were operated primarily and three patients were operated after major complications to sclerotherapy. The patients treated with sclerotherapy and the operated patients had comparable amount of mild complications, Clavien-Dindo grade I-II complications. Severe complications, Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV, were seen five times more commonly after sclerotherapy than after surgery. The clinical outcome was excellent for the operated patients and fair to good for the patients receiving only sclerotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cervical LM involving the mediastinum represent a high-risk group with respect to the severity of complications following sclerotherapy. The swelling is unpredictable and requires extended observation at an intensive care unit with ventilation support. Tracheostomy does not prevent tracheal compression in mediastinal LM, as the malformation may compress trachea distal to the stoma. Surgical resection of the LM in the mediastinum is recommended, with the possibility of intra-operative sclerotherapy as an adjunctive.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The Met Needs for Pediatric Surgical Conditions in Sierra Leone: Estimating the Gap

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, there is a gap between the need for surgery and its equitable provision, and a lack of proxy indicators to estimate this gap. Sierra Leone is a West African country with close to three million children. It is unknown to what extent the surgical needs of these children are met.

Aim

To describe a nationwide provision of pediatric surgical procedures and to assess pediatric hernia repair as a proxy indicator for the shortage of surgical care in the pediatric population in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We analyzed results from a nationwide facility survey in Sierra Leone that collected data on surgical procedures from operation and anesthesia logbooks in all facilities performing surgery. We included data on all patients under the age of 16 years undergoing surgery. Primary outcomes were rate and volume of surgical procedures. We calculated the expected number of inguinal hernia in children and estimated the unmet need for hernia repair.

Results

In 2012, a total of 2381 pediatric surgical procedures were performed in Sierra Leone. The rate of pediatric surgical procedures was 84 per 100,000 children 0–15 years of age. The most common pediatric surgical procedure was hernia repair (18%), corresponding to a rate of 16 per 100,000 children 0–15 years of age. The estimated unmet need for inguinal hernia repair was 88%.

Conclusions

The rate of pediatric surgery in Sierra Leone was very low, and inguinal hernia was the single most common procedure noted among children in Sierra Leone.

Accuracy and impact of prenatal diagnosis in infants with omphalocele

BACKGROUND

Associated anomalies in omphalocele are common, but to which extent these anomalies are diagnosed before or after birth is less well documented.

AIM

To investigate the different types of associated anomalies, long-term survival and the extent whether these are diagnosed pre- or postnatally in children with a prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele at a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of all pregnancies with omphalocele managed and/or born at our institution between 2006 and 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 42 cases with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele were identified. Of those 14 (31%) decided to terminate the pregnancy (TOP). Of the remaining 28 that continued, 12 were giant omphaloceles. The overall mortality rate was 18, 25% for giant and 12% for non-giant omphaloceles. 64% had associated anomalies. Only 1/3 of these anomalies is diagnosed prenatally.

CONCLUSION

The rate of associated malformations that are diagnosed postnatally is high, but the majority was malformations with a minor clinical significance or impact on future health. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome was present only in cases of non-giant omphalocele in our cohort.

Behavioral, emotional and social functioning in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate social competence and behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents born with CDH.

METHODS

All children born with CDH, treated in Stockholm 1990-2009, were invited to participate. After written consent, the Child Behavior Checklist or Adult Self-Report questionnaires were sent to participants. Of the 145 long-term survivors, 51% returned a completed questionnaire. Both the syndrome and competence scales were used and open-ended questions were analyzed with manifest content analysis.

RESULTS

All parents of children aged 1.5-5 years and 90% of parents of children aged 6-18 years reported a normal range on the syndrome scale. Five parents indicated internalizing, but none externalizing behavior. All young adults achieved a normal score on the syndrome scale. Eighty-five percent had normal school achievement, 79% had normal social scores and 40% had normal activity levels. Significantly fewer boys (23%) were in the normal activity range compared with 67% of girls.

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of all parents of children born with CDH scored no behavioral or emotional problems, furthermore, they reported normal social and school competence. However, the activity levels seemed to be reduced in children born with CDH.

Health-related quality of life in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2003, a total of 102 children born with CDH were treated at Astrid Lindgren Children's hospital in Stockholm. In 2012, long-term survivors (n = 77) were asked to participate in the present study, which resulted in a 46% (n = 35) response rate. The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire was used for measuring HRQoL and a detailed review of medical records was performed.

RESULTS

The study participants did not differ from the non-participants in terms of prenatal diagnosis, gender, side of lesion, method of surgical repair, time to intubation, need for ECMO support, or way of discharge from the hospital. Children born with CDH considered themselves to have a good HRQoL, as good as healthy Swedish children. There were only a few significant HRQoL differences within the group of children with CDH, although several median scores in ECMO-treated patients were somewhat lower. Correlations between child and parent scores on HRQoL were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life in children born with CDH is good overall, however, a correlation between the severity of the malformation and HRQoL cannot be excluded.

Right versus left congenital diaphragmatic hernia - What's the difference?

BACKGROUND

Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) and bigger defect sizes have been associated with poorer outcomes.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate right- and left-sided CDH in terms of size, survival, associated anomalies, and morbidity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used information from a multicenter, multinational database including patients with CDH born between 2007 and 2015. All infants with data on defect side were included for this analysis. We compared differences in outcomes between right- and left-sided CDH. Further analysis on the association between side, size of the defect, and outcome was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 3754 cases of CDH were entered in the registry between January 2007 and September 2015, with an overall survival of 71%. Of those, 598 (16%) were right-sided and 3156 left-sided, with a survival rate of 67% and 72%, respectively. Right-sided CDH had a larger proportion of C and D defects (p<0.001 and 0.04, respectively). Survival rates for the same size defect were similar, independent of the side of the defect. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with survival as dependent variable identified a significant correlation with defect size, but not side.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher proportion of large defects (C & D) in right-sided CDH, not the side itself, accounts for the reported poorer survival in right-sided CDH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I for a prognosis study - This is a high-quality, prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point (death or discharge).

[Advances in fetal surgery]

Advances in fetal surgery Fetal surgery is a subspeciality that is evolving rapidly with focus on improving the natural history of congenital malformations and conditions that are either life threatening or cause severe disability. Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele has been shown to improve neurologic outcome, motor function and to reduce the need of ventriculo-peritoneal shunting after birth compared to postnatal care. However, it conveys an increased risk of preterm birth and maternal morbidity. The role of prenatal intervention with endoscopic tracheal occlusion in congenital diaphragmatic hernia is currently the focus of an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial. The trial is comparing the effect of fetal surgery as an alternative to standard postnatal management. The main, but not sole, indication for an Ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is airway obstruction due to laryngeal atresia and tumors in the head and neck region. It is a complex procedure that should be performed only in experienced centers with a multidisciplinary team.

Parenting stress among parents of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine parental stress among parents of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 51 children with CDH were treated at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital. The survival rate at discharge was 86% and long-term survival rate 80%. One parent each of the long-term survivors (41 children) was included in the present study, and 34 parents (83%) agreed to participate. Participants received the Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ). The questionnaire was supplemented by data from case records.

RESULTS

Parents of children with CDH, who had been supported by ECMO or had a long hospital stay, showed significantly higher overall parental stress. Mothers scored an overall higher parental stress compared with fathers. A prenatal diagnosis of CDH or lower parental educational level resulted in significantly higher parental stress in some of the factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental stress in parents of children with CDH seems to increase with the severity of the child's malformation. Mothers tend to score higher parental stress than fathers.

Addressing the causes of late mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

INTRODUCTION

Despite improvements of neonatal intensive care, mortality among patients born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), remains high, and there is a significant late mortality in this cohort.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the causes of death among 251 consecutive CDH patients treated at our institution during the last 26years period.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all causes of death between 1990 and 2015 of the CDH cohort prospectively collected in a database.

RESULTS

Of the 251 CDH patients treated in our department since 1990, 49 were not alive by the end of 2015. Thirty-six patients (14%) died before discharge, and 13 (5%) after the first care event. The mean age at death was 262days (±653days, median 34days). Eighty six % (42 cases) of the fatalities occurred during the first year of life, more than half of the patients died before 1month of age and only 13% after the age of 1year (7 patients) (late mortality). The causes of early mortality (before 1year of age) were mainly cardio-respiratory, whereas GI complications occurred in the late mortality group.

CONCLUSION

The most common cause of death among CDH patients is respiratory insufficiency and associated pulmonary hypertension, and most of the fatalities occur before 1year of age. Among older patients, gastrointestinal morbidity as cause of death is highly represented.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Addressing the hidden mortality in CDH: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Improvements in the clinical management of CDH have led to overall improved reported result from single institutions. However, population-based studies have highlighted a hidden mortality.

AIM

To explore the incidence in Sweden and to address the hidden mortality for CDH during a 27-year period in a population-based setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a population based cohort study that includes all patients diagnosed with CDH that were registered in the National Patient Register, the Medical Birth Register, the Register of Congenital Malformations and the Register for Causes of Death between 1987 and 2013. The mortality rates were calculated based on the number deaths divided by the number of live born cases. The hidden mortality was defined as the number of CDH cases that were not born (because of TOP or IUFD), cases of neonatal demise during birth or demise the same day of birth in patients who were in peripheral institutions and who never reached tertiary centers.

RESULTS

In total, 861 CDH patients were born in Sweden between 1987 and 2013, which corresponds to an incidence of 3.0 born CDH per 10,000 live births. When adding the cases of TOP and IUFD, the total incidence of CDH in Sweden was 3.5/10,000 live born. The mortality rate between 1987 and 2013 was 36%: 44% during the first time period 1987-1999 and 27% in the later period 2000-2013. The hidden mortality in the second period was 30%, resulting in a total mortality rate of 45%.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CDH during a 27-year period remained unchanged in the population. However, we observed a decrease in the prevalence because of the increasing numbers of TOP. A significant hidden mortality exists, with overall mortality rate of 45% for CDH in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II (cohort).

Differences in Outcomes in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Compared to Postnatal Detection: A Single-Center Experience

Objectives: To compare outcomes in pregnancies with a prenatal detection of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with children diagnosed after birth, treated at the same institution, and to determine the ability to predict prognosis through measurements of the observed to expected lung-to-head ratio (O/E LHR). Methods: This is a retrospective review of all children with CDH treated at our institution during 2006-2014. We compared outcomes of infants referred for surgery after postnatal diagnosis with outcomes of infants with prenatally diagnosed CDH. Results: In the prenatal group, O/E LHR was significantly different between survivors and deceased patients, with a cutoff at 35% O/E LHR. Survival to discharge and 1-year survival were significantly higher in the postnatal group that required intubation within 24 h; i.e., 92 and 89% versus 85 and 73% in the prenatal group (p < 0.05). There was less need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 41 versus 60%, and patch, 41 versus 75% (p < 0.001), in the postnatal group with early diagnosis compared with the prenatal group, respectively. Conclusion: Children with prenatally diagnosed CDH represent a population with a more severe condition compared to infants diagnosed after birth. They have poorer outcomes with higher needs for ECMO or use of patch, and lower survival rates were observed at an O/E LHR below 35%.

Gender differences in the learning and teaching of surgery: a literature review

OBJECTIVE

To explore evidence concerning gender differences in teaching and learning in surgery to guide future initiatives.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted searching in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. All studies related to gender differences in surgical education, teaching or learning of surgery at an undergraduate level were included. Data was extracted and critically appraised. Gender differences in learning, teaching, skills acquisition, perceptions and attitudes, interest on surgery, personality and factors influencing interest in surgical careers were differentiated.

RESULTS

There is an underrepresentation of women in surgical academia, due to lack of role models and gender awareness. It is not clear whether or not gender itself is a factor that affects the learning of surgical tasks. Female students pursuing a surgical career had experienced sexual harassment and gender discrimination that can have an effect on the professional identity formation and specialty choice. There are differences in personality among female and male students interested in surgery. Gender is a determining factor to choose surgery, with a consistent lower proportion of women compared interested in pursuing a surgical career. Mentoring and personality fit are important in medical student's specialty selection. Female students are more likely to be discouraged from pursuing a surgical career by a lack of female role models.

CONCLUSIONS

Bias against women in surgery still exists. There is a lack of studies that investigate the role of women in the teaching of surgery.

Supraumbilical incision with U-u umbilicoplasty for congenital duodenal atresia: the Stockholm experience

BACKGROUND

Minimizing scars has become a major concern in pediatric surgery. Since Tan and Bianchi introduced the minimally invasive umbilical incision for Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy, their technique has been adopted for a variety of neonatal abdominal conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modification of the skin incision.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have modified Bianchi's original technique to access the abdomen through the linea alba by introducing a novel U-to-u umbilicoplasty and compare the results with the traditional transverse incision. This new approach improves the abdominal access and is easy to perform.

RESULTS

The operating time with the U-to-u umbilicoplasty is not longer than in standard transverse laparotomy, the access to the abdomen is more than adequate, the incidence of postoperative complications is similar and the cosmetic results are excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the umbilical approach with this novel U-to-u umbilicoplasty to treat congenital duodenal obstruction in the newborn is a safe and effective method and a good alternative to the standard transverse laparotomy approach.

Single-site incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: a single-center initial experience

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard approach in most pediatric surgical centers. In an attempt to further minimize the surgical trauma and improve cosmetic outcome, new techniques with a single incision through the umbilicus have been proposed. There are still few reports concerning this technique in the pediatric population. We evaluated the feasibility of the single incision for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children. We performed the operation in 10 patients, with a mean age of 12 years, mean operating time of 122 minutes, and mean hospital stay of 2 days. No complications occurred, and no conversion to open surgery was needed. In 1 patient, an extra 5-mm port was necessary. The cosmetic results were very satisfactory. In our experience, despite its technical difficulty and initial learning curve, single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pediatric population is a safe and feasible method.

Gene expression analysis in hypoplastic lungs in the nitrofen model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension are the main causes of mortality and morbidity in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Nitrofen is well known to induce CDH and lung hypoplasia in a rat model, but the mechanism remains unknown. To increase the understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of CDH, we performed a global gene expression analysis using microarray technology.

METHODS

Pregnant rats were given 100 mg nitrofen on gestational day 9.5 to create CDH. On day 21, fetuses after nitrofen administration and control fetuses were removed; and lungs were harvested. Global gene expression analysis was performed using Affymetrix Platform and the RAE 230 set arrays. For validation of microarray data, we performed real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Significantly decreased genes after nitrofen administration included several growth factors and growth factors receptors involved in lung development, transcription factors, water and ion channels, and genes involved in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix. These results could be confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein expression studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenesis of lung hypoplasia and CDH in the nitrofen model includes alteration at a molecular level of several pathways involved in lung development. The complexity of the nitrofen mechanism of action reminds of human CDH; and the picture is consistent with lung hypoplasia and vascular disease, both important contributors to the high mortality and morbidity in CDH. Increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control lung growth may be the key to develop novel therapeutic techniques to stimulate pre- and postnatal lung growth.