Zinc- and Fluoride-Releasing Bioactive Glass as a Novel Bone Substitute

Bioglass 45S5, a silica-based glass, has pioneered a new field of biomaterials. Bioglass 45S5 promotes mineralization through calcium ion release and is widely used in the dental field, including toothpaste formulations. However, the use of Bioglass 45S5 for bone grafting is limited owing to the induction of inflammation, as well as reduced degradation and ion release. Phosphate-based glasses exhibit higher solubility and ion release than silica-based glass. Given that these glasses can be synthesized at low temperatures (approximately 1,000°C), they can easily be doped with various metal oxides to confer therapeutic properties. Herein, we fabricated zinc- and fluoride-doped phosphate-based glass (multicomponent phosphate [MP] bioactive glass) and further doped aluminum oxide into the MP glass (4% Al-MP glass) to overcome the striking solubility of phosphate-based glass. Increased amounts of zinc and fluoride ions were detected in water containing the MP glass. Doping of aluminum oxide into the MP glass suppressed the striking dissolution in water, with 4% Al-MP glass exhibiting the highest stability in water. Compared with Bioglass 45S5, 4% Al-MP glass in water had a notably reduced particle size, supporting the abundant ion release of 4% Al-MP glass. Compared with Bioglass 45S5, 4% Al-MP glass enhanced the osteogenesis of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Mouse macrophages cultured with 4% Al-MP glass displayed enhanced induction of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and reduced proinflammatory M1 macrophages, indicating M2 polarization. Upon implanting 4% Al-MP glass or Bioglass 45S5 in a mouse calvarial defect, 4% Al-MP glass promoted significant bone regeneration when compared with Bioglass 45S5. Hence, we successfully fabricated zinc- and fluoride-releasing bioactive glasses with improved osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could serve as a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration.

Exertional Desaturation Is More Severe in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Than in Other Interstitial Lung Diseases

OBJECTIVE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is classified into several disease groups. Among them, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has higher incidence and poor prognosis; therefore, it is important to characterize specific IPF symptoms. Exercise desaturation is a strong factor related to mortality in patients with ILD. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the degree of oxygen desaturation between IPF and other ILD (non-IPF ILD) patients during exercise, using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 126 stable patients with ILD who underwent 6MWT in our outpatient department. The 6MWT was used to assess desaturation during exercise, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and dyspnea at the end of exercise. In addition, patient characteristics and pulmonary function test results were recorded.

RESULTS

Study subjects were divided into 51 IPF patients and 75 non-IPF ILD patients. The IPF group had significantly lower nadir oxygen saturation determined by pulse oximetry (SpO2) during 6MWT than the non-IPF ILD group (IPF, 86.5 ± 4.6%; non-IPF ILD, 88.7 ± 5.3%; p = 0.02). The significant association between the nadir SpO2 and IPF or non-IPF ILD grouping remained even after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, lung function, 6MWD, and dyspnea (β = -1.62; p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Even after adjusting for confounding factors, IPF patients had lower nadir SpO2 during 6MWT. Early assessment of exercise desaturation using the 6MWT may be more important in patients with IPF compared with patients with other ILDs.

Safety of double-balloon enteroscopy in postoperative pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in postoperative pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients 18 years and younger referred to Mie University Hospital. Twenty procedures in 11 children occurred postoperatively; 29 children (42 procedures) had not undergone surgery.

RESULTS

Among postoperative patients, five DBE procedures were performed via the oral route, 12 via the anal route, and three via a stomal route. Among nonoperative patients, 14 DBE procedures were performed via the oral route and 28 via the anal route. Four postoperative patients and two nonoperative patients had difficult pleating via the transanal route because of adhesions or thickening of the intestinal wall resulting from inflammation (P = 0.02). Excluding patients with stenosis, the mean length of endoscopic insertion for transanal procedures was significantly shorter among postoperative patients than among nonoperative patients (73.6 cm vs 160.5 cm, P < 0.01). There were no major complications in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Insertion difficulty was encountered in postoperative pediatric patients. However, our findings indicate that DBE is a safe procedure in postoperative pediatric patients.

Risk factors and intraoral breast milk application for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in surgical neonates

BACKGROUND

Our previous study identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization as an independent risk factor for neonatal surgical site infection. Here we introduce intraoral breast milk application (IBMA) during a fasting state to prevent MRSA colonization. We aimed to evaluate both the risk factors for MRSA colonization and the efficacy of IBMA in neonatal surgical patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed using admission data from 2007 to 2016. Neonatal patients who underwent surgery and were tested periodically for MRSA colonization were evaluated for an association between MRSA colonization and perinatal or perioperative factors.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of MRSA colonization for the 159 patients enrolled in this study was 16.4%. Univariate analysis showed that MRSA colonization was significantly more frequent in the following patients: those with Down syndrome, those admitted on their day of birth, those in need of fasting immediately after birth, and those not receiving IBMA. Multivariate analysis showed that comorbid Down syndrome was an independent risk factor (hazard ratio: 4.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-19.5, P = 0.03) and implementation of IBMA was an independent preventive factor for MRSA colonization (hazard ratio: 0.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.9, P = 0.04). MRSA-positive patients admitted significantly earlier and stayed longer preoperatively than MRSA-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In neonates undergoing surgery, and patients with Down syndrome, early diagnosis after birth and a long waiting period before operation may be associated with MRSA colonization. Intraoral breast milk application may be beneficial for preventing MRSA colonization.

Refractory Ileal Perforations in a Cytomegalovirus-Infected Premature Neonate Resolved After Ganciclovir Therapy

Severe neonatal gastrointestinal diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation are potentially lethal conditions which predominantly occur in preterm infants. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is known to cause congenital and acquired infections in the newborns, has also been implicated in such severe gastrointestinal diseases in premature infants. However, the pathogenic role of CMV and effect of antiviral therapy in severe gastrointestinal disease in premature neonates is currently unclear. We present an infant, born at 26-weeks' gestation, presented with progressive dyspepsia and abdominal distention after the closure of the symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus at the day of life (DOL) 4, requiring the emergent surgery for ileal perforation at the DOL8. After the surgery, abdominal symptoms persisted and the second emergent surgery was performed for the recurrent ileal perforation at DOL17. Even then the abdominal symptoms prolonged and pathological examination in the affected intestine at the second surgery showed CMV inclusion body. Immunoreactivity for CMV antigen was detected in the specimen at the first surgery on DOL8. Blood and urinary CMV-DNA were detected at DOL28. CMV-DNA was also detected in the dried umbilical cord which was obtained within a week from birth. A 6-week course of intravenous ganciclovir (12 mg/kg/day) was started at DOL34 and then symptoms resolved along with decreasing blood CMV-DNA. Pathological findings characteristic of CMV were not detected in the resection specimen at the ileostomy closure at DOL94. These observations indicate that anti-CMV therapy may be beneficial for some premature infants with severe CMV-associated gastrointestinal diseases and warrants further studies focusing on pathogenic role, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this underrecognized etiology of severe gastrointestinal diseases particularly in premature neonates.

Successful identification of a predictive biomarker for lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer using a proteomic approach

Colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated mortality is primarily caused by lymph node (LN) and distant metastasis, highlighting the need for biomarkers that predict LN metastasis and facilitate better therapeutic strategies. We used an Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ)-based comparative proteomics approach to identify novel biomarkers for predicting LN metastasis in CRC patients. We analyzed five paired samples of CRC with or without LN metastasis, adjacent normal mucosa, and normal colon mucosa, and differentially expressed proteins were identified and subsequently validated at the protein and/or mRNA levels by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. We identified 55 proteins specifically associated with LN metastasis, from which we selected ezrin for further analysis and functional assessment. Expression of ezrin at both the protein and mRNA levels was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal colonic mucosa. In univariate analysis, high ezrin expression was significantly associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis, which was consistent with our in vitro findings that ezrin promotes the metastatic capacity of CRC cells by enabling cell invasion and migration. In multivariate analysis, high levels of ezrin protein and mRNA in CRC samples were independent predictors of LN metastasis. Our data thus identify ezrin as a novel protein and mRNA biomarker for predicting LN metastasis in CRC patients.

Long-term functional outcome after untethering surgery for a tethered spinal cord in patients with anorectal malformations

BACKGROUND

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is associated with a tethered spinal cord (TSC). Long-term functional outcome of untethering surgery for TSC in patients with ARM has not been well evaluated.

METHODS

Patients aged 7 years and older who underwent repair of ARM and spinal magnetic resonance imaging from January 1995 to December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Untethering surgery was performed in all patients who were diagnosed with TSC, regardless of the presence or of neurological symptoms. Clinical symptoms reflecting anorectal, urinary, and lower limb function were compared between patients complicated with TSC (TSC group, n = 17) and those without TSC (non-TSC group, n = 14).

RESULTS

The median age at functional evaluation was 11.7 and 12.9 years in the TSC and non-TSC groups, respectively (p = 0.52). Untethering surgery for TSC was performed at a median age of 1.3 years. Preoperative urinary and lower limb dysfunction, except for vesicoureteral reflux in the TSC group in one patient, was improved after surgical detethering. Current anorectal function was comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term functional outcome in patients with ARM and TSC undergoing untethering surgery is equivalent to that in those without TSC. Prophylactic surgical detethering for patients with ARM and TSC can be a treatment of choice to maximize neurological functional outcome.

Proteomics analysis of differential protein expression identifies heat shock protein 47 as a predictive marker for lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer

The discovery of biomarkers to predict the potential for lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is essential for developing improved strategies for treating CRC. In the present study, they used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation to conduct a proteomic analysis designed to identify novel biomarkers for predicting LN metastasis in patients with CRC. They identified 60 differentially expressed proteins specifically associated with LN metastasis in CRC patients and classified the molecular and functional characteristics of these proteins by bioinformatic approaches. A literature search led them to select heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) as the most suitable candidate biomarker for predicting LN metastasis. Validation analysis by immunohistochemistry showed that HSP47 expression in patients with CRC and the number of HSP47-positive spindle cells in the tumor stroma were significantly higher compared with those in adjacent normal colonic mucosa, and the number of the latter cells increased with tumor progression. Further, the number of HSP47-positive spindle cells in stroma was a more informative marker for identifying LN metastasis than HSP47expression. Multivariate analysis identified spindle cells that expressed elevated levels of HSP47 as an independent predictive biomarker for CRC with LN metastasis. Moreover, these cells served as an independent marker of disease-free and overall survival of patients with CRC. Their data indicate that the number of HSP47-positive spindle cells in the stroma of CRC may serve as a novel predictive biomarker of LN metastasis, early recurrence and poor prognosis.

Immunosuppressive medication is not associated with surgical site infection after surgery for intractable ulcerative colitis in children

Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) sometimes progresses to an intractable condition for medical therapy. The surgical management of UC is challenging because of difficult procedures and frequent infectious complications. The aim of this study was to survey surgical procedures and infectious complications in pediatric patients with UC in Japan and to assess the relationship between preoperatively administered immunosuppressive drugs and postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). A survey of pediatric patients treated from 2000 to 2012 was sent to 683 facilities nationwide. Secondary questionnaires were sent to physicians who followed up patients with UC who had undergone surgery with the aim of assessing the relationships between postoperative SSI and selected preoperative patient characteristics, disease severity, medications, and operative procedures. Data for 136 patients (77 boys and 59 girls) were assessed. Median age at surgery was 14.1 years (range: 2.4-18.9 years). Surgery was performed in one stage in 35 cases, two stages in 57 cases, and three stages in 44 cases. SSI occurred in 36/136 patients (26%). According to multiple logistic regression analysis, there were statistically significant associations between SSI and staged surgery (three/one, OR: 6.7, 95% CI: 2.1-25.5, p = 0.0007; three/two, OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4-8.6, p = 0.0069) and female sex (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.4, p = 0.0434). Preoperative medications and incidence of SSI were not significantly associated. Preoperative immunosuppressive medication does not affect the incidence of SSI. Three-stage surgery and female sex are independent predictors of development of postoperative SSIs in pediatric patients with UC.

Secondary pouchitis in a pediatric patient successfully treated by salvage surgery

Apart from primary pouchitis, patients with secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complications require surgical management. The use of abdomino-anal salvage surgery to treat secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complications in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been reported in detail. A girl was diagnosed with UC at 8 years old. She underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) at 9 years old. She presented at 12 years old because of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis. The fistula and stricture failed to improve despite multiple local salvage surgeries and ileostomy construction. At 15 years old, she underwent redo IPAA. The patient was well at 20 years old with no signs of pouchitis. Early treatment by abdomino-anal salvage surgery might be indicated to improve quality of life in pediatric patients with secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complication unresponsive to defunctioning and local salvage surgery.

Laparoscopic repair of bladder rupture in a neonate

Bladder rupture in a fetus is a rare occurrence. We report the first neonatal case of laparoscopic repair for prenatally diagnosed bladder rupture. A male neonate, who had presented with megacystis, bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureters since 27 weeks-of-gestation, was delivered by emergency cesarean section because of sudden collapse of the bladder with massive ascites at 37 weeks-of-gestation. The diagnosis of bladder rupture was made by retrograde urethrocystography. Laparoscopic repair was carried out subsequent to urethral catheterization. Intraoperatively, laceration from the left side of the bladder dome to the posterior wall was observed. This tear was successfully repaired using a two-layer interrupted suture without any postoperative complications. Laparoscopic repair could be the treatment of choice for bladder rupture, because it has the advantage of closure of the perforated site more certainly than bladder decompression alone, and with better cosmesis than open repair.

Enteral refeeding is useful for promoting growth in neonates with enterostomy before stoma closure

BACKGROUND

Enterostomy may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, or impaired absorption of nutrition followed by impairment of growth. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of enteral refeeding (ER) in premature and full-term neonates.

METHODS

A retrospective database of all consecutive neonates who had enterostomy during 2000-2014 in a regional center was analyzed. Thirteen patients with ER (ER group) and 14 patients without ER (control group) were included. Detailed clinical data were evaluated with reference to the increment in body weight during ER.

RESULTS

The ER group had a significantly higher rate in weight gain compared with the control group (P=0.0012), despite the gestational age (<37weeks: P=0.0012, ≥37weeks: P=0.029). ER starting at a lower body weight was also associated with a higher weight gain (P=0.0002). Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only the ER procedure (P<0.0001) and birth weight (P=0.049) were significantly independent predictors of good weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Using ER, low-birth-weight infants may have benefits, such as better acceleration of growth, than normal-birth-weight infants. We do not hesitate to perform ER, even in low-birth-weight neonates or those with low body weight, when starting ER.

Identification of DDX39A as a Potential Biomarker for Unfavorable Neuroblastoma Using a Proteomic Approach

BACKGROUND

Malignant potential in unfavorable neuroblastoma (NB) is dependent on an undifferentiated status. The aim of this study was to identify a novel biomarker associated with the undifferentiated status of NB in vitro and to evaluate its prognostic implication.

PROCEDURE

Shotgun proteomic analysis was performed in undifferentiated and all trans-retinoic acid induced differentiated NB cells in vitro. An identified protein was verified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and evaluated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of the identified protein in 33 primary NB tissues.

RESULTS

Twelve proteins, including ATP-dependent RNA helicase (DDX39A), were only detected in undifferentiated NB cells. A peptide of DDX39A was detected at a significantly higher level in undifferentiated IMR-32 (P = 0.002) and LA-N-1 (P < 0.001) cells by MRM. Western blot analysis revealed that DDX39A expression was significantly higher in undifferentiated IMR-32 (P = 0.02) and LA-N-1 (P = 0.025) cells. IHC demonstrated that DDX39A was highly expressed in the primary tumor tissues of patients with poor prognosis, and univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that DDX39A expression could be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

DDX39A is a potential biomarker for unfavorable NB using a proteomic approach. Evaluation of DDX39A protein expression in NB tumor tissues may provide complementary prognostic information for further subclassification of these tumors.

Efficacy of the Japanese herbal medicine rikkunshito in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants is among the most common reason for physician consultation worldwide. A traditional Japanese medicine, rikkunshito (RKT), is effective for GERD in adult and pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RKT in infants with GERD.

METHODS

Fifty-four infants were referred to between July 2004 and December 2012 for evaluation and treatment of GERD. All infants had failure to thrive. We excluded nine patients with cow's milk protein allergy, neurological impairment or surgical indications. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 45 infants with GERD. Twenty-nine infants were treated with RKT (TJ-43; 0.3 g/kg/day; RKT group), and 16 infants were treated with mosapride citrate at 0.5 mg/kg/day (mosapride group). The primary endpoint was RKT-induced relief of clinical symptoms and bodyweight gain in infants with GERD.

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, the frequency of vomiting per day was significantly lower in the RKT group than in the mosapride group (P = 0.0146) and the weight Z-score was significantly higher in the RKT group than in the mosapride group (RKT group, -2.5 ± 1.5 vs mosapride group, -5.0 ± 2.0; P = 0.0386). No adverse effects were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

RKT may be safe and effective for relief of GER symptoms and for bodyweight gain in infants with GERD.

Meconium peritonitis: Prenatal diagnosis of a rare entity and postnatal management

The aims of this study were to review our therapy and outcome for meconium peritonitis (MP) patients, and to clarify predictors of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively reviewed a total 15 patients with MP who received surgical intervention at our institute from December 1990 to November 2012. Diagnosis of MP was confirmed by operative findings. We analyzed the relationship between outcome and patients' factors including patients' characteristics, prenatal diagnosis, type of MP, general condition, and surgical procedure. There was no relationship between outcome and the following factors: gender, gestational age, body weight at birth, delivery type, Apgar score, prenatal diagnosis, types and causes of MP, and surgical procedure. However, the preoperative presence of circulation deficiency and serum CRP values were statistically significant predictors of outcome in our MP patients. Prenatal diagnosis is essential for the first step of perinatal therapy for MP. Surgical strategy should be selected according to the information of prenatal diagnosis. Early surgical procedures to reduce systemic and abdominal inflammation just after birth may improve the outcome of severe MP cases.

Development of acute pancreatitis after Nissen fundoplication

Acute pancreatitis subsequent to Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an extremely rare adverse event. We describe a pediatric case of acute pancreatitis resulting from superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) and gas bloat after fundoplication. Gas bloat is one of the known postoperative complications after Nissen fundoplication. Poor nutrition status, which is often associated with severe pediatric GERD, is a risk factor for SMAS. In this case, development of gas bloat and SMAS led to the formation of a closed loop and increased intraluminal pressure of the duodenum and pancreatic duct. Many pediatric patients who need anti-reflux surgery face the risk of developing this entity. Preventive measures, such as treatment with prokinetics and frequent small-volume meals, should be considered until improvement of nutritional status after fundoplication.

Use of computed tomography-lymphangiography with direct injection of water-soluble contrast medium to identify the origin of chylous ascites

Contrast lymphangiography is a useful technique to determine the site of lymphatic leakage in the patient with chylous ascites. Conventional lymphangiography with lipid-soluble contrast material carries the disadvantage of complications, such as oil emboli and lymphedema. The authors report a successful case of computed tomography (CT)-lymphangiography with direct injection of water-soluble contrast medium into a lower limb lymphatic vessel to determine the site of lymphatic leakage in a pediatric patient with refractory primary chylous ascites. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic ligation of the leaking site and recovered well. This novel technique offers superior potential for preoperative assessment and the planning of laparoscopic repair.

Segmental distribution in refractory ulcerative colitis: a histological evaluation in pediatric and adult patients who underwent proctocolectomy

BACKGROUND

Histological segmental distribution of ulcerative colitis (UC) may represent an early finding of newly diagnosed UC, especially in pediatric patients; a sign of Crohn's disease; or a predictor of refractory UC. However, its significance remains unknown. This study was performed to compare the final pathologic findings in resected total colon and rectum specimens between pediatric and adult patients with refractory UC who underwent proctocolectomy and clarify the significance of segmental distribution in pediatric patients with UC.

METHODS

Ninety patients with medically refractory UC (14 with childhood-onset UC and 76 with adult-onset UC) who underwent a two-staged operation comprising total proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis in the first stage were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed all patients' medical records and performed a histological evaluation of the resected total colon using Geboes' grading system for histological inflammation activity of UC and factors of Tanaka's criteria for refractory UC.

RESULTS

Histological segmental distribution was more frequently observed in the resected colon at surgery in pediatric (64%) than in adult patients (21%) with refractory UC. The administration of immunomodulators or anti-TNF-α antibody within 30 days before surgery was more frequently performed in adults than in children. Patients with refractory UC with a segmental distribution had a statistically significant relationship with shorter duration before surgery (P = 0.0009), male gender (P = 0.0342), and higher activity of disease inflammation in rectum (P = 0.0399). Multivariate analysis revealed the statistically significant relationship between segmental distribution and disease duration before surgery ≤ 6 years (P = 0.0031).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopists should perform biopsies of both normal and abnormal mucosa throughout the total colon and follow changes in the pathological pattern because segmental distribution is an important predictor of prognosis.

Intraluminal appendiceal fluid is a predictive factor for recurrent appendicitis after initial successful non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

The risk factors for recurrent appendicitis in pediatric patients are unclear. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for recurrent appendicitis in pediatric patients who initially underwent successful non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis.

METHODS

Potential predictive factors for recurrent appendicitis in terms of clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography findings, were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included 125 patients who underwent initial successful non-operative management of appendicitis. The rate of recurrent appendicitis was 19.2%, and the mean time to recurrence was 12.6 months. Univariate analyses found that rebound tenderness, muscle guarding, appendicoliths, appendiceal diameter >9 mm, and intraluminal appendiceal fluid were associated with recurrent appendicitis. Multivariate analysis identified only intraluminal appendiceal fluid as an independent predictor of recurrent appendicitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraluminal appendiceal fluid is a predictive factor for recurrent appendicitis after initial non-operative management. The results of this study provide valuable information that may help to determine the appropriate management during the first episode of appendicitis.

Infantile Crohn's disease is one of the risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infection

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheterization is recognized as a lifeline that is important for chemotherapy or nutritional support in pediatric patients with malignant disease and intestinal failure. This study analyzed the risk of infection with Broviac line use among these patients at a single Japanese center.

METHODS

Two hundred and four Broviac lines were inserted in patients in the pediatric ward from January 2003 to October 2011. We analyzed the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) using clinical characteristics including underlying disease, sepsis history, inserted situation, drug use, and laboratory data at the time of Broviac insertion or before CR-BSI.

RESULTS

During the study period, data from a total of 15 lines were excluded because of missing blood culture data. In the remaining 189 Broviac lines, 52 lines developed CR-BSI. On univariate analysis, leukemia, infantile Crohn's disease, sepsis history before Broviac insertion, existence of a stoma opening, and immunosuppressant use before CR-BSI were risk factors for CR-BSI. On multivariate logistic regression analysis infantile Crohn's disease, sepsis history before Broviac insertion, and immunosuppressant use before CR-BSI were independently associated with CR-BSI (P = 0.015, P = 0.045, and P = 0.043, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Infantile Crohn's disease carries a high risk for CR-BSI because of its pathological condition, the therapeutic drugs required, and surgical intervention.

10-year-old girl with life-threatening idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome: a case report

Background

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a rare disorder, characterized by episodic life-threatening hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and developed generalized edema a day after admission. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with ISCLS. She received aggressive fluid replacement, methylprednisolone pulse (30 mg/kg/day), high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, 2 g/kg/day) and plasma exchange in acute phase. She received fasciotomy of bilateral lower extremities as she developed complications of compartment syndrome. Since there were two episodes of ISCLS attacks, theophylline and terbutaline were initiated for prevention of attacks and then the remission is currently maintained. Because of high fatality rate in ISCLS, prompt diagnosis and intervention are very important.

Conclusion

We describe here, a rare case of pediatric ISCLS. ISCLS should be considered as a differential diagnosis, when the patient presents with unexplained or sudden hypovolemic shock. Reports on pediatrics ISCLS are very few, and accumulation of similar case reports is needed.

Predictive factors for development of chronic pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

No previous studies have examined predictive factors for chronic pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) with consideration of changes in pouchitis subtypes during follow-up. This study evaluated the independent predictive factors for chronic pouchitis.

METHODS

A total of 244 consecutive patients who underwent IPAA were enrolled. We assessed the possible associations between pouchitis and clinical factors using Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

231 patients met the inclusion criteria. 66 (28.5%) patients developed pouchitis. In 9 of 44 (20.4%) patients, antibiotic-responsive pouchitis at the first episode changed into chronic pouchitis after the occurrence of a subsequent episode. The median duration from occurrence of antibiotic-responsive pouchitis to alteration into chronic pouchitis was 502 (range 147-1,697) days. Overall pouchitis was finally classified into 35 acute pouchitis and 31 chronic pouchitis cases. Multivariate analysis revealed that a ≥ 7.5-g cumulative steroid dose before colectomy and a ≥ 500-mg monthly steroid dose just before colectomy were significant predictive factors for chronic pouchitis (p = 0.0001 and 0.0095, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with UC and a higher cumulative steroid dose before colectomy or higher monthly steroid dose just before colectomy may have a predictive factor for developing chronic pouchitis.

Hairy polyp can be lethal even when small in size

A case of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest in a 3-month-old girl is presented. The patient had barely recovered from hypoxic encephalopathy when she presented with repeated respiratory distress. Computed tomography and endoscopic analysis revealed a shiny polyp in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, and this polyp was suspected to be the main cause of respiratory distress. After referral to our hospital, surgical removal was performed, and the histopathological diagnosis was hairy polyp. Hairy polyp is a rare congenital benign tumor that sometimes induces respiratory distress. This polyp can potentially induce a life-threatening event. In a systematic review of 40 reported cases, polyps of ≤ 3.0 cm in diameter have a higher risk of respiratory distress than do those >3.0 cm in diameter (P = 0.01). Small hairy polyps may be lethal because of delayed diagnosis. To locate small hairy polyps, physicians should not hesitate to perform further examination because there is the possibility of oversight with only physical examination.

Trehalose does not affect the functions of human neutrophils in vitro

PURPOSE

Trehalose, naturally occurring disaccharide, has been reported to prevent postoperative abdominal adhesions in animal models. We investigated whether trehalose affects the function of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in vitro to assess the feasibility of its clinical application as an anti-adhesive barrier.

METHODS

Human PMNs were obtained from 17 healthy volunteers. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used for the bacterial infection model, whereas lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin (IL)-1β were used for inflammation induction model. The PMN phagocytosis rates of bacteria and apoptosis/necrosis were assessed on trehalose, maltose, and control media. Cytokines; namely, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1α, IL-1Ra, IL-6, and IL-8; and PMN-elastase were measured on each medium in both models.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the phagocytosis rates, apoptosis/necrosis rates, or levels of all cytokines or PMN-elastase among the three media in the bacterial infection model. There were also no significant differences in the levels of all cytokines and PMN-elastase among the three media in the IL-1β inflammation induction model. PMN-elastase was lower in trehalose and maltose medium after LPS stimulation, at 3 and 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that trehalose does not affect the cellular function, cytokine production, or release of PMN-elastase of human PMNs in an in vitro bacterial infection model.

Self-reported assessment of health-related quality of life in children who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

To clarify health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by self-evaluation after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in children with ulcerative colitis, a questionnaire using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL) was administered.

METHODS

The PedsQL was administered to 13 consecutive children (mean age 14.5 years) who underwent IPAA between 2005 and 2010 in our hospital and age-matched healthy controls. The mean duration after IPAA was 2.5 years (range 0.08-6 years) at the time of this study. Healthy children completed the same questionnaire by retrospective imaging during the past 1 month by the PedsQL evaluation policy.

RESULTS

Patients' total score and each functioning score after IPAA reached the same levels as those in healthy controls. Soiling, pouchitis occurrence, and bowel movements had no significant relationship to the PedsQL total score and each functioning score.

CONCLUSIONS

Interference of physical activity, emotional status, and social life caused by refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) worsens patients' HRQOL. IPAA could resolve these problems in children with UC and result in an HRQOL comparable with that in healthy children.

Clinical implications of CES2 RNA expression in neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Human carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) is the key enzyme for metabolic activation of irinotecan (CPT-11). The aim was to evaluate the clinical implications of CES2 RNA expression in neuroblastoma cells.

METHODS

CES2 RNA expression was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in five neuroblastoma cell lines and 42 clinical samples of untreated neuroblastoma. Sensitivity to CPT-11 was assessed by WST-8 colorimetric assays. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry after CPT-11 exposure. Protein expression of CES2 was evaluated by Western blotting analysis. CES2 RNA expression in clinical samples was investigated for its associations with the clinicopathological characteristics.

RESULTS

CES2 RNA expression was observed in neuroblastoma cells, and its expression in neuroblastoma cell lines was positively correlated with sensitivity to CPT-11 and apoptosis after CPT-11 exposure in vitro. CES2 RNA expression was correlated with the protein levels of CES2 in vitro. CES2 RNA expression was significantly higher in patients with a characteristic related to advanced disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the potential of clinical application of CPT-11 in neuroblastoma treatment for patients with advanced disease.

Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease in a child

We report the pediatric case of ileal Crohn's disease in which the patient underwent transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection. A 14-year-old boy with severe growth disturbance presented with intestinal obstruction. Transanal double-balloon enteroscopy and contrast study during endoscopy revealed a cobble stone appearance and a severe stricture 15 cm in length located slightly proximal to the ileocecal valve. There was no evidence of fistula or abscess formation. Ileocecal resection was performed via an umbilical incision with conventional laparoscopic instruments, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection is a good procedure for uncomplicated Crohn's disease patients in childhood.

Glycolysis inhibitors as a potential therapeutic option to treat aggressive neuroblastoma expressing GLUT1

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Increased glycolysis is among the biochemical characteristics of cancerous tissue. The glucose transporter isoform 1 (GLUT1) gene encodes a key factor for glucose transport into cancerous tissue. However, the expression and functional significance of GLUT1 in neuroblastoma have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the association of GLUT1 expression with clinical outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma using immunohistochemical staining for GLUT1 in neuroblastoma tissues. We also assessed the efficacy of glycolysis inhibition as an anticancer treatment in neuroblastoma cell lines with altered expression of GLUT1.

METHODS

We obtained total RNA from cancerous tissue by microdissection in 47 patients with neuroblastoma. GLUT1 expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed the association of GLUT1 expression levels with clinical outcomes. We also examined changes in GLUT1 expression and proliferative responses in vitro using 4 neuroblastoma cell lines treated with a glycolysis inhibitor, 3-Bromopyruvate acid.

RESULTS

Elevated GLUT1 expression was associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, elevated GLUT1 expression independently predicted overall survival. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GLUT1 expression tended to be localized to the centers of neuroblastoma cell nests. Our in vitro studies showed that 3-Bromopyruvate acid significantly suppressed the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells with high GLUT1 gene expression compared with those with low expression.

CONCLUSION

Glycolysis inhibitors are a potential therapeutic option for treating aggressive tumors expressing GLUT1.

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to lymphocytic intestinal leiomyositis: Case report and literature review

Lymphocytic intestinal leiomyositis is a rare entity, which causes chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) in children. We present the first case of a boy who had pure red cell anemia 1 year before onset. Prolonged ileus developed after gastroenteritis and the patient was diagnosed using a biopsy of the intestinal wall. Findings from the present case indicate that there are three important factors for accurate diagnosis: history of enteritis, positive serum smooth muscle antibody, and lymphocyte infiltration with muscle destruction in the muscularis propria in the intestinal wall. Earlier diagnosis and induction of immunosuppressive therapy may be essential for a better outcome.

Neutrophil dysfunction in steroid-overdosed patients with ulcerative colitis: potential relevance of macrophage migration inhibitory factor to increased postoperative morbidity

PURPOSE

We studied macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-related neutrophil dysfunction in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), under conditions of surgical stress, focusing in particular on total preoperative steroid dosages.

METHODS

Neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood samples obtained from 21 UC patients soon after radical surgery for UC. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to their total preoperative prednisolone dosages. The neutrophil phagocytosis, viable cell, and cell necrosis rates after exposure to Escherichia coli were evaluated by flow cytometry. The supernatant concentrations of mediators after exposure to E. coli were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of MIF and the total preoperative dosage of prednisolone. More viable neutrophils from the high-dosage steroid group patients than from the low-dosage steroid group patients tended to undergo necrosis, followed by the release of neutrophil elastase after exposure to E. coli. The levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were not enhanced after E. coli stimulation, but the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the supernatants of neutrophils from the high-dosage steroid group patients were increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Steroid-overdosed UC patients with MIF-related neutrophil dysfunction may be at increased risk of destructive local inflammation following surgery.

Laparoscopic detorsion and colopexy for splenic flexure volvulus in an infant

Primary splenic flexure volvulus is a rare entity. We describe the first case of splenic flexure volvulus managed by a laparoscopic approach. A previously healthy 32-month-old girl presented with constipation, appetite loss, and nonbilious vomiting of 15 days of duration. Contrast enema and 3-dimensional computed tomography revealed a "bird's beak" sign at the splenic flexure, consistent with the diagnosis of splenic flexure volvulus. Attempted detorsion during colonoscopy was unsuccessful, and a laparoscopic procedure was performed, and 180° torsion of the splenic flexure with a distal caliber change was observed. After detorsion of the volvulus, the splenic flexure and descending colon were fixed to the peritoneum. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no recurrence during the subsequent 16 months of follow-up. Laparoscopic colopexy is a minimally invasive and effective method of managing splenic flexure volvulus, especially in patients without an underlying disease that causes constipation.

Efficacy of Seprafilm® in abdominal surgery for ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction: a report of two pediatric cases

Temporary external drainage with adequate antibiotic treatment followed by ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt reinsertion is necessary to treat VP shunt malfunction with infection. In surgeries for VP shunt reinsertion, the key factors that determine whether the reinserted VP shunt will function sufficiently are adequate adhesiolysis and safe placement of the VP shunt within a satisfactory peritoneal location. Based on these factors, the prevention of postoperative adhesions after surgery for VP shunt malfunction is very important. We present two cases of shunt malfunction related to infection and report their successful treatment using Seprafilm®. Seprafilm may improve the safety of VP shunt reinsertion and preserve the function of the reinserted VP shunt after VP shunt malfunction with infection.

Poor catch-up growth after proctocolectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis receiving prolonged steroid therapy

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to review the complications and growth after proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) patients receiving prolonged steroid therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We experienced 209 patients with UC who received IPAA between September 2000 and June 2009, and reviewed the medical records of 16 pediatric (<15 years of age at operation and >1 year follow-up) patients.

RESULTS

The total dose of preoperative prednisolone (PSL) was 9,829 +/- 9,283 mg (mean +/- 1SD 880-30,000 mg). The dose of preoperative PSL was significantly related to the occurrence of preoperative major steroid-related complications (SRC). Older patients (>11 years at operation) grew more slowly compared with younger patients (< or =11 years at operation) for 5 years. There was a significant difference in height between PSL high-dose (>10,000 mg) and PSL low-dose (< or =10,000) patients for 5 years after colectomy. The mean height of PSL high-dose patients did not reach the standard level during the 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative prolonged high steroid therapy may disturb growth recovery of pediatric patients with UC, while early induction of colectomy allowed pediatric patients with PSL dependency to become free of steroids and get normal growth.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with a pure duplication of chromosome 1q: report of the first surviving case

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs in multiple malformation syndromes and associations, and has been associated with cytogenetic aberrations on almost every chromosome arm. However, CDH with a duplication of chromosome 1q is very rare in the literature, and all previously reported cases with detailed clinical courses died soon after birth. We present the first surviving case of CDH with a duplication of 1q12-q23, who had arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. CDH patients with a proximal duplication of chromosome 1q may have a chance for survival, and CDH with a duplication of chromosome 1q is not necessarily a lethal association.

Ovarian autoamputation in a neonate: a case report with literature review

A case of ovarian autoamputation in an asymptomatic neonate is presented. An abdominal cyst was detected in a 30-week-gestation fetus on an antenatal ultrasound scan (USS). Postnatal USS confirmed the presence of a cyst in the right pelvis and revealed it to be 3.2 cm in diameter. CT and MRI revealed cyst wall calcification and intracystic hemorrhage. To confirm the diagnosis and treatment, the cyst was surgically removed. During the operation, a free autoamputated right ovarian cyst was found and removed from the abdomen. Ovarian cyst autoamputation is an extremely rare complication. In this article, we review the infantile ovarian autoamputation cases reported in the literature and assess their diagnosis and therapeutic management.