Journal of pediatric surgery
-
Obesity is an independent risk factor in trauma-related morbidity in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity in the pediatric trauma population. ⋯ In pediatric trauma patients, obesity may be a risk factor for sustaining an extremity fracture requiring operative intervention and having a higher risk for certain complications (ie, deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and decubitus ulcers) despite having a lower incidence of intracranial and intraabdominal injuries. Results are similar to reports examining the effect(s) of obesity on the adult population.
-
The aim of the study is to test the effect of age and preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pre-ECMO) days of ventilation on ECMO survival in the pediatric population. ⋯ In the pediatric population, survival decreases significantly as pre-ECMO ventilator days increase. Survival is also inversely related to patient age. Thus, patient age and duration of ventilation should be considered when evaluating suitability for ECMO.
-
Major trauma is the leading cause of death in children of developed countries. However, little is known about its long-term health consequences in survivors. Our aim was to describe the health condition in children at long-term after major trauma. ⋯ This long-term follow-up study after major trauma revealed that most children had a health condition comparable to healthy peers; about 40% of the respondents was physically impaired or restricted in daily activities. Our experiences with different measures may be helpful to apply age-appropriate outcome measures for the clinical follow-up of children after major trauma and to design future longitudinal studies.
-
Comparative Study
Presence of pneumomediastinum after blunt trauma in children: what does it really mean?
Pneumomediastinum after blunt thoracic trauma is often considered a marker of serious aerodigestive injury that leads to invasive testing. However, the efficacy of such testing in otherwise stable children remains unknown. We hypothesize that pneumomediastinum after blunt trauma in clinically stable children is rarely associated with significant underlying injury. ⋯ Children with pneumomediastinum from blunt trauma often receive invasive and expensive testing with low yield, especially those with isolated thoracic trauma.
-
Comparative Study
Follow-up of surgical correction of aortic arch anomalies causing tracheoesophageal compression: a 38-year single institution experience.
Anomalies of the aortic arch (vascular rings) are uncommon anomalies in which preferred strategies for diagnosis and treatment may vary among institutions. In this study, we report a description of our approach and review of our 38-year experience in patients surgically treated for vascular rings. ⋯ Vascular anomalies with/without tracheoesophageal compression present symptomatically in a variety of ways, and noninvasive methods are used to identify the specific lesion and associated cardiac defects. Surgical repair is associated with low or no mortality in patients with uncomplicated complex of vascular anomalies.