Colonic Motility in Children with Repaired Imperforate Anus

Following surgical correction of imperforateanus, voluntary bowel control is frequently poor becauseof abnormal anorectal function. Using colonic manometrywe investigated the role of colonic motility in the pathogenesis of fecal soiling inchildren following imperforate anus repair. Thirteenchildren with repaired imperforate anus and fecalsoiling underwent motility testing 2-12 years afteranoplasty. All had fecal incontinence unresponsive toconventional medical treatment. Colonic manometry wasperformed using water-perfused catheters. Anorectalmanometry was undertaken in 10 patients. Motility study results, treatment and outcomes were compared.All patients had high-amplitude propagating contractions(HAPCs) with an average of 80% propagation into theneorectum. There was no correlation between HAPC number or morphology and any variable. Internalanal sphincter resting pressure was low in 6/10patients. Relaxation of the internal anal sphincter waspresent in 6/10 children. Only 1 of 5 patients able to cooperate was capable of generating a normalmaximal squeeze pressure. Therapeutic regimens werechanged in 11 patients with clinical improvement infive. Fecal soiling in patients with repairedimperforate anus is a multifactorial problem includingpropagation of excessive numbers of HAPCs into theneorectum as well as internal anal sphincterdysfunction. Colonic manometry in conjunction withanorectal manometry aids in the understanding of thepathophysiology of fecal soiling and guides clinicalmanagement in children with repaired imperforateanus.     

Imperforate tricuspid valve with single cardiac outlet from right ventricle

A cyanosed neonate was diagnosed as having concordant atrioventricular connection and single cardiac outlet and aorta from right ventricle with atresia of the pulmonary valve. She underwent a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt and is now thriving. Additionally, the tricuspid valve was imperforate and a large ventricular septal defect caused an unusual pattern of intracardiac blood flow. The tricuspid valve ring and right ventricular cavity appeared to be of normal size. The good outcome in this patient suggests that these features may be advantageous for corrective operation.     

Cecostomy in Children with Defecation Disorders

Administration of antegrade enemas through a cecostomy is a therapeutic option for children with severe defecation disorders. The purpose of this study is to report our 4-year experience with the cecostomy procedure in 31 children with functional constipation (n = 9), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), imperforate anus (n = 5), spinal abnormalities (n = 8), and imperforate anus in combination with tethered spinal cord (n = 7). Data regarding complications, antegrade enemas used, symptoms, and quality of life were retrospectively obtained. Placement of cecostomy tubes was successful in 30 of 31 patients. Soiling episodes decreased significantly in children with functional constipation (P = 0.01), imperforate anus (P < 0.01), and spinal abnormalities (P = 0.04). Quality of life improved in patients with functional constipation and imperforate anus. No difference in complications was found between percutaneous and surgical placement. Use of antegrade enemas via cecostomy improved symptoms and quality of life in children with a variety of defecation disorders. This study was supported in part by the Ter Meulen Fund, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.     

Imperforate tricuspid valve with single cardiac outlet from right ventricle.

A cyanosed neonate was diagnosed as having concordant atrioventricular connection and single cardiac outlet and aorta from right ventricle with atresia of the pulmonary valve. She underwent a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt and is now thriving. Additionally, the tricuspid valve was imperforate and a large ventricular septal defect caused an unusual pattern of intracardiac blood flow. The tricuspid valve ring and right ventricular cavity appeared to be of normal size. The good outcome in this patient suggests that these features may be advantageous for corrective operation.     

Risk factors of vesicoureteral reflux and urinary tract infections in children with imperforate anus: A population-based case-control study in Taiwan

Imperforate anus (IA) is associated with several urological anomalies, including vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a major contributor to high morbidity in patients with anorectal malformations. This retrospective study was performed to elucidate the risk factors of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and UTI in children with IA.We used the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to estimate the frequency of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children with IA. We also investigated the frequencies of VUR, UTI, and CAKUT in children with IA along with the risk factors of VUR.We enrolled 613 children between 2000 and 2008 (367 males and 246 females; 489 low-position IA and 124 high-position IA). High-position IA was associated with a significantly increased risk of VUR compared with low-position IA (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.61, 4.45). In addition, children with IA along with CAKUT, hydronephrosis, or UTI had a higher risk of VUR (OR: 8.57, 95% CI: 3.75, 19.6; OR: 7.65, 95% CI: 4.48, 13.1; and OR: 31.8, 95% CI: 11.5, 88.3, respectively). UTI, as well as chromosomal anomalies, were more frequent in children with high-position IA.Patients with a high-position IA had a greater risk of VUR, particularly those with CAKUT, hydronephrosis, or UTI. Such patients must periodically undergo urinalysis to screen for UTI and early voiding cystourethrogram to rule out VUR and prevent consequent renal damage. Chromosomal analysis is suggested to rule out Down syndrome.     

Injuries associated with percutaneous placement of transthoracic pacemakers

Injuries associated with the percutaneous placement of transthoracic pacemakers are poorly documented. We prospectively sought to determine any injuries associated with various placement routes. Six different approaches were used in each of 20 adult patients examined at autopsy. Three parasternal approaches utilized the fifth intercostal space (5ICS). One pacing wire was inserted immediately to the left of the sternum along the parasternal line (5ICS-PS), one pacing wire was inserted 4 cm to the left of the midsternal line (5ICS-4), and the third wire was inserted 6 cm from the midsternal line (5ICS-6). All parasternal needle insertions were directed medially, dorsally, and cephalad toward the right second costochondral junction at an angle of 30 degrees to the skin. Three subxiphoid approaches were inserted through the left xyphocostal notch at an angle of 30 degrees to the skin. One pacing wire was directed toward the right shoulder, one toward the sternal notch, and one toward the left shoulder (SXLS). Injuries were assessed by autopsy, postmortem coronary angiography, and stereoscopic radiography. The 5ICS-PS approach resulted in fewer injuries when compared to all other approaches. Because previous work has demonstrated that the 5ICS-PS, 5ICS-6, and SXLS approaches are more accurate than the other approaches for transthoracic pacemaker insertion, the 5ICS-PS represents an approach that combines reasonable accuracy with the least likelihood for injury in the placement of percutaneous transthoracic pacing wires.     

Review of organic causes of fecal incontinence in children: evaluation and treatment

Even though fecal incontinence (FI) in children is most commonly the result of functional constipation, there are organic conditions that can be associated with incontinence. FI has a major impact on the quality of life of those children who experience it. The general objectives of any bowel program are to achieve predictability and independence. This is achieved by manipulating colonic transit and stool consistency and by producing more controlled evacuations, usually with the use of rectal interventions. Dietary interventions and medications can be used to change stool consistency or to manipulate transit by accelerating or slowing it down. Biofeedback or other interventions that increase sphincter pressure can also be used to improve anorectal function. Enemas or suppositories can be used to empty the sigmoid colon in a more controlled manner. With the recent advent of the antegrade colonic enemas, the patient can have predictable bowel movements and become independent.     

Aseptic knee effusion associated with calcified guinea worms

Reported is a case of aseptic knee effusion associated with the presence of a calcified guinea worm, Dracunculus medinensis, in close proximity to the joint. The patient, a native of Nigeria, presented with chronic right knee pain and swelling. He did well with symptomatic treatment including non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, rest, ice, and elevation of the leg. Dracunculiasis is prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa, but has been described only rarely in the United States.     

Incidence and characteristics of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes

Aims To estimate the incidence, characteristics and potential causes of lower limb amputations in France. Methods Admissions with lower limb amputations were extracted from the 2003 French national hospital discharge database, which includes major diagnoses and procedures performed during hospital admissions. For each patient, diabetes was defined by its record in at least one admission with or without lower limb amputation in the 2002–2003 databases. Results In 2003, 17 551 admissions with lower limb amputation were recorded, involving 15 353 persons, which included 7955 people with diabetes. The crude incidence of lower limb amputation in people with diabetes was 378/100 000 (349 / 100 000 when excluding traumatic lower limb amputation). The sex and age standardized incidence was 12 times higher in people with than without diabetes (158 vs. 13/100 000). Renal complications and peripheral arterial disease and/or neuropathy were reported in, respectively, 30% and 95% of people with diabetes with lower limb amputation. Traumatic causes (excluding foot contusion) and bone diseases (excluding foot osteomyelitis) were reported in, respectively, 3% and 6% of people with diabetes and lower limb amputation, and were 5 and 13 times more frequent than in people without diabetes. Conclusions We provide a first national estimate of lower limb amputation in France. We highlight its major impact on people with diabetes and its close relationship with peripheral arterial disease/neuropathy and renal complications in the national hospital discharge database. We do not suggest the exclusion of traumatic causes when studying the epidemiology of lower limb amputation related to diabetes, as diabetes may contribute to amputation even when the first cause appears to be traumatic.     

New Surgical Options for Fecal Incontinence in Patients With Imperforate Anus

INTRODUCTION: Anorectal malformations are among the various etiologic factors causing fecal incontinence. Patients with imperforate anus are difficult to treat, specifically those with high lesions. The artificial bowel sphincter and electrically stimulated gracilis neosphincter are two relatively new techniques that have been used for the treatment of patients with severe refractory fecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of these technologies in the treatment of patients with chronic fecal incontinence due to imperforate anus. METHODS: All patients with imperforate anus who had fecal incontinence and underwent either the artificial bowel sphincter procedure or the gracilis neosphincter procedure between February 1995 and December 2000 were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative incontinence score (Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Score; 0 = perfect continence; 20 = complete incontinence), quality of life, (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, 29 items forming 4 scales), and manometric sphincter pressure results were compared. RESULTS: Eleven patients had artificial bowel sphincter and five had the gracilis neosphincter (one nonstimulated) procedure. There were 11 males and 5 females of a mean age of 25.3 (range, 15–45) years. The mean follow-up time was 1.7 years (5 months to 5.7 years). Eight (50 percent) complications occurred in six patients, including three with fecal impaction (all artificial bowel sphincter), three with device migration (two gracilis neosphincter, one artificial bowel sphincter), and two patients with concomitant wound infection (one gracilis neosphincter, one artificial bowel sphincter); no patients had the devices explanted. Fourteen patients had manometric data (10 artificial bowel sphincter and 4 gracilis neosphincter) available. The overall incontinence score decreased from a preoperative mean of 18.5 to a postoperative mean of 7.5 in the artificial bowel sphincter group (P < 0.01) and from 17.4 to 9.4 in the gracilis neosphincter group (P = 0.06). All four Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scales increased in both the artificial bowel sphincter (lifestyle and depression/self-perception, P = 0.02; coping/behavior and embarrassment, P = 0.03) and the gracilis neosphincter (lifestyle and coping, P = 0.06; depression and embarrassment, P = 0.05) patients. As well, the mean resting and squeeze pressures increased with both techniques (artificial bowel sphincter: P = 0.008 and P = 0.02, respectively; gracilis neosphincter: P = 0.4 and P = 0.1, respectively). All results were statistically significant in the artificial bowel sphincter group. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial bowel sphincter and gracilis neosphincter are efficient methods to treat patients with imperforate anus. These techniques should be considered for patients with imperforate anus and severe fecal incontinence.     

妊娠合并重症急性胰腺炎

妊娠合并重症急性胰腺炎,是一种严重的妊娠期疾病,具有起病急、临床表现不典型及母婴病死率高等特点。国内外报道妊娠合并急性胰腺炎的发病率约为1／1000—1／12000,而合并重症急性胰腺炎（出血坏死型胰腺炎）的更少。由于妊娠牵涉到母婴健康和安全的特殊情况,所以该病的临床治疗有一定的特殊性。作者报道了南京医科大学第一附属医院胰腺外科中心近1年来4例妊娠合并重症急性胰腺炎的诊治体会。     

Quality of life measures for fecal incontinence and their use in children

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence is a common problem within society from childhood through to the elderly. Its clinical assessment has focussed on severity and frequency of soiling episodes but it is increasingly recognized to have an impact on physical, psychological and social well-being (quality of life [QOL]). This is likely to be particularly important in childhood. The aim of the present study was to critically evaluate the development and application of disease-specific QOL measures, focusing particularly on their use in children. METHODS: Generally recognized disease-specific QOL measures for fecal incontinence were identified and their generation and validation were critically evaluated. RESULTS: Six instruments were identified: Ditesheim and Templeton QOL Scoring System, Manchester Health Questionnaire, Hirschsprung's Disease/Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life Questionnaire (HAQL), Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), Fecal Incontinence TyPE Specification, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL). Although the FIQL appeared to be the better tool for adults with fecal incontinence because it was brief and had the best validity and reliability, it needed further modification to become appropriate for use in children. In particular, items relating to sexual activity were inappropriate. CONCLUSION: Neither the FIQL nor other disease-specific instruments met basic psychometric standards for use in children with fecal incontinence. Substantial revision of currently available instruments will be required to meet the needs of this population.     

Prevalence of diabetes related vascular complications in subjects with normal glucose tolerance,prediabetes, newly detected diabetes and known diabetes

AimsVarying prevalence of individual diabetes related vascular complications in prediabetes has been reported. However, very few studies have looked at both macrovascular and microvascular complications in prediabetes.MethodsStudy subjects without any history of diabetes underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and were classified as either normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes (PD), newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM) on the basis of American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Age and sex matched known diabetes mellitus (KDM) patients were also recruited. All the participants were subsequently screened for both macrovascular (CAD, CVA,PVD) and microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy)complications of diabetes.ResultsPrevalence of vascular complications among prediabetes subjects was 11.1% as compared to 1.4% among NGT subjects, 13.9% among NDDM subjects and 23.8% among KDM subjects. There was no significant between complication rates in prediabetes and NDDM group (p = 0.060). The prevalence of macrovascular and microvascular complications among prediabetes subjects was 4.2% and 6.9% while the same in NDDM was 4.2% and 9.7%.ConclusionsThe proportion of subjects with prediabetes and vascular complications was about half of those with known diabetes and almost similar to those with newly detected diabetes mellitus.     

86例小儿肺炎支原体感染肺外并发症临床分析

目的研究分析小儿肺炎支原体感染肺外并发症的临床特征,并分析患者的危险因素。方法对我院收治的86例小儿肺炎支原体感染合并肺外并发症患者资料进行分析,所有患者均经过临床确诊,有肺炎支原体IgM阳性或肺炎支原体DNA阳性。并与同期确诊肺炎支原体感染无肺外并发症患者90例进行对比分析。结果肺外并发症组患儿发热时间更长,与无并发症组比较差异明显（P〈0.05）。结论小儿肺炎支原体感染肺外并发症在临床较为常见,患者预后较好,但仍需要医生引起重视,防止漏诊和误诊。     

Goal-directed fluid management associates with fewer postoperative fluid collections in pancreatoduodenectomy patients

BackgroundThe association between perioperative fluid management and complications in pancreatoduodenectomy patients remains controversial. We explored the association between fluid management and radiological signs of complications.MethodsWe examined pancreatoduodenectomy patients operated between July 2014 and December 2015 (n = 125) and between January 2017 and June 2018 (n = 124). The first cohort received intraoperative fluid management according to a goal-directed strategy and the second cohort was treated conventionally. We analyzed fluid administration, edema visible in computed tomography (CT) scans seven days postoperatively, and radiological signs of complications occurring up to 30 days. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors for fluid collections.ResultsNo statistically significant difference in postoperative edema via CT scans emerged between the fluid management groups. However, the intraperitoneal space expanded in patients with severe Clavien–Dindo complications compared with patients experiencing mild or no complications (19.1% (IQR 10.4–40.5) vs 2.5% (IQR -7.9–16.6), p = 0.004). Fluid collections were less frequent in the goal-directed group than in the conventional fluid management group (16.8% vs 34.7%, p = 0.001). Risk factors for fluid collections included main pancreatic duct size ≤3 mm, less intraoperative fluid volume accompanying conventional fluid management, a lower postoperative urine output, and postoperative congestive heart failure. The goal-directed group received more intraoperative fluids than the conventional fluid management group and postoperative urine output was higher in the goal-directed group on postoperative days 1–3.ConclusionsOptimization of intraoperative fluid management through target-controlled strategies and early diuresis were associated with a lower frequency of fluid collections in postoperative CT.     

Fatal cerebral edema following angiocardiography: a case report

We describe a case of fatal reaction to angiocardiography following investigation of tetralogy of Fallot. This happening has occurred only once in 8300 procedures in our laboratory. It was due to cerebral edema. Although a recognized, but very rare, hazard following injection of contrast material, we found no way in our case of either predicting the outcome or its possible recurrence.     

Atrial Fibrillation—a Review of Course and Prognosis

Abstract Four recent major studies concerning the prognosis in atrial fibrillation (AF) are reviewed. The one-year mortality ranged from 16.0 to 0.2%, highest in elderly, hospitalized patients with chronic AF and lowest in young individuals with paroxysmal AF without other heart disease. The recognized clinical impression that the prognosis in AF is determined by age, type of AF and clinical status is thus confirmed. In three studies, however, the prognosis in lone atrial fibrillation seemed to be poorer than previously thought. The overall rate of thromboembolic complications in AF was about 25% in several studies. The effectiveness of coumarin drugs in the prophylaxis of these complications is not proved, and the time has come to subject them to more careful clinical investigation.