When a Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Reveals an Error of Immunity: A Single Center's Experience.

We present an algorithm that may be applied in case of a diagnosis of pediatric nontuberculous mycobacterial disease to identify the patients who may require an immunologic assessment to discover a possible underlying immune system defect predisposing to their nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Role of preoperative tracheobronchoscopy in newborns with esophageal atresia: A review.

Preoperative tracheobronchoscopy (TBS) in the diagnostic assessment of newborns affected by esophageal atresia (EA) was described in 1981. Nevertheless, the value of the procedure is actually much debated; only a few studies have clearly explored the advantages of TBS and this procedure is not yet routinely included in the diagnostic and therapeutic assessment in many international pediatric surgery settings. Routine preoperative TBS is a safe procedure that enables the accurate examination of the tracheobronchial tree, the visualization of tracheoesophageal fistula and the diagnosis of tracheomalacia or associated respiratory anomalies. When a distal fistula is found, its occlusion with a Fogarty balloon catheter improves mechanical ventilation and facilitates surgical repair. This review provides a detailed overview on the use of TBS in newborns with EA, focusing on technical aspects, anesthesiological management, indications and limits. The benefits and risks of the procedure are also compared with alternative diagnostic tools, such as an esophageal contrast study, computed tomography scan and ultrasound.

EXIT (Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment) in lymphatic malformations of the head and neck: discussion of three cases and proposal of an EXIT-TTP (Team Time Procedure) list.

OBJECTIVES: Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a technique to secure the fetal airway while oxygenation is maintained through utero-placental circulation. The aim of the study is to present three cases of fetal lymphatic malformation of the head and neck that required EXIT and to summarize EXIT details. METHODS: The cases were studied before the delivery and EXIT was planned with a multidisciplinary team. The key factors of EXIT are considered and the type, stage and clinical score of the three lymphatic malformations are defined. RESULTS: In the three cases of EXIT the time working on placental support to secure the airway was 9, 7, and 9 min, respectively (from the hysterotomy to clamping the umbilical cord). Procedures performed on the airway were laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy in the first case, laryngoscopy and intubation in the second one, laryngoscopy, drainage of the lymphatic macro-cyst, and intubation in the third case. A sketching to detail the EXIT steps are presented: EXIT-Team Time Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list). Lymphatic malformations were classified as mixed (micro/macro-cystic) in two cases, and macro-cystic in one. de Serres Stage was IV, V and II. Therapy varied in the three neonates (surgery alone, surgery+Picibanil+Nd-YAG, or Picibanil alone). CONCLUSIONS: In case of prenatal suspicion of airway obstruction, EXIT should be planned with a multidisciplinary team. The EXIT-Team Time Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list), reviews the most critical phases of the procedure when different teams are working together. The type of lymphatic malformation, the anatomic location and the clinical score predict the outcome.