A randomized trial of the effects of platelet- rich plasma on postoperative complications after meningomyelocele sac repair.

OBJECTIVE: Meningomyelocele is a common congenital neural tube defect. To reduce complications, we need early surgery and a multidisciplinary approach. In this study, we administered platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to babies with meningomyelocele following corrective surgery to minimize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and accelerate the healing of the immature pouch tissue. We compared these with a control group that did not receive PRP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 40 babies who had surgery with the diagnosis of meningomyelocele, 20 patients received PRP after surgical repair, and 20 were followed up without PRP. In the PRP group, 10 of the 20 patients underwent primary defect repair, the other 10 underwent flap repair. In the group that did not receive PRP, primary closure was performed in 14 patients and flap closure in six. RESULTS: In the PRP group, CSF leakage occurred in one (5%) patient, and none developed meningitis. Partial skin necrosis occurred in three (15%) patients and wound dehiscence in three (15%) patients. In the group that did not receive PRP, CSF leakage occurred in nine (45%) patients, meningitis in seven (35%), partial skin necrosis in 13 (65%), and wound dehiscence in seven (35%) patients. The rate of CSF leakage and skin necrosis in the PRP group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in the PRP group. Furthermore, wound closure and healing were also improved in the PRP group. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that PRP treatment of postoperative meningomyelocele infants facilitates healing and lowers the risk of CSF leakage, meningitis, and skin necrosis.

In vitro surface characteristics and impurity analysis of five different commercially available dental zirconia implants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess surface characteristics, element composition, and surface roughness of five different commercially available dental zirconia implants. Five zirconia implants (Bredent whiteSKY™ (I1), Straumann® PURE Ceramic (I2), ceramic.implant vitaclinical (I3), Zeramex® (I4), Ceralog Monobloc M10 (I5)) were evaluated. METHODS: The evaluation was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RESULTS: The semi-quantitative element composition showed no significant impurity of any implant tested. Both the machined and the rough areas of the investigated implants were predominated by zirconium, oxygen, and carbon. Roughness values (Sa) showed highest values for I2 and I5. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated zirconia implants showed surface characteristics and roughness values close to those of conventionally produced titanium implants, making them a promising alternative. However, zirconia implants have yet to prove themselves in clinical practice and clinical controlled trials.

Morphometric properties of the tensor fascia lata muscle in human foetuses.

BACKGROUND: In neonatal and early childhood surgeries such as meningomyelocele repairs, closing deep wounds and oncological treatment, tensor fasciae lata (TFL) flaps are used. However, there are not enough data about structural properties of TFL in foetuses, which can be considered as the closest to neonates in terms of sampling. This study's main objective is to gather data about morphological structures of TFL in human foetuses to be used in newborn surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty formalin-fixed foetuses (24 male, 26 female) with gestational age ranging from 18 to 30 weeks (mean 22.94 ± 3.23 weeks) were included in the study. TFL samples were obtained by bilateral dissection and then surface area, width and length parameters were recorded. Digital callipers were used for length and width measurements whereas surface area was calculated using digital image analysis software. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in terms of numerical value of parameters between sides and sexes (p > 0.05). Linear functions for TFL surface area, width, anterior and posterior margin lengths were calculated as y = -225.652 + 14.417 × age (weeks), y = -5.571 + 0.595 × age (weeks), y = -4.276 + 0.909 × age (weeks), and y = -4.468 + 0.779 × age (weeks), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Linear functions for TFL surface area, width and lengths can be used in designing TFL flap dimensions in newborn surgery. In addition, using those described linear functions can also be beneficial in prediction of TFL flap dimensions in autopsy studies.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in newborns with oesophageal atresia and their mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the oxidant/antioxidant status of newborn babies with oesophageal atresia and their mothers, compared with healthy control subjects. METHODS: This case-control study included 40 participants: 10 newborns with oesophageal atresia and their mothers, and 10 healthy newborns and their mothers. Whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, carbonic anhydrase [CA], glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) were measured. RESULTS: MDA levels and CA activity were significantly higher, and catalase, SOD and G-6-PD activities were significantly lower, in newborns with oesophageal atresia and their mothers than in healthy newborns and their mothers. Although CA activity was similar between the newborns and mothers in the patient group, it was significantly lower in newborns than in mothers in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: Increased lipid peroxidation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of oesophageal atresia. Impairment of the free radical/antioxidant balance may lead to increased free radical and decreased antioxidant levels in oesophageal atresia.

[An ultrasound hip screening program--middle term results of flexion-abduction orthosis therapy]. / Aus einem hüftsonographischen Screeningprogramm--Mittelfristige Ergebnisse nach Spreizhosentherapie.

INTRODUCTION: Today the hip sonography is an established method to detect congenital hip maturation disturbances in the first days of life. Short-term follow-ups have showed that mature hip joints can be performed with an flexion-abduction bandage within a few months. METHODS: This prospective study reviews in a middle-term follow up 57 dysplastic hips at birth of 42 children after an average period of 7.8 years, who took part in an ultrasonic hip screening and were treated successfully with an abduction pant (33 hips type IIg, 16 hips type D, 8 hips type III according to Graf). RESULTS: There were only 3 cases (5%) who had slight limitations of motion clinically according to the classification of Tönnis. The radiographic control showed an average AC-angle of 11 degree, an average CE-angle of 28 degree and an average hip-score according to Tönnis of 8.5. Slight radiological deviations were found in 9% of the cases. Severe pathologic radiographic appearance or avascular necrosis of the femoral head were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: If DDH is detected in first day of life and immediately treated with abduction pants is physiological development of the hip probably.