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1.
Pancreas ; 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38820448

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant (TPIAT) is important therapy for select chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. The specialized technique of islet isolation limits widespread TPIAT use. We hypothesized that remote islet isolation provides satisfactory islet yield and perioperative outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of TPIAT patients between 2020 and 2022. Islet isolation was performed off-site, with percutaneous intraportal islet autotransplant (IAT) completed the morning following pancreatectomy. Demographics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent TPIAT; median age was 43 [interquartile range 12.5] years. Operation occurred 7.5 [14.8] years after pancreatitis diagnosis. The most common pancreatitis etiology was genetic (50%). All patients underwent preoperative endoscopic therapy; three underwent prior pancreatectomy. Operative time was 236 [51] minutes; subsequent percutaneous IAT time was 87 [35] minutes. The islet equivalent (IEQ)/kilogram (kg) yield was 3,456 [3,815] IEQ/kg. Nine patients had positive islet cultures. Two thromboembolic events and one bacteremia occurred. One perihepatic hematoma occurred after percutaneous portal venous access. Median postoperative length of stay was 14.5 days, and five patients (36%) were readmitted within 90 days. All patients were discharged home on insulin. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: Total pancreatectomy with remote islet isolation provides excellent islet yield for autotransplant and satisfactory perioperative outcomes.

2.
Comput Methods Programs Biomed ; 234: 107516, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37023601

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ability to accomplish a consistent restoration of a missing or deformed anatomical area is a fundamental step for defining a custom implant, especially in the maxillofacial and cranial reconstruction where the aesthetical aspect is crucial for a successful surgical outcome. At the same time, this task is also the most difficult, time-consuming, and complicated across the whole reconstruction process. This is mostly due to the high geometric complexity of the anatomical structures, insufficient references, and significant interindividual anatomical heterogeneity. Numerous solutions, specifically for the neurocranium, have been put forward in the scientific literature to address the reconstruction issue, but none of them has yet been persuasive enough to guarantee an easily automatable approach with a consistent shape reconstruction. METHODS: This work aims to present a novel reconstruction method (named HyM3D) for the automatic restoration of the exocranial surface by ensuring both the symmetry of the resulting skull and the continuity between the reconstructive patch and the surrounding bone. To achieve this goal, the strengths of the Template-based methods are exploited to provide knowledge of the missing or deformed region and to guide a subsequent Surface Interpolation-based algorithm. HyM3D is an improved version of a methodology presented by the authors in a previous publication for the restoration of unilateral defects. Differently from the first version, the novel procedure applies to all kinds of cranial defects, whether they are unilateral or not. RESULTS: The presented method has been tested on several test cases, both synthetic and real, and the results show that it is reliable and trustworthy, providing a consistent outcome with no user intervention even when dealing with complex defects. CONCLUSIONS: HyM3D method proved to be a valid alternative to the existing approaches for the digital reconstruction of a defective cranial vault; furthermore, with respect to the current alternatives, it demands less user interaction since the method is landmarks-independent and does not require any patch adaptation.


Subject(s)
Plastic Surgery Procedures , Surgery, Computer-Assisted , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Skull/diagnostic imaging , Skull/surgery , Prostheses and Implants , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods
3.
Surg Open Sci ; 10: 50-52, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35928799

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing pancreatitis is characterized by a prolonged disease course requiring frequent hospitalization and intervention. Necrotizing pancreatitis patients have high rates of intensive care unit admission and organ failure. Critical illness is an identified risk factor for the development of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Limited literature examines quality of life in necrotizing pancreatitis patients, and studies examining psychiatric sequalae of necrotizing pancreatitis including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder are virtually nonexistent. Here, we review critical literature examining risk factors for poor mental health outcomes during and after necrotizing pancreatitis, identify several screening instruments to quantify mental health outcomes, and propose an intervention to improve mental health outcomes in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. We conclude that establishing the incidence of mental health disorders and implementing strategies to improve mental health outcomes are critical to holistic care of necrotizing pancreatitis patients.

4.
Materials (Basel) ; 15(8)2022 Apr 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35454555

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic and Trauma surgery is expected to undergo profound transformation as a result of the adoption of 3D technology. Among the various applications, patient specific manufacturing of splints and casts would appear to be, particularly in children, an interesting implementation. This study aims to assess the safety of patient specific 3D casts obtained with a newly developed 3D-scanning devise in a small case series. We therefore conducted a clinical outcome and pre-marketing study in 10 consecutive patients with distal radius fractures treated at an Academic Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. After the application of the 3D cast, patients underwent three consecutive evaluations in the following 21 days. The main outcome measurements were: pain, skin lesions and general comfort, and acceptance of the cast. The three domains were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the NPUAP/EPUAP classification and the Positive affect-Negative affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C), the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) clinical psychology tests and a Likert-type five item questionnaire, respectively. A final mechanical analysis of the cast was carried out to confirm product integrity. RESULTS: The results obtained were consistently positive in the investigated domains of general comfort, efficacy of contention and mechanical integrity of the 3D-printed cast as well as in the practicability of the supply chain. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides Level IV evidence that patient specific 3D printed casts obtained with a specifically designed software were safe in the management of "buckle" fractures of the distal radius in children. These results encourage to extend the technology to the treatment of more demanding fractures.

6.
Front Public Health ; 9: 630168, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33981662

ABSTRACT

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic impacted the organization of paediatric hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness for the pandemic among a European network of children's hospitals and to explore the strategies to restart health care services. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed in May 2020 to the 13 children's tertiary care hospitals belonging to the European Children's Hospitals Organisation. Responses were obtained from eight hospitals (62%). Significant reductions were observed in accesses to the emergency departments (41.7%), outpatient visits (35.7%), intensive and non-intensive care unit inpatient admissions (16.4 and 13%, respectively) between February 1 and April 30, 2020 as compared with the same period of 2019. Overall, 93 children with SARS CoV-2 infection were admitted to inpatient wards. All the hospitals created SARS-CoV-2 preparedness plans for the diagnosis and management of infected patients. Routine activities were re-scheduled. Four hospitals shared their own staff with adult units, two designated bed spaces for adults and only one admitted adults to inpatient wards. The three main components for the resumption of clinical activities were testing, source control, and reorganization of spaces and flows. Telemedicine and telehealth services were used before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by three hospitals and by all the hospitals during it. Conclusion: The present study provides a perspective on preparedness to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among eight large European children's hospitals, on the impact of the pandemic on the hospital activities and on the strategies adopted to restart clinical activities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hospitals, Pediatric , Humans , Pandemics
7.
J Am Coll Surg ; 232(1): 91-100, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33039510

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) have the highest rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) of any hospitalized patient (57%). We hypothesized that VTE prophylaxis might be inadequate in the setting of this profound inflammatory disease and that early detection of deep vein thrombosis would limit pulmonary embolism. STUDY DESIGN: All patients with NP treated at a single center between August 2018 and December 2019 were enrolled in prospective, weekly VTE screening, including 4-extremity duplex ultrasound. Routine chemoprophylaxis included low-molecular-weight or unfractionated heparin. Peak serum anti-factor Xa concentration was measured during weekly screening (goal prophylaxis 0.2 to 0.4 IU/mL). RESULTS: Eighty-five patients with NP underwent a total of 201 screening events (mean 2.4 per patient). VTE developed in 55 patients (65%), including splanchnic vein thrombosis in 41 patients (48%) and extremity deep vein thrombosis (eDVT) in 32 patients (38%). Extremity DVT was diagnosed a mean ± SD of 44 ± 30 days after NP onset. Symptomatic pulmonary embolism was prevented in all patients diagnosed with eDVT and no contraindication to anticoagulation (0 of 29). Prophylactic anti-factor Xa concentration was only achieved in 21% (12 of 57 screening events); no eDVTs developed in patients achieving prophylactic anti-factor Xa concentration. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NP, identification of eDVT by screening ultrasound permits early treatment and prevents symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Fixed dosing of chemical prophylaxis is inadequate in most patients with NP and likely contributes to the mechanism of increased VTE in NP.


Subject(s)
Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing/complications , Venous Thrombosis/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Factor Xa Inhibitors/blood , Female , Heparin/therapeutic use , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Embolism/etiology , Pulmonary Embolism/prevention & control , Treatment Failure , Ultrasonography , Venous Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging , Venous Thrombosis/etiology , Young Adult
9.
J Surg Res ; 253: 139-146, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32353639

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Unplanned readmission rates in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) are among the highest of any medical disease (72%). Recent work has identified several potentially preventable causes of unplanned readmission in NP. We hypothesized that intensive outpatient communication would identify developing problems and decrease unplanned hospital readmission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of NP patients treated at a single institution between 2016 and 2019 compared patients 2 y before (NP-pre, 2016-2018) and 1 y after (NP-post, 2018-2019) the establishment of a dedicated pancreatitis nurse coordinator. Unplanned hospital readmission and emergency room visits were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 178 NP patients were treated-112 patients in the NP-pre group and 66 patients in the NP-post group. No differences between groups were observed in age, sex, comorbidities, pancreatitis etiology, NP severity, or mortality. A mean of 5.4 ± 0.2 outpatient communications per patient with the pancreatitis nurse coordinator was documented in the NP-post group. Unplanned readmission rates decreased significantly from 64% (NP-pre) to 45% (NP-post; P = 0.02). The frequency of readmission decreased from 1.6 readmissions per patient (NP-pre) to 0.8 readmissions per patient (NP-post; P = 0.001). Readmissions because of symptomatic necrosis, failure to thrive, nonnecrosis infection, and drain dysfunction decreased (P < 0.05). Overall disease duration was similar (NP-pre, 4.6 ± 0.3 mo; NP-post, 5.0 ± 0.3 mo; P = 0.4); however, the mean number of unplanned inpatient days decreased from 15.4 ± 2.2 d (NP-pre) to 7.8 ± 1.6 d (NP-post; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Improved outpatient communication identifies treatable problems and significantly decreases unplanned readmission in NP patients.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care/organization & administration , Nurse's Role , Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing/therapy , Patient Education as Topic/organization & administration , Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Plan Implementation , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nurses/organization & administration , Patient Discharge/statistics & numerical data , Program Evaluation , Retrospective Studies
10.
Bioengineering (Basel) ; 6(1)2019 Feb 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30764524

ABSTRACT

Microtia is a congenital malformation affecting one in 5000 individuals and is characterized by physical deformity or absence of the outer ear. Nowadays, surgical reconstruction with autologous tissue is the most common clinical practice. The procedure requires a high level of manual and artistic techniques of a surgeon in carving and sculpting of harvested costal cartilage of the patient to recreate an auricular framework to insert within a skin pocket obtained at the malformed ear region. The aesthetic outcomes of the surgery are highly dependent on the experience of the surgeon performing the surgery. For this reason, surgeons need simulators to acquire adequate technical skills out of the surgery room without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the patient. The current paper aims to describe and analyze the different materials and methods adopted during the history of autologous ear reconstruction (AER) simulation to train surgeons by practice on geometrically and mechanically accurate physical replicas. Recent advances in 3D modelling software and manufacturing technologies to increase the effectiveness of AER simulators are particularly described to provide more recent outcomes.

11.
Ann Thorac Surg ; 106(1): 221-227, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29549009

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current approaches to quantifying the severity of pectus excavatum require internal measurements based on cross-sectional imaging. The aim of this study is to exploit a novel index evaluated on the external surface of the chest with a three-dimensional (3D) optical scanner. METHODS: Fifty-one children (41 male, 10 female) between 2 and 17 years of age were evaluated with a 3D optical scanner. Pectus excavatum severity was calculated by using an ad hoc instant 3D scanner and defining an automatic procedure to generate an optical 3D correction index (CI3D). For the latter, an ideal threshold was derived from a statistical analysis, and five blind surveys were collected from pediatric specialists on chest wall deformities. The CI3D was then correlated with blind clinical assessments of PE severity. RESULTS: The cutoff thresholds were determined to optimally discriminate between six degrees of severity of PE patients by a correlation analysis. The correlation coefficient obtained by matching the CI3D with the average subjective severity shows that the proposed method outperforms traditional approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The optical 3D index has a good match with the average subjective assessment in distinguishing patients with mild to severe PE. This innovative approach offers several advantages over existing indices, as it is repeatable and does not require cross-sectional imaging. The index might be particularly suitable for monitoring the efficacy of nonoperative treatment and, in the future, for designing an optimal personalized usage of therapeutic devices.


Subject(s)
Funnel Chest/diagnostic imaging , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Optical Devices , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Funnel Chest/physiopathology , Funnel Chest/surgery , Humans , Italy , Male , Prognosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , Severity of Illness Index , Thoracic Wall/abnormalities , Thoracic Wall/diagnostic imaging , Thoracic Wall/surgery , Treatment Outcome
12.
Epilepsia ; 59(2): 297-314, 2018 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29270989

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the comparative efficacy among antiepileptic drugs in the pediatric population (0-18 years). METHODS: Using the Embase and MEDLINE databases, we updated to February 2017 the search strategy of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for epilepsy. We only included randomized clinical trials conducted in children and mixed-age populations. According to the PRISMA network meta-analysis guideline, the study-level quality assessment was made with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Three investigators independently selected articles. The efficacy outcome was considered to be seizure freedom or ≥50% seizure reduction. RESULTS: We selected 46 randomized clinical trials. A total of 5652 individuals were randomized to 22 antiepileptic drugs and placebo. The point estimates of carbamazepine and lamotrigine efficacy showed their superiority with respect to all comparator antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. In refractory focal epilepsy, levetiracetam (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 1.3-7.6) and perampanel (OR = 2.5, 95% CrI = 1.1-5.8) were more effective compared to placebo. Ethosuximide and valproic acid were both superior to lamotrigine against absence seizures. The OR point estimate showed the superiority of adrenocorticotropic hormone over all comparators in infantile spasms. A wide heterogeneity in the length of follow-up was observed among the studies. SIGNIFICANCE: This network meta-analysis suggests that the quality of studies should be improved through the use of comparative designs, relevant outcomes, appropriate follow-up length, and more reliable inclusion criteria.


Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/therapeutic use , Carbamazepine/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsies, Partial/drug therapy , Epilepsy, Absence/drug therapy , Ethosuximide/therapeutic use , Hormones/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant , Lamotrigine , Levetiracetam , Network Meta-Analysis , Nitriles , Odds Ratio , Piracetam/analogs & derivatives , Piracetam/therapeutic use , Pyridones/therapeutic use , Spasms, Infantile/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome , Triazines/therapeutic use , Valproic Acid/therapeutic use
13.
Gastrointest Endosc ; 85(6): 1233-1242, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27650271

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effect of EUS-guided pancreatic cyst ablation (PCA) on sonographic morphology and cyst fluid cytology is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphologic, cytologic, and change in cyst fluid DNA after PCA. METHODS: In a prospective single-center study, consecutive patients with suspected benign 10- to 50-mm pancreatic cysts underwent baseline EUS-FNA and EUS-PCA followed 2 to 3 months later by repeat EUS, cyst fluid analysis, and possible repeat PCA. Surveillance imaging after ablation was performed at least annually and classified as complete response (CR), partial response, or persistent, with <5%, 5% to 25%, and 25% of the original cyst volume, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent EUS-PCA with ethanol alone (n = 8) or ethanol and paclitaxel (n = 28), and CR occurred in 19 patients (56%). After EUS-PCA, EUS showed an increase in wall diameter in 68%, decreased number of septations in 24%, increased debris in 24%, loss of mural nodule or novel calcification in 21%, and alteration of fluid viscosity in 48%. Follow-up cytology showed increased epithelial cellularity in 27%, loss or decreased cellular atypia in 15%, increased or appearance of macrophages in 24%, and inflammatory cells in 15%. Postablation DNA amount increased and quality decreased in 71% each. Between the CR and non-CR patients, there was no significant difference in frequency of sonographic or cytologic features. In the CR group, mean DNA quantity was significantly increased after ablation (P = .023) without a change in quality (P = .136). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-PCA induces morphologic and cytologic changes of pancreatic cysts, none of which appears to predict overall imaging-defined response to ablation. (Clinical trial registration numbers: NCT00233038 and NCT01643460.).


Subject(s)
Cyst Fluid/cytology , Ethanol/therapeutic use , Paclitaxel/therapeutic use , Pancreatic Cyst/therapy , Solvents/therapeutic use , Tubulin Modulators/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cyst Fluid/chemistry , DNA/analysis , Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration , Endosonography , Female , Humans , Macrophages , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreatic Cyst/diagnostic imaging , Prospective Studies , Ultrasonography , Viscosity
14.
Pediatr Pulmonol ; 51(12): 1311-1319, 2016 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27759954

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis, like other chronic diseases, is a risk factor for the development of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Italian patients with CF and their parents. METHODS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaires were administered to a sample of patients and their parents recruited at the cystic fibrosis centers in Italy. RESULTS: Elevated levels of anxiety were higher in mothers than in fathers, and also higher in female patients than in male patients. A correlation between elevated levels of anxiety/depression and geographical area also emerged. Patient anxiety (OR 2.33) and depression (OR 4.09) were significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <40% and forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% (OR 1.60 and 1.61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression in female patients and in mothers. Geographical differences were observed, with higher anxiety and depression in southern Italy for parents, but not for patients. Anxiety and depression levels also depend on clinical status. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1311-1319. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Caregivers/statistics & numerical data , Cystic Fibrosis/epidemiology , Depression/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder/epidemiology , Fathers/statistics & numerical data , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Anxiety/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Child , Chronic Disease , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Cystic Fibrosis/psychology , Depression/psychology , Depressive Disorder/psychology , Fathers/psychology , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Mothers/psychology , Parents/psychology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vital Capacity , Young Adult
15.
Am J Gastroenterol ; 111(8): 1177-86, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27296943

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis is a significant medical problem that impacts a large number of patients worldwide. In 2014, we developed a disease-specific instrument for the evaluation of quality of life in this group of patients: pancreatitis quality of life instrument (PANQOLI). The goal of this study was to evaluate its psychometric properties: its reliability and its construct validity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional multi-center study that involved 12 pancreatic disease centers. Patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for chronic pancreatitis were invited to participate. Those who accepted were asked to complete seven questionnaires/instruments. Only patients who completed the PANQOLI were included in the study. Its reliability and its construct validity were tested. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients completed the PANQOLI and were included in the study. They had a mean age of 49.03, 49% were male, and 84% were Caucasian. Six of the 24 items on the scale were removed because of lack of inter-item correlation, redundancy, or lack of correlation to quality of life issues. The final 18-item scale had excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.914) and excellent construct validity with good correlation to generic quality of life instruments (SF-12 and EORTC QLQ-C30/QLQ-PAN26) and lack of correlation to non-quality of life instruments (MAST and DAST). Through exploratory factor analysis, the PANQOLI was found to consist of four subscales: emotional function scale, role function scale, physical function scale, and "self-worth" scale. CONCLUSIONS: PANQOLI is the first disease-specific instrument to be developed and validated for the evaluation of quality of life in chronic pancreatitis patients. It has a unique subscale for "self-worth" that differentiates it from other generic instruments. Studies are currently under way to evaluate its use in other populations not included in this study.


Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Pancreatitis, Chronic/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Self Concept , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreatitis, Chronic/physiopathology , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires
16.
BMJ Open ; 6(6): e011565, 2016 06 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27311915

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological emergency. SE lasting longer than 120 min and not responding to first-line and second-line antiepileptic drugs is defined as 'refractory' (RCSE) and requires intensive care unit treatment. There is currently neither evidence nor consensus to guide either the optimal choice of therapy or treatment goals for RCSE, which is generally treated with coma induction using conventional anaesthetics (high dose midazolam, thiopental and/or propofol). Increasing evidence indicates that ketamine (KE), a strong N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, may be effective in treating RCSE. We hypothesised that intravenous KE is more efficacious and safer than conventional anaesthetics in treating RCSE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit, sequentially designed study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of KE compared with conventional anaesthetics in the treatment of RCSE in children. 10 Italian centres/hospitals are involved in enrolling 57 patients aged 1 month to 18 years with RCSE. Primary outcome is the resolution of SE up to 24 hours after withdrawal of therapy and is updated for each patient treated according to the sequential method. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study received ethical approval from the Tuscan Paediatric Ethics Committee (12/2015). The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02431663; Pre-results.


Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/administration & dosage , Ketamine/administration & dosage , Status Epilepticus/drug therapy , Administration, Intravenous , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Italy , Male , Research Design , Treatment Outcome
18.
Gastrointest Endosc ; 83(2): 347-52, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26278654

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided biopsy of the liver has a variable diagnostic accuracy and specimen adequacy. A new core biopsy needle has been developed that may improve performance. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of a new core biopsy needle with the previous standard needle. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided core liver biopsy over a 7-year period for suspected parenchymal disease were prospectively evaluated. Between 2007 and 2011, all biopsies were performed with a 19-gauge Tru-cut biopsy needle (Quick-core [QC]), whereas a novel reverse bevel needle (PC) was used exclusively from 2011 to 2014. All specimens were examined by 1 of 3 experienced, blinded pathologists for the following: presence of visible core, aggregate specimen length, number of complete portal tracts, and specimen adequacy. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients (mean age 51 years, 51 female) underwent liver biopsy by using the QC (n = 45) or PC (n = 30) needle. The QC and PC groups had similar demographics, indications for EUS, indications for liver biopsy, and liver findings on EUS. Compared with those of the QC, biopsies with the PC required fewer passes (median 2 vs 3; P < .0001) but produced longer aggregate length (median 20 mm vs 9 mm; P < .0001) with more complete portal tracts (median 5 vs 2; P = .0003) and adequate specimens (P < .01). Two patients had abdominal pain after liver biopsy with the QC needle. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the QC needle, EUS-guided core liver biopsy with the PC needle produced longer aggregate length, more complete portal tracts, and more adequate specimens despite fewer passes (Clinical trial registration number: NCT00586313.).


Subject(s)
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration/instrumentation , Liver Diseases/diagnosis , Liver/pathology , Needles , Cross-Sectional Studies , Equipment Design , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Reproducibility of Results , Time Factors
19.
J. inborn errors metab. screen ; 4: e160012, 2016. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1090916

ABSTRACT

Abstract The isodecyl neopentanoate is an ingredient used in the cosmetic industry to prepare a nipple fissure balm. We report on 12 newborns that showed elevated C5-acylcarnitine levels upon newborn screening following treatment with balm. The first 3 neonates were immediately recalled for confirmatory tests and resulted negative for both isovaleric acidemia and short/branched chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. In the other 9 cases, the immediate recall was avoided by applying a new second-tier test able to confirm the presence of pivaloylcarnitine. The concentration of C5-acylcarnitine was measured in the days following the suspension of balm application. Abnormal concentrations of C5-acylcarnitine did not seem to be associated with free carnitine deficiency, probably due to the short time of exposure. A direct correlation between balm ingestion and the elevation in pivaloylcarnitine has been demonstrated in 10 adult volunteers. The commercial balm containing a pivalic acid derivative is causal of false-positive results during newborn screening, and it could have the potential to cause secondary carnitine deficiency when used chronically.

20.
Pancreas ; 44(7): 1130-3, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26335009

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Incidental pancreatic cysts are often detected during abdominal imaging and require follow-up since some have malignant potential. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly sensitive for pancreatic diseases, yet the prevalence of incidental pancreatic cysts discovered with EUS is unknown. The objective of the study was to determine its prevalence by EUS. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients undergoing EUS for nonpancreatic indications and without known pancreatic abnormality were recruited to assess the prevalence of pancreatic cysts and its characteristics. Risk factors were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: We enrolled 341 patients (mean age, 59 years; 187 females) and found 46 incidental pancreatic cysts (median [range], 5 [2-80] mm) in 32 patients (9.4%). Branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was the most common finding. Seven cysts were larger than 1 cm and 1 adenocarcinoma was discovered. Multivariate logistic regression showed an association between pancreatic cysts and older age (odds ratio, 1.04 per year; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.08) and female sex (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-7.45). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the prevalence of incidental pancreatic cyst discovered on EUS was 9.4% and the majority were less than 1 cm. Increasing age and female sex were associated with the development of pancreatic cysts.


Subject(s)
Endosonography/methods , Outpatients/statistics & numerical data , Pancreatic Cyst/diagnostic imaging , Pancreatic Cyst/diagnosis , Age Factors , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Incidental Findings , Indiana/epidemiology , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Prevalence , Prospective Studies
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