Epidemiological analysis of burn injuries in children during the first COVID-19 lockdown, and a comparison with the previous five years.

BACKGROUND: Child burns rank among the most frequent domestic accidents in France. COVID-19 lockdown between March 16th and May 11th of 2020 increased time spent at home by children. MATERIAL: This retrospective, observational study described the epidemiological impact of COVID-19 lockdown on child burns in a pediatric surgery department compared with previous five years. Child burns in the previous five years constituted the "before COVID-19 group" as the reference group. Child burns during the first lockdown formed the "COVID-19 group". Demographics characteristics, the delay before first attendance at the surgery department, burns characteristics, the place of the incident, need of skin graft, and child reactions to trauma or isolation were recorded for these two groups. RESULTS: A total of thirty-seven children were included, 16 of them in the COVID-19 group. In the COVID-19 group, burned children were mainly boys, with a median age of 18 months. The median time before first attendance was four days. Main burns characteristics were to be deep partial thickness burns, involved lower limbs, caused by scalding. All burns occurred at home. Half parents reported child reactions to trauma or isolation among their children before burn injury. CONCLUSION: The incidence of child burn injuries in the COVID-19 group was higher compared to the before COVID-19 group, but no increased delay to attendance recorded. Time spent at home and psychosocial impact of lockdown might partially explain this high incidence rate of child burns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Aplasia cutis congenita of both knees: A new therapeutic strategy.

Aplasia cutis congenita is defined as the absence of all layers of the skin. The condition involves mainly the scalp but it can affect any area of skin on the body. A clear therapeutic strategy is not available. Here, we describe the 6-year clinical outcome of a patient with aplasia cutis congenita of both knees following treatment with an artificial dermis and a thin skin graft.

Extravasation of calcium solution in the child: Value of negative-pressure wound therapy.

The extravasation of a calcium solution into soft tissue constitutes a medical emergency, and a lack of adequate management can lead to significant functional and cosmetic sequelae. Here, we report on the management of and long-term outcome in two children who experienced calcium infusion leakage. We also describe the emergency procedures used in cases of extravasation and discuss the role of negative pressure wound therapy as an appropriate adjunct to conventional techniques for dealing with serious extravasation-related injuries.

Late recurrence of an osteoarticular infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a child.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen in neonates. A 23-day-old newborn developed septic arthritis of the right hip due to an ESBL-producing strain. A recurrence on the knee was observed at 4 years of age. A molecular investigation confirmed the clonal link of the strains responsible for the two infections and allowed us to identify virulence factors.

Lawnmower accidents involving children: Characteristics and suggested preventive measures.

Although the absolute frequency of lawnmower accidents is low, children account for a relatively high proportion of the victims. We describe 16 children who were victims of lawnmower accidents between 2004 and 2016. Most of the accidents involved lower limb injuries, which were responsible for amputation and significant socioeconomic costs. We also propose preventative measures.

[Burn child specificity]. / Les spécificités de la brûlure chez l'enfant.

Burn is still a frequent accident in children and particularly occurs in young children under 4years. The majority were caused by hot liquids (scalds) with mixed-dermal burns and is commonly treated conservatively with surgery performed at 10-15 days post-injury after healing of superficial burn. Patients with burns greater than 10% need early fluid resuscitation and adequate nutritional support to avoid deepening with infection, improve healing and survival. Hypovolemic shock could be very abrupt in children. Prophylactic prevention of infection and optimization of healing before 21 days improve quality of scar. Management with rehabilitation team is more important in children than in adults because hypertrophic scar and retraction can restrain growth and function particularly for palmar hand burns occurring at the beginning of walking. Follow-up is essential during the growth to assess scar tension requiring secondary surgery. Better knowledge of injury mechanisms should facilitate education and prevention programs and decrease the incidence.

Successful hemicondylar femoral allograft for traumatic bone loss: a paediatric case study with ten years of follow-up.

The management of massive traumatic defects of the knee joint is challenging, especially in children. Massive osteoarticular allograft may be an option in this kind of traumatic bone loss. We report on the case of a male patient who (at the age of 15) suffered an open grade III condylar femoral joint fracture, with a massive bone defect and a Schatzker V tibial plateau fracture. Ten years after first-line treatment with massive osteoarticular allograft of the lateral femoral condyle, the patient's knee was capable of full extension and 90° flexion. The patient reached a point of being pain free for nine years before he subsequently developed some pain with lateral arthritis progression.

Bone defect reconstruction in children using the induced membrane technique: a series of 14 cases.

INTRODUCTION: In pediatrics, Masquelet's induced membrane reconstructive technique has mainly been used in the context of cancer surgery reconstruction or congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. This retrospective study consisted of a series of pediatric patients where bone defects were reconstructed with this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2011, 14 children underwent bone reconstruction using this technique in the context of trauma, tumor resection or congenital pseudarthrosis. The mean age was 10.6years (range: 12 to 17years) at the time of reconstruction. The length of the defect to be reconstructed relative to the length of the bone (index of reconstruction, expressed as a percentage) and bone healing was evaluated on standard radiographs. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean index of reconstruction was 32.8% (range: 13.9 to 51%). The mean follow-up was 30months (range: 1 to 63). Bone union was achieved in 9.5months (range: 2 to 25). Complications mainly consisted of non-union in 35% of cases, which consolidated after grafting and rigid fixation. Two cases of wound dehiscence were noted. Massive graft resorption occurred in a single case. DISCUSSION: A technical error was identified in each non-union case (insufficient cement overlap of the bone ends or fixation not stiff enough). These long defects required a large volume of autograft, which constitutes the limiting factor especially in very young children. We used allograft bone chips or a tibial bone strut to increase the graft volume in the largest reconstructions. In this pediatric-only series, an average of one-third of the bone length was successfully reconstructed. Although the technique appears simple, it must be performed rigorously to ensure the cement sufficiently overlaps the bone ends and the defect is properly stabilized to prevent non-union, which is the main complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective study).

Successful early surgical treatment in neonatal compartment syndrome: case report.

Neonatal compartment syndrome is rare, and the diagnosis is often missed or delayed because other ischemic diseases can mimic clinical signs observed on the skin. A premature newborn infant presented with skin lesions during the first hours of life that were recognized as the sentinel finding in compartment syndrome of the newborn. We restored normal function by emergency surgery. The authors highlight the importance of effective collaboration between pediatricians and surgeons to improve the management of this neonatal condition.

Use of an iliac crest growth plate for the development of a neo-articulation for congenital transverse deficiencies at the wrist.

PURPOSE: Terminal congenital transverse deficiencies of the wrist and hand are rare malformations. They are usually treated with prosthetic devices. We describe here a surgical technique to create a neo-articulation that could provide mobility distal to the forearm and help children with terminal transverse deficiencies use orthotic devices. METHODS: This procedure involved an autologous, nonvascularized graft from the immature iliac crest. The graft was placed with its cartilaginous side facing the radial and ulnar articular surfaces. We studied the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of this technique in 2 pediatric cases 5 and 14 years after this procedure. RESULTS: The x-rays showed a mobile graft distally in the forearm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a space between the graft and the radius and an intermediate signal on either side of the space highly suggestive of articular cartilage. These various elements were organized into a neo-articulation between the forearm and the graft. The functional ability at follow-up was greater compared with the absence of a graft. CONCLUSIONS: The results of basic research work on cartilage and chondrocytes may help explain the presence of persistent cartilaginous tissue on the articulated part of the graft. The good functional outcome provided by our surgical procedure may translate into reduced need for prosthesis acceptance. Our surgical procedure does not restore limb length, but does add a new functional ability. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Early resection of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia and successful reconstruction using the Masquelet technique.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia remains one of the most difficult orthopaedic problems. We describe early excision and the use of the Masquelet technique to reconstruct the bone defect in a child aged 14 months. Consolidation sufficient for complete weight-bearing was achieved by seven weeks. After two and a half years, the child was asymptomatic with a fully reconstructed tibia and no leg-length discrepancy.

Management of pancreatic and duodenal injuries in pediatric patients.

Diagnosis of duodenal and pancreatic injuries is frequently delayed, and optimal treatment is often controversial. Fourteen children with duodenal and/or pancreatic injuries secondary to blunt trauma were treated between 1980 and 1997. The pancreas was injured in all but 1 child. An associated duodenal injury was present in 4. The preoperative diagnosis was suspected in only 6 patients based on clinical signs and ultrasonography. One patient was treated successfully conservatively; all the others required surgical management. At operation, three procedures were used: peripancreatic drainage, suture of the gland or duodenum with drainage, and primary distal pancreatic resection without splenectomy. A duodenal resection with reconstruction by duodeno-duodenostomy was performed in 1 case. The overall complication rate was 14%: 1 fistula and 1 pseudocyst. Pancreatic ductal transection was recognized 3 days after the initial laparotomy by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The mortality was 7%; 1 patient died from septic and neurologic complications. When the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal injuries is a major problem, ERCP may be a useful diagnostic procedure. Pancreatic injuries without a transected duct may often be treated conservatively. The surgical or conservative management of duodenal hematomas is still controversial; other duodenal injuries often need surgical treatment.

Bacterial translocation, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities after ileal ischemia in newborn piglets.

Intestinal ischemia was created after a limited laparotomy by ligation of the terminal mesenteric vessels in the last 10 cm of distal ileum in 2-day-old piglets. Five groups (each n = 15) were studied: 1 (unoperated control group, killed on day 4), 2 (sham control with laparotomy, killed on day 4), 3 (ischemia, killed on day 4), 4 (ischemia, killed on day 9), and 5 (unoperated control on day 9, not killed). All animals in groups 1, 2 and 5 survived. Two animals in group 3 and 1 in group 4 died (peritonitis and distal ileal perforation). In animals killed on day 9, less weight gain was observed in group 4 compared to the unoperated controls. Macroscopically, no alteration was found at laparotomy in the animals in group 1, whereas in group 2, 1 animal showed beginning peritonitis and another some degree of peritoneal adhesions in group 3, 1 piglet had an intestinal perforation and 4 had intestinal distention above the ischemic loop. In group 4, 7 animals had dilatation of the upper loops, 4 a complete stricture, and 3 peritonitis with complete necrosis of the distal ileum. Microscopic examination revealed severe lesions of the ischemic area in groups 3 and 4 and mild lesions of the upper loop. The kidney was contaminated by translocation of gram-positive cocci in 36% of cases in group 2. Germ carriage for staphylococci was estimated at 80% in the terminal ileum of animals in group 3 versus 8.3% in group 2. In groups 3 and 4, the translocation rate was 30% in the kidney and 40% in the liver. Low disaccharidase activities were found in ischemic areas in groups 3 and 4, with no difference in activity in the upper loops.

[Lesions of the renal pedicle in blunt abdominal trauma in children. 7 cases]. / Les lésions du pédicule rénal dans les traumatismes fermés de l'abdomen chez l'enfant. A propos de 7 cas.

The frequency of urinary tract trauma in children is difficult to estimate. Renal pedicle lesions are estimated to represent 10% of all forms of urinary tract trauma. These lesions are difficult to diagnose and may be completely missed. Over a 12 year period, we have treated 7 children with a renal pedicle injury. Haematuria was immediate in 3 cases, delayed in 2 cases and absent in 2 cases. The diagnosis is based on intravenous urography or postcontrast computed tomography. Treatment consisted of disobstruction with intimal suture with a good result, but impaired renal function, an upper pole nephrectomy, functional aorto-renal bypass graft but with altered renal function, total nephrectomy and 3 cases of surveillance with one non-functioning kidney. None of these children are hypertensive. The authors discuss the diagnostic approach, the contribution of imaging and the therapeutic options and results.

[Voluminous ovarian cyst in children. Therapeutic strategy]. / Kyste volumineux de l'ovaire chez l'enfant. Stratégie thérapeutique.

Ovarian cysts are rare in children but can sometimes become extremely large, leading to difficult therapeutic decisions. There is general agreement that the therapeutic attitude for benign serous cysts less than 5 cm in diameter includes echographic monitoring and possible echo-guided punction. For cysts larger than 5 cm, most authors favour cystectomy via the celioscopic route using either celio-surgery or mini-laparotomy. On the contrary, the clinical manifestations of large cysts greater than 15 cm in diameter may vary greatly, presenting as increased abdominal volume, pain, respiratory impairment. The large size of the cyst should not be allowed to mask an associated torsion of the annexes in cases of paroxysmal abdominal pain. We report our experience of 6 voluminous ovarian cysts with a largest diameter varying between 15 and 40 cm. The children's age varied from 10 to 15 years. There were 3 dermoid cysts, 2 treated by ovariectomy and 1 by celio-surgery, 1 torsion of the annexes on dermoid cyst was treated via laparotomy. There were two cases of mucinous cystadenomas, 1 treated by mini-laparatomy and the other by celio-surgery. Finally one serous cyst with torsion of the annex was treated by annexectomy. The large size of the cysts may impair the surgical approach. Prudent ceilo-surgery should be preferred to wide laparotomy. Introduction should be performed under visual control followed by leak-free punction. The cyst is emptied before exeresis of the ovary via a mini-laparotomy since, in many of these cases of voluminous tumours, cystectomy cannot always be performed and ovariectomy must be preferred.

[Pulmonary embolism in adolescents]. / Embolie pulmonaire chez l'adolescente.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is rare in children, but its incidence is probably underestimated. While its causes are the same as in adults, the role of clotting factor deficiency and oral contraceptive agents has recently been stressed. CASE REPORTS: Case n. 1: A 15 year-old girl was immobilized for an ankle strain. She developed thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the right leg. The condition was confirmed by Doppler. A phlebogram showed a clot floating in the inferior vena cava. This required the insertion of a clip around it and further thrombectomy. Despite immediate intravenous heparin therapy, the adolescent died of a massive pulmonary embolization. The girl had a congenital antithrombin III deficiency; she was also taking an oral contraceptive. Case n. 2: A 15 year-old suffered from left thoracic pain radiating to the shoulder. Perfusion scintiphotography showed evidence of pulmonary embolism of the left inferior lobe and a phlebogram showed thrombosis of the hypogastric veins. This adolescent was 4 months pregnant. A filter was placed inside the inferior vena cava to permit therapeutic interruption of the pregnancy. The girl was treated with intravenous heparin, followed by antivitamin K with an uneventful course. She suffered from no clotting factor deficiency. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary embolism remains a severe complication of thrombi in the femoral and pelvic veins. It can occur in adolescents, especially those with a congenital clotting factor deficiency, those on oral contraceptives or those who are pregnant.