Valor de la citrulina plasmática como biomarcador de función intestinal en el síndrome de intestino corto y en el trasplante intestinal / Plasma citrulline concentration as a biomarker of intestinal function in short bowel syndrome and in intestinal transplant

Introducción: La citrulina es un aminoácido producido exclusivamente por los enterocitos. Se estudió su valor como biomarcador de masa enterocitaria funcionante en pacientes con fracaso intestinal por síndrome de intestino corto (SIC) y su relación con la tolerancia digestiva. Material y métodos: Se determinó la concentración plasmática de citrulina por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (normal > 15 μmol/L) en 57 pacientes (edad 0, 5-18 años) con fracaso intestinal en distintas situaciones evolutivas. Fueron excluidos pacientes deshidratados, con insuficiencia renal u otras situaciones que pudieran alterar los resultados. Se clasificaron en grupos: I : SIC extremo dependientes de nutrición parenteral (NP); II : SIC en alimentación mixta enteral-parenteral; III : SIC adaptados y autónomos sin NP; IV : trasplantados y autónomos sin NP. Resultados: Los valores medios ± DE de citrulina plasmática fueron: grupo I (n = 15): 7,1 ± 4,1; grupo II (n = 11): 15,8 ± 8,9; grupo III (n = 13): 20,6 ± 7,5; grupo IV (n = 25): 28,8 ± 10,1. Los valores resultaron inferiores en el grupo I comparados con los grupos II - III - IV (p < 0,001) y en el grupo II comparados con los grupos III - IV (p < 0,001). Se observó una fuerte correlación entre la citrulinemia y la longitud del intestino delgado remanente (r = 0,85; p < 0,001). En el grupo IV la citrulina descendió > 50% coincidiendo con rechazo moderado-severo en 3 pacientes y con enteritis viral en un paciente. Conclusiones: 1. La citrulina plasmática puede ser un biomarcador sensible y específico del intestino funcional residual. 2. Se relaciona con la tolerancia a la alimentación enteral. 3. Debe confirmarse su valor pronóstico en el proceso de adaptación intestinal y como marcador de rechazo en pacientes trasplantados (AU)

Introduction: Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid produced solely in the enterocyte. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of serum citrulline as a biomarker of enterocyte load in children with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its relationship to enteral adaptation. Material and methods: Plasma citrulline concentration was determined by chromatography (normal value > 15 mol/L) in 57 patients (age 0.5-18 years) admitted to our Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit with intestinal failure. Those who were dehydrated, with renal insufficiency, or other conditions able to modify the results were excluded. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group I: SBS totally dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN); group II: SBS under mixed enteral parenteral nutrition; group III: IF weaned from PN after a rehabilitation period; group IV: small bowel transplanted patients weaned from PN and taking a normal diet. Results: The mean ± SD plasma citrulline values were: group I (n = 15): 7.1±4.1; group II (n = 11): 15.8±8.9; group III (n = 13): 20.6±7.5; group IV (n = 25): 28.8±10.1. Values were significantly lower in group I in comparison with groups II-III-IV (P <0 .001), and in group II in comparison with groups III-IV (P < 0.001). A low citrulline was associated with remnant small bowel length (P < 0.001, r = 0.85). In group IV citrulline levels decreased > 50% in 3 patients who developed moderates ever e rejection, and in one patient who developed viral enteritis. Conclusions: 1. Plasma citrulline could be a sensitive and specific biomarker of the residual functional enterocyte load. 2. It is related to enteral feeding tolerance. 3. Its prognostic value in the process of intestinal adaptation and as a rejection marker in small bowel transplanted patients needs to be confirmed (AU)

[Plasma citrulline concentration as a biomarker of intestinal function in short bowel syndrome and in intestinal transplant]. / Valor de la citrulina plasmática como biomarcador de función intestinal en el síndrome de intestino corto y en el trasplante intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid produced solely in the enterocyte. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of serum citrulline as a biomarker of enterocyte load in children with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its relationship to enteral adaptation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma citrulline concentration was determined by chromatography (normal value>15 µmol/L) in 57 patients (age 0.5-18 years) admitted to our Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit with intestinal failure. Those who were dehydrated, with renal insufficiency, or other conditions able to modify the results were excluded. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group i: SBS totally dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN); group ii: SBS under mixed enteral-parenteral nutrition; group iii: IF weaned from PN after a rehabilitation period; group iv: small bowel transplanted patients weaned from PN and taking a normal diet. RESULTS: The mean ± SD plasma citrulline values were: group i (n=15): 7.1 ± 4.1; group ii (n=11): 15.8 ± 8.9; group iii (n=13): 20.6 ± 7.5; group iv (n=25): 28.8 ± 10.1. Values were significantly lower in group i in comparison with groups ii-iii-iv (P<.001), and in group ii in comparison with groups iii-iv (P<.001). A low citrulline was associated with remnant small bowel length (P<.001, r=0.85). In group iv citrulline levels decreased >50% in 3 patients who developed moderate-severe rejection, and in one patient who developed viral enteritis. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Plasma citrulline could be a sensitive and specific biomarker of the residual functional enterocyte load. 2. It is related to enteral feeding tolerance. 3. Its prognostic value in the process of intestinal adaptation and as a rejection marker in small bowel transplanted patients needs to be confirmed.

[Burns in adolescents]. / Quemaduras en adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to know the epidemiology of burns in teenagers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Burn patients over 11 years old admitted in our Institution in the last 10 years were included. Etiology, burn size, hospital stay, quirurgical interventions and long term sequelae were registered. RESULTS: One thousand and eight patients were admitted, 89 were over 11 years (8.8%), 70.7% were boys and 29.3% girls. Fire was the principal agent in 58 cases (65.1%), due to fireworks in 13 (22.4%), alcohol in 7 (12%), explosion of flammable containers (spray) in 4 (6.8%) and gasoline in 3 (5.2%). Fireworks injuries and spray explosions affected face and hand in 88% cases. The median hospital stay was 8 days after admission (1 to 90). 83.1% required surgical treatment with mean of 1.8 +/- 1.4 interventions and 21.3% had long-term sequelaes that required at least one surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Fire is the main cause of burns in adolescents. Fireworks injuries represented a quarter of that lesions, and highlights paint spray explosions as new causative agents. Considering the high morbidity in this age group, with permanent functional and aesthetic sequelae, prevention campaigns are needed to reduce such accidents.

Quemaduras en adolescentes / Burns in adolescents

Objetivos. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la epidemiología y etiopatogenia de las quemaduras en adolescentes. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los pacientes mayores de 11 años ingresados en nuestro servicio por quemaduras en los últimos 10 años. Se registraron la etiología, superficie corporal quemada, estancia hospitalaria, intervenciones quirúrgicas y secuelas. Resultados. De un total de 1.008 pacientes ingresados por quemaduras, se incluyeron 89 con edad superior a 11 años (8,8%), siendo el 70,7% niños y el 29,3% niñas. El agente principal fue el fuego en 58 casos (65,1%), resultando secundario a explosión pirotécnica en 13 (22,4%), alcohol como combustible en 7 (12%), explosión de envases inflamables (spray) en 4 (6,8%) y gasolina en 3 (5,2%). La cara y las manos se vieron afectadas en las explosiones pirotécnicas y por spray de pintura en el 88% de los casos. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 8 días de ingreso (1 a 90). El 83,1% precisó de tratamiento quirúrgico con una media de 1,8 ± 1,4 intervenciones y el 21,3% presentaron secuelas que necesitaron al menos una intervención quirúrgica posterior. Conclusión. El fuego es la principal causa de quemadura en adolescentes, representando las explosiones pirotécnicas una cuarta parte y destacando la aparición de nuevos agentes causales, como la deflagración de botes de pintura (graffiti).Dada la alta morbilidad en este grupo de edad, con secuelas estéticas y funcionales permanentes, creemos conveniente la necesidad de campañas preventivas que contribuyan a disminuir este tipo de accidente (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to know the epidemiology of burns in teenagers. Patients and methods. Burn patients over 11 years old admitted in our Institution in the last 10 years were included. Etiology, burn size, hospital stay, quirurgical interventions and long term sequelae were registered. Results. One thousand and eight patients were admitted, 89 were over 11 years (8.8%), 70.7% were boys and 29.3% girls. Fire was the principal agent in 58 cases (65.1%), due to fi reworks in 13 (22.4%), alcohol in 7 (12%), explosion of flammable containers (spray) in 4 (6.8%) and gasoline in 3 (5.2%). Fireworks injuries and spray explosions affected face and hand in 88% cases. The median hospital stay was 8 days after admission (1 to 90). 83.1% required surgical treatment with mean of 1.8 +1.4 interventions and 21.3% had long term sequelaes that required at least one surgical intervention .Conclusion. Fire is the main cause of burns in adolescents. Fireworks injuries represented a quarter of that lesions, and highlights paint spray explosions as new causative agents. Considering the high morbidity in this age group, with permanent functional and aesthetic sequelae, prevention campaigns are needed to reduce such accidents (AU)

[When is it best to perform enterostomy closure in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis?]. / ¿Cuándo es mejor cerrar la enterostomía en prematuros con enterocolitis necrosante?

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCION AND AIM: The enterostomy used in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) causes many complications before and after its closure. The aim of this study was to examine the complications of closure aiming at determining the best timing for this operation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective review patients (p) below 1500 g with NEC in whom the enterostomy was closed in the last seven years. P were divided into two groups: PC (planned closure after uncomplicated postoperative period) and CC (advanced closure due to stomal--excessive looses--or to parenteral nutrition complications--septicemia, liver dysfunction-). We compared the age at closure, time of enterostomy, weight gain and complications. RESULTS: Out of a total of 25 p requiring surgical treatment for NEC, 16 from the PC group and 9 from the CC group were included. The mean age at the moment of the closure were, respectively, 129 + 65 vs. 204 +/- 121 days (p < 0.05). Weight at closure was 2665 +/- 841 vs. 4665 +/- 2076 g (p < 0.05); the mean time with the enterostomy was 105 +/- 64 vs. 187 +/- 116 d (p < 0.05), and the weight gain was 1779 +/- 859 vs. 3693 +/- 2155 g (p < 0.05). After stomal closure, 7/16 p of the CC group (43%) and 2/9 of the PC group (22%) required reoperation due to severe complications (ns). In 4 of them, three of the CC group and one of the PC group, a new enterostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In p with enterostomy-related complications, closure has often to be advanced and it is performed in deficient nutritional conditions. Severe complications after enterostomy closure required reoperation in 43% of the CC group and in 22% of the PC group. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the trend indicates an augmented risk in CC group. The timing for enterostomy closure should be chosen individually. At the time of indicating the closure, the high risk of complications, should be taken into account particularly in preterms with enterostomy-related problems.

¿Cuándo es mejor cerrar la enterostomíaen prematuros con enterocolitis necrosante? / When is it best to perform enterostomy closure in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis?

Introducción y objetivos. Revisar las complicaciones del cierre de enterostomía usada en el tratamiento de la enterocolitis necrosante(ECN) con el fin de precisar el momento más oportuno para esta operación. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes (p)< 1.500 g con ECN y en quienes se cerró la ostomía en los últimos 7años. Dividimos a los pacientes en dos grupos: CP (cierre programado por evolución sin incidentes) y CC (cierre adelantado por complicaciones del estoma o de la nutrición parenteral). Comparamos edad en el momento del cierre, tiempo de enterostomía, ganancia ponderal y complicaciones. Resultados. De un total de 37 p, 16 (64%) se incluyeron en el grupoCC y 9 (36%) en el CP. La edad al cierre fue respectivamente de 129± 65 vs. 204 ± 121 días (p < 0,05). El peso en el momento del cierre fuede 2.665 ± 841 vs. 4.665 ± 2.076 g (p < 0,05), el tiempo medio con el (..) (AU)

Introduction and aim. The enterostomy used in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) causes many complications before and after its closure. The aim of this study was to examine the complications of closure aiming at determining the best timing for this operation. Patients and method. Retrospective review patients (p) below1,500 g with NEC in whom the enterostomy was closed in the last seven years. P were divided into two groups: PC (planned closure after uncomplicated postoperative period) and CC (advanced closure dueto stomal –excessive looses– or to parenteral nutrition complications–septicemia, liver dysfunction–). We compared the age at closure, time (..) (AU)

[Association between WAGR syndrome and diaphragmatic hernia]. / Asociación entre síndrome de WAGR y hernia diafragmática.

Anomalies in WT-1 (Wilms' tumor gene), mapped to 11p13, cause Denys-Drash, Frasier and WAGR syndromes. WAGR syndrome is characterized by Wilms' tumor (W), aniridia (A), genitourinary anomalies (G) and mental retardation (R). In the early human fetus, WT-1 is expressed in the pleural and abdominal mesothelium, and consequently this gene may play a role in diaphragm development. The first report of an association between WAGR syndrome and congenital diaphragmatic hernia has recently been published. We present another infant with aniridia, left cryptorchidism with testicular dysgenesis, right-sided posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia and moderate psychomotor retardation, in whom genetic study showed a deletion of 11p13 and PAX-6, confirming the diagnosis of WAGR syndrome.

Protocolo de nutrición enteral en cirugía pediátrica / Protocol for enteral nutrition in pediatric surgery

El Comité de Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Pediátrica, presenta su protocolo de nutrición enteral en pacientes quirúrgicos pediátricos. Tras definir la nutrición enteral, se repasan las indicaciones de ésta, dividiéndolas en casos habituales y casos especiales. Se muestra cómo seleccionar un tipo determinado de nutrición enteral, así como el cálculo de las necesidades calóricas. Se presentan normas sobre la administración de la dieta y sobre el manejo de las complicaciones más frecuentes de la nutrición enteral (AU)

[Modifications of gastric distensibility as a function of the type of fundoplication. Experimental model in rats]. / Modificaciones de la distensibilidad gástrica en función del tipo de funduplicatura. Modelo experimental en ratas.

UNLABELLED: Gastric fundoplication to create an antireflux valve reduces gastric volume. The most widely used technique is Nissen's fundoplication (NF), but an anterior (AF) and posterior (PF) partial fundoplication are also used. This study examines the changes caused by these three techniques on the volume and the compliance of the stomach in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used 4 groups of 10 rats Wistar each, weighing approximately 250-300 grams. One group was not manipulated (Control) whereas the other groups had NF, AF or PF respectively. The fresh stomachs were removed and progressively filled with saline by means of an infusion pump and the intragastric pressure was continuously measured with a pressure monitor. The volume of saline infusion required necessary to achieve pressure increments of 1 unit from 0 to 30 mmHg were measured and the results were compared with ANOVA. RESULTS: The three modalities of fundoplication reduced significantly gastric compliance since rats from the control group required 21.7 +/- 3.3 mL to reach intragastric pressure of 30 mmHg whereas 9.5 +/- 2.4 mL, 11.75 +/- 1.8 mL and 13.4 +/- 2.2 mL were required for the groups NF, AF and PF respectively. According to these results, the type of fundoplication which reduced the least the compliance was the posterior one. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fundus of the stomach to create an antireflux valve always implies a significant reduction of gastric compliance, which can favour gastric emptying and thus dumping syndrome. Even though important, this reduction was slightly less relevant after posterior fundoplication in this model. This evidence must be taken into account when choosing an antireflux technique.

Modificaciones de la distensibilidad gástrica en función del tipo de funduplicatura. Modelo experimental en ratas / Modifications in the gastric compliance depending on the type of fundoplication. Experimental model with rats

El uso del fondo gástrico para confeccionar una válvula antirreflujo reduce la capacidad gástrica. La técnica más usada es la funduplicatura de Nissen (FN) pero también se usan funduplicaturas parciales anterior (FA) y posterior (FP). Este estudio investiga los cambios en el volumen y la distensibilidad del estómago in vitro causados por estas tres técnicas. Material y métodos. Usamos cuatro grupos de 10 ratas Wistar de 250-300 gramos, no manipuladas (Control) o que habían sufrido antes FN, FA y FP. Los estómagos frescos fueron llenados progresivamente con suero usando una bomba de infusión y registrando la presión intraluminal con un manómetro adecuado. Se midieron las cantidades de suero necesarios para elevar cada unidad de presión desde 0 hasta 30 mmHg comparando los resultados con ANOVA. Resultados. Las tres modalidades de funduplicatura disminuyeron significativamente la capacidad de acomodación gástrica, pues en las ratas del grupo control se requirieron 21,7 ñ 3,3 mL para alcanzar la presión de 30 mmHg; mientras que bastaron 9,5 ñ 2,4 mL, 11,75ñ 1,8 mL y 13,4 ñ 2,2 mL en los grupos FN, FA y FP, respectivamente. Entre las tres formas de funduplicatura la que menos redujo la acomodación fue la posterior. Conclusiones. El uso el fondo gástrico para confeccionar una válvula antirreflujo implica siempre una reducción significativa de la capacidad de acomodación que puede favorecer el vaciamiento gástrico y por ende el 'dumping'. Esta reducción, aun siendo considerable, es ligeramente menor tras funduplicatura posterior en este modelo. Este efecto debe tenerse en cuenta a la hora de elegir la técnica antirreflujo (AU)

[Diagnosis and therapeutic options in chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: review of 16 cases]. / Diagnóstico y opciones terapéuticas en la pseudoobstrucción intestinal idiopática crónica: revisión de 16 casos.

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPS) is a rare condition in which there is a defective motility of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown cause leading to repeated bouts of intestinal obstruction without organic explanation. This syndrome groups several ill-defined varieties of motor disorders that can sometimes be classified according to the presence of familial incidence and to the presence of muscular or nervous lesions. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of cases cannot be ascribed to either type. CIPS is a very difficult challenge for pediatric surgeons because our role is never curative and because when we are involved in it is usually as a result of a false diagnosis. We present herein the experience of 2 Pediatric Surgery Departments in this entity. In the last 30 years we have been involved in the management of 16 children with CIPS. Male-to-female ratio was 5:11 and all but 3 patients had symptoms before 6 months of life. Thirteen had abdominal distension, 10 maldevelopment, 9 recurrent bouts of intestinal obstruction, 8 chronic diarrhea, 7 vomiting, 2 dysphagia and 2 constipation. Seven out of the 16 had urinary tract involvement and in three prenatal diagnosis of megacysts was made. The mean delayed time for diagnosis was 3.08 years. Esophageal or antroduodenal manometry was performed in 8 patients and it was abnormal in 7. Histologic and histochemical samples were available in 8 patients, but only in 4 was enough to make a diagnosis of myopathy. Twelve patients underwent 41 surgical procedures. Three are currently included in a program of home parenteral nutrition. Only three have died, and the mean age of the survivors is 13.9 years. In most of the patients with CIPS surgery is only useful for nutritional purposes, for diversion procedures or for intestinal transplantation in extreme cases. Every effort should be made to avoid unnecessary explorations, misdiagnosis and delay in the identification of the syndrome.

Manometric study of the effects of experimental fundoplication in rats.

BACKGROUND: The manometric effects of surgical repair of gastroesophageal reflux remain largely unknown, making the interpretation of the changes in the esophagogastric high pressure zone after fundoplication difficult. AIM: To measure in a murine model the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients, intraabdominal esophageal length, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length after Nissen fundoplication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups Control group (n = 10): in which measurements were made after laparotomy and intraabdominal esophageal dissection. Nissen Group (n = 15): in which measurements were made at baseline, after fundoplication and 1 week after surgery. We considered the following variables: end-inspiratory and end-expiratory transdiaphragmatic gradient (TDIG and TDEG respectively), lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) length (LESL), and length of the intraabdominal segment of the esophagus (LIAS). RESULTS: The LIAS increased significantly after esophagogastric dissection in the control group (11.38 +/- 3.22 mm vs 16.02 +/- mm, p < 0.05). No differences between pre- and postoperative status were found in TDIG, TDEG, LESP and LESL in the control group. However, LESP increased significantly after fundoplication (14.22 +/- 13.3 vs 32.96 +/- 7.8 mmHg, p < 0.05) and these differences were still present one week later (30.72 +/- 6.73 mmHg, p < 0.05). LESL was also increased (1.91 +/- 1.76 mm vs 7.68 +/- 1.83 mm) after fundoplication (p < 0.05), and reached 7.02 +/- 2.18 mm (p < 0.05) 1 week later. No differences were found in pre- and postoperative TDIG, TDEG and LIAS in the Nissen Group. CONCLUSION: In this murine experimental model, intraabdominal esophageal dissection increased the length of the intraabdominal esophagus without modifying the esophagogastric high pressure zone, while Nissen fundoplication increased lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length, without modifying the length of the intraabdominal esophagus or the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients.

[Neutropenic enterocolitis in children with cancer]. / La enterocolitis neutropénica en el niño con cáncer.

OBJECTIVES: Neuropenic enterocolitis (NEC) is a destructive lesion of the ileocecal region occurring in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Its clinical picture is one of febrile acute abdominal extension with bloody diarrhea and low neutrophil counts. Our aim was to determine the incidence of NEC in children with cancer and to review the indications of surgery in these cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of children with cancer treated with chemotherapy in the last 6 years at Hospital Infantile La Paz were reviewed. We selected those patients who had abdominal pain and neutropenia and whose physical examination and radiological findings were consistent with NEC. RESULTS: Twelve cases of NEC were diagnosed during this period among 432 malignancies. The symptoms most frequently seen were abdominal pain and distension, nausea and vomiting. The neutrophil count was consistently below 500/ml. All patients were receiving chemotherapy before the onset of the clinical picture. Five children were operated upon. In three of these we found various ileocecal perforations, in one a gastric perforation and in the remaining one a diffuse inflammation of the ileocecal area. Two non-operated patients died from NEC. The remaining children recovered without problems with medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Pediatric surgeons treating neutropenic cancer patients should be familiar with this condition, that must be suspected early in granulocytopenic patients with acute abdominal extension. Aggressive surgical management is indicated in cases with severe peritonitis, bowel perforation or massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding, irrespective of the degree of neutropenia. Medical support should aim at reestablishing normal neutrophil counts.

[Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an analysis of the results and prognostic factors prior to the development of an ECMO program]. / Hernia diafragmática congénita: análisis de resultados y factores pronósticos previos al desarrollo de un programa de ECMO.

BACKGROUND: Some neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and persistent pulmonary hypertension are not adequately oxygenated with conventional treatment. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been successful in some of them as an alternative in their management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the charts of 47 neonates with CDH, symptomatic within 24 hours of birth, treated in our institution during the last seven years (1987-1994). In all of them, conventional ventilation and hemodynamic support was used. In 12 patients high frequency ventilation (HFV) was used and two survived. In all patients we analyzed the following ventilatory and gasometric parameters: Oxygenation index (OI)*, ventilatory index (VI)** and postductal PCO2. In 15 neonates who did not survive, a necropsy was performed and a morphometric parameter, pulmonary index (PI)*** was studied. RESULTS: The overall survival was 60%. VI and OI showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between survivors and non-survivors with values of 460.9 +/- 303 vs 1532 +/- 500.6, respectively for VI and 10.3 +/- 5.7 vs 46.2 +/- 37.8, respectively for IO. There were no significant differences in postductal PCO2. Mean PI in the 15 non-survivors was 0.0072 +/- 0.002 (normal > 0.015). Regression coefficients of PI with OI or VI were not significant. Neonates with VI < 1000 and OI < 40 survived. All patients with VI > 1000 and OI > 40 died. Some babies with VI > 1000 and OI < 40 (21.6%) survived. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the use of HFV did not improve the prognosis of these patients, but we believe that the use of ECMO in those patients with VI > 1000, and overall, patients with VI > 1000 and OI < 40 would improve the survival rates of this congenital malformation. *QI = FiO2 x MAP/PO2 postductal x 100. (MAP = Median airway pressure). **VI = VR x MAP (VR = Ventilatory rate). ***PI = Pulmonary weight/Body weight.

[A clinical analysis of internal or external diversion in biliary atresia]. / Análisis clínico de la derivación interna o externa en la atresia biliar.

Cholangitis has been the most common postoperative complication of Kasai's operation for biliary atresia. A host of ingenious surgical procedures have been used to prevent this complication, some including exteriorization of the bilioenteric conduit. The purpose of this report was to investigate the role of the derivation on the incidence of cholangitis, liver function and the survival of patients with biliary atresia treated with Kasai's operation. We have analyzed the clinical data of thirty-six patients with biliary atresia treated with Kasai's portoenterostomy during a seven year period (1987-1993). The patients were divided into two groups: Group I, patients treated with portoenterostomy and exteriorization of the bilioenteric conduit (n = 18) and Group II, patients treated with portoenterostomy without enterostomy. Our results suggest that the use of the exteriorization of the bilioenteric conduit was not shown to be effective in the prevention of episodes of cholangitis. The survival for both groups was not statistically significant and there was no increase in morbidity after the postoperative period or during the liver transplant.

[Motor function of the esophagus following surgery for atresia]. / La función motora del esófago operado de atresia.

We have studied for periods averaging 111 months 16 survivors out of a series of 20 children treated for oesophageal atresia (EA) by neonatal end-to-end anastomosis. Twelve of them had gastroesophageal reflux (GER) manifested by either digestive (vomiting, dysphagia, pyrosis, haemorrhage or foreign body impaction) or respiratory symptoms (repeated neumoniae or frequent u.r.i.). pH-studies decealed very increased acid exposure in these patients. Manometric studies showed disorganized peristalsis with near-absence of propulsive waves and predominance of mass-contractions. Interestingly both lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length were normal. Five children had histological esophagitis and 2 had Barrett's esophagus. Seven patients have had an anti-reflux procedure and two more should be operated in the near future. Our experience reveals that GER incidence in EA is very high, that esophageal function is severely impaired in this condition, that mucosal lesions can be serious and that funduplication is effective. Since it has been demonstrated that esophageal dysfunction in EA patients is due to structural anomalies, spontaneous improvement should not be expected in them and surgical treatment should be largely indicated. EA patients require long-term gastro-enterologic follow-up.

[Renal echographic volumetry in the child. Normal patterns]. / Volumetría ecográfica renal en el niño. I. Patrones normales.

After experimental verification of an excellent correlation between volume measurements by water displacement and echography we have checked that there were no differences among several renal measurements performed in children by the same person. In our normal population of 313 children we assumed that the best correlation between somatometric and renal measurements parameter was between weight and renal volume. We have developed volumetric growth charts for both kidneys. There were no significant difference between right and left kidney.

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: possibilities of diagnostic imaging]. / Pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa: posibilidades de diagnóstico por la imagen.

We report on two cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) in children. In one patient preoperative diagnosis could be made on the basis of computerized tomography. Although XGP is a pathology diagnosis, new imagine techniques should allow its suspicion in a growing number of cases. This unusual disease should be suspected in from of a IVP showing non-functioning kidney specially when associated with urinary infection and/or lithiasis. Nephrectomy should be performed in all cases.