Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: The upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series is the preferred method for the diagnosis of malrotation. A bedside UGI technique was developed at our institution for use in low birth weight, critically ill neonates to minimize the risks of transportation from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) such as hypothermia and dislodgement of support lines and tubes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a bedside UGI technique to identify the position of the duodenojejunal junction (DJJ) in low birth weight, critically ill infants in the NICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed bedside UGI examinations performed in premature infants weighing less than 1,500 g from 2008 to 2013 and correlated the findings with clinical data, imaging studies and surgical findings. RESULTS: Of 27 patients identified (weight range: 633-1,495 g), 21 (78%) bedside UGI series were diagnostic. Twenty of 27 cases (74%) demonstrated normal intestinal rotation. One case demonstrated malrotation with midgut volvulus, which was confirmed at surgery. In six cases (22%), the position of the DJJ could not be accurately determined. No cases of malrotation with midgut volvulus were missed. None of the patients with normal bedside UGI studies was found to have malrotation based on clinical follow-up (mean: 20 months), surgical findings or further imaging. CONCLUSION: The bedside UGI is a useful technique to exclude malrotation in critically ill neonates and minimizes potential risks of transportation to the radiology suite. Pitfalls that may preclude a diagnostic examination include incorrect timing of radiographs, patient rotation, suboptimal enteric tube position and bowel distention. In cases of diagnostic uncertainty, a follow-up study should be performed.

OBJECTIVE: Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring emergency surgery in children. Differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis is important because perforated appendicitis may initially be managed conservatively whereas nonperforated appendicitis requires immediate surgical intervention. CT has been proved effective in identifying appendiceal perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in children can be similarly differentiated with ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 161 consecutively registered children from two centers who had acute appendicitis and had undergone ultra-sound and appendectomy. Ultrasound images were reviewed for appendiceal size, appearance of the appendiceal wall, changes in periappendiceal fat, and presence of free fluid, abscess, or appendicolith. The surgical report served as the reference standard for determining whether perforation was present. The specificity and sensitivity of each ultrasound finding were determined, and binary models were generated. RESULTS: The patients included were 94 boys and 67 girls (age range, 1-20 years; mean, 11 +/- 4.4 [SD] years) The appendiceal perforation rate was significantly higher in children younger than 8 years (62.5%) compared with older children (29.5%). Sonographic findings associated with perforation included abscess (sensitivity, 36.2%; specificity, 99%), loss of the echogenic submucosal layer of the appendix in a child younger than 8 years (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 72.7%), and presence of an appendicolith in a child younger than 8 years (sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 91.7%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is effective for differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis in children.

Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity fracture, representing one-sixth of all fractures treated in emergency departments nationwide. Beyond the initial reduction and immobilization of these fractures, providing proper followup to ensure maintenance of the reduction and identify complications is necessary for optimal recovery of forearm and wrist functions. We sought to identify the clinical and demographic factors that characterize patients with distal radius fractures who do not return for followup and to assess the underlying causes for their poor followup rates. Compared with patients who were compliant with followup, those lost to followup had lower Physical and Mental Health scores on the SF-36 forms, more often were treated nonoperatively, and more likely had not surpassed secondary education. However, we found no difference between these two groups based on age, gender, mechanism of injury, marital status, or hand dominance. Early identification of patients who potentially are noncompliant can result in additional measures being taken to ensure the patient's return to the treating hospital and physicians. This in turn will prevent complications attributable to lack of followup and allow more accurate assessment of results, thereby improving patient outcomes