Rate Of Spontaneous Resolution Research Articles

The natural history of paediatric trigger thumbs. A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to report the natural history of paediatric trigger thumbs, determining the rate and factors predictive of spontaneous resolution. A total of 62 patients presenting with 79 thumbs locked in flexion were observed for a mean of 4.2 years. The median age at presentation was 20.5 months. The spontaneous resolution rate was 37% at 5 years and 50% at 8 years of follow-up. Of the thumbs, 27% had undergone surgery at 5 years and 48% at 8 years. Thumbs that spontaneously resolved did so at a mean of 3.4 years. Thumbs presenting with an interphalangeal joint angle of less than 30° were likely to resolve spontaneously, with a sensitivity of 0.50 and specificity of 0.82. It is reasonable to offer observation alone for 4 to 5 years as the first line of management for paediatric trigger thumb.Level of evidence: III.

Long term outcome of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy and risk factors for persistence

Resolution rates of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (IgE-CMA) by age 5 years, and risk factors for its persistence were previously described. To extend follow-up until the end of adolescence. An extension study of 23 of 54 patients diagnosed with IgE-CMA from a population-based study of 13,019 newborns, who remained allergic at age 5 years. Patients were examined at age 17 and their history reviewed. Resolution was determined by regular milk consumption without adverse reactions, or a negative oral food challenge (OFC). Allergy was defined by a recent objective reaction to milk and a positive skin prick test (SPT), or by sensitization ≥95% PPV to milk. Risk factors for persistence at age 17 were examined in the entire cohort. Of the 23 patients followed, 8/23 (35%) had spontaneous resolution, and 15 had persistent IgE-CMA. Overall, 39 (72.2%) of the 54 patients initially diagnosed with IgE-CMA had spontaneous resolution by age 17. Risk factors for IgE-CMA persistence at age 17 years included SPT >6 mm at time of diagnosis (p=0.03), no cow's milk formula feeding in the nursery (p=0.008), and wheezing on diagnostic OFC/initial reaction to milk (p=0.04). Seven patients experienced objective reactions after age 5 years. These patients had more wheezing (p=0.045) or anaphylaxis (p=0.02) on diagnostic OFC/initial reaction and more current asthma (p=0.007). Significant rate of spontaneous resolution of IgE-CMA still occurs beyond age 5 and few patients with IgE-CMA, mostly asthmatics, experience objective reactions by early adulthood. This should be considered in the treatment approach of IgE-CMA patients.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Malignant Bowel Obstruction Caused by Peritoneal Dissemination.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients presenting with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) and peritoneal dissemination. We retrospectively examined whether HBOT affects prognosis following MBO with peritoneal dissemination. This study included 44 patients diagnosed with MBO secondary to peritoneal dissemination at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. Among these patients, 30 underwent HBOT. The treatment protocol involved daily HBOT administration, comprising 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 60 min. In a univariate analysis of HBOT and non-HBOT groups, the proportion of patients able to resume eating was significantly higher in the HBOT group. Therefore, the percentage of patients in the non-HBOT group whose MBO did not improve was significantly higher than that in the HBOT group. The percentage of patients undergoing surgery or receiving anticancer treatment did not differ significantly between the groups, whereas overall survival was significantly longer in the HBOT group. Furthermore, when examining inoperable patients, significantly more individuals in the HBOT group could resume eating, and their overall survival was significantly prolonged. HBOT may increase the spontaneous resolution rate and improve long-term prognoses of patients with MBO secondary to peritoneal dissemination.

Discontinuing absorbent pants in children with bedwetting: a randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of discontinuing wearing protective garments (absorbent pyjama pants — APP) in children with severe childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE). The study employs a multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Following a 4-week run-in period, participants were randomly allocated in a 2:1 group allocation to discontinue or continue using APP. The research was conducted across seven European pediatric incontinence centers. The study included treatment-naïve children aged 4–8 years with severe (7/7 wet nights per week) mono-symptomatic NE, who had used nighttime protection for at least 6 months prior to the study. The study consisted of a 4-week run-in period (± 7 days), where all children slept wearing APP (DryNites®). At week 4 (± 7 days), if meeting randomization criteria (7/7 wet nights during the last week of run-in), participants were randomized to continue to sleep in APP or to discontinue their use for a further 4 weeks, with the option of another 4 weeks in the extension period. The primary outcome was the difference between groups of wet nights during the last week of intervention. Quality of life (QoL) and sleep were secondary endpoints. In total, 105 children (43 girls and 62 boys, mean age 5.6 years [SD 1.13]) were randomized (no-pants group n = 70, pants group n = 35). Fifteen children (21%) in the no-pants group discontinued early due to stress related to the intervention. Children in the no-pants group experienced fewer wet nights compared to the pants group during the last week (difference 2.3 nights, 95% CI 1.54–3.08; p < 0.0001). In the no-pants group, 20% responded to the intervention, of whom 13% had a full response. Clinical improvement was detected within 2 weeks. Sleep and QoL were reported as negatively affected by APP discontinuation in the extension period but not in the core period. Conclusion: A ~ 10% complete resolution rate was associated with discontinuing APP. While statistically significant, the clinical relevance is debatable, and the intervention should be tried only if the family is motivated. Response was detectable within 2 weeks. Discontinuing APP for 4–8 weeks was reported to negatively affect QoL and sleep quality. No severe side effects were seen.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04620356; date registered: September 23, 2020. Registered under the name: “Effect of Use of DryNites Absorbent Pyjama Pants on the Rate of Spontaneous Resolution of Paediatric Nocturnal Enuresis (NE).”What is Known?• APP has been hypothesized to delay time until spontaneous resolution of bedwetting, but no prospective randomized evidence is available regarding if APP use sustains symptoms.• No evidence whether discontinuation of APP can lead to dryness or impact sleep quality and QoL.What is New?• Thirteen percent became dry after removing APP for up to 8 weeks and initial response was detectable within 2 weeks.• Even though prolonged discontinuation was reported to lead to sleep disturbances and rediced QoL, still our results suggest trying 2 weeks of the intervention if the family is motivated, prior to engaging established treatments for nocturnal enuresis.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Catheter Drainage for Pancreatic Fluid Collections: An Interventional Study

Introduction: Pancreatic Fluid Collections (PFCs) are accumulations of pancreatic fluid or debris contained within a granulation tissue wall. Unlike true cysts, they arise as complications of various conditions like acute pancreatitis, abdominal trauma, pancreatic surgery, or chronic pancreatic duct obstruction. While smaller PFCs (under 4 cm) often resolve on their own without intervention, larger collections exceeding 6 cm or those causing symptoms like infection or bile duct obstruction have significantly lower rates of spontaneous resolution. In such cases, drainage intervention is typically recommended. Aim: To assess the treatment effectiveness of Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) for PFCs using ultrasound guidance. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from September 2021 to August 2022. The study focused on patients (N=73) with PFC as a complication of acute pancreatitis necessitating ultrasound-guided PCD. The study outcomes were clinical effectiveness, reinterventions, and mortality rates. Additionally, authors investigated the impact of various drainage factors, such as indication, PFC type, location relative to the pancreas, PFC size, Modified Computed Tomography (CT) Severity Index (CTSI), duration between symptom onset and PCD initiation, total catheter dwell time, and duration between symptom onset and reintervention. Statistical analyses employed International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test for continuous variables; Chi-square test for categorical data (p&lt;0.05). Results: In present study, the mean age of the subjects was 47 years. PCD in terms of clinical success was 63% (n=46) and clinical failure was 37% (n=27). Open necrosectomy was performed on 15 patients (20.5%) and open cystogastrostomy was performed on 11 patients (15.1%). Conclusion: The utilisation of ultrasound-guided PCD for PFCs represents a technique associated with relatively low morbidity and mortality rates. This approach can serve as either definitive treatment or a transitional measure before resorting to open surgery.

What are the Effective Factors in Spontaneous Resolution Rate of Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

This meta-analysis aimed to predict the rate of spontaneous resolution and identify influencing factors among pediatric patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The primary objective was to construct a nomogram to facilitate clinical decision-making in the treatment of primary VUR by assessing the rate of spontaneous resolution and its determinants. A systematic search was conducted up to September 2023, encompassing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the reference lists of relevant studies. Inclusion criteria comprised 33 studies with a total of 8540 pediatric patients. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form. The analysis included the assessment of various outcomes, such as the rate of spontaneous resolution, and identification of influential factors, including gender, age, laterality, and VUR grade. The pooled spontaneous resolution rate among pediatric patients with primary VUR was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.47, Tau2 = 0.26), demonstrating high heterogeneity (Q = 429.9, df = 32, P < 0.001, I2 = 93%). Egger's regression test indicated no publication bias (p = 0.67). VUR grade emerged as the most significant determinant of spontaneous resolution, with varying rates for different grades: grade 1 (0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.86), grade 2 (0.67, 95% CI: 0.60-0.74), grade 3 (0.49, 95% CI: 0.42-0.56), and grade 4 (0.23, 95% CI: 0.18-0.30; Tau2 = 0.28, I2 = 0.49). While differences in gender and laterality were observed, statistical significance was not evident. This study provides valuable insights into the spontaneous resolution rate of primary vesicoureteral reflux in pediatric patients. The constructed nomogram, based on VUR grading, serves as a useful tool for clinicians in decision-making. Despite observed variations in gender and laterality, only VUR grading demonstrated statistical significance in influencing spontaneous resolution. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors within larger populations to enhance our understanding of primary VUR resolution dynamics.

Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children.

Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children.

Fate of primary determinate and indeterminate target vessel endoleaks after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of primary determinate and indeterminate target vessel endoleaks (TVELs) after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR). MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective study (2014-2023) on F-BEVAR for thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) or pararenal aortic aneurysms (PRAAs). TVELs were classified as “primary” if present at the first postoperative computed tomography angiogram. Endoleaks were defined “determinate” (dELs) if the cause (type Ic or IIIc) and implicated target vessel were identifiable and “indeterminate” (iELs) if contrast enhancement was detectable at the level of fenestrations/branches without any evident source. Endoleaks involving multiple inflows (type II and target vessels) were defined as “complex” (cELs). Endpoints were endoleak spontaneous resolution, 1-year aneurysm sac failure to regress (>5 mm diameter decrease), and 4-year endoleak-related secondary interventions. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression were used for the analysis. ResultsThere were 142 patients with JRAAs/PRAAs (n = 85; 60%) or TAAAs (n = 57; 40%), with 513 target arteries incorporated through a fenestration (n = 294; 57%) or directional branch (n = 219; 43%). Fifty-nine primary TVELs (12%) were identified in 35 patients (25%), a dEL in 20 patients (14%) and iEL in 15 (11%); 22 (15%) had a determinate or indeterminate cEL. Overall spontaneous resolution rate was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51%-87%) at 4 years. cELs (odds ratio [OR], 5.00; 95% CI, 1.10-49.4; P < .001) and iELs after BEVAR (OR, 9.43; 95% CI, 3.41-56.4; P = .002) were more likely to persist >6 months, and persistent forms were associated with sac failure to regress at 1 year (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.03-12.59; P = .040). Overall freedom from endoleak-related reinterventions was 85% (95% CI, 79%-92%) at 4 years, 92% (95% CI, 87%-97%) for those without primary TVELs and 62% (95% CI, 46%-84%) for those with any primary TVEL (P < .001). In particular, cELs (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.4-18.81; P = .020) were associated with an increased need for reintervention. In case a secondary intervention was needed, iEL or cEL had an increased risk for multiple secondary procedures (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.22-10.34; P = .034). ConclusionsPrimary TVELs are frequent after F-BEVAR, and a clear characterization of the endoleak source by computed tomography angiogram is not possible in 40% of patients. Most primary TVELs spontaneously resolve, but during follow-up, patients with any primary TVEL experience a worsened freedom from endoleak-related reinterventions that is mostly driven by persistence of cELs and post-BEVAR iELs. Multiple secondary procedures may be required in case of iELs or cELs.

S93 Complications and Spontaneous Resolution Rates of Incidentally Detected Choledocholithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

S93 Complications and Spontaneous Resolution Rates of Incidentally Detected Choledocholithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Natural History of Pediatric Hand and Wrist Ganglion Cysts: Longitudinal Follow-Up of a Prospective, Dual-Center Cohort

This investigation describes the outcomes of pediatric ganglion cysts in a prospective cohort that elected not to undergo cyst aspiration or surgical treatment. Our primary aim was to investigate the rate of spontaneous resolution over time among the subset of patients who did not undergo specific treatments. Children (aged ≤18 years) who presented to the clinic with ganglion cysts of the hand or wrist were enrolled in a prospective two-center registry between 2017 and 2021. Enrolled subjects who never elected to undergo cyst aspiration or surgical treatment were analyzed. The data collected included age, sex, cyst location and laterality, hand dominance, Wong-Baker pain scale scores, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System upper-extremity scores. Follow-up surveys were completed for up to 5 years. A total of 157 cysts in 154 children, with an average age of 9.4 years and a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1, were eligible. The most common ganglion location was dorsal wrist (67/157, 42.7%), followed by volar wrist (49/157, 31.2%), the flexor tendon sheath (29/157, 18.5%), and the extensor tendon synovial lining (8/157, 5.1%). The average follow-up duration was 2.5 years after initial presentation to the clinic, and 63.1% (99/157) of the patients responded to follow-up surveys. Among them, 62.6% (62/99) of cysts spontaneously resolved; the resolution rates ranged from 51.9% of volar wrist ganglions to 81% of flexor tendon sheath cysts, with an average time to resolution of 14.1 months after cyst presentation. Cysts were more likely to resolve in the hand than in the wrist (84.0% vs 55.4%, respectively). Cysts present for >12 months at initial evaluation were less likely to resolve spontaneously (41.2% vs 67.1%). Of children who elected not to undergo aspiration or surgical treatment, approximately two-thirds of families reported that their child's ganglion cyst resolved spontaneously. Cysts that resolve spontaneously usually do so within 2 years of presentation. Therapeutic IV.

Walking status and spinopelvic parameters in young children with achondroplasia: 10-year follow-up.

Thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) is common in children with achondroplasia and resolves in 90% by 10years of age. Our purpose was to describe the natural progression of TLK in a cohort of pre-walking children with achondroplasia. A single-center, retrospective review identified 62 children (32 male, 30 female) with achondroplasia. Clinical information and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were collected. The children were divided into positive pelvic tilt (PT) and negative PT. All parents were routinely counseled about unsupported sitting. Spontaneous resolution rate was 64.5% at 1-year post-walking, 74.2% at 5years of age, and 88.7% at 10years of age. None of the children required posterior spinal decompression and fusion for progressive deformity or symptomatic spinal stenosis. At 1-year post-walking, the negative PT group had a higher sacral slope (p = 0.006), higher lumbar lordosis (p < 0.001), and lower pelvic incidence (p < 0.001). This relationship remained constant up to 10years of age, and there was no association with TLK. In this largest series to date, spontaneous resolution of TLK in children with achondroplasia was 64.5% at 1-year post-walking, 74.2% at 5years of age, and 88.7% in children followed to 10years of age. With early identification and regular follow-up with patient education, no patient in this series required treatment or developed symptomatic spinal stenosis. While not predictive of resolution of TLK, the dichotomous presentation of PT in young children with achondroplasia persists at 5 and 10years of age and reliably predicts the spinopelvic parameters. III-retrospective comparative study.

Epidemiological survey of warts in Chinese military recruits: A cross-sectional and follow-up study

BackgroundWarts are very common in military personnel, either at war or during peace times. However, little is known about the prevalence and natural course of warts in military recruits in China. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and natural course of warts in Chinese military recruits. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the head, face, neck, hands, and feet of 3093 Chinese military recruits aged 16–25 years in Shanghai were examined for the presence of warts upon enlistment medical examinations. Questionnaires were distributed to collect the general information of the participants before the survey. All the patients were followed up by telephone interview for 11–20 months. ResultsThe prevalence rate of warts in Chinese military recruits was 2.49%. The diagnosis of most cases was common and plantar warts, which were usually less than 1 cm in diameter and with mild discomfort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking and sharing personal items with others were risk factors. Coming from southern China was a protective factor. Over 2/3 of patients recovered within 1 year and the type, number, and size of warts and treatment choice did not predict resolution.Study limitations and Conclusions This study demonstrated that warts had a relative lower morbidity and a higher spontaneous resolution rate in Chinese military recruits. The telephone interviews following the initial survey and the limitations of a cross-sectional study were the main drawbacks.

Screening of Children with Upper Respiratory Tract Infection for Otitis Media with Effusion

Objective: To determine the recurrence rate of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) among children without hearing loss, in relation to different upper respiratory tract infections.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shifa Foundation Community Health Centre (SFCHC) in Islamabad from February 2020 to February 2021, this study involved otoscopic examinations by a blinded team member. Tympanometry was performed on patients displaying OME signs. Both the examiner and performer were unaware of the child's study status to minimize bias.&#x0D; Results: The study included children with a mean age of 7.35 ± 2.30 years, predominantly males (59.4%). Common symptoms were nasal obstruction (98%), mouth breathing (97%), and sore throat (98%). Physical examination revealed no Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), nasal polyps, or tender sinuses. Mucopurulent nasal discharge (94.1%), adenoid hypertrophy (98%), and congested tonsils (96%) were prevalent. Dull/opaque tympanic membranes were present in 22.8% of children, while 74.3% displayed a light reflex, and 26.7% had a prominent short process of malleus.&#x0D; Conclusion: Otitis media with effusion is frequent in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, non-specific ear symptoms, and poor school performance. Although typically benign with a high rate of spontaneous resolution, it often leads to parental anxiety, unnecessary investigations, and sometimes unwarranted medication.&#x0D; Key Words: Otitis Media with Effusion, Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Hearing Loss.

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma: case series and review of histological findings

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFG) is a benign condition that typically presents as asymptomatic nodules on the cheeks of pediatric patients. The underlying etiology of IFG remains unknown; however, increasing evidence supports the theory that IFG may lie on a spectrum with childhood rosacea. Typically, biopsy and excision are deferred due to the benign nature, high spontaneous resolution rates, and cosmetically sensitive location. As biopsy is infrequently used to diagnose IFG, a limited library of histopathologic findings exists to characterize the lesions. We present a single-center retrospective review of five cases of IFG diagnosed by histology after surgical excision.

High incidence of type 2 endoleak and low associated adverse events in the Vascular Quality Initiative linked to Medicare claims

IntroductionType 2 endoleak (T2EL) is the most common adverse finding on postoperative surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). A low rate of aneurysm-related mortality with T2EL has been established. However, the optimal management strategy and the efficacy of reintervention remain controversial. This study used data from the Vascular Quality Initiative linked to Medicare claims (VQI-Medicare) to evaluate T2LE in a real-world cohort. MethodsThis retrospective review of EVAR procedures in VQI-Medicare included patients undergoing their first EVAR procedure between 2015 and 2017. Patients with an endoleak other than T2EL on completion angiogram and those without VQI imaging follow-up were excluded. Patients without Medicare part A or part B enrollment at the time of the procedure or without 1-year complete Medicare follow-up data were also excluded. The exposure variable was T2EL, defined as any branch vessel flow detected within the first postoperative year. Outcomes of interest were mortality, reintervention, T2EL-related reintervention, post-EVAR imaging, and T2EL behavior including spontaneous resolution, aneurysm sac regression, and resolution after reintervention. The association of prophylactic branch vessel embolization (PBE) with T2EL resolution and aneurysm sac regression was also evaluated. ResultsIn a final cohort of 5534 patients, 1372 (24.7%) had an identified T2EL and 4162 (75.2%) did not. The median age of patients with and without T2EL was 77 and 75 years, respectively. There were no differences in mortality, imaging, reintervention, or T2EL-related reintervention at 3 years after the procedure for patients with T2EL. The aneurysm sac diameter decreased by 4 mm (range: 9-0 mm decrease) in the total cohort. Patients with inferior mesenteric artery-based T2EL had the smallest decrease in aneurysm diameter (median 1 mm decrease compared with 1.5 mm for accessory renal artery-based T2EL, 2 mm for multiple feeding vessel-based T2EL, and 4 mm for lumbar artery-based T2EL; P < .001). Spontaneous resolution occurred in 73.7% of patients (n = 809). T2ELs with evidence of multiple feeding vessels were associated with the lowest rate of spontaneous resolution (n = 51, 54.9%), compared with those with a single identified feeding vessel of inferior mesenteric artery (n = 99, 60.0%), lumbar artery (n = 655, 77.7%), or accessory renal artery (n = 31, 79.5%) (P < .001). PBE was performed in 84 patients. Patients who underwent PBE and were without detectable T2EL after EVAR had the greatest rate of sac regression at follow-up (7 mm decrease) compared with baseline. ConclusionsT2EL after EVAR is associated with high rates of spontaneous resolution, low rates of aneurysm sac growth, and no evidence of increased early mortality or reintervention. PBE in conjunction with EVAR may be indicated in some circumstances.

What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery.

What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery.

Age-Specific Outcomes of Conservative Approach and Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction.

PurposeTo evaluate the resolution rate of lacrimal sac massage and the efficacy of primary probing among different age groups of patients with CNLDO in Thai population.Patients and MethodsRetrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients younger than 10 years of age who had been diagnosed with CNLDO, from January 1st, 2011, to October 31st, 2021. Patients were divided into two groups. The conservative treatment group comprised patients who had received Crigler’s maneuver and topical antibiotic when indicated; the intervention group comprised patients who had received probing.ResultsThere were 469 patients in the conservative treatment group and 108 patients in the probing group. In the conservative treatment group; the patients were categorized into five groups according to age: 0 to <6 months, 6 to <12 months, 12 to <18 months, 18 to <24 months, and ≥24 months. The resolution rates for these age groups were 99.25%, 96.23%, 64.71%, 50%, and 62.07%, respectively. The rate of spontaneous resolution was significantly associated with patient age (p <0.01). In the intervention group; the patients were categorized into four age groups according to age: 0 to <12 months, 12 to <24 months, 24 to <36 months, and ≥36 months. The success rates of primary probing for these age groups were 92.86%, 89.29%, 85.71%, and 94.12%, respectively. The success rate of primary probing was not significantly associated with patient age (p >0.05).ConclusionThe Crigler’s maneuver is a safe and highly effective procedure for the management of CNLDO in patients of multiple ages, particularly patients less than 12 months of age. According to the high spontaneous resolution rate and the low rate of complications, the clinicians may delay surgical intervention when desired.

Comparison of infants and children with urolithiasis: a large case series.

We evaluated the demographic features, etiologic risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcome of the infants and children with urolithiasis (UL). A retrospective multicenter study was conducted including 23 Pediatric Nephrology centers in Turkey. The medical records of 2513 children with UL were reviewed. One thousand, three hundred and four boys and 1209 girls (1.1:1) were reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 39.5 ± 35months (0.4-231months), and 1262 patients (50.2%) were in the first year of life (infants). Most of the cases with infantile UL were diagnosed incidentally. Microlithiasis (< 3mm) was found in 794 patients (31.6%), and 64.5% of the patients with microlithiasis were infants. Stones were located in the pelvis-calyces in 63.2% (n: 1530) of the cases. The most common stone type was calcium oxalate (64.6%). Hypocitraturia was the most common metabolic risk factor (MRF) in children older than 12months, but in infancy, hypercalciuria was more common. Fifty-five percent of the patients had received at least one medical treatment, mostly potassium citrate. At the end of a year's follow-up, most of the patients with microlithiasis (85%) showed spontaneous remission. The rate of spontaneous stone resolution in infants was higher than in children. Spontaneous remission rate was higher in cases with MRF (-) stones than in MRF ( +) stones. However, remission rate with medical treatment was higher in cases with MRF ( +) stones. This study represents the results of a large series of infants and children with UL and showed that there are several differences such as underlying metabolic and anatomic abnormalities, clinical course, and stone remission rates between infants and children with urinary stone disease.

Otitis Media Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the prevalence and management of many pediatric infectious diseases, including acute otitis media (AOM). Coronaviruses are a group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in humans. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, coronavirus serotypes OC43, 229E, HKU1, and NL63 were infrequently detected in middle ear fluid (MEF) specimens and nasopharyngeal aspirates in children with AOM during the 1990s and 2000s and were associated with a mild course of the disease. At times when CoV was detected in OM cases, the overall viral load was relatively low. The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen responsible for the eruption of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Following the pandemic declaration in many countries and by the World Health Organization in March 2020, preventive proactive measures were imposed to limit COVID-19. These included social distancing; lockdowns; closure of workplaces; kindergartens and schools; increased hygiene; use of antiseptics and alcohol-based gels; frequent temperature measurements and wearing masks. These measures were not the only ones taken, as hospitals and clinics tried to minimize treating non-urgent medical referrals such as OM, and elective surgical procedures were canceled, such as ventilating tube insertion (VTI). These changes and regulations altered the way OM is practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advents in technology allowed a vast use of telemedicine technologies for OM, however, the accuracy of AOM diagnosis in those encounters was in doubt, and antibiotic prescription rates were still reported to be high. There was an overall decrease in AOM episodes and admissions rates and with high spontaneous resolution rates of MEF in children, and a reduction in VTI surgeries. Despite an initial fear regarding viral shedding during myringotomy, the procedure was shown to be safe. Special draping techniques for otologic surgery were suggested. Other aspects of OM practice included the presentation of adult patients with AOM who tested positive for SARS-2-CoV and its detection in MEF samples in living patients and in the mucosa of the middle ear and mastoid in post-mortem specimens.

Modified Grading of Postnatal Urinary Tract Dilation

Source: Melo FF, Vasconcelos MA, Mak RH, et al. Postnatal urinary tract dilatation classification: improvement of the accuracy in predicting kidney injury [pubished online ahead of print August 28, 2021]. Pediatr Nephrol. doi: 101007/s00467-021-05254-xInvestigators from the Federal University of Minas Geraos (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, conducted a study to assess the accuracy of multiple classification systems for urinary tract dilatation (UTD) on postnatal ultrasound (US) in predicting future need for surgical intervention and/or kidney injury among neonates diagnosed with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH). Study participants were infants with isolated ANH, defined as anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter ≥5 mm on a third trimester ultrasound, who were seen at the Pediatric Nephrology Unit at UFMG and followed prospectively from 1989 to 2019. The initial postnatal US was performed at approximately 14 days of age. A standard protocol was used to manage these patients. Study outcomes were surgical intervention and kidney injury. The need for surgery was determined using a protocol with markers indicative of severe obstruction, and kidney injury was defined as the presence of significant proteinuria, hypertension, or presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using the results of the first postnatal US, severity of UTD was categorized using 5 grading systems: renal pelvic diameter (RPD), renal parenchyma thickness (RPT), a grading system developed by the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU), the UTD grading system, and a modified UTD system (UTDm). The accuracy of each system for predicting each outcome was assessed by generating receiver operating curves (ROC) and measuring the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, using the ROC analysis, the threshold (measurement with RPD and RPT and grade with the other tests) that maximized sensitivity and specificity was identified.Data were analyzed on 447 children, including 318 (71.1%) boys. Median follow-up was 9 years. Overall, 131 (29%) underwent surgical intervention at a median age of 8 months. The AUC for all grading systems in predicting surgical intervention were all >0.90, but the AUC for RPT statistically was significantly worse than that of the other tests. Using a threshold of >grade 2 with UTDm, the sensitivity for surgery was 85.5% and specificity was 89.9%. For RPD, a cutoff value of >15 mm had a sensitivity of 99.2% and specificity of 82.3%. A total of 26 children (5.8%) met criteria for kidney injury. The highest AUCs for predicting kidney injury were achieved with RPT (AUC = 0.921) and UTDm (AUC = 0.913); RPD and SFU had significantly worse AUCs. The sensitivity and specificity of UTDm, with a threshold at grade 2 or higher for predicting kidney injury, were 100% and 71.9%, respectively, and for RPT, with a cutoff at ≤8.9 mm, 96.1% and 80.0%, respectively.The authors conclude that several grading systems for UTD in newborns with ANH have good accuracy in predicting need for surgery and/or kidney injury.Dr Sanchez-Kazi has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.Hydronephrosis as a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract can affect up to 14% of all pregnancies.1 Kidney and bladder US is used for grading the degree of UTD and for measurement of the RPT. Several grading systems are used today, including the SFU, UTD Consensus Recommendations, and Onen’s (2–4). The researchers in the current study combined the grading systems with some modifications to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of using hydronephrosis and RPT in predicting long-term kidney injury.The current study is 1 of the few with long-term follow-up of the hydronephrotic kidney and the participants’ blood pressure, urine protein, and kidney function. As with previous reports, kidney outcomes are easier to predict with mild and severe hydronephrosis (See AAP Grand Rounds. 2020;43[4]:42.)5 Moderate degree of hydronephrosis needs more follow-up and requires further imaging to assess if and when surgical intervention is required. Quantitative information such as RPT is useful in addition to grading of UTD. The difficulty in using the grading systems, however, is not the quantification, but standardization of where the measurements should be obtained since dilation can be affected by hydration and bladder fullness.Past studies have shown significant intra- and interobserver variability between clinicians.6,7 It is interesting to note that the number of surgical interventions was higher in the early years of the current study period. Does this reflect changes in indications for surgery, improvement in grading and measurement of the urinary dilation, or changing attitudes toward early surgical intervention?Modifications of the current postnatal US grading systems are useful in prognostication of kidney health in infants with antenatal onset of hydronephrosis.Recall that isolated ANH has a high rate of spontaneous resolution, thus abrogating the need for extensive imaging or urological intervention.5