Distinctive clinical features of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in neonates: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum(SP) without gastrointestinal perforation rarely occurs in neonates, with most SP cases being idiopathic. Although SP usually follows a benign clinical course with favorable prognosis, it can become lifethreatening in certain situations. In these cases, urgent surgical intervention may be required. Therefore, it may be difficult to decide when or how to perform prompt interventions.AIM To demonstrate the distinct clinical features of SP to guide appropriate management by comparing characteristics between SP and typical pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastrointestinal perforation.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records and identified 37 neonates with radiological evidence of pneumoperitoneum who were treated at our institution. Clinical variables were compared between neonates with SP without gastrointestinal perforation(Group A) and those with pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastrointestinal perforation(Group B). Clinical variables between groups were compared using Student’s t-test and the chi-square test. The risk factors related to mortality were examined using multi-logistic regression analysis.RESULTS Group A comprised 35.1%(13/37) of the patients. The frequency of persistent pulmonary hypertension(53.8%) and pneumothorax(46.2%) before the development of pneumoperitoneum was significantly higher in group A than in group B(P =0.004). Platelet count and partial pressure of arterial oxygen(PaO) were significantly lower in group A(P = 0.015 and 0.025, respectively). Overall mortality was significantly higher in group A than in group B(76.9% vs 16.7%, P = 0.001). Only preterm infants were significantly associated with high mortality(P = 0.041;odds ratio = 18.0). Accompaniment with persistent pulmonary hypertension and pneumothorax were also significantly high(P = 0.004) in group A, but these were not strongly associated with high mortality.CONCLUSION This study identified a higher mortality rate in patients with SP than that described in previous reports. Neonates with SP were more likely to have thrombocytopenia, pneumothorax, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Prematurity was the most significant factor affecting mortality.

Surgical perspectives of symptomatic omphalomesenteric duct remnants: Differences between infancy and beyond

BACKGROUND The clinical manifestations of omphalomesenteric duct remnant(OMDR)can vary with the age at diagnosis,from asymptomatic incidental findings to symptoms related to gastrointestinal complications.The lifelong complication rates are reported as 4%-34%,and complications are more common in patients younger than 2 years of age.The authors attempted to identify different clinical features and management for the various pediatric age groups.AIM To find surgical perspectives for the pediatric age-related variants of OMDR and make recommendations for optimal management.METHODS The medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with OMDR were reviewed retrospectively.Fifteen patients diagnosed based on incidental findings during other surgeries were excluded.The patients were divided into two groups based on age:<12 mo(infants)and>12 mo(beyond infancy).We analyzed the demographic characteristics,clinical manifestations,diagnostic tools,surgical procedures,and clinical outcomes of the patients and compared them for the age groups.Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used for nominal scales and a Mann-Whitney test was used for ratio scales.RESULTS A total of 35 patients(7 infants,28 children beyond infancy)were finally included.In both groups,Meckel's diverticulum(MD)was the most common type of OMDR,while umbilical lesions were more common in the infant group(P=0.006).Hematochezia and abdominal pain were common in the beyond infancy group,while umbilical lesions were the most frequent symptoms in the infant group.Several diagnostic tools were used,but Meckel's scan was most useful in diagnosing OMDR in patients with painless rectal bleeding.Minimally invasive surgery was more commonly performed for children than for infants(P=0.016).Single-incision laparoscopic surgery(SILS)was performed for fifteen patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery.There were only three cases of postoperative complications,and all patients survived in good condition.CONCLUSION The clinical type of OMDR varies with age,umbilical lesions in infants,and MD beyond infancy.SILS is effective for managing children with MD regardless of age.