[Effects of caudal block in pediatric surgical patients: a randomized clinical trial].

Background: Surgery generates a neuroendocrine stress response, resulting in undesirable hemodynamic instability, alterations in metabolic response and malfunctioning of the immune system.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of caudal blocks in intra- and postoperative pain management and in reducing the stress response in children during the same periods.

Methods: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included 60 patients scheduled for elective herniorrhaphy.

Infections associated with the central venous catheters.

Central venous catheters are of an essential importance to critically ill patients who require long-term venous access for various purposes. Their use made the treatment much easier, but still they are not harmless and are prone to numerous complications. Catheter infections represent the most significant complication in their use.

Preventive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in infants.

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis is well recognized phenomenon in the term and preterm infant receiving long-term parenteral nutrition.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) use on cholestasis in newborns on prolonged TPN.

Methods: A total of 56 infants were enrolled in this retrospective study: control group consisted of lower (1500 g) birth weight infants (n = 30), as well as the group of pediatric (n = 11) and surgical patients (n = 15) treated with UDCA.