Evaluation of histological changes after tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model.

Objectives: To evaluate the histological changes of tracheal cartilage and epithelium caused by tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model.

Methods: Rat fetuses were divided into two groups: a) External control, composed of non-operated rats, and b) Interventional group, composed of rats operated upon on gestational day 18.5 (term = 22 days), divided into triads: 1) Tracheal occlusion, 2) Internal control and 3) Sham (manipulated but not operated).

Evolution of critically ill patients with gastroschisis from three tertiary centers.

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVES AND INTRODUCTION: Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect with increasing occurrence worldwide over the past 20-30 years. Our aim was to analyze the morbidity of newborns after gastroschisis closure, with emphasis on metabolic and hydroelectrolyte disturbances in patients at three tertiary university centers.

Methods: From January 2003 to June 2009, the following patient data were collected retrospectively: (A) Background maternal and neonatal data: maternal age, prenatal diagnosis, type of delivery, Apgar scores, birth weight, gestational age and sex; (B) Surgical modalities: primary or staged closure; and (C) Hospital course: levels of serum sodium and levels of serum albumin in the two first postoperative days, number of ventilation days, other postoperative variables and survival.

Babies with brain damage who can not swallow: surgical management.

Background: Neonates with severe neurological impairment are often unable to swallow, necessitating gastrostomy for feeding. Because of the risk of developing severe reflux, this procedure is often associated with fundoplication.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of gastrostomy and Nissen fundoplication in 22 neonates with swallowing difficulties due to serious neurological impairment.

The female condom as a temporary silo: a simple and inexpensive tool in the initial management of the newborn with gastroschisis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to report the use of a female condom as a non-surgical silon pouch in the early management of newborns with gastroschisis with large visceroabdominal disproportion.

Methods: Pre-washed, sterile female condoms without spermicide were used as an early approach to treat gastroschisis in 20 newborns with large defects and in whom staged correction was anticipated. The condom was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit using sterile technique, with no anesthesia, and it was removed only at the time of the surgical procedure for gastroschisis correction.