A meta-analysis of carbon dioxide versus room air insufflation on patient comfort and key performance indicators at colonoscopy.

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO) has been used as an alternative to air insufflation at endoscopy with good results; however, uptake of the technique has been poor, possibly due to perceived lack of outcome equivalency. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of CO versus air in reducing pain post-colonoscopy and furthermore examines other key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sedative use, procedure times and polyp detection rates.

Methods: This meta-analysis was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Plastic bronchitis: a rare complication of long-term haemodialysis catheter placement in a child.

Background: Despite peritoneal dialysis being the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy in neonates and infants, long-term haemodialysis may be necessary in a minority of patients with its attendant risks.

Case Diagnosis/treatment: This case identifies plastic bronchitis as a rare yet serious complication of long-term large bore vascular access when a vessel-sparing approach is not possible.

Conclusions: An appropriately sized catheter should be used for the dialytic therapy required and to optimize access survival.