Early decision of gastrostomy tube insertion in children with severe developmental disability: a current dilemma.

Background: Healthcare professionals advise earlier gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children with severe developmental disabilities, marked feeding disorders and risk of malnutrition. However, a delay in acceptance of the procedure by parents/guardians is the main issue of concern. The present study aimed to investigate: (i) parental satisfaction with GT feeding and whether parents/carers would have accepted earlier GT placement and (ii) subsequent nutritional outcome.

[Our experience in portal cavernomatosis in childhood: cross-sectional study and analysis of results].

A retrospective and transversal study of our patients with portal cavernomatosis is developed, with the aim of comparing the evolution and the present status of the patients that have undergone different therapeutical approaches. Between 1975 and 1995, 15 patients with portal cavernomatosis have been treated. Personal history, signs and symptoms at the moment of diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed.

[Solid ovarian tumors in childhood].

We evaluate our experience in solid ovarian tumors at the Children's Hospital La Fe. The main aims of the study were finding out relevant clinical data for a correct clinical approach, and the optimal surgical attitude in order to obtain tumor relieving with preservation of fertility when possible. A review of 28 girls under 14 years with solid ovarian tumors was carried out.

[Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts in children: a 12-year review].

Pancreatitis in children is uncommon, but can be associated with severe morbidity rates. Eleven patients (14 months to 9.5 years of age) with acute pancreatitis and one patient with chronic idiopathic pancreatitis beginning the second year of life, were treated over a 11-year period.