Simplification of first-line antibacterial regimen for complicated appendicitis in children is associated with better adherence to guidelines and reduced use of antibiotics.

Acute appendicitis in children requires early surgery and short-course antibiotics active against Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes. Although an aminoglycoside-containing three-drug regimen has been used successfully for decades, simpler regimens with similar efficacy are increasingly used. This study evaluated the impact of a switch from the combination of cefotaxime, metronidazole and gentamicin (regimen 1) to piperacillin/tazobactam (regimen 2) as first-line regimen for complicated acute appendicitis in children.

Revised CT angiography venous score with consideration of infratentorial circulation value for diagnosing brain death.

Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is largely performed in European countries as an ancillary test for diagnosing brain death. However, CTA suffers from a lack of sensitivity, especially in patients who have previously undergone decompressive craniectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a revised four-point venous CTA score, including non-opacification of the infratentorial venous circulation, for diagnosing brain death.