Incidence and outcomes of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and pulmonary sequestration.

Background: Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) has long been identified in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), however the reported incidence in the literature varies widely and is not based on large series.

Methods: Version 4 of the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group (CDHSG) included questions specifically identifying BPS-associated cases. The data were prospectively collected between 2015 and 2020.

Splenic development and injury in premature lambs supported by the artificial placenta.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate splenic effects during artificial placenta (AP) support.

Methods: AP lambs (118-121 d, n = 14) were delivered and placed on the AP support for a goal of 10-14 days. Cannulation used right jugular drainage and umbilical vein reinfusion.

An Artificial Placenta Protects Against Lung Injury and Promotes Continued Lung Development in Extremely Premature Lambs.

An artificial placenta (AP) utilizing extracorporeal life support (ECLS) could protect premature lungs from injury and promote continued development. Preterm lambs at estimated gestational age (EGA) 114-128 days (term = 145) were delivered by Caesarian section and managed in one of three groups: AP, mechanical ventilation (MV), or tissue control (TC). Artificial placenta lambs (114 days EGA, n = 3; 121 days, n = 5) underwent venovenous (VV)-ECLS with jugular drainage and umbilical vein reinfusion for 7 days, with a fluid-filled, occluded airway.

An Early Investigation into Possible Alternatives to Stapled Hysterotomy in Open Fetal Surgery.

Purpose: We hypothesized that surgical energy could be used to create hysterotomies in open fetal surgery.

Study Design: Initial studies compared the LigaSure Impact and Harmonic ACE + 7 Shears in the efficiency of hysterotomy and thermal damage. Pregnant ewes at an estimated gestational age (EGA) of 116 to 120 days (term = 145;  = 7) underwent hysterotomy using either device.

The artificial placenta: Continued lung development during extracorporeal support in a preterm lamb model.

Purpose: An artificial placenta (AP) utilizing extracorporeal life support (ECLS) could avoid the harm of mechanical ventilation (MV) while allowing the lungs to develop.

Methods: AP lambs (n = 5) were delivered at 118 days gestational age (GA; term = 145 days) and placed on venovenous ECLS (VV-ECLS) with jugular drainage and umbilical vein reinfusion. Lungs remained fluid-filled.

Gastrointestinal mucosal development and injury in premature lambs supported by the artificial placenta.

Background: An Artificial Placenta (AP) utilizing extracorporeal life support (ECLS) could revolutionize care of extremely premature newborns, but its effects on gastrointestinal morphology and injury need investigation.

Methods: Lambs (116-121days GA, term=145; n=5) were delivered by C-section, cannulated for ECLS, had total parenteral nutrition (TPN) provided, and were supported for 7days before euthanasia. Early and Late Tissue Controls (ETC, n=5 and LTC, n=5) delivered at 115-121days and 125-131days, respectively, were immediately sacrificed.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in CDH survivors: A single institution's experience.

Purpose: Survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) face high morbidity. We studied the neurodevelopmental outcomes of CDH survivors at a single institution.

Methods: CDH survivors born July 2006-March 2016 at a free-standing children's hospital were reviewed.

Perfluorocarbons Prevent Lung Injury and Promote Development during Artificial Placenta Support in Extremely Premature Lambs.

Background: Extremely premature neonates suffer high morbidity and mortality. An artificial placenta (AP) using extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a promising therapy.

Objectives: We hypothesized that intratracheal perfluorocarbon (PFC) instillation during AP support would reduce lung injury and promote lung development relative to intratracheal amniotic fluid or crystalloid.

Outcomes for thoracoscopic versus open repair of small to moderate congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Introduction: Indications for thoracoscopic versus open approaches to repair congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are unclear as the variability in defect size, disease severity and patient characteristics pose a challenge. Few studies use a patient and disease-matched comparison of techniques. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of open versus thoracoscopic repairs of small to moderate sized hernia defects in a low risk population.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Does Lung Size Matter?

Purpose:  The relationship between pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PHTN) in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains ill-defined. We hypothesized that prenatal estimates of lung size would directly correlate with PHTN severity.

Methods:  Infants with isolated CDH (born 2004-2015) at a single institution were included.

Creating diagnostic criteria for perforated appendicitis using cross-sectional imaging.

Introduction: Preoperative determination of perforated versus acute appendicitis can be difficult. We compared CT and MRI performance in diagnosing perforated appendicitis, and created diagnostic criteria.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy within one day of CT or MRI between 1/1/2013 and 1/16/2016.

Prenatally diagnosed severe CDH: mortality and morbidity remain high.

Purpose: This study sought to evaluate prenatal markers' ability to predict severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH) and assess this subgroup's morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed between 2006 and 2014. Prenatal criteria for severe CDH included: liver herniation, lung-to-head ratio (LHR) <1 on prenatal ultrasound and/or observed-to-expected LHR (o/eLHR) <25%, and/or observed-to-expected total lung volume (o/eTLV) <25% on fetal MRI.

Anticoagulation for Extracorporeal Life Support: Direct Thrombin Inhibitors and Heparin.

Since its introduction to bedside clinical practice over 40 years ago, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been continually changing and improving as a life-saving technology. Extracorporeal life support disrupts the normal finely maintained balance of coagulation and fibrinolysis by exposing large amounts of blood to nonendothelial surfaces. This leads to an inflammatory response with activation of the coagulation cascade and the need for systemic anticoagulation.

Lung Injury Prediction Score Is Useful in Predicting Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Mortality in Surgical Critical Care Patients.

Background. Lung injury prediction score (LIPS) is valuable for early recognition of ventilated patients at high risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study analyzes the value of LIPS in predicting ARDS and mortality among ventilated surgical patients.

Improved in vivo performance of amperometric oxygen (PO2) sensing catheters via electrochemical nitric oxide generation/release.

A novel electrochemically controlled release method for nitric oxide (NO) (based on electrochemical reduction of nitrite ions) is combined with an amperometric oxygen sensor within a dual lumen catheter configuration for the continuous in vivo sensing of the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in blood. The on-demand electrochemical NO generation/release method is shown to be fully compatible with amperometric PO2 sensing. The performance of the sensors is evaluated in rabbit veins and pig arteries for 7 and 21 h, respectively.