Improving care and survival of newborns with surgical conditions in Tanzania (TINY Tanzania): a focus on gastroschisis.

Purpose: Gastroschisis is associated with over 90% mortality in many sub-Saharan African countries. The introduction of the Gastroschisis Care Bundle at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) increased survival up to 60%. We aim to explain the impact of using implementation science methods to decentralize the care of babies with gastroschisis to other parts of Tanzania.

A Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life in Children Managed for Omphalocele and Gastroschisis.

Background: Evaluation of quality of life (QoL) in paediatric surgical patients has not always received enough attention in the past. Our aim was to follow up patients with abdominal wall defects for a decade and (1) to analyse children's view on QoL and to analyse parent's view on QoL, (2) to evaluate satisfaction and psychological problems, (3) to assess present complaints including subjective aspects such as food intake, reduced appetite, pain in scar area and general abdominal pain and (4) verifiable clinical symptoms assessed through a physical examination and ultrasound. It was hypothesised that QoL would differ from gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) children depending on the type of abdominal wall defect.

Parental risk factors for oesophageal atresia.

Background: An Oesophageal atresia (OA) affects almost 1 in 3500 newborn and its aetiology for development between 4th to 6th pregnancy weeks had not yet been clarified.

Methods: This retrospective, observational control group-supported (n = 30) examination was performed with OA mothers (n = 20) who were interrogated via specialized questionnaires and interviews to evaluate data on medical pregnancy history including hormonal treatment, changing of life habits (nutrition, diet, medication), drug consumption (alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs) as well as exposure to nuclear waste or poisonous substance exposition. Aim was to assess risk factors during pregnancy and in particular in the first trimester.

Does meconium contaminated amniotic fluid affect intestinal wall thickness and functional outcome in patients with anterior abdominal wall defects?

Background: Gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) are congenital abdominal wall defects, the main difference between is the direct exposure of intestinal loops in amniotic fluid in children with a GS. This leads to a reduced primary closure rate and a higher number of intraoperative abnormalities and post-operative complications.

Aims And Objectives: We analysed abdominal wall defect patients over an 11-year period, aiming to assess the influence of meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid.

Risk factors for anorectal and associated malformations in German children: A 10-year analysis.

Background: Incidences of anorectal malformations (ARM) occur in 1 of 2000-5000 live births and up to 64% have associated malformations (ARMa). The aim of the study was to evaluate possible prenatal risk factors for ARM in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: A case-control design was used to compare risk factors in ARM (n = 44) to a control group (CG; n = 26).

Age- and BMI-Associated Expression of Angiogenic Factors in White Adipose Tissue of Children.

The growth of adipose tissue and its vasculature are tightly associated. Angiogenic factors have been linked to obesity, yet little is known about their expression during early childhood. To identify associations of angiogenic factors with characteristics on individual and tissue level, subcutaneous white adipose tissue samples were taken from 45 children aged 0-9 years undergoing elective surgery.

Risk factors for abdominal wall defects.

In the last decades, the prevalence of gastroschisis (GS) has increased worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify maternal risk factors explaining the described gain and to identify differences between GS and omphalocele (OC). A case-control design was used to compare GS (n = 36) and OC (n = 18) mothers to control group (CG; n = 30) matched for maternal age.

Head Injury in Children: Has a Change in Circumstances Caused an Increase in Treatment Numbers?

The number of hospitalizations for head injuries in children is rising. The exact causes remain unclear. We analyzed data of children aged between 0 and 18 years who sustained a head injury between 2010 and 2011.

Prolonged postsurgical recovery period and adverse effects of a leptin application in endotoxemic obese rodents.

Aims: Increasing evidence suggests that the adipokine leptin plays a role in modulating immune responses and mediating the link between metabolism and immune system. Obese patients are more susceptible to infections than normal weight individuals. To define the pathophysiological role of leptin during endotoxemia, we examined the effects of leptin on energy metabolism, hemodynamics and quality of life in normal weight and diet-induced obese rats by means of radio-telemetry.