Histone-Complexed DNA Fragments Levels are Associated with Coagulopathy, Endothelial Cell Damage, and Increased Mortality after Severe Pediatric Trauma.

Background: The release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules in the extracellular space secondary to injury has been shown to cause systemic activation of the coagulation system and endothelial cell damage. We hypothesized that pediatric trauma patients with increased levels of histone-complexed DNA fragments (hcDNA) would have evidence of coagulopathy and endothelial damage that would be associated with poor outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 149 pediatric trauma patients and 62 control patients at two level 1 pediatric trauma centers from 2013 to 2016.

Risk Factors for Stricture Formation After Esophageal Atresia Repair.

Purpose: Esophageal stricture remains a common morbidity of esophageal atresia (EA) repair. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of multiple pre- and postoperative variables with stricture formation after EA repair.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent EA repair was performed from June 1999 to January 2014, excluding patients who died prior to discharge.

Pediatric papillary thyroid cancer >1 cm: is total thyroidectomy necessary?

Purpose: Treatment of pediatric papillary thyroid cancer (p-PTC) often follows adult guidelines, including total thyroidectomy for tumors >1cm. This study examined the association between operation type and overall survival (OS) for tumors >1cm in size in the pediatric population.

Methods: Patients ≤ 21 years of age with primary papillary thyroid cancer >1cm were reviewed from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) from 1998 to 2011.

Routine utilization of single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES): a 5-year institutional experience.

Background: Single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) allows operation through one access site, eliminating the multiple sites traditionally used. There are few large series evaluating the versatility of SIPES. The purpose of this study is to review a 5-year single-institution experience with routine SIPES use.