BACKGROUND Choledochal cysts(CC)and cystic biliary atresia(CBA)present similarly in early infancy but require different treatment approaches.While CC surgery can be delayed until 3-6 months of age in asymptomatic pati...BACKGROUND Choledochal cysts(CC)and cystic biliary atresia(CBA)present similarly in early infancy but require different treatment approaches.While CC surgery can be delayed until 3-6 months of age in asymptomatic patients,CBA requires intervention within 60 days to prevent cirrhosis.AIM To develop a diagnostic model for early differentiation between these conditions.METHODS A total of 319 patients with hepatic hilar cysts(<60 days old at surgery)were retrospectively analyzed;these patients were treated at three hospitals between 2011 and 2022.Clinical features including biochemical markers and ultrasonographic measurements were compared between CC(n=274)and CBA(n=45)groups.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression identified key diagnostic features,and 11 machine learning models were developed and compared.RESULTS The CBA group showed higher levels of total bile acid,total bilirubin,γ-glutamyl transferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and alanine aminotransferase,and direct bilirubin,while longitudinal diameter of the cysts and transverse diameter of the cysts were larger in the CC group.The multilayer perceptron model demonstrated optimal performance with 95.8% accuracy,92.9% sensitivity,96.3% specificity,and an area under the curve of 0.990.Decision curve analysis confirmed its clinical utility.Based on the model,we developed user-friendly diagnostic software for clinical implementation.CONCLUSION Our machine learning approach differentiates CC from CBA in early infancy using routinely available clinical parameters.Early accurate diagnosis facilitates timely surgical intervention for CBA cases,potentially improving patient outcomes.展开更多
Background Follicular atresia significantly impairs female fertility and hastens reproductive senescence.Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the primary cause of follicular atresia.Pyroptosis and necroptosis,as additional...Background Follicular atresia significantly impairs female fertility and hastens reproductive senescence.Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the primary cause of follicular atresia.Pyroptosis and necroptosis,as additional forms of pro-grammed cell death,have been reported in mammalian cells.However,the understanding of pyroptosis and necrop-tosis pathways in granulosa cells during follicular atresia remains unclear.This study explored the effects of pro-grammed cell death in granulosa cells on follicular atresia and the underlying mechanisms.Results The results revealed that granulosa cells undergo programmed cell death including apoptosis,pyroptosis,and necroptosis during follicular atresia.For the first time,we identified the formation of a PANoptosome com-plex in porcine granulosa cells.This complex was initially identified as being composed of ZBP1,RIPK3,and RIPK1,and is recruited through the RHIM domain.Additionally,we demonstrated that caspase-6 is activated and cleaved,interacting with RIPK3 as a component of the PANoptosome.Heat stress may exacerbate the activation of the PANop-tosome,leading to programmed cell death in granulosa cells.Conclusions Our data identified the formation of a PANoptosome complex that promoted programmed cell death in granulosa cells during the process of follicular atresia.These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying follicular atresia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Air embolism(AE)is a rare but potentially fatal complication of intestinal endoscopy(IE).CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of an 18-year-old woman who underwent a successful Kasai portoenterostomy(KPE)...BACKGROUND Air embolism(AE)is a rare but potentially fatal complication of intestinal endoscopy(IE).CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of an 18-year-old woman who underwent a successful Kasai portoenterostomy(KPE)for biliary atresia but died of AE during intraoperative IE for stone removal at the portoenterostomy site.Our review of the English literature identified only four similar cases of fatal AE during IE in patients undergoing KPE.The common clinical setting in the five patients,including our case,was high-pressure air insufflation into the blind closed afferent loop of the KPE to secure visibility.We hypothesize that the highly pressurized air injected into the closed loop entered the bile canaliculi—previously opened by KPE for bile drainage—passed through the tiny,microscopic pores of the fenestrated liver sinusoid endothelial cells,and finally entered the bloodstream with ease,resulting in fatal AE.CONCLUSION Meticulous performance of IE,especially on the KPE blind loop,is warranted owing to the risk of AE.展开更多
BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recover...BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recovery of gastrointestinal function in children.AIM To compare and analyze the effects of different postoperative feeding methods on gastrointestinal function reconstruction in newborns with CIA.METHODS Twenty-six children diagnosed with neonatal CIA,treated with minimally invasive surgery at Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and May 2024,were selected for this single-center prospective randomized controlled study.They were divided into two groups using envelope randomization:Enteral nutrition(EN)group(n=13)and parenteral nutrition(PN)group(n=13).Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected,and recovery time of bowel sounds and time to first defecation were used as evaluation indices for gastrointestinal functional reconstruction.Differences between the groups were analyzed using t-test,χ2 test,and Fisher’s exact test.Spearman’s correlation tests and linear regression models were employed to analyze factors influencing time to first defecation.RESULTS The time to bowel sound recovery(51.54 vs 65.85,P=0.013)and first defecation(58.15 vs 76.62,P<0.001)was shorter in the EN group compared to the PN group.Clinical improvements in the EN group,including discharge weight(P=0.044),hospital stay(P=0.027),white blood cell count(P=0.023),albumin content(P=0.013),and direct bilirubin content(P=0.018),were also better than those in the PN group.No substantial differences in postoperative complications were found between the groups.Correlation analysis indicated that abdominal infection and operation time may relate to time to first defecation.Linear regression analysis demonstrated a considerable association between EN feeding and shorter time to first defecation.Abdominal infection and an operation time>2 hours may be risk factors for prolonged time to first defecation.CONCLUSION EN substantially promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function after CIA in neonates and can improve clinical outcomes in children.Future research should explore optimal EN practices to enhance clinical application and child health.展开更多
Magnetic compression anastomosis is a promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia;but,at the present time,should not be the first therapeutic option in those cases where the surgeon can per...Magnetic compression anastomosis is a promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia;but,at the present time,should not be the first therapeutic option in those cases where the surgeon can perform a primary anastomosis of the two ends of the esophagus with acceptable tension.展开更多
BACKGROUND We report a low-birth-weight child(1.8 kg)with neonatal type III congenital esophageal atresia(CEA)combined with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).After comprehensive evaluation,esophageal anastomos...BACKGROUND We report a low-birth-weight child(1.8 kg)with neonatal type III congenital esophageal atresia(CEA)combined with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).After comprehensive evaluation,esophageal anastomosis was performed on postnatal day 11 after excluding surgical contraindications,and arterial catheter ligation was performed at the same time.Concurrent surgery for CEA combined with PDA has not been clearly reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 6-day-old female child with type III CEA and PDA.The patient presented with foam at the mouth after birth,cough and shortness of breath after feeding.At another hospital,she was considered to have neonatal pneumonia,neonatal jaundice and congenital heart disease and transferred to our hospital.After iodine oil radiography of the esophagus and echocardiography we con-firmed diagnosis of CEA and PDA.The diameter of the PDA was 8 mm,with obvious left to right shunting.We performed right rear extrapleural orificium fistula ligation and esophageal anastomosis,and ligation of PDA via left axilla straight incision after 5 d of hospitalization.The operations were successful,and the incision healed after 12 d,and the patient was discharged.We re-examined the patient 1 mo after surgery.She did not vomit when she ate rice flour.Esophageal angiography showed no stricture of the anastomotic stoma.The patient weighed 3.2 kg.CONCLUSION For CEA patients with multiple risk factors,comprehensive,timely and accurate diagnosis and evaluation,and early treatment may improve prognosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND The Kasai procedure(KPE)is an important treatment for biliary atresia(BA),the most common cause of neonatal obstructive jaundice.AIM To investigate the efficacy of robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy(RA...BACKGROUND The Kasai procedure(KPE)is an important treatment for biliary atresia(BA),the most common cause of neonatal obstructive jaundice.AIM To investigate the efficacy of robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy(RAKPE)in patients with BA.METHODS Clinical data of 10 patients with BA who underwent RAKPE at the Seventh Medi-cal Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.One patient underwent Open Kasai portoenterostomy(OKPE)due to intraoperative bleeding.Consequ-ently,nine patients were included in this study.Fifty-two patients who under-went OKPE during the same period served as the control group.Preoperative and postoperative biochemical indexes,surgery-related indexes,and postoperative clearance of jaundice(CJ)were recorded and statistically analyzed.RESULTS RAKPE was successfully completed in all nine patients,with an average total operative time of 352.2 minutes(including intraoperative cholangiography).Milk feeding resumed on an average 9.89 days postoperatively,and the average time of drainage tube removal was 18.11 days.All patients were followed up for 6 mon-ths to 2 years.The liver function indicators and bilirubin levels in 8 patients returned to normal within 3 months after surgery.Three patients developed recu-rrent cholangitis after discharge,with elevated white blood cell counts,liver function indicators,and bilirubin levels,requiring hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment.The duration of cholangitis ranged from 5 to 8 months post-surgery.To date,no subsequent cases of cholangitis have occurred.All patients have normal liver function and bilirubin levels,with no intrahepatic bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography.Statistical analysis comparing these indicators with those of patients who underwent OKPE showed that the RAKPE group had longer operative times and postoperative drainage tube removal durations.However,there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss,postoperative oral milk intake resumption,postoperative hospital stay,or CJ at 3 months post-surgery.CONCLUSION RAKPE is technically feasible,safe,and effective for treating BA.Once the technique is mastered,RAKPE may achieve CJ outcomes comparable to those of OKPE.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ileal atresia is a congenital abnormality where there is significant stenosis or complete absence of a portion of the ileum.The overall diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in detecting jejunal and il...BACKGROUND Ileal atresia is a congenital abnormality where there is significant stenosis or complete absence of a portion of the ileum.The overall diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in detecting jejunal and ileal atresia is low.We report a case of ileal atresia diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound examination with the“keyboard sign”and“coffee bean sign”.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of ileal atresia diagnosed in utero at 31 weeks'of gestation.Prenatal ultrasound examination revealed two rows of intestines arranged in an‘S’shape in the middle abdomen.The inner diameters were 1.7 cm and 1.6 cm,respectively.A typical“keyboard sign”was observed.The intestine canal behind the“keyboard sign”showed an irregular strong echo.There was no normal intestinal wall structure,showing a typical“coffee bean sign”.Termination of the pregnancy and autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis.CONCLUSION The prenatal diagnosis of ileal atresia is difficult.The sonographic features of the“keyboard sign”and“coffee bean sign”are helpful in diagnosing the location of congenital jejunal and ileal atresia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia(BA)is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation,although portoenterostomy is usually performed first.However,due to the high failure rate of portoenterostomy,liver trans...BACKGROUND Biliary atresia(BA)is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation,although portoenterostomy is usually performed first.However,due to the high failure rate of portoenterostomy,liver transplantation has been advocated as the primary procedure for patients with BA.It is still unclear if a previous portoenterostomy has a negative impact on liver transplantation outcomes.AIM To investigate the effect of prior portoenterostomy in infants un-dergoing liver transplantation for BA.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 42 pediatric patients with BA who underwent primary liver transplantation from 2013 to 2023 at a single tertiary center in Brazil.Patients with BA were divided into two groups:Those undergoing primary liver transplantation without portoenterostomy and those undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t-test or the Kruskal-Wallis test,and categorical variables were compared using theχ2 or Fisher’s exact test,as appropriate.Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for portal vein thrombosis.Patient and graft survival analyses were conducted with the Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimator,and patient subgroups were compared using the two-sided log-rank test.RESULTS Forty-two patients were included in the study(25[60%]girls),23 undergoing liver transplantation without prior portoenterostomy,and 19 undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Patients with prior portoenterostomy were older(12 vs 8 months;P=0.02)at the time of liver transplantation and had lower Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores(13.2 vs 21.4;P=0.01).The majority of the patients(35/42,83%)underwent livingdonor liver transplantation.The group of patients without prior portoenterostomy appeared to have a higher incidence of portal vein thrombosis(39 vs 11%),but this result did not reach statistical significance.Prior portoenterostomy was not a protective factor against portal vein thrombosis in the multivariable analysis after adjusting for age at liver transplantation,graft-to-recipient weight ratio,and use of vascular grafts.Finally,the groups did not significantly differ in terms of post-transplant survival.CONCLUSION In our study,prior portoenterostomy did not significantly affect the outcomes of liver transplantation.展开更多
Choanal atresia (CA) is a rare occlusion of the posterior choanae. Unilateral cases have been reported more than bilaterally, and it’s more often right-sided in those patients. According to the literature, mixed bony...Choanal atresia (CA) is a rare occlusion of the posterior choanae. Unilateral cases have been reported more than bilaterally, and it’s more often right-sided in those patients. According to the literature, mixed bony-membranous atresia is the most common type. There is a high incidence of craniofacial and visceral anomalies associated with congenital choanal atresia. Therefore, investigation for associated congenital anomalies is an important step before the surgery. We report 2 cases of incidental finding of unilateral choanal atresia in a 21- and 17-year-old with nasal discharge being the only complaint in the former and nasal obstruction with headache in the latter. The patients were then scheduled for day-surgery as a case of choanal atresia for transnasal, endoscopic repair and posterior septectomy. The patients were discharged home on the same day with the absence of restenosis or other complications.展开更多
Background:Construction of a central shunt by connection of hypoplastic true pulmonary arteries to the ascending aorta(AO)can be performed as a first step in staged repair of pulmonary atresiawith ventricular septal d...Background:Construction of a central shunt by connection of hypoplastic true pulmonary arteries to the ascending aorta(AO)can be performed as a first step in staged repair of pulmonary atresiawith ventricular septal defect and major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries(PA-VSD-MAPCAs)intended to promote growth and development of the central pulmonary arteries.Methods:To determine early and intermediate-termgrowth of true pulmonary arteries after their connection to the AO as a first step in staged repair of PA-VSD-MAPCAs,we reviewed all angiographic studies and CT imaging of patients,treated in our tertiary referral center in the last 26 years(1991 until 2017)for PAVSD-MAPCAs with such a shunt.Results:A total of 13 patients(6 male)underwent direct end-to-side connection of the true pulmonary artery with the AO.The absolutemedian size of both PAs showed statistically significant absolute growth over time.The absolute LPA growth was estimated to be 0.013 mm/day(p<0.001).The absolute RPA growth was estimated to be 0.010 mm/day(p=0.001).In total 9/13(69%)reached total repair and 4 were considered not suitable for final repair.Conclusions:Creation of a central shunt by connection of true pulmonary arteries to the AO promotes their growth in patients with PA-VSD-MAPCAs,particular the LPA,although not reaching normal size.Patients with pulmonary atresia,and diminutive pulmonary arteries are a high-risk group,with a lower complete repair rate compared to those with better sized PAs.Alternative techniques or interventions should be explored in these patients to augment the size of the pulmonary arteries.展开更多
The different methods in differentiating biliary atresia(BA)from non-BA-related cholestasis were evaluated in order to provide a practical basis for a rapid,early and accurate differential diagnosis of the diseases.39...The different methods in differentiating biliary atresia(BA)from non-BA-related cholestasis were evaluated in order to provide a practical basis for a rapid,early and accurate differential diagnosis of the diseases.396 infants with cholestatic jaundice were studied prospectively during the period of May 2007 to June 2011.The liver function in all subjects was tested.All cases underwent abdominal ultrasonography and duodenal fluid examination.Most cases were subjected to hepatobiliary scintigraphy,magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)and a percutaneous liver biopsy.The diagnosis of BA was finally made by cholangiography or histopathologic examination.The accuracy,sensitivity,specificity and predictive values of these various methods were compared.178 patients(108 males and 70 females with a mean age of 58±30 days)were diagnosed as having BA.218 patients(136 males and 82 females with a mean age of 61±24 days)were diagnosed as having non-BA etiologies of cholestasis jaundice during the follow-up period in which jaundice faded after treatment with medical therapy.For diagnosis of BA,clinical evaluation,hepatomegaly,stool color,serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase(GGT),duodenal juice color,bile acid in duodenal juice,ultrasonography(gallbladder),ultrasonography(griangular cord or strip-apparent hyperechoic foci),hepatobiliary scintigraphy,MRCP,liver biopsy had an accuracy of 76.0%,51.8%,84.3%,70.0%,92.4%,98.0%,90.4%,67.2%,85.3%,83.2%and 96.6%,a sensitivity of 83.1%,87.6%,96.1%,73.7%,90.4%,100%,92.7%,27.5%,100%,89.0%and 97.4%,a specificity of 70.2%,77.5%,74.8%,67.0%,94.0%,96.3%,88.5%,99.5%,73.3%,75.4%and 94.3%,a positive predictive value of 69.0%,72.6%,75.7%,64.6%,92.5%,95.7%,86.8%,98.0%,75.4%,82.6%and 98.0%,and a negative predictive value of 83.6%,8.5%,95.9%,75.7%,92.3%,100%,84.2%,93.7%,100%,84.0%and 92.6%,respectively.It was concluded that all the differential diagnosis methods are useful.The test for duodenal drainage and elements is fast and accurate.It is helpful in the differential diagnosis of BA and non-BA etiologies of cholestasis.It shows good practical value clinically.展开更多
Biliary atresia(BA), a chronic progressive cholestatic disease of infants, is the leading cause for liver transplant in children, especially in patients under two years of age. BA can be successfully treated with the ...Biliary atresia(BA), a chronic progressive cholestatic disease of infants, is the leading cause for liver transplant in children, especially in patients under two years of age. BA can be successfully treated with the Kasai portoenterostomy; however most patients still require a liver transplant, with up to one half of BA children needing a transplant by age two. In the current pediatric end-stage liver disease system, children with BA face the risk of not receiving a liver in a safe and timely manner. In this review, we discuss a number of possible solutions to help these children. We focus on two general approaches:(1) preventing/delaying need for transplantation, by optimizing the success of the Kasai operation; and(2) expediting transplantation when needed, by performing techniques other than the standard deceased-donor, whole, ABO-matched organ transplant.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate liver stiffness measurement(LSM)using non-invasive transient elastography(Fibroscan)in comparison with liver biopsy for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: Thirt...AIM: To evaluate liver stiffness measurement(LSM)using non-invasive transient elastography(Fibroscan)in comparison with liver biopsy for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: Thirty-one children with BA admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2012 to February 2013 were included in this study. Their preoperative LSM, liver biopsy findings, and laboratory results were studied retrospectively.RESULTS: The grade of liver fibrosis in all 31 patients was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, which showed that 4 cases were in group F2, 20 in group F3 and 7 in group F4. There were 24non-cirrhosis cases(F2-F3) and 7 cirrhosis cases(F4).In groups F2, F3 and F4, the mean LSM was 9.10 ±3.30 kPa, 11.02 ± 3.31 kPa and 22.86 ± 12.43 kPa,respectively. LSM was statistically different between groups F2 and F4(P = 0.002), and between groups F3 and F4(P = 0.000), however, there was no statistical difference between groups F2 and F3(P = 0.593). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM for ≥ F4 was 0.866. The cut-off value of LSM was 15.15 kPa for ≥ F4, with a sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.857, 0.917, 0.750 and 0.957, respectively.CONCLUSION: Fibroscan can be used as a noninvasive technique to assess liver fibrosis in children with BA. The cut-off value of LSM(15.15 kPa) can distinguish cirrhotic patients from non-cirrhotic patients.展开更多
AIM: To describe the ages at diagnosis and operation of biliary atresia(BA) and its incidence over a 15-year period in Taiwan.METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study. BA cases were identified from the Taiwan...AIM: To describe the ages at diagnosis and operation of biliary atresia(BA) and its incidence over a 15-year period in Taiwan.METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study. BA cases were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database based on the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision(ICD-9) code of BA 751.61 plus Kasai operation(ICD-9 procedure code 51.37) or liver transplantation(LT,ICD-9 procedure code 50.5). The patients' characteristics including sex,age at diagnosis,age at receiving Kasai operation and age at receiving LT were compared among three birth cohorts:(1) 1997 to 2001;(2) 2002 to 2006; and(3) 2007 to 2011.RESULTS: There were a total of 540 BA cases(275 females) with an incidence of 1.62 per 10000 live births. No seasonality of BA was noted. The mean ages at diagnosis of three cohorts were 57.9,55.6 and 52.6 d.A linear regression model demonstrated a decreasing trend of the mean age at diagnosis(1.27 d per year). The proportion of BA cases that received the Kasai operation within 60 d of age increased from 76% to 81%. A total of 189(35%) BA patients underwent LT. The mean age at LT was reduced from 3-year-old to 1-year-old. The rates of LT were 25.6% and 32.3% in patients who received the Kasai operation within 60 d or after 60 d of age,respectively. All patients who did not undergo a Kasai operation eventually required LT.CONCLUSION: The ages at diagnosis and operation in BA cases have decreased over time. Kasai operation performed at younger age reduces the need for LT. The incidence of BA in Taiwan fluctuates,but without certain trend.展开更多
AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) we...AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.展开更多
Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus. The improvement of survival observed over the previous two decades is multifactorial and ...Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus. The improvement of survival observed over the previous two decades is multifactorial and largely attributable to advances in neonatal intensive care, neonatal anesthesia, ventilatory and nutritional support, antibiotics, early surgical intervention, surgical materials and techniques. Indeed, mortality is currently limited to those cases with coexisting severe life-threatening anomalies. The diagnosis of EA is most commonly made during the first 24 h of life but may occur either antenatally or may be delayed. The primary surgical correction for EA and TEF is the best option in the absence of severe malformations. There is no ideal replacement for the esophagus and the optimal surgical treatment for patients with long-gap EA is still contro-versial. The primary complications during the postoperative period are leak and stenosis of the anastomosis, gastro-esophageal reflux, esophageal dysmotility, fistula recurrence, respiratory disorders and deformities of the thoracic wall. Data regarding long-term outcomes and follow-ups are limited for patients following EA/TEF repair. The determination of the risk factors for the complicated evolution following EA/TEF repair may positively impact long-term prognoses. Much remains to be studied regarding this condition. This manuscript provides a literature review of the current knowledge regarding EA.展开更多
AIM: To summarize our single-center experience with liver transplantation(LT) for biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2012, 188 children with BA were analyzed retrospectively. The stage?Ⅰ?group...AIM: To summarize our single-center experience with liver transplantation(LT) for biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2012, 188 children with BA were analyzed retrospectively. The stage?Ⅰ?group(from October 2006 to December 2010) comprised the first 74 patients, and the stage Ⅱ group(from January 2011 to December 2012) comprised the remaining 114 patients. Finally, 123 liver transplants were performed in 122(64.9%) patients, whereas 66 patients did not undergo LT due to denial by their parents or lack of suitable liver grafts. The selection of graft types depended on the patients' clinical status and whether a suitable living donor was available. The characteristics of patients in stages?Ⅰ?and Ⅱ were described, and the surgical outcomes of LT recipients were compared between the two stages. The KaplanMeier method was used to estimate the cumulative patient and graft survival rates, and the equality of survival distributions was evaluated using the log-rank test.RESULTS: The 188 children consisted of 102 boysand 86 girls. Their ages ranged from 3 to 144 mo with a median of 8 mo. One hundred and fifteen(61.2%) patients were born in rural areas. Comparing stage?Ⅰ?and stage Ⅱ patients, the proportion of patients referred by pediatricians(43.2% vs 71.1%, respectively; P < 0.001) and the proportion of patients who previously received a Kasai procedure(KP)(32.4% vs 44.7%, respectively; P = 0.092) obviously increased, and significantly more parents were willing to treat their children with LT(73% vs 86%, respectively; P = 0.027). Grafts from living donors(102/122, 83.6%) were the most commonly used graft type. Surgical complications(16/25, 64.0%) were the main reason for posttransplant mortality. Among the living donor liver transplantation recipients(n = 102), the incidence of surgical complications was significantly reduced(34.1% vs 15.5%, respectively; P = 0.029) and survival rates of patients and grafts were greatly improved(81.8% vs 89.7%, respectively, at 1 year; 75.0% vs 87.8%, respectively, at 3 years; P = 0.107) from stage?Ⅰ?to stage Ⅱ.CONCLUSION: The status of surgical treatments for BA has been changing in China's Mainland. Favorable midterm outcomes after LT were achieved as centers gained greater technical experience.展开更多
AIM: To analyze plasma osteopontin levels and liver stiffness using transient elastography in postoperative biliary atresia (BA) children compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty children with postoperative BA ...AIM: To analyze plasma osteopontin levels and liver stiffness using transient elastography in postoperative biliary atresia (BA) children compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty children with postoperative BA and 10 normal controls were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their jaundicestatus. Plasma levels of osteopontin were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness was measured by using transient elastography (Fibroscan). Ten validated Fibroscan measurements were performed in each patient and control with the result expressed in kilopascals (kPa). RESULTS: Plasma osteopontin was significantly elevated in BA children compared with that of healthy controls (47.0 ± 56.4 ng/mL vs 15.1 ± 15.0 ng/mL, P = 0.01). The liver stiffness measurement was markedly elevated in the patients with BA compared with that of controls (26.9 ± 24.6 kPa vs 3.9 ± 0.7 kPa, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the BA patients with jaundice had more pronounced plasma osteopontin levels than those without jaundice (87.1 ± 61.6 ng/mL vs 11.9 ± 6.1 ng/mL, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the mean liver stiffness was significantly greater in the jaundiced BA patients compared with non-jaundiced patients (47.7 ± 21.8 kPa vs 8.7 ± 3.0 kPa, P = 0.001). Additionally, plasma osteopontin was positively related to serum total bilirubin (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). There was also a correlation between plasma osteopontin and liver stiffness values (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High plasma osteopontin positively correlated with degree of hepatic fibrosis and could be used as a biochemical parameter reflecting disease severity in postoperative BA children.展开更多
It is well known that during mammalian ovarian follicular development, the majority of follicles undergo atresia at various stages of their development. However, the mechanisms controlling this selection process remai...It is well known that during mammalian ovarian follicular development, the majority of follicles undergo atresia at various stages of their development. However, the mechanisms controlling this selection process remain unknown. In this study, we investigated apoptosis in granulosa cells during goat follicular atresia by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The changes in the levels of steroids, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF receptors were studied by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and semi-quantitative reverse transcrip-tion-PCR. We found that the percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells in the atretic (A) follicles was significantly higher than that in the slightly atretic (SA) and healthy (H) follicles. The level of estradiol and the ratio of estradiol to progesterone in H follicles were significantly higher than those in A follicles. On the other hand, the level of progesterone was not significantly different among these follicle types. We also found that the level of IGF-Ⅰ in H follicles was higher than in SA and A follicles, whereas the amount of IGF-Ⅱ did not vary significantly. The expression of IGF receptor also decreased in A follicles as compared to that in H and SA follicles. These results suggested that estradiol and IGF-Ⅰ might be involved in controlling apoptosis in granulosa cells during follicular atresia.展开更多
基金Supported by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission,No.Z191100006619002Haiyou Health High-Caliber Talent Project,No.202412the Research Unit of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery on Diagnosis and Treatment,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,No.2021RU015.
文摘BACKGROUND Choledochal cysts(CC)and cystic biliary atresia(CBA)present similarly in early infancy but require different treatment approaches.While CC surgery can be delayed until 3-6 months of age in asymptomatic patients,CBA requires intervention within 60 days to prevent cirrhosis.AIM To develop a diagnostic model for early differentiation between these conditions.METHODS A total of 319 patients with hepatic hilar cysts(<60 days old at surgery)were retrospectively analyzed;these patients were treated at three hospitals between 2011 and 2022.Clinical features including biochemical markers and ultrasonographic measurements were compared between CC(n=274)and CBA(n=45)groups.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression identified key diagnostic features,and 11 machine learning models were developed and compared.RESULTS The CBA group showed higher levels of total bile acid,total bilirubin,γ-glutamyl transferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and alanine aminotransferase,and direct bilirubin,while longitudinal diameter of the cysts and transverse diameter of the cysts were larger in the CC group.The multilayer perceptron model demonstrated optimal performance with 95.8% accuracy,92.9% sensitivity,96.3% specificity,and an area under the curve of 0.990.Decision curve analysis confirmed its clinical utility.Based on the model,we developed user-friendly diagnostic software for clinical implementation.CONCLUSION Our machine learning approach differentiates CC from CBA in early infancy using routinely available clinical parameters.Early accurate diagnosis facilitates timely surgical intervention for CBA cases,potentially improving patient outcomes.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1300405)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202671)Open project of State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding(Grant No.2024SKLAB6-5).
文摘Background Follicular atresia significantly impairs female fertility and hastens reproductive senescence.Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the primary cause of follicular atresia.Pyroptosis and necroptosis,as additional forms of pro-grammed cell death,have been reported in mammalian cells.However,the understanding of pyroptosis and necrop-tosis pathways in granulosa cells during follicular atresia remains unclear.This study explored the effects of pro-grammed cell death in granulosa cells on follicular atresia and the underlying mechanisms.Results The results revealed that granulosa cells undergo programmed cell death including apoptosis,pyroptosis,and necroptosis during follicular atresia.For the first time,we identified the formation of a PANoptosome com-plex in porcine granulosa cells.This complex was initially identified as being composed of ZBP1,RIPK3,and RIPK1,and is recruited through the RHIM domain.Additionally,we demonstrated that caspase-6 is activated and cleaved,interacting with RIPK3 as a component of the PANoptosome.Heat stress may exacerbate the activation of the PANop-tosome,leading to programmed cell death in granulosa cells.Conclusions Our data identified the formation of a PANoptosome complex that promoted programmed cell death in granulosa cells during the process of follicular atresia.These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying follicular atresia.
文摘BACKGROUND Air embolism(AE)is a rare but potentially fatal complication of intestinal endoscopy(IE).CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of an 18-year-old woman who underwent a successful Kasai portoenterostomy(KPE)for biliary atresia but died of AE during intraoperative IE for stone removal at the portoenterostomy site.Our review of the English literature identified only four similar cases of fatal AE during IE in patients undergoing KPE.The common clinical setting in the five patients,including our case,was high-pressure air insufflation into the blind closed afferent loop of the KPE to secure visibility.We hypothesize that the highly pressurized air injected into the closed loop entered the bile canaliculi—previously opened by KPE for bile drainage—passed through the tiny,microscopic pores of the fenestrated liver sinusoid endothelial cells,and finally entered the bloodstream with ease,resulting in fatal AE.CONCLUSION Meticulous performance of IE,especially on the KPE blind loop,is warranted owing to the risk of AE.
文摘BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recovery of gastrointestinal function in children.AIM To compare and analyze the effects of different postoperative feeding methods on gastrointestinal function reconstruction in newborns with CIA.METHODS Twenty-six children diagnosed with neonatal CIA,treated with minimally invasive surgery at Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and May 2024,were selected for this single-center prospective randomized controlled study.They were divided into two groups using envelope randomization:Enteral nutrition(EN)group(n=13)and parenteral nutrition(PN)group(n=13).Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected,and recovery time of bowel sounds and time to first defecation were used as evaluation indices for gastrointestinal functional reconstruction.Differences between the groups were analyzed using t-test,χ2 test,and Fisher’s exact test.Spearman’s correlation tests and linear regression models were employed to analyze factors influencing time to first defecation.RESULTS The time to bowel sound recovery(51.54 vs 65.85,P=0.013)and first defecation(58.15 vs 76.62,P<0.001)was shorter in the EN group compared to the PN group.Clinical improvements in the EN group,including discharge weight(P=0.044),hospital stay(P=0.027),white blood cell count(P=0.023),albumin content(P=0.013),and direct bilirubin content(P=0.018),were also better than those in the PN group.No substantial differences in postoperative complications were found between the groups.Correlation analysis indicated that abdominal infection and operation time may relate to time to first defecation.Linear regression analysis demonstrated a considerable association between EN feeding and shorter time to first defecation.Abdominal infection and an operation time>2 hours may be risk factors for prolonged time to first defecation.CONCLUSION EN substantially promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function after CIA in neonates and can improve clinical outcomes in children.Future research should explore optimal EN practices to enhance clinical application and child health.
文摘Magnetic compression anastomosis is a promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia;but,at the present time,should not be the first therapeutic option in those cases where the surgeon can perform a primary anastomosis of the two ends of the esophagus with acceptable tension.
基金Supported by Kunming Health Science and Technology Talent Training Project,No.2018-SW-25.
文摘BACKGROUND We report a low-birth-weight child(1.8 kg)with neonatal type III congenital esophageal atresia(CEA)combined with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).After comprehensive evaluation,esophageal anastomosis was performed on postnatal day 11 after excluding surgical contraindications,and arterial catheter ligation was performed at the same time.Concurrent surgery for CEA combined with PDA has not been clearly reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 6-day-old female child with type III CEA and PDA.The patient presented with foam at the mouth after birth,cough and shortness of breath after feeding.At another hospital,she was considered to have neonatal pneumonia,neonatal jaundice and congenital heart disease and transferred to our hospital.After iodine oil radiography of the esophagus and echocardiography we con-firmed diagnosis of CEA and PDA.The diameter of the PDA was 8 mm,with obvious left to right shunting.We performed right rear extrapleural orificium fistula ligation and esophageal anastomosis,and ligation of PDA via left axilla straight incision after 5 d of hospitalization.The operations were successful,and the incision healed after 12 d,and the patient was discharged.We re-examined the patient 1 mo after surgery.She did not vomit when she ate rice flour.Esophageal angiography showed no stricture of the anastomotic stoma.The patient weighed 3.2 kg.CONCLUSION For CEA patients with multiple risk factors,comprehensive,timely and accurate diagnosis and evaluation,and early treatment may improve prognosis.
基金Supported by Innovation and Cultivation Fund Project of the Seventh Medical Center,PLA General Hospital,No.QZX-2023-7.
文摘BACKGROUND The Kasai procedure(KPE)is an important treatment for biliary atresia(BA),the most common cause of neonatal obstructive jaundice.AIM To investigate the efficacy of robotic-assisted Kasai portoenterostomy(RAKPE)in patients with BA.METHODS Clinical data of 10 patients with BA who underwent RAKPE at the Seventh Medi-cal Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.One patient underwent Open Kasai portoenterostomy(OKPE)due to intraoperative bleeding.Consequ-ently,nine patients were included in this study.Fifty-two patients who under-went OKPE during the same period served as the control group.Preoperative and postoperative biochemical indexes,surgery-related indexes,and postoperative clearance of jaundice(CJ)were recorded and statistically analyzed.RESULTS RAKPE was successfully completed in all nine patients,with an average total operative time of 352.2 minutes(including intraoperative cholangiography).Milk feeding resumed on an average 9.89 days postoperatively,and the average time of drainage tube removal was 18.11 days.All patients were followed up for 6 mon-ths to 2 years.The liver function indicators and bilirubin levels in 8 patients returned to normal within 3 months after surgery.Three patients developed recu-rrent cholangitis after discharge,with elevated white blood cell counts,liver function indicators,and bilirubin levels,requiring hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment.The duration of cholangitis ranged from 5 to 8 months post-surgery.To date,no subsequent cases of cholangitis have occurred.All patients have normal liver function and bilirubin levels,with no intrahepatic bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography.Statistical analysis comparing these indicators with those of patients who underwent OKPE showed that the RAKPE group had longer operative times and postoperative drainage tube removal durations.However,there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss,postoperative oral milk intake resumption,postoperative hospital stay,or CJ at 3 months post-surgery.CONCLUSION RAKPE is technically feasible,safe,and effective for treating BA.Once the technique is mastered,RAKPE may achieve CJ outcomes comparable to those of OKPE.
文摘BACKGROUND Ileal atresia is a congenital abnormality where there is significant stenosis or complete absence of a portion of the ileum.The overall diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in detecting jejunal and ileal atresia is low.We report a case of ileal atresia diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound examination with the“keyboard sign”and“coffee bean sign”.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of ileal atresia diagnosed in utero at 31 weeks'of gestation.Prenatal ultrasound examination revealed two rows of intestines arranged in an‘S’shape in the middle abdomen.The inner diameters were 1.7 cm and 1.6 cm,respectively.A typical“keyboard sign”was observed.The intestine canal behind the“keyboard sign”showed an irregular strong echo.There was no normal intestinal wall structure,showing a typical“coffee bean sign”.Termination of the pregnancy and autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis.CONCLUSION The prenatal diagnosis of ileal atresia is difficult.The sonographic features of the“keyboard sign”and“coffee bean sign”are helpful in diagnosing the location of congenital jejunal and ileal atresia.
文摘BACKGROUND Biliary atresia(BA)is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation,although portoenterostomy is usually performed first.However,due to the high failure rate of portoenterostomy,liver transplantation has been advocated as the primary procedure for patients with BA.It is still unclear if a previous portoenterostomy has a negative impact on liver transplantation outcomes.AIM To investigate the effect of prior portoenterostomy in infants un-dergoing liver transplantation for BA.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 42 pediatric patients with BA who underwent primary liver transplantation from 2013 to 2023 at a single tertiary center in Brazil.Patients with BA were divided into two groups:Those undergoing primary liver transplantation without portoenterostomy and those undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t-test or the Kruskal-Wallis test,and categorical variables were compared using theχ2 or Fisher’s exact test,as appropriate.Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for portal vein thrombosis.Patient and graft survival analyses were conducted with the Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimator,and patient subgroups were compared using the two-sided log-rank test.RESULTS Forty-two patients were included in the study(25[60%]girls),23 undergoing liver transplantation without prior portoenterostomy,and 19 undergoing liver transplantation with prior portoenterostomy.Patients with prior portoenterostomy were older(12 vs 8 months;P=0.02)at the time of liver transplantation and had lower Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores(13.2 vs 21.4;P=0.01).The majority of the patients(35/42,83%)underwent livingdonor liver transplantation.The group of patients without prior portoenterostomy appeared to have a higher incidence of portal vein thrombosis(39 vs 11%),but this result did not reach statistical significance.Prior portoenterostomy was not a protective factor against portal vein thrombosis in the multivariable analysis after adjusting for age at liver transplantation,graft-to-recipient weight ratio,and use of vascular grafts.Finally,the groups did not significantly differ in terms of post-transplant survival.CONCLUSION In our study,prior portoenterostomy did not significantly affect the outcomes of liver transplantation.
文摘Choanal atresia (CA) is a rare occlusion of the posterior choanae. Unilateral cases have been reported more than bilaterally, and it’s more often right-sided in those patients. According to the literature, mixed bony-membranous atresia is the most common type. There is a high incidence of craniofacial and visceral anomalies associated with congenital choanal atresia. Therefore, investigation for associated congenital anomalies is an important step before the surgery. We report 2 cases of incidental finding of unilateral choanal atresia in a 21- and 17-year-old with nasal discharge being the only complaint in the former and nasal obstruction with headache in the latter. The patients were then scheduled for day-surgery as a case of choanal atresia for transnasal, endoscopic repair and posterior septectomy. The patients were discharged home on the same day with the absence of restenosis or other complications.
文摘Background:Construction of a central shunt by connection of hypoplastic true pulmonary arteries to the ascending aorta(AO)can be performed as a first step in staged repair of pulmonary atresiawith ventricular septal defect and major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries(PA-VSD-MAPCAs)intended to promote growth and development of the central pulmonary arteries.Methods:To determine early and intermediate-termgrowth of true pulmonary arteries after their connection to the AO as a first step in staged repair of PA-VSD-MAPCAs,we reviewed all angiographic studies and CT imaging of patients,treated in our tertiary referral center in the last 26 years(1991 until 2017)for PAVSD-MAPCAs with such a shunt.Results:A total of 13 patients(6 male)underwent direct end-to-side connection of the true pulmonary artery with the AO.The absolutemedian size of both PAs showed statistically significant absolute growth over time.The absolute LPA growth was estimated to be 0.013 mm/day(p<0.001).The absolute RPA growth was estimated to be 0.010 mm/day(p=0.001).In total 9/13(69%)reached total repair and 4 were considered not suitable for final repair.Conclusions:Creation of a central shunt by connection of true pulmonary arteries to the AO promotes their growth in patients with PA-VSD-MAPCAs,particular the LPA,although not reaching normal size.Patients with pulmonary atresia,and diminutive pulmonary arteries are a high-risk group,with a lower complete repair rate compared to those with better sized PAs.Alternative techniques or interventions should be explored in these patients to augment the size of the pulmonary arteries.
文摘The different methods in differentiating biliary atresia(BA)from non-BA-related cholestasis were evaluated in order to provide a practical basis for a rapid,early and accurate differential diagnosis of the diseases.396 infants with cholestatic jaundice were studied prospectively during the period of May 2007 to June 2011.The liver function in all subjects was tested.All cases underwent abdominal ultrasonography and duodenal fluid examination.Most cases were subjected to hepatobiliary scintigraphy,magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)and a percutaneous liver biopsy.The diagnosis of BA was finally made by cholangiography or histopathologic examination.The accuracy,sensitivity,specificity and predictive values of these various methods were compared.178 patients(108 males and 70 females with a mean age of 58±30 days)were diagnosed as having BA.218 patients(136 males and 82 females with a mean age of 61±24 days)were diagnosed as having non-BA etiologies of cholestasis jaundice during the follow-up period in which jaundice faded after treatment with medical therapy.For diagnosis of BA,clinical evaluation,hepatomegaly,stool color,serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase(GGT),duodenal juice color,bile acid in duodenal juice,ultrasonography(gallbladder),ultrasonography(griangular cord or strip-apparent hyperechoic foci),hepatobiliary scintigraphy,MRCP,liver biopsy had an accuracy of 76.0%,51.8%,84.3%,70.0%,92.4%,98.0%,90.4%,67.2%,85.3%,83.2%and 96.6%,a sensitivity of 83.1%,87.6%,96.1%,73.7%,90.4%,100%,92.7%,27.5%,100%,89.0%and 97.4%,a specificity of 70.2%,77.5%,74.8%,67.0%,94.0%,96.3%,88.5%,99.5%,73.3%,75.4%and 94.3%,a positive predictive value of 69.0%,72.6%,75.7%,64.6%,92.5%,95.7%,86.8%,98.0%,75.4%,82.6%and 98.0%,and a negative predictive value of 83.6%,8.5%,95.9%,75.7%,92.3%,100%,84.2%,93.7%,100%,84.0%and 92.6%,respectively.It was concluded that all the differential diagnosis methods are useful.The test for duodenal drainage and elements is fast and accurate.It is helpful in the differential diagnosis of BA and non-BA etiologies of cholestasis.It shows good practical value clinically.
文摘Biliary atresia(BA), a chronic progressive cholestatic disease of infants, is the leading cause for liver transplant in children, especially in patients under two years of age. BA can be successfully treated with the Kasai portoenterostomy; however most patients still require a liver transplant, with up to one half of BA children needing a transplant by age two. In the current pediatric end-stage liver disease system, children with BA face the risk of not receiving a liver in a safe and timely manner. In this review, we discuss a number of possible solutions to help these children. We focus on two general approaches:(1) preventing/delaying need for transplantation, by optimizing the success of the Kasai operation; and(2) expediting transplantation when needed, by performing techniques other than the standard deceased-donor, whole, ABO-matched organ transplant.
文摘AIM: To evaluate liver stiffness measurement(LSM)using non-invasive transient elastography(Fibroscan)in comparison with liver biopsy for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: Thirty-one children with BA admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2012 to February 2013 were included in this study. Their preoperative LSM, liver biopsy findings, and laboratory results were studied retrospectively.RESULTS: The grade of liver fibrosis in all 31 patients was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, which showed that 4 cases were in group F2, 20 in group F3 and 7 in group F4. There were 24non-cirrhosis cases(F2-F3) and 7 cirrhosis cases(F4).In groups F2, F3 and F4, the mean LSM was 9.10 ±3.30 kPa, 11.02 ± 3.31 kPa and 22.86 ± 12.43 kPa,respectively. LSM was statistically different between groups F2 and F4(P = 0.002), and between groups F3 and F4(P = 0.000), however, there was no statistical difference between groups F2 and F3(P = 0.593). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM for ≥ F4 was 0.866. The cut-off value of LSM was 15.15 kPa for ≥ F4, with a sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.857, 0.917, 0.750 and 0.957, respectively.CONCLUSION: Fibroscan can be used as a noninvasive technique to assess liver fibrosis in children with BA. The cut-off value of LSM(15.15 kPa) can distinguish cirrhotic patients from non-cirrhotic patients.
基金Supported by The Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital Research ProgramNo.R102-11
文摘AIM: To describe the ages at diagnosis and operation of biliary atresia(BA) and its incidence over a 15-year period in Taiwan.METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study. BA cases were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database based on the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision(ICD-9) code of BA 751.61 plus Kasai operation(ICD-9 procedure code 51.37) or liver transplantation(LT,ICD-9 procedure code 50.5). The patients' characteristics including sex,age at diagnosis,age at receiving Kasai operation and age at receiving LT were compared among three birth cohorts:(1) 1997 to 2001;(2) 2002 to 2006; and(3) 2007 to 2011.RESULTS: There were a total of 540 BA cases(275 females) with an incidence of 1.62 per 10000 live births. No seasonality of BA was noted. The mean ages at diagnosis of three cohorts were 57.9,55.6 and 52.6 d.A linear regression model demonstrated a decreasing trend of the mean age at diagnosis(1.27 d per year). The proportion of BA cases that received the Kasai operation within 60 d of age increased from 76% to 81%. A total of 189(35%) BA patients underwent LT. The mean age at LT was reduced from 3-year-old to 1-year-old. The rates of LT were 25.6% and 32.3% in patients who received the Kasai operation within 60 d or after 60 d of age,respectively. All patients who did not undergo a Kasai operation eventually required LT.CONCLUSION: The ages at diagnosis and operation in BA cases have decreased over time. Kasai operation performed at younger age reduces the need for LT. The incidence of BA in Taiwan fluctuates,but without certain trend.
文摘AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.
基金Supported by Fundao de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, BrazilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil+1 种基金FAPEMIG: CBB-APQ-00075-09/ CNPq 573646/2008-2Programa de Grupos de ExcelênciaFINEP, Brazil
文摘Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus. The improvement of survival observed over the previous two decades is multifactorial and largely attributable to advances in neonatal intensive care, neonatal anesthesia, ventilatory and nutritional support, antibiotics, early surgical intervention, surgical materials and techniques. Indeed, mortality is currently limited to those cases with coexisting severe life-threatening anomalies. The diagnosis of EA is most commonly made during the first 24 h of life but may occur either antenatally or may be delayed. The primary surgical correction for EA and TEF is the best option in the absence of severe malformations. There is no ideal replacement for the esophagus and the optimal surgical treatment for patients with long-gap EA is still contro-versial. The primary complications during the postoperative period are leak and stenosis of the anastomosis, gastro-esophageal reflux, esophageal dysmotility, fistula recurrence, respiratory disorders and deformities of the thoracic wall. Data regarding long-term outcomes and follow-ups are limited for patients following EA/TEF repair. The determination of the risk factors for the complicated evolution following EA/TEF repair may positively impact long-term prognoses. Much remains to be studied regarding this condition. This manuscript provides a literature review of the current knowledge regarding EA.
基金Supported by Key Joint Research Program of Shanghai Health Bureau,No.2013ZYJB0001a subtopic of Scientific and Technological Innovation and Action Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission,No.14411950404
文摘AIM: To summarize our single-center experience with liver transplantation(LT) for biliary atresia(BA).METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2012, 188 children with BA were analyzed retrospectively. The stage?Ⅰ?group(from October 2006 to December 2010) comprised the first 74 patients, and the stage Ⅱ group(from January 2011 to December 2012) comprised the remaining 114 patients. Finally, 123 liver transplants were performed in 122(64.9%) patients, whereas 66 patients did not undergo LT due to denial by their parents or lack of suitable liver grafts. The selection of graft types depended on the patients' clinical status and whether a suitable living donor was available. The characteristics of patients in stages?Ⅰ?and Ⅱ were described, and the surgical outcomes of LT recipients were compared between the two stages. The KaplanMeier method was used to estimate the cumulative patient and graft survival rates, and the equality of survival distributions was evaluated using the log-rank test.RESULTS: The 188 children consisted of 102 boysand 86 girls. Their ages ranged from 3 to 144 mo with a median of 8 mo. One hundred and fifteen(61.2%) patients were born in rural areas. Comparing stage?Ⅰ?and stage Ⅱ patients, the proportion of patients referred by pediatricians(43.2% vs 71.1%, respectively; P < 0.001) and the proportion of patients who previously received a Kasai procedure(KP)(32.4% vs 44.7%, respectively; P = 0.092) obviously increased, and significantly more parents were willing to treat their children with LT(73% vs 86%, respectively; P = 0.027). Grafts from living donors(102/122, 83.6%) were the most commonly used graft type. Surgical complications(16/25, 64.0%) were the main reason for posttransplant mortality. Among the living donor liver transplantation recipients(n = 102), the incidence of surgical complications was significantly reduced(34.1% vs 15.5%, respectively; P = 0.029) and survival rates of patients and grafts were greatly improved(81.8% vs 89.7%, respectively, at 1 year; 75.0% vs 87.8%, respectively, at 3 years; P = 0.107) from stage?Ⅰ?to stage Ⅱ.CONCLUSION: The status of surgical treatments for BA has been changing in China's Mainland. Favorable midterm outcomes after LT were achieved as centers gained greater technical experience.
基金Supported by Ratchadapiseksompotch Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Research Fund, and the Commission on Higher Education
文摘AIM: To analyze plasma osteopontin levels and liver stiffness using transient elastography in postoperative biliary atresia (BA) children compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty children with postoperative BA and 10 normal controls were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their jaundicestatus. Plasma levels of osteopontin were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness was measured by using transient elastography (Fibroscan). Ten validated Fibroscan measurements were performed in each patient and control with the result expressed in kilopascals (kPa). RESULTS: Plasma osteopontin was significantly elevated in BA children compared with that of healthy controls (47.0 ± 56.4 ng/mL vs 15.1 ± 15.0 ng/mL, P = 0.01). The liver stiffness measurement was markedly elevated in the patients with BA compared with that of controls (26.9 ± 24.6 kPa vs 3.9 ± 0.7 kPa, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the BA patients with jaundice had more pronounced plasma osteopontin levels than those without jaundice (87.1 ± 61.6 ng/mL vs 11.9 ± 6.1 ng/mL, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the mean liver stiffness was significantly greater in the jaundiced BA patients compared with non-jaundiced patients (47.7 ± 21.8 kPa vs 8.7 ± 3.0 kPa, P = 0.001). Additionally, plasma osteopontin was positively related to serum total bilirubin (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). There was also a correlation between plasma osteopontin and liver stiffness values (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High plasma osteopontin positively correlated with degree of hepatic fibrosis and could be used as a biochemical parameter reflecting disease severity in postoperative BA children.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30070556)the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(No.G200016107).
文摘It is well known that during mammalian ovarian follicular development, the majority of follicles undergo atresia at various stages of their development. However, the mechanisms controlling this selection process remain unknown. In this study, we investigated apoptosis in granulosa cells during goat follicular atresia by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The changes in the levels of steroids, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF receptors were studied by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and semi-quantitative reverse transcrip-tion-PCR. We found that the percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells in the atretic (A) follicles was significantly higher than that in the slightly atretic (SA) and healthy (H) follicles. The level of estradiol and the ratio of estradiol to progesterone in H follicles were significantly higher than those in A follicles. On the other hand, the level of progesterone was not significantly different among these follicle types. We also found that the level of IGF-Ⅰ in H follicles was higher than in SA and A follicles, whereas the amount of IGF-Ⅱ did not vary significantly. The expression of IGF receptor also decreased in A follicles as compared to that in H and SA follicles. These results suggested that estradiol and IGF-Ⅰ might be involved in controlling apoptosis in granulosa cells during follicular atresia.
