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Overall, we observed 5 (3%) cystic fibrosis, 10 (5%) other genetic disorders, 13 (7%) congenital infections, 5 (3%) neonatal deaths, 12 (7%) intestinal anomalies, 24 (13%) other malformations, and 19 (10%) experienced IUGR. Fetal and neonatal demise, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), associated anomalies, genetic disorders (including cystic fibrosis) and congenital infection were evaluated. When persistent HB were present, an increase rate of congenital infection and bowel dilatation were observed (14% versus 4%; p = 0,03 and 52% versus 23%; p = 0,0007, respectively). [Extracted from the article]

Prenatal findings were present in 10/13 (77% patients) in Group A and in 2/8 (25%) patients in Group B (p 0.03). Thirteen patients were in group A (CC>3) and 8 in Group B CC < 3). [Extracted from the article]

Long-gap esophageal atresia ( LGEA) is still a major surgical challenge. Options for esophageal reconstruction include the use of native esophagus or esophageal replacement with stomach, colon, or small intestine. Nonetheless, there is a consensus among most pediatric surgeons that the preservation of the native esophagus is associated with better postoperative outcomes. Thus, every effort should be made to conserve the native esophagus. The present study is aimed at critically reporting our experience focused on a standardized protocol based on the preoperative assessment of the gap in all cases and reviewing the present literature because no consensus is available regarding many aspects of LGEA (from definition to treatment). All newborn infants treated since 1995 for esophageal atresia ( EA), regardless of type, were included in the present study. Identification of LGEA patients (gap ≥3 vertebral bodies) was performed based on preoperative esophageal gap measurement. The selected patients were grouped based on EA type ( A/B vs. C/D) and whether they were referred from an outside institution or not. Postoperative outcome was compared. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fisher's exact test and Mann- Whitney test as appropriate, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Two hundred and nineteen patients have been consecutively treated between 1995 and 2012 with the following EA subtypes: type: A 25 (11.4%); B 6 (2.7%); C 182 (83.1%); D 3 (1.4%); E 3 (1.4%). Fifty-seven patients (26%) were classified as LGEA: type A- B, 31 (54.4%); type C- D, 26 (45.6%). Twenty seven (47%) of these patients were referred after at least one failed attempt at esophageal correction: type A- B, 15 (55%); type C- D, 12 (45%). Only one patient ultimately required esophageal substitution, with an overall survival rate of 94%. A standardized perioperative protocol enhances the possibility of preserving the native esophagus in cases of LGEA. Gap measurement can be accurately defined before surgery in all patients with EA. Esophageal anastomosis (either immediate or delayed repair) is almost always feasible; esophageal substitution should only be considered after a rigorous attempt at achieving end-to-end esophageal anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is reported that many infants with CDH have evidence of brain injury on postnatal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results HT

To describe ultrasound features of fetal ovarian cysts as reported by the original ultrasound examiner and according to IOTA terminology. Ovarian cysts with low level content could be managed expectantly, whereas ovarian cysts with other cyst content should be managed with postnatal surgery, due to the high risk of necrosis at final histology. [Extracted from the article]

Data on the neurodevelopmental outcome of esophageal atresia ( EA) survivors are scarce, controversial, and based on small samples. This is an observational prospective longitudinal study on a selected cohort of low-risk EA survivors. We considered a low-risk EA survivor a patient with the following characteristics: gestational age >32 weeks, no long gap, no genetic or chromosomic anomaly associated with neurodevelopmental delay, and no further major surgical congenital anomalies. Infants were evaluated with scales derived from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development - 3rd Edition at 6 and 12 months, with a score of 100 considered normal for each scale. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences of cognitive and motor development. Linear regression was used to assess the impact of the following clinical and sociodemographic variables: gender, birthweight, gestational age, length of hospital stay, number of surgeries and number of esophageal dilatations during first hospitalization, days of mechanical ventilation, weight at follow up, number of surgeries and esophageal dilatations at follow up, parental age, educational level, and socioeconomic status. Thirty children form the object of the study. The mean (standard deviation [ SD]) cognitive scale's score was 93.7 (7.5) and 98.2 (9.6) at 6 and 12 months, respectively ( P < 0.05). The mean ( SD) motor scale's score was 97.6 (9.3) and 98.0 (12.1) at 6 and 12 months, respectively ( P = n.s.). Children with a body weight <5° percentile at 12 months showed a mean ( SD) cognitive score significantly lower when compared with those with a body weight >5° percentile: 88.8 (6.3) and 100.5 (8.9), respectively. At 12 months, children with unemployed mothers had a mean ( SD) motor score significantly lower when compared with those in the other socioeconomic classes: 87.7 (9.8) and 100.6 (12.4), respectively. In conclusion, parents of babies operated on for low-risk EA can be reassured about neurodevelopmental outcome at least up to 1 year of age. When offering a multidisciplinary follow-up program, underweight patients should deserve particular attention to promote their quality of life and support their global development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]