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Introduction:  Adequate patient volume is essential for the maintenance of quality, meaningful research, and training of the next generation of pediatric surgeons. The role of university hospitals is to fulfill these tasks at the highest possible level. Due to decentralization of pediatric surgical care during the last decades, there is a trend toward reduction of operative caseloads. The aim of this study was to assess the operative volume of the most relevant congenital malformations at German academic pediatric surgical institutions over the past years.Methods:  Nineteen chairpersons representing university-chairs in pediatric surgery in Germany submitted data on 10 index procedures regarding congenital malformations or neonatal abdominal emergencies over a 3-year period (2015 through 2017). All institutions were categorized according to the total number of respective cases into "high," "medium," and "low" volume centers by terciles. Some operative numbers were verified using data from health insurance companies, when available. Finally, the ratio of cumulative case load versus prevalence of the particular malformation was calculated for the study period.Results:  From 2015 through 2017, a total 2,162 newborns underwent surgery for congenital malformations and neonatal abdominal emergencies at German academic medical centers, representing 51% of all expected newborn cases nationwide. The median of cases per center within the study period was 101 (range 18-258). Four institutions (21%) were classified as "high volume" centers, four (21%) as "medium volume" centers, and 11 (58%) as "low volume" centers. The proportion of patients operated on in high-volume centers varied per disease category: esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula: 40%, duodenal atresia: 40%, small and large bowel atresia: 39%, anorectal malformations: 40%, congenital diaphragmatic hernia: 56%, gastroschisis: 39%, omphalocele: 41%, Hirschsprung disease: 45%, posterior urethral valves: 39%, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)/focal intestinal perforation (FIP)/gastric perforation (GP): 45%.Conclusion:  This study provides a national benchmark for neonatal surgery performed in German university hospitals. The rarity of these cases highlights the difficulties for individual pediatric surgeons to gain adequate clinical and surgical experience and research capabilities. Therefore, a discussion on the centralization of care for these rare entities is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo variants in the myelin regulatory factor (MYRF), a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, have been linked recently to the cardiac and urogenital syndrome, while familiar variants are associated with nanophthalmos. Here, we report for the first time on a patient with a de novo stop-gain variant in MYRF (p.Q838*) associated with Scimitar syndrome, 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (GD) and severe hyperopia. Since variants in MYRF have been described in both 46,XX and 46,XY GD, we assumed a role of MYRF in the early development of the bipotential gonad. We used publicly available single cell sequencing data of human testis and ovary from different developmental stages and analysed them for MYRF expression. We identified MYRF expression in the subset of coelomic epithelial cells at stages of gonadal ridge development in 46,XX and 46,XY individuals. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significantly upregulated genes. Within these, we identified CITED2 as a gene containing a MYRF binding site. It has been shown that Cited2−/− mice have gonadal defects in both testis and ovary differentiation, as well as defects in heart development and establishment of the left–right axis. This makes MYRF a potential candidate as an early regulator of gonadal and heart development via upregulation of the transcriptional cofactor CITED2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mutations in the NR5A1 gene, encoding the transcription factor Steroidogenic Factor-1, are associated with a highly variable genital phenotype in patients with 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD). Our objective was to analyse the pubertal development in 46,XY patients with NR5A1 mutations by the evaluation of longitudinal clinical and hormonal data at pubertal age. Methods: We retrospectively studied a cohort of 10 46,XY patients with a verified NR5A1 mutation and describe clinical features including the external and internal genitalia, testicular volumes, Tanner stages and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone, AMH, and inhibin B during pubertal transition. Results: Patients who first presented in early infancy due to ambiguous genitalia showed spontaneous virilization at pubertal age accompanied by a significant testosterone production despite the decreased gonadal volume. Patients with apparently female external genitalia at birth presented later in life at pubertal age either with signs of virilization and/or absence of female puberty. Testosterone levels were highly variable in this group. In all patients, gonadotropins were constantly in the upper reference range or elevated. Neither the extent of virilization at birth nor the presence of Müllerian structures reliably correlated with the degree of virilization during puberty. Conclusion: Patients with NR5A1 mutations regardless of phenotype at birth may demonstrate considerable virilization at puberty. Therefore, it is important to consider sex assignment carefully and avoid irreversible procedures during infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Endoscopy and laparoscopy are used for the assessment of disorders of sex development (DSD) and therapeutic interventions. Endoscopy (urethra-cystoscopy, vaginoscopy) is especially useful when vaginal or urethral surgery is planned. It is also valuable for the assessment of complications. Laparoscopy is used to identify sex ducts and gonads and to perform minimally invasive abdominal and pelvic surgery. This article reviews clinical indications, limitations, findings, and their reporting. It further discusses the impact of these findings on care in typical clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prophylactic gonadectomy has been recommended in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) because of an increased risk for the development of malignant germ cell tumors in the intra-abdominal gonads. No reliable screening parameters are available to detect early (pre-)malignant changes. Because the tumor risk before puberty is very low, the timing of gonadectomy has been postponed to allow spontaneous puberty and involvement of the patients in important decisions affecting their body and health. Gonadectomy after puberty is still discussed controversially. There are difficulties in determining the absolute malignancy risk for individuals with CAIS, difficulties with hormone therapy, and lack of studies supporting different protocols. In contrast, endogenous hormone profiles show very specific features that influence bone health, psychosocial well-being, and many other aspects which still have to be investigated. For women with CAIS who wish to keep their gonads, we propose a biannual screening program which has to be evaluated in a prospective multi-center trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 3 deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder with diminished testosterone synthesis and consequently underandrogenisation. 46,XY patients with 17β-HSD type 3 deficiency are often assigned a female sex at birth but have a high virilisation potential at the time of puberty. Methods: We studied four 46,XY patients with 17β-HSD type 3 deficiency at puberty with regard to the underlying mutations, the hormone values, and the clinical findings. Results: Three patients were initially assigned a female sex and 1 was assigned a male sex. All had relevant mutations in the HSD17B3 gene. The 2 patients with deleterious mutations had lower testosterone values at the time of puberty than the patients with possible residual activity of 17β-HSD type 3. One of the latter patients changed to male gender. Conclusion: All 4 patients with 17β-HSD type 3 deficiency synthesized relevant amounts (>0.7 µg/L) of testosterone at puberty, which lead to variable androgenisation. In patients with presumable residual activity of the mutated enzyme, testosterone values in the male reference range can be achieved, thereby inducing male pubertal development. These patients should possibly be assigned a male sex. Any surgical intervention should be avoided until the patients are old enough to consider their options of medical and surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in NR5A1 have been reported as a frequent cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) associated to a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from infertility, ambiguous genitalia, anorchia to gonadal dygenesis and female genitalia. Here we present the clinical follow up of four 46,XY DSD patients with three novel heterozygous mutations in the NR5A1 gene leading to a p.T40P missense mutation and a p.18DKVSG22del nonframeshift deletion in the DNA-binding domain and a familiar p.Y211Tfs*83 frameshift mutation. Functional analysis of the missense and nonframeshift mutation revealed a deleterious character with loss of DNA-binding and transactivation capacity. Both, the mutations in the DNA-binding domain, as well as the familiar frameshift mutation are associated with highly variable endocrine values and phenotypic appearance. Phenotypes vary from males with spontaneous puberty, substantial testosterone production and possible fertility to females with and without Müllerian structures and primary amenorrhea. Exome sequencing of the sibling’s family revealed TBX2 as a possible modifier of gonadal development in patients with NR5A1 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to hygienic regulations and mobility requirements, medical professionals show great interest in wearable devices allowing for hands-free interaction and ubiquitous information access. Smartglasses like the prototype 'Google Glass' have already been evaluated in pre-hospital as well as clinical medical care. Based on laboratory studies according to the reliability of voice and gesture recognition and field studies during four surgeries in the department of paediatric surgeries, we discuss usability and acceptance of smartglasses for photo-enriched documentation during surgeries. While technical limitations (e. g. poor camera quality) have to be overcome, usable solutions for human-smartglasses interaction by voice and gesture recognition seem to be possible midterm. Surgeons and other members of surgical teams are curious about smartglasses in their working environment. This can be a starting point for a wider use, if user interface and interaction design for smartglasses are further explored and developed in a user-centered process meeting their requirements. In this regard, transmodal consistency is recommended as a design principle for applications supporting multiple input and output modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential diagnosis of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) is based on the distinction between forms of gonadal dysgenesis and disorders of androgen biosynthesis and action. However, clinical and endocrine evaluations are often not conclusive. Here, we describe an adolescent female with hirsutism and hyperandrogenization at puberty. Her karyotype was 46,XY, and clinical investigation demonstrated clitoromegaly, but no uterine remnants were detected. Histology of the gonads revealed a testicular structure with a Sertoli-cell-only pattern. Endocrine evaluation showed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and the Sertoli cell markers inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone were also low. Several molecular genetic studies were initiated. While analyses of the androgen receptor gene, the SRD5A2 gene and HSD17B3 gene were uninformative, a novel p.L230R mutation was found in the NR5A1 gene. A mutant construct proved a severe dysfunction of this variant in functional analysis after recreation and transfection into HeLa cells. We conclude that the NR5A1 p.L230R mutation most likely leads to a spatial and time-dependent Leydig cell and Sertoli cell dysfunction during development not causing the classical gonadal dysgenesis phenotype. This case demonstrates that the current classification should be updated to encompass the overlapping phenotypes of some genetic conditions within 46,XY DSD. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hand burns are common in the pediatric population. Optimal hand function is a crucial component of a high-quality survival after burn injury. This can only be achieved with a coordinated approach to the injuries. The aim of this study was to review the management algorithm and outcomes of pediatric hand burns at our institution. Methods: In total, 70 children fulfilling our study criteria were treated for a burn hand injury in our Burn Care Center between January 2008 and May 2013. Results: 14 of the 70 pediatric patients underwent surgery because of the depth of the hand burns. The management algorithm depending on the depth of the burn is described. Two patients underwent correction surgery due to burn contractures later. Conclusion: For a successful outcome of the burned hand, the interdisciplinary involvement and cooperation of the plastic and pediatric surgeon, hand therapist, burn team, patient and their parents are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? In some individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD), gonadal tumour risk is increased. The individual risk is estimated based on the molecular diagnosis and the age and approaches 30% in the high-risk group. In the past, early gonadectomy has been advised for all individuals with 46XY DSD. Gonadectomy clearly represents an overtreatment for many individuals with 46XY DSD. Thus, further clinical indicators of individual tumour risk are urgently needed. The present study provides a comprehensive description of gonadal morphology, as seen during laparoscopy. For the first time, laparoscopic features, molecular diagnosis and histopathological findings are presented in a comprehensive context. The present study adds a detailed morphological description of the variability found in different subgroups of 46XY DSD. As three of four detected tumours were microscopic, early diagnosis by inspection appears unfeasible. Biopsy, gonadopexy and precise localisation of the gonad will potentially allow for gonadal preservation in well-defined clinical situations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of laparoscopy for the early detection of gonadal tumours, with emphasis on gonadal preservation, in patients with 46XY disorders of sex development (DSD). In patients with DSD, gonadectomy is frequently recommended and depending on the age and the molecular diagnosis, an increased gonadal tumour risk exists and undesired hormone effects may arise. However, gonadectomy is irreversible and impacts considerably on body image. It represents an overtreatment for some patients and should be considered after a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Laparoscopy is an important technique, because it is able to retrieve small gonads and allows guided biopsies., PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed laparoscopic assessment of the gonads in 40 patients with various 46XY DSD., In all, 77 gonads were evaluated, images were analysed and compared with histological findings., Laparoscopic procedures included gonadectomy, biopsy, laparoscopic orchidolysis or the Fowler-Stephens procedure as well as the removal or splitting of uterine remnants., RESULTS In all, 19 patients underwent gonadectomy and tumours were discovered in four., Three patients had only microscopic evidence of tumour, in one the tumour was diagnosed intraoperatively., In 21 patients, biopsies were taken and the gonads preserved., Laparoscopic biopsy and gonadopexy was performed in six patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)., CONCLUSION Laparoscopy and biopsy detected three microscopic tumours, one tumour was macroscopically evident., In CAIS, gonadopexy improved the visibility of the gonads on postoperative ultrasonography. This procedure facilitated the examination of the gonad at follow-up., In complete gonadal dysgenesis, a highly variable morphology of the gonads was found. Laparoscopy improved exposure of gonads and Müllerian structures, and facilitated biopsies and organ-preserving procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (DSD) is an unusual form of DSD, characterized by the coexistence of testicular and ovarian tissue in the same individual. In a subset of patients, ovotesticular DSD is caused by 46,XX/46,XY chimerism or mosaicism. To date, only a few monogenetic causes are known to be associated with XX and XY ovotesticular DSD. Design and methods: Clinical, hormonal, and histopathological data, and results of high-resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) were obtained from a female patient with 46,XY ovotesticular DSD with testicular tissue on one side and an ovary harboring germ cells on the other. Results obtained by array-CGH were confirmed by RT-quantitative PCR. Results: We detected a deletion of ∼35 kb affecting exons 3 and 4 of the DMRT1 gene in a female patient with 46,XY ovotesticular DSD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the smallest deletion affecting DMRT1 presented to this point in time. Conclusions: We suggest that haploinsufficiency of DMRT1 is sufficient for both XY gonadal dysgenesis and XY ovotesticular DSD. Furthermore, array-CGH is a very useful tool in the molecular diagnosis of DSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is the most common cause of disorders of sex development usually caused by mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. AIS is characterized by a poor genotype–phenotype correlation, and many patients with clinically presumed AIS do not seem to have mutations in the AR gene. We therefore aimed at identifying a biomarker enabling the assessment of the cellular function of the AR as a transcriptional activator. In the first step, we used complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays for a genome-wide screen for androgen-regulated genes in two normal male primary scrotal skin fibroblast strains compared to two labia majora fibroblast strains from 46,XY females with complete AIS (CAIS). Apolipoprotein D (APOD) and two further transcripts were significantly upregulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in scrotum fibroblasts, while CAIS labia majora cells were unresponsive. Microarray data were well correlated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR; R = 0.93). Subsequently, we used qRT-PCR in independent new cell cultures and confirmed the significant DHT-dependent upregulation of APOD in five normal scrotum strains [13.5 ± 8.2 (SD)-fold] compared with three CAIS strains (1.2 ± 0.7-fold, p = 0.028; t test) and six partial androgen insensitivity syndrome strains (2 ± 1.3-fold, p = 0.034; t test). Moreover, two different 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase III deficiency labia majora strains showed APOD induction in the range of normal scrotum (9.96 ± 1.4-fold), supporting AR specificity. Therefore, qRT-PCR of APOD messenger RNA transcription in primary cultures of labioscrotal skin fibroblasts is a promising tool for assessing AR function, potentially allowing a function-based diagnostic evaluation of AIS in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krengel S, Stark I, Geuchen C, Knoppe B, Scheel G, Schlenke P, Gebert A, Wünsch L, Brinckmann J, Tronnier M. Selective down-regulation of theα6-integrin subunit in melanocytes by UVB light.In vivo, melanocytes bind to laminin (LM) molecules of the basement membrane (BM) via the integrinsα3β1 andα6β1, and they adhere to neighbouring keratinocytes via E-cadherin. Only few studies have addressed the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on the interaction of melanocytes with their microenvironment. In this report, we examined the influence of UVB irradiation on the expression of the most important melanocyte-adhesion molecules (E-, N-cadherin,α2-,α3-,α5-,α6-,αV-,β1-,β3-integrins and ICAM-1)in vitroby flow cytometry. We were able to demonstrate that theα6-integrin subunit is selectively and reversibly down-regulated by UVB in a dwzm 150ose-dependent manner. In comparison, keratinocytes lacked UVB-inducible alterations in the expression ofα6-integrin. In the presence of LM-1, the UVB-induced down-regulation ofα6-integrin in melanocytes was significantly reduced. Moreover, LM-1 increased the resistance of melanocytes to UVB-induced cell death, as measured by annexinV-binding analysis. This effect was reversed by preincubation with anα6-integrin-blocking antibody. By immunofluorescence, we could demonstrate that UVB leads to a dose-dependent internalization ofα6-integrin, providing an obvious explanation for the down-regulation on the outer cell surface observed by flow cytometry. We suggest that adhesion to LM-1 throughα6-integrin represents a protective mechanism for melanocytes to withstand UVB damage. Throughα6-integrin internalization, sunburns might alter the interaction between melanocytes and the BM, resulting in apoptosis induced by loss of anchorage (anoikis). Repeated sunburns may then lead to the selection of a population of melanocytes which are capable of anchorage-independent survival, culminating in solar nevogenesis and melanoma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on renal tissue perfusion after transplantation remains important for renal allograft monitoring. Findings obtained by conventional Doppler sonography are limited to vascular resistance (RI). The new technique color Doppler energy (CDE) is Doppler angle independent, omits flow velocity and direction, and is proportional to the returning signal strength. The aim of our study was to standardize the application of this technique and to analyze the information obtained. Forty-six CDE studies were performed with an Acuson 128XP in 28 children (mean age 12.4±5.3 years) between 4 days and 10 years after renal transplantation. The most-reproducible information was obtained with a 5-MHz linear probe and a constant area of 2x3 cm (log compression 40 dB, filter 3). CDE provided a high-resolution cross-sectional display of perfused cortical tissue vessels. According to the density of signals, the perfusion could be grouped into six perfusion scores (PS). The interobserver concordance was more than 85%. No correlation was found between PS and RI or blood pressure. However, there was a significant correlation between PS and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.78, P<0.001). These first results demonstrate a significant relationship between PS and chronic rejection. Non-rejection-related functional impairment exhibited no decrease in PS. We conclude that our proposed standardized CDE renal study is observer independent. CDE is a promising new technique that provides information on renal allograft dysfunction that is different from classical color Doppler findings. Further studies will clarify its role in renal transplant monitoring and its ability to replace more-invasive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the authors discuss various reports within the issue including the use of hormonal treatment for cryptorchidism, the surgical management of undescended testes, and the hormonal therapy for fertility.