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The present study clarified the efficacy of repeating laparoscopic surgery training using a disease-specific simulator and investigated the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in pediatric patients after training.A high-fidelity laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator was used. Four pediatric surgeons performed practice laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy three times using the simulator. The details of forceps manipulation during the task were analyzed. The clinical outcomes of 13 CBD cases treated with laparoscopic surgery in our institution were also evaluated based on medical records.The time required to complete the task became significantly shorter each successive time (1st: 1062.18 ± 346.79 s vs. 3rd: 717.44 ± 260.80 s, p = 0.039). There were no significant differences in the total path length of the right forceps (1st: 55.56 ± 23.21 m vs. 3rd: 28.25 ± 17.01 m, p = 0.17), total path length of the left forceps (1st: 47.79 ± 20.79 m vs. 3rd: 31.83 ± 17.62 m, p = 0.17), average velocity of the right forceps (1st: 58.78 ± 21.29 mm/s vs.44.98 ± 10.25 mm/s, p = 0.47), or the average velocity of the left forceps (1st: 50.39 ± 19.25 mm/s vs. 52.26 ± 19.59 mm/s, p = 0.78). Regarding the clinical outcome, all CBD patients underwent laparoscopic surgery performed by practiced pediatric surgeons who had no experience. The operative time was 545.53 ± 91.01 min, and the blood loss was 24.2 ± 25.8 ml. There were no cases of open conversion, intraoperative adverse events, or anastomotic leakage.Disease-specific simulator training significantly decreased the task performance time by improving the forceps manipulation economy. In addition, simulator training may improve the operative safety and quality of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy in pediatric CBD patients.

Representative neonatal surgical diseases are often complicated by congenital heart disease (CHD). We reviewed our decade of experience from the perspective of the prognosis and report on the management of infants with CHD.Cases with and without CHD between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively compared. Qualitative data were analyzed using a chi-square test with Yates' correction, and quantitative data were compared using Student's t-test.Of the 275 neonatal surgical cases, 36 had CHD (13.1%). Ventricular septal defect was the most common cardiac anomaly, followed by atrial septal defect. Esophageal atresia showed the highest complication rate of CHD (43.8%, 14/32) followed by duodenal atresia (38.5%, 10/26). The mortality rates of patients with and without CHD (22.2% [8/36] vs. 1.3% [3/239]) were significantly different (χConsidering its high-mortality, the presence of CHD, especially cyanotic heart disease, is an important issue to consider in the treatment of neonatal surgical diseases. Pediatric surgeons should be alert for changes in hemodynamics after surgery, as these may affect mortality.

Management of neonates with long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is one of the most challenging situations facing pediatric surgeons. Delayed anastomosis after internal traction for esophageal lengthening was reported as a useful technique for long gap cases. Additionally, the use of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has gained popularity in pediatric surgery, especially for blood perfusion validation. We report a novel technique for safe and secure anastomosis for LGEA in the neonatal period using internal traction and ICG-guided NIR fluorescence.A pregnant woman with polyhydramnios was admitted to the department of obstetrics in our hospital. At 29 weeks of gestation, ultrasound showed mild polyhydramnios and absence of the fetal stomach. A male neonate was born at 38 weeks of gestation with 21 trisomy. EA (Gross type A) was diagnosed based on an X-ray study that showed the absence of gastric bubble with a nasogastric tube showing the "coil-up" sign. Thoracoscopic internal traction and laparoscopic gastrostomy were performed on day 4 after birth. We confirmed the distance between the upper pouch and lower pouch on X-ray. On day 16 after birth, thoracoscopic anastomosis was performed. We successfully performed esophageal anastomosis without tearing the esophageal wall. Blood perfusion of the upper and lower pouch was validated after anastomosis using ICG-guided NIR fluorescence.Delayed anastomosis for LGEA in the neonatal period using internal traction and ICG-guided NIR fluorescence is safe and feasible.

The intravenous administration of acetaminophen (IAA) has become standard postoperative analgesic management for pediatric surgery. However, the most effective methods of IAA for postoperative acute appendicitis are unclear. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of scheduled IAA vs on-demand IAA for postoperative acute appendicitis.Ninety-four patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the postoperative pain control protocols. The scheduled IAA group (SA group, n = 42) was managed by scheduled IAA and additional on-demand use of pentazocine as rescue therapy. The on-demand IAA group (ODA group, n = 52) was managed by on-demand IAA as the first choice, with pentazocine as the second choice for pain control. The patients' background characteristics, operative results and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.The number of times pain complaints were made per patient per day (NPPD) on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 was significantly lower in the SA group than in the ODA group (POD 1; 1.12 ± 1.21 vs 2.62 ± 1.89, p 0.01; POD 2; 0.45 ± 0.86 vs. 1.31 ± 1.69, p 0.01). According to pathological findings, NPPD was lower in the SA group than in the ODA group for both phlegmonous appendicitis (0.71 ± 1.01 vs. 2.10 ± 2.13, P .05) and gangrenous appendicitis (1.33 ± 1.50 vs 2.94 ± 1.68, P .01). On POD 2, the incidence of gangrenous appendicitis was significantly lower in the SA group than in the ODA group (0.57 ± 0.93 vs 1.78 ± 1.86, P .01).Scheduled IAA may have favorable efficacy for postoperative pain control after emergency surgery for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients.

Aim of the Study: We conducted a nationwide survey of persistent cloaca (PC) to determine its current status in Japan. This study clarifies the potential risk factors for defecation problems in patients with PC. Methods: Patient information was obtained via questionnaire, and a total of 213 PC patients who responded to a questionnaire on defecation problems and their bowel functions were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the constipation, incontinence, and soiling as bowel functions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a logistic regression analysis to clarify the risk factors for defecation problems. Results: Of 213 patients with PC, 55 (25.8%) had defecation problems. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sacral agenesis, as an associated anomaly, was significantly associated with defecation problems (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–9.16, p = 0.03). The other multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PC patients who underwent antegrade continence enema and regularly took laxatives after anorectoplasty had defecation problems (OR 12.4, 95% CI 2.35–65.6, p = 0.003, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.24–6.55, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Sacral agenesis is the potential risk factor of defecation problems in the patients with PC who underwent anorectoplasty. Those patients require vigorous defecation management.

Purpose Total parental nutrition (TPN) causes gastrointestinal mucosal atrophy. The present study investigated the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the intestinal mucosal atrophy induced by TPN. Methods Rats underwent jugular vein catheterization and were divided into four groups: oral feeding (OF), TPN alone (TPN), TPN plus low-dose HGF (0.3 mg/kg/day; TPNLH), and TPN plus high-dose HGF (1.0 mg/kg/day; TPNHH). On day 7, rats were euthanized, and the small intestine was harvested and evaluated histologically. The expression of c-MET, a receptor of HGF, and nutrition transporter protein were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The jejunal villus height (VH) and absorptive mucosal surface area in the TPNHH group were significantly higher than in the TPN group (p p Conclusion HGF attenuated TPN-associated intestinal mucosal atrophy by increasing the villus height, which was associated with an increase in CCPR.

Few studies have focused on the operative age for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). We evaluated the optimal timing of surgery in HD patients based on their long-term bowel function. HD was diagnosed in 65 pediatric patients in our institute between 1992 and 2018. Twenty-five patients underwent the Soave–Denda procedure (SD) and 40 underwent transanal endorectal pull-through (TA). We divided these patients into two groups: those who underwent surgery at

Purpose: Various prognostic predictors for biliary atresia (BA) have been identified. This study aimed to evaluate the serial changes in the preoperative and postoperative ubiquitous inflammatory biomarkers and their relationship with the outcomes in patients with BA. Patients and Methods: Forty-three BA patients were retrospectively reviewed to investigate serial levels of ubiquitous inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and lymphocyte ratio, and outcomes. The patients with BA were divided based on their outcomes into two prognostic groups: the native liver survivor group (n=30) and the survivors with living-donor liver transplant group (n=13). Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that a preoperative lymphocyte ratio of 0.1 mg/dl predicted a poor outcome. In the ROC curve analysis, the timing of reaching the cut-off value of CRP after Kasai portoenterostomy was postoperative day (POD) 57. The third postoperative week, which was the timing of the discontinuation of steroid therapy, was the branchpoint of inflammatory markers between the two prognostic groups. Conclusion: The POD 57 CRP level predicts the surgical outcome of Kasai portoenterostomy. The postoperative anti-inflammatory management of BA can be monitored by the ubiquitous inflammatory biomarkers CRP and the preoperative lymphocyte ratio.

Severely neurologically impaired patients often require the creation of a gastrostomy when they develop difficulty with oral intake followed by antireflux surgery. We use a traction technique for laparoscopic fundoplication without removing the gastrostomy in such cases. Right lateral traction of the round ligament of the liver and left lateral traction of the stomach body are performed using a needle device. The left liver lobe is elevated with a liver retractor inserted via the epigastrium. This traction technique allows a sufficient surgical field for manipulating forceps to be created in cases with a gastrostomy, enabling fundoplication to be performed safely without removing the gastrostomy.

Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) is defined as a state of malabsorption after resection or loss of a major portion of the bowel due to congenital or acquired factors. This article presents an overview on the recent management of pediatric SBS. The pediatric SBS population is very heterogeneous. The incidence of SBS is estimated to be 24.5 per 100,000 live births. The nutritional, medical, and surgical therapies available require a comprehensive evaluation. Thus, multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRPs) are necessary for the management of these complex patients. The key points of focus in IRP management are hepato-protective strategies to minimize intestinal failure-associated liver disease; the aggressive prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections; strategic nutritional supply to optimize the absorption of enteral calories; and the management and prevention of small bowel bacterial overgrowth, nephrocalcinosis, and metabolic bone disease. As the survival rate of children with SBS currently exceeds 90%, the application of small bowel transplantation has been evolving. The introduction of innovative treatments, such as combined therapy of intestinotrophic hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-2, may lead to further improvements in patients' quality of life.

Purpose Composite lipid emulsion (CLE) has been used for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) to compensate for the disadvantages of soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) or fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE). However, the influence of its administration is unclear. We evaluated the effects of these emulsions on IFALD using a rat model of the short-bowel syndrome. Methods We performed jugular vein catheterization and 90% small bowel resection in Sprague–Dawley rats and divided them into four groups: control (C group), regular chow with intravenous administration of saline; and total parenteral nutrition co-infused with SOLE (SOLE group), CLE (CLE group) or FOLE (FOLE group). Results Histologically, obvious hepatic steatosis was observed in the SOLE and CLE groups but not the FOLE group. The liver injury grade of the steatosis and ballooning in the FOLE group was significantly better than in the SOLE group (p p Conclusion Fish oil lipid emulsion attenuated hepatic steatosis without EFAD, while CLE induced moderate hepatic steatosis. The administration of CLE requires careful observation to prevent PN-induced hepatic steatosis.

Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy is a representative surgical procedure requiring laparoscopic suturing including needle driving and knot tying. Laparoscopic needle driving and knot tying is a highly technically demanding skill, especially in small infants and children. We developed a laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator for training. This simulator was developed for a 1-year-old infant body size based on computed tomography data and reproduced a pneumoperitoneum condition based on 3D scanner data of the clinical situation. Surgeon in training (SITs) of our institution have to acquire practice of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy using a simulator before performing clinical cases. Thirteen cases of choledochal cyst have been managed at our institution since the introduction of practice using this simulator in 2016. Six SITs performed 13 cases of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy. There were no cases of anastomotic bile leakage. Laparoscopic disease-specific simulator practice is effective for the acquisition of secure hepaticojejunostomy skills for the treatment of choledochal cysts in children as off-the-job training.

In this study, we used a near-infrared ray catheter (NIRC) to visualize the urethral line. We herein report our intraoperative visualization technique of the urethra using an illuminating catheter in laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) for imperforated anus.A 3.0-kg term male neonate with anorectal malformation was delivered. An invertogram revealed the type as intermediate. Transverse colostomy was performed at the left upper abdomen. A recto-bulbar urethral fistula (RBUF) was diagnosed via distal colostogram and voiding cystourethrogram. LAARP was planned at 6 months of age. We performed the operation with four trocars. A 45° 5-mm scope was used to clearly view the deep pelvic space. Before starting rectal dissection, a 6-Fr pig-tail-type NIRC was inserted through the external opening of the urethra to visualize the urethra during the laparoscopic procedure. The catheter tip was placed in the bladder, and excretion of urine was maintained through the NIRC during the procedures. While dissecting the deep pelvic space between the posterior wall of the urethra and anterior wall of the rectum, the exact line of the urethra was clearly confirmed by overlay images of the NIRC. The RBUF was dissected safely using this innovative image-guided technique. Anoplasty was performed between the rectal stump and perineal skin. The postoperative course was uneventful. Oral intake was started on postoperative day 1. Postoperative dynamic urography showed no complications.An NIRC is useful for detecting the urethra during LAARP.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients require total parenteral nutrition (TPN) following massive small bowel resection (SBR), which may cause intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), a life-threatening complication. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) acts as a potent hepatocyte mitogen with anti inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The present study evaluated the effect of recombinant human HGF (rh-HGF) on SBR and subsequent IFALD using a parentally fed rat model of SBS.Rats underwent jugular vein catheterization for continuous TPN and 90% SBR. They were divided into 2 groups: TPN alone (SBS/TPN group: n = 7) or TPN plus the intravenous administration of rh-HGF (0.3 mg/kg/day) (SBS/TPN+HGF group: n = 7). On day 7, their tissues and stool were harvested to evaluate the effects of HGF.Regarding the histological findings, based on the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score, the SBS/TPN+HGF group showed significantly less hepatic steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration than the SBS/TPN group (NAFLD activity score, 4.00 ± 1.83 vs. 1.00 ± 0.82; p 0.01). The SBS/TPN+HGF group showed a higher expression of Farnesoid X receptor in the liver and lower expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in the ileum than the SBS/TPN group. Regarding the composition of the bacterial gut microbiota, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were decreased in the SBS/TPN+HGF group compared with the SBS/TPN group.In our SBS with TPN rat model, rh-HGF administration had a preventive effect against hepatic steatosis and dysbiosis. rh-HGF may therefore be a potentially effective therapeutic agent for SBS and subsequent IFALD.Experimental research.

This study assessed the impact of 2D and 3D environments by comparing pediatric surgeons (PS) and gastrointestinal surgeons (GIS) using a laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator. We developed a high-fidelity simulator of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. Thirty-five participants (19 PS and 16 GIS) performed hepaticojejunostomy in both 2D and 3D environments. We evaluated the required time, total path length, and average velocities of bilateral forceps in both situations using the para-axial port layout. Regarding the participants’ characteristics, the performance history of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy differed significantly between PS and GIS. In PS, the 3D environment did not markedly affect compared with 2D. In GIS, however, the 3D environment affected the time and movement of the right forceps. There were no significant differences in the time between PS and GIS in either environment. In both environments, the right-hand movement of the PS group was shorter and slower than that of the GIS group, but the left-hand movement was the opposite. There were significant differences in forceps movement characteristics between the PS and GIS. The effects of a 3D environment could not be clarified in this study, because it may depend on the port layout used and the operative procedures.

Many kinds of operative procedures have been proposed for anorectal malformation (ARM) patients. At our institution, sacroperineal or sacroabdominoperineal anorectoplasty (SP-SAP) have been performed from 1984 to 2007. The aim of this study is clarify the change over the time in the postoperative bowel function in male ARM patients. Patient data were collected from 1984 to 2007. Fifty-two male patients with high- and intermediate-type ARM were enrolled. The patients’ characteristics and bowel function were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The bowel function was evaluated according to the evacuation score (ES) of the Japan Society of ARM Study Group. The operative procedures were SP-SAP in 52 male patients. The total ES improved chronologically and significantly until 11 years of age. Regarding the clinical stratification of the ES, the ratio of “excellent” and “good” results was over 91.9% at 11 years of age. A satisfactory bowel movement score was achieved by 9 years of age. The constipation, incontinence and soiling scores improved slowly but continuously until 11 years of age. The ES showed continuous improvement after a definitive operation. An understanding of the characteristics of improvement is very important in managing the postoperative bowel function in ARM patients.

Late postoperative complications in choledochal cyst (CC) patients are severe problems that affect the quality of life (QOL). We evaluated the postoperative complications and health-related QOL (HRQOL) of CC patients ≥ 18 years of age. From April 1984 to January 2018, 114 CC patients underwent definitive surgery at our institution. Seventy-nine patients reached ≥ 18 years of age. The HRQOL was assessed using the Japanese version of the SF-36v2. Eight health domain (physical functioning, role-physical, body pain, general health, role-emotional, vitality, mental health, and social functioning) scores and three component summary [physical component summary, mental component summary (MCS), and role-social component summary] scores were compared between the patients with and without complications (C [+] vs. C [−]). Thirty-five patients answered the questionnaires. Twelve patients had postoperative complications. Among the eight domains, the score of general health was significantly lower in C [+] patients than in C [−] patients (p = 0.0488). Among the three component scores, the MCS score in C [+] patients was lower than in C [−] patients without significance (p = 0.0953). The HRQOL of CC patients ≥ 18 years of age was mostly acceptable. However, postoperative complications can impair the sense of well-being and affect the mental health.

Retroperitoneal teratomas (RPTs) are rare in infants. We report our experience of treating pediatric patients with RPTs over many years at a single institution, with the aim of developing a safe and secure operative strategy for RPTs in infants. We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent treatment for RPTs in our institution between April, 1984 and December, 2017, to analyze their background and clinical data. The diagnosis of RPT was confirmed histologically in all patients. The subjects of this retrospective analysis were 14 pediatric patients (female, n = 11; male, n = 4), ranging in age from 6 days to 12 years, 11 (73.3%) of whom were under 1 year of age. Complete surgical resection was performed in all patients. The tumor ruptured during surgery in four (26.7%) patients and perioperative vessel injuries occurred in six (40.0%) patients, resulting in nephrectomy in one (6.7%). Three (20.0%) patients suffered unilateral renal dysfunction as a surgical complication. Only one patient received postoperative chemotherapy. All patients were free of disease at the time of writing. Perioperative complications are not uncommon during surgery for RPTs, despite their benign nature. Preoperative imaging evaluation is important and operative management may be challenging. Because of the favorable prognosis and the frequency of adverse events in surgery, partial resection or split excision is sometimes unavoidable. Meticulous follow-up for recurrence is required for such patients.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) sometimes induces parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) acts as a potent hepatocyte mitogen anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HGF on PNALD in a rat model of TPN. A catheter was placed in the right jugular vein for 7-day continuous TPN. All rats were divided into three groups: TPN alone (TPN group), TPN plus intravenous HGF at 0.3 mg/kg/day [TPN + HGF (low) group], and TPN plus HGF at 1.0 mg/kg/day [TPN + HGF (high) group]. On day 7, livers were harvested and the histology, inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis were evaluated. Histologically, lipid droplets were apparent in the TPN group, but decreased in the TPN + HGF (low) and TPN + HGF (high) groups. The histological nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity scores in the TPN + HGF (low) and TPN + HGF (high) groups were significantly lower than that in the TPN group (p

Liver retraction during laparoscopic fundoplication is important for obtaining an optimal space. Several methods have been developed, but the risks and benefits are unclear. We compared three different approaches and evaluated their safety and utility. Forty-three neurologically impaired patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2018 were classified into three groups: A, snake retractor method, n = 18; B, crural suture method, n = 13; C, needle grasper method, n = 12. Patients’ characteristics and outcomes were reviewed. The liver retraction time was significantly shorter in group C than in A or B (p

Background/purpose Hirschsprung disease (HD) is considered curable, but the postoperative bowel function is not always satisfactory. In this study, we evaluated the general condition, bowel function, and social performance in adults who were older than 17 years of age who had undergone definitive operations in childhood. Method From 1984 to 2016, 110 patients with HD underwent definitive surgery at our institute. Sixty-three patients who had undergone the transabdominal Soave procedure reached 18 years of age. Their present status and symptoms, anorectal function, genitourinary function, and social performance were evaluated during the clinical follow-up via a questionnaire survey. Result The mean age of the questionnaire respondents was 25.0 (19–37) years. The bowel function was mostly good. However, 56% of patients had abdominal pain more than once a week. Regarding evacuation symptoms, incontinence and soiling occurred in 18.7%. Among the respondents 33.3% were married, and 60% of those who were married had children. The respondents had achieved success in their education and professional careers. Conclusion The bowel function of most patients was satisfactory, although some had chronic abdominal symptoms. Pediatric surgeons should continue trying to achieve complete bowel function after definitive surgery of HD. Type of study Prospective Cohort Study. Level of evidence Level III.

We previously showed an increased number of smaller portal vein (PV) branches in the portal areas of liver biopsy specimens of biliary atresia (BA) patients. We evaluated the correlation between this histopathological feature and the prognosis. Twenty-five consecutive patients with BA encountered between 2000 and 2012 were classified into three prognostic groups based on their postoperative outcomes: Excellent (n = 11) for native-liver survivors with a normal liver function, Good (n = 6) for native-liver survivors with liver dysfunction, and Poor (n = 8) for survivors after liver transplant or on a waiting list. Data from morphometrical analyses, including the fibrotic portal area, numbers of PVs, diameter and total area of PV branches, were statistically compared among the three groups. The number of PV branches per unit area of the whole-liver specimen in the poor prognostic group was significantly lower than that in the excellent group (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 5.2 ± 2.0/mm2, p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the other parameters. This is the first report on the relationships between morphometrically analyzed PV branches and the postoperative course in BA patients. The portal venous system is involved as the primary lesion in BA.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients require long-term parenteral nutrition following massive bowel resection, which causes intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Previous reports have shown that glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) resulted in the bowel adaptation for SBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GLP-2 for IFALD in a parenterally fed rat model. Using rat, a catheter was placed in the jugular vein, and 90% small bowel resection (SBR) was performed. Animals were divided into three groups: SBR and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (SBS/TPN group), SBR and TPN plus GLP-2 at 1 µg/kg/h [SBS/TPN/GLP-2 (low) group], and SBR and TPN plus GLP-2 at 10 µg/kg/h [SBS/TPN/GLP-2 (high) group]. On day 13, the liver was harvested and analyzed by using nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) score. Histologically, hepatic steatosis in the SBS/TPN group and SBS/TPN/GLP-2 (high) group was observed. Both steatosis and lobular inflammation score in the SBS/TPN/GLP-2 (low) group were significantly lower compared with those in the other two groups (p

Aims and objectives Fish oil (FO) lipid emulsion and a new lipid emulsion (SMOF) are important treatments for intestinal failure-associated liver disease. We evaluated the efficacy of FO and SMOF lipid emulsion on intestinal mucosal adaptation using a total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-supported rat model of short bowel syndrome. Material & methods Sprague–Dawley rats underwent jugular vein catheterization and 90% small bowel resection and were divided into three groups: TPN with soy bean oil lipid emulsion (SO group), FO lipid emulsion (FO group), or SMOF (SMOF group). On day 13, the rats were euthanized, and the small intestine was harvested. The microscopic morphology and crypt cell proliferation rate (CCPR) were then evaluated. Results The villus height of the ileum in the SMOF group was significantly higher than in the SO group. The crypt depth of the intestine in the SMOF group was significantly lower than in the SO group. The CCPRs of the intestine in the FO and SMOF groups were both higher than in the SO group. Conclusions Lipid emulsion affected the bowel morphology, such as the mucosa as well as the intestinal smooth muscle. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms.

While the diagnosis and outcomes of esophageal atresia (EA) have improved, associated anomalies, the management of late complications and growth remain major issues. We analyzed factors that affected the prognosis, late complications and growth. We retrospectively reviewed EA patients treated at two centers from 1984 to 2016. Patient characteristics, complications (gastroesophageal reflux [GER], anastomotic stenosis, tracheomalacia, dysphagia) and growth were evaluated. Seventy-three EA patients were treated (overall survival rate:80.8%). The mean birth weight was 2514 ± 509 g in the surviving group, and 2453 ± 567 g in the fatal group excluded chromosomal abnormality (p = 0.76). Cardiac and chromosomal anomalies significantly affected mortality. Postoperative GER and anastomotic stenosis each occurred in 39% of the patients. Only GER was significantly affected by the Gross classification. The standard deviation (SD) values of the EA patients’ growth were all lower than in the normal population. The SD of body weight was significantly lower in patients with extremity anomalies. Associated cardiac and chromosomal anomalies significantly affected the prognosis. GER and anastomotic stenosis were the most common late complications. The growth of the surviving cases was insufficient. These factors will help optimize the therapeutic strategies and postoperative management for EA.

Pediatric patients with intestinal failure need long-term parenteral nutrition (PN), but this nutritional support causes liver dysfunction, such as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Several studies have shown that the lipid emulsion produced by soybean oil (SO) is associated with the occurrence of IFALD. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SO and fish oil (FO) lipid emulsion on hepatic steatosis. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent jugular vein catheterization and were divided into three groups: sham operation with normal chow (Sham group), 80% small bowel resection (80% SBR) + TPN with SO lipid emulsion (SO group), and 80% SBR + TPN with FO lipid emulsion (FO group). All rats were euthanized and the serum biochemistry and hepatic histology analyzed. No significant differences in the serum liver or biliary enzymes were noted between the SO and FO groups. The pathological findings and NAFLD score in the FO group did not show steatosis and were significantly lower than in the SO group. An analysis of the fatty acids profile in the both the SO and FO groups did not indicate essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). FO lipid emulsion may have a protective role against steatosis of IFALD without EFAD.

Peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), when incubated for 48 hr with or without concanavalin A (ConA), were found to be capable of inhibiting the pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion by cells from normal individuals. Furthermore, these suppressor cells did not significantly affect on the Ig secretion by autologous B cells from patients with SLE. These results suggest that defective suppressive activity in patients with SLE is not at the T cell level, but, most likely, due to the defect of B cells in recognizing process of the suppressive information from suppressor T cells, caused by in vivo polyclonal B cell activation.

We present, here, a few thoughts on the mechanisms involved in the development ofsymptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following a study of cellular and humoral parameters.The PPD skin reaction was used as an in vivo index and was markedly decreased in 11 out of 58 cases tested. The DNCB skin test, however, was positive in 40 of a total58 cases, 12 of these showing hyper-reactivity. T-lymphocytes causing rosette formation of sheep erythrocytes were used as an in vitro index, and were present in decreased numbers, 44.3±15.7 (control 50.6±13.6) . Despite this, there was a slightly increased reaction to PHA.B-lymphocytes indicative of surface immunoglobulin were found in increased numbers (35.9±20.8 ; control 24.6±9.8). There was no correlation between the numbers of B-lymphocytesand RF, but patients with an increased sedimentation rate had an increase in B-lymphocytes.Inhibition of migration was demonstrated with MIT and LIT using both antigenic material from synovial tissue and also heat-denatured IgG. Moreover, it was possible to show thatsensitization to these antigens was present in the patients with RA. There was no correlationbetween LIT, the antigenic material of heat-denatured IgG, and RF. The followingpoints were suggested by our findings : 1. Both qualitative and quantitative abnormalitiesof T- and B-lymphocytes were present in RA ; 2. The abnormalities of cellular immunityhad occurred in response to antigens of synovial tissue and heat-denatured IgG ; 3. Therewas no sighificant correlation between cellular and hormonal indices.

We investigated roles of α- and β-lymphotoxins in antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity(ADCC) utilizing a homologous human system; skin fibroblasts with known HLA type, allo-antiserum and blood lymphocytes. Under assay conditions using optimal amounts of priming anti-HLA antibody, maximal killing of 60-80% was achieved within 6 hours. At this time, only β-LT was present in supernatants of lytic culture; α-LT was not detected. The amounts of β-LT, as well as the kinetics of appearance, paralleled the extent and kinetics of ADCC killing by lymphocytes. Allo-antibody directed to HLA determinants not on the target cells elicited neither lysis nor β-LT release. Antisera were prepared to β-LT-containing supernatants or to partially purified α-LT. Anti-β-LT serum inhibited essentially only β-LT. Anti-α-LT inhibited from 13-38% of the total activity of standard β-LT preparations. We interpret this as either indicating a 13% contamination of the anti-α-LT with anti-β-LT activity or a 13% contamination of the standard β-LT preparation with α-LT. Both immune sera inhibited EA-rosette formation. In addition, anti-α-LT serum inhibited E-rosette formation. Anti-β-LT serum was markedly effective in inhibiting ADCC. Inhibition by anti-α-LT correlated with its anti-β-LT titer rather than with its anti-α-LT titer. Adsorptions to spleen cells essentially did not reduce the ability to block ADCC and totally removed EA-rosette inhibiting activity. These data suggest that β-LT plays a important role in ADCC target destruction.