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Purpose: The management of Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia (IIH) in children is challenging and may be associated with complications. We aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open repair of IIH. Methods: With institutional ethical approval (09SG13), we reviewed the notes of 63 consecutive children who were admitted to a single hospital with the diagnosis of IIH between 2000 and 2008. Data are reported as median (range). Groups were compared by chi-squared or t-tests as appropriate. Results: • Open repair (n = 35): There were 21 children with right and 14 with left IIH. 2 patients also had contralateral reducible inguinal hernia. Small bowel resection was required in 2 children. • Laparoscopic repair (n = 28): All children had unilateral IIH (19 right sided, 9 left sided). 15 children (54 % ) with no clinical evidence of contralateral hernia, had contralateral patent processus vaginalis at laparoscopy, which was also repaired. The groups were similar with regard to gender, age at surgery, history of prematurity, interval between admission and surgery, and proportion of patients with successful preoperative manual reduction. However, the duration of operation was longer in the laparoscopy group (p = 0.01). Time to full feeds and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. Postoperative follow-up was 3.5 months (1-36), which was similar in both groups. 5 patients in the group undergoing open repair had serious complications: 1 vas transaction, 1 acquired undescended testis, 2 testicular atrophy and 1 recurrence. The laparoscopic group had a single recurrence. Conclusion: Open repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia is associated with serious complications. The laparoscopic technique appears safe, avoids the difficult dissection of an oedematous sac in the groin, allows inspection of the reduced hernia content and permits the repair of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis if present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary tracheal balloons have been shown to improve lung growth in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) is performed at 26-28 weeks gestation, and then is removed in utero at 34 weeks gestation at highly specialized centers. In case of preterm labor at a hospital without a specialized team, a number of techniques have been used to remove the balloon, sometimes with death of the newborn. We have successfully performed an ultrasound-guided approach to puncture and remove the tracheal balloon in a premature infant in an emergency setting at birth. After that she was treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia at our Newborn Intensive Care Unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NB) represents a challenge in pediatric urology. Intravesical botulin toxin-A (BTX-A) bladder injection is part of the armamentarium for the treatment of this condition, usually after failed first-line medical strategies and before the escalation to more invasive options such as neuromodulation or augmented cystoplasty in severe cases. However, there is still a lack of consensus about the appropriate treatment modality for the pediatric population. A review of the last 10 years' research was performed on the PubMed database by two authors. Articles doubly selected and meeting the inclusion criteria were collected and analyzed for their study type, demographics, neurological disease(s) at diagnosis, BTX-A treatment modality and duration, previous treatment, clinical and urodynamic parameters, adverse events, outcomes, and follow-ups. A total of 285 studies were initially selected, 16 of which matched the inclusion criteria. A cohort of 630 patients was treated with BTX-A at a median age of 9.7 years, 40% of which had a diagnosis of myelomeningocele. The results of the selected publications show the overall efficacy and safety of BTX-A injections in children and confirmed BTX-A as a valuable strategy for NB treatment in pediatric population. Nevertheless, up to now, the literature on this topic offers scarce uniformity among the published series and poor protocol standardization.

Stem cell therapy has the potential to meet unsolved problems in tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in the neural tissues. However, an optimal source has not yet been found. Growing evidence indicates that positive effects produced in vivo by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be due not only to their plasticity but also to secreted molecules including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Trophic effects produced by MSCs may reveal the key to developing effective tissue-repair strategies, including approaches based on brain implants or other implantable neural electrodes. In this sense, MSCs will become increasingly valuable and needed in the future. The placenta is a temporary organ devoted to protecting and supporting the fetus. At the same time, the placenta represents an abundant and extremely convenient source of MSCs. Nonetheless, placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) remain understudied as compared to MSCs isolated from other sources. This review outlines the limited literature describing the neuroregenerative effects of P-MSC-derived biomaterials and advocates for exploiting the potential of this untapped source for human regenerative therapies.

Introduction: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is a debilitating neuropathic painful condition associated with allodynia, hyperalgesia, sudomotor and/or vasomotor dysfunctions, turning investigation of its pathophysiology and new therapeutic strategies into an essential topic. We aim to investigate the impact of ischemia/reperfusion injury on the immunocontent of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor isoforms in the paws of mice submitted to a chronic postischemia pain (CPIP) model and the effects of local administration of cannabidiol (CBD) on mechanical hyperalgesia. Methods: Female Swiss mice, 30-35 g, were submitted to the CPIP model on the right hind paw. Skin and muscle samples were removed at different periods for western blot analysis. Results: No changes in the immunocontent of CB1 and CB2 receptors in paw muscle tissues after ischemia-reperfusion were observed. CBD promoted an antihyperalgesic effect in both phases. AM281 reversed the effect of CBD, whereas ruthenium red abolished the late phase. Conclusion: Our results point to the possible beneficial effects of local administration of CBD in modulating CRPS-I in humans. As possible targets for CBD antihyperalgesia in this model, the contribution of cannabinoid receptor CB1, in addition to TRPM8 is suggested.

The human genome counts hundreds of GPCRs specialized to sense thousands of different extracellular cues, including light, odorants and nutrients in addition to hormones. Primordial GPCRs were likely glucose transporters that became sensors to monitor the abundance of nutrients and direct the cell to switch from aerobic metabolism to fermentation. Human β cells express multiple GPCRs that contribute to regulate glucose homeostasis, cooperating with many others expressed by a variety of cell types and tissues. These GPCRs are intensely studied as pharmacological targets to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. The dramatic rise of type 2 diabetes incidence in pediatric age is likely correlated to the rapidly evolving lifestyle of children and adolescents of the new century. Current pharmacological treatments are based on therapies designed for adults, while youth and puberty are characterized by a different hormonal balance related to glucose metabolism. This review focuses on GPCRs functional traits that are relevant for β cells function, with an emphasis on aspects that could help to differentiate new treatments specifically addressed to young type 2 diabetes patients.

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) from bone marrow have been reported to undergo the initial phases of neural differentiation in response to an increase of intracellular cAMP. We investigated the possibility that a similar effect applies to chorion-derived MSC., Methods: The intracellular concentration of cAMP was increased either by forskolin, to promote its synthesis, or by inhibitors of its degradation. The consequent reduction in the expression of mesenchymal markers was associated with the appearance of neuron-like morphology in a subset of cells. The effect was measured and characterized using biomarkers and an inhibitor of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)., Results: The dramatic morphological change induced by all the treatments that promoted intracellular cAMP was transient and peaked on the third day. After that, cells returned to the typical fibroblast-like appearance within 24 hours. The distinctive morphology was associated to the expression of neuregulin 1, doublecortin, neuron-specific class III β-tubulin, and required cAMP response element-binding protein activity. Basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) treatment increased both the timeframe and number of cells undergoing the morphological change induced by the effect of forskolin. As opposite, arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) reduced it., Conclusions: We conclude that cAMP and the ensuing CREB activation trigger a preliminary step towards neuronal differentiation of chorion-derived MSC. However, likewise other MSC, the stimulus is not sufficient to promote stable differentiation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

The GNA15 gene is ectopically expressed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer cells. The encoded Gα15 protein can promiscuously redirect GPCR signaling toward pathways with oncogenic potential. We sought to describe the distribution of GNA15 in adenocarcinoma from human pancreatic specimens and to analyze the mechanism driving abnormal expression and the consequences on signaling and clinical follow-up. We detected GNA15 expression in pre-neoplastic pancreatic lesions and throughout progression. The analysis of biological data sets, primary and xenografted human tumor samples, and clinical follow-up shows that elevated expression is associated with poor prognosis for GNA15, but not any other GNA gene. Demethylation of the 5' GNA15 promoter region was associated with ectopic expression of Gα15 in pancreatic neoplastic cells, but not in adjacent dysplastic or non-transformed tissue. Down-modulation of Gα15 by shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 affected oncogenic signaling, and reduced adenocarcimoma cell motility and invasiveness. We conclude that de novo expression of wild-type GNA15 characterizes transformed pancreatic cells. The methylation pattern of GNA15 changes in preneoplastic lesions coincident with the release a transcriptional blockade that allows ectopic expression to persist throughout PDAC progression. Elevated GNA15 mRNA correlates with poor prognosis. In addition, ectopic Gα15 signaling provides an unprecedented mechanism in the early steps of pancreas carcinogenesis distinct from classical G protein oncogenic mutations described previously in GNAS and GNAQ/GNA11., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Mutations activating the α subunit of heterotrimeric Gs protein are associated with a number of highly specific pathological molecular phenotypes. One of the best characterized is the McCune Albright syndrome. The disease presents with an increased incidence of neoplasias in specific tissues., Main Body: A similar repertoire of neoplasms can develop whether mutations occur spontaneously in somatic tissues during fetal development or after birth. Glands are the most "permissive" tissues, recently found to include the entire gastrointestinal tract. High frequency of activating Gαs mutations is associated with precise diagnoses (e.g., IPMN, Pyloric gland adenoma, pituitary toxic adenoma). Typically, most neoplastic lesions, from thyroid to pancreas, remain well differentiated but may be a precursor to aggressive cancer., Conclusions: Here we propose the possibility that gain-of-function mutations of Gαs interfere with signals in the microenvironment of permissive tissues and lead to a transversal neoplastic phenotype.

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycaemia in childhood (Horm Res 70:65-72, 2008; J Clin Endocr Metab 93:869-875, 2008). 18- Fluoro-L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine ( 18 F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) can detect areas of increased activity in the pancreas and may differentiate focal from diffuse CHI (J Clin Endocr Metab 93:869-875, 2008; Radiology 253:216-222, 2009). We here report the case of a girl who complained of recurrent episodes of severe hypoglycaemia despite previous partial pancreatectomy. To evaluate the need for additional surgical intervention, we performed 18 F-DOPA PET/computed tomography (CT), which showed a focal lesion corresponding to the anatomical region of the pancreatic tail. On the other hand, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly demonstrated that the 18 F-DOPA uptake was in a loop of bowel occupying the previous surgical bed. Our case highlights that bowel uptake can be a possible pitfall in the interpretation of 18 F-DOPA PET/CT in children affected by CHI, suggesting that when 18 F-DOPA PET/CT results do not fit the clinical picture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow a more accurate correlation of the radiotracer activity with the underlying anatomical or pathological structure., Competing Interests: Compliance with Ethical StandardsEvelina Maines, Luca Giacomello, Mirko D’Onofrio, Matteo Salgarello, Rossella Gaudino, Laura Baggio and Andrea Bordugo declare that they have no conflicts of interests.The study has been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s mother for publication of this report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. The identity of the patient has been protected.

Chorionic stem cells represent a promising opportunity for regenerative medicine. A deeper understanding of the stimuli that regulate their physiology, could lead to innovative clinical approaches. We revealed the presence of multiple sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor isoforms in chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CMSCs). Their activation simultaneously propagated from the plasma membrane through Gi and other heterotrimeric G proteins and further diverged toward extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and protein kinase D 1. At a functional level, S1P signaling inhibited CMSC migration, while promoting proliferation. Instead, a reduction of cell density was obtained when S1P was combined to treatments that increased cAMP intracellular concentration. Such surprising reduction of cell viability was relatively specific as it was not observed with stromal stem cells from bone marrow. Neither it was observed by activating analogous G proteins with bradykinin nor by inducing cell death via a cAMP-independent pathway. S1P could thus reveal novel keys to improve CMSC differentiation programs acting on cAMP concentration. Furthermore, S1P receptor agonists/antagonists could become instrumental in favoring CMSC engraftment by controlling cell motility.

Objective: to estimate the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Santa Catarina State, Brazil., Methods: this is an ecological study with the nine health macroregions of the state as units of analysis; the number of years of life lost, the number of years lived with disability and the number disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 2009 were estimated., Results: a total of 358,777 DALYs were estimated, with a rate of 5,852 DALYs/100,000 inhabitants, 51.1% in males; age groups with the highest rates were 45-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years; diseases that most contributed to the DALYs were ischemic heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases; health regions with the highest DALYs rates were Planalto Norte, Sul and Serra Catarinense., Conclusion: the high burden of cardiovascular diseases in Santa Catarina shows the need to intensify actions of health promotion and prevention in all regions of the state.

Torsion of a wandering spleen is a rare cause of acute abdomen in children, usually diagnosed with color-Doppler ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography. We report a pediatric case of torsion of wandering spleen.

Over 25 years ago, GNAS mutations were discovered associated with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and pituitary tumors. The mutant gene, encoding the heterotrimeric Gs protein, was named 'derived from Gs Protein' (gsp) oncogene. For a long time, gsp remained associated with specific endocrine tumors. Recently, high frequencies of gsp were reported for a rapidly growing number of neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Will heterotrimeric G-proteins follow small G-proteins and become recognized as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets?, (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Diaphragmatic hernia in pediatric emergency department poses a diagnostic challenge because of the acute or subtle timing of onset and the wide variety of clinical features. We describe 3 different late presentations of Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia in a pediatric emergency department. These reports may help physicians avoid delayed diagnosis of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia, thereby reducing the risk of inappropriate treatments and life-threatening conditions in children.

Amniotic Fluid Stem (AFS) cells are broadly multipotent fetal stem cells derived from the positive selection and ex vivo expansion of amniotic fluid CD117/c-kit(pos) cells. Considering the differentiation potential in vitro toward cell lineages belonging to the three germ layers, AFS cells have raised great interest as a new therapeutic tool, but their immune properties still need to be assessed. We analyzed the in vitro immunological properties of AFS cells from different gestational age in coculture with T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells. Nonactivated (resting) first trimester-AFS cells showed lower expression of HLA class-I molecules and NK-activating ligands than second and third trimester-AFS cells, whose features were associated with lower sensitivity to NK cell-mediated lysis. Nevertheless, inflammatory priming with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) enhanced resistance of all AFS cell types to NK cytotoxicity. AFS cells modulated lymphocyte proliferation in a different manner according to gestational age: first trimester-AFS cells significantly inhibited T and NK cell proliferation, while second and third trimester-AFS cells were less efficient. In addition, only inflammatory-primed second trimester-AFS cells could suppress B cell proliferation, which was not affected by the first and third trimester-AFS cells. Indolamine 2,3 dioxygenase pathway was significantly involved only in T cell suppression mediated by second and third trimester-AFS cells. Overall, this study shows a number of significant quantitative differences among AFS cells of different gestational age that have to be considered in view of their clinical application.

Aim: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common indications for emergency surgery in children. Open appendectomy (OA) has been the gold standard treatment for over 100 years. In the last three decades, the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and transumbilical laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (TULAA), has changed the approach to the disease. However, there is still no agreement with benefits of these new therapeutic options, especially in children. The aim of this retrospective study is comparing the outcomes of OA, LA and TULAA in the paediatric patient., Methods: Children suffering from acute appendicitis were treated with LA or TULAA in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and with OA in the Department of General Surgery. Data were abstracted from database of both centers' archives. Operator, operating time, length of hospitalization (LOH), intra- and postoperative complications and histological finding were analyzed., Results: We recruited 196 patients: 46 treated with LA, 62 with TULAA and 88 with OA. Operative time was significantly shorter in OA. The three techniques had the same incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The incidence of wound infection was higher with the TULAA approach. LOH was significantly shorter in the TULAA group. There was no correlation between LOH and histological finding., Conclusion: We demonstrated that LA, TULAA and OA are similar in most respects and are equally safe modalities in paediatric patients. Further randomized controlled studies are necessary.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of thoracoscopy in neonates on intraoperative arterial blood gases, compared with open surgery., Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia and acidosis, which are potentially harmful., Methods: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial. The target number of 20 neonates (weight > 1.6 kg) were randomized to either open (5 CDH, 5 EA/TEF) or thoracoscopic (5 CDH, 5 EA/TEF) repair. Arterial blood gases were measured every 30 minutes intraoperatively, and compared by multilevel modeling, presented as mean and difference (95% confidence interval) from these predictions., Results: Overall, the intraoperative PaCO2 was 61 mm Hg in open and 83 mm Hg [difference 22 mm Hg (2 to 42); P = 0.036] in thoracoscopy and the pH was 7.24 in open and 7.13 [difference -0.11 (-0.20 to -0.01); P = 0.025] in thoracoscopy. The duration of hypercapnia and acidosis was longer in thoracoscopy compared with that in open. For patients with CDH, thoracoscopy was associated with a significant increase in intraoperative hypercapnia [open 68 mm Hg; thoracoscopy 96 mm Hg; difference 28 mm Hg (8 to 48); P = 0.008] and severe acidosis [open 7.21; thoracoscopy 7.08; difference -0.13 (-0.24 to -0.02); P = 0.018]. No significant difference in PaCO2, pH, or PaO2 was observed in patients undergoing thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF., Conclusions: This pilot randomized controlled trial shows that thoracoscopic repair of CDH is associated with prolonged and severe intraoperative hypercapnia and acidosis, compared with open surgery. These findings do not support the use of thoracoscopy with CO2 insufflation and conventional ventilation for the repair of CDH, calling into question the safety of this practice. The effect of thoracoscopy on blood gases during repair of EA/TEF in neonates requires further evaluation. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01467245).

Allogeneic stem cell (SC)-based therapy is a promising tool for the treatment of a range of human degenerative and inflammatory diseases. Many reports highlighted the immune modulatory properties of some SC types, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), but a comparative study with SCs of different origin, to assess whether immune regulation is a general SC property, is still lacking. To this aim, we applied highly standardized methods employed for MSC characterization to compare the immunological properties of bone marrow-MSCs, olfactory ectomesenchymal SCs, leptomeningeal SCs, and three different c-Kit-positive SC types, that is, amniotic fluid SCs, cardiac SCs, and lung SCs. We found that all the analyzed human SCs share a common pattern of immunological features, in terms of expression of activation markers ICAM-1, VCAM-1, HLA-ABC, and HLA-DR, modulatory activity toward purified T, B, and NK cells, lower immunogenicity of inflammatory-primed SCs as compared to resting SCs, and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-activation as molecular inhibitory pathways, with some SC type-related peculiarities. Moreover, the SC types analyzed exert an anti-apoptotic effect toward not-activated immune effector cells (IECs). In addition, we found that the inhibitory behavior is not a constitutive property of SCs, but is acquired as a consequence of IEC activation, as previously described for MSCs. Thus, immune regulation is a general property of SCs and the characterization of this phenomenon may be useful for a proper therapeutic use of SCs.

Background/purpose: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TOF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia, acidosis, and reduced cerebral oxygenation. We evaluated the effect of thoracoscopy in infants on cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO(2)), arterial blood gases, and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) absorption., Methods: Eight infants underwent thoracoscopy (6 CDH and 2 EA/TOF). Serial arterial blood gases were taken. Regional cSO(2) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Absorption of insufflated CO(2) was calculated from exhaled (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio measured by mass spectrometry., Results: CO(2) absorption increased during thoracoscopy with a maximum 29% ± 6% of exhaled CO(2) originating from the pneumothorax. Paco(2) increased from 9.4 ± 1.3 kPa at the start to 12.4 ± 1.0 intraoperatively and then decreased to 7.6 ± 1.2 kPa at end of operation. Arterial pH decreased from 7.19 ± 0.04 at the start to 7.05 ± 0.04 intraoperatively and then recovered to 7.28 ± 0.06 at end of operation. Cerebral hemoglobin oxygen saturation decreased from 87% ± 4% at the start to 75% ± 5% at end of operation. This had not recovered by 12 (74% ± 4%) or 24 hours (73% ± 3%) postoperatively., Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that thoracoscopic repair of CDH and EA/TOF may be associated with acidosis and decreased cSO(2). The effects of these phenomena on future brain development are unknown., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been described, but its efficacy and safety have not been validated. The aim was to compare our experience of thoracoscopy with laparotomy repair., Methods: After ethics approval, we reviewed the notes of neonates with CDH operated in our institution between 2003 and 2008. Two historical groups were compared: infants who underwent laparotomy (2003-2008) or thoracoscopy (2007-2008). Data were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney tests., Results: Thirty-five children had open repair of CDH, and 13 had thoracoscopic repair. Groups were homogeneous for age and weight. Five (38%) neonates who had thoracoscopy were converted to open for surgical difficulties (n = 4) and O(2) desaturation (n = 1). Patch repair was used in 12 (34%) open and 6 (46%) thoracoscopic repairs. End-tidal CO(2) was significantly elevated during thoracoscopy, but this was not reflected in arterial CO(2) or pH. There were 3 (8%) recurrences after open repair and 2 (25%) after thoracoscopy (P = .19)., Conclusion: Thoracoscopic repair of CDH is feasible. Arterial blood gases should be closely monitored. Despite higher EtCO(2), conversion to open was mainly because of difficult repair. A randomized trial is necessary to assess the effect of thoracoscopy on ventilation and recurrences., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is the gas most commonly used to inflate the body cavities during 'keyhole' surgery (e.g. laparoscopy and thoracoscopy). However, CO(2) can be absorbed, leading to increased arterial CO(2) and increased CO(2) elimination from the lungs. These increases in CO(2) are observed following a wide variety of procedures both in adults and in infants and children. Although it is usually assumed that increases in arterial or end-tidal CO(2) directly reflect absorption of CO(2) from body cavities, this is not necessarily true, as either increases in metabolically produced CO(2) or respiratory compromise making it more difficult to eliminate CO(2) could also be responsible for these changes. Recently, a new technique has been introduced which enables absorbed CO(2) to be distinguished from metabolic CO(2).

Aim: Clinical diagnosis of appendicitis in children is often difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound with graded compressed technique in cases with suspected appendicitis., Methods: A radiological classification of appendicitis was formulated associated with the surgical/histological degree. Afterwards, 92 patients with suspected appendicitis enrolled in this study were prospectively evaluated and managed to follow a new protocol based on the clinical and radiological experiences. In this study, the ultrasonography was considered positive when the diameter of the wall of the appendix was larger than 7 mm and vascularization was increased or absent., Results: Of these 92 patients, 54 patients underwent surgery while 38 were treated conservatively. Of the treated group, 12 patients had a perforated appendicitis, 3 had a gangrenous appendicitis, 36 patients demonstrated a phlegmonous appendix while 3 patients had a catarrhal appendix. Blood cell counts and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with appendicitis (P<0.05) and WBC and CRP levels were higher for patients with perforated appendicitis compared with patients with simple appendicitis (P<0.05). A CRP value higher than 17 mg/dL was a strong predictor for the presence of infection. Three patients of the conservative group underwent surgery later for recurrent abdominal pain (within 2 weeks); two had a catarrhal appendix while one patient had a normal appendix (confirmed by histology), Conclusions: Patients with suspected appendicitis could be managed with ultrasound, suggesting an early approach. The selection of patients for surgery prevent complication and unnecessary surgery.

Carcinoma in situ of the male breast is rare, especially when associated with bilateral gynaecomastia and during puberty. Only two cases in adults and one during puberty have been described in the literature. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy whom we have been observing for about 2 years for puberal bilateral gynaecomastia, treated with bilateral exeresis of the mammary gland and subsequently re-operated with total bilateral mastectomy because the tissue removed presented atypical features upon histological examination. The authors believe, after a careful review of relevant literature, that this is the second case of intraductal carcinoma in the presence of gynaecomastia described during adolescence.

Aim: Ureteral double-J (DJ) stents are frequently used in modern urologic practice. At present the role of stents in urological and surgical practice and their efficacy in paediatric age are not yet clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate advantages and efficacy of ureteral stents, correlating clinical and radiological data with the permanence of stent in situ., Methods: Between July 1999 and July 2004 surgery with ureteral stenting was performed on 24 consecutive patients aged between 2 and 13.5 months with scintigraphic impaired renal function due to an obstructive urinary tract malformation. During the study the performance and the efficacy of indwelling stent have been evaluated through clinical and radiological variables: pre-, intra-, and post stenting blood tests, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic parameters were also evaluated., Results: The stent insertion was useful to improve renal parenchymal thickness and renal growth. No correlation was found between improved blood tests and scintigraphic values. The improvements of clinical and radiological data were strictly correlated with the time of stenting (>3 months)., Conclusion: The insertion of DJ stents as long-term internal urinary diversion is useful and safe. Late complications related to the use of stents are not frequent.

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, a heterogeneous condition, is frequently treated in children aged >5 years. Of the various treatment options, enuresis alarm has been widely advocated as being effective for treating nocturnal enuresis, while extracorporeal pelvic floor magnetic stimulation for overactive bladder, urge incontinence and urgency-frequency syndrome has not yet been confirmed by controlled studies as primary treatment for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) analog, or arginine vasopressin (AVP), can resolve primary nocturnal enuresis by decreasing night-time urine production. Enuretic children requiring either desmopressin or desmopressin plus oxybutynin to achieve dryness have polyuria. Tricyclic antidepressants (i.e. imipramine) are used successfully in enuretic children. Although tricyclics and desmopressin are effective in reducing the number of wet nights, most children relapse after discontinuation of active treatment. Combined therapy (enuresis alarm, bladder training, motivational therapy and pelvic floor muscle training) is more effective than each component alone or than pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, desmopressin combined with alarm therapy has a positive effect on enuresis. Pharmacotherapy can provide early relief of enuresis, while behavioral intervention may lead to greater long-term benefits. The positive effect of achieving dry nights with pharmacotherapy can encourage the child to sustain behavioral therapy.

In the literature it is possible to find many case reports of bladder exstrophy variants, although a thorough classification with all possible associated malformations is not yet available. On the basis of a rare case observed at their Department, the authors studied the embryology of these conditions and their associated malformations. The purpose of this study is to review the literature currently available and suggest a classification for bladder exstrophy variants. Despite the rarity of these variants, surgeons need to know all possible associated malformations in order to have the most complete and correct clinical picture of their patients.

Phimosis has been defined as unretractable foreskin without adherences or a circular band of tight prepuce preventing full retraction. We suggested a new treatment protocol combining betamethasone with stretching exercises to reduce the number of patients requiring surgery for phimosis. Between January 2003 and September 2004, 247 boys aged 4 to 14 years (mean 7.6) were included in this consecutive, prospective, open study. Patients were treated with 0.05% betamethasone cream applied to the distal aspect of the prepuce twice daily for the first 15 days, then once daily for 15 more days. Preputial gymnastics started 1 week after topical application of betamethasone. Ninety-six percent of patients receiving 1 or more cycles of betamethasone showed complete resolution of phimosis. There was a significant difference (P < .001) in response rate between the study and control groups. Only 10 boys in the study group had no response to steroid and stretching. Treatment with topical steroids, combined with stretching exercises, is a suitable alternative to surgical correction (preputial plasty/circumcision).