Sacrococcygeal Teratomas in Currarino Syndrome: A Multicenter Review of Tumor Characteristics, Surgical Outcomes, and Recurrence.

Background: Currarino syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterized by a triad of anorectal malformation, sacral agenesis, and presacral mass, often a teratoma. Comparative outcomes of sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) in Currarino versus non-syndromic cases are not well defined.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective review of pediatric SCT resections from 2010 to 2020 was conducted across 11 institutions in the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium.

Optimizing surveillance strategies for sacrococcygeal teratoma: A Midwest pediatric surgery consortium multi-institutional study.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are the most common germ cell tumors in neonates and infants. While typically benign, SCTs carry an undefined risk of recurrence and malignant transformation, making post-resection surveillance critical. However, no consensus guidelines exist to direct post-resection surveillance.

Implementation of a Contrast Challenge Algorithm for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstructions in Children: A Prospective, Multi-Institutional Study.

Objective: Evaluate if hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast challenges (CC) can improve clinical outcomes and reduce hospital length-of-stay (LOS) in children with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO).

Background: Despite documented efficacy of CC algorithms in adults with ASBO, ongoing variability exists in management of children.

Methods: This is a multi-institutional prospective, pre/post-algorithm implementation study of a contrast challenge algorithm in children (≤18 y) admitted with ASBO (10/2021-09/2023).

Contemporary Biology, Management, and Outcomes of Renal Medullary Carcinoma in Children and Adults: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study.

Background: Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an aggressive tumor associated with sickle cell trait. Despite treatment advances for other rare renal tumors, RMC survival remains poor. We aimed to describe the contemporary management and survival of children and adults with RMC.

Stress and Strain: Ergonomic Practices and Associated Injuries Among Pediatric Surgeons.

Introduction: Ergonomic injuries pose significant risks to surgeons, affecting health, productivity, care access, and retirement age. Despite unique challenges in pediatric surgery, including varied patient sizes and operations, little is known about pediatric surgeons' ergonomics. This study aimed to assess ergonomic practices and associated injuries among pediatric surgeons.

Prophylactic surgical drain placement with irrigation reduces abscess formation in patients with severe, uncontained, perforated appendicitis.

Background: 20-25% of perforated appendicitis cases are complicated by abscess formation. This study assesses whether prophylactic closed-suction surgical drain (SD) placement after irrigation can decrease postoperative abscess formation in patients with extensively contaminated, perforated appendicitis.Affiliations: Journal instruction requires country for affiliations; however, these are missing in all affiliations.

Clinical Signs as a Guide for Esophagram After Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair.

Introduction: Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a congenital malformation that occurs in about 1 in 2500-4000 live births. After surgical repair, despite the lack of evidence supporting the routine use of postoperative esophagram, most surgeons report obtaining an esophagram prior to enteral feeding. We hypothesized that abnormal indicators in vital signs, drain characteristics, and chest radiograph (CXR) could be used to screen for anastomotic leak, thus reducing the need for a routine esophagram.

Indications, Resource Allocation, and Outcomes Associated with Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedures: A North American Fetal Therapy Network Survey.

Introduction: Neonates with cardiorespiratory compromise at delivery are at substantial risk of hypoxic neurologic injury and death. Though mitigation strategies such as ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) exist, the competing interests of neonatal beneficence, maternal non-maleficence, and just distribution of resources require consideration. Due to the rarity of these entities, there are few systematic data to guide evidence-based standards.

Characterization of Antibody Bipolar Bridging Mediated by the Human Cytomegalovirus Fc Receptor gp68.

The human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein gp68 functions as an Fc receptor for host IgGs and can form antibody bipolar bridging (ABB) complexes in which gp68 binds the Fc region of an antigen-bound IgG. Here we show that gp68-mediated endocytosis transports ABB complexes into endosomes, after which the complex is routed to lysosomes, presumably for degradation. These results suggest gp68 contributes to evasion of IgG-mediated immune responses by mediating destruction of host IgG and viral antigens.