Long-term ventilation in children: longitudinal trends and outcomes.

Background: Cross-sectional studies have suggested a rapid expansion in paediatric long-term ventilation (LTV) over the last 20 years but information on longitudinal trends is limited.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all patients receiving LTV over a 15-year period (1.1.

Superior herniation of the mediastinum presenting as an anterior neck mass on straining.

We report an infant with an anterior neck mass present only on straining. Airway fluoroscopy revealed this to be due to superior mediastinal herniation. Neck masses apparent only during Valsalva maneuver are rare and awareness of the differential diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary investigation or surgery.

Predicting major adverse events after cardiac surgery in children.

Objectives: To develop a reliable predictor of major adverse events after pediatric cardiac surgery, with the aim of reducing mortality of cardiac extracorporeal life support through earlier, more accurate patient selection.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Tertiary level pediatric intensive care unit.