Search

Aim: The North Queensland region of Australia has a high incidence of pediatric thoracic empyema (pTE). We describe the management of empyema at the Townsville University Hospital which is the regional referral center for these children. The impact of a newly developed institutional guideline is also discussed.Methods: This retrospective audit included children under the age of 16 years treated for empyema between 1 Jan 2007 and 31 December 2018. Demographic and management-related variables were correlated to outcomes. A local guideline was introduced at the beginning of 2017 and patient outcomes characteristics pre, and post introduction of this guideline are compared.Results: There were 153 children with pTE (123 before and 30 after the introduction of a local guideline). Nonsurgical management was associated with a higher treatment failure rate. Median length of stay (LOS) was 11.8 (IQR 9.3–16) days. Longer hospital LOS was associated with younger age (r2 −0.16, P = 0.04), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait (ATSI) ancestry (13.8 vs. 10.5 days, P = 0.002) and concomitant respiratory viral infections (14.4 vs. 10.9 days, P = 0.003). The introduction of local guideline was associated with significant decrease in the use of empirical chest CT scans (54.4% before vs. 6.7% after, P < 0.001) and duration of intravenous antibiotics (14 days before vs. 10 days after, P = 0.02). There was no significant change in the hospital LOS (12.1 days pre and 11.7 post, P = 0.8).Conclusions: Younger age, concomitant viral respiratory infections and ATSI ancestry were identified as potential risk factors for increase LOS. Hospital LOS following the adoption of an institutional guideline was unchanged. However, such a guideline may identify populations at risk for an unfavorable course and avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment and radiation exposure.

Aim: The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the regional referral centre for children in the north of Queensland. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people make up 7–10% of the population. Increasing numbers of children with paediatric thoracic empyema (pTE) are being referred to Townsville Hospital and Health Service for management. This study aims to describe the incidence rates, epidemiology, microbiology and trends of this disease in North Queensland over a 10-year period. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all children (1 month to 16 years), admitted in the years 2007–2016, with community-acquired pTE was conducted. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify the patients. Epidemiological and microbiological data were extracted from records. Results: Of the 123 cases identified, incidence rates per 100 000 were 8.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4–8.6) in all children and much higher at 19.8 (95% CI: 19.5–21.9) in ATSI children. The under 5 years age group had the highest rate (24.5; 95% CI: 24.4–24.6). There was a progressive rise in incidence during the 10-year period, with the highest incidence of 15.2 (95% CI: 15.1–15.2) occurring in 2016. A pathogen was isolated in 76% of cases. Non-multi-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated in 22 of 64 ATSI children (34%), while Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen isolated in 27 of 59 non-ATSI children (46%). Conclusions: A high and increasing incidence of pTE in North Queensland is being observed. ATSI children have higher incidence rates and are more likely to have non-multi-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a causative agent.

Traumatic Pulmonary Pseudocysts (TPPs) are a rare consequence of thoracic trauma that is seen disproportionately in young adults and paediatric populations. In this case report, we detail a case of a TPP initially misdiagnosed on imaging as a Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM). Conservative management and monitoring for resolution of TPP is highly effective as in most cases it self-resolves without issue or need for intervention. This contrasts with the surgical treatment often indicated for symptomatic CCAMs. Clearly, failure to recognize TPP as a rare but important differential of pulmonary cystic lesions in the context of trauma can lead to significant distress for the patient's family, over investigation and unnecessary or harmful interventions. We also review in this article the literature surrounding the radiological appearances, clinical features and management of both conditions.

Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula occurs in approximately 1/3500 births. The aim of management is to surgically ligate the fistula and anastomose the esophageal segments as soon as possible after birth. While the management of EA and TEF has evolved over the last four decades, it continues to remain a challenging problem in specialized pediatric centers and even more so beyond such environments. There has not previously been any report of treatment of neonates with EA and TEF in provincial Australia. The present study aimed to review the outcomes of management of EA and TEF in a provincial center and therefore examine the factors that support the ongoing practice of managing neonates with EA and TEF in the provincial pediatric surgical unit of The Townsville Hospital in North Queensland. The information might provide a base for efficient and effective service provision planning within the Australian health care environment. Materials and Methods

Aims To investigate the survival of non-syndromic live born infants diagnosed in Northern Queensland with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Method Case note audit was completed of all live born newborns with a diagnosis of CDH admitted between February 1987 and December 2010. Demographic and clinical data were extracted. Results Overall survival to time of discharge for all infants was 67.3% (n = 35/52). For infants born before 2003 survival was 59.5% and for those born in 2003 and onwards was 86.7% (P = 0.10, OR 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–22.55). Infants born prior to 2003, compared to those born from 2003 onwards, were less likely to survive with an isolated defect (P = 0.04, OR 8.0, 95% CI 0.93–68.62). Isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia survival since 2003 was 92.3%. A significant difference was found in the time to surgery with those born in 2003 onwards having surgery significantly later, median 134 h, compared to the earlier cohorts median time to surgery of 83 h (P < 0.005, 95% CI 32.61–167.09). Premature infants had poorer survival (46.7%) compared to term infants (75.7%) (P < 0.0001 OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.99–6.68). Univariate analysis identified low birthweight was associated with poorer survival. Conclusions Survival to discharge in our cohort equals other reported rates in Australia and around the world, including centres with tertiary paediatric services. The current management strategies used for these infants have seen a significant improvement in outcomes over time.

Fifty-nine cases were identified, giving an overall rate of 3.2 per 10 000 live births. In mothers

Aim: To review outcomes of gastroschises originating in North Queensland and repaired in the neonatal centre in Townsville from 1988–2007, and compare these outcomes with published data from other centres. Methods: A retrospective chart review of outcomes after primary operative repair (POR) with wound closure in fascial layers in the theatre, primary non-operative repair (PNOR) with apposition of the umbilical cord and adhesive dressing in the ward, secondary repair (SR) after a silo, and complex repair (CR) of cases with obstruction, perforation or atresiae. Epidemiological data of babies originating in North Queensland but managed in Brisbane were secured from Mater Mothers' Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children. Results: Fifty cases were treated in Townsville: 16 by PNOR, 22 by POR, 6 by SR and 6 by CR. Outcomes of uncomplicated cases treated by PNOR, POR and SR were similar. Outcomes of complicated cases after CR were significantly worse. No significant differences were found between PNOR in Townsvillle and published outcomes after SR from four overseas units. No differences were detected in outcomes of inborn and outborn babies, those delivered by vaginal or caesarean birth or between indigenous and non-indigenous babies. Three (6%) died. Gastroschisis is increasing in North Queensland, particularly in younger mothers. The incidence is 2–3 times higher in indigenous mothers. Conclusion: No significant differences were found between PNOR and other techniques for uncomplicated cases. PNOR avoids the use of theatre and staff, reducing delay and cost, and the need to transport a sick baby.

Objective: The key to successful management of the rudimentary uterine horn is early detection. This review of the literature seeks to illustrate important aspects of diagnosis and management of this anomaly. Data sources: An English language MEDLINE search from 1966 to 2003 was performed, using the search terms "rudimentary uterine horn," "accessory horn," "uterus bicornis unicollis," "hematometra," "unicornuate or bicornuate uterus," and "mullerian anomaly." References from previously published sources were also obtained. Methods of study selections: One hundred thirty letters, case reports, case series, and review articles featuring rudimentary uterine horn were found. Reports before 1966 were excluded because outcomes before the advent of modern diagnostic techniques were not relevant to this study. Tabulation, integration, and results: Three hundred sixty-six rudimentary horn presentations (210 gynecologic and 156 obstetric) were found. Noncommunicating horns accounted for 92% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 88-95%, P < .001), and renal anomaly was found in 36% (95% CI 29-44%). Contrary to the American Fertility Society classification of uterine anomalies, rudimentary horns may occur without a corresponding unicornuate uterus. The mean age of presentation was similar for gynecologic and obstetric presentations (23 and 26 years, 95% CIs 21.2-24.6 and 124.9-27.3 years, respectively). Presentation in the third decade of life or later occurred in 78% of patients (95% CI 70-84%, P < .001). Sensitivity of ultrasound examination for diagnosis was 26% (95% CI 18-36%). Diagnosis before clinical symptoms occurred in 14% (95% CI 7-23%). Conclusion: Many functional noncommunicating horns present during or after the third decade of life with acute obstetric uterine rupture. Surgical removal before pregnancy is recommended. Rates of prerupture diagnosis remain disappointingly low.

Vibrio cholerae is an uncommon cause of cellulitis in Australia. Most reported cases worldwide have involved marine or brackish water contact. A recognized risk factor for acquiring this infection is chronic liver disease secondary to hepatitis B. We describe a case of extensive facial cellulitis caused by Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-0139, in an 11-year-old indigenous girl from North Queensland, Australia, who was hepatitis B surface antigen-negative. Treatment consisted of extensive debridement, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen and facial reconstructive surgery. Early microbiologic diagnosis and a combined therapeutic approach are important in the management of this condition.