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Biomedical subjects

D R King

Publications and source records attributed to D R King.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Neonatal soft tissue sarcomas: the influence of pathology on treatment and survival. Children's Cancer Group Surgical Committee.

INTRODUCTION: A multi-institutional study was conducted by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) to evaluate all soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed within the first month of life. METHODS: A retrospective study by 11 CCG institutions of patient records from 1971 to 1991 were reviewed for demographic data, pathology, therapy, and outcome. RESULTS: 32 neonates with soft tissue sarcomas were identified. There were 21 boys and 11 girls. Pathology was equally divided into three groups: Congenital fibrosarcoma (CFS) (12), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) (11), and non-RMS soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) (9). Anatomic sites consisted of head/neck (11), extremity (9), trunk (8), pelvis (3), and unknown (2). Overall survival rate was 59% (19/32). CONCLUSION: Soft tissue sarcomas in the neonate comprise three general groups with survival rates dependent on pathology and extent of disease.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1995

Diagnosis, management, and outcome of cervicofacial teratomas in neonates: a Childrens Cancer Group study.

The management of cervicofacial teratomas in neonates is often complicated and may result in significant morbidity and death. A Childrens Cancer Group (CCG) retrospective study was conducted to evaluate a multiinstitutional experience with the treatment of these extremely rare neoplasms. Twenty neonates with cervicofacial teratomas, presenting from 1971 to 1994, were identified from nine CCG institutions. Fourteen neonates had cervical teratomas, and six had orofacial teratomas. There were 12 males and eight females. A diagnostic prenatal ultrasound examination was performed in six cases. Life-threatening airway obstruction occurred in seven infants (35%) in the early postnatal period. Two neonates died in the delivery room without ever having their airway secured. Two other infants with a prenatal diagnosis survived only because tracheostomies were performed by pediatric surgeons who were in the delivery room. Three other patients were orally intubated, one after sustaining hypoxic cardiac arrest. Eighteen infants had their primary tumor excised. Three patients required tracheostomy. After resection, two patients had evidence of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and two required prolonged thyroid hormone replacement. Histological examination showed eight mature and seven immature teratomas. Four infants (20%) clearly had malignant lesions. Pulmonary metastases occurred in two patients and contributed to one late death at 6 months of age. The overall survival rate was 85%, and the mean follow-up period was 5 years (range, 2 months to 16 years). Twelve of 17 surviving patients (70%) have had an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome. Four children have varying degrees of developmental delay and mental retardation. Hypoxia at birth was believed to have contributed to these problems in two cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

Pediatric cervical-spine immobilization: achieving neutral position?

This study was designed to evaluate prospectively the ability of current spine-immobilization devices to achieve radiographic-neutral positioning of the cervical spine in pediatric trauma patients. All trauma patients who required spinal immobilization and a lateral cervical spine radiograph were included in the study. A lateral cervical spine radiograph was obtained while the child was immobilized. The Cobb angle (C2-C6) was measured using a handheld goniometer. The method of immobilization, age at injury, and Cobb angle were compared. One hundred and eighteen patients with an average age of 7.9 years were enrolled. The majority were males (71%). The most frequent mechanisms of injury included motor vehicle accidents (35%) and falls (32%). The average Glascow Coma Scale score was 14. Although 31% of the children complained of neck pain, 92% were without neurologic deficits. The Cobb angles ranged from 27 degree kyphosis to 27 degree lordosis, and only 12 of the patients presented in a neutral position (0 degrees). Greater than 5 degrees of kyphosis or lordosis was observed in 60% of the children. Thirty-seven percent of the patients had 10 degrees or greater angulation. The most frequent methods of immobilization included a collar, backboard, and towels (40%), and a collar, backboard, and blocks (20%), but these techniques provided < 5 degrees kyphosis or lordosis in only 45% and 26% of the children respectively. No single method or combination of methods of immobilization consistently placed the children in the neutral position.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

Sodium cromoglycate eye drops: regular versus "as needed" use in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of sodium cromoglycate eye drops (Opticrom 2%) used regularly versus as needed in the treatment of seasonal (ragweed) allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: A randomized, unblinded, parallel group comparison was performed during the 6 weeks of the ragweed pollen season. Sixty-two adults with ragweed pollen-induced conjunctivitis were recruited for the study from previous ragweed studies and notices in the local media. Two drops of sodium cromoglycate were placed in each eye either four times daily (regular treatment group) or when needed, up to four times daily (prn group), from 1 week before and throughout the ragweed pollen season. Uncontrolled eye symptoms were treated with terfenadine 60 mg as needed, up to 120 mg daily. Subjects kept daily diaries for symptoms and medication requirements throughout the 6 weeks of treatment. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire was administered and adverse experiences were reported after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Diary eye symptoms were similar in the two treatment groups, but quality of life was better in the regular treatment group. There was a trend for the prn group to require more terfenadine for uncontrolled eye symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There may be some additional therapeutic benefit from using sodium cromoglycate eye drops regularly throughout the ragweed pollen season.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Resection of the primary tumor is appropriate for children with stage IV-S neuroblastoma: an analysis of 37 patients.

Current recommendations for treatment of children with IV-S neuroblastoma (NB) indicate that "supportive care is the cornerstone of therapy" and resection of the primary tumor is not mandated. The presentation and clinical management of 37 IV-S NB patients from three pediatric oncology centers were retrospectively reviewed. The 22 boys and 15 girls presented at an average age of 107 days (range, 4 to 616 days). Primary tumor sites were identified in the adrenal gland in 19 children, the thorax in 5, the retroperitoneum in 4, and 1 each in the pelvis and kidney. At the time of presentation, metastatic disease was documented in the liver (27), bone marrow (19), skin (7), and regional lymph nodes (7). Massive hepatomegaly (below the umbilicus) was demonstrated in 18 patients. Twenty-eight children (76%) have survived on average 90 months following diagnosis. Eight patients (22%) died; six of disease and two of complications of therapy (mean, 9.6 months). One child was lost to follow-up. Only 3 of the 37 patients (8%) were managed solely by supportive care and all are alive. Extirpation of the primary tumor was accomplished in 24 individuals (65%). Twenty patients underwent excision at diagnosis and four had delayed resection with few postoperative complications and no deaths related to resection. One death resulted from progression of disease in a child who had tumor removal. Chemotherapy as a single treatment or in combination with radiation was used in 10 children with three children surviving (30%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female↗
PubMed1991

The surgical management of children with incompletely resected hepatic cancer is facilitated by intensive chemotherapy.

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of continuous-infusion doxorubicin and cisplatin (CI-DOX/CPPD) for the treatment of children with incompletely resected hepatic cancer. Of the 46 evaluable patients, 32 had hepatoblastoma (70%) and 14 had hepatocellular carcinoma. Ten children had stage II tumors (microscopic residual), 25 were defined as stage III (gross residual), and 11 had distant metastasis (stage IV). Twelve patients underwent initial incomplete resection of their hepatic lesions and in the 34 others tumor biopsy specimens were obtained. Chemotherapy was administered and the majority of the children (70%) had an excellent clinical response with a decrease in both alpha-fetoprotein levels and measured tumor dimensions. The combination of CI-DOX/CPDD clearly facilitated surgical management, allowing for delayed hepatic resections in 20 of the 34 patients (59%) whose tumors were initially biopsied and considered to be unresectable. Overall survival in this study demonstrates a significant improvement in comparison to the historical controls. Twenty-one patients (46%) remain in complete clinical remission an average of 30 months following diagnosis (range, 17 to 40 months). The outcome of the children with hepatoblastoma was much better than those with hepatocellular carcinoma (63% v 17% survival). Survival of the 20 children who underwent delayed hepatic resections was not statistically different from the 12 patients whose hepatic tumors were removed at the initial laparotomy (41% v 58% survival). Although no obvious survival advantage was observed in those patients who underwent initial hepatic resections, there did appear to be an increased risk of postoperative complications in children whose tumors were resected following chemotherapy (8% v 25%).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Psychosocial adjustment and physical growth in children with imperforate anus or abdominal wall defects.

Pediatric surgeons have the unique responsibility of performing surgical procedures that will enable their patients to function normally throughout a lifetime. Good anatomic results may not ensure that this goal will be achieved. Using a battery of psychological testing instruments, we evaluated the academic achievement and psychosocial status of 56 children (mean age, 10.6 years) with imperforate anus (IA) and abdominal wall defects (AWDs). Physical growth was assessed by measurement of standard anthropometric parameters, and a parent questionnaire was used to define clinical status. As a group, the children presented with average intellectual ability. Achievement in both reading and math was in the normal range. In 12.5% of the children a reading learning disability was noted and 10.7% had a disability in math. On the basis of parental assessments, 25% of the children demonstrated externalizing behavior disorders (eg, conduct problems) and 29% displayed internalizing symptomatology (eg. withdrawal, anxiety). Social competency deficits were described in 23% of the children. Data obtained from the teachers were consistent with the parental assessments. No major differences between the IA and AWD patients in academic achievement, psychosocial status, or physical growth were discovered. Routine screening of these children for learning disabilities and behavior problems is recommended.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1991

Pediatric cervical spine fractures: predominantly subtle presentation.

Previous description of cervical spine fractures in children have emphasized high mortality injuries to the upper cervical vertebra. Our experience suggests a much wider spectrum of injury. The medical records of all children with cervical spine fractures admitted to Children's Hospital between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1989 were reviewed. The average age of the 50 patients was 11 years (range, 2.7 to 18.8 years) and 62% were boys. Motor vehicle-related accidents (54%), sports injuries (18%), and falls (12%) accounted for the majority of the fractures. Twenty-nine patients (58%) had an associated head injury. Fifty percent of the patients were transported from the accident scene and 44% were interhospital transfers. All patients receiving medical care prior to referral had appropriate cervical spine stabilization. On admission 30% of the patients were unresponsive. Thirty-one children were alert and verbal at the time of evaluation and 30 complained of neck pain and tenderness (97%). Twenty-five of the 31 patients (83%) had no demonstrable neurological deficit on initial physical examination. Lateral cervical spine radiographs were diagnostic in 49 children (98%). A relatively even distribution of fractures occurred at all levels of the cervical spine. The anatomic site of the injury did not correlate with age. Sixteen patients (32%) died. Of the 34 who survived, only 6 had a persistent neurological deficit. Children with cervical spine fractures have two distinct patterns of presentation: lethal or intact. The majority of children with cervical spine fractures presented with no complaints of neck pain and/or tenderness need a complete radiographic evaluation of their cervical spine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Congenital gastrointestinal anomalies: psychosocial functioning of children with imperforate anus, gastroschisis, and omphalocele.

This study assessed the psychosocial status of 56 children aged 6-16 years with imperforate anus, gastroschisis, or omphalocele. Results indicate that (a) children were of average intellectual ability; (b) approximately 9% of the sample had learning disabilities; (c) although the mean maternal ratings of behavioral adjustment did not differ from those reported for children without anomalies, approximately 18% of the children had deviant adjustment scores; (d) a multivariate risk and resistance model accounted for a significant amount of the variance in children's adjustment; and (e) child, maternal, and family utilitarian and psychological risk and resistance resources contributed independently to children's overall behavioral adjustment.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1991

Assessment of the potential toxicity of a poison for rabbits, pindone (2-pivalyl 1, 3 indandione), to domestic animals.

The toxicity of pindone, a rabbit poison, to horses, cattle, goats, chickens, dogs and cats was investigated, using extension of prothrombin time (PT) as an index of poisoning. The daily dose of pindone, administered for 5 days, ranged from 0.3 mg/kg for dogs to 2.5 mg/kg for chickens. This range of dose rates was considered to be indicative of the worst possible case that could arise following a campaign of baiting for rabbits. Although significant elevations in PT (more than double baseline values) were noted in all species other than horses, clinical signs of anticoagulant poisoning were not observed in any of the species tested. From the observed PT, cattle and cats appeared to be the most susceptible, and horses the least susceptible, to pindone toxicity. The half-lives of the elevated PT were calculated as 3.1 days for cattle, 2.8 days for goats and chickens, 1.9 days for horses and dogs and less than one day for cats. It is proposed that these half-lives can be used as a guide for determining the duration of treatment of pindone-affected animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effective treatment of unresectable or metastatic hepatoblastoma with cisplatin and continuous infusion doxorubicin chemotherapy: a report from the Childrens Cancer Study Group.

The Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCSG) undertook a study (CCG-823F) to test the feasibility of administering continuous infusion doxorubicin (CI DOX) and cisplatin (CDDP) in patients with unresectable or incompletely resected hepatoblastoma (HB) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chemotherapy consisted of CI DOX 20 mg/m2/d for days 1 to 4 and CDDP 100 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by a 21-day rest period. Second-look surgery was performed after the administration of four chemotherapy courses. Forty-seven (47) assessable patients were entered on study, 33 with HB and 14 with HCC; of these, 34 (26 HB and eight HCC) completed the initial four courses of chemotherapy. Of the 26 HB patients, 25 were evaluated as responding to chemotherapy before the scheduled second-look procedure and were considered surgically resectable at that time. Surgery was performed on 22 patients; three patients refused the second-look surgery. Nine patients had no evidence of residual malignant disease, seven underwent surgical resection of remaining tumor, four were left with microscopic residual disease, one had a partial resection with gross tumor left behind, and one remained unresectable. Nine HCC patients completed four chemotherapy courses. Eight patients achieved a partial remission and second-look surgery was attempted on seven. Only two had all malignant disease removed at the second procedure. Data from 225 courses of chemotherapy were evaluated for toxicity. Neutropenia (absolute granulocyte count less than 500/mL) was observed in 68 courses, and five of these episodes were associated with sepsis. Severe mucositis was documented in 21 courses, and hypomagnesemia (magnesium less than 1.2 mg) was noted in 30 patients. Two patients developed decreased left ventricular shortening fraction, which resolved when chemotherapy was discontinued. In summary, CI DOX plus CDDP is a well-tolerated and effective regimen in inducing surgical resectability in HB patients who are unresectable at diagnosis and significantly improves survival for this group of patients to 66.6%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Alveolar bone loss in two children with short-bowel syndrome receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Two preschool children who were receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for short-bowel syndrome (SBS) were noted to have radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss in their primary dentition. Tooth mobility, gingival recession, and premature tooth loss were clinical findings in these children. Both had a 2-year history of recurrent infections and fluctuating serum electrolytes prior to identification of their dental problems.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1991

A randomized clinical trial of ampicillin, gentamicin and clindamycin versus cefotaxime and clindamycin in children with ruptured appendicitis.

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compares the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of ampicillin, gentamicin and clindamycin (AGC) or cefotaxime and clindamycin (CC) for the treatment of children with complicated appendicitis. Ninety-seven children were randomized. Forty-seven were assigned to the AGC regimen and 50 received CC. Forty-two patients in the AGC group had an appropriate therapeutic outcome, whereas 48 of 50 children who received CC completed the trial successfully (p = NS). There were no differences between the groups with reference to the duration of antibiotic administration, fever, leukocytosis or length of hospitalization. Complications of therapy were uncommon and neither regimen demonstrated a significant advantage from an economic standpoint. We concluded that, in childhood, complicated appendicitis can be treated with either CC or AGC with equal efficacy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

The failed antireflux procedure: analysis of risk factors and morbidity.

Between 1976 and 1988 an antireflux procedure (ARP) was performed in 364 infants and children (Nissen, 358; Thal, 6). Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux (GER) necessitating reoperation occurred in 21 patients, a failure rate of 6%. Recurrent GER developed within 28 months of primary ARP in 18 (86%) children. The symptoms of GER became apparent following an episode of forceful emesis in 29% of patients, half of whom had a malpositioned gastrostomy tube. Recurrent GER developed in 28% of children with corrected esophageal atresia. A definitive etiology of ARP failure was identified in 18 (86%) cases: "slipped" fundoplication (15), no fundoplication visualized (2), and paraesophageal hernia (1). Perioperative morbidity, intraoperative blood loss, and length of surgery were significantly increased for secondary ARP. Mortality following reoperation was zero, but three late deaths occurred. Long-term control of GER has been achieved in 78% of children following the second operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The prognostic significance of basic anthropometric data in children with advanced solid tumors.

In pediatric cancer patients, malnutrition is commonly observed. This may represent the metabolic effect of the primary disease or it may be a consequence of multimodal therapy. This report evaluates the efficacy of using basic anthropometric measurements to predict morbidity during therapy. Twenty children with Wilms' tumor (Stage III, IV, and V) or neuroblastoma (Stage IV) diagnosed at Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) between January 1983 and December 1985 were evaluated. When compared with the Wilms' tumor patients, the children with neuroblastoma had a significantly lower weight for age at diagnosis. At the completion of therapy, both weight-for-height and weight-for-age measurements were statistically lower in the neuroblastoma group (p less than 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor patients in the morbidity reported during therapy. Children with neuroblastoma had more frequent hospital admissions, spent a much greater proportion of their treatment time as hospital inpatients, experienced longer delays in therapy, and sustained many more complications. Each of the anthropometric indices was evaluated as a predictor of the complications observed during treatment. In the Wilms' tumor group, the patients with lower weight-for-height percentiles had an increased incidence of incomplete drug infusions, many more complications, more frequent hospital admissions, and an increase in the percentage of time spent as hospital inpatients. In the neuroblastoma group, the anthropometric measurements had no correlation with the subsequent development of complications. Nutritional staging based on anthropometric measurements recorded at diagnosis may be useful in predicting an increased risk of morbidity during therapy in children with Wilms' tumor.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1988

Acute scrotum due to Haemophilus influenzae type b.

The acute scrotum in infants and children is generally due to torsion of the spermatic cord, torsion of the appendix testis, or acute epididymitis. An infant is presented who was found to have epididymitis and a scrotal abscess due to Haemophilus influenzae type b at the time of surgical exploration for suspected torsion of the spermatic cord.

Abscess↗