Quick Literature Updates Episode 13

The Haller index and correction index are currently primarily used indices for pectus excavatum and tell us about the severity of the deformity.

The Titanic index is the percentage of the sternum that lies behind the anterior costal line as seen on CT scans.

There is a weak correlation between the Titanic index and the other indices (Haller and correction indices).

The Titanic index might be more helpful for determining how many bars a patient is going to need for pectus excavatum repair.

A Titanic index threshold of 66.5% was established, meaning patients with a higher index than that probably needed more than 2 bars for pectus excavatum repair.

Early initiation of peritoneal dialysis was associated with decreased post-operative mortality in infants after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Early initiation of peritoneal dialysis shortened duration of mechanical ventilation in infants after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Early initiation of peritoneal dialysis shortened length of stay in the ICU in infants after pediatric cardiac surgery.

In a Boston Children's Hospital study of 143 button battery ingestion patients from 2008 to 2021, 24 had severe outcomes.

Location of the button battery in the esophagus is an independent predictor for severe outcomes in button battery ingestion.

A button battery larger than 2 centimeters is an independent predictor for severe outcomes in button battery ingestion.

Having symptoms at presentation is an independent predictor for severe outcomes in button battery ingestion.