“Inverse type” apple-peel syndrome is associated with type III colonic atresia in a neonate with gastroschisis

The colon is an unusual site of intestinal atresia. Colonic atresia is subdivided into three phenotypes. Type III is the most common phenotype, where the proximal and distal blind sacs are not connected. Here, we report on the presence of colonic atresia with an “inverse apple-peel” appearance in a neonate with gastroschisis. The lack of mesenteric fixation of the entire small intestine, including the proximal colon, and the twisting around the vascular axis of the superior mesenteric artery led to intrauterine volvulus and hemorrhagic infarction of the ileocolic bowel at 34 weeks of gestation. According to the current nomenclature for small bowel atresia, we introduce type IIIB into the current colonic atresia classification. The occurrence of type IIIB has been mentioned in the literature, but no single cases have been reported until now. Patients with this type of atresia are predisposed to the loss of the ileocecal region

Research briefings: the 'Effects of transfusion thresholds on neurocognitive outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study: background, aims, and study protocol

Background: Infants with extremely low birth weight uniformly develop anemia of prematurity and frequently require red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs). Although RBCT is widely practiced, the indications remain controversial in the absence of conclusive data on the long-term effects of RBCT. Objectives: To summarize the current equipoise and to outline the study protocol of the 'Effects of Transfusion Thresholds on Neurocognitive Outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study. Methods: Review of the literature and design of a large pragmatic randomized controlled trial of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines enrolling 920 infants with birth weights of 400-999 g with long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up. Results and Conclusions: The results of ETTNO will provide definite data about the efficacy and safety of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines in very preterm infants