The testis in boys with a non-palpable testis (NPT) on clinical examination, is usually assumed to be hypoplastic/absent or positioned intra-abdominally. Diagnostic laparoscopy is frequently chosen as the first diagnostic test to be utilized.

A study of 117 NPT's (in 96 boys <17 years of age) who had clinical ultrasonographic and operative findings available, indicates that US will detect 91% of inguinally located testes and 67% of intra-abdominal ones. An US examination of the inguinal region may prevent many unnecessary diagnostic laparoscopies.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery 

Previous clinical trials of oxygen therapy in the preterm infant appear to indicate that targeting higher saturations (90-95%) improves preterm survival rates, however are associated with increased morbidity (retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia). The COT trial, which targeted lower oxygen saturation (85-90%), indicates the potential of increased mortality risk (however may be safe with strict alarm limits) with less co-morbidity.

A study (BOOST II) of 340 infants randomized to receive a lower or higher oxygen saturation target from <24 hours of age until 36 weeks gestation, and neurodevelopmentally assessed at 2 years corrected age, indicates no differences in either disability or mortality. (However as there are significant differences in the studies undertaken to date, more data may be required before significant changes in therapeutic approaches are made).

Journal of Pediatrics 

Asphyxial encephalopathy managed with total body hypothermia (TOBY Trial) improves neurologic outcomes at 18 months of age. Longer term benefits have not been established.

A study of 325 newborns with asphyxial encephalopathy (born at 36 weeks gestation) who received either total body hypothermia or standard care, indicates that at 6-7 years of age more children in the hypothermia treated group survive without neurologic abnormalities, have a decreased risk of cerebral palsy/moderate or severe disability, and achieve better overall motor-function.