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This is the first study in the English literature providing evidence of the influence of platelet dysfunction on the spontaneous closure of ductus arteriosus in prematurity. Longer collagen-ADP duration is identified as a risk factor of ductal closure.

Prophylactic CPAP administration decreases the rate of NICU admission without any side effect in late-preterm and early-term infants delivered by elective CS.

This case is unique in the use of minimally invasive techniques to manage a spontaneous esophageal perforation. Rather than perform thoracotomy, we elected to seal the esophageal leak by placing a self-expanding covered Polyflex stent with simultaneous video-thoracoscopic drainage and debridement. 1 The morbidity of the procedures was minimal and the patient's overall condition stabilized rapidly, allowing return to oral nutrition.Traditionally, identification of the perforation site at thoracotomy with debridement of nonviable tissue is necessary before a buttressed repair with wide drainage. 2 The success in the management of esophageal perforations depends on the time interval to intervention, the cause and the site of the perforation, and control of mediastinal contamination and restoration of esophageal continuity. 3 This case illustrates unique management of a spontaneous esophageal perforation by combining minimally invasive videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery with use of a flexible endoscope. Thoracoscopic drainage and debridement with upper endoscopy placement of a Polyflex stent sealed the esophageal perforation.The patient did well and eventually returned for outpatient stent removal.Spontaneous esophageal perforation may not require thoracotomy in all cases. In cases in which no underlying esophageal disease exists, a combination of upper endoscopy and thoracoscopy may allow adequate management of this patient population.