Large Tertiary Pediatric Hospital Research Articles

Reducing Pediatric Mental Health Boarding and Increasing Acute Care Access

There have been notable increases in pediatric mental health boarding in the United States in recent years, with youth remaining in emergency departments or admitted to inpatient medical/surgical units, awaiting placement in psychiatric treatment programs. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions to reduce boarding and improve access to acute psychiatric services at a large tertiary pediatric hospital during a national pediatric mental health crisis. Boarding interventions included expanding inpatient psychiatric beds and hiring additional staff for enhanced crisis stabilization services and treatment initiation in the emergency department and on inpatient medical/surgical units for boarding patients awaiting placement. Post-hoc assessment was conducted via retrospective review of patients presenting with mental health emergencies during the beginning of intervention implementation in October-December 2021 and one year later (October-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were patients ≤17 years who presented with mental health-related emergencies during the study period. Exclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and/or patients with >100 days of admission awaiting long-term placement. Primary outcome was mean length of boarding (LOB). Secondary outcome was mean length of stay (LOS) at the hospital's acute psychiatry units. One year after full intervention implementation (October-December 2022), mean LOB decreased by 53% (4.3 vs 9.1 days, P < 0.0001) for boarding patients discharged to high (e.g., inpatient, acute residential) and intermediate (e.g., partial hospital, in-home crisis stabilization programs) levels of care, compared to October-December 2021. Additionally, mean LOS at all the 24-hour acute psychiatry treatment programs was reduced by 27% (20.0 vs 14.6 days, P= 0.0002), and more patients were able to access such programs (265/54.2% vs 221/41.9%, P < 0.0001). Across both years, youth with aggressive behaviors had 193% longer LOB (2.93± 1.15, 95% CI [2.23, 3.87]) than those without aggression, and youth with previous psychiatric admissions had 88% longer LOB than those without (1.88± 1.11, 95% CI [1.54, 2.30]). The current study shows decreased LOB and improved access for youth requiring acute psychiatric treatment after comprehensive interventions and highlights challenges with placement for youth with aggressive behaviors. We recommend a call-to-action for pediatric hospitals to commit sufficient investment in acute psychiatric resources to address pediatric mental health boarding.

Evolution of cerebrovascular imaging and associated clinical findings in children with Alagille syndrome.

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder with highly variable expression. Intracranial arterial and venous anomalies have a reported prevalence of 30-40% and can increase the risk of stroke by 16%. Few reports document the frequency and evolution of cerebrovascular abnormalities (CVAs) in children with ALGS. We aimed to define the spectrum, frequency, and evolution of CVAs in a series of children with ALGS using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). We conducted a single-center, retrospective study in a large tertiary pediatric hospital. CVAs were grouped into 4 categories: 1) Stenosis or narrowing; 2) Aneurysms and ectasias; 3) Tortuosity; and 4) Vascular anomalies and anatomical variants. Thirty-two children met the inclusion criteria. The median age at initial diagnosis was 6 (3.8-10.3) years. Thirteen (40%) had follow-up MRI at a mean of 55 (31.5-66) months. Eighteen (56%) had CVAs; the most frequent fell into group 1 (n = 12, 37.5%). CVAs were stable over time, except for one patient with Moyamoya arteriopathy (MMA). One patient developed a transient ischemic attack secondary to an embolic event. Three (9.3%) had microhemorrhages at the initial diagnosis secondary to Tetralogy of Fallot. Another patient had recurrent subdural hematomas of unknown cause. CVAs were stable except in the presence of MMA. Vascular strokes, which are reported in older patients with ALGS, were not a common feature in children under 16 years of age, either at presentation or over the 31.5-66 month follow-up period.

The use of pediatric fall risk assessment tool in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: A prospective study

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the fall risk with Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale and determine related risk factors in pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted in a large tertiary pediatric hospital. Patients' demographics, type of endoscopy, duration of endoscopic procedures, type of procedural sedation, doses of administered drugs during anesthesia, and post-procedure Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale scores were collected. Post-hoc and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify within-group differences and independent predictors of patient outcomes. Results: One hundred ninety-two pediatric patients (54.2% female) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 11.16 (5.32) years were admitted for a diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy. During procedures, the most commonly administered sedatives were midazolam (98.9%), propofol (96.9%), fentanyl (63.0%), and ketamine (34.9%). According to the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale, 148 (77.1%) patients had a high risk for falls. No falls after endoscopic procedures was observed in the patients. When the predictive factors determining being at high-risk for falls were examined, the simultaneous application of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy under the same procedural sedation increases the risk of being high-risk 5.2 times compared to the performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy alone (p = 0.047). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the use of Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale to predict falls in pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with procedural sedation. Although 77.1% of the patients were found to be at high risk for falls, there was no fall event after the endoscopic procedures due to precautionary measures. Our results indicate that pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation are at increased risk of falling and preventive measures should be taken.

Indicators of Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Position and Pediatric Critical Illness

With recent prioritization of equity in pediatric health outcomes, a shift to examine neighborhood-level health care disparities within pediatric populations has occurred, specifically in the context of critical illness. Does an association exist between individual indicators of neighborhood-level disadvantage and incidence of PICU admission? Pediatric patients younger than 18 years admitted to a PICU in a large urban tertiary pediatric hospital from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2019, with a residential address in the city of Baltimore or Baltimore County on the day of admission were included in this ecological study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of children admitted to the PICU were summarized, with the primary outcome being PICU admission. Unadjusted negative binomial regression was used to examine the association between census tract-level PICU admissions and the previously described census tract-level indicators of neighborhood socioeconomic position. Regression models included an offset term for the population younger than 18 years for each census tract; results of models are reported as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with corresponding 95%CIs. We identified 2,476 PICU admissions: 1,351 patients from the city of Baltimore (10.25 per 1,000 children) and 1,125 patients from Baltimore County (6.31 per 1,000 children). Most PICU admissions (n= 906 [68%]) for the city of Baltimore represented an area deprivation index (ADI) of > 60, whereas most Baltimore County PICU admissions (n= 919 [82.3%]) represented an ADI of< 60. At the neighborhood level, the percentage of families living below the poverty line was associated with greater incidence of PICU admission in the city of Baltimore (IRR, 1.09; 95%CI, 1.00-1.18) and Baltimore County (IRR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.05-1.36). For every $10,000 increase in median household income, PICU admission rates dropped by 9%for the city of Baltimore (IRR, 0.91; 95%CI, 0.86-0.95) and Baltimore County (IRR, 0.91; 95%CI, 0.88-0.94). Neighborhoods with vacant housing units also were associated with a higher incidence of PICU admission in the city of Baltimore (IRR, 1.10; 95%CI, 1.01-1.21) and Baltimore County (IRR, 1.46; 95%CI, 1.21-1.77), as was a 10%increase in occupied homes without vehicles (city of Baltimore: IRR, 1.14; 95%CI, 1.07-1.21; Baltimore County: IRR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.11-1.37). Health outcomes of pediatric critical illness should be examined in the context of structural determinants of health, including neighborhood-level and environmental characteristics.

Prophylactic inhaled corticosteroids for the management of recurrent croup

Croup is characterized by a barky cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness and varying degrees of respiratory distress. Acute croup episodes are often treated with oral, inhaled, or intravenous corticosteroids. Recurrent croup, defined as more than 2-3 episodes of acute croup in the same patient, can mimic asthma. We hypothesized that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) given at the first sign of a respiratory viral prodrome can be a safe treatment to reduce the frequency of recurrent croup episodes in children without fixed airway lesions.A retrospective chart review of patients being treated over an 18-month period was performed at a large tertiary care pediatric hospital following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Patients under 21 years old referred to Pediatric Pulmonology, Otolaryngology, or Gastroenterology for recurrent croup were analyzed for their demographics, medical history, evaluation, treatment and clinical improvement. A Fisher's two-tailed exact test was used to compare the number of croup episodes before and after interventions.124 patients were included in our analysis: 87 male and 34 female with a mean age of 54 months. Of these, 78 had >5 episodes of croup, 45 had 3-5, and 3 had 2 episodes prior to their first visit for recurrent croup. Operative direct laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy was performed in 35 patients (27.8%), with 60% showing a normal exam without fixed lesions. Ninety-two patients (74.2%) were treated with ICS, 24 were lost to follow up. Of the remaining 68 treated patients, 59 (86.7%) saw improvement with reduced severity and overall number of episodes of croup. Additionally, patients with >5 episodes of croup (47) as compared to <5 (12) were more likely to improve with ICS, (p = 0.003). There were no adverse reactions reported with ICS treatment.The novel initiation of ICS at the earliest sign of a viral upper respiratory infection shows promise as a safe preventative treatment to mitigate the frequency of recurrent croup episodes.

P340 The impact of modulators on faecal elastase in children with cystic fibrosis

CFTR modulators, improve lung function, body mass index, and reduce pulmonary exacerbations. There is some evidence from clinical trials 1 Rosenfeld et al. ARRIVAL. Lancet Resp Med. 2018 Jul; 6 Google Scholar that CFTR modulators may restore some degree of pancreatic function, but this has not been thoroughly investigated in the “real world.” A number of children from our centre’s cohort, a large tertiary paediatric hospital in Northwest England, have reported a reduction in the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency since commencing modulator therapy.

Exploring patient flow management through a lens of cognitive systems engineering

Hospitals work to provide quality, safety, and availability to patients with a wide variety of care needs, which makes efficient prioritisation and resource utilisation essential. Anticipation of each patients’ trajectory, while monitoring available resources across the hospital, are major challenges for patient flow management. This study focuses on how hospital patient flow management is realised in situ with the help of concepts from cognitive systems engineering. Five semi-structured interviews with high level managers and shadowing observations of seven full work-shifts with management teams were conducted, to explore how patient flow is coordinated and communicated across the hospital. The data has been analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results describe patient flow management using an adapted Extended Control Model (ECOM) and reveal how authority and information might be better placed closer to clinical work for increased efficiency of patient flow. Practitioner summary: This study describes how a large tertiary paediatric hospital’s patient flow management functions. The results offer a new understanding of how patient flow management is communicated and coordinated across organisational levels of the hospital and how authority and information might be better placed closer to clinical work for increased efficiency.

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in critically ill children: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on outcome in a large tertiary pediatric hospital of China.

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, but comprehensive study of clinical characteristics for CRPA infections among critically ill children remains limited in China. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of CRPA infections among critically ill pediatric patients in a large tertiary pediatric hospital in China. A retrospective case-control study of patients with P. aeruginosa infections was conducted in the three intensive care units (ICUs) of Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2016 to December 2021. All patients with CRPA infection in the ICUs were enrolled as case patients. Patients with carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CSPA) infection were randomly selected as control patients in a ratio of 1:1. Clinical characteristics of those inpatients were reviewed through the hospital information system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors associated with the development of CRPA infections and mortality of P. aeruginosa infections. A total of 528 cases of P. aeruginosa infection in the ICUs were enrolled in the 6-year study. The prevalence of CRPA and MDRPA (multidrug-resistance P. aeruginosa) was 18.4 and 25.6%, respectively. Significant risk factors related to CRPA infection were the length of hospitalization >28 days (OR = 3.241, 95% CI 1.622-6.473, p = 0.001), receiving invasive operations (OR = 2.393, 95% CI 1.196-4.788, p = 0.014) and a blood transfusion (OR = 7.003, 95% CI 2.416-20.297, p < 0.001) within 30 days before infection. Conversely, birth weight ≥2,500 g (OR = 0.278, 95% CI 0.122-0.635, p = 0.001) and breast nursing (OR = 0.362, 95% CI 0.168-0.777, p = 0.009) were significant protective factors against CRPA infections. The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.2%, and no difference in mortality was observed between patients with CRPA and CSPA infections. Platelet < 100 × 109/L (OR = 5.729, 95% CI 1.048-31.308, p = 0.044) and serum urea <3.2 mmol/L (OR = 5.173, 95% CI 1.215-22.023, p = 0.026) were independent predictors for the mortality due to P. aeruginosa infection. Our findings provide insights into CRPA infections among critically ill children in China. They provide guidance in identifying patients that may be at high risk for a resistant infection and emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control in hospitals.

The Dimeglio Olecranon Method is Reliable in Diverse, Contemporary Patients for Predicting Future Growth.

Growth assessment, which relies on a combination of radiographic and clinical markers, is an integral part of clinical decision-making in pediatric orthopaedics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the Diméglio skeletal age system using a modern cohort of pediatric patients. A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients at a large tertiary pediatric hospital who had lateral forearm radiographs (before the age of 14y for females and before 16y for males). In addition, all of these patients had height measurements within 60 days of their forearm x-ray and a final height listed in their medical records. The x-rays were graded by 5 reviewers according to the Diméglio skeletal age system. Inter and intraobserver reliability was tested. One hundred forty-seven patients with complete radiographs and height data were evaluated by 5 observers ranging in experience from medical students to senior pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The Diméglio system demonstrated excellent reliability across levels of training with an intraobserver correlation coefficient of 0.995 (95% CI, 0.991-0.997) and an interobserver correlation coefficient of 0.906 (95% CI, 0.857-0.943). When the Diméglio stage was paired with age and sex in a multivariable linear regression model predicting the percent of final height, the adjusted R2 was 78.7% (model P value <0.001), suggesting a strong relationship between the Diméglio stage (plus age and sex) and percent of final height. This unique approach to maturity assessment demonstrates that the Diméglio staging system can be used effectively in a modern, diverse patient population. Level II; retrospective cohort study.

Staff perception of the implementation, enablers and barriers to pediatric intensive care unit diary writing: A qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore how the multi-professional pediatric intensive care unit staff experienced the implementation of the diary. Research Methodology/DesignQualitative study using the implementation research approach.Setting: a six-bed pediatric intensive care unit at a large Italian tertiary care pediatric hospital, treating patients with acute conditions from the Emergency Department or hospital wards. Main outcome measuresHealthcare providers’ experiences of the implementation of the diaries. Data was collected by focus groups and interviews and thematic analysis was performed. FindingsThree focus groups and four interviews with staff were conducted after the implementation of thediaries from August 2020 to June 2021. Staff describe an initial disbelief towards the effectiveness of diaries followed by an increasing perception of their relevance for parents’ emotional expression through shared narration. Diaries are reported as a beneficial communication tool between the family, the child, and health care providers, increasing staff understanding of parents’ experiences of their child’s admission and parents’ sense of the care received by their child. For staff, barriers for diary writing were logistics, lack of time, limited sense of ownership, fear of legal retaliation and fear of emotional labor. ConclusionHealth care providers perceived diaries as beneficial for parents and the healthcare team, potentially supporting their partnership as recommended by Family Centered Care models. The enablers and barriers that emerged for diary writing can support the development of implementation strategies to prevent the reported challenges to diary writing in the healthcare team, enhancing their uptake in the pediatric intensive care unit setting.

The Early Operative Burden for Children Born with Cleft lip and Palate.

to audit the surgical management of infants born with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) at an Australian cleft unit in a large tertiary paediatric hospital. Retrospective cohort study. A tertiary Cleft centre. 193 infants born with non-syndromic CLP were referred to the centre and underwent primary repair of their CLP between 2009 and 2020.Main Outcome Measures: (1) The timing and surgical repairs performed; (2) the frequency of postoperative complications; (3) the frequency of secondary Cleft surgery; and (4) the total Cleft-related operations performed for infants born with CLP. Four different surgical repair techniques were performed by six surgeons, and postoperative complications were uncommon (n = 14). Rates of oronasal fistula surgery (10.5% at five years of age; 14.3% at eight years of age) and velopharyngeal insufficiency surgery (8.7% at five years of age; 14.3% at eight years of age) were not significantly different across the surgical repair groups (p-value >0.05) and were comparable to international Cleft centres. Children underwent an average of four operative procedures in this audit period, including primary Cleft repair, ear, nose and throat surgery, and dental care. Surgery for managing Eustachian tube dysfunction was the most common surgical intervention following primary Cleft repair. Children born with non-syndromic CLP have a high early operative burden, with outcomes similar across the spectrum of techniques and surgeons.

An exploratory case study investigating the implementation of a novel knowledge translation strategy in a pandemic: the Pandemic Practice Champion

BackgroundThe clinical Pandemic Practice Champion (PPC) role was created in a large tertiary pediatric hospital as a knowledge translation (KT) strategy for implementing COVID-19 evidence-based knowledge. We aimed to describe the core components of the PPC role, the process of implementing the role, and the factors that hindered or facilitated role implementation.MethodsAn exploratory case study was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with stakeholders including PPC, managers, and front-line health care professionals (HCP). A directed approach to qualitative content analysis consistent with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the analytic process. Inductive analyses and three stages of thematic synthesis were also conducted.ResultsFour PPC, 3 managers, and 6 HCP were interviewed. The core components of the PPC role consisted of (a) acting as knowledge experts and educators, (b) problem-solving for complex patient care issues, (c) conducting crisis management, and (d) acting as a resource to management, HCP, and families. Facilitators for successful implementation included access to external information, a supportive organizational context and culture, dedicated time and resources, and leadership support. Lack of clarity of role definition, insufficient time, pandemic uncertainty and fatigue, inability to change infrastructure, and access to external information hindered implementation.ConclusionThe PPC role was successfully implemented within a crisis context. Key barriers (role clarity, time, resources) and facilitators (organizational and leadership support) need to be considered when implementing the PPC role in practice. Future studies are needed to determine the intervention effectiveness of the champion role in changing HCP behavior and health outcomes and further examine implementation processes and mechanisms.

Increasing Cases of Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis in Children: A Series of 215 Cases From a Single Tertiary Referral Center.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disease that is gaining recognition from clinicians and researchers. We aim to publish data from our cohort of patients with CNO living in the northwestern United States to increase the awareness of specific demographics, characteristics, and presentation of this rare disease. A retrospective chart review was performed of our electronic medical records. Patients with complete chart records who met criteria for a diagnosis of CNO from 2005 to 2019 were included. Extracted data including patient demographics, bone biopsy results, and lesion locations on advanced imaging were analyzed. King County census data were used to calculate the annual new case rate within our center. A total of 215 CNO cases were diagnosed at our large tertiary pediatric hospital. The majority of cases were of White race residing in Washington's most populous county, King County. Most cases were diagnosed in 2016 to 2019, showing a significant increase in the annual case rate from 8 to 23 per million children in King County, though there did not appear to be a seasonal predilection. Biopsy rate decreased from 75% to 52%. One hundred fifty-two (71%) children had family history of autoimmunity. With increasing use of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), results showed 68% had multiple lesions. CNO has been diagnosed at an increased rate in recent years. WB-MRI may assist in identifying other lesions that may be asymptomatic on presentation. Bone biopsy is still required in some children at the time of diagnosis.

Assault-Related Concussion in a Pediatric Population.

The aim of this study was to compare demographic characteristics, medical care, and outcomes among patients with assault-related concussion (ARC) versus sports and recreation-related concussion (SRC). We conducted a retrospective chart review of 124 patients (62 ARC, 62 SRC) aged 8 to 17 years presenting to the care network of a large tertiary care pediatric hospital between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2014 with a concussion diagnosis at time of presentation. We abstracted patient demographics, initial medical care visit characteristics, and outcome data, and compared proportions using χ2 testing and Fisher exact test and medians using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Patients with ARC were more likely to be Black, publicly insured, and present first for care to the emergency department. Significantly fewer patients with ARC received visio-vestibular testing at initial visit (27% vs 74%, P < 0.001). During recovery, the total number of reported physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep symptoms did not differ between groups; however, more than twice as many patients with ARC reported decline in grades postinjury compared with patients with SRC (47% vs 20%, P = 0.012). There were trends toward prolonged symptom recovery and time to physician clearance for full return to activities among patients with ARC compared with SRC. This study highlights potential disparities in the initial evaluation and outcomes of pediatric concussion patients based on mechanism of injury. Patients with ARC were less likely to receive a concussion-specific diagnostic evaluation and reported a greater impact on educational outcomes, suggesting differences in concussion diagnosis and management among assault-injured patients. Further examination in larger populations with prospective studies is needed to address potential inequities in concussion care and outcomes among patients with ARC.

Improving Diagnostic Accuracy for Distinguishing Buckle Fractures From Other Distal Radius Fractures in Children.

Introduction:Accurately distinguishing between stable and unstable isolated distal radius fractures (DRF) in children allows for appropriate fracture-specific treatment. Although fractures with cortical disruption, displacement, or angulation are unstable, distinguishing stable buckle fractures (BF) from more subtle potentially unstable DRF is challenging. Our quality improvement project aimed to improve radiology reporting accuracy for these subtle fractures from 23% to 90% in a large tertiary pediatric hospital.Methods:Exams with a reported isolated distal radius fracture during baseline (January–March 2016) and intervention (April 2016–June 2019) were reviewed for accuracy. We introduced 3 types of interventions: radiologist education (self-directed learning modules and individual feedback), a new standardized report template, and a measurement tool (“The 1 cm Rule”). In addition, a statistical process control chart tracked accuracy data to study process changes over time.Results:During the baseline and intervention period, 22 and 480 radiographs, respectively, had either a stable BF or a potentially unstable isolated DRF. Each intervention type created a centerline shift. Overall, reporting accuracy increased from 23% to 90%. Most reports (95%, 639/676) used the template and standard terminology for reporting DRF.Conclusions:Radiology reporting diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between stable BF and potentially unstable DRF in children increased to 90% through education, standardized reporting, and a measurement tool to enhance radiologist performance. Our institution plans to expand fracture-specific treatment practices with improved radiology reporting accuracy, including bracing and home management of stable BF diagnosed during an acute care visit.

Enabling successful transition-Evaluation of a transition to adult care program for pediatric liver transplant recipients.

This study aimed to evaluate the transition to adult care program instituted for liver transplant recipients (LTRs) at a large tertiary pediatric hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Evaluation included the change in a Global Assessment Measure (GAM) before and after the transition program, satisfaction with the program, and measures of transition success including rejection rates and attendance at appointments post-transfer. We hypothesized that the introduction of our structured transition program would improve disease understanding, health system understanding, and self-care. We also hypothesized that those who had undergone the transition program would have lower failure to attend rates and lower rates of rejection than historical controls. A LTR transition program was instituted at our service from 2013 to 2015. The program involved initial assessment of competencies with a Global Assessment Measure (GAM), followed by the introduction of a personalized goal setting program addressing issues identified in dedicated transition clinics. Assessment of competencies was compared between the commencement of the program and immediately prior to transfer. Patient satisfaction with the transition process was assessed at an interview 6-12months after transfer to the adult service. Rejection rates and failure to attend rates were compared between the intervention group and a group of LTRs who did not receive the intervention. Twenty-eight LTRs participated in the study; 20 received the transition intervention and 8 served as controls. Within the intervention group, all domains of transition competency and reported anxiety regarding transferring had significantly improved at the conclusion of the intervention and all reported satisfaction with the transition program with most (81%) reporting readiness to transfer. There were no significant differences in rejection rates or failure to attend rates between those who did and did not receive the transition intervention. A longitudinal holistic transition program has the potential to positively impact the competencies and readiness of LTRs to successful transition and transfer to adult care.

Demographic Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) are at increased risk of malnutrition. Acute and chronic malnutrition have been associated with elevated risk of postsurgical wound complications, adding morbidity and cost to patients and their families. To study the association between demographic factors, including insurance type, race, and median neighborhood income (MNI), and malnutrition in patients with CLP. Retrospective cohort study. Retrospective review was performed in patients undergoing their first cleft-related surgery at a large tertiary pediatric hospital from 2006 to 2018. Demographic data, weight and height at surgery, type of insurance, race, and primary residential address were collected. Geocoded information on MNI was generated using patient address. World Health Organization Z-scores for weight-for-age (WFA) and height-for-age (HFA) were used as proxies for acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. Linear regression models were generated to analyze the relationship of insurance type, race, and MNI on WFA and HFA Z-scores. About 313 patients met inclusion criteria. Increasing MNI predicted increasing WFA Z-score (0.05 increase in WFA per $1,000 increase, P=.047) as well as HFA Z-score (0.09 increase in HFA per $1,000 increase, P=.011). The effect of MNI was not independently modified by race for either WFA (P=.841) nor HFA (P=.404). Race and insurance type did not predict WFA or HFA. Lower MNI is a significant independent risk factor for acute and chronic malnutrition in children with CLP. Combined with previous investigation linking malnutrition to surgical outcomes in this population, this offers a target area for intervention to improve patient outcomes. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1482-1486, 2022.

398 Factors Associated With Inconclusive Ultrasound in Pediatric Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency among pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED). Due to the increased risk of radiation associated with computed tomography, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends considering ultrasound as the initial radiologic modality in diagnosing pediatric appendicitis. Ultrasound for appendicitis may often be inconclusive and necessitates further imaging, thus leading to delay in diagnosis and disposition of the patient. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that may predict inconclusive ultrasound. Retrospective analysis was done on all cases of appendicitis at a large tertiary care pediatric hospital that had an ultrasound performed in the ED as part of their initial work up from January 2015 to December 2020. Patients were included if they had an age less than or equal to 18 years and had appendicitis confirmed on surgical pathology. Patients were excluded if an alternate diagnosis was found on pathology or if their appendix was not removed during the same hospitalization. A multivariate analysis was used to assess the rates of inconclusive ultrasound and determine which demographic and clinical factors were related to inconclusive ultrasound. All tests were two-sided and performed using SAS EG 7.13 (Cary, NC). P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Ultrasound was inconclusive in 1,013 patients of the 2,925 patients who met all criteria (34.6%). Independent risk factors for inconclusive ultrasound were higher weight-for-age percentile (0.8% increased risk per percentile, p<0.0001), female sex (27% increased risk than male sex, p=0.01), and lower white blood cell count (2% increased risk per 1, 000/μL, p=0.02). Weight-for-age percentiles corresponding to normal weight-for-age (0-75th percentile), overweight (76th-89th percentile), and obese (90th-100th percentile) correlated with inconclusive ultrasound findings in 29.5%, 36.1%, and 43.3% of the patients, respectively. Older age was borderline significant and led to a 2% increased risk of inconclusive ultrasound per year (p=0.0595). Factors not correlating with ultrasound findings were CRP, temperature, presence of rupture, and race or ethnicity. Inconclusive ultrasound findings in pediatric patients with appendicitis are predicted by higher weight-for-age percentiles, lower white blood cell counts, female sex and, to a lesser degree, increased age. Based on this study, ultrasound is appropriate as the initial imaging modality in pediatric patients with appendicitis, including those in the highest percentiles of weight-for-age.

Pediatric invasive long-term ventilation-A 10-year review.

The number of children with complex physical and developmental pathologies, including chronic respiratory insufficiency, surviving and growing beyond early childhood continues to rise. No study has examined the clinical pathway of children on invasive long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) in an Irish setting. Our data over a 10-year period were reviewed to see if our demographics and outcomes are in line with global trends. Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, Dublin is Ireland's largest tertiary pediatric hospital. A retrospective review analyzed data from children in our center commenced on LTMV via a tracheostomy over 10 years (2009-2018). This data was subdivided into two epochs for statistical analysis of longitudinal trends. Forty-six children were commenced on LTMV from 2009 to 2018. Many had complex medical diagnoses with associated comorbidities. Far less children, 30.4% (n = 14) commenced LTMV in the latter half of the 10-year period, they also fared better in all aspects of their treatment course. Focusing solely on children who have needed LTMV over this timeframe we have been able to isolate trends specific to this cohort. Less patients commenced LTMV on a year-on-year basis, and for those that require tracheostomy and LTMV, their journey to decannulation tends to be shorter. Over the period reviewed, less patients over time necessitated LTMV, and those patients are being weaned and decannulated with ever more success. This has implications in terms of predicting numbers transitioning to adult services and allocation of hospital and community care resources.

Mental Health–Related Emergency Department Visits in Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicentric Retrospective Study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare pre/post-COVID-19 changes in mental health–related emergency department visits among adolescents. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of all mental health–related emergency department visits in two large tertiary pediatric hospital centers between January 2018 and December 2020. We described monthly pre/post-COVID-19 changes in frequency and proportion of mental health visits as well as changes in hospitalization rates for eating disorders, suicidality, substance use, and other mental health conditions. ResultsWe found an increase in the proportion of mental health–related emergency department visits during the months of July–December 2020 (p < .01). There was a 62% increase in eating disorder visits between 2018–2019 and 2020 (p < .01). No pre pandemic/postpandemic changes were found in the proportion of visits resulting in hospitalization for any of the four diagnostic categories. ConclusionsOur study suggests significant impacts of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health and a need for further longitudinal research work in this area.