Pediatric Emergency Department Research Articles

Investigation of Causes of Emergency Service Admission and Triage of the Newborn

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the reasons for the emergency admission of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on the records of newborns aged 0-28 days (n=4212) admitted to the pediatric emergency department of a public hospital between 01.01.2020-31.12.2022. The analyses were performed using the SPSS 26.0 program. Descriptive data were presented as numbers, percentages, and mean, and categorical data were evaluated using the chi-square test. Significance level p

Utility of interleukin-6 to identify serious bacterial infections in febrile infants aged ≤60 days.

The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the early diagnosis of serious bacterial infections (SBI) in febrile infants and to compare it with C-reactive protein (CRP). Retrospective study conducted in the paediatric emergency department in Gothenburg, Sweden, on previously healthy, full-term infants aged ≤60 days with fever without a source (FWS) from 2014 to 2017. We included 536 infants with FWS, of whom IL-6 was analysed in 364 (68%) and CRP was analysed in 494 (92%). Approximately 70% of the infants presented with a fever duration of less than 12 h. The prevalence of SBIs was 14.8% (95% CI,11.3-18.9) in the IL-6 group and 17.8% (95% CI,14.5-21.5) in the CRP group. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of IL-6 ≥50 ng/L were 93%, 66%, 98% and 33%, respectively. For CRP ≥20 mg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV were 76%, 89%, 95%, and 55%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that CRP was significantly associated with SBI (p < 0.0001) in the entire population, whereas IL-6 was not. Interleukin-6 showed high sensitivity and NPV, which might assist in identifying SBIs early in febrile infants. However, IL-6 was not shown to be superior to CRP and further studies are needed to investigate whether IL-6 should be incorporated in clinical management.

Remote electrical neuromodulation to treat children and adolescents with migraine in the emergency department: Arandomized double-dummy pilot trial.

Using a double-dummy pilot randomized controlled trial design, we aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of comparing remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) to typical care intravenous pharmacologic interventions for the treatment of children and adolescents visiting the emergency department (ED) with migraine, and to compare parallel-group versus crossover trial designs. There are limited data to guide the management of migraine in the ED. Children and adolescents are interested in neuromodulation, and specifically REN, for treatment in this setting, but there are no existing data on this approach. We employed a double-dummy, double-blind, pilot randomized controlled trial that tested two designs in two phases: a parallel-group design and a crossover design (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05102591). The intervention arms consisted of: (i) active REN stimulation with matched normal saline placebo intravenously, and (ii) matched sham REN stimulation, intravenous metoclopramide (0.15 mg/kg, maximum 10 mg), and intravenous ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg, maximum 30 mg). Youth aged 8.0-<18.0 years visiting a Canadian tertiary care pediatric ED with migraine attacks as per criteria B-E of the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition were eligible. Primary outcomes were focused on trial feasibility and acceptability, and preliminary efficacy and safety data were also collected. A total of 34% (22/65) of those who screened eligible were enrolled. Three participants (14%) withdrew prior to receiving any study interventions. In all, 10 participants were allocated to typical care, and nine to REN. All treated participants (19/19) completed all assessments. Recruitment was higher during the parallel-group phase: 1.1 participants/month versus 0.6 participants/month, and 36% (17/47) versus 28% (five of 18) of screened eligible were enrolled in the parallel-group and crossover phases, respectively. Participants reported positive impressions of REN use in the ED, e.g., higher mean (standard deviation [SD]) levels of interest in using REN only at 3.7 (1.0) versus 2.8 (1.0) in using intravenous interventions only for a future ED visit. Participants and clinical staff reported overall positive impressions regarding the study protocol. Employing an 11-point pain numerical rating scale, the mean (SD) reduction in pain severity score was 2.1 (1.3) and 2.9 (2.9) from baseline to 1 h, and 2.4 (1.6) and 4.0 (3.5) from baseline to 2 h for REN and intravenous interventions, respectively. One participant in the typical care group and none in the REN group experienced adverse events. We demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of our trial protocol and of using REN to treat youth presenting to the ED with migraine. The parallel-group design generated a higher recruitment rate than the crossover design. Our preliminary efficacy and safety data suggest that REN could be non-inferior to typical care, but we were not powered for these outcomes. Further research on REN's use in the ED setting is warranted.

Heart rate to identify non-febrile children with dehydration and acute kidney injury in emergency department: a prospective validation study

We previously developed and retrospectively validated the estimated percentage of heart rate variation (EHRV) as a predictor of the composite outcome of ≥ 5% dehydration and/or acute kidney injury (AKI) in non-febrile children. The current study aimed to prospectively validate EHRV as a predictor for dehydration or AKI in a different cohort of children attending the Pediatric Emergency Department. From July 2022 to August 2023, 256 pediatric patients aged 0–18 years attending the Pediatric Emergency Department were enrolled. EHRV was calculated as follows: [(HR at admission − 50th percentile of HR for age and sex)/HR at admission] × 100. Dehydration was categorized as < 5% or ≥ 5% fluid deficit. AKI was defined according to KDIGO creatinine criteria. Statistical analyses included receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis. Among enrolled patients, 52 had ≥ 5% dehydration, 50 had AKI, and 16 had both conditions. EHRV demonstrated significant predictive ability for both ≥ 5% dehydration (AUROC = 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.78; p < 0.001) and AKI (AUROC = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71–0.84; p < 0.001). An EHRV > 24.5% was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR), adjusted for confounders, of ≥ 5% dehydration (OR = 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6–8.0; p = 0.003) and AKI (OR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6–7.3; p = 0.002). The sensitivity and specificity of this cut-off were 34% and 83% for ≥ 5% dehydration and 36% and 84% for AKI, respectively.Conclusions: This study prospectively validates the clinical utility of EHRV in predicting dehydration and AKI in a pediatric emergency care setting. An EHRV > 24.5% could serve as a marker for suspecting dehydration or AKI. Further validation across diverse patient populations and settings is needed. What is Known:• An increased heart rate (HR) is a readily detectable sign of dehydration in children.• In a retrospective validation cohort, an estimated HR variation (EHRV) greater than 24.5% compared to the 50th percentile of HR was predictive of ≥ 5% dehydration and/or acute kidney injury (AKI) in non-febrile patients.What is New:• We prospectively validated the clinical utility of EHRV in predicting dehydration and AKI in a pediatric emergency care setting.• We confirmed that an EHRV greater than 24.5% is associated with increased odds of ≥ 5% dehydration and AKI.

Exploring the Impact of Race on Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in the Emergency Department.

Research highlights racial disparities among those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), yet little is known about disparities in addressing IPV in the emergency department (ED). This study was designed to examine variability in offering IPV universal education to adult caregivers across patient race within an urban pediatric ED and to explore provider attitudes regarding the role of race in this process. We conducted a mixed-methods study using quantitative data on rates of offering adult caregivers IPV universal education and rates of missing documentation for when IPV universal education was not offered to adult caregivers from January 2016 to December 2020. Analyses compared both rates by patient race listed in the electronic health record. We also conducted semistructured interviews with ED providers, which were qualitatively analyzed for common themes. Caregivers of Black patients were both more likely to have received IPV universal education compared with caregivers of White patients (31.1% vs 27.3%, P < 0.05) and more likely to lack a documented reason for not offering than caregivers of White patients (70.4% vs 53.9%, P < 0.05). Our semistructured interviews with nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians in the pediatric ED were able to ascertain specific racial biases that may influence these disparities. Our study showed that racial disparities exist in both offering IPV universal education and documentation deferral in our pediatric ED. Combined analysis of our quantitative and qualitative data shows the importance of identifying biases that cause health disparities and increasing diversity among healthcare providers. The results of this study can be used to inform new methodologies for healthcare providers to address their personal biases and ensure that all caregivers visiting the ED are offered IPV support resources.

Nirsevimab and Acute Bronchiolitis Episodes in Pediatric Emergency Departments.

In the 2023-2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, Spain became one of the first countries to introduce universal RSV prophylaxis, during which all infants born at this time were eligible to receive nirsevimab. Locally, most Spanish regions also immunized infants younger than age 6 months at the start of the season (extended catch-up). The aim of this study was to assess how RSV prophylaxis affected the number of infants presenting to pediatric emergency departments with acute respiratory infections. A retrospective study was conducted in 15 Spanish pediatric emergency departments from 9 different regions between the 2018 and 2024 epidemic seasons (November-January). We compared the seasons occurring in 2018-2023 and the 2023-2024 season regarding the number of episodes of lower respiratory tract infection and acute bronchiolitis, acute bronchiolitis-related hospital admissions, and PICU admissions. A comparison with the average rates for the previous epidemic seasons revealed a 57.7% decrease in episodes of lower respiratory tract infection in 2023-2024 (95% CI, 56.5-58.8; P < .001; range among hospitals, 4.8-82.8), a 59.2% decrease in episodes of acute bronchiolitis (95% CI, 57.9-60.4; P < .001; range, 6.9-84.1), a 63.1% reduction in acute bronchiolitis-related hospital admissions (95% CI, 60.9-65.2; P < .001; range, 31.4-86.8), and a 63.1% reduction in PICU admissions (95% CI, 58.1-67.9; P < .001; range, 18.2-81.8). Hospitals in regions applying extended catch-up showed better results. Nirsevimab can protect a broad infant population against RSV infection with high effectiveness. Approaches including extended catch-up are the most effective, although cost- effectiveness must be considered.

Deciphering the role of lactate as aprognostic indicator in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis.

Serum lactate levels have been recognized as arobust marker for predicting disease severity and survival in many critically ill children but consensus is lacking regarding its utility in diabetic ketoacidosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between initial lactate levels and disease severity in pediatric patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis. This single-center retrospective descriptive study involved pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in the pediatric emergency department between January 2022 and April 2023. Patients were diagnosed using the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes 2022 guidelines. Among the 112 patients included in the study, 41 (36.6%) were classified as mild, 42 (34.8%) as moderate and 32 (28.6%) as severe acidosis. Astatistically significant difference was observed between the time to resolution and clinical severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (p < 0.001). Elevated lactate levels of 2.5 mmol/L or above were detected in 37.5% (42/112) of our patients and asignificant increase in clinical severity was observed as lactate levels increased (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between lactate levels and time to resolution of diabetic ketoacidosis or length of intensive care unit stay. Multivariate analysis demonstrated asignificant association between lactate levels and severity of acidosis (p: 0.046). Although there is an association between the severity of acidosis and lactate levels in diabetic ketoacidosis, contrary to expectations, this relationship was not found to be associated with adverse outcomes. An important point not to be overlooked by pediatricians is that elevated lactate levels in diabetic ketoacidosis may not always herald poor outcomes.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Early Pyomyositis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Skin and soft tissue infections are common in the pediatric emergency department. Because pyomyositis occurs deep to the fascial plane, it is often difficult to appreciate on physical examination. The utility of point-of-care ultrasound for identifying pyomyositis is of great value to the pediatric emergency physician as this diagnosis has a different expected clinical course and requires different management than other skin and soft tissue infections. This case report describes a child who presented to the pediatric emergency department with leg pain and redness, initially concerning for an abscess based on clinical findings. Point-of-care ultrasound diagnosed early pyomyositis, prompting early involvement of the pediatric surgical service and urgent computed tomography imaging, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Measuring Overcrowding in a Large Academic Tertiary Care Pediatric Emergency Department.

Overcrowding scores have been studied extensively in adult emergency departments (EDs), but few studies have determined utility in the pediatric setting. The objective of this study was to determine the association between a modified National Emergency Department Overcrowding Score (mNEDOCS) and established ED metrics in a large academic tertiary care pediatric ED. NEDOCS was modified to increase applicability in the pediatric setting by including the number of patients in resuscitation rooms instead of a number of patients on ventilators. Patient characteristics, ED disposition, ED length of stay (LOS), rate of left without being seen (LWBS), hospital LOS (HLOS), ED returns within 72 hours, and mNEDOCS were acquired retrospectively for every ED encounter in 2016-2019 using the electronic health record. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multivariate analyses were calculated to evaluate the association between specific ED metrics and mNEDOCS. Modified NEDOCS positively correlated with ED LOS, LWBS, and rate of 72-hour return visits. A negative correlation was found between mNEDOCS and HLOS. When controlling for select covariates, the odds of LWBS doubled with each increase in mNEDOCS category (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-2.06), ED LOS was associated with an increase of 27 minutes as mNEDOCS category increased (β = 26.80; 95% CI, 26.44-27.16), and the odds of 72-hour return visits increased by 6% when mNEDOCS increased by one category (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.07). Hospital LOS was associated with a 100-minute decrease per increase in mNEDOCS category (β = -99.85; 95% CI, -180.68 to -18.48) when controlling for covariates. Modified NEDOCS is positively associated with ED LOS, LWBS, and 72-hour return visits, consistent with adult data. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the association between mNEDOCS and HLOS. This study illustrates the utility of mNEDOCS as a measure of overcrowding in a pediatric ED.

Languages other than English in a pediatric ED: Documentation, extended stays, and revisits

ObjectiveGiven the increasing proportion of patients and caregivers who use languages other than English (LOE) at our institution and across the U.S, we evaluated key workflow and outcome measures in our emergency department (ED) for patients and caregivers who use LOE. MethodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients and caregivers who presented to a free-standing urban pediatric facility. We used electronic health record data (EHR) and interpreter usage log data for our analysis of language documentation, length of stay, and ED revisits. We assessed ED revisits within 72-h using a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for whether a primary care provider (PCP) was listed in the EHR, whether discharge was close to or on the weekend, and insurance status. We restricted our analysis to low-acuity patient encounters (Emergency Severity Index (ESI) scores of 4 and 5) to limit confounding factors related to higher ESI scores. ResultsWe found that one in five patients and caregivers who use LOE had incorrect documentation of their language needs in the EHR. Using interpreter usage data to most accurately capture encounters using LOE, we found that patient encounters using LOE had a 38-min longer length of stay (LOS) and twice the odds of a 72-h ED revisit compared to encounters using English. ConclusionThese results highlight the need for better language documentation and understanding of factors contributing to extended stays and increased revisits for pediatric patients and caregivers who use LOE.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induce robust levels of IgG but limited amounts of IgA within the oronasopharynx of young children.

Understanding antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is crucial for refining COVID-19 immunization strategies. Generation of mucosal immune responses, including mucosal IgA, could be of potential benefit to vaccine efficacy, yet limited evidence exists regarding the production of mucosal antibodies following the administration of current mRNA vaccines to young children. We measured the levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from a cohort of children under 5 years of age (N=24) undergoing SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination (serially collected, matched serum and saliva samples) or in a convenience sample of children under 5 years of age presenting to pediatric emergency department (nasal swabs, N=103). Further, we assessed salivary and nasal samples for the ability to induce SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation. Longitudinal analysis of post-vaccine responses in saliva revealed the induction of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG but not IgA. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA was only observed in nasal samples obtained from previously infected children with or without vaccination, but not in vaccinated children without a history of infection. In addition, oronasopharyngeal samples obtained from children with prior infection were able to trigger enhanced spike-mediated NET formation, and IgA played a key role in driving this process. Despite the induction of specific IgG in the oronasal mucosa, current intramuscular vaccines have limited ability to generate mucosal IgA in young children. These results confirm the independence of mucosal IgA responses from systemic humoral responses following mRNA vaccination and suggest potential future vaccination strategies for enhancing mucosal protection in this young age group.

Association of emergency department characteristics with presence of recommended pediatric-specific behavioral health policies.

In the United States, pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for behavioral health (BH) are increasing. We sought to determine ED-level characteristics associated with having recommended BH-related policies. We conducted a retrospective serial cross-sectional study of National Pediatric Readiness Project assessments administered to US EDs in 2013 and 2021. Changes in responses related to BH items over time were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models examined ED characteristics associated with the presence of specific BH-related policies in 2021. Of 3554 EDs that completed assessments in 2021, 73.0% had BH-related policies, 66.5% had transfer guidelines for children with BH issues, and 38.6% had access to BH resources in a disaster. Of 2570 EDs that completed assessments in both 2013 and 2021, presence of specific BH-related policies increased from 48.6% to 72.0% and presence of appropriate transfer guidelines increased from 56.2% to 64.9%. The adjusted odd ratios (aORs) of having specific BH-related policies were lower in rural (aOR 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57, 0.92) and remote EDs (aOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.48, 0.88) compared to urban EDs; lower among EDs with versus without trauma center designation (aOR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67, 0.95); and higher among EDs with a nurse and physician pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC) (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.54, 2.33) versus those without a PECC. Although pediatric readiness for BH conditions increased from 2013 to 2021, gaps remain, particularly among rural EDs and designated trauma centers. Having nurse and physician PECCs is a modifiable strategy to increase ED pediatric readiness pertaining to BH.

POCUS for pediatric appendicitis in the pediatric emergency department: An 8-year retrospective review.

In many centers, pediatric radiology-performed ultrasound and/or POCUS fellowship training are not readily available. To present our experience using point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in a pediatric emergency medicine training program without POCUS fellowship-trained staff, and to demonstrate that POCUS of the appendix is feasible outside the context for POCUS fellowship training. We identified children diagnosed with appendicitis or periappendiceal abscess from June 2016 to June 2024. Variables reviewed include details of PED visit such as presenting symptoms, laboratory and imaging results, and PED treatment, as well as surgical report and pathology result. We evaluated the frequency and performance characteristics of POCUS over the study period. 999 children were diagnosed with appendicitis. POCUS was performed in 360 of 845 cases (43%) of histology-confirmed appendicitis and in 19 of 69 cases (28%) in which histology was negative for appendicitis. Both the number of POCUS examinations for appendicitis and the percentage of examinations correctly identifying appendicitis steadily increased over the study period. Accuracy was highest in the 5-10-year age range and lowest for females from 10 to 15 years. In 96% of cases with a pathology result of appendicitis and a positive POCUS examination, POCUS correctly identified appendicitis. However, only 6 of 19 POCUS examinations in children without appendicitis on histology found no appendicitis. Performance of POCUS for appendicitis was significantly associated with increased opioid administration and a 20-min mean decrease in length of pediatric emergency department stay. POCUS for appendicitis within the context of PEM fellowship training is feasible and associated with decreased length of stay.

How Super Is Supertrack? Expediting Care of Fast-track Patients through a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Fast-track models decrease patient crowding in emergency departments (EDs) by redirecting low-acuity patients to an expedited care pathway. In 2016, this institution's pediatric ED created a fast-track pathway for patients evaluated in a rapid assessment triage area who needed further management in the primary ED. This "Supertrack" designation was intended for patients requiring up to 1 hour of additional care, though means of ensuring these patients were discharged within their anticipated timeframe were lacking. We aimed to increase the percentage of Supertrack patients discharged within 1 hour of their ED bed assignment from 17% to 50%. Interventions included the creation of objective Supertrack criteria, departmental-wide progress reports, personalized reminders, intake huddles, and documentation prompts. We visualized data from Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles with statistical process control charts to determine special cause variation. The percentage of Supertrack patients discharged within their anticipated timeframe increased from 17% to 27% without an increase in return ED visits. The average time Supertrack patients spent in the ED decreased from 121 to 103 minutes. Personalized reminders demonstrated a significant but short-lived improvement. We improved the flow of Supertrack patients by decreasing their length of stay and increasing how many were discharged within their anticipated timeframe. Limitations included an unexpected surge in patients with respiratory complaints and staffing and structural constraints preventing the designation of a discrete Supertrack assessment space with dedicated providers. These findings are helpful for institutions seeking to develop an effective fast-track model with limited space and resources.

Can placing posters increase awareness to pediatric obesity in a Pediatric Emergency Department?

Can placing posters increase awareness to pediatric obesity in a Pediatric Emergency Department?

Management of anaphylaxis after pre-hospital epinephrine use in children with food-induced anaphylaxis

BackgroundPrevious guidelines recommend prompt epinephrine administration, followed by observation in the emergency department (ED). The need for transfer in all cases of anaphylaxis has recently been challenged. ObjectiveTo evaluate the need for additional ED treatment among children with anaphylaxis who received prehospital epinephrine. MethodsBetween 2011 and 2023, data were collected on symptoms, triggers, comorbidities, and prehospital and in-hospital management from children (<18 years) with food-induced anaphylaxis who received at least 1 dose of prehospital epinephrine presenting at 7 pediatric EDs. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with the use of 2 or more prehospital epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs), epinephrine use in the ED, and hospital admission. ResultsOf the 1127 children (mean 8.1 ± 5.3 years; 60.6% male sex) with food-induced anaphylaxis who used at least 1 EAI prehospital, the most common trigger was peanuts (25.3%). There were 209 (18.5%) children who received additional epinephrine in the ED, most of whom (88.0%) received 1 dose. A total of 30 (2.7%) patients were admitted to hospital. Among all patients, severe reactions (cardiovascular instability/cyanosis/loss of consciousness) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.12-1.33) and reactions to tree nuts (aOR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03-1.16) were associated with increased odds of in-hospital epinephrine use. Prehospital inhaled β-agonists (aOR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.16) use and severe reactions (aOR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05-1.22) were associated with the use of 2 or more EAI prehospital. ConclusionA minority of anaphylaxis cases that used prehospital EAIs required additional treatment, supporting that shared decision making about transfer to ED works for most patients.

Characteristics of Admissions from the Pediatric Emergency Department Observation Unit.

Emergency department observation units (EDOUs) are used to manage common pediatric illnesses and reduce the admission rate to the hospital. Most of these patients require a short duration of observation before a determination can be made whether they need to be admitted to the hospital or safely discharged home. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of admissions from a pediatric EDOU for the top 10 diagnoses admitted to the unit. This will help standardize the disposition of such types of patients from the ED, hence improving the efficiency of the unit. We did a retrospective surveillance study of admitted patients from 0 to 18 years of age from the EDOU for the top 10 diagnoses. Descriptive data were reported using percentages and medians with interquartile ranges. Pearson χ2 tests were used to determine significant differences (P < 0.05) between the reason for admission and medical history. In total, 520 patients were admitted from the EDOU during the study period. The median patient age was 3.39 years, with most being Hispanic and female. The top three primary diagnoses of all admitted patients were cellulitis and abscess, gastroenteritis, and bronchiolitis. Sixty-three percent of all admitted patients had secondary diagnoses. Most of these patients were admitted to the inpatient unit due to progression of the primary condition. The characteristics of admissions from the EDOU may help us to understand historical experience regarding diagnoses, timing, and indications of deterioration, resource utilization, and other metrics that resulted in transfers of EDOU patients to the intensive care unit/operating room/inpatient units.

204.4: Major aspects of pediatric liver transplant patient visits to the pediatric emergency department during post-operative follow-up period.

204.4: Major aspects of pediatric liver transplant patient visits to the pediatric emergency department during post-operative follow-up period.

Intranasal Fentanyl Versus Morphine in Fracture Reduction in a Pediatric Trauma Center.

Pain management in orthopaedic manipulation in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to decrease fracture reduction performed in the operating room. This study compared intranasal fentanyl (INF) with oral morphine in time of care and effectiveness on pain during the reduction of bone fractures in a pediatric trauma center. A before-and-after INF implementation study was conducted in a pediatric ED with a trauma center on children with a confirmed displaced closed fracture on radiographs with reduction and casting performed in the ED. The time of care, time for sufficient analgesia, effectiveness on pain, and tolerance were compared between both analgesics in 3 consecutive phases. 77 children were included: 31 children received oral morphine and 46 INF. The time of care was shorter in the INF group (150 [111 to 193] minutes versus 215 [155 to 240], P = 0.01) as the time for sufficient analgesia (10 [9 to 13] minutes versus 80 [53 to 119], P < 0.001) with a higher pain reduction after a dose of INF (3 [0 to 4] versus 6 [3 to 7], P < 0.001) and less dose requirement (P = 0.002). Although pain scores were similar at arrival in both groups (P = 0.15), the pain was significantly lower before and during the procedure in the INF group and equivalent after the procedure (2 [0 to 4] versus 3 [0 to 5], P = 0.02, 3 [1 to 5] versus 7 [3 to 9], P < 0.001, and 1 [0 to 2] in both groups, P = 0.87, respectively). Keeping pain levels low during the procedure in the INF group allowed the extension to lower limb fracture reductions (P = 0.04). No serious adverse events were reported. INF reduces the time to obtain sufficient analgesia and time of care, with good effectiveness maintained during the procedure in fracture reduction, allowing the extension to lower limb fractures. Thus, this rapid and efficient analgesia facilitates orthopaedic care in the pediatric ED that would otherwise require to be reduced in the operating room under general anesthesia.

Implementation of the WHO Standards to assess the quality of paediatric care using health workers as source of data: findings of a multicentre study (CHOICE) in Italy

ObjectivesThere is little experience in implementing the WHO Standards for improving the quality of care (QOC) for children. We describe the use of 75 WHO-Standard based Quality Measures to assess...