Project Kid's Inpatient Database Research Articles

Incidence of Airway Abnormalities in Children With Craniosynostosis.

Children with syndromic craniosynostosis are known to have a high propensity for associated airway abnormalities. However, this has not been investigated using a large-scale national database. For this retrospective cohort study, the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database was queried for craniosynostosis patients. Data on demographics, airway diagnoses, and comorbidities were analyzed. Four thousand nine hundred fourteen children with craniosynostosis with a mean age of 1.7±3.6 years were identified. Of these, 51% were female and 136 children had an associated syndrome. Choanal atresia was present in 31% of patients with an associated syndrome versus 2.5% without. Syndromic patients are 4.59 times more likely (95% CI 2.65-7.94) to have airway anomalies than nonsyndromic patients. After age and sex adjustment, craniosynostosis patients have higher likelihoods of presenting with other anomalies, with syndromic having higher incidences: 5.23 times (95% CI 2.63-10.39) more likely to have laryngomalacia, 18.30 times (95% CI 3.27-102.36) more likely to have tracheal stenosis, and 4.58 times (95% CI 1.36- 15.43) more likely to have tracheomalacia. Incidence of tracheostomy was 5.84 times (95% CI 3.77-9.04) higher in syndromic patients with craniosynostosis. Tracheostomy rates were 28.4% and 4.6% in craniosynostosis patients with and without associated syndrome, respectively. Syndromic craniosynostosis patients had significantly higher incidences of choanal atresia and other airway anomalies. Given a high incidence of airway anomalies, syndromic craniosynostosis patients likely warrant routine airway evaluation. Providers should also be vigilant about airway evaluation in patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis when aerodigestive symptoms arise.

The Role of Chronic Conditions in Outcomes following Noncardiac Surgery in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

To compare outcomes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing noncardiac surgery by presence of chronic conditions and identify associated risk factors. Retrospective analysis of 14 031 children with CHD who underwent noncardiac surgery in the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database. Multivariable regression was used to assess patient and hospital factors associated with in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS). Overall, 94% had at least 1 chronic condition. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.6%. Neonates with CHD only had the highest mortality (15.6%); otherwise, children with CHD and at least 1 chronic condition had higher mortality than patients with CHD only (infant 3.93%, child 1.22%, adolescent 1.04% vs 2.34%, 0%, and 0%). Neonates (OR, 15.5; 95% CI, 7.1-34.1 vs adolescent), number of chronic conditions (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.27-1.42), chronic conditions type (circulatory system; OR 2.46; 95% CI, 2.04-2.98), and low socioeconomic status (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.05-1.77) were associated with increased mortality. The median LOS was 20days (IQR, 5-66). Those with CHD and at least 1 chronic condition had a greater LOS (21days; IQR, 5-68) than those with CHD only (9days; IQR, 3-46). Neonates (adjusted coefficient, 44.3; 95% CI, 40.3-48.3 vs adolescent), Black race (adjusted coefficient, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.27-7.3), chronic condition indicator number (adjusted coefficient, 5.17; 95% CI, 4.56-5.78), and subtype (adjusted coefficient, 23.6; 95% CI, 20.4-26.7) were associated with a prolonged LOS. Most children with CHD who undergo noncardiac surgery have at least 1 chronic condition. Age, chronic conditions type and number, low socioeconomic status, and Black race impart increased risks of in-hospital mortality and prolonged LOS. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of specific chronic conditions and determine barriers to equitable care.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome-Related Hospitalizations Trends, Comorbidities & Health Care Costs in Children: A Population Based Study.

Aim: To analyze the clinical characteristics, trends in hospitalization and health care resource utilization of pediatric patients with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS). Methods: We analyzed the latest 5 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID) datasets including years 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2016 for patients aged 1–20 years with a primary diagnosis of CVS and were compared with Age/gender-matched controls for comorbidities, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization. Results: A total of 12,396 CVS-related hospitalizations were analyzed. The mean age of CVS patients was 10.4 ± 6.7 years. CVS was associated with dysautonomia (OR: 12.1; CI: 7.0 to 20.8), dyspepsia (OR: 11.9; CI: 8.8 to 16.03), gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR: 6.9; Confidence Interval (CI): 6.4 to 7.5), migraine headaches (OR: 6.8; CI: 5.9 to 7.7) and irritable bowel syndrome (OR: 2.08; CI: 1.2 to 4.3) (all p < 0.001). CVS was also associated with increased cannabis use (OR: 5.26, 4.6 to 5.9; p < 0.001), anxiety disorder (OR: 3.9; CI: 3.5 to 4.4) and stress reaction (OR: 3.6; CI: 2.06 to 6.3), p < 0.001. Mean CVS-related hospitalization costs (inflation adjusted) more than doubled from $3199 in 2003 to $6721 in 2016, incurring $84 million/year in total costs. Conclusion: Hospitalized CVS patients have increased prevalence of DGBIs, dysautonomia, psychiatric conditions and cannabis use compared to non-CVS controls. CVS-related hospitalizations in U.S. is associated with increasing health care costs. Better management of CVS and comorbid conditions is warranted to reduce health care costs and improve outcomes.

Combined Symphyseal and Condylar Fractures: Considerations for Treatment in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND: Combined symphyseal-condylar mandible fractures represent a unique, unstable injury pattern that can cause significant morbidity in pediatric patients. However, this particular mandibular injury pattern has not been well characterized in children. Given the complex biomechanics of the mandibular symphysis and the importance of the condyles in long-term mandibular growth and occlusal development, focused study of pediatric symphyseal-condylar fractures is important.1,2 This study investigated the etiology and management of symphyseal-condylar fractures in pediatric patients, in order to provide treatment recommendations to improve long-term outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with symphyseal-condylar mandibular fractures both at our institution between 1990 and 2019 and nation-wide (identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid Inpatient Database) between 2000 and 2016. Two-tailed Mann–Whitney U and Fischer’s exact analyses were used to compare demographic and clinical factors as well as incidence of complications between patients in each dentition stage in our institutional dataset. Also, multiple logistic regression with forward stepwise selection of predictor variables was used to generate adjusted odds ratios for complications, and a treatment algorithm was proposed. National data on pediatric symphyseal/condylar fractures between 2012 and 2016 abstracted from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid Inpatient Database were used to confirm recommendations in the proposed treatment algorithm using chi square analyses. Additionally, a logistic regression model was used to evaluate the proposed treatment algorithm, by predicting odds of complications based on adherence or nonadherence to the algorithm for patients in each dentition stage. Concordance statistics were used to evaluate model robustness. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients at our institution and 1,708 national database patients met inclusion criteria. At our institution, 26.7% of deciduous dentition patients underwent ORIF, 40% underwent closed treatment (MMF), and 33.3% were treated with soft diet. All mixed dentition patients underwent either ORIF or closed treatment (MMF); all permanent dentition patients underwent ORIF. In the national cohort, most permanent dentition patients (88.7%) underwent ORIF, while most mixed dentition patients (79.2%) underwent closed treatment. Among deciduous dentition patients in the national cohort, 53.5% patients were treated with soft-diet and 38% with closed treatment. At our institution, the overall post-treatment complication rate was 62.5% among ORIF patients, 14.3% among closed treatment patients, and 16.7% among patients treated with soft diet. The most common complications were temporomandibular joint dysfunction (50%) and malocclusion (37.5%). A treatment algorithm was developed using study data; algorithm adherence significantly decreased odds of complications (odds ratio, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.001–0.6; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Symphyseal-condylar fractures were associated with substantial morbidity in children. Using the data from both our institution as well as from review of a national database, we proposed a treatment algorithm, stratified by dentition stage, in order to guide treatment for children who present with this complex fracture type. REFERENCES: 1. Wolfswinkel EM, Weathers WM, Wirthlin JO, et al. Management of pediatric mandible fractures. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2013;46:791–806. 2. Cole P, Kaufman Y, Hollier L. Managing the pediatric facial fracture. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Reconstr. 2009;2:077–083.

Insurance type impacts bronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration: An analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database

ObjectivesTo ascertain whether insurance type is associated with postoperative adverse effects and hospital length of stay for inpatient airway foreign body removal. MethodsRetrospective analysis of children <18 years of age that underwent inpatient bronchoscopy with removal of airway foreign body in the national Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database (KID). Postoperative outcomes and length of stay were analyzed for racial disparities and insurance type using multivariable logistic regression and negative binomial regression. Models adjusted for race, insurance type, sex, age, and presence of pulmonary risk factors. ResultsA total of 5,850 children underwent bronchoscopy for foreign body removal. The median age was 2 (IQR: 4–1) years and 61.6% patients were male. Payer status included Medicaid (38.9%), private insurance (51.5%), self-pay (4.3%) and other (9.6%). The Medicaid cohort had a higher proportion of black (19.1%) and Hispanic patients (34.5%) (P < 0.001). Children covered under Medicaid had higher odds of postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.216; P = 0.031) and a greater length of stay (OR 1.533; P < 0.001) relative to the private insurance group when adjusting for sex, age, race and presence of pulmonary risk factors. The odds of having a greater length of stay was 33% higher for black (P < 0.001) and 37% higher for Hispanic (P < 0.001) children compared to white children. The average adjusted LOS under Medicaid was 8.37 days compared to 5.46 days for privately insured children. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a difference in postoperative complications and LOS exist between public and privately insured children for foreign body removal via bronchoscopy. Further studies are warranted to investigate factors that drive these disparities.

Pediatric Digit Replantation Following Traumatic Amputation: Nationwide Analysis of Patient Selection, Outcomes, and Cost.

Background: Indications for replantation following traumatic digit amputations are more liberal in the pediatric population than in adults, but delineation of patient selection within pediatrics and their outcomes have yet to be elucidated. This study uses a national pediatric database to evaluate patient characteristics and injury patterns involved in replantation and their outcomes. Methods: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database was queried for traumatic amputations of the thumb and finger from 2000 to 2012. Participants were separated into those who underwent replantation and those who underwent amputation. Patients undergoing replantation were further divided into those requiring revision amputation and/or microvascular revision. Patient age, sex, insurance, digit(s) affected, charges, length of stay, and complications were extracted for each patient. Results: Traumatic digit amputations occurred in 3090 patients, with 1950 (63.1%) undergoing revision amputation and 1140 (36.9%) undergoing replantation. Younger patients, those with thumb injuries, females, and those covered under private insurance were significantly more likely to undergo replantation. Cost, length of stay, and in-hospital complications were significantly greater in replantation patients than in those who had undergone amputation. Following replantation, 237 patients (20.8%) underwent revision amputation and 209 (18.3%) underwent vascular revision, after which 58 required revision amputation. Risk of revision following replantation involved older patients, males, and procedures done recently. Conclusions: Pediatric patients who underwent replantation were significantly younger, female, had thumb injuries, and were covered by private insurance. Our findings demonstrate that in addition to injury factors, demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes.

The Impact of Sociodemographic and Hospital Factors on Length of Stay Before and After Pyloromyotomy

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine whether racial or ethnic and insurance disparities exist in pre- and post-operative length of stay (LOS) in patients with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Materials and methodsThe Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database database (years 2006, 2009, and 2012) was analyzed for patients aged <1 y with HPS with a primary procedure of pyloromyotomy. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the association between race or ethnicity and insurance status with the primary outcomes of prolonged pre- and post-operative LOS (defined as >1 d). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were tabulated using SPSS v24. ResultsA total of 13,706 cases were identified: 8503 (62%) non-Hispanic whites, 3143 (23%) Hispanics, 1007 (7%) non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), and 1053 (8%) non-Hispanic other race or ethnicity. NHB and Hispanics were 45% and 37%, respectively, more likely to have prolonged preoperative LOS compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19-1.77; OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.18-1.60, respectively). Children with public insurance had 21% increased odds of increased preoperative LOS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38). All minority groups had increased odds of postoperative LOS (NHB OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54; Hispanic OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26; NHO OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15-1.51). ConclusionsWe conclude that NHB, Hispanics, and other race or ethnicity were more likely to have prolonged pre- and post-operative LOS. In addition, children with public insurance were more likely to have prolonged preoperative LOS. Further work is needed to better characterize and eliminate disparities in the management and outcomes of children with HPS.

A National Analysis of Pediatric Trauma Care Utilization and Outcomes in the United States.

More childhood deaths are attributed to trauma than all other causes combined. Our objectives were to provide the first national description of the proportion of injured children treated at pediatric trauma centers (TCs), and to provide clarity to the presumed benefit of pediatric TC verification by comparing injury mortality across hospital types. We performed a population-based cohort study using the 2006 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database combined with national TC inventories. We included pediatric discharges (≤16 y) with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code(s) for injury. Descriptive analyses were performed evaluating proportions of injured children cared for by TC level. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate differences in in-hospital mortality by TC type (among level-1 TCs only). Analyses were survey-weighted using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project sampling weights. Of 153,380 injured children, 22.3% were admitted to pediatric TCs, 45.2% to general TCs, and 32.6% to non-TCs. Overall mortality was 0.9%. Among level-1 TCs, raw mortality was 1.0% pediatric TC, 1.4% dual TC, and 2.1% general TC. In adjusted analyses, treatment at level-1 pediatric TCs was associated with a significant mortality decrease compared to level-1 general TCs (adjusted odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence intervals, 0.4-0.9). Our results provide the first national evidence that treatment at verified pediatric TCs may improve outcomes, supporting a survival benefit with pediatric trauma verification. Given lack of similar survival advantage found for level-1 dual TCs (both general/pediatric verified), we highlight the need for further investigation to understand factors responsible for the survival advantage at pediatric-only TCs, refine pediatric accreditation guidelines, and disseminate best practices.

Comparison of Methicillin-resistant Versus Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Pediatric Osteomyelitis

The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pediatric osteomyelitis has risen and been associated with a more severe clinical course than methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections. National databases have been underutilized to describe these trends. We compared demographics, clinical course, and outcomes for patients with MRSA versus MSSA osteomyelitis. We queried the 2009 and 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database for discharge records with diagnosis codes for osteomyelitis and S. aureus. We explored demographics predicting MRSA and evaluated MRSA versus MSSA as predictors of clinical outcomes including surgery, sepsis, thrombophlebitis, length of stay, and total charges. A total of 4214 discharge records were included. Of those, 2602 (61.7%) had MSSA and 1612 (38.3%) had MRSA infections. Patients at Southern and Midwestern hospitals were more likely to have MRSA than those at Northeastern hospitals. Medicaid patients' odds of MRSA were higher than those with private insurance, and black patients were more likely to have MRSA compared with white patients. MRSA patients were more likely to undergo multiple surgeries compared with MSSA patients and were more likely to have complications including severe sepsis, thrombophlebitis, and pulmonary embolism. Patients with MRSA had longer lengths of stay than those with MSSA and higher total charges after controlling for length of stay. Review of a national database demonstrates MRSA is more prevalent in the South and Midwest regions and among black patients. MRSA patients have more surgeries, complications, and longer lengths of stay. Level III.

Variability of child access prevention laws and pediatric firearm injuries.

State-level child access prevention (CAP) laws impose criminal liability on adults who negligently allow children access to firearms. The CAP laws can be further divided into strong CAP laws which impose criminal liability for negligently stored firearms and weak CAP laws that prohibit adults from intentionally, knowingly, and/or recklessly providing firearms to a minor. We hypothesized that strong CAP laws would be associated with a greater reduction in pediatric firearm injuries than weak CAP laws. We constructed a cross-sectional national study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids Inpatient Database from 2006 and 2009 using weighted counts of firearm-related admissions among children younger than 18 years. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of CAP laws with pediatric firearm injuries. After adjusting for race, sex, age, and socioeconomic income quartile, strong CAP laws were associated with a significant reduction in all (incidence rate ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.93), self-inflicted (incidence rate ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.79), and unintentional (incidence rate ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.74) pediatric firearm injuries. Weak CAP laws, which only impose liability for reckless endangerment, were associated with an increased risk of all pediatric firearm injuries. The association of CAP laws on hospitalizations for pediatric firearm injuries differed greatly depending on whether a state had adopted a strong CAP law or a weak CAP law. Implementation of strong CAP laws by each state, which require safe storage of firearms, has the potential to significantly reduce pediatric firearm injuries. Prognostic and epidemiology study, level III.

Obesity's Influence on Operative Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

As childhood obesity remains an ongoing issue for the United States there has been an increasing number of studies detailing its effect on fracture complexity, management, and outcomes. This study utilizes a national database to examine whether obese children with supracondylar humerus fractures are more likely to require open reduction and internal fixation than nonobese children. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database of 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 were queried for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures [International Classification of Disease (ICD-9), 812.41] between 2 and 12 years. Patients were separated into those undergoing closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), or both. Obesity was determined by comorbidity and ICD-9 coding (ICD-9, 278.00, 278.01). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized with P<0.05 considered significant. Between 2003 and 2012, 31,905 patients between the ages of 2 and 12 years sustained supracondylar humerus fractures. In total, 105 patients (0.3%) were obese. A majority of patients, 27,658 (86.7%), underwent CRPP. Odds for ORIF increased in association with age, obesity, white race, and private insurance. Significant association was found between age and obesity (P<0.05) in those undergoing ORIF. Obese children between 2 and 7 years of age had no difference in ORIF or CRPP compared with normal-weight children. Those between 8 and 12 years who were obese were significantly more likely to undergo ORIF (OR, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-10.36). Supracondylar humerus fractures sustained in obese children between 8 and 12 years are over 4 times more likely to require ORIF compared with normal-weight children of the same age. Providers should identify and counsel older obese children and their families regarding the potential for increased difficulty in fracture management that may require open surgical intervention. Level IV-case series.

Hospital and Community Characteristics Associated With Pediatric Direct Admission to Hospital

ObjectivesOne quarter of pediatric hospitalizations begin as direct admissions, defined as hospitalization without receiving care in the hospital's emergency department (ED). Direct admission rates are highly variable across hospitals, yet previous studies have not examined reasons for this variation. We aimed to determine the relationships between hospital and community factors and pediatric direct admission rates, and to evaluate the degree to which these characteristics explain variation in risk-adjusted direct admission rates. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Kids Inpatient Database, American Hospital Association Database, and Area Health Resource File, including children <18 years of age who were admitted for a medical hospitalization in states contributing data to all data sets. Using hierarchical generalized linear modeling, we generated risk-adjusted direct admission rates and used generalized linear models to assess the association of hospital and community characteristics with these risk-adjusted rates. ResultsWe included 211,458 children discharged from 933 hospitals and 26 states; 20.2% were admitted directly. One-fifth of the variance in risk-adjusted direct admission rates was attributed to observed hospital and community factors. The greatest proportion of this explained variance was related to ED volume (37%), volume of pediatric hospitalizations (27%), and size of the pediatrician workforce (12%). ConclusionsDirect admission rates were associated with several hospital and community characteristics, but the majority of variation in hospitals' direct admission rates was not explained by these factors. These findings suggest opportunities for diverse hospital types to develop the infrastructure and communication systems necessary to support pediatric direct admissions.

Incidence of Congenital Spinal Abnormalities Among Pediatric Patients and Their Association With Scoliosis and Systemic Anomalies.

Congenital abnormalities when present, according to VACTERL theory, occur nonrandomly with other congenital anomalies. This study estimates the prevalence of congenital spinal anomalies, and their concurrence with other systemic anomalies. A retrospective cohort analysis on Health care Cost and Utilization Project's Kids Inpatient Database (KID), years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009 was performed. ICD-9 coding identified congenital anomalies of the spine and other body systems. Overall incidence of congenital spinal abnormalities in pediatric patients, and the concurrence of spinal anomaly diagnoses with other organ system anomalies. Frequencies of congenital spine anomalies were estimated using KID hospital-and-year-adjusted weights. Poisson distribution in contingency tables tabulated concurrence of other congenital anomalies, grouped by body system. Of 12,039,432 patients, rates per 100,000 cases were: 9.1 hemivertebra, 4.3 Klippel-Fiel, 56.3 Chiari malformation, 52.6 tethered cord, 83.4 spina bifida, 1.2 absence of vertebra, and 6.2 diastematomyelia. Diastematomyelia had the highest concurrence of other anomalies: 70.1% of diastematomyelia patients had at least one other congenital anomaly. Next, 63.2% of hemivertebra, and 35.2% of Klippel-Fiel patients had concurrent anomalies. Of the other systems deformities cooccuring, cardiac system had the highest concurrent incidence (6.5% overall). In light of VACTERL's definition of a patient being diagnosed with at least 3 VACTERL anomalies, hemivertebra patients had the highest cooccurrence of ≥3 anomalies (31.3%). With detailed analysis of hemivertebra patients, secundum ASD (14.49%), atresia of large intestine (10.2%), renal agenesis (7.43%) frequently cooccured. Congenital abnormalities of the spine are associated with serious systemic anomalies that may have delayed presentations. These patients continue to be at a very high, and maybe higher than previously thought, risk for comorbidities that can cause devastating perioperative complications if not detected preoperatively, and full MRI workups should be considered in all patients with spinal abnormalities. Level III.

Abstract: Syndactyly: National Analysis of Trends in Epidemiology and Surgical Management from 1997–2012

INTRODUCTION: Syndactyly is a common congenital hand deformity with an estimated incidence of 1:2000 live births.1 Previous studies have discussed disparities in the provision of hand and upper limb services in the United States.2 Our study aims are to (1) analyze the epidemiology of syndactyly and trends in surgical management over time; (2) identify socioeconomic disparities affecting treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database was performed for all available years (1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012). Children under the age of three with a diagnosis of syndactyly were retrieved using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes (ICD-9 755.11, 755.12, 755.55); procedural data for syndactyly correction were also retrieved. Trends over time were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Patient and hospital characteristics underwent multivariable logistic regression modeling to evaluate predictors of surgical treatment. RESULTS: Overall, 6,401 cases of syndactyly were retrieved over the study period, with an incidence of 16.32/million in 2012. The majority were Caucasian (59.1%) and male (61.5%), admitted to Southern (35.6%), large bed size (59.2%), urban, teaching hospitals (63.3%), with either predominantly Private (49.6%) or Government-based insurance (44.0%). Of these, 12.8% (n=821) underwent procedures for syndactyly correction. Over time there was a significant decrease in surgical correction of syndactyly (20.5% in 1997 to 6.0% in 2012, p<0.001). Of those having surgery, there has been a significant increase in flap-based reconstruction of the hand over time (12.2% in 1997 to 30.6% in 2012, p<0.001). Predictors of not having surgical treatment for syndactyly were Medicaid coverage (OR 1.253, CI 1.066–1.471); lowest three incomes quartiles (OR 1.29, CI 1.051–1.584; OR 1.404, CI 1.152–1.712; OR 1.281, CI 1.062–1.545); admission to a medium (OR 1.248, CI 1.021–1.526), large (OR 1.597, CI 1.321–1.931), urban non-teaching (OR 1.899, CI 1.360–2.653), urban teaching (OR 1.152, CI 1.772–2.615) or Midwestern (OR 1.324, CI 1.054–1.663) hospital. CONCLUSION: The surgical correction of syndactyly within the inpatient setting is decreasing over time. Socioeconomic disparities are evident: Medicaid insurance status and lower household income had significantly lower rates of surgical correction. Minimizing socioeconomic barriers to care may be important steps in enhancing the quality of care that is delivered to vulnerable pediatric populations. Reference Citations: 1. Jordan D, Hindocha S, Dhital M, Saleh M, Khan W. The epidemiology, genetics and future management of syndactyly. Open Orthop J. Bentham Science Publishers; 2012;6:14–27. 2. Squitieri L, Steggerda J, Yang LJ-S, Kim HM, Chung KC. A National Study to Evaluate Trends in the Utilization of Nerve Reconstruction for Treatment of Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy [Outcomes Article]. Plast Reconstr Surg [Internet]. 2011;127:277–83.

Current trends in racial, ethnic, and healthcare disparities associated with pediatric cardiac surgery outcomes.

Despite overall improvements in congenital heart disease outcomes, racial and ethnic disparities have continued. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of race and ethnicity, as well as other risk factors on congenital heart surgery length of stay and in-hospital mortality. From the 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database (KID), we identified 13130 records with Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery complexity score-eligible procedures. Multivariate logistic and linear regression modeling with survey weights, stratification and clustering was used to examine the relationships between predictor variables and length of stay as well as in-hospital mortality. No significant mortality differences were found among all race and ethnicity groups across each age group. Black neonates and black infants had a longer length of stay (neonatal estimate = 8.73 days, P = .0034; infant estimate 1.10 days, P = .0253), relative to whites. Government-sponsored insurance was associated with increased odds of neonatal mortality (odds ratio = 1.51, P = .0055), increased length of stay in neonates (estimate = 4.26 days, P = .0009) and infants (estimate = 1.52 days, P = .0181), relative to private insurance. Government-sponsored insurance was associated with increased number of chronic conditions, which were also associated with increased LOS (estimate 8.39 days, P < .001 in neonates; estimate 3.60 days, P < .001 in infants; estimate 1.87 days, P < .001 children). Racial/ethnic disparities in congenital heart surgical outcomes may be changing compared with previous studies using the KID database. Increased length of stay in children with government-sponsored insurance may reflect expansion of individual states government-sponsored insurance eligibility criteria for children with complex chronic medical conditions. These findings warrant cautious optimism regarding racial and ethnic disparities in congenital heart surgery outcomes.

Incidence and Predictors for Postoperative Thrombotic Complications in Children With Surgical and Nonsurgical Heart Disease

Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of thrombotic complications (thrombosis and thromboembolism). This study sought to assess the incidence and predictors of thrombotic complications in children with surgical and nonsurgical heart diseases. We performed a retrospective analysis of the Health Care Cost and Use Project Kid's Inpatient Database. Children with surgical and nonsurgical heart diseases were categorized into the following four subgroups: (1) septal defects, (2) single ventricle physiology, (3) right ventricle outflow tract obstruction, and (4) left ventricle outflow tract obstruction. Demographic information, comorbidities, and outcomes, such as mortality, acute kidney injury, sepsis, neurologic complications, thrombotic complications, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and ventricular assist device use, were identified. We used propensity-matched analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the variables associated with thrombotic complications. After propensity-matched analysis, the incidence of thrombotic complications was 3.90% (947/24,251) in children with surgical and 2.13% (516/24,251) in children with nonsurgical heart disease (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that single ventricle physiology or right ventricle outflow tract obstruction, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist device, acute kidney injury, sepsis, and the presence of a coagulopathy increased the risk of thrombotic complications in children with surgical or nonsurgical heart disease. Age younger than 1 year increased the risk of thrombotic complications in the surgical population, whereas age older than 12 years increased the risk in the nonsurgical population. Children with both surgical and nonsurgical heart disease have increased risk of thrombotic complications. The risk is increased in patients with cyanotic heart disease and is highest in the presence of single ventricle physiology.

Hospital Costs for Neonates and Children Supported with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

To assess the characteristics associated with high hospital cost for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to identify a cohort of high-resource users. Cost for hospitalization, during which ECMO support was used, was calculated from hospital charges reported in the 2012 Health Care Cost and Use Project Kid's Inpatient Database. Patients were categorized into 6 diagnostic groups: (1) cardiac surgery; (2) nonsurgical heart disease; (3) congenital diaphragmatic hernia; (4) neonatal respiratory failure; (5) pediatric respiratory failure; and (6) sepsis. We categorized cost into 4 groups based on quartiles. We compared ECMO cost with hospital cost for bone marrow, liver, and kidney transplants performed during the same year. Median hospital cost for children supported with ECMO (n = 1465) was $230,425 (IQR: $126,599-$420,960). In a multivariable model, lower cost was associated with neonatal respiratory failure (OR: 0.19) and sepsis (OR 0.53) compared with cardiac surgery (OR: 1.88), whereas greater cost was associated with smaller hospital bed-size <99 (OR: 3.49) and 100-399 beds (OR: 3.03) compared with hospitals >400 beds, hospital location (Midwest [OR: 1.74] and West [OR 2.18] compared with North-East), and complications such as renal failure (OR: 3.77) and thromboembolic complications (OR 1.60). Hospital cost per survivor was greater for ECMO ($519,450) than bone marrow transplantation ($207,212), liver ($231,755), or kidney transplantation ($82,008) groups. Hospitalization cost for children supported with ECMO is high. Diagnosis, hospital characteristics, and presence of complications are associated with increased cost.

Overall Hospital Cost Estimates in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Analysis of the 2012 Kid's Inpatient Database.

This study sought to determine overall hospital cost in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and to compare cost associated with cardiac surgical procedures, cardiac catheterizations, non-cardiac surgical procedures, and medical admissions. The 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database was used to evaluate hospital cost in neonates and children with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization, non-cardiac surgical procedures, and medical treatments. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine independent predictors for increased hospital cost. In 2012, total hospital cost was 28,900 M$, while hospital cost in children with CHD represented 23% of this total and accounted for only 4.4% of hospital discharges. The median cost was $51,302 ($32,088-$100,058) in children who underwent cardiac surgery, $21,920 ($13,068-$51,609) in children who underwent cardiac catheterization, $4134 ($1771-$10,253) in children who underwent non-cardiac surgery, and $23,062 ($5529-$71,887) in children admitted for medical treatments. Independent predictors for increased cost were hospital bed size <400 beds (P < 0.001), more than four procedures performed during the same hospitalization (P = 0.001), use of ECMO (P < 0.001), length of hospital stay exceeding 14 days (P < 0.001), cardiac failure (P < 0.001), sepsis (P < 0.001), acute kidney injury (P < 0.001), and neurologic (P < 0.001) and thromboembolic complications (P < 0.001). Hospital cost in children with CHD represented 23% of global cost while accounting for only 4.4% of discharges. This study identified factors associated with increased cost of cardiac surgical procedures, cardiac catheterizations, non-cardiac surgical procedures, and medical management in children with CHD.

A National Study on Craniosynostosis Surgical Repair

Objective : Our study aimed to use national data to assess the perioperative outcomes of craniosynostosis surgical repair. Design : Data were obtained from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database from 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Setting : Community hospitals in the United States. Patients : The cohort was identified using the ICD-9-CM procedure codes for craniosynostosis surgical repair (2.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.06). Main Outcome Measures(s) : We determined patient and hospital characteristics. We clustered patients by age group (<7 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years) and assessed mortality, comorbidities, mean length of stay (LOS), and total charge. We performed logistic regression with our dependent variable being longer average hospital stay: LOS > 4.2 days. Results : We found 3426 patients. Average age at the time of surgery was 181 days (SD 84). Average length of stay was 4.2 days. The majority of the patients were boys (66%), white (71%), and insured (93%). Nearly all patients underwent surgery in a teaching hospital (98%) in urban centers (99%). Approximately 10% of patients experienced an acute complication, most commonly hemorrhages or hematomas and airway or respiratory failure. Patients ages 1 to 3 years had the highest rates of comorbidities and a longer LOS. Mortality rate was <1%. Conclusions : Craniosynostosis surgery is safe with low rates of mortality and acute complications. LOS >4.2 appears to be associated more with comorbidities than with complications. Higher rates of comorbidities and LOS >4.2 days for patients age 1 to 3 years warrant addition research to assess potential barriers to care.

Measuring the cost of care for children with acute burn injury

There have been few studies on costs of burn treatment. Furthermore, quantifying the actual cost of care at the patient level is hindered by anomalies of our insurance system. This article presents a practical method for determining the cost of caring for pediatric burn patients, using a cohort of patients from the Multi-Center Benchmarking Study at the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston and allows an estimate of resource use that may be linked to need or to best practices, without the confounding variable of inconsistent billing practices. We estimated the cost of hospitalization for a cohort of 230 pediatric patients who sustained burn injuries. In a simulation of billing patterns of all US hospitals between 2001 and 2009, we applied Shriners Hospitals for Children use data to two external sources of cost information. For the hospital component of costs, we used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database, and for the physician component of costs, we used the Medicare fee schedule. Patients had a mean of 1.9 hospitalizations over 3 to 4 years. The mean total cost of hospitalization was $83,535 per patient, and the median total cost was $16,331 in 2006 dollars. This is the first effort to estimate the early hospital costs of caring for children and young adults with burns in specialty hospitals and to establish a referent for quantifying the cost of caring for patients with acute burns. It lays the groundwork for studies relating costs of specific interventions to their effects on patient-centered outcomes.