Pediatric Tertiary Care Center Research Articles

Brain Point of Care Ultrasound in Young Children Receiving Computed Tomography in the Emergency Department: A Proof of Concept Study

Background: Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is an important tool in pediatric emergency medicine. In neonatal intensive care medicine ultrasound is often used to evaluate the brains of sick neonates. In theory, POCUS could be used in the ED in young children to evaluate the brain for abnormal pathology. Objectives: To examine the ability of PEM faculty to use brain POCUS to identify clinically significant brain injuries in children with head injuries and/or abnormal neurological exams, and generate sensitivity and specificity of brain POCUS in assessing such findings. Methods: This study used a convenience sample of patients seen in a tertiary care pediatric centre who required a CT head. A team of physicians who were trained at a workshop for brain POCUS were on call to perform the POCUS while being blinded to the results of the CT. Results: 21 children were enrolled in the study. Five (24%) of the patients had a CT that was positive for intracranial bleeds. Of the 5 patients with a positive CT, 3 had a brain POCUS scan that was also positive. The two false negative brain POCUS scans were on patients with small bleeds (no surgical intervention required) on CT, as reported by radiology. The sensitivity of brain POCUS was 60% (CI 15% - 95%) with a specificity of 94% (CI 70%-100%). The diagnostic accuracy of brain POCUS was 86% (CI 64% - 97%). Conclusion: This small proof of concept study shows that brain POCUS is an imaging modality with reasonable sensitivity and specificity in identifying intracranial pathologies that are present on CT. Its use may be most beneficial to expedite definitive imaging and subspeciality involvement.

Yearly Occurrence and Seasonality of Neuro-ophthalmic Manifestations of Pediatric Lyme Disease.

To review the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of Lyme disease at a central Ohio pediatric tertiary care center. A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed as having Lyme disease from September 2015 to September 2020 was completed. Demographic information, diagnosis dates, and manifestations of Lyme disease were recorded. Patients were excluded for age older than 18 years or lack of corroborated Lyme disease diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were performed. Of the 212 cases of pediatric Lyme disease reviewed, 50 patients had neuroborreliosis. The data showed an increase in Lyme disease and neuroborreliosis cases from 2018 to 2020, with a preponderance of diagnoses in the summer months. Twenty-four patients had meningitis, and 6 of these patients (25%) were diagnosed as having bilateral optic disc edema that was clinically consistent with intracranial hypertension. Papilledema in the setting of Lyme meningitis may be more common than previously reported in central Ohio. If Lyme disease meningitis is suspected, an opening pressure should be recorded at the time of lumbar puncture and, if elevated, an ophthalmologic evaluation for optic nerve edema is indicated. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):179-182.].

Comprehensive Long-Term Outcomes Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

To describe long-term outcomes and complications following mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in a diverse patient cohort. Cross-sectional study. Single tertiary-care pediatric center. Forty-eight patients previously undergoing MDO with minimum 4-year follow-up. Respiratory outcomes, feeding patterns, dental development, motor/sensory nerve function, temporo-mandibular joint function, and postsurgical scarring. Forty-six patients with a median age of 7 years were evaluated. Of 20 nonsyndromic patients, none required additional airway procedures, none required continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during sleep, and 19 (95%) fed exclusively by mouth. Among 26 syndromic patients, 7 (27%) required CPAP and 8 (31%) were tube fed. Permanent first molar differences were seen in the majority of subjects; patterns of damage interfering with function were more common in syndromic (13/28, 46%) compared to nonsyndromic (5/24, 21%; P = .014) subjects. MDO prior to age two was associated with more frequent and worse dental damage (P = .001). Inferior alveolar nerve and marginal mandibular nerve function were fully intact in 37 (80%) and 39 (85%) of patients, respectively. Three patients (6%), all with associated genetic syndromes, demonstrated severe nerve impairment. By the Vancouver scar scale, ≥ 80% of surgical scars were rated in the most favorable category for each quality assessed. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction was rare. MDO shows highly favorable long-term respiratory, feeding, nerve, and scar outcomes in nonsyndromic patients, although permanent molar changes not precluding tooth viability are commonly seen. Patients with associated syndromes demonstrate respiratory and feeding benefits, but higher rates of dental and nerve abnormalities.

Majority of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center result in non-rheumatic diagnosis

ObjectivePediatric rheumatology faces a looming supply-demand crisis. While strategies have been proposed to address the supply shortfall, investigation into the increased demand for pediatric rheumatic care has been limited. Herein, we analyze new patient visits to a large tertiary care pediatric rheumatology center to identify emerging trends in referrals and areas for potential intervention to meet this increased demand.MethodsAll patients referred to and seen by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Pediatric Rheumatology Division between January 2019 and December 2021 for a new patient evaluation were identified. Patient data was retrospectively abstracted, de-identified, and analyzed to develop trends in referrals and frequency of rheumatic disease, non-rheumatic disease, and specific diagnoses.ResultsDuring the study period, 2638 patients were referred to and seen in by the pediatric rheumatology division. Six hundred and ten patients (23.1%) were diagnosed with rheumatic disease. The most common rheumatic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at 45.6%, followed by primary Raynaud phenomenon (7.4%), recurrent fever syndromes (6.9%), vasculitides (6.7%), and inflammatory eye disease (6.2%). Of the 2028 patients (76.9%) diagnosed with a non-rheumatic condition, benign musculoskeletal pain was the most common (61.8%), followed by a combination of somatic conditions (11.6%), and non-inflammatory rash (7.7%).ConclusionIn this analysis of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center, the majority of patients were diagnosed with a non-rheumatic condition. As a worsening supply-demand gap threatens the field of pediatric rheumatology, increased emphasis should be placed on reducing non-rheumatic disease referrals.

Hematological characteristics and hepatobiliary complications of hereditary spherocytosis in a tertiary care pediatric center: optimizing diagnosis and care through local and international networks.

Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS) is a rare, congenital red blood cell disorder presenting with variable clinical manifestations ranging from mild hemolytic anemia to severe anemia with hypersplenism and hepatobiliary complications. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the diagnostic pathway of HS, the presence and management of hepatobiliary complications in pediatric patients with HS followed in a tertiary care center. The demographic, clinical, hematological information were retrieved from medical records of patients having at least 1 hematology visit between 2010 and 2020. Forty-two patients were enrolled, 23 M. Mean age at onset of symptoms was 2.8 years, at diagnosis was 3.5 years. Anemia was the first manifestation in 73%; suspect of HS arose for all patients in first or second level outpatient clinics. Only 64% of patients performed two confirmation tests in the reference center. 28/42 had familiarity for HS; of the 13/42 who did not, only 47% performed further analysis. Sixteen patients developed gallbladder stones (40%), visible at the first ultrasound (5.6 years). Hemolytic crises and parvovirus infections were more frequent in patients with stones (53.6% vs. 26.1% and 63.6% vs. 28.6%, respectively). 10/16 (62.5%) underwent elective cholecystectomy: 8 had concomitant splenectomy. our study highlights the need to optimize the diagnostic pathway in networks of care involving general and specialized centers in order to reduce time to diagnosis and ensure that all patients receive confirmatory tests. A high frequency of hepatobiliary complications since young age was observed suggesting that screening with ultrasound should begin earlier.

THU132 Pediatric Diabetes Virtual Visit Quality And Outcome Not Associated With Social Determinants Of Health

Abstract Disclosure: L. Bastien: None. C. Zuijdwijk: None. E. Goldbloom: None. R. Webster: None. E. Sucha: None. Word count: 350 Title: Pediatric diabetes virtual visit quality and outcome not associated with social determinants of health Authors: Laurence Bastien, Ellen Goldboom, Ewa Sucha, Richard Webster, IvanTerekov, Caroline Zuijdwijk Objectives: Social determinants of health (SDH) impact diabetes short- and long-term outcomes. In response to COVID-19, virtual care has become a solution to ensure ongoing healthcare access. However, socially disadvantaged groups have less access and skills related to technology, leading to potential increases in health disparities. We aimed to determine the association between SDH and physician-perceived virtual visit quality and outcome in pediatric diabetes patients. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who attended a scheduled virtual diabetes follow-up visit at a pediatric tertiary care centre from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. During this time, a quality improvement study required physicians to rate the quality (same/better or worse than in-person) and outcome (successfully replaced in-person visit or not) of each virtual visit. These data, along with patient characteristics, were extracted from the electronic health record. Institut national de santé public du Québec Material and Social Deprivation Index and the Ontario Marginalization Index (Ethnic Concentration) were used to determine SDH based on postal code. Statistical analysis tested for an association between deprivation index quintiles and virtual visit quality and outcome. Results: Data were obtained for 447 patients with mean age 12.7±3.8 years; 47.7% female; 93.1% type 1 diabetes; and mean glucose management indicator 7.96±1.41%. During the study period, 17.9% visits were evaluated as worse than in person, 13.1% visits were unsuccessful in replacing an in-person visit, and 20.7% were rated worse or unsuccessful. The odds of having a worse or unsuccessful visit were not different in those with the highest vs. lowest degree of material deprivation (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53, 4.76), social deprivation (OR 1.36, 95%CI 0.48, 3.83), or ethnic concentration (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.30, 1.77). Conclusion: In our pediatric diabetes population, virtual visit quality and outcome were not associated with material or social deprivation. These results show promising success in equitable access and delivery of high quality virtual diabetes care for patients regardless of socioeconomic status, which is important in the context of the current pandemic and sustainable widespread integration of virtual care. Further studies are required to assess this association in other populations. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Pediatric RSV-Associated Hospitalizations Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations. To describe the epidemiology and burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations among children and adolescents in Canadian tertiary pediatric hospitals from 2017 to 2022, including changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted during 5 RSV seasons (2017-2018 to 2021-2022) at 13 pediatric tertiary care centers from the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) program. Hospitalized children and adolescents aged 0 to 16 years with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection were included. The proportion of all-cause admissions associated with RSV and counts and proportions of RSV hospitalizations with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, prolonged stay (≥7 days), and in-hospital mortality were calculated overall and by season, age group, and region. Seasonality was described using epidemic curves. RSV hospitalizations for 2021-2022 were compared with those in the prepandemic period of 2017-2018 through 2019-2020. Bonferroni corrections were applied to P values to adjust for multiple statistical comparisons. Among 11 014 RSV-associated hospitalizations in children and adolescents (6035 hospitalizations among male patients [54.8%]; 5488 hospitalizations among patients aged <6 months [49.8%]), 2594 hospitalizations (23.6%) had admission to the ICU, of which 1576 hospitalizations (60.8%) were among children aged less than 6 months. The median (IQR) hospital stay was 4 (2-6) days. The mean (SD) number of RSV-associated hospitalizations during prepandemic seasons was 2522 (88.8) hospitalizations. There were 58 hospitalizations reported in 2020-2021, followed by 3170 hospitalizations in 2021-2022. The proportion of all-cause hospitalizations associated with RSV increased from a mean of 3.2% (95% CI, 3.1%-3.3%) before the pandemic to 4.5% (95% CI, 4.3%-4.6%) in 2021-2022 (difference, 1.3 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5 percentage points; corrected P < .001). A significant increase in RSV-associated hospitalizations was found in 2021-2022 for 3 provinces (difference range, 2.5 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.4-3.6 percentage points for Quebec to 2.9 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5 percentage points for Alberta; all corrected P < .001). Age, sex, ICU admission, prolonged length of stay, and case fatality rate did not change in 2021-2022 compared with the prepandemic period. Interregional differences in RSV seasonality were accentuated in 2021-2022, with peaks for 1 province in October, 4 provinces in December, and 3 provinces in April, or May. This study found that the burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations in Canadian pediatric hospitals was substantial, particularly among infants aged less than 6 months, and RSV hospitalizations increased in 2021-2022 compared with the prepandemic period, while severity of illness remained similar. These findings suggest that RSV preventive strategies for infants aged less than 6 months would be associated with decreased RSV disease burden in children.

PB0279 Intermediate- and High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism in Pediatric Tertiary Care Centers in the Netherlands. Is there a need for a Pediatric PERT?

PB0279 Intermediate- and High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism in Pediatric Tertiary Care Centers in the Netherlands. Is there a need for a Pediatric PERT?

Histomorphological Spectrum of Juvenile Salivary Gland Swelling: A Retrospective Case Series Study

Abstract Background: Salivary gland neoplasms are a rare group of disorders with diverse morphologies and are even rarer in pediatric population. Aims and Objectives: This aimed to explore our experience with the histomorphological spectrum of salivary gland tumors in a tertiary care pediatric referral center so that it can add to the cumulative knowledge to these tumors. Materials and Methods: The histopathology records from the department of pathology from January 2012 to December 2020 were reviewed in retrospect. Perisalivary gland region lesions were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 50 cases were included in the study. The most common location for salivary gland masses was parotid region (70%). Nonneoplastic lesions were seen in 3 (6%) patients and neoplastic lesions were seen in 47 (94%) patients. The most found benign lesion of salivary gland tissue origin was pleomorphic adenoma and 10 out of 15 cases (66.7%) of malignant tumors were found to be mucoepidermoid carcinoma on histology. Conclusion: Salivary gland tumors, rare in childhood and adolescence, differ in their incidence and prognosis from those in adult patients. The percentage of malignant salivary gland tumors compared with benign is much more frequent than in adults. The parotid is the most common site, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor.

42 Enacting Meaningful Change in the Face of Adversity – Use of a Sentinel Event to Pilot the Creation of a Rapid Response System in a Tertiary Paediatric Care Centre

Abstract Introduction/Background Although rare, in-hospital paediatric mortality occurs at a rate of 12.66 per 1000 admissions. Delayed recognition of clinical deterioration is a modifiable factor in such adverse events. In paediatric patients, subtle changes in vital signs often precede acute deterioration and provide an opportunity for early intervention and prevention of further deterioration. Based on this rationale, rapid response systems (RRS), which include a critical care response team (CCRT) and a Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS), have been established to facilitate the detection of clinical deterioration and mobilize resources for timely treatment. There is evidence that RRS can significantly decrease inpatient clinical deterioration events and PICU utilization. Objectives At our institution, serious patient safety events identified system failures in recognition, communication, and escalation of care in response to clinical deterioration. The root cause analysis led to a quality improvement and patient safety initiative to implement an RRS at our tertiary paediatric care centre. Design/Methods Process implementation of this pilot project required consultations with key stakeholders and designation of unit champions to mobilize resources and promote buy-in. Based on other successful implementation strategies, we adopted the Modified Brighton PEWS, defined a response algorithm, created bedside tools, constructed an interdisciplinary CCRT, and organized simulation activities to implement the new process. We used the Plan-Do-Study-Act method to carry out change based on weekly feedback from frontline workers. To assess the feasibility and acceptability of this initiative, all CCRT activations during the pilot phase were reviewed and a survey was distributed pre- and post-implementation. The number of code blues and mortality data will also be measured. Results The pilot period spanned June to September 2022 on our medical inpatient unit. Average response time to CCRT activation was 12 minutes (IQR 7-13.5), a median of three therapeutic interventions were required per activation, and 33% of activations resulted in PICU admissions. Among the 27 post–implementation survey respondents, 87% identified CCRT as a useful addition to optimize care and address patient safety concerns. Qualitatively, it has created a shared safety culture and empowered junior members of healthcare teams to escalate care. Conclusion This quality improvement initiative pilot study has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of RRS implementation with a positive impact on patient safety culture and earlier detection and intervention for deteriorating patients. Further prospective comparative clinical benefits and cost-benefit analyses are needed to support hospital-wide implementation.

26 How Are We Addressing Health Equity in the Paediatric Tertiary Care Setting? An Environmental Scan of Approaches across Canada

Abstract Background Increasingly, paediatricians are asserting the urgent need for effective practices and policies to address child health inequities. Yet there is a paucity of data on the current approaches implemented in Canadian paediatric tertiary care centres. According to the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI), health equity is paramount for a just society that moves toward better well-being for all. The IHI framework lists five priorities to guide health equity initiatives: make health equity a strategic priority; develop structures and processes to support health equity work; deploy specific strategies to address the multiple determinants of health on which health care organizations can have a direct impact; decrease institutional racism within the organization; and develop partnerships with community organizations. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: 1) Map out current initiatives addressing health equity, and 2) Explore the facilitators and barriers to achieving health equity, in the tertiary paediatric health care setting in Canada. Design/Methods We conducted an environmental scan using in-depth, semi-structured interviews as well as a review of the grey and published literature. We interviewed at least one paediatric resident and one staff (including paediatricians, allied health professionals, and administrators involved in health equity) at all 17 paediatric tertiary care centres in Canada. The interview guide was structured using the IHI framework, to characterize initiatives, as well as facilitators and barriers, to address health equity. We performed a thematic analysis using NVivo. Codes were generated using an inductive and deductive approach, from which themes were identified, refined, and finalized. Results We conducted 41 interviews from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022. Recent events, including Black Lives Matter and the COVID pandemic, fuelled health equity initiatives at the hospital- and university-levels. Most institutions were in a reactionary state, with few having formal strategic approaches to address inequities. The initiatives served a variety of priority populations: Indigenous, Black, migrants, rural communities, and children with disabilities, with the focus differing based on geography and the unique challenges faced by each institution. To achieve equity throughout an organization, equity at the staffing level was identified as being a necessity. The barriers to implementing health equity initiatives included lack of accountability, lack of leadership support, limited resources, and lack of institutional awareness. The facilitators included leadership support, health equity champions, and increasing awareness and resources. Conclusion A myriad of health equity initiatives are taking place in Canadian paediatric tertiary care centres, which are evolving.

85 Incidence of Intravenous Immunoglobulins-related Adverse Events in Children

Abstract Background Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapy is increasingly used in the treatment of various paediatric diseases. Data about frequency and underlying mechanisms of IVIG-related adverse events (IVIG-AEs) in children are limited. Objectives Objectives of this study were to document the incidence of IVIG-AEs in paediatric hospitalized patients and identify risk factors for IVIG-AEs. Design/Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients aged &amp;lt; 18 years old who received IVIG therapy, for any indication, as inpatients at a Canadian paediatric tertiary care centre between 2016-2020. Patients and IVIG-perfusion characteristics were collected, as well as any AEs occurring during the perfusion or up to 10 days after. AEs were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the associations between patients’ characteristics and the incidence of IVIG-AEs. Results We included 228 children in this study (mean age: 4 years), receiving 478 IVIG infusions. Indications for IVIG infusions included inflammatory (120/228, 52.6%), replacement (27/228, 11.8%) and auto-immune (81/228, 35.5%) disorders. A total of 211 IVIG-AEs were reported in 89/228 (39%) of patients, and 125/478 (26.2%) of infusions. Fever (65/478, 13.6%) was the most frequent AE, followed by headache (32/478, 6.7%) and tachycardia (31/478, 6.5%). Most IVIG-AEs were of mild (121/211, 57%) or moderate (66/211, 31%) severity, but 12% (24/211) were severe reactions (serious AEs or grade 3-4), and no fatal reactions (grade 5) were encountered. The highest proportion of IVIG-AEs occurred when administered for inflammatory conditions. Older age, dehydration, first infusion, higher IVIG dosage and concurrent allergies were significantly associated with IVIG-AEs, while treatment with a steroid was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AEs. Conclusion IVIG-AEs are frequent in children. While most of them are self-limited, more serious complications may occur. Adequate hydration, low concentrations of IVIG products and the administration of glucocorticoid prior to the infusion could minimize these AEs. Further research is necessary to prevent IVIG-AEs in high-risk children.

29 Assessing Paediatric Trainees’ Confidence in Providing Culturally Responsive Care to Patients

Abstract Background Extensive data consistently demonstrate inequities in access and delivery of healthcare for patients from historically marginalized populations, resulting in poorer health outcomes. To address systemic oppression in healthcare, it is necessary to embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within medical education. Currently, limited data exist regarding paediatric trainees’ interest in EDI curricula and confidence in applying this knowledge to provide culturally responsive care. Objectives To assess paediatric trainees’ confidence in applying EDI knowledge to provide culturally responsive care to children and youth from historically marginalized communities. Design/Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to paediatric trainees at a Canadian paediatric tertiary care centre during the 2021/22 academic year. Closed-ended questions used a Likert scale to assess respondents’ confidence and interest in providing culturally responsive care to patients. Open-ended questions explored trainees’ perceptions of effective EDI learning modalities. Quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics. Descriptive content analysis was used to highlight themes within qualitative data. Results 116 paediatric trainees completed the survey, of which 72/116 (62%) were subspecialty residents/fellows and 44/116 (38%) were core residents. Nearly all respondents indicated importance (mean 97%) and interest (mean 95%) in learning about providing culturally responsive care to patients from historically marginalized communities. However, many trainees lacked confidence in their knowledge of providing culturally responsive care (mean 51%) and applying their knowledge in clinical practice (mean 53%). Respondents identified direct clinical exposure through rotations, immersive experiences, and continuity clinics as effective EDI teaching modalities. Identified barriers included time constraints in the clinical environment, burnout, and lack of exposure to diverse patient populations. Conclusion Most paediatric trainees want to provide culturally responsive care to patients from historically marginalized communities, but do not feel confident in their knowledge to do so. These study findings will be utilized to develop and implement an enhanced EDI education curriculum for both core trainees, as well as subspecialty residents and fellows, across the Department of Paediatrics.

76 Injury-related Paediatric Emergency Department Visits during the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in injury-related paediatric emergency department (ED) visits. However, the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 on paediatric injury beyond the first 6 months of the pandemic is not well established. Objectives To quantify the impact of COVID-19 and associated public health measures on injury-related paediatric ED visits during the first two years of the pandemic and determine whether children of all ages were similarly affected. Design/Methods We conducted a longitudinal observational study of injury-related ED visits at a large paediatric tertiary care centre before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used negative binomial regression to assess the impact of the first two years of the pandemic (Year 1: March 2020-February 2021; Year 2: March 2021-February 2022) on the monthly incidence of injury-related ED visits and risk of hospitalization from injury. Secular time-trends and seasonality were accounted for by modelling the pre-pandemic trend using a 4-year historical control (April 2016-February 2020). In a secondary stratified analysis, changes in monthly incidence of injury-related ED visits were assessed by age group (0-4, 5-11, and 12-17 years). Results Of 458,799 ED visits during the 6-year study period, 21,644 (4.7%) were associated with injuries. The distribution of age categories, acuity of presentation, and frequency of hospitalization were similar between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (see Table below). Injury-related paediatric ED visits reached a low (−49%) in March 2020 (IRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43-0.60), and a peak (+50%) in January 2021 (IRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.33-1.68) relative to historical controls (see Figure). All three confinement periods were associated with an initial reduction in injury-related ED visits and followed by a rapid increase in visits. Fluctuations in injury-related ED visits were found to differ between age groups. While there was evidence of no change among preschoolers 0-4 years old, there was a 52% reduction in visits at the onset of the pandemic in children ages 5-11 (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35-0.65) and an 87% reduction in children ages 12-17 (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.06-0.23) followed by a surplus of cases among the 5- to 11-year-olds in January 2021 (+53%; RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.25-1.85) and March 2021 (+48%, RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.21-1.80). Conclusion The consequences of COVID-19 on paediatric injury extend far beyond the first few months of the pandemic. Understanding changes in the incidence of paediatric injury around confinement periods may assist in the development of injury prevention strategies.

87 Infant Malrotation with Midgut Volvulus Presenting in the Paediatric Emergency Department or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Review for a Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract Background In neonates, bilious vomiting is considered malrotation with midgut volvulus (MV) until proven otherwise, given its associated high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is time-critical, requiring prompt identification to avoid complications. Many of these patients are described as clinically well at time of presentation, possibly delaying definitive management. Objectives This study was a retrospective quality initiative aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation of infants and children with MV in a single paediatric tertiary care centre emergency department (ED) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study also aimed to identify delays in the management pathway. Design/Methods Patients with a final diagnosis of MV presenting to the ED/NICU were identified between January 2015 and May 2022. Patient demographics, signs and symptoms at presentation, initial laboratory studies, imaging, and surgical findings were recorded. The following time points were recorded: (1) first medical evaluation, (2) radiologic investigations (abdominal X-ray [AXR], ultrasound [US], upper gastrointestinal radiography [UGI]), (3) consultation with surgical team, and (4) time to surgery. Results During the study period, 29 paediatric patients presented a diagnosis of MV (ED: 21, NICU: 8). The median age at presentation was 7 days (3-13.5), with 27/29 (93%) being less than 3 months. From them, 21 patients (72%) were male. Bilious green (17/26) and/or yellow (13/26) vomiting was the most frequent presentation in 26/26 (100%), the three other patients had missing data. Five patients (17%) had a pH &amp;lt; 7.30 (with base deficit &amp;lt; -5) and seven (24%) patients had a glucose value &amp;gt; 7 mmol/L. Abdominal radiograph was performed in 17/29 (59%) patients. All (100%) had ultrasound (US) which was diagnostic in 24/29 (83%) cases. Six upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) were performed, being diagnostic in all cases (100%). The Ladd’s procedure was the standard treatment for every patient (100%). Median time between arrival and US was 151 minutes (71 – 243), UGI was 347 min (246 – 800) and surgery was 299 minutes (204-371). In the NICU specifically, six cases were referrals, with the median time between the first documented bilious vomit and the call from the referral centre being 660 minutes (335-1104). Of the 29 cases, 27 (93%) survived and from them, one suffered a short bowel complication. Conclusion Bilious (green/yellow) vomiting is a reliable clinical sign of MV in infants, being always aware that yellow may be bile. Ultrasound is a rapid test with more than 80% diagnostic accuracy. Delay for definitive surgery was considered slightly high. This quality initiative will help develop a clinical practice guideline and algorithm to reduce delays for infants presenting with MV.

Efficacy and predictors of success on laryngomalacia surgery: experience from a tertiary pediatric care center in Brazil

ObjectivesLaryngomalacia is the most common congenital cause of stridor; the natural history of the disease runs through to complete resolution by the age of two. Severe cases are characterized by cyanosis, hypoxia, apnea, furcular and/or subcostal retractions, aspirations, pulmonary hypertension, and failure to thrive and must undergo surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the success rates of supraglottoplasty in our hospital and evaluate the predictive factors for surgical success. MethodsCohort study, prospectively planned. 75 patients undergoing endoscopic surgery from July 2007 to July 2016 were analyzed at the Santo Antônio Children’s Hospital. The primary outcome was percentage of surgical success, defined as the absence of respiratory symptoms or presence of a mild stridor without retractions on the first post-operative month (late success). The secondary outcomes were the early surgical success (absence of respiratory symptoms or presence of a mild stridor without retractions on the first post-operative day). Results39 (58.2%) were male, with an average of 4.9 months. Surgical success on the first day was 80.6% (n=54). At the end of the 1st month, surgical success was 88.6%, considering only those who completed assessment. Twenty-one (34%) presented comorbidities. Presence of comorbidities, pharyngomalacia and GERD were associated with a worse result on the 1st postoperative day, whereas, at the end of the first month, presence of comorbidities, concomitant injuries (tracheo and bronchomalacia) and pharyngomalacia were the predictive variables of surgery failure. ConclusionSupraglottoplasty has high rates of efficacy and low morbidity. The presence of comorbidities and pharyngomalacia has shown association with a worse early and late surgical outcome. Synchronous airway lesions predict a worse surgical result at the end of the first month. GERD was associated with obstructive symptomatology only in the 1st post-operative day. Level of evidenceLevel 3 of evidence, according to the “The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence” from Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Variations in the Management of Closed Salter-Harris II Distal Tibia Fractures.

There are no formal practice guidelines for the surgical management of closed, Salter-Harris (SH) II distal tibia fractures. The purpose of this study was to survey the indications for operative and nonoperative management of this injury across pediatric tertiary care centers. We surveyed pediatric orthopedic surgeons at 20 tertiary care level-1 pediatric trauma centers. Surgeons were provided with 16 clinical scenarios that varied based on patient age and sex, and highlighted the following surgical indications: translation <3mm, translation ≥3mm, sagittal plane angulation >5 degrees, and coronal plane angulation >5 degrees. Each case's scenario and radiographs after closed reduction were presented in a randomized manner. Consensus was defined as 80% agreement, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. In total, 33 of 37 surgeons completed the survey (89% response rate). All surgeons took trauma call at a level-1 pediatric trauma center and had an average of 8.8 years (SD: 6.5y) of experience. Consensus was reached in 4 of 16 scenarios. Specifically, nonoperative management was recommended for all scenarios showing <3mm of translation after closed reduction. The majority of surgeons recommended operative management in scenarios showing coronal plane angulation after closed reduction, but none of these scenarios reached consensus. There was a near-equal split in operative and nonoperative management in 8 of 16 scenarios. These scenarios showed ≥3mm translation after closed reduction and sagittal plane angulation after closed reduction. Surgeons with 6 to 10 years in practice were the most likely to recommend surgery, especially in the case of >5 degrees coronal plane angulation postreduction ( P <0.05). There is considerable variation regarding the indications for operative and nonoperative management of closed, SHII distal tibia fractures. Consensus was reached for nonoperative management in patients with <3mm of translation after closed reduction; however, with greater deformity consensus regarding optimal treatment was unable to be achieved. The variation in the management of distal tibia SHII fractures is significant, suggesting that perhaps clinical equipoise exists between operative and nonoperative management. V.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Concerns in Adults With Cloacal Anomalies: A Qualitative Study

Study objectiveLong-term gynecologic data are lacking to inform the care of patients with cloacal malformations. We seek to examine perceived sexual and reproductive health challenges of patients born with cloacal anomalies and characterize the experiences of patients as adults. Design and settingVirtual semi-structured focus groups and single-participant interviews were conducted using an online video platform. Retrospective chart review was performed to abstract available demographics and surgical history. ParticipantsAdult patients were contacted from a database of 143 patients born with cloaca who had been seen at or referred to a tertiary care pediatric colorectal center. Participants were recruited until data collection reached thematic saturation. Twenty patients aged 18–53 years participated in 5 focus groups and 3 single-participant interviews. The hospital IRB determined the research activities to be exempt from IRB review and oversight. Interventions and main outcome measuresInterviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes regarding sexual and reproductive health and compared with medical and surgical history abstracted from chart review. ResultsParticipants reported many perceived barriers to intercourse and intimacy including bowel and bladder continence management. All participants reported discussion of pregnancy and fertility with healthcare providers as important. Other common themes included concerns about independence and transitioning from pediatric to adult providers. ConclusionAnorectal malformations are associated with sexual and reproductive health concerns. Patients seek guidance on family building, intimacy, and transition to adult care. Future quantitative study of these topics is needed to develop best practices for counseling and clinical management of these patients. Level of evidenceLevel VI. Type of studyPrognosis Study.

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Ultrasound Guided Peripheral IV Insertion (USGPIV) Training Program in a Pediatric Emergency Department

IntroductionTimely and reliable peripheral intravenous cannulation is an imperative skill in a pediatric emergency department. Utilization of point-of-care ultrasound guidance has proven to significantly improve first-attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation insertion rates in pediatric patients. We sought to develop, implement, and evaluate an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous training program for emergency nurses in a tertiary care pediatric center. MethodsTwelve emergency nurses underwent a training program that consisted of an interactive asynchronous learning module followed by 8 hours of training by a vascular access clinical instructor. Data was collected on each ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous insertion via survey methodology. ResultsComplete data for a total of 210 ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous were recorded over the 9-month period. A total of 65.2% (137/210) of patients who received an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous had known difficult intravenous access on history. A total of 89.5% (188/210) of patients had a difficult intravenous access of ≥4. The mean difficult intravenous access score for the patients in which ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous insertions were attempted was 4.78 (95% confidence interval, 4.55-5.01). A total of 193 of 210 (91.9%) of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous were attained successfully. On the first attempt, 86.5% (167/193) ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous were attained, and 98.96% (191/193) were attained within the first 2 attempts. ConclusionWe found that implementing a comprehensive ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous training program for emergency nurses in a pediatric tertiary care center led to a high first-pass success rate in attaining peripheral intravenous cannulations. It also facilitates vascular access in patients with known difficult intravenous access. Consideration should be made to implementing point-of-care ultrasound intravenous training programs to improve pediatric vascular access in the emergency department, particularly in patients with known difficult intravenous access.

Trends in Natural Decannulation in Patients with Robin Sequence: A Twenty-five Year Retrospective Review.

Robin sequence (RS) consists of micrognathia and glossoptosis that result in upper airway obstruction (UAO). In RS patients who undergo tracheostomy, long-term goals include natural decannulation (ND) without further surgical airway intervention. The objective of this study was to identify long-term trends in the rate and length of time to ND. Retrospective chart review on 144 patients with RS treated from 1995 to 2020 at a pediatric tertiary care center. Patients were grouped by year of tracheostomy. Demographic data, UAO management, postoperative care, complications, and time to decannulation were recorded. Thirty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Tracheostomy was performed at a median age of 45.5 days. 19 (53%) patients experienced ND at a median time of 66.1 months. ND rate was higher in non-syndromic patients (93% non-syndromic vs 27% syndromic; P < .0001) and during the first study period (1995-2006: 78%, 2007-2020: 28%; P = .003). Cox proportional-hazard regression demonstrated that white race [aHR 0.15 (0.03-0.8); P = .023] and higher birthweight [aHR 0.9 (0.8-0.98); P = .018] were associated with a higher likelihood of ND while a syndromic diagnosis had a negative association with ND [aHR 12.5 (3.3-50.0); P < .001]. Our study documented that ND in patients with RS who underwent tracheostomy was significantly associated with ethnicity, birthweight, and syndromic status. The negative impact on successful ND was most observed in patients with syndromic associations. Additionally, ND rates are lower in the 2007 to 2020 subgroup. We suspect this is because alternative management techniques such as tongue lip adhesion and mandibular distraction osteogenesis became primary surgical treatment in severe RS upper airway obstruction at our institution starting in 2007.