Pediatric Burns - Who Requires Follow-up? A Study of Urban Pediatric Emergency Department Patients.

Introduction: Hundreds of children suffer burn injuries each day, yet care guidelines regarding the need for acute inpatient treatment vs outpatient follow-up vs no required follow-up remain nebulous. This gap in the literature is particularly salient for the emergency clinician, who must be able to rapidly determine appropriate disposition. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients presenting to a Level II pediatric trauma center, January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019, and discharged with an International Classification of Diseases, Rev 10, burn diagnosis. We obtained and analyzed demographics, burn characteristics, and follow-up data using univariate and bivariate analysis as well as logistic regression modeling. Patients were stratified into three outcome groups: group 1-patients who underwent emergent evaluation at a burn center or were admitted at their first follow-up appointment; group 2-patients who followed up at a burn center (as an outpatient) or at the emergency department (and were discharged home); and group 3-patients with no known follow-up. Results: A total of 572 patients were included in this study; 58.9% of patients were 1-5 years of age. Sixty-five patients met group 1 criteria, 189 patients met group 2 criteria, and 318 patients met group 3 criteria. Sixty-five percent of patients met at least one American Burn Association criteria, and 79% of all burns were second-degree burns. Flame and scald burns were associated with increased odds (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, OR 1.12) of group 1 vs group 2 + group 3 (P = 0.02, P < 0.001). Second/third-degree burns and concern for non-accidental trauma were also associated with increased odds of group 1 vs 2 or 3 (OR = 1.11, 1.35, P ≤ 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Scald burns were associated with increased odds of group 2 compared to group 3 (OR 1.11, P = 0.04). Second/third degree burns were also associated with increased odds of group 2 vs 3 (OR 1.19, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: There were few statistically significant variables strongly associated with group 1 (emergent treatment/admission) vs group 2 (follow-up/outpatient treatment) vs group 3 (no follow- up). However, one notable finding in this study was the association of scald burns with treatment (admission or follow-up) suggesting that the presence of a scald burn in a child may signify to clinicians that a burn center consult is warranted.

Variability in Standardized Mortality Rates Among Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Comparative Analysis of Trauma Centers.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients and care is highly variable. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) summarizes the mortality rate of a specific center relative to the expected rates across all centers, adjusted for case-mix. This study aimed to evaluate variations in SMRs among pediatric trauma centers for TBI. METHODS: Patients aged 1-18 diagnosed with TBI within the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2017 to 2019 were included. Center-specific SMRs and 95% confidence intervals identified centers with mortality rates significantly better or worse than the median SMR for all centers. RESULTS: 316 centers with 10,598 patients were included. SMRs were risk-adjusted for patient risk factors. Unadjusted mortality ranged from 16.5 to 29.5%. Three centers (1.5%) had significantly better SMR (SMR <1) and three centers (1.5%) had significantly worse SMR (SMR >1). Significantly better centers had a lower proportion of neurosurgical intervention (2.4% vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001), a higher proportion of supplemental oxygen administration (93.7% vs. 83.5%, p = 0.004) and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (53.2% vs. 40.6%, p < 0.001) compared to significantly worse centers. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified centers that have significantly higher and lower mortality rates for pediatric TBI patients relative to the overall median rate. These data provide a benchmark for pediatric TBI outcomes and institutional quality improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study.

East Meets West: Effect of Acupuncture on Lactation and Maternal Quality of Life.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of acupuncture as part of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment plan on lactation and maternal well-being in pump-dependent mothers of hospitalized neonates during the first 30 days after delivery. Study Design: This single-center study was conducted in a level IV regional neonatal intensive care unit with access to integrative health services. Sixty-six mothers were prospectively enrolled in two nonparallel groups: (1) Standard lactation support and (2) standard lactation support augmented with acupuncture. Daily pump volumes were documented. Participants completed a quality-of-life (QOL) survey at baseline and neonatal day of life 30. A linear model was constructed, adjusting for increased milk production over time. Results: Acupuncture was associated with increased milk production at all time points: Day 10 (p = 0.0002), day 14 (p < 0.0001), day 21 (p < 0.0001), and day 30 (p < 0.0001). Acupuncture was associated with an increase in three of five QOL components: psychological/child's health (p = 0.0006), family/friend relationship (p = 0.0006), and health/functioning (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Mothers receiving acupuncture reported enhanced milk supply and improved QOL. The limited sample size restricts the broad applicability of the results; nonetheless, this study paves the way for further research on the advantages of merging Eastern and Western treatments to enhance human lactation.

Evaluation of Quantitative Pupillometry in Acute Postinjury Pediatric Concussion.

BACKGROUND: Although millions of children sustain concussions each year, a rapid and objective test for concussion has remained elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate quantitative pupillometry in pediatric patients in the acute, postinjury setting. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study of concussed patients presenting to the emergency department within 72 hours of injury. Pupillary measurements were gathered using NeurOptics' PLR 3000; evaluation included a symptom checklist and neurocognitive assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. RESULTS: A total of 126 participants were enrolled. One significant difference in pupillometry between concussed and control participants was found: left minimum pupil diameter in 12- to 18 year-olds (P = 0.02). Models demonstrating odds of a concussion revealed significant associations for time to 75% recovery (T75) of the left pupil in five- to 11-year-olds and average dilation velocity of the left pupil in 12- to 18-year-olds (P = 0.03 and 0.02 respectively). Models predicting symptom improvement showed one significant association: percent change of the right pupil in five-to-11-year-olds (P = 0.02). Models predicting neurocognitive improvement in 12- to 18-year-olds demonstrated significant association in T75 in the left pupil for visual memory, visual motor processing speed, and reaction time (P = 0.002, P = 0.04, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The limited statistically significant associations found in this study suggest that pupillometry may not be useful in pediatrics in the acute postinjury setting for either the diagnosis of concussion or to stratify risk for prolonged recovery.

Racial Disparity among Youth Decedents of Legal Intervention Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Legal intervention trauma (LIT) is defined as injury due to any encounter with law enforcement. This study investigates associations between demographics, violent status, and law enforcement tactics among youth decedents of LIT. STUDY DESIGN: Decedents of LIT age 26 years or younger were identified using the CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System from 2003 to 2018. Decedents were classified as "violent" if they possessed a weapon, were committing a violent crime, or if law enforcement reported justified use of force. All others were classified as "nonviolent." Law enforcement tactics were stratified into "lethal" (firearm with standard ammunition) or "less lethal" (any other) force. Differences in the racial distribution across these classifications were assessed using chi-square tests of proportions. RESULTS: We identified 1,281 youth decedents of LIT; of which, 92.5% met violent criteria. Black youths were less likely than White youths to possess a weapon (71.6% vs 77.4%, p = 0.02) and were not more likely to be committing a violent crime (63.6% vs 60.4%, p = 0.27). They were, however, more likely than White youths to experience force reported as justified by law enforcement (89.9% vs 82.4%, p = 0.002) and to experience exclusively lethal force not preceded by less-lethal tactics (94.0% vs 88.7%, p = 0.001). Among the subset of 85 cases where law enforcement reported justified use of force despite the decedent not possessing a weapon or committing a violent crime, the precipitating event was more often a traffic stop for Black youths than for White youths (28.5% vs 6.66%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a racial disparity among youth decedents of LIT.

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are an increasingly common pediatric public health problem.

Purpose: Electric bicycles (e-bikes) achieve higher speeds than pedal bicycles, but few studies have investigated the impact on injury rates specific to the pediatric population. Utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), we compared rates of pediatric injury for e-bikes, bicycles, and gas-engine bicycles (mopeds) from 2011 to 2020. Methods: Descriptive and bivariate inferential analyses were performed upon NEISS estimates of e-bike, bicycle, and moped injuries in children aged 2-18 years. Analyses were stratified by patient age and helmet usage. The Mann-Kendall test of trends was used. Results: We identified 3945 e-bike, 23,389 moped, and 2.05 million bicycle injuries. Over time, the incidence of injury increased for e-bikes (Kendall's τ=0.73, p = 0.004), decreased for pedal bicycles (Kendall's τ= - 0.91, p = 0.0003), and did not change for mopeds (Kendall's τ = 0.06, p = 0.85). Males accounted for 82.5 % of e-bike injuries. The age group most commonly affected by e-bike injury (44.3 %) was 10-13 years old. The proportion of injuries requiring hospitalization was significantly higher for e-bikes (11.5 %), compared to moped and bicycle (7.0 and 4.8 %, respectively, p < 0.0001). In cases where helmet use or absence was reported, 97.3 % of e-bike riders were without a helmet at the time of injury, compared to 82.1 % of pedal bicycle riders and 87.2 % of moped riders. Conclusions: The rate of pediatric e-bike injuries increased over the study period. Compared to riders on pedal bicycles or mopeds, children on e-bikes had infrequent helmet use and increased rate of hospitalization. These findings suggest that attention to e-bike safety and increasing helmet usage are important to public health among the pediatric population. Level of evidence: IV.

A Novel VACTERL Assessment Tool to Facilitate Counseling for Expectant Families.

INTRODUCTION: VACTERL is defined as 3 or more of the following congenital defects: vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal (TE), renal, and limb. The purpose of this study was to create an easy-to-use assessment tool to help providers counsel expecting families regarding the likelihood of additional anomalies and postnatal outcomes. METHODS: Employing the Kids' Inpatient Database from 2003-2016, neonates (<29 days old) with VACTERL were identified using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. For each unique combination of VACTERL, multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate inpatient mortality, and Poisson regression was used to estimate length-of-stay during the initial hospitalization. RESULTS: The assessment tool used in this study is available at https://choc-trauma.shinyapps.io/VACTERL. 1,886 of 11,813,782 (0.016%) neonates presented with VACTERL. 32% weighed <1,750 g, and 239 (12.7%) died prior to discharge. Associated with mortality were limb anomaly (1.8 [1.01-3.22], p < 0.05), prematurity (1.99 [1.14-3.47], p < 0.02), and weight <1,750 g (2.19 [1.25-3.82], p < 0.01). Median length-of-stay was 14 days (IQR: 7-32). Associated with increased length-of-stay were cardiac defect (1.47 [1.37-1.56], p < 0.001), vertebral anomaly (1.1 [1.05-1.14], p < 0.001), TE fistula (1.73 [1.66-1.81], p < 0.001), anorectal malformation (1.12 [1.07-1.16], p < 0.001), and weight <1,750 g (1.65 [1.57-1.73], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This novel assessment tool may help providers counsel families confronting a VACTERL diagnosis.

Child physical abuse screening in a pediatric ED; Does TRAIN(ing) Help?

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is distressingly prevalent yet remains under-recognized by healthcare providers. In 2015 the Ohio Children's Hospital Association developed the Timely Recognition of Abusive INjuries (TRAIN) collaborative in an effort to promote child physical abuse (CPA) screening. Our institution implemented the TRAIN initiative in 2019. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the TRAIN initiative at this institution. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review we recorded the incidence of sentinel injuries (SIS) in children presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of an independent level 2 pediatric trauma center. SIS were defined and identified by a diagnosis of ecchymosis, contusion, fracture, head injury, intracranial hemorrhage, abdominal trauma, open wound, laceration, abrasion, oropharyngeal injury, genital injury, intoxication, or burn in a child < 6.01 months of age. Patients were stratified into pre-TRAIN (PRE), 1/2017-9/2018, or post-TRAIN (POST), 10/2019-7/2020, periods. Repeat injury was defined as a subsequent visit for any of the previously mentioned diagnoses within 12 months of the initial visit. Demographics/visit characteristics were analyzed using Chi square analysis, Fischer's exact test, and student's paired t-test. RESULTS: In the PRE period, 12,812 ED visits were made by children < 6.01 months old; 2.8% of these visits were made by patients with SIS. In the POST period there were 5,372 ED visits, 2.6% involved SIS (p = .4). The rate of skeletal surveys performed on patients with SIS increased from 17.1% in the PRE period to 27.2% in the POST period (p = .01). The positivity rate of skeletal surveys in the PRE versus POST period was 18.9% and 26.3% respectively (p = .45). Repeat injury rates did not differ significantly in patients with SIS pre- versus post-TRAIN (p = .44). CONCLUSION: Implementation of TRAIN at this institution appears to be associated with increased skeletal survey rates.

Effects of Classical Music Virtual Reality on Pediatric Healthcare Worker Compassion Fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of classical music virtual reality (VR) on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, and capacity for developing caring relationships with patients among healthcare workers (HCWs). BACKGROUND: COVID-19 accentuated the importance of promoting the well-being of frontline workers. Efforts to address the mental health needs of HCWs are likely to positively impact patient outcomes. METHODS: Healthcare workers completed 3 sessions of VR. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare premeasure versus postmeasure on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL), State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Caring Ability Inventory. Analysis of variance was performed to identify associations between the intervention and differences in scores for each ProQOL domain. Bonferroni correction adjusted for multiple comparisons. Fisher's t test was used for categorical analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-one HCWs completed the study. There was a significant reduction in burnout after the experience, compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that classical music VR may reduce burnout in HCWs.

Distribution of injury in inflatable jumping amusements in the U.S. over the last 20 years.

PURPOSE: To describe the distribution of injuries attributed to inflatable bounce house devices in children 2-18 years old in the United States from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was used to identify patients <18 years of age with injuries from activities classified as amusements (NEISS Code 1293 and 3219) during the period from 2000 to 2019. RESULTS: A weighted estimate of 159,569 injuries was obtained using NEISS statistical weights. Injury estimates and rate of estimated injury per year showed a continued linear increase from 2000-2019 (p<0.0001). Bounce house-related injuries were more common in males (53.9%) than in females (46.1%). The injuries reported most commonly were fracture (25.8%), muscle strain (25.7%), and contusion (14.5%). The factors associated with bounce house-related injury were compared between "younger" patients ≤6 years of age and "older" patients >6 years of age. In both age groups, the patient's residence was the most prevalent location of injury (≤6 yr, 95.6%; >6 yr, 97.2%), and the lower extremity was the most prevalent anatomic site of injury (≤6 yr, 34.6%, >6 yr 35.3%). Concussion was rare in both groups (≤6 yr, 1.6%; >6 yr, 2.9%); however, concussion was 86% more prevalent in those >6 years of age (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and rate of pediatric bounce house injuries has increased steadily since 2000. The most severe injuries occur disproportionately in children > 6 years old.

Development and validation of machine learning models for the prediction of blunt cerebrovascular injury in children.

BACKGROUND: Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a rare finding in trauma patients. The previously validated BCVI (Denver and Memphis) prediction model in adult patients was shown to be inadequate as a screening option in injured children. We sought to improve the detection of BCVI by developing a prediction model specific to the pediatric population. METHODS: The National Trauma Databank (NTDB) was queried from 2007 to 2015. Test and training datasets of the total number of patients (885,100) with complete ICD data were used to build a random forest model predicting BCVI. All ICD features not used to define BCVI (2268) were included within the random forest model, a machine learning method. A random forest model of 1000 decision trees trying 7 variables at each node was applied to training data (50% of the dataset, 442,600 patients) and validated with test data in the remaining 50% of the dataset. In addition, Denver and Memphis model variables were re-validated and compared to our new model. RESULTS: A total of 885,100 pediatric patients were identified in the NTDB to have experienced blunt pediatric trauma, with 1,998 (0.2%) having a diagnosis of BCVI. Skull fractures (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.003-1.004), extremity fractures (OR 1.001, 95% 1.0006-1.002), and vertebral injuries (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.003-1.004) were associated with increased risk for BCVI. The BCVI prediction model identified 94.4% of BCVI patients and 76.1% of non-BCVI patients within the NTDB. This study identified ICD9/ICD10 codes with strong association to BCVI. The Denver and Memphis criteria were re-applied to NTDB data to compare validity and only correctly identified 13.4% of total BCVI patients and 99.1% of non BCVI patients. CONCLUSION: The prediction model developed in this study is able to better identify pediatric patients who should be screened with further imaging to identify BCVI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective diagnostic study-level III evidence.

The role of race in pediatric legal intervention as a cause of injury.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have assessed the prevalence and nature of traumatic injuries due to legal intervention in adults. The purpose of this study is to characterize and understand legal intervention trauma in children. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried from 2007 to 2015. Patients (0-18 years old) who sustained injuries due to legal intervention were compared to those injured from other causes in the general NTDB population. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to predict firearm trauma and mortality. RESULTS: 622 patients sustained injuries involving legal intervention. Compared to general NTDB pediatric population, those who sustained legal intervention injuries were more likely to be older (age 16.5 vs. 10.6, p < 0.01), male (91.96% vs. 34.95%, p < 0.01), test positive for illegal drugs (64.64% vs. 38.35%, p < 0.01) or alcohol (26.36% vs. 17.25%, p < 0.01), and be African-American (44.37% vs. 17.00%, p < 0.01), Latino (22.82% vs. 15.10%, p < 0.01), or Native American (0.96% vs.. 0.94%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression models identified an 11% increased odds (95% CI 1.02-1.21, p = 0.02) of death among African-Americans when compared to other racial groups receiving legal intervention trauma. African-American status was associated with a 12% increased odds (95% CI 1.02-1.22, p = 0.01) of firearm trauma when compared to other racial groups receiving legal intervention trauma. CONCLUSION: Legal intervention-related pediatric trauma disproportionately affects the African-American population. This is particularly pronounced in cases of firearm related injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effects of Acupuncture and Acupressure on Burnout in Health Care Workers: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers face occupational stressors that may lead to burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to mitigate the negative psychological impact on frontline workers are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of auricular acupuncture or acupressure, as compared with ear massage, on anxiety, burnout, and caring capacity in health care workers. Results were stratified on the basis of subject's level of belief in traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: This prospective randomized trial with an open, parallel-group design was conducted at a 334-bed Level II pediatric trauma center. Participants were randomized to one of three groups: (1) auricular acupuncture, (2) auricular seed acupressure, or (3) auricular massage. Interventions were delivered over 3 weeks. Self-reported State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL), and Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) scores were analyzed using a pre-/posttest design. Univariate analysis, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to assess group differences. RESULTS: A total of 117 (36%) of 325 eligible participants consented to participate in the study. Seed acupressure treatment (n = 14, 35.9%, one male, 13 females) was associated with a reduction in burnout (ANOVA, p = .04) and secondary traumatic stress (p = .03). This effect remained significant after adjusting for individual pretest scores (ANOVA, p = .05). The studied interventions did not have a significant effect on STAI, ProQOL, or CAI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Auricular acupressure is a safe, effective, and practical strategy to reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress and may support health care workers' ability to develop caring relationships with patients and families.

Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Dog-bite Wounds: A 5-year Retrospective Review.

INTRODUCTION: Dog bites are a significant health concern in the pediatric population. Few studies published to date have stratified the injuries caused by dog bites based on surgical severity to elucidate the contributing risk factors. METHODS: We used an electronic hospital database to identify all patients ≤17 years of age treated for dog bites from 2013-2018. Data related to patient demographics, injury type, intervention, dog breed, and payer source were collected. We extracted socioeconomic data from the American Community Survey. Data related to dog breed was obtained from public records on dog licenses. We calculated descriptive statistics as well as relative risk of dog bite by breed. RESULTS: Of 1,252 injuries identified in 967 pediatric patients, 17.1% required consultation with a surgical specialist for repair. Bites affecting the head/neck region were most common (61.7%) and most likely to require operating room intervention (P = 0.002). The relative risk of a patient being bitten in a low-income area was 2.24, compared with 0.46 in a high-income area. Among cases where the breed of dog responsible for the bite was known, the dog breed most commonly associated with severe bites was the pit bull (relative risk vs German shepherd 8.53, relative risk vs unknown, 3.28). CONCLUSION: The majority of injuries did not require repair and were sufficiently handled by an emergency physician. Repair by a surgical specialist was required <20% of the time, usually for bites affecting the head/neck region. Disparities in the frequency and characteristics of dog bites across socioeconomic levels and dog breeds suggest that public education efforts may decrease the incidence of pediatric dog bites.

Rapid antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in pediatric healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: The durability of the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination remains unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate a rapid SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibody detection kit as a qualitative screen for the humoral response to vaccination. METHODS: Study participants (n = 125) included pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs) who had received two doses of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Participants were tested on study entry (March 12, 2021 to April 9, 2021). The mean number of days post second dose was 22 (range 17-36). Participants were tested for IgM/IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the RightSign COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. ELISA/competitive inhibition ELISA (CI-ELISA) were subsequently run to assess for the neutralization effect and SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid IgM/IgG antibodies. RESULTS: Overall, 98.4% of participants were IgG-positive and 0.8% were IgM-positive on rapid RightSign testing. Of those with IgG-positive results, 100% were anti-spike protein IgG-positive on CI-ELISA; none of those who tested IgG-negative via the rapid test were IgG-positive on CI-ELISA. All HCWs who tested RightSign positive demonstrated neutralizing capability on CI-ELISA. Overall, 1.6% demonstrated anti-nucleocapsid IgM antibodies and 5.6% demonstrated anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The strong agreement between the rapid RightSign IgG results and confirmatory CI-ELISA testing suggests that this test may be used to assess for positive, and neutralizing, antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

Features associated with surgically significant abscesses on computed tomography evaluation of the neck in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Neck-related chief complaints are common in the pediatric Emergency Department (ED), and although the incidence of pathology such as retropharyngeal abscesses is rare, the ability to rule out abscesses requiring surgical/procedural intervention is essential. However, there are no clear clinical guidelines regarding work-up and diagnosis in this population, possibly contributing to an excess use of potentially harmful and costly computed tomography (CT) imaging. OBJECTIVE: In this study we sought to identify historical, physical exam, and laboratory findings associated with surgically significant neck abscesses to better delineate CT neck imaging criteria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients ≤18 years presenting to a pediatric ED between 2013 and 2017 who underwent CT neck imaging. Surgically significant abscesses (SSAs) were defined as abscesses ≥2 cm, retropharyngeal abscesses (RPA), parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA), or peritonsillar abscesses (PTA). Historical factors, physical exam findings, laboratory results, demographics, and CT results were analyzed using univariate statistical analysis and regression models. RESULTS: A total of 718 patients received neck CTs and 153 SSAs were identified. In children younger than 6 years, factors associated with statistically significant increased odds of an SSA were reported throat pain (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.05, 1.33), fussiness (OR 1.18; 1.01, 1.39), lethargy (OR 1.43; 1.07, 1.91), tonsillar enlargement (OR 1.17; 1.02, 1.34), C-reactive protein (CRP) > 10 (OR 1.22; 1.07, 1.40), and an ED visit within the preceding week (OR 1.18; 1.04, 1.33). In children older than 6 years, the factors associated with statistically significant increased odds of an SSA included current antibiotic use (OR 1.12; 1.02, 1.22) and a CRP >10 (OR 1.14; 1.03, 1.26). CONCLUSION: Some historical, physical exam, and laboratory findings are associated with SSAs, and while not definitive in isolation, may be beneficial additions to routine SSA assessment, as a supplement to clinical judgement regarding CT and observation decisions. This may potentially allow for the identification of patients requiring CT versus those who may not, and thus the opportunity to safely reduce the use of CT imaging in select patients.

Novel use of a midline catheter for therapeutic and donor apheresis in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Apheresis procedures require adequate vascular access to achieve optimal inlet flow rates. While central lines provide such access, their placement and use are associated with risks; some of these risks are minimized if peripheral intravenous access can be established. However, peripheral intravenous access is associated with challenges in the pediatric setting. Research indicates that midline catheters reduce the use of CVADs and their associated risks. The use of midline catheters for apheresis has been reported recently in adults, but no studies have been published on their use in children. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of midline catheters for apheresis in the pediatric setting. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of midline catheters in subjects who underwent apheresis at a pediatric hospital from April 2018 to August 2020. Demographic data, clinical data (diagnosis, procedure, catheter size, body mass), and outcome data (inlet flow rate, total blood volume [TBV] processed, procedure time, and cell counts) were collected. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects received a total of 100 midline catheters for 73 apheresis procedures. Inlet flow rates ranged from 45 to 80 mL/min, TBV ranged from 2872 to 20 000 mL, and procedure time ranged from 1.25 to 7 hours. Inlet flow rates met or exceeded the recommended inlet flow rates for apheresis in children and adults (P < .0001). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Midline catheters provide safe and effective vascular access for apheresis. Future research should include younger patients with lower body mass.

Provider Antibody Serology Study of Virus in the Emergency Room (PASSOVER) Study: Special Population COVID-19 Seroprevalence.

INTRODUCTION: Limited data on the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCW) are publicly available. In this study we sought to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a population of HCWs in a pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS: We conducted this observational cohort study from April 14-May 13, 2020 in a pediatric ED in Orange County, CA. Asymptomatic HCW ≥18 years of age were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained by fingerstick at the start of each shift. The inter-sampling interval was ≤96 hours. The primary outcome was positive seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 as determined with an antibody fast detection kit (Colloidal Gold, Superbio, Timisoara, Romania) for the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) antibody. RESULTS: A total of 143 HCWs participated in the study. Overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 10.5% (n = 15). Positive seroprevalence was classified as IgG only (4.9%), IgM+IgG (3.5%), or IgM only (2.1%). SARS-CoV-2 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR in 0.7% of the overall study population (n = 1). Samples obtained on Day 1 indicated seropositivity in 4.2% of the study population (n = 6). Subsequent seroconversion occurred in 6.3% of participants (n = 9). The rate of seroconversion was linear with a rate of approximately one new case every two days, starting at Day 9 of the study. CONCLUSION: We observed a linear rate of seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2-positive status among asymptomatic HCWs who underwent daily symptom surveys and temperature screens in an environment with universal source control. Rapid antibody testing may be useful for screening for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in high-risk populations, such as HCWs in the ED.

Analysis of Unintentional Falls in Pediatric Population and Predictors of Morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: Unintentional falls are a leading cause of pediatric traumatic injury. This study evaluates clinical outcomes of fall-related injuries in children under the age of 10. METHODS: The National Trauma Database was queried for children who experienced an unintentional fall. Patients were stratified by age in two groups: 1-5 and 6-10 years old. The primary outcome was post discharge extension of care, defined as transfer to skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center after discharge from the hospital. Descriptive statistics and a multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to compare the two groups. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2016, a total of 8,277 pediatric patients experienced an unintentional fall, with 93.6% of patients being discharged home. Falls were more common in younger children, with greater odds of post discharge extension of care. Predictors of increased associated risk of extended medical care included intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.06) and thoracic injuries (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.1.05) (P< 0.05). Mortality in pediatric patients suffering unintentional falls was a rare event occurring in 0.7% of cases in children 1-5 years old and 0.4% of children 6-10 years old. CONCLUSION: The majority of children experiencing an unintentional fall are discharged home, with mortality being very rare. However, younger age is prone to more severe and serious injury patterns. Intracranial hemorrhage and thoracic injury were a predictor of need for extended medical care.

COVID-19: Differences in sentinel injury and child abuse reporting during a pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is widespread concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of child maltreatment. However, reports in the scientific literature documenting rates of child maltreatment during this period are scarce. This study was designed to explore whether the incidence of child maltreatment among patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients of all ages presenting to a pediatric Emergency Department trauma center, who also had a child abuse report filing or a sentinel injury diagnosis related to their index visit. All such patients who presented to this institution from March through July of 2017 through 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: Analysis demonstrated an increase in the incidence of child maltreatment in May and June of 2020 and that there was an overall shift in distribution of types of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant increase in the proportion of emotional/psychological abuse (2.52 % before the pandemic to 7.00 % during the pandemic, p ≤ 0.0001) and non-medical neglect (31.5%-40.0%, p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increase in specific types of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the need for increased attention to children at risk for child abuse and neglect.