Improved Outcomes in Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Higher Medication Possession Ratio.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) disease activity can be caused by treatment non-adherence. Medication possession ratio (MPR) is an established metric of medication adherence. A higher MPR correlates with better outcomes in several chronic diseases, but MPR has not been investigated with respect to EoE. A retrospective cohort study was performed using an established EoE registry for the years 2005 to 2020. Treatment periods were identified, MPRs were calculated, and medical records were assessed for histologic remission (<15 eos/hpf), dysphagia, food impaction, stricture occurrence, and esophageal dilation that corresponded to each treatment period. In total, 275 treatment periods were included for analysis. The MPR in the histologic remission treatment period group was 0.91 (IQR 0.63-1) vs. 0.63 (IQR 0.31-0.95) for the non-remission treatment period group (p < 0.001). The optimal MPR cut-point for histologic remission was 0.7 (Sen 0.66, Spec 0.62, AUC 0.63). With MPRs ≥ 0.7, there were significantly increased odds of histologic remission (odds ratio 3.05, 95% confidence interval 1.79-5.30) and significantly decreased odds of dysphagia (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15-0.45), food impaction (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.55), stricture occurrence (OR 0.52 95% CI 0.29-0.92), and esophageal dilation (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.54). Assessing MPR before repeating an esophagogastroduodenoscopy may decrease unnecessary procedures in the clinical management of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care for anorexia and bulimia nervosa in US military-connected adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare engagement for anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in a large, geographically diverse population. METHOD: This repeated monthly, cross-sectional study queried Military Health System records of individuals aged 10-21 before and during the pandemic (February 2019-January 2022). ICD-10 codes identified encounters for AN and BN. Monthly rates of care were modeled as the number of unique individuals with an ICD-10-identified eating disorder-related encounter per month divided by the enrolled population. Poisson regression analysis evaluated rates of care stratified by eating disorder, clinical setting, and sex. RESULTS: In a population of 1.76 million adolescents and young adults, 1629 individuals with AN or BN received care during the pre-pandemic period; 3256 received care during the pandemic. The monthly rate of care for females with AN during the pandemic increased in inpatient settings (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.31 [1.16-1.49]) and outpatient settings (aRR: 1.42 [1.37-1.47]); monthly care rates in males with AN increased in the outpatient setting (aRR: 1.46 [1.28-1.67]). Females with BN had increased engagement in outpatient settings (aRR: 1.09 [1.03-1.16]); BN care for males showed no significant monthly changes during the pandemic period in either healthcare setting. DISCUSSION: With increased rates of AN and BN disorder-related care during the pandemic, screening for eating disorder symptomatology may allow for timely diagnosis and intervention in periods of heightened stress. Pandemic-related increases in healthcare engagement may strain limited resources, emphasizing a need to expand accessibility of clinical expertise. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicates that monthly rates of healthcare engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic for AN and BN varied based on clinical setting and sex in an adolescent and young adult population. The increased number of individuals seeking eating disorder-related care, especially outpatient care, attributed to heightened stressors necessitates accessible professionals with eating disorder clinical expertise.

Alpha-Gal IgE Prevalence Patterns in the United States: An Investigation of 3,000 Military Recruits.

BACKGROUND: IgE to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is an important cause of allergic reactions to mammalian meat. The "alpha-gal syndrome" is strongly associated with a preceding history of tick bites and in the United States is most commonly reported in parts of the southeast, but there has been limited investigation into national alpha-gal sensitization patterns and the relevance of other risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate alpha-gal IgE prevalence, regional patterns, and risk factors. METHODS: Alpha-gal IgE was measured by ImmunoCAP in biobanked serum samples collected from 3000 service members who presented for intake to 1 of 10 military bases in the central/eastern United States. Alpha-gal IgE sensitization (cutoff 0.1 international units/mL) was related to home of record at enlistment. RESULTS: Of the cohort, 2456 (81.9%) subjects were male, median age was 19 years (interquartile range: 18-22 years), and alpha-gal IgE was detected in 179 (6.0%). Home of record spanned all 50 states, with a median of 36 recruits per state (range: 3-261). The highest prevalence rates were in Arkansas (39%), Oklahoma (35%), and Missouri (29%), with several other southeastern states >10%. Granular mapping revealed sensitization patterns that closely mimicked county-level Amblyomma americanum reports and Ehrlichia chaffeensis infections. Sensitization was associated with male sex, rural residence, and White race in univariate and multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic survey, the prevalence of alpha-gal IgE among incoming military personnel was 6.0%. There were significant regional differences, with an overall pattern consistent with the known range of the lone star tick (A. americanum) and highest frequency in an area including Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Opioid-Related Trends in Active Duty Service Members During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The USA is experiencing an opioid epidemic. Active duty service members (ADSMs) are at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health care and introduced additional stressors. METHODS: The Military Healthcare System Data Repository was used to evaluate changes in diagnosis of OUD, medications for OUD (MOUD), opioid overdose (OD), and opioid rescue medication. ADSMs ages 18-45 years enrolled in the Military Healthcare System between February 2019 and April 2022 were included. Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software calculated the average monthly percent change over the study period, whereas Poisson regression compared outcomes over three COVID-19 periods: Pre-lockdown (pre-COVID-19 period 0) (February 2019-February 2020), early pandemic until ADSM vaccination initiation (COVID-19 period 1 [CP1]) (March 2020-November 2020), and late pandemic post-vaccination initiation (COVID-19 period 2 [CP2]) (December 2020-April 2022). RESULTS: A total of 1.86 million eligible ADSMs received care over the study period. Diagnoses of OUD decreased 1.4% monthly, MOUD decreased 0.6% monthly, diagnoses of opioid OD did not change, and opioid rescue medication increased 8.5% monthly.Diagnoses of OUD decreased in both COVID-19 time periods: CP1 and CP2: Rate ratio (RR) = 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68-0.79) and RR = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67-0.76), respectively. MOUD decreased in both CP1 and CP2: RR = 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68-0.88) and RR = 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96), respectively. Adjusted rates for diagnoses of opioid OD did not vary in either COVID-19 time period. Opioid rescue medication prescriptions increased in CP1 and CP2: RR = 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02-1.15) and RR = 6.02 (95% CI, 5.77-6.28), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of OUD and MOUD decreased, whereas rates of opioid rescue medication increased during the study period. Opioid OD rates did not significantly change in this study. Changes in the DoD policy may be affecting rates with greater effect than COVID-19 pandemic effects.

Predicting the RSV Surge: Pediatric RSV Patterns of the COVID Pandemic.

Historically, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection trends have been predictable. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated precautions impacted RSV disease patterns. RSV infection trends during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic may have predicted the 2022 surge in pediatric RSV infections. A continued emphasis on increased viral testing will allow for early recognition and preparation for future public health crises.

Acid Suppression and Antibiotics Administered during Infancy Are Associated with Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate why certain at-risk individuals develop celiac disease (CD), we examined the association of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and antibiotic prescriptions in the first 6 months of life with an early childhood diagnosis of CD. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Military Healthcare System database. Children with a birth record from October 1, 2001, to September 30, 2013, were identified. Outpatient prescription records were queried for antibiotic, PPI, and H2RA prescriptions in the first 6 months of life. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of developing CD based on medication exposure. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes identified children with an outpatient visit for CD. RESULTS: There were 968 524 children who met the inclusion criteria with 1704 cases of CD in this group. The median follow-up for the cohort was approximately 4.5 years. PPIs (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.76-2.83), H2RAs (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.67-2.26), and antibiotics (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.28) were all associated with an increased hazard of CD. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased risk of developing CD if antibiotics, PPIs and H2RAs are prescribed in the first 6 months of life. Our study highlights modifiable factors, such as medication stewardship, that may change the childhood risk of CD.

The Uniformed Services Constipation Action Plan: An Effective Tool for the Management of Children with Functional Constipation.

OBJECTIVE: To implement and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Uniformed Services Constipation Action Plan (USCAP) in our gastroenterology clinic for children with functional constipation. STUDY DESIGN: This implementation science study included toilet-trained subjects aged 4 years and older who met the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation. Children were block randomized to receive either the USCAP or control. All clinic functional constipation plans recommended subjects continue pharmacotherapy for 4 months. Endpoints measured were clinical outcomes (resolution of functional constipation and achievement of a Pediatric Bristol Stool Form Scale [PBSFS] score of 3 or 4), patient-related outcomes (health-related quality of life [HRQoL] total scale score), and health confidence outcomes (Health Confidence Score [HCS]). RESULTS: Fifty-seven treatment group subjects (44%) received a USCAP (52% male; mean age, 10.9 [4.9] years) compared with 73 controls (56%; 48% male; mean age,10.9 [5.3] years). A PBSFS score of 3 or 4 was achieved by 77% of the treatment group compared with 59% of controls (P = .03). Subjects from the treatment group were more likely than the controls to endorse adherence to the 4-month course of pharmacotherapy (P < .001). Subjects who received a USCAP had greater improvements in HRQoL total scale score by the end of the project (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The USCAP is a simple, inexpensive tool that has the potential to improve global outcomes for functional constipation in children and should be recommended as standard clinical practice.

Trends in Well-Child Visits and Routine Vaccination among Children of U.S. Military Members: An Evaluation of the COVID-19 Pandemic Effects.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted administration of healthcare including well-child visits and routine vaccinations. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic disruption on childhood health maintenance: well-child visits and scheduled vaccinations. We queried the TRICARE Management Activity's Military Health System (MHS) database for outpatient well-child visits and vaccinations for all children 0 to 23 months of age eligible for TRICARE healthcare. The median rate of well-child visits, during the COVID-19 period (March 2020-July 2021), was significantly declined for all demographic groups: all ages, parental military ranks, sex, and regions as compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (February 2019-February 2020). Similar to rates of well-child visits, the rate of vaccinations declined during the COVID-19 period as compared to the pre-COVID-19 period for all demographic groups, except children 12-23 months. Rates of well-child visits for military dependent children under 2 years of age were decreased during the 16 month COVID-19 period, with large increases seen in the first 2 months of the pandemic; the consequences of missed well-child visits and vaccination are unknown.

Association of Early Life Prescriptions for Antibiotics and Acid Suppressants with Childhood Psychotropic Prescriptions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between antibiotic and acid suppressant prescriptions in the first 2 years of life and subsequent treatment for childhood psychiatric disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of children born between October 2001 and September 2012 in the Military Health System enrolled in TRICARE past age 2 years and within 35 days of birth, with an initial hospital stay <7 days, and without psychotropic agents dispensed during the first 2 years of life. Exposure was defined as a filled prescription for an antibiotic or acid suppressant before age 2 years, and the outcome was defined as a filled prescription for a psychotropic agent after age 2 years. RESULTS: For the 804 920 patients (51% males and 49% female) composing the study population, the mean age at first psychotropic prescription was 6.8 years. A total of 24 176 children (3%) were prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), 79 243 (10%) were prescribed a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), and 607 348 (76%) were prescribed an antibiotic during the first 2 years of life. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of a psychotropic prescription was significantly increased in children prescribed any H2RA (1.79; 95% CI, 1.63-1.96), PPI (1.47; 95% CI, 1.26-1.71), or antibiotic (1.71; 95% CI, 1.59-1.84). The aHR of psychotropic prescriptions increased commensurately with each additional antibiotic class added and with each additional class of medication (H2RA, PPI, or antibiotics) prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: Children prescribed antibiotic and acid suppressants in the first 2 years of life have a significant increase in future prescriptions for psychotropics, with a dose-related effect observed. This association represents a potential risk of early exposure to antibiotics and acid suppressants.

Toilet Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments, 2000-2019: A Different Game of Thrones.

OBJECTIVE: Toilet training is a major developmental milestone. Unsupervised periods combined with immature gross and fine motor skills may lead to toddler injuries during toilet training. Our aim was to investigate toilet-related injuries (TIs) in children. METHODS: Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were used to evaluate emergency department encounters of children ages 0 to 6 years with TI from 2000 to 2019. RESULTS: There were an estimated 142,606 children (95% confidence interval, 115,599-168,613) who presented to the emergency department for TI. Toilets were involved in 95% of injuries, and other potty chairs (PCs) involved 5% of injuries. Children had higher odds of sustaining head injury while using a toilet versus PC (adjusted odds ratio = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.06-3.45). CONCLUSIONS: Toilet-related injuries present a high burden of risk to young children. Our data support that the safest vessel for use in toilet training is a PC/training seat as opposed to the toilet.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Patients With Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has become a rising public health threat. Our study aims to characterize the epidemiology and measure the attributable cost, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality of healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) among patients in the U.S. Military Health System (MHS). METHODS: We performed a case-control and cross-sectional inpatient study of HO-CDI using MHS database billing records. Cases included those who were at least 18 years of age admitted to a military treatment facility with a stool sample positive for C. difficile obtained >3 days after admission. Risk factors in the preceding year were identified. Patient case-mix adjusted outcomes including in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost were evaluated by high-dimensional propensity score adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 474,518 admissions within the MHS from 2008 to 2015, we identified 591 (0.12%) patients with HO-CDI and found a significant increase in the trend of HO-CDI over the 7-year study period (P < .001). Patients with HO-CDI had significantly higher hospitalization cost (attributable difference $66,044, P < .001), prolonged hospital stay (attributable difference 12.4 days, P < 0.001), and increased odds of in-hospital mortality (case-mix adjusted odds ratio 1.98; 95% CI, 1.43-2.74). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection is rising in patients within the MHS and is associated with increased length of stay, hospital costs, and in-hospital mortality. We identified a significantly increased burden of hospitalization among patients admitted with HO-CDI, highlighting the importance of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives aimed at decreasing the spread of this pathogen.

Community-Associated Clostridioides difficile Infection in Children: A Review of Recent Literature.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in children is more often acquired in the community than in the hospital. Community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (CA-CDI) cases seem to be rising, although this is confounded by the unclear role of C. difficile in children 1 and 3 years of age and overreliance on nucleic acid amplification tests for diagnosis. Exposure to antibiotics, acid suppression medications, health care settings, and close contacts with CDI are associated with CA-CDI in children. These infections are more common in children with chronic medical conditions, especially those involving the gastrointestinal tract and immune suppression. Most CA-CDI in children are mild and managed in the outpatient setting, but a small subset requires hospitalization and can be quite severe. Approximately 10% of children with CA-CDI experience a recurrence. Infection control guidance focuses on the hospital setting and future studies on the best methods for preventing community spread of C. difficile are needed.

Impact of Parental Illness and Injury on Pediatric Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between parental injury and illness and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in children. STUDY DESIGN: A self-controlled case series using data from the Military Health System Data Repository compared International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-identified DGBI-related outpatient visits and prescriptions in 442 651 children aged 3-16 years in the 2 years before and the 2 years after the injury and/or illness of their military parent. Negative binomial regression was used to compare visit rates for constipation, fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and a composite of these before and after parental injury and/or illness. Logistic regression, clustered by child, compared the odds of stooling agent and antispasmodic prescription before and after parental injury and/or illness. RESULTS: In the 2 years following parental injury and/or illness, children had increased visits for DGBIs (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.09; 95% CI 1.07-1.10), constipation (aIRR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04-1.10), abdominal pain (aIRR 1.09; 95% CI 1.07-1.12), and irritable bowel syndrome (aIRR 1.37; 95% CI 1.19-1.58). Following parental injury and/or illness, the odds of stooling agent prescription decreased (aOR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93-0.97) and the odds of antispasmodic prescription increased (aOR 1.26; 95% CI 1.18-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: Parental injury and/or illness is associated with increased healthcare use for DGBIs. Parental health should be considered by clinicians when assessing DGBIs, counseling patients, and formulating treatment plans.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Infections in the U.S. Military Health System.

INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are classified by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention as a serious antibiotic resistance threat. Our study aims to characterize the epidemiology, associated conditions, and outcomes of VRE infections among hospitalized patients in the U.S. military health system (MHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with VRE infection using the MHS database. Cases included all patients admitted to a military treatment facility for ≥2 days from October 2008 to September 2015 with a clinical culture growing Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, or Enterococcus species (unspecified), reported as resistant to vancomycin. Co-morbid conditions and procedures associated with VRE infection were identified by multivariable conditional logistic regression. Patient case-mix adjusted outcomes including in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost were evaluated by high-dimensional propensity score adjustment. RESULTS: During the seven-year study period and among 1,161,335 hospitalized patients within the MHS, we identified 577 (0.05%) patients with VRE infection. A majority of VRE infections were urinary tract infections (57.7%), followed by bloodstream (24.7%), other site/device-related (12.9%), respiratory (2.9%), and wound infections (1.8%). Risk factors for VRE infection included invasive gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and urologic procedures, indwelling devices, and exposure to 4th generation cephalosporins, but not to glycopeptides. Patients hospitalized with VRE infection had significantly higher hospitalization costs (attributable difference [AD] $135,534, P<0.001), prolonged hospital stays (AD 20.44 days, P<0.001, and higher in-hospital mortality (case-mix adjusted odds ratio 5.77; 95% confidence interval 4.59-7.25). CONCLUSIONS: VRE infections carry a considerable burden for hospitalized patients given their impact on length of stay, hospitalization costs, and in-hospital mortality. Active surveillance and infection control efforts should target those identified as high-risk for VRE infection. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should focus on limiting exposure to 4th generation cephalosporins.

Development and Assessment of a Pictographic Pediatric Constipation Action Plan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Uniformed Services Constipation Action Plan (USCAP) as an evidence-based, personalized, clinical action tool with pictograms to aid clinicians and families in the management of functional constipation. STUDY DESIGN: The USCAP facilitates the management functional constipation by using a health literacy-informed approach to provide instructions for pharmacotherapies and lifestyle modifications. This study included part 1 (pictogram validation) and part 2 (assessment). For part 1, pictogram transparency, translucency, and recall were assessed by parent survey (transparency ≥85%, mean translucency score ≥5, recall ≥85% required for validation). For part 2, the USCAP was assessed by parents, clinical librarians, and clinicians. Parental perceptions (n = 65) were assessed using the Consumer Information Rating Form (17 questions) to gauge comprehensibility, design quality and usefulness. Readability was assessed by 5 formulas and a Readability Composite Score was calculated. Clinical librarians (n = 3) used the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool to measure understandability (19 questions) and actionability (7 questions) (>80% rating was acceptable). Suitability was assessed by clinicians (n = 34) using Doak's Suitability Assessment of Materials (superior ≥70% rating). RESULTS: All 12 pictograms demonstrated appropriate transparency, translucency, and recall. Parental perceptions reflected appropriate comprehensibility, design quality, and usefulness. The Readability Composite Score was consistent with a fifth-grade level. Clinical librarians reported acceptable understandability and actionability. Clinicians reported superior suitability. CONCLUSIONS: The USCAP met all criteria for clinical implementation and future study of USCAP implementation for treating children with chronic functional constipation.

Magnet Ingestions in Children Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States 2009-2019: A Problem in Flux.

OBJECTIVES: Small rare-earth magnet (SREM) ingestions are a dangerous, potentially fatal health hazard in children. The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission removed these products from the market in 2012 until a federal court decision vacated this action in 2016. The present study aims to investigate whether the reintroduction of SREMs is associated with an increase in the national frequency of magnet ingestions in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were used to evaluate suspected magnet ingestion (SMI) trends within patients (0-17 years) from 2009 to 2019. SMI cases were stratified (total, small/round, and multiple magnet ingestions) and trend analyses were performed for 2 periods: 2013-2016 (off-market) and 2017-2019 (on-market). National SMI estimates calculated using the NEISS-supplied weights and variance variables. RESULTS: An estimated 23,756 children (59% males, 42% < 5 years old) presented with a SMI from 2009 to 2019 with an average annual case increase of 6.1% (P = 0.01). There was a significant increase in both small/round SMI encounters and multiple magnet ingestion encounters from 2009 to 2019 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). From 2017 to 2019, there was a greater proportion of small/round type SMIs to total SMIs estimated n = 541 (confidence interval [CI], 261-822) and a greater proportion of multiple magnet ingestions to total SMIs estimated n = 797 (CI, 442-1152) (both, P < 0.01). After 2017, there was a 5-fold increase in the escalation of care for multiple magnet ingestions (estimated n = 1094; CI 505-1686). CONCLUSIONS: The significant increase in magnet ingestions by children from 2017 to 2019 indicates that regulatory actions are urgently needed to protect children and reverse these trends.

Proton Pump Inhibitors in Children: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The evidence supporting or contesting the prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for children and updates on side effects are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: PPIs remain an important therapeutic option for esophagitis and gastritis. However, recent studies demonstrate no benefit when prescribing PPIs for chronic cough, infantile reflux, asthma, or functional gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies suggest adverse effects on microbiome diversity and immune function, resulting in increased rates of gastrointestinal infections, bone fractures, and atopic disorders. PPIs influence a variety of cell types within the in the innate and adaptive immune systems. PPI prescriptions in children may be indicated for select conditions; however, multiple side effects and immune effects have been described. While most of these side effects are rare and mild, some studies suggest enduring adverse effects. Future studies to elucidate the mechanism behind some of these immune and infectious complications will be beneficial.

Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellow Training in North America.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed healthcare systems and training around the world. The Training Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition sought to understand how COVID-19 has affected pediatric gastroenterology fellowship training. METHODS: A 21 question survey was distributed to all 77 pediatric gastroenterology fellowship program directors (PDs) in the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition program director database via email on April 7. Responses collected through April 19, 2020 were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 77 (66%) PDs from the United States, Canada, and Mexico responded to the survey. Forty-six of 51 (90%) PDs reported that they were under a "stay-at-home" order for a median of 4 weeks at the time of the survey. Two of the 51 (4%) programs had fellows participating in outpatient telehealth before COVID-19 and 39 of 51 (76%) at the time of the survey. Fellows stopped participating in outpatient clinics in 22 of 51 (43%) programs and endoscopy in 26 of 51 (52%) programs. Changes to inpatient care included reduced fellow staffing, limiting who entered patient rooms, and rounding remotely. Fellows in 3 New York programs were deployed to adult medicine units. Didactics were moved to virtual conferences in 47 of 51 (94%) programs, and fellows used various online resources. Clinical research and, disproportionately, bench research were restricted. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides early information of the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric fellowship training. Rapid adoption of telehealth and reduced clinical and research experiences were important changes. Survey information may spur communication and innovation to help educators adapt.