Improving inpatient paediatric de-labelling of allergies to beta-lactams: a quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship programme-led inpatient beta-lactam allergy de-labelling programme using a direct oral provocation test (OPT). DESIGN: One-year quality improvement study using a before-after design. SETTING: Free-standing tertiary care paediatric hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with a reported beta-lactam allergy admitted to the paediatric medicine inpatient unit. INTERVENTIONS: Following standardised assessment and risk stratification of reported symptoms, patients with a low-risk history were offered an OPT. Beta-lactam allergy labels were removed if a reported history was considered non-allergic or after successful OPT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Removal of inappropriate beta-lactam allergy labels. RESULTS: 80 patients with 85 reported beta-lactam allergies were assessed. Median age was 8.1 years (IQR 4.8-12.9) and 34 (42%) were female. The majority (n=55, 69%) had an underlying medical condition. Amoxicillin was the most reported allergy (n=25, 29%). Reported reactions were primarily dermatological (n=65, 77%). Half of participants (n=40) were ineligible for OPT, with equal proportions due to clinical reasons or the nature of the reported reaction. Of the 40 eligible patients, 28 patients (70%) were de-labelled either by history alone (n=10) or OPT (n=18). All OPTs were successful. De-labelling allowed five additional patients (11% of those receiving antibiotics) to receive the preferred beta-lactam. Including patients who were subsequently assessed in the allergy clinic, almost half of all evaluated patients were de-labelled (n=37, 46%). CONCLUSIONS: An antimicrobial stewardship programme-led programme using a direct OPT was feasible and safe for expanding beta-lactam allergy de-labelling to paediatric patients admitted to the paediatric medicine inpatient unit.

La prise en charge de la neutropénie fébrile chez les enfants et les adolescents immunocompétents.

La neutropénie fébrile est une manifestation clinique fréquente en pédiatrie, qui peut être associée à une infection bactérienne invasive. Cependant, le risque de ce type d'infection est faible chez les enfants et les adolescents autrement en santé qui font de la fièvre et présentent une neutropénie, la plupart des cas étant causés par une infection virale. Les enfants âgés de six mois à 18 ans qui ont l'air bien, ne souffrent pas d'un cancer, sont considérés comme immunocompétents et présentent un premier épisode de neutropénie, sans autres facteurs de risque, n'ont généralement pas besoin d'antibiotiques empiriques. Cependant, une évaluation approfondie est indiquée, y compris une anamnèse et un examen physique complets, de même qu'une hémoculture lorsque la numération absolue des neutrophiles est inférieure à 0,5 × 109/L. Il est recommandé d'assurer un suivi étroit, de reprendre l'hémogramme et de donner des conseils préventifs stricts.

Management of febrile neutropenia in immunocompetent children and youth.

Febrile neutropenia is a common clinical presentation in children that can be associated with invasive bacterial infection (IBI). However, in otherwise healthy children and youth with fever and neutropenia, the risk for IBI is low, with most cases being caused by viral infections. Well-appearing, non-oncologic, and presumed immunocompetent children aged 6 months to 18 years experiencing a first episode of neutropenia, with no additional risk factors, typically do not require empiric antibiotics. However, a thorough assessment, including complete history and physical exam, is indicated, and a blood culture should be performed when the absolute neutrophil count is <0.5 × 109/L. Close follow-up, a repeat complete blood count, and strong anticipatory guidance are recommended.

Value-Based Care for Healthy Children With First Episode of Febrile Neutropenia.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of guidance on the management of febrile neutropenia in otherwise healthy children, including the need for hospitalization and antibiotic administration, leading to significant practice variation in management. The aim of this initiative was to decrease the number of unnecessary hospitalizations and empirical antibiotics prescribed by 50% over a 24-month period for well-appearing, previously healthy patients older than 6 months presenting to the emergency department with a first episode of febrile neutropenia. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team of stakeholders was assembled to develop a multipronged intervention strategy using the Model for Improvement. A guideline for the management of healthy children with febrile neutropenia was created, coupled with education, targeted audit and feedback, and reminders. Statistical control process methods were used to analyze the primary outcome of the percentage of low-risk patients receiving empirical antibiotics and/or hospitalization. Balancing measures included missed serious bacterial infection, emergency department (ED) return visit, and a new hematologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Over the 44-month study period, the mean percentage of low-risk patients hospitalized and/or who received antibiotics decreased from 73.3% to 12.9%. Importantly, there were no missed serious bacterial infections, no new hematologic diagnoses after ED discharge, and only 2 ED return visits within 72 hours without adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A guideline for the standardized management of febrile neutropenia in low-risk patients increases value-based care through reduced hospitalizations and antibiotics. Education, targeted audit and feedback, and reminders supported sustainability of these improvements.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Quality Improvement Initiative for the Clinical Management of Children with Newly Diagnosed Immune Thrombocytopenia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of an evidence-informed institutional protocol for physicians that encouraged management of children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with observation over active therapy, where appropriate. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis from an institutional perspective using a decision tree with a 1 year time horizon. Patient-level data were retrospectively ascertained for children diagnosed in pre-protocol (2007-2009) and post-protocol (2013-2018) time periods. ITP resolution was defined as achieving a sustained platelet count of >100 × 103/µL at 9-12 months after diagnosis. Outpatient care and inpatient costs were obtained from the institution and provincial sources. Intervention costs accounted for quality improvement initiative preparation and staff physician training. Incremental costs, incremental effects, and CIs were calculated from 10 000 model iterations. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were followed for 1 year in the pre-protocol period and 84 in the post-protocol period. After protocol implementation, an average cost savings per child managed of $2055 (95% CI: $656, $3890) Canadian Dollars was observed, as was a higher proportion of resolved ITP cases. The implementation strategy remained less costly and more effective in 99.7% of model iterations. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an evidence-informed institutional protocol to guide physicians toward increased uptake of observation over active therapy when managing children with newly diagnosed ITP resulted in significant cost savings on a per case basis, even after accounting for training-related costs. Though the long-term cost implications regarding the sustainability of the intervention are not yet known, it is anticipated that continued institutional savings could occur.

Medical management of gastro-esophageal reflux in healthy infants.

Clinical symptoms attributed to gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in healthy term infants are non-specific and overlap with age-appropriate behaviours. This practice point reviews the evidence for medically recommended management of this common condition. Current recommendations to manage GERD include feeding modifications such as thickening feeds or avoiding cow's milk protein. There is limited evidence for pharmacological management, including acid suppressive therapy or prokinetic agents, with the risks of such treatments often outweighing possible benefits due to significant safety and side effect concerns. Acid-suppressive therapy should not be routinely used for infants with GERD and is most likely to be useful in the context of symptoms that suggest erosive esophagitis. Evidence for managing symptoms attributed to GERD in otherwise healthy term infants less than 1 year of age is presented, and the over-prescription of medications in this population is discouraged. Anticipatory guidance regarding the natural resolution of reflux symptoms is recommended.

Acute complications in children with sickle cell disease: Prevention and management.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic, multi-system disease that requires comprehensive care. The sickling of red blood cells leads to hemolysis and vascular occlusion. Complications include hemolytic anemia, pain syndromes, and organ damage. Patterns of immigration and an increase in newborn screening mean that paediatric health care providers across Canada, in small and large centres alike, need to be knowledgeable about SCD. This statement focuses on principles of prevention, advocacy, and the rapid treatment of common acute complications. Guidance includes the current status of newborn screening, recommendations for immunizations and antibiotic prophylaxis, and an introduction to hydroxyurea, a medication that reduces both morbidity and mortality in children with SCD. Case vignettes demonstrate principles of care for common acute complications of SCD: vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), acute chest syndrome (ACS), fever, splenic sequestration, aplastic crises, and stroke. Finally, principles of blood transfusion are highlighted, along with indications for both straight and exchange blood transfusions.

La prévention et la prise en charge des complications aiguës de l'anémie falciforme.

L'anémie falciforme est une maladie multisystémique chronique qui exige des soins globaux. La falciformation des globules rouges entraîne une hémolyse et une occlusion vasculaire. L'anémie hémolytique, les syndromes douloureux et les atteintes organiques en sont des complications. En raison des profils d'immigration et d'une augmentation du dépistage néonatal, les professionnels de la santé pédiatrique du Canada doivent connaître l'anémie falciforme, tant dans les petits que les grands centres. Le présent document de principes porte sur les principes de prévention, de défense d'intérêts et de traitement rapide des complications aiguës courantes de l'anémie falciforme. Les lignes directrices comprennent l'état actuel du dépistage néonatal, les recommandations en matière de vaccination et de prophylaxie antibiotique et une introduction à l'hydroxyurée, un médicament qui réduit à la fois la morbidité et la mortalité chez les enfants atteints d'anémie falciforme. Des scénarios cliniques démontrent les principes de soins en cas de complications aiguës courantes : les épisodes vaso-occlusifs, le syndrome thoracique aigu, la fièvre, la séquestration splénique, les crises aplasiques et les accidents vasculaires cérébraux. Enfin, les principes de transfusion sanguine sont présentés, de même que les indications de transfusion simple ou d'exsanguinotransfusion.

Food insecurity during COVID-19 in a Canadian academic pediatric hospital: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-based food insecurity is defined as the inability of caregivers to obtain adequate food during their child's hospital admission. We aimed to measure the prevalence of household and hospital-based food insecurity, and to explore the associations with caregiver distress in an academic pediatric hospital setting. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children admitted to the general pediatric ward of an academic pediatric hospital in Toronto, Ontario, from April to October 2020. We measured household food insecurity using the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module, and included 3 adapted questions about hospital-based food insecurity. We measured caregiver distress with the Distress Thermometer for Parents. We used descriptive statistics to assess the proportion of respondents with food insecurity, and linear regression models to explore the relation of household (adult and child) and hospital-based food insecurity with caregiver distress. We used thematic analysis to explore caregivers' feedback. RESULTS: We contacted 851 caregivers, and 775 (91.1%) provided consent to participate. Overall, 430 (50.5%) caregivers completed at least part of the survey. Caregivers described a high prevalence of household (34.2%) and hospital-based (38.1%) food insecurity. Adult (ß = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.36), child (ß = 0.38, 95% CI 0.10-0.66) and hospital-based (ß = 0.56, 95% CI 0.30-0.83) food insecurity were significantly associated with caregiver distress, independent of covariates. We identified financial burden, emotional and practical barriers, stress obtaining food and advocacy for food as important themes in caregiver feedback. INTERPRETATION: Both household and hospital-based food insecurity were highly prevalent among caregivers. To reduce caregiver distress, hospitals need to consider reducing barriers for caregivers in obtaining food for themselves during their child's admission.

Definition of a critical bleed in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: Communication from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Platelet Immunology.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet counts and increased risk of bleeding. In preparation for an upcoming guideline, the ITP Emergency Management Guideline Panel, including clinical experts in hematology, emergency medicine, research methodology, and patient representatives, identified the need for a standardized definition of a critical ITP bleed. The goal of the definition was to distinguish critical bleeds from bleeds that may not require urgent treatment, typically in the context of severe thrombocytopenia. METHODS: The panel met in person and virtually to achieve consensus on the criteria for critical bleeding events among patients with ITP. Existing ITP bleeding scores and published definitions of major bleeds in patients receiving anticoagulation informed the definition of a critical ITP bleed. The Platelet Immunology Scientific Standardization Committee (SSC) of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis endorsed the definition. RESULTS: A critical ITP bleed was defined as: (a) a bleed in a critical anatomical site including intracranial, intraspinal, intraocular, retroperitoneal, pericardial, or intramuscular with compartment syndrome; or (2) an ongoing bleed that results in hemodynamic instability or respiratory compromise. CONCLUSION: The definition of a critical ITP bleed was developed by the ITP Emergency Management Guideline Panel and endorsed by the Platelet Immunology SSC. It incorporates both anatomic and physiologic risk and pertains to patients with confirmed or suspected ITP who typically have severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count below 20 × 109 /L).

"Call Me by My Name": Improving Communication with Family Members at the Bedside via the Caregiver Identification Badge.

BACKGROUND: Patient and family experience are integral to the care that we provide. In the pediatric hospital setting, multiple family members are directly involved in patient care. We identified the need for greater caregiver name recognition at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to improve communication between healthcare providers and families via the optimization of caregiver identification badges. METHODS: We used a qualitative, narrative study design to explore perceptions surrounding caregiver identification badges via unstructured interviews. RESULTS: We identified key hospital and family stakeholders. Unstructured interviews supported the theory that badge optimization could improve communication and patient care. Our initiative, however, was abruptly interrupted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Communication with patients and families is crucial across medical disciplines. The optimization of caregiver identification badges to facilitate the use of preferred names and pronouns will ultimately lead to the more effective and safer delivery of high-quality care.

Choice of maintenance intravenous fluids among paediatric residents in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature and guidelines support routine use of isotonic intravenous (IV) fluids for maintenance therapy in hospitalized infants and children. Current prescribing practices are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To elicit paediatric residents' choice of maintenance IV fluids, particularly with regard to tonicity, in a variety of clinical scenarios and patient ages. We hypothesized that residents would choose isotonic fluids in most cases, but there would be substantially more variability in fluid choice in the neonatal age group. METHODS: An Internet-based survey was e-mailed to trainees in the 17 paediatric residency programs across Canada, via the Canadian Paediatric Program Directors. The survey instrument included questions related to training, followed by a series of questions eliciting choice of IV fluid in a variety of clinical situations. RESULTS: A total of 147 survey responses were submitted (22% response rate). Isotonic solutions were selected by >75% across all clinical scenarios involving infants and children. Very hypotonic fluids were seldom chosen. There was more variability in fluid choice in neonates, with evidence of significant differences in fluid tonicity based on senior versus junior resident status and geographical location. CONCLUSIONS: Results imply a predominance of isotonic fluid use in infants and children, suggesting that clinical practice has changed in response to risk of hyponatremia with hypotonic IV fluids. As hypothesized, there was more variability with respect to choice of maintenance fluids in neonates. This likely reflects a paucity of guidance in an age group with unique physiologic factors affecting fluid and electrolyte status.

Anticipating Pediatric Patient Transfers From Intermediate to Intensive Care.

OBJECTIVES: To explore characteristics of patients who were admitted to the intermediate care (IC) unit at a tertiary academic institution. In particular, we sought to compare the characteristics of IC patients who were transferred with the characteristics of those who were not transferred to PICU care and evaluate predictors of patient transfer. METHODS: Data were collected on all admitted IC patients between July 2016 and June 2018. Patients whose index IC admission was from the PICU were excluded. Data collected included demographics and physiologic characteristics: heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen therapy, as well as Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System (BPEWS) score. RESULTS: In this time period, 427 eligible patient visits occurred, with 66 patients (15.46%) being transferred to the PICU. Patients were commonly transferred early in their IC course (1.41 days into admission [0.66-3.87]); transferred patients had higher median admission BPEWS scores (7 [4.25-9] vs 5 [3-7]; P < .01). In the univariate analysis, no individual physiologic characteristic was predictive for transfer. In the multivariate analysis, BPEWS (P < .001) and need for any form of respiratory support (P = .04) were significant predictive factors for transfer (R 2 = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: The need for close monitoring of physiologic parameters remains paramount, especially in the first 48 hours of admission, in predicting the need for transfer from the IC to PICU. The need for any form of respiratory support is predictive of transfer. Situational awareness and assessment including BPEWS score is of critical importance.

Diagnosis and management of typical, newly diagnosed primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) of childhood.

This practice point applies to children aged 90 days through 17 years who have typical, newly diagnosed primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Current recommendations on management and information from recent studies are summarized with the goal of decreasing variable practice among providers and improving patient-centred care. Options for initially managing young patients with ITP who experience bruising, petechiae, or occasional mild epistaxis not interfering with daily living include observation without pharmacotherapy as a first-line option. When active therapy is pursued, choices include the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Children with moderate or severe bleeding continue to require hospitalization and treatment. Shared decision-making can enhance patient-centred care and ensure that the families have a full understanding of the management options available.

A Toddler With Prolonged Fever and Intermittent Cough.

Fever of unknown origin is an important diagnostic challenge in pediatrics that requires a thoughtful approach. The differential diagnosis is broad and includes infectious, autoimmune, oncologic, neurologic, genetic, and iatrogenic causes. Infection remains the most common etiology, and uncommon presentations of infections are still more likely than classic presentations of rare conditions. We report a case of a retropharyngeal abscess in a toddler whose presentation is marked by a prolonged fever (>3 weeks). This case highlights the importance of close follow-up with serially repeated history and physical examinations to guide the evaluation of a patient with fever of unknown origin.

A Quality Improvement Bundle to Improve Informed Choice for Children With Typical, Newly Diagnosed Immune Thrombocytopenia.

IVIG has been the predominant therapy for the initial management of children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia at our hospital. With current guidelines supporting more conservative management, we undertook a quality improvement initiative to lead practice change. Over a 2-year time period (2013 to 2015), we strove to decrease use of hospital resources (use of IVIG, length of stay) while optimizing family satisfaction. An interdisciplinary working group was struck and a quality improvement bundle was implemented. The bundle comprised a patient information sheet; an evidence-informed, consensus-based protocol; and promotion of shared decision-making via stakeholder engagement and education. Data were collected prospectively; baseline data from a 2007 to 2009 audit were used for comparison. In total, 27 patients were included. Mean initial platelet count was 4×10/L. Bleeding was classified as none or mild in 56% of patients. IVIG use decreased from 88% to 55% of patients, corticosteroid prescription increased from 6% to 15%, and observation increased from 6% to 30% of patients. Hospital length of stay decreased from 47 to 36 hours. Family satisfaction was stable across treatment groups. Through introduction of a quality improvement initiative, we were able to improve family-centered care and decrease use of hospital resources.