Insulin Pump Utilization in 2017-2021 for More Than 22,000 Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Multicenter Observational Study.

This large type 1 diabetes cohort study showed that insulin pump utilization has increased over time and that use differs by sex, insurance type, and race/ethnicity. Insulin pump use was associated with more optimal A1C, increased use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and lower rates of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia. People who used an insulin pump with CGM had lower rates of acute events than their counterparts who used an insulin pump without CGM. These findings highlight the need to improve access of diabetes technology through provider engagement, multidisciplinary approaches, and efforts to address health inequities.

Increase in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: A multi-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: An increase in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been posited during the COVID-19 pandemic, but data are conflicting. We aimed to determine trends in newly diagnosed T1D and severity of presentation at diagnosis for pediatric and adolescent patients during COVID-19 (2020) as compared to the previous year (2019) in a multi-center analysis across the United States. METHODS: This retrospective study from seven centers in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) included data on new onset T1D diagnosis and proportion in DKA at diagnosis from January 1 to December 31, 2020, compared to the prior year. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in patient characteristics during the pandemic period compared to the prior year. RESULTS: Across seven sites, there were 1399 newly diagnosed T1D patients in 2020, compared to 1277 in 2019 (p = 0.007). A greater proportion of newly diagnosed patients presented in DKA in 2020 compared to 2019 (599/1399(42.8%) vs. 493/1277(38.6%), p = 0.02), with a higher proportion presenting with severe DKA (p = 0.01) as characterized by a pH <7.1 and/or bicarbonate of <5 mmol/L. Monthly data trends demonstrated a higher number of new T1D diagnoses over the spring and summer months (March to September) of 2020 compared to 2019 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found an increase in newly diagnosed T1D and a greater proportion presenting in DKA at diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prior year. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings with population level data and determine the long-term impact of COVID-19 on diabetes trends.

Factors Associated With Achieving Target A1C in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Findings From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

The optimal care of type 1 diabetes involves consistent glycemic management to avoid short- and long-term complications. However, despite advancements in diabetes technology and standards, achieving adequate glycemic levels in children and adolescents remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify factors associated with achieving the recommended A1C target of <7% from the United States-based multicenter T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative cohort, including 25,383 children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes.

The Diagnostic Error Index: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Identify and Measure Diagnostic Errors.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a diagnostic error index (DEI) aimed at providing a practical method to identify and measure serious diagnostic errors. STUDY DESIGN: A quality improvement (QI) study at a quaternary pediatric medical center. Five well-defined domains identified cases of potential diagnostic errors. Identified cases underwent an adjudication process by a multidisciplinary QI team to determine if a diagnostic error occurred. Confirmed diagnostic errors were then aggregated on the DEI. The primary outcome measure was the number of monthly diagnostic errors. RESULTS: From January 2017 through June 2019, 105 cases of diagnostic error were identified. Morbidity and mortality conferences, institutional root cause analyses, and an abdominal pain trigger tool were the most frequent domains for detecting diagnostic errors. Appendicitis, fractures, and nonaccidental trauma were the 3 most common diagnoses that were missed or had delayed identification. CONCLUSIONS: A QI initiative successfully created a pragmatic approach to identify and measure diagnostic errors by utilizing a DEI. The DEI established a framework to help guide future initiatives to reduce diagnostic errors.

Vitamin D has no impact on outcomes after HSCT in children-A retrospective study.

Vitamin D not only plays an important role in bone metabolism but is also involved in multiple immune-mediated processes in the body which may be adversely affected in those with low levels. Most pediatric studies evaluating the association of vitamin D in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT are single-center studies. We present the results of retrospective study at 5 centers across the United States in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. (VDD) and (VDI) were defined by vitamin D levels of <20 ng/ml and 21-30 ng/ml, respectively. The mean vitamin D levels pre-HSCT, day +30, and +100 were suggestive of VDI, but normalized thereafter. We compared the transplant characteristics and outcomes in 233 patients with VDD and VDI and those with normal levels and found no statistical difference in neutrophil or platelet engraftment, infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal) post-HSCT, length of hospital stay during HSCT, graft failure, acute or chronic GvHD, survival at day +100 and 1 year, or relapse of primary malignancy. We conclude that VDI or deficiency does not affect any of the common transplant variables after allogeneic HSCT in children. There is a need of a large multicenter prospective study to evaluate its role further.

Increasing Insulin Pump Use Among 12- to 26-Year-Olds With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

Insulin pump therapy in pediatric type 1 diabetes has been associated with better glycemic control than multiple daily injections. However, insulin pump use remains limited. This article describes an initiative from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative aimed at increasing insulin pump use in patients aged 12-26 years with type 1 diabetes from a baseline of 45% in May 2018 to >50% by February 2020. Interventions developed by participating centers included increasing in-person and telehealth education about insulin pump technology, creating and distributing tools to assist in informed decision-making, facilitating insulin pump insurance approval and onboarding processes, and improving clinic staff knowledge about insulin pumps. These efforts yielded a 13% improvement in pump use among the five participating centers, from 45 to 58% over 22 months.

Multi-Clinic Quality Improvement Initiative Increases Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use is associated with improved A1C outcomes and quality of life in adolescents and young adults with diabetes; however, CGM uptake is low. This article reports on a quality improvement (QI) initiative of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative to increase CGM use among patients in this age-group. Ten centers participated in developing a key driver diagram and center-specific interventions that resulted in an increase in CGM use from 34 to 55% in adolescents and young adults over 19-22 months. Sites that performed QI tests of change and documented their interventions had the highest increases in CGM uptake, demonstrating that QI methodology and sharing of learnings can increase CGM uptake.

The diabetes care index: A novel metric to assess delivery of optimal type 1 diabetes care.

OBJECTIVES: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) have outlined standards for best practices in providing optimal diabetes care to children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our objectives were to design a metric that evaluated delivery of optimal diabetes care and to use this metric to drive improvement within our diabetes program. METHODS: Using published guidelines, we identified 11 elements of optimal diabetes care that should be reliably delivered at our institution as standard-of-care. We utilized our electronic medical record to aid in data collection and to notify staff when to deliver specific care elements (eg, lipid collection, depression screening, etc.). We designed the T1D Care Index (T1DCI), a metric which aggregates missed opportunities to deliver elements of optimal diabetes care over a given period into a cumulative score, with a lower T1DCI reflecting better care delivery and improved program performance. RESULTS: Tracking the T1DCI permitted recognition of areas to focus on quality improvement efforts, guided interventions to improve processes for care delivery, and helped determine the allocation of time and resources. Interventions resulted in improvement of care delivery across some elements of care. Overall, we observed a 26% reduction in the T1DCI after 12 months of utilization. CONCLUSIONS: The T1DCI is a powerful metric to evaluate the ability of our diabetes program to standardize, quantify, and monitor delivery of optimal diabetes care to children with T1D, and to drive our program toward zero missed opportunities for quality care delivery.

Establishment of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI).

The T1D Exchange established a learning platform by evaluating the current state of care and engaging 10 diabetes clinics in collaborative quality improvement (QI) activities. Participating clinics are sharing data and best practices to improve care delivery for people with type 1 diabetes. This article describes the design and initial implementation of this platform, known as the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. This effort has laid a foundation for learning from variation in type 1 diabetes care delivery via QI methodology and has demonstrated success in improving processes through iterative testing cycles and transparent sharing of data.

Erratum. Establishment of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI). Clinical Diabetes 2020;38:141-151 (DOI: 10.2337/cd19-0032).

[This corrects the article on p. 141 in vol. 38, PMID: 32327886.].

A novel SAMD9 variant identified in patient with MIRAGE syndrome: Further defining syndromic phenotype and review of previous cases.

We present here a case of MIRAGE syndrome due to novel variant (c.2318T>C) in the sterile α motif domain-containing protein 9 (SAMD9) gene. Previous reports have described the clinical phenotype, which includes myelodysplasia, recurrent infections, restriction of growth and development, adrenal insufficiency, genitourinary abnormalities, and enteropathies, often resulting in fatality within the first few years of life. This report illustrates the variability in phenotype by describing an 11-year-old male, diagnosed with MIRAGE at age 9 years when his novel variant was identified through whole exome sequencing. A brief review of previously published cases of MIRAGE syndrome and the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum are presented.

Social Determinants of Health Screening in Type 1 Diabetes Management.

Type 1 diabetes management is intricately influenced by social determinants of health. Economic status impacts access to vital resources like insulin and diabetes technology. Racism, social injustice, and implicit biases affect equitable delivery of care. Education levels affect understanding of self-care, leading to disparities in glycemic outcomes. Geographic location can limit access to health care facilities. Stressors from discrimination or financial strain can disrupt disease management. Addressing these social factors is crucial for equitable diabetes care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that go beyond medical interventions to ensure optimal health outcomes for all individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Precocious Puberty and GnRH analogs: Current treatment practices and perspectives amongst US pediatric endocrinologists.

INTRODUCTION: GnRHas are used for treatment of precocious puberty. Over the last decade, several new formulations have been approved. METHODS: The Drugs & Therapeutics subcommittee of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) undertook a review to ascertain the current treatment options, prescribing behaviors, and practices of GnRHas among pediatric endocrinologists practicing within the United States. The survey consisted of four main subsections: 1. Description of clinical practice; 2. Self-assessment of knowledge base of pediatric and adult GnRHa formulations; 3. Current practice for treating CPP; and 4. Utilization of healthcare resources. RESULTS: There were 223 survey respondents. Pediatric endocrine practitioners were most familiar with the pediatric one-monthly preparation, the three-month preparation, and the histrelin implant (Supprelin®) (61.9%, 71.7%, and 34.5%, respectively), with lower familiarity for 24-week triptorelin intramuscular (Triptodur®) and 22.9% and six-month subcutaneous leuprolide (Fensolvi®). Only 23% of the respondents reported being extremely familiar with the availability of adult formulations, and 25% reported being completely unaware of cost differences between pediatric and adult GnRHa preparations. The implant was the most preferred therapy (44.4%), but in practice, respondents reported a higher percentage of patients were treated with 3-month preparation. While family preference/ease of treatment (87%) was the key determinant for using a particular GnRHa preparation, insurance coverage also played a significant role in the decision (65.5%). Responses regarding assessment for efficacy of treatment were inconsistent, as were practices and criteria for obtaining an MRI. CONCLUSIONS: The survey indicated there is more familiarity with older, shorter-acting GnRHas, which are prescribed in greater numbers than newer, longer-acting formulations. There is lack of consensus on the need for CNS imaging in girls presenting with CPP between 6-8 years of age and use of laboratory testing to monitor response to treatment. Insurance requirements regarding CNS imaging and laboratory monitoring are highly variable. Despite having similar constituents and bioavailability there are substantial cost differences between the pediatric and adult formulations and lack of evidence for safe use of these formulations in children. The survey-based analysis highlights the challenges faced by prescribers, while reflecting on areas where further research is needed to provide evidence-based practice guidelines for pediatric endocrinologists.

Longitudinal Trends in Glycemic Outcomes and Technology Use for Over 48,000 People with Type 1 Diabetes (2016-2022) from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

Objective: Previous studies revealed that hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) increased overall in the United States in the past decade. In addition, health inequities in type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes by race/ethnicity and insurance type persist. This study examines the trends in HbA1c from 2016 to 2022 stratified by race/ethnicity and insurance in a large multicenter national database. Research Design and Methods: We analyzed glycemic outcomes and diabetes device use trends for >48,000 people living with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D) from 3 adult and 12 pediatric centers in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI), comparing data from 2016 to 2017 with data from 2021 to 2022. Results: The mean HbA1c in 2021-2022 was lower at 8.4% compared with the mean HbA1c in 2016-2017 of 8.7% (0.3% improvement; P < 0.01). Over the same period, the percentage of PwT1D using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin pump, or hybrid closed-loop system increased (45%, 12%, and 33%, respectively). However, these improvements were not equitably demonstrated across racial/ethnic groups or insurance types. Racial/ethnic and insurance-based inequities persisted over all 7 years across all outcomes; comparing non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black PwT1D, disparate gaps in HbA1c (1.2%-1.6%), CGM (30%), pump (25%-35%), and hybrid-closed loop system (up to 20%) are illuminated. Conclusion: Population-level data on outcomes, including HbA1c, can provide trends and insights into strategies to improve health for PwT1D. The T1DX-QI cohort showed a significant improvement in HbA1c from 2016 to 2022. Improvements in diabetes device use are also demonstrated. However, these increases were inconsistent across all racial/ethnic groups or insurance types, an important focus for future T1D population health improvement work.

An Observational Crossover Study of People Using Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitors Versus Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Real-World Evidence Using EMR Data From More Than 12,000 People With Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: We used real-world electronic health record (EHR) data to examine HbA1c levels among children and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are classified as continuous glucose monitor (CGM) users after T1D diagnosis and switch to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) during follow-up, versus people who opt for SMBG after T1D diagnosis and switch to CGM during follow-up visits. METHODS: We conducted an observational, case-crossover study using electronic medical record (EMR) data from the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative. The primary outcome in this study was HbA1c. Baseline HbA1c levels were taken at the index date, corresponding to initial device classification, and compared with HbA1c value recorded at the clinic visit following device switch. RESULTS: Of all patients classified in the SMBG group, 7,706 switched to CGM use within the 5-year study time frame, and 5,123 of all initial CGM users switched to SMBG within the study time frame and were included in this analysis. At baseline, median (interquartile range [IQR]) HbA1c for SMBG use was 8.1 (2.4), whereas postcrossover to CGM use, there was a decline in median (IQR) levels to 7.7 (1.9) (P < .001). For baseline CGM users, median (IQR) HbA1c levels were 7.9 (2.0), and postcrossover to SMBG, median (IQR) HbA1c levels increased to 8.0 (2.9) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: We found that people who switched to CGM use had significantly improved HbA1c levels compared to those who switched to glucose monitoring with SMBG.

Practice Variation among Pediatric Endocrinologists in the Dosing of Glucocorticoids in Young Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

A Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) Drugs and Therapeutics Committee workgroup sought to determine the prescribing practices of pediatric endocrinologists when treating children <10 years of age with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Our workgroup administered a 32-question online survey to PES members. There were 187 respondents (88.9% attending physicians), mostly from university-affiliated clinics (~80%). Ninety-eight percent of respondents prescribed the short-acting glucocorticoid hydrocortisone to treat young children, as per the Endocrine Society CAH Guidelines, although respondents also prescribed long-acting glucocorticoids such as prednisolone suspension (12%), prednisone tablets (9%), and prednisone suspension (6%). Ninety-seven percent of respondents indicated that they were likely/very likely to prescribe hydrocortisone in a thrice-daily regimen, as per CAH Guidelines, although 19% were also likely to follow a twice-daily regimen. To achieve smaller doses, using a pill-cutter was the most frequent method recommended by providers to manipulate tablets (87.2%), followed by dissolving tablets in water (25.7%) to create a daily batch (43.7%) and/or dissolving a tablet for each dose (64.6%). Thirty-one percent of providers use pharmacy-compounded hydrocortisone suspension to achieve doses of <2.5 mg. Our survey shows that practices among providers in the dosing of young children with CAH vary greatly and sometimes fall outside of the CAH Guidelines-specifically when attempting to deliver lower, age-appropriate hydrocortisone doses.

Role of Psychologists in Pediatric Endocrinology.

The care of youth managed within pediatric endocrine clinics is complex and requires a multi- or interdisciplinary approach. Psychosocial aspects of chronic health conditions are well-documented. Clinical practice guidelines outline the importance of routine psychosocial screening and support for youth with diabetes and obesity. This article outlines the diverse role of psychologists in pediatric endocrinology, including screening, in-clinic intervention, outpatient psychological services, and inpatient consultation. Although research exists documenting the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to improve adherence and health-related quality of life, cost analysis research is emerging.

Glycemic control, depression, diabetes distress among adolescents with type 2 diabetes: effects of sex, race, insurance, and obesity.

AIMS: To determine (1) differences in depression and distress scores between adolescents with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), (2) how socioeconomic factors, obesity, race, and treatment regimen affect depression and diabetes distress in adolescent T2D, (3) the relationships between depression and diabetes distress scores in adolescents with T2D, and (4) how depression and diabetes distress scores relate to current and future glycemic control in adolescents with T2D. BACKGROUND: Diabetes distress is a negative emotional reaction to diabetes complications, self-management demands, unresponsive providers, poor interpersonal relationships, and to diabetes itself. It is frequently mistaken for depression and the two are interrelated. Increases in both predict poor glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. METHOD: Depression (PHQ-9) and diabetes distress (PAID-T) scores from self-administered tests were studied in 364 patients with diabetes between the ages of 13-17. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences between types of diabetes, sexes, races, and insurance status. Spearman correlations, and robust rank order multivariable regression analysis were used to assess relationships. Medical records were reviewed for follow-up hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over 3 years. RESULTS: HbA1c was significantly lower in females with T2D than with T1D (p = 0.019) but not in males. It, also, did not differ between females and males with T2D. Median PHQ-9 score in females with T2D was significantly greater than in females with T1D (p = 0.007) but did not differ between females and males with T2D. PHQ-9 scores did not differ between males with T2D and T1D. PAID-T scores, however, were higher in males with T2D than in males with T1D but did not differ between females. PHQ-9 scores and PAID-T scores were significantly related in T2D (rs = 0.65, p < 0.001). Neither was related to HbA1c in T2D. CONCLUSIONS: As in adolescents with T1D, depression and diabetes distress screening scores are closely related in adolescent T2D. However, unlike T1D, they are not related to glycemic control in T2D. Depression and diabetes distress may be more closely related to weight and lifestyle concerns.

Pharmacologic Weight Management in the Era of Adolescent Obesity.

CONTEXT: Pediatric obesity is a serious health problem in the United States. While lifestyle modification therapy with dietary changes and increased physical activity are integral for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate obesity in youth, only a modest effect on sustained weight reduction is observed in children and young adults with severe obesity. This underscores the need for additional evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents with severe obesity, including pharmacotherapy, before considering invasive procedures such as bariatric surgery. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This publication focuses on recent advances in pharmacotherapy of obesity with an emphasis on medications approved for common and rarer monogenic forms of pediatric obesity. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We review medications currently available in the United States, both those approved for weight reduction in children and "off-label" medications that have a broad safety margin. CONCLUSION: It is intended that this review will provide guidance for practicing clinicians and will encourage future exploration for successful pharmacotherapy and other interventions for obesity in youth.

A Quality Improvement Project to Implement Choking Prevention and First Aid Education in Prader-Willi Syndrome Caregivers.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental genetic disorder characterized by hypotonia and hyperphagia. Consequently, individuals with PWS are at high risk of choking, and choking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project is to provide choking prevention and first aid education from 0% to 80% of PWS caregivers seen in a multidisciplinary PWS clinic, and to assess the effectiveness of this education program. A QI initiative was developed to standardize and implement choking prevention and first aid education for PWS caregivers. Using a Likert scale, pre- and post-education assessments were conducted to measure caregiver (1) awareness of the PWS choking risk, (2) self-reported knowledge of choking prevention strategies, and (3) comfort in providing choking first aid. The American Heart Association Family and Friends® CPR (Dallas, TX, USA) curriculum was utilized. Education was provided during a regularly scheduled PWS clinic appointment. At project conclusion, 45/52 (87%) of PWS caregivers received education. A post-education assessment revealed an improvement in PWS caregivers' awareness of choking risk, self-reported knowledge of choking prevention strategies, and comfort in providing choking first aid. This QI project supports a practice change to implement choking prevention and first aid education as standard process within our PWS clinic.