Home-Based Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Provider Visits: Effects on Healthcare Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: This hypothesis-generating study sought to assess the impact of home-based hospice and palliative care (HBHPC) provider home visits (HV) on healthcare use. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of individuals ages 1 month to 21 years receiving an in-person HBHPC provider (MD/DO or APN) HV through 2 HBHPC programs in the Midwest from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated for healthcare use variables. Paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the changes in healthcare use the year before and year after initial provider HVs. RESULTS: The cohort included 195 individuals (49% female), with diagnoses composed of 49% neurologic, 30% congenital chromosomal, 11% oncologic, 7% cardiac, and 3% other. After implementation of HBHPC services, these patients showed decreases in the median (IQR) number of intensive care unit days (before HV, 12 [IQR, 4-37]; after HV, 0 [IQR, 0-8]; P < .001); inpatient admissions (before HV, 1 [IQR, 1-3]; after HV, 1 [IQR, 0-2]; P = .005); and number of inpatient days (before HV, 5 [IQR, 1-19]; after HV, 2 [IQR, 0-8]; P = .009). There was an increase in clinically relevant phone calls to the HBHPC team (before HV, 1 [IQR, 0-4] vs after HV, 4 [IQR, 1-7]; P < .001) and calls to the HBHPC team before emergency department visits (before HV, 0 [IQR, 0-0] vs after HV, 1 [IQR, 1-2]; P < .001). CONCLUSION: HBHPC provider HVs were associated with fewer inpatient admissions, hospital days, and intensive care unit days, and increased clinically relevant phone calls and phone calls before emergency department visit. These findings indicate that HBHPC HV may contribute to decreased inpatient use and increased use of the HBHPC team.

Maternal and newborn metabolomic changes associated with urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite concentrations at delivery: an untargeted approach.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with adverse human health outcomes. To explore the plausible associations between maternal PAH exposure and maternal/newborn metabolomic outcomes, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 75 pregnant people from Cincinnati, Ohio. METHOD: We quantified 8 monohydroxylated PAH metabolites in maternal urine samples collected at delivery. We then used an untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry approach to examine alterations in the maternal (n = 72) and newborn (n = 63) serum metabolome associated with PAH metabolites. Associations between individual maternal urinary PAH metabolites and maternal/newborn metabolome were assessed using linear regression adjusted for maternal and newborn factors while accounting for multiple testing with the Benjamini-Hochberg method. We then conducted functional analysis to identify potential biological pathways. RESULTS: Our results from the metabolome-wide associations (MWAS) indicated that an average of 1% newborn metabolome features and 2% maternal metabolome features were associated with maternal urinary PAH metabolites. Individual PAH metabolite concentrations in maternal urine were associated with maternal/newborn metabolome related to metabolism of vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, energy, xenobiotics, glycan, and organic compounds. CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, we identified associations between urinary PAH concentrations during late pregnancy and metabolic features associated with several metabolic pathways among pregnant women and newborns. Further studies are needed to explore the mediating role of the metabolome in the relationship between PAHs and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava in children: A comparison of sub-xiphoid and right lateral coronal views.

OBJECTIVES: The inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) has been used to assess the respiratory variation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and hence intravascular volume. The sub-xiphoid view (SXV) is the standard view to evaluate the IVC. The right lateral transabdominal view (RLV) has been shown in adults to be an alternative view to evaluate the IVC when the SXV is not feasible. The aim of the study was to compare IVC dimensions from these two views and thus determine whether the RLV view can be used instead of the SXV in pediatric patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective observational crossover study. Study subjects were ASA physical status 1-2 children, 1-12 years of age scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained by mask with spontaneous ventilation with end-tidal sevoflurane at 2%-5% after the induction of anesthesia. IVCCI was measured using M-mode in both the SXV and RLV. RESULTS: The study cohort included 50 children with a mean age of 5.1 years. The median value for the IVCCI-sx was 0.45 (IQR: 0.28-0.70) while the IVCCI-rl was 0.30 (0.19-0.5). The mean difference between the two groups was 0.12 (95% CI: 0.177-0.066, p < .001, two-tailed paired t-test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was 0.66. The univariate linear regression model was IVCCIsx = 0.21 + 0.77 × IVCCIrl. CONCLUSIONS: IVCCIrl was lower than IVCCIsx. IVCCI measured from the right lateral view tended to overestimate the patient's fluid-responsiveness and therefore these two values are not interchangeable.

A prospective study of maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in the first trimester of pregnancy and second trimester heavy metal levels.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium but may also increase absorption of other metals; the literature is conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether 25OHD in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with subsequent metals levels in the late second trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: We used data from a sample of women in the LIFECODES pregnancy cohort (N = 381). 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured with a chemiluminescence immunoassay in plasma samples drawn at 10 weeks of gestation. A panel of 17 metals and elements was measured in urine collected at 26 weeks of gestation. We used linear or logistic regression to estimate associations between 25OHD (dichotomous, linear, and in tertiles) and either urinary metal concentrations or the proportion of samples below the limit of detection, respectively. Multivariable models included urinary specific gravity, age, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, insurance type, gestational age, and season. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, low 25OHD was associated with a 47% increase in lead level, a 60% increase in tin level, and 1.58 times the odds of detectable tungsten. A 10 ng/ml increase in 25OHD was associated with a 12% decrease in tin and an 8% increase in molybdenum. While we had a small sample size, we found some evidence of effect modification by race. Women who reported their race as Black or were classified in the other race category, who also had low 25OHD, had 40% higher thallium than women with higher 25OHD and were more likely to have detectable beryllium and tungsten. These metals were not associated with low 25OHD in women who reported their race as White. Tin and lead were higher in women with low 25OHD in all race groups. DISCUSSION: In total, further research is warranted to determine if vitamin D levels alter metal levels, and to elucidate the shape of the association for each metal across a range of corresponding 25OHD levels, and longitudinally, across pregnancy. This is especially true for pregnant people as exposure to metals during pregnancy has health consequences for the fetus.

Perioperative anaphylaxis in children: A report from the Wake-Up Safe collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactic reactions to antigens in the perioperative environment are uncommon, but they have a potential to lead to serious morbidity and/or mortality. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions is 1:37 000 pediatric anesthetics, and substantially less than the 1:10 000 to 1:20 000 incidence in the adult population. Neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, and antibiotics are the most frequently cited triggers. To date, there is no comprehensive report on perioperative anaphylactic reactions in children in the United States. Using the Wake-up Safe database, we examined the incidence and consequences of reported perioperative anaphylaxis events. METHODS: We reviewed the Wake-up Safe database from 2010 to 2017 and identified all reported instances of anaphylaxis. The triggering agent, timing, and location of the registered event, severity of patient harm, and preventability were identified. Narrative review of free-text comments entered by reporting centers was performed to determine presenting symptoms, and interventions required. Type of case was identified from procedure codes provided in mandatory fields. RESULTS: Among 2 261 749 cases reported to the Wake-up Safe database during the study period, perioperative anaphylactic reactions occurred in 1:36 479 (0.003%). Antibiotics, neuromuscular blocking agents, and opioid analgesics were the main triggers. Forty-nine cases (79%) occurred in the operating room, and 13 cases (21%) occurred in off-site locations. Seven (11%) patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation following the onset of symptoms. Thirty-five (57%) patients were treated with epinephrine or epinephrine plus other medications, whereas 5% were managed only with phenylephrine. Most cases (97%) required escalation of care after the event. Regarding case preventability, 91% of cases were marked as either "likely could not have been prevented" or "almost certainly could not have been prevented." CONCLUSION: The estimated incidence of anaphylaxis and inciting agents among the pediatric population in this study were consistent with the most recent published studies outside of the United States; however, new findings included need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 11% of cases, and estimated fatality of 1.6%. The management of perioperative anaphylaxis could be improved for some cases as epinephrine was not administered, or its administration was delayed. Fewer than half of reported cases had additional investigation to formally identify the responsible agent.

Batten disease and perioperative complications: a retrospective descriptive study.

PURPOSE: Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder of childhood. Previously reported perioperative complications in children with Batten disease have come mainly from single case reports. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate perioperative complications of patients with Batten disease in the largest cohort known to date. The secondary objective was to characterize the anesthetic management including the use of propofol and to assess its association with adverse events. METHOD: We conducted a single center, retrospective descriptive study by querying the hospital's electronic medical record to identify patients with a diagnosis of Batten disease or ICD10 E75.4 who received anesthetic care from December 2014 to May 2019. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients who underwent a total of 93 anesthetic encounters (range 1-11) were included in the analysis. A total of 29 adverse events were identified. Hypotension (N = 6, 6.5%) and bradycardia (N = 7, 7.5%) requiring treatment with medications were the most common adverse events. Other adverse events include oxygen desaturation (N = 4, 4.3%), seizures (N = 4, 4.3%), unanticipated hospital or ICU admission (N = 1, 1.1%), PACU phase 1 stay > 120 min (N = 2, 2.2%), hypothermia (N = 4, 4.3%), agitation (N = 1, 1.1%), and laryngospasm requiring treatment (N = 1, 1.1%). The number of preoperative anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) had a positive correlation with the rate of perioperative adverse events. There was no statistical relationship of adverse events with intraoperative use of propofol (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.42-2.51). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of these patients were managed without clinically significant perioperative complications. As previously reported, bradycardia, hypotension, and hypothermia were the most common adverse events. Routine avoidance of propofol in patients with Batten disease does not appear warranted.

Exposure to 17 trace metals in pregnancy and associations with urinary oxidative stress biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to some toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium, has been associated with increased oxidative stress. However less is known about other metals and metal mixtures, especially in pregnant women who are a vulnerable population. METHODS: To study the relationship between exposure to trace metals and oxidative stress, we analyzed a panel of 17 metals and two oxidative stress biomarkers (8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) in urine samples collected at ~26 weeks gestation from pregnant women in Boston (n = 380). We used linear regression models to calculate percent differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in oxidative stress markers for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in each urinary metal with adjustment for other metals. In addition, we applied principal components analysis (PCA) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), to examine cumulative effects (within correlated groups of exposures as well as overall) and interactions. RESULTS: We estimated 109% (95% CI: 47, 198) higher 8-isoprostane and 71% (95% CI: 45, 102) higher 8-OHdG with an IQR increase in urinary selenium (Se). We also estimated higher 8-isoprostane (47%, 95% CI: 20.5, 79.4) and 8-OHdG (15.3%, 95% CI: 5.09, 26.5) in association with urinary copper (Cu). In our PCA, we observed higher 8-isoprostane levels in association with the "essential" PC (highly loaded by Cu, Se, and Zinc). In BKMR analyses, we also estimated higher levels of both oxidative stress biomarkers with increasing Se and Cu as well as increasing levels of both oxidative stress biomarkers in association with cumulative concentrations of urinary trace metals. CONCLUSION: We observed higher 8-isoprostane and 8-OHdG levels in association with urinary trace metals and elements, particularly Se and Cu, in linear models and using mixtures approaches. Additionally, increasing cumulative exposure to urinary trace metals was associated with higher levels of both oxidative stress biomarkers. The beneficial effects of these compounds should be carefully questioned.

Urinary trace metals, maternal circulating angiogenic biomarkers, and preeclampsia: a single-contaminant and mixture-based approach.

BACKGROUND: Exposures to toxic metals and deficiencies in essential metals disrupt placentation and may contribute to preeclampsia. However, effects of exposure to combinations of metals remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between urinary trace metals, circulating angiogenic biomarkers, and preeclampsia using the LIFECODES birth cohort. METHODS: Urine samples collected during pregnancy were analyzed for 17 trace metals and plasma samples were analyzed for soluble fms-like tyrosine-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of preeclampsia associated with urinary trace metals. Linear regression models were used to estimate the relationship between urinary trace metals and angiogenic biomarkers. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to identify groups of metals and interactions between principal components (PCs) loaded by toxic and essential metals were examined. RESULTS: In single-contaminant models, several toxic and essential metals were associated with lower PlGF and higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Detection of urinary chromium was associated with preeclampsia: HR (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) = 3.48 (1.02, 11.8) and an IQR-increase in urinary selenium was associated with reduced risk of preeclampsia (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.94). Using PCA, 3 PCs were identified, characterized by essential metals (PC1), toxic metals (PC2), and seafood-associated metals (PC3). PC1 and PC2 were associated with lower PlGF levels, but not preeclampsia risk in the overall cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Trace urinary metals may be associated with adverse profiles of angiogenic biomarkers and preeclampsia.

Special Report: E-Waste Management in the United States and Public Health Implications.

Electronic waste (e-waste) generation is increasing worldwide, and its management becomes a significant challenge because of the many toxicants present in electronic devices. The U.S. is a major producer of e-waste, although its management practice and policy regulation are not sufficient to meet the challenge. We reviewed e-waste generation, current management practices and trends, policy challenges, potential health impact, and toxicant exposure prevention in the U.S. A large amount of toxic metals, flame retardants, and other persistent organic pollutants exist in e-waste or can be released from the disposal of e-waste (e.g., landfill, incineration, recycling). Landfill is still a major method used to dispose of obsolete electronic devices, and only about half of the states have initiated a landfill ban for e-waste. Recycling of e-waste is an increasing trend in the past few years. There is potential, however, for workers to be exposed to a mixture of toxicants in e-waste and these exposures should be curtailed. Perspectives and recommendations are provided regarding managing e-waste in the U.S. to protect public health, including enacting federal legislation, discontinuing landfill disposal, protecting workers in recycling facilities from toxicant exposure, reducing toxicant release into the environment, and raising awareness of this growing environmental health issue among the public.

An Update on Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units: Activities and Impacts, 2015-19.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) address health concerns impacting children and their families related to environmental hazards by providing consultation and education to families, communities, and health care professionals. This analysis evaluated the productivity of the national PEHSU program. METHODS: PEHSUs reported data on services provided to US communities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis are presented. RESULTS: During this period, 6102 consultations and 4644 educational outreach activities were recorded. PEHSU faculty and staff published 462 articles, reviews, book chapters, fact sheets, commentaries, short informational pieces, and other materials between 2014 and 2019. These included 190 articles in scientific peer-reviewed journals and 29 textbook chapters to increase professional capacity in pediatric and reproductive environmental health. Lead, other metals, substances of abuse, pesticides, mold, and air pollution were frequently reported as agents of concern and educational topics. Requests for an overview of pediatric environmental health and outdoor pollutants were other frequently reported topics. CONCLUSIONS: PEHSUs work to decrease harmful exposures and improve children's health. They serve as expert resources for families, health care professionals, and communities on health effects related to environmental exposures. Data show the breadth and depth of concerns addressed and demonstrate the productivity and impact of this national program.

Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals and epigenetic alterations in the placenta and cord blood mononuclear cells.

Background: Exposure to environmental chemicals such as phthalates, phenols, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during pregnancy can increase the risk of adverse newborn outcomes. We explored the associations between maternal exposure to select environmental chemicals and DNA methylation in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) and placental tissue (maternal and fetal sides) to identify potential mechanisms underlying these associations. Method: This study included 75 pregnant individuals who planned to give birth at the University of Cincinnati Hospital between 2014 and 2017. Maternal urine samples during the delivery visit were collected and analyzed for 37 biomarkers of phenols (12), phthalates (13), phthalate replacements (4), and PAHs (8). Cord blood and placenta tissue (maternal and fetal sides) were also collected to measure the DNA methylation intensities using the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip. We used linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders, to assess CpG-specific methylation changes in CBMC (n = 54) and placenta [fetal (n = 67) and maternal (n = 68) sides] associated with gestational chemical exposures (29 of 37 biomarkers measured in this study). To account for multiple testing, we used a false discovery rate q-values < 0.05 and presented results by limiting results with a genomic inflation factor of 1±0.5. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis was conducted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics pathways. Results: Among the 29 chemical biomarkers assessed for differential methylation, maternal concentrations of PAH metabolites (1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene), monocarboxyisononyl phthalate, mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate, and bisphenol A were associated with altered methylation in placenta (maternal or fetal side). Among exposure biomarkers associated with epigenetic changes, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, and mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate were consistently associated with differential CpG methylation in the placenta. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that maternal 1-hydroxynaphthalene was associated with lipid metabolism and cellular processes of the placenta. Additionally, mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate was associated with organismal systems and genetic information processing of the placenta. Conclusion: Among the 29 chemical biomarkers assessed during delivery, 1-hydroxynaphthalene and mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate were associated with DNA methylation in the placenta. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43682-024-00027-7.

Pediatric Home-Based Hospice and Palliative Medicine Provider Home Visits: A Multisite Study.

Background: Pediatric home-based palliative care and/or hospice provider (Physician, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physician Assistant) home visits are an underexplored subject in the literature with little available descriptive data and limited evidence guiding how best to utilize them. Objectives: Describe the population receiving hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) provider home visits and characterize visit themes. Design: Retrospective chart review of electronic medical record (EMR) data Setting/Subjects: A total of 226 individuals 1 month to 21 years of age, who received an HPM provider home visit from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018; two large quaternary medical centers in the Midwest. Measurements: Demographic data, content, and details from home visit abstracted from the EMR. Results: The three most common diagnostic groups receiving HPM provider home visits were neurological (42%), congenital chromosomal (26%), and prematurity-related (14%) conditions. Goals of care (GOC) were discussed at 29% of visits; most commonly, goals related to code status (42%), technology dependence (20%), and nutrition/hydration (15%). A change in GOC occurred in 44% of visits. Forms of anticipatory guidance addressed were nutrition (68%), side effects of treatment (63%), pain assessment (59%), decline/death (32%), and allow natural death/do not resuscitate/advance directives (26%). Conclusion: HPM provider visits are diverse in content and changes in plan of care with potential for proactive identification of GOC and provision of important anticipatory guidance around patient decline and end of life. Further research is indicated to establish which populations benefit most and how to leverage this scarce resource strategically.

Delirium in Pediatric Patients With Respiratory Insufficiency Requiring Noninvasive Ventilation.

Background: Delirium is associated with increased length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, and cost. Independent predictors of delirium include age < 2 years, developmental delay, severity of illness, mechanical ventilation, and administration of benzodiazepines and anticholinergic medications. Although patients receiving noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may have been included in prior studies, there are no data specifically focusing on delirium in children receiving NIV. Our primary aim was to investigate the prevalence of delirium in patients on NIV in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and evaluate potentially modifiable risk factors for delirium. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study evaluating the prevalence of delirium as established by the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD). We evaluated PICU patients ≤ 18 years old with respiratory insufficiency requiring ≥ 48 h of NIV. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation were excluded from the analysis. Results: There were 202 patients that received ≥ 48 h of NIV during the study period. Of these patients, 43 patients had at least one CAPD score documented while on NIV. There were a total of 143 days on NIV and 137 days with CAPD documentation. The prevalence of delirium, defined as a CAPD score ≥ 9, was 67.4% (29 of 43 patients). Sixty-nine percent of the patients who experienced delirium received benzodiazepines, compared with 14% who did not experience delirium (P = 0.001). Most patients (83.7%) in this cohort received dexmedetomidine. Of patients who received dexmedetomidine and had delirium, 68% received benzodiazepines compared to 25% in the non-delirious group (P = 0.046). Conclusions: Delirium is common in young pediatric patients receiving NIV. As previously shown in the invasive mechanical ventilation population, benzodiazepine exposure continues to be a potentially modifiable risk factor for delirium.

Defining Persistent Total Parenteral Nutrition Use in Patients with Neurologic Impairment.

Background: Patients with neurologic impairment (NI) experience gastrointestinal symptoms as one of three common problems associated with NI, including occasional persistent total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use. Objective: To describe the incidence of persistent TPN use in patients with NI. Design: Retrospective chart review on patients 0-38 years old enrolled in the Complex Health Care Program from January 2011 to October 2015. Setting/Subjects: This study occurred in a United States pediatric tertiary care hospital. Two hundred and eight participants were included based on NI, utilizing a surgical feeding tube, and having encounters with a dietitian. Measurements: The primary outcome was incidence of persistent TPN use in patients with NI. Secondary outcomes included mortality rate, hospitalization frequency, time-to-TPN initiation, and describing symptoms preceding persistent TPN use. Results: Median number of admissions was 4 for 168 hospitalized patients (59% male, 58% White). One hundred twenty-five patients required admission for unplanned bowel rest with average length-of-stay of 7.3 days. Twenty-six patients required TPN initiation. Average time-to-TPN was two years since enrollment. Mortality rate was 14% (n = 28). TPN initiation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-13.8) was significantly associated with increased OR of mortality. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a substantial population of patients with NI and surgical feeding tube are affected by persistent feeding intolerance. We propose that persistent TPN use may be a risk factor for mortality. Additional research is needed to delineate relationships between persistent TPN use, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Patient Characteristics Associated with NPO (Nil Per Os) Non-Compliance in the Pediatric Surgical Population.

Introduction: Cancellation of surgery or delay on the day of service is a huge burden for the patient, family, and healthcare system. Preventable delays impact efficiency and workflow, which may increase costs due to overtime and idle rooms during peak hours. Non-compliance to nil per os (NPO) guidelines remains one of the most common preventable causes for surgical cancellations. The current study sought to investigate and understand patient factors that may be associated with non-compliance to NPO guidelines. Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective review of completed and cancelled pediatric procedures requiring the use of anesthesia over a 5-year period was performed. Emergency procedures and inpatient surgeries were excluded. Data regarding patient demographics and surgical service were extracted from the electronic medical records for comparison. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with cancellations due to NPO non-compliance. Results: There were 825 cancellations due to NPO non-compliance of 144,049 cases for an incidence of 0.57% over the 5-year period. Patients in the 6-12 year old age range and those who self-identified as non-White or non-English speaking had a higher incidence of cancelling due to NPO non-compliance. Compared to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures, cancellations due to NPO non-compliance were more likely in radiology, dental, and urology procedures. Discussion: Many factors may impact a family's compliance with NPO guidelines. Patient-related factors included those who self-identified as non-White or non-English speaking. Patients having ENT surgery were less likely to have NPO non-compliance than those having radiologic procedures, dental surgery, or urologic surgery. Future interventions focused on these groups may be most effective in limiting day of surgery cancellations.

Use of cuffed endotracheal tubes in infants less than 5 kilograms: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Improved understanding of airway anatomy and refinement of equipment have led to the increased use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in infants and children. Despite expanded evidence on the potential advantages of cuffed ETTs in pediatric patients, there remains limited data on their use in infants less than 5 kilograms (kg). The current study retrospectively evaluates the perioperative use of cuffed ETTs in infants weighing 2-5 kg. METHODS: This is a retrospective study from a tertiary care children's hospital involving a 3-year period. Data regarding anesthetic care, airway management, and postoperative course were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: The study cohort included 1162 patients, 1086 of whom had their tracheas intubated with a cuffed ETT and 76 with an uncuffed ETT. Patients were divided into two groups for analysis: 2 to <3 kg and 3 to 5 kg. In both weight groups, cuffed ETTs resulted in a decreased need for more than one laryngoscopy and a change in ETT size with no increase in postoperative airway effects including stridor. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide additional information regarding the efficacy and safety of cuffed ETTs in neonates and infants.

Ambulatory spinal anesthesia in infants ≤ six months of age: A retrospective review of outcomes and safety.

PURPOSE: To review experience with outpatient spinal anesthesia (SA) from a single center in infants ≤6 months of age. METHODS: Retrospective review of all SAs performed in the ambulatory setting in the outpatient surgery centers in infants ≤6 months of age from 2016 to 2020, focusing on success rate, adverse events, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) times, and emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) returns within 7 days of the operation. RESULTS: The study cohort included 175 SAs performed on 173 patients ≤6 months of age. One hundred and sixty-two patients (93%) were able to undergo their respective surgical procedures under SA without conversion to general anesthesia. One hundred and thirty-six patients (78%) did not require additional sedation or analgesic agents. The median time from entering the operating room until the start of surgical procedure was 17 min. One hundred and twenty-six patients (72%) were able to bypass Phase I of the PACU. One hundred and forty-seven patients (86%) were discharged in less than two hours postoperatively. Only one complication related to SA was noted. This was a patient who returned on postoperative day 2 with a possible CSF leak noted by ultrasound. After overnight hospital floor admission, he was discharged the next day after receiving intravenous fluids without further sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: SA is a viable option for anesthetic care in infants ≤6 months of age presenting for outpatient surgery. Advantages included the ability to bypass PACU Phase I and facilitation of hospital discharge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective cohort treatment study.

Adverse Events in Infants Less Than 6 Months of Age After Ambulatory Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging Requiring Anesthesia.

AAP guidelines recommend infants less than 6 months of age are monitored for at least 2 hours following surgery. This retrospective study evaluated if adherence to the 2-hour monitoring guideline decreased the risk of adverse events associated with ambulatory procedures in infants younger than 6 months. Methods: We queried the hospital's electronic medical record to identify patients younger than 6 months of age who received anesthetic care from January 2015 to March 2020. Demographic data, intraoperative adverse events, and returns to the emergency department (ED) or urgent care within 7 days were captured for each patient. We calculated the number and frequency for categorical data and median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous data. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to compare patients who experienced an adverse event to those that did not. Results: One thousand one hundred seventy-seven patients who had 1,261 unique anesthetic encounters were analyzed. Forty-four adverse events were identified, 20 (1.6%) before discharge, including 3 unplanned admissions, and 24 (1.9%) returns to the ED/UC within 7 days postoperatively. We did not observe differences in postoperative recovery time in patients who experienced an adverse event and those who did not (88 min vs. 77 min, respectively, P = 0.078). None of the ED/UC returns would have been avoided by a longer PACU stay. Conclusions: With the appropriate patient selection, once physiological discharge readiness is met, adherence to a strict 2-hour time-based discharge criteria does not increase safety for infants younger than 6 months of age after ambulatory procedures.

Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in the Operating Room of a Pediatric Hospital: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures are frequently out of the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O. This can lead to multiple iatrogenic complications ranging from cough, sore throat, and tracheal edema to more serious medical issues such as tracheal stenosis, aspiration, nerve injuries, and tracheal rupture. Additionally, current methods to inflate ETT cuffs vary between anesthesia providers and are not consistent in the recommended range. The objective of this quality improvement project was to increase the percentage of cuff pressures between 20 and 30 cm H2O. Methods: Four plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed in the operating rooms at Nationwide Children's Hospital over 9 months to assess ways to improve the accuracy of obtaining recommended ETT cuff pressures. Control charts were used to evaluate the primary outcome measure. Results: Preimplementation, ETT cuff pressures were out of the recommended range 76% of the time. Cuff pressures were out of the recommended range 64% of the time with the addition of the air method, 84% of the time in the tidal volume ratio cycle, and 50% of the time using the removal of air technique. The removal of air method was the most effective in achieving cuff pressures within the recommended pressure range (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Using quality improvement methodology, the percentage of ETT cuff pressures falling within the recommended pressure range increased using the removal of air technique. This approach is a simple and practical method that can be easily implemented in the clinical setting and would provide additional safety in the anesthetic management of pediatric patients.