Evaluating the feasibility and outcomes of a resident-led school-based pediatric clinic.

Objective: A resident-led school-based clinic to serve low-income populations was established in 2019 and served as a continuity clinic for pediatric residents at a single university. Our aim was to assess the feasibility, clinic outcomes, and resident experience of a resident-led school-based clinic (RLSBC), established in an elementary school that serves an underserved population. Methods: A retrospective chart review for the first 6 months (October 2019 to March 2020) of clinic operations was conducted. Feasibility metrics included the number of patients, visits and planned follow-ups; clinic outcomes included the number and type of presenting complaint, new diagnoses and interventions. Residents were also surveyed to assess their satisfaction and perceived learning in training at the school-based clinic. Results: Over the first 19 clinic days, 48 children were seen at the school-based clinic. Of the clinic users, 60% did not have a primary care physician, 46% received a new diagnosis, 46% received an intervention in the form of medication prescription, laboratory/imaging requisitions or referrals, and 96% received a treatment plan. Residents positively rated the experience of staffing the school-based clinic in all aspects, including learning environment, clinic and team environment, teaching obtained, practice management, and overall experience. Conclusion: A RLSBC is feasible and our outcomes suggest that such clinics may address health care needs of low-income families and children, while being a positively rated educational experience for pediatric residents.

Mothers' experiences and perceptions of their child's weaning process from tube feeding within a multidisciplinary Paediatric Feeding Program.

Objectives: Previous studies have described the negative impact that tube feeding of children with complex chronic diseases has on the caregivers' emotions, relationships and daily life. It is unclear whether these negative experiences persist or change during and after the weaning process. We sought to explore mothers' experiences and perceptions of their child being weaned off tube feeding within a Paediatric Feeding Program (PFP). Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with mothers whose children <4 years old had experienced feeding tube weaning within an outpatient, family-centred, telemedicine-supported PFP. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We conducted 9 interviews with mothers of children (n = 10) in the PFP at which point data saturation was achieved. Three main themes emerged: a) the initial emotional toll on mothers stemming from fear of perceived adverse consequences of decreasing tube feeds and uncertainty surrounding efficacy of weaning; b) achievement of weaning via a family-centered approach through gaining trust, close contact, and collaboration with the team; and c) attainment of mothers' expectations of family life through transformed relationships and social activities. A positive evolution of emotions was observed, attributable to the support of the PFP. Conclusions: These experiences suggest that our outpatient weaning program had a positive impact on the stress, fear, and relational challenges that mothers reported before and during initial tube weaning. These findings highlight potential areas of discussion with families at multiple stages of the child's tube feeding experience, to help normalize emotions for families and support coping strategies.

Effect of preschool childcare on school-aged children's adiposity in Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Regulated public childcare must follow nutrition and physical activity guidelines, but the impact of public childcare on childhood adiposity is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of universal preschool childcare on children's BMI in elementary school in Quebec, Canada, and whether the effects differed in children from more or less advantaged families. METHODS: For 1657 children enrolled in the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (1998-2010), BMI z-scores (BMIz) from 6 to 13 years were regressed on the childcare used from 2 to 5 years, adjusted for pre-childcare variables. Average treatment effects were estimated using the Bayesian multilevel linear regression and g-computation for four childcare profiles: 1) parental care or full-time care (35 hours/week) in a 2) centre-based, 3) regulated home-based or 4) unregulated home-based arrangement. RESULTS: Had all participants attended centre-based care, mean BMIz in kindergarten would have been 0.38 (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.23, 0.52), which was 0.40 (95% CrI 0.14, 0.65) SD higher than regulated home-based, 0.20 (95% CrI -0.04, 0.43) SD higher than unregulated home-based and 0.36 (95% CrI 0.11, 0.60) SD higher than parental care. By 12 years, mean BMIz had increased for all childcare profiles, but differences between childcare profiles had diminished. CONCLUSIONS: Although centre-based childcare was associated with an earlier rise in BMI, compared with informal care, it had no large, enduring effect, overall, or for less advantaged children, in particular.

The burden of waiting: wait times for pediatric surgical procedures in Quebec and compliance with national benchmarks.

Background: Wait time information and compliance with national guidelines are limited to a few adult conditions in the province of Quebec. We aimed to assess compliance with Paediatric Canadian Access Targets for Surgery (P-CATS) guidelines and determine the burden incurred due to waiting for 3 common elective surgical conditions (inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism and hypospadias) in a pediatric population. Methods: We carried out a population-based retrospective cohort study of randomly selected children residing in Quebec without complex chronic medical conditions, using administrative databases belonging to the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec for the period 2010-2013. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated to measure the burden due to waiting. Multivariate forward regression identified risk factors for compliance with national guidelines. Results: Surgical wait time information was assessed for 1515 patients, and specialist referral wait time was assessed for 1389 patients. Compliance with P-CATS benchmarks was 76.6% for seeing a specialist and 60.7% for receiving surgery. Regression analysis identified older age (p < 0.0001) and referring physician specialty (p = 0.001) as risk factors affecting specialist referral wait time target compliance, whereas older age (p = 0.040), referring physician specialty (p = 0.043) and surgeon specialty (p = 0.002) were significant determinants in surgical wait time compliance. The total burden accrued due to waiting beyond benchmarks was 35 DALYs. Conclusion: Our results show that provincial compliance rates with wait time benchmarks are still inadequate and need improvement. Patient age and physician specialty were both found to have significant effects on wait time target compliance.

Contexte: L'information sur les temps d'attente et le respect des lignes directrices nationales au Québec est limitée à quelques affections chez les adultes. Nous avons voulu évaluer le respect des objectifs canadiens en matière d'accès aux chirurgies pédiatriques (P-CATS) et déterminer le fardeau associé à l'attente pour 3 affections courantes nécessitant une intervention chirurgicale non urgente (hernie inguinale, cryptorchidie et hypospadias) chez une population pédiatrique. Méthodes: Pour ce faire, nous avons mené une étude de cohorte populationnelle rétrospective portant sur des enfants vivant au Québec et n'ayant pas de problèmes de santé chroniques complexes. Leur sélection aléatoire a été faite à partir de bases de données administratives appartenant à la Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec pour la période de 2010 à 2013. Nous avons calculé les années de vie ajustées en fonction de l'incapacité (AVAI) pour mesurer le fardeau associé à l'attente. Une régression ascendante multivariée a permis de relever les facteurs de risque relatifs au respect des lignes directrices nationales. Résultats: Nous avons évalué les données sur le temps d'attente pour une intervention chirurgicale chez 1515 patients, et sur le temps d'attente pour la consultation d'un spécialiste chez 1389 patients. Les valeurs de référence pour le respect des P-CATS étaient de 76,6 % pour la consultation d'un spécialiste et de 60,7 % pour la réalisation d'une intervention. L'analyse de régression a montré que l'âge plus avancé (p < 0,0001) et la spécialité du médecin traitant (p = 0,001) étaient des facteurs de risque pour la consultation d'un spécialiste, tandis que l'âge plus avancé (p = 0,040), la spécialité du médecin traitant (p = 0,043) et la spécialité du chirurgien (p = 0,002) étaient des déterminants significatifs du respect des objectifs d'attente pour une intervention. Le fardeau total causé par l'attente au-delà des valeurs de référence était de 35 AVAI. Conclusion: Nos résultats montrent que le taux provincial de respect des lignes directrices d'attente demeure inadéquat et doit être amélioré. L'âge des patients et la spécialité des médecins ont tous deux un effet significatif sur le respect des objectifs d'attente.

2020 edition of the Rourke Baby Record: What is new in preventive care of children up to 5 years of age?

OBJECTIVE: To update primary care providers practising well-child and well-baby clinical care on the evidence that contributed to the recommendations of the 2020 edition of the Rourke Baby Record (RBR). QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Pediatric preventive care literature was searched from June 2016 to May 2019, primary research studies were reviewed and critically appraised using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology, and recommendations were updated where there was support from the literature. MAIN MESSAGE: Notable changes in the 2020 edition of the RBR include the recommendations to limit or avoid consumption of highly processed foods high in dietary sodium, to ensure safe sleep (healthy infants should sleep on their backs and on a firm surface for every sleep, and should sleep in a crib, cradle, or bassinette in the parents' room for the first 6 months of life), to not swaddle infants after they attempt to roll, to inquire about food insecurity, to encourage parents to read and sing to infants and children, to limit screen time for children younger than 2 years of age (although it is accepted for videocalling), to educate parents on risks and harms associated with e-cigarettes and cannabis, to avoid pesticide use, to wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled, to be aware of the new Canadian Caries Risk Assessment Tool, to note new red flags for cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental problems, and to pay attention to updated high-risk groups for lead and anemia screening. CONCLUSION: The RBR endeavours to guide clinicians in providing evidence-informed primary care to Canadian children. The revisions are rigorously considered and are based on appraisal of a growing, albeit still limited, evidence base for pediatric preventive care.

The 2020 Rourke Baby Record release: A time for reflection and looking forward.

The Rourke Baby Record (RBR) is a health supervision guide for providing care and anticipatory guidance to children aged 0 to 5 years in Canada. First developed in 1979, it has been revised regularly to ensure that it remains current and evidence-informed. The RBR has a longstanding relationship with the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), and relies on this organization for its expertise to inform the RBR guide's content. The 2020 edition of the RBR includes many recommendations based on evidence provided in current CPS position statements. The RBR Working Group is planning to develop app-based resources and an adapted RBR for clinical care provision in this challenging pandemic time to ensure that Canadian infants and children continue to receive high-quality care.

A machine learning approach to optimizing cell-free DNA sequencing panels: with an application to prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free DNA's (cfDNA) use as a biomarker in cancer is challenging due to genetic heterogeneity of malignancies and rarity of tumor-derived molecules. Here we describe and demonstrate a novel machine-learning guided panel design strategy for improving the detection of tumor variants in cfDNA. Using this approach, we first generated a model to classify and score candidate variants for inclusion on a prostate cancer targeted sequencing panel. We then used this panel to screen tumor variants from prostate cancer patients with localized disease in both in silico and hybrid capture settings. METHODS: Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) data from 550 prostate tumors was analyzed to build a targeted sequencing panel of single point and small (< 200 bp) indel mutations, which was subsequently screened in silico against prostate tumor sequences from 5 patients to assess performance against commonly used alternative panel designs. The panel's ability to detect tumor-derived cfDNA variants was then assessed using prospectively collected cfDNA and tumor foci from a test set 18 prostate cancer patients with localized disease undergoing radical proctectomy. RESULTS: The panel generated from this approach identified as top candidates mutations in known driver genes (e.g. HRAS) and prostate cancer related transcription factor binding sites (e.g. MYC, AR). It outperformed two commonly used designs in detecting somatic mutations found in the cfDNA of 5 prostate cancer patients when analyzed in an in silico setting. Additionally, hybrid capture and 2500X sequencing of cfDNA molecules using the panel resulted in detection of tumor variants in all 18 patients of a test set, where 15 of the 18 patients had detected variants found in multiple foci. CONCLUSION: Machine learning-prioritized targeted sequencing panels may prove useful for broad and sensitive variant detection in the cfDNA of heterogeneous diseases. This strategy has implications for disease detection and monitoring when applied to the cfDNA isolated from prostate cancer patients.

International expert recommendations of clinical features to prompt referral for diagnostic assessment of cerebral palsy.

AIM: To establish international expert recommendations on clinical features to prompt referral for diagnostic assessment of cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: An online Delphi survey was conducted with international experts in early identification and intervention for children with CP, to validate the results obtained in two previous consensus groups with Canadian content experts and knowledge users. We sent two rounds of questionnaires by e-mail. Participants rated their agreement using a 4-point Likert scale, along with optional open-ended questions for additional feedback. Additionally, a panel of experts and knowledge-users reviewed the results of each round and determined the content of subsequent surveys. RESULTS: Overall, there was high-level of agreement on: (1) six clinical features that should prompt referral for diagnosis; (2) two 'warning sign' features that warrant monitoring rather than immediate referral for diagnosis; and (3) five referral recommendations to other healthcare professionals to occur simultaneously with referral for diagnosis. INTERPRETATION: There was high agreement among international experts, suggesting that the features and referral recommendations proposed for primary care physicians for early detection of CP were broadly generalizable. These results will inform the content of educational tools to improve the early detection of CP in the primary care context. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: International experts provide strong agreement on clinical features to detect cerebral palsy. Consensus on clinical 'warning signs' to monitor over time. Referral recommendations from primary care to specialized health services are identified.

RECOMENDACIONES DE EXPERTOS INTERNACIONALES SOBRE CARACTERÍSTICAS CLÍNICAS PARA UNA DERIVACIÓN RÁPIDA PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DIAGNÓSTICA DE LA PARÁLISIS CEREBRAL: OBJETIVO: Establecer recomendaciones de expertos internacionales sobre características clínicas para iniciar derivación para la evaluación diagnóstica de la parálisis cerebral (PC). MÉTODO: Se realizó una encuesta online tipo Delphi con expertos en identificación e intervención temprana de niños con PC a fin de validar los resultados obtenidos en dos grupos de consenso realizados previamente en Canadá con expertos en contenidos y usuarios. Se enviaron dos rondas de cuestionarios por correo electrónico. Los participantes calificaron su acuerdo con un puntaje de 4 puntos en una escala Likert y con preguntas opcionales de respuesta abierta para comentarios adicionales. Además, un panel de expertos y usuarios revisaron los resultados de cada ronda y determinaron el contenido de las encuestas subsiguientes. RESULTADOS: En general, hubo un alto nivel de acuerdo sobre: ​​(1) seis características clínicas que requieren derivación rápida para el diagnóstico, (2) dos características de "señales de advertencia" que requieren monitoreo en lugar de referencia inmediata para el diagnóstico, y (3) cinco recomendaciones de referencia a otros profesionales de la salud que deben realizarse simultáneamente con la derivación para el diagnóstico. INTERPRETACIÓN: Hubo gran acuerdo entre los expertos internacionales, sugiriendo que las características y recomendaciones de referencia propuestas para los médicos de atención primaria para la detección de PC fue ampliamente generalizable. Estos resultados informarán el contenido de herramientas educativas para mejorar la detección precoz de PC en el contexto de atención primaria.

RECOMENDAÇÕES DE ESPECIALISTAS INTERNACIONAIS SOBRE ASPECTOS CLÍNICOS DISPARADORES DE ENCAMINHAMENTO PARA AVALIAÇÃO DIAGNÓSTICA EM PARALISIA CEREBRAL: OBJETIVO: Estabelecer recomendações de especialistas internacionais sobre os aspectos clínicos disparadores de encaminhamento para avaliação diagnóstica em paralisia cerebral (PC). MÉTODO: Um levantamento online internacional do tipo Delphi foi realizado com especialistas em identificação e intervenção precoce para crianças com PC, para validar os resultados obtidos em dois consensos prévios com especialistas no conteúdo e usuários canadenses. Enviamos duas rodadas de questionários por email. Os participantes pontuaram sua concordância usando uma escala Likert de 4 pontos, junto com questões abertas opcionais para informações adicionais. Além disso, um painel de especialistas e usuários revisaram os resultados de cada rodada, e determinaram o conteúdo das pesquisas subsequentes. RESULTADOS: Em geral, houve alto nível de concordância em: 1) seis aspectos clínicos que devem disparar encaminhamento para diagnóstico. 2) dois 'sinais de alerta' que merecem monitoramento mas não encaminhamento imediato para diagnóstico, e 3) cinco recomendações de encaminhamento para outros profissionais da saúde simultaneamente ao encaminhamento para diagnóstico. INTERPRETAÇÃO: Houve alta concordância entre especialistas internacionais, sugerindo que os aspectos e recomendações para encaminhamento propostos para médicos na atenção básica para a identificação precoce da PC foram amplamente generalizáveis. Estes resultados informarão o conteúdo de ferramentas educacionais para melhorar a detecção precoce de PC no contexto da atenção básica.

Use of consensus methods to determine the early clinical signs of cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop expert-informed content regarding the early motor attributes of cerebral palsy (CP) that should prompt physician referral for diagnostic assessment of CP, as well as concurrent referral recommendations. This content will be used in the creation of knowledge translation (KT) tools for primary care practitioners and parents. METHODS: Two nominal group processes were conducted with relevant stakeholders, representing Canadian 'content experts' and 'knowledge-users', using an integrated KT approach. RESULTS: Six attributes were identified that should prompt referral for diagnosis. If the child demonstrates: Early handedness <12 months; stiffness or tightness in the legs between 6 and 12 months; persistent fisting of the hands >4 months; persistent head-lag >4 months; inability to sit without support >9 months; any asymmetry in posture or movement. Five referral recommendations were agreed upon: Motor intervention specialist (physical therapy and/or occupational therapy) for ALL; speech-language pathology IF there is a communication delay; audiology IF there is parental or healthcare professional concern regarding a communication delay; functional vision specialist (e.g., optometrist or occupational therapist) IF there is a vision concern (e.g., not fixating, following, or tracking); feeding specialist (e.g., occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist) IF there are feeding difficulties (e.g., poor sucking, poor swallowing, choking, and/or not gaining weight). CONCLUSION: Rigorous consensus methods provided the initial evidence necessary to inform the content of tools to assist primary care providers in the early detection of CP. Results will be validated through a Delphi process with international experts, and user-friendly formats of this KT tool will be developed collaboratively with stakeholders.

Identification and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Men Who have Undergone Prostatectomy for Clinically Localized, High Risk Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Approximately 15% of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer have high risk features which increase the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Better predictive biomarkers could allow for earlier detection of biochemical recurrence and change surveillance and adjuvant treatment paradigms. Circulating tumor cells are thought to represent the earliest form of metastases. However, their role as biomarkers in men with high risk, localized prostate cancer is not well defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two to 5 months after prostatectomy we obtained blood samples from 37 patients with high risk, localized prostate cancer, defined as stage T3a or higher, Gleason score 8 or greater, or prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or greater. Circulating tumor cells were enumerated using a commercial platform. Matched tumor and single circulating tumor cell sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Circulating tumor cells were detected in 30 of 37 samples (81.1%) with a median of 2.4 circulating tumor cells per ml (range 0 to 22.9). Patients with detectable circulating tumor cells showed a trend toward shorter recurrence time (p=0.12). All patients with biochemical recurrence had detectable circulating tumor cells. Androgen receptor over expression was detected in 7 of 37 patients (18.9%). Patients with biochemical recurrence had more circulating tumor cell copy number aberrations (p=0.027). Matched tumor tissue and single circulating tumor cell sequencing revealed heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: We noted a high incidence of circulating tumor cell detection after radical prostatectomy and shorter time to biochemical recurrence in men with a higher circulating tumor cell burden and more circulating tumor cell copy number aberrations. Genomic alterations consistent with established copy number aberrations in prostate cancer were detectable in circulating tumor cells but often discordant with cells analyzed in bulk from primary lesions. With further testing in appropriately powered cohorts early circulating tumor cell detection could be an informative biomarker to assist with adjuvant treatment decisions.

Rourke Baby Record 2017: Clinical update for preventive care of children up to 5 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process and evidence used to update preventive care recommendations in the 2017 Rourke Baby Record to assist primary care providers' decisions around which maneuvers to prioritize and implement in practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: A search of the literature from June 2013 to June 2016 was conducted, using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology to critically appraise primary research studies, and recommendations were changed where there was substantial support from the new literature. MAIN MESSAGE: The important changes in preventive care recommendations for children up to 5 years of age include the addition of body mass index monitoring as of 2 years of age; stronger evidence to support the introduction of allergenic foods without delay (strength of recommendation change from fair to good); the recommendation to ask validated questions regarding the effects of poverty; evidence showing no safe level of lead exposure in children; the recommendation of a daily sleep duration; the upgrade of recommendation strength from fair to good of items related to the prevention and detection of adverse childhood experiences, including assessment of bruising in babies younger than 9 months; and blood pressure monitoring only for children at risk. CONCLUSION: Early childhood exposures and habits have short- and long-term health consequences. The Rourke Baby Record will continue to publish updates to ensure that primary care providers are equipped to promote lifelong health and well-being through evidence-informed care in young children.

Risk of ketoacidosis in children at the time of diabetes mellitus diagnosis by primary caregiver status: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis is the leading cause of death among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and is an avoidable complication at first-time diagnosis of diabetes. Because having a usual provider of primary care is important in improving health outcomes for children, we tested the association between having a usual provider of care and risk of diabetic ketoacidosis at onset of diabetes. METHODS: Using linked health administrative data for the province of Quebec, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of children aged 1-17 years in whom diabetes was diagnosed from 2006 to 2015. We estimated adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of diabetes diagnosis in relation to usual provider of care (family physician, pediatrician or none) using Poisson regression models with robust error variance. RESULTS: We identified 3704 new cases of diabetes in Quebec children from 2006 to 2015. Of these, 996 (26.9%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. A decreased risk of this complication was associated with having a usual provider of care; the association was stronger with increasing age, reaching statistical significance among those aged 12-17 years. Within this age group, those who had a family physician or a pediatrician were 31% less likely (adjusted RR 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.85) or 38% less likely (adjusted RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.86), respectively, to present with diabetic ketoacidosis, relative to those without a usual provider of care. INTERPRETATION: For children with newly diagnosed diabetes, having a usual provider of care appears to be important in decreasing the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of diabetes diagnosis. Our results provide further evidence concerning the need for initiatives that promote access to primary care for children.

Team-based versus traditional primary care models and short-term outcomes after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND: Strategies to reduce hospital readmission have been studied mainly at the local level. We assessed associations between population-wide policies supporting team-based primary care delivery models and short-term outcomes after hospital discharge. METHODS: We extracted claims data on hospital admissions for any cause from 2002 to 2009 in the province of Quebec. We included older or chronically ill patients enrolled in team-based or traditional primary care practices. Outcomes were rates of readmission, emergency department visits and mortality in the 90 days following hospital discharge. We used inverse probability weighting to balance exposure groups on covariates and used marginal structural survival models to estimate rate differences and hazard ratios. RESULTS: We included 620 656 index admissions involving 312 377 patients. Readmission rates at any point in the 90-day post-discharge period were similar between primary care models. Patients enrolled in team-based primary care practices had lower 30-day rates of emergency department visits not associated with readmission (adjusted difference 7.5 per 1000 discharges, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2 to 10.8) and lower 30-day mortality (adjusted difference 3.8 deaths per 1000 discharges, 95% CI 1.7 to 5.9). The 30-day difference for mortality differed according to morbidity level (moderate morbidity: 1.0 fewer deaths per 1000 discharges in team-based practices, 95% CI 0.3 more to 2.3 fewer deaths; very high morbidity: 4.2 fewer deaths per 1000 discharges, 95% CI 3.0 to 5.3; p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Our study showed that enrolment in the newer team-based primary care practices was associated with lower rates of postdischarge emergency department visits and death. We did not observe differences in readmission rates, which suggests that more targeted or intensive efforts may be needed to affect this outcome.

Point of care lung ultrasound of children with acute asthma exacerbations in the pediatric ED.

OBJECTIVES: Primary objective was to characterize lung ultrasound findings in children with asthma presenting with respiratory distress to the emergency department (ED). Secondary objectives included correlating these findings with patients' clinical course in the ED. METHODS: Eligible patients 2-17years of age, underwent a lung ultrasound by the study sonographer between November 2014 to December 2015. Positive lung ultrasound was defined as the presence of ≥1 of the following findings: ≥3 B-lines per intercostal space, consolidation and/or pleural abnormalities. The treating physician remained blinded to ultrasound findings; clinical course was extracted from the medical chart. RESULTS: A total of sixty patients were enrolled in this study. Lung ultrasound was positive in 45% (27/60) of patients: B-line pattern in 38%, consolidation in 30% and pleural line abnormalities in 12%. A positive lung ultrasound correlated with increased utilization of antibiotics (26% vs 0%, p=0.03), prolonged ED length of stay (30% vs. 9%, p=0.04) and admission rate (30% vs 0%, p=0.03). Inter-rater agreement between novice and expert sonographers was excellent with a kappa of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: This study characterized lung ultrasound findings in pediatric patients presenting with acute asthma exacerbations; nearly half of whom had a positive lung ultrasound. Positive lung ultrasounds were associated with increased ED and hospital resource utilization. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the utility and reliability of this tool in clinical practice.

Point-of-care lung ultrasound in young children with respiratory tract infections and wheeze.

OBJECTIVE: Characterise lung ultrasound (LUS) findings, diagnostic accuracy and agreement between novice and expert interpretations in young children with respiratory tract infections and wheeze. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study in a paediatric ED. Patients ≤2 years with a respiratory tract infection and wheeze at triage were recruited unless in severe respiratory distress. Prior to clinical management, a novice sonologist performed the LUS using a six-zone scanning protocol. The treating physician remained blinded to ultrasound findings; final diagnoses were extracted from the medical record. An expert sonologist, blinded to all clinical information, assessed the ultrasound video clips at study completion. Positive LUS was defined as the presence of ≥1 of the following findings: ≥3 B-lines per intercostal space, consolidation and/or pleural abnormalities. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were enrolled (median age 11.1 months). LUS was positive in 42% (39/94) of patients (multiple B-lines in 80%, consolidation in 64%, pleural abnormalities in 23%). The proportion of positive LUS, along with their diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity (95% CI), specificity (95% CI)), were as follows for children with bronchiolitis, asthma, pneumonia and asthma/pneumonia: 46% (45.8% (34.0% to 58.0%), 72.7% (49.8% to 89.3%)), 0% (0% (0.0% to 23.3%), 51.3% (39.8% to 62.6%)), 100% (100% (39.8% to 100.0%), 61.1% (50.3% to 71.2%)), 50% (50% (6.8% to 93.2%), 58.9% (48.0% to 69.2%)), respectively. There was good agreement between the novice and expert sonographers for a positive LUS (kappa 0.68 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.82)). CONCLUSIONS: Among children with respiratory tract infections and wheeze, a positive LUS seems to distinguish between clinical syndromes by ruling in pneumonia and ruling out asthma. If confirmed in future studies, LUS may emerge as a point-of-care tool to guide diagnosis and disposition in young children with wheeze.

Édition 2020 du Relevé postnatal Rourke: Quoi de neuf en soins préventifs des enfants jusqu'à 5 ans?

OBJECTIF: Renseigner les fournisseurs de soins de première ligne qui dispensent des soins de médecine préventive durant l'enfance quant aux données ayant servi de fondement aux recommandations de l'édition 2020 du Relevé postnatal Rourke (RBR). QUALITÉ DES DONNÉES: Une recherche a effectuée parmi les publications sur les soins préventifs en pédiatrie entre les mois de juin 2016 et mai 2019, les principales études de recherche ont été revues et rigoureusement évaluées à l'aide de la méthode GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) et les recommandations ont été actualisées là où les publications étayaient des changements. MESSAGE PRINCIPAL: Les changements notables de l'édition 2020 du RBR sont les recommandations de limiter ou d'éviter les aliments très transformés et riches en sodium alimentaire, de veiller au sommeil sécuritaire (les nourrissons en bonne santé doivent dormir sur le dos et sur une surface rigide à tous les dodos, et ils doivent dormir dans un moïse, un berceau ou une couchette dans la chambre des parents pendant les 6 premiers mois de vie), de ne pas emmailloter les nourrissons après qu'ils aient tenté de se retourner, de s'informer de l'insécurité alimentaire, d'encourager les parents à lire et à chanter aux nourrissons et aux enfants, de limiter le temps que les enfants de moins de 2 ans passent devant un écran (bien que ce soit accepté pour les appels vidéo), de renseigner les parents sur les risques et les torts associés aux cigarettes électroniques et au cannabis, d'éviter les pesticides, de laver tous les fruits et légumes ne pouvant être pelés, de connaître l'existence du nouvel Outil national d'évaluation du risque de caries, de noter les nouveaux symptômes alarmants de paralysie cérébrale et de problèmes neurodéveloppementaux et de porter attention aux nouveaux groupes à risque élevé pour le dépistage du plomb et de l'anémie. CONCLUSION: Le RBR s'efforce de guider les cliniciens pour leur permettre de dispenser des soins de première ligne factuels aux enfants canadiens. Les révisions sont rigoureusement étudiées, et sont basées sur l'évaluation d'une base de données probantes croissante, quoique toujours limitée, sur les soins préventifs en pédiatrie.

An update to the Greig Health Record: Executive summary.

The Greig Health Record is an evidence-based health promotion guide for clinicians caring for children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age. It provides a template for periodic health visits that is easy to use and adaptable for electronic medical records. On the record, the strength of recommendations is indicated in boldface for good, in italics for fair, and in regular typeface for recommendations based on consensus or inconclusive evidence. Checklist templates include sections for Weight, Height and BMI, Psychosocial history and Development, Nutrition, Education and Advice, Specific Concerns, Examination, Assessment, Immunization, and Medications. Included with the checklist tables are five pages of selected guidelines and resources. This update includes information from recent guidelines and research in preventive care for children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age. Regular updates are planned. The complete Greig Health Record can be found online at the Canadian Paediatric Society's website: www.cps.ca.

Le relevé médical Greig est un guide de promotion de la santé fondé sur des données probantes destiné aux cliniciens qui s'occupent d'enfants et d'adolescents de six à 17 ans. Ce modèle pour les bilans de santé périodiques est facile à utiliser et adaptable aux dossiers médicaux électroniques. Sur le relevé, les recommandations sont indiquées en caractères gras lorsqu'elles sont de bonne qualité, en caractères italiques lorsqu'elles sont de qualité acceptable, et en caractères normaux lorsqu'elles sont consensuelles ou peu concluantes. Les listes de vérification comprennent des rubriques sur le poids, la taille et l'indice de masse corporelle, l'histoire psychosociale et le développement, la nutrition, l'éducation et les conseils, les problèmes particuliers, les examens, les évaluations, la vaccination et les médicaments. Elles s'accompagnent de cinq pages de lignes directrices et de ressources sélectionnées. La présente mise à jour contient de l'information tirée des lignes directrices et des recherches récentes sur les soins préventifs pour les enfants et les adolescents de six à 17 ans. Des mises à jour régulières sont prévues. Il est possible de consulter l'intégralité du relevé médical Greig, en anglais, dans le site Web de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie, à l'adresse www.cps.ca.