Pathways to Improve Pediatric Asthma Care: A Multisite, National Study of Emergency Department Asthma Pathway Implementation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of pediatric asthma pathway implementation in a diverse, national sample of emergency departments (EDs). STUDY DESIGN: In this quality improvement study, a national sample of EDs were provided pathways to tailor to local needs. Implementation strategies included local champions, external facilitators/mentors, educational seminars, and audit and feedback. Outcomes included systemic corticosteroid administration within 60 minutes (primary), assessment of severity at ED triage, chest radiograph use, hospital admission or transfer for higher level of care, and ED length of stay (balancing). Each month, EDs reviewed all charts (to a maximum of 20) of children ages 2-17 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma. Analyses were done using multilevel regression models with an interrupted time-series approach, adjusting for patient characteristics. RESULTS: We enrolled 83 EDs (37 in children's hospitals, 46 in community hospitals) and 61 (73%) completed the study (n = 22 963 visits). Pathway implementation was associated with significantly increased odds of systemic corticosteroid administration within 60 minutes of arrival (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.55), increased odds of severity assessment at triage (aOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.22-2.90), and decreased rate of change in odds of hospital admission/transfer (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99). Pathway implementation was not associated with chest radiograph use or ED length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Pathway implementation was associated with improved quality of care for children with asthma in a diverse, national group of EDs.

Variation in Computed Tomography Use for Evaluation of Head Injury in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: Recent research has shown significant variation in rates of computed tomography (CT) use among pediatric hospital emergency departments (ED) for evaluation of head injured children. We examined the rates of CT use by individual ED attending physicians for evaluation of head injured children in a pediatric hospital ED. METHODS: We used an administrative database to identify children younger than 18 years evaluated for head injury from January 2011 through March 2013 at our children's hospital ED, staffed by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship trained physicians and pediatricians. We excluded encounters with trauma team activation or previous head CT performed elsewhere. We excluded physicians whose patient volume was less than 1 standard deviation below the group mean. RESULTS: After exclusions, we evaluated 5340 encounters for head injury by 27 ED attending physicians. For individual physicians, CT rates ranged from 12.4% to 37.3%, with a mean group rate of 28.4%. Individual PEM physician CT rates ranged from 18.9% to 37.3%, versus 12.4% to 31.8% for pediatricians. Of the 1518 encounters in which CT was done, 128 (8.4%) had a traumatic brain injury on CT, and 125 (8.2%) had a simple skull fracture without traumatic brain injury on CT. Patient factors associated with CT use included age younger than 2 years, higher triage acuity, arrival time of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, hospital admission, and evaluation by a PEM physician. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians at our pediatric hospital ED varied in the use of CT for the evaluation of head-injured children.

Effect of Hispanic ethnicity and language barriers on appendiceal perforation rates and imaging in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between Hispanic ethnicity and limited English proficiency (LEP) and the rates of appendiceal perforation and advanced radiologic imaging (computed tomography and ultrasound) in children with abdominal pain. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study of children aged 3-18 years presenting with abdominal pain concerning for appendicitis between March 2009 and April 2010 at 10 tertiary care pediatric emergency departments in the US. Appendiceal perforation and advanced imaging rates were compared between ethnic and language proficiency groups using simple and multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Of 2590 patients enrolled, 1001 (38%) had appendicitis, including 36% of non-Hispanics and 44% of Hispanics. In multivariate modeling, Hispanics with LEP had a significantly greater odds of appendiceal perforation (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.20-1.74). Hispanics with LEP with appendiceal perforation of moderate clinical severity were less likely to undergo advanced imaging compared with English-speaking non-Hispanics (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.95). CONCLUSION: Hispanic ethnicity with LEP is an important risk factor for appendiceal perforation in pediatric patients brought to the emergency department with possible appendicitis. Among patients with moderate clinical severity, Hispanic ethnicity with LEP appears to be associated with lower imaging rates. This effect of English proficiency and Hispanic ethnicity warrants further investigation to understand and overcome barriers, which may lead to increased appendiceal perforation rates and differential diagnostic evaluation.

Reduced Computed Tomography for Appendicitis in Children after Implementation of Next-day Surgery Clinic Follow-up.

The use of computed tomography (CT) in the emergency department (ED) evaluation of pediatric patients for suspected appendicitis can be safely reduced. However, published examples of reduced CT use also report increased MRI utilization, ED length of stay, hospitalization rates, and in-ED surgical consultation. In addition, previous studies recommended follow-up for undifferentiated abdominal pain, yet none with pediatric surgeons. Therefore, we implemented a diagnostic algorithm that includes an option for next-day surgery clinic follow-up in cases where uncertainty remains after appendix ultrasound (US) to reduce CT utilization without increasing hospital-based resources. Methods: We implemented a diagnostic algorithm in January 2014. We retrospectively identified 4,577 patients who underwent an evaluation for suspected appendicitis from January 2012 to September 2015. CT utilization was compared before and after implementation using Statistical Process Control. In addition, we evaluated secondary outcomes, including US utilization, hospital admission, surgery clinic follow-up, ED surgery consultation, ED return visits within 7 days, and ED length of stay. Results: Following the implementation of the algorithm, CT utilization decreased significantly from 13.8% to 6%. Forty-eight patients were evaluated the next day in the optional pediatric surgery clinic for 21 months after implementation. There was no significant change in US utilization, hospital admission, ED surgery consultation, ED return visits within 7 days, or ED length of stay. Conclusion: We achieved decreased CT utilization without an increase in the utilization of other hospital-based resources after implementing a pediatric appendicitis evaluation algorithm that includes the option for next-day pediatric surgery clinic follow-up.

The effect of abdominal pain duration on the accuracy of diagnostic imaging for pediatric appendicitis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Advanced imaging with computed tomography (CT) or ultrasonography is frequently used to evaluate for appendicitis. The duration of the abdominal pain may be related to the stage of disease and therefore the interpretability of radiologic studies. Here, we investigate the influence of the duration of pain on the diagnostic accuracy of advanced imaging in children being evaluated for acute appendicitis. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter observational cohort of children aged 3 to 18 years with suspected appendicitis who underwent CT or ultrasonography was studied. Outcome was based on histopathology or telephone follow-up. Treating physicians recorded the duration of pain. Imaging was coded as positive, negative, or equivocal according to an attending radiologist's interpretation. RESULTS: A total of 1,810 children were analyzed (49% boys, mean age 10.9 years [SD 3.8 years]); 1,216 (68%) were assessed by CT and 832 (46%) by ultrasonography (238 [13%] had both). The sensitivity of ultrasonography increased linearly with increasing pain duration (test for trend: odds ratio=1.39; 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.71). There was no association between the sensitivity of CT or specificity of either modality with pain duration. The proportion of equivocal CT readings significantly decreased with increasing pain duration (test for trend: odds ratio=0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 0.90). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of ultrasonography for appendicitis improves with a longer duration of abdominal pain, whereas CT demonstrated high sensitivity regardless of pain duration. Additionally, CT results (but not ultrasonographic results) were less likely to be equivocal with longer duration of abdominal pain.

Utilization of a pediatric observation unit for toxicologic ingestions.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and utilization of an observation unit (OU) for admission of pediatric patients after a toxicologic ingestion; compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric OU, inpatient (IP) service, and intensive care unit (ICU) after ingestions using retrospective chart review; and attempt to identify factors associated with unplanned IP admission after an OU admission. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of children seen in the emergency department (ED) after potentially toxic suspected ingestions and then admitted to the OU, IP service, or ICU from June 2003 to September 2007. RESULTS: One thousand twenty-three children were seen in the ED for ingestions: 18% were admitted to the OU, 15% to the IP service service, and 6% to the ICU. Observation unit patients had less mental status changes reported and were less frequently given medications while in the ED. Eighty-one percent of OU patients were admitted with poison center recommendation. Ninety-four percent of OU patients were discharged within 24 hours, and less than half of IP service/ICU patients were discharged that quickly. No significant associations were found between specific historical and physical examination or laboratory characteristics in the ED and the need for unplanned IP admission. CONCLUSIONS: Observation unit patients admitted after ingestions were young, typically ingested substances found in the home, and required observation according to poison center recommendations. Ninety-four percent were able to be discharged home within 24 hours even after ingesting some of the most concerning substances such as central nervous system depressants, cardiac/antihypertension medications, hypoglycemics, and opiates. All OU patients did well without any adverse events reported. Many patients requiring prolonged observation after an ingestion, and who do not require ICU care, may be appropriate for OU management. This study suggests a potential underutilization of observation units in this setting.

Variation in the self-reported use of computed tomography in clearing the cervical spine of pediatric trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical spine injury (CSI) in children can be life-threatening or associated with lifelong disabilities. Whereas screening computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine is used in the evaluation of adult trauma patients, it has no additional benefit in children when compared with plain film radiography of the cervical spine. Despite this, CT use in the pediatric patient is increasing. We sought to compare the self-reported utilization of screening cervical spine CT among pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians and general emergency medicine (non-PEM) physicians. METHODS: Physicians completed an online survey consisting of a clinical vignette in which the respondents chose to evaluate a pediatric trauma patient for CSI using no imaging, plain films, or CT. Questions regarding the physician's attitudes, knowledge, and practice patterns for pediatric CSI were included. RESULTS: Six hundred fifty-four physicians responded to the survey: 463 (70.8%) non-PEM and 191 (29.2%) PEM physicians. Both groups ordered radiographic imaging at a similar rate, although non-PEM physicians were 4 times more likely to utilize CT than PEM practitioners. Non-PEM physicians were more likely to overestimate the frequency of pediatric CSI. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians were more likely to state that they would never use CT as the initial modality for CSI screening. CONCLUSIONS: In response to a clinical vignette, non-PEM physicians were more likely to self-report the use of screening CT in pediatric trauma patients than PEM physicians.

A case of transient neonatal diabetes mellitus.

We present a case of an 8-day-old infant boy with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus who presented to our emergency department with profound dehydration, failure to thrive, and hyperglycemia. The initial ill appearance of the patient required attention to a broad differential diagnosis including cardiac, metabolic, endocrine, and infectious processes. Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus is one of several causes of severe hyperglycemia in the neonatal period and is caused by genetic imprinting at the 6q24 region. It requires specific genetic testing for diagnosis. This case illustrates initial management of and recommended laboratory testing in neonates presenting with possible transient neonatal diabetes mellitus.

Lights, camera, action spotlight on trauma video review: an underutilized means of quality improvement and education.

BACKGROUND: Trauma video review (TVR) is an effective method of quality improvement and education. The objective of this study was to determine TVR practices in the United States and use of TVR for quality improvement and education. METHODS: Adult and pediatric trauma centers identified by the American College of Surgeons (n = 102) and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (n = 24) were surveyed by telephone. Surveys included questions regarding program demographics, residency information, and past/present TVR practices. RESULTS: One hundred eight trauma centers (86%) were contacted, and 99% (107/108) completed surveys. Of the surveyed centers, 34% never used TVR; 37% previously used TVR and had discontinued at the time of the survey, with most reporting legal/privacy concerns; 20% were currently using TVR; and 9% were planning to use TVR in the future. Nineteen percent (14/73) of general trauma centers are using or planning to use TVR compared with 50% (17/34) of pediatric centers (P = 0.001). One hundred percent of current TVR programs report that TVR improves the trauma resuscitation process.Most pediatric emergency medicine (87%), emergency medicine (89%), and surgery (97%) trainees participate in trauma resuscitation at trauma centers. Fifty-two percent of centers using TVR report trainee attendance at TVR process/conference; 38% specifically use TVR for resident education. CONCLUSIONS: All current TVR programs report that it improves their trauma processes. More pediatric trauma centers report planning future TVR programs, but the implication of such plans remains unclear. Opportunities exist for expanded use of TVR for resident education.

An Administrative Data-based Surrogate Definition Identifies Children Evaluated Beyond Physical Examination for Suspected Appendicitis.

Previous studies have reported on the evaluation of patients diagnosed with appendicitis. Very little is known about all patients evaluated for suspected appendicitis. Patients evaluated beyond physical examination with laboratory and imaging testing, then found not to have appendicitis, are more difficult to identify. Data readily available in administrative databases may be used to identify these patients. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team developed a surrogate definition for evaluating suspected appendicitis in children based on available administrative data. Appendicitis was "suspected" if the patient underwent ultrasonography of the appendix or had a chief complaint of abdominal pain with both complete blood count performed and the word "appendicitis" in the ED provider note. Performance characteristics described the surrogate definition's ability to retrospectively identify patients evaluated for suspected appendicitis through comparison to a population identified via chart review. RESULTS: Compared with manual chart review of 498 patients from June 2014, the surrogate definition identified patients evaluated beyond physical examination for suspected appendicitis with a sensitivity of 79.8%, a specificity of 96.3%, a positive predictive value of 83.3%, and a negative predictive value of 95.3%. Of the 94 patients evaluated beyond physical examination for suspected appendicitis, 37 (39%) underwent appendectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Health systems can retrospectively identify children evaluated beyond physical examination for appendicitis using discrete administrative data and a word search of clinical notes. This surrogate definition for evaluation of suspected appendicitis enables research in quality improvement efforts and health care resource utilization.

The effect of family presence on the efficiency of pediatric trauma resuscitations.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Family presence has broad professional organizational support and is gaining acceptance. We seek to determine whether family presence prolonged pediatric trauma team resuscitations as measured by time from emergency department arrival to computed tomographic (CT) scan, and to resuscitation completion. METHODS: A prospective trial offered families of pediatric trauma patients family presence on even days and no family presence on odd days. Primary outcome measures were time from arrival to CT scan and to resuscitation completion (laboratory tests, emergency procedures, portable radiographs, and secondary survey). We evaluated the effect of family presence in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. Staff and family experiencing a resuscitation with family presence were asked their opinions of that experience. RESULTS: Of 1,229 pediatric trauma activations, 705 patients were included in the study protocol, 283 with family presence on even days, 422 without family presence on odd days. Median times to CT scan (21 minutes; IQR 16 to 29 minutes) and median resuscitation times (15 minutes; IQR 10 to 20 minutes) were similar with and without family presence. There was no clinically relevant difference in CT time (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 1.30) or resuscitation time (hazard ratio 0.98; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.15). Families believed that family presence was helpful both to their child and themselves. CONCLUSION: This prospective trial shows that family presence does not prolong time to CT imaging or to resuscitation completion for pediatric trauma patients. Family presence does not negatively affect the time efficiency of the pediatric trauma resuscitation.

Economic Analysis of Diagnostic Imaging in Pediatric Patients With Suspected Appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: The use of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) in patients with acute abdominal pain has substantial variation across pediatric emergency departments (EDs). This study compares the cost of diagnosing and treating suspected appendicitis across a multicenter network of children's hospitals. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis using deidentified data of a prospective, observational study of patients with suspected appendicitis at nine pediatric EDs. The study included patients 3 to 18 years old who presented to the ED with acute abdominal pain of <96 hours' duration. RESULTS: Our data set contained 2,300 cases across nine sites. There was an appendicitis rate of 31.8% and perforation rate of 25.7%. Sites correctly diagnosed appendicitis in over 95% of cases. The negative appendicitis rate ranged from 2.5% to 4.7% while the missed appendicitis rate ranged from 0.3% to 1.1% with no significant differences in these rates across site. Across sites, we found a strong positive correlation (0.95) between CT rate and total cost per case and a strong negative correlation (-0.71) between US rate and cost. The cost per case at US sites was 5.2% ($367) less than at CT sites (p < 0.001). Similarly, costs per case at mixed sites were 3.4% ($244) less than at CT sites (p < 0.001). Comparing costs among CT sites or among US sites, the cost per case generally increased as the images per case increased among both CT sites and US sites, but the costs were universally higher at CT sites. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide support for US as the primary imaging modality for appendicitis. Sites that preferentially utilized US had lower costs per case than sites that primarily used CT. Imaging rates across sites varied due to practice patterns and resulted in a significant cost consequence without higher rates for negative appendectomies or missed appendicitis cases.

Time From Emergency Department Evaluation to Operation and Appendiceal Perforation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with appendicitis, the risk of perforation increases with time from onset of symptoms. We sought to determine if time from emergency department (ED) physician evaluation until operative intervention is independently associated with appendiceal perforation (AP) in children. METHODS: We conducted a planned secondary analysis of children aged 3 to 18 years with appendicitis enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with abdominal pain (<96 hours). Time of initial physical examination and time of operation were recorded. The presence of AP was determined using operative reports. We analyzed whether duration of time from initial ED physician evaluation to operation impacted the odds of AP using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for traditionally suggested risk factors that increase the risk of perforation. We also modeled the odds of perforation in a subpopulation of patients without perforation on computed tomography. RESULTS: Of 955 children with appendicitis, 25.9% (n = 247) had AP. The median time from ED physician evaluation to operation was 7.2 hours (interquartile range: 4.8-8.5). Adjusting for variables associated with perforation, duration of time (≤ 24 hours) between initial ED evaluation and operation did not significantly increase the odds of AP (odds ratio = 1.0, 95% confidence interval, 0.96-1.05), even among children without perforation on initial computed tomography (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Although duration of abdominal pain is associated with AP, short time delays from ED evaluation to operation did not independently increase the odds of perforation.

A Clinical Score to Predict Appendicitis in Older Male Children.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinical score to predict appendicitis among older, male children who present to the emergency department with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: Patients with suspected appendicitis were prospectively enrolled at 9 pediatric emergency departments. A total of 2625 patients enrolled; a subset of 961 male patients, age 8-18 were analyzed in this secondary analysis. Outcomes were determined using pathology, operative reports, and follow-up calls. Clinical and laboratory predictors with <10% missing data and kappa > 0.4 were entered into a multivariable model. Resultant ß-coefficients were used to develop a clinical score. Test performance was assessed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.2 years; 49.9% (480) had appendicitis, 22.3% (107) had perforation, and the negative appendectomy rate was 3%. In patients with and without appendicitis, overall imaging rates were 68.6% (329) and 84.4% (406), respectively. Variables retained in the model included maximum tenderness in the right lower quadrant, pain with walking/coughing or hopping, and the absolute neutrophil count. A score ≥8.1 had a sensitivity of 25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20%-29%), specificity of 98% (95% CI, 96%-99%), and positive predictive value of 93% (95% CI, 86%-97%) for ruling in appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an accurate scoring system for predicting appendicitis in older boys. If validated, the score might allow clinicians to manage a proportion of male patients without diagnostic imaging.

The Influence of Age on the Diagnostic Performance of White Blood Cell Count and Absolute Neutrophil Count in Suspected Pediatric Appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: White blood cell (WBC) count and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) are a standard part of the evaluation of suspected appendicitis. Specific threshold values are utilized in clinical pathways, but the discriminatory value of WBC count and ANC may vary by age. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the diagnostic value of WBC count and ANC varies across age groups and whether diagnostic thresholds should be age-adjusted. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective observational study of patients aged 3-18 years who were evaluated for appendicitis. Receiver operator characteristic curves were developed to assess overall discriminative power of WBC count and ANC across three age groups: <5, 5-11, and 12-18 years of age. Diagnostic performance of WBC count and ANC was then assessed at specific cut-points. RESULTS: A total of 2,133 patients with a median age of 10.9 years (interquartile range = 8.0-13.9 years) were studied. Forty-one percent had appendicitis. The area under the curve (AUC) for WBC count was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61 to 0.77) for patients < 5 years of age, 0.76 (95% CI = 0.73 to 0.79) for 5-11 years of age, and 0.83 (95% CI = 0.81 to 0.86) for 12-18 years of age. The AUCs for ANC across age groups mirrored WBC performance. At a commonly utilized WBC cut-point of 10,000/mm3 , the sensitivity decreased with increasing age: 95% (<5 years), 91% (5-11 years), and 89% (12-18 years) whereas specificity increased by age: 36% (<5 years), 49% (5-12 years), and 64% (12-18 years). CONCLUSION: WBC count and ANC had better diagnostic performance with increasing age. Age-adjusted values of WBC count or ANC should be considered in diagnostic strategies for suspected pediatric appendicitis.

Performance of ultrasound in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children in a multicenter cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to assess the test characteristics of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing appendicitis in children and to evaluate site-related variations based on the frequency of its use. Additionally, the authors assessed the test characteristics of US when the appendix was clearly visualized. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, 10-center observational study. Children aged 3 to 18 years with acute abdominal pain concerning for appendicitis were enrolled. US was performed at the discretion of the treating physician. RESULTS: Of 2,625 patients enrolled, 965 (36.8%) underwent abdominal US. US had an overall sensitivity of 72.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 58.8% to 86.3%) and specificity 97.0% (95% CI = 96.2% to 97.9%) in diagnosing appendicitis. US sensitivity was 77.7% at the three sites (combined) that used it in 90% of cases, 51.6% at a site that used it in 50% of cases, and 35% at the four remaining sites (combined) that used it in 9% of cases. US retained a high specificity of 96% to 99% at all sites. Of the 469 (48.6%) cases across sites where the appendix was clearly visualized on US, its sensitivity was 97.9% (95% CI = 95.2% to 99.9%), with a specificity of 91.7% (95% CI = 86.7% to 96.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound sensitivity and the rate of visualization of the appendix on US varied across sites and appeared to improve with more frequent use. US had universally high sensitivity and specificity when the appendix was clearly identified. Other diagnostic modalities should be considered when the appendix is not definitively visualized by US.

Interrater reliability of clinical findings in children with possible appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the interrater reliability of clinical history and physical examination findings in children undergoing evaluation for possible appendicitis in a large, multicenter cohort. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of children aged 3-18 years with possible appendicitis. Two clinicians independently evaluated patients and completed structured case report forms within 60 minutes of each other and without knowing the results of diagnostic imaging. We calculated raw agreement and assessed reliability by using the unweighted Cohen κ statistic with 2-sided 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 811 patients had 2 assessments completed, and 599 (74%) had 2 assessments completed within 60 minutes. Seventy-five percent of paired assessments were completed by pediatric emergency physicians. Raw agreement ranged from 64.9% to 92.3% for history variables and 4 of 6 variables had moderate interrater reliability (κ > .4). The highest κ values were noted for duration of pain (κ = .56 [95% confidence intervals .51-.61]) and history of emesis (.84 [.80-.89]). For physical examination variables, raw agreement ranged from 60.9% to 98.7%, with 4 of 8 variables exhibiting moderate reliability. Among physical examination variables, the highest κ values were noted for abdominal pain with walking, jumping, or coughing (.54 [.45-.63]) and presence of any abdominal tenderness on examination (.49 [.19-.80]). CONCLUSIONS: Interrater reliability of patient history and physical examination variables was generally fair to moderate. Those variables with higher interrater reliability are more appropriate for inclusion in clinical prediction rules in children with possible appendicitis.

Validation and refinement of a prediction rule to identify children at low risk for acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To validate and refine a clinical prediction rule to identify which children with acute abdominal pain are at low risk for appendicitis (Low-Risk Appendicitis Rule). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ten pediatric emergency departments. PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years who presented with suspected appendicitis from March 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The test performance of the Low-Risk Appendicitis Rule. RESULTS: Among 2625 patients enrolled, 1018 (38.8% [95% CI, 36.9%-40.7%]) had appendicitis. Validation of the rule resulted in a sensitivity of 95.5% (95% CI, 93.9%-96.7%), specificity of 36.3% (33.9%-38.9%), and negative predictive value of 92.7% (90.1%-94.6%). Theoretical application would have identified 573 (24.0%) as being at low risk, misclassifying 42 patients (4.5% [95% CI, 3.4%-6.1%]) with appendicitis. We refined the prediction rule, resulting in a model that identified patients at low risk with (1) an absolute neutrophil count of 6.75 × 103/µL or less and no maximal tenderness in the right lower quadrant or (2) an absolute neutrophil count of 6.75 × 103/µL or less with maximal tenderness in the right lower quadrant but no abdominal pain with walking/jumping or coughing. This refined rule had a sensitivity of 98.1% (95% CI, 97.0%-98.9%), specificity of 23.7% (21.7%-25.9%), and negative predictive value of 95.3% (92.3%-97.0%). CONCLUSIONS: We have validated and refined a simple clinical prediction rule for pediatric appendicitis. For patients identified as being at low risk, clinicians should consider alternative strategies, such as observation or ultrasonographic examination, rather than proceeding to immediate computed tomographic imaging.

Dispensing medications at the hospital upon discharge from an emergency department.

Although most health care services can and should be provided by their medical home, children will be referred or require visits to the emergency department (ED) for emergent clinical conditions or injuries. Continuation of medical care after discharge from an ED is dependent on parents or caregivers' understanding of and compliance with follow-up instructions and on adherence to medication recommendations. ED visits often occur at times when the majority of pharmacies are not open and caregivers are concerned with getting their ill or injured child directly home. Approximately one-third of patients fail to obtain priority medications from a pharmacy after discharge from an ED. The option of judiciously dispensing ED discharge medications from the ED's outpatient pharmacy within the facility is a major convenience that overcomes this obstacle, improving the likelihood of medication adherence. Emergency care encounters should be routinely followed up with primary care provider medical homes to ensure complete and comprehensive care.

Pediatric observation units.

Pediatric observation units (OUs) are hospital areas used to provide medical evaluation and/or management for health-related conditions in children, typically for a well-defined, brief period. Pediatric OUs represent an emerging alternative site of care for selected groups of children who historically may have received their treatment in an ambulatory setting, emergency department, or hospital-based inpatient unit. This clinical report provides an overview of pediatric OUs, including the definitions and operating characteristics of different types of OUs, quality considerations and coding for observation services, and the effect of OUs on inpatient hospital utilization.