Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Dehydration Severity in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to characterize the degree of dehydration in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and identify physical examination and biochemical factors associated with dehydration severity. Secondary objectives included describing relationships between dehydration severity and other clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this cohort study, we analyzed data from 753 children with 811 episodes of DKA in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation Study, a randomized clinical trial of fluid resuscitation protocols for children with DKA. We used multivariable regression analyses to identify physical examination and biochemical factors associated with dehydration severity, and we described associations between dehydration severity and DKA outcomes. RESULTS: Mean dehydration was 5.7% (SD 3.6%). Mild (0 to <5%), moderate (5 to <10%), and severe (≥10%) dehydration were observed in 47% (N=379), 42% (N=343), and 11% (N=89) of episodes, respectively. In multivariable analyses, more severe dehydration was associated with new onset of diabetes, higher blood urea nitrogen, lower pH, higher anion gap, and diastolic hypertension. However, there was substantial overlap in these variables between dehydration groups. The mean length of hospital stay was longer for patients with moderate and severe dehydration, both in new onset and established diabetes. CONCLUSION: Most children with DKA have mild-to-moderate dehydration. Although biochemical measures were more closely associated with the severity of dehydration than clinical assessments, neither were sufficiently predictive to inform rehydration practice.

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Cerebral Injury preceding Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Previous studies have identified more severe acidosis and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as risk factors for cerebral injury during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children; however, cerebral injury also can occur before DKA treatment. We found that lower pH and higher BUN levels also were associated with cerebral injury at presentation.

Outcomes and Factors Associated With Prehospital Treatment of Pediatric Anaphylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction requiring prompt treatment with intramuscular epinephrine (EPI). We sought to describe presenting features of pediatric anaphylaxis and compare patient characteristics and outcomes of children treated with prehospital EPI with those untreated. METHODS: We abstracted data from emergency department (ED) records for children meeting the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease criteria for anaphylaxis (2015-2017) in one tertiary care children's hospital. We analyzed associations between patient characteristics and outcomes and receipt of prehospital EPI using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 414 children presenting with anaphylaxis, 39.4% received IM EPI and 62.1% received antihistamines before hospital arrival. Children with Medicaid received pre-emergency department EPI less frequently than did children with private insurance (24.5% vs 43.8%, P = 0.001). Factors positively associated with prehospital EPI administration were history of food allergy (odds ratio [OR], 4.4 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.4-8.2]) or arrival by emergency medical services (OR, 8.0 [95% CI, 4.2-15.0]). Medicaid insurance was associated with decreased odds of prehospital EPI (OR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.16-0.66]) and prehospital H1-antihistamine use (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.17-0.56]). Prehospital EPI treatment was also associated with decreased rates of observation (37% vs 63%), inpatient admission (38% vs 62%), and intensive care unit admission (20% vs 80%) compared with no pretreatment (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital treatment with EPI remains low, and barriers to optimal treatment are more pronounced in children with public insurance. Prehospital treatment with EPI was associated with decreased morbidity including hospitalization and intensive care unit admission.

Clinical Trial of Fluid Infusion Rates for Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis in children may cause brain injuries ranging from mild to severe. Whether intravenous fluids contribute to these injuries has been debated for decades. METHODS: We conducted a 13-center, randomized, controlled trial that examined the effects of the rate of administration and the sodium chloride content of intravenous fluids on neurologic outcomes in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. Children were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups in a 2-by-2 factorial design (0.9% or 0.45% sodium chloride content and rapid or slow rate of administration). The primary outcome was a decline in mental status (two consecutive Glasgow Coma Scale scores of <14, on a scale ranging from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating worse mental status) during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Secondary outcomes included clinically apparent brain injury during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, short-term memory during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, and memory and IQ 2 to 6 months after recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis. RESULTS: A total of 1389 episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis were reported in 1255 children. The Glasgow Coma Scale score declined to less than 14 in 48 episodes (3.5%), and clinically apparent brain injury occurred in 12 episodes (0.9%). No significant differences among the treatment groups were observed with respect to the percentage of episodes in which the Glasgow Coma Scale score declined to below 14, the magnitude of decline in the Glasgow Coma Scale score, or the duration of time in which the Glasgow Coma Scale score was less than 14; with respect to the results of the tests of short-term memory; or with respect to the incidence of clinically apparent brain injury during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Memory and IQ scores obtained after the children's recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis also did not differ significantly among the groups. Serious adverse events other than altered mental status were rare and occurred with similar frequency in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the rate of administration nor the sodium chloride content of intravenous fluids significantly influenced neurologic outcomes in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Health Resources and Services Administration; PECARN DKA FLUID ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00629707 .).

Hypertension during Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize hemodynamic alterations occurring during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a large cohort of children and to identify clinical and biochemical factors associated with hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: This was a planned secondary analysis of data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA Study, a randomized clinical trial of fluid resuscitation protocols for children in DKA. Hemodynamic data (heart rate, blood pressure) from children with DKA were assessed in comparison with normal values for age and sex. Multivariable statistical modeling was used to explore clinical and laboratory predictors of hypertension. RESULTS: Among 1258 DKA episodes, hypertension was documented at presentation in 154 (12.2%) and developed during DKA treatment in an additional 196 (15.6%), resulting in a total of 350 DKA episodes (27.8%) in which hypertension occurred at some time. Factors associated with hypertension at presentation included more severe acidosis, (lower pH and lower pCO2), and stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury. More severe acidosis and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores were associated with hypertension occurring at any time during DKA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite dehydration, hypertension occurs in a substantial number of children with DKA. Factors associated with hypertension include greater severity of acidosis, lower pCO2, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores during DKA treatment, suggesting that hypertension might be centrally mediated.

Food-induced anaphylaxis in infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Recent recommendations to introduce peanut products to infants for peanut allergy prevention requires a focused assessment of infant anaphylaxis. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the symptomatology of food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA) in infants (<12 months) compared with older pediatric cohorts. METHODS: Retrospective review between June 2015 and June 2017 of children presenting with FIA at a large urban children's hospital emergency department (ED). RESULTS: A total of 357 cases of FIA were evaluated: 47 in infants (<12 months), 43 in toddlers (12-24 months), 96 in young children (2-6 years), and 171 in school-aged children (>6 years). Infants presented with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement more frequently than any other age group (89% vs 63% [P = .003], 60% [P < .001], and 58% [P < .001]). Additionally, infants and young children presented with skin involvement more frequently than school-aged children (94% and 91% vs 62% [P < .001]). Respiratory symptoms were more common in older cohorts (17% in infants vs 44% in young children [P < .001] and 54% in school-aged children [P < .001]). Egg and cow's milk were more common causes of FIA in infants compared with school-aged children (egg, 38% vs 1% [P < .001]; milk, 17% vs 7% [P = .03]). Only 21% of infants with FIA had eczema, and 36% had a history of food allergy. CONCLUSION: Infants with FIA primarily presented with GI and skin manifestations. Egg was the most common food trigger in infants. Most infants with FIA did not have eczema or a history of food allergy.

Development and Evaluation of a Learning Intervention Targeting First-Year Resident Defibrillation Skills.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate an educational intervention targeting the acquisition and retention of critical core skills of defibrillation in first-year pediatric residents using simulation-based training and deliberate practice. METHODS: From January 2011 to April 2012, a total of 23 first-year pediatric residents participated in a pretest-posttest study. An initial survey evaluated previous experience, training, and comfort. The scoring tool was designed and validated using a standard setting procedure and 60% was determined to be the minimum passing score. The 1-hour educational intervention included a brief video describing the defibrillator, 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on time with the defibrillator, and 30 minutes of simulation-based scenarios using deliberate practice with real-time feedback. RESULTS: The number of subjects who achieved competency in defibrillation skills increased from 8 to 16 of 23 (35% vs 70%, P < 0.05), pretest versus posttest, with the posttest occurring 4 months after the intervention. There was a significant improvement in checklist score (53% vs 68%, P < 0.05) and time to defibrillation (282-189 s, P < 0.05). For those who initiated chest compressions, there was a nonsignificant improvement in time to compressions (50 vs 33 s, P = 0.08). Previous Pediatric Advanced Life Support training was not associated with performance on pretest or posttest. CONCLUSIONS: This brief educational intervention was shown to be effective 4 months after instruction in achieving and retaining competency of defibrillation skills by first-year pediatric residents. In the process, we uncovered educational gaps in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other resuscitation skills that need to be addressed in future educational interventions and training.

Education Scholarship Assessment Reconsidered: Expansion of Glassick's Criteria to Incorporate Health Equity.

ABSTRACT: Recent events have ignited widespread attention to structural racism and implicit bias throughout the U.S. health care system and medical institutions, resulting in a call for antiracism approaches to advance health equity. Medical education leaders are well positioned to advance health equity, not only through their training of fellows, residents, and medical students, but also in their approach to scholarship. Education scholarship drives innovation and critical evaluation of current practices; it impacts and intersects with multiple factors that have the potential to reduce health inequities. Thus, it is critical to prioritize the assessment of education scholarship through a health equity lens. Medical education scholarly dissemination has markedly expanded over the past 2 to 3 decades, yet medical educators have continued to embrace Boyer's and Glassick and colleagues' definitions of scholarship. The authors propose an approach to medical education scholarship assessment that expands each of Glassick's 6 existing criteria to address health inequities and adds health equity as a seventh criterion. With this, medical educators, researchers, reviewers, and others can consider how education scholarship affects diverse populations and settings, direct educational products and scholarship to address health inequities, and raise the importance of advancing health equity in medical education scholarship. By expanding and standardizing the assessment of scholarship to incorporate health equity, the medical education community can foster a cultural shift that brings health equity to the forefront of education scholarship.

Impact of a Coordinated Sepsis Response on Time to Treatment in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is responsible for 75 000 pediatric hospitalizations annually, with an associated mortality rate estimated between 11% and 19%. Evidence supports the use of timely fluid resuscitation and antibiotics to decrease morbidity and mortality. Our emergency department did not meet the timeliness goals for fluid and antibiotic administration suggested by the 2012 Surviving Sepsis Campaign. METHODS: In November 2018, we implemented a sepsis response team utilizing a scripted communication tool and a dedicated sepsis supply cart to address timeliness barriers. Performance was evaluated using statistical process control charts. We conducted observations to evaluate adherence to the new process. Our aim was to meet the Surviving Sepsis Campaign's timeliness goals for first fluid and antibiotic administration (20 and 60 minutes, respectively) within 8 months of our intervention. RESULTS: We observed sustained decreases in mean time to fluids. We also observed a shift in the proportion of patients receiving fluids within 20 minutes. No shifts were observed for timely antibiotic administration. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a dedicated emergency department sepsis response team with designated roles and responsibilities, directed communication, and easily accessible supplies can lead to improvements in the timeliness of fluid administration in the pediatric population.

Promotion Criteria for Medical Educators: Are We Climbing a Ladder with Invisible Rungs?

OBJECTIVE: In 2006 the Association of American Medical Colleges recommended standardization of documentation of the contributions of medical educators and guidelines for their academic promotion. The authors characterized current United States (US) medical school promotion guidelines for medical educators. METHODS: Authors collected publicly available data from medical school promotion websites from March through July 2022 after determining categories by traditional-set domains as well as peer-reviewed standards. Extracted data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and frequencies were calculated for nominal and categorical data. RESULTS: Of 155 medical schools identified, promotion criteria were publicly available for 143 (92%) schools. Ninety-one (64%) schools identified a distinct educator track. Of those with a defined educator track, 44 (48%) schools consider workshops or other media when evaluating candidates for promotion, and only 52 (57%) of schools with a specified educational track require additional documentation of teaching or education as part of their promotion process. Notably, 34 (37%) of the 91 schools with an educator track specifically require an Educational Portfolio, compared to 27 (52%) of the 52 schools that do not have a specific educator track for promotion. CONCLUSION: This study describes the current lack of clarity and consistency of the promotion criteria for medical educators and indicates that the guidelines proposed by the Association of American Medical Colleges over 15 years ago have not been widely adopted. These data amplify previous calls for a more objective set of criteria for evaluating and recognizing the contributions of medical educators.

What Do Pediatric Subinterns Say About Their Learning and Assessment? A Qualitative Analysis of Individual Learning Plans.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a qualitative content analysis of learning and assessment strategies that pediatric subinterns describe in Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) and to explore barriers and facilitators to their learning. METHODS: We analyzed ILPs from medical students enrolled in pediatric subinternships at 10 US medical schools that utilized a standardized curriculum and were recruited to reflect diversity in geographic location, funding, and enrollment. Students used an ILP to record 3 or more selected learning objectives, rationale for selection, and reflection on learning and assessment strategies. Investigators used the constant comparative method to perform a content analysis of the ILPs, grouping codes into themes, and verifying relationships between codes within themes. RESULTS: Two hundred and four ILPs that included student reflections on 850 learning objectives were analyzed. Content was analyzed in 5 categories: rationale for selecting objectives, learning strategies, assessment strategies, challenges to learning, and facilitators of learning. Students showed strong commitment to individualized, self-directed learning, developed a wide range of creative learning strategies, and relied heavily on self-reflection to assess their progress. The learning environment both helped and hindered students' ability to make and assess progress on their selected learning objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Through ILP-guided reflection and a formal curriculum, students can choose well-justified learning objectives and demonstrate resourcefulness and independence in developing self-directed learning and assessment strategies. The strategies that students identified in this study provide a menu of learning and assessment options for subinterns. Identified challenges and facilitators of learning provide guidance for educators who seek to enhance the clinical learning environment.

Comparison of the incidence, etiology, and management of anaphylaxis over time.

BACKGROUND: Failure to promptly recognize and treat anaphylaxis can result in death. Understanding the incidence, etiology, and management is imperative. A previous pediatric study identified latex as the most common anaphylaxis allergen. We aim to describe the incidence, etiology, and management of anaphylaxis prelatex and postlatex-precaution implementation. METHODS: Retrospective review of inpatient and emergency department (ED) records of pediatric anaphylaxis patients seen at 1 institution between 1986 and 1990 or 2002 and 2006 was performed. Patients with 2 systemic symptoms (gastrointestinal, respiratory, hypotension/syncope, oropharyngeal, altered mental status) or 1 systemic symptom plus 1 cutaneous symptom (urticaria, edema, or flushing) were included. RESULTS: Fifty-three episodes were included from 1986 to 1990. A total of 117 episodes were included from 2002 to 2006. Approximately 80% of cases presented to the ED. From 1986 to 1990, we noted 30.5 cases per 100,000 ED visits versus 38 cases per 100,000 ED visits from 2002 to 2006. Food allergens were most common in both groups (43%). Latex accounted for only 1.9% of cases in 1986 to 1990 versus 1.7% postlatex precautions. Prehospital epinephrine use was poor. Patients in 2002 to 2006 were more likely to receive steroids, H2-blockers, epinephrine autoinjectors, and allergist referrals but less likely to receive epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of pediatric anaphylaxis has not significantly changed over time but seems to differ across regions because latex was not a significant allergen at this institution in either period. The incidence of anaphylaxis has increased slightly. Anaphylaxis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Improved education of patients/caregivers and health care providers is needed.

Cognitive function following diabetic ketoacidosis in young children with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be at particularly high risk of cognitive decline following diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, studies of cognitive functioning in T1D typically examine school-age children. The goal of this study was to examine whether a single experience of DKA is associated with lower cognitive functioning in young children. We found that recently diagnosed 3- to 5-year-olds who experienced one DKA episode, regardless of its severity, exhibited lower IQ scores than those with no DKA exposure. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 46 3- to 5-year-old children, who presented with DKA at the onset of T1D, in a randomized multi-site clinical trial evaluating intravenous fluid protocols for DKA treatment. DKA was moderate/severe in 22 children and mild in 24 children. Neurocognitive function was assessed once 2-6 months after the DKA episode. A comparison group of 27 children with T1D, but no DKA exposure, was also assessed. Patient groups were matched for age and T1D duration at the time of neurocognitive testing. RESULTS: Children who experienced DKA, regardless of its severity, exhibited significantly lower IQ scores than children who did not experience DKA, F(2, 70) = 6.26, p = .003, partial η2  = .15. This effect persisted after accounting for socioeconomic status and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: A single DKA episode is associated with lower IQ scores soon after exposure to DKA in young children.

Relationships among biochemical measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVES: Investigating empirical relationships among laboratory measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can provide insights into physiological alterations occurring during DKA. We determined whether alterations in laboratory measures during DKA conform to theoretical predictions. METHODS: We used Pearson correlation statistics and linear regression to investigate correlations between blood glucose, electrolytes, pH and PCO2 at emergency department presentation in 1,681 pediatric DKA episodes. Among children with repeat DKA episodes, we also assessed correlations between laboratory measures at the first vs. second episode. RESULTS: pH and bicarbonate levels were strongly correlated (r=0.64), however, pH and PCO2 were only loosely correlated (r=0.17). Glucose levels were correlated with indicators of dehydration and kidney function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), r=0.44; creatinine, r=0.42; glucose-corrected sodium, r=0.32). Among children with repeat DKA episodes, PCO2 levels tended to be similar at the first vs. second episode (r=0.34), although pH levels were only loosely correlated (r=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated glucose levels at DKA presentation largely reflect alterations in glomerular filtration rate. pH and PCO2 are weakly correlated suggesting that respiratory responses to acidosis vary among individuals and may be influenced by pulmonary and central nervous system effects of DKA.

Rehydration Rates and Outcomes in Overweight Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) (FLUID) Trial found that rapid fluid infusion does not increase the risk of cerebral injury. Concern persists, however, whether fluid rates should be adjusted for overweight or obese patients. We used the FLUID Trial database to evaluate associations between fluid infusion rate and outcomes in these patients. METHODS: We compared children and youth who were overweight, obese, or normal weight, in regard to protocol adherence, mental status changes, time to DKA resolution, and electrolyte abnormalities. We investigated associations between outcomes and the amount of fluid received in these groups. RESULTS: Obese children and youth were more likely to receive fluids at rates slower than dictated by protocol. Overweight and obese children and youth in the fast fluid arms, who received fluids per the study protocol based on their measured weight, had similar rates of mental status changes or clinically apparent cerebral injury as those with normal weights. Risk of hypophosphatemia was increased in those receiving larger initial bolus volumes and reduced in those receiving higher rehydration rates. No other metabolic outcomes were associated with rehydration. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol adherence data in the FLUID Trial suggest that physicians are uncomfortable using weight-based fluid calculations for overweight or obese children. However, higher rates of fluid infusion were not associated with increased risk of mental status changes or cerebral injury, suggesting that physicians should not limit fluid resuscitation in obese children and youth with DKA.

Essential yet Ill-defined: leadership roles to support fourth-year medical students in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been published about specialty-specific fourth-year medical student leadership in any discipline. This paper provides insight from pediatric educators about the current status and recommendations for pediatric-specific fourth-year leaders. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of pediatric fourth-year medical student directors across the US and Canada and to compare current and ideal responsibilities for this role. METHODS: Five multi-part questions were written and submitted for the 2019 Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) Annual Survey and subsequently disseminated to all COMSEP member physicians. Anonymous responses were collected and results analyzed. The study was IRB exempt. RESULTS: The program-level survey response rate was 79%. Of 115 respondent medical schools, 37% reported having a pediatric fourth-year director separate from the clerkship director, with an average of 9.8% full-time equivalent (FTE) protected time for the role. In contrast, individuals indicated 20% FTE would be ideal for fourth-year director responsibilities. The most common role identified for pediatric fourth-year directors was directing sub-internships. Respondents indicated it would be ideal for pediatric fourth-year directors to have an increased level of involvement in all areas queried in the survey, especially directing a pediatric residency preparatory course/boot camp, faculty development for educators of fourth-year students, and remediating fourth-year students. CONCLUSIONS: As specialty-specific experiences have grown in the fourth year of medical school, there is an increasing demand for faculty leadership separate from direction of the pediatric clerkship. In this national survey, pediatric educators expressed a need for additional protected time to lead fourth-year specific activities. Similar findings in other disciplines would support advocating for more protected time and expanded roles for specialty-specific fourth-year directors nationally.

Endometrial Cast Expulsion: A Rare Cause of Pelvic Pain Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Menorrhagia is common in adolescents and may necessitate treatment with hormonal contraceptive agents. We describe a case of an adolescent female recently initiated on combined hormonal contraceptive pills with passage of an endometrial cast, a rare complication of hormonal contraceptive therapy. Similarities between this case and limited existing literature shed light on the potential pathophysiology and management of this rare, adverse event. As demonstrated by our case, membranous dysmenorrhea, the term for pain associated with shedding an endometrial cast, should be part of the differential diagnosis of an adolescent female with lower abdominal pain who has recently initiated hormonal contraceptive therapy.

Serum Sodium Concentration and Mental Status in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is typically characterized by low or low-normal serum sodium concentrations, which rise as hyperglycemia resolves. In retrospective studies, researchers found associations between declines in sodium concentrations during DKA and cerebral injury. We prospectively investigated determinants of sodium concentration changes and associations with mental status alterations during DKA. METHODS: Using data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Trial, we compared children who had declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations with those who had rising or stable concentrations. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intravenous fluid protocols that differed in infusion rate and sodium content. Data from the first 4, 8, and 12 hours of treatment were analyzed for 1251, 1086, and 877 episodes, respectively. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations were associated with higher sodium and chloride concentrations at presentation and with previously diagnosed diabetes. Treatment with 0.45% (vs 0.9%) sodium chloride fluids was also associated with declines in sodium concentration; however, higher rates of fluid infusion were associated with declines in sodium concentration only at 12 hours. Frequencies of abnormal Glasgow Coma Scale scores and clinical diagnoses of cerebral injury were similar in patients with and without declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations during DKA treatment are influenced by the balance of free-water loss versus sodium loss at presentation and the sodium content of intravenous fluids. Declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations are not associated with mental status changes during treatment.

Effects of Fluid Rehydration Strategy on Correction of Acidosis and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVE: Fluid replacement to correct dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities is the cornerstone of treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), but little is known about optimal fluid infusion rates and electrolyte content. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether different fluid protocols affect the rate of normalization of biochemical derangements during DKA treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The current analysis involved moderate or severe DKA episodes (n = 714) in children age <18 years enrolled in the Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA (FLUID) Trial. Children were assigned to one of four treatment groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design (0.90% or 0.45% saline and fast or slow rate of administration). RESULTS: The rate of change of pH did not differ by treatment arm, but Pco2 increased more rapidly in the fast versus slow fluid infusion arms during the initial 4 h of treatment. The anion gap also decreased more rapidly in the fast versus slow infusion arms during the initial 4 and 8 h. Glucose-corrected sodium levels remained stable in patients assigned to 0.90% saline but decreased in those assigned to 0.45% saline at 4 and 8 h. Potassium levels decreased, while chloride levels increased more rapidly with 0.90% versus 0.45% saline. Hyperchloremic acidosis occurred more frequently in patients in the fast arms (46.1%) versus the slow arms (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In children treated for DKA, faster fluid administration rates led to a more rapid normalization of anion gap and Pco2 than slower fluid infusion rates but were associated with an increased frequency of hyperchloremic acidosis.

Pediatric residents' ability to perform a lumbar puncture: evaluation of an educational intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the baseline ability of pediatric residents to successfully perform a lumbar puncture (LP) and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on this skill in both a simulated and clinical environment. METHODS: An experimental group of first-year residents and a control group of second-year residents were enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized intervention study. Knowledge and skill at performing LPs were assessed using a written and a simulated LP test. The experimental group was tested at the start of their residency and then received the educational intervention. They were retested 6 months later. The control group did not receive the educational intervention and were tested at the start of their second year. The outcomes of clinical LPs performed by the 2 groups were also recorded. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvement on both the written and the simulated LP test after the educational intervention. When compared with the control group, they performed the simulated LP significantly better as measured by the number of correctly performed steps. Both groups performed a low number of clinical LPs. CONCLUSIONS: After an educational intervention, pediatric first-year residents performed a simulated LP better than a group of second-year residents who had greater clinical LP experience. The low number of clinical LPs performed limits our ability to determine the educational intervention's impact in the clinical setting and reinforces the concern that recent changes to pediatric residencies may negatively impact residents' procedural experience.