Risk of venous thromboembolism in pediatric hospitalized patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: A report from the Children's Hospital-Acquired Thrombosis consortium.

Background: Surgery is a known risk factor for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) in children. Objectives: To assess whether the odds of HA-VTE differs across six anatomic sites of noncardiac surgery and to identify risk factors for HA-VTE in these children. Methods: This was a multicenter, case-control study. Anatomic sites of surgery and risk factors for HA-VTE were collected on hospitalized pediatric patients who had undergone a single noncardiac surgery and developed HA-VTE (cases), and those who did not develop HA-VTE (controls), via the Children's Hospital-Acquired Thrombosis (CHAT) Registry. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between six anatomic sites of surgery and 16 putative HA-VTE risk factors. Variables with a p value of 0.10 or less in unadjusted analyses were included in adjusted models for further evaluation. The final model used backward selection, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: From January 2012 to March 2020, 163 cases (median age, 5.7 years; interquartile range [IQR], 0.3-14.2) and 208 controls (median age of 7.5 years; IQR, 3.7-12.9) met our criteria. There was no statistically significant increased odds of VTE among the types of noncardiac surgery. In the final adjusted model, central venous catheter (CVC; OR, 14.69; 95% CI, 7.06-30.55), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (OR, 5.31; 95% CI, 2.53-11.16), and hospitalization in the month preceding surgery (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.24-6.13) were each independently significant risk factors for HA-VTE. Conclusion: In children undergoing noncardiac surgery, placement of CVCs, admission/transfer to the ICU, or hospitalization in the month prior to surgery were positively associated with HA-VTE.

A New Risk Assessment Model for Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Children: A Report From the Children's Hospital-Acquired Thrombosis Consortium.

OBJECTIVES: To create a risk model for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in critically ill children upon admission to an ICU. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: ICUs from eight children's hospitals throughout the United States. SUBJECTS: Critically ill children with hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (cases) 0-21 years old and similar children without hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (controls) from January 2012 to December 2016. Children with a recent cardiac surgery, asymptomatic venous thromboembolism, or a venous thromboembolism diagnosed before ICU admission were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The multi-institutional Children's Hospital-Acquired Thrombosis registry was used to identify cases and controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism and putative risk factors present at or within 24 hours of ICU admission to develop the final model. A total of 548 hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism cases (median age, 0.8 yr; interquartile range, 0.1-10.2) and 187 controls (median age, 2.4 yr; interquartile range, 0.2-8.3) were analyzed. In the multivariable model, recent central venous catheter placement (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.7-7.1), immobility (odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI, 2.1-6.2), congenital heart disease (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI, 1.7-4.7), length of hospital stay prior to ICU admission greater than or equal to 3 days (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6), and history of autoimmune/inflammatory condition or current infection (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4) were each independently associated with hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism. The risk model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.73-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Using the multicenter Children's Hospital-Acquired Thrombosis registry, we identified five independent risk factors for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in critically ill children, deriving a new hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism risk assessment model. A prospective validation study is underway to define a high-risk group for risk-stratified interventional trials investigating the efficacy and safety of prophylactic anticoagulation in critically ill children.

Volatile anesthetic agents for life-threatening pediatric asthma: A multicenter retrospective cohort study and narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetic agents are described as rescue therapy for children invasively ventilated for critical asthma. Yet, data are currently limited to case series. AIMS: Using the Virtual Pediatric Systems database, we assessed children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit invasively ventilated for life-threatening asthma and hypothesized ventilation duration and mortality rates would be lower for subjects exposed to volatile anesthetics compared with those without exposure. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study among nine institutions including children 5-17 years of age invasively ventilated for asthma from 2013 to 2019 with and without exposure to volatile anesthetics. Primary outcomes were ventilation duration and mortality. Secondary outcomes included patient characteristics, length of stay, and anesthetic-related adverse events. A subgroup analysis was performed evaluating children intubated ≥2 days. RESULTS: Of 203 children included in study, there were 29 (14.3%) with and 174 (85.7%) without exposure to volatiles. No differences in odds of mortality (1.1, 95% CI: 0.3-3.9, p > .999) were observed. Subjects receiving volatiles experienced greater median difference in length of stay (4.8, 95% CI: 1.9-7.8 days, p < .001), ventilation duration (2.3, 95% CI: 1-3.3 days, p < .001), and odds of extracorporeal life support (9.1, 95% CI: 1.9-43.2, p = .009) than those without volatile exposure. For those ventilated ≥2 days, no differences were detected in mortality, ventilation duration, length of stay, arrhythmias, or acute renal failure. However, the odds of extracorporeal life support remained greater for those receiving volatiles (7.6, 95% CI: 1.3-44.5, p = .027). No children experienced malignant hyperthermia or hepatic failure after volatile exposure. CONCLUSIONS: For intubated children for asthma, no differences in mechanical ventilation duration or mortality between those with and without volatile anesthetic exposure were observed. Although volatiles may represent a viable rescue therapy for severe cases of asthma, definitive, and prospective trials are still needed.

Influence of gene expression on survival of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Approximately 10%-20% of patients with clinically localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at time of surgery will subsequently experience metastatic progression. Although considerable progression was seen in the systemic treatment of metastatic ccRCC in last 20 years, once ccRCC spreads beyond the confines of the kidney, 5-year survival is less than 10%. Therefore, significant clinical advances are urgently needed to improve overall survival and patient care to manage the growing number of patients with localized ccRCC. We comprehensively evaluated expression of 388 candidate genes related with survival of ccRCC by using TCGA RNAseq (n = 515), Total Cancer Care (TCC) expression array data (n = 298), and a well characterized Moffitt RCC cohort (n = 248). We initially evaluated all 388 genes for association with overall survival using TCGA and TCC data. Eighty-one genes were selected for further analysis and tested on Moffitt RCC cohort using NanoString expression analysis. Expression of nine genes (AURKA, AURKB, BIRC5, CCNE1, MK167, MMP9, PLOD2, SAA1, and TOP2A) was validated as being associated with poor survival. Survival prognostic models showed that expression of the nine genes and clinical factors predicted the survival in ccRCC patients with AUC value: 0.776, 0.821 and 0.873 for TCGA, TCC and Moffitt data set, respectively. Some of these genes have not been previously implicated in ccRCC survival and thus potentially offer insight into novel therapeutic targets. Future studies are warranted to validate these identified genes, determine their biological mechanisms and evaluate their therapeutic potential in preclinical studies.

Six Candidate miRNAs Associated With Early Relapse in Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Few studies have evaluated the role of miRNAs in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse and a consensus of a clinically significant miRNA signature is yet to be identified. In this study, we evaluated miRNAs associated with pediatric B-ALL early relapse in two independent sample sets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed global miRNA profiling on diagnostic bone marrow specimens from six early relapse (≤3 years after diagnosis) and six age- and cytogenetics-matched prolonged remission (≥4 years) patients (first set) and an independent set of 14 early relapse and 14 matched prolonged remission specimens (second set). RESULTS: Twelve and 39 top differentially expressed miRNAs were observed in the first and second sets, respectively; however, there was no overlap between the top candidates. In post-hoc analyses six miRNAs (miR-101-3p, miR-4774-5p, miR-1324, miR-631, miR-4699-5p and miR-922) among the top candidates in the second, but not the first set, were consistently upregulated in early relapse compared to remission specimens in both first (fold change=1.13-2.19, q<0.38) and second (fold change=1.48-4.78, all q<0.05) sets. Four (miR-631, mir-101-3p, miR-922 and miR-1324) of these miRNAs have been previously implicated in key functional oncogenic pathways in adult cancers. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that six candidate miRNAs, not previously implicated in pediatric ALL, are associated with early relapse in pediatric B-ALL. Validation and investigation of mechanistic roles of these miRNAs in a larger cohort are warranted, so that they may be used as prognostic markers for early relapse of pediatric B-ALL.

Laparoscopic-guided versus transincisional rectus sheath block for pediatric single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to compare the effectiveness of transincisional (TI) versus laparoscopic-guided (LG) rectus sheath block (RSB) for pain control following pediatric single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). METHODS: Forty-eight patients 10-21 years old presenting to a single institution for SILC from 2015 to 2018 were randomized to TI or LG RSB. Apart from RSB technique, perioperative care protocols were identical between groups. Pain scores were assessed with validated measures upon arrival in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at regular intervals until discharge. The patients and those assessing them were blinded to RSB technique. The primary outcome was pain score 60 min after PACU arrival. Secondary outcomes included pain scores throughout the PACU stay, opioids (reported as morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per kg bodyweight) administered in PACU, length of stay, outpatient pain scores and opioid use, and adverse events. Groups were compared on outcomes using t test and generalized estimating equations for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables with significance at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of the 48 subjects was 15 years (range = 11-20). The majority (79%) were female. Indications for surgery included symptomatic cholelithiasis (n = 41), acute cholecystitis (n = 4), gallstone pancreatitis (n = 2) and choledocholithiasis (n = 1). Mean (standard deviation) operative time was 61 (±23) min overall. No statistically significant differences in demographics, indication, operative time, or intraoperative analgesia were observed between TI (n = 24) and LG (n = 24) groups. The mean 60-min pain score was 3.4 (±2.6) in the LG group versus 3.8 (±2.1) in the TI group (p = 0.573). No significant differences were detected between groups in overall PACU or outpatient pain scores, PACU or outpatient opioid use, length of stay, or incidence of complications. Overall, mean opioid use was 0.1 MME/kg in the PACU and 0.5 MME/kg in the outpatient setting. Mean postoperative length of stay was 0.2 day. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-guided rectus sheath block is not superior to transincisional rectus sheath block for pain control following pediatric single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The single-incision laparoscopic approach combined with rectus sheath block resulted in effective pain control, low opioid use, and expedited length of stay with no major complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, treatment study, randomized controlled trial.

Instituting a New Central Line Policy to Decrease Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infection Rates During Induction Therapy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients.

BACKGROUND: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) require central lines to facilitate their care. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may have lower rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) versus other central lines. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the CLABSI rate in the first month of therapy after initiating a policy to place PICCs in new patients with severe neutropenia (SN) and Mediports in those with moderate-to-no neutropenia. We also examined thrombosis rates. DESIGN/METHOD: We prospectively gathered data on new patients for 2.5 years following the policy change and retrospectively for the 2 years prior and compared rates of CLABSIs and thrombosis. RESULTS: CLABSIs decreased in SN patients from 7.52/1000 to 3.11/1000 line days (P=0.33). The CLABSI rate for all patients with SN who had a Mediport was 13.39/1000 versus 4.08/1000 line days for those that received PICCs (P=0.15). The thrombosis rate for Mediport patients was 3.13 clots/1000 versus 7.65/1000 line days for PICC patients, but the difference was not significant (P= 0.11). CONCLUSION: The differences observed suggest that placing PICCs versus Mediports in new ALL patients with SN may result in a lower incidence of CLABSIs in the first month of therapy without a significant increase in thrombosis.

Coagulative function assessed preoperatively via the clot formation and lysis assay as a prognostic factor for blood loss in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a complex surgery often associated with clinically significant blood loss leading to perioperative blood transfusion. Knowledge of risk factors for blood loss and transfusion stems mostly from retrospective studies. AIM: We sought to prospectively investigate putative prognostic factors for intraoperative blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spine fusion, including clinical characteristics, surgical factors, and preoperative assessment of overall coagulative and fibrinolytic functions in plasma using the clot formation and lysis (CloFAL) assay. METHODS: Following Internal Review Board approval, adolescents 10 to <21 years old with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spine fusion were enrolled preoperatively in a single-institutional prospective cohort and biobanking study. Clinical data were collected on patient characteristics, surgical approach, perioperative management, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and blood transfusion through hospital discharge. Coagulative and fibrinolytic functions in plasma were measured on preoperative samples by CloFAL assay (Coagulation Index and modified Fibrinolytic Index). Univariate linear regression and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify predictors of weight-indexed intraoperative estimated blood loss EBL (EBL/kg). RESULTS: The final study population included 74 patients. Median age was 14.8 years (SD = 2.2). After adjustment for other putative prognostic factors via multivariable linear regression, coagulative function as determined preoperatively by CloFAL Coagulation Index was an independent predictor of intraoperative (EBL)/kg. Specifically, each 10% increase in CloFAL CI was associated with 3% decrease in the geometric mean of EBL/kg (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.94-0.99, P = .01). CONCLUSION: In adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis, increased coagulative function measured preoperatively using the CloFAL assay is independently associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss. Future studies should expand upon these investigations of plasma coagulative and fibrinolytic capacities in combination with clinical factors, to guide precise preventive strategies against blood loss and blood transfusion in this patient population.

Tolerance of Hydrolyzed Liquid Protein Fortified Human Milk and Effect on Growth in Premature Infants.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated tolerance of hydrolyzed liquid protein (LP) supplement added to fortified human milk (HM) to optimize protein intake in preterm infants. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 31 subjects compared with 31 historic controls, receiving mothers own milk (MOM) and/or donor milk (DM) to assess LP tolerance, growth, and risk for morbidities was conducted. Milk was analyzed for nutrient content. Feeding intolerance, defined as cessation of feedings for ≥48 hours, abdominal distension and/or residuals, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and metabolic acidosis were used to assess safety, while weight and head circumference (HC) were used to evaluate growth. RESULTS: LP added to powder-fortified HM had no impact on feeding intolerance and NEC. Biochemical parameters showed no metabolic acidosis: blood urea nitrogen levels (first week: median, 13 mg/dL; interquartile range [IQR], 9-16; last week: median, 13 mg/dL; IQR, 10.3-14; P = .94), bicarbonate levels (first week: median, 26.3 mEq/L; IQR, 24-28; last week: median, 28 mEq/L; IQR, 26.3-29.8; P = .10), and pH levels (first week: median, 7.4; IQR, 7.3-7.4; last week: median, 7.4; IQR, 7.37-7.40; P = .5). Weight and HC were not statistically significant. HM analysis showed lower protein and caloric content, respectively (MOM: 0.88 vs DM: 0.77 g/100 mL; P < .0001 and MOM: 18.68 vs DM: 17.96 kcal/oz; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrolyzed LP is well tolerated in preterm infants with no difference in growth rates. Clinicians should focus on the need to maximize both protein and energy to optimize growth.

Incidentally found brain tumors in the pediatric population: a case series and proposed treatment algorithm.

PURPOSE: With the increasing use of imaging, there has been an increase in the number of incidentally found brain lesions in pediatric patients resulting in a treatment dilemma for physicians and emotional strain for patients and families. Adult studies support initial surveillance of incidentally found low grade appearing lesions as the most appropriate approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidental lesions in the pediatric population and propose an initial treatment algorithm for such lesions. METHODS: Pediatric records were retrospectively reviewed at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for incidentally found brain tumors between 2000 and 2017. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, treatment approach, and outcomes were reviewed for 55 patients, age 0-18. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients included in the study, 14 underwent surgical resection, 3 underwent biopsy, and 38 with benign imaging characteristics at presentation were monitored with radiology alone. Only one patient, out of the 17 that underwent resection or biopsy, had pathology consistent with a high grade glioma. Of the patients monitored radiographically 10 total patients showed an increase in the overall size of the lesion; however after a median follow up of 34.2 months only 2 increased to a degree that required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of incidentally found brain lesions with benign imaging characteristics at presentation may be managed conservatively. Surveillance is an important part of the initial management of incidental lesions in the pediatric population, but careful scrutiny must be paid to the potential for higher grade lesions or malignant transformation.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes May Be Associated With Preservation of Lung Function in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Improving nutrition status of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has a positive effect on pulmonary function. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study evaluating the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement on body mass index (BMI) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (FEV1 ) between matched subjects with CF who received PEG (n = 20) and controls who did not (n = 40). RESULTS: We observed that after adjusting for mutation class and baseline BMI, BMI percentile increased per month for those with PEG (0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.05-1.08, P = .08), but decreased for those without PEG (-0.03, 95% CI = -0.33-0.28, P = .86); however, the difference (0.54; 95% CI = -0.10-1.18, P = .10) was not statistically significant. FEV1 change with time showed a decrease for patients with PEG (-0.04; 95% CI = -0.30-0.22, P = .74) and those without PEG (-.22; 95% CI = -0.45-0.01, P = .06). Although the decrease for those without PEG was higher than those with PEG, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (0.18; 95% CI = -0.17-0.52, P = .32) CONCLUSION: Lung function trajectory showed a trend towards preservation among patients with CF who receive PEG despite lack of significant difference in BMI. There may be a favorable effect of PEG on lung function independent of changes in BMI.

Outpatient management of intussusception: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Variability in management of intussusception after enema reduction exists. Historically, inpatient observation was recommended; however, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for this practice. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating outcomes between inpatient (IP) and outpatient (OP) management after enema reduction was performed. The following databases were searched: PubMed, EBSCOhost CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database. Data from an institutional review were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Ten studies of patients aged 0-18 years with intussusception who underwent successful enema reduction that reported outcomes of outpatient management were included. Overall recurrence rates were 6% for IP and 8% for OP (p = 0.20). Recurrences within 24 (IP: 1% vs OP: 0%, p = 0.90) and 48 h (IP: 1% vs OP: 2%, p = 0.11) were similar. There was no significant difference in the rate of return to the emergency department (IP: 6% vs OP: 14%, p = 0.11). Both groups had a similar rate of requiring an operation (IP: 2% vs OP: 1%, p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient management of intussusception after enema reduction results in a shorter hospital stay with no difference in the rate of return to the emergency department, recurrence, need for operation, or mortality. The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that outpatient management may be safe and could reduce hospital resource utilization. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Body Mass Index at Pediatric Leukemia Diagnosis and the Risks of Relapse and Mortality: Findings from a Single Institution and Meta-analysis.

High body mass index (BMI) is associated with relapse of certain adult cancers, but limited knowledge exists on its association with pediatric leukemia relapse. We evaluated the association between overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) at pediatric leukemia diagnosis and relapse or mortality. A meta-analysis combining our findings with those of previous studies was also performed. The study included 181 pediatric leukemia patients. Sporadic missing data were multiply imputed, and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard. Age- and sex-adjusted analysis for patients ≥10 years showed a trend towards increased risk of relapse for overweight/obese patients (HR = 2.89, 95% CI = 0.89-9.36, p=0.08) that was not evident among children<10 years (HR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.08-3.54, p=0.49). We observed a statistically significant association between mortality and obesity status in unadjusted models (imputed: HR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.15-5.60, p=0.021; complete set: HR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.26-5.91, p=0.011) that was not statistically significant in both age- and sex-adjusted and multivariable adjusted analyses. The pooled estimate of our finding and previous studies showed an association between overweight/obese and increased risk of mortality for ALL (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.16-1.46) and AML (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.32-2.04). Although our study did not observe statistically significant associations due to a small sample size, the meta-analyses revealed an increased risk of mortality for overweight/obese patients. The findings of our study suggest an association of obesity status with relapse in children ≥10 years. However, our study was based on a small sample size from a single institution, and this association needs to be investigated in larger, multicenter studies.

Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel for pediatric relapsed/refractory sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory sarcomas have poor outcomes and need novel therapies that provide disease control while maintaining an acceptable quality of life. The activity and toxicity of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in combination has not been reported in pediatrics. PROCEDURE: We reviewed the records of fifteen relapsed/refractory patients and one treatment-naïve patient who received gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel at our institution. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (median age 13.5 years, range 3-19 years) received 53 cycles of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. Twenty-nine cycles (55%) resulted in ≥Grade 3 toxicity, with nonhematologic Grade ≥3 toxicities occurring in only eight of 53 cycles (15%). Patients received red blood cell and platelet transfusions in 23% and 4% of cycles, respectively. Grade ≥3 infectious toxicities occurred in 4% of cycles. Of 14 patients with measurable disease, there were no complete responses (CR), one partial response (PR; 7%), and six patients (43%) with stable disease (SD; median SD: 4.5 months, range: 2-19 months). In total, 31% of the patients derived clinical benefit (CR + PR + SD ≥ 4 months). Median time to progression was 72 days with a 4-month progression-free survival of 31% ± 12% and 1-year overall survival of 19% ± 10%. With a median follow-up for all 16 patients of 21 months from the first treatment with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, one (6%) remains alive with disease. CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel is a relatively safe regimen with mainly hematologic toxicities. It offers a well-tolerated, palliative option providing clinical benefit in a subset of patients. A phase I trial of this combination is underway.

Implications of non-accidental trauma on resource utilization and outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare the resource utilization and outcomes between patients with suspected (SUSP) and confirmed (CONF) non-accidental trauma (NAT). METHODS: The institutional trauma registry was reviewed for patients aged 0-18 years presenting from 2007 to 2012 with a diagnosis of suspicion for NAT. Patients with suspected and confirmed NAT were compared. RESULTS: There were 281 patients included. CONF presented with a higher heart rate (142 ± 27 vs 128 ± 23 bpm, p < 0.01), lower systolic blood pressure (100 ± 18 vs 105 ± 16 mm Hg, p = 0.03), and higher Injury Severity Score (15 ± 11 vs 9 ± 5, p < 0.01). SUSP received fewer consultations (1.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.4 ± 1.1, 95% CI - 0.58 to - 0.09, p < 0.01) and had a shorter length of stay (1.6 ± 1.3 vs 7.8 ± 9.8 days, 95% CI - 4.58 to - 0.72, p < 0.01). SUSP were more often discharged home (OR 94.22, 95% CI: 21.26-417.476, p < 0.01). CONF had a higher mortality rate (8.2 vs 0%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with confirmed NAT present with more severe injuries and require more hospital resources compared to patients in whom NAT is suspected and ruled out.

Hispanic Ethnicity and the Risk of Pediatric Leukemia Relapse.

Limited knowledge currently exists on the disparity in pediatric leukemia relapse. This study compared the risk of pediatric leukemia relapse between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites. Study participants were children (<20 years) diagnosed with leukemia from January 2006 to December 2014 at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for relapse-free survival were calculated using adjusted Cox regression. The study included 35 Hispanic and 94 non-Hispanic Whites. Among patients <10 years old, there was a significantly higher risk of relapse in Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic Whites (hazard ratio = 6.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.15-33.27). No association was observed for patients aged ≥10 years nor all participants combined. Although the finding of this study may suggest that ethnic disparity in pediatric leukemia relapse may exist in younger children, our finding is limited by the small sample size from a single institution. Therefore, future larger multiinstitutional studies are warranted.

Helicopter Transport From the Scene of Injury: Are There Improved Outcomes for Pediatric Trauma Patients?

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting data to support the routine use of helicopter transport (HT) for the transfer of trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes for trauma patients transported via helicopter from the scene of injury to a regional pediatric trauma center. METHODS: The institutional trauma registry was queried for trauma patients presenting from January 2000 through March 2012. Of 9119 patients, 1709 patients who presented from the scene were selected for further evaluation. This cohort was stratified into HT and ground transport (GT) for analysis. Associations between mode of transport and outcomes were estimated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals from multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-five patients (42.4%) presented via HT, whereas 984 (57.6%) presented via GT. Patients arriving by HT had a higher Injury Severity Score, lower Glasgow Coma Scale, were less likely to undergo surgery within 3 hours, more likely to present after motorized trauma, and had longer intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS). Multivariate analysis controlling for Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, mechanism of injury, scene distance, and time to arrive to the hospital revealed that patients arriving by HT were more likely to have longer hospital LOS compared with those arriving by GT (odds ratios = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-5.28, P = 0.049). However, no statistically significant association was observed for prehospital intubation, surgery within 3 hours, ICU admissions, or ICU LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients arriving by helicopter are more severely injured and arrive from greater distances, when controlling for injuries, scene distance, and time to hospital arrival, only hospital LOS was significantly affected by HT.

Enhancing recovery after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

PURPOSE: There are variations in the perioperative management of patients who undergo minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). The purpose is to analyze the change in resource utilization after implementation of a standardized practice plan and describe an enhanced recovery pathway. METHODS: A standardized practice plan was implemented in 2013. A retrospective review of patients who underwent MIRPE from 2012 to 2015 was performed to evaluate the trends in resource utilization. A pain management protocol was implemented and a retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent repair before (2010-2012) and after (2014-2015) implementation. RESULTS: There were 71 patients included in the review of resource utilization. After implementation, there was a decrease in intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), and laboratory and radiologic studies ordered. There were 64 patients included in the pain protocol analysis. After implementation, postoperative morphine equivalents (3.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.5 mg/kg, p < 0.01), urinary retention requiring catheterization (33 vs 14%, p = 0.07), and LOS (4 ± 1 vs 2.8 ± 0.8 days, p < 0.01) decreased. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway is a feasible and effective way to reduce resource utilization and improve outcomes in pediatric patients who undergo minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided vs. intraoperative rectus sheath block for pediatric umbilical hernia repair: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia is commonly used in children. Our hypothesis was that percutaneous ultrasound-guided (PERC) rectus sheath blocks would result in lower postoperative pain scores compared to intraoperative (IO) rectus sheath blocks following umbilical hernia repair. METHODS: A single-institution randomized blinded trial was conducted in pediatric patients undergoing elective umbilical hernia repair. The primary outcome was mean postoperative Wong-Baker pain score. Secondary outcomes included narcotic requirements and length of postoperative stay. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included: 28 PERC and 30 IO. Operating room time was significantly longer in the PERC group (41 vs. 35min, p<0.01). Mean postoperative pain scores (PERC-2.6 vs. IO-3.3, p=0.11), morphine equivalents intraoperatively (PERC-0 vs. IO-0.04mg/kg, p=0.29) and postoperatively (PERC-0.04 vs. IO-0.09mg/kg, p=0.17), time to first postoperative narcotic dose (PERC-30 vs. IO-22min, p=0.33, log-rank test), and postoperative length of stay (PERC-76 vs. IO-80min, p=0.44) were similar. CONCLUSION: Following umbilical hernia repair in children, percutaneous ultrasound-guided and intraoperative rectus sheath blocks resulted in similar mean postoperative pain scores. There were no differences in secondary outcomes such as time to first narcotic, narcotic requirements, and length of stay. The additional resources required to complete a percutaneous ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block may not be warranted. TYPE OF STUDY: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

A Review of DNA Methylation and microRNA Expression in Recurrent Pediatric Acute Leukemia.

Acute leukemia is the most common childhood cancer diagnosis and leading cause of cancer-related death among children and adolescents. Despite substantial improvements in the survival rate of childhood acute leukemia, approximately 20-40% of the patients who undergo treatment develop relapse, with a dismal one third of these patients surviving in the long term. Epigenetics plays an important role in the progression of cancer, and existing evidence suggests a role in childhood acute leukemia relapse. A better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms in recurrent acute leukemia could potentially lead to novel therapeutic regimens to prevent or treat disease recurrences. In this review, we summarize existing evidence on two of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation and microRNA expression, in recurrent pediatric acute leukemia.