Infection rates during eras of intrathecal antibiotic use followed by antibiotic-impregnated catheter use in prevention of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection.

OBJECTIVE: The Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) implemented a perioperative infection prevention bundle for all CSF shunt surgeries in 2007 that included the relatively unproven technique of intrathecal instillation of the broad-spectrum antibiotics vancomycin and gentamicin into the shunt. In the meantime, the field debated the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheter (AIC) shunt tubing using clindamycin and rifampin, an increasingly widespread, but expensive and controversial, technique. It is unknown whether there were changes in infecting organisms associated with the use of these techniques during CSF shunt surgery at the hospital level. Key comparison periods include during the use of intrathecal antibiotics (period 1 from June 1, 2007, to December 31, 2011, at HCRN hospitals) and AIC (period 2 from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, at HCRN as well as increasing over time at non-HCRN hospitals) and only standard use of routine prophylactic antibiotics (period 1 at non-HCRN hospitals). The aim of this study was to examine rates of CSF shunt surgery-related infections from 2007 to 2012 at the hospital level, including HCRN and non-HCRN hospitals, with a focus on infections with gram-negative organisms. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at 6 children's hospitals with enrollment from 2007 to 2012 and surveillance through 2015. Bimonthly rates of shunt surgery-related infections were summarized to produce an overall hospital-specific time series, as well as by HCRN/non-HCRN status. An interrupted time series analysis was performed to assess the impact of change in HCRN perioperative infection prevention bundle on overall bimonthly infection rates. Quarterly rates of gram-negative shunt surgery-related infections were summarized to produce an overall hospital-specific time series. RESULTS: The overall bimonthly CSF shunt infection rate over time did not change significantly from 2007 to 2012. There was no difference in the trajectory of infection rates between HCRN and non-HCRN hospitals during the entire study period. No change in distributions of gram-negative organism infections was observed in hospitals from 2007 to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences observed in hospital-level infection rates for low-risk patients undergoing CSF shunt surgery. This included analyses based on participation in the HCRN network, given their regular use of intrathecal antibiotics in period 1 and a focus on gram-negative infections with increasing adoption of AICs in period 2.

Antibiotic impregnated catheters and intrathecal antibiotics for CSF shunt infection prevention in children undergoing low-risk CSF shunt surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts allow children with hydrocephalus to survive and avoid brain injury (J Neurosurg 107:345-57, 2007; Childs Nerv Syst 12:192-9, 1996). The Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network implemented non-randomized quality improvement protocols that were shown to decrease infection rates compared to pre-operative prophylactic intravenous antibiotics alone (standard care): initially with intrathecal (IT) antibiotics between 2007-2009 (J Neurosurg Pediatr 8:22-9, 2011), followed by antibiotic impregnated catheters (AIC) in 2012-2013 (J Neurosurg Pediatr 17:391-6, 2016). No large scale studies have compared infection prevention between the techniques in children. Our objectives were to compare the risk of infection following the use of IT antibiotics, AIC, and standard care during low-risk CSF shunt surgery (i.e., initial CSF shunt placement and revisions) in children. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study at 6 tertiary care children's hospitals was conducted using Pediatric Health Information System + (PHIS +) data augmented with manual chart review. The study population included children ≤ 18 years who underwent initial shunt placement between 01/2007 and 12/2012. Infection and subsequent CSF shunt surgery data were collected through 12/2015. Propensity score adjustment for regression analysis was developed based on site, procedure type, and year; surgeon was treated as a random effect. RESULTS: A total of 1723 children underwent initial shunt placement between 2007-2012, with 1371 subsequent shunt revisions and 138 shunt infections. Propensity adjusted regression demonstrated no statistically significant difference in odds of shunt infection between IT antibiotics (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81, p = 0.3) and AICs (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.56-1.49, p = 0.7) compared to standard care. CONCLUSION: In a large, observational multicenter cohort, IT antibiotics and AICs do not confer a statistically significant risk reduction compared to standard care for pediatric patients undergoing low-risk (i.e., initial or revision) shunt surgeries.

Utilization trends in cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection prevention techniques in the United States from 2007 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe trends in the utilization of infection prevention techniques (standard care, intrathecal [IT] antibiotics, antibiotic-impregnated catheters [AICs], and combination of IT antibiotics and AICs) among participating hospitals over time. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study at six large children's hospitals between 2007 and 2015 included children ≤ 18 years of age who underwent initial shunt placement between 2007 and 2012. Pediatric Health Information System + (PHIS+) data were augmented with chart review data for all shunt surgeries that occurred prior to the first shunt infection. The Pearson chi-square test was used to test for differences in outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 1723 eligible children had initial shunt placement between 2007 and 2012, with 3094 shunt surgeries through 2015. Differences were noted between hospitals in gestational age, etiology of hydrocephalus, and race and ethnicity, but not sex, weight at surgery, and previous surgeries. Utilization of infection prevention techniques varied across participating hospitals. Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network hospitals used more IT antibiotics in 2007-2011; after 2012, increasing adoption of AICs was observed in most hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: A consistent trend of decreasing IT antibiotic use and increased AIC utilization was observed after 2012, except for hospital B, which consistently used AICs.

Associations of Standard Care, Intrathecal Antibiotics, and Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters With Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Infection Organisms and Resistance.

BACKGROUND: Infection prevention techniques used during cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery include: (1) standard perioperative intravenous antibiotics, (2) intrathecal (IT) antibiotics, (3) antibiotic-impregnated catheter (AIC) shunt tubing, or (4) Both IT and AIC. These techniques have not been assessed against one another for their impact on the infecting organisms and patterns of antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: We performed a retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study of children with initial CSF shunt placement between January 2007 and December 2012 at 6 US hospitals. Data were collected electronically from the Pediatric Health Information Systems+ (PHIS+) database, and augmented with standardized chart review. Only subjects with positive CSF cultures were included in this study. RESULTS: Of 1,723 children whose initial shunt placement occurred during the study period, 196 (11%) developed infection, with 157 (80%) having positive CSF cultures. Of these 157 subjects, 69 (44%) received standard care, 28 (18%) received AIC, 55 (35%) received IT antibiotics, and 5 (3%) received Both at the preceding surgery. The most common organisms involved in monomicrobial infections were Staphylococcus aureus (38, 24%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (36, 23%), and Cutibacterium acnes (6, 4%). Compared with standard care, the other infection prevention techniques were not significantly associated with changes to infecting organisms; AIC was associated with decreased odds of methicillin resistance among coagulase-negative staphylococci. CONCLUSIONS: Because no association was found between infection prevention technique and infecting organisms when compared to standard care, other considerations such as tolerability, availability, and cost should inform decisions about infection prevention during CSF shunt placement surgery.

Lower levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the time of initial CSF shunt placement in children are associated with subsequent shunt revision surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: We compare cytokine profiles at the time of initial CSF shunt placement between children who required no subsequent shunt revision surgeries and children requiring repeated CSF shunt revision surgeries for CSF shunt failure. We also describe the cytokine profiles across surgical episodes for children who undergo multiple subsequent revision surgeries. METHODS: This pilot study was nested within an ongoing prospective multicenter study collecting CSF samples and clinical data at the time of CSF shunt surgeries since August 2014. We selected cases where CSF was available for children who underwent an initial CSF shunt placement and had no subsequent shunt revision surgeries during >=24 months of follow-up (n = 7); as well as children who underwent an initial CSF shunt placement and then required repeated CSF shunt revision surgeries (n = 3). Levels of 92 human cytokines were measured using the Olink immunoassay and 41 human cytokines were measured using Luminex based bead array on CSF obtained at the time of each child's initial CSF shunt placement and were displayed in heat maps. RESULTS: Qualitatively similar profiles for the majority of cytokines were observed among the patients in each group in both Olink and Luminex assays. Lower levels of MCP-3, CASP-8, CD5, CXCL9, CXCL11, eotaxin, IFN-γ, IL-13, IP-10, and OSM at the time of initial surgery were noted in the children who went on to require multiple surgeries. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were selected a priori and shown across subsequent revision surgeries for the 3 patients. Cytokine patterns differed between patients, but within a given patient pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines acted in a parallel fashion, with the exception of IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: Heat maps of cytokine levels at the time of initial CSF shunt placement for each child undergoing only a single initial CSF shunt placement and for each child undergoing repeat CSF shunt revision surgeries demonstrated qualitatively similar profiles for the majority of cytokines. Lower levels of MCP-3, CASP-8, CD5, CXCL9, CXCL11, eotaxin, IFN-γ, IL-13, IP-10, and OSM at the time of initial surgery were noted in the children who went on to require multiple surgeries. Better stratification by patient age, etiology, and mechanism of failure is needed to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanism of inflammation in the development of hydrocephalus and response to shunting in children.

Characterization of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microbiota at the time of initial surgical intervention for children with hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the microbiota of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from children with hydrocephalus at the time of initial surgical intervention. STUDY DESIGN: CSF was obtained at initial surgical intervention. One aliquot was stored in skim milk-tryptone-glucose-glycerol (STGG) medium and the second was unprocessed; both were then stored at -70°C. Bacterial growth for CSF samples stored in STGG were subsequently characterized using aerobic and anaerobic culture on blood agar and MALDI-TOF sequencing. All unprocessed CSF samples underwent 16S quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) sequencing, and a subset underwent standard clinical microbiological culture. CSF with culture growth (either after storage in STGG or standard clinical) were further analyzed using whole-genome amplification sequencing (WGAS). RESULTS: 11/66 (17%) samples stored in STGG and 1/36 (3%) that underwent standard clinical microbiological culture demonstrated bacterial growth. Of the organisms present, 8 were common skin flora and 4 were potential pathogens; only 1 was also qPCR positive. WGAS findings and STGG culture findings were concordant for only 1 sample, identifying Staphylococcus epidermidis. No significant difference in time to second surgical intervention was observed between the STGG culture-positive and negative groups. CONCLUSION(S): Using high sensitivity methods, we detected the presence of bacteria in a subset of CSF samples at the time of first surgery. Therefore, the true presence of bacteria in CSF of children with hydrocephalus cannot be ruled out, though our findings may suggest these bacteria are contaminants or false positives of the detection methods. Regardless of origin, the detection of microbiota in the CSF of these children may not have any clinical significance.

Delaying Invasive Treatment in Unilateral Head and Neck Lymphatic Malformation Improves Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Large (De Serres stage [IV-V]) head and neck lymphatic malformations (HNLMs) often have multiple, high-risk, invasive treatments (ITs) to address functional compromise. Logically reducing HNLM ITs should reduce treatment risk. We tested whether delaying HNLM ITs reduces total IT number. MATERIALS: Consecutive HNLM patients (n = 199) between 2010 and 2017, aged 0-18 years. METHODS: ITs (surgery or sclerotherapy) were offered for persistent or dysfunction causing HNLMs. Treatment effectiveness categorized by IT number: optimal (0-1), acceptable (2-5), or suboptimal (>5). Clinical data were summarized, and outcome associations tested (χ2 ). Relative risk (RR) with a Poisson working model tested whether HNLM observation or IT delay (>6 months post-diagnosis) predicts treatment success (i.e., ≤1 IT). RESULTS: Median age at HNLM diagnosis was 1.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 0-45 m) with 107/199(54%) male. HNLM were stage I-III (174 [88%]), IV-V (25 [13%]). Initial treatment was observation (70 [35%]), invasive (129 [65%]). Treatment outcomes were optimal (137 [69%]), acceptable (36 [18%]), and suboptimal (26 [13%]). Suboptimal outcome associations: EXIT procedure, stage IV-V, oral location, and tracheotomy (p < 0.001). Stage I-III HNLMs were initially observed compared with stage I-III having ITs within 6 months of HNLM diagnosis, had a 82% lower relative treatment failure risk ([i.e., >1 IT], RR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.36, p < 0.001). Stage I-III HNLMs with non-delayed ITs had reduced treatment failure risk compared with IV-V (RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.66, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Observation and delayed IT in stage I-III HNLM ("Grade 1") is safe and reduces IT (i.e., ≤1 IT). Stage IV-V HNLMs ("Grade 2") with early IT have a greater risk of multiple ITs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:956-962, 2023.

Acetylsalicylic acid suppression of the PI3K pathway as a novel medical therapy for head and neck lymphatic malformations.

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck lymphatic malformations (HNLM) are caused by gain-of-function somatic mutations in PIK3CA. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin) is thought to limit growth in PIK3CA-mutated neoplasms through PI3K pathway suppression. We sought to determine if ASA could be beneficial for HNLM. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients (0-18 years) offered ASA (3-5 mg/kg/day) for HNLM treatment (2010-2018). Clinical and treatment characteristics, patient-reported symptom improvement, medication tolerance, compliance, and complications were recorded. Treatment response was determined by change in patient/caregiver-reported symptoms, or HNLM size [complete (resolved), partial (decreased), or stable]. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were offered ASA, 23 (43%) accepted (median age 10 years, IQR 6-14). Compared to patients who declined, patients receiving ASA were more likely to have extensive malformations: ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure, bilateral malformations, oral cavity location, ≥2 invasive treatments, or tracheotomy (p < 0.05). All patients with tissue available had PIK3CA mutations (13/23). Treatment indications included oral pain/blebs (12, 52%), recurrent pain/swelling (6, 26%), or sudden/persistent swelling (5, 22%). Treatment plan was commonly one 81 mg tablet daily (19, 83%) for 3-12 months (8, 42%). Therapeutic adherence was reported by 18 patients (78%). Symptoms improved in 18 patients [78%; decreased pain (9, 39%) and swelling (8, 35%)]. Treatment resulted in partial (14, 61%) or complete response (4, 17%). Three patients developed oral bleb bleeding, which resolved with medication discontinuation. CONCLUSION: ASA seems to be a well-tolerated, low-risk medication for HNLM treatment. This pilot study suggests that it often improves symptoms and reduces HNLM size. Further prospective, randomized studies are warranted to comprehensively assess indications, safety, and efficacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Active Observation as an Alternative to Invasive Treatments for Pediatric Head and Neck Lymphatic Malformations.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of treatment modalities for lymphatic malformations are being described, complicating therapeutic decisions. Understanding lymphatic malformation natural history is essential. We describe management of head and neck lymphatic malformations where decisions primarily addressed lesion-induced functional compromise (ie, breathing, swallowing) to identify factors associated with invasive treatment and active observation. We hypothesize that non-function threatening malformations can be observed. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Retrospective case series of consecutive head and neck lymphatic malformation patients (2000-2017) with over 2 years of follow-up. Patient characteristics were summarized and associations with invasive treatment (surgery or sclerotherapy) tested using Fisher's exact. In observed patients, factors associated with spontaneous regression were assessed with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 191 patients, 101 (53%) were male, 97 (51%) Caucasian, and 98 (51.3%) younger than 3 months. Malformations were de Serres I-III 167 (87%), or IV-V 24 (12%), and commonly located in the neck (101, 53%), or oral cavity (36, 19%). Initial treatments included observation (65, 34%) or invasive treatments such as primary surgery (80, 42%), staged surgery (25, 13%), or primary sclerotherapy (9, 5%). Of 65 initially observed malformations, 8 (12%) subsequently had invasive treatment, 36 (58%) had spontaneous regression, and 21 (32%) elected for no invasive therapy. Spontaneous regression was associated with location in the lateral neck (P = .003) and macrocystic malformations (P = .017). CONCLUSION: Head and neck lymphatic malformation treatment selection can be individualized after stratifying by stage, presence of functional compromise, and consideration of natural history. Recognizing the spectrum of severity is essential in evaluating efficacy of emerging treatments, as selected malformations may respond to observation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1392-1397, 2021.

A phase 3 randomized clinical trial using a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in adolescents and young adults with hypothalamic obesity.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in patients with hypothalamic obesity (HO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-arm, randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 10- to 25-year-olds with hypothalamic injury following intracranial tumour and HO. Participants were randomized to once-weekly subcutaneous injections of a GLP-1 RA exenatide 2 mg (ExQW) or placebo for 36 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was 36-week % change in body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes included change in body composition (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry). RESULTS: Forty-two participants were randomized to ExQW (n = 23) or placebo (n = 19). Participants were 5 ± 2 years (mean ± SD) postdiagnosis and development of HO (BMI 37.3 ± 7.1 kg/m2 ). In intention-to-treat analysis, the effect of 36-week ExQW vs. placebo on % Δ BMI was not significant (estimated treatment difference -1.7 ± 1.8%, 95% CI -4.1 to 0.6%, P = .40); however, total body fat mass was reduced (estimated treatment difference -3.1 ± 1.4 kg, 95% CI -5.7 to -0.4 kg, P = .02). There was a significant reduction in waist circumference (estimated effect of treatment -3.5 [95% CI -5.5 to -1.6] cm, P = .004). All patients treated with placebo increased % of adipose tissue, while 50% treated with ExQW had reductions (P < .001). Mean HbA1c, glucose tolerance and serum lipids did not change significantly with therapy. ExQW was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were transient gastrointestinal disturbances (ExQW vs. placebo: nausea 6/23 vs. 3/18, vomiting 4/23 vs. 4/18 and diarrhoea 7/23 vs. 3/18). CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 RAs are a promising and safe treatment to improve or stabilize HO in children and young adults.

The Trach Safe Initiative: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Mortality among Pediatric Tracheostomy Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Trach Safe Initiative and assess its impact on unanticipated tracheostomy-related mortality in outpatient tracheostomy-dependent children (TDC). METHODS: An interdisciplinary team including parents and providers designed the initiative with quality improvement methods. Three practice changes were prioritized: (1) surveillance airway endoscopy prior to hospital discharge from tracheostomy placement, (2) education for community-based nurses on TDC-focused emergency airway management, and (3) routine assessment of airway events for TDC in clinic. The primary outcome was annual unanticipated mortality after hospital discharge from tracheostomy placement before and after the initiative. RESULTS: In the 5 years before and after the initiative, 131 children and 155 children underwent tracheostomy placement, respectively. At the end of the study period, the institution sustained Trach Safe practices: (1) surveillance bronchoscopies increased from 104 to 429 bronchoscopies, (2) the course trained 209 community-based nurses, and (3) the survey was used in 488 home ventilator clinic visits to identify near-miss airway events. Prior to the initiative, 9 deaths were unanticipated. After Trach Safe implementation, 1 death was unanticipated. Control chart analysis demonstrates significant special-cause variation in reduced unanticipated mortality. DISCUSSION: We describe a system shift in reduced unanticipated mortality for TDC through 3 major practice changes of the Trach Safe Initiative. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Death in a child with a tracheostomy tube at home may represent modifiable tracheostomy-related airway events. Using Trach Safe practices, we address multiple facets to improve safety of TDC out of the hospital.

Facial Nerve Branching Patterns Vary With Vascular Anomalies.

OBJECTIVES: At our institution, in vivo facial nerve mapping (FNM) is used during vascular anomaly (VAN) surgeries involving the facial nerve (FN) to create an FN map and prevent injury. During mapping, FN anatomy seemed to vary with VAN type. This study aimed to characterize FN branching patterns compared to published FN anatomy and VAN type. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of surgically relevant facial nerve anatomy. METHODS: VAN patients (n = 67) with FN mapping between 2005 and 2018 were identified. Results included VAN type, FN relationship to VAN, FNM image with branch pattern, and surgical approach. A Fisher exact test compared FN relationships and surgical approach between VAN pathology, and FN branching types to published anatomical studies. MATLAB quantified FN branching with Euclidean distances and angles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) analyzed quantitative FN patterns amongst VAN types. RESULTS: VANs included were hemangioma, venous malformation, lymphatic malformation, and arteriovenous malformation (n = 17, 13, 25, and 3, respectively). VAN FN patterns differed from described FN anatomy (P < .001). PCA and HCA in MATLAB-quantified FN branching demonstrated no patterns associated with VAN pathology (P = .80 and P = .91, one-way analysis of variance for principle component 1 (PC1) and priniciple component 2 (PC2), respectively). FN branches were usually adherent to hemangioma or venous malformation as compared to coursing through lymphatic malformation (both P = .01, Fisher exact). CONCLUSIONS: FN branching patterns identified through electrical stimulation differ from cadaveric dissection determined FN anatomy. This reflects the high sensitivity of neurophysiologic testing in detecting small distal FN branches. Elongated FN branches traveling through lymphatic malformation may be related to abnormal nerve patterning in these malformations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130:2708-2713, 2020.

The use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing in pediatric cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Although antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) frequently guides cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) management, its clinical utility is unclear. This study examined associations between AST and antimicrobial switching during PEx treatment and time and occurrence of next PEx as treatment outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized Pediatric Health Information System data. Children and adolescents aged 1-18 years admitted for a PEx from 2011 to 2016 were studied. Antimicrobial switching was defined as any intra-admission change in intravenous (IV), oral, and/or inhaled antimicrobials. Time to next PEx was defined as the time between index PEx hospital discharge and subsequent hospital admission requiring IV antimicrobials. Odds of antimicrobial switching ≥5 days after treatment initiation were determined by generalized linear mixed models, and associations between AST and time to next PEx were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: AST occurred in 2518 (39%) of 6451 PEx at 36 hospitals and was associated with increased odds of antimicrobial switching (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16-1.52; p = 0.001) and increased hazard of future PEx (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.16-1.50; p < 0.001). However, antimicrobial switching was not associated with a longer time to next PEx. CONCLUSIONS: AST was associated with both increased probability of antimicrobial regimen change and increased PEx hazard. There was no evidence that antimicrobial regimen change was associated with clinical benefit as assessed by time to next PEx. However, these results indicate residual indication bias remained after adjustment for available disease covariates. Additional studies of the clinical value of AST are warranted.

A Novel Protocol for Contact Isolation for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Children on Inpatient Rehabilitation and Effects on Functional Outcomes: A Noninferiority Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of contact isolation for multidrug-resistant organisms is increasing in acute hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation units alike. There is limited evidence on the effect of contact isolation on functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of a modified contact isolation protocol (MCI) resulted in noninferior functional outcomes compared with children without contact isolation (NCI) on inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: This is a retrospective noninferiority study. SETTING: One academically affiliated pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit located in a children's hospital. PATIENTS: All children with any diagnosis admitted to inpatient rehabilitation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014. METHODS OR INTERVENTIONS: We compared functional outcomes for 2 groups of children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measures included the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) efficiency and the change in the Developmental Functional Quotient (DFQ) for the WeeFIM. Noninferiority margins of 0.63 for the WeeFIM efficiency and 0.092 for the change in DFQ for the WeeFIM were used. RESULTS: There were a total of 949 patients of whom 899 were NCI, 48 MCI, and 2 excluded due to missing information. Patients with MCI had functional outcomes that were noninferior to those with NCI including the WeeFIM efficiency (mean difference 0.002, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.404) and the change in DFQ for the WeeFIM (mean difference -0.05, 95% CI -0.058 to 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The modified contact isolation protocol, having resulted in noninferior functional outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation may provide adequate contact isolation while allowing for noninferior functional outcomes. This may be a guide in the face of an ever-increasing need for contact isolation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Variability in Management of First Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Infection: A Prospective Multi-Institutional Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the variation in approaches to surgical and antibiotic treatment for first cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection and adherence to Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children undergoing treatment for first CSF infection at 7 Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network hospitals from April 2008 through December 2012. Univariate analyses were performed to describe the study population. RESULTS: A total of 151 children underwent treatment for first CSF shunt-related infection. Most children had undergone initial CSF shunt placement before the age of 6 months (n = 98, 65%). Median time to infection after shunt surgery was 28 days (IQR 15-52 days). Surgical management was most often shunt removal with interim external ventricular drain placement, followed by new shunt insertion (n = 122, 81%). Median time from first negative CSF culture to final surgical procedure was 14 days (IQR 10-21 days). Median duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotic use duration was 19 days (IQR 12-28 days). For 84 infections addressed by IDSA guidelines, 7 (8%) met guidelines and 61 (73%) had longer duration of IV antibiotic use than recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment for infection frequently adheres to IDSA guidelines of shunt removal with external ventricular drain placement followed by new shunt insertion. However, duration of IV antibiotic use in CSF shunt infection treatment was consistently longer than recommended by the 2004 IDSA guidelines.

Glenohumeral Dysplasia Following Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: Presentation and Predictive Features During Infancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence and degree of glenohumeral dysplasia (GHD) in infants undergoing surgical exploration for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) and to identify potential predictive factors of early maladaptive shoulder morphology. METHODS: We included all consecutive patients with NBPP who underwent surgical exploration of their brachial plexus and who had a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan at our institution over a 3-year period. Demographic, therapy, and surgical data were collected. Imaging was reviewed for glenoid morphology, glenoid version, percent humeral head anterior to the scapula, and alpha angle. RESULTS: Of 116 infants who presented to our institution during this 3-year period, 19 (16%) underwent surgical exploration and were included in the study. Median age at the time of the scan was 16 weeks (interquartile range, 14-46 weeks). Fourteen of 19 (74%) had GHD of Waters class 2 or increased malformation. Babies who had more severe palsies underwent earlier surgery and had less severe GHD at the time of surgery than did those with less severe palsies who had surgery later. Less severe GHD was associated with more severe palsies, as indicated by Narakas classification and number of root avulsions. Active external rotation was almost universally absent whereas other shoulder movements were present to varying degrees. More severe GHD was associated with greater total shoulder active range of motion and greater pectoralis major muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS: Glenohumeral dysplasia occurs often and early in NBPP and may occur in the absence of restricted range of motion. Predictors include increasing age and factors related to muscular imbalance. As such, GHD likely affects the functional outcome that may be achieved with reinnervation, and early screening may improve outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Risk factors for first cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection: findings from a multi-center prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the extent to which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt revisions are associated with increased risk of CSF shunt infection, after adjusting for patient factors that may contribute to infection risk. STUDY DESIGN: We used the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network registry to assemble a large prospective 6-center cohort of 1036 children undergoing initial CSF shunt placement between April 2008 and January 2012. The primary outcome of interest was first CSF shunt infection. Data for initial CSF shunt placement and all subsequent CSF shunt revisions prior to first CSF shunt infection, where applicable, were obtained. The risk of first infection was estimated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model accounting for patient characteristics and CSF shunt revisions, and is reported using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Of the 102 children who developed first infection within 12 months of placement, 33 (32%) followed one or more CSF shunt revisions. Baseline factors independently associated with risk of first infection included: gastrostomy tube (HR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.1, 3.3), age 6-12 months (HR 0.3, 95% CI, 0.1, 0.8), and prior neurosurgery (HR 0.4, 95% CI, 0.2, 0.9). After controlling for baseline factors, infection risk was most significantly associated with the need for revision (1 revision vs none, HR 3.9, 95% CI, 2.2, 6.5; ≥2 revisions, HR 13.0, 95% CI, 6.5, 24.9). CONCLUSIONS: This study quantifies the elevated risk of infection associated with shunt revisions observed in clinical practice. To reduce risk of infection risk, further work should optimize revision procedures.

Correlating Haller Index and cardiopulmonary disease in pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND: The Haller Index (HI) has become standard for determining the severity of pectus excavatum. We compared patterns of cardiopulmonary dysfunction and their relationship with HI in patients with pectus excavatum. METHODS: We performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing and chest computed tomography scans on 90 patients with pectus excavatum deformities at a regional pediatric hospital. RESULTS: The median HI was 4.9 in patients with combined dysfunction, 4.4 in patients with isolated pulmonary dysfunction, 3.6 in patients with isolated cardiac dysfunction, and 3.4 in patients with normal function. HI varied significantly by disease group (P < .009). HI was significantly lower in patients with normal forced vital capacity than with abnormal forced vital capacity (P = .001). However, HI was similar in patients with normal and abnormal oxygen pulse (P = .24) or peak oxygen consumption (P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Fifty-nine percent of patients had cardiac and/or pulmonary limitation. A HI greater than 3.6 is associated with pulmonary dysfunction, but not cardiac dysfunction.

Revision surgeries are associated with significant increased risk of subsequent cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to determine whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt revision(s) are associated with increased risk of CSF shunt infection, after adjusting for baseline factors that contribute to infection risk. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 579 children aged 0-18 years who underwent initial CSF shunt placement between January 01, 1997 and October 12, 2006 at a tertiary care children's hospital. The outcome of interest was CSF shunt infection. Data for all subsequent CSF shunt revisions leading up to and including the initial CSF shunt infection, when applicable, were obtained. The likelihood of infection was determined using a Cox proportional hazard model accounting for patient characteristics and CSF shunt revisions, and is reported using hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: There were 123 children who developed infection. Baseline factors independently associated with hazard of infection included age 0 to <6 months at CSF shunt placement (HR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.02-6.7) and myelomeningocele (HR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8). Controlling for baseline factors, the risk of infection after shunt revision was significantly greater than at the time of initial placement (HR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9-4.7), and this risk increased as numbers of revisions increased (≥2 revisions HR 6.5, 95% CI: 3.6-11.4). CONCLUSIONS: Although younger age is associated with increased hazard of infection, subsequent CSF shunt revision significantly increases infection risk.

Association of intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to prematurity with cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery in the first year following initial shunt placement.

OBJECT: The neurosurgical literature has conflicting findings regarding the association between indications for CSF shunt placement and subsequent shunt surgery. The object of this study was to identify baseline factors at the time of initial CSF shunt placement that are independently associated with subsequent surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of children ages 0-18 years who underwent initial CSF shunt placement between January 1, 1997, and October 12, 2006, at a tertiary care children's hospital. The outcome of interest was CSF shunt surgery (either for revision or infection) within 12 months after initial placement. Associations between subsequent CSF shunt surgery and indication for the initial shunt, adjusting for patient age and surgeon factors at the time of initial placement, were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. Medical and surgical decisions, which varied according to surgeon, were examined separately in a univariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 554 children in the study cohort, 233 (42%) underwent subsequent CSF shunt surgery, either for revision (167 patients [30%]) or infection (66 patients [12%]). In multivariate logistic regression modeling, significant risk factors for subsequent CSF shunt surgery included (compared with aqueductal stenosis) intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) secondary to prematurity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.5) and other unusual indications (AOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-13.6). The patient's age at initial CSF shunt placement was not significantly associated with increased odds of subsequent surgery after adjusting for other associated factors. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of IVH is associated with increased odds of subsequent CSF shunt surgery within 12 months after shunt placement. Families of and care providers for children with IVH should be attuned to their increased risk of shunt failure.