Hemoglobin Threshold for Blood Transfusion in Young Children Hospitalized with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Current recommendations advise against blood transfusion in hemodynamically stable children with iron deficiency anemia. In an observational study of 125 children aged 6 through 36 months, hospitalized with iron deficiency anemia, we found that hemoglobin level predicted red blood cell transfusion (area under the curve 0.8862). A hemoglobin of 39 g/L had sensitivity 92% and specificity 72% for transfusion.

To sim or not to sim-choosing wisely for procedural skills training in paediatrics.

Objectives: Simulation is a commonly used modality to teach paediatric procedural skills, however, it is resource intensive. Which paediatric skills are best taught using simulation is not known. This study aims to examine what skills to simulate, allowing for the best use of resources in ever expanding curricula. Method: We administered a questionnaire to community and hospitalist general paediatricians in Canada asking them to rate the importance of maintaining competency in each paediatric procedural skill and the frequency with which they perform the skill in their practice. Results: Skills that were rated as highly important and also high frequency were: bag-mask ventilation (BMV), lumbar puncture, neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), specimen procurement for infectious diseases, immunization, and ear curettage. Skills that were rated as highly important but low frequency were: paediatric CPR, intraosseous needle insertion, neonatal intubation, defibrillation, gathering specimens for evidence of child maltreatment, paediatric intubation, cervical spine immobilization, and oral/nasogastric tube placement. Conclusion: Paediatric procedural skills are rated variably in terms of importance and frequency of use in general paediatric practice. Eight skills of high importance are infrequently performed and should be targeted for teaching via simulation.

The current state of general paediatric fellowships in Canada.

INTRODUCTION: The field of Paediatric Medicine has grown tremendously over the last two decades. Several niche areas of practice have emerged, and opportunities for focused training in these areas have grown in parallel. The landscape of 'General Paediatric Fellowship' (GPF) Programs in Canada is not well described; this knowledge is needed to promote standardization and high-quality training across Canada. This study explores the structure and components of existing GPFs in Canada and identifies the interest and barriers to providing such programs. METHODS: A questionnaire was created to explore the landscape of GPF Programs in Canada. Invitations to participate were sent to leaders of General Paediatric Divisions across Canada, with a request to forward the survey to the most appropriate individual to respond within their local context. RESULTS: A total of 19 responses (95%) representing 17 different Canadian universities were obtained. Eight universities offered a total of 13 GPF Programs in 2019, with one additional university planning to start a program in the coming year. Existing programs were variable in size, structure and curriculum. Most programs identified as Academic Paediatric Programs, with an overlap in content and structure between Academic Paediatrics and Paediatric Hospital Medicine programs. The majority of respondents felt there was a need for GPF Programs in Canada but cited funding as the most common perceived barrier. CONCLUSION: A growing number of GPF Programs exist in Canada. Current fellowship programs are variable in structure and content. Collaboration between programs is required to advance GPF training in Canada.

Optic Pathway Glioma in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Multidisciplinary Entity, Posing Dilemmas in Diagnosis and Management Multidisciplinary Management of Optic Pathway Glioma in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has an incidence of 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 individuals and in 15% is associated with optic pathway glioma (OPG). Given the variability in clinical presentation and related morbidity, a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management of children with NF1 and OPG is required, but often lacks coordination and regular information exchange. Herein we summarize our experience and describe the care pathways/network provided by a multidisciplinary team. The role of the distinct team members is elucidated as well as the care amendments made over time. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center observational study, including children treated at our institution between 1990 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of NF1, radiographic and/or histopathological diagnosis of OPG and age below 18 years. Patients being treated elsewhere were excluded from the study. Data was abstracted from each child's health record using a standardized data collection form. Characteristics of children with NF1 and OPG were described using means (SD) and percentages. Outcomes were determined using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results: From 1990 to 2021, 1,337 children were followed in our institution. Of those, 195 were diagnosed with OPG (14.6%), including 94 (48.21%) females and 101 (51.79%) males. Comprehensive data were available in 150 patients. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 5.31(4.08) years (range: 0.8-17.04 years). Sixty-two (41.3%) patients remained stable and did not undergo treatment, whereas 88 (58.7%) patients required at least one treatment. The mean (SD) duration of follow up was 8.14 (5.46) years (range: 0.1-25.9 years; median 6.8 years). Overall survival was of 23.6 years (±1.08), comprising 5 deaths. A dedicated NF clinic, including pediatricians and a nurse, provides regular follow up and plays a central role in the management of children with NF1, identifying those at risk of OPG, coordinating referrals to Neuroradiology and other specialists as indicated. All children are assessed annually by Ophthalmology. Comprehensive care was provided by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Dermatology, Genetics, Neuro-oncology, Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology and Pediatrics. Conclusions: The care of children with NF1 and OPG is optimized with a multidisciplinary team approach, coordinated by a central specialty clinic.