Concussion severity and functional outcome using biomarkers in children and youth involved in organized sports, recreational activities and non-sport related incidents.

This prospective multicenter study evaluated differences in concussion severity and functional outcome using glial and neuronal biomarkers glial Fibrillary Acidic (GFAP) and Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase (UCH-L1) in children and youth involved in non-sport related trauma, organized sports, and recreational activities. Children and youth presenting to three Level 1 trauma centersfollowing blunt head trauma with a GCS 15 with a verified diagnosis of a concussion were enrolled within 6 hours of injury. Traumatic intracranial lesions on CT scan and functional outcome within 3 months of injury were evaluated. 131 children and youth with concussion were enrolled, 81 in the no sports group, 22 in the organized sports group and 28 in the recreational activities group. Median GFAP levels were 0.18, 0.07, and 0.39 ng/mL in the respective groups (p = 0.014). Median UCH-L1 levels were 0.18, 0.27, and 0.32 ng/mL respectively (p = 0.025). A CT scan of the head was performed in 110 (84%) patients. CT was positive in 5 (7%), 4 (27%), and 5 (20%) patients, respectively. The AUC for GFAP for detecting +CT was 0.84 (95%CI 0.75-0.93) and for UCH-L1 was 0.82 (95%CI 0.71-0.94). In those without CT lesions, elevations in UCH-L1 were significantly associated with unfavorable 3-month outcome. Concussions in the 3 groups were of similar severity and functional outcome. GFAP and UCH-L1 were both associated with severity of concussion and intracranial lesions, with the most elevated concentrations in recreational activities .

Appendicitis: Role of MRI.

The diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis can be difficult, with a substantial proportion misdiagnosed based on clinical features and laboratory tests alone. Accordingly, advanced imaging with ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging has become routine for most children undergoing diagnostic evaluation for appendicitis. There is increasing interest in the use of US as the primary imaging modality and reserving CT as a secondary diagnostic modality in equivocal cases. Magnetic resonance imaging, using a rapid protocol, without contrast or sedation, has been found to be highly sensitive and specific in the evaluation of children with acute right lower quadrant pain in a number of studies. Because magnetic resonance imaging has the advantage over CT of not using contrast or ionizing radiation, it may replace CT in many instances, whether after US as part of a stepwise imaging algorithm or as a primary imaging modality. Accessibility and cost, however, limit its more widespread use currently.

Association and Clinical Outcomes of Marijuana in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: An epidemiological relationship between intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and marijuana use is not known. Data about the impact of marijuana on ICH patient's outcomes remain scarce. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was investigated from 2004 to 2011 to identify cohorts with marijuana (N = 2,496,165) and nonmarijuana (N = 116,163,454) usage. Patients with a primary diagnosis of ICH were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes. Univariable analysis was used to compare demographics and risk factors for ICH, and to study patient outcomes in ICH patients with or without marijuana use. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to study marijuana as independent predictor of ICH and to assess its effect on patient outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of ICH was greater in the marijuana cohort (relative risk: 1.11, confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.16). However, marijuana use (odds ratio [OR]: 1.063; CI: .963-1.173) was not an independent predictor of ICH after adjusting for other illicit drug use and ICH risk factors. For in-hospital outcomes, marijuana users had fewer adverse discharge dispositions (OR .78; CI: .72-.86), reduced length of hospitalization (OR .54; CI: .48-.61), and lower hospitalization cost (OR .72; CI: .64-.81) but higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.26; CI: 1.12-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: Marijuana users are more likely to be admitted with ICH, however, marijuana is not an independent risk factor for ICH. Although marijuana has paradoxical effect on ICH related outcomes, higher mortality rates in marijuana users offset any potential protective effect among ICH patients.

Association of Parkinson's disease with hospitalization for traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to determine if patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are more susceptible to hospitalization for traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: The US Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried (2004-2011) to identify cohorts of patients with PD (N = 1 047 656) and without PD (N = 115 95 173). The age range of the study population was 60-89 years. The incidence of TBI among patients with PD was compared to the incidence of TBI in patients without PD. A multivariate logistic regression model, adjusted for all covariates that significantly differed in the bivariate analyses, was used to determine if PD was an independent predictor of TBI hospitalization. RESULTS: The incidence of TBI hospitalization was significantly higher (relative risk: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.73-1.80) in the PD cohort. The PD cohort with TBI had fewer comorbidities and risk factors for falls/TBI compared to the non-PD cohort with TBI. The multivariable analysis, adjusting for other TBI risk factors, revealed that PD status increased the likelihood of TBI hospitalization (odds ratio: 2.99, 95% CI: 2.93-3.05). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that patients with PD are more susceptible to hospitalization for TBI. A greater proportion of fall-related TBI occurs in patients with PD compared to patients without PD. Further research is needed to prevent falls in PD patients to avoid TBI.

A population-based study for 30-d hospital readmissions after acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To determine post-stroke 30-d readmission rate, its predictors, its impact on mortality and to identify potentially preventable causes of post-stroke 30-d readmission in a population-based study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified all acute ischemic strokes (AIS) using the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes (433.x1, 434.xx and 436) via the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) between January 2007 and December 2011. Acute stroke care in Olmsted County is provided by two medical centers, Saint Marys Hospital and Olmsted Medical Center Hospital. All readmissions to these two hospitals were accounted for this study. Thirty-day readmission data was abstracted through manual chart review. The REP linkage database was used to identify the status (living/dead) of all patients at last follow up. RESULTS: Forty-one (7.6%, 95% CI 5.7%-10.2%) of total 537 AIS patients were readmitted 30-d post-stroke. In a multivariable logistic regression model, discharge to nursing home following index stroke (OR: 0.29, 95% CI 0.08-0.84) was an independent negative predictor of unplanned 30-d readmission. In a subgroup of patients with dementia, being married at time of index stroke was found to be a negative predictor of readmission (OR: 0.10, 95% CI 0.005-0.58). Only 2.8% of the patients had potentially preventable readmissions. Hospital readmission had no significant impact on patient's short-term (three months) or long-term (one or two years) mortality (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Post-stroke 30-d readmission rate is low in AIS patients from Olmsted County. Further research is needed in regarding discharge checklists, protocols and stroke transitional programs to reduce potentially preventable readmissions.

Gastrointestinal Bowel Obstruction in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes in a U.S. Nationwide Analysis of 3,998,667 Hospitalizations.

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is worsened by poststroke medical complications. The incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of gastrointestinal bowel obstruction (GIBO) in AIS are not known. METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) to identify all patients with a primary diagnosis of AIS and subsets with and without a secondary diagnosis of GIBO without hernia. Multivariable analysis was utilized to identify risk factors for GIBO in AIS patients and the association between GIBO, in-hospital complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 16,987 patients with GIBO (.43%) among 3,988,667 AIS hospitalizations and 4.2% of these patients underwent surgery. In multivariable analysis, patients with 75+ years of age were two times as likely to suffer GIBO compared to younger patients (P < .0001). African Americans were 42% more likely to have GIBO compared to Whites (P < .0001). Stroke patients with pre-existing comorbidities (coagulopathy, cancer, blood loss anemia, and fluid/electrolyte disorder) were more likely to experience GIBO (all P < .0001). AIS patients with GIBO were 184% and 39% times more likely to face moderate-to-severe disability and in-hospital death, respectively (P < .0001). GIBO occurrence increased length of stay and total costs by an average of 9.7 days and $22,342 (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: GIBO is a rare but burdensome complication of AIS, associated with complications, disability, and mortality. The risk factors identified in this study aim to encourage the monitoring of patients at highest risk for GIBO. The predominant form of stroke-related GIBO is nonmechanical obstruction, although the causative relationship remains unknown.

Analysis of youtube as a source of information for peripheral neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION: YouTube is an important resource for patients. No study has evaluated the information on peripheral neuropathy disseminated by YouTube videos. In this study, our aim was to perform a systematic review of information on YouTube regarding peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: The Web site (www.youtube.com) was searched between September 19 and 21, 2014, for the terms "neuropathy," "peripheral neuropathy," "diabetic neuropathy," "neuropathy causes," and "neuropathy treatment." RESULTS: Two hundred videos met the inclusion criteria. Healthcare professionals accounted for almost half of the treatment videos (41 of 92; 44.6%), and most came from chiropractors (18 of 41; 43.9%). Alternative medicine was cited most frequently among the treatment discussions (54 of 145, 37.2%), followed by devices (38 of 145, 26.2%), and pharmacological treatments (23 of 145, 15.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the treatment options discussed in the videos were not evidence-based. Caution should be exercised when YouTube videos are used as a patient resource.

Autoimmune Encephalitis in the ICU: Analysis of Phenotypes, Serologic Findings, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To report the clinical and laboratory characteristics, clinical courses, and outcomes of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, ICU-managed autoimmune encephalitis patients (January 1st 2003-December 31st 2012). METHODS: Based on medical record review, twenty-five patients were assigned to Group 1 (had ≥1 of classic autoimmune encephalitis-specific IgGs, n = 13) or Group 2 (had ≥3 other characteristics supporting autoimmunity, n = 12). RESULTS: Median admission age was 47 years (range 22-88); 17 were women. Initial symptoms included ≥1 of subacute confusion or cognitive decline, 13; seizures, 12; craniocervical pain, 5; and personality change, 4. Thirteen Group 1 patients were seropositive for ≥1 of VGKC-complex-IgG (6; including Lgi1-IgG in 2), NMDA-R-IgG (4), AMPA-R-IgG (1), ANNA-1 (1), Ma1/Ma2 antibody (1), and PCA-1 (1). Twelve Group 2 patients had ≥3 other findings supportive of an autoimmune diagnosis (median 4; range 3-5): ≥1 other antibody type detected, 9; an inflammatory CSF, 8; ≥1 coexisting autoimmune disease, 7; an immunotherapy response, 7; limbic encephalitic MRI changes, 5; a paraneoplastic cause, 4; and diagnostic neuropathological findings, 2. Among 11 patients ICU-managed for ≥4 days, neurological improvements were attributable to corticosteroids (5/7 treated), plasmapheresis (3/7), or rituximab (1/3). At last follow-up, 10 patients had died. Of the remaining 15 patients, 6 (24%) had mild or no disability, 3 (12%) had moderate cognitive problems, and 6 (24%) had dementia (1 was bed bound). Median modified Rankin score at last follow-up was 3 (range 0-6). CONCLUSIONS: Good outcomes may occur in ICU-managed autoimmune encephalitis patients. Clinical and testing characteristics are diverse. Comprehensive diagnostics should be pursued to facilitate timely treatment.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Analysis of Hospitalizations in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Over half of all patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) suffer gastrointestinal complications. Our goal was to determine the burden of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in hospitalized patients with AIS using the largest, all-payer, inpatient database in the United States. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) was queried to identify all adult patients with a primary diagnosis of AIS with and without a secondary diagnosis of GIB. We used multivariable analyses, adjusting for pertinent confounders, to identify risk factors for GIB in AIS patients and to determine the effect of GIB on in-hospital complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 3,988,667 patients hospitalized for AIS, there were 49,348 cases of GIB (1.24%). In multivariable analysis, patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease (odds ratio [OR]: 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.10-2.86) and liver disease (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 2.26-2.59) were more likely to suffer GIB. Patients suffering from GIB were more likely to require intubation (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.95-2.13) and blood transfusion (OR: 11.31, 95% CI: 11.00-11.63). The occurrence of GIB increased hospital length of stay by an average of 5.8 days and total costs by $14,120 per patient (all P <.0001). GIB was independently associated with a 46% increased likelihood of severe disability and 82% increased likelihood of in-hospital death (all P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: GIB occurrence in patients with AIS is relatively rare but is associated with poor in-hospital outcomes, including mortality. We identified risk factors associated with GIB in AIS, which allows physicians to monitor patient populations at the highest risk.

Association of Recreational Marijuana Use with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of cannabis use on hospitalizations for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2011) was used to identify all patients (age 15-54) with a primary diagnosis of aSAH (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification 430). We identified patients testing positive for cannabis use using all available diagnosis fields. The incidence and characteristics of aSAH hospitalizations among cannabis users were examined. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effect of cannabis use on aSAH and in-hospital outcomes. RESULTS: Prior to adjustment, the incidence of aSAH in the cannabis cohort was slightly increased relative to the noncannabis cohort (relative risk: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.11). Cannabis use in aSAH was more frequent among younger patients (40.44 ± 10.17 versus 43.74 ± 8.68, P < .0001), males (53.3% versus 40.76%, P < .0001), black patients (35.92% versus 19.10%, P < .0001), and Medicaid enrollees (31.13% versus 18.31%, P < .0001). The cannabis use cohort had greater overall illicit drug use but fewer medical risk factors for aSAH. Cannabis use (odds ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12-1.24) was found to be an independent predictor of aSAH when adjusting for demographics, substance use, and risk factors. Cannabis use was not associated with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, inpatient mortality, or adverse discharge disposition. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that recreational marijuana use is independently associated with an 18% increased likelihood of aSAH. Further case-control studies may analyze inpatient outcomes and other understudied mechanisms behind cannabis-associated stroke.

Ambulatory Status Protects against Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Mild Ischemic Stroke Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic stroke patients are at high risk (up to 18%) for venous thromboembolism. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to understand the predictors of acute postmild ischemic stroke patient's ambulatory status and its relationship with venous thromboembolism, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We identified 522 patients between February 2006 and May 2014 and collected data about patient demographics, admission NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, ambulatory status, diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, and hospital outcomes (length of stay, mortality). Chi-square test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 61 (11.7%), 48 (9.2%), and 23 (4.4%) mild ischemic stroke patients developed venous thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, respectively. During hospitalization, 281 (53.8%) patients were ambulatory. Independent predictors of in-hospital ambulation were being married (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.10-2.49), being nonreligious (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.34-3.62), admission NIHSS (per unit decrease in NIHSS; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39-1.91), and nonuse of mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.61). After adjusting for confounders, ambulatory patients had lower rates of venous thromboembolism (OR .47, 95% CI .25-.89), deep venous thrombosis (OR .36, 95% CI .17-.73), prolonged length of hospital stay (OR .24, 95% CI .16-.37), and mortality (OR .43, 95% CI .21-.84). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that for hospitalized acute mild ischemic stroke patients, ambulatory status is an independent predictor of venous thromboembolism (specifically deep venous thrombosis), hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Do patients in a medical or surgical ICU benefit from a neurologic consultation?

Neurological complications are common in general medical and surgical intensive care units (ICU); they can prolong ICU and hospital stay and worsen outcome, including mortality. We performed a descriptive analysis of neurological consultations in non-neurological ICUs to determine the frequency of various neurological complications and to assess the diagnostic yield, therapeutic implications and prognostic benefit of these consultations. This is a retrospective single group cohort study of all neurological consultations for patients admitted to non-neurological (medical, respiratory care unit, cardiac, cardiothoracic, surgical and trauma) ICUs at Saint Marys Hospital (Mayo Clinic, Rochester) over a 24-month period (01 January 2010 to 31 December 2011). Equal numbers of neurological consultations (174, 50% each) were requested from medical ICUs and surgical ICUs. Altered consciousness (158, 45%), seizure (76, 22%) and focal deficits (75, 22%) were the most common reasons for consultations. Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic benefit was considered present in 89%, 38% and 39% patients respectively. Treatment change following neurological consultation occurred in 48% patients. Encephalopathy, stroke, seizure and anoxic brain injury were the most common causes of neurological complications in non-neurological ICUs with sedatives and opiates being the most common cause of encephalopathy. Almost half of the patients had change in treatment following neurological consultation. Neurological consultations in non-neurological ICU's are beneficial for patient's care in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Should infants presenting with an apparent life-threatening event undergo evaluation for serious bacterial infections and respiratory pathogens?

We sought to identify which patients with an apparent life-threatening event require infectious evaluation through an analysis of infants aged ≤12 months brought to an emergency department with an apparent life-threatening event. Among the 533 children evaluated, there were no cases of meningitis, 1 case of bacteremia, 17 cases of urinary tract infection, 22 cases of bacterial pneumonia, 22 cases of respiratory syncytial virus, and 2 cases of influenza virus identified in respiratory specimens.

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

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

Epidemiology of brief resolved unexplained events and impact of clinical practice guidelines in general and pediatric emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) and compare the impact of a national clinical practice guideline (CPG) on admission and diagnostic testing practices between general and pediatric emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2012-2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of children <1 year of age with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code for BRUE. Population incidence rate was estimated using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention birth data. ED incidence rate was estimated for all ED encounters. We used interrupted time series to evaluate the associated impact of the CPG publication on the outcomes of ED disposition (discharge, admission, and transfer) and electrocardiogram (ECG) use. RESULTS: Of 133,972 encounters for BRUE, 80.0% occurred in general EDs. BRUE population incidence was 4.28 per 1000 live births and the annual incidence remained stable (p = 0.19). BRUE ED incidence was 5.06 per 1000 infant ED encounters (p = 0.14). The impact of the BRUE CPG on admission rates was limited to pediatric EDs (level shift -23.3%, p = 0.002). Transfers from general EDs did not change with the CPG (level shift 2.2%, p = 0.17). After the CPG was published, ECGs increased by 13.7% in pediatric EDs (p = 0.005) but did not change in general EDs (level shift -0.2%, p = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: BRUEs remain a common pediatric problem at a population level and in EDs. Although a disproportionate number of infants present to general EDs, there is differential uptake of the CPG recommendations between pediatric and general EDs. These findings may support quality improvement opportunities aimed at improving care for these infants and decreasing unnecessary hospital admissions or transfers.

Apparent life-threatening event: multicenter prospective cohort study to develop a clinical decision rule for admission to the hospital.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We identify factors in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with apparent life-threatening events that distinguish those safe for discharge from those warranting hospitalization. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on all subjects presenting to 4 EDs with apparent life-threatening events. Patients were observed for subsequent events or interventions, defined a priori, which would have mandated hospital admission (eg, hypoxia, apnea, bradycardia that is not self-resolving, or serious bacterial infection). For patients discharged from the ED, telephone follow-up was arranged. Classification and regression tree analysis was performed to delineate admission predictors. RESULTS: A total of 832 subjects were enrolled. The overall median age was 31.5 days (interquartile range 10 to 90 days); 427 (51.3%) were male patients, and 513 (61.7%) arrived by emergency medical services. One hundred ninety-one (23.0%) infants had a significant intervention warranting hospitalization. One hundred thirty-seven patients (16.5%) met predetermined criteria that would obviously mandate hospital admission (eg, persistent hypoxia requiring oxygen) by the end of their ED stay. In addition to these patients for whom it was obvious that admission would be necessary in the ED, classification and regression tree analysis (receiver operating curve=0.90) yielded 2 factors predictive of hospitalization: having a significant medical history and having greater than 1 apparent life-threatening event in 24 hours. The sensitivity was 89.0% (95% confidence interval 83.5% to 92.9%); specificity was 61.9% (95% confidence interval 58.0% to 65.7%). CONCLUSION: We found 3 variables (obvious need for admission, significant medical history, >1 apparent life-threatening event in 24 hours) that identified most but not all infants with apparent life-threatening events necessitating admission. These variables require external validation and reliability assessment before clinical implementation.

Do infants less than 12 months of age with an apparent life-threatening event need transport to a pediatric critical care center?

BACKGROUND: Some emergency medical services (EMS) systems transport infants with an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) directly to hospitals capable of pediatric critical care (PCC) monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To describe factors identifiable by EMS providers that distinguish ALTE patients who may require PCC monitoring and management. METHODS: This was an observational analysis of ALTE patients who were transported by EMS and presented to four emergency departments (EDs). ED data were prospectively collected. Hospital records or reports from contacted parents were reviewed for interventions that mandated PCC management. We defined a priori the criteria by which PCC monitoring and management were required: if the subject needed 1) airway intervention with bag-valve-mask ventilation or advanced airway (e.g., endotracheal intubation) in the field, ED, or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU); 2) administration of vasopressors; 3) invasive monitoring; 4) surgery during the hospitalization; or 5) subspecialty consultation. Univariate analysis was performed to describe factors associated with requiring PCC management, and a multivariable model, accounting for within-hospital correlations, was developed. RESULTS: A total of 513 patients were enrolled. Of these, 51 (9.9%) had an intervention warranting PCC management. Univariate predictors for requiring PCC management included prematurity, past medical history, resuscitation attempt, upper respiratory infection, apnea, previous ALTE, more than one ALTE in 24 hours, and cyanosis. The multivariable model yielded the following independent predictors for requiring PCC management: resuscitation attempt before EMS arrival, cyanosis, and more than one ALTE in 24 hours. This model demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.3%, a specificity of 25.8%, a negative predictive value of 98.3%, and a positive predictive value of 13.5%. CONCLUSION: Only 9.9% of infants presenting in the field with ALTE had an intervention warranting PCC management, suggesting that many ALTE patients may be safely transported to hospitals without PCC capability. This would allow for better resource utilization of specialty care hospitals and still provide an option for secondary transports for those few patients not correctly identified in the field as requiring PCC. History of resuscitation attempt, cyanosis, and more than one ALTE in 24 hours are independent risk factors for requiring PCC management.

Empiric antibiotics and outcomes of children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum.

Although patients with eczema herpeticum often receive antibiotics for presumed bacterial coinfection, the effect of empiric antibiotic therapy is unknown. Our objective therefore was to determine the association between empiric antibiotics and outcomes in children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 1,150 children ages 2 months to 17 years admitted with eczema herpeticum between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2010, to 42 tertiary care children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. All patients received antibiotics during the hospitalization. Multivariable linear regression models determined the association between empiric antibiotic therapy and the main outcome measure: hospital length of stay (LOS). There were no deaths during the study period. Receipt of empiric antibiotics was not associated with a change in the LOS on unadjusted or multivariable analysis. The class of empiric antibiotic was not associated with the LOS except for receipt of vancomycin, which was associated with a longer LOS (21% adjusted longer LOS, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8-35%; p = 0.001). When restricted to patients with a bloodstream infection, receipt of empiric antibiotics was associated with a 51% adjusted shorter LOS (95% CI = -24 to -68%; p = 0.002). In children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum, empiric antibiotic therapy was not associated with a shorter LOS overall, but was associated with a shorter LOS in patients with a bloodstream infection. These findings highlight the importance of early recognition of systemic bacterial illness in children with eczema herpeticum. Empiric antibiotics did not affect mortality, which is low.

Revised 4-dose vaccine schedule as part of postexposure prophylaxis to prevent human rabies.

There is overwhelming evidence that the 4-dose vaccine schedule as part of postexposure prophylaxis to prevent human rabies for previously unvaccinated persons, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States in 2009, is safe and effective. When used appropriately with timely wound care and administration of human rabies immune globulin, the administration of 4 doses of vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 is likely to induce an adequate,long-lasting antibody response that is able to neutralize rabies virus and prevent disease in exposed patients. There has been no change in the recommended regimen for pre-exposure prophylaxis and for postexposure prophylaxis of previously vaccinated persons or for immunosuppressed patients.

Safety of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients with saccular intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: It is not known if the presence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms can increase the risk of hemorrhage after thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. The goal of our study was to evaluate the risk of hemorrhage after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in acute stroke patients with intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases of patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator at Mayo Clinic between March 2002 and June 2011 and who were evaluated with invasive or noninvasive intracranial angiography. Univariate analyses were performed with the t, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests where appropriate. RESULTS: Intracranial angiograms were performed in 105 patients (85 magnetic resonance angiography, 19 computed tomography angiography, and 1 catheter arteriography). The mean age of the patients was 69 ± 14 years. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission was 8 ± 5. A total of 12 incidental saccular aneurysms were found in 10 (9.5%) patients, and all 10 of these patients were white. There were no subarachnoid hemorrhages during the hospital stay in any patient with or without intracranial aneurysm. The rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month clinical outcomes were similar in patients with or without intracranial aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous thrombolysis was safe among our patients with acute ischemic stroke and incidental intracranial saccular aneurysm.