Child Abuse and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has widespread effects, including enhanced psychosocial stressors and stay-at-home orders which may be associated with higher rates of child abuse. We aimed to evaluate rates of child abuse, neglect, and inadequate supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients ≤5 y old admitted to a level one pediatric trauma center between 3/19/20-9/19/20 (COVID-era) were compared to a pre-COVID cohort (3/19/19-9/19/19). The primary outcome was the rate of child abuse, neglect, or inadequate supervision, determined by Child Protection Team and Social Work consultations. Secondary outcomes included injury severity score (ISS), mortality, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Of 163 total COVID-era pediatric trauma patients, 22 (13.5%) sustained child abuse/neglect, compared to 17 of 206 (8.3%) pre-COVID era patients (P = 0.13). The ISS was similar between cohorts (median 9 pre-COVID versus 5 COVID-era, P = 0.23). There was one mortality in the pre-COVID era and none during COVID (P = 0.45). The rate of discharge with someone other than the primary caregiver at time of injury was significantly higher pre-COVID (94.1% versus 59.1%, P = 0.02). In addition, foster family placement rate was twice as high pre-COVID (50.0% versus 22.7%, P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of abuse/neglect among young pediatric trauma patients during COVID did not differ compared to pre-pandemic, but discharge to a new caregiver was significantly lower. While likely multifactorial, this data suggests that resources during COVID may have been limited and the clinical significance of this is concerning. Larger studies are warranted to further evaluate COVID-19's effect on this vulnerable population.

Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act and Pediatric Trauma Patient Insurance Coverage.

INTRODUCTION: Uninsured pediatric trauma patients are at increased risk of poor outcomes. The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on pediatric trauma patients has not been studied. We hypothesized that the expansion of Medicaid coverage under the ACA was associated with increased insurance coverage and improved outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients <18 y old presenting to a level 1 pediatric trauma center 2009-2019. An interrupted time series analysis was performed to assess the impact of Medicaid expansion under the ACA in January 2014. The primary outcome was rate of insurance coverage. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, disposition, 30-day readmission, length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit (ICU) LOS. RESULTS: A total of 5645 patients were evaluated, (pre-ACA n = 2,243, post-ACA n = 3402). Expansion of Medicaid was associated with minimal changes on insurance coverage. There a decrease in mortality (RR = 0.96, P = 0.0355) and a slight increase in disposition to a rehabilitation facility (RR = 1.02, P = 0.0341). There was no association with 30-day readmission (RR = 1.02, P = 0.3498). Similarly, expansion of Medicaid was not associated with change in LOS (estimate = -0.00, P = 0.8893). There was a slight decrease in ICU LOS (estimate = -0.03, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid expansion was associated with marginal changes in insurance coverage among pediatric trauma patients. We did not identify significant impacts on patient outcomes.

Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 on Pediatric Falls From Windows: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: In attempts to quell the spread of COVID-19, shelter-in-place orders were employed in most states. Increased time at home, in combination with parents potentially balancing childcare and work-from-home duties, may have had unintended consequences on pediatric falls from windows. We aimed to investigate rates of falls from windows among children during the first 6 mo of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients <18 y old admitted to three pediatric trauma centers (two - level 1, one - level 2) between 3/19/20 and 9/19/20 (COVID-era) were compared to a pre-COVID cohort (3/19/19 to 9/19/19). The primary outcome was the rate of falls from windows. Secondary outcomes included injury severity score (ISS), injuries sustained, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 1011 total COVID-era pediatric trauma patients, 36 (3.6%) sustained falls from windows compared to 23 of 1108 (2.1%) pre-COVID era patients (OR 1.7, P = 0.05). The median ISS was seven pre-COVID versus four COVID-era (P = 0.43). The most common injuries sustained were skull fractures (30.5%), extremity injuries (30.5%), and intracranial hemorrhage (23.7%). One-fifth of patients underwent surgery (21.7% pre-COVID versus 19.4% COVID-era, P = 1.0). There was one mortality in the COVID-era cohort and none in the pre-COVID cohort (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Despite overall fewer trauma admissions during the first 6 mo of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of falls from windows nearly doubled compared to the prior year, with substantial associated morbidity. These findings suggest a potential unintended consequence of shelter-in-place orders and support increased education on home safety and increased support for parents potentially juggling multiple responsibilities in the home.

Impact of Limited English Proficiency on Definitive Care in Pediatric Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Limited English proficiency (LEP) is associated with decreased access to healthcare. We hypothesized that LEP children with appendicitis would experience more delays in care than EP children. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients <18 y presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital July 2014-July 2019 with appendicitis. LEP patients were compared to EP patients. The primary outcome was appendiceal perforation. Secondary outcomes included prior pediatrician or emergency department (ED) visits without definitive management, duration of symptoms, length of stay (LOS), initial operative or non-operative management, time from presentation to operation and return to the ED within 30 d. Multivariable regression was performed to evaluate LEP as a predictor of study outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 893 patients with appendicitis were identified, 15.6% (n = 140) had LEP. On multivariate regression LEP was not a significant predictor of appendiceal perforation (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.79, 1.80, P = 0.390). LEP was a significant predictor of a prior ED or pediatrician visit without definitive management (AOR 2.05, 95 % CI 1.05, 3.98, P= 0.034) and longer LOS (Coefficient 1.01, 95% CI 0.41, 1.61, P= 0.001). LEP was associated with a minimal increase in duration of pain prior to presentation that was not clinically significant and was not associated with initial operative or non-operative management or a significantly longer time between presentation and operation. CONCLUSIONS: LEP children did not experience higher rates of appendiceal perforation at our institution, but were more frequently initially evaluated by a pediatrician or at an ED and discharged without definitive management and had longer LOS.

Blunt Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is rare in children, most often occurring following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma from high energy mechanisms, such as motor vehicle collisions (MVC). We performed a systematic review to describe injury details and management. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed to identify publications of blunt TDH in patients < 18 y old. Conflicts were resolved by consensus. Data were collected on demographics, TDH location, mechanism of injury, associated intraabdominal injuries (IAI), management, and outcomes. Denominators vary depending on number of patients with such information reported. RESULTS: Fifty-eight articles were reviewed with 142 patients with TDH. The median age was seven y (range 0.25-16). Most were left-sided (85 of 126, 67.5%). MVC was the most common mechanism (66 of 142, 46.5%). IAI was present in 50.0% (57 of 114), most commonly liver injuries (25 of 57, 43.9%). Delayed diagnoses occurred in 49.6% (57 of 115, range 8 h-10 y), and were more common with right-sided TDH (76.0% versus 48.5%, P = 0.02). Chest radiography was 59.0% sensitive for TDH, while computed tomography sensitivity was 65.8%. Operative repair was performed on all surviving patients, and all underwent primary diaphragm repair. The overall mortality was 11.3% (n = 16), with four attributable to the TDH. There were no reported recurrences over a median follow-up of 12 mo. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric TDH is a rare diagnosis with a high rate of associated IAI and delayed diagnosis. Primary diaphragm repair was performed in all cases. Surgeons should maintain a high suspicion for diaphragm injury in blunt thoracoabdominal trauma.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) in children is an uncommon injury and most commonly occurs after blunt abdominal trauma. There is no consensus on the management of these rare cases. We performed a systematic review of the literature to describe injuries, management, and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar was performed to identify English-language publications of blunt TAWH in patients <18 y old. Conflicts were resolved by consensus. Data were collected on demographics, associated injuries, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 71 articles were reviewed with 100 cases of TAWH. A total of 82.5% of patients were male, and the median age was 9 y old (range 2-15). Injury by bicycle handlebars was most common (72%) followed by motor vehicle collision (14%). Forty patients had intraabdominal injuries, most commonly bowel (70%) or mesentery (37.5%). Rate of intraabdominal injury was significantly higher in patients with injuries due to nonbicycle handlebar injuries when compared with bicycle handlebar injuries (60.7% versus 33.3%, P = 0.02). Most patients were managed operatively (85%), most commonly via laparotomy (68/85, 80%), with six laparoscopic repairs and five laparoscopic converted to open repairs. There were three reported complications and no recurrences over a median of follow-up of 5 mo in patients who underwent repair. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric TAWH is a rare injury with a high rate of intraabdominal injuries, particularly when due to high-impact mechanisms such as motor vehicle collision. Although open repair is more commonly performed, laparoscopic repair has been described with success. Recurrence rates appear low, but follow-up has been short term.

Statewide Impact of the COVID Pandemic on Pediatric Appendicitis in California: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in delays in presentation for other urgent medical conditions, including pediatric appendicitis. Several single-center studies have reported worse outcomes, but no state-level data is available. We aimed to determine the statewide effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and management of pediatric appendicitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients < 18 years old with acute appendicitis at four tertiary pediatric hospitals in California between March 19, 2020 to September 19, 2020 (COVID-era) were compared to a pre-COVID cohort (March 19, 2019 to September 19, 2019). The primary outcome was the rate of perforated appendicitis. Secondary outcomes were symptom duration prior to presentation, and rates of non-operative management. RESULTS: Rates of perforated appendicitis were unchanged (40.4% of 592 patients pre-COVID versus 42.1% of 606 patients COVID-era, P = 0.17). The median symptom duration was 2 days in both cohorts (P = 0.90). Computed tomography (CT) use rose from 39.8% pre-COVID to 49.4% during COVID (P = 0.002). Non-operative management increased during the pandemic (8.8% pre-COVID versus 16.2% COVID-era, P < 0.0001). Hospital length of stay (LOS) was longer (2 days pre-COVID versus 3 days during COVID, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric perforated appendicitis rates did not rise during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in California in this multicenter study, and there were no delays in presentation noted. There was a higher rate of CT scans, non-operative management, and longer hospital lengths of stay.

Firearm injuries in children: a missed opportunity for firearm safety education.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons frequently care for children who have sustained gunshot wounds (GSWs). However, firearm safety education is not a focus in general surgery training. We hypothesised that firearm safety discussions do not routinely take place when children present to a trauma centre with a GSW. METHOD: A retrospective review of patients <18 years presenting with GSWs to a level 1 paediatric trauma centre from 2009 to 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was discussion of firearm safety with the patient or family. The secondary outcome was notification of child protective services (CPS). RESULTS: A total of 226 patients with GSWs were identified, 22% were unintentional and 63% were assault. Firearm safety discussions took place in 10 cases (4.4%). Firearm safety discussions were more likely to occur after unintentional injuries compared with other mechanisms (16.0% vs 1.3%, p<0.001). CPS was contacted in 29 cases (13%). CPS notification was more likely for unintentional injuries compared with other mechanisms (40% vs 3.9%, p<0.001) and for younger patients (7 years vs 15 years, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: At a paediatric trauma centre, firearm safety discussions occurred in 4.4% of cases of children presenting with a GSW. There is a significant room for improvement in providing safety education interventions.

Routine chest X-rays after pigtail chest tube removal rarely change management in children.

BACKGROUND: The need for chest X-rays (CXR) following large-bore chest tube removal has been questioned; however, the utility of CXRs following removal of small-bore pigtail chest tubes is unknown. We hypothesized that CXRs obtained following removal of pigtail chest tubes would not change management. METHODS: Patients < 18 years old with pigtail chest tubes placed 2014-2019 at a tertiary children's hospital were reviewed. Exclusion criteria were age < 1 month, death or transfer with a chest tube in place, or pigtail chest tube replacement by large-bore chest tube. The primary outcome was chest tube reinsertion. RESULTS: 111 patients underwent 123 pigtail chest tube insertions; 12 patients had bilateral chest tubes. The median age was 5.8 years old. Indications were pneumothorax (n = 53), pleural effusion (n = 54), chylothorax (n = 6), empyema (n = 5), and hemothorax (n = 3). Post-pull CXRs were obtained in 121/123 cases (98.4%). The two children without post-pull CXRs did not require chest tube reinsertion. Two patients required chest tube reinsertion (1.6%), both for re-accumulation of their chylothorax. CONCLUSIONS: Post-pull chest X-rays are done nearly universally following pigtail chest tube removal but rarely change management. Providers should obtain post-pull imaging based on symptoms and underlying diagnosis, with higher suspicion for recurrence in children with chylothorax.

Does Microscopic Hematuria After Pediatric Blunt Trauma Indicate Clinically Significant Injury?

BACKGROUND: Children are more likely to have urinary system injury after blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) because of anatomical vulnerabilities. Urinalysis (UA) is often performed during initial evaluation to screen for injury. The purpose of this study was to determine how often finding microscopic hematuria after BAT leads to further testing and whether this indicates a significant injury. METHODS: A retrospective review of children evaluated for BAT at Children's Health from 2013 to 2017 was performed. Patients included had microscopic hematuria on initial UA. Data collected included demographics, injury data, laboratory and imaging data, and outcomes. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, and independent t-test. RESULTS: Of 1059 patients treated for BAT during the study period, 203 (19%) exhibited microscopic hematuria on UA during the initial workup. Most UAs resulted after imaging was completed and did not impact management (158, 78%); twenty-two (14%) of these patients had urinary injury, which were diagnosed by imaging regardless of UA results. Forty-five (22%) patients were found to have microscopic hematuria that independently led to workup for urinary injury. Of these, nine patients had a urinary system injury: 6 low-grade renal and three bladder wall injuries, none of which required surgery. Those with and without urinary injury in this group underwent similar numbers of radiographic studies. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic hematuria on screening UA after BAT may lead to extensive workup, regardless of the presence of symptoms. In patients who receive cross-sectional abdominal imaging, preceding UA adds little to the clinical workup of children with BAT.

Diagnostic Utilization and Accuracy of Pediatric Appendicitis Imaging at Adult and Pediatric Centers.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic imaging in pediatric appendicitis may decrease rates of negative appendectomy and identify alternate pathologies. We compared imaging practices for children transferred from nonpediatric facilities versus directly admitted to our tertiary children's hospital for laparoscopic appendectomy, and assessed the diagnostic accuracy in each population based on final pathologic diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, all cases of laparoscopic appendectomy at our children's hospital during 2015 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including age, transfer status, imaging studies, and pathologic diagnosis. Imaging practices in patients transferred from adult centers were compared with those directly admitted. RESULTS: There were 1153 included patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis during the study period, with 242 (20.9%) presenting as transfers from nonpediatric facilities. Of these, 73.5% underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT), compared with 26.4% of nontransfer patients (P < 0.000). All remaining patients received ultrasound (US). Despite variation in imaging strategies, rates of negative appendectomy were similar in transfer and nontransfer groups (1.7% versus 2.0%, respectively, P = 0.744). There were marginal differences in sensitivity of US and CT to detect appendix features between the transferring and referral centers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that nonpediatric facilities use CT more frequently to diagnose pediatric appendicitis. Rates of nontherapeutic surgery were equivalent between transferred and directly admitted patients, which is likely related to high performance of both imaging strategies. Transferring centers should strive to rely more heavily on US, which may require education and development of improved pediatric US capacity.

Clinical and Imaging Correlates of Pediatric Mucosal Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Mucosal appendicitis is a controversial entity that is histologically distinct from transmural appendicitis. There is mixed opinion regarding mucosal inflammation as a spectrum of appendicitis versus a negative appendectomy. The ability to distinguish these diagnoses preoperatively is of importance to prevent unnecessary surgery. We hypothesize that patients with mucosal appendicitis can be discriminated from those with transmural disease based on specific preoperative clinical and imaging findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After IRB approval, all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution during 2015 were reviewed in the electronic medical record. Patients with mucosal appendicitis were identified and matched 2:1 to a random cohort of nonperforated transmural appendicitis cases. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including history, examination, laboratory, and imaging findings. Preoperative factors associated with mucosal appendicitis were modeled using binomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 1153 appendectomies performed during 2015, 103 patients had pathologic diagnosis of mucosal appendicitis. When compared with patients with mucosal infection, leukocytosis >10,000 per microliter led to 5.9 times higher likelihood of transmural pathology (P = 0.000). Noncompressibility on ultrasound was associated with 7.3 times higher likelihood of transmural disease (P = 0.015). Echogenic changes were predictive of transmural appendicitis, conferring 3.9 times the risk (P = 0.007). Presence of free fluid led to 2.3 times the rate of transmural pathology (P = 0.007). Finally, for every millimeter decrease in appendiceal diameter, patients were half as likely to exhibit transmural disease (P = 0.000). Together, these variables can successfully predict presence of mucosal appendicitis on final pathology report at a rate of 82.1%, and explain 60% of the variance in diagnosis of mucosal versus transmural appendicitis (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Mucosal appendicitis remains a controversial pathologic entity, but is not associated with greater complications compared with transmural appendicitis when treated with laparoscopic appendectomy. Transmural disease can be predicted by leukocytosis, noncompressible appendix, presence of free fluid, larger appendiceal diameter and echogenicity.

An investigation of social determinants of health and outcomes in pediatric nonaccidental trauma.

OBJECTIVES: Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of pediatric mortality and disability. We examined our institution's experience with NAT to determine if socioeconomic status is correlated with patient outcomes. METHODS: NAT cases were reviewed retrospectively. Socioeconomic determinants included insurance status and race; outcomes included mortality, discharge disability and disposition. Correlations were identified using t test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The cohort comprised of 337 patients, with an overall uninsured rate of 5.6%. This rate was achieved by insuring 64.7% of the cohort after admission. Non-survivors were more likely to have no insurance coverage (14.8% versus 4.8%, p = 0.041). Regression revealed that uninsured had 8 times (95% CI 1.7-38.7, p = 0.008) higher in-hospital mortality than those with insurance when controlling for injury severity. Additionally, injury severity score ≥ 15, transfer from outside hospital, need for ICU or operative treatment were predictive of mortality. Adjusted risk factors for severe disability at discharge did not include insurance status or race, while ISS ≥ 15 and ICU stay were predictive. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant associations of insurance status with pediatric NAT outcomes, highlighting that determinants other than disease severity may influence mortality and morbidity. High-risk patients should be identified to develop strategies to improve outcomes.

Parental satisfaction with same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest that same-day discharge is safe for the paediatric population after various laparoscopic procedures. Same-day discharge is increasingly common after laparoscopic surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis although it is not standard practice. This prospective study aims to assess parental satisfaction with same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: At our institution, 849 patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in 2016; of which, 382 were discharged on the same calendar day. Postdischarge surveys assessing parental satisfaction were administered by telephone at the 2-week follow-up. RESULTS: Approximately 65% of 185 total parental responses reported initial satisfaction with same-day discharge. About 30% were nervous at that time, and 5% did not feel ready to go home yet. Upon reflection, a higher proportion of parents (81.6%) felt same-day discharge was the appropriate course of action, 11.4% were unsure, and 7.0% would not do it again. Some parents cited concerns regarding pain control and incongruous expectations from conversations with staff or surgical experiences of their own. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of parents recalled being happy at discharge, with an increase to 82% retrospectively. Only 7% of parents would not elect to go home on the same day again. Opportunities for improvement include a unified plan from all providers with expectations of same-day discharge if appendicitis is intraoperatively confirmed to be uncomplicated and better analgesic instructions at discharge.

Insurance status and pediatric mortality in nonaccidental trauma.

BACKGROUND: Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of injury and death in early childhood. We sought to understand the association between insurance status and mortality in a national sample of pediatric NAT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the 2012-2014 National Trauma Databank. We included children ≤18 y hospitalized with NAT (The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes: E967-968). The primary exposure was insurance status (categorized as public, private, and uninsured). The primary outcome was emergency department or inpatient mortality from NAT. RESULTS: We identified 6389 children with NAT. Mean age was 1.6 y (standard deviation 3.7), with 41% female and 42% of an ethnic or racial minority. Most were publicly insured (77%), with 17% privately insured and 6% uninsured. Mean injury severity score (ISS) was 13.9 (standard deviation 10.3). Overall, 516 (8%) patients died following NAT. Compared to patients who survived, those who died were more likely to be younger (mean age 1.0 y versus 1.6 y; P < 0.001), uninsured (13% versus 6%; P < 0.001), transferred to a higher-care facility (57% versus 49%; P < 0.001), and more severely injured (mean ISS 25.9 versus 12.8; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, race, transfer status, and ISS, uninsured patients had 3.3-fold (95% CI = 2.4-4.6) greater odds of death compared to those with public insurance. For every 1 point increase in ISS, children had 12% (95% CI = 11%-13%) increased adjusted odds of death. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients without insurance had significantly greater odds of death following NAT, compared to children with public insurance. Knowledge that uninsured children comprise an especially vulnerable population is important for targeting potential interventions.

Correlation of payor status and pediatric transfer for acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Tertiary referral centers provide specialty and critical care for patients presenting to hospitals that lack these resources. There is a notion among tertiary centers that outside hospitals are more likely to transfer uninsured or underinsured patients. We examined funding status of patients transferred to our tertiary pediatric hospital for surgical management of appendicitis, hypothesizing that transferred patients were more likely to have unfavorable coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic medical record was queried for all cases of laparoscopic appendectomy at our hospital between 2011 and 2015. Insurance was grouped into three categories: commercial, Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Plan, or none. Transferred patients were compared to patients who presented directly. RESULTS: A total of 5758 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy during the study period, of which 1683 (29.2%) were transfer patients. Transfer patients were more likely to be older, with a median age of 10.5 y versus 9.8 y in nontransferred patients (P ≤ 0.0001), and were more likely to be identified as non-Hispanic (50.0% versus 36.5%; P ≤ 0.0001). Insurance coverage was similar between groups. However, subgroup analysis of the hospitals that most frequently used our transfer services revealed a trend to transfer a higher proportion of Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Plan patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, pediatric patients transferred for laparoscopic appendectomy had similar insurance coverage to patients admitted directly, but subgroup analysis shows that not all centers follow this trend. Transfer patients were more frequently older and non-Hispanic. This builds upon the existing literature regarding the correlation of funding and transfer practices and highlights the need for additional research in this area.

Management and Outcomes of Pediatric Lymphatic Malformations: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

BACKGROUND: Significant variation in management strategies for lymphatic malformations (LMs) in children persists. The goal of this systematic review is to summarize outcomes for medical therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgery, and to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment. METHODS: Three questions regarding LM management were generated according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Publicly available databases were queried to identify articles published from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2021. A consensus statement of recommendations was generated in response to each question. RESULTS: The initial search identified 9326 abstracts, each reviewed by two authors. A total of 600 abstracts met selection criteria for full manuscript review with 202 subsequently utilized for extraction of data. Medical therapy, such as sirolimus, can be used as an adjunct with percutaneous treatments or surgery, or for extensive LM. Sclerotherapy can achieve partial or complete response in over 90% of patients and is most effective for macrocystic lesions. Depending on the size, extent, and location of the malformation, surgery can be considered. CONCLUSION: Evidence supporting best practices for the safety and effectiveness of management for LMs is currently of moderate quality. Many patients benefit from multi-modal treatment determined by the extent and type of LM. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to determine the optimal individualized treatment for each patient.

Screening and Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee conducted a systematic review to describe the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric surgical and trauma patients and develop recommendations for screening and prophylaxis. METHODS: The Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were queried from January 2000 through December 2021. Search terms addressed the following topics: incidence, ultrasound screening, and mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Consensus recommendations were derived based on the best available literature. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four studies were included. The incidence of VTE in pediatric surgical populations is 0.29% (Range = 0.1%-0.48%) and directly correlates with surgery type, transfusion, prolonged anesthesia, malignancy, congenital heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and female sex. The incidence of VTE in pediatric trauma populations is 0.25% (Range = 0.1%-0.8%) and directly correlates with injury severity, major surgery, central line placement, body mass index, spinal cord injury, and length-of-stay. Routine ultrasound screening for VTE is not recommended. Consider sequential compression devices in at-risk nonmobile, pediatric surgical patients when an appropriate sized device is available. Consider mechanical prophylaxis alone or with pharmacologic prophylaxis in adolescents >15 y and post-pubertal children <15 y with injury severity scores >25. When utilizing pharmacologic prophylaxis, low molecular weight heparin is superior to unfractionated heparin. CONCLUSIONS: While VTE remains an infrequent complication in children, consideration of mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis is appropriate in certain populations. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic Review of level 2-4 studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3-4.

Classification and Surgical Management of Anorectal Malformations: A Systematic Review and Evidence-based Guideline From the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-based Practice Committee.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of neonates with anorectal malformations (ARMs) can be challenging due to variability in anatomic definitions, multiple approaches to surgical management, and heterogeneity of reported outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize existing evidence, identify treatment controversies, and provide guidelines for perioperative care. METHODS: The American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee (OEBP) drafted five consensus-based questions regarding management of children with ARMs. These questions were related to categorization of ARMs and optimal methods and timing of surgical management. A comprehensive search strategy was performed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to perform the systematic review to attempt to answer five questions related to surgical care of ARM. RESULTS: A total of 10,843 publications were reviewed, of which 90 were included in final recommendations, and some publications addressed more than one question (question: 1 n = 6, 2 n = 63, n = 15, 4 n = 44). Studies contained largely heterogenous groups of ARMs, making direct comparison for each subtype challenging and therefore, no specific recommendation for optimal surgical approach based on outcomes can be made. Both loop and divided colostomy may be acceptable methods of fecal diversion for patients with a diagnosis of anorectal malformation, however, loop colostomies have higher rates of prolapse in the literature reviewed. In terms of timing of repair, there did not appear to be significant differences in outcomes between early and late repair groups. Clear and uniform definitions are needed in order to ensure similar populations of patients are compared moving forward. Recommendations are provided based primarily on A-D levels of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based best practices for ARMs are lacking for many aspects of care. Multi-institutional registries have made progress to address some of these gaps. Further prospective and comparative studies are needed to improve care and provide consensus guidelines for this complex patient population.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes & Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists in the optimal management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee performed a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, Elsevier Scopus, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were queried for literature related to spontaneous pneumothorax between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2020, addressing (1) initial management, (2) advanced imaging, (3) timing of surgery, (4) operative technique, (5) management of contralateral side, and (6) management of recurrence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine manuscripts were included. Initial management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax should be guided by symptoms and can include observation, aspiration, or tube thoracostomy. There is no evidence of benefit for cross-sectional imaging. Patients with ongoing air leak may benefit from early operative intervention within 24-48 h. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach with stapled blebectomy and pleural procedure should be considered. There is no evidence to support prophylactic management of the contralateral side. Recurrence after VATS can be treated with repeat VATS with intensification of pleural treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax is varied. Best practices exist to optimize some aspects of care. Further prospective studies are needed to better determine optimal timing of operative intervention, the most effective operation, and management of recurrence after observation, tube thoracostomy, or operative intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic Review of Level 1-4 studies.