Temporal Trends of Pediatric Hospitalizations with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in the United States: An Analysis from 2006 to 2014 using National Inpatient Sample.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the temporal trends in the epidemiology of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and hospitalization outcomes in the US from 2006 through 2014. STUDY DESIGN: Pediatric (≤18 years of age) hospitalizations with ADEM discharge diagnosis were identified from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) for years 2006 through 2014. Trends in the incidence of ADEM with respect to age, sex, race, and region were examined. Outcomes of ADEM in terms of mortality, length of stay (LOS), cost of hospitalization, and seasonal variation were analyzed. NIS includes sampling weight. These weights were used to generate national estimates. P value of < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Overall incidence of ADEM associated pediatric hospitalizations from 2006 through 2014 was 0.5 per 100 000 population. Between 2006 through 2008 and 2012 through 2014, the incidence of ADEM increased from 0.4 to 0.6 per 100 000 (P-trend <.001). Black and Hispanic children had a significantly increased incidence of ADEM during the study period (0.2-0.5 per 100 000 population). There was no sex preponderance and 67% of ADEM hospitalizations were in patients <9 years old. From 2006 through 2008 to 2012 through 2014 (1.1%-1.5%; P-trend 0.07) and median LOS (4.8-5.5 days; Ptrend = .3) remained stable. However, median inflation adjusted cost increased from $11 594 in 2006 through 2008 to $16 193 in 2012 through 2014 (Ptrend = .002). CONCLUSION: In this large nationwide cohort of ADEM hospitalizations, the incidence of ADEM increased during the study period. Mortality and LOS have remained stable over time, but inflation adjusted cost of hospitalizations increased.

National Trends in Hospitalization for Fever and Neutropenia in Children with Cancer, 2007-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trends of inpatient resource use and mortality in pediatric hospitalizations for fever with neutropenia in the US from 2007 to 2014. STUDY DESIGN: Using National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, we studied pediatric cancer hospitalizations with fever with neutropenia between 2007 and 2014. Using appropriate weights for each NIS discharge, we created national estimates of median cost, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality rates. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014, there were 104 315 hospitalizations for pediatric fever with neutropenia. The number of weighted fever with neutropenia hospitalizations increased from 12.9 (2007) to 18.1 (2014) per 100 000 US population. A significant increase in fever with neutropenia hospitalizations trend was seen in the 5- to 14-year age group, male sex, all races, and in Midwest and Western US hospital regions. Overall mortality rate remained low at 0.75%, and the 15- to 19-year age group was at significantly greater risk of mortality (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.36-3.68, P = .002). Sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and mycosis were the comorbidities with greater risk of mortality during fever with neutropenia hospitalizations. Median length of stay (2007: 4 days, 2014: 5 days, P < .001) and cost of hospitalization (2007: $8771, 2014: $11 202, P < .001) also significantly increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides information regarding inpatient use associated with fever with neutropenia in pediatric hospitalizations. Continued research is needed to develop standardized risk stratification and cost-effective treatment strategies for fever with neutropenia hospitalizations considering increasing costs reported in our study. Future studies also are needed to address the greater observed mortality in adolescents with cancer.

Temporal trends of splenectomy in pediatric hospitalizations with immune thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy is considered an effective treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with 70-80% response rate. However, its current use is limited in children with ITP. It is unclear if the rates of splenectomy have changed over time. Using a large nationally representative database, we aimed to study the trends of splenectomy in pediatric hospitalizations with ITP, and the factors associated with splenectomy during these encounters. METHODS: Using National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS), and international classification of diseases (9th revision), clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, we studied pediatric ITP hospitalizations with occurrence of total splenectomy between 2005 and 2014. RESULTS: Out of 37,844 weighted ITP hospitalizations from 2005 to 2014; total splenectomy was performed in 954 encounters. Splenectomy rate declined over time (3.4% [2005-2006] to 1.6% [2013-2014], P < 0.001) with the younger age (≤5 years) having the most notable decline (0.91% [2005-2006] to 0.14% [2013-2014], P < 0.001). Splenectomy had higher odds of being performed electively than non-electively (odds ratio [OR]: 19.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.06-31.02, P < 0.001). Encounters with intracranial bleed were associated with the occurrence of splenectomy (OR: 17.87, 95% CI: 5.07-62.97, P < 0.001). Intracranial bleed (P < 0.001), gastrointestinal bleed (P < 0.01), sepsis (P < 0.001), and thrombosis (P < 0.001) were associated with longer length of stay and higher cost of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, splenectomy rates consistently declined over time. Intracranial hemorrhage during hospitalizations with ITP was associated with occurrence of splenectomy. Future studies should continue to reevaluate the rates of splenectomy in pediatric ITP in the presence of various second-line pharmacologic agents.

An Unexpected Challenge: Marked Small Bowel Obstruction Arising From a Poorly Differentiated Metastatic Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Ileum in a Risk-Free Healthy Patient.

Adenocarcinoma, while constituting the predominant variant among small bowel cancers, is a component of the broader category of primary small bowel malignancies, which are notably infrequent in occurrence. The diagnosis of such malignancies is often markedly delayed, a consequence of their insidious onset and the nonspecific nature of the abdominal symptoms presented. A 69-year-old Caucasian male presented to the emergency department manifesting acute, sharp, and colicky abdominal pain accompanied by a single episode of vomiting, all developing over one day. His medical history was notable for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and regionally confined prostate adenocarcinoma, which was under meticulous surveillance by the urological team. The patient's lifestyle was characterized by abstention from alcohol and tobacco, adherence to a nutritious diet, and a commitment to regular physical activity. Subsequent examination and surgical excision of an abnormal mass, as delineated on computed tomography (CT), culminated in the diagnosis of a stage IV, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. We have reported this case to spark research regarding early diagnostic techniques for small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA). In this case, a healthy individual presented with vague abdominal pain and a single episode of vomiting. Diagnosis required the surgical resection of the tumor, where metastasis was also visualized. Due to the rare nature of SBA, we believe different diagnostic measures and adjuvant therapy should be researched for earlier diagnosis and subsequently better patient outcomes.

Comprehensive updates on the biological features and metabolic potential of the versatile extremophilic actinomycete Nocardiopsis dassonvillei.

Nocardiopsis dassonvillei prevails under harsh environmental conditions and the purpose of this review is to highlight its biological features and recent biotechnological applications. The organism prevails in salt-rich soils/marine systems and some strains endure extreme temperatures and pH. A few isolates are associated with marine organisms and others cause human diseases. Comparative genomic analysis indicates its versatility in producing biotechnologically relevant metabolites. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anticancer and growth promoting biomolecules are obtained from this organism. It also synthesizes biotechnologically important enzymes. Bioactive compounds and enzymes obtained from this actinomycete provide evidence regarding its metabolic competence and its potential economic value.

A Case of Chronic Right Hip Pain Revealing an Insidious, Incidental Eight-Centimeter Internal Aneurysm Among Multiple Diffuse Aneurysms.

The prevalence of internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA) is very low. Existing data on IIAA are scarce and mainly based on case reports and small retrospective series. We present the case of a 55-year-old African American man with a past medical history of HIV, hypertension, pulmonary embolism (PE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, polysubstance abuse, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder who presented to the emergency department with dyspnea on exertion. He was admitted for COPD exacerbation. He reported concerns of ambulatory chronic right hip pain, for which he underwent a CT, which revealed the presence of a partially visible right IIAA. A CT of his abdomen/pelvis revealed multiple aneurysms, including a partially thrombosed 8-cm fusiform right IIAA. Due to the presence of multiple aneurysms, the vascular surgery team was consulted, and elective repair was recommended. IIAA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with significant smoking history and hip pain and acted upon immediately.

Trends in the incidence, mortality, and cost of neonatal herpes simplex virus hospitalizations in the United States from 2003 to 2014.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the temporal trends in the incidence and outcomes of neonatal herpes simplex infections (NHSV) in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Neonates ≤28 days old with ICD-9 codes for NHSV (054.xx) from 2003 to 2014 were included. Trends in the incidence, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospital cost were analyzed using Jonckheere-Terpstra test. RESULTS: NHSV increased from 7.9 to 10 per 100,000 live births from 2003-05 to 2012-14 (P = 0.04). Hospital costs increased from $21,650 to $27,843; P < 0.001). The overall mortality rate and median LOS were 7.9% and 20 days, respectively and there were no significant variations across years during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of NHSV in the United States increased between 2003 and 2014 without a significant change in mortality. NHSV remains a serious health threat and new and effective strategies to prevent NHSV are needed.

National Trends in the Epidemiology and Resource Use for Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis) Hospitalizations in the United States From 2006 to 2014.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the trends in the rate of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) hospitalizations and the associated resource use among children in the United States from 2006 through 2014. METHODS: Pediatric hospitalizations with HSP were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 287.0 from the National Inpatient Sample. HSP hospitalization rate was calculated by using the US population as the denominator. Resource use was determined by length of stay (LOS) and hospital cost. We used linear regression for trend analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 865 HSP hospitalizations were identified, and the HSP hospitalization rate varied by age, sex, and race. The overall HSP hospitalization rate was 2.4 per 100 000 children, and there was no trend during the study period. LOS remained stable at 2.8 days, but inflation-adjusted hospital cost increased from $2802.20 in 2006 to $3254.70 in 2014 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: HSP hospitalization rate in the United States remained stable from 2006 to 2014. Despite no increase in LOS, inflation-adjusted hospital cost increased. Further studies are needed to identify the drivers of increased hospitalization cost and to develop cost-effective management strategies.