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OBJECTIVE: The authors analyzed the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR), a national registry that tracks the outcomes for people with various forms of spinal dysraphism, to determine the ongoing longitudinal risk for tethered cord release (TCR) among adults with myelomeningocele who had not previously undergone TCR during childhood. The authors also sought to identify the impact of lesion level, ambulation status, and prior treatments for hydrocephalus or Chiari malformations on TCR rates. METHODS: Adults in the registry who had not previously undergone TCR during childhood were studied. This group was compared with the remaining adults in the registry. The frequency of first-time TCR and time to TCR (using Kaplan-Meier analysis) were determined independently for males and females. Cox proportional hazards analysis identified correlations between sex, best lesion level and ambulation status prior to TCR, and previous treatments for hydrocephalus and Chiari decompression. RESULTS: Among 967 adults in the NSBPR (422 [43.6%] males and 545 [56.4%] females) who had not undergone TCR during childhood, the authors identified 47 people (4.9%) who underwent their first TCR during adulthood. This study cohort had significantly better mean functional motor levels and ambulation compared with the remaining adult cohort (both p < 0.001). The study group included 35 females (74.5%) and 12 males (25.5%); this sex distribution was significantly different in comparison with the remaining adult cohort (p = 0.016). The Kaplan-Meier curves for first TCR for females and males were significantly different (p = 0.01, log-rank test). TCR rates were correlated with sex (males had decreased risk; OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.62, p < 0.001), prior treatment for hydrocephalus (those who underwent prior treatment had decreased risk; OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.20-0.42, p < 0.001), and prior treatment for Chiari malformation (those who underwent prior treatment had greater risk; OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.50-9.88, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Adults with myelomeningocele who escape childhood without undergoing TCR have an ongoing, albeit decreased, risk for spinal cord tethering requiring TCR. This risk is obviously not due to spinal column growth and therefore must reflect other factors such as dynamic changes in spinal cord health over time. Among people with MMC who underwent their first TCR as adults, females seemed to be overrepresented. Similar to the authors' prior childhood study, people who underwent previous Chiari decompression seemed to be overrepresented, whereas those who underwent previous treatment for hydrocephalus seem to be underrepresented. These novel findings deserve further study.
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Malformación de Arnold-Chiari , Hidrocefalia , Meningomielocele , Defectos del Tubo Neural , Disrafia Espinal , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Humanos , Meningomielocele/cirugía , Disrafia Espinal/complicaciones , Disrafia Espinal/cirugía , Defectos del Tubo Neural/cirugía , Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/cirugía , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Sistema de Registros , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos TRESUMEN
Determining the timing of intracranial injuries in general, and abusive head trauma (AHT) in particular, is important to the care of children with traumatic brain injury. Additionally, identifying the time of the injury provides important information as to who might have, and who did not, inflict the trauma. Understanding the appearance and evolution of intracranial findings on neuroimaging has been an important factor in assessing the time of the injury. However, a number of studies in the last two decades have both suggested greater uncertainty about the reliability of this process and advanced our knowledge in this area. In this review, the authors consider the biophysical factors that contribute to the appearance and evolution of intracranial hemorrhage and, in particular, subdural hemorrhage (SDH). The traditional view of SDH is predicated largely on prior studies of intracerebral hemorrhage, although a number of variables make this comparison untenable. Moreover, more recent studies have suggested a number of factors that could alter the density (CT) or signal intensity (MRI) and produce mixed density/intensity SDH. These factors need to be considered in interpreting neuroimaging studies. A number of these recent studies evaluating serial neuroimaging in children with AHT have modified our understanding of intracranial hemorrhage and its evolution in this context. Taken together, the studies to date, having important limitations, provide only broad ranges over which to time injuries. The authors conclude that neuroimaging studies at this time are not likely, in isolation, to be able to accurately pinpoint a specific time of injury; rather, neuroimaging can only provide a range of possible times and should instead be used as a means to supplement or corroborate timing based on clinical presentation and other imaging findings.
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Maltrato a los Niños , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales , Niño , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/diagnóstico por imagen , Hematoma Subdural/diagnóstico por imagen , Humanos , Lactante , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Pediatric radiologists are frequently summoned to testify in court regarding the imaging of child abuse. This essay provides guidance on how to prepare for trial and what to expect in court. Preparation is paramount and includes meeting with the attorney and reviewing imaging studies, medical records and pertinent reports in anticipation of questioning in court. We also provide guidance to aid in testimony in court. Legal standards for testimony are discussed herein.
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Maltrato a los Niños , Niño , Testimonio de Experto , Humanos , Registros MédicosRESUMEN
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most lethal form of child abuse; preventing AHT should be a national priority, but research into this area is woefully underfunded. Prevention programs have primarily focused on universal parent education during the neonatal period, a time when parents are a captive audience of the health care establishment whose focus is on the needs of their newborn infant, and who will soon be exposed to the frustration and anger of infant crying. Research has suggested a strong causal link between infant crying and AHT, and parents - particularly fathers and father figures - have been identified as the most common perpetrators of AHT. A number of studies have suggested that educating parents during the postnatal period about the normalcy of inconsolable infant crying and its evolution over the first several months of postnatal life improves parental knowledge about infant crying and a number of positive parenting behaviors, and decreases emergency room visits for crying. In 1998, we began a pilot program in Upstate New York near Buffalo that led to a 47% reduction in AHT incidence. Similar studies have demonstrated 35-75% reductions in incidence, which has led to enthusiasm for this approach to preventing AHT. We, as well as another group, have enacted statewide programs in Pennsylvania and North Carolina; unfortunately, these two large statewide replication trials failed to demonstrate any impact of such an intervention on AHT rates. Serial messages for parents, provided repeatedly over the period of greatest risk for AHT, might be another avenue of research.
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Maltrato a los Niños , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales , Síndrome del Bebé Sacudido , Niño , Maltrato a los Niños/prevención & control , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/epidemiología , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/prevención & control , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Padres , Síndrome del Bebé Sacudido/epidemiología , Síndrome del Bebé Sacudido/prevención & controlRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to review the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) data set to study the rates of tethered spinal cord release (TCR) among patients with myelomeningocele and variability between centers, to compare TCR rates between males and females, and to study the relationships between TCR rates and other condition-specific characteristics. METHODS: The NSBPR registry was queried to identify all patients with myelomeningocele. TCR rates were calculated over time using survival analyses; rates between centers and between males and females were compared. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to identify relationships between TCR rates and sex, functional lesion level, ambulation status, treated hydrocephalus, and prior Chiari decompression. RESULTS: Of 6339 patients with information about their operations, 1366 (21.5%) underwent TCR, with significant variability between centers. The majority (75.8%) underwent a single TCR. The annual TCR rate was linear between birth and 13 years (1.8%/year) but declined sharply from 14 to 21 years (0.7%/year). There was no period of time at which the TCR rate accelerated. There were no significant differences in TCR rates between males and females. TCR rate was not related to functional lesion level but was lower among nonambulators compared with community ambulators (p = 0.005) and among those with treated hydrocephalus (HR 0.30, p < 0.001), and higher among those having prior Chiari decompression (HR 1.71, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results extend the results of prior single-institution studies, demonstrate significant treatment variability between institutions, and challenge the traditional concept that tethering is related to spinal cord stretching due to spinal growth.
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OBJECTIVE: To estimate the impact of the PediBIRN (Pediatric Brain Injury Research Network) 4-variable clinical decision rule (CDR) on abuse evaluations and missed abusive head trauma in pediatric intensive care settings. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cluster randomized trial. Participants included 8 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in US academic medical centers; PICU and child abuse physicians; and consecutive patients with acute head injures <3 years (n = 183 and n = 237, intervention vs control). PICUs were stratified by patient volumes, pair-matched, and randomized equally to intervention or control conditions. Randomization was concealed from the biostatistician. Physician-directed, cluster-level interventions included initial and booster training, access to an abusive head trauma probability calculator, and information sessions. Outcomes included "higher risk" patients evaluated thoroughly for abuse (with skeletal survey and retinal examination), potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (patients lacking either evaluation), and estimates of missed abusive head trauma (among potential cases). Group comparisons were performed using generalized linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: Intervention physicians evaluated a greater proportion of higher risk patients thoroughly (81% vs 73%, P = .11) and had fewer potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (21% vs 32%, P = .05), although estimated cases of missed abusive head trauma did not differ (7% vs 13%, P = .22). From baseline (in previous studies) to trial, the change in higher risk patients evaluated thoroughly (67%â81% vs 78%â73%, P = .01), and potential cases of missed abusive head trauma (40%â21% vs 29%â32%, P = .003), diverged significantly. We did not identify a significant divergence in the number of estimated cases of missed abusive head trauma (15%â7% vs 11%â13%, P = .22). CONCLUSIONS: PediBIRN-4 CDR application facilitated changes in abuse evaluations that reduced potential cases of missed abusive head trauma in PICU settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03162354.
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Maltrato a los Niños , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales , Niño , Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/diagnóstico , Cuidados Críticos , Humanos , Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Pediátrico , Tamizaje MasivoRESUMEN
Myelomeningocele (MMC) arises from an early neural developmental anomaly and results in a variety of structural abnormalities and associated functional neurologic deficits. As such, neurologic issues are central to virtually all clinical problems. Neurosurgical intervention strives to correct or improve these defects and prevent secondary complications. These interventions include closure of the open myelomeningocele and management (across the life span) of hydrocephalus, the Chiari II malformation (C2M) and tethered spinal cord (TSC). The development of pre-natal closure techniques and reports of improved outcome with in-utero closure (IUMC) have revolutionized the neurosurgical approach to myelomeningocele. Controversies remain surrounding patient selection, maternal risks, technique of IUMC (endoscopic vs. open) and long-term outcomes. However, real gains include reduced rates of hydrocephalus, modestly improved motor capabilities and reduction in C2M morbidity. For many decades, the cornerstone of treatment of hydrocephalus for many decades has been the placement and support of ventricular shunts. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with or without choroid plexus coagulation (ETV/CPC) is an appealing alternate strategy that avoids the morbidity and complications associated with shunts. The exact criteria for ETV-CPC candidacy and best metrics for outcome analysis remain active areas of debate and controversy. Similarly, neurosurgical management C2M, has centered upon the indications and clinical thresholds for performing posterior fossa surgical decompression. Tethered spinal cord management incorporates the diagnosis and surgical management of adhesions formed at the initial closure site, the consequent longitudinal traction related stress on the cord and the resulting neurologic signs and symptoms.
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Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/cirugía , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Meningomielocele/cirugía , Neurocirugia/métodos , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos/métodos , Atención Prenatal/métodos , Disrafia Espinal/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/complicaciones , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Hidrocefalia/complicaciones , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Meningomielocele/complicaciones , Embarazo , Disrafia Espinal/complicaciones , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Pediatric care providers, pediatricians, pediatric subspecialty physicians, and other health care providers should be able to recognize children with abnormal head shapes that occur as a result of both synostotic and deformational processes. The purpose of this clinical report is to review the characteristic head shape changes, as well as secondary craniofacial characteristics, that occur in the setting of the various primary craniosynostoses and deformations. As an introduction, the physiology and genetics of skull growth as well as the pathophysiology underlying craniosynostosis are reviewed. This is followed by a description of each type of primary craniosynostosis (metopic, unicoronal, bicoronal, sagittal, lambdoid, and frontosphenoidal) and their resultant head shape changes, with an emphasis on differentiating conditions that require surgical correction from those (bathrocephaly, deformational plagiocephaly/brachycephaly, and neonatal intensive care unit-associated skill deformation, known as NICUcephaly) that do not. The report ends with a brief discussion of microcephaly as it relates to craniosynostosis as well as fontanelle closure. The intent is to improve pediatric care providers' recognition and timely referral for craniosynostosis and their differentiation of synostotic from deformational and other nonoperative head shape changes.
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Craneosinostosis/diagnóstico , Acrocefalosindactilia/genética , Fenotipo del Síndrome de Antley-Bixler/genética , Suturas Craneales/anatomía & histología , Disostosis Craneofacial , Craneosinostosis/clasificación , Craneosinostosis/etiología , Craneosinostosis/cirugía , Cabeza/anomalías , Humanos , Lactante , Hipertensión Intracraneal/etiología , Ilustración Médica , Microcefalia/etiología , Osteogénesis/fisiología , Fenotipo , Fotograbar , Polidactilia/genética , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Procedimientos de Cirugía Plástica , Cráneo/anatomía & histología , Cráneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Cráneo/crecimiento & desarrollo , Sinostosis/complicaciones , Sinostosis/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
The original version on this paper contained an error. The COI statement is incorrectly presented.
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BACKGROUND: Evidence-based, patient-specific estimates of abusive head trauma probability can inform physicians' decisions to evaluate, confirm, exclude, and/or report suspected child abuse. OBJECTIVE: To derive a clinical prediction rule for pediatric abusive head trauma that incorporates the (positive or negative) predictive contributions of patients' completed skeletal surveys and retinal exams. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 500 acutely head-injured children under three years of age hospitalized for intensive care at one of 18 sites between 2010 and 2013. METHODS: Secondary analysis of an existing, cross-sectional, prospective dataset, including (1) multivariable logistic regression to impute the results of abuse evaluations never ordered or completed, (2) regularized logistic regression to derive a novel clinical prediction rule that incorporates the results of completed abuse evaluations, and (3) application of the new prediction rule to calculate patient-specific estimates of abusive head trauma probability for observed combinations of its predictor variables. RESULTS: Applying a mean probability threshold of >0.5 to classify patients as abused, the 7-variable clinical prediction rule derived in this study demonstrated sensitivity 0.73 (95% CI: 0.66-0.79) and specificity 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.90). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.92). Patient-specific estimates of abusive head trauma probability for 72 observed combinations of its seven predictor variables ranged from 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02-0.08) to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Seven variables facilitate patient-specific estimation of abusive head trauma probability after abuse evaluation in intensive care settings.
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Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/etiología , Preescolar , Reglas de Decisión Clínica , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/diagnóstico por imagen , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Notificación Obligatoria , Examen Físico , Radiografía , Retina/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Retinal hemorrhages are one of the most important supportive evidences for abusive head trauma (AHT). Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is highly suited to identify various forms of intracranial hemorrhage in AHT. However its utility in imaging retinal hemorrhage is not well established. OBJECTIVE: SWI is a sensitive sequence for identifying retinal hemorrhage on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 26 consecutive infants and young children with a suspected admission diagnosis of AHT underwent indirect ophthalmoscopy and brain MRI protocol for AHT along with SWI. Brain susceptibility-weighted images of 14 age-matched children were used as controls. For detecting retinal hemorrhage, susceptibility-weighted images of patients and controls were reviewed randomly and independently by two neuroradiologists who were blinded to the history and ophthalmology findings. A pediatric ophthalmologist graded the indirect ophthalmoscopy images. RESULTS: A diagnosis of AHT was confirmed in all 26 cases from a multidisciplinary meeting. Indirect ophthalmoscopy images were available in 21 cases. Ophthalmoscopy was positive for retinal hemorrhage in the right eye in 18 cases (85.7%) and in the left eye in 16 cases (76.2%). On SWI, retinal hemorrhage was identified in the right eye in 9/21 cases (42.8%) and in the left eye in 8/21 cases (38.1%) of AHT. Analysis of SWI in 21 cases of AHT demonstrated a sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 32% for detecting retinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: SWI is moderately sensitive and highly specific for identifying retinal hemorrhage in AHT. Further studies are needed to identify steps to improve the efficiency of SWI in detecting retinal hemorrhage.
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Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/diagnóstico por imagen , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/etiología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Hemorragia Retiniana/diagnóstico por imagen , Hemorragia Retiniana/etiología , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador , Lactante , Masculino , Oftalmoscopía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
OBJECTIVEAlthough the majority of patients with myelomeningocele have hydrocephalus, reported rates of hydrocephalus treatment vary widely. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of surgical treatment for hydrocephalus in patients with myelomeningocele in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR). In addition, the authors explored the variation in shunting rates across NSBPR institutions, examined the relationship between hydrocephalus, and the functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele, and evaluated for temporal trends in rates of treated hydrocephalus.METHODSThe authors queried the NSBPR to identify all patients with myelomeningoceles. Individuals were identified as having been treated for hydrocephalus if they had undergone at least 1 hydrocephalus-related operation. For each participating NSBPR institution, the authors calculated the proportion of patients with treated hydrocephalus who were enrolled at that site. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between hydrocephalus and the functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele and to compare the rate of treated hydrocephalus in children born before 2005 with those born in 2005 or later.RESULTSA total of 4448 patients with myelomeningocele were identified from 26 institutions, of whom 3558 patients (79.99%) had undergone at least 1 hydrocephalus-related operation. The rate of treated hydrocephalus ranged from 72% to 96% among institutions enrolling more than 10 patients. This difference in treatment rates between centers was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Insufficient data were available in the NSBPR to analyze reasons for the different rates of hydrocephalus treatment between sites. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that more rostral functional lesion levels were associated with higher rates of treated hydrocephalus (p < 0.001) but demonstrated no significant difference in hydrocephalus treatment rates between children born before versus after 2005.CONCLUSIONSThe rate of hydrocephalus treatment in patients with myelomeningocele in the NSBPR is 79.99%, which is consistent with the rates in previously published literature. The authors' data demonstrate a clear association between functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele and the need for hydrocephalus treatment.
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Derivaciones del Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/estadística & datos numéricos , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Meningomielocele/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Hidrocefalia/complicaciones , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Meningomielocele/complicaciones , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sistema de Registros , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to determine the rate of decompression for Chiari malformation type II in individuals with myelomeningocele in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR). In addition, the authors explored the variation in rates of Chiari II decompression across NSBPR institutions, examined the relationship between Chiari II decompression and functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele, age, and need for tracheostomy, and they evaluated for temporal trends in rates of Chiari II decompression.METHODSThe authors queried the NSBPR to identify all individuals with myelomeningocele between 2009 and 2015. Among these patients, they identified individuals who had undergone at least 1 Chiari II decompression as well as those who had undergone tracheostomy. For each participating NSBPR institution, the authors calculated the proportion of patients enrolled at that site who underwent Chiari II decompression. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between Chiari II decompression, functional lesion level, age at decompression, and history of tracheostomy.RESULTSOf 4448 individuals with myelomeningocele identified from 26 institutions, 407 (9.15%) had undergone at least 1 Chiari II decompression. Fifty-one patients had undergone tracheostomy. Logistic regression demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between Chiari II decompression and functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele, with a more rostral lesion level associated with a higher likelihood of posterior fossa decompression. Similarly, children born before 2005 and those with history of tracheostomy had a significantly higher likelihood of Chiari II decompression. There was no association between functional lesion level and need for tracheostomy. However, among those children who underwent Chiari II decompression, the likelihood of also undergoing tracheostomy increased significantly with younger age at decompression.CONCLUSIONSThe rate of Chiari II decompression in patients with myelomeningocele in the NSBPR is consistent with that in previously published literature. There is a significant relationship between Chiari II decompression and functional lesion level of the myelomeningocele, which has not previously been reported. Younger children who undergo Chiari II decompression are more likely to have undergone tracheostomy. There appears to be a shift away from Chiari II decompression, as children born before 2005 were more likely to undergo Chiari II decompression than those born in 2005 or later.
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Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/cirugía , Descompresión Quirúrgica/métodos , Meningomielocele/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Malformación de Arnold-Chiari/complicaciones , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Meningomielocele/complicaciones , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sistema de Registros , Traqueostomía , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with spina bifida (SB) typically develop serious secondary conditions and undergo surgical procedures related to neurologic disorders, orthopedic abnormalities, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and skin breakdown. In this study, we describe the age distribution of common surgical procedures and health outcomes in patients with SB. METHODS: Using serial cross-sectional data from the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (2009-2013; n = 4664), we examined surgical procedures (gastrointestinal, neurologic, orthopedic, skin, urologic, and other) and health outcomes (fecal continence, urinary continence, skin breakdown, and ambulation status) of patients with SB by age and SB type (myelomeningocele and nonmyelomeningocele). RESULTS: All patients who were enrolled had available health outcome data, and 81.5% (n = 3801) of patients had complete surgical procedure data, which totaled 18 891 procedures across their lifetimes. Almost all procedures (91.4%) occurred among participants with myelomeningocele SB. For both types of SB, the distribution of procedures varied by age. The most frequent procedures were neurologic, with approximately half (53%) occurring in patients <1 year of age; orthopedic and urologic procedures followed in frequency but tended to occur at older ages. The health outcomes for patients with myelomeningocele SB revealed lower frequencies of positive health outcomes than those for patients with nonmyelomeningocele SB across all age groups. Overall, the rates of fecal and urinary continence and skin breakdown increased with age whereas the ability to ambulate declined with age. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the surgical procedures and health outcome variations by age and SB type can help clinicians and populations that are affected set expectations regarding the occurrence of these procedures and the outcomes throughout the patients' life spans.
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Disrafia Espinal/diagnóstico por imagen , Disrafia Espinal/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Sistema de Registros , Disrafia Espinal/epidemiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of fatal head injuries in children younger than 2 years. A multidisciplinary team bases this diagnosis on history, physical examination, imaging and laboratory findings. Because the etiology of the injury is multifactorial (shaking, shaking and impact, impact, etc.) the current best and inclusive term is AHT. There is no controversy concerning the medical validity of the existence of AHT, with multiple components including subdural hematoma, intracranial and spinal changes, complex retinal hemorrhages, and rib and other fractures that are inconsistent with the provided mechanism of trauma. The workup must exclude medical diseases that can mimic AHT. However, the courtroom has become a forum for speculative theories that cannot be reconciled with generally accepted medical literature. There is no reliable medical evidence that the following processes are causative in the constellation of injuries of AHT: cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, hypoxic-ischemic injury, lumbar puncture or dysphagic choking/vomiting. There is no substantiation, at a time remote from birth, that an asymptomatic birth-related subdural hemorrhage can result in rebleeding and sudden collapse. Further, a diagnosis of AHT is a medical conclusion, not a legal determination of the intent of the perpetrator or a diagnosis of murder. We hope that this consensus document reduces confusion by recommending to judges and jurors the tools necessary to distinguish genuine evidence-based opinions of the relevant medical community from legal arguments or etiological speculations that are unwarranted by the clinical findings, medical evidence and evidence-based literature.
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Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/diagnóstico , Niño , Maltrato a los Niños/mortalidad , Preescolar , Consenso , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/mortalidad , Hematoma Subdural/diagnóstico , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Hemorragia Retiniana/diagnóstico , Fracturas de las Costillas/diagnóstico , Sociedades Médicas , Traumatismos Vertebrales/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Importance: Studies suggest that a postnatal parental intervention may reduce the incidence of abusive head trauma (AHT) of infants and young children. Objective: To assess the effect of statewide universal AHT education for parents on AHT hospitalization rates in Pennsylvania and on parents' self-reported knowledge gains and parenting behaviors. Design, Setting, and Participants: Changes in AHT hospitalization rates in Pennsylvania before and during the intervention were compared with those in 5 other states lacking universal parental AHT education during the same period. Data were collected from maternity units and birthing centers throughout Pennsylvania from the parents of 1â¯593â¯834 infants born on these units from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2013. Parental behavior and knowledge were assessed through immediate (n = 16â¯111) and 7-month postintervention (n = 146) parent surveys in a per protocol analysis of evaluable parents. Interventions: Parents read a brochure, viewed an 8-minute video about infant crying and AHT, asked questions of the nurse, and signed a commitment statement affirming their participation. Educational posters were displayed on each unit. Main Outcomes and Measures: Changes in AHT hospitalization rates before and during the intervention in Pennsylvania and 5 other states. Secondary outcomes included self-reported knowledge gains and changes in parenting practices. Results: A total of 1â¯180â¯291 parents (74.1%) of children ranging in age from 0 to 23 months signed a commitment statement. Incidence rate ratios for hospitalization for AHT increased in Pennsylvania from 24.1 (95% CI, 22.1-26.3) to 26.6 (95% CI, 24.9-28.4) per 100â¯000 children aged 0 to 23 months during the intervention period; changes in Pennsylvania were not significantly different from aggregate changes in the 5 other states, from 22.4 (95% CI, 21.2-23.6) to 22.0 (95% CI, 21.2-22.8) per 100â¯000 children aged 0 to 23 months. A total of 16â¯111 parents (21.5% men, 78.5% women) completed the postnatal survey. Despite an overall 74.1% adherence with the intervention, only 20.6% of parents saw the brochure and video and only 5.7% were exposed to the entire intervention. Among the respondents answering individual questions on the postnatal surveys, 10â¯958 mothers (91.0%) and 2950 fathers (88.6%) reported learning a lot about understanding infant crying as normal; 11â¯023 mothers (92.2%) and 2923 fathers (88.9%), calming their infant, 11â¯396 mothers (94.6%) and 3035 fathers (91.9%), calming themselves; 10â¯060 mothers (85.1%) and 2688 fathers (83.4%), selecting other infant caregivers; and 11â¯435 mothers (94.8%) and 3201 fathers (95.8%), that the information would decrease the likelihood of shaking an infant. Among the 143 respondents completing the 7-month survey, 109 (76.2%) reported remembering the information while their child was crying. Conclusions and Relevance: This intervention was not associated with a reduction in pediatric AHT hospitalization rates but was associated with self-reported gains in parental knowledge that were retained for 7 months.