Knowing Your Patient Population: Techniques to Capture Infants at High Risk for Physical Abuse in a Trauma Registry.

BACKGROUND: Physical abuse is a major public health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants. Clinical decision tools derived from trauma registries can facilitate timely risk-stratification. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database does not report age for children <1 year who are at highest risk for abuse. We report a method to capture these infants despite the missing age. METHODS: Patients ≤17 years were identified from TQIP (2017-2019). The primary outcomes included injuries resulting from confirmed or suspected child abuse captured by diagnosis codes or report/investigation of physical abuse, or different caregiver at discharge available in TQIP. We used two methods to select infants within TQIP. In the first, World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards for stature or length-for-age and weight-for-age were selected to capture children younger than 1 year. In the second, a K-means machine learning algorithm was used to cluster patients by weight and height. We compared outcome and injury data with and without patients <1 year. RESULTS: Using the WHO growth standard 19,916 children <1 year were identified. A total of 20,513 patients had a report of physical abuse filed, and 9393 were infants <1 year. Increased age-adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] were seen for fractures of the upper limb (1.28 [1.22-1.34]), vertebrae (1.89 [1.68-2.13]), ribs (5.2 [4.8-5.63]), and spinal cord (3.39 [2.85-4.02]) and head injuries (1.55 [1.5-1.6]) with infants included. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationwide trauma registry, WHO growth standards can be used to capture patients under one year who are more adversely impacted by maltreatment. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective, Cross-sectional. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Diagnostic.

The Impact of Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering on Pulmonary Function.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. OBJECTIVE: To examine pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients undergoing anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of AVBT on pulmonary status remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors examined preoperative and postoperative PFTs following AVBT in a retrospective, single-center cohort of patients. Outcomes were compared using percent predicted values as continuous and categorical variables (using 10% change as significant) and divided into categorical values based on the American Thoracic Society standards. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were included, with a mean age of 12.5±1.4 years and a follow-up of 4.2±1.1 years. The mean thoracic curve was 47°±9°, which improved to 21°±12°. At baseline, the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity (FVC%) values were 79% and 82%, respectively. Four patients had normal FEV1% (≥100%), 67% had mild restrictive disease (70%-99%) and the rest had worse FEV1%. Mean FEV1 improved from 2.2 to 2.6 L ( P <0.05) and FVC improved from 2.5 to 3.0 L ( P <0.05); however, % predicted values remained unchanged (FEV1%: 79%-80%; FVC%: 82-80%, P >0.05) with mean postoperative PFTs at 37±12 months postoperative. The use of miniopen thoracotomy was not associated with worsening PFTs, but extension of the lowest instrumented vertebra below T12 was correlated with decreasing FEV1% in the bivariate analysis ( P <0.05). Patients with worse preoperative FVC% (80±13% vs. 90±11%, P =0.03) and FEV1% (77±17% vs. 87±12%, P =0.06) also had a greater likelihood of declining postoperative FEV1%. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function in most patients undergoing AVBT remained stable (76%) or improved (14%); however, a subset may worsen (10%). Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors for this group, but worse preoperative PFTs and extension below T12 may be risk factors for worsening pulmonary function.

Clinical Outcomes in Neurologically Intact Children With Small Intracranial Bleeds and Simple Skull Fractures.

Introduction Children with minor intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and/or simple skull fractures are often hospitalized for monitoring; however, the majority do not require any medical, surgical, or critical care interventions. Our purpose was to determine the rate of significant clinical sequela (SCS) and identify associated risk factors in neurologically intact children with close head trauma. Methods This is a retrospective observational study. Children (≤ 3 years of age) admitted with closed head trauma, documented head injuries (ICH ≤ 5mm and/or simple skull fracture), and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≥14, between January 2015 and January 2020, were included. We collected demographics, resource utilization, and patient outcomes variables. SCS was defined as any radiologic progression, and/or clinically important medical or neurological deterioration. Results A total of 205 patients were enrolled in the study (65.4% male, mean age 7.7 months). Repeat neuroimaging was obtained in 41/205 patients (20%) with radiologic progression noted in 5/205 (2.4%). Thirteen out of 205 patients (6.3%) experienced SCS. Patients with SCS were more likely to be males (92.3% vs 63.5% in females, P=0.035) to have had a report filed with child protective services due to a concern for abuse/neglect (92.3% vs 61.5% in females, P=0.025), and to have had a non-linear skull fracture (P<0.001). No other factors were shown to be predictive of SCS with enough statistical significance. Conclusion Neurologically intact children with traumatic closed head injury are at low risk for developing SCS. This study suggests that most of these children may not need ICU monitoring. This study also showed that a certain subset might be at an increased risk of developing SCS.

Pain After Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Timing.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence and risk factors for postoperative pain following anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Up to 78% of patients with AIS report preoperative pain; it is the greatest patient concern surrounding surgery. Pain significantly decreases following posterior spinal fusion, but pain following AVBT is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients with a two-year follow-up after AVBT for AIS. We collected demographic, radiographic, and clinical data pertinent to postoperative pain at each time interval of preoperative and postoperative visits (6 wk, 6 mo, 1 y, and annually thereafter). RESULTS: Within our cohort, 68.1% of patients reported preoperative pain. Older age ( P =0.014) and greater proximal thoracic ( P =0.013) and main thoracic ( P =0.002) coronal curve magnitudes were associated with preoperative pain. Pain at any time point > 6 weeks postoperatively was reported in 41.6% of patients; it was associated with the female sex ( P =0.032), need for revision surgery ( P =0.019), and greater lateral displacement of the apical lumbar vertebrae ( P =0.028). The association between preoperative and postoperative pain trended toward significance ( P =0.07). At 6 months postoperatively, 91.8% had pain resolution; the same number remained pain-free at the time of last follow-up. The presence of a postoperative complication was associated with new-onset postoperative pain that resolved ( P =0.009). Only 8.2% had persistent pain, although no risk factors were found to be associated with persistent pain. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of 279 patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after AVBT, 68.1% reported preoperative pain. Nearly 42% reported postoperative pain at any time point, but only 8.2% had persistent pain. Postoperative pain after AVBT was associated with female sex, revision surgery, and Lenke lumbar modifier. AVBT is associated with a significant reduction in pain, and few patients report long-term postoperative pain.

What Happens After a Vertebral Body Tether Break? Incidence, Location, and Progression With Five-year Follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To study risk factors for anterior vertebral body tether (VBT) breakage. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: VBT is used to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in skeletally immature patients. However, tethers break in up to 48% of cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 63 patients who underwent thoracic and/or lumbar VBT with a minimum five-year follow-up. We radiographically characterized suspected tether breaks as a change in interscrew angle >5°. Demographic, radiographic, and clinical risk factors for presumed VBT breaks were evaluated. RESULTS: In confirmed VBT breaks, the average interscrew angle change was 8.1°, and segmental coronal curve change was 13.6°, with a high correlation ( r =0.82). Our presumed VBT break cohort constituted 50 thoracic tethers, four lumbar tethers, and nine combined thoracic/lumbar tethers; the average age was 12.1±1.2 years and the mean follow-up was 73.1±11.7 months. Of 59 patients with thoracic VBTs, 12 patients (20.3%) had a total of 18 breaks. Eleven thoracic breaks (61.1%) occurred between two and five years postoperatively, and 15 (83.3%) occurred below the curve apex ( P <0.05). The timing of thoracic VBT breakage moderately correlated with more distal breaks ( r =0.35). Of 13 patients who underwent lumbar VBT, eight patients (61.5%) had a total of 12 presumed breaks. Six lumbar breaks (50%) occurred between one and two years postoperatively, and seven (58.3%) occurred at or distal to the apex. Age, sex, body mass index, Risser score, and curve flexibility were not associated with VBT breaks, but the association between percent curve correction and thoracic VBT breakage trended toward significance ( P =0.054). Lumbar VBTs were more likely to break than thoracic VBTs ( P =0.016). Seven of the patients with presumed VBT breaks (35%) underwent revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar VBTs broke with greater frequency than thoracic VBTs, and VBT breaks typically occurred at levels distal to the curve apex. Only 15% of all patients required revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Updated APSA Guidelines for the Management of Blunt Liver and Spleen Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Non-operative management of blunt liver and spleen injuries was championed initially in children with the first management guideline published in 2000 by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA). Multiple articles have expanded on the original guidelines and additional therapy has been investigated to improve care for these patients. Based on a literature review and current consensus, the management guidelines for the treatment of blunt liver and spleen injuries are presented. METHODS: A recent literature review by the APSA Outcomes committee [2] was utilized as the basis for the guideline recommendations. A task force was assembled from the APSA Committee on Trauma to review the original guidelines, the literature reported by the Outcomes Committee and then to develop an easy to implement guideline. RESULTS: The updated guidelines for the management of blunt liver and spleen injuries are divided into 4 sections: Admission, Procedures, Set Free and Aftercare. Admission to the intensive care unit is based on abnormal vital signs after resuscitation with stable patients admitted to the ward with minimal restrictions. Procedure recommendations include transfusions for low hemoglobin (<7 mg/dL) or signs of ongoing bleeding. Angioembolization and operative exploration is limited to those patients with clinical signs of continued bleeding after resuscitation. Discharge is based on clinical condition and not grade of injury. Activity restrictions remain the same while follow-up imaging is only indicated for symptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: The updated APSA guidelines for the management of blunt liver and spleen injuries present an easy-to-follow management strategy for children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

Derivation and Validation of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Venous Thromboembolism in Injured Children.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes significant morbidity in pediatric trauma patients. We applied machine learning algorithms to the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database to develop and validate a risk prediction model for VTE in injured children. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years were identified from TQIP (2017-2019, n = 383,814). Those administered VTE prophylaxis ≤24 h and missing the outcome (VTE) were removed (n = 347,576). Feature selection identified 15 predictors: intubation, need for supplemental oxygen, spinal injury, pelvic fractures, multiple long bone fractures, major surgery (neurosurgery, thoracic, orthopedic, vascular), age, transfusion requirement, intracranial pressure monitor or external ventricular drain placement, and low Glasgow Coma Scale score. Data was split into training (n = 251,409) and testing (n = 118,175) subsets. Machine learning algorithms were trained, tested, and compared. RESULTS: Low-risk prediction: For the testing subset, all models outperformed the baseline rate of VTE (0.15%) with a predicted rate of 0.01-0.02% (p < 2.2e-16). 88.4-89.4% of patients were classified as low risk by the models. HIGH-RISK PREDICTION: All models outperformed baseline with a predicted rate of VTE ranging from 1.13 to 1.32% (p < 2.2e-16). The performance of the 3 models was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: We developed a predictive model that differentiates injured children for development of VTE with high discrimination and can guide prophylaxis use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level II. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective, Cross-sectional.

Obesity is not associated with increased resource utilization or morbidity in patients undergoing appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing public health concern that places patients at risk of morbidity and mortality following surgery. We sought to determine whether obesity influences our resource utilization and postoperative outcomes for patients who present with appendicitis. METHODS: Charts were reviewed for patients age 1-18 years identified from a prospective registry who presented with a diagnosis of appendicitis from 2017 to 2020. Patients who underwent appendectomy were eligible. Charts were reviewed for demographics, imaging studies, laboratory studies, length of stay, operative times and thirty-day postoperative adverse events defined as return to the emergency room, re-admission, postoperative abscess or return to the operating room. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify differences in resource utilization and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 451 patients were identified. There were 126 obese patients (27.9%). Obese patients were not more likely to present with perforated appendicitis and were not more likely to undergo computed tomography scans. All patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Although intraoperative times were significantly longer for Black patients and older patients, BMI did not influence length of surgery. Length of stay was significantly higher for younger patients (p = 0.019). Adverse events were seen in 38 patients (8.4%). There was no association between BMI and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Within our standardized management pathway, obesity does not influence management or patient outcomes for the treatment of appendicitis. Furthermore, obese patients did not require additional resource utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reducing Phlebotomy, Length of Stay, Cost: Development of a Blunt Abdominal Trauma Pathway in a Level I, Pediatric Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVES: Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a leading cause of morbidity in children with higher hemodynamic stabilities when compared with adults. Pediatric patients with BAT can often be managed without surgical interventions; however, laboratory testing is often recommended. Yet, laboratory testing can be costly, and current literature has not identified appropriate pathways or specific tests necessary to detect intra-abdominal injury after BAT. Therefore, the present study evaluated a proposed laboratory testing pathway to determine if it safely reduced draws of complete blood counts, coagulation studies, urinalysis, comprehensive metabolic panels, amylase and lipase levels orders, emergency department (ED) length of stay, and cost in pediatric BAT patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of levels I, II, and III BAT pediatric patients (n = 329) was performed from 2015 to 2018 at our level I, pediatric trauma center. Patients were then grouped based on pre-post pathway, and differences were calculated using univariate analyses. RESULTS: After implementation of the pathway, there was a significant decrease in the number of complete blood counts, coagulation studies, urinalysis, comprehensive metabolic panels, amylase, and lipase levels orders ( P < 0.05). Postpathway patients had lower average ED lengths of stay and testing costs compared with the pre pathway patients ( P < 0.05). There was no increase in rates of return to the ED within 30 days, missed injuries, or readmissions of patients to the ED. CONCLUSIONS: Results displayed that the adoption of a laboratory testing pathway for BAT patients reduced the number of laboratory tests, ED length of stay, and associated costs pediatric patients without impacting quality care.

Pediatric Train Injuries: A 10-Year Review From the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study Database.

OBJECTIVES: Trains can cause severe injuries in pediatric patients requiring significant resource utilization. We sought to review train injuries in Pennsylvania to determine the burden of these injuries on the pediatric trauma system. METHODS: We queried the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study Database to identify patients younger than 18 years injured by trains between 2007 and 2016. Demographics, hospital course, outcomes, and resource utilization were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-five children from 17 Pennsylvania counties were included. Three counties accounted for 48.6% of injured children. The median age was 15.0 years, and most patients were White (60.0%) and male (77.1%). The median length of stay was 8.0 days and overall mortality 8.6%. Intensive care unit admission was required for 65.7%. The median Injury Severity and Functional Status at Discharge scores were 14.0 and 18.0, respectively. Major orthopedic injuries (fracture or amputation) were the most common (57.1%) followed by traumatic brain injury (45.7%), pneumothorax (14.3%), and solid organ injury (14.3%). Operative management was common with 65.7% undergoing surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries caused by trains can be severe and are most commonly orthopedic or traumatic brain injuries. Targeted safety interventions may be possible given the common mechanisms and geographic clustering of these injuries.

Measuring the effectiveness of a car seat program in an urban, level one pediatric trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a significant safety issue in the United States. Young children are disproportionally impacted by car accidents and suffer high rates of injuries and mortality. When used properly, car seats have been found to reduce the severity of injuries. However, individuals from low-income areas often do not have access to education or car seats compared to those in suburban or higher income areas. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to measure the effectiveness of a car seat program in an urban, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center on caregiver car seat knowledge. METHODS: Caregivers (N = 200) attended a single, one-hour car seat educational program with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). The sessions included educational and hands-on components, where caregivers were asked to complete a seven-item pre-post knowledge assessment. For completion of the course, caregivers received a car seat for their child. RESULTS: A paired t-test revealed that the workshop significantly increased caregiver knowledge from pre-post: t (199) = - 12.56, p < .001; d = 1.27. McNemar's Chi-Square analyses displayed that caregivers increased in all knowledge categories (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: While caregivers in urban areas or in low-income areas may have less access to resources, hospital-led car seat courses can increase knowledge of proper car seat usage in these communities. These findings should be used to establish programs in hospitals in areas where these resources are not readily available to caregivers.

Prospective Follow-up Report on Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering for Idiopathic Scoliosis: Interim Results from an FDA IDE Study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior vertebral body tethering (aVBT) has emerged as a novel treatment option for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. We present the results from the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study on aVBT. METHODS: In this prospective review of a retrospective data set, eligible patients underwent aVBT at a single center from August 2011 to July 2015. Inclusion criteria included skeletally immature patients with Lenke type-1A or 1B curves between 30° and 65°. Clinical and radiographic parameters were collected, with the latter measured by an independent reviewer. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (49 girls and 8 boys), with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 12.4 ± 1.3 years (range, 10.1 to 15.0 years), were enrolled in the study. The patients had a mean of 7.5 ± 0.6 levels tethered, the mean operative time was 223 ± 79 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 106 ± 86 mL. The patients were followed for an average of 55.2 ± 12.5 months and had a mean Risser grade of 4.2 ± 0.9 at the time of the latest follow-up. The main thoracic Cobb angle was a mean of 40.4° ± 6.8° preoperatively and was corrected to 18.7° ± 13.4° at the most recent follow-up. In the sagittal plane, T5-T12 kyphosis measured 15.5° ± 10.0° preoperatively, 17.0° ± 10.1° postoperatively, and 19.6° ± 12.7° at the most recent follow-up. Eighty percent of patients had curves of <30° at the most recent follow-up. The most recent Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) scores averaged 4.5 ± 0.4, and scores on the self-image questionnaire averaged 4.4 ± 0.7. No major neurologic or pulmonary complications occurred. Seven (12.3%) of 57 patients had a revision: 5 were done for overcorrection and 2, for adding-on. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior VBT is a promising technique that has emerged as a treatment option for patients with immature idiopathic scoliosis. We present the results from the first FDA-approved IDE study on aVBT, which formed the basis for the eventual Humanitarian Device Exemption approval. The findings affirm the safety and efficacy of this technique and suggest opportunities for improvement, particularly with respect to reoperation rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Using Weather, Lunar Cycles, and Time of Year to Predict Trauma Incidents in an Urban, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Trauma patterns in adults are influenced by weather conditions, lunar phases, and time of year. The extent to which these factors contribute to pediatric trauma is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to review patients from a single Level I pediatric trauma center to determine the influence of weather, the lunar cycle, and time of year on trauma activity. METHODS: A retrospective review of trauma activations (n = 1,932) was conducted from 2015 to 2017. Injury type and general demographics were collected. Weather data and lunar cycles were derived from historical databases. RESULTS: Days with no precipitation increased the total number of injuries of all types compared with those with precipitation (p < .001). Blunt and penetrating injuries were more likely to occur during full moons, whereas burn injuries were significantly higher during new moons (p < .001). Blunt trauma was significantly higher in September than all other months, F(11, 1,921) = 4.25, p < .001, whereas January had a significantly higher number of burns than all other months (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric trauma trends associated with external factors such as weather, lunar cycles, and time of year can inform hospital staffing decisions in anticipation of likely injuries and help direct injury prevention efforts.

Utility of skull radiographs in infants undergoing 3D head CT during evaluation for physical abuse.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend performing head CT and skull radiographs (SR) when evaluating infants for physical abuse. We compared the accuracy of 3-dimensional CT (3DCT) and SR for detecting skull fractures. METHODS: We reviewed children <12 months evaluated for physical abuse undergoing 3DCT and SR between January 2017 and December 2018. 3DCT and SR images were blindly read by 2 radiologists. Interrater reliability (IRR) was calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS: 158 infants with a mean age of 5.0 months underwent 3DCT and SR. Consensus reading identified 46 fractures (29.1%) on 3DCT and 40 fractures (25.3%) on SR. IRR was higher for 3DCT (κ = 0.95) than for SR (=0.65). 11 fractures were identified on 3DCT but not SR. 5 fractures were identified on SR but not 3DCT. There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy of 3DCT and SR (χ2 = 1.56, p = 0.211). CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in the accuracy of 3DCT and SR for detecting skull fractures in infants. Because 3DCT has better IRR and evaluates for both bony and intracranial injuries it is superior to SR. Omitting SRs may be acceptable if a 3DCT is performed, and would reduce radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Thoracoscopic intercostal to phrenic nerve transfer for diaphragmatic reanimation in a child with tetraplegia.

Context: To describe for the first time a novel technique of thoracoscopic intercostal nerve mobilization and intercostal to phrenic nerve transfer in the setting of tetraplegia with the goal of reanimating the diaphragm and decreasing ventilator dependence.Findings: A 5-year-old female on 24 h ventilator support secondary to traumatic tetraplegia was evaluated for possible phrenic nerve pacing. Left-sided phrenic nerve stimulation did not result in diaphragmatic contraction indicating a lower motor neuron injury. The patient underwent thoracoscopic mobilization of the left phrenic nerve and 10th intercostal nerve while positioned in the left lateral decubitus position using four 5 mm trocars. The mobilized intercostal nerve was transected close to its distal anterior termination and coapted without tension to the cut end of the terminal phrenic nerve using fibrin sealant. Lastly, phrenic nerve pacer leads and battery were implanted in the chest wall and connected to the electrode placed on the intercostal nerve. One year following the procedure, the patient was tolerating phrenic pacing during the day while requiring ventilation overnight. Currently, the patient is 2 years post-operative from this procedure and does not require ventilator support.Conclusion/clinical relevance: We have shown for the first time a novel approach of thoracoscopic nerve mobilization and phrenic to intercostal nerve transposition to be both safe and effective for restoring innervation of the diaphragm in a child. This minimally invasive procedure is recommended as the preferred approach to reanimate the diaphragm.

A Standardized Protocol for Nonoperative Management of Complicated Appendicitis in Children Reduces Resource Utilization.

INTRODUCTION: To standardize care and reduce resource utilization, we implemented a standardized protocol (SP) for the nonoperative treatment of complicated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, historically controlled, study of patients <21 years with complicated appendicitis managed nonoperatively using an SP from January 2017 to November 2018. The primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), antibiotic days, peripheral inserted central catheter (PICC) utilization, discharge on intravenous antibiotics, and predischarge imaging. Secondary outcomes were protocol adherence and the rates of adverse events (AE) including return to emergency department (ED), readmission, failure of nonoperative treatment, and interval appendectomy complications. RESULTS: Protocol adherence was 67.9%. In total, 741 children were treated for appendicitis of which 58 (30 pre-SP and 28 post-SP) were treated nonoperatively for complicated appendicitis at presentation. Patients were well matched for age, admission white blood cell, sex, body mass index, race, and the proportion requiring percutaneous drainage. After implementing the SP, fewer children had PICCs (100.0 vs. 57.1%, p ≤ 0.001), fewer were discharged on intravenous antibiotics (90.0 vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001), and total antibiotic days were reduced (14.0 vs. 10.0, p = 0.006). There was no difference in LOS (5.5 vs. 6.0 days, p = 0.790) or the proportion undergoing ultrasound (36.7 vs. 39.3%, p = 0.837) or computed tomography scan (16.7 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.195) prior to discharge. There were nonsignificant trends toward reduced AEs (46.7 vs. 35.7%, p = 0.397), returns to ED (40.0 vs. 28.6%, p = 0.360), and readmissions (26.7 vs. 17.9%, p = 0.421). The proportion failing nonoperative treatment (10.0 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.612) and experiencing complications of interval appendectomy (3.3 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.918) were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Implementing an SP for treating complicated appendicitis nonoperatively reduced resource utilization without negatively affecting clinical outcomes.

A Standardized Protocol for the Management of Appendicitis in Children Reduces Resource Utilization.

Appendicitis is the most common condition requiring emergency surgery in children. We implemented a standardized protocol (SP) for treating children with appendicitis to provide more uniform care and reduce resource utilization. METHODS: All patients younger than 21 years were managed with the SP beginning in January 2017. We compared data from 22 months before and after implementation. The primary outcomes included the length of stay (LOS), antibiotic days, discharge on intravenous antibiotics, utilization of peripherally inserted central catheters lines, and postoperative imaging. Secondary outcomes were protocol adherence and the rates adverse events, including postoperative abscess, return to emergency department or operating room, surgical site infection, and readmission. RESULTS: Protocol adherence was 92.3%. For uncomplicated cases (n = 412), LOS (P = 0.010) and postoperative antibiotic days (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced. There was no difference in the rates of any adverse event (6.7% versus 2.7%; P = 0.058), postoperative abscess (0.4% versus 0.0%; P = 0.544), return to emergency department (6.3% versus 2.7%; P = 0.084), readmission (1.8% versus 0.5%; P = 0.245), or postoperative ultrasound (0.4% versus 0.5%; P = 0.705) and computed tomography (0.0% versus 0.5%; P = 0.456). For complicated cases (n = 229), the post-SP cohort had a shorter LOS (P = 0.015), fewer peripherally inserted central catheters lines (26.9% versus 2.7%; P < 0.001), fewer postoperative ultrasounds (8.4% versus 1.8%; P = 0.027), and fewer discharges on intravenous antibiotics (17.6% versus 0.9%; P < 0.001). There were no differences in adverse events before and after the SP (16.0% versus 18.3%; P = 0.633). CONCLUSION: Implementing an SP for appendicitis in children reduced resource utilization, and by inference healthcare costs, for both uncomplicated and complicated cases without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.

A Standardized Protocol for Cervical Spine Evaluation in Children Reduces Imaging Utilization: A Pilot Study of the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine injuries (CSI) have the potential to cause severe morbidity in children. Multiple imaging studies are used during evaluation of CSIs but come at a cost, both financially and in radiation exposure. To reduce resource utilization and radiation exposure, we implemented the Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance Working Group (PCSCWG) standardized protocol (SP) for evaluating CSIs in children. METHODS: Children below 18 years old presenting with concern for CSI at a level 1 pediatric trauma center were reviewed before (July 2015 to May 2016) and after (November 2017 to June 2018) protocol implementation. Demographics, injuries, and imaging utilization were extracted. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients cleared with clinical exam, and the proportion undergoing x-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance image. The secondary outcome was the estimated difference in imaging charges based on the annual reduction in radiographic studies. RESULTS: During the study 359 children were evaluated for CSIs (248 pre-SP, 111 post-SP). Patients were similar with respect to age, injury severity score, and mechanism of injury. Protocol adherence was 87.4%. The prevalence of CSI was similar in the preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts (2.8% vs. 1.8%, P=0.567). Children treated after protocol implementation were significantly more likely to be cleared by clinical exam (15.3% vs. 43.2%, P<0.001). Significantly fewer children had x-rays (70.2% vs. 55.0%, P=0.005) and computed tomography scans (14.5% vs. 5.4%, P=0.013) in the postprotocol period. There was no difference in the utilization of magnetic resonance image (6.9% vs. 7.2%, P=0.904) or the proportion of children discharged with a cervical collar (10.1% vs. 12.6%, P=0.476). No patients in either group were found to have a previously undiagnosed injury at follow-up. The reduction in radiographic studies translates to an estimated annual reduction in imaging charges of $396,476. CONCLUSIONS: The PCSCWG protocol for evaluating CSIs reduced the number of radiographic studies performed and estimated imaging charges while reliably identifying CSIs.

Risk assessment for intra-abdominal injury following blunt trauma in children: Derivation and validation of a machine learning model.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography is the criterion standard for diagnosing intra-abdominal injury (IAI) but is expensive and risks radiation exposure. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) model identifies children at low risk of IAI requiring intervention (IAI-I) in whom computed tomography may be omitted but does not provide an individualized risk assessment to positively predict IAI-I. We sought to apply machine learning algorithms to the PECARN blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) data set experimentally to create models for predicting both the presence and absence of IAI-I for pediatric BAT victims. METHODS: Using the PECARN data set, we derived and validated predictive models for IAI-I. The data set was divided into derivation (n = 7,940) and validation (n = 4,089) subsets. Six algorithms were tested to create 2 models using 19 clinical variables including emesis, dyspnea, Glasgow Coma Scale score of <15, visible thoracic or abdominal trauma, seatbelt sign, abdominal distension, tenderness or rectal bleeding, peritoneal signs, absent bowel sounds, flank pain, pelvic pain or instability, sex, age, heart rate, and respiratory rate (RR). Five algorithms were fitted to predict the absence (low-risk model) or presence (high-risk model) of IAI-I. Models were validated using the test subset. RESULTS: For the low-risk model, four algorithms were significantly better than the baseline rate (2.28%) when validated using the test set. The random forest model identified 73% of children as low risk, having a predicted IAI-I rate of 0.54%. For the high-risk model, all six algorithms had added predictive power compared with the baseline rate with the highest reportable risk being 39.0%. By incorporating both models into a web application, child-specific risks of IAI-I can be estimated ranging from 0.28% to 39.0% CONCLUSION: We developed a tool that provides a child-specific risk estimate for IAI-I after BAT. This publically available model provides a powerful tool for clinicians triaging pediatric victims of blunt abdominal trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level II.