Quality Improvement Initiative Enhances Outpatient Pediatric Pulmonology Follow-up for Premature Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disorder affecting many premature infants. Infants with BPD have higher hospital readmission rates due to respiratory-related morbidity. We aimed to increase the rates of outpatient pulmonary follow-up and attendance of premature babies with moderate and severe BPD to above 85% within 6 months. Methods: We conducted a quality improvement project at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. Key interventions included developing a BPD clinical pathway integrated into the electronic medical record to assist providers in correctly classifying BPD severity, assigning the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code (P27.1), and providing standardized treatment options. The outcome measures included correct diagnosis and classification of BPD, the percentage of patients with BPD scheduled for pediatric pulmonology appointments within 45 days, and the percentage attending those appointments. Results: There were 226 patients in our study, including 85 in the baseline period. Correct diagnosis of BPD increased from 49% to 95%, the percentage of scheduled appointments increased from 71.9% to 100%, and the percentage of appointments attended increased from 55.6% to 87.1%. Conclusions: Our quality improvement initiative improved the accuracy of diagnosis, severity classification, and outpatient pulmonary follow-up of children with moderate and severe BPD.

Clinically defining the opioid-exposed birthing person and infant as a dyad to support bedside care, surveillance, and research.

Introduction: An increased incidence of maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has prompted recommendations supporting a dyadic approach to care for birthing persons and their infants. However, there are no consensus guidelines outlining how the dyad is clinically defined. Methods: To examine how the opioid-exposed birthing person-infant dyad has been defined for purposes of data collection and research, a literature review applying the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was conducted. Results: The search yielded 320 abstracts, with 110 articles identified as having a dyadic focus. While no articles included a specific definition for the dyad, 33 (30%) contained a descriptive reference to the birthing person-infant dyad. Thematic analysis revealed eight recurring elements characteristic of the dyad: (1) engagement, (2) communication, (3) bonding, (4) attachment, (5) mutual responsiveness, (6) reciprocity, (7) synchrony, and (8) attunement. Integrating these elements revealed the interactional relationship between the opioid-exposed birthing person and infant as the foundational principle that defines the dyad. Discussion: This definition shifts the focus of the opioid-exposed dyad from two individual patient populations to an interactional relationship that has broad applicability for clinical use, public health data collection, and research considerations.

The Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Asymptomatic Patients with Unexplained Dilated Common Bile Duct, or Double Duct Sign with Normal Transaminase a Retrospective Study from a Single Urban-based University Endoscopy Center.

Background: Common bile duct dilatation alone or double duct sign (both CBD and dilated pancreatic duct dilatation) and abnormal liver enzymes are highly predictive of biliary disease. This can be identified on ultrasound (US), CT scan, and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Unexplained dilatation on imaging might warrant endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to identify any occult causes. Supporting literature about the importance of using EUS in these conditions is evolving with no clear evidence-based approach to evaluate asymptomatic dilated ducts.We aim to investigate the diagnostic yield of EUS in unexplained CBD dilatation or double duct sign with normal liver enzymes. Method: A retrospective data analysis was conducted from January 2015 to October 2021 on asymptomatic patients with a dilatated CBD of 7 mm or more and 9 mm if the patient had a cholecystectomy history or double duct sign with normal liver enzymes. Result: 32 EUS procedures were indicated for unexplained dilated CBD or double duct sign on imaging with normal liver enzymes. 23 had CBD dilatation alone (72 %), and 9 had a double duct sign (28 %). 20 of the included patients were females (63 %), and 12 were males (37 %), with a mean age of 63.8 ± 17 and 68.2 ± 14 years old, respectively (p = 0.424). The diagnosis after EUS in CBD dilatation alone showed a yield of 56 % as follow; no pathology in 10 (44 %), sludge in 9 patients (39 %), CBD stone in 3 (13 %), malignant stricture in 1 (4 %) (Fig. 1). On the other hand, EUS in those with double duct signs showed a diagnostic yield of 55 %; no pathology in 4 (45 %), pancreatic head adenocarcinoma in 3 patients (33 %), Biliary stone in one patient, and malignant CBD stricture in one patient (11 % each) (Fig. 2). Conclusion: Unexplained CBD dilatation or Double duct sign on imagining in patients with normal liver enzymes should warrant further investigation with EUS to avoid missing serious pathological conditions such as stones, sludge, stricture, or a mass.

Palliative Stenting for Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal malignancies due to its advanced stages at the time of presentation. Often, it is only diagnosed when patients present with late-stage complications, such as gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Many patients experience a poor quality of life due to the side effects of GOO, such as persistent nausea, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate an oral diet, and as such, patients deteriorate quickly after their diagnosis. Because pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at advanced stages, many patients are not surgical candidates, and thus treatment is tailored for palliative measures. With GOO specifically, gastrojejunostomy has been the mainstay of palliative management; however, endoscopic stent placement is a new, innovative, and minimally invasive alternative option. Herein, we present a case of GOO as a complication of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, treated with palliative endoscopic stent placement. Further research is warranted to identify patients who would most benefit from this modality of palliation in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Improving Palivizumab Administration to High-Risk Infants with Heart Disease via a Communication-Based Quality Improvement Initiative.

To improve palivizumab administration in high-risk infants with congenital heart disease to 80% over 2 years at an academic children's heart center. A multidisciplinary team at our institution implemented a series of interventions over a 2-year prior. Pediatric cardiac patients were identified for palivizumab eligibility, and a baseline rate of administration was obtained. A series of communication and documentation-based interventions were implemented over the course of the next 2 years. Palivizumab eligible infants (n = 114) were determined based on guidelines after review of diagnosis code, oxygen saturation, and medications. Doses of palivizumab were tracked via the electronic health record. The primary outcome measures were the rate of monthly palivizumab doses administered per the number of eligible months and the percentage of infants who received at least 80% of eligible doses during the respiratory syncytial virus season. The rate of monthly palivizumab doses increased from 57.6% during the baseline period to 78.4% during the final year of the project (p = 0.02). The percentage of infants who received 80% of eligible doses increased from 42.1 to 60% but was not statistically significant (p = 0.20). Interventions focused on properly identifying and tracking infants eligible for palivizumab treatment significantly increased the rates of administration.

A Dyadic Framework of Care for Opioid-exposed Birthing Persons and Their Infants and Children.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dyadic-centered framework focused on clinical care, surveillance, and research for birthing persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants and children. STUDY DESIGN: Between February and March 2023, an analysis was conducted within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of activities directed at opioid-exposed birthing persons and their infants and children (the dyad) to identify: 1) number of activities, stratified by type and 2) characteristics across health and supportive activities that serve the dyad vs birthing persons or infants and children individually. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to assess quantity and characteristics of fiscal year 2023-2024 activities aggregated across eleven HHS agencies. RESULTS: Of 181 activities examined, 75 met inclusion criteria specific to serving birthing persons with OUD and opioid-exposed infants and children. Sixty-two percent of activities were dyad focused. Five categories of dyadic activities were identified: research (45%), education and training (28%), health and supportive services (21%), surveillance (4%), and quality improvement (2%). Eight specific characteristics were key to dyadic activities: a life course and generational approach, emphasis on relationship, dyadic outcomes, service wraparound, payment structures supporting dyadic care, data linkage, and social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of HHS activities directed at birthing persons with OUD and opioid-exposed infants and children showed that most programs had a dyadic focus. Synthesizing elements identified from activities serving the dyad facilitated the development of a dyadic framework integrating clinical care, public health surveillance, and research.

Incidence of Pneumoperitoneum After Gastrostomy Tube Removal.

We present the case of an 88-year-old man with a previous medical history of severe colitis and colonic strictures who presented with hematemesis. The patient was found to have a lower esophageal ulcer without any signs of perforation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a scar in the greater curvature of the stomach from a previously removed gastrostomy tube two months prior. On CT imaging, an incidental finding of pneumoperitoneum was also found alongside stomach perforation near the healing scar. Due to the lack of evidence of any other colonic perforation, the patient was believed to have developed this pneumoperitoneum status post-gastrectomy tube removal two months prior to presentation. Pneumoperitoneum has a wide range of presenting symptoms that vary in severity and nature, and our patient failed to present with any physical or laboratory signs of infection. Over the course of the next four months, the patient was monitored with serial CT scans, during which the pneumoperitoneum resolved. In this report, we present a case of a patient who was found to develop pneumoperitoneum post-gastric tube removal and its complete resolution without surgical or procedural intervention.

Esophageal Stab Wounds Repaired Endoscopically: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review.

Esophageal injuries are typically iatrogenic after endoscopic/surgical procedures, but they are rarely caused by penetrative or blunt trauma. We present a case of patient who suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck and underwent surgical repair for hemorrhagic shock but was ultimately diagnosed and treated successfully via endoscopy for a thoracic esophageal injury. Early detection is imperative and usually diagnosed via contrast studies but less commonly via direct visualization endoscopically. Moreover, endoscopic treatment is also less commonly utilized, even if diagnosed from that modality. Cervical injuries also confer a lower mortality than thoracic injuries.

Gastric pneumatosis in immunocompromised patients: A report of 2 cases and comprehensive literature review.

Gastric pneumatosis (GP) is a rare finding. It can be seen with both gastric emphysema (GE) and emphysematous gastritis (EG); however, both conditions present similarly and differentiating between the 2 is difficult radiographically. Moreover, the treatment is vastly different for both conditions, in which treatment for GE is focused on supportive care while treatment for EG may even involve gastrectomy. Making the distinction between GE and EG is crucial because GE has a benign clinical course, while EG carries significant mortality. Early endoscopy may be a useful tool in differentiating between the 2 conditions and to guide further management. Herein, we present a case series of 2 immunocompromised patients who presented with symptoms and radiographic evidence consistent with gastric pneumatosis. We found that early endoscopy assisted in risk stratification and helped guide our management strategy. We recommend consideration of endoscopic evaluation as part of ritualized evaluation of patients presenting with gastric pneumatosis.

Early Weight Loss Percentile Curves and Feeding Practices in Opioid-Exposed Infants.

OBJECTIVE: We examined weight loss patterns and feeding practices of infants hospitalized for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) managed by the eat, sleep, console approach, which emphasizes nonpharmacologic treatment. Although feeding practices during hospitalization vary widely, weight loss patterns for infants managed under this approach have not yet been described. METHODS: Of 744 infants with NOWS born from 2014 to 2019 at our institution, 330 met inclusion criteria (≥35 weeks' gestation and no NICU transfer). We examined maximum weight loss and created weight loss percentile curves by delivery type using mixed effects quantile modeling with spline effect for hour of life; 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared to published early weight loss nomograms. RESULTS: In the cohort, the mean gestational age was 39.2 weeks, mean birth weight was 3.1 kg, and mean length of stay was 6.5 days; 94.6% did not require pharmacologic treatment. Median percent weight loss was significantly more compared to early weight loss nomograms for both vaginally-delivered infants at 48 hours (6.9% [95% CI: 5.8-8.5] vs 2.9%) and cesarean-delivered infants at 48 hours (6.5% [95% CI: 4.1-9.1] vs 3.7%) and 72 hours (7.2% [95%CI 4.7-9.9] vs 3.5%), all P < .001. Overall, 27.9% lost >10% birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate weight loss patterns of infants with NOWS managed by the eat, sleep, console approach at a single center. Infants with NOWS lose significantly more weight than nonopioid exposed infants and are at increased risk of morbidity and health care use. Studies to address optimal feeding methods in these infants are warranted.

A Case of a gastropancreatic fistula in the setting of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are mucin producing tumors which arise from epithelial cells of the main pancreatic duct, pancreatic branch ducts, or both. They are characterized by mucin-producing columnar cells, papillary ductal proliferation, cyst formation, and varying degrees of dysplasia. IPMNs are classified as main duct or branch duct based upon the pancreatic duct anatomy which the IPMN is arising from. Additionally, they can be classified based on their histologic subtypes, which carry varying associations with dysplasia and/or malignancy. Many patients have incidentally identified IPMNs, which are asymptomatic. However, patients may also present with pancreatitis, elevation of liver enzymes, dilation of the pancreatic duct or bile duct as well as distention of the ampullary pancreatic orifice(s), due to impaction and obstruction with mucus. This is known as an endoscopically visualized "fish eye" sign. Patients may also develop exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and maldigestion. Some studies also suggest that patients with IPMNs may also be at increased risk for gastric, colorectal, biliary, renal cell, and thyroid malignancies. Rarely, IPMNs can be complicated by fistulation between the main pancreatic duct and neighboring organs. Herein, we present an unusual case of simultaneous fistulation to both the gastric body and the duodenum.

Isolated IgG4 Autoimmune Cholangitis in the Absence of Pancreatitis.

The IgG4-related disease is an uncommon immune-mediated condition affecting multiple organ systems concomitantly; however, it is very rare for a patient to have isolated IgG4 autoimmune cholangitis or IgG4-related disease confined to the hepatobiliary system. The majority of cases are associated with pancreatitis and are incidentally discovered in the workup of acute or chronic pancreatitis. When it affects the hepatobiliary system, it develops as inflammatory fibrosclerosing cholangitis, which can mimic other hepatobiliary diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Herein, we present a case of type 1 IgG4 autoimmune cholangitis in the absence of pancreatitis. Our case is particularly unique because type 1 is the most common type associated with autoimmune pancreatitis; however, our patient had type 1 without any evidence of pancreatic involvement. Additionally, like most cases of isolated IgG4 autoimmune cholangitis, our patient was refractory to standard therapy. This case highlights the clinical significance, rarity and severity of isolated IgG4 autoimmune cholangitis.

Improving Guidance and Maternal Knowledge Retention After Well-Newborn Unit Discharge.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy statement to provide best practices on mother-infant discharge criteria, including the delivery of anticipatory guidance to mothers of healthy newborns. In our large health system with a mix of hospital types, no standard approach to or measurement of the effectiveness of newborn discharge guidance exists. At one community well-newborn unit, we aimed to increase maternal knowledge retention of newborn guidance from 69% to 90%. METHODS: Data about newborn guidance effectiveness were collected by assessing maternal knowledge retention through phone follow-up quizzes. By using quality improvement methodology and informed by American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and curricular and adult learning theory, we standardized a multidisciplinary approach to this education. Interventions included checklist, scripts, temperature-taking demonstration, gift thermometer, staff education, car seat infant mannequin, and car seat training video for staff. RESULTS: Over a 1-year period, 333 mothers were interviewed after discharge from the well-newborn unit. Baseline data over the first 3 months (n = 93) showed poor maternal knowledge retention (69% correct answers). Common incorrect answers were on newborn urination habits, car seat harness clip positioning, and fever recognition. After restructuring the educational process, special cause was achieved after 3 months, with a shift of the average of correct answers to 83% followed by a second shift to 86%. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of interventions to standardize newborn discharge guidance resulted in marked and sustained improvement in maternal knowledge after well-newborn unit discharge. Our next step is to enhance the process by using videos with systemwide implementation.

Does Maternal Incarceration Impact Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

OBJECTIVES: Opioid exposed infants born to incarcerated women represent a vulnerable and understudied subset of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The impact of maternal incarceration on length of stay (LOS) for infants with NAS is unknown. We hypothesized that infants with NAS born to incarcerated women have longer hospitalizations compared to infants with NAS born to non-incarcerated women. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of infants with NAS born between 2011 and 2018 at the primary delivery site for Connecticut's only women's prison. Opioid exposed infants were assessed by Finnegan Scores for withdrawal and received morphine as a first line agent and phenobarbital as a second line agent. LOS was compared using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of 206 infants identified, 166 were included in the analysis, with 28 born to incarcerated women and 138 to non-incarcerated women. Incarcerated women were more likely to report prenatal alcohol use, 14.3% vs 2.2% p = 0.016 and benzodiazepine use 21.4% vs 7.3% p = 0.032. Infants of incarcerated women were less likely to be fed breast milk at discharge, 3.6% vs 37% p < 0.001. Adjusted mean LOS was longer among infants born to incarcerated women, 18.5 vs 16.6 days (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Infants with NAS born to incarcerated women in Connecticut had longer LOS, lower rates of being fed breast milk, and different prenatal substance exposures than infants with NAS born to non-incarcerated women. Supporting the maternal-infant dyad until infant discharge may mitigate the potential negative impact of maternal incarceration on the care of infants with NAS.

Standardizing the Clinical Definition of Opioid Withdrawal in the Neonate.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize the clinical definition of opioid withdrawal in neonates to address challenges in clinical care, quality improvement, research, and public policy for this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Between October and December 2020, we conducted 2 modified-Delphi panels using ExpertLens, a virtual platform for performing iterative expert engagement panels. Twenty clinical experts specializing in care for the substance-exposed mother-neonate dyad explored the necessity of key evidence-based clinical elements in defining opioid withdrawal in the neonate leading to a diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Expert consensus was assessed using descriptive statistics, the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, and thematic analysis of participants' comments. RESULTS: Expert panels concluded the following were required for diagnosis: in utero exposure (known by history, not necessarily by toxicology testing) to opioids with or without the presence of other psychotropic substances, and the presence of at least two of the most common clinical signs characteristic of withdrawal (excessive crying, fragmented sleep, tremors, increased muscle tone, gastrointestinal dysfunction). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that both a known history of in utero opioid exposure and a distinct set of withdrawal signs are necessary to standardize a definition of neonatal withdrawal. Implementation of a standardized definition requires both patient engagement and a mother-neonate dyadic approach mindful of program and policy implications.

Outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in patients with liver transplant.

Aim of the study: Biliary complications are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplant (LT). However, national data on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) usage and outcomes in LT patients are lacking. Our study aims to identify the trends, outcomes, and predictors of ERCP and related complications in this patient subgroup. Material and methods: We derived our study cohort from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) between 2007 and 2017. LT patients were identified using ICD-9/10CM diagnosis codes and patients who underwent ERCP were identified by ICD-9/10-CM procedure codes. We utilized the Cochrane-Armitage trend test and multivariate logistic regression to analyze temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors. Results: A total of 372,814 hospitalizations occurred in LT patients between 2007 and 2017. ERCP was performed in 2.05% (n = 7632) of all hospitalizations. There was a rise in ERCP procedures from 1.96% (n = 477) in 2007 to 2.05% (n = 845) in 2017. Among LT patients who underwent ERCP, the in-hospital mortality rate was 1% (n = 73) and 8% (n = 607) were discharged to facilities. Mean length of hospital stay was 7 ±0.3 days. Septicemia was the most common periprocedural complication (18.3%, n = 1399) followed by post-ERCP pancreatitis (8.8%, n = 674). Conclusions: There has been an increase in ERCP procedures over the past decade among LT patients. Our study highlights the periprocedural complications and outcomes of ERCP in LT patients from a nationally representative dataset.

The Effect of Sitting Versus Standing on Family Perceptions of Family-Centered Rounds.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies reveal improved perception of time spent, as well as overall experience, for patients when their inpatient provider is seated during an encounter. With our study, we aim to establish whether family experience and perception of time is improved when a pediatric inpatient provider team sits for patient and family-centered rounds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2017 to November 2017, 99 inpatient encounters were randomly assigned to either a sitting or standing rounding team. Mean total time spent on rounds, family perception of time spent on rounds, and overall family experience with rounds (by using top-box analysis of physician communication questions) were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Total time spent on rounds was similar between the 2 groups (14.2 minutes in the sitting group and 12.7 minutes in the standing group; P = .23), and families in general overestimated the time spent with physicians in both groups (15.9 minutes in sitting group and 14.8 minutes in the standing group; P = .45). There were no significant differences in top-box experience responses (62% in sitting and 55% in standing; P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Sitting during the patient and family-centered rounds encounter did not affect actual or perceived time spent during rounds. Families may have a slightly more positive experience with seated rounds, but the difference in this study did not reach a level of statistical significance.