Burnout syndrome in paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings. Prevalence and associated factors: a multilevel analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BOS) in paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings and to analyse its association with potential risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicentre cross-sectional study through a survey of paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings in hospitals affiliated to the Research Network of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergency Medicine (SEUP) between September 2019 and January 2020. We analysed the association between social/family-related, demographic, occupational and satisfaction factors and the presence of BOS by means of multivariate and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of BOS was 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.7 %-41.2%). In the multivariate analysis, lacking a stable group of friends (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.10-5.97), problems in and out of the work setting (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.60-5.88) and a work experience of 9 years or less (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.37-3.90) were identified as individual factors that increased the risk of SBO, while feeling acknowledged by coworkers (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30-0.79) and acknowledged by one's supervisor (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93) were protective factors. In relation to the hospital, the paediatric emergency unit being a subdepartment of the Department of Paediatrics (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.85-7.85), the presence of an on-call emergency medicine specialist around the clock (OR, 3.53; 95% CI,1.62-7.73) and a volume of 28 or more paediatric emergency encounters a day to be managed per on-call physician (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.01-4.16) were identified as independent risk factors for SBO. There was no variability in the prevalence of BOS attributable to differences between hospitals and autonomous communities, save for the described situations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SBO among these providers is high. There are modifiable factors that we can intervene on to address BOS, independently of the hospital or region.

Síndrome de burnout en pediatras con actividad asistencial en urgencias. Prevalencia y factores asociados. Análisis multinivel / Burnout syndrome in paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings. Prevalence and associated factors: A multilevel analysis

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio es describir la prevalencia de síndrome de burnout (SBO) entre pediatras con actividad en urgencias pediátricas (UP) y analizar su asociación con potenciales factores de riesgo. Material y métodos: Estudio de encuestas transversales multicéntrico entre pediatras con actividad asistencial en UP, en hospitales miembros de la Red de Investigación de la Sociedad Española de UP (RISeuP-SPERG), entre septiembre de 2019 y enero de 2020. Se analizó la relación de factores sociofamiliares, demográficos, laborales y de satisfacción con la presencia de SBO mediante modelos mixtos de regresión logística multivariable y multinivel. Resultados: La prevalencia estimada fue del 36,5% (IC95%: 31,7-41,2%). Tras el análisis multivariable, no disponer de un círculo de amigos estable (OR: 2,57; IC95%: 1,10-5,97), tener problemas en el ámbito laboral y extralaboral (OR: 3,06; IC95%: 1,60-5,88) y llevar trabajando 9años o menos (OR: 2,31; IC95%: 1,37-3,90) se presentaron como factores individuales que aumentaron el riesgo de SBO; sentirse reconocido por compañeros (OR: 0,48; IC95%: 0,30-0,79) y por el supervisor (OR: 0,62; IC95%: 0,41-0,93) parecieron actuar como protectores. En el ámbito hospitalario, que la urgencia dependiera del servicio de pediatría (OR: 3,81; IC95%: 1,85-7,85), siempre hubiera un especialista en urgencias de guardia (OR: 3,53; IC95%: 1,62-7,73) y que cada médico de guardia atendiera 28 episodios de urgencias/día o más (OR: 2,05; IC95%: 1,01-4,16) constituyeron factores de riesgo independiente para el SBO. No existió variabilidad en la presencia de SBO atribuible a la diferencia entre hospitales y comunidades autónomas, al margen de las situaciones descritas. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BOS) in paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings and to analyse its association with potential risk factors. Material and methods: Multicentre cross-sectional study through a survey of paediatricians working in paediatric emergency care settings in hospitals affiliated to the Research Network of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergency Medicine (SEUP) between September 2019 and January 2020. We analysed the association between social/family-related, demographic, occupational and satisfaction factors and the presence of BOS by means of multivariate and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models. Results: The estimated prevalence of BOS was 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.7%-41.2%). In the multivariate analysis, lacking a stable group of friends (OR: 2.57; 95%CI: 1.10-5.97), problems in and out of the work setting (OR: 3.06; 95%CI: 1.60-5.88) and a work experience of 9years or less (OR: 2.31; 95%CI: 1.37-3.90) were identified as individual factors that increased the risk of SBO, while feeling acknowledged by coworkers (OR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.30-0.79) and acknowledged by one's supervisor (OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41-0.93) were protective factors. In relation to the hospital, the paediatric emergency unit being a subdepartment of the Department of Paediatrics (OR: 3.81; 95%CI: 1.85-7.85), the presence of an on-call emergency medicine specialist around the clock (OR: 3.53; 95%CI: 1.62-7.73) and a volume of 28 or more paediatric emergency encounters a day to be managed per on-call physician (OR: 2.05; 95%CI: 1.01-4.16) were identified as independent risk factors for SBO. There was no variability in the prevalence of BOS attributable to differences between hospitals and autonomous communities, save for the described situations. (AU)

Inhaler technique in a pediatric emergency department: Impact of an education intervention among healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Inhaler technique (IT) knowledge among healthcare providers is poor. The aim was to improve Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) healthcare providers' IT technique by carrying out an education intervention and sustain it for 6 months. METHODS: Open-label, quasi-experimental, prospective, and unicentric study. Healthcare professionals working at the PED were enrolled. The study was developed in three phases: baseline evaluation and education intervention (P1) and reevaluation 1 month (P2) and 6 months (P3) after the education intervention. Participants fulfilled an eight-question theoretical test. Practical skills were evaluated by demonstrating IT in all three phases. The education intervention consisted in a verbal explanation of IT followed by a demonstration of IT with metered-dose inhaler using a mannequin. RESULTS: A total of 84 healthcare providers (medical residents, nurses, and nursing assistants) were involved. In the theoretical questionnaire, the mean score at baseline was 4.4/8 (SD 1.7) improving to 6.3/8 (SD 1.2) in P2 and 6.47/8 (SD 1.1) in P3. In the IT evaluation for children <7 years old, the score improved from 5.7/7 (SD 1.3) to 6.5/7 in P2 and 6.7/7 in P3 (p < 0.001). For children >7 years old, the mean score of IT at baseline was 3.1/10 (SD 4), which improved to 7.4/10 (SD 3) and 8.2/10 in P2 and P3, respectively (p < 0.001). Only professional category influenced results at baseline. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers' theoretical knowledge and practical skills on IT are low. The education intervention performed is a useful strategy to ameliorate IT among healthcare providers.

Professionals' Perception of a Strategy to Avoid Interruptions During Medication Handling.

INTRODUCTION: The use of vests for handling medication (prescription, preparation, and dispensing) in the emergency department is a strategy designed to increase patient safety by reducing interruptions and, consequently, medication errors. In this study, we aim to assess how professionals perceive the use of vests in a pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric emergency physicians and nurses in October and November 2019. We analyzed the results of a 19-item survey on the perception of vests as a tool for reducing interruptions and medication errors. RESULTS: In this study, 91 surveys were delivered and 89 (97.8%) were completed. One hundred percent of the professionals were aware of the vests. Nurses reported the following reasons for not using the vest: high workload (25%) and preparation of nebulized and oral medications (25%). One hundred percent of doctors asked for the vest because of forgetfulness. Thirty-five physicians (81.4%) and 17 nurses (85.0%) said that wearing the vest, they were rarely or never interrupted. Eighty-two respondents (93.2%) agreed that vests are an effective strategy for minimizing medication errors. CONCLUSIONS: Although medical professionals consider vests to be a useful strategy to prevent interruptions and reduce medication errors, adherence to the protocol is low, so a promotion strategy is needed to encourage professionals to use the vests.

Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Pediatric Emergencies.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol intoxication in pediatrics is a growing problem in our environment. The objectives of this study are to define the prevalence of acute alcohol intoxication in the pediatric emergency department (PED) and to describe the associated symptoms and their relationship with potential risk factors. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This cross-sectional study includes patients younger than 16 years with a diagnosis of acute alcohol intoxication between March 2010 and October 2018 in the PED of a tertiary hospital. Patients with concomitant intoxication by other substances were excluded. The association between qualitative variables was determined using the χ 2 or Fisher exact test and quantitative with the Student t , Mann-Whitney U test, and simple linear regression. RESULTS: There were 136 episodes of alcohol intoxication, which represents a prevalence of 24.1/100,000 emergencies. After excluding 10 patients because of positive screening for other drugs, 126 patients with a mean age of 14.5 years (SD, 1.2 years) were included, 57.9% of whom were women. A total of 25.4% of the patients were younger than 14 years. Ethanolemia was determined in 88.9%, and its mean concentration was 195.7 mg/dL (SD, 56.5 mg/dL), with potentially serious levels (>300 mg/dL) being found in 3.6% of the patients. A relationship was found between the Glasgow Coma Scale score and ethanolemia ( B = -12.7; 95% confidence interval, -8.1 to -17.4; P < 0.001), as well as with potassium ( B = -31, 9; 95% confidence interval, -6.6 to -57.3; P = 0.014). No patient had seizures or hypoglycemia. A total of 10.3% of the patients required admission. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol intoxication is a rare consultation reason in the PED. They usually present with mild and self-limited symptoms, being the decrease in the level of consciousness and hypokalemia the most frequent symptom and analytical alteration.

Adecuacy of pediatric antimicrobial prescribing in the Emergency Department at discharge.

INTRODUCTION: In January 2019, the Community of Madrid's Health Department published a guide about the use of antimicrobials in outpatient children. Taking this regional Guide as reference, this study was aimed at estimating the adequacy of the antimicrobial stewardship at discharge from a pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Secondarily, the differences in adequacy according to the diagnosis and the prescriber were studied, and the agreement between this Guide and the protocols of the ED was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on patients under 16 years old, with a diagnosis included in the regional Guide who were discharged from a pediatric ED between March of 2018 and February of 2019. Prescription was considered adequate when the indication, the antibiotic and the posology (dosage, dosing interval, length of treatment and route of administration) were correct. RESULTS: 165 out of 648 (25,5%) infectious diseases processes analyzed received antimicrobial treatment. In 23 processes treated with antimicrobial, the adequacy could not be evaluated due to the absence of data necessary to assess any aspect of posology. Therapy was considered appropriate in 550/625 processes (88.0%). When antimicrobial treatment was prescribed, 70/142 (49.3%) were appropriate and no statistically significant differences in adequacy were found between prescribers. Posology was the worst handled point of the prescription (26.3%). Tract urinary infection, conjunctivitis and otitis media were the pathologies with the lowest adecuacy (44.4%; 50.0% and 52.2%) and presented the highest discrepancy between the Guide and the center protocols (κ = 0.308; κ = 0.000; κ = 0.586). CONCLUSIONS: The adequacy of the management of infectious processes to the reference Guide in our pediatric ED was high, but it was below 50% when antimicrobial treatment was required. The degree of adequacy to the local protocols of the center was greater than to the regional Guide. This reveals a discrepancy between the 2 documents that should be analyzed and corrected according to the available scientific evidence.

Adecuación de la prescripción de antimicrobianos en procesos ambulatorios atendidos en Urgencias / Adecuacy of pediatric antimicrobial prescribing in the Emergency Department at discharge

Introducción: En enero del 2019 la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid publicó una guía acerca del uso de antimicrobianos en niños con tratamiento ambulatorio. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la adecuación de la prescripción de antimicrobianos al alta desde el Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas (SUP) en pacientes con enfermedades infecciosas, tomando como referencia esta guía regional. Secundariamente, se estudió la variación en la adecuación según el diagnóstico realizado y el facultativo prescriptor, y se valoró la concordancia entre dicha guía y los protocolos del centro. Material y métodos:Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo en el que se incluyó a pacientes de 0-16 años con diagnóstico al alta del SUP incluido en la guía regional, entre marzo del 2018 y febrero del 2019. La prescripción se consideró adecuada cuando lo era la indicación, y en su caso, el fármaco elegido, la posología (dosis, intervalo y duración) y la vía de administración. Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de la que se analizaron 648 procesos infecciosos, siendo tratados con antimicrobianos 165 (25,5%). En 23 procesos no pudo evaluarse la adecuación a la guía por ausencia de algún dato posológico de la prescripción de antimicrobiano. El manejo terapéutico fue adecuado globalmente en 550/625 procesos (88,0%). En los procesos tratados con antimicrobiano, la adecuación fue de 70/142 (49,3%), sin encontrarse diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre facultativo prescriptor. El motivo de inadecuación más frecuente fue el error posológico (26,3%). Infección urinaria, conjuntivitis y otitis media aguda fueron las entidades clínicas con peor adherencia (el 44,4, el 50,0 y el 52,2% respectivamente) y en las que existió una mayor discrepancia entre guía y protocolos (κ=0,308; κ=0,000; κ=0,586). (AU)

Introduction: In January 2019, Community of Madrid's Health Department published a guide about the use of antimicrobials in outpatient children. Taking this regional Guide as reference, this study was aimed at estimating the adequacy of the antimicrobial stewardship at discharge from a pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Secondarily, the differences in adequacy according to the diagnosis and the prescriber were studied, and the agreement between this Guide and the protocols of the ED was assessed. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on patients under 16 years old, with a diagnosis included in the regional Guide who were discharged from a pediatric ED between March of 2018 and February of 2019. Prescription was considered adequate when the indication, the antibiotic and the posology (dosage, dosing interval, length of treatment and route of administration) were correct. Results: 165 out of 648 (25,5%) infectious diseases processes analyzed received antimicrobial treatment. In 23 processes treated with antimicrobial, the adequacy could not be evaluated due to the absence of data necessary to assess any aspect of posology. Therapy was considered appropriate in 550/625 processes (88.0%). When antimicrobial treatment was prescribed, 70/142 (49.3%) were appropriate and no statistically significant differences in adequacy were found between prescribers. Posology was the worst handled point of the prescription (26.3%). Tract urinary infection, conjunctivitis and otitis media were the pathologies with the lowest adecuacy (44.4%; 50.0% and 52.2%) and presented the highest discrepancy between the Guide and the center protocols (k=0.308; k=0.000; k=0.586). (AU)

[Adecuacy of pediatric antimicrobial prescribing in the Emergency Department at discharge]. / Adecuación de la prescripción de antimicrobianos en procesos ambulatorios atendidos en Urgencias.

INTRODUCTION: In January 2019, Community of Madrid's Health Department published a guide about the use of antimicrobials in outpatient children. Taking this regional Guide as reference, this study was aimed at estimating the adequacy of the antimicrobial stewardship at discharge from a pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Secondarily, the differences in adequacy according to the diagnosis and the prescriber were studied, and the agreement between this Guide and the protocols of the ED was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on patients under 16 years old, with a diagnosis included in the regional Guide who were discharged from a pediatric ED between March of 2018 and February of 2019. Prescription was considered adequate when the indication, the antibiotic and the posology (dosage, dosing interval, length of treatment and route of administration) were correct. RESULTS: 165 out of 648 (25,5%) infectious diseases processes analyzed received antimicrobial treatment. In 23 processes treated with antimicrobial, the adequacy could not be evaluated due to the absence of data necessary to assess any aspect of posology. Therapy was considered appropriate in 550/625 processes (88.0%). When antimicrobial treatment was prescribed, 70/142 (49.3%) were appropriate and no statistically significant differences in adequacy were found between prescribers. Posology was the worst handled point of the prescription (26.3%). Tract urinary infection, conjunctivitis and otitis media were the pathologies with the lowest adecuacy (44.4%; 50.0% and 52.2%) and presented the highest discrepancy between the Guide and the center protocols (k=0.308; k=0.000; k=0.586). CONCLUSIONS: The adequacy of the management of infectious processes to the reference Guide in our pediatric ED was high, but it was below 50% when antimicrobial treatment was required. The degree of adequacy to the local protocols of the center was greater than to the regional Guide. This reveals a discrepancy between the 2documents that should be analyzed and corrected according to the available scientific evidence.

Retrospective Comparison of Intranasal Fentanyl and Inhaled Nitrous Oxide to Intravenous Ketamine and Midazolam for Painful Orthopedic Procedures in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and adverse events of 2 pharmacological strategies: intranasal fentanyl and nitrous oxide (FN) inhaled against intravenous ketamine and midazolam (KM) as procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) in painful orthopedic procedures in the pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS: This is an observational retrospective cohort study. Patients were included that submitted to PSA for carrying out a painful orthopedic procedure in the ED of a tertiary hospital over a period of 2 years. The main outcome variable was efficacy and adverse events of the PSA procedure. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included. Fifty-two patients received FN and 31 KM. The PSA strategy was considered efficacious in 82.7% of the patients in the KM group and 80.6% in the FN cohort. No differences between both strategies were found (P = 0.815). Seventeen children showed early adverse events, 2 in the FN cohort and 15 in the KM group (relative risk of the KM strategy, 23.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.24-169.99). The average of satisfaction obtained by the families was of 10 (CI, 10-10) in the KM cohort and of 9 (CI, 8-9.5) in the FN group (P = 0.152). The length of stay in the ED was longer in the KM cohort (P < 0.001). Hospital admission rate differences were not statistically different (9.6% vs 22.6%, P = 0.144) in the KM versus FN cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Both PSA strategies presented similar efficacy. The FN strategy was associated with a lower risk of adverse events and shorter ED length of stay than KM in this ED setting.

Briefings: A Tool to Improve Safety Culture in a Pediatric Emergency Room.

BACKGROUND: Safety briefings are short, informative meetings intended to integrate a culture of patient safety into daily clinical practice, which contributes to identifying risks and improving quality. The objective of this study is to present safety briefings as a method for discovering and addressing safety events in a pediatric emergency room, describe how professionals perceive them, and characterize the classification and evolution of the incidents identified. METHODS: This observational, descriptive, analytical study was performed in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital in 2018-2019. The incidents reported during the briefings were counted, classified, and analyzed. Results of a 10-item survey on the usefulness of the briefings in identifying and managing risks are described. RESULTS: A total of 498 briefings were analyzed, in which 1,180 incidents were reported (1 incident/96 emergency cases; 2.4 incidents/meeting). The category with the most incidents was Communication. The number of incidents fell by 24.4% between 2018 and 2019 (p < 0.01), mostly in the Identification (47.8%) and Communication (33.8%) categories. Seventy-seven surveys were analyzed. In 97.4% of the analyzed surveys, the person surveyed considered the briefings to be useful in improving patient safety; 90.9% considered notification via briefings to be more convenient than through electronic means. In 35.1%, the person surveyed was not satisfied with the information received on incident management. CONCLUSION: Patient safety briefings are perceived as a useful tool to report incidents, and incidents related to communication occur most frequently. Safety briefings are perceived as useful for improving patient safety in pediatric emergency rooms, and this method of notification is considered more convenient than other methods.

Maltrato infantil en Urgencias: epidemiología, manejo y seguimiento / Child abuse in the Emergency department: Epidemiology, management, and follow-up

Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas, el manejo y el seguimiento de las sospechas de maltrato infantil diagnosticadas en Urgencias Pediátricas. Métodos: Estudio observacional, unicéntrico, y retrospectivo realizado entre 2008 y 2017. Se recogieron datos clínicos, epidemiológicos y de seguimiento de los menores de 16 años diagnosticados de sospecha de maltrato. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y analítico, bivariante y multivariante. Resultados: Se consideró potencial maltrato en 404 pacientes de 570.648 urgencias atendidas (0,07%). El maltrato físico fue el más frecuente (40,3%). La mediana de edad fue 4,3 años (RIC 1,6-10,2). El 55% fueron niñas, siendo en ellas más frecuente el abuso sexual (OR 3,71; IC95%: 2,23-6,17), y el maltrato físico más común en varones (OR 1,72; IC95%: 1,15-2,57). Un total de 89 pacientes (22%) precisaron ingreso. La edad y el tipo de maltrato se relacionaron de forma independiente con el riesgo de hospitalización. El 56,4% precisó seguimiento adicional; el análisis multivariable mostró mayor seguimiento por Salud Mental en los casos de abuso sexual (OR 3,98; IC95%: 1,93-7,03) y maltrato emocional (OR 4,93; IC95%: 1,82-13,35), y por servicios sociales en los maltratos físicos (OR: 4,39; IC95%: 1,61-11,98). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio, el maltrato infantil es más frecuente en preescolares. La edad y el tipo de maltrato predicen la necesidad de hospitalización. El tipo de seguimiento está condicionado por el tipo de maltrato padecido

Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features, management, and follow-up of child abuse suspicions diagnosed in the Paediatric Emergency Unit. Methods: A single-centre, observational and retrospective study was conducted between 2008 and 2017. Clinical, epidemiological and follow-up data were collected in those patients younger than 16 that were reported as child abuse suspicions. A descriptive and analytic study was performed, as well as a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 404 out of 570,648 emergency patients (0.07%) were diagnosed with potential abuse. Physical abuse was the most frequent kind of abuse (40.3%). The median age was 4.3 years (IQR 1.6-10.2), and 55% were girls, with sexual abuse being more common in them (OR 3.71; 95% CI: 2.23-6.17), and physical abuse more frequent in boys (OR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.15-2.57). A total of 89 patients (22%) required admission. Age and type of abuse were independently associated with risk of admission. More than half (56%) of the cases required additional follow-up, with sexual (OR 3.98; 95% CI: 1.93-7.03) and emotional abuse (OR 4.93; 95% CI: 1.82-13.35) requiring more mental health follow-up, and physical abuse requiring more social services follow-up (OR 4.39; 95% CI: 1.61-11.98). Conclusions: In our study, child abuse is more frequent in pre-school children. Age and type of abuse are associated with the need of admission. The kind of follow-up is determined by the type of abuse

[Child abuse in the Emergency department: Epidemiology, management, and follow-up]. / Maltrato infantil en Urgencias: epidemiología, manejo y seguimiento.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features, management, and follow-up of child abuse suspicions diagnosed in the Paediatric Emergency Unit. METHODS: A single-centre, observational and retrospective study was conducted between 2008 and 2017. Clinical, epidemiological and follow-up data were collected in those patients younger than 16 that were reported as child abuse suspicions. A descriptive and analytic study was performed, as well as a bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 404 out of 570,648 emergency patients (0.07%) were diagnosed with potential abuse. Physical abuse was the most frequent kind of abuse (40.3%). The median age was 4.3 years (IQR 1.6-10.2), and 55% were girls, with sexual abuse being more common in them (OR 3.71; 95% CI: 2.23-6.17), and physical abuse more frequent in boys (OR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.15-2.57). A total of 89 patients (22%) required admission. Age and type of abuse were independently associated with risk of admission. More than half (56%) of the cases required additional follow-up, with sexual (OR 3.98; 95% CI: 1.93-7.03) and emotional abuse (OR 4.93; 95% CI: 1.82-13.35) requiring more mental health follow-up, and physical abuse requiring more social services follow-up (OR 4.39; 95% CI: 1.61-11.98). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, child abuse is more frequent in pre-school children. Age and type of abuse are associated with the need of admission. The kind of follow-up is determined by the type of abuse.

Clinical Impact of Rapid Intravenous Rehydration With Dextrose Serum in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis.

OBJECTIVES: We designed a study to compare rapid intravenous rehydration based on 0.9% normal saline (NS) or on NS + glucose 2.5% serum (SGS 2.5%) in patients with dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis. Our hypothesis is that the addition of glucose 2.5% serum (SGS 2.5%) to 0.9% saline solution could reduce the proportion of hospital admissions and return emergency visits in these patients. The secondary objective was to identify differences in the evolution of blood glucose and ketonemia between the groups. METHODS: We designed a prospective randomized open-label clinical trial that was conducted in 2 tertiary hospitals over 9 months. Patients were randomized to receive SGS 2.5% or NS. Baseline clinical, analytical, and disease-related data were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The frequency of hospitalization in the SGS 2.5% group was 30.3% (n = 23) compared with 34.8% (n = 24) in the NS group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.59). The frequency of return visits to the emergency department was 17.8% (n = 8) in the NS group and 5.6% (n = 3) in the SGS 2.5% group (P = 0.091). Changes in glucose and ketone levels were more favorable in the SGS 2.5% group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results enabled us to conclude that there were no significant differences in hospital admission or return visits to the emergency department between children with dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis.

Evaluation of proadrenomedullin as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker of acute appendicitis in children.

INTRODUCTION: A delay in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), with the added complication of symptoms that mimic other self-limited causes of abdominal pain, can lead to an increase in ruptured appendices and morbimortality. None of the serum biomarkers evaluated to date have shown a predictive value for early diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in the diagnosis of AA in children presenting with acute abdominal pain. METHODS: A single-center prospective observational study was conducted in 136 children who presented to the emergency department with suspected AA. RESULTS: Forty-four (32.5%) children had AA, and 9 (20.5%) had perforated appendicitis. The mean concentration of MR-proADM was significantly higher in children with AA than in children with nonspecific abdominal pain (NAP) (0.54 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.55 and 0.37 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.40, respectively). Performance characteristics of MR-proADM alone were not optimal. However, after combining best cutoff points, the combination of a C-reactive protein level of <0.3 mg/dL and a MR-proADM level of <0.34 nmol/L showed 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, with 61% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Although MR-proADM values are higher in children with AA than in children with nonspecific abdominal pain, these values do not help in the early diagnosis of AA. The combination of low C-reactive protein and low MR-proADM levels is useful for the identification of children with a low risk of AA.

Lactate Dehydrogenase: A Marker of the Severity of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Presenting at the Emergency Department.

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in children with sickle cell disease and to identify factors associated with greater severity. We performed a prospective observational study from August 2012 to January 2014. The study population comprised patients with sickle cell disease who consulted at the emergency department (ED) for VOC. We recorded demographic variables, history of complications related to the disease, and data on usual treatment. We also assessed pain, analgesia at home, need for admission, length of stay, and analgesia during admission. Analytical parameters were collected. A total of 29 patients with VOC were included. The patient's usual treatment was hydroxyurea (HU) in 69.0%, and 7.0% required chronic transfusions. In the ED, 90.0% had moderate or severe pain, even though 86.0% had received analgesia at home (41.4% minor opioids). Overall, 27 of the 29 patients were admitted, and 56.0% needed major opioids. Higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were related to the use of major opioids during admission (p = 0.038). A significant difference was recorded between the median number of days of admission for patients receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and for those requiring intravenous opioids (p = 0.005). Most patients with VOC were admitted to hospital. Lactate dehydrogenase level in the ED was a predictor of severity and was associated with the need for major opioids during admission and more days of admission.

Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic utility of D Dimer in acute appendicitis in children.

UNLABELLED: The objective was to determine the uselfulness of D Dimer (DD) as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in acute appendicitis (AA) in children using a prospective observational study in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital. We enrolled 135 patients aged 1-16 years presenting with abdominal pain consistent with AA, who required laboratory studies. We analyzed clinical, analytical variables and histopathology findings (when they underwent surgery). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. 38.5% of the children were clinically diagnosed with AA (n = 52), confirmed by pathology in 51 patients. 55.8% were gangrenous appendicitis. Leucocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and DD were higher in the AA group and in the gangrenous appendicitis group (p < 0.05), with highest values of DD in the gangrenous group. The area under the receiving operating characteristics (ROC) curve for DD in the diagnosis of AA is 0.66 (95% CI 0.56-0.75). For DD cut-off point of 230 ng/mL, sensitivity (Se) was 0.40, specificity (Sp) 0.80, positive predictive value (PPV) 0.57, and negative predictive value (NPV) 0.66. The area under the ROC curve for DD in children with gangrenous appendicitis is 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-1). A DD cut-off point of 230 ng/mL exhibited: Se = 0.69, Sp = 1, PPV = 1 and NPV = 0.72. CONCLUSION: DD levels increase in patients with AA. Although it does not constitute a useful diagnostic marker, it could be a good prognostic marker.

Effects of Rapid Intravenous Rehydration in Children With Mild-to-Moderate Dehydration.

BACKGROUND: New guidelines for "rapid or ultrarapid" intravenous rehydration are being developed in different emergency departments. These new guidelines propose a faster administration of fluids and electrolytes than in traditional protocols. However, there is still insufficient evidence to establish a standard protocol. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the effects of an outpatient rapid intravenous rehydration regimen based on the administration of 0.9% saline + 2.5% dextrose, at a rate of 20 mL/kg per hour for 2 hours, in children with mild-to-moderate isonatremic dehydration resulting from acute gastroenteritis. METHODS: We performed a 2-institution, prospective, observational, descriptive study. Eighty-three patients were included in the study. All patients underwent a first evaluation, including physical examination, laboratory tests, and assessment of clinical degree of dehydration. After this initial evaluation, all children received our intravenous rehydration regimen. A second evaluation including the same items as in the first one was made after in all the children. RESULTS: Intravenous rehydration was successful in 69 patients (83.1%). It failed in 14 patients (16.8%), who required hospitalization because of persistent vomiting in 9 patients and poor general appearance in 5 patients. After intravenous rehydration, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the levels of ketonemia and uremia and in the Gorelick scale score. However, no significant changes were observed in sodium, chloride, potassium, and osmolarity values. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in children with mild-to-moderate dehydration, the administration of 20 mL/kg per hour for 2 hours of 0.9% saline solution + 2.5% glucose improved clinical scores and may be used as an alternative and safe way for intravenous rehydration.

Electrolyte disturbances in acute pyelonephritis.

The aim of this study was to determine whether renal unresponsiveness to aldosterone associated with hyperkalemia is present in infants with acute pyelonephritis in the absence of significant urinary tract anomalies and to describe the clinical characteristics of patients presenting an inadequate renal response to hyperkalemia. The patient cohort comprised 113 infants with acute pyelonephritis (APN), based on the criteria of a temperature >38°C and significant bacteriuria. Serum and urine electrolytes, creatinine, osmolality, and renal tubular function tests were performed at diagnosis. The findings were compared to those present in 75 children who had fever without significant bacteriuria. Hyperkalemia (>5.5 mmol/L) was observed in infants with an APN diagnosis, who exhibited a lower transtubular potassium concentration gradient (TTKG) and a higher fractional sodium excretion. We defined inadequate renal response to hyperkalemia as the combination of hyperkalemia and TTKG below the normal range established for the age of the subject. Infants presenting an inadequate response to hyperkalemia were younger and associated more frequently with an APN diagnosis. This alteration could be explained by the renal interstitial inflammation present in acute pyelonephritis and the immaturity of the renal tubular responsiveness to aldosterone due to infancy in the absence of urinary tract infection or obstruction.

Occult pneumonia in infants with high fever without source: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pneumonia in infants with high fever without source (FWS; temperature, > or =39.0 degrees C) and a white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 20 x 10(9)/L (occult pneumonia) has been reported to be 20% before the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV7). This is the main reason for carrying out chest x-ray (CXR) on infants with high FWS. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of occult pneumonia in well-appearing infants with high FWS (temperature, > or =39.0 degrees C) and a WBC count greater than 20 x 10(9)/L in the era of PCV7 and to analyze the value of WBC, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level as predictors of the risk of occult pneumonia in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective study in 4 pediatric emergency departments including children younger than 36 months with FWS (temperature, > or =39.0 degrees C) and a WBC count higher than 20 x 10(9)/L on whom a CXR was performed in the absence of respiratory findings. Physicians completed a questionnaire when observing the infant, and the attending physician or, when in doubt, the radiologist interpreted the CXR. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted relative influences of the aforementioned factors on the prevalence of radiological pneumonia. RESULTS: During an entire year (September 2006 to September 2007), we included 188 infants (aged 1-36 months; 56.2% were males) with high FWS and a WBC count greater than 20 x 10(9)/L (range, 20-44.7 x 10(9)/L) on whom a CXR was performed. Of the 188 chest radiographs obtained, 37 (19.7%) were interpreted by the radiologist. Consolidation in the chest radiographs was detected in 25 (13.3%). The probability of an infant with high FWS and WBC of 20 x 10(9)/L or greater having pneumonia was related to 3 of the studied variables: age, ANC, and serum CRP level. The incidence of pneumonia increased with age (odds ratio [OR] of 2.62 for infants >12 months; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04-6.60), CRP level greater than 100 mg/L (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.19-8.51), and ANC greater than 20 x 10(9)/L (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.37-9.06). White blood cell count was not predictive of occult pneumonia when ANC was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of PCV7, the incidence of pneumonia in infants younger than 36 months with high FWS and WBC count greater than 20 x 10(9)/L seems to be lower than that previously reported. However, this is not a uniform group because the incidence of pneumonia increases in infants older than 12 months and with higher ANC and serum CRP level.