Characterizing physical trauma in children and youth with special health care needs.

BACKGROUND: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) have or are at an increased risk for a chronic condition necessitating medical and related services beyond what children usually require. While evidence suggests that CYSHCN are at an increased risk of injury, little is known about this population within the trauma system. This study describes CYSHCN within the pediatric trauma system and examines patterns of injury risk (i.e., intent, place of injury, trauma type, and mechanism of injury) based on special health care need (SHCN) status. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, we used data from the 2018 National Trauma Data Bank to identify pediatric encounters (1-18 years, N = 115,578) and compare demographics (sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and age) by CYSHCN status using χ 2 and t tests. Children and youth with special health care needs encounters were compared with non-SHCN encounters using multinomial logistic regression models, controlling for demographics. RESULTS: Overall, 16.7% pediatric encounters reported an SHCN. Children and youth with special health care needs encounters are older, and a higher proportion is publicly insured than non-SHCN encounters ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, CYSHCN encounters have a higher risk of assault (relative risk, 1.331) and self-inflicted (relative risk, 4.208) injuries relative to unintentional injury ( p < 0.001), as well as a higher relative risk of traumatic injury occurring in a private residence ( p < 0.01) than other locations such as school (relative risk, 0.894). Younger CYSHCN encounters have a higher risk of assault relative to unintentional injury when compared with non-SHCN encounters ( p < 0.01). Pediatric trauma encounters reporting mental health and alcohol/substance use disorder SHCN have a higher probability of self-inflicted and assault injuries than non-SHCN encounters ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CYSHCN have different traumatic injury patterns than their non-SHCN peers, particularly in terms of intentional and private residence injury, and deserve a special focus for traumatic injury prevention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/epidemiologic, level III.

Initial Laparotomy Versus Peritoneal Drainage in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants With Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis or Isolated Intestinal Perforation: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine which initial surgical treatment results in the lowest rate of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or isolated intestinal perforation (IP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The impact of initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage for NEC or IP on the rate of death or NDI in extremely low birth weight infants is unknown. METHODS: We conducted the largest feasible randomized trial in 20 US centers, comparing initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage. The primary outcome was a composite of death or NDI at 18 to 22 months corrected age, analyzed using prespecified frequentist and Bayesian approaches. RESULTS: Of 992 eligible infants, 310 were randomized and 96% had primary outcome assessed. Death or NDI occurred in 69% of infants in the laparotomy group versus 70% with drainage [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-1.14]. A preplanned analysis identified an interaction between preoperative diagnosis and treatment group (P = 0.03). With a preoperative diagnosis of NEC, death or NDI occurred in 69% after laparotomy versus 85% with drainage (aRR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.64-1.04). The Bayesian posterior probability that laparotomy was beneficial (risk difference <0) for a preoperative diagnosis of NEC was 97%. For preoperative diagnosis of IP, death or NDI occurred in 69% after laparotomy versus 63% with drainage (aRR, 1.11; 95% CI: 0.95-1.31); Bayesian probability of benefit with laparotomy = 18%. CONCLUSIONS: There was no overall difference in death or NDI rates at 18 to 22 months corrected age between initial laparotomy versus drainage. However, the preoperative diagnosis of NEC or IP modified the impact of initial treatment.

Opioid use in children's surgery: Awareness, current state, and advocacy.

In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, many surgeons who care for children have reflected upon current practices and the history of our own prescribing. In this editorial review, we provide a brief summary of the origins of opioid use in medicine and surgery, we describe how the ongoing opioid epidemic specifically impacts children and adolescents, and we explore contemporary efforts underway to facilitate evidence-based opioid prescribing. Resources for pediatric surgeons including national guidelines related to safe opioid prescribing and web-based toolkits that may be used to implement change locally are highlighted. The goal of the present manuscript is to introduce opioid stewardship as a guiding principle in pediatric surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: LEVEL V (Expert opinion).

Improving the performance of the Revised Trauma Score using Shock Index, Peripheral Oxygen Saturation, and Temperature-a National Trauma Database study 2011 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: The Revised Trauma Score is the standard physiologic injury severity indicator used in trauma research and quality control. Shock index, peripheral oxygen saturation, and temperature have emerged as strong predictors for mortality and morbidity. We hypothesized that replacing systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate with age-adjusted shock index and peripheral oxygen saturation and adding temperature would generate a more accurate model, valid across all ages. METHODS: This is a retrospective database analysis using children and adults from the National Trauma Data Bank for years 2011 to 2015. Glasgow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, temperature, and shock index (calculated as heart rate/systolic blood pressure) were used as predictor variables, alone or in combination, in logistic models with survival as primary outcome. Bayesian information criterion and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve were used to compare models' performances. To adjust for age, models tested on the entire population (children and adults) used Z-scores derived on age-based homogenous intervals rather than the raw value. RESULTS: The analysis included 283,724 pediatric and 1,555,478 adult patients. Overall mortality was 0.7% and 2.7%, respectively. The Glasgow Coma Scale + shock index + peripheral oxygen saturation + temperature model outperformed the revised trauma score in both adults (Bayesian information criterion 296,345.94 vs 298,494.72; area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.831 vs 0.809, P < .001) and children (Bayesian information criterion 12,251.48 vs 12,283.48; area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.974 vs 0.968, P = .05) cohorts. On the merged (children and adults) cohort the Glasgow Coma Scale + Z-scores derived on age-based homogenous intervals + peripheral oxygen saturation + temperature model outperformed the Revised Trauma Score (Bayesian information criterion 313,814.78 vs 317,781.31; area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.852 vs 0.809, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Replacing systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate with shock index and peripheral oxygen saturation in the Revised Trauma Score model and adding temperature generated a more accurate model in both children and adults. Adjusting shock index for age rendered the model accurate across all ages. Calibration on population-derived nomograms of vital signs would further increase the model's accuracy and precision.

The adherence of adult trauma centers to American Pediatric Surgical Association guidelines on management of blunt splenic injuries.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management (NOM) is commonly utilized in hemodynamically stable children with blunt splenic injuries (BSI). Guidelines published by the American Pediatric Surgical Association over the past 15 years support this approach. We sought to determine the rates and outcomes of NOM in pediatric BSI and compare trends between pediatric (PTC), mixed (MTC) and adult trauma centers (ATC). METHODS: This was a retrospective database analysis of the NTDB data from 2011 to 2015 including pediatric patients with BSI, as described by ICD-9-CM Codes 865.00-865.09. Patients with head injuries with AIS > 2, multiple intraabdominal injuries, and transfers-out were excluded. According to ACS and/or state designation, trauma facilities were defined as PTC (level I/II pediatric only), MTC (level I/II adult and pediatric) and ATC (level I/II adult only). OM group was defined as presence of procedure codes reflecting exploratory laparotomy/laparoscopy and/or any splenic procedures. NOM group consisted of patients who were observed, transfused or had transarterial embolization (TAE). Variables analyzed were age, ISS, spleen AIS, amount and type of blood products transfused, and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital (H) length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: 5323 children met the inclusion criteria. 11.4% received care at PTC (NOM, 97%), 40.7% at MTC (NOM, 89.9%) and 47.8% at ATC (NOM, 83.8%) (P < 0.001). In NOM group, PTC patients had the highest spleen AIS (3.46 ±â€¯0.95, P < 0.001). TAE was predominantly used at MTC and ATC (P = 0.001). MTC and ATC were more likely to transfuse than PTC (P = 0.002). MTC and ATC OM rates were lower in children aged ≤12 than in children aged >12 (P < 0.001). Splenectomy rate was 1.5% at PTC, 8.4% at MTC, and 14.4% at ATC (P < 0.001). In OM group, PTC patients had a higher ISS (P = 0.018) and spleen AIS (P = 0.048) than both MTC and ATC. The proportion of patients treated by NOM at ATC increased during the 5-year period studied (P = 0.015). Treatment at MTC or ATC increased the risk for OM by 3.89 and 5.36 times respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PTCs still outperform ATCs in NOM success rates despite higher ISS and splenic injury grades. From 2011 to 2015, ATC OM rates dropped from 17% to 12.4% suggesting increased adoption of the APSA guidelines. Further educational initiatives may help augment this trend. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective.

Predictors and Outcomes of Laparoscopy in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Laparoscopy has been shown to offer a safe alternative to laparotomy in hemodynamically stable pediatric trauma patients. Our purpose was to identify factors predictive of this approach and examine surgical outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using the ACS Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program to examine pediatric patients who underwent exploration for blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma in 2014 and 2015. Patients with contraindications to laparoscopy were excluded. Multivariable modeling identified predictors of a laparoscopic approach. Secondary analysis assessed differences in outcomes and resource utilization between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. Results: A total of 160 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing surgery in the northeastern (odds ratio [OR]: 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-4.03, P = .006) and western (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.06-3.88, P = .032) U.S. regions had over two times greater odds of undergoing laparoscopy as those treated in the south. Patients injured by a firearm were significantly less likely to undergo laparoscopy than those suffering blunt injury (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55, P < .001). After adjustment, patients explored laparoscopically in comparison with those through laparotomy had decreased average length of stay (LOS) (mean difference [MD]: 2.55 days, 95% CI: 1.19-3.90, P < .001) and number of intensive care unit (ICU) days (MD: 1.13 days, 95% CI: 0.28-1.98, P = .01). Conclusion: Trauma laparoscopy may decrease LOS and ICU days in select pediatric patients requiring abdominal exploration; however, laparoscopy is not uniformly practiced in the United States. Targeted education and protocols for initial use of laparoscopy should be incorporated into hospitals treating this group to minimize morbidity and resource utilization.

Incidence of nonaccidental head trauma in infants: a call to revisit prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury is a major sequela of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) that disproportionately affects young children and can have lasting sequelae. Considering the potentially devastating effects, many hospitals develop parent education programs to prevent NAT. Despite these efforts, NAT is still common in Western New York. The authors studied the incidence of NAT following the implementation of the Western New York Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Program in 1998. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of children admitted to our pediatric hospital between 1999 and 2016 with ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes for types of child abuse and intracranial hemorrhage. Data were also provided by the Safe Babies New York program, which tracks NAT in Western New York. Children with a diagnosis of abuse at 0-24 months old were included in the study. Children who suffered a genuine accidental trauma or those with insufficient corroborating evidence to support the NAT diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 107 children were included in the study. There was a statistically significant rise in both the incidence of NAT (p = 0.0086) and the incidence rate of NAT (p = 0.0235) during the study period. There was no significant difference in trendlines for annual NAT incidence between sexes (y-intercept p = 0.5270, slope p = 0.5263). When stratified by age and sex, each age group had a distinct and statistically significant incidence of NAT (y-intercept p = 0.0069, slope p = 0.0374). CONCLUSIONS: Despite educational interventions targeted at preventing NAT, there is a significant rise in the trend of newly reported cases of NAT, indicating a great need for better injury prevention programming.

Use of Magnets as a Minimally Invasive Approach for Anastomosis in Esophageal Atresia: Long-Term Outcomes.

Introduction: The majority of esophageal atresia (EA) patients undergo surgical repair soon after birth. However, factors due to patient characteristics, esophageal length, or surgical complications can limit the ability to obtain esophageal continuity. A number of techniques have been described to treat these patients with "long-gap" EA. Magnets are a nonsurgical alternative for esophageal anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to report long-term outcomes for the use of magnets in EA. Materials and Methods: Between July 2001 and December 2017, 13 patients underwent placement of a magnetic catheter-based system under fluoroscopic guidance at six institutions. Daily chest radiographs were obtained until there was union of the magnets. Magnets were then removed and replaced with an oro- or nasogastric tube. Complications and outcomes were recorded. The average length of follow-up was 9.3 years (range 1.42-17.75). Results: A total of 85% of the patients had type A, pure EA, and 15% had type C with previous fistula ligation. The average length of time to achieve anastomosis was 6.3 days (range 3-13). No anastomotic leaks occurred, and all of the patients had an expected esophageal stenosis that required dilation given the 10F coupling surface of the magnets (average 9.8, range 3-22). Six patients (46%) had retrievable esophageal stents, and two underwent surgery; yet all maintained their native esophagus without interposition. A total of 92% were on full oral feeds at the time of follow-up. Conclusion: The use of magnets for treatment of long-gap EA is safe and feasible and accomplished good long-term outcomes. The main complication was esophageal stricture, although all patients maintained their native esophagus. A prospective observational study is currently enrolling patients to evaluate the safety and benefit of a catheter-based magnetic device for EA.

Porcine bladder extracellular matrix in paediatric pilonidal wound care: healing and patient experience evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Pilonidal disease (PD) with inflammation and abscess formation occurs frequently in adolescents. The management of pilonidal disease, time to wound healing, and patient satisfaction, however remains variable despite advances in wound care methods. Porcine bladder extracellular matrix (PBEM) facilitates site-specific tissue deposition/re-growth for the management of a variety of wounds. The aim was to describe the use and outcomes of PBEM in PD at a single centre. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of adolescent patients who underwent treatment of pilonidal disease with PBEM between 2012 and 2016 at a single institution, was undertaken. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were collected and compared with historical controls and literature regarding traditional wound therapies. RESULTS: We reviewed 52 pilonidal disease wounds on 41 patients. Of these 36 were treated with PBEM. The average age was 16 years old at the time of operation with 39% male. Furthermore, 85% were being treated for recurrent pilonidal disease. Follow-up was available by chart review for 89% of patients with documented complete wound healing in 78% of patients treated with PBEM at an average of two months. Subjective reports included majority positive experience with PBEM dressing, minimal pain and overall high levels of patient satisfaction. There were three patients in which pilonidal disease recurred within two years of initial treatment and underwent repeat treatment with PBEM. There was one patient who transitioned to wet-to-dry saline dressings because of difficulty keeping the PBEM dressing intact. CONCLUSION: Advances in wound care technology include materials such as PBEM to promote site-specific tissue deposition. Follow-up phone calls and a prospective study to compare alternative wound care with porcine PBEM in the management of pilonidal disease is underway to better quantify time to wound healing and patient satisfaction.

Skeletal muscle regeneration by extracellular matrix biological scaffold: a case report.

A case report of a 17-year-old female with a complex, non-healing, two-month-old wound, wherein exposed fibula was evident. On assessment, the wound measured 35cm in length, 3cm in width, and was 1cm deep, along the lateral aspect of the left lower leg. A rim of granulation tissue was visible along the wound edge. The exposed bone measured 20cm in length, and was 3cm wide. Porcine-derived, extracellular matrix (ECM) biological scaffold was placed on the wound bed to facilitate regeneration of the patient's skeletal muscle. The patient healed without incident postoperatively and was able to regain her ambulatory ability. This technique has, in the authors' experience, proved successful and without complication in complex non-healing wound cases, particularly in patients who have lost a large volume of skeletal muscle. The authors believe that patients and surgeons would benefit from early consideration of ECM biological scaffolds in similar types of large, open, and complex wounds.

Prehospital education in triage for pediatric and pregnant patients in a regional trauma system without collocated pediatric and adult trauma centers.

PURPOSE: Patient triage to the appropriate destination is critical to prehospital trauma care. Triage decisions are challenging in a region without collocated pediatric and adult trauma centers. METHODS: A regional survey was administered to emergency medical response units identifying variability and confusion regarding factors influencing patient disposition. A course was developed to guide the triage of pediatric and pregnant trauma patients. Pre- and posttests were administered to address course principles, including decision making and triage. RESULTS: A total of 445 participants completed the course at 22 sites representing 88 different prehospital provider agencies. Pre- and posttests were administered to 62% of participants with an average score improvement of 53.4% (pretest range 30% to 56.6%; posttest range 85% to 100%). Improvements were seen in all categories including major and minor trauma in pregnancy, major trauma in adolescence, and knowledge of age limits and triage protocols. CONCLUSION: Education on triage guidelines and principles of pediatric resuscitation is essential for appropriate prehospital trauma management. Pre- and posttests may be used to demonstrate short term efficacy, while ongoing evaluations of practice patterns and follow-up surveys are needed to demonstrate longevity of acquired knowledge and identify areas of persistent confusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case Series without Standardized.

Novel use of porcine extracellular matrix in recurrent stricture following repair of tracheoesophageal fistula.

Anastomotic stricture is a common complication following repair of esophageal atresia (EA). Many factors are thought to contribute to stricture formation and a variety of management techniques have been developed. In this case report, we describe the treatment of a recurrent anastomotic stricture following repair of long-gap esophageal atresia. Porcine bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) was mounted on a stent and delivered endoscopically to the site of recurrent stricture. An appropriate positioning was confirmed using direct endoscopic visualization and intra-operative fluoroscopy. The patient recovered well with persistent radiographic and functional improvements in previous stricture.

Intensive care unit admission predicts hospital readmission in pediatric trauma.

BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission in adult trauma is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. In this study, we examine pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission as a risk factor for hospital readmission in pediatric trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 1 through 19 y in the Pediatric Health Information System database discharged with a trauma diagnosis. Patient and clinical variables included demographics, payer status, length of stay, chronic comorbid conditions, presence of mechanical ventilation, all-patient refined diagnosis-related group and calculated severity of illness, and discharge disposition. The main outcome variable was hospital readmission within 30 d of discharge. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated in both univariate and multivariate analyses with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 90,467 patients were admitted with a trauma diagnosis, of which 16,279 (18.0%) were admitted to the PICU. Hospital readmissions occurred in 3.1% of patients. On univariate analysis, patients admitted to the PICU on the first day of hospital admission (direct PICU admission), and those first admitted to the PICU after the day of hospital admission (delayed PICU admission), had 2-3 times the risk of hospital readmission compared with those never admitted to the PICU (4.8% versus 7.2% versus 2.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, controlling for demographic and clinical variables, the adjusted ORs for hospital readmission in patients with direct and delayed PICU admission were 1.34 (95% CI 1.20-1.50) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.50-2.35) versus no PICU admission, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PICU admission, either direct or delayed, during hospitalization for trauma care is an independent risk factor for hospital readmission within 30 d of discharge. Further risk stratification may help focus resources on high-risk patients to improve clinical outcomes and reduce readmissions.

Novel use of porcine urinary bladder matrix for pediatric pilonidal wound care: preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrix is used in various applications. We present our preliminary experience using a new device that consists of a porcine extracellular matrix with an epithelial basement membrane (MatriStem(®), ACell, Inc. Columbia, MD, USA) for adolescent pilonidal disease. METHODS: A retrospective review of four patients with pilonidal disease was undertaken. Three occurred in the gluteal cleft, and the fourth in the umbilicus. In the first patient, the wound deficit was filled with lyophilized MicroMatrix powder and a sheet of Multilayer Wound Matrix was placed to cover the wound. In the second patient, two sinus tracts were debrided, packed with MicroMatrix, and a sheet of fenestrated Burn Matrix was applied. In the third patient, MicroMatrix and Surgical Matrix PSMX (six-layer) was applied as a roll filling the dead space. In the last patient, an umbilical sinus 3 cm deep was packed with MicroMatrix powder followed by a rolled sheet of 2-ply Surgical Matrix RS. Patients were evaluated weekly post-operatively, and more MicroMatrix and sheet material was added if a wound deficit was still present. Measurements were taken in two dimensions, diameter and depth, to characterize wounds. RESULTS: Resolution of wound deficit was graphed versus time. Pain was assessed by scoring 0-10. Rapid wound closure was achieved. Two of the patients had failed wound healing with saline dressing changes prior to MatriStem application. These two patients in particular were highly satisfied with the comfort of the MatriStem approach relative to their time with saline dressings. Most had no pain after 1 week when bolster sutures were removed. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of open pilonidal wounds in adolescents, porcine urinary bladder matrix wound care devices offer closure times and cost similar to well-established methods while offering a substantial advantage in terms of patient comfort and convenience. This preliminary experience supports a prospective study.

Repair of esophageal atresia with proximal fistula using endoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis) after staged lengthening.

We describe the treatment of a patient with long-gap esophageal atresia with an upper pouch fistula, mircogastria and minimal distal esophageal remnant. After 4.5 months of feeding via gastrostomy, a proximal fistula was identified by bronchoscopy and a thoracoscopic modified Foker procedure was performed reducing the gap from approximately 7-5 cm over 2 weeks of traction. A second stage to ligate the fistula and suture approximate the proximal and distal esophagus resulted in a gap of 1.5 cm. IRB and FDA approval was then obtained for endoscopic placement of 10-French catheter mounted magnets in the proximal and distal pouches promoting a magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis). Magnetic coupling occurred at 4 days and after magnet removal at 13 days an esophagram demonstrated a 10 French channel without leak. Serial endoscopic balloon dilation has allowed drainage of swallowed secretions as the baby learns bottling behavior at home.

Splenic conservation: variation between pediatric and adult trauma centers.

OBJECTIVES: Nonoperative management of hemodynamically stable children and adolescents with splenic injury regardless of grade has become standard; however, numerous studies have shown a wide variation in management. We compared the treatment and outcomes of adolescent splenic injuries in our region, which includes a pediatric level I trauma center (PTC) and an adult level I trauma center (ATC). METHODS: A retrospective review of the trauma registry was performed on patients 14 to 17 y old with blunt splenic injury admitted to either the local PTC or ATC from January 1999 through December 2010. Demographics, interventions, and hospital course were recorded and compared using Fisher exact, Student t-test, and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-six adolescent patients presenting to the PTC and 65 patients presenting to the ATC met the criteria over the 12-y period. Although the ATC received more significantly injured and slightly older patients, logistic multivariate analysis demonstrated that the location of presentation was the only independent factor associated with splenectomy (P = 0.0015). A higher injury severity score was associated with a longer length of stay (LOS), but the nonoperative approach was not associated with a longer LOS (P = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the location of presentation was independently associated with splenectomy while controlling for a higher injury severity score at the ATC. With the higher percentage of nonoperative management, treatment at the PTC was not associated with an increased LOS (total or intensive care unit).

Computed tomography scanning in pediatric trauma: opportunities for performance improvement and radiation safety.

BACKGROUND: Recently, pediatric CT scanning protocols have reduced radiation exposure in children. Because evaluation with CT scan after trauma contributes to significant radiation exposure, we reviewed the CT scans in children at both initial presentation at a non-pediatric facility and subsequent transfer to a level I pediatric trauma center (PTC) to determine the number of scans, body area scanned, radiation dosage, and proportion of scans at each facility. METHODS: The trauma database was retrospectively reviewed for children aged 0 to 17 y initially evaluated for trauma at another facility and then transferred to our PTC for pediatric specialty care between January 2000 and December 2010. RESULTS: A total of 1562 patients with 1335 CT scans were reviewed over an 11-y period. The majority of CT scans occur at the referring facility compared to the PTC in a ratio of 7:3. CT of the head was the most frequent scan obtained (52%), and 17.9% of CT scans were repeated at the PTC. Less than 1% of CT scans performed at the non-pediatric centers contained radiation dosage information, precluding analysis of radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of CT scans for trauma occur at non-pediatric facilities, which demonstrates the need for referring facilities to perform optimal CT scans with the least amount of radiation exposure to the child. We believe this provides an opportunity for PTC performance improvement by facilitating the transfer of images and educating referring facilities about indications for CT scans, dosage amounts, and radiation reduction protocols.

Are facilities following best practices of pediatric abdominal CT scans?

BACKGROUND: Established guidelines for pediatric abdominal CT scans include reduced radiation dosage to minimize cancer risk and the use of intravenous (IV) contrast to obtain the highest-quality diagnostic images. We wish to determine if these practices are being used at nonpediatric facilities that transfer children to a pediatric facility. METHODS: Children transferred to a tertiary pediatric facility over a 16-mo period with abdominal CT scans performed for evaluation of possible appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, diagnosis, radiation dosage, CT contrast use, and scan quality. If CT scans were repeated, the radiation dosage between facilities was compared using Student t-test. RESULTS: Ninety-one consecutive children transferred from 29 different facilities had retrievable CT scan images and clinical information. Half of CT scans from transferring institutions used IV contrast. Due to poor quality or inconclusive CT scans, 19 patients required a change in management. Children received significantly less radiation at our institution compared to the referring adult facility for the same body area scanned on the same child (9.7 mSv versus 19.9 mSv, P = 0.0079). CONCLUSION: Pediatric facilities may be using less radiation per CT scan due to a heightened awareness of radiation risks and specific pediatric CT scanning protocols. The benefits of IV contrast for the diagnostic yield of pediatric CT scans should be considered to obtain the best possible image and to prevent additional imaging. Every facility performing pediatric CT scans should minimize radiation exposure, and pediatric facilities should provide feedback and education to other facilities scanning children.

Laparoscopic assessment of a migrated ventriculoperitoneal shunt into an inguinal hernia.

Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt may increase intraabdominal pressure and lead to an abdominal or genitourinary complication. We report on a 2-month-old boy with complex congenital neurologic and cardiac anomalies who had a VP shunt migrate into the left inguinal hernia. This report demonstrates how a laparoscopic approach can be successfully used to reposition the VP shunt, identify a contralateral inguinal hernia, and repair both without any additional incisions.