Decreasing Hospital Observation Time for Febrile Infants.

BACKGROUND: Febrile infants aged 0 to 60 days are often hospitalized for a 36-to-48 hour observation period to rule out invasive bacterial infections (IBI). Evidence suggests that monitoring blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures for 24 hours may be appropriate for most infants. We aimed to decrease the average culture observation time (COT) from 38 to 30 hours among hospitalized infants 0 to 60 days old over 12 months. METHODS: This quality improvement initiative occurred at a large children's hospital, in conjunction with development of a multidisciplinary evidence-based guideline for the management of febrile infants. We included infants aged 0 to 60 days admitted with fever without a clear infectious source. We excluded infants who had positive blood, urine, or CSF cultures within 24 hours of incubation and infants who were hospitalized for other indications (eg, bronchiolitis). Interventions included guideline dissemination, education regarding laboratory monitoring practices, standardized order sets, and near-time identification of failures. Our primary outcome was COT, defined as time between initiation of culture incubation and hospital discharge in hours. Interventions were tracked on an annotated statistical process control chart. Our balancing measure was identification of IBI after hospital discharge. RESULTS: In our cohort of 184 infants aged 0 to 60 days, average COT decreased from 38 hours to 32 hours after structured guideline dissemination and order-set standardization; this decrease was sustained over 17 months. IBI was not identified in any patients after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an evidence-based guideline through education, transparency of laboratory procedures, creation of standardized order sets, and near-time feedback was associated with shorter COT for febrile infants aged 0 to 60 days.

Influence of stride frequency and length on running mechanics: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: A high number of recreational runners sustain a running-related injury each year. To reduce injury risk, alterations in running form have been suggested. One simple strategy for running stride frequency or length has been commonly advocated. OBJECTIVE: To characterize how running mechanics change when stride frequency and length are manipulated. DATA SOURCES: In January 2012, a comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and Cochrane was performed independently by 2 reviewers. A second search of the databases was repeated in June 2012 to ensure that no additional studies met the criteria after the initial search. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria for studies were an independent variable including manipulation of stride frequency or length at a constant speed with outcome measures of running kinematics or kinetics. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently appraised each article using a modified version of the Quality Index, designed for assessing bias of nonrandomized studies. RESULTS: Ten studies met the criteria for this review. There was consistent evidence that increased stride rate resulted in decreased center of mass vertical excursion, ground reaction force, shock attenuation, and energy absorbed at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. All but 1 study had a limited number of participants, with several methodological differences existing among studies (eg, overground and treadmill running, duration of test conditions). Although speed was held constant during testing, it was individually self-selected or fixed. Most studies used only male participants. CONCLUSION: Despite procedural differences among studies, an increased stride rate (reduced stride length) appears to reduce the magnitude of several key biomechanical factors associated with running injuries.

Exertional compartment syndrome: review of the literature and proposed rehabilitation guidelines following surgical release.

BACKGROUND: There is little published information regarding postoperative management of patients with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS). Reports of recurrence of symptoms following surgical decompression exist, and are not uncommon depending on the specific technique used. Recurrence suggests that more time and effort may need to be spent on implementing strategic post-operative rehabilitation management in order to avoid repeat surgical intervention or prolonged symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To summarize relevant literature regarding CECS and propose scientifically-based guidelines for rehab following compartment release with the rationale based on tissue healing, muscle loading, and scar tissue formation and consideration of all tissues contained in the involved compartment. LITERATURE REVIEW: A LITERATURE SEARCH WAS PERFORMED IN PUBMED, SPORTDISCUS, CINAHL, PEDRO, AND GOOGLE SCHOLAR USING THE PHRASE: "chronic exertional compartment syndrome." RESULTS: No specific rehabilitation guidelines following surgical compartment release for lower extremity CECS were found in the literature search performed for this clinical commentary. DISCUSSION: The development of the proposed post-operative guidelines may allow for improved long-term outcomes following anterior compartment release. SUMMARY: Adequate description of long-term follow-up of outcomes following compartment release for CECS is lacking in current literature. The proposed guidelines for rehab following compartment release include consideration of tissue healing, muscle loading, scar tissue formation, and consideration of soft tissues contained in the involved compartment. Utilization of the proposed guidelines may allow for future research to be performed in order to assess outcomes following surgical intervention for CECS.