Can we increase detection? A nationwide analysis of age-related fractures in child abuse.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to stratify fractures associated with child abuse in relation to the child's age. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2012) was queried for all patients (<18 years old) with a diagnosis of fracture and child abuse. The primary outcome was age-related determinants of fracture distribution. Chi-squared analysis was used for statistical analysis where appropriate, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: More than 39,000 children were admitted for child abuse, and 26% sustained fractures. Most were infants (median age 0 year [IQR 0-1]). 28% sustained multiple fractures, and 27% had skull fractures. By age, infants had the highest rate of multiple fractures (33% vs 16% 1-4 years), and the highest rate of closed skull fractures (33% vs 21% ages 1-4), while adolescents had more facial fractures (43% vs 11% ages 9-12), all p < 0.001. Multiple rib fractures were more commonly seen in infants (28% vs 8% ages 1-4), while children 5-8 years had the highest rates of clavicular fractures (7% vs 3% in infants), all p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Age-related fracture patterns exist and may be due to changing mechanism of abuse as a child grows. These age-related fracture patterns can help aid in healthcare detection of child abuse in hopes to thwart further abuse. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Utility of routine intraoperative cholangiogram during cholecystectomy in children: A nationwide analysis of outcomes and readmissions.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine postoperative outcomes and readmissions in pediatric cholecystectomy with routine intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) utilization. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010-2014 was queried for all pediatric cholecystectomies. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) with over 30 covariates was performed between cholecystectomy alone (CCY) versus those with routine IOC (CCY + IOC, no biliary obstruction, dilatation, or pancreatitis). χ2 analysis or Mann-Whitney U were used for statistical analysis with p < 0.05 set as significant. RESULTS: 34,390 cholecystectomies were performed: 92% were laparoscopic, most were teenage females (75%, 15 years [13-17]) and did not undergo IOC (75%). Postoperative mortality rate was 0.1%. The PSMA cohort comprised of 1412 CCY and 1453 CCY + IOC. Patients with CCY alone had higher rates of 30-day (7% vs 5%), 1-year readmissions (13% vs 11%) and had higher rates of overall complications (22% vs 12%) compared with CCY + IOC, all p < 0.05. Although uncommon, bile duct injuries were more prevalent in CCY (2% vs 0%, p < 0.001), while there was no difference in readmissions for retained stones. Resource utilization was increased in CCY patients, likely due to increased complication rates. CONCLUSION: This nationwide PSMA suggests pediatric CCY with routine IOC is associated with decreased readmissions, overall resource utilization, complications, and bile duct injuries. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomies in Pediatric Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Introduction: Surgery remains an important treatment modality for the management of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of open right hemicolectomy (ORH) and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) for the management of pediatric CD. Materials and Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was queried (2009-2012) for ICD-9 procedure codes for ORH (45.73) and LRH (17.33) in patients with CD (ICD-9 codes: 555.0, 555.1, 555.2, 555.9). Open and laparoscopic procedures were compared using propensity score (PS)-matched analysis (PSMA) of 41 variables. Results: Overall 889 patients were identified and after PS matching, there were 380 ORHs and 380 LRHs. There were zero in-hospital deaths (0/821). ORH patients were more likely to have septicemia, respiratory compromise, pneumonia, perforation and/or laceration, complications, and require blood transfusions (all, P < .05). Although LRH patients were more likely to develop postoperative nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (P < .0001), they had a shorter hospital length of stay (P < .0001) and lower overall hospital charges and cost (P < .001). Conclusion: ORH and LRH in KID have similar low in-hospital mortality in pediatric CD. However, ORH was associated with higher morbidity including an increased risk for respiratory complications, surgical complications, need for blood transfusions, and increased resource utilization than patients who had laparoscopic procedures. In select patients, LRH is safe, feasible, and potentially superior to ORH.

Pull-through procedure in children with Hirschsprung disease: A nationwide analysis on postoperative outcomes.

PURPOSE: No nationwide studies on hospital readmissions exist for children who have undergone pull-through operations for Hirschsprung disease. The study aim is to identify determinants of postoperative discharge outcomes and hospital readmissions in children with Hirschsprung disease. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2010-2014 was queried for children (<18yo) with Hirschsprung disease and whom had undergone pull-through procedure, utilizing ICD-9 codes 751.3 and 48.40-69, respectively. Outcomes included complications and readmissions at 30-day and 1-year. Results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 3635 patients, 75% male and 79% < 1 year of age. Readmission rates at 30 days and 1-year were 20% and 36%, respectively. Overall, the most common diagnoses for readmission were gastrointestinal disorders (46%) and infections (39%). All age groups had a ≥ 10% readmission rate for gastrointestinal disorders. Infants were more likely to be admitted for enterocolitis and infections (16% and 15%), while children (1-6 years old) were most commonly readmitted for electrolyte disturbances (12%). Total hospitalization cost was over $162 million with $24 million from readmissions. CONCLUSION: Pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease is associated with high readmissions and associated economic burden. Age specific interventions to prevent unnecessary readmissions could improve outcomes and curtail healthcare spending. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.