A Novel Risk Score to Guide the Evaluation of Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To identify independent predictors of and derive a risk score for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study of children >90 days to <18 years of age undergoing evaluation for a suspected musculoskeletal (MSK) infection from 2017 to 2019 at 23 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) affiliated with the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee. Cases were identified by diagnosis codes and confirmed by chart review to meet accepted diagnostic criteria for AHO. Controls included patients who underwent laboratory and imaging tests to evaluate for a suspected MSK infection and received an alternate final diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 1135 cases of AHO matched to 2270 controls. Multivariable logistic regression identified 10 clinical and laboratory factors independently associated with AHO. We derived a 4-point risk score for AHO using (1) duration of illness >3 days, (2) history of fever or highest ED temperature ≥38°C, (3) C-reactive protein >2.0 mg/dL, and (4) erythrocyte sedimentation rate >25 mm per hour (area under the curve: 0.892, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.881 to 0.901). Choosing to pursue definitive diagnostics for AHO when 3 or more factors are present maximizes diagnostic accuracy at 84% (95% CI: 82% to 85%), whereas children with 0 factors present are highly unlikely to have AHO (sensitivity: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 10 predictors for AHO in children undergoing evaluation for a suspected MSK infection in the pediatric ED and derived a novel 4-point risk score to guide clinical decision-making.

Utility of a prognostic assessment tool to predict survival following surgery for brain metastases.

Background: Brain metastases account for more than 50% of all intracranial tumors and are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment decisions in this highly heterogenous cohort remain controversial due to the myriad of treatment options available, and there is no clearly defined standard of care. The prognosis in brain metastasis patients varies widely with tumor type, extracranial disease burden and patient performance status. Decision-making regarding treatment is, therefore, tailored to each patient and their disease. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study assessing survival outcomes following surgery for brain metastases over a 50-month period (April 1, 2014-June 30, 2018). We compared predicted survival using the diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (ds-GPA) with actual survival. Results: A total of 186 patients were included in our cohort. Regression analysis demonstrated no significant correlation between actual and predicted outcome. The most common reason for exclusion was insufficient information being available to the neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to allow GPA calculation. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that "predicted survival" using the ds-GPA does not correlate with "actual survival" in our operated patient cohort. We also identify a shortcoming in the amount of information available at MDT in order to implement the GPA appropriately. Patient selection for aggressive therapies is crucial, and this study emphasizes the need for treatment decisions to be individualized based on patient and cancer clinical characteristics.

Consensus on level descriptors for a functional children's eating and drinking activity scale.

AIM: To agree wording of level descriptors for a measure of functional outcome of children's eating and drinking. METHOD: An online, modified Delphi method was used to gather feedback on current level descriptor wording and generate rewording suggestions. Thirty speech and language therapists, working in a variety of settings and geographical locations, were invited to be part of the Delphi expert panel. Content analysis was used to evaluate participants' comments and develop consensus level descriptors. Consensus for acceptable wording was set at 80% agreement. Face validity was assessed using 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: Nineteen expert speech and language therapists (median experience 18 years) completed round one; 15 out of 19 completed round two. Level descriptor rating reached 80% agreement in two rounds. Additionally, 93% of participants agreed the scale would accurately capture change in their setting, with 87% likely to use the scale in practice. INTERPRETATION: This study has produced agreed wording for a functional measure of eating and drinking activity suitable for use with paediatrics feeding disorders, regardless of disease aetiology, presentation, age, or setting. Potential for widespread use is supported. Further evaluation of the tool's reliability and validity is required.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Didactics and Simulation (PEMDAS) Telesimulation Series: Hyperleukocytosis.

Introduction: Hyperleukocytosis, an infrequent presentation of new-onset leukemia, is a medical emergency requiring prompt recognition and treatment. It can include altered mental status, fever, critical electrolyte derangements, and coagulopathies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this simulation was created as a telesimulation in order to adhere to mandatory physical distancing guidelines while addressing learning objectives. Methods: This simulation was designed for pediatric emergency medicine fellows and featured a pediatric patient presenting with fever, altered mental status, and respiratory distress. After an initial assessment and appropriate workup, the patient developed tumor lysis syndrome, coagulopathies, and new-onset neurologic changes requiring appropriate interventions. A debriefing guide and participant evaluation form were utilized. Results: This telesimulation was implemented at five different institutions, with evaluation surveys completed by 22 pediatric emergency medicine fellows. The scenario was rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and was generally well received, with participants rating the simulation as effective in teaching the recognition (M = 4.8) and management (M = 4.6) of hyperleukocytosis. Participants felt that virtual telesimulation was effective compared to other distance learning methods (M = 3.9). Discussion: This simulation-based curriculum allows learners to practice identifying and managing hyperleukocytosis. We found that it was well received in both in-person and virtual formats.

Pediatric Methamphetamine Toxicity: Clinical Manifestations and Therapeutic Use of Antipsychotics-One Institution's Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Methamphetamine toxicity is common in the Southwest region of the United States and presents diagnostic and treatment challenges in the pediatric population. The aim of our study was to characterize signs and symptoms of methamphetamine toxicity in pediatric patients, highlighting manifestations unique to this population. Additionally, our study sought to evaluate treatment modalities, specifically antipsychotics, in this population with the intent to characterize their adverse effects. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients (age > 2 months ≤ 18 years) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital with ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes suggestive of stimulant exposure between September 1, 2010, and July 31, 2017. Patients with clinical manifestations of sympathomimetic toxicity and confirmation of methamphetamine on urine drug testing via GC/MS were included. Nature, source, and route of exposure along with clinical manifestations including signs, complications, treatments utilized, and adverse events related to treatment were recorded. Specifically, adverse effects following administration of antipsychotics were studied. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria: median age 2.0 years. Typical manifestations of sympathomimetic toxicity were common, including tachycardia (93.4%), hypertension (85.7%), agitation (79.7%), and abnormal motor activity (55.8%). The prominence of gastrointestinal signs (26.3%) and unique abnormal motor activity were notable. The most common treatments were intravenous fluids (96.1%) and benzodiazepines (77.9%). Antipsychotics were administered in 40.5% of cases, with haloperidol used in the majority. No patients developed seizures, dystonia, torsades de pointes, or hyperthermia after antipsychotic administration. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with methamphetamine toxicity commonly manifest sympathomimetic signs. Antipsychotics were often used as an adjunct treatment in this cohort of patients, and no adverse events were reported. Clinicians should be aware of prominent gastrointestinal signs and abnormal motor activity and neurologic manifestations unique to pediatric patients that will assist in making the correct diagnosis in cases of suspected methamphetamine toxicity.

Role of Salivary Biomarkers in Predicting Significant Traumatic Brain Injury: An Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVES: The highest rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related morbidity and mortality occur in young children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to describe the levels of 3 biomarkers (S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase) in saliva of children with TBI requiring inpatient admission at a pediatric trauma center and compare these levels in children without TBI. METHODS: A convenience sample of 24 children aged 0 to 18 years, presenting with acute isolated TBI, was enrolled prospectively. The non-TBI comparison groups consisted of patients with medical complaints and musculoskeletal injuries only. Salivary specimens were collected, and biomarkers were measured using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Demographic, clinical data, and brain imaging findings were obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-four children were enrolled. Twenty-four had TBI (mean age, 5.07 years; SD, 4.8 years); 14 subjects (58.3%) with TBI were found to have significant traumatic brain injury (SBI) on computed tomography scan. S100B levels were significantly higher in TBI group compared with those with musculoskeletal injury only (median, 113.2 pg/mL vs 18 pg/mL; P = 0.021). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for S100B in predicting SBI was 0.675; the optimum threshold for S100B to achieve the optimum sensitivity and specificity of SBI was at 86.9 pg/mL for SBI versus no injury group. CONCLUSIONS: S100B levels in saliva were higher in children with TBI and may be predictive of SBI identified by presence of computed tomography abnormalities. Larger studies are needed to replicate our findings in using a noninvasive diagnostic measure for children with TBI and SBI.