Appropriateness of Use of Streptococcal Pharyngitis Testing and Associated Antibiotic Prescribing in the Urgent Care Setting.

The primary objective was to evaluate Group A streptococcal (GAS) tests performed with a Modified Centor Criteria (MCC) Score < 3 at Urgent Care Clinics (UCC). Secondary objectives included evaluating the MCC sensitivity and specificity, antibiotics prescribed with an MCC score < 3, and association between palatal petechiae and GAS pharyngitis infections. This was a retrospective review from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, of Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RADTs) on patients with ICD codes associated with pharyngitis. Fifteen hundred patient charts were reviewed. The majority of MCC scores were < 3 at 60.0% (878/1464). Sensitivity of GAS testing (RADT/culture) slightly increased for MCC scores ≥ 3 and was better than the specificity of those scores. In comparison, MCC scores < 3, showed better specificity compared to sensitivity. Over 50% of RADTs performed were inappropriate per clinical guidelines. MCC score < 3 had higher rates of negative test results.

Can MRI Replace Nasopharyngoscopy in the Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether flexible nasopharyngoscopy, when performed in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), influences the type of surgery selected or success of surgery in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: A metropolitan children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with non-syndromic, repaired cleft palate presenting for management of VPI. INTERVENTIONS: MRI and nasopharyngoscopy or MRI alone for preoperative imaging of the velopharyngeal mechanism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Surgical selection and (2) resolution of hypernasality. All speech, MRI, and nasopharyngoscopy measurements were performed by raters blinded to patients' medical and surgical history. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients referred for nasopharyngoscopy, 76% completed the exam. Of the 41 patients referred for MRI, the scan was successfully completed by 98% of patients. Completion of nasopharyngoscopy was significantly (p=0.01) lower than MRI. Surgical selection did not significantly differ (p=0.73) between the group receiving MRI and nasopharyngoscopy and the group receiving MRI alone, nor was there a significant difference between these groups in the proportion of patients achieving resolution of hypernasality postoperatively (p=0.63). Percent total velopharyngeal closure assessments on nasopharyngoscopy and MRI were strongly correlated (r=0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving MRI as part of their preoperative VPI evaluation, the addition of nasopharyngoscopy did not result in a difference in surgical selection or resolution of hypernasality. Routine inclusion of nasopharyngoscopy may not be necessary for the evaluation of velopharyngeal anatomy when MRI is available.

Quantitative Electroencephalographic Changes Associated With Brain Tissue Hypoxia After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Exploratory Analysis.

PURPOSE: Brain tissue hypoxia is associated with poor outcomes after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Although invasive brain oxygenation (PbtO 2 ) monitoring is available, noninvasive methods assessing correlates to brain tissue hypoxia are needed. We investigated EEG characteristics associated with brain tissue hypoxia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 19 pediatric traumatic brain injury patients undergoing multimodality neuromonitoring that included PbtO 2 and quantitative electroencephalography(QEEG). Quantitative electroencephalography characteristics were analyzed over electrodes adjacent to PbtO 2 monitoring and over the entire scalp, and included power in alpha and beta frequencies and the alpha-delta power ratio. To investigate relationships of PbtO 2 to quantitative electroencephalography features using time series data, we fit linear mixed effects models with a random intercept for each subject and one fixed effect, and an auto-regressive order of 1 to model between-subject variation and correlation for within-subject observations. Least squares (LS) means were used to investigate for fixed effects of quantitative electroencephalography features to changes in PbtO 2 across thresholds of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm Hg. RESULTS: Within the region of PbtO 2 monitoring, changes in PbtO 2 < 10 mm Hg were associated with reductions of alpha-delta power ratio (LS mean difference -0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.02, -0.00], p = 0.0362). Changes in PbtO 2 < 25 mm Hg were associated with increases in alpha power (LS mean difference 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.07], p = 0.0222). CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-delta power ratio changes are observed across a PbtO 2 threshold of 10 mm Hg within regions of PbtO 2 monitoring, which may reflect an EEG signature of brain tissue hypoxia after pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Neurophysiologic Features Reflecting Brain Injury During Pediatric ECMO Support.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides lifesaving support to critically ill patients who experience refractory cardiopulmonary failure but carries a high risk for acute brain injury. We aimed to identify characteristics reflecting acute brain injury in children requiring ECMO support. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study from 2019 to 2022 of pediatric ECMO patients undergoing neuromonitoring, including continuous electroencephalography, cerebral oximetry, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). The primary outcome was acute brain injury. Clinical and neuromonitoring characteristics were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to model odds ratios (ORs) and identify the combined characteristics that best discriminate risk of acute brain injury using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Seventy-five pediatric patients requiring ECMO support were enrolled in this study, and 62 underwent neuroimaging or autopsy evaluations. Of these 62 patients, 19 experienced acute brain injury (30.6%), including seven (36.8%) with arterial ischemic stroke, four (21.1%) with hemorrhagic stroke, seven with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (36.8%), and one (5.3%) with both arterial ischemic stroke and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. A univariate analysis demonstrated acute brain injury to be associated with maximum hourly seizure burden (p = 0.021), electroencephalographic suppression percentage (p = 0.022), increased interhemispheric differences in electroencephalographic total power (p = 0.023) and amplitude (p = 0.017), and increased differences in TCD Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) scores between bilateral middle cerebral arteries (p = 0.023). Best subset model selection identified increased seizure burden (OR = 2.07, partial R2 = 0.48, p = 0.013), increased quantitative electroencephalographic interhemispheric amplitude differences (OR = 2.41, partial R2 = 0.48, p = 0.013), and increased interhemispheric TCD TIBI score differences (OR = 4.66, partial R2 = 0.49, p = 0.006) to be independently associated with acute brain injury (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Increased seizure burden and increased interhemispheric differences in both quantitative electroencephalographic amplitude and TCD MCA TIBI scores are independently associated with acute brain injury in children undergoing ECMO support.

Comparative Effectiveness of Secondary Furlow and Buccal Myomucosal Flap Lengthening to Treat Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.

Background: Secondary Furlow (Furlow) and buccal myomucosal flaps (BMMF) treat velopharyngeal insufficiency by lengthening the palate and retropositioning the levator veli palatini muscles. The criteria for choosing one operation over the other remain unclear. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. Thirty-two patients with nonsyndromic, repaired cleft palate were included. All patients underwent a Furlow or BMMF. Outcome measures included (1) resolution of hypernasality 12 months postoperatively, (2) degree of improvement of hypernasality severity; and (3) change in velar length, as measured on magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. All measures were performed by raters blinded to participants' medical and surgical history. Results: Hypernasality was corrected to normal in 80% of the Furlow group and in 56% of the BMMF group. Patients receiving BMMF had more severe hypernasality during preoperative speech evaluation. Both groups had a median decrease of two scalar rating points for severity of hypernasality (P = 0.58). On postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, patients who underwent Furlow had a median increased velar length of 6.9 mm. Patients who received BMMF had a median increased velar length of 7.5 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding increase in velar length (P = 0.95). Conclusions: Furlow and BMMF procedures increase velar length with favorable speech outcomes. The same degree of improvement for hypernasality was observed across groups, likely explained by the similar increase in velar length achieved. Anatomic changes in palate length and levator veli palatini retropositioning persist 1 year after surgery.

Lower incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injury among young, properly restrained children: An ATOMAC multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collision (MVC) remains a leading cause of injury and death among children, but the proper use of child safety seats and restraints has lowered the risks associated with motor vehicle travel. Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is rare but significant among children involved in MVC. This study reviewed the incidence of BCVI after MVC causing blunt injury to the head, face, or neck, comparing those that were properly restrained with those that were not. METHODS: A prospective, multi-institutional observational study of children younger than 15 years who sustained blunt trauma to the head, face, or neck (Abbreviated Injury Scale score >0) and presented at one of six level I pediatric trauma centers from 2017 to 2020 was conducted. Diagnosis of BCVI was made either by imaging or neurological symptoms at 2-week follow-up. Restraint status among those involved in MVC was compared for each age group. RESULTS: A total of 2,284 patients were enrolled at the 6 trauma centers. Of these, 521 (22.8%) were involved in an MVC. In this cohort, after excluding patients with missing data, 10 of 371 (2.7%) were diagnosed with a BCVI. For children younger than 12 years, none who were properly restrained suffered a BCVI (0 of 75 children), while 7 of 221 (3.2%) improperly restrained children suffered a BCVI. For children between 12 and 15 years of age, the incidence of BCVI was 2 of 36 (5.5%) for children in seat belts compared with 1 of 36 (2.8%) for unrestrained children. CONCLUSION: In this large multicenter prospectively screened pediatric cohort, the incidence of BCVI among properly restrained children under 12 years after MVC was infrequent, while the incidence was 3.2% among those without proper restraint. This effect was not seen among children older than 12 years. Restraint status in young children may be an important factor in BCVI screening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Diagnostic accuracy of screening tools for pediatric blunt cerebrovascular injury: An ATOMAC multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is rare but significant among children. There are three sets of BCVI screening criteria validated for adults (Denver, Memphis, and Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma criteria) and two that have been validated for use in pediatrics (Utah score and McGovern score), all of which were developed using retrospective, single-center data sets. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of each set of screening criteria in children using a prospective, multicenter pediatric data set. METHODS: A prospective, multi-institutional observational study of children younger than 15 years who sustained blunt trauma to the head, face, or neck and presented at one of six level I pediatric trauma centers from 2017 to 2020 was conducted. All patients were screened for BCVI using the Memphis criteria, but criteria for all five were collected for analysis. Patients underwent computed tomography angiography of the head or neck if the Memphis criteria were met at presentation or neurological abnormalities were detected at 2-week follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 2,284 patients at the 6 trauma centers met the inclusion criteria. After excluding cases with incomplete data, 1,461 cases had computed tomography angiography and/or 2-week clinical follow-up and were analyzed, including 24 cases (1.6%) with BCVI. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for each set of criteria were respectively 75.0, 87.5, 9.1, and 99.5 for Denver; 91.7, 71.1, 5.0, and 99.8 for Memphis; 79.2, 82.7, 7.1, and 99.6 for Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma; 45.8, 95.8, 15.5, and 99.1 for Utah; and 75.0, 89.5, 10.7, and 99.5 for McGovern. CONCLUSION: In this large multicenter pediatric cohort, the Memphis criteria demonstrated the highest sensitivity at 91.7% and would have missed the fewest BCVI, while the Utah score had the highest specificity at 95.8% but would have missed more than half of the injuries. Development of a tool, which narrows the Memphis criteria while maintaining its sensitivity, is needed for application in pediatric patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Test/Criteria; Level II.

Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study of Revision Palatoplasty Versus Pharyngoplasty for Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Following Cleft Palate Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To present the design and methodology for an actively enrolling comparative effectiveness study of revision palatoplasty versus pharyngoplasty for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). DESIGN: Prospective observational multicenter study. SETTING: Twelve hospitals across the United States and Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who are 3-23 years of age with a history of repaired cleft palate and a diagnosis of VPI, with a total enrollment target of 528 participants. INTERVENTIONS: Revision palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty (either pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty), as selected for each participant by their treatment team. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome is resolution of hypernasality, defined as the absence of consistent hypernasality as determined by blinded perceptual assessment of a standard speech sample recorded twelve months after surgery. The secondary outcome is incidence of new onset obstructive sleep apnea. Statistical analyses will use propensity score matching to control for demographics, medical history, preoperative severity of hypernasality, and preoperative imaging findings. RESULTS: Study recruitment began February 2021. As of September 2022, 148 participants are enrolled, and 78 have undergone VPI surgery. Enrollment is projected to continue into 2025. Collection of postoperative evaluations should be completed by the end of 2026, with dissemination of results soon thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VPI following cleft palate repair are being actively enrolled at sites across the US and Canada into a prospective observational study evaluating surgical outcomes. This study will be the largest and most comprehensive study of VPI surgery outcomes to date.

Postoperative Urinary Retention after Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery.

Purpose: This study aims to describe the incidence of postoperative urinary retention among pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and identify risk factors. Methods: The Pediatric Health Information System was used to identify children aged 1−18 years who underwent orthopedic surgery. Collected from each patient's record were demographic information, principal procedure during hospitalization, the presence of neurologic/neuromuscular conditions and other complex chronic medical conditions, the total postoperative length of stay, and the presence of postoperative urinary retention. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative urinary retention was 0.38%. Children with complex chronic neuromuscular conditions (OR 11.54 (95% CI 9.60−13.88), p = < 0.001) and complex chronic non-neuromuscular medical conditions (OR 5.07 (95% CI 4.11−6.25), p ≤ 0.001) had a substantially increased incidence of urinary retention. Surgeries on the spine (OR 3.98 (95% CI 3.28−4.82, p ≤ 0.001) and femur/hip (OR 3.63 (95% CI 3.03−4.36), p ≤ 0.001) were also associated with an increased incidence. Conclusions: Children with complex chronic neuromuscular conditions have a substantially increased risk of experiencing postoperative urinary retention. Complex chronic non-neuromuscular medical conditions and surgeries to the spine, hip, and femur also carry a notably increased risk.

Association of Cerebral and Systemic Physiology With Quantitative Electroencephalographic Characteristics of Early Posttraumatic Seizures.

PURPOSE: Early posttraumatic seizures (EPTS) occur after pediatric traumatic brain injury and have been associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to characterize the relationship among quantitative EEG characteristics of early posttraumatic seizures, cerebral and somatic physiologic measures. METHODS: Differences in baseline physiologic, neuroimaging, and demographic characteristics between those with and without early posttraumatic seizures were investigated using Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test. Multivariable dynamic structural equations modeling was used to investigate time series associations between ictal quantitative EEG characteristics with intracranial pressure, arterial blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and cerebral regional oximetry. Quantitative EEG characteristics included amplitude, total power, spectral edge frequency, peak value frequency, complexity, and periodicity. RESULTS: Among 72 children, 146 seizures were identified from 19 patients. Early posttraumatic seizures were associated with younger age (P = 0.0034), increased HR (P = 0.0018), and increased Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores (P = 0.0377). Group dynamic structural equations modeling analysis of the first seizure for patients demonstrated that intracranial pressure is negatively associated with spectral edge frequency (standardized regression coefficient -0.12, 99% credible interval [-0.21 to -0.04]), and HR is positively associated with peak value frequency (standardized regression coefficient 0.16, [0.00-0.31]). Among nine patients with seizures arising over the frontal lobe regions, HR was positively associated with peak value frequency (standardized regression coefficient 0.26 [0.02-0.50]) and complexity (standardized regression coefficient 0.14 [0.03-0.26]). Variation in strength and direction of associations was observed between subjects for relationships that were significant during group analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative EEG characteristics of pediatric early posttraumatic seizures are associated with variable changes in cerebral and systemic physiology, with spectral edge frequency negatively associated with intracranial pressure and peak value frequency positively associated with HR.

Acute physiologic prediction of pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a known complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Limited physiologic biomarkers have been investigated in relation to pediatric PTE. Our aim is to identify clinical, physiologic and neuroimaging biomarkers predictive of pediatric PTE arising during the acute care phase after injury. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected clinical database of pediatric patients who underwent multimodality neurologic monitoring that included continuous electroencephalography and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Biomarkers included hemodynamic vital signs, model-based indices of cerebrovascular pressure reactivity (CVPR) and autonomic function (AF), electroencephalographic abnormalities, and neuroimaging abnormalities on the initial CT scan on day of imaging. Our primary outcome, PTE, was classified as the presence of unprovoked seizures 2 months post-injury or the continued need for antiseizure medications at 12-month post-injury. We utilized univariate logistic regression to identify biomarkers associated with PTE. RESULTS: 61 surviving patients were included in this study, among which 10 (16.4%) developed PTE. We identified that PTE was associated with increased ICP (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.52), increased pressure reactivity indices (92.53, 2.84->999.99), increased wavelet pressure reactivity indices (121.76, 2.84->999.99), increased CT Marshall scores (1.76, 1.13-2.74), decreased HRsd (0.54, 0.33-0.87) and the presence of epileptiform discharges (8.06, 1.85-35.17), and abnormal sleep spindles (4.88, 1.18-20.00). Whereas early post-traumatic seizures within the first 7 days post-injury were associated with PTE development (7.58, 1.81-39.68), this association was significant for such seizures occurring between 24 and 168 h post-injury (21.47, 4.18-110.38), and not for seizures occurring within 24 h post-injury. Among patients experiencing early post-traumatic seizures, increased time with seizures on surface electroencephalography was associated with PTE development (7.28, 2.05-73.14). We also identified that development of PTE was associated with worsened functional outcomes identified by increased Glasgow Outcome Scale - Extended Pediatric (GOSE-PEDs) scores (3.18, 1.68-8.01). CONCLUSION: Pediatric PTE development is associated with increased ICP, impaired CVPR, low heart rate variability, worsened neuroimaging findings, and electroencephalographic abnormalities identified during intensive care. Further studies are needed to investigate strategies to mitigate pediatric PTE development.

Perceived Physician Empathy in Pediatric Orthopedics: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Empathy is the cornerstone of the patient-physician relationship and is consistently ranked by patients as one of the most important factors in the quality of their care. In this paper we examine the degree to which perceived physician empathy is associated with the characteristics of the caregiver (parent or legal guardian) and physician in pediatric orthopedic surgery. This was a cross-sectional survey study of 200 English-speaking caregivers of pediatric patients at a large children's hospital. The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure was used to measure perceived physician empathy. Only if the caregiver felt carefully listened to by the physician (p-value < 0.001), and if the physician showed respect for what the caregiver had to say (p-value = 0.007) were statistically significant and positively associated with perceived physician empathy. The most significant determinant of perceived physician empathy is whether the caregiver felt listened to during the encounter. Other factors such as caregiver demographics, health literacy, self-rated mental health, wait time, and time spent with the physician do not significantly affect perceived physician empathy.

Carbon Dioxide Reactivity of Brain Tissue Oxygenation after Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background: We investigated how changes in partial pressure of brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) relate to end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) was used to investigate associations between EtCO2 and PbtO2, with positive associations indicating intact CO2 reactivity of PbtO2, and negative associations indicating impaired reactivity. Sub-analyses were performed to investigate associations of PbtO2 to intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral regional oximetry (rSO2). Results: Among 14 patients, a positive association between PbtO2 and EtCO2 was demonstrated (SRC 0.05, 95% CI [0.04, 0.06]), with 9 patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity and 5 patients demonstrating impaired reactivity. Patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity had positive associations between PbtO2 and ICP (0.22 [0.21, 0.23]), whereas patients with impaired reactivity had negative associations (−0.28 [−0.29, −0.28]). Patients demonstrating intact CO2 reactivity had negative associations between PbtO2 and rSO2 (−0.08 [−0.09, −0.08]), whereas patients with impaired reactivity had positive associations (−0.15 [0.14, 0.16]). Compared to patients with intact CO2 reactivity, those with impaired reactivity had increased ICP (p < 0.0000), lower PbtO2 (p < 0.0000) and higher PRx (p = 0.0134). Conclusion: After TBI, CO2 reactivity of PbtO2 can be heterogenous, necessitating further work investigating factors contributing toward impaired reactivity.

Quantitative Electroencephalography After Pediatric Anterior Circulation Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Regional differences were investigated in quantitative EEG (QEEG) characteristics and associations of QEEG to hemodynamics after pediatric acute stroke. METHODS: Quantitative EEG was analyzed, including power in delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands, alpha-delta power ratio, total power, and spectral edge frequency from 11 children with unilateral, anterior circulation strokes during the first 24 hours of continuous EEG recording. Differences between injured and uninjured hemispheres were assessed using multivariate dynamic structural equations modeling. Dynamic structural equations modeling was applied to six children with hemorrhagic stroke undergoing arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cerebral oximetry monitoring to investigate associations between hemodynamics with QEEG adjacent to anterior circulation regions. RESULTS: All patients with acute ischemic stroke ( n = 5) had lower alpha and beta power and spectral edge frequency on injured compared with uninjured regions. This was not consistent after hemorrhagic stroke ( n = 6). All hemorrhagic stroke patients demonstrated negative association of total power with arterial blood pressure within injured regions. No consistency was observed for direction or strength of association in other QEEG measures to arterial blood pressure nor were such consistent relationships observed for any QEEG measure studied in relation to heart rate or cerebral oximetry. CONCLUSIONS: After pediatric anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke, reduced spectral edge frequency and alpha and beta power can be observed on injured as compared with noninjured regions. After pediatric anterior circulation hemorrhagic stroke, total power can be negatively associated with arterial blood pressure within injured regions. Larger studies are needed to understand conditions in which QEEG patterns manifest and relate to hemodynamics and brain penumbra.

Association of Outcomes with Model-Based Indices of Cerebral Autoregulation After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether model-based indices of cerebral autoregulation (CA) are associated with outcomes after pediatric traumatic brain injury. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective clinical database of 56 pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury undergoing intracranial pressure monitoring. CA indices were calculated, including pressure reactivity index (PRx), wavelet pressure reactivity index (wPRx), pulse amplitude index (PAx), and correlation coefficient between intracranial pressure pulse amplitude and cerebral perfusion pressure (RAC). Each CA index was used to compute optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Time of CPP below lower limit of autoregulation (LLA) or above upper limit of autoregulation (ULA) were computed for each index. Demographic, physiologic, and neuroimaging data were collected. Primary outcome was determined using Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE-Peds) at 12 months, with higher scores being suggestive of unfavorable outcome. Univariate and multiple linear regression with guided stepwise variable selection was used to find combinations of risk factors that can best explain the variability of GOSE-Peds scores, and the best fit model was applied to the age strata. We hypothesized that higher GOSE-Peds scores were associated with higher CA values and more time below LLA or above ULA for each index. RESULTS: At the univariate level, CPP, dose of intracranial hypertension, PRx, PAx, wPRx, RAC, percent time more than ULA derived for PAx, and percent time less than LLA derived for PRx, PAx, wPRx, and RAC were all associated with GOSE-Peds scores. The best subset model selection on all pediatric patients identified that when accounting for CPP, increased dose of intracranial hypertension and percent time less than LLA derived for wPRx were independently associated with higher GOSE-Peds scores. Age stratification of the best fit model identified that in children less than 2 years of age or 8 years of age or more, percent time less than LLA derived for wPRx represented the sole independent predictor of higher GOSE-Peds scores when accounting for CPP and dose of intracranial hypertension. For children 2 years or younger to less than 8 years of age, dose of intracranial hypertension was identified as the sole independent predictor of higher GOSE-Peds scores when accounting for CPP and percent time less than LLA derived for wPRx. CONCLUSIONS: Increased dose of intracranial hypertension, PRx, wPRx, PAx, and RAC values and increased percentage time less than LLA based on PRx, wPRx, PAx, and RAC are associated with higher GOSE-Peds scores, suggestive of unfavorable outcome. Reducing intracranial hypertension and maintaining CPP more than LLA based on wPRx may improve outcomes and warrants prospective investigation.

Efficacy and tolerability of a whey-based, medium-chain triglyceride-enhanced ketogenic formula in children with refractory epilepsy: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) has demonstrated effectiveness in seizure reduction. However, patient compliance and adverse effects limit its use. Ready-to-feed (RTF) ketogenic formulas improve compliance and include components that mitigate adverse effects. This study is the first to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of an RTF, whey-based, medium-chain triglyceride-enhanced (WBME) ketogenic formula. METHODS: Retrospective data from patients who received KMT between January 1, 2015, and February 28, 2018, were analyzed. Patients who received ≥75% of their total calories from the WBME formula and who were monitored for 3 months were included. Outcome measures were gastrointestinal issues, acidosis, serum blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, unintentional weight changes, diet response (≥50% reduction in seizures), seizure freedom, and change in formula or discontinuation of therapy. Patients with incomplete outcome data or who received <75% of total calories from the formula were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (13 males; mean [SD] age, 6.1 [5.8] years) met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen patients were established patients who received a standard ketogenic formula before changing to the WBME formula; 13 were patients new to KMT whose therapy was initiated using the WBME formula. This formula was well tolerated; no patient in either group discontinued therapy or required a change in formula. The combined diet response rate (95% CI) for established and new patients was 96% (80-100%). Seizure-freedom (95% CI) for both groups at 3 months posttreatment was 20% (7-41%). The most prevalent adverse effect was constipation (69% [95% CI, 48-86%]). CONCLUSION: The WBME ketogenic formula appears to be effective and well tolerated by pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Nerve Block for the Treatment of Migraine Headaches in the Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Persistent headaches and migraines are common in pediatrics with various treatment options. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has been identified as communicating with the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system and pain receptors. In adults, SPG block is an established treatment but there is no published literature in pediatrics. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze the SPG block in pediatrics. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. SETTING: This study was conducted at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. METHODS: A comprehensive review of patient charts from 2015-2018 of all pediatric SPG blockades performed by interventional radiology were included in the analysis. Utilizing fluoroscopic guidance, a SphenoCath was inserted into each nostril and after confirming position, and 4% lidocaine injected. Pre- and postprocedural pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Immediate and acute complications were documented. RESULTS: A total of 489 SPG blocks were performed in patients between ages 6 and 26 years who were diagnosed with migraine or status migrainosus. One hundred percent technical success was achieved with mean reduction of pain scores of 2.4, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There were no immediate or acute complications. LIMITATIONS: Results of this study were based on retrospective study. The use of VAS may be subjective, and the need of a prospective study may be necessary. CONCLUSIONS: With 100% technical success, statistically significant pain reduction, and no complications, we support SPG block in the pediatric population as a simple, efficacious, and safe treatment option for refractory headaches. It is routinely performed in less than 10 minutes and commonly negates the need for inpatient headache pain management. Given its minimal invasivity, we support the use of SPG blockade as a therapeutic treatment in refractory pediatric migraines as it reduces the need for intravenous medications, prolonged pain control, or hospital admission.

Determinants of caregiver satisfaction in pediatric orthopedics.

This study investigates determinants of pediatric orthopedic surgery patients' parent or guardian (caregiver) satisfaction with the physician in an outpatient office setting. This was a cross-sectional survey study of 200 English-speaking caregivers of pediatric patients that checked into the pediatric orthopedic clinic at the authors' institution from 1 March 2017 to 1 November 2018. Questionnaires given in clinic include the Newest Vital Sign and The Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems survey to measure general and musculoskeletal health literacy, respectively, demographic information, expected/estimated wait time, Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure, and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group. After multivariate regression, only perceived physician empathy as measured by the Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure score was significantly correlated with caregiver satisfaction (P < 0.0001), accounting for 56% of the variability of caregiver satisfaction scores. The odds of a satisfaction score of at least 9 out of 10 were 21% higher for every unit increase of the Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure score [odds ratio = 1.21 (P < 0.0001)]. After logistic regression, the caregiver's gender was also correlated with patient satisfaction and the odds of a patient satisfaction score ≥9 for males was less than 1/4th that of females [odds ratio = 0.16 (P = 0.040)]. The most important determinant of caregiver satisfaction with the physician in an outpatient pediatric orthopedic setting is perceived physician empathy. This accounts for the majority of the caregiver's satisfaction. This is the first study to determine this relationship in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Confirmation of Nasogastric and Orogastric Tube Placement in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) as an alternative imaging modality to confirm proper placement for nasogastric tubes (NGTs) and orogastric tubes (OGTs) in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive study performed at a tertiary care free-standing children's hospital. Patients 21 years and younger requiring radiographic confirmation of NGT or OGT placement were eligible for enrollment. Bedside ultrasonography examination of the epigastric area was performed by a blinded pediatric emergency medicine physician. An abdominal radiograph was obtained to confirm NGT or OGT placement in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with a mean age of 2.6 years (standard deviation, 3.9 years) were enrolled. All 26 patients had x-ray confirmation of NGT and OGTs correctly placed in the stomach. Confirmation of NGT or OGT placement by ultrasound was obtained in 23 patients. For these 23 patients, POCUS agreed with radiographic findings. For 3 patients, the NGT and OGT was unable to be identified by ultrasound. The sensitivity of ultrasound for detecting a properly placed tube was 88% (95% confidence interval, 70.0%-97.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study described ultrasound confirmation of NGT or OGT placement. If confirmed in larger studies, POCUS can be used as an objective tool for the confirmation of NGT or OGT placement in pediatric patients and limit the need for routine x-ray confirmation.

Bleeding Patterns among Adolescents Using the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device: A Single Institution Review.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the bleeding patterns associated with the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) in adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective chart review of postmenarchal adolescent patients ages 8-19 years who had the levonorgestrel IUD inserted at Phoenix Children's Hospital from 2012 to 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Insertion of the 52-mg and 13.5-mg levonorgestrel IUD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rate of amenorrhea and other bleeding patterns after insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD and the factors that might predict those bleeding patterns. RESULTS: A total of 260 charts were identified with 221/260 (85.0%) patients choosing the 52-mg IUD and 39/260 (15.0%) patients choosing the 13.5-mg IUD to be inserted. Follow-up data were available for 166 patients. The overall rate of amenorrhea among IUD users was 39.8% (n = 66) with no difference between 52-mg and 13.5-mg IUD users (P = .656). Regularity and flow of menstrual cycle, history of bleeding disorder, history of developmental delay, and current treatment with testosterone for gender dysphoria before IUD insertion did not appear to have a significant effect on the rate of amenorrhea or bleeding patterns post-IUD insertion. CONCLUSION: The levonorgestrel IUD can be successfully used to control abnormal uterine bleeding and suppress menses in adolescents. Menstrual cycle characteristics pre-IUD insertion did not result in predictable post-IUD bleeding patterns.