Correction to: Does specialist physician supply affect pediatric asthma health outcomes?

In the original publication of this article [1], the institutional author's name needs to be revised from The Paediatric Chairs of Canada Mark Bernstein to The Paediatric Chairs of Canada.

Does specialist physician supply affect pediatric asthma health outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Pediatrician and pediatric subspecialist density varies substantially among the various Canadian provinces, as well as among various states in the US. It is unknown whether this variability impacts health outcomes. To study this knowledge gap, we evaluated pediatric asthma admission rates within the 2 Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which have similarly sized pediatric populations and substantially different physician densities. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study. Health regions defined by the provincial governments, have, in turn, been classified into "peer groups" by Statistics Canada, on the basis of common socio-economic characteristics and socio-demographic determinants of health. To study the relationship between the distribution of the pediatric workforce and health outcomes in Canadian children, asthma admission rates within comparable peer group regions in both provinces were examined by combining multiple national and provincial health databases. We generated physician density maps for general practitioners, and general pediatricians practicing in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in 2011. RESULTS: At the provincial level, Manitoba had 48.6 pediatricians/100,000 child population, compared to 23.5/100,000 in Saskatchewan. There were 3.1 pediatric asthma specialists/100,000 child population in Manitoba and 1.4/100,000 in Saskatchewan. Among peer-group A, the differences were even more striking. A significantly higher number of patients were admitted in Saskatchewan (590.3/100,000 children) compared to Manitoba (309.3/100,000, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Saskatchewan, which has a lower pediatrician and pediatric asthma specialist supply, had a higher asthma admission rate than Manitoba. Our data suggest that there is an inverse relationship between asthma admissions and pediatrician and asthma specialist supply.

Chronic respiratory disease in Indigenous peoples: a framework to address inequity and strengthen respiratory health and health care globally.

Indigenous peoples around the world bear a disproportionate burden of chronic respiratory diseases, which are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Despite the imperative to address global inequity, research focused on strengthening respiratory health in Indigenous peoples is lacking, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Drivers of the increased rates and severity of chronic respiratory diseases in Indigenous peoples include a high prevalence of risk factors (eg, prematurity, low birthweight, poor nutrition, air pollution, high burden of infections, and poverty) and poor access to appropriate diagnosis and care, which might be linked to colonisation and historical and current systemic racism. Efforts to tackle this disproportionate burden of chronic respiratory diseases must include both global approaches to address contributing factors, including decolonisation of health care and research, and local approaches, co-designed with Indigenous people, to ensure the provision of culturally strengthened care with more equitable prioritisation of resources. Here, we review evidence on the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Indigenous peoples globally, summarise factors that underlie health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, propose a framework of approaches to improve the respiratory health of Indigenous peoples, and outline future directions for clinical care and research.

Navigating global collaboration: challenges faced by the international network on esophageal atresia.

The International Network on Esophageal Atresia (INoEA) stands as a beacon of collaboration in addressing the complexities of this congenital condition on a global scale. The eleven board members, from various countries (USA, Canada, France, Australia, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and The Netherlands) and backgrounds (pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, pediatric pulmonology, nursing, and parents) met in a face-to-face symposium in Lille in November 2023, to identify challenges and solutions for improving global collaboration of the network.

Developing a core outcome set for the health outcomes for children and adults with congenital oesophageal atresia and/or tracheo-oesophageal fistula: OCELOT task group study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Heterogeneity in reported outcomes of infants with oesophageal atresia (OA) with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) prevents effective data pooling. Core outcome sets (COS) have been developed for many conditions to standardise outcome reporting, facilitate meta-analysis and improve the relevance of research for patients and families. Our aim is to develop an internationally-agreed, comprehensive COS for OA-TOF, relevant from birth through to transition and adulthood. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A long list of outcomes will be generated using (1) a systematic review of existing studies on OA-TOF and (2) qualitative research with children (patients), adults (patients) and families involving focus groups, semistructured interviews and self-reported outcome activity packs. A two-phase Delphi survey will then be completed by four key stakeholder groups: (1) patients (paediatric and adult); (2) families; (3) healthcare professionals; and (4) researchers. Phase I will include stakeholders individually rating the importance and relevance of each long-listed outcome using a 9-point Likert scale, with the option to suggest additional outcomes not already included. During phase II, stakeholders will review summarised results from phase I relative to their own initial score and then will be asked to rescore the outcome based on this information. Responses from phase II will be summarised using descriptive statistics and a predefined definition of consensus for inclusion or exclusion of outcomes. Following the Delphi process, stakeholder experts will be invited to review data at a consensus meeting and agree on a COS for OA-TOF. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was sought through the Health Research Authority via the Integrated Research Application System, registration no. 297026. However, approval was deemed not to be required, so study sponsorship and oversight were provided by Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust. The study has been prospectively registered with the COMET Initiative. The study will be published in an open access forum.

Long-term management of asthma in First Nations and Inuit children: A knowledge translation tool based on Canadian paediatric asthma guidelines, intended for use by front-line health care professionals working in isolated communities.

Asthma is a serious health problem for First Nations and Inuit children. In children younger than one year of age, asthma needs to be distinguished from viral bronchiolitis, which is unusually common in Canadian Aboriginal children. In children younger than six years of age, the diagnosis depends on the presence of typical symptoms, the absence of atypical features and the documentation of response to therapy - particularly a rapid, transient response to bronchodilators. In older children, the presence of reversible airway obstruction should be determined using spirometry whenever feasible to confirm the diagnosis. Environmental triggers should be evaluated and corrected whenever possible. Regular use of inhaled steroids is the most important measure for maintaining good asthma control in children with asthma. Clients and their families should receive asthma education. Control should be regularly reassessed at follow-up visits in health centres, with therapy adjusted to the lowest level capable of maintaining good control.

L'asthme est un grave problème de santé pour les enfants inuits et des Premières nations. Chez les enfants de moins d'un an, il faut distinguer l'asthme de la bronchiolite virale, anormalement fréquente chez les enfants autochtones du Canada. Chez les enfants de moins de six ans, le diagnostic dépend de la présence de symptômes classiques, de l'absence de caractéristiques atypiques et de la consignation de la réponse au traitement, notamment la réponse rapide et transitoire aux bronchodilatateurs. Chez les enfants plus âgés, il faut, dans la mesure du possible, déterminer la présence d'une obstruction réversible des voies aériennes par spirométrie afin de confirmer le diagnostic ainsi qu'évaluer et corriger les déclencheurs environnementaux. L'utilisation régulière de corticoïdes en aérosol est la principale mesure à prendre pour maintenir un bon contrôle de l'asthme chez les enfants asthmatiques. Les clients et leur famille devraient recevoir une formation sur l'asthme. Il faut réévaluer régulièrement le contrôle aux visites de suivi dans des centres de santé et rajuster le traitement à la dose la plus basse possible pour le maintien de ce contrôle.

Aerosol SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have quantified aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes, and fewer still have examined samples for viability. This information is needed to clarify transmission risks beyond close contact. METHODS: We deployed particulate air samplers in rooms with COVID-19 positive patients in hospital ward and ICU rooms, rooms in long-term care homes experiencing outbreaks, and a correctional facility experiencing an outbreak. Samplers were placed between 2 and 3 meters from the patient. Aerosol (small liquid particles suspended in air) samples were collected onto gelatin filters by Ultrasonic Personal Air Samplers (UPAS) fitted with <2.5µm (micrometer) and <10 µm size-selective inlets operated for 16 hours (total 1.92m3), and with a Coriolis Biosampler over 10 minutes (total 1.5m3). Samples were assayed for viable SARS-CoV-2 virus and for the viral genome by multiplex PCR using the E and N protein target sequences. We validated the sampling methods by inoculating gelatin filters with viable vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and with three concentrations of viable SARS-CoV-2, operating personal samplers for 16hrs, and quantifying viable virus recovery by TCID50 assay. RESULTS: In total, 138 samples were collected from 99 rooms. RNA samples were positive in 9.1% (6/66) of samples obtained with the UPAS 2.5µm samplers, 13.5% (7/52) with the UPAS 10µm samplers, and 10.0% (2/20) samples obtained with the Coriolis samplers. Culturable virus was not recovered in any samples. Viral RNA was detected in 15.1% of the rooms sampled. There was no significant difference in viral RNA recovery between the different room locations or samplers. Method development experiments indicated minimal loss of SARS-CoV-2 viability via the personal air sampler operation.

Adrenal suppression from glucocorticoids: preventing an iatrogenic cause of morbidity and mortality in children.

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an important side effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). AS can often be asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms until a physiological stress such as an illness precipitates an adrenal crisis. Morbidity and death associated with adrenal crisis is preventable but continues to be reported in children. There is a lack of consensus about the management of children at risk of AS. However, healthcare professionals need to develop an awareness and approach to keep these children safe. In this article, current knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis and management of AS are reviewed while drawing attention to knowledge gaps and areas of controversy. Possible strategies to reduce the morbidity associated with this iatrogenic condition are provided for healthcare professionals.

Trends in Pediatric Complicated Pneumonia in an Ontario Local Health Integration Network.

Following the introduction of 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7), while overall rates of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in children declined, rates of empyema increased. We examined changes in the incidence of hospitalization for pediatric complicated pneumonia (PCOMP) in Eastern Ontario, Canada, particularly since the introduction of the 13-valent vaccine (PCV13). A retrospective chart review was carried out evaluating previously healthy children admitted with PCOMP, which included empyema, parapneumonic effusion, necrotizing pneumonia, and lung abscess between 2002 and 2015. Three-hundred seventy-one children were included. Subjects had a median age of four years, and 188/370 (50.8%) required a chest tube. Admission rates changed markedly during this time period. The number of admissions per year rose most sharply between 2009 and 2012, corresponding to the period following introduction of PCV7 and then the occurrence of pandemic influenza A (H1N1). In children who likely received PCV13, the incidence of PCOMP returned to approximately pre-PCV7 levels. In contrast, rates of PCOMP in older children (who would not have received PCV13) remained elevated during the post-PCV13 time period. While rates of PCOMP, particularly in older children, remain elevated following the introduction of PCV13, this might be expected to resolve with more widespread vaccine coverage with PCV13 and herd immunity.

Nurse-Driven Clinical Pathway for Inpatient Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the impact of a nurse-driven clinical pathway on length of stay (LOS) for children hospitalized with asthma. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving children hospitalized with asthma. Nurses of children in the intervention group weaned salbutamol frequency using an asthma scoring tool, whereas physicians weaned salbutamol frequency for the control group patients as per standard care. The primary outcome was LOS in hours. Secondary outcomes included number of salbutamol treatments administered, ICU transfers, unplanned medical visits postdischarge, and stakeholders' pathway satisfaction. Research staff, investigators, and statisticians were blinded to group assignment, except for research assistants enrolling participants. Qualitative interviews were done to assess acceptability of intervention by physicians, nurses, residents, and patients. RESULTS: We recruited 113 participants (mean age 4.9 years, 62% boys) between May 2012 and September 2015. Median LOS was 49 hours (21-243 hours) and 47 hours (22-188 hours) (P = .11), for the control and intervention groups, respectively. A post hoc analysis designed to deal with highly skewed LOS data resulted in a relative 18% (95% confidence interval 0.68-0.99) LOS reduction for the intervention group. There was no difference in secondary outcomes. No significant adverse events resulted from the intervention. The 14 participants included in the qualitative component reported a positive experience with the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This nurse-driven pathway led to increased efficiency as evidenced by a modest LOS reduction. It allowed for care standardization, improved utilization of nursing resources, and high stakeholder satisfaction.

Horseshoe lung and facio-auriculo-vertebral sequence: a previously unreported association.

We describe a case of horseshoe lung in an infant with facio-auriculo-vertebral (FAV) sequence that included mild hemifacial microsomia, ear anomalies, a missing left rib, left hemivertebrae (T2-T4), and complex congenital heart disease. Of the approximately 40 cases of horseshoe lung described since 1962, most are reported in association with scimitar syndrome, and only four reported cases were associated with left lung hypoplasia. None of these cases included malformations consistent with a diagnosis of FAV sequence.

Food insecurity, vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory infections among Inuit children.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity, vitamin D deficiency and lower respiratory tract infections are highly prevalent conditions among Inuit children. However, the relationship between these conditions has not been examined in this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between food insecurity and severe respiratory infections before age 2 years and health centre visits for a respiratory problem in the past year. We also explored the relationship between serum vitamin D status and respiratory outcomes in this population. DESIGN: We included children aged 3-5 years who participated in a cross-sectional survey of the health of preschool Inuit children in Nunavut, Canada, from 2007 to 2008 (n=388). Parental reports of severe respiratory infections in the first 2 years of life and health care visits in the past 12 months were assessed through a questionnaire. Child and adult food security were assessed separately and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were measured in a subgroup of participants (n=279). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between food security, vitamin D and each of the 2 respiratory outcomes. RESULTS: Child and adult food insecurity measures were not significantly associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. Household crowding [odds ratio (OR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.09, p=0.01 for the child food security model] and higher birth weight (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.43, p=0.03) were associated with reported severe chest infections before age 2 years while increasing age was associated with decreased odds of reported health care visits for a respiratory problem (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.48-0.91, p=0.02). Neither vitamin D insufficiency nor deficiency was associated with these respiratory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Using a large cross-sectional survey of Inuit children, we found that household crowding, but not food security or vitamin D levels, was associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. Further studies are warranted to examine the impact of decreasing household crowding on the respiratory health of these children.

Canadian Pediatric Asthma Consensus guidelines, 2003 (updated to December 2004): introduction.

BACKGROUND: Although guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma have been published over the last 15 years, there has been little focus on issues relating to asthma in childhood. Since the last revision of the 1999 Canadian asthma consensus report, important new studies, particularly in children, have highlighted the need to incorporate this new information into asthma guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on asthma published between January 2000 and June 2003 and to evaluate the influence of new evidence on the recommendations made in the Canadian Asthma Consensus Report, 1999 and its 2001 update with a major focus on pediatric issues. METHODS: Diagnosis of asthma in young children, prevention strategies, pharmacotherapy, inhalation devices, immunotherapy and asthma education were selected for review by small expert resource groups. In June 2003, the reviews were discussed at a meeting under the auspices of the Canadian Network For Asthma Care and the Canadian Thoracic Society. Data published up to December 2004 were subsequently reviewed by the individual expert resource groups. RESULTS: This report evaluates early life prevention strategies and focuses on treatment of asthma in children. Emphasis is placed on the importance of an early diagnosis and prevention therapy, the benefits of additional therapy and the essential role of asthma education. CONCLUSION: We generally support previous recommendations and focus on new issues, particularly those relevant to children and their families. This guide for asthma management is based on the best available published data and the opinion of health care professionals including asthma experts and educators.

Inconclusive diagnosis of cystic fibrosis after newborn screening.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively study infants with an inconclusive diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) identified by newborn screening (NBS; "CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis" [CFSPID]) for disease manifestations. METHODS: Infants with CFSPID and CF based on NBS from 8 CF centers were prospectively evaluated and monitored. Genotype, phenotype, repeat sweat test, serum trypsinogen, and microbiology data were compared between subjects with CF and CFSPID and between subjects with CFSPID who did (CFSPID→CF) and did not (CFSPID→CFSPID) fulfill the criteria for CF during the first 3 years of life. RESULTS: Eighty-two subjects with CFSPID and 80 subjects with CF were enrolled. The ratio of CFSPID to CF ranged from 1:1.4 to 1:2.9 in different centers. CFTR mutation rates did not differ between groups; 96% of subjects with CFSPID and 93% of subjects with CF had 2 mutations. Subjects with CFSPID had significantly lower NBS immunoreactive trypsinogen (median [interquartile range]:77 [61-106] vs 144 [105-199] µg/L; P < .0001) than did subjects with CF. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were isolated in 12% and 5%, respectively, of subjects with CFSPID. CF was diagnosed in 9 of 82 (11%) subjects with CFSPID (genotype and abnormal sweat chloride = 3; genotype alone = 4; abnormal sweat chloride only = 2). Sweat chloride was abnormal in CFSPID→CF patients at a mean (SD) age of 21.3 (13.8) months. CFSPID→CF patients had significantly higher serial sweat chloride (P < .0001) and serum trypsinogen (P = .009) levels than did CFSPID→CFSPID patients. CONCLUSIONS: A proportion of infants with CFSPID will be diagnosed with CF within the first 3 years. These findings underscore the need for clinical monitoring, repeat sweat testing at age 2 to 3 years, and extensive genotyping.

Triage nurse initiation of corticosteroids in pediatric asthma is associated with improved emergency department efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of nurse-initiated administration of oral corticosteroids before physician assessment in moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations in the pediatric ED. METHODS: A time-series controlled trial evaluated nurse initiation of treatment with steroids before physician assessment in children with Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure score ≥4. One-to-one periods (physician-initiated and nurse-initiated) were analyzed from September 2009 through May 2010. In both phases, triage nurses initiated bronchodilator therapy before physician assessment, per Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure score. We reviewed charts of 644 consecutive children aged 2 to 17 years for the following outcomes: admission rate; times to clinical improvement, steroid receipt, mild status, and discharge; and rate of return ED visit and subsequent admission. RESULTS: Nurse-initiated phase children improved earlier compared to physician-initiated phase (median difference: 24 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-50; P = .04). Admission was less likely if children received steroids at triage (odds ratio = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.36-0.87). Efficiency gains were made in time to steroid receipt (median difference: 44 minutes; 95% CI: 39-50; P < .001), time to mild status (median difference: 51 minutes; 95% CI: 17-84; P = .04), and time to discharge (median difference: 44 minutes; 95% CI: 17-68; P = .02). No differences were found in return visit rate or subsequent admission. CONCLUSIONS: Triage nurse initiation of oral corticosteroid before physician assessment was associated with reduced times to clinical improvement and discharge, and reduced admission rates in children presenting with moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations.