Children with fulminant ulcerative colitis(UC) traditionally undergo 2-stage operations: restorative-proctocolectomy(RP/IPAA) and ileostomy followed by ostomy closure. In the biologic era, surgeons ...have modified their strategy: initial subtotal-colectomy/diversion, followed by RP/IPAA without diversion. Yet, evidence on efficacy and functional outcomes with the “modified 2-stage” approach is limited in children. We sought to compare the timing of pouch creation in 2-stage operations to determine outcomes.
This is a retrospective study of children with UC undergoing either a traditional 2-stage RP/IPAA or modified 2-stage RP/IPAA between 2010 and 2019. Complications (leak, stricture, wound-infection) were recorded at 90-days and 1 year from 2nd operation.
N = 57 (Traditional n = 40, Modified n = 17). Median time to surgery from consultation was shorter in the modified-group (7 vs.25 days, p = 0.01). Preoperatively, the modified-group had lower albumin(p = 0.01), higher CRP(p = 0.01), and more frequently took biologics within 90-daysp=0.001). After re-establishing intestinal continuity, stricture requiring dilation was higher in the traditional-group (59% vs.18%, p = 0.008). No difference in pouch leak (p = 0.38), bowel obstruction(p = 0.35), loperamide dose(p = 0.21), or incontinence(p = 0.38) was observed.
Delaying pouch creation to the second operation without a protective ileostomy as a modified 2-stage is safe in a sicker and more acute pediatric population.
•In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought much uncertainty to people in the U.S., followed by an unprecedented increase in firearm sales.•In this study, children suffered significantly more firearm ...injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic and those who lacked certain social determinants of health were at greater risk.
Firearm sales in the United States (U.S.) markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to determine if firearm injuries in children were associated with stay-at-home orders (SHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized there would be an increase in pediatric firearm injuries during SHO.
This was a multi institutional, retrospective study of institutional trauma registries. Patients <18 years with traumatic injuries meeting National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) criteria were included. A “COVID” cohort, defined as time from initiation of state SHO through September 30, 2020 was compared to “Historical” controls from an averaged period of corresponding dates in 2016–2019. An interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was utilized to evaluate the association of the U.S. declaration of a national state of emergency with pediatric firearm injuries.
Nine Level I pediatric trauma centers were included, contributing 48,111 pediatric trauma patients, of which 1,090 patients (2.3%) suffered firearm injuries. There was a significant increase in the proportion of firearm injuries in the COVID cohort (COVID 3.04% vs. Historical 1.83%; p < 0.001). There was an increased cumulative burden of firearm injuries in 2020 compared to a historical average. ITSA showed an 87% increase in the observed rate of firearm injuries above expected after the declaration of a nationwide emergency (p < 0.001).
The proportion of firearm injuries affecting children increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic was associated with an increase in pediatric firearm injuries above expected rates based on historical patterns.
Abstract Purpose Perioperative management of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is frequently based on surgeon experience and dogma rather than evidence-based ...guidelines. This study examines whether commonly perceived important aspects of practice affect outcome in a contemporary multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing primary repair for the most common type of esophageal atresia anomaly, proximal EA with distal TEF. Methods The Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium conducted a multi-center, retrospective study examining selected outcomes on infants diagnosed with proximal EA with distal TEF who underwent primary repair over a 5-year period (2009–2014), with a minimum one-year follow up, across 11 centers. Results 292 patients with proximal EA and distal TEF who underwent primary repair were reviewed. The overall mortality was 6% and was significantly associated with the presence of congenital heart disease (OR 4.82, p = 0.005). Post-operative complications occurred in 181 (62%) infants, including: anastomotic stricture requiring intervention (n = 127; 43%); anastomotic leak (n = 54; 18%); recurrent fistula (n = 15; 5%); vocal cord paralysis/paresis (n = 14; 5%); and esophageal dehiscence (n = 5; 2%). Placement of a transanastomotic tube was associated with an increase in esophageal stricture formation (OR 2.2, p = 0.01). Acid suppression was not associated with altered rates of stricture, leak or pneumonia (all p > 0.1). Placement of interposing prosthetic material between the esophageal and tracheal suture lines was associated with an increased leak rate (OR 4.7, p < 0.001), but no difference in the incidence of recurrent fistula (p = 0.3). Empiric postoperative antibiotics for > 24 h was used in 193 patients (66%) with no difference in rates of infection, shock or death when compared to antibiotic use ≤ 24 h (all p > 0.3). Hospital volume was not associated with post-operative complication rates (p > 0.08). Routine postoperative esophagram obtained on day 5 resulted in no delayed/missed anastomotic leaks or a difference in anastomotic leak rate as compared to esophagrams obtained on day 7. Conclusion Morbidity after primary repair of proximal EA and distal TEF patients is substantial, and many common practices do not appear to reduce complications. Specifically, this large retrospective series does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics beyond 24 h and empiric acid suppression may not prevent complications. Use of a trans-anastomotic tube was associated with higher rates of stricture, and interposition of prosthetic material was associated with higher leak rates. Routine post-operative esophagram can be safely obtained on day 5 resulting in earlier initiation of oral feeds. Study type: Treatment study. Level III evidence.
Recent advances in ECLS technology have led to the adoption of centrifugal pumps for the majority of patients worldwide. Despite several advantages of centrifugal pumps, they remain controversial ...because a number of studies have shown increased rates of hemolysis. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of transitioning from roller to centrifugal pumps on hemolysis rates at our center. A retrospective analysis of all pediatric ECMO patients at a single center between 2005 and 2017 was undertaken. Hemolysis was defined as a plasma free hemoglobin >50 mg/dL. Multivariable logistic regression was performed correcting for several factors to determine risk factors for hemolysis and analyze outcomes among patients with hemolysis. Significant findings were those with p < 0.05. A total of 590 patients were identified during the study period. Multivariable logistic regression for risk factors for hemolysis showed roller pumps (OR 1.92, CI 1.11–3.33) and ECMO duration (OR 1.002 per hour, CI 1.00–1.01) to be significant factors. Rates of hemolysis significantly improved following conversion from roller to centrifugal pumps, with significantly lower rates of hemolysis in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017 when compared to the historical average with roller pumps from 2005 to 2009 (34.7%). Additionally, hemolysis was associated with an increased risk of death (OR 3.59, CI 2.05–6.29) when correcting for other factors. These data suggest decreasing rates of hemolysis with centrifugal pumps compared to roller pumps. Since hemolysis was also associated with increased risk of death, these data support the switch from roller to centrifugal pumps at ECMO centers.
Heterotaxy (HTX) is a rare condition of abnormal thoraco-abdominal organ arrangement across the left-right axis of the body. The pathogenesis of HTX includes a derangement of the complex signaling at ...the left-right organizer early in embryogenesis involving motile and non-motile cilia. It can be inherited as a single-gene disorder, a phenotypic feature of a known genetic syndrome or without any clear genetic etiology. Most patients with HTX have complex cardiovascular malformations requiring surgical intervention. Surgical risks are relatively high due to several serious comorbidities often seen in patients with HTX. Asplenia or functional hyposplenism significantly increase the risk for sepsis and therefore require antimicrobial prophylaxis and immediate medical attention with fever. Intestinal rotation abnormalities are common among patients with HTX, although volvulus is rare and surgical correction carries substantial risk. While routine screening for intestinal malrotation is not recommended, providers and families should promptly address symptoms concerning for volvulus and biliary atresia, another serious morbidity more common among patients with HTX. Many patients with HTX have chronic lung disease and should be screened for primary ciliary dyskinesia, a condition of respiratory cilia impairment leading to bronchiectasis. Mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions need to be carefully considered among this population of patients living with a substantial medical burden. Optimal care of children with HTX requires a cohesive team of primary care providers and experienced subspecialists collaborating to provide compassionate, standardized and evidence-based care. In this statement, subspecialty experts experienced in HTX care and research collaborated to provide expert- and evidence-based suggestions addressing the numerous medical issues affecting children living with HTX.
Despite trends toward equal gender representation among medical school graduates, surgical trainees and fellows, diversity in higher levels of pediatric surgery is largely unstudied. This study aims ...to quantify gender diversity among leadership of pediatric surgical associations and societies across the globe.
National and international pediatric surgical organizations were identified from the websites of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) and World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS). Compositional gender data of current and past organizational leadership was collected by examining publicly available archives of executive membership rosters. If roster pictures were not available, member names were input into social media sites and other search engines to ensure accurate gender denotation. Univariate analyses of organizational metrics and aggregate data of 5-year time intervals were performed via Fischer's Exact Test with significance of p < 0.05.
Nineteen pediatric surgical organizations were included for study analysis. Of 189 current organizational leaders, 50 (26.4%) are women. Eight organizations (42.1%) have less than 20% of leadership positions filled by women members, while two executive boards have no women members. Four organizations (22.2%) have a current woman seated as president/chairperson. Historical gender distribution stratified by organization demonstrates a range of 0–7.8% (p = 0.99), with one organization having yet to elect a woman president/chairperson. Longitudinally, women presidential representation remained consistently low (5–11%) across all time intervals from 1993 to 2022 (p = 0.35).
Despite advances in diversity in medical school graduates, surgical training, and workforce recruitment, there are still significant disparities in gender representation within pediatric surgery societal leadership.
IV.
•What is currently known about this topic? Efforts to increase diversity in the pediatric surgery workforce are critical to optimize outcomes for all patients.•What new information is contained in ...this article? This article summarizes strategies to mitigate bias during the pediatric surgery fellow selection process to work toward building a diverse and inclusive pediatric surgery workforce.•Underrepresentation of minorities leads to worse outcomes, and diversity in the health care workforce is critical.•70% of the pediatric surgery workforce is white, and pediatric surgeons at large do not reflect the populations they serve.•Pediatric surgery fellowship programs are the gateway to the field, and fellow selection processes should support diversity.•The APSTPD Diversity Equity and Inclusion subcommittee compiled best practices for bias mitigation during fellow selection.•Pediatric surgery fellowship programs can utilize these findings to mitigate bias and support diverse applicants.
Diverse perspectives are critical components of effective teams in every industry. Underrepresentation of minorities in medicine leads to worse outcomes for minority patients, and efforts to increase diversity in the health care workforce are critical. Presently, about 70% of the pediatric surgery workforce is white, and pediatric surgeons at large do not reflect the racial or ethnic diversity of the populations they serve. Pediatric surgery fellowship training programs are the gateway to the field, and fellow selection processes should be optimized to support diversity and inclusion. The Association of Pediatric Surgery Training Program Directors (APSTPD) Diversity Equity and Inclusion subcommittee compiled best practices for bias mitigation during fellow selection, drawing from published literature and personal experiences in our own programs. A list of concrete recommendations was compiled, which can be implemented in every phase from applicant screening to rank list creation. We present these as a position statement that has been endorsed by the executive committee of the APSTPD. Pediatric surgery fellowship programs can utilize this focused review of best practices to mitigate bias and support diverse applicants.
Objective
Racial and ethnic disparities are commonplace in health care. Research often relies on sociodemographic information recorded in the electronic health record (EHR). Little evidence is ...available about the accuracy of EHR-recorded sociodemographic information, and none in pediatrics. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of EHR-recorded race and ethnicity compared to self-report.
Methods
Patients/guardians enrolled in two prospective observational studies (10/2014–1/2019) provided self-reported sociodemographic information. Corresponding EHR information was abstracted. EHR information was compared to self-report, considered “gold standard.” Agreement was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa.
Results
A total of 503 patients (42% female, median age 12.8 years) were identified. Self-reported race (
N
= 484) was 73% White, 16% Black or African American (AA), 4% Asian, 5% multiracial, and 2% other. Self-reported ethnicity (
N
= 410) was 9% Hispanic/Latino, and 88% non-Hispanic/Latino. Agreement between self-reported and EHR-recorded race was substantial (kappa = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72–0.83). Race was discordant among 10% (47/476). Hispanic/Latino ethnicity also had strong agreement (kappa = 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.89). Among those who self-reported Hispanic/Latino and reported race (
N
= 21), race was less accurately recorded in the EHR (kappa = 0.26, 95% CI 0–0.54). Race did not match among 43% with recorded race (9/21). Among self-reported racial and/or ethnic minorities, 13% (12/164) were misclassified in the EHR as non-Hispanic White.
Conclusions
We found race and ethnicity are often inaccurately recorded in the EHR for patients who self-identify as minorities, leading to under-representation of minorities in the EHR. Inaccurately recorded race and ethnicity has important implications for disparity research, and for informing health policy. Reliable processes are needed to incorporate self-reported race and ethnicity in the EHR at institutional and national levels.
For the last seven years, our institution has repaired infants with CDH that require ECMO early after cannulation. Prior to that, we attempted to decannulate before repair, but repaired on ECMO if we ...were unable to wean after two weeks. This study compares those strategies.
From 2002 to 2016, 65 infants with CDH required ECMO. 67.7% were repaired on ECMO, and 27.7% were repaired after decannulation. Data were compared between patients repaired ≤5days after cannulation (“early protocol”, n=30) and >5days after cannulation or after de-cannulation (“late protocol”, n=35). We used Cox regression to assess differences in outcomes between groups.
Survival for the early and late protocol groups was 43.3% and 68.8%, respectively (p=0.0485). For patients that were successfully decannulated before repair, survival was 94.4%. Moreover, the early repair protocol was associated with prolongation of ECMO (16.8±7.4 vs. 12.6±6.8days, p=0.0216).
After multivariate regression, the early repair protocol was an independent predictor of both mortality (HR=3.48, 95% CI=1.28–9.45, p=0.015) and days on ECMO (IRR=1.39, 95% CI=1.07–1.79, p=0.012). All bleeding occurred in patients repaired on ECMO (29.5%, 13/44).
Our data suggest that protocolized CDH repair early after ECMO cannulation may be associated with increased mortality and prolongation of ECMO. However, early repair is not necessarily harmful for those patients who would otherwise be unable to wean from ECMO before repair. Further work is needed to better move towards individualized patient care.
Treatment Study.
Level III.
