S. Maria E. Finnell

Technical Report—Diagnosis and Management of an Initial UTI in Febrile Infants and Young Children

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young children are clinically challenging. This report was developed to inform the revised, evidence-based, clinical guideline regarding the diagnosis and management of initial UTIs in febrile infants and young children, 2 to 24 months of age, from the American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Urinary Tract Infection. METHODS: The conceptual model presented in the 1999 technical report was updated after a comprehensive review of published literature. Studies with potentially new information or with evidence that reinforced the 1999 technical report were retained. Meta-analyses on the effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent recurrent UTI were performed. RESULTS: Review of recent literature revealed new evidence in the following areas. Certain clinical findings and new urinalysis methods can help clinicians identify febrile children at very low risk of UTI. Oral antimicrobial therapy is as effective as parenteral therapy in treating UTI. Data from published, randomized controlled trials do not support antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent febrile UTI when vesicoureteral reflux is found through voiding cystourethrography. Ultrasonography of the urinary tract after the first UTI has poor sensitivity. Early antimicrobial treatment may decrease the risk of renal damage from UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Recent literature agrees with most of the evidence presented in the 1999 technical report, but meta-analyses of data from recent, randomized controlled trials do not support antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent febrile UTI. This finding argues against voiding cystourethrography after the first UTI.

The Role of Herd Immunity in Parents’ Decision to Vaccinate Children: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Herd immunity is an important benefit of childhood immunization, but it is unknown if the concept of benefit to others influences parents’ decisions to immunize their children. Our objective was to determine if the concept of “benefit to others” has been found in the literature to influence parents’ motivation for childhood immunization. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline through October 2010 for articles on parental/guardian decision-making regarding child immunization. Studies were included if they presented original work, elicited responses from parents/guardians of children <18 years old, and addressed vaccinating children for the benefit of others. RESULTS: The search yielded 5876 titles; 91 articles were identified for full review. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies identified benefit to others as 1 among several motivating factors for immunization by using interviews or focus groups. Nine studies included the concept of benefit to others in surveys but did not rank its relative importance. In 3 studies, the importance of benefit to others was ranked relative to other motivating factors. One to six percent of parents ranked benefit to others as their primary reason to vaccinate their children, and 37% of parents ranked benefit to others as their second most important factor in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be some parental willingness to immunize children for the benefit of others, but its relative importance as a motivator is largely unknown. Further work is needed to explore this concept as a possible motivational tool for increasing childhood immunization uptake.

Predictors of ovarian malignancy in children: Overcoming clinical barriers of ovarian preservation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Ovarian preservation is desirable in girls with benign ovarian masses. We aimed to 1) identify clinical predictors of malignant ovarian masses, 2) investigate how often ovarian tissue is present to preserve in benign masses, and 3) identify factors associated with successful ovarian preservation. METHODS Retrospective analysis (1997-2012) of girls age 1-18years with an ovarian mass managed operatively. Data on presenting symptoms, imaging, biochemical markers, treatment, outcome, and pathology were extracted. RESULTS We identified 150 patients. Large mass size, solid components, and elevated tumor markers (AFP, βHCG, and/or LDH) were significantly predictive of malignancy. All masses <10cm, predominantly cystic, and with negative tumor markers were benign. Masses with all three of these characteristics would decrease a 20% malignancy pretest probability to a posttest probability of 0.25%. Benign masses managed by oophorectomy contained normal ovarian tissue in 76% of the specimens. For benign masses, successful ovarian preservation was significantly associated with size <10cm, predominantly cystic, laparoscopy, and absence of torsion or calcifications. CONCLUSION Ovarian masses that are <10cm, primarily cystic, and have negative tumor markers are most likely benign. Viable ovarian tissue is frequently present in benign masses, so significant efforts should be made for ovarian preservation.

Perioperative management and outcomes of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a rare congenital anomaly lacking contemporary data detailing patient demographics, medical/surgical management and outcomes. Substantial variation in the care of infants with EA/TEF may affect both short- and long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the demographics, management strategies and outcomes in a contemporary multi-institutional cohort of infants diagnosed with EA/TEF to identify potential areas for standardization of care. METHODS A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of infants with EA/TEF treated at 11 childrens hospitals between 2009 and 2014 was performed. Over the 5year period, 396 cases were identified in the 11 centers (7±5 per center per year). All infants with a diagnosis of EA/TEF made within 30days of life who had surgical repair of their defect defined as esophageal reconstruction with or without ligation of TEF within the first six months of life were included. Demographic, operative, and outcome data were collected and analyzed to detect associations between variables. RESULTS Prenatal suspicion or diagnosis of EA/TEF was present in 53 (13%). The most common anatomy was proximal EA with distal TEF (n=335; 85%) followed by pure EA (n=27; 7%). Clinically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) was present in 137 (35%). Mortality was 7.5% and significantly associated with CHD (p<0.0001). Postoperative morbidity occurred in 62% of the population, including 165 (42%) cases with anastomotic stricture requiring intervention, anastomotic leak in 89 (23%), vocal cord paresis/paralysis in 26 (7%), recurrent fistula in 19 (5%), and anastomotic dehiscence in 9 (2%). Substantial variation in practice across our institutions existed: bronchoscopy prior to repair was performed in 64% of cases (range: 0%-100%); proximal pouch contrast study in 21% (0%-69%); use of interposing material between the esophageal and tracheal suture lines in 38% (0%-69%); perioperative antibiotics ≥24h in 69% (36%-97%); and transanastomotic tubes in 73% (21%-100%). CONCLUSION Contemporary treatment of EA/TEF is characterized by substantial variation in perioperative management and considerable postoperative morbidity and mortality. Future studies are planned to establish best practices and clinical care guidelines for infants with EA/TEF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Type of study: Treatment study. Level IV.

Postoperative opioid analgesic use after Nuss versus Ravitch pectus excavatum repair

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Anticipated postoperative pain may affect procedure choice in patients with pectus excavatum. This study aims to compare postoperative pain in patients undergoing Nuss and Ravitch procedures. METHODS A 5year retrospective review was performed. Data on age, gender, Haller index, procedure, pain scores, pain medications, and length of hospital stay were collected. Total inpatient opioid administration was converted to morphine equivalent daily dose per kilogram (MEDD/kg) and compared between procedures. RESULTS One hundred eighty-one patients underwent 125 (69%) Nuss and 56 (31%) Ravitch procedures. Ravitch patients were older (15.7 yo vs 14.6 yo, p=0.004) and had a higher Haller index (5.21 vs 4.10, p=<0.001). Nuss patients had higher average daily pain scores, received 25% more opioids (MEDD/kg 0.66 vs. 0.49, p=<0.001), and received twice as much IV diazepam/kg. In the multivariate analysis, higher MEDD/kg correlated with both the Nuss procedure and older age in the Nuss group. Opioid administration did not correlate with Haller index or Nuss bar fixation technique. Increased NSAID administration did not correlate with lower use of opioids. CONCLUSION The Nuss procedure is associated with greater postoperative pain compared to the Ravitch procedure. Opioid use is higher in older patients undergoing the Nuss procedure, but is not associated with severity of deformity.

Management of Neonatal Ovarian Cysts and its Effect on Ovarian Preservation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Management of asymptomatic neonatal ovarian cysts varies. Some surgeons advocate initial observation, while others recommend immediate operation depending on cyst size and complexity. This study aims to compare outcomes of initial observation versus primary surgery, focusing on incidence of postnatal torsion and ovarian preservation. METHODS A retrospective study (1997-2012) of neonates with an ovarian mass was performed. Data on cyst size, ultrasound characteristics, clinical course, complications, and pathology were extracted. RESULTS Thirty-seven neonates with asymptomatic ovarian cysts were identified (N=25 observed, N=12 primary surgery). Overall, 12/25 (48%) observed had successful cyst regression, including 3/8 (38%) cysts ≥50mm and 6/15 (40%) complex. 13/25 patients (52%) underwent surgery for failure of cyst regression (11/13) or concern for interval torsion (2/13). Postnatal torsion occurred in 1/25 observation patients (4%), or 1/8 (13%) with cysts≥50mm. Overall rate of ovarian preservation between groups was not statistically different [6/8 (75%) observed versus 8/9 (89%) primary surgery; P=0.577]. Pathology found viable ovarian tissue in all oophorectomy specimens (N=3). CONCLUSIONS Postnatal torsion is rare. A period of observation spares half of neonates from an operation, without decreasing ovarian salvage. Initial management should consist of observation, regardless of size or complex characteristics. If operative intervention is necessary, ovary preserving techniques should be utilized.

Increased Length of Stay and Costs Associated With Weekend Admissions for Failure to Thrive

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether admission day of the week affects the length of stay (LOS) and health care costs for failure to thrive (FTT) admissions. METHODS: Administrative data were obtained for all children aged <2 years (N = 23 332) with a primary admission diagnosis of FTT from 2003-2011 from 42 freestanding US hospitals. Demographic characteristics, day of admission, LOS, costs per stay, number of discharge diagnoses, primary discharge diagnoses, primary procedure code, number of radiologic and laboratory units billed during admission were obtained for each admission. Linear regression and zero-truncated Poisson regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Weekend admission was significantly correlated with increased LOS and increased average cost (P < .002). This finding was also true for children with both admission and discharge diagnoses of FTT (P < .001). The number of procedures for children admitted on the weekend was not significantly different compared with children admitted on the weekdays (incident rate ratio [IRR]:1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99–1.09]). However, weekend admissions did have more radiologic studies (IRR: 1.13 [95% CI: 1.10–1.16]) and laboratory tests (IRR: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.38–1.40]) performed. If one-half of weekend admissions in 2010 with both admission and discharge diagnoses of FTT were converted to Monday admissions, total savings in health care dollars for 2010 would be

Response to the AAP Section on Urology Concerns About the AAP Urinary Tract Infection Guideline

534, 145. CONCLUSIONS: Scheduled FTT admissions on weekends increased LOS and health care costs compared with weekday admissions of similar levels of complexity. Reduction in planned weekend admissions for FTT could significantly reduce health care costs.

Prophylactic Antibiotics for Prevention of Cholangitis in Patients With Biliary Atresia Status Post-Kasai Portoenterostomy A Systematic Review

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics CKD — : chronic kidney disease SOU — : Section on Urology UTI — : urinary tract infection VCUG — : voiding cystourethrogram The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Urology (SOU)1 raises several concerns regarding the new AAP Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Clinical Practice Guideline.2 The SOU takes issue with the 6 randomized controlled trials that assess the effectiveness of prophylaxis.3–8 Specifically, the SOU draws attention to the use of bag specimens; the lack of information about circumcision, elimination habits, and compliance; and the small number of subjects in the individual studies. Address correspondence to Kenneth B. Roberts, MD, 3005 Bramblewood Dr, Mebane, NC 27302. E-mail: kenrobertsmd{at}gmail.com

Application of Classic Utilities to Published Pediatric Cost-Utility Studies

Purpose. To determine effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing cholangitis, we conducted a systematic review comparing cholangitis occurrence in biliary atresia patients after Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) with and without antibiotics. Methods. We searched online bibliographic databases from April 1, 2013, using search terms “biliary atresia” OR “cholangitis” AND “antibiotics,” selecting studies with control group data. Results. Four of 509 titles met inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 319 patients from 3 countries. Three studies were retrospective cohorts and one was a randomized clinical trial. Two cohort studies concluded that prophylactic antibiotics reduced incidence of cholangitis and one did not. The randomized clinical trial supported prophylaxis after comparing the prospective randomized groups to a historical control group. Conclusion. Few published studies measure the effect of prophylactic antibiotics after Kasai portoenterostomy. We identified 4 studies and they presented contradictory results. Prospective research is needed.