Tim Lynch

A systematic review on the diagnosis of pediatric bacterial pneumonia: when gold is bronze.

Background In developing countries, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children under five years of age and hence timely and accurate diagnosis is critical. In North America, pneumonia is also a common source of childhood morbidity and occasionally mortality. Clinicians traditionally have used the chest radiograph as the gold standard in the diagnosis of pneumonia, but they are becoming increasingly aware that it is not ideal. Numerous studies have shown that chest radiography findings lack precision in defining the etiology of childhood pneumonia. There is no single test that reliably distinguishes bacterial from non-bacterial causes. These factors have resulted in clinicians historically using a combination of physical signs and chest radiographs as a ‘gold standard’, though this combination of tests has been shown to be imperfect for diagnosis and assigning treatment. The objectives of this systematic review are to: 1) identify and categorize studies that have used single or multiple tests as a gold standard for assessing accuracy of other tests, and 2) given the ‘gold standard’ used, determine the accuracy of these other tests for diagnosing childhood bacterial pneumonia. Methods and Findings Search strategies were developed using a combination of subject headings and keywords adapted for 18 electronic bibliographic databases from inception to May 2008. Published studies were included if they: 1) included children one month to 18 years of age, 2) provided sufficient data regarding diagnostic accuracy to construct a 2×2 table, and 3) assessed the accuracy of one or more index tests as compared with other test(s) used as a ‘gold standard’. The literature search revealed 5,989 references of which 256 were screened for inclusion, resulting in 25 studies that satisfied all inclusion criteria. The studies examined a range of bacterium types and assessed the accuracy of several combinations of diagnostic tests. Eleven different gold standards were studied in the 25 included studies. Criterion validity was calculated for fourteen different index tests using eleven different gold standards. The most common gold standard utilized was blood culture tests used in six studies. Fourteen different tests were measured as index tests. PCT was the most common measured in five studies each with a different gold standard. Conclusions We have found that studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of clinical, radiological, and laboratory tests for bacterial childhood pneumonia have used a heterogeneous group of gold standards, and found, at least in part because of this, that index tests have widely different accuracies. These findings highlight the need for identifying a widely accepted gold standard for diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in children.

Practice Variations in the Treatment of Febrile Infants Among Pediatric Emergency Physicians

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize variations in treatment decisions for young febrile infants in pediatric emergency departments across Canada and to document the extent of practice variations among pediatric emergency department practitioners. METHODS: This was a prospective, concurrent, cohort study of consecutive infants up to 90 days of age who presented to 6 pediatric emergency departments in Canada with fever (rectal temperature of ≥38.0°C). We recorded information in the emergency department and contacted the families by telephone to confirm the final disposition. RESULTS: A total of 257 infants were recruited over 2 to 4 months. Patients were similar across centers in terms of gestational age and weight, chronologic age at arrival, weight, and gender. Temperatures measured at home and during triage and durations of fever also were similar among centers. In one center, significantly more children arrived with cough; in another center, fewer parents reported sick contacts at home. Rates of blood and urine testing were not significantly different across sites, but rates of lumbar puncture, respiratory virus testing, and chest radiography were different. A total of 55% of infants received antibiotics, and significant practice variations in the numbers and types of antibiotics used were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Practices in the evaluation of young infants with fever in tertiary pediatric emergency departments varied substantially. Blood and urine tests were ordered in the majority of centers, but rates of cerebrospinal fluid testing and antibiotic treatment differed across centers.

Pediatric ovarian torsion: case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Ovarian torsion in children is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain but mandates early surgical management to prevent further adnexal damage. The clinical presentation mimics other pathologies, such as appendicitis. We sought to more completely characterize ovarian torsion with respect to pain and ancillary studies, such as urinalysis. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of hospital charts of all patients aged 0-18 years with a diagnosis of ovarian torsion at the Childrens Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, in London, Ont., from 1993 to 2008. RESULTS We analyzed 13 charts of patients aged 7 months to 18 years. Most patients presented with peripheral leukocytosis, vomiting and right lower quadrant pain that did not radiate or migrate. On urinalysis, about half the patients demonstrated pyuria without bacteruria. Pelvic ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst on the same side of the pain in 11 of 13 patients. Most were found to have a hemorrhagic cyst or ovary and underwent salpingo-oophorectomy or cystectomy within 48 hours of presentation. CONCLUSION Ovarian torsion should be considered in any female child with acute onset lower abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting. Pain can be characterized as constant or colicky, but unlike with appendicitis, does not typically migrate. Sterile pyuria is found in a substantial proportion of cases. Ultrasound is the most useful initial diagnostic modality, but the absence of flow on Doppler imaging is not always present. Conservative management with detorsion and oophoropexy is recommended.

Additive value of nuclear medicine shuntograms to computed tomography for suspected cerebrospinal fluid shunt obstruction in the pediatric emergency department.

Objective: To measure the predictive value of nuclear medicine studies (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] shuntograms) and radiographic studies (computed tomographic [CT] scans) in a cohort of children undergoing evaluation for suspected shunt obstruction in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department (ED). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients younger than 18 years who presented to the pediatric ED of the Childrens Hospital of Western Ontario and had both CT of the head and a CSF shuntogram ordered by the attending pediatric emergency medicine physician between December 1998 and April 2003 because of suspected shunt obstruction. Results: A total of 69 patients were evaluated for suspected shunt obstruction in the ED during this period with both a CT and a CSF shuntogram. Twenty-seven patients (39.1%) subsequently required corrective surgery for suspected shunt obstruction that was confirmed intraoperatively. The CT scans showed abnormalities suggestive of CSF shunt obstruction in 21 of the patients who required surgery (sensitivity, 77.8%; negative predictive value, 82.4%), whereas the CSF shuntograms showed abnormalities suggestive of CSF obstruction in 25 of the patients who required surgery (sensitivity, 92.6%; negative predictive value, 92.6%). The CT scans and the shuntograms combined revealed abnormalities suggestive of CSF shunt obstruction in 26 of the 27 patients who required surgery (sensitivity, 96.3%; negative predictive value, 97.4%). Conclusions: Over one third of pediatric ED patients evaluated with CT and CSF shuntograms required surgical management. Sensitivity was increased with CT and CSF shuntogram compared with CT alone. Prospective studies are required to assess the use of radiographic and nuclear medicine tests for the shunt evaluation in conjunction with the development of a clinical prediction rule for the pediatric emergency physician.

Self-reported experience and competence in core procedures among Canadian pediatric emergency medicine fellowship trainees

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the frequency with which fellows in accredited Canadian pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowships perform specific procedures, the level of confidence fellows have in their abilities and whether there are differences in self-perceived success between first- and second-year fellows. METHODS A national survey was developed that focused on 24 PEM procedural skills. The survey asked respondents how many times they had performed these procedures within the past 12 months and within the past 3 years. Respondents were then asked to rate their confidence in successfully performing each of the 24 procedures. RESULTS Of the 46 surveys sent to PEM fellows, 32 (70%) were returned. Most respondents were in their second year of training and the vast majority had previous training in pediatrics. In order of frequency, the most common procedures performed were closed reduction of fractures, peripheral intravenous insertion, complex laceration repair and endotracheal intubation. Of the surveyed skills, oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal airway insertion was deemed the most successful (100% success rate for second-year fellows v. 92.5% success rate for first-year fellows, p=0.01). Similarly, second-year fellows had a higher self-perceived success rate for intraosseous line insertion than did first-year fellows (95.0% v. 80.0% for second- and first-year fellows, respectively, p>0.001). CONCLUSION In surveying PEM trainees across Canada, we have described the frequency and self-perceived success rate for 24 important procedures. This information may be helpful for program directors in evaluating future directions and opportunities for training of their PEM trainees.

All-terrain vehicle major injury patterns in children: a five-year review in Southwestern Ontario

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to characterize the nature of the injuries sustained by children involved in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes in Southwestern Ontario over a 5-year period. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of children who sustained ATV-related trauma and who presented to the emergency department at the Childrens Hospital of Western Ontario between Sept. 1, 1998, and Aug. 31, 2003, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) = 12. Patients were identified by the London Health Sciences Centre Trauma Program Registry. Patient charts were then retrieved and reviewed to record patient demographics, injuries, interventions and length of stay in hospital. RESULTS Seventeen patients, 14 male and 3 female, met inclusion criteria. Ages ranged from 8-17 years, with an average age of 13.7 years. Thirteen were <16 years of age. Overall there were 7 different systems injured in these 17 patients. Fourteen patients sustained an injury to more than 1 system. The average ISS was 22.8. The average length of hospital stay was 9.7 days. Six patients sustained significant head injuries; 4 of these 6 patients were not wearing helmets. Eight patients suffered splenic injuries, and 3 required a splenectomy. Thirteen patients sustained fractures. CONCLUSION ATV trauma is a significant threat to the children in Southwestern Ontario. These results clearly support the Canadian Paediatric Societys recommendation that children <16 years of age should be prohibited from operating or riding on ATVs.

Acute Appendicitis: Investigating an Optimal Outer Appendiceal Diameter Cut-Point in a Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain in children requiring operative intervention. Among a number of sonographic criteria to aid in the diagnosis of appendicitis, an outer diameter >6 mm is the most objective and widely accepted. However, there is a lack of evidence-based standards governing this consensus. STUDY OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the outer appendiceal diameter that maximizes sensitivity and specificity in a pediatric population. METHODS A retrospective review of all urgent diagnostic ultrasounds (US) was performed over 2 years in children aged <18 years. The diagnostic accuracy of various cut-points was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and specificity and plotting a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 398 patients in whom the appendix was visualized on US. The median outer appendiceal diameter was significantly higher in the surgical group compared to the nonsurgical group (9.4 mm; range = 8.1-12.0 vs. 5.5 mm; range = 4.4-6.5, p < 0.01). The optimal cut-point with the greatest area under the ROC curve was determined to be an outer appendiceal diameter of 7.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS In our patients, adopting a 7-mm rather than a 6-mm appendiceal diameter threshold would balance a greater number of missed cases of acute appendicitis for a reduction in the number of unnecessary surgeries.

Improving Outcomes for Ill and Injured Children in Emergency Departments: Protocol for a Program in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Knowledge Translation Science

Approximately one-quarter of all Canadian children will seek emergency care in any given year, with the two most common medical problems affecting children in the emergency department (ED) being acute respiratory illness and injury. Treatment for some medical conditions in the ED remains controversial due to a lack of strong supporting evidence.The purpose of this paper is to describe a multi-centre team grant in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) that has been recently funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This program of research integrates clinical research (in the areas of acute respiratory illness and injury) and knowledge translation (KT). This initiative includes seven distinct projects that address the objective to generate new evidence for clinical care and KT in the pediatric ED. Five of the seven research projects in this team grant make significant contributions to knowledge development in KT science, and these contributions are the focus of this paper.The research designs employed in this program include: cross-sectional surveys, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs with interrupted time-series analysis and staggered implementation strategies, and qualitative designs.This team grant provides unique opportunities for making important KT methodological developments, with a particular focus on developing a better theoretical understanding of the causal mechanisms and effect modifiers of different KT interventions.

A Comparison of Amethocaine and Liposomal Lidocaine Cream as a Pain Reliever Before Venipuncture in Children A Randomized Control Trial

Objective Although the use of anesthetic creams before intravenous (IV) insertion has been shown to be both safe and effective in decreasing pain during IV cannulation, the use of any single agent based on efficacy is not yet considered the standard of care in children. We sought to compare a commonly used preparation, 4% liposomal lidocaine (Maxilene), with 4% amethocaine (Ametop), a newer agent with reportedly good efficacy and an intrinsic vasodilatory effect. Methods A total of 60 children aged 5 to 12 years were randomized to receive topically either 4% amethocaine or 4% liposomal lidocaine before IV cannulation. The primary outcome variable was the child’s rating of pain using the Faces Pain Scale – Revised. Secondary outcomes included success rate on first IV cannulation attempt, cannulation difficulty ratings by the nurses, and adverse skin reactions. Results We found no statistically significant differences in self-reported scores in the Faces Pain Scale–Revised with the use of 4% amethocaine versus 4% lidocaine before IV cannulation. There was a trend toward fewer IV cannulation attempts in the 4% amethocaine group. Adverse skin reactions were uncommon, and there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Discussion This study demonstrates that there is no difference between 4% amethocaine and 4% liposomal lidocaine in reducing pain associated with IV cannulation in children. Amethocaine confers no advantage in improving IV cannulation success rate over lidocaine. Both agents are associated with few local adverse skin reactions.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis masquerading as migraine: a case report.

Headaches are common during childhood and a common pediatric presentation to emergency departments (EDs). The most common diagnoses for acute headache in the pediatric ED are viral upper respiratory tract infection with fever, sinusitis, and migraine, accounting for 70% to 75% of presentations; serious neurologic diagnoses are rare. Most literature recommends against neuroimaging for uncomplicated headache given the absence of any other signs or symptoms associated with causes of intracranial pathology and the presence of a normal physical examination. Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare entity whose diagnosis relies heavily on neuroimaging and which carries high morbidity and mortality if untreated. Pediatric CSVT has yet to be presented in the emergency medicine literature. We report the case of a child who presented to the pediatric ED with headache, which was complicated by background difficulties with aggression and other behavioral issues. This case illustrates an extremely rare ED presentation of CSVT masquerading as migraine headache and discusses the diagnostic dilemma of neuroimaging.