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Introduction Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. States issued stay-at-home orders and hospitals cancelled non-emergent surgeries. During this time, we anecdotally noticed more admissions for perforated appendicitis. Therefore, we hypothesized that during the months following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, more children were presenting with perforated appendicitis. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study reviewing pediatric patients admitted at a single institution with acute and/or perforated appendicitis between October 2019 to May 2020. Interval appendectomies were excluded. COVID-19 months were designated as March, April, and May 2020. Additional analysis of March, April, and May 2019 was performed for comparison purposes. Analyzed data included demographics, symptoms, white blood cell count, imaging findings, procedures performed, and perforation status. Statistical analysis was performed. Results During the study period, 285 patients were admitted with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with 95 patients being perforated. We identified a significant increase in perforated appendicitis cases in the three COVID-19 months compared with the preceding five months (45.6% vs 26.4%; P

Purpose Diversity in the physician workforce remains a priority in healthcare as it has been shown to improve outcomes. Decisions for choosing specific fields in medicine are partly influenced by mentors, which tend to be the same sex or ethnicity. Females are starting to outnumber males in medical school and minorities are targeted for recruitment. We hypothesized that diversity in pediatric surgery has increased over time. Methods The recently published A Genealogy of North American Pediatric Surgery was utilized to identify graduating pediatric surgery fellows from 1981 to 2018. Organization websites were used to identify past and current leaders. A web-based analysis, including online facial recognition software, was performed. A year-to-year and decade-to-decade demographic comparison was completed. Results 1217 pediatric surgery fellows graduated between 1981 and 2018. When comparing graduates from the first and last decades, an increase from 16.9% to 39.5% for female graduates was observed (p = 0.046). A significant increase in nonwhite graduates was seen for all races (p Conclusion There was a significant increase in diversity in pediatric surgery fellowship graduates. There were increasing trends in female graduates and all nonwhite racial groups. Focusing on enhancing the pipeline and mentoring underrepresented minorities will continue to enhance this trend for the field of pediatric surgery. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Review.

Massive transfusion in pediatric patients is infrequent but associated with much higher mortality than in adults. Blood transfusion and hematology has conceptualized ideas such as blood failure and the interplay of the blood-endothelium interface to understand coagulopathy in the context of hemorrhagic shock. Researchers are still searching for an appropriate definition of what constitutes a pediatric massive transfusion. There is no universally accepted protocol for massive transfusion and how to address the many complications that can arise. Pharmacologic adjuncts to resuscitation may prove beneficial in reducing coagulopathy during pediatric massive transfusion, but high-quality evidence has not yet emerged.

Case number requirements by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) have recently changed in general surgery residency and pediatric surgery fellowship. Overall, pediatric surgery fellowship case volumes remain high, but there may be limited exposure to many index cases. We hypothesize that pediatric antireflux surgery is decreasing nationally, and this trend is independent of the fluctuating number of pediatric surgery fellows.A review of publicly available ACGME case reports from 2003 to 2018 was performed. Both open and laparoscopic antireflux surgery cases were evaluated. Analyzed data included average case number per fellow, minimum and maximum case numbers, and number of fellows each year. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.We identified a significant relationship (P 0.001) between the total number of antireflux procedures and the years of operation. The slope coefficient was -1.45, meaning the number of operations decreased by an average of 1.45 per year from 2003 to 2018 . The number of fellows fluctuated during this time period (range: 24-45). With multiple linear regression analysis, we found that the number of fellows did not affect the decline of antireflux surgery seen over the years (P = 0.91).Case numbers continue to be an important topic in ACGME discussions for surgical residency and subspecialty fellowships. Our review has shown a national decline in the number of pediatric antireflux surgeries performed in pediatric surgery fellowship. Identifying additional trends in surgical management of diseases may aid in the evolution of the pediatric surgery curriculum.

Malnutrition in critically ill patients is common in neonates and children, including those that receive extracorporeal life support (ECLS). We hypothesize that nutritional adequacy is highly variable, overall nutritional adequacy is poor, and enteral nutrition is underutilized in this population.A retrospective study of neonates and children (age18 y) receiving ECLS at 5 centers from 2012 to 2014 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were analyzed. Continuous variables are presented as median [IQR]. Adequate nutrition was defined as meeting 66% of daily caloric goals during ECLS support.Two hundred and eighty three patients received ECLS; the median age was 12 d [3 d, 16.4 y] and 47% were male. ECLS categories were neonatal pulmonary 33.9%, neonatal cardiac 25.1%, pediatric pulmonary 17.7%, and pediatric cardiac 23.3%. The predominant mode was venoarterial (70%). Mortality was 41%. Pre-ECLS enteral and parenteral nutrition was present in 80% and 71.5% of patients, respectively. The median percentage days of adequate caloric and protein nutrition were 50% [0, 78] and 67% [22, 86], respectively. The median percentage days with adequate caloric and protein nutrition by the enteral route alone was 22% [0, 65] and 0 [0, 50], respectively. Gastrointestinal complications occurred in 19.7% of patients including hemorrhage (4.2%), enterocolitis (2.5%), intra-abdominal hypertension or compartment syndrome (0.7%), and perforation (0.4%).Although nutritional delivery during ECLS is adequate, the use of enteral nutrition is low despite relatively infrequent observed gastrointestinal complications.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors because of an error involving the dataset which doubled the reported sample size, thereby invalidating the analysis. The authors reported this error immediately upon discovering the problem. The authors regret the error.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a common indication for pediatric cholecystectomy. While diagnosis is primarily based on diminished gallbladder ejection fraction (GB-EF), work-up and management in pediatrics is controversial. METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of children undergoing cholecystectomy for BD to compare perioperative work-up and outcomes. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy-eight patients across 16 institutions were included. There was no significant difference in gender, age, or BMI between institutions. Most patients were white (86.3%), non-Hispanic (79.9%), and had private insurance (55.2%). Gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) was reported in 84.5% of patients, and 44.8% had an EF < 15%. 30.7% of patients were initially seen by pediatric surgeons, 31.3% by pediatric gastroenterologists, and 23.4% by the emergency department with significant variability between institutions (p < 0.001). Symptoms persisted in 35.3% of patients post-operatively with a median follow-up of 21 days (IQR 13, 34). On multivariate analysis, only non-white race and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities were associated with increased risk of post-operative symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is significant variability in evaluation and follow-up both before and after cholecystectomy for BD. Prospective research with standardized data collection and follow-up is needed to develop and validate optimal care pathways for pediatric patients with suspected BD. STUDY TYPE: Case Series, Retrospective Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Background Machine-learning can elucidate complex relationships/provide insight to important variables for large datasets. This study aimed to develop an accurate model to predict neonatal surgical site infections (SSI) using different statistical methods. Methods The 2012–2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric for neonates was utilized for development and validations models. The primary outcome was any SSI. Models included different algorithms: full multiple logistic regression (LR), a priori clinical LR, random forest classification (RFC), and a hybrid model (combination of clinical knowledge and significant variables from RF) to maximize predictive power. Results 16,842 patients (median age 18 days, IQR 3–58) were included. 542 SSIs (4%) were identified. Agreement was observed for multiple covariates among significant variables between models. Area under the curve for each model was similar (full model 0.65, clinical model 0.67, RF 0.68, hybrid LR 0.67); however, the hybrid model utilized the fewest variables (18). Conclusions The hybrid model had similar predictability as other models with fewer and more clinically relevant variables. Machine-learning algorithms can identify important novel characteristics, which enhance clinical prediction models.

Background Viscoelastic monitoring (VEM), including thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in the setting of goal-directed hemostatic resuscitation has been shown to improve outcomes in adult trauma. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma recommends that “thromboelastography should be available at level I and level II trauma centers”. The purpose of this study is to determine the current availability and utilization of VEM in pediatric trauma. Methods After IRB and Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS) approval, a survey was administered to the current members of the PTS via Survey Monkey. The survey collected demographic information, hospital and trauma program type, volume of trauma admissions, and use and/or availability of VEM for pediatric trauma patients. Results We received 107 responses representing 77 unique hospitals. Survey respondents were: 61% physicians, 29% nurses, 6% trauma program managers, and 4% nurse practitioners/physician assistants. Over half of providers worked in a free standing children's hospital. Seventy-seven percent of respondents were from hospitals that had >200 trauma admissions/year, 42% were providers at ACS level 1 pediatric trauma centers, and 62% practiced at state level 1 designated centers. VEM was available to 63% of providers, but only 31% employed VEM in pediatric trauma patients. For those who had no VEM available, over 73% would utilize this technology if it was available. Seventy-one percent of providers continue to rely on conventional coagulation assays to monitor coagulopathy in pediatric trauma patients after admission. Conclusions While a growing body of evidence demonstrates the benefit of viscoelastic hemostatic assays in management of adult traumatic injuries, VEM during active resuscitation is infrequently used by pediatric trauma providers, even when the technology is readily available. This represents a timely and unique opportunity for quality improvement in pediatric trauma.

Massive transfusion (MT) in pediatric trauma has been described in combat populations and other single institutions studies. We aim to define the incidence of MT in a large US civilian pediatric trauma population, identify predictive parameters of MT, and the mortality associated with MT.Data from the National Trauma Databank (2010-2012), a trauma registry maintained by the American College of Surgeons, were analyzed. We included pediatric trauma patients ≤14 y that underwent MT, as defined by 40 mL/kg of blood products within the first 24 h after admission. We compared the MT group with children receiving any transfusion within the same time frame. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.Of 356,583 pediatric trauma patients, 13,523 (4%) received any transfusion in the first 24 h and 173 (0.04%) had a MT. On multivariate analysis, factors predicting MT were: older patients (5-12: OR 2.71, P = 0.006, and ≥12: OR 5.14, P 0.001), hypothermic patients (temperature 35: OR 2.48, P 0.025), low Glasgow Coma Scale (Glasgow Coma Scale8: OR 2.82, P = 0.009), and Injury Severity Scores ≥25 (OR 2.01, P = 0.03). Overall mortality for the entire group, any transfusion group, and MT group were 2.5%, 13.6%, and 50.6%, respectively (P 0.001).MT in pediatric trauma is an uncommon event associated with a significant mortality. Patients undergoing MT are older, more likely to be hypothermic and have sustained more severe injuries as measured by traditional trauma scoring systems than transfused trauma patients.

Recent advances in renal replacement therapy (RRT) have brought about a proliferation of dialysis in neonates (30 d). This study aimed to assess morbidity and mortality after RRT initiation in this population.Retrospective chart review of all patients between 2006 and 2014 requiring RRT initiated in the first 30 d of life was performed.A total of 49 patients were identified, of which 39 were boys and 10 were girls. Thirty-two patients (65%) had end-stage renal disease, 11 (22%) had errors of metabolism, and six (12%) required RRT for other pathologies. Median age and weight at RRT onset were 6 (4-14) d and 3.1 (2.7-4.0) kg, respectively. A total of 201 surgeries were performed. Excluding catheter revisions, 83 new hemodialysis (HD) and 28 new peritoneal dialysis lines were placed, with maximum of six HD and four peritoneal catheters placed in single patient. Catheter-associated morbidities occurred in 100% of patients. Most common complications for HD included circuit clotting (87%), bleeding (68%), and bacteremia (50%). Peritoneal dialysis complications included peritonitis (83%), malpositioned catheters (72%), and leaks (55%). Overall mortality was 65.3%, with 56% of all deaths occurring within first month of life and 94% occurring within first year. Among long-term survivors (median follow-up of 5.3 y), 44% were severely and 22% moderately developmentally delayed.Although RRT is becoming more technically feasible for neonates with renal and metabolic diseases, it remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatric surgeons must be aware of the challenges, taking them into account when considering the care of these critically ill children.

Surgical wound classification (SWC) is widely utilized for surgical site infection (SSI) risk stratification and hospital comparisons. We previously demonstrated that nearly half of common pediatric operations are incorrectly classified in eleven hospitals. We aimed to improve multicenter, intraoperative SWC assignment through targeted quality improvement (QI) interventions.A before-and-after study from 2011-2014 at eleven children's hospitals was conducted. The SWC recorded in the hospital's intraoperative record (hospital-based SWC) was compared to the SWC assigned by a surgeon reviewer utilizing a standardized algorithm. Study centers independently performed QI interventions. Agreement between the hospital-based and surgeon SWC was analyzed with Cohen's weighted kappa and chi square.Surgeons reviewed 2034 cases from 2011 (Period 1) and 1998 cases from 2013 (Period 2). Overall SWC agreement improved from 56% to 76% (p0.01) and weighted kappa from 0.45 (95% CI 0.42-0.48) to 0.73 (95% CI 0.70-0.75). Median (range) improvement per institution was 23% (7-35%). A dose-response-like pattern was found between the number of interventions implemented and the amount of improvement in SWC agreement at each institution.Intraoperative SWC assignment significantly improved after resource-intensive, multifaceted interventions. However, inaccurate wound classification still commonly occurred. SWC used in SSI risk-stratification models for hospital comparisons should be carefully evaluated.

The incidence of devastating complications from button battery ingestions is increasing. Battery impactions may result in erosive esophagitis, tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), esophageal strictures, spondylodiscitis, vocal cord paralysis due to paralysis of recurrent laryngeal nerve(s), and aortoesophageal fistulas with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a 15 month old boy who developed an acquired TEF secondary to ingestion of a 20 mm button battery lodged at the level of the carina. The clinical course and imaging findings are reviewed. Serial limited CT imaging with 3-D reconstruction was helpful in noninvasive assessment of healing and clinical decision making. Of special interest are the negative initial esophagram and the healing of the fistula without the need for surgical intervention.

Purpose The incidence of button battery ingestions is increasing and injury due to esophageal impaction begins within minutes of exposure. We changed our management algorithm for suspected button battery ingestions with intent to reduce time to evaluation and operative removal. Methods A retrospective study was performed to identify and evaluate time to treatment and outcome for all esophageal button battery ingestions presenting to a major children’s hospital emergency room from February 1, 2010 through February 1, 2012. During the first year, standard emergency room triage (ST) was used. During the second year, the triage protocol was changed and Trauma I triage (TT) was used. Results 24 children had suspected button battery ingestions with 11 having esophageal impaction. One esophageal impaction was due to 2 stacked coins. Time from arrival in emergency room to battery removal was 183 minutes in ST group (n = 4) and 33 minutes in TT group (n = 7) (p = 0.04). One patient in ST developed a tracheoesophageal fistula. There were no complications in the TT group. Conclusions The use of Trauma 1 activations for suspected button battery ingestions has led to more expedient evaluation and shortened time to removal of impacted esophageal batteries.