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Background: Risk factors for severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well established in children. We sought to describe pediatric hospital admissions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada and identify risk factors for more severe disease.Methods: We conducted a national prospective study using the infrastructure of the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP). Cases involving children who were admitted to hospital with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported from Apr. 8 to Dec. 31 2020, through weekly online questionnaires distributed to the CPSP network of more than 2800 pediatricians. We categorized hospital admissions as related to COVID-19, incidental, or for social or infection control reasons and determined risk factors for disease severity in hospital.Results: Among 264 hospital admissions involving children with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 9-month study period, 150 (56.8%) admissions were related to COVID-19 and 100 (37.9%) were incidental infections (admissions for other reasons and found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 on screening). Infants (37.3%) and adolescents (29.6%) represented most cases. Among hospital admissions related to COVID-19, 52 (34.7%) had critical disease, 42 (28.0%) of whom required any form of respiratory or hemodynamic support, and 59 (39.3%) had at least 1 underlying comorbidity. Children with obesity, chronic neurologic conditions or chronic lung disease other than asthma were more likely to have severe or critical COVID-19.Interpretation: Among children who were admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada during the early COVID-19 pandemic period, incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection was common. In children admitted with acute COVID-19, obesity and neurologic and respiratory comorbidities were associated with more severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Importance: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of mortality in patients with the disease, but it is unknown how neurologists disclose this risk when counseling patients. Objective: This study aimed at examining SUDEP discussion practices of neurologists in the U.S. and Canada. Design: An electronic, web-based survey was sent to 17,558 neurologists in the U.S. and Canada. Survey questions included frequency of SUDEP discussion, reasons for discussing/not discussing SUDEP, timing of SUDEP discussions, and perceived patient reactions. We examined factors that influence the frequency of SUDEP discussion and perceived patient response using multivariate logistic regression. Participants: The participants of this study were neurologists who completed postgraduate training and devoted >5% of their time to patient care. Results: There was a response rate of 9.3%; 1200 respondents met eligibility criteria and completed surveys. Only 6.8% of the respondents discussed SUDEP with nearly all (>90% of the time) of their patients with epilepsy/caregivers, while 11.6% never discussed it. Factors that independently predicted whether SUDEP was discussed nearly all of the time were the following: number of patients with epilepsy seen annually (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.20–3.37, p <0.01) and if the respondent had a SUDEP case in the past 24months (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.37–3.66, p <0.01). A majority of respondents (59.5%) reported that negative reactions were the most common response to a discussion of SUDEP. Having additional epilepsy/neurophysiology training was associated with an increased risk of a perceived negative response (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.02–1.82, p =0.038), while years in practice (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.77–0.95, p <0.005) and seeing both adults and children were associated with a decreased likelihood of negative response (OR=0.15, 95% CI=0.032–0.74, p =0.02). Conclusions: U.S. and Canadian neurologists rarely discuss SUDEP with all patients with epilepsy/caregivers though discussions are more likely among neurologists who frequently see patients with epilepsy or had a recent SUDEP in their practice. Perceived negative reactions to SUDEP discussions are common but not universal; more experienced neurologists may be less likely to encounter negative reactions, suggesting that there may be ways to frame the discussion that minimizes patient/caregiver distress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Postictal generalized electroencephalographic suppression (PGES) has been associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in adults. Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is one clinical marker of SUDEP in adults with epilepsy. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of HRV associated with generalized convulsive seizures (GCS) ± PGES in children. Nine hundred and seventy-seven consecutive children who underwent prolonged scalp video-EEG (vEEG) and 1-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada were reviewed retrospectively from 2009 to 2011. Thirty-five children had GCS captured during their vEEG with or without PGES and met inclusion criteria. Children were subdivided into three age groups and compared with age-matched controls: 3–6 years; 7–12 years; and 13–18 years. Interictal HRV was measured at 5 min during N2 sleep. Preictal HRV was measured at 1 h prior to GCS onset, and postictal HRV was measured at 3 min post-GCS cessation. Low frequency (LF: ms2, 0.04–0.15 Hz) and high frequency (HF: ms2, 0.15–0.4 Hz) bands of heart rate oscillations were analyzed during the interictal and preictal periods. The root mean square of successive differences (RMSSDs) was analyzed during the following time points: interictal; preictal; and postictal. Thirty-five children had GCS: 18 children with PGES [3–6 years (n = 2); 7–12 years (n = 6); 13–18 years (n = 10)] and 17 children without PGES [3–6 years (n = 6); 7–12 years (n = 5); 13–18 years (n = 6)]. Seventeen additional age-matched controls were identified [3–6 years (n = 3); 7–12 years (n = 5); 13–18 years (n = 9)]. Seventy-four GCS were captured consisting of 36 GCS + PGES and 38 GCS − PGES. There was no difference of interictal HRV among children with GCS ± PGES and controls. The preictal LF and HF in 36 GCS + PGES were significantly higher compared with 38 GCS − PGES (p < 0.01). The postictal RMSSD in 36 GCS + PGES was significantly higher compared with 38 GCS − PGES (p < 0.01). The pre- to postictal RMSSD change was significantly lower in children with GCS + PGES than in those with GCS − PGES (p = 0.035). In summary, the preictal HRV in GCS + PGES was significantly higher than in children with GCS − PGES. The higher remaining postictal RMSSD in children with GCS + PGES is a potential indicator of autonomic dysregulation. In certain children with epilepsy, autonomic dysregulation may contribute to poor recovery from a GCS with subsequent PGES, thereby contributing to SUDEP. Heart rate variability and autonomic regulation in children with epilepsy should be further studied prospectively in order to better understand the mechanism by which PGES may lead to SUDEP. • Preictal LF and HF in GCS + PGES were significantly higher than those in GCS − PGES. • Postictal RMSSD in GCS + PGES was significantly higher than that of GCS − PGES. • Pre- to postictal RMSSD change was significantly lower in GCS + PGES than in GCS – PGES. • Patients with GCS + PGES may have potential autonomic dysregulation. • Autonomic dysregulation leading to GCS results in PGES and possible SUDEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a rare condition temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using national surveillance data, we compare presenting features and outcomes among children hospitalized with PIMS by SARS-CoV-2 linkage, and identify risk factors for intensive care (ICU)., Methods: Cases were reported to the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program by a network of >2800 pediatricians between March 2020 and May 2021. Patients with positive versus negative SARS-CoV-2 linkages were compared, with positive linkage defined as any positive molecular or serologic test or close contact with confirmed COVID-19. ICU risk factors were identified with multivariable modified Poisson regression., Results: We identified 406 children hospitalized with PIMS, including 49.8% with positive SARS-CoV-2 linkages, 26.1% with negative linkages, and 24.1% with unknown linkages. The median age was 5.4 years (IQR 2.5-9.8), 60% were male, and 83% had no comorbidities. Compared to cases with negative linkages, children with positive linkages experienced more cardiac involvement (58.8% vs. 37.4%; p < 0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (88.6% vs. 63.2%; p < 0.001), and shock (60.9% vs. 16.0%; p < 0.001). Children aged ≥6 years and those with positive linkages were more likely to require ICU., Conclusions: Although rare, 30% of PIMS hospitalizations required ICU or respiratory/hemodynamic support, particularly those with positive SARS-CoV-2 linkages., Impact: We describe 406 children hospitalized with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) using nationwide surveillance data, the largest study of PIMS in Canada to date. Our surveillance case definition of PIMS did not require a history of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and we therefore describe associations of SARS-CoV-2 linkages on clinical features and outcomes of children with PIMS. Children with positive SARS-CoV-2 linkages were older, had more gastrointestinal and cardiac involvement, and hyperinflammatory laboratory picture. Although PIMS is rare, one-third required admission to intensive care, with the greatest risk amongst those aged ≥6 years and those with a SARS-CoV-2 linkage., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Competing Interests: Intérêts concurrents : Krista Baerg déclare avoir reçu du financement du Chronic Pain Network. Elle a été présidente sortante de la section de la pédiatrie communautaire de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie et membre du conseil d’administration de la Saskatchewan Pain Society; elle a reçu des droits d’auteur de Brush Education. Kevin Chan est président du Comité des soins aigus de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie. Elizabeth Donner est présidente du comité de recherche scientifique et administratrice d’Épilepsie Canada. Elle est aussi membre de Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy et de comités consultatifs pour Cardiol, Pendopharm et Stoke Therapeutics. Catherine Farrell est présidente du comité directeur scientifique du Programme canadien de surveillance pédiatrique, ancienne présidente du Comité de spécialité en pédiatrie du Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada, ancienne présidente de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie, présidente du Comité d’éthique et membre du conseil d’administration de la Société canadienne de soins intensifs. Elle a reçu un remboursement de frais de déplacement de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie et du Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada. Elle a aussi reçu des honoraires pour une présentation lors d’un symposium de formation continue à l’Université de Sherbrooke. Sarah Forgie est présidente de l’Association pour la microbiologie médicale et l’infectiologie Canada. Fatima Kakkar a reçu des honoraires pour des présentations données à l’Association des pédiatres du Québec. Thuy Mai Luu est directrice du Réseau canadien de suivi néonatal. Charlotte Moore Hepburn est directrice de Santé mentale pour enfants Ontario et directrice des affaires médicales pour la Société canadienne de pédiatrie et le Programme canadien de surveillance pédiatrique. Shaun Morris a reçu des honoraires de GlaxoSmithKline pour des conférences. Il a été membre d’un comité consultatif ad hoc pour Pfizer Canada. Jesse Papenburg a reçu des honoraires de consultation d’AbbVie et des honoraires d’AbbVie et de Seegene, et il a bénéficié de fournitures pour des tests de dépistage de virus respiratoires remis par Seegene pour son établissement. Il a participé à des réunions de comités consultatifs ad hoc pour AbbVie et il est membre ayant droit de vote du Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation. Rupeena Purewal est consultante pour Verity Pharmaceuticals. Manish Sadarangani est membre du comité consultatif d’Astra Zeneca. Marina Salvadori est une employée de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada. Aucun autre intérêt concurrent déclaré.

Background: Risk factors for severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well established in children. We sought to describe pediatric hospital admissions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada and identify risk factors for more severe disease., Methods: We conducted a national prospective study using the infrastructure of the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP). Cases involving children who were admitted to hospital with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported from Apr. 8 to Dec. 31 2020, through weekly online questionnaires distributed to the CPSP network of more than 2800 pediatricians. We categorized hospital admissions as related to COVID-19, incidental, or for social or infection control reasons and determined risk factors for disease severity in hospital., Results: Among 264 hospital admissions involving children with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 9-month study period, 150 (56.8%) admissions were related to COVID-19 and 100 (37.9%) were incidental infections (admissions for other reasons and found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 on screening). Infants (37.3%) and adolescents (29.6%) represented most cases. Among hospital admissions related to COVID-19, 52 (34.7%) had critical disease, 42 (28.0%) of whom required any form of respiratory or hemodynamic support, and 59 (39.3%) had at least 1 underlying comorbidity. Children with obesity, chronic neurologic conditions or chronic lung disease other than asthma were more likely to have severe or critical COVID-19., Interpretation: Among children who were admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada during the early COVID-19 pandemic period, incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection was common. In children admitted with acute COVID-19, obesity and neurologic and respiratory comorbidities were associated with more severe disease., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Krista Baerg reports funding from the Chronic Pain Network. She also served as Past President of the Community Paediatrics Section of the Canadian Paediatric Society and on the Board of Directors for Saskatchewan Pain Society, and has received royalties from Brush Education. Kevin Chan is Chair of the Acute Care Committee of the Canadian Paediatric Society. Elizabeth Donner is Chair of the Scientific Research Committee and a director of Epilepsy Canada. She is also a member of Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy and the advisory boards of Cardiol, Pendopharm and Stoke Therapeutics. Catherine Farrell is Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee for the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, former Chair of the Specialty Committee in Pediatrics of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, former President of the Canadian Paediatric Society, and Chair of the Ethics Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Critical Care Society. She has received reimbursement for travel expenses from Canadian Paediatric Society and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She has also received an honorarium for a presentation at a continuing education conference from the Université de Sherbrooke. Sarah Forgie is the President of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. Fatima Kakkar has received honoraria for presentations given to the Association des Pédiatres du Québec. Thuy Mai Luu is the Director of the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network. Charlotte Moore Hepburn is the Director of Children’s Mental Health of Ontario, and the Director of medical affairs for the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program. Shaun Morris has received honouraria for lectures from GlaxoSmithKline. He was a member of an ad hoc advisory board for Pfizer Canada. Jesse Papenburg has received consultant fees from AbbVie, honouraria from AbbVie and Seegene, and he received respiratory virus testing materials from Seegene for his institution. He has participated in ad hoc advisory board meetings for AbbVie and is a voting member of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Rupeena Purewal is a consultant for Verity Pharmaceuticals. Manish Sadarangani is a member of the advisory board of Astra Zeneca. Marina Salvadori is an employee of the Public Health Agency of Canada. No other competing interests were declared., (© 2021 CMA Joule Inc. or its licensors.)

Introduction: To identify the perceived practice among Canadian epileptologists regarding discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) following successful resective surgery for temporal and extratemporal surgery., Methods: We performed a survey of pediatric and adult epileptologists in Canada, using a 77-item questionnaire to explore attitudes, timing, rate of withdrawal, and factors contributing to the decision to withdraw AEDs after successful epilepsy surgery. Surveys were mailed with a postage-paid return envelope. Two subsequent surveys were mailed to non-respondents at 15 days intervals. All procedures received institutional review board approval., Results: Surveys were sent to 82 epileptologists in all the Canadian provinces. Sixty-six physicians answered the survey (80.5%), representing all epilepsy centers across Canada. The minimum seizure free period required after epilepsy surgery before withdrawing AEDs, varied substantially among responders: <6 months in 10%, 6-11 months in 21%, >1 year in 50%, >2 years in 12%, >2 years in 3% after. The most important factors influencing the decision to withdraw AEDs a negative EEG before discontinuation (71%), patients' preferences (78%) and the presence of unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis (70%). The most important factors against reduction were the following: patients' wishes to resume driving (67%), focal (65%) or generalized (78%) epileptiform activity on EEG after surgery, persistent isolated auras (78%), any seizures after hospital discharge (81%), and presurgical multifocal/bilateral/diffuse findings (78%)., Discussion: Canadian epileptologists indicated that AED levels, EEG and MRI are typically done before discontinuing AEDs. Generally, a good candidate for stopping AEDs has focal pathology, is completely seizure free, had an anterior temporal lobe resection, complete resection of seizure focus, and has no epileptiform discharges on postoperative EEG. The data pertaining to self-reported practice styles, and actual practice may differ., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)