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This study compared perioperative outcomes among infants undergoing repair of congenital anomalies using minimally invasive (MIS) versus open surgical approaches.The ACS NSQIP Pediatric (2013-2018) was queried for patients undergoing repair of any of the following 9 congenital anomalies: congenital lung lesion (LL), mediastinal mass (MM), congenital malrotation (CM), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), hepatobiliary anomalies (HB), and intestinal atresia (IA). Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) derived from propensity scores were utilized to estimate risk-adjusted association between surgical approach and 30-day outcomes.12,871 patients undergoing congenital anomaly repair were included (10,343 open; 2528 MIS). After IPTW, MIS was associated with longer operative time (difference; 95% CI) (16 min; 9-23) and anesthesia time (13 min; 6-21), but less postoperative ventilation days (-1.0 days; -1.4- -0.6) and shorter postoperative length of stay (-1.4 days; -2.4- -0.3). MIS repairs had decreased risk of any surgical complication (risk difference: -6.6%; -9.2- -4.0), including hematologic complications (-7.3%; -8.9- -5.8). There was no significant difference in risk of complication when hematologic complications were excluded (RD -2.3% [-4.7%, 0.1%]). There were no significant differences in the risk of unplanned reoperation (0.4%; -1.5-2.2) or unplanned readmission (0.2%; -1.2-1.5).MIS repair of congenital anomalies is associated with improved perioperative outcomes when compared to open. Additional studies are needed to compare long-term functional and disease-specific outcomes.In this propensity-weighted multi-institutional analysis of nine congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgical repair was associated with improved 30-day outcomes when compared to open surgical repair.III.

The objective of this study was to determine the rates at which gynecologic history and related exams are performed among adolescent females presenting with abdominal pain and whether the rates differ between patients seeking care at a pediatric compared with a general emergency department (ED).We conducted a retrospective cohort study of female patients aged 12-21 years who presented to the ED for a chief complaint of abdominal pain at either a single academic children's ED or a single general academic ED during 2016. We examined differences in the rates of gynecologic history and related exams between institutions, before and after adjustment with inverse probability weights.A total of 837 females met the inclusion criteria for this study, and 627 patients were included in the adjusted analyses. Outcomes more commonly performed at the pediatric institution included documentation of contraception (28% at the general ED vs 43% at the pediatric ED, P.001), sexually transmitted infection testing (32% at the general ED vs 42% at the pediatric ED, P = .04), and radiologic imaging (46% at the general ED vs 70% at the pediatric ED, P.001). Outcomes that were more commonly performed at the general ED were pelvic exam (26% at the general ED vs 10% at the pediatric ED, P.001) and complete blood count draw (67% at the general ED vs 39% at the pediatric ED, P.001). No differences were observed between institutions in the documentation of menarche or sexual activity, the performance of a pregnancy test or CT scan, or the rate of subsequent ED/urgent care visits in the following year.The rates at which gynecologic history and pelvic examination were performed in adolescent females presenting for abdominal pain at both a general ED and a pediatric ED were low and inconsistent. Providers should have a low threshold for testing for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Pelvic examination and diagnostic lab testing should be performed when indicated in the setting of a clinically appropriate history. These efforts would ensure adequate evaluation of adolescent women and reduce unnecessary health resource utilization.

Objective Adults with sarcopenia have a greater risk of post-operative complications, a higher rate of ICU admission, and an increased length of hospital stay. Few studies have explored the prevalence or importance of sarcopenia in the pediatric population. This study reviews the published literature on sarcopenia in the pediatric population, including pediatric surgery. Methods Original studies related to sarcopenia in children were identified using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and the PubMed database. Results A total of 390 articles were screened, with 28 meeting inclusion criteria. Twenty (71%) studies provided a means to define abnormal and 18 studies (64%) showed that a specific disease process could impact lean muscle mass in children. Only 4 (14%) studies associated the change in muscle mass with an outcome. Two studies investigated sarcopenia and outcomes in the pediatric surgical patient and demonstrated associations with worse outcomes. Conclusion Despite studies showing an association between sarcopenia and negative outcomes in the adult surgical population, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding the impact of sarcopenia on the pediatric population. Future studies are needed to ascertain the relationship between muscle mass and outcomes in pediatric surgical patients.

Many patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) need a bowel management program (BMP) to manage lifelong problems of fecal incontinence or severe constipation. We aimed to evaluate the sustainability of the results in such a program.A single-institution retrospective review was performed in children with ARM who attended our BMP (2015-2019). Standardized definitions and validated tools were used to assess fecal continence (Baylor Continence Scale), constipation (Cleveland Constipation Scoring System), urinary symptoms (Vancouver Symptoms Score), and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the start of BMP and 1-year after completion of the program.222 patients with ARM at a median age of 6.7 (IQR, 4.9-10.1) years were identified. All (100%) soiled at intake with 149 (67.1%) patients being treated with rectal or antegrade enemas and 73 (32.9%) with oral laxatives. At 1 year 150 (70.4%) were clean, 72.7% were on enemas and 27.3% were on laxatives (p = 0.08). 109 out of 148 (73.6%) patients were clean on enemas. A further 41 out of 66 (62.1%) patients were continent on laxatives with voluntary bowel movements and clean. In the group that was clean, there was improvement in Baylor Continence Scale (25 vs. 13.0, p 0.000000002), Vancouver (11 vs. 6, p = 0.0110) scores, and clinically relevant improvement in the total PedsQL HRQL (78-85) and the PedsQL HRQL physical function (86-92) and psychosocial domain (77-82). There was no improvement in Cleveland (10 vs. 9, p = 0.31) score.An intensive BMP offers significant benefits in the treatment of fecal incontinence in ARM. It appears to also improve urinary incontinence and urinary voiding as well as the patient's quality of life. These changes are sustainable over at least one year.

Study Objective Evaluation of acute abdominal pain in an adolescent female patient should include consideration of all potential sources of pain, including gynecologic etiologies. The goal of our study was to determine the frequency of evaluation of gynecologic causes of abdominal pain in adolescent girls seen in a pediatric emergency department. Study Design A retrospective review was performed of girls between 12 and 21 years of age presenting to the emergency department or urgent care centers at a single pediatric institution with the chief complaint of abdominal pain during 2016. Frequency analyses of demographic and clinical characteristics are presented. Results A total of 1082 girls presented with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. Menarche was documented in 85% of patients, sexual history in 52% of patients, and assessment of contraception use in 28%. Pregnancy testing was performed in 77%. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing was performed in 31%, and in only 73% of patients who reported being sexually active. Imaging was performed in 52%. In the subgroup of patients who reported being sexually active and presented with abdominal pain and vaginal discharge, only 37% had a pelvic examination performed. In multivariable modeling, Black patients were significantly more likely than White patients to have STI testing performed (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.39; confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-1.70) and to undergo a pelvic examination (aRR = 2.45; CI = 1.34-4.50), and less likely to undergo imaging (aRR = 0.69; CI = 0.59-0.81). Conclusion The assessment of abdominal pain in adolescent girls should include gynecologic etiologies. Our results raise concerns that there are deficiencies in the evaluation of gynecologic sources of abdominal pain in girls treated at pediatric facilities, and evidence of potential racial disparities.

Infants with newborn congenital anomalies are increasingly undergoing minimally invasive surgical (MIS) repair. Currently available data on outcomes are limited. This study provides national estimates for length of stay and 30-day complications following MIS for congenital anomalies. Using the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric (2013–2018), a retrospective analysis of MIS for congenital anomalies was performed. MIS repairs for the following diagnoses were included: pyloric stenosis (PS), congenital lung lesion (LL), mediastinal mass (MM), congenital malrotation (CM), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung’s disease (HD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), biliary atresia/choledochal cyst (HB), and intestinal atresia (IA). Postoperative LOS (pLOS) and complication rates were examined using multivariable analysis for risk factors after categorizing surgeries by complexity of care related to congenital anomaly: Simple (PS), Complex Group 1 (LL, MM, CM, and ARM), and Complex Group 2 (HD, CDH, TEF, HB, and IA). Across 10 anomalies, 8,326 repairs were performed using an MIS approach. Procedure-specific median postoperative LOS (75th-percentile, 90th-percentile) for PS was 1 day (1, 3); LL was 3 (4, 7); MM was 2 (3, 5); CM was 4 (7, 14); ARM was 3 (5, 8); HD was 5 (8, 12); CDH was 8 (18, 31); HB was 5 (8, 12); TEF was 20 (31, 53); and IA was 17 (25, 40). The overall surgical complication rates (95% CI) were: PS, 5.1% (4.7%–5.6%); LL, 14.2% (12.3–16.4); MM, 8.4% (6.4–11.0); CM, 14.6% (11.9–17.9); ARM, 12.0% (7.1–19.5); HD, 22.1% (19.5–25.0); CDH, 21.1% (17.1–25.6); HB, 20.6% (13.7–29.7); TEF, 36% (27.5–45.5); and IA, 28.6% (19.3–40.1). Risk factors for increased pLOS and complications varied by procedure category and included patient-level and admission characteristics. This study provides national benchmarks and risk factors for expected postoperative LOS and 30-day complications following MIS for congenital anomalies.

Background: While statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, there is controversy regarding a potentially causal link with incident diabetes mellitus (DM). This association may partially be due to confounding by indication; since prescription guidelines encourage statin use among those diagnosed with DM, this may encourage their prescription among those with elevated blood glucose in the absence of DM diagnosis. Objective: The study examined the association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction following initiation of statin use and new-onset DM among veterans. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Patients with a visit between January 2007 and December 2011 were selected from the Veterans Information Systems and Technology Architecture system. Individuals were classified into categories of statin usage based on LDL reduction percentages and frequency-matched with controls. The primary outcome of interest was incident DM. Results: There was a significant association between LDL reduction and DM which was higher in lower LDL reduction groups (low response hazard ratio [HR]: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.62, 2.79; moderate response HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.45; high response HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.74, 2.07). Conclusion and Relevance: This association may partially be explained by potential lifestyle modifications individuals may make when prescribed a statin which may reduce their risk of DM independent of the statin usage. This research has demonstrated a protective association between greater LDL reduction and DM at the individual level while reenforcing the evidence of an association between statin usage and DM.

Objective To better understand why children born with cloacal anomalies are at a high risk of renal insufficiency, this study aims to determine baseline renal volume in children with cloacal anomalies compared to controls. We hypothesized children with cloacal anomalies would be born with less renal volume. Methods An IRB approved database of children with cloacal anomalies was reviewed. Controls were female patients with two-vessel umbilical cord or preauricular tags who underwent screening renal ultrasound. Children were included if they had a renal ultrasound in the first 3 months of life. Cloacal exstrophy, horseshoe and cross-fused ectopic kidneys were excluded. Total and individual kidney volumes were compared between the two groups. Results The study cohort consisted of 109 patients, 46 (42.2%) cloaca patients and 63 (57.8%) controls. In unadjusted analyses, average total renal volume for cloaca and control patients was 22.4 cm3 versus 25.5 cm3 respectively (p=0.1006), and there was no significant difference when adjusting for age (p=0.3915). The estimated difference in renal unit volume between cloaca patients without solitary kidneys and controls was -1.6 cm3 (95% C.I.: -3.6, 0.4; p=0.1201), and there was no significant difference when adjusting for age (p=0.4725). The age-adjusted difference in renal unit volume between cloaca patients with solitary kidney and controls was 1.8 cm3 (95% CI: -1.1, 4.8; p=0.2148). Conclusions Children with cloacal anomalies have similar baseline renal volumes as children without cloacal anomalies. Therefore, the increased risk of renal insufficiency in this patient population appears to be due to renal injury post-natally.

OBJECTIVES Adults with decreased muscle mass experience worse outcomes and more frequent complications. The effects of sarcopenia on pediatric outcomes are unknown. Our objective was to define reference values for lean muscle mass in a healthy pediatric population to facilitate future studies on the impact of lean muscle mass on pediatric outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Bilateral psoas muscle surface area was measured by computed tomography in a healthy pediatric population undergoing evaluation after trauma. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) were calculated for age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), total psoas muscle area, and psoas muscle index (PMI; defined as psoas muscle area divided by height squared). Quantile regression was used to determine age- and sex-specific percentiles of psoas muscle area and PMI. RESULTS Analysis of 494 male and 288 female patients with available imaging (median age: 9.3 years, interquartile range: 5.4-13.4; 63.1% male) was performed. For males, age correlated strongly with total psoas volume (PCC = 0.87), height (0.95), and weight (0.88) and poorly with BMI (0.45). In females, age correlated strongly with total psoas volume (0.88), height (0.92), weight (0.88) and poorly with BMI (0.19). Gender-specific curves and charts were created using output from the quantile regression from reference values of the total psoas muscle area corresponding to the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles across all ages. CONCLUSIONS We created gender-specific reference charts for total and height-normalized psoas muscle area in healthy children based on age. These results can be used in future studies to establish the effects of sarcopenia in pediatric patients.

Background Racially disparate pain management affects both adult and pediatric patients, but is not well studied among pediatric surgical patients after discharge. The objectives were to evaluate racial disparities in pediatric postoperative opioid prescription filling. Methods This retrospective cohort study included black or white pediatric Medicaid patients who underwent tonsillectomy, supracondylar humeral fracture fixation, or appendectomy (2/2012–7/2016). Patients were followed for 14 days post-surgery to identify opioid prescription fills. Logistic regression models evaluated the association between race and the probability of filling an opioid prescription. Results Among 39,316 surgical patients, the proportions of patients with post-surgical opioid prescriptions were 66.0%, 83.9%, and 68.5%, among tonsillectomy, supracondylar fracture, and appendectomy patients, respectively. The proportion of black appendectomy patients with a postoperative opioid prescription was significantly lower compared to white patients (65.0% vs. 69.2% respectively, p = 0.03), but was no longer significant after adjusting for other patient and provider characteristics. There were no differences by race in opioid prescription filling among other surgical patient groups. Conclusions The present study did not identify racial disparities in opioid prescription filling in adjusted analyses. Racial differences in unadjusted postoperative opioid prescription filling among appendectomy patients may be explained in part by longer postoperative length-of-stay among black children. Type of Study Prognosis Study Level of Evidence Level II

OBJECTIVE To understand the utilization of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) for the management of neurogenic bladder in children with myelomeningocele (MMC). AC carries considerable risk. To mitigate this, recent studies have emphasized alternatives to AC, but it is unknown if these interventions have resulted in fewer ACs being performed. Our goal was to evaluate the use of AC in MMC patients over the past decade. We hypothesized that the use of AC had decreased and that the age at AC increased. METHODS Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we studied patients with MMC who had an AC between January 2009 and December 2018. International Classification of Disease procedure codes were used to identify AC procedures. We quantified trends in AC utilization by estimating the annual proportion of MMC admissions with an AC. We also assessed trends in patient age at the time of AC. RESULTS Proportion of AC per MMC admissions across the study period was 4.8%. There was no significant annual trend in the overall number of ACs performed each quarter over the past decade nor was there any change in the estimated annual incidence rate ratio of AC (1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.96, 1.05; P =.75). The estimated annual change in patient age at procedure remained relatively constant over the study period (−0.03 years, 95% confidence interval −0.13, 0.07; P = .51). CONCLUSION Practice patterns for the utilization of AC in MMC did not change significantly over the past decade despite prominent voices in the literature emphasizing alternative interventions in this patient population.

Obstructive uropathy (OU) is a leading cause of pediatric kidney injury. Accurate prediction of kidney disease progression may improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to examine discrimination and accuracy of a validated kidney failure risk equation (KFRE), previously developed in adults, in children with OU. We identified 118 children with OU and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Congenital obstructive uropathy (OU) is a leading cause of pediatric kidney failure, representing a unique mechanism of injury, in part from renal tubular stretch and ischemia. Tubular injury biomarkers have potential to improve OU-specific risk stratification. Patients with OU were identified in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study. “Cases” were defined as individuals receiving any kidney replacement therapy (KRT), while “controls” were age- and time-on-study matched and KRT free at last study visit. Urine and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) levels were measured at enrollment and annually and compared between cases and controls. Urine values were normalized to urine creatinine. In total, 22 cases and 22 controls were identified, with median (interquartile range) ages of 10.5 (9.0–13.0) and 15.9 (13.9–16.9) years at baseline and outcome, respectively. At enrollment there were no differences noted between cases and controls for any urine (u) or plasma (p) biomarker measured. However, the mean pNGAL and uL-FABP/creatinine increased throughout the study period in cases (15.38 ng/ml per year and 0.20 ng/ml per mg/dl per year, respectively, p = 0.01 for both) but remained stable in controls. This remained constant after controlling for baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In children with OU, pNGAL and uL-FABP levels increased over the 5 years preceding KRT; independent of baseline GFR. Future studies are necessary to identify optimal cutoff values and to determine if these markers outperform current clinical predictors.

The objective of this study is to determine recent trends in use of robotics and laparoscopy for pediatric retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection (RPLND) in pediatric and non-pediatric hospitals. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 29 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS), and data from 14 states in the State Inpatient Databases (SID), between 2008 and 2014. The study population was comprised of patients aged ≥ 10 years undergoing RPLND, with an inpatient diagnosis of testicular or paratesticular cancer, based on international classification of disease (ICD) codes. Robotic approach was identified by the presence of an ICD procedure code modifier. During the study period, a total of 90 RPLNDs were performed in pediatric hospitals (median patient age 16 years). Of these, 4 (4.4%) were performed robotically. A total of 3120 RPLNDs were performed in non-pediatric hospitals (median patient age: 32 years). Among these, 269 (8.6%) were performed robotically, with an increasing trend in the use of robotic RPLND (adjusted annual increase in probability of undergoing robotic vs. open procedure: 16%; 95% CI 8–24). Undergoing robotic RPLND was associated with a reduction in postoperative length of stay of 3.5 days (95% CI 2.9, 4.1). Open surgical approaches comprise the vast majority of RPLNDs performed at pediatric hospitals. This is in contrast with trends in non-pediatric hospitals where robotic RPLND is being increasingly utilized. Future research is necessary to investigate this discrepancy in adopting minimally invasive techniques for RPLND in pediatric centers.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound is indispensable to gestational age estimation and thus to quality obstetrical care, yet high equipment cost and the need for trained sonographers limit its use in low-resource settings. METHODS: From September 2018 through June 2021, we recruited 4695 pregnant volunteers in North Carolina and Zambia and obtained blind ultrasound sweeps (cineloop videos) of the gravid abdomen alongside standard fetal biometry. We trained a neural network to estimate gestational age from the sweeps and, in three test data sets, assessed the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI) model and biometry against previously established gestational age. RESULTS: In our main test set, the mean absolute error (MAE) (±SE) was 3.9±0.12 days for the model versus 4.7±0.15 days for biometry (difference, −0.8 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.1 to −0.5; P

A trial of progesterone to prevent preterm birth among HIV-infected Zambian women [Improving Pregnancy Outcomes with Progesterone (IPOP)] found no treatment effect, but the risk of the primary outcome was among the lowest ever documented in women with HIV. In this secondary analysis, we compare the risks of preterm birth (37 weeks), stillbirth, and a composite primary outcome comprising the two in IPOP versus an observational pregnancy cohort [Zambian Preterm Birth Prevention Study (ZAPPS)] in Zambia, to evaluate reasons for the low risk in IPOP.Both studies enrolled women before 24 gestational weeks, during August 2015-September 2017 (ZAPPS) and February 2018-January 2020 (IPOP). We used linear probability and log-binomial regression to estimate risk differences and risk ratios (RR), before and after restriction and standardization with inverse probability weights.The unadjusted risk of composite outcome was 18% in ZAPPS (N = 1450) and 9% in IPOP (N = 791) (RR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.6). After restricting and standardizing the ZAPPS cohort to the distribution of IPOP baseline characteristics, the risk remained higher in ZAPPS (RR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0, 2.4). The lower risk of preterm/stillbirth in IPOP was only partially explained by measured risk factors.Possible benefits in IPOP of additional monetary reimbursement, more frequent visits, and group-based care warrant further investigation.

Low back pain (LBP) disproportionately impacts US military veterans compared with nonveterans. Although the effect of psychological conditions on LBP is regularly studied, there is little published to date investigating nightmare disorder (NMD) and LBP. The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate whether an association exists between NMD and LBP and (2) estimate the effect of NMD diagnosis on time to LBP. We used a retrospective cohort design with oversampling of those with NMD from the Veterans Health Administration (n = 15 983). We used logistic regression to assess for a cross-sectional association between NMD and LBP and survival analysis to estimate the effect of NMD on time to LBP, up to 60-month follow-up, conditioning on age, sex, race, index year, Charlson Comorbidity Index, depression, anxiety, insomnia, combat exposure, and prisoner of war history to address confounding. Odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) indicated a cross-sectional association of 1.35 (1.13 to 1.60) and 1.21 (1.02 to 1.42) for NMD and LBP within 6 months and 12 months pre- or post-NMD diagnosis, respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) indicated the effect of NMD on time to LBP that was time-dependent—HR (with 95% CIs) 1.27 (1.02 to 1.59), 1.23 (1.03 to 1.48), 1.19 (1.01 to 1.40), and 1.10 (0.94 to 1.29) in the first 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-diagnosis, respectively—approximating the null (1.00) at >12 months. The estimated effect of NMD on LBP suggests that improved screening for NMD among veterans may help clinicians and researchers predict (or intervene to reduce) risk of future back pain.

BackgroundUltrasound is indispensable to gestational age estimation, and thus to quality obstetric care, yet high equipment cost and need for trained sonographers limit its use in low-resource settings.MethodsFrom September 2018 through June 2021, we recruited 4,695 pregnant volunteers in North Carolina and Zambia and obtained blind ultrasound sweeps (cineloops) of the gravid abdomen alongside standard fetal biometry. We trained a neural network to estimate gestational age from the sweeps and, in three test sets, assessed performance of the model and biometry against previously established gestational age.ResultsIn our main test set, model mean absolute error (MAE) was 3.9 days (standard error [SE] 0.12) vs. 4.7 days (SE 0.15) for biometry (difference -0.8 days; 95% CI -1.1, -0.5; pConclusionsOur model estimated gestational age more accurately from blindly obtained ultrasound sweeps than did trained sonographers performing fetal biometry. These results presage a future where all pregnant people – not just those in rich countries – can access the diagnostic benefits of sonography.

Aims and objectives The aim of this review is develop a reliable and valid questionnaire that assesses patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of caregivers, families, and patients with severe constipation and fecal incontinence who failed conservative treatments and require a formal bowel management program (BMP). Methods A 5-step iterative process was utilized to ensure the reliability and validity of the final instrument. Parents or guardians of patients undergoing our week-long BMP were first asked 20 open-ended questions aimed at understanding the challenges in managing their child's condition. Responses were transformed into an initial 41-item survey constituted of 2 constructs relating to PREMs (24 items) and PROMs (17 items). Survey items were then administered to 359 parents and guardians undergoing BMP. Cognitive interviews were performed with 20 families to assess face validity and to further refine the survey. Instrument readability and reliability was assessed by Flesch-Kincaid and Crohnbach α analyses. Items that weakly correlated were deleted to yield a final instrument that was both valid and reliable. Results A 33-statement survey was developed that encompasses important physical and emotional health concerns, quality of life, treatment success, financial considerations, schooling, parental employment, and social concerns. The final instrument, the Patient-Reported Experience and Outcome Measure in a Bowel Management Program (PREOM-BMP), is divided into 2 separate constructs that assess important patient-reported experience (22 items) and outcome (11 items) measures. Reliability analyses on the final instrument yielded a Crohnbach α of 0.925. Conclusions The PREOM-BMP offers physicians and nursing professionals a brief and valid tool to measure the impact of a bowel management program on both the child and the family unit.

Background Our objective was to examine extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) utilization and determine whether pediatric-specific and overall ECMO volumes are associated with mortality rates. Methods State Inpatient Databases from 17 states were queried for ECMO admissions during 2008-2014. Hospitals in which >90% of their ECMO patients were ≤18 y old were considered pediatric ECMO centers. Hospital overall ECMO volumes were calculated as the average annual number of admissions, of any age, and categorized as 30. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the impact of ECMO volume on pediatric in-hospital mortality. Results There were 4546 pediatric ECMO admissions across 84 hospitals. Most patients were neonates (59.9%), and the most common indication for ECMO was neonatal respiratory failure (20.1%). Approximately 35% of hospitals offering pediatric ECMO averaged 30 annual ECMO admissions had significantly lower mortality than hospitals with lower ECMO volume. Among the high-volume centers, pediatric ECMO centers had significantly lower mortality rates than high-volume nonpediatric ECMO centers (17.4% versus 38.2%). Conclusions A high proportion of hospitals performing pediatric ECMO have a low number of annual ECMO admissions. Pediatric centers with high volume had the lowest risk-adjusted mortality rates for pediatric ECMO.

BACKGROUND: For most individuals, blood pressure (BP) is related to multiple risk factors. By utilizing the decision tree analysis technique, this study aimed to identify the best discriminative risk factors and interactions that are associated with maintaining normal BP over 30 years and to reveal segments of a population with a high probability of maintaining normal BP. METHODS: Participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study aged 18–30 years with normal BP level at baseline visit (Y0, 1985–1986) were included in this study. RESULTS: Of 3,156 participants, 1,132 (35.9%) maintained normal BP during the follow-up period and 2,024 (64.1%) developed higher BP. Systolic BP (SBP) within the normal range, race, and body mass index (BMI) were the most discriminative factors between participants who maintained normal BP throughout midlife and those who developed higher BP. Participants with a baseline SBP level ≤92 mm Hg and White women with baseline BMI < 23 kg/m(2) were the two segments of the population with the highest probability for maintaining normal BP throughout midlife (69.2% and 59.9%, respectively). Among Black participants aged >26.5 years with BMI > 27 kg/m(2), only 5.4% of participants maintained normal BP throughout midlife. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of early life factors to later life SBP and support efforts to maintain ideal levels of risk factors for hypertension at young ages. Whether policies to maintain lower BMI and SBP well below the clinical thresholds throughout young adulthood and middle age can reduce later age hypertension should be examined in future studies.

The purpose of this study was to assess variability in age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) in infants with biliary atresia (BA) across children's hospitals in the United States.A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed examining infants with BA undergoing KP within 6 months of birth from 2016-2019, utilizing the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Multivariable negative binomial mixed effects regression was performed for age at KP, and inter-hospital variability was examined.Across 46 hospitals, 470 infants with BA underwent KP at a median age of 57 days (IQR 42-72), with 212 (45.1%) undergoing KP at ≥60 days of age. There was significant inter-hospital variability in age at KP ranging from 38 days (95% CI: 31d, 47d) to 76 days (95% CI: 63d, 91d) (p0.0001). Factors associated with later KP were black or African-American race, urgent/emergent admission, and treatment at a hospital in the Pacific-West region. Predictors of earlier KP included later year, history of neonatal comorbidity, and admission to an intensive care service (all p0.05).There is significant variability in the age at KP in infants with BA across children's hospitals in the United States.Retrospective study.III.

Background We aimed to estimate the impact of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) coding transition on traumatic injury-related hospitalization trends among young adults across a geographically and demographically diverse group of U.S. states. Methods Interrupted time series analyses were conducted using statewide inpatient databases from 12 states and including traumatic injury-related hospitalizations in adults aged 19–44 years in 2011–2017. Segmented regression models were used to estimate the impact of the October 2015 coding transition on external cause of injury (ECOI) completeness (percentage of hospitalizations with a documented ECOI code) and on population-level rates of injury-related hospitalizations by nature, intent, mechanism, and severity of injury. Results The transition to ICD-10-CM was associated with a drop in ECOI completion in the transition month (− 3.7%; P 15) was observed when the general equivalence mapping maximum severity method for converting ICD-10-CM codes to ICD-9-CM codes was used. State-specific results for the outcomes of ECOI completion and TBI-related hospitalization rates are provided in an online supplement. Conclusions The U.S. transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM coding led to a significant decrease in ECOI completion and several significant changes in measured rates of injury-related hospitalizations by injury intent, mechanism, nature, and severity. The results of this study can inform the design and analysis of future traumatic injury-related health services research studies that use both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM coded data. Level of evidence II (Interrupted Time Series)

Summary Introduction Many patients with certain conditions require catheterizable channels for bladder and bowel management. There are a variety of accepted techniques for creating these channels; the split appendix technique enables the use of this organ for both procedures, obviating the need for more complex surgical procedures. Studies comparing outcomes across catheterizable channel types are limited. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the urinary channel complication rates of the split appendix, intact appendix and transverse ileal tube (Monti) channels. We hypothesized that complication rates would be the same across all channel types. Study design We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent surgical creation of a urinary continent catheterizable channel. We recorded demographics, underlying diagnosis, body mass index, stoma location, surgical techniques, and surgical revisions. The primary outcome was complication (stenosis, leakage, or both) with or without surgical revision, and to compare the three different catheterizable channel types using time to event analysis. Results From January 2014–July 2018, 107 patients underwent creation of a continent catheterizable urinary channel; 86 (80.4%) patients also underwent simultaneous procedure for antegrade bowel management. The mean age was 7 years; 66 (60.8%) were females. Intact appendices were used in 46 (43.0%), Monti channel in 25 (23.4%), and split appendix technique in 36 (33.6%). The corresponding complication rates with or without surgical revision was 21.7%, 36.0%, and 47.2%, respectively. The only independent factor associated with increased risk of complication was the split appendix technique; these channels were more than twice as likely to require surgical revision with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.32 (Table 4). The majority of revisions in all groups were skin level (58.3%). The most common indication for surgical revision was stenosis (55.6%). Discussion This analysis shows a statistically significant increase in risk of all complications, including an increase in need for surgical revision, in patients who underwent split appendix technique for simultaneous bladder and bowel catheterizable channels. This finding should be balanced with the fact that a bowel anastomosis is not required in cases where individuals need both a bowel and bladder catheterizable channel. This study is unique in its separation of split and intact appendix channels, and inclusion of patients experiencing complications that have not yet required surgical revision. Limitations of this study include its retrospective design, inclusion of a single institution, and the lack of consistency in documenting baseline appendiceal length. Conclusion Split appendix catheterizable channels have a higher rate of channel complications than other techniques. The authors acknowledge that the split appendix technique has been proven feasible and effective, however recognize that it may not be appropriate for all patients and include counseling of the risks of its use. Summary Table . Hazard Ratios (HR) for the risk of complications (with or without revision) over time. Channel Type Unadjusted (Univariable) Adjusted (Multivariable) HR (95% CI) P HR (95% CI) P Intact Appendix 1 Reference 1 Reference Split Appendix 2.60 (1.19–5.70) 0.02 2.32 (1.04–5.19) 0.04 Monti 1.74 (0.70–4.29) 0.23 1.71 (0.69–4.22) 0.25

Patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) commonly have associated urologic anomalies. Few large studies exist to accurately characterize the incidence or associations between severity of malformation and urologic diagnosis. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of urologic diagnoses in a large cohort of children with ARM and evaluate for any correlation between severity of ARM and the incidence and number of associated urologic diagnoses.A retrospective review was performed of patients with ARM treated at our pediatric colorectal center. All patients underwent protocolized urologic screening. ARM subtypes were ordered with increasing severity as follows in males: perineal, bulbar, prostatic and bladder neck fistulae. Females were similarly categorized as perineal, vestibular and vaginal fistulae followed by cloaca with3 cm common channel and cloaca with3 cm common channel. The following urologic diagnoses were assessed to determine whether a correlation existed with the severity of the ARM subtype: hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), solitary kidney, renal ascent anomalies (ectopic or pelvic), renal fusion anomalies (horseshoe or cross fused kidney), duplex kidney, hypospadias and undescended testicle. ARM subtypes were defined by distal rectal anatomy.A total of 712 patients were included in our study with a mean age of 4 years and of whom 45% were male. The overall rate of urologic anomalies was greater in males than females (65% vs 56% p0.026). In both sexes, the rate of urologic anomalies increased with increasing severity of ARM subtype (p0.00010) finding that males with bladder neck fistula and females with cloacal malformations, particularly with long common channels, being the highest incidence. In males and females, the rate of hydronephrosis increased as the complexity of ARM increased and this correlated significantly (p0.0001 vs p0.0003 respectively). Similarly, the incidence of VUR also increased as complexity of ARM increased in both males and females (p = 0.01 and p0.0001 respectively). The remaining urologic diagnoses were not significantly correlated with severity of ARM.Urologic anomalies occur at a high rate in children with ARM and appear to increase in frequency with increasing complexity of ARM subtype. These findings stress the importance of proper ARM screening and proactive collaboration with a clinician with expertise in pediatric urology early in the management of such children to improve early recognition of urologic diagnoses.Level III.

INTRODUCTION The objective of our study was to identify rates of readmission and late mortality in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients after discharge from their ECMO hospitalization. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of children who were discharged after ECMO. Data were obtained from the State Inpatient Databases for 10 states. Time-to-event analyses were used to estimate the risk of readmission and to identify factors predictive of readmission and late mortality, including characteristics of initial hospital course and ECMO center volume. RESULTS A total of 1603 pediatric ECMO patients were identified, and 42.4% of these patients died prior to discharge. Of the 924 ECMO survivors, 35.6% had an unplanned readmission, and 3% died during readmission within 1 year. The risk of readmission was significantly related to the indication for ECMO, number of complex chronic conditions, transfer status, and discharge destination (all p

Summary Introduction Gomco clamp and Plastibell ring are common methods of office circumcision. While they possess similar features, the Plastibell is retained after the procedure which could impact perceived and true outcomes of the procedure. Objective This study evaluated differences in complications, interventions, and healthcare utilization between Gomco and Plastibell office circumcision techniques. Study design We retrospectively reviewed urology office performed circumcisions (January 2015–August 2018), limiting analysis to patients with follow-up. Patient demographics and circumcision technique were recorded. Complications, interventions, phone calls, emergency department (ED)/urgent care (UC) visits, and unplanned office visits directly related to the circumcision were recorded. Descriptive statistics for the number of patients experiencing an event and the number of days to event were summarized. Survival analysis with inverse probability of treatment weights was used to estimate hazard and incidence rate ratios (HR and IRR, respectively). Results 746 patients were included for analysis. Median time of follow-up was 2.7 weeks (interquartile range 2–5). 257 (34%) patients underwent Gomco circumcision; 489 (66%) underwent Plastibell circumcision. The techniques did not significantly differ for complications (HR = 0.9, p = 0.497), interventions (HR = 0.89, p = 0.498), and hospital visits (HR = 1.0, p = 0.985) (Table), although Plastibell patients presented to the ED/UC more (odds ratio = 1.6, p = 0.02). Plastibell patients generated proportionally more post-procedural phone calls (63 vs. 52%), though not significantly (IRR = 1.11; p = 0.426). Discussion Overall, the type of device used for office circumcision, between Gomco clamp and Plastibell ring, does not appear to impact the outcome of circumcision. Providers should perform the method of office circumcision with which they are familiar and comfortable. There is an overall reliance on healthcare resources suggesting poor family preparation of the post-procedural course regardless of the technique, necessitating better patient education. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, variability in follow-up between techniques, and variety of providers, limited to pediatric urologists, performing circumcision. Conclusions Gomco and Plastibell office circumcision techniques do not significantly differ in post-procedural complications, interventions, unplanned hospital visits, and office phone calls. Plastibell patients do present more often to the ED/UC perhaps as a result of increased anxiety and perceived immediacy of concerns with the device. Table . Recurrent event Cox proportional hazard survival model results for complications, interventions, and unplanned hospital visits Event Predictor Level Hazard Ratio Lower CI Upper CI p-value Complication Technique Gomco Reference Plastibell 0.9 0.67 1.21 0.497 Intervention Technique Gomco Reference Plastibell 0.89 0.64 1.24 0.498 Unplanned hospital visit Technique Gomco Reference Plastibell 1.0 0.66 1.53 0.985

Importance Nonoperative management with antibiotics alone has the potential to treat uncomplicated pediatric appendicitis with fewer disability days than surgery. Objective To determine the success rate of nonoperative management and compare differences in treatment-related disability, satisfaction, health-related quality of life, and complications between nonoperative management and surgery in children with uncomplicated appendicitis. Design, Setting, and Participants Multi-institutional nonrandomized controlled intervention study of 1068 children aged 7 through 17 years with uncomplicated appendicitis treated at 10 tertiary children’s hospitals across 7 US states between May 2015 and October 2018 with 1-year follow-up through October 2019. Of the 1209 eligible patients approached, 1068 enrolled in the study. Interventions Patient and family selection of nonoperative management with antibiotics alone (nonoperative group, n = 370) or urgent (≤12 hours of admission) laparoscopic appendectomy (surgery group, n = 698). Main Outcomes and Measures The 2 primary outcomes assessed at 1 year were disability days, defined as the total number of days the child was not able to participate in all of his/her normal activities secondary to appendicitis-related care (expected difference, 5 days), and success rate of nonoperative management, defined as the proportion of patients initially managed nonoperatively who did not undergo appendectomy by 1 year (lowest acceptable success rate, ≥70%). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for differences between treatment groups for all outcome assessments. Results Among 1068 patients who were enrolled (median age, 12.4 years; 38% girls), 370 (35%) chose nonoperative management and 698 (65%) chose surgery. A total of 806 (75%) had complete follow-up: 284 (77%) in the nonoperative group; 522 (75%) in the surgery group. Patients in the nonoperative group were more often younger (median age, 12.3 years vs 12.5 years), Black (9.6% vs 4.9%) or other race (14.6% vs 8.7%), had caregivers with a bachelor’s degree (29.8% vs 23.5%), and underwent diagnostic ultrasound (79.7% vs 74.5%). After IPTW, the success rate of nonoperative management at 1 year was 67.1% (96% CI, 61.5%-72.31%;P = .86). Nonoperative management was associated with significantly fewer patient disability days at 1 year than did surgery (adjusted mean, 6.6 vs 10.9 days; mean difference, −4.3 days (99% CI, −6.17 to −2.43;P Conclusion and Relevance Among children with uncomplicated appendicitis, an initial nonoperative management strategy with antibiotics alone had a success rate of 67.1% and, compared with urgent surgery, was associated with statistically significantly fewer disability days at 1 year. However, there was substantial loss to follow-up, the comparison with the prespecified threshold for an acceptable success rate of nonoperative management was not statistically significant, and the hypothesized difference in disability days was not met. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02271932

Obstructive uropathy (OU) is a leading cause of pediatric kidney injury. Accurate prediction of kidney disease progression may improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to examine discrimination and accuracy of a validated kidney failure risk equation (KFRE), previously developed in adults, in children with OU.We identified 118 children with OU and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 mL/min/1.73 mAmong the 118 children, 100 (85%) were boys, with median baseline age of 10 years (interquartile range, 6-14). Median eGFR was 42 mL/min/1.73m In children with OU, the KFRE discriminated the 5-year risk of kidney failure at C statistic values lower than previously published in adults but comparable with suboptimal values reported in the overall CKiD population. The 8-variable equation did not improve model discrimination or accuracy, suggesting the need for continued research into additional, disease-specific markers.

Infants with newborn congenital anomalies are increasingly undergoing minimally invasive surgical (MIS) repair. Currently available data on outcomes are limited. This study provides national estimates for length of stay and 30-day complications following MIS for congenital anomalies.Using the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric (2013-2018), a retrospective analysis of MIS for congenital anomalies was performed. MIS repairs for the following diagnoses were included: pyloric stenosis (PS), congenital lung lesion (LL), mediastinal mass (MM), congenital malrotation (CM), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung's disease (HD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), biliary atresia/choledochal cyst (HB), and intestinal atresia (IA). Postoperative LOS (pLOS) and complication rates were examined using multivariable analysis for risk factors after categorizing surgeries by complexity of care related to congenital anomaly: Simple (PS), Complex Group 1 (LL, MM, CM, and ARM), and Complex Group 2 (HD, CDH, TEF, HB, and IA).Across 10 anomalies, 8,326 repairs were performed using an MIS approach. Procedure-specific median postoperative LOS (75th-percentile, 90th-percentile) for PS was 1 day (1, 3); LL was 3 (4, 7); MM was 2 (3, 5); CM was 4 (7, 14); ARM was 3 (5, 8); HD was 5 (8, 12); CDH was 8 (18, 31); HB was 5 (8, 12); TEF was 20 (31, 53); and IA was 17 (25, 40). The overall surgical complication rates (95% CI) were: PS, 5.1% (4.7%-5.6%); LL, 14.2% (12.3-16.4); MM, 8.4% (6.4-11.0); CM, 14.6% (11.9-17.9); ARM, 12.0% (7.1-19.5); HD, 22.1% (19.5-25.0); CDH, 21.1% (17.1-25.6); HB, 20.6% (13.7-29.7); TEF, 36% (27.5-45.5); and IA, 28.6% (19.3-40.1). Risk factors for increased pLOS and complications varied by procedure category and included patient-level and admission characteristics.This study provides national benchmarks and risk factors for expected postoperative LOS and 30-day complications following MIS for congenital anomalies.

Background Recurrence rates of pilonidal disease have been reported to be high as 30%. Patients with recurrent pilonidal disease often develop chronic wounds and draining sinuses that incur long-term morbidity, disability, and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize rates of recurrence in patients with pilonidal disease treated by pediatric surgeons. Methods A single center retrospective review of patients with pilonidal disease evaluated by pediatric surgeons from 2010 to 2015 was performed. Recurrence of pilonidal disease was defined as an episode of active pilonidal disease that required medical or surgical intervention >30 days from the preceding treatment. Repeated events proportional hazards regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with time to recurrence. Results Among 307 patients treated for pilonidal disease, nearly 50% were male, and the median age at initial evaluation was 16 years (IQR 15-17). Approximately 45% were obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile). The initial treatment during the study period was surgical excision in two-thirds and incision and drainage and/or antibiotics in one-third. The overall recurrence rate was 33%, with the majority of recurrences (80%) occurring within the first year. On multivariable analysis, obese BMI was the only factor independently associated with time to disease recurrence. Conclusions Pilonidal disease has a substantial recurrence rate even after surgical excision. Future studies investigating treatments that can prevent disease recurrence are needed.

Statistics plays an essential role in clinical research by providing a framework for making inferences about a population of interest. In order to interpret research datasets, clinicians involved in clinical research should have an understanding of statistical methodology. This article provides a brief overview of statistical methods that are frequently used in clinical research studies. Descriptive and inferential methods, including regression modeling and propensity scores, are discussed, with focus on the rationale, assumptions, strengths, and limitations to their application.

Introduction In the James A. Haley Veterans Administration (JAHVA) Vista database, the ICD-9 code 307.47 for Nightmare disorder (ND) is infrequently used and appears independently of codes for PTSD. We wanted to determine if certain drugs that may affect sleep are associated with ND. Methods All patients with ND visiting JAHVA between 2007 and 2011 were selected along with control patients who visited JAHVA on one of 20 random days, one day each quarter year. Controls were assigned an index date reflecting their selection quarter. Associations with prescriptions for opioids, antidepressants (SSRI’s, SSNI’s, Tricyclics), antihistamines and benzodiazepine/Z-drugs were initially investigated. Two analyses were performed: risk factor analysis- patients with ND diagnosis dates (cases) or index dates (controls) prior to 2008 were excluded and only prescription dates that preceded the ND diagnosis or index date were considered; treatment analysis- cases and controls with a ND diagnosis date or index date after 2010 were excluded and only prescription dates that were subsequent to the ND diagnosis or index date respectively were considered. Logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, race and Hispanic ethnicity was used to determine the association between drug groups and ND. Results In risk factor analysis (667 cases, 14,739 controls), opioids and antihistamines were significantly less prevalent among would-be ND patients than controls (OR=0.627 and 0.610 respectively); no drug group was predictive of ND. In contrast, all drug groups were significantly associated with ND in treatment analysis (803 cases, 15,530 controls). The strongest associations were seen with benzodiazepine (OR=3.026; 95% CI: 2.472, 3.703) and SSRI (OR=2.789; 95% CI=2.316, 3.358) prescriptions. Conclusion Our data suggest that some JAHVA providers may be treating ND with medication, most notably with benzodiazepines/Z-drugs and antidepressants. The role of anti-histamine and opioid prescriptions needs further elucidation. The ramifications of these treatment decisions should be explored. Support This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

Introduction Altered sleep, as is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may increase the risk of back pain (BP). However, little to no evidence regarding the effect of OSA on musculoskeletal pain is currently available, let alone the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment non-adherence. The purpose of this analysis is to investigate the effect of PAP non-adherence on future BP diagnosis. Methods A sample of 1,662 veterans who had a sleep study between January 2003 and October 2006 and receiving PAP treatment for OSA were used for analysis. Measures at baseline included demographic and OSA symptom severity data. Up to 3 weeks of PAP adherence data were collected and patient chart data was collected through May 2010 to determine outcomes. Time was calculated from PAP treatment start to BP diagnosis or censoring, which occurred at date of death or last recorded encounter. Survival analysis was conducted to obtain the hazard ratios (HR) for the effect of PAP non-adherence on BP diagnosis and to investigate whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an effect modifier of this relationship. Results PAP treatment non-adherence significantly increased the risk of BP diagnosis (HR 1.88 [95% CI: 1.08, 3.27]) among veterans with PTSD, while non-adherence among veterans without PTSD was not a statistically significant risk factor. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was 0.97 (95% CI: -0.07, 2.02; p-value=0.068). These estimates are independent of age, sex, race, body mass index, apnea severity (based on Apnea-Hypopnea Index), PTSD diagnosis, income level, and marital status. Conclusion PAP treatment non-adherence among veterans with PTSD appears to result in a significant increase in risk of future BP diagnosis. The interaction between PAP non-adherence and PTSD appears to be borderline synergistic. Therefore, improving PAP adherence among veterans with PTSD may decrease risk of future BP diagnosis. Support This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

It has been described that patients with more complex anorectal malformations (ARM), lower sacral ratios and spinal anomalies have poorer rates of fecal and urinary continence. While the ARM subtype has been shown to be an independent predictor of fecal continence, it is not well understood how each of these anatomic factors impact urinary continence. The purpose of this study was to identify anatomic factors associated with urinary continence in children born with ARM. We performed a retrospective review of a large prospectively collected database of children with ARM. Inclusion criteria included diagnosis of ARM, age4 years, available lateral sacral ratio measurement and presence of spinal MRI. Any child with incomplete or absent continence data was excluded. Continence was defined as voiding per urethra volitionally, dry between voids and ≤1 urinary accident per week. Bivariable tests of association and log-binomial regression models were used to examine association between anatomic factors and urinary continence. A total of 434 patients were included in the study. 57.8% (n = 251) were male. Median age was 8.4 years (IQR 6.0-12.3). With regards to severity of ARM, 20.3% (n = 88) were complex, 23.3% (n = 101) were moderate and 56.5% (n = 245) were simple. Lateral sacral ratio included 11.1% (n = 48) that were0.4, 36.2% (n = 157) 0.4-0.7 and 52.8% (n = 229) 0.7. Spine status was found to be myelomeningocele in 4.4% (n = 19), low conus or tethered cord in 34.8% (n = 151) and normal or fatty filum in 60.8% (n = 264). Overall 62.2% were continent. ARM severity, lateral sacral ratio and spine status were each independent predictors of urinary continence on univariate and multivariable analysis. We conclude that in children born with ARM, the severity of ARM, lateral sacral ratio and spine status each independently predict urinary continence. These results allow us to better understand these complex patients and their ability to develop urinary continence. This is crucial in enabling proper patient and family counseling and thus, setting appropriate expectations.

Summary Introduction and objective Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a congenital renal cystic disease often incidentally diagnosed in children. Historically, children with MCDK underwent early nephrectomy because of concerns for the development of hypertension or malignancy. Over the last decade, management recommendations have not supported routine early surgical removal of MCDK. The study authors sought to determine the current trends in the use of nephrectomy for MCDK in US children's hospitals because national practice patterns have not been investigated. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was conducted. The study population was comprised of patients aged 0–18 years with a diagnosis of MCDK (International Classification of Diseases-9th revision, code 753.19) admitted to the inpatient department of the study hospital between January 2006 and September 2015. Patients with additional renal anomalies including polycystic kidney, medullary cystic kidney, and medullary sponge kidney were excluded, as were patients treated in a hospital that did not contribute data to the PHIS continuously throughout the study period. Trends in the annual proportion of nephrectomies performed were analyzed among admissions in the study population, along with patient clinical and demographic information. Results A total of 3792 MCDK admissions, in 34 hospitals, were included in the study. Overall, 569 nephrectomies were performed during the study period. The proportion of nephrectomy decreased annually by 9.2% on average, from 22.1% in 2006 to 7.3% in the first 3 quarters of 2015. No significant trends were observed in the annual number of overall MCDK admissions or patient age at procedure among patients who had a nephrectomy. Among nephrectomies, 84.2% were open and 15.8% were minimally invasive procedures (laparoscopic non-robotic, 10% and robotic, 5.8%). The proportion of minimally invasive nephrectomies increased annually by 13.7%, from 8% in 2006 to 29% in 2015. Discussion Trends in the use of nephrectomy for MCDK at a national level have not been previously reported. This study is limited by the use of inpatient discharge data, which did not allow estimating the true rate of nephrectomy in patients born with MCDK. Conclusions During the study period, there has been a decrease in the use of nephrectomy for MCDK in pediatric hospitals, along with a concurrent increase in utilization of minimally invasive techniques to perform nephrectomies. These results suggest that in general, urologists at freestanding children's hospitals are heeding recommendations for observation and against routine early surgical removal of these kidneys; although trends in the use of nephrectomy varied between hospitals, there is room for continued improvement in following these recommendations. Download : Download high-res image (346KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig. . Inpatient MCDK admissions and admissions with a nephrectomy in the study population. MCDK, multicystic dysplastic kidney.

Introduction There is an increased prevalence of Nightmare disorder (ND) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A further investigation of objectively measured sleep parameters among patients with and without ND could inform on potential comorbidities. We hypothesize ND correlates with Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), Trough 02% (Sp02 nadir), and periodic limb movement (PLM) index. Methods Data presented herein are interim results from an IRB approved study to determine correlates and sequelae of nightmares. A cohort of all patients with ND visiting James A Haley Veterans Hospital between 2007 and 2011 was defined along with a random cohort of control patients. Demographic and outpatient visit data between January 2006 and April 2016 was pulled from VISTA for both the ND and control cohorts, and patients who had undergone a sleep study were identified. To date, sleep summary data has been individually extracted for 111 ND patients and 835 control patients. Logistic regression (SAS 9.4) was used to compare ESS, AHI, Sp02 nadir, and PLM Index. Results Mean age for ND was significantly lower at 49.7 ± 14, compared to 58.4 ± 12 for controls. Other demographic measures were similar including gender, race, and marital status. PLM index was significantly lower in ND compared to controls, however this relationship disappeared after adjusting for age. There were neither significant differences between other polysomnographic (PSG) variables, specifically AHI and Sp02 nadir, nor did OSA severity significantly different between ND and controls. Conclusion Among veterans undergoing a PSG, there were no significant differences between measured sleep parameters. Our results contradict our hypothesis that ND correlates with ESS, AHI, Sp02 nadir, and PLM index. Support This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Posterior urethral valves predispose children to renal replacement therapy (RRT) and bladder dysfunction. Researchers of single-institutional series were unable to refine risk stratification because of rarity of the disease. We aimed to identify clinical variables associated with the risk of RRT and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in a large multicenter cohort study. METHODS: Children with posterior urethral valves born between 1995 and 2005 who were treated before 90 days of life at 5 children’s hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included RRT and recommendation for CIC. Predictors and outcomes were assessed by using survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients were managed for a median of 6.3 years, and 42 progressed to RRT. On survival analysis, 16% progressed to RRT by 10 years of age. RRT varied by the serum nadir creatinine level in the first year of life (SNC1) (log-rank P < .001). After stratifying by the SNC1, the estimated risk of progressing to RRT by 10 years of age was 0%, 2%, 27%, and 100% for an SNC1 of CONCLUSIONS: Risk of RRT and CIC recommendation increased with age. The SNC1 strongly predicted need for RRT. These results allow for both improved family counseling and the potential for more appropriate screening and intervention strategies for those identified in higher-risk groups.

Background The objective of this study was to identify ranges of postoperative length of stay (LOS) for common pediatric procedures using a large multi-institutional database. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of the most frequently performed general surgical procedures in the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric (2013-2015) was performed. These included laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic gastrostomy, laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication (LF), thoracoscopic repair of pectus excavatum (TPE), open appendectomy (OA), enterostomy closure (OEC), gastrostomy closure (OGC), and bowel resection (OBR). Patients aged 18 y, operations with major concurrent procedures, same-day discharges, operations performed >2 d after admission, and inpatient deaths were excluded. Postoperative LOS was examined for each procedure, including multivariable analysis of risk factors for postoperative LOS > 75th percentile. Results A total of 29,557 cases were identified and included procedure subgroups ranging from 505 (OBR) to 19,260 (LA) cases. Procedure-specific median postoperative LOS (75th percentile; 90th percentile) were LA 1 d (2 d; 5 d); laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1 d (1 d; 2 d); laparoscopic gastrostomy 2 d (2 d, 4 d); laparoscopic fundoplication 3 d (4 d, 6 d); thoracoscopic repair of pectus excavatum 4 d (5 d, 6 d); OA 3 d (6 d, 9 d); OEC 4 d (6 d, 10 d); OGC 1 d (1 d, 2 d); and OBR 6 d (10 d, 20 d). Preoperative risk factors for high postoperative LOS varied by procedure and included patient demographics, admission factors, case characteristics, and comorbidities. Conclusions The range of postoperative LOS and risk factors for high postoperative LOS for commonly performed procedures varied considerably. These results may be a useful reference for benchmarking and resource utilization analyses at the institutional and health systems levels.

The sacral ratio (SR) is a well-established tool to quantify sacral development in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and can be used as a predictor of fecal continence. We hypothesized that a lower SR correlated with the presence of urologic and renal malformations.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ARM treated at our center from 2014 to 2016. We measured the lateral SR as a marker for sacral development and assessed the spine for the presence of tethered cord (TC). Urological and renal anomalies, including single kidney, hydronephrosis, hypospadias, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), ectopic ureter, and penoscrotal transposition were assessed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-tests, and multivariable linear regression were used to test for differences in SR with consideration of associated urologic malformations and tethered cord.283 patients with ARM were included for analysis (156 females). The median age was 39months (10-90). Among these, 178 (55.6%) had 1 or more urologic malformations, and 81 (25.3%) had a TC. Hydronephrosis, high-grade VUR (3-5), solitary kidney, and tethered cord were significantly associated with lower SR (p0.01). In multivariable regression models, the presence of urologic abnormalities remained significantly associated with lower a SR despite the presence or absence of TC (p0.001).SR is a potentially useful indicator of certain urologic anomalies including hydronephrosis, high grade VUR, and solitary kidney in patients with ARM. This association is independent of the presence of TC. A sacral ratio as a part of the VACTERL screening can help the surgeon identify which patients need closer urologic follow up.IV.

OBJECTIVES: To examine contributing factors and potential reasons for hospital differences in unexpected newborn complication rates in Florida. METHODS: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records from 2004 to 2013. The study population included 1 604 774 term, singleton live births in 124 hospitals. Severe and moderate complications were identified via a published algorithm. Logistic mixed-effects models were used to examine risk factors for complications and to estimate the percentage of hospital variation explained by factors. Descriptive analyses were performed to explore reasons for the differences. RESULTS: Hospital total complication rates varied from 6.7 to 98.6 per 1000 births. No correlation between severe and moderate complication rates by hospital was identified. Leading risk factors for complications included medically indicated early-term delivery, no prenatal care, nulliparity, prepregnancy obesity, tobacco use, and delivery in southern Florida hospitals. Hospital factors such as geographic location, level of care or birth volume, and Medicaid births percentage explained 35% and 27.8% of variation in severe and moderate complication rates, respectively. Individual factors explained an additional 6% of variation in severe complication rates. Different complication subcategories (eg, infections, hospital transfers) drove the hospital factors that contributed to severe and moderate complications. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in unexpected complication rates is more likely to be related to hospital rather than patient characteristics in Florida. The high proportion of variation explained by hospital factors suggests potential opportunities for improvement, and identifying specific complication categories may provide focus areas. Some of the opportunities may be related to differences in hospital coding practice.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive uropathy (OU) is a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. Children who escape the newborn period with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to be at increased risk. The predictive ability of clinically available markers throughout childhood is poorly defined. METHODS: Patients with OU were identified in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Study. The primary outcome of interest was renal replacement therapy (RRT) (cases). Controls were age matched and defined as patients within the OU cohort who did not require RRT during study follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 27 cases and 41 age-matched controls were identified. Median age at baseline and age at outcome measurement were 10 vs. 16 years, respectively. First available glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (36.9 vs. 53.5 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)), urine protein/creatinine (Cr) (0.40 vs. 0.22 mg/mg) and microalbumin/Cr (0.58 vs. 0.03 mg/mg), and serum CO(2) (20 vs. 22 mmol/L) and hemoglobin (12.4 vs. 13.2 g/dL) differed significantly between cases and controls, respectively. GFR declined 3.07 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)/year faster in cases compared to that in controls (p < 0.0001). Urine protein/Cr and microalbumin/Cr increased by 0.16 and 0.11 per year more in cases compared to those in controls, respectively (p ≤ 0.001 for both). Serum phosphate increased by 0.11 mg/dL and serum albumin and hemoglobin decreased by 0.04 (g/dL) and 0.14 (g/dL) per year more for cases compared to those for controls, respectively (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Age-specific baseline and longitudinal measures of readily available clinical measures predict progression to ESRD in children with mild-to-moderate CKD from OU.

Repair of distal hypospadias is one of the most common pediatric urology procedures in the US. However, the risk of postsurgical complications has been reported primarily from single-institution and tertiary center studies, with short duration of patient follow-up.The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of re-operation and risk factors for re-operation following outpatient distal hypospadias repair in a large, representative sample of US children.A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0-18 years undergoing single-stage distal hypospadias repair was conducted. Data were obtained from the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases of 9 participating states. Patients who underwent outpatient surgery in 2008-2013 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients with records suggesting prior surgery for hypospadias (CPT) were excluded, as were patients who underwent the initial repair2 years before the end of state data availability. Return outpatient surgery visits across institutions within each of the 9 states were tracked to identify re-operations after the single-stage repair, using CPT codes for surgical treatment of hypospadias complications in 2008-2015. Time-to-event analyses were used to estimate the probability (risk) of re-operation over time and to examine whether patient and institutional characteristics were predictive of re-operation (age, race/ethnicity, health insurance, facility ownership, and institutional volume of hypospadias repair).A total of 4673 children treated across 148 institutions were included. The median follow-up time was 4.1 years (range: 2-7.9). Most patients were1 year of age at the time of initial repair (53%). The risk of re-operation was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-3.0%) at 1 year and 6.7% (95% CI: 6.0-7.5%) at 5 years after initial repair (Figure). Approximately 13% of re-operation patients had the re-operation at a different institution. None of the patient or institutional factors examined was a significant predictor of the risk of re-operation.In this population-based cohort, the estimated 5-year risk of re-operation following single-stage distal hypospadias repair was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.0-7.5). Most re-operations occurred after the first year, informing long-term expectations about postoperative complications. This study was limited by a lack of data on severity of hypospadias and surgeon characteristics and the inability to track re-operations outside of the state in which the original repair was performed.Approximately 7% of children undergoing distal hypospadias repair undergo a re-operation within 5 years. None of the factors studied were predictive of re-operations.