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Connery AK, Lee AH, Peterson RL, Dichiaro M, Chiesa A. Caregiver report of social-emotional functioning in infants and young children after inflicted traumatic brain injury. Child Neuropsychol 2024; 30:954-966. [PMID: 38214531 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2024.2302684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Social-emotional difficulties are common sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Children who have experienced inflicted TBI (iTBI) may be at increased risk for social-emotional problems due to the risk factors associated with both early neurologic injury and with child maltreatment. We characterized the associations among injury severity, caregiver type (i.e., biological parents, non-kinship, kinship), and child social-emotional functioning in 41 infants and young children who had sustained iTBI and were seen in a large, regional children's hospital. This study was a retrospective analysis, utilizing data collected from the medical record as part of routine clinical care. Social-emotional functioning was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition. Children with more severe injuries were rated as having worse social-emotional functioning. Caregiver type was associated with child social-emotional scores, above and beyond injury and demographic predictors. Biological parents were more likely to report better social-emotional skills than non-kinship caregivers, with the pattern of results suggesting that rater bias plays a role in this difference. In order to ensure that children are accurately identified for supports, these relationships should be considered when interpreting caregiver report of social-emotional skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Connery
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Angela H Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Robin L Peterson
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mike Dichiaro
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Antonia Chiesa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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2
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Ahmad D, Small A, Gibson A, Kissoon N. Developmental outcomes in abusive head trauma. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2024; 50:101142. [PMID: 38964813 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2024.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is associated with high mortality and poorer outcomes compared to accidental head injuries. The short and long-term developmental outcomes for AHT are not well identified. Variability in outcome measures, small sample sizes, difficulty in measuring domain-specific developmental skills, co-existence of comorbidities, genetic and environmental factors and high attrition rates all contribute to the challenges on providing data in this area. The objective of this article is to review the scientific literature on the developmental outcomes of AHT, highlighting factors that affect outcomes, the available assessment tools, and short and long-term developmental outcomes, recommended follow up, societal costs, and future opportunities for research. Authors searched OVID Medline and PubMed for articles published between 2013 and 2023 using the terms "abuse", "craniocerebral trauma" and "development". Fifty-five records were included for this review. The data shows that injuries sustained from AHT result in a spectrum of outcomes ranging from normal development to death. There are more than 100 outcome assessment tools limiting the ability to compare studies. More than half of patients are left with disabilities post discharge. Gross motor and cognition/academics are the 2 most common domains studied. Advancement in surgical and neurocritical care management has influenced AHT outcomes. Close long-term follow up is recommended to maximize each child's developmental potential, irrespective of the presence of disability at discharge. We suggest that future research should focus on adopting a consistent diagnostic and assessment approach and explore the social environmental factors that can affect recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Ahmad
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA.
| | | | - Ashley Gibson
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA
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McNamara CR, Kalinowski A, Horvat CM, Gaines BA, Richardson WM, Simon DW, Kochanek PM, Berger RP, Fink EL. New Functional Impairment After Hospital Discharge by Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanism in Younger Than 3 Years Old Admitted to the PICU in a Single Center Retrospective Study. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:250-258. [PMID: 38088760 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that in patients with TBI, the abusive head trauma (AHT) mechanism vs. accidental TBI (aTBI) would be associated with higher frequency of new functional impairment between baseline and later follow-up. DESIGN Retrospective single center cohort study. SETTING AND PATIENTS Children younger than 3 years old admitted with TBI to the PICU at a level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Patient characteristics, TBI mechanism, and Functional Status Scale (FSS) scores at baseline, hospital discharge, short-term (median, 10 mo [interquartile range 3-12 mo]), and long-term (median, 4 yr [3-6 yr]) postdischarge were abstracted from the electronic health record. New impairment was defined as an increase in FSS greater than 1 from baseline. Patients who died were assigned the highest score (30). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between TBI mechanism with new impairment. Over 6 years, there were 460 TBI children (170 AHT, 290 aTBI), of which 13 with AHT and four with aTBI died. Frequency of new impairment by follow-up interval, in AHT vs. aTBI patients, were as follows: hospital discharge (42/157 [27%] vs. 27/286 [9%]; p < 0.001), short-term (42/153 [27%] vs. 26/259 [10%]; p < 0.001), and long-term (32/114 [28%] vs. 18/178 [10%]; p < 0.001). Sensory, communication, and motor domains were worse in AHT patients at the short- and long-term timepoint. On multivariable analysis, AHT mechanism was associated with greater odds (odds ratio [95% CI]) of poor outcome (death and new impairment) at hospital discharge (4.4 [2.2-8.9]), short-term (2.7 [1.5-4.9]), and long-term timepoints (2.4 [1.2-4.8]; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In patients younger than 3 years old admitted to the PICU after TBI, the AHT mechanism-vs. aTBI-is associated with greater odds of poor outcome in the follow-up period through to ~5 years postdischarge. New impairment occurred in multiple domains and only AHT patients further declined in FSS over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R McNamara
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Anne Kalinowski
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Christopher M Horvat
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Barbara A Gaines
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ward M Richardson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dennis W Simon
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patrick M Kochanek
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rachel P Berger
- Department of Child Advocacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ericka L Fink
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Salinas-García AF, Roque A, Zamudio-Flores J, Meléndez-Herrera E, Kline AE, Lajud N. Early Life Stress Negatively Impacts Spatial Learning Acquisition and Increases Hippocampal CA1 Microglial Activation After a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Adult Male Rats. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:514-528. [PMID: 37885223 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) affects neurogenesis and spatial learning, and increases neuroinflammation after a pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Previous studies have shown that ELS has minimal effects in juveniles but shows age-dependent effects in adults. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ELS in adult male rats after an mTBI. Maternal separation for 180 min per day (MS180) during the first 21 post-natal (P) days was used as the ELS model. At P110, the rats were subjected to a mild controlled cortical impact injury (2.6 mm) or sham surgery. Spatial learning was evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM) 14 days after surgery and both microglial activation and neurogenesis were quantified. The results indicate that MS180 + mTBI, but not control (CONT) + mTBI, rats show deficiencies in the acquisition of spatial learning. mTBI led to comparable increases in microglial activation in both the hilus and cortical regions for both groups. However, MS180 + mTBI rats exhibited a greater increase in microglial activation in the ipsilateral CA1 hippocampus subfield compared with CONT + mTBI. Interestingly, for the contralateral CA1 region, this effect was observed exclusively in MS180 + mTBI. ELS and mTBI independently caused a decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis and this effect was not increased further in MS180 + mTBI rats. The findings demonstrate that ELS and mTBI synergistically affect cognitive performance and neuroinflammation, thus supporting the hypothesis that increased inflammation resulting from the combination of ELS and mTBI could underlie the observed effects on learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Fernanda Salinas-García
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Angélica Roque
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Jonathan Zamudio-Flores
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Esperanza Meléndez-Herrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Anthony E Kline
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. USA
| | - Naima Lajud
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
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Fortin V, Ortiz ARDA, Marq AD, Mostermans E, Marichal M, Bailhache M. Childminder knowledge of shaken baby syndrome and the role played by childminders in prevention: An observational study in France. Arch Pediatr 2024; 31:54-58. [PMID: 37940506 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) triggers negative short- and long-term outcomes. In France, registered childminders are the principal source of daycare. They may encounter SBS imparted by caregivers or simply excessive infant crying. The aim of the study was to explore childminder knowledge on SBS, the source of information, the responses to infant crying, how childminders perceived their roles in terms of caregiver SBS prevention, and the factors associated with a good knowledge of SBS. METHODS The participants were registered childminders working in the French department of Gironde who had email accounts. This observational study employed an anonymous online questionnaire distributed by the maternal and child health services unit of the Gironde department over 5 weeks from 16 September 2021. Data on childminder characteristics, knowledge on SBS, responses to infant crying, and perceptions of their roles in SBS prevention were collected. The knowledge score ranged from 0 (all wrong answers) to 30 (all correct answers). RESULTS A total of 779 registered childminders participated; 43.9 % had learnt about SBS during their initial training and 75 % before (other training) or after initial training. The median knowledge score was 19/30 (interquartile range [16; 21]). A higher educational level, previous other professional experience, training on SBS, and responsibility for few children were associated with higher scores. Ten reported that they did not advise caregivers who complained of infant crying. CONCLUSION Childminders require training on SBS and SBS prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Fortin
- CHU de Bordeaux, Midwifery School, Place Amélie Raba Léon, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Anne-Dominique Marq
- Conseil Départemental Gironde, Direction de la promotion de la Santé, service PMI Enfance CD33, 33074 Bordeaux, France
| | - Emmanuelle Mostermans
- Conseil Départemental Gironde, Direction de la promotion de la Santé, service PMI Enfance CD33, 33074 Bordeaux, France
| | - Myriam Marichal
- CHU de Bordeaux, Pole de Santé Publique, Place Amélie Raba Léon, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marion Bailhache
- CHU de Bordeaux, Pole de pediatrie, Place Amélie Raba Léon, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U1219, Bordeaux, France.
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Chen HH, Wang IA, Hsieh TW, Tsay JH, Chen CY. Early predictors for maltreatment-related injuries in infancy and long-term mortality: a population-based study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2232. [PMID: 37957616 PMCID: PMC10641954 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Incidence, health consequences, and social burden associated with child maltreatment appeared to be borne disproportionately by very young children. We conducted a population-based data linkage study to explore child- and family-level factors that affect receiving different diagnoses of maltreatment injuries and investigate excessive mortality throughout toddlerhood. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study comprising 2.2 million infants born in 2004-2014 in Taiwan. Incident cases of child maltreatment were defined by hospitalization or emergency department visits for three heterogeneous diagnostic groups of maltreatment-related injuries (i.e., maltreatment syndrome, assaults, and undetermined causes) within 12 months after birth. The generalized linear model and landmark survival analyses were used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS An estimated 2.9‰ of infants experienced at least one maltreatment-related injury, with a three-year mortality rate of 1.3%. Low birthweight was associated with increased risk of receiving the diagnosis of three maltreatment injuries, particularly maltreatment syndrome (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio [aIRR] = 4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.93-5.68). Socially advantaged family condition was inversely linked with receiving the diagnosis of maltreatment syndrome and assaults (e.g., high income: aIRR = 0.55 and 0.47), yet positively linked with undetermined cause (aIRR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.89-2.23). For infants exposed to maltreatment, low birth weight and non-attendance of postnatal care were highly predictive of fatality; low birthweight served as a vital predictor for premature death during toddlerhood (aIRR = 6.17, 95% CI: 2.36-15.4). CONCLUSIONS Raising awareness of maltreatment-related injuries in infancy and predictors should be a priority for appropriate follow-up assessment and timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hung Chen
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Medical Building II, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, The Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-An Wang
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Tan-Wen Hsieh
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Huoy Tsay
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Medical Building II, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.
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Lai CD, Marret MJ, Jayanath S, Azanan MS. Abusive head trauma in infants: An observational single centre study comparing developmental and functional outcome between 18 months and 5 years. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 145:106434. [PMID: 37657172 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a major cause of traumatic brain injury in infancy. This exploratory study compared standardized developmental assessment versus functional outcome assessment between 18 months and 5 years of age following AHT in infancy. METHODS Observational cross-sectional study after surviving AHT in infancy. Seventeen children between 18 months and 5 years of age underwent clinical examination, developmental assessment using the Schedule of Growing Skills II (SGS II) and functional assessment using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Pediatric Revision (GOS-E Peds). Additional clinical information was extracted from medical records. RESULTS Age at assessment ranged from 19 to 53 months (median 26 months). Most (n = 14) were delayed in at least 1 domain, even without neurological or visual impairment or visible cortical injury on neuroimaging, including 8 children with favourable GOS-E Peds scores. The most affected domain was hearing and language. Delay in the manipulative domain (n = 6) was associated with visual and/or neurological impairment and greater severity of delay across multiple domains. Eleven (64.7 %) had GOS-E Peds scores indicating good recovery, with positive correlation between GOS-Peds scores and number of domains delayed (r = 0.805, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The SGS-II detects behavioural and cognitive deficits not picked up by the GOS-E Peds. Combining both tools for assessment of AHT survivors under 5 years of age provides a comprehensive profile which addresses multiple domains of development and function, facilitating targeted intervention. Detection of developmental problems in the majority of survivors makes AHT prevention a public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Dekun Lai
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
| | - Mary J Marret
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Subhashini Jayanath
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Porter M, Sugden-Lingard S, Brunsdon R, Benson S. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with an Early History of Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4361. [PMID: 37445396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that arises from a combination of both genetic and environmental risk factors. There is a lack of research investigating whether early acquired brain injury (ABI) may be a risk factor for ASD. The current study comprehensively reviewed all hospital records at The Brain Injury Service, Kids Rehab at the Children's Hospital at Westmead (Australia) from January 2000 to January 2020. Of the approximately 528 cases, 14 children with paediatric ABI were subsequently given an ASD diagnosis (2.7%). For this ASD sample, the mean age at the time of the ABI was 1.55 years, indicating a high prevalence of early ABI in this diagnostic group. The mean age of ASD diagnosis was, on average, 5 years later than the average ASD diagnosis in the general population. Furthermore, 100% of children had at least one medical comorbidity and 73% had three or more co-occurring DSM-5 diagnoses. Although based on a small data set, results highlight early paediatric ABI as a potential risk factor for ASD and the potential for a delayed ASD diagnosis following early ABI, with comorbidities possibly masking symptoms. This study was limited by its exploratory case series design and small sample size. Nonetheless, this study highlights the need for longitudinal investigation into the efficacy of early screening for ASD symptomatology in children who have sustained an early ABI to maximise potential intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Porter
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Sindella Sugden-Lingard
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ruth Brunsdon
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, SCHN, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Suzanne Benson
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, SCHN, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Knappstein J, Reed PW, Kelly P. ICD-10 codes for surveillance of non-fatal abusive head trauma in Aotearoa New Zealand: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069199. [PMID: 37277218 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the validity of an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code based definition of non-fatal head trauma caused by child abuse (abusive head trauma) for population surveillance in New Zealand. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of hospital inpatient records. SETTING A tertiary children's hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS 1731 children less than 5 years of age who were discharged after a non-fatal head trauma event over a 10-year period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome of assessment by the hospital's multidisciplinary child protection team (CPT) was compared with the outcome of ICD, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) discharge coding for non-fatal abusive head trauma (AHT). The ICD-10 code definition of AHT was derived from an ICD, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification definition developed by the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, which requires both a clinical diagnosis code and a cause-of-injury code. RESULTS There were 1755 head trauma events with 117 determined as AHT by the CPT. The ICD-10 code definition had a sensitivity of 66.7% (95% CI 57.4 to 75.1) and specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.5 to 100). There were only three false positives but 39 false negatives, with 18 of the false negatives coded with X59 (exposure to unspecified factor). CONCLUSIONS The ICD-10 code broad definition of AHT is a reasonable epidemiological tool for passive surveillance of AHT in New Zealand but it underestimates the incidence. Its performance could be improved by clear documentation of child protection conclusions in clinical notes, clarifying coding practice and removing the exclusion criteria from the definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Knappstein
- Te Puaruruhau (Child Protection Team), Starship Children's Hospital, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | | | - Patrick Kelly
- Te Puaruruhau (Child Protection Team), Starship Children's Hospital, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
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Crouch JL, Bridgett DJ, Milner JS, Cote K, Lelakowska G, Davila A, McKay E, Savoree S. Prolonged Infant Crying: Caregiving Quality and Child Physical Abuse Risk. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:3298-3320. [PMID: 35654573 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221106137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that prolonged infant crying may increase risk for child physical abuse (CPA). However, few studies have examined behavioral responses to infant crying among parents at risk for CPA. The present study sought to fill this gap by using a simulated infant to examine how mothers and fathers with varying degrees of CPA risk respond to prolonged infant crying. Specifically, a sample of 184 general population caregivers (107 mothers and 77 fathers) participated in a task that involved attempting to soothe a simulated infant that cried continuously for 30 min. The simulated infant sessions were video-recorded, and quality of caregiving behavior was coded in 5-min segments. Participants rated their negative affect (feelings of upset, distress, irritability) at the outset of the data collection session, before beginning the simulated infant task, and after the simulated infant task concluded. It was predicted that high-risk caregivers, compared to low-risk caregivers, would display lower quality caregiving, higher levels of negative affect, and that CPA risk group differences would increase over time. Gender differences were explored in relation to the aforementioned hypotheses. Over the course of the 30-min simulated infant task, the quality of caregiving behavior diminished among both high- and low-risk caregivers. As expected, high-risk caregivers, compared to low-risk caregivers, exhibited lower quality caregiving behaviors and were more likely to discontinue the simulated infant task early. In addition, high-risk, compared to low-risk, caregivers reported higher levels of negative affect throughout the data collection session, with the highest level of negative affect reported by high-risk caregivers after completing the simulated infant task. Overall, the quality of caregiving exhibited by men and women did not significantly differ. The present findings highlight the importance of early intervention designed to support caregivers' abilities to respond effectively to prolonged infant crying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Crouch
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - David J Bridgett
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Joel S Milner
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Kreila Cote
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Gabriela Lelakowska
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - America Davila
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Erin McKay
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Shelby Savoree
- Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 2848Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
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Primalani NK, Chan YH, Ng ZM, Chong SL, Seow WT, Loh LE, Mok YH, Low SYY. Abusive head injury in the very young: outcomes from a Singapore children's hospital. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2397-2407. [PMID: 35851614 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious problem in children. The aims of this study are to identify risk factors that correlate with outcomes for those requiring neurosurgical intervention for very young children with AHT, assessment of variables associated with outcomes, and corroboration of our results with literature. METHODS This is an ethics-approved, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients aged 2 years old or less with a diagnosis of AHT managed by the Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Demographical and clinical variables are incorporated in the statistical analyses. Logistic regression was applied to statistically significant variables for the risk prediction model. RESULTS From 2000 to 2020, 24 patients required surgery for AHT. Timepoint was set at 12 months post-diagnosis. Univariate analyses demonstrated that patients with mild TBI were likely to have a favourable GOS-E Peds (p = 0.01), whereas radiological presence of cerebral oedema (p < .001), development of scar epilepsy (p = 0.021), and progression to cerebral palsy (p = 0.001) were associated with unfavourable GOS-E Peds. CONCLUSION This is the first study focused on neurosurgical outcomes for very young children with AHT in Singapore. We advocate multidisciplinary efforts to improve outcomes for this devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD11, Clinical Research Centre, #02-03 (c/o CBmE Office), 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Zhi Min Ng
- Neurology Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Ling Chong
- Children's Emergency, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Tew Seow
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Neuroscience Academic Clinical Program, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Lik Eng Loh
- Children's Intensive Care Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Yee Hui Mok
- Children's Intensive Care Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Sharon Y Y Low
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore. .,Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,SingHealth Duke-NUS Neuroscience Academic Clinical Program, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
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12
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Regeffe F, Chevignard M, Millet A, Bellier A, Wroblewski I, Patural H, Javouhey E, Mortamet G. Factors associated with poor neurological outcome in children after abusive head trauma: A multicenter retrospective study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 131:105779. [PMID: 35816903 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) remains the leading cause of brain injury in infants. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe a cohort of patients with AHT and identify early risk factors associated with poor neurological outcome. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Children under one year old admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of AHT were included. Neurological outcome was assessed by the Pediatric Overall Performance Category score (POPC) at discharge from the hospital and at two years of follow-up. METHODS A multicentre retrospective study was conducted over 8 years (from January 2012 to December 2020). RESULTS A total of 117 patients (mean age 4.3 (+/- 2.5) months, 61 % boys) from three PICUs were included. A total of 99 (85 %) patients completed a 2-year follow-up. Sixty-one (52 %) and 47 (40 %) children with AHT had a POPC (pediatric overall performance category) score ≥ 2 at discharge from ICU and discharge from hospital, respectively (meaning they had at least a moderate disability). Fifty-one (44 %) had a POPC score ≥ 2 at 2-year follow-up, including 19 patients (19 %) with severe disabilities. The main neurological disabilities were neurodevelopmental (n = 38, 35 %), hyperactivity disorder (n = 36, 33 %) and epilepsy (n = 34, 31 %). After analysis according to the hierarchical model, the occurrence of a cardiorespiratory arrest and a low Glasgow Coma Score at admission stand out as factors of poor neurological outcome. CONCLUSION This study highlights the wide range of neurological disabilities in children with AHT. Early and multidisciplinary follow-up is crucial to limit the impact of neurological disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Regeffe
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Mathilde Chevignard
- Rehabilitation Department for Children with Acquired Neurological Injury, Saint Maurice Hospitals, Saint Maurice, France; Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, LIB, CNRS, INSERM, F-75006 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, GRC 24 Handicap Moteur et Cognitif et Réadaptation (HaMCRe), Paris, France
| | - Anne Millet
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandre Bellier
- Department of medical Evaluation, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Wroblewski
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Hugues Patural
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Saint-Etienne Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Etienne Javouhey
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
| | - Guillaume Mortamet
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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13
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Hymel KP, Boos SC, Armijo-Garcia V, Musick M, Weeks K, Haney SB, Marinello M, Herman BE, Frazier TN, Carroll CL, Even K, Wang M. An analysis of physicians' diagnostic reasoning regarding pediatric abusive head trauma. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 129:105666. [PMID: 35567958 PMCID: PMC10724711 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician diagnoses of abusive head trauma (AHT) have been criticized for circular reasoning and over-reliance on a "triad" of findings. Absent a gold standard, analyses that apply restrictive reference standards for AHT and non-AHT could serve to confirm or refute these criticisms. OBJECTIVES To compare clinical presentations and injuries in patients with witnessed/admitted AHT vs. witnessed non-AHT, and with witnessed/admitted AHT vs. physician diagnosed AHT not witnessed/admitted. To measure the triad's AHT test performance in patients with witnessed/admitted AHT vs. witnessed non-AHT. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Acutely head injured patients <3 years hospitalized for intensive care across 18 sites between 2010 and 2021. METHODS Secondary analyses of existing, combined, cross-sectional datasets. Probability values and odds ratios were used to identify and characterize differences. Test performance measures included sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS Compared to patients with witnessed non-AHT (n = 100), patients with witnessed/admitted AHT (n = 58) presented more frequently with respiratory compromise (OR 2.94, 95% CI: 1.50-5.75); prolonged encephalopathy (OR 5.23, 95% CI: 2.51-10.89); torso, ear, or neck bruising (OR 11.87, 95% CI: 4.48-31.48); bilateral subdural hemorrhages (OR 8.21, 95% CI: 3.94-17.13); diffuse brain hypoxia, ischemia, or swelling (OR 6.51, 95% CI: 3.06-13.02); and dense, extensive retinal hemorrhages (OR 7.59, 95% CI: 2.85-20.25). All differences were statistically significant (p ≤ .001). No significant differences were observed in patients with witnessed/admitted AHT (n = 58) vs. patients diagnosed with AHT not witnessed/admitted (n = 438). The triad demonstrated AHT specificity and positive predictive value ≥0.96. CONCLUSIONS The observed differences in patients with witnessed/admitted AHT vs. witnessed non-AHT substantiate prior reports. The complete absence of differences in patients with witnessed/admitted AHT vs. physician diagnosed AHT not witnessed/admitted supports an impression that physicians apply diagnostic reasoning informed by knowledge of previously reported injury patterns. Concern for abuse is justified in patients who present with "the triad."
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent P Hymel
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, 600 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Stephen C Boos
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate Health, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
| | - Veronica Armijo-Garcia
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Matthew Musick
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Kerri Weeks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3243 East Murdoch, Wichita, KS 67208, USA
| | - Suzanne B Haney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114, USA.
| | - Mark Marinello
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 1250 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA.
| | - Bruce E Herman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, 100 North Mario Capecchie Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA.
| | - Terra N Frazier
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| | - Christopher L Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
| | - Katelyn Even
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, 600 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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14
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Chang YT, Feng JY, Chang HY, Lu TH, Wu J, Chang YC. Health services utilization and cost of abusive head trauma in Taiwan: A population-based retrospective matched cohort study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105603. [PMID: 35339798 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious health problem that results the highest mortality among children who are maltreated. Many AHT survivors suffer from long-term sequelae and require medical treatment. However, the knowledge of AHT-attributable health services utilization and costs at national level are limited. OBJECTIVE To estimate health services utilization and costs attributable to AHT among children aged 0-4 years in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Sixty-three fatal and 664 survival AHT cases were identified using Taiwan national population database between 2003 and 2015. A total of 2656 non-AHT children were exactly 4:1 matched to the survival cases based on their birth year, gender, the calendar year of the index date, insured location, and health insurance premium (social economic status indicator). METHODS Health services utilization and costs were calculated on an annual basis for 3 years after the index date. AHT-attributable health services utilization and costs during 3-year follow-up period was evaluated by regression models. RESULTS AHT diagnosis was positively associated with inpatient admissions, length of stay, emergency room (ER) visits, and outpatient visits. AHT-attributable medical costs were 1.64-17.27 times, 1.25-5.22 times, and 1.77-2.36 times greater for inpatient, ER, and outpatient during 3-year period than matched controls, respectively. Fatal AHT cases had higher inpatient utilization and greater medical costs than AHT survivors. CONCLUSIONS Children with AHT had greater health services utilization and higher costs for years. Strategies to reduce the burden of AHT on health care system are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Chang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ying Feng
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng Li Rd., Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
| | - Hsin-Yi Chang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsueh Lu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng Li Rd., Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Joulan Wu
- Health Intelligence Company, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-7757, United States
| | - Yu-Chun Chang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1, Sec. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Taipei 10051, Taiwan
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15
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Traumatic Brain Injury Characteristics Predictive of Subsequent Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Pediatric Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040600. [PMID: 35453799 PMCID: PMC9030185 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disabilities in children and adolescents. Poor sleep after brain injury can slow recovery and worsen outcomes. We investigated clinical sleep problems following pediatric brain injury. We examined characteristics of the injury and details about the patients that may be risk factors for developing sleep problems. The number of patients that developed problems with their sleep after a brain injury was similar between genders. The probability of insomnia increased with increasing patient age. The probability of ‘difficulty sleeping’ was highest in 7–9 year-old brain-injured patients. Older patients had a shorter time between brain injury and sleep problems compared to younger patients. Patients with severe brain injury had the shortest time between brain injury and development of sleep problems, whereas patients with mild or moderate brain injury had comparable times between brain injury and the onset of poor sleep. Multiple characteristics of brain injury and patient details were identified as risk factors for developing sleep problems following a brain injury in children. Untreated sleep problems after a brain injury can worsen symptoms, lengthen hospital stays, and delay return to school. Identifying risk factors could improve the diagnosis, management, and treatment of sleep problems in survivors of pediatric brain injury. Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep-wake disturbances (SWD) following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to examine characteristics of TBI and patient demographics that might be predictive of subsequent SWD development. This single-institution retrospective study included patients diagnosed with a TBI during 2008–2019 who also had a subsequent diagnosis of an SWD. Data were collected using ICD-9/10 codes for 207 patients and included the following: age at initial TBI, gender, TBI severity, number of TBIs diagnosed prior to SWD diagnosis, type of SWD, and time from initial TBI to SWD diagnosis. Multinomial logit and negative-binomial models were fit to investigate whether the multiple types of SWD and the time to onset of SWD following TBI could be predicted by patient variables. Distributions of SWD diagnosed after TBI were similar between genders. The probability of insomnia increased with increasing patient age. The probability of ‘difficulty sleeping’ was highest in 7–9 year-old TBI patients. Older TBI patients had shorter time to SWD onset than younger patients. Patients with severe TBI had the shortest time to SWD onset, whereas patients with mild or moderate TBI had comparable times to SWD onset. Multiple TBI characteristics and patient demographics were predictive of a subsequent SWD diagnosis in the pediatric population. This is an important step toward increasing education among providers, parents, and patients about the risk of developing SWD following TBI.
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16
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Raj A, Christian CW, Reid JE, Binenbaum G. A baby carrier fall leading to intracranial bleeding and multilayered retinal hemorrhages. J AAPOS 2022; 26:84-86. [PMID: 35091083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Significant intracranial and retinal hemorrhages are often seen in infants with abusive head trauma, although accidental injury and previously undiagnosed medical disorders are important considerations in the differential diagnosis. We present the case of an infant with confirmed accidental trauma sustained from an adult-worn baby carrier fall with superimposed head crush injury, which resulted in significant cranial, intracranial, and retinal findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Raj
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia E Reid
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gil Binenbaum
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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17
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What About the Little Ones? Systematic Review of Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes Following Early TBI. Neuropsychol Rev 2022; 32:906-936. [PMID: 34994947 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-021-09517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing empirical focus on the effects of early traumatic brain injuries (TBI; i.e., before the age of six years) on child development, but this literature has never been synthetized comprehensively. This systematic review aimed to document the cognitive, academic, behavioral, socio-affective, and adaptive consequences of early TBI. Four databases (Medline, PsycNET, CINAHL, PubMed) were systematically searched from 1990 to 2019 using key terms pertaining to TBI and early childhood. Of 12, 153 articles identified in the initial search, 43 were included. Children who sustain early TBI are at-risk for a range of difficulties, which are generally worse when injury is sustained at a younger age, injury severity is moderate to severe, and injury mechanisms are non-accidental. Early childhood is a sensitive period for the emergence and development of new skills and behaviors, and brain disruption during this time is not benign. Research, clinical management, intervention, and prevention efforts should be further developed with consideration of the unique characteristics of the early childhood period.
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18
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Boos SC, Wang M, Karst WA, Hymel KP. Traumatic Head Injury and the Diagnosis of Abuse: A Cluster Analysis. Pediatrics 2022; 149:183816. [PMID: 34890450 PMCID: PMC9645685 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data guiding abusive head trauma (AHT) diagnosis rest on case-control studies that have been criticized for circularity. We wished to sort children with neurologic injury using mathematical algorithms, without reference to physicians' diagnoses or predetermined diagnostic criteria, and to compare the results to existing AHT data, physicians' diagnoses, and a proposed triad of findings. METHODS Unsupervised cluster analysis of an existing data set regarding 500 young patients with acute head injury hospitalized for intensive care. Three cluster algorithms were used to sort (partition) patients into subpopulations (clusters) on the basis of 32 reliable (κ > 0.6) clinical and radiologic variables. P values and odds ratios (ORs) identified variables most predictive of partitioning. RESULTS The full cohort partitioned into 2 clusters. Variables substantially (P < .001 and OR > 10 in all 3 cluster algorithms) more prevalent in cluster 1 were imaging indications of brain hypoxemia, ischemia, and/or swelling; acute encephalopathy, particularly when lasting >24 hours; respiratory compromise; subdural hemorrhage or fluid collection; and ophthalmologist-confirmed retinoschisis. Variables substantially (P < .001 and OR < 0.10 in any cluster algorithm) more prevalent in cluster 2 were linear parietal skull fracture and epidural hematoma. Postpartitioning analysis revealed that cluster 1 had a high prevalence of physician-diagnosed abuse. CONCLUSIONS Three cluster algorithms partitioned the population into 2 clusters without reference to predetermined diagnostic criteria or clinical opinion about the nature of AHT. Clinical difference between clusters replicated differences previously described in comparisons of AHT with non-AHT. Algorithmic partition was predictive of physician diagnosis and of the triad of findings heavily discussed in AHT literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Boos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts,Address correspondence to Stephen C. Boos, MD, Baystate Medical Center, Family Advocacy Center, 300 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01199. E-mail:
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Wouter A. Karst
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Kent P. Hymel
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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19
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Jackson JE, Beres AL, Theodorou CM, Ugiliweneza B, Boakye M, Nuño M. Long-term impact of abusive head trauma in young children: Outcomes at 5 and 11 years old. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:2318-2325. [PMID: 33714452 PMCID: PMC8374003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young children. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of AHT. METHODS Using administrative claims from 2000-2018, children <3 years old with documented AHT who had follow-up through ages 5 and 11 years were identified. The primary outcome was incidence of neurodevelopmental disability and the secondary outcome was the effect of age at time of AHT on long-term outcomes. RESULTS 1,165 children were identified with follow-up through age 5; 358 also had follow-up through age 11. The incidence of neurodevelopmental disability was 68.0% (792/1165) at 5 years of age and 81.6% (292/358) at 11 years of age. The incidence of disability significantly increased for the 358 children followed from 5 to 11 years old (+14.3 percentage points, p<0.0001). Children <1 year old at the time of AHT were more likely to develop disabilities when compared to 2 year olds. CONCLUSIONS AHT is associated with significant long-term disability by age 5 and the incidence increased by age 11 years. There is an association between age at time of AHT and long-term outcomes. Efforts to improve comprehensive follow-up as children continue to age is important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Jackson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Alana L Beres
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Christina M Theodorou
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Maxwell Boakye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Miriam Nuño
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
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20
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Ang SC, Marret MJ, Jayanath S, Khoo WV, Takwir MFQM. Outcome of abusive head trauma in children less than 2 years: A single center study from a middle-income country. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 120:105187. [PMID: 34218125 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a severe manifestation of physical abuse in young children. This study examines the outcome of AHT in children under 2 years and features associated with mortality and disability. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 72 children under 2 years diagnosed to have AHT between 2011 and 2018 at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. Demographic variables, clinical features, results of neuroimaging and their associations with outcome were explored. RESULTS The median age at presentation was 4 months, 78% were six months or younger and 68% were male. Two-thirds became unwell in the care of an alternative caregiver. Subdural hemorrhage was present in 98%. Mortality was 10%. Forty-nine survivors returned with median interval of 16 months (IQR 5-44 months) between discharge and last follow-up. At least 35% of 65 survivors were disabled with 29% having multiple disabilities. Multiple disabilities (61.1% versus 25.8%) and cognitive impairment (61.1% versus 22.6%) were significantly higher in children 3 years or older at last follow-up (p < 0.05). Signs of brainstem dysfunction at presentation, requirement for ventilation and hypoxic-ischemic injury on neuroimaging were associated with mortality. Needing ventilation, cerebral edema and neurological or visual impairment at discharge were associated with disability. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of death or disability in 42% make prevention of AHT a public health priority. Survivors require long-term multi-disciplinary follow-up for coordination of rehabilitation and educational support. Prevention should be directed at improving resources and services to support families in the care of young infants under 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Chen Ang
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Mary J Marret
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Subhashini Jayanath
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Wee-Vien Khoo
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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21
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Lamétéry É. [Neurological sequels and follow-up of the child victim of non-accidental head trauma]. SOINS. PEDIATRIE, PUERICULTURE 2021; 42:26-27. [PMID: 34489077 DOI: 10.1016/j.spp.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Babies who suffer non-accidental head injuries systematically show sequels, whether they are neurological, cognitive or behavioural. Some of these disorders are immediately identified, such as neurological sequels, but others, such as cognitive or behavioural disorders, are revealed much later. Regular monitoring by a neuro-paediatrician is therefore essential in order to be able to adapt the child's care as closely as possible to his or her needs according to the sequels presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élodie Lamétéry
- Hôpital Couple Enfant, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Grenoble, BP 217, 38043 Grenoble cedex, France.
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22
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Manfield J, Oakley K, Macey JA, Waugh MC. Understanding the Five-Year Outcomes of Abusive Head Trauma in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Dev Neurorehabil 2021; 24:361-367. [PMID: 33478304 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1869340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the long-term medical and developmental outcomes for children who survive abusive head trauma (AHT) is important to ensure necessary supports and services are available. This study examined the retrospective global and specific medical and developmental outcomes of 55 children with AHT who were treated at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Global outcomes were assessed using the Kings Outcome Scale of Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI). Five years post-injury, one child had died and two had made a complete recovery. Forty-five children (81.8%) had a moderate or severe disability, an increase from 64.5% at acute discharge. At follow-up, the main impairments were behavioral problems (53%), vision impairment (44%), fine motor difficulties (26%), gross motor problems (26%), communication problems (24%) and 16% had seizures. A Spearman's Rank correlation revealed that only 41% of variance in KOSCHI scores five years post-injury could be accounted for KOSCHI scores at the time of acute discharge (rs(55) = 0.638, p < .001), and many children's presentation was worse at follow-up. Therefore, all children presenting with AHT need long term follow up regardless of early indications of good recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimi Manfield
- The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Oakley
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mary-Clare Waugh
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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23
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[Nonaccidental traumatic brain injury in infants and children]. Radiologe 2021; 61:742-747. [PMID: 34251479 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Violent traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause brain dysfunction and injury. Accidental and nonaccidental trauma are still the leading cause of childhood death worldwide. It is assumed that about 20% of TBI in children under 2 years of age are nonaccidentally caused. In all cases, nonaccidental TBI is caused by the violent impact on the brain and spinal cord by the massive shaking of the child held by the upper arms or body. This can lead to a rupture of blood vessels, especially bridge veins, as well as axonal shear injuries to the nerve connections and brain swelling. Involvement of the brain stem can lead to initial short-term respiratory arrest. The resulting clinical symptoms include poor drinking, drowsiness, apathy, cerebral seizures, breathing disorders, temperature disorders, and vomiting as a result of increased intracranial pressure. Long-term disorders can include neurological and neuropsychological disorders, hearing disorders, visual disorders up to blindness, and poor school performance. In addition, there are metaphyseal fractures and rib fractures of various forms, also of different ages. Since shaking trauma has a poor prognosis, preventive measures are useful: education!
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24
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Wright J, Painter S, Kodagali SS, Jones NR, Roalfe A, Jayawant S, Elston J, Anand G. Disability and visual outcomes following suspected abusive head trauma in children under 2 years. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:590-593. [PMID: 32665266 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report disability and visual outcomes following suspected abusive head trauma (AHT) in children under 2 years. METHODS We present a retrospective case series (1995-2017) of children with suspected AHT aged ≤24 months. King's Outcome Score of Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) was used to assess disability outcomes at hospital discharge and at follow-up. The study used a retinal haemorrhage score (RHS) to record findings at presentation and a visual outcome score at follow-up. RESULTS We included 44 children (median age 16 weeks). At presentation, 98% had a subdural haemorrhage and 93% had a retinal haemorrhage. At discharge, 61% had moderate-to-severe disability, and 34% a good recovery. A higher RHS was observed in those with more disability (r=-0.54, p=0.0002). At follow-up, 14% had a worse KOSCHI score (p=0.055). 35% children had visual impairment, including 9% with no functional vision. Those with poorer visual function had a higher RHS (r=0.53, p=0.003). 28% attended mainstream school without support; 50% were in foster care or had been adopted, 32% lived with birth mother and 18% with extended family. CONCLUSION It is known that injuries from suspected AHT result in high levels of morbidity; our cohort showed significant rates of disability and visual impairment. Those with higher disability at discharge and poorer visual function showed more significant retinal changes. The extent of disability was not always apparent at hospital discharge, impacting on provision of prognostic information and targeted follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Wright
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Sally Painter
- Paediatric Ophthalmology, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Nicholas R Jones
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Andrea Roalfe
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sandeep Jayawant
- Paediatric Neurology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - John Elston
- Paediatric Ophthalmology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Geetha Anand
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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25
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Luther M, Poppert Cordts KM, Williams CN. Sleep disturbances after pediatric traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of prevalence, risk factors, and association with recovery. Sleep 2021; 43:5824413. [PMID: 32328648 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep is vital for brain development and healing after injury, placing children with sleep-wake disturbances (SWD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) at risk for worse outcomes. We conducted a systematic review to quantify SWD after pediatric TBI including prevalence, phenotypes, and risk factors. We also evaluated interventions for SWD and the association between SWD and other posttraumatic outcomes. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and reference lists for English language articles published from 1999 to 2019 evaluating sleep or fatigue in children hospitalized for mild complicated, moderate, or severe TBI. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottowa Score for observational studies. RESULTS Among 966 articles identified in the search, 126 full-text articles were reviewed, and 24 studies were included (11 prospective, 9 cross-sectional, and 4 case studies). Marked heterogeneity was found in study populations, measures defining SWD, and time from injury to evaluation. Studies showed at least 20% of children with TBI had trouble falling or staying asleep, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and nightmares. SWD are negatively correlated with posttraumatic cognitive, behavioral, and quality of life outcomes. No comparative intervention studies were identified. The risk of bias was moderate-high for all studies often related to lack of validated or objective SWD measures and small sample size. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS SWD are important morbidities after pediatric TBI, though current data are limited. SWD have implications for TBI recovery and may represent a modifiable target for improving outcomes after pediatric TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Luther
- Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Katrina M Poppert Cordts
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Cydni N Williams
- Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.,Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR
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26
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Schlepper S, Karger B. Die Todesartklassifikation am Beispiel des Schütteltraumas. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-020-01093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Blackwell LS, Martinez M, Fournier-Goodnight A, Figueroa J, Appert A, Vats A, Wali B, Sayeed I, Reisner A. Patterns of Osteopontin Expression in Abusive Head Trauma Compared with Other Causes of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury. J Pediatr 2020; 227:170-175. [PMID: 32622673 PMCID: PMC7686267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.06.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine levels of plasma osteopontin (OPN), a recently described neuroinflammatory biomarker, in children with abusive head trauma (AHT) compared with children with other types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). STUDY DESIGN The study cohort comprised children aged <4 years diagnosed with TBI and seen in the intensive care unit in a tertiary children's hospital. Patients were classified as having confirmed or suspected AHT or TBI by other mechanisms (eg, motor vehicle accidents), as identified by a Child Protection Team clinician. Serial blood samples were collected at admission and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after admission. Levels of OPN were compared across groups. RESULTS Of 77 patients identified, 24 had confirmed AHT, 12 had suspected AHT, and 41 had TBI. There were no differences in the Glasgow Coma Scale score between the patients with confirmed AHT and those with suspected AHT and those with TBI (median score, 4.5 vs 4 and 7; P = .39). At admission to the emergency department, OPN levels were significantly higher in children with confirmed AHT compared with the other 2 groups (mean confirmed AHT, 471.5 ng/mL; median suspected AHT, 322.3 ng/mL; mean TBI, 278.0 ng/mL; P = .03). Furthermore, the adjusted mean trajectory levels of OPN were significantly higher in the confirmed AHT group compared with the other 2 groups across all subsequent time points (P = <.01). CONCLUSIONS OPN is significantly elevated in children with confirmed AHT compared with those with suspected AHT and those with other types of TBI. OPN expression may help identify children with suspected AHT to aid resource stratification and triage of appropriate interventions for children who are potential victims of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S. Blackwell
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Appert
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Atul Vats
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA,Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Andrew Reisner
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
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28
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Lajud N, Roque A, Cheng JP, Bondi CO, Kline AE. Early Life Stress Preceding Mild Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Increases Neuroinflammation but Does Not Exacerbate Impairment of Cognitive Flexibility during Adolescence. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:411-421. [PMID: 33040677 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) followed by pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) negatively impacts spatial learning and memory and increases microglial activation in adolescent rats, but whether the same paradigm negatively affects higher order executive function is not known. Hence, we utilized the attentional set-shifting test (AST) to evaluate executive function (cognitive flexibility) and to determine its relationship with neuroinflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity after pediatric mTBI in male rats. ELS was induced via maternal separation for 180 min per day (MS180) during the first 21 post-natal (P) days, while controls (CONT) were undisturbed. At P21, fully anesthetized rats received a mild controlled cortical impact (2.2 mm tissue deformation at 4 m/sec) or sham injury. AST was evaluated during adolescence on P35-P40 and cytokine expression and HPA activity were analyzed on P42. The data indicate that pediatric mTBI produced a significant reversal learning deficit on the AST versus sham (p < 0.05), but that the impairment was not exacerbated further by MS180. Additionally, ELS produced an overall elevation in set-loss errors on the AST, and increased hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β expression after TBI. A significant correlation was observed in executive dysfunction and IL-1β expression in the ipsilateral pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus. Although the combination of ELS and pediatric mTBI did not worsen executive function beyond that of mTBI alone (p > 0.05), it did result in increased hippocampal neuroinflammation relative to mTBI (p < 0.05). These findings provide important insight into the susceptibility to incur alterations in cognitive and neuroimmune functioning after stress exposure and TBI during early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima Lajud
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Angélica Roque
- División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Michoacán, México.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Cheng
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Corina O Bondi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anthony E Kline
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Eismann EA, Theuerling J, Cassedy A, Curry PA, Colliers T, Makoroff KL. Early developmental, behavioral, and quality of life outcomes following abusive head trauma in infants. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 108:104643. [PMID: 32739598 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental delays following pediatric abusive head trauma are common. OBJECTIVE To assess early developmental, behavioral, and quality of life outcomes following infant abusive head trauma and evaluate injury severity and early therapeutic intervention as potential predictors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Infants under 12 months old who were admitted to a large pediatric hospital with abusive head trauma between October 2010 and October 2017 and followed at a multidisciplinary post-injury clinic were included. METHODS Injury severity groups were classified based on days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Participation in early intervention services and/or physical or occupational therapy by the first clinic visit was documented. Development was assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, which 47 patients completed at approximately 6 month intervals up to 3 years of age (an average of 19 months post-injury). Behavior and quality of life were assessed around age 2 using the Child Behavior Checklist (n = 24) and PedsQL™ (n = 27), respectively. RESULTS Overall cognitive development, fine motor function, and expressive language significantly declined with age up to 3 years (p < 0.05). The changes in these developmental scales with age differed significantly between injury severity groups (p < 0.05). Internalizing behaviors were also greater in patients with moderate than mild injuries (t = 2.37, p = 0.037). Quality of life was comparable to healthy populations. Early therapeutic intervention was not significantly associated with developmental, behavioral, or quality of life outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Long-term comprehensive follow-up is recommended for children following abusive head trauma, as developmental delays and behavioral problems may present at later ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Eismann
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jack Theuerling
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Amy Cassedy
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Patricia A Curry
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tracy Colliers
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kathi L Makoroff
- Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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30
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Chevignard M, Câmara-Costa H, Dellatolas G. Pediatric traumatic brain injury and abusive head trauma. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:451-484. [PMID: 32958191 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00032-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly occurs during brain development and can have direct, immediately observable neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral consequences. However, it can also disrupt subsequent brain development, and long-term outcomes are a combination of preinjury development and abilities, consequences of brain injury, as well as delayed impaired development of skills that were immature at the time of injury. There is a growing number of studies on mild TBI/sport-related concussions, describing initial symptoms and their evolution over time and providing guidelines for effective management of symptoms and return to activity/school/sports. Mild TBI usually does not lead to long-term cognitive or academic consequences, despite reports of behavioral/psychologic issues postinjury. Regarding moderate to severe TBI, injury to the brain is more severe, with evidence of a number of detrimental consequences in various domains. Patients can display neurologic impairments (e.g., motor deficits, signs of cerebellar disorder, posttraumatic epilepsy), medical problems (e.g., endocrine pituitary deficits, sleep-wake abnormalities), or sensory deficits (e.g., visual, olfactory deficits). The most commonly reported deficits are in the cognitive-behavioral field, which tend to be significantly disabling in the long-term, impacting the development of autonomy, socialization and academic achievement, participation, quality of life, and later, independence and ability to enter the workforce (e.g., intellectual deficits, slow processing speed, attention, memory, executive functions deficits, impulsivity, intolerance to frustration). A number of factors influence outcomes following pediatric TBI, including preinjury stage of development and abilities, brain injury severity, age at injury (with younger age at injury most often associated with worse outcomes), and a number of family/environment factors (e.g., parental education and occupation, family functioning, parenting style, warmth and responsiveness, access to rehabilitation and care). Interventions should identify and target these specific factors, given their major role in postinjury outcomes. Abusive head trauma (AHT) occurs in very young children (most often <6 months) and is a form of severe TBI, usually associated with delay before appropriate care is sought. Outcomes are systematically worse following AHT than following accidental TBI, even when controlling for age at injury and injury severity. Children with moderate to severe TBI and AHT usually require specific, coordinated, multidisciplinary, and long-term rehabilitation interventions and school adaptations, until transition to adult services. Interventions should be patient- and family-centered, focusing on specific goals, comprising education about TBI, and promoting optimal parenting, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Chevignard
- Rehabilitation Department for Children with Acquired Neurological Injury and Outreach Team for Children and Adolescents with Acquired Brain Injury, Saint Maurice Hospitals, Saint Maurice, France; Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; GRC 24, Handicap Moteur et Cognitif et Réadaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
| | - Hugo Câmara-Costa
- GRC 24, Handicap Moteur et Cognitif et Réadaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Centre d'Etudes en Santé des Populations, INSERM U1018, Paris, France
| | - Georges Dellatolas
- GRC 24, Handicap Moteur et Cognitif et Réadaptation, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Ajmera S, Motiwala M, Weeks M, Oravec CS, Hersh DS, Fraser BD, Vaughn B, Klimo P. What Variables Correlate With Different Clinical Outcomes of Abusive Head Injury? Neurosurgery 2020; 87:803-810. [PMID: 32243538 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spectrum of injury severity for abusive head trauma (AHT) severity is broad, but outcomes are unequivocally worse than accidental trauma. There are few publications that analyze different outcomes of AHT. OBJECTIVE To determine variables associated with different outcomes of AHT. METHODS Patients were identified using our AHT database. Three different, but not mutually exclusive, outcomes of AHT were modeled: (1) death or hemispheric stroke (diffuse loss of grey-white differentiation); (2) stroke(s) of any size; and (3) need for a neurosurgical operation. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and correlations to the 3 outcomes of interest were identified using bivariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS From January 2009 to December 2017, 305 children were identified through a prospectively maintained AHT database. These children were typically male (60%), African American (54%), and had public or no insurance (90%). A total of 29 children (9.5%) died or suffered a massive hemispheric stroke, 57 (18.7%) required a neurosurgical operation, and 91 (29.8%) sustained 1 or more stroke. Death or hemispheric stroke was statistically associated with the pupillary exam (odds ratio [OR] = 45.7) and admission international normalized ratio (INR) (OR = 17.3); stroke was associated with the pupillary exam (OR = 13.2), seizures (OR = 14.8), admission hematocrit (OR = 0.92), and INR (9.4), and need for surgery was associated with seizures (OR = 8.6). CONCLUSION We have identified several demographic and clinical variables that correlate with 3 clinically applicable outcomes of abusive head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Ajmera
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Mustafa Motiwala
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Chesney S Oravec
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - David S Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Brittany D Fraser
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee
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32
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Cala Cala LF, Kelly CL, Ramos E, VanVleet M, High P. Which Mothers Know That All Babies Cry? A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Child Abuse Prevention Program for Low-Income New Mothers. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2020; 59:865-873. [PMID: 32432487 DOI: 10.1177/0009922820922532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated an intervention for low-income new mothers, half from Spanish-speaking homes, that provides education around infant crying and abusive head trauma (AHT). At enrollment, non-US-born mothers were less likely than US-born mothers to have heard of shaken baby syndrome (60% vs 89%, P ≤ .0001) or to know shaking babies could lead to brain damage or death (48% vs 80%, P < .0001). At follow-up, non-US-born intervention mothers had improved knowledge of the peak of crying (31% vs 4%, P = .009), improved knowledge that shaking a baby could lead to brain damage or death (36% vs 12%, P = .035), and identified more calming strategies for parenting stress compared with non-US-born control mothers (+0.8 [SD = 1.1] vs -0.4 [SD = 1.4]). This study identifies a gap in AHT knowledge at baseline of non-US-born mothers. These mothers had improved knowledge with intervention and are an important population for similar prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Cala Cala
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carrie Leah Kelly
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elaina Ramos
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Marcia VanVleet
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Pamela High
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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33
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Kazmir S, Rosado N. Abusive Head Trauma: A Review of Current Knowledge. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2020.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Deutsch SA. Understanding Abusive Head Trauma: A Primer for the General Pediatrician. Pediatr Ann 2020; 49:e347-e353. [PMID: 32785719 DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20200720-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) refers to a well-recognized constellation of injuries caused by the direct application of force to an infant or young child, resulting in trauma to the head, intracranial contents, and/or neck, with potentially devastating health outcomes. Mechanisms of AHT include impulsive injurious acts, such as violent shaking and impact, often due to caregiver frustration or exhaustion. Subdural and retinal hemorrhage, and associated extracranial injury (fractures, abdominal trauma), are common. Suspected victims require laboratory/diagnostic testing and occult injury screening, as well as protective measures by investigative authorities to ensure safety. Medicolegal controversies persist around AHT diagnosis, including alternative hypotheses proffered in court by skeptics despite advances in scientific understanding, biomechanical research, neuroimaging techniques, and perpetrator confessions. Pediatricians play a key role in prevention and reduction of AHT morbidity and mortality through anticipatory guidance and caregiver education about the risks of shaking, normal infant development and behavior, and encouragement of stress reduction strategies. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(8):e347-e353.].
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35
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Hung KL. Pediatric abusive head trauma. Biomed J 2020; 43:240-250. [PMID: 32330675 PMCID: PMC7424091 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT), used to be named shaken baby syndrome, is an injury to the skull and intracranial components of a baby or child younger than 5 years due to violent shaking and/or abrupt impact. It is a worldwide leading cause of fatal head injuries in children under 2 years. The mechanism of AHT includes shaking as well as impact, crushing or their various combinations through acceleration, deceleration and rotational force. The diagnosis of AHT should be based on the existence of multiple components including subdural hematoma, intracranial pathology, retinal hemorrhages as well as rib and other fractures consistent with the mechanism of trauma. The differential diagnosis must exclude those medical or surgical diseases that can mimic AHT such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, and hypoxic-ischemic injury. As for the treatment, most of the care of AHT is supportive. Vital signs should be maintained. Intracranial pressure, if necessary, should be monitored and controlled to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion pressure. There are potential morbidity and mortality associated with AHT, ranging from mild learning disabilities to severe handicaps and death. The prognosis of patients with AHT correlates with the extent of injury identified on CT and MRI imaging. The outcome is associated with the clinical staging, the extent of increased intracranial pressure and the existence of neurological complications such as acquired hydrocephalus or microcephalus, cortical blindness, convulsive disorder, and developmental delay. AHT is a potentially preventable disease, therefore, prevention should be stressed in all encounters within the family, the society and all the healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Long Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Toma M, Dehesa-Baeza A, Chan-Akaley R, Nguyen PDH, Zwibel H. Cerebrospinal Fluid Interaction with Cerebral Cortex during Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAbusive head trauma is the leading cause of fatal brain injuries in children younger than 2 years. It is a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse often linked to the forceful shaking of an infant or toddler. Victims of abusive head trauma can suffer permanent neurological damage, resulting in developmental delay and disability. The long-term effects of abusive head trauma are difficult to diagnose and predict. In this model, we use a high-order finite element method paired with the most comprehensive and current head/brain model and next-generation smoothed particle hydrodynamics. This is one of the first fluid–structure interaction frameworks that uses fluid material properties to represent the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) while including all major anatomical features of the brain. The interaction of CSF with the brain cortex during abusive head trauma is demonstrated during multiple shaking cycles. A comprehensive and precise model that calculates for the role of CSF in neurological trauma will be useful both in the prevention and treatment of abusive head trauma and the determination of prognosis and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Toma
- Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury Campus, Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, New York, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering & Computing Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury Campus, Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, New York, United States
| | - Alfonso Dehesa-Baeza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering & Computing Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury Campus, Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, New York, United States
| | - Rosalyn Chan-Akaley
- Lang Research Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Flushing, New York, United States
| | - Paul D. H. Nguyen
- Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Hallie Zwibel
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Westbury Campus, Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, New York, United States
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Allen J, Molloy E, McDonald D. Severe neurological impairment: a review of the definition. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:277-282. [PMID: 31237356 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe neurological impairment (SNI) is a term commonly used in the medical literature, though there is no agreed definition. This limits opportunities for research into healthcare needs, treatment opportunities, resource planning, and outcome. We reviewed the literature to establish consistency of use of the term and to place it in the context of other commonly employed terms used to describe children with severe, complex medical needs. Forty-two articles were included for full-text analysis, with 23 including a definition of SNI. Motor impairment, intellectual disability, communication difficulties, and increased care needs were included in the definition in 80%, 70%, 30%, and 13% of papers respectively. Dependence on others for decision-making, chronicity, and distinction between disorders of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system were less frequently included. There is wide variation in the use of the term SNI. A consensus-based definition of this term would be useful to facilitate future research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: There is inconsistency in use of the term severe neurological impairment (SNI), limiting research efforts. In defining SNI, considerations are mobility, intellectual disability, communication difficulties, and increased care needs. Distinction between acute and chronic, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, and dependence on others for decision-making were less significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Allen
- Department of Paediatrics, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Research in Childhood Centre, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eleanor Molloy
- Department of Paediatrics, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Research in Childhood Centre, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Neonatology, Coombe Women and Infants' University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Neonatology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denise McDonald
- Department of Paediatrics, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Research in Childhood Centre, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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38
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Iqbal O'Meara AM, Sequeira J, Miller Ferguson N. Advances and Future Directions of Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2020; 11:118. [PMID: 32153494 PMCID: PMC7044347 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is broadly defined as injury of the skull and intracranial contents as a result of perpetrator-inflicted force and represents a persistent and significant disease burden in children under the age of 4 years. When compared to age-matched controls with typically single occurrence accidental traumatic brain injury (TBI), mortality after AHT is disproportionately high and likely attributable to key differences between injury phenotypes. This article aims to review the epidemiology of AHT, summarize the current state of AHT diagnosis, treatment, and prevention as well as areas for future directions of study. Despite neuroimaging advances and an evolved understanding of AHT, early identification remains a challenge for contemporary clinicians. As such, the reported incidence of 10–30 per 100,000 infants per year may be a considerable underestimate that has not significantly decreased over the past several decades despite social campaigns for public education such as “Never Shake a Baby.” This may reflect caregivers in crisis for whom education is not sufficient without support and intervention, or dangerous environments in which other family members are at risk in addition to the child. Acute management specific to AHT has not advanced beyond usual supportive care for childhood TBI, and prevention and early recognition remain crucial. Moreover, AHT is frequently excluded from studies of childhood TBI, which limits the precise translation of important brain injury research to this population. Repeated injury, antecedent abuse or neglect, delayed medical attention, and high rates of apnea and seizures on presentation are important variables to be considered. More research, including AHT inclusion in childhood TBI studies with comparisons to age-matched controls, and translational models with clinical fidelity are needed to better elucidate the pathophysiology of AHT and inform both clinical care and the development of targeted therapies. Clinical prediction rules, biomarkers, and imaging modalities hold promise, though these have largely been developed and validated in patients after clinically evident AHT has already occurred. Nevertheless, recognition of warning signs and intervention before irreversible harm occurs remains the current best strategy for medical professionals to protect vulnerable infants and toddlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Iqbal O'Meara
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jake Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Nikki Miller Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Badger S, Waugh MC, Hancock J, Marks S, Oakley K. Short term outcomes of children with abusive head trauma two years post injury: A retrospective study. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2020; 13:241-253. [PMID: 32831205 DOI: 10.3233/prm-190624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Abusive head trauma (AHT) can have debilitating sequelae for children who survive. A retrospective medical record review was used to describe short-term developmental outcomes of children with AHT and identify predictors of poorer outcomes. METHOD Children with AHT who received follow up by the hospital's rehabilitation department for 12 to 24 months post-injury were included in this review. Data for 85 children were collected on hearing, vision, gross motor, fine motor, speech and language, cognition, play, adaptive functioning, behaviour and personal-social skills. RESULTS Global assessment found 42% of children had a good recovery, 34% had a moderate disability and 24% had a severe disability. For whom there was data, more than half had abnormal cognition, behaviour and personal-social skills, whilst more than a third had abnormal speech and language, neurological signs on last assessment, vision, play skills, and gross and fine motor skills. Factors that predicted poorer prognosis across all developmental domains included paediatric intensive care unit admission, longer length of hospital stay, breathing difficulty and lower Glasgow Coma Scale on presentation. CONCLUSION This study highlights the substantial number of children who have abnormal development in the short-term post-AHT and assists in identifying those who require extensive long-term follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Badger
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary-Clare Waugh
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan Hancock
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Marks
- Child Protection Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Oakley
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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40
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McCormick JB, Hymel KP. Responding to Implicit Bias in Abusive Head Trauma Evaluations and Reporting in the PICU: Ethical Consideration During a Clinical Trial. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2019; 19:114-115. [PMID: 31557110 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2019.1654030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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41
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Thompson LW, Bass KD, Agyei JO, Naseem HUR, Borngraber E, Wang J, Reynolds RM. Incidence of nonaccidental head trauma in infants: a call to revisit prevention strategies. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 24:689-696. [PMID: 31629317 DOI: 10.3171/2019.7.peds195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traumatic brain injury is a major sequela of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) that disproportionately affects young children and can have lasting sequelae. Considering the potentially devastating effects, many hospitals develop parent education programs to prevent NAT. Despite these efforts, NAT is still common in Western New York. The authors studied the incidence of NAT following the implementation of the Western New York Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Program in 1998. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective chart review of children admitted to our pediatric hospital between 1999 and 2016 with ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes for types of child abuse and intracranial hemorrhage. Data were also provided by the Safe Babies New York program, which tracks NAT in Western New York. Children with a diagnosis of abuse at 0-24 months old were included in the study. Children who suffered a genuine accidental trauma or those with insufficient corroborating evidence to support the NAT diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS A total of 107 children were included in the study. There was a statistically significant rise in both the incidence of NAT (p = 0.0086) and the incidence rate of NAT (p = 0.0235) during the study period. There was no significant difference in trendlines for annual NAT incidence between sexes (y-intercept p = 0.5270, slope p = 0.5263). When stratified by age and sex, each age group had a distinct and statistically significant incidence of NAT (y-intercept p = 0.0069, slope p = 0.0374). CONCLUSIONS Despite educational interventions targeted at preventing NAT, there is a significant rise in the trend of newly reported cases of NAT, indicating a great need for better injury prevention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaVerne W Thompson
- 1Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiefei Wang
- 4Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, New York
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42
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Gibbs KA, Dickinson A, Rasmussen S. Caring for Children with Non-Accidental Head Injuries: A Case for a Child-Centered Approach. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2019; 43:274-285. [PMID: 31424959 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2019.1654039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Child abuse remains a significant issue. Non-accidental head injury (NAHI) is a major cause of mortality in young children with survivors often having to live a life with severe developmental and neurological dysfunction. The aim of this hermeneutic phenomenological research study was to examine the lived experiences of nurses who care for children and their families admitted to hospital with a non-accidental head injury. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six nurses who had at least five years' experience of nursing children with NAHI. Following the interpretive approach described by van Manen data was analyzed and two essential themes identified. Firstly, nursing children with NAHI is different from the care of children admitted with a similar neurological injury related to accidental injuries or medical conditions. Secondly, when nursing these children nurses adopt protective qualities, conceptualized in this study as a shield of protection. The findings of this study support the findings of other studies in regard to the emotional labor required of nurses caring for children who have been subject to child abuse and the importance for nurses of maintaining a professional demeanor. The study highlighted the tensions of sustaining a family-centered care approach when caring for a child with NAHI. It is argued that greater acknowledgment and emotional support for nurses is needed and that a child-centered approach offers a more compatible model of care than Family-Centered Care in the acute phase of caring for children with a NAHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy-Anne Gibbs
- School of Clinical Sciences/Nursing, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Annette Dickinson
- School of Clinical Sciences/Nursing, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shayne Rasmussen
- School of Clinical Sciences/Nursing, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland, New Zealand
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43
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[Improving child protection in healthcare: peer counseling, education, and research using the example of abusive head trauma]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:960-969. [PMID: 31263914 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02982-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Too often, diagnosis of maltreatment is missed by healthcare professionals - thus denying children in danger from necessary protection. Insufficient knowledge and insecurities towards professional confidentiality and how to approach child protection services may be the reasons for the failure to protect children effectively.In this article, we present how a comprehensive concept by the competence center of child protection in medicine of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg consisting of peer counseling, peer education, and research can add to the prevention of maltreatment. One component is peer counseling through a telephone helpline that is accessible 24/7, the medical child protection hotline. The requests to the helpline are analyzed and add to the generation of tailored content for the education of doctors, psychotherapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. As an example, we present the online course "Child protection in medicine - a basic course for all health professionals" (so far available only in German). One common issue when the child protection hotline is called for counseling is abusive head trauma. Research shows that sometimes a diagnosis of abusive head trauma might be missed. This condition is most prevalent in children under the age of 2 and represents one of the most severe forms of physical abuse with high mortality.Inquiries to the medical child protection hotline are constantly increasing, but making the service known nationwide to all healthcare professionals still poses a challenge. The online course is widely used and being constantly improved. The comprehensive concept of peer counseling, education, and research is an important contribution to the improvement of the prevention of child maltreatment.
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Payne FL, Fernandez DN, Jenner L, Paul SP. Recognition and nursing management of abusive head trauma in children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:974-981. [PMID: 28956988 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2017.26.17.974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) describes an injury to the head caused by a deliberate impact or shaking by a parent or carer. It can cause significant morbidity and mortality in infants, and is most commonly seen in those aged under 2 years. The initial presentation of AHT can include vague symptoms and the correct diagnosis may be missed by health professionals. Subdural haematoma, brain oedema and retinal haemorrhages are well-known features associated with AHT. However, other conditions such as birth trauma, accidental falls in infants and bleeding disorders can all mimic AHT, thus making its recognition difficult. Suspicion of AHT should lead to initiation of safeguarding procedures alongside organising neurological imaging to identify skull fracture and/or intracranial lesions. This article highlights different aspects of the clinical presentation of AHT and its management. Safeguarding and recognising child abuse is vital and requires every member of the multidisciplinary team to remain vigilant. An illustrative case study is included to highlight some of the challenges that health professionals working in different clinical set-ups are likely to come across while managing an infant with AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Louise Payne
- Year 5 Medical Student, Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth
| | | | - Lucy Jenner
- Paediatric Sister, Emergency Department, Torbay Hospital, Torquay
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45
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Fraser BD, Lingo PR, Khan NR, Vaughn BN, Klimo P. Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Return to Hospital System in the First Year Post Injury. Neurosurgery 2019; 85:E66-E74. [PMID: 30476266 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) may result in costly, long-term sequelae. OBJECTIVE To describe the burden of AHT on the hospital system within the first year of injury. METHODS Single institution retrospective evaluation of AHT cases from January 2009 to August 2016. Demographic, clinical (including injury severity graded I-III), and charge data associated with both initial and return hospital visits within 1 yr of injury were extracted. RESULTS A total of 278 cases of AHT were identified: 60% male, 76% infant, and 54% African-American. Of these 278 cases, 162 (60%) returned to the hospital within the first year, resulting in 676 total visits (an average of 4.2 returns/patient). Grade I injuries were less likely to return than more serious injuries (II and III). The majority were outpatient services (n = 430, 64%); of the inpatient readmissions, neurosurgery was the most likely service to be involved (44%). Neurosurgical procedures accounted for the majority of surgeries performed during both initial admission and readmission (85% and 68%, respectively). Increasing injury severity positively correlated with charges for both the initial admission and returns (P < .001 for both). Total calculated charges, including initial admission and returns, were over $25 million USD. CONCLUSION AHT has a high potential for return to the hospital system within the first year. Inpatient charges dominate and account for the vast majority of hospital returns and overall charges. A more severe initial injury correlates with increased charges on initial admission and on subsequent hospital return.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Fraser
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - P Ryan Lingo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Nickalus R Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Semmes Murphey, Memphis, Tennessee
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Vassel-Hitier J, Verdier V, Rasquier S, Chalard A, Laurent-Vannier A, Chevignard M. Language, intellectual and educational outcomes after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury sustained before the age of 18 months. Brain Inj 2019; 33:1105-1115. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1623420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Vassel-Hitier
- Rehabilitation department for children and adolescents with acquired neurological injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Valentine Verdier
- Outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Stéphanie Rasquier
- Rehabilitation department for children and adolescents with acquired neurological injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Anaïs Chalard
- Rehabilitation department for children and adolescents with acquired neurological injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Anne Laurent-Vannier
- Rehabilitation department for children and adolescents with acquired neurological injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
- Outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Mathilde Chevignard
- Rehabilitation department for children and adolescents with acquired neurological injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
- Outreach team for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury, Saint-Maurice Hospitals, Saint-Maurice, France
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, LIB, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- GRC 18 HanCRe, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Things Are Not Always What They Seem: Two Cases of Child Maltreatment Presenting With Common Pediatric Chief Complaints. Pediatr Emerg Care 2019; 35:e107-e109. [PMID: 30489490 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe 2 cases of child maltreatment who presented as common pediatric conditions: preseptal cellulitis and gastroenteritis. The first case is an 8-year-old girl who presented with progressive right eye pain, swelling, and discharge. She was initially treated for preseptal cellulitis, but eye cultures ultimately grew Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Further investigation revealed sexual abuse by a male family member. The second case is a 2-year-old previously healthy girl who presented with 6 hours of emesis, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Initially attributed to viral gastroenteritis, her serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were above what was expected for her clinical course, and she later developed signs of peritonitis. She was ultimately found to have a large bladder wall defect secondary to inflicted blunt abdominal trauma. These cases are presented to emphasize the need for pediatricians to consider child abuse even when patients present with common pediatric complaints.
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48
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Jantzie L, El Demerdash N, Newville JC, Robinson S. Time to reconsider extended erythropoietin treatment for infantile traumatic brain injury? Exp Neurol 2019; 318:205-215. [PMID: 31082389 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most efforts to reduce the chronic impact of pediatric TBI involve prevention and minimization of secondary injury. Currently, no treatments are used in routine clinical care during the acute and subacute phases to actively repair injury to the developing brain. The endogenous pluripotent cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) holds promise as an emerging neuroreparative agent in perinatal brain injury (PBI). EPO signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) is essential for multiple stages of neurodevelopment, including the genesis, survival and differentiation of multiple lineages of neural cells. Postnatally, EPO signaling decreases markedly as the CNS matures. Importantly, high-dose, extended EPO regimens have shown efficacy in preclinical controlled cortical impact (CCI) models of infant TBI at two different, early ages by independent research groups. Specifically, extended high-dose EPO treatment after infantile CCI prevents long-term cognitive deficits in adult rats. Because of the striking differences in the molecular and cellular responses to both injury and recovery in the developing and mature CNS, and the excellent safety profile of EPO in infants and children, extended courses of EPO are currently in Phase III trials for neonates with PBI. Extended, high-dose EPO may also warrant testing for infants and young children with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jantzie
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87111,United States.; Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87111, United States..
| | - Nagat El Demerdash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, United States
| | - Jessie C Newville
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87111,United States.; Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87111, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Yamaoka Y, Fujiwara T, Fujino Y, Matsuda S, Fushimi K. Incidence and Age Distribution of Hospitalized Presumptive and Possible Abusive Head Trauma of Children Under 12 Months Old in Japan. J Epidemiol 2019; 30:91-97. [PMID: 30713261 PMCID: PMC6949182 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20180094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of fatal maltreatment among young children. The incidence of AHT in Japan, however, remains unknown. This study examined the incidence and distribution of age in months among young children under 12 months of age hospitalized with intracranial injury in Japan. Methods We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study of children under 36 months old admitted with intracranial injury to hospitals that employed the Diagnostic Procedure Combination (DPC) payment system between 2010 and 2013. Presumptive and possible AHT were defined using the combination of ICD-10 codes modified from the coding system recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results The average incidence was 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.18–7.26) for presumptive and 41.7 (95% CI, 41.7–41.8) for possible AHT per 100,000 children less than 12 months old from 2010 to 2013. The distributions of age in months for both presumptive AHT and possible AHT had peaks at around 2 and 8 months. Conclusions This is the first study to report the incidence of hospitalized children with presumptive and possible AHT using population-based data. Further datasets are needed to evaluate the incidence and specific preventive strategies to prevent AHT in infants during the months of highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Yamaoka
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Tsukuba.,Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Shinya Matsuda
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health.,Data Science Center of Occupational Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
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Berthold O, Witt A, Clemens V, Brähler E, Plener PL, Fegert JM. Do we get the message through? Difficulties in the prevention of abusive head trauma. Eur J Pediatr 2019; 178:139-146. [PMID: 30353222 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many programs aim to prevent abusive head trauma throughout the USA, Europe, and in many other regions of the world. Most of these programs inform mothers shortly after delivery about the dangers of abusive head trauma. Effectiveness of these programs usually is measured by the increase of knowledge on abusive head trauma. Recent research showed, however that for effective primary prevention, a much broader approach might be necessary. But so far, there is no data that reports the knowledge on key messages on abusive head trauma in the general public as a baseline. We conducted a representative population-based survey on abusive head trauma knowledge in Germany. Whereas the dangers are generally well known, a majority might be ambivalent towards the recommendation to leave a crying infant alone for a few minutes when the caregiver becomes too stressed or frustrated. Furthermore, a majority prefers being informed on abusive head trauma before birth.Conclusion: Future preventive programs should focus on educating adolescents (potential baby sitters) and young adults when they do not yet have children of their own. What is known: • Most programs for primary prevention of abusive head trauma (AHT) focus on mothers shortly after delivery • There are no analyses so far of the quality of education programs in the general public, as educating mothers might not be sufficient to reduce incidence rates What is new: • Our study is the first population-based survey to measure the knowledge on AHT in a representative population sample and to provide the data base for targeted prevention programs. • The introduction of broader prevention programs might be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Berthold
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. .,Child Abuse Clinic, DRK Kliniken Berlin
- Westend, Spandauer Damm 130, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Witt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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