Pediatric and adult trauma centers differ in evaluation, treatment, and outcomes for severely injured adolescents

Impact of Trauma Center Type on Outcomes in Pediatric Population Following Severe Isolated Blunt Traumatic Brain Injuries: A National Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to evaluate the association between trauma center type, verification level, and clinical outcomes in pediatric trauma patients with moderate and severe isolated blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Program (TQP) Participant Use File (PUF) database from 2017 to 2021. Severely injured pediatric (<18 years) trauma patients with isolated moderate and severe TBI (AIS head >2, all other body regions <3) were included. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, intensive care unit length-of-stay (ICU-LOS), and ventilator-free days (VFDs).

RESULTS

Patients treated at a level-I combined adult and pediatric trauma centers (CTCs) had significantly lower odds of in-hospital mortality than those treated at adult trauma centers (ATCs) (OR .495, 95% CI 0.291-.841, P = .009). Patients treated at level-I pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) (OR 2.726, 95% CI 2.059-3.609, P < .001) and level-II PTCs (OR 6.18, 95% CI 3.402-11.239, P < .001) were significantly more likely to be discharged home than equivalent-level ATCs.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients with isolated blunt moderate and severe TBI treated at level-I PTCs and CTCs had reduced odds of in-hospital mortality compared to level-I ATCs. Patients at level I and II PTCs had significantly higher odds of discharge home than those at equivalent-level CTCs and ATCs.

Defining pediatric trauma center resource utilization: Multidisciplinary consensus-based criteria from the Pediatric Trauma Society

BACKGROUND

Pediatric trauma triage and transfer decisions should incorporate the likelihood that an injured child will require pediatric trauma center (PTC) resources. Resource utilization may be a better basis than mortality risk when evaluating pediatric injury severity. However, there is currently no consensus definition of PTC resource utilization that encompasses the full scope of PTC services.

METHODS

Consensus criteria were developed in collaboration with the Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS) Research Committee using a modified Delphi approach. An expert panel was recruited representing the following pediatric disciplines: prehospital care, emergency medicine, nursing, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, anesthesia, radiology, critical care, child abuse, and rehabilitation medicine. Resource utilization criteria were drafted from a comprehensive literature review, seeking to complete the following sentence: "Pediatric patients with traumatic injuries have used PTC resources if they..." Criteria were then refined and underwent three rounds of voting to achieve consensus. Consensus was defined as agreement of 75% or more panelists. Between the second and third voting rounds, broad feedback from attendees of the PTS annual meeting was obtained.

RESULTS

The Delphi panel consisted of 18 members from 15 institutions. Twenty initial draft criteria were developed based on literature review. These criteria dealt with airway interventions, vascular access, initial stabilization procedures, fluid resuscitation, blood product transfusion, abdominal trauma/solid organ injury management, intensive care monitoring, anesthesia/sedation, advanced imaging, radiologic interpretation, child abuse evaluation, and rehabilitative services. After refinement and panel voting, 14 criteria achieved the >75% consensus threshold. The final consensus criteria were reviewed and endorsed by the PTS Guidelines Committee.

CONCLUSION

This study defines multidisciplinary consensus-based criteria for PTC resource utilization. These criteria are an important step toward developing a criterion standard, resource-based, pediatric injury severity metric. Such metrics can help optimize system-level pediatric trauma triage based on likelihood of requiring PTC resources.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Test/Criteria; Level II.

Setting an agenda for a national pediatric trauma system: Operationalization of the Pediatric Trauma State Assessment Score

ABSTRACT

Pediatric trauma system development is essential to public health infrastructure and pediatric health systems. Currently, trauma systems are managed at the state level, with significant variation in consideration of pediatric needs. A recently developed Pediatric Trauma System Assessment Score (PTSAS) demonstrated that states with lower PTSAS have increased pediatric mortality from trauma. Critical gaps are identified within six PTSAS domains: Legislation and Funding, Access to Care, Injury Prevention and Recognition, Disaster, Quality Improvement and Trauma Registry, and Pediatric Readiness. For each gap, a recommendation is provided regarding the necessary steps to address these challenges. Existing national organizations, including governmental, professional, and advocacy, highlight the potential partnerships that could be fostered to support efforts to address existing gaps. The organizations created under the US administration are described to highlight the ongoing efforts to support the development of pediatric emergency health systems.It is no longer sufficient to describe the disparities in pediatric trauma outcomes without taking action to ensure that the health system is equipped to manage injured children. By capitalizing on organizations that intersect with trauma and emergency systems to address known gaps, we can reduce the impact of injury on all children across the United States.

Secondary Undertriage of Pediatric Trauma Patients Across the United States Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION

The American College of Surgeons has developed evidence-based guidelines to triage the care of severely injured children to Level 1 and 2 trauma centers. Undertriage is the treatment of patients at facilities not equipped to treat the patient's injuries appropriately. We sought to evaluate the association between patient and hospital characteristics and secondary undertriage in children after major trauma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Patients aged less than 18 y were included if they presented to a Level 3 or nontrauma center (NTC) and were diagnosed with a traumatic injury with an injury severity score >15 based on International Classification of Diseases 10 codes. Our primary outcome was secondary undertriage, defined as inpatient admission to a Level 3 or NTC. We developed generalized linear models with inverse-probability survey weighting to determine the association between patient and hospital characteristics and the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Of 6572 weighted patients, 982 (15%) were undertriaged. Undertriage was significantly associated with older age (13 versus 7, P value < 0.001), metropolitan location (86% versus 68%, P < 0.001), and major abdominal injuries (19% versus 11%, P = 0.011). After multivariable adjustment, secondary undertriage was significantly associated with patients aged 6-10 y (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.47, P = 0.002) compared to patients aged 15-17 y, penetrating injury (aOR: 1.70, P = 0.011), major chest injury (aOR: 2.10, P = 0.014), and presentation at a teaching hospital (aOR: 5.66, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

After major trauma, a significant proportion of children are secondarily undertriaged at teaching NTCs. Level 1 and 2 trauma centers must partner with lower-level trauma centers to ensure children receive equitable care.

Disparities in computed tomography utilization for pediatric blunt trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing pediatric and non-pediatric trauma centers

Pediatric blunt trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and computed tomography (CT) imaging is vital for accurate evaluation and management. Pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) have selective CT practices, while non-PTCs may differ, resulting in potential variations in CT utilization. The objective of this study is to delineate disparities in CT utilization for pediatric blunt trauma patients between PTCs and non-PTCs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 3, 2023. All studies examining CT utilization in the management of pediatric (aged < 21 years) blunt trauma and specifying the type of trauma center(s) were included, and data were extracted and analyzed using STATA software version 17.0. An analysis of 30 studies revealed significant variations in CT scan utilization among pediatric blunt trauma patients across different types of trauma centers. PTCs exhibited lower pooled rates of abdominopelvic CT scans (35.4% vs. 44.9%, p < 0.01), cranial CT scans (36.9% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.01), chest CT scans (14.5% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.01), and cervical spine CT scans (23% vs. 45%, p < 0.01) compared to adult or mixed trauma centers (ATCs/MTCs). PTCs had a pooled rate of 54% for receiving at least one CT scan, while ATCs/MTCs had a higher rate of 69.3% (p < 0.05). The studies demonstrated considerable heterogeneity. These findings underscore the need to conduct further research to understand the reasons for the observed variations and to promote appropriate imaging usage, minimize radiation exposure, and encourage collaboration between pediatric and adult trauma centers.

Pediatric vs Adult or Mixed Trauma Centers in Children Admitted to Hospitals Following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Adult trauma centers (ATCs) have been shown to decrease injury mortality and morbidity in major trauma, but a synthesis of evidence for pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) is lacking.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of PTCs compared with ATCs, combined trauma centers (CTCs), or nondesignated hospitals in reducing mortality and morbidity among children admitted to hospitals following trauma.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science through March 2023.

Study Selection

Studies comparing PTCs with ATCs, CTCs, or nondesignated hospitals for pediatric trauma populations (aged ≤19 years).

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Pairs of reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool. A meta-analysis was conducted if more than 2 studies evaluated the same intervention-comparator-outcome and controlled minimally for age and injury severity. Subgroup analyses were planned for age, injury type and severity, trauma center designation level and verification body, country, and year of conduct. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess certainty of evidence.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

Primary outcomes were mortality, complications, functional status, discharge destination, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were resource use and processes of care, including computed tomography (CT) and operative management of blunt solid organ injury (SOI).

Results

A total of 56 studies with 286 051 participants were included overall, and 34 were included in the meta-analysis. When compared with ATCs, PTCs were associated with a 41% lower risk of mortality (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.76), a 52% lower risk of CT use (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.89) and a 64% lower risk of operative management for blunt SOI (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.23-0.57). The OR for complications was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.41-1.56). There was no association for mortality for older children (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.47-1.06), and the association was closer to the null when PTCs were compared with CTCs (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53-0.99). Results remained similar for other subgroup analyses. GRADE certainty of evidence was very low for all outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, results suggested that PTCs were associated with lower odds of mortality, CT use, and operative management for SOI than ATCs for children admitted to hospitals following trauma, but certainty of evidence was very low. Future studies should strive to address selection and confounding biases.

Between paradigms: Comparing experiences for adolescents treated at pediatric and adult trauma centres

INTRODUCTION

Injured adolescents may be treated at pediatric trauma centres (PTCs) or adult trauma centres (ATCs). Patient and parent experiences are an integral component of high-quality health care and can influence patient clinical trajectory. Despite this knowledge, there is little research on differences between PTCs and ATCs with respect to patient and caregiver-reported experience. We sought to identify differences in patient and parent-reported experiences between the regional PTC and ATC using a recently developed Patient and Parent-Reported Experience Measure.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients (caregivers) aged 15-17 (inclusive), admitted to the local PTC and ATC for injury management (01/01/2020 - 31/05/2021) We provided a survey 8-weeks post-discharge to query acute care and follow-up experience. Patient and parent experiences were compared between the PTC and ATC using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical and independent t-tests for continuous variables.

RESULTS

We identified 90 patients for inclusion (51 PTC, and 39 ATC). From this population, we had 77 surveys (32 patient and 35 caregiver) completed at the PTC, and 41 (20 patient and 21 caregiver) at the ATC. ATC patients tended to be more severely injured. We identified few differences in reported experience on the patient measure but identified lower ratings from caregivers of adolescents treated in ATCs for the domains of information and communication, follow-up care, and overall hospital scores. Patients and parents reported poorer family accommodation at the ATC.

CONCLUSION

Patient experiences were similar between centres. However, caregivers report poorer experiences at the ATC in several domains. These differences are multifaceted, and may reflect differing patient volumes, effects of COVID-19, and healthcare paradigms. However, further work should target information and communication improvement in adult paradigms given its impact on other domains of care.

Management of Children and Adolescents with Chest Trauma in Pediatric and Non-Pediatric Departments—A Claims Data Analysis

Background: To investigate the management of children and adolescents with isolated and combined chest trauma in pediatric (PD) and non-pediatric departments (non-PD). Methods: Anonymized claims data were provided by two large German statutory health insurance funds, covering 6.3 million clients over a 10-year period (2010–2019). Data were extracted for patients who had an inpatient ICD diagnosis of section S20–S29 (injuries to the thorax) and were ≤18 years of age. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Results: A total of 4064 children and adolescents with chest trauma were included (mean age 12.0 ± 5.0 years; 55% male). In 1928 cases (47.4%), treatment was provided at PD. Patients admitted to PD underwent CT imaging less frequently (8.1%; non-PD: 23.1%; p < 0.0001). Children with a chest drain treated at university/maximum care hospitals (UM) showed more injuries involving multiple body regions compared with non-UM (25.8% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.0061) without a difference in the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with chest trauma are treated almost equally often in pediatric and adult departments. CT is significantly less frequently used in pediatric departments. Patients with a chest drain treated at a UM showed more concomitant injuries without a longer hospital stay. However, the clinical validity of this finding is questionable.

Pediatric penetrating thoracic trauma: Examining the impact of trauma center designation and penetrating trauma volume on outcomes

INTRODUCTION

We analyzed the impact of treating center designation and case volume of penetrating trauma on outcomes after pediatric penetrating thoracic injuries (PTI).

METHODS

PTI patients <18 years were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2013-2016). Centers were categorized by type (Pediatric or Adult) and designation status (Level I, Level II, and other). Performance was calculated as the difference between observed and expected mortality and standardized using the total penetrating trauma volume per center. Expected mortality was calculated using the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model. Pearson correlation and linear mixed-effects models evaluated the association between variables and performance.

RESULTS

We identified 4,134 PTI patients treated at 596 trauma centers: 879 (21%) at Adult Level I, 608 (15%) at Adult Level II, 531 (13%) at Pediatric Level I, 320 (8%) at Pediatric Level II, and 1,796 (43%) at other centers. Primary injury mechanisms were firearm-related (58%) and cut/piercing (42%). Overall mortality was 16% and median predicted mortality was 3.6% (IQR: 1.5% - 11.2%). Among patients with thoracic firearm-related injuries, centers with lower penetrating case volume and total trauma care demonstrated significantly worse outcomes. Multivariable analysis revealed Adult Level I centers had superior outcomes compared with all other non-Level I centers. There was no difference in mortality between Pediatric and Adult Level I centers.

DISCUSSION

Adult Level I trauma center designation and annual case volume of penetrating thoracic trauma are associated with improved mortality after pediatric firearm-related thoracic injuries. Further study is needed to identify factors in higher volume centers that improve outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Computed tomography rates in pediatric trauma patients among emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine physicians

BACKGROUND

Pediatric trauma patients undergo fewer computed tomography (CT) scans when evaluated at pediatric trauma centers (PTC) versus adult trauma centers (ATC) with no change in clinical outcome. Factors contributing to this difference are unclear. We sought to identify whether the training background of physicians, specifically emergency medicine (EM) versus pediatric emergency medicine (PEM), affected the CT rate of pediatric trauma patients within one institution.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of CT utilization based on attending physicians' training in trauma patients <18 years between November 2018 and November 2020. Attendings were categorized into two groups: EM residency with no PEM fellowship, or pediatrics/EM residency with PEM fellowship. Primary outcomes measured were the proportion of patients receiving a CT and CT positivity rate.

RESULTS

Of 463 study patients, CTs were obtained in 145/228 (64%) patients by EM, and 130/235 (55%) by PEM (p=.07). CT positivity rate was 21% and 19% in EM and PEM, respectively (p=.46). The mean number of CTs per patient in EM was 2.8 compared to 2.1 in PEM (p<.01), and for patients with an injury severity score (ISS) >15, mean number of CTs per patient increased to 4.9 in EM versus 2.4 in PEM (p=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The mean number of CTs ordered per patient was statistically higher for EM attendings. The differences between CT rates highlight future opportunities for ongoing development of pediatric trauma imaging guidelines and radiation exposure reduction.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective Study, Level III.

Cervical Spine Computed Tomography in Adolescent Blunt Trauma Patients: Are They Being Overutilized?

INTRODUCTION

Cervical spine computed tomography (CSCT) scans are used to evaluate cervical spine traumatic injuries; however, recent evidence demonstrates that adult trauma centers (ATCs) overutilize CSCT when evaluating adolescent patients. This leads to unnecessary radiation exposure. The aim of this study is to review a level 1 ATC's use of CSCT in the adolescent blunt trauma population.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of a level 1 ATC's trauma database. Blunt trauma patients between the ages of 11 and 18 who receive a CSCT between January 2015 to December 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of positive findings on CSCT scans. Data were analyzed using Fischer-Exact analysis and multivariate logistic regression where appropriate.

RESULTS

Three-hundred thirty-seven of 546 (61.7%) adolescent blunt trauma patients received CSCT. Of those, 68.2% (230) were male; the mean age was 16.6 ± 1.0 y old. Twenty-eight patients (8.3%) had a positive finding on CSCT. All patients with a positive CSCT failed the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization study (NEXUS) criteria while 123 patients (36.5%) with a negative CSCT met NEXUS criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

CSCT was overutilized in our trauma center. There is a low positive CSCT scan rate among adolescent patients, which aligns with the current literature. All patients with positive CSCT passed NEXUS criteria suggesting that a quality improvement project focusing on the use of the NEXUS criteria to assess the risk of cervical spine injury could potentially reduce the use of CSCT scans by nearly 40%.

How much paediatric major trauma is truly paediatric? Experience from a level 1 urban Major Trauma Centre

Background

At its inception, there was no formal provision for children within the English major trauma network. There are now combined and stand-alone centres, but the scarcity of paediatric trauma facilities in some regions can result in long patient transfers and impact patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of paediatric trauma patients who may benefit from input by adult services or may be safely managed within the local adult MTC, either because of patient physiology or injury patterns.

Methods

All trauma presentations to our urban MTC aged ≤16 over a 3-year period were retrospectively identified and grouped, based on age and weight. ‘Young adult’ mechanisms of trauma and patient destinations (whether paediatric or adult wards) were determined.

Results

There were 847 paediatric trauma cases recorded with a mean age of 9 and a male preponderance. Based on age and weight, 10–45% of cases could be considered physiologically adult-like, and 22–28% pubertal. Almost all penetrating trauma occurred in males, increasing with age. 14% of all admissions were managed on adult wards, with frequency increasing with patient age and with mechanism of actions (MOIs) relating to interpersonal violence.

Conclusion

In this dataset, nearly half of paediatric trauma was ‘pubertal’ or ‘adult’ in their physiology and of these most presented with ‘young adult’ MOIs. These children likely benefit from combined paediatric and adult trauma services; where these do not exist, some older patients may be safely managed within local adult MTCs.

Elder child or young adult? Adolescent trauma mortality amongst pediatric and adult facilities

BACKGROUND

While it is assumed adolescents receive comparable trauma care at pediatric trauma centers (PTC), adult trauma centers (ATC), and combined facilities (MTC), this remains understudied.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study through the NTDB evaluating patients 14-18 years of age who presented to an ACS-verified level 1 or 2 trauma facility between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2019. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compare mortality risk among trauma facility verification types.

RESULTS

91,881 adolescents presented after trauma over the four-years. Hypotension, severe TBI, firearm mechanism, and ISS >15 were associated with increased mortality. Compared to PTCs, the odds of trauma-related mortality were statistically higher at MTCs (OR 1.82, p = 0.004) and ATCs (OR 1.89-2.05, p = 0.001-0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Injured adolescents receiving care at ATCs and MTCs have higher mortality risk than those cared for at PTCs. Further evaluation of factors associated with this observed difference is warranted and may help identify opportunities to improve outcomes in injured adolescents.

No Difference in Mortality and Outcomes After Addition of a Nearby Pediatric Trauma Center

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies demonstrate that higher volume pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) offer improved outcomes. This study evaluated pediatric trauma volume and outcomes at an existing level I (L-I) adult and level II (L-II) PTC after the addition of a new children's hospital L-II PTC within a 2-mile radius, hypothesizing no difference in mortality and complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients aged 14 years or younger presenting to a single adult L-I and L-II PTC was performed. Patients from 2015-2016 (PRE) were compared with patients from 2018-2019 (POST) for mortality and complications using bivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with the PRE cohort, there were less patients in the POST cohort (277 vs 373). Patients in the POST cohort had higher rates of insurance coverage (91.3% vs 78.8%, P < 0.001), self-transportation (7.2% vs 2.7%, P < 0.01), and hospital admission (72.6% and 46.1%, P < 0.001). There was no difference in all complications and mortality (all P > 0.05) between the 2 cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

After opening a second L-II PTC within a 2-mile radius, there was an increase in the rate of admissions and self-transportation to the preexisting L-II PTC. Despite a nearly 26% decrease in pediatric trauma volume, there was no difference in length of stay, hospital complications, or mortality.

Outcomes After Transfer of Pediatric Trauma Patients: Does Everyone Need to Visit the Trauma Bay?

INTRODUCTION

Critically injured children and teens often present to adult trauma centers or nontrauma facilities prior to transfer to a pediatric trauma center. For pediatric patients wanting transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), there is little data to guide which can be safely transferred directly to the unit, and which should be evaluated first in the trauma bay.

METHODS

We used our institutional trauma registry to evaluate transferred trauma patients over a three year period. We compared time to imaging, time to operating room, and overall mortality between the group evaluated first in the emergency room and those transferred directly to the ICU.

RESULTS

When adjusted for other variables, there was no increased mortality in those transferred directly to the ICU. While there was a higher nonadjusted mortality in those transferred to the ICU (13% versus 3.7%), these nonsurvivors had a lower GCS (3 versus 13), higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores, and a high rate of severe head trauma. There was no significant delay in ordered imaging or procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients, who have been assessed at another institution prior to transfer to the pediatric ICU, transfer directly to the ICU, bypassing the emergency department, does not delay interventions and does not appear to worsen outcomes.

Racial disparities in triage of adolescent patients after bullet injury

BACKGROUND

While pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) and adult trauma centers (ATCs) exhibit equivalent trauma mortality, the optimal care environment for traumatically injured adolescents remains controversial. Race has been shown to effect triage within emergency departments (EDs) with people of color receiving lower acuity triage scores. We hypothesized that African-American adolescents were more likely triaged to an ATC than a PTC compared with their White peers.

METHODS

Institutional trauma databases from a neighboring, urban Level I PTC and ATC were queried for gunshot wounds in adolescents (15-18 years) presenting to the ED from 2015 to 2017. The PTC and ATC were compared in terms of demographics, services, and outcomes. Results were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 316 included adolescents, 184 were treated in an ATC versus 132 in a PTC. Patients at the PTC were significantly more likely to be younger (16.1 vs. 17.5 years; p < 0.001), White (16% vs. 5%; p = 0.001), and privately insured (41% vs. 30%; p = 0.002). At each age, the proportion of Whites treated at the PTC exceeded the proportion of African-Americans. At the PTC, patients were more likely to receive inpatient and outpatient social work follow-up (89% vs. 1%, p < 0.001). Adolescents treated at the PTC were less likely to receive opioids (75% vs. 56%, p = 0.001) at discharge and to return to ED within 6 months (25% vs. 11%, p = 0.005). On multivariate logistic regression, African-American adolescents were less likely to be treated at a PTC (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.85; p = 0.02) after controlling for age and Injury Severity Score.

CONCLUSION

Disparities in triage of African-American and White adolescents after bullet injury lead to unequal care. African-Americans were more likely to be treated at the ATC, which was associated with increased opioid prescription, decreased social work support, and increased return to ED.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management, Level IV.

A Statewide Analysis of Pediatric Liver Injuries Treated at Adult Versus Pediatric Trauma Centers

INTRODUCTION

Hemodynamically normal pediatric trauma patients with solid organ injury receive nonoperative management. Prior research supports that pediatric patients have higher rates of nonoperative management at pediatric trauma centers (PTCs). We sought to evaluate differences in outcomes of pediatric trauma patients with liver injuries. We hypothesized that the type of trauma center (PTC versus adult trauma center [ATC]) would not be associated with any difference in mortality.

METHODS

The Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database was retrospectively queried from 2003 to 2018 for all patients (<15 y) with liver injuries by International Classification of Disease 9 and 10 codes. Patients were categorized based on admission to the PTC or ATC. The primary endpoint was mortality with secondary endpoints being operative intervention and length of stay. Multivariate logistic regressions assessed the adjusted impact on mortality and surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 1600 patients with liver trauma, 607 met inclusion criteria. A total of 78.4% were treated at PTCs. Patients underwent hepatobiliary surgery more frequently at ATCs (11.5% [n = 15] versus 2.74% [n = 13], P < 0.001). Adjusted analysis showed lower odds of surgical intervention for hepatobiliary injuries at PTCs (adjusted odds ratio: 0.17, P = 0.001). There was a decrease in mortality at PTCs versus ATCs (adjusted odds ratio: 0.38, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Our statewide analysis showed that pediatric trauma patients with liver injuries treated at ATCs were associated with having higher odds of mortality and higher incidence of operative management for hepatobiliary injuries than those treated at PTCs. In addition, between centers, patients had similar functional status at discharge.

Variability in advanced imaging of pediatric neck infections in US emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) imaging for the evaluation of neck infections in pediatric patients in United States emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional analysis, using the National Emergency Department Sample database, of pediatric patients evaluated for common neck infections between 2012 and 2018. We used bivariable analysis to assess for differences in US and CT use by ED type. We performed multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding factors including patient characteristics (sex, age, insurance status, discharge diagnosis) and ED characteristics (metropolitan statistical area, pediatric center). Results are reported as odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

There were 19,363 ED visits for pediatric neck infections in the database over the study period, representing 84,439 national visits. Of those imaged, 80.8% were imaged with CT and 19.2% were imaged with US. Pediatric patients evaluated in general EDs as compared to pediatric EDs (aOR 5.32, 95% CI 3.06, 9.24) and patients with a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.34, 3.33) and retropharyngeal abscess (aOR 6.12, 95% CI 2.14, 17.53) were more likely to be imaged with CT scan.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with neck infections evaluated in general EDs are significantly more likely to undergo CT scans when compared to those evaluated in pediatric EDs. To reduce exposure to radiation in children, we propose the dissemination of US-first protocols in general EDs for the evaluation of pediatric neck infections.

Association of Race With Postoperative Mortality Following Major Abdominopelvic Trauma in Children

BACKGROUND

The leading cause of mortality among children is trauma. Race and ethnicity are critical determinants of pediatric postsurgical outcomes, with minority children generally experiencing higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality than White children. This pattern of poorer outcomes for racial and/or ethnic minority children has also been demonstrated in children with head and limb traumas. While injuries to the abdomen and pelvis are not as common, they can be life-threatening. Racial and/or ethnic differences in outcomes of pediatric abdominopelvic operative traumas have not been examined. Our objective was to determine whether disparities exist in postoperative mortality among children with major abdominopelvic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database for 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. Patients were included if they were < 18 years, sustained a major abdominopelvic injury, and underwent subsequent surgical intervention. Our primary outcome was inpatient mortality, comparing children of different race and/or ethnicity.

RESULTS

We identified a weighted cohort of 13,955 children, of whom 6765 (48.5%) were White, 3614 (25.9%) Black, and 2647 (19.0%) Hispanic. After adjusting for covariates, Black children were 94% more likely to die than their White peers (3.3% versus 1.6%, adjusted-RR:1.94, 95%CI: 1.33-2.82, P = 0.001). Hispanic children (adjusted-RR:1.99, 95%CI: 1.36-2.91, P < 0.001) and those of other race and/or ethnicity (adjusted-RR: 2.02, 95%CI:1.20-3.40, P = 0.008) were also more likely to die compared to their White peers.

CONCLUSIONS

Black and Hispanic children who require operative intervention following major abdominopelvic trauma have a higher risk of postoperative mortality compared with White children.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Use and Mortality in Severe Pediatric Blunt Trauma at Pediatric Level I Trauma Centers Versus Adult Level 1 and 2 or Pediatric Level 2 Trauma Centers

INTRODUCTION

Computed tomography (CT) is the criterion standard for identifying blunt trauma injuries in pediatric patients, but there are long-term risks of CT exposure. In pediatric blunt trauma, multiple studies have shown that increased CT usage does not necessarily equate to improvements in mortality. The aim of this study was to compare CT usage between level 1 pediatric trauma centers versus level 2 pediatric centers and adult level 1 and 2 centers.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, multicenter analysis of National Trauma Data Bank patient records from the single admission year of 2015. Eligible subjects were defined as younger than 18 years with abdominal or thoracic blunt trauma, had an Injury Severity Scale score of greater than 15, and were treated at a level 1 or 2 trauma center. Data were then compared between children treated at level 1 pediatric trauma centers (PTC group) versus level 2 PTCs or adult level 1/2 trauma centers (ATC group). The primary outcomes measured were rates of head, thoracic, abdominal CT, and mortality. Data from ATC and PTC groups were propensity matched for age, sex, race, and Glasgow Coma Scale.

RESULTS

There were 6242 patients after exclusion criteria. Because of differences in patient demographics, we propensity matched 2 groups of 1395 patients. Of these patients, 39.6% of PTC patients received abdominal CT versus 45.5% of ATC patients (P = 0.0017). Similarly, 21.9% of PTC patients received thoracic CT versus 34.7% of ATC patients (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in head CT usage between PTC and ATC groups (P = 1.0000). There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated in the PTC versus ATC groups (P = 0.1198).

CONCLUSIONS

Among children with severe blunt trauma, patients treated at level 1 PTCs were less likely to receive thoracic and abdominal CTs than those treated at level 2 pediatric or adult trauma level 1/2 centers, with no significant differences in mortality. These findings support the use of selective imaging in severe blunt pediatric trauma.

Novel Trauma Composite Score is a more reliable predictor of mortality than Injury Severity Score in pediatric trauma

BACKGROUND

The equivalent Injury Severity Score (ISS) cutoffs for severe trauma vary between adult (ISS, >16) and pediatric (ISS, >25) trauma. We hypothesized that a novel injury severity prediction model incorporating age and mechanism of injury would outperform standard ISS cutoffs.

METHODS

The 2010 to 2016 National Trauma Data Bank was queried for pediatric trauma patients. Cut point analysis was used to determine the optimal ISS for predicting mortality for age and mechanism of injury. Linear discriminant analysis was implemented to determine prediction accuracy, based on area under the curve (AUC), of ISS cutoff of 25 (ISS, 25), shock index pediatric adjusted (SIPA), an age-adjusted ISS/abbreviated Trauma Composite Score (aTCS), and our novel Trauma Composite Score (TCS) in blunt trauma. The TCS consisted of significant variables (Abbreviated Injury Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, sex, and SIPA) selected a priori for each age.

RESULTS

There were 109,459 blunt trauma and 9,292 penetrating trauma patients studied. There was a significant difference in ISS (blunt trauma, 9.3 ± 8.0 vs. penetrating trauma, 8.0 ± 8.6; p < 0.01) and mortality (blunt trauma, 0.7% vs. penetrating trauma, 2.7%; p < 0.01). Analysis of the entire cohort revealed an optimal ISS cut point of 25 (AUC, 0.95; sensitivity, 0.86; specificity, 0.95); however, the optimal ISS ranged from 18 to 25 when evaluated by age and mechanism. Linear discriminant analysis model AUCs varied significantly for each injury metric when assessed for blunt trauma and penetrating trauma (penetrating trauma-adjusted ISS, 0.94 ± 0.02 vs. ISS 25, 0.88 ± 0.02 vs. SIPA, 0.62 ± 0.03; p < 0.001; blunt trauma-adjusted ISS, 0.96 ± 0.01 vs. ISS 25, 0.89 ± 0.02 vs. SIPA, 0.70 ± 0.02; p < 0.001). When injury metrics were assessed across age groups in blunt trauma, TCS and aTCS performed the best.

CONCLUSION

Current use of ISS in pediatric trauma may not accurately reflect injury severity. The TCS and aTCS incorporate both age and mechanism and outperform standard metrics in mortality prediction in blunt trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective review, level IV.

The "non-preventable" preventable transfer? An analysis of the care from support services that injured children transferred to a level 1 pediatric trauma center receive

PURPOSE

Almost 30% of pediatric trauma transfers to our facility have previously been shown to be potentially preventable transfers (PT). However, we sought to evaluate what care from support services these PT received during admission.

METHODS

Traumatically injured children transferred between January 2014 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A PT was defined as a child who was discharged within 36 h of arrival without surgical intervention or advanced imaging studies. PT that received support services were compared to those that did not to determine which patients may benefit from these services were their transfers prevented.

RESULTS

There were 3212 transfers, and 927 (29%) were PT. When compared to non-PT, PT were younger, closer to our hospital, and had a lower ISS, extremity or C-spine injury, or assault/non-accidental trauma mechanism. PT were less likely to have a chest injury or a CT at the referring hospital. Of the PT, 30% had a support service consulted. PT with higher ISS or a head injury was more likely to receive a consultation with a support service.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of these "preventable" transfers still receive important care from support services during their admission.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in paediatric critical care in the USA

In an era of tremendous medical advancements, it is important to characterise and address inequities in the provision of health care and in outcomes. There is a large body of evidence describing such disparities by race or ethnicity and socioeconomic position in critically ill adults; however, this important issue has received less attention in children and adolescents (aged ≤21 years). This Review presents a summary of the available evidence on disparities in outcomes in paediatric critical illness in the USA as a result of racism and socioeconomic privilege. The majority of evidence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in paediatric critical care originates from the USA and is retrospective, with only one prospective intervention-based study. Although there is mixed evidence of disparities by race or ethnicity and socioeconomic position in general paediatric intensive care unit admissions and outcomes in the USA, there are striking trends within some disease processes. Notably, there is evidence of disparities in management and outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, asthma, severe trauma, sepsis, and oncology, and in families' perceptions of care. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that critical care research is limited by under-enrolment of participants from minority race or ethnicity groups. We advocate for rigorous research standards and increases in the recruitment and enrolment of a diverse range of participants in paediatric critical care research to better understand the disparities observed, including the effects of racism and poverty. A clearer understanding of when, where, and how such disparities affect patients will better enable the development of effective strategies to inform practice, interventions, and policy.

Characteristics of Children Cared for by a Physician-Staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of Japanese helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and interventions at the scene is not clear as regard children. For effective use of HEMS at the clinical scene, we need to clarify the characteristics of pediatric patients cared for by HEMS. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of pediatric scene flights and to describe the procedures performed on the patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on the database for children aged younger than 18 years who were cared for by physician-staffed HEMS of Ibaraki prefecture, in Japan. We reviewed the database for air medical transports conducted at our institution from July 2010 to December 2016.

RESULTS

During the 6.5-year period, the Ibaraki HEMS attended to 288 children. The median age of the children was 11 (interquartile range, 5-14) years. Of the total, 196 (68.1%) of the children had trauma-related injuries. The head was the most common site of significant injuries (12.4%). The most common cause of nontrauma incidents was seizure (9.0%). In 65.9% of the patients, the injury or illness was of mild or moderate severity at the scene. An intervention was applied at the scene in 76.0% of the cases: 75.1%, intravenous route; 6.9%, intubation; and 13.4%, drug administration. Of those patients, 29.1% were discharged from the emergency department. In-hospital mortality accounted for 1.5% (n = 2) of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the condition at the scene of most of the pediatric patients transported by the physician-staffed HEMS was not severe, an intervention was frequently applied from the scene. Improving the dispatch criteria and monitoring compliance are needed for appropriate use of HEMS.

Mortality in adolescent trauma: a comparison of children's, mixed and adult major trauma centres

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare adolescent mortality rates between different types of major trauma centre (MTC or level 1; adult, children's and mixed).

METHODS

Data were obtained from TARN (Trauma Audit Research Network) from English sites over a 6-year period (2012-2018), with adolescence defined as 10-24.99 years. Results are presented using descriptive statistics. Patient characteristics were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc analysis for pairwise comparison and χ2 test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

21 033 cases met inclusion criteria. Trauma-related 30-day crude mortality rates by MTC type were 2.5% (children's), 4.4% (mixed) and 4.9% (adult). Logistic regression accounting for injury severity, mechanism of injury, physiological parameters and 'hospital ID', resulted in adjusted odds of mortality of 2.41 (95% CI 1.31 to 4.43; p=0.005) and 1.85 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.35; p=0.041) in adult and mixed MTCs, respectively when compared with children's MTCs. In three subgroup analyses the same trend was noted. In adolescents aged 14-17.99 years old, those managed in a children's MTC had the lowest mortality rate at 2.5%, compared with 4.9% in adult MTCs and 4.4% in mixed MTCs (no statistical difference between children's and mixed). In cases of major trauma (Injury Severity Score >15) the adjusted odds of mortality were also greater in the mixed and adult MTC groups when compared with the children's MTC. Median length of stay (LoS) and intensive care unit LoS were comparable for all MTC types. Patients managed in children's MTCs were less likely to have a CT scan (46.2% vs 62.8% mixed vs 64% adult).

CONCLUSIONS

Children's MTC have lower crude and adjusted 30-day mortality rates for adolescent trauma. Further research is required in this field to identify the factors that may have influenced these findings.

Mortality After Adolescent Firearm Injury: Effect of Trauma Center Designation

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence and outcomes of firearm injuries in adolescents and the effect of trauma center (TC) designation on their mortality.

METHODS

The National Trauma Data Bank (2010-2016) was queried for all encounters involving adolescents aged 13-16 years with firearm injuries. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the association of covariates with mortality (α = .05). Propensity score matching was also used to explore the relationship between TC designation and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 9,029 adolescents met inclusion criteria. Patients aged 15 and 16 years compromised 77.8% of the cohort and were more often male (87.9% vs. 80.6%, p < .001), black (63.8% vs. 56.1%, p < .001), injured in the abdomen (25.4% vs. 22.4%, p = .007) or extremities (62.3% vs. 56.7%, p < .001), and incurred severe injuries (54.5% vs. 50.9%, p = .004) versus 13- and 14-year-old patients. Younger patients were more often injured in the head/neck (23.8% vs. 20.5%, p = .001). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated no difference in mortality between age groups. Poor neurologic presentation, severe injury, abdominal, chest, and head injuries were all associated with an increased odds of death. Odds of mortality were 2.88 times higher at adult TCs compared to pediatric TCs (CI: 1.55-5.36, p = .001). However, using a 1:1 propensity score matching model, no difference in mortality was found between TC types (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Variability exists in outcomes for adolescents after firearm injuries. Understanding and identifying the potential differences between pediatric and adult TCs managing adolescent firearm victims may improve survival in all treatment venues, but these data support patients being treated at the closest available TC.

Pattern of injuries and management of adolescent trauma in a combined adult and paediatric major trauma centre in United Kingdom

Background

Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in 16–18-year olds in the UK. Since the launch of major trauma centres (MTCs) in 2012 in UK, survival rates have improved on the whole. The aim of this study was to look at the pathways of 16–18-year olds through one MTC and patterns of rehabilitation provision.

Material and methods

A retrospective case notes review of all trauma patients aged between 16 and 18 years admitted to one MTC between October 2012 and May 2018.

Results

One hundred forty-seven young people were identified. 67.3% were male with a mean age of 17.1 years. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of injury (59.2%). Thirty-nine percent had a Glasgow Coma Scale at scene >13. Sixty-three percent were admitted to an adult intensive care unit (ICU), 5.4% to paediatric ICU and 31.3% directly to a ward. Admissions to rehabilitation ward came through adult services with no commissioned equivalent in those admitted to paediatrics. Mean length of stay was 18.1 days. 75.5% of patients were discharged home from the MTC.

Discussion

The majority of young people were admitted on to adult wards and were able to access commissioned services. However, such services do not provide for the specialist needs of young people, with no access to schooling or parent’s accommodation. Those who were admitted to children’s services missed out on commissioned rehabilitation pathways.

Conclusion

Young people of transition age often fall between services. For the first time, we illustrate injury patterns and the fragmented services seen in this vulnerable patient group.

Field triage of children with abdominal trauma

Objective

Identify physical findings in children with abdominal trauma to inform prehospital providers regarding appropriate hospital destinations.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Abdominal Trauma Public Use Dataset. Children involved in motor vehicle collisions; struck by motor vehicles at >20 mph; involved in all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, or scooter accidents; or who fell from >10 ft ( n = 5575) were included. Stepwise multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to compare clinical findings at presentation between children with no intra-abdominal injury, intra-abdominal injury without intervention, and intra-abdominal injury with intervention (laparoscopy/laparotomy, embolization, red blood cell transfusion, or admission >48 h on intravenous fluids).

Results

Compared to children with no intra-abdominal injury, children with intra-abdominal injury (with and without intervention) were more likely to have evidence of abdominal wall trauma, abdominal tenderness, peritoneal irritation, decreased breath sounds, distracting painful injury, and evidence of thoracic trauma. Children with intra-abdominal injury requiring intervention were more likely to have evidence of abdominal wall trauma (OR 3.32, 95% CI 2.03–5.44) and be intubated (OR 4.93, 95% CI 3.17–7.65) when compared to children with intra-abdominal injury without intervention.

Conclusions

The findings of abdominal tenderness, peritoneal irritation, decreased breath sounds, distracting painful injury, and thoracic trauma may be used to identify children who warrant evaluation at any trauma center because of increased risk of intra-abdominal injury, whereas intubation and evidence of abdominal wall trauma help identify children with intra-abdominal injury in need of transport to a pediatric trauma center due to risk of undergoing intervention.

Suicide Attempts and Adolescents: The Need for Specialized Resources at Adult Trauma Centers

Background:

Suicide is the second leading cause of adolescent death and suicide attempts outnumber deaths 50:1 for adolescents 15 to 19 years of age. This study examines differences in outcomes between adolescents and adults treated at an adult trauma center in an effort to guide recovery and prevention strategies following an adolescent suicide attempt.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients aged ≥14 years treated at an urban, Level 1 trauma center for self-inflicted injuries between 2009 and 2018 was performed. The cohort was divided into adolescents (14-19 years) and adults (≥20 years) and into group A (economically distressed) and group B (non-distressed). Demographics, injury, outcomes, and geospatial analysis were compared.

Results:

Among 723 patients, 60 (8%) were adolescents of which 92% were male, 55% black, 47% blunt injuries, and 53% penetrating. In adults, 76% were male, 41% black, 28% blunt injuries, and 72% penetrating. Mortality estimates for adolescents and adults were 35% and 24%, respectively (p=0.09). Most adolescent deaths occurred within 3 days after admission, while adult deaths occurred further into hospitalization (p<0.01). Cox regression analysis found higher mortality with self-pay compared to private insurance (HR 2.6; p<0.001), and penetrating vs. blunt/other injuries (HR 2.4; p<0.001). Psychiatric care was administered in 64% of adolescents (n=39) and 84% of adults (p< 0.01).

Conclusions:

Inpatient psychiatric care for adolescents who attempted suicide was limited at an adult trauma center. The high incidence of suicide attempts and community-level distress in adolescents require immediate attention and resources.

Pediatric solid organ injury - frequency of abdominal imaging is determined by the treating department

To investigate the use of abdominal CT scanning in the management of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma in pediatric and non-pediatric departments.In this observational cohort study, anonymized data were extracted from 2 large German statutory health insurances (∼5.9 million clients) in a 7-year period (2010-2016). All patients with inpatient International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes S36.- and S37.- (injury of intra-abdominal organs; injury of urinary and pelvic organs) aged ≤18 years were included. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis for associations with the use of abdominal CT.A total of 524 children with blunt abdominal trauma (mean age 11.0 ± 5.2 years; 62.6% males) were included; 164 patients (31.3%) received abdominal CT-imaging. There were no significant differences in traumatic non-intraabdominal comorbidity patterns (injuries of external causes; injuries to the head or thorax). There was substantial variability in the rate of abdominal CT imaging among different medical disciplines ranging from 11.6% to 44.5%. Patients admitted to pediatric departments (Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery) underwent abdominal CT imaging significantly less frequently (19.7%; N = 55) compared to patients treated in non-pediatric departments (General/Trauma Surgery: 44.5%; N = 109) irrespective of concomitant injuries. The estimated OR for the use of abdominal CT by General/Trauma Surgery was 6.2-fold higher (OR: 6.15 [95-%-CI:3.07-13.21]; P < .001) compared to Pediatric Surgery. Other risk factors associated with the use of abdominal CT were traumatic extra-abdominal comorbidities, increasing age, male gender, and admission to a university hospital.Abdominal CT imaging was significantly less frequently used in pediatric departments. The substantial variability of the abdominal CT rate among different medical disciplines and centers indicates a potential for reduction of CT imaging by implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Furthermore, our study underlines the need for centralization of pediatric trauma care in Germany not only to improve patient outcome but to avoid radiation-induced cancer mortality.

A comparison of adolescent penetrating trauma patients managed at pediatric versus adult trauma centers in a mature trauma system

BACKGROUND

While there is little debate that pediatric trauma centers (PTC) are uniquely equipped to manage pediatric trauma patients, the extent to which adolescents benefit from treatment there remains controversial. We sought to elucidate differences in management approach and outcome between PTC and adult trauma centers (ATC) for the adolescent penetrating trauma population. We hypothesized that improved mortality would be observed at ATC for this subset of patients.

METHODS

Adolescent patients (age, 15-18 years), presenting to Pennsylvania-accredited trauma centers between 2003 and 2017 with penetrating injury, were queried from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database. Dead on arrival, transfer patients, and those admitted to a Level III or Level IV trauma center were excluded from analysis. Patient length of stay, number of complications, surgical intervention, and mortality were compared between ATC and PTC. Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models with trauma center as the clustering variable were used to assess the impact of center type (ATC/PTC) on management approach and mortality adjusted for appropriate covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 2,630 adolescent patients met inclusion criteria (PTC: n = 428 [16.3%]; ATC: n = 2,202 [83.7%]). Pediatric trauma centers had a lower adjusted odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.74; p = 0.006) and a lower adjusted odds of surgery (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.0.48-0.93; p = 0.016) than their ATC counterparts. There were no differences in complication rates (AOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.57-1.55; p = 0.793) or length of stay longer than 4 days (AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.61-1.48; p = 0.812) between the PTCs and ATCs. There were also differences in penetrating injury type between PTC and ATC.

CONCLUSION

The adolescent penetrating trauma patient population treated at PTC had less surgery performed with improved mortality compared with ATC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV.

Pediatric emergency department readiness among US trauma hospitals

BACKGROUND

Pediatric readiness among US emergency departments is not universal. Trauma hospitals adhere to standards that may support day-to-day readiness for children.

METHODS

In 2013 4,146 emergency departments participated in the NPRP to assess compliance with the 2009 Guidelines to Care for Children in the Emergency Department. Probabilistic linkage (90%) to the 2009 American Hospital Association survey found 1,247 self-identified trauma hospitals (levels 1, 2, 3, 4). Relationship between trauma hospital level and weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS) on a 100-point scale was performed; significance was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test and pediatric readiness elements using χ. Adjusted relative risks were calculated using modified Poisson regression, controlling for pediatric volume, hospital configuration, and geography.

RESULTS

The overall WPRS among all trauma hospitals (1,247) was 71.8. Among those not self-identified as a children's hospital or emergency department approved for pediatrics (EDAP) (1088), Level 1 and 2 trauma hospitals had higher WPRS than level 3 and 4 trauma hospitals, 83.5 and 71.8, respectively versus 64.9 and 62.6. Yet, compared with EDAP trauma hospitals (median 90.5), level 1 general trauma hospitals were less likely to have critical pediatric-specific elements. Common gaps among general trauma hospitals included presence of interfacility transfer agreements for children, measurement of pediatric weights solely in kilograms, quality improvement processes with pediatric-specific metrics, and disaster plans that include pediatric-specific needs.

CONCLUSION

Self-identified trauma hospital level may not translate to pediatric readiness in emergency departments. Across all levels of general non-EDAP, nonchildren's trauma hospitals, gaps in pediatric readiness exist. Nonchildren's hospital EDs (i.e., EDAPs) can be prepared to meet the emergency needs of all children and trauma hospital designation should incorporate these core elements of pediatric readiness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Care management, level III.

The economics of a pediatric surgical ICU

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to describe quality and financial economic principles that form the foundation for complex care delivery systems for the critically ill pediatric surgical population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in neonatology along with innovation in surgical techniques in children led to the need to care for more complex postoperative surgical patients. Several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in specialized pediatric centers. Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that there is overall financial benefit with decreased costs and more efficient resource use to pediatric subspecialty critical care.

SUMMARY

As more becomes known regarding the impact of specialized ICU environments, pediatric surgical critical care, and pediatric surgical ICUs have the potential to improve the value of care delivered to these complex patients. Well-designed, prospective, observational studies are needed to assist in defining appropriate outcome and quality measures to inform the development of these specialized units. Currently, there are a variety of models used in children's hospitals to care for critically ill surgical patients. This represents a tremendous opportunity for a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort amongst pediatric medical and surgical intensivists.

Simulation-based training is associated with lower risk-adjusted mortality in ACS pediatric TQIP centers

BACKGROUND

Although use of simulation-based team training for pediatric trauma resuscitation has increased, its impact on patient outcomes has not yet been shown. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between simulation use and patient outcomes.

METHODS

Trauma centers that participate in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) were surveyed to determine frequency of simulation use in 2014 and 2015. Center-specific clinical data for 2016 and 2017 were abstracted from the ACS TQIP registry (n = 57,916 patients) and linked to survey responses. Center-specific risk-adjusted mortality was estimated using multivariable hierarchical logistic regression and compared across four levels of simulation-based training use: no training, low-volume training, high-volume training, and survey nonresponders (unknown training use).

RESULTS

Survey response rate was 75% (94/125 centers) with 78% of the responding centers (73/94) reporting simulation use. The average risk-adjusted odds of mortality was lower in centers with a high volume of training compared with centers not using simulation (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.92). The times required for resuscitation processes, evaluations, and critical procedures (endotracheal intubation, head computed tomography, craniotomy, and surgery for hemorrhage control) were not different between centers based on levels of simulation use.

CONCLUSION

Risk-adjusted mortality is lower in TQIP-Pediatric centers using simulation-based training, but this improvement in mortality may not be mediated by a reduction in time to critical procedures. Further investigation into alternative mediators of improved mortality associated with simulation use is warranted, including assessment of resuscitation quality, improved communication, enhanced teamwork skills, and decreased errors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, Level III.

Cervical spine evaluation in pediatric trauma: A cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

The emergent evaluation of children with suspected traumatic cervical spine injuries (CSI) remains a challenge. Pediatric clinical pathways have been developed to stratify the risk of CSI and guide computed tomography (CT) utilization. The cost-effectiveness of their application has not been evaluated. Our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of three common strategies for the evaluation of children with suspected CSI after blunt injury.

METHODS

We developed a decision analytic model comparing these strategies to estimate clinical outcomes and costs for a hypothetical population of 0-17 year old patients with blunt neck trauma. Strategies included: 1) clinical pathway to stratify risk using NEXUS criteria and determine need for diagnostic testing; 2) screening radiographs as a first diagnostic; and 3) immediate CT scanning for all patients. We measured effectiveness with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs with 2018 U.S. dollars. Costs and effectiveness were discounted at 3% per year.

RESULTS

The use of the clinical pathway results in a gain of 0.04 QALYs and a cost saving of $2800 compared with immediate CT scanning of all patients. Use of the clinical pathway was less costly and more effective than immediate CT scan as long as the sensitivity of the clinical prediction rule was greater than 87% and when the sensitivity of x-ray was greater than 84%.

CONCLUSION

A strategy using a clinical pathway to first stratify risk before further diagnostic testing was less costly and more effective than either performing CT scanning or screening cervical radiographs on all patients.

Pediatric trauma mortality: an ecological analysis evaluating correlation between injury-related mortality and geographic access to trauma care in the United States in 2010

Background

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in the pediatric population &gt;1 year. Analyzing relationships between pediatric trauma-related mortality and geographic access to trauma centers (among other social covariates) elucidates the importance of cost and care effective regionalization of designated trauma facilities.

Methods

Pediatric crude injury mortality in 49 United States served as a dependent variable and state population within 45 minutes of trauma centers acted as the independent variable in four linear regression models. Multivariate analyses were performed using previously identified demographics as covariates.

Results

There is a favorable inverse relation between pediatric access to trauma centers and pediatric trauma-related mortality. Though research shows care is best at pediatric trauma centers, access to Adult Level 1 or 2 trauma centers held the most predictive power over mortality. A 4-year college degree attainment proved to be the most influential covariate, with predictive powers greater than the proximity variable.

Conclusions

Increased access to adult or pediatric trauma facilities yields improved outcomes in pediatric trauma mortality. Implementation of qualified, designated trauma centers, with respect to regionalization, has the potential to further lower pediatric mortality. Additionally, the percentage of state populations holding 4-year degrees is a stronger predictor of mortality than proximity and warrants further investigation.

Treatment in a Nonpediatric Hospital Is a Risk Factor for Open Reduction of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the distribution of open versus closed treatment and its relationship with the location of care in pediatric specialty versus general hospitals.

METHODS

Patient data were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Kid's Inpatient Database for the years 2000-2012. ICD9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify open versus closed treatment of closed supracondylar humerus fractures in children younger than 12 years. A multilevel logistic regression model to control for confounders and identify drivers of open treatment was used.

RESULTS

An estimated 40,706 inpatient surgical fixation procedures met our inclusion criteria. Overall rate of open treatment was 13.65%. Fractures were less likely to be treated open at pediatric hospitals versus general hospitals 7.61% versus 16.13% (P < 0.0001). Over the study period, rates of open treatment have fallen at nonpediatric hospitals from 20.21% in 2000 to 17.42% in 2012 (P < 0.001) but have remained stable at pediatric hospitals: 7.8% in 2000 and 8.62% in 2012 (P = 0.4369). Mean hospital length of stay was higher for patients who had open treatment 1.63 versus 1.20 days (P < 0.0001), and mean hospital charges were higher for patients who had open treatment $21,465 versus $15,026 (P < 0.0001). After controlling for time trends as well as demographic and hospital characteristics with a logistic regression model, treatment at a nonpediatric hospital was the single most significant predictor of open treatment for an isolated closed supracondylar humerus fractures with an odds ratio of 1.96 (95% confidence interval 1.56-2.46; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this comprehensive population-based study of risk factors for open treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in the United States, we identified differences in practice patterns by hospital type. Pediatric supracondylar fractures of the elbow have almost twice the odds of open treatment at nonpediatric hospitals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Criteria for Critical Care Infants and Children: PICU Admission, Discharge, and Triage Practice Statement and Levels of Care Guidance

OBJECTIVES

To update the American Academy of Pediatrics and Society of Critical Care Medicine's 2004 Guidelines and levels of care for PICU.

DESIGN

A task force was appointed by the American College of Critical Care Medicine to follow a standardized and systematic review of the literature using an evidence-based approach. The 2004 Admission, Discharge and Triage Guidelines served as the starting point, and searches in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and PubMed resulted in 329 articles published from 2004 to 2016. Only 21 pediatric studies evaluating outcomes related to pediatric level of care, specialized PICU, patient volume, or personnel. Of these, 13 studies were large retrospective registry data analyses, six small single-center studies, and two multicenter survey analyses. Limited high-quality evidence was found, and therefore, a modified Delphi process was used. Liaisons from the American Academy of Pediatrics were included in the panel representing critical care, surgical, and hospital medicine expertise for the development of this practice guidance. The title was amended to "practice statement" and "guidance" because Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was not possible in this administrative work and to align with requirements put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

METHODS

The panel consisted of two groups: a voting group and a writing group. The panel used an iterative collaborative approach to formulate statements on the basis of the literature review and common practice of the pediatric critical care bedside experts and administrators on the task force. Statements were then formulated and presented via an online anonymous voting tool to a voting group using a three-cycle interactive forecasting Delphi method. With each cycle of voting, statements were refined on the basis of votes received and on comments. Voting was conducted between the months of January 2017 and March 2017. The consensus was deemed achieved once 80% or higher scores from the voting group were recorded on any given statement or where there was consensus upon review of comments provided by voters. The Voting Panel was required to vote in all three forecasting events for the final evaluation of the data and inclusion in this work. The writing panel developed admission recommendations by level of care on the basis of voting results.

RESULTS

The panel voted on 30 statements, five of which were multicomponent statements addressing characteristics specific to PICU level of care including team structure, technology, education and training, academic pursuits, and indications for transfer to tertiary or quaternary PICU. Of the remaining 25 statements, 17 reached consensus cutoff score. Following a review of the Delphi results and consensus, the recommendations were written.

CONCLUSIONS

This practice statement and level of care guidance manuscript addresses important specifications for each PICU level of care, including the team structure and resources, technology and equipment, education and training, quality metrics, admission and discharge criteria, and indications for transfer to a higher level of care. The sparse high-quality evidence led the panel to use a modified Delphi process to seek expert opinion to develop consensus-based recommendations where gaps in the evidence exist. Despite this limitation, the members of the Task Force believe that these recommendations will provide guidance to practitioners in making informed decisions regarding pediatric admission or transfer to the appropriate level of care to achieve best outcomes.

Comparative analysis of traumatic esophageal injury in pediatric and adult populations

PURPOSE

Distribution and outcomes of traumatic injury of the esophagus (TIE) in pediatric versus adult populations are unknown. Our study sought to perform a descriptive analysis of TIE in children and adults.

METHODS

We reviewed the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for the years 2010-2015. Demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric (age < 16 years) and adult TIE patients were described and compared.

RESULTS

Among 526,850 pediatric and 3,838,895 adult trauma patients, 90 pediatric (0.02%) and 1,411 (0.04%) adult TIE patients were identified. Demographics and esophageal injury severity did not differ. Children were more likely to sustain blunt trauma (63% versus 37%), with the most common mechanism being transportation-related accidents, were less-severely injured (median ISS 14 versus 22), and had fewer associated injuries (79% versus 95%) and complications (30% versus 51%) (all p < 0.001). Children had shorter hospitalizations (median 5 versus 10 days) and were more likely to be discharged home (84% versus 64%) (both p = 0.01). In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between children and adults (10% versus 19%, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

TIE in the pediatric population has unique characteristics compared to adults: it is more likely to be a result of blunt trauma, has lower injury burden, and has more favorable clinical outcomes.

Pediatric trauma center verification improves quality of care and reduces resource utilization in blunt splenic injury

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate value impact of transition from an adult trauma center treating children (ATC) to a verified pediatric trauma center (PTC) in children with blunt splenic injury (BSI).

METHODS

Children with BSI from FY 2005 to FY 2017 were extracted from the hospital trauma registry. February 2009 distinguished "ATC" treated children from "PTC" treated children. Cohorts were subcategorized into "isolated injury" and "multisystem injury". Quality and financial characteristics were statistically compared. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate changes in quality and financial trends over the transition period. A multiple linear regression was performed to identify variables independently predictive of hospital and professional charges.

RESULTS

126 children with BSI were identified (ATC, n = 56; PTC, n = 70). Splenic procedure rates and hospital charges decreased. Quality and cost metrics for isolated BSI remained unchanged while multisystem BSI children experienced improvements. PTC designation, ISS, splenic procedure, isolated BSI, average hospital LOS, and mortality were all independently predictive of hospital and professional charges.

CONCLUSIONS

PTC verification improves the value of BSI management, but the associated decrease in operative rate is only partially responsible. Multisystem injury children experience the greatest value benefit from PTC verification.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment and cost-effectiveness study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Children with appendicitis on the US-Mexico border have socioeconomic challenges and are best served by a freestanding children's hospital

INTRODUCTION

The US-Mexico border is medically underserved. Recent political changes may render this population even more vulnerable. We hypothesized that children on the border present with high rates of perforated appendicitis due to socioeconomic barriers.

METHODS

A prospective survey was administered to children presenting with appendicitis in El Paso, Texas. Primary outcomes were rate of perforation and reason for diagnostic delay. We evaluated the association between demographics, potential barriers to care, risk of perforation and risk of misdiagnosis using logistic regression. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

98 patients participated from October 2016 to February 2017. 96 patients (98%) were Hispanic and 81 (82%) had Medicaid or were uninsured. 11 patients (11%) resided in Mexico or Guatemala. Patients were less likely to receive a CT and more likely to receive an ultrasound if they presented to a freestanding children's hospital (p = 0.01). 37 patients (38%) presented with perforation, of which 19 (52%) were the result of practitioner misdiagnosis. Patients who presented to a freestanding children's hospital were less likely to be misdiagnosed than patients presenting to other facilities (p = 0.05). Children who underwent surgery in a freestanding children's hospital had the shortest length of stay after adjusting for perforation status and potential confounders (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Children with low socioeconomic status did not have difficulty accessing care on the USA-Mexico border, but they were commonly misdiagnosed. Children were less likely to receive a CT, more likely to be correctly diagnosed and length of stay was shorter when patients presented to a freestanding children's hospital.

Prehospital education in triage for pediatric and pregnant patients in a regional trauma system without collocated pediatric and adult trauma centers

PURPOSE

Patient triage to the appropriate destination is critical to prehospital trauma care. Triage decisions are challenging in a region without collocated pediatric and adult trauma centers.

METHODS

A regional survey was administered to emergency medical response units identifying variability and confusion regarding factors influencing patient disposition. A course was developed to guide the triage of pediatric and pregnant trauma patients. Pre- and posttests were administered to address course principles, including decision making and triage.

RESULTS

A total of 445 participants completed the course at 22 sites representing 88 different prehospital provider agencies. Pre- and posttests were administered to 62% of participants with an average score improvement of 53.4% (pretest range 30% to 56.6%; posttest range 85% to 100%). Improvements were seen in all categories including major and minor trauma in pregnancy, major trauma in adolescence, and knowledge of age limits and triage protocols.

CONCLUSION

Education on triage guidelines and principles of pediatric resuscitation is essential for appropriate prehospital trauma management. Pre- and posttests may be used to demonstrate short term efficacy, while ongoing evaluations of practice patterns and follow-up surveys are needed to demonstrate longevity of acquired knowledge and identify areas of persistent confusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Case Series without Standardized.

Characterization of children hospitalized with traumatic brain injuries after building falls

Background

Unintentional falls cause a substantial proportion of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), with building falls carrying particularly high risk for morbidity and mortality. The cohort of children sustaining building fall-related TBI has not been well-examined. We sought to characterize children hospitalized with building fall-related TBIs and evaluate if specific factors distinguished these children from children hospitalized with TBI due to other fall mechanisms. We secondarily assessed if TBI severity among children injured due to a building fall varied between children from urban versus non-urban areas.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS), an administrative database from pediatric hospitals. We identified children < 15 years old, hospitalized between 2009 and 2014, with an associated TBI-related diagnosis due to a fall as determined by International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, Ninth revision (ICD9-CM) diagnosis codes. Urban versus non-urban status was determined using PHIS-assigned Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes. Injury severity (i.e. Injury Severity Score (ISS) and head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score) were calculated. Head AIS scores were dichotomized into minor/moderate (1–2) and serious/severe (3–6) for analysis. Frequencies, descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and Mann-Whitney U analysis characterized populations and determined group differences.

Results

The study cohort included 23,813 children, of whom 933 (3.9%) fell from buildings. Within the building fall cohort, 707 (75.8%) resided in urban areas, 619 (66.3%) were male, 513 (55.0%) were white, and 528 (56.6%) had government insurance; the mean age was 3.8 years (SD 2.9). There was a larger proportion of children with serious/severe TBI among those injured from building falls relative to other falls (63.4% vs 53.9%, p <  0.01). Among children injured from building falls, those from non-urban areas were more likely to sustain a serious/severe TBI relative to urban children (58.9% vs 53.6%, p <  0.01).

Conclusions

Children hospitalized following buildings falls with TBI sustained more severe injuries relative to other fall types. Although a majority of children hospitalized with building fall related-TBIs were from urban areas, those from non-urban areas frequently sustained serious head injuries. Future research should target expanding prevention efforts to include non-urban areas.

Life After the Neurosurgical Ward in Sub-Saharan Africa: Neurosurgical Treatment and Outpatient Outcomes in Uganda

BACKGROUND

In the past decade, neurosurgery in Uganda experienced increasing surgical volume and a new residency training program. Although research has examined surgical capacity, minimal data exist on the patient population treated by neurosurgery and their eventual outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

Patients admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital neurosurgical ward over 2 years (2014 and 2015) were documented in a prospective database. In total, 1167 were discharged with documented phone numbers and thus eligible for follow-up. Phone surveys were developed and conducted in the participant's language to assess mortality, neurologic outcomes, and follow-up health care.

RESULTS

During the study period, 2032 patients were admitted to the neurosurgical ward, 80% for traumatic brain injury. A total of 7.8% received surgical intervention. The in-hospital mortality rate was 18%. A total of 870 patients were reached for phone follow-up, a 75% response rate, and 30-day and 1-year mortality were 4% and 8%, respectively. Almost one-half of patients had not had subsequent health care after the initial encounter. Most patients had Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores consistent with good recovery and mild disability, with patients experiencing trauma faring best and patients with tumor faring worst. A total of 85% felt they returned to baseline work performance, and 76% of guardians felt that children returned to baseline school performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The neurosurgical service provided health care to a large proportion of nonoperative patients. Phone surveys captured data on patients in whom nearly one-half would be lost to subsequent health care. Although mortality during initial hospitalization was high, more than 90% of those discharged survived at 1-year follow up, and the vast majority returned to work and school.

A cohort study of blunt cerebrovascular injury screening in children: Are they just little adults?

BACKGROUND

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) are rare with nonspecific predictors, making optimal screening critical. Radiation concerns magnify these issues in children. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) criteria, the Utah score (US), and the Denver criteria (DC) have been advocated for pediatric BCVI screening, although direct comparison is lacking. We hypothesized that current screening guidelines inaccurately identify pediatric BCVI.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric trauma patients treated from 2005 to 2015 with radiographically confirmed BCVI. Our primary outcome was a false-negative screen, defined as a patient with a BCVI who would not have triggered screening.

RESULTS

We identified 7,440 pediatric trauma admissions, and 96 patients (1.3%) had 128 BCVIs. Median age was 16 years (13, 17 years). A cervical-spine fracture was present in 41%. There were 83 internal carotid injuries, of which 73% were Grade I or II, as well as 45 vertebral injuries, of which 76% were Grade I or II, p = 0.8. More than one vessel was injured in 28% of patients. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurred in 17 patients (18%); eight patients were identified on admission, and nine patients were identified thereafter. The CVA incidence was similar in those with and without aspirin use. The EAST screening missed injuries in 17% of patients, US missed 36%, and DC missed 2%. Significantly fewer injuries would be missed using DC than either EAST or US, p < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Blunt cerebrovascular injury does occur in pediatric patients, and a significant proportion of patients develop a CVA. The DC appear to have the lowest false-negative rate, supporting liberal screening of children for BCVI. Optimal pharmacotherapy for pediatric BCVI remains unclear despite a relative high incidence of CVA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic study, level III.

Staged intraperitoneal brachytherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in an adolescent: novel anesthetic challenges for pediatric anesthetists

Newer techniques that have found a place in cancer management in adults are offered far less commonly in pediatric patients. We present a case of a patient with recurrent Wilms' tumor managed with a novel combination of cytoreductive surgery, intraperitoneal brachytherapy, and subsequent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Each stage presents challenges that the pediatric anesthetist is unlikely to have faced before. Such cases require flexibility and thorough planning to manage the combination of major surgery, remote anesthesia with brachytherapy and hyperthermic chemotherapy with its potential for metabolic derangement, significant fluid shifts, analgesic care, and potential exposure of staff to cytotoxic agents. Comprehensive care can be offered in pediatric centers.