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Bressan S, Tancredi D, Casper CT, Da Dalt L, Kuppermann N. Palpable signs of skull fractures on physical examination and depressed skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries on CT in children. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05807-w. [PMID: 39387905 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05807-w] [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] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
To assess the actual presence of underlying depressed skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on computed tomography (CT) in children with and without palpable skull fractures on physical examination following minor head trauma. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational multicenter study enrolling 42,412 children < 18 years old with Glasgow Coma Scale scores ≥ 14 following blunt head trauma. A palpable skull fracture was defined per the treating clinician documentation on the case report form. Skull fractures and TBIs were determined on CT scan by site radiologists. Palpable skull fractures were reported in 368/10,698 (3.4%) children < 2 years old, and in 676/31,613 (2.1%) of older children. Depressed skull fractures on CT were observed in 56/273 (20.5%) of younger children with palpable skull fractures and in 34/3047 (1.1%) of those without (rate difference 19.4%; 95%CI 14.6-24.2%), and in 30/486 (6.2%) vs 63/11,130 (0.6%) of older children (rate difference 5.6%; 95%CI 3.5-7.8%). TBIs on CT were found in 73/273 (26.7%) and 189/3047 (6.2%) of younger children with and without palpable skull fractures (rate difference 20.5%; 95%CI 15.2-25.9), and in 61/486 (12.6%) vs 424/11,130 (3.8%) of older children (rate difference 8.7%; 95%CI 6.1-12.0).Conclusions: Although depressed skull fractures and TBIs on CT are more common in children with palpable fractures than those without, most of these children do not have underlying depressed fractures. The discriminatory ability of the scalp examination could be enhanced by direct bedside visualization of the skull, such as through ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bressan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| | - Daniel Tancredi
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Charles T Casper
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Babl FE, Bressan S. Imaging rules in paediatric trauma: the PECARN decision rules for head, neck and abdominal trauma. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2024-327822. [PMID: 39237357 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Franz E Babl
- Departments of Pediatrics and Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Wickbom F, Berghog W, Bernhardsson S, Persson L, Kunkel S, Undén J. Pediatric head injury guideline use in Sweden: a cross-sectional survey on determinants for successful implementation of a clinical practice guideline. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:965. [PMID: 39169324 PMCID: PMC11340051 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11423-z] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guideline (SNC-16) was developed and published in 2016, to aid clinicians in management of pediatric head injuries in Scandinavian emergency departments (ED). The objective of this study was to explore determinants for use of the SNC-16 guideline by Swedish ED physicians. METHODS This is a nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based survey in Sweden. Using modified snowball sampling, physicians managing children in the ED were invited via e-mail to complete the validated Clinician Guideline Determinants Questionnaire between February and May, 2023. Baseline data, data on enablers and barriers for use of the SNC-16 guideline, and preferred routes for implementation and access of guidelines in general were collected and analyzed descriptively and exploratory with Chi-square and Fisher's tests. RESULTS Of 595 invitations, 198 emergency physicians completed the survey (effective response rate 33.3%). There was a high reported use of the SNC-16 guideline (149/195; 76.4%) and a strong belief in its benefits for the patients (188/197; 95.4% agreement). Respondents generally agreed with the guideline's content (187/197; 94.9%) and found it easy to use and navigate (188/197; 95.4%). Some respondents (53/197; 26.9%) perceived a lack of organizational support needed to use the guideline. Implementation tools may be improved as only 58.9% (116/197) agreed that the guideline includes such. Only 37.6% (74/197) of the respondents agreed that the guideline clearly describes the underlying evidence supporting the recommendation. Most respondents prefer to consult colleagues (178/198; 89.9%) and guidelines (149/198; 75.3%) to gain knowledge to guide clinical decision making. Four types of enablers for guideline use emerged from free-text answers: ease of use and implementation, alignment with local guidelines and practice, advantages for stakeholders, and practicality and accessibility. Barriers for guideline use were manifested as: organizational challenges, medical concerns, and practical concerns. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest high self-reported use of the SNC-16 guideline among Swedish ED physicians. In updated versions of the guideline, focus on improving implementation tools and descriptions of the underlying evidence may further facilitate adoption and adherence. Measures to improve organizational support for guideline use and involvement of patient representatives should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wickbom
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - William Berghog
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Susanne Bernhardsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Research, Education, Development, and Innovation Primary Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Persson
- Department of Orthopedics, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Stefan Kunkel
- Department of Medicine, Växjö Hospital, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Johan Undén
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Oris C, Kahouadji S, Bouvier D, Sapin V. Blood Biomarkers for the Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Clinical Practice. Clin Chem 2024; 70:1023-1036. [PMID: 38656380 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvae049] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the use of validated guidelines in the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), processes to limit unnecessary brain scans are still not sufficient and need to be improved. The use of blood biomarkers represents a relevant adjunct to identify patients at risk for intracranial injury requiring computed tomography (CT) scan. CONTENT Biomarkers currently recommended in the management of mTBI in adults and children are discussed in this review. Protein S100 beta (S100B) is the best-documented blood biomarker due to its validation in large observational and interventional studies. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyterminal hydrolase L-1 (UCH-L1) have also recently demonstrated their usefulness in patients with mTBI. Preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical performance are presented to aid in their interpretation in clinical practice. Finally, new perspectives on biomarkers and mTBI are discussed. SUMMARY In adults, the inclusion of S100B in Scandinavian and French guidelines has reduced the need for CT scans by at least 30%. S100B has significant potential as a diagnostic biomarker, but limitations include its rapid half-life, which requires blood collection within 3 h of trauma, and its lack of neurospecificity. In 2018, the FDA approved the use of combined determination of GFAP and UCH-L1 to aid in the assessment of mTBI. Since 2022, new French guidelines also recommend the determination of GFAP and UCH-L1 in order to target a larger number of patients (sampling within 12 h post-injury) and optimize the reduction of CT scans. In the future, new cut-offs related to age and promising new biomarkers are expected for both diagnostic and prognostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Oris
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Samy Kahouadji
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Bouvier
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, INSERM, iGReD, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Lorton F, Lagares A, de la Cruz J, Méjan O, Pavlov V, Sapin V, Poca MA, Lehner M, Biberthaler P, Chauviré-Drouard A, Gras-Le-Guen C, Scherdel P. Performance of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) biomarkers in predicting CT scan results and neurological outcomes in children with traumatic brain injury (BRAINI-2 paediatric study): protocol of a European prospective multicentre study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083531. [PMID: 38754888 PMCID: PMC11097883 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In light of the burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and the excessive number of unnecessary CT scans still being performed, new strategies are needed to limit their use while minimising the risk of delayed diagnosis of intracranial lesions (ICLs). Identifying children at higher risk of poor outcomes would enable them to be better monitored. The use of the blood-based brain biomarkers glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) could help clinicians in this decision. The overall aim of this study is to provide new knowledge regarding GFAP and UCH-L1 in order to improve TBI management in the paediatric population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a European, prospective, multicentre study, the BRAINI-2 paediatric study, in 20 centres in France, Spain and Switzerland with an inclusion period of 30 months for a total of 2880 children and adolescents included. To assess the performance of GFAP and UCH-L1 used separately and in combination to predict ICLs on CT scans (primary objective), 630 children less than 18 years of age with mild TBI, defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13-15 and with a CT scan will be recruited. To evaluate the potential of GFAP and UCH-L1 in predicting the prognosis after TBI (secondary objective), a further 1720 children with mild TBI but no CT scan as well as 130 children with moderate or severe TBI will be recruited. Finally, to establish age-specific reference values for GFAP and UCH-L1 (secondary objective), we will include 400 children and adolescents with no history of TBI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has received ethics approval in all participating countries. Results from our study will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals. All procedures were developed in order to assure data protection and confidentiality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05413499.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur Lorton
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Department of Paediatric Emergency, CIC 1413, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Alfonso Lagares
- Department of Neurosurgery,Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria imas12, Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier de la Cruz
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria imas12, RICORS-SAMID, Madrid, Spain
| | - Odile Méjan
- Research and Development Immunoassay, bioMerieux SA, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | | | - Vincent Sapin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maria Antonia Poca
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology and Neurosurgery Research Unit,Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Markus Lehner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Lucerne, University of Lucerne, CH-6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Biberthaler
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaningerstr 22, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Chauviré-Drouard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Department of Paediatric Emergency, CIC 1413, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Christèle Gras-Le-Guen
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Department of Paediatric Emergency, CIC 1413, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pauline Scherdel
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Department of Paediatric Emergency, CIC 1413, F-44000 Nantes, France
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Sirén A, Nyman M, Syvänen J, Mattila K, Hirvonen J. Utility of brain imaging in pediatric patients with a suspected accidental spinal injury but no brain injury-related symptoms. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1435-1441. [PMID: 38279986 PMCID: PMC11026267 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing traumatic brain injury, but unnecessary scans should be avoided, especially in children and adolescents. Clinical decision-making rules often help to distinguish the patients who need imaging, but if spinal trauma is suspected, concomitant brain imaging is often conducted. Whether the co-occurrence of brain and spine injuries is high enough to justify head imaging in patients without symptoms suggesting brain injury is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of brain MRI in pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed accidental spinal trauma but no potential brain injury symptoms. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical and imaging data of pediatric patients (under 18 years old) who have undergone concomitant MRI of the brain and spine because of acute spinal trauma in our emergency radiology department over a period of 8 years. We compared the brain MRI findings in patients with and without symptoms suggesting brain injury and contrasted spine and brain MRI findings. RESULTS Of 179 patients (mean age 11.7 years, range 0-17), 137 had symptoms or clinical findings suggesting brain injury, and 42 did not. None of the patients without potential brain injury symptoms had traumatic findings in brain MRI. This finding also applied to patients with high-energy trauma (n = 47) and was unrelated to spinal MRI findings. CONCLUSION Pediatric accidental trauma patients with suspected or confirmed spine trauma but no symptoms or clinical findings suggesting brain injury seem not to benefit from brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aapo Sirén
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Mikko Nyman
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Syvänen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kimmo Mattila
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi Hirvonen
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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7
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Holmes JF, Yen K, Ugalde IT, Ishimine P, Chaudhari PP, Atigapramoj N, Badawy M, McCarten-Gibbs KA, Nielsen D, Sage AC, Tatro G, Upperman JS, Adelson PD, Tancredi DJ, Kuppermann N. PECARN prediction rules for CT imaging of children presenting to the emergency department with blunt abdominal or minor head trauma: a multicentre prospective validation study. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:339-347. [PMID: 38609287 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(24)00029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intra-abdominal injury and traumatic brain injury prediction rules derived by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) were designed to reduce inappropriate use of CT in children with abdominal and head trauma, respectively. We aimed to validate these prediction rules for children presenting to emergency departments with blunt abdominal or minor head trauma. METHODS For this prospective validation study, we enrolled children and adolescents younger than 18 years presenting to six emergency departments in Sacramento (CA), Dallas (TX), Houston (TX), San Diego (CA), Los Angeles (CA), and Oakland (CA), USA between Dec 27, 2016, and Sept 1, 2021. We excluded patients who were pregnant or had pre-existing neurological disorders preventing examination, penetrating trauma, injuries more than 24 h before arrival, CT or MRI before transfer, or high suspicion of non-accidental trauma. Children presenting with blunt abdominal trauma were enrolled into an abdominal trauma cohort, and children with minor head trauma were enrolled into one of two age-segregated minor head trauma cohorts (younger than 2 years vs aged 2 years and older). Enrolled children were clinically examined in the emergency department, and CT scans were obtained at the attending clinician's discretion. All enrolled children were evaluated against the variables of the pertinent PECARN prediction rule before CT results were seen. The primary outcome of interest in the abdominal trauma cohort was intra-abdominal injury undergoing acute intervention (therapeutic laparotomy, angiographic embolisation, blood transfusion, intravenous fluid for ≥2 days for pancreatic or gastrointestinal injuries, or death from intra-abdominal injury). In the age-segregated minor head trauma cohorts, the primary outcome of interest was clinically important traumatic brain injury (neurosurgery, intubation for >24 h for traumatic brain injury, or hospital admission ≥2 nights for ongoing symptoms and CT-confirmed traumatic brain injury; or death from traumatic brain injury). FINDINGS 7542 children with blunt abdominal trauma and 19 999 children with minor head trauma were enrolled. The intra-abdominal injury rule had a sensitivity of 100·0% (95% CI 98·0-100·0; correct test for 145 of 145 patients with intra-abdominal injury undergoing acute intervention) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100·0% (95% CI 99·9-100·0; correct test for 3488 of 3488 patients without intra-abdominal injuries undergoing acute intervention). The traumatic brain injury rule for children younger than 2 years had a sensitivity of 100·0% (93·1-100·0; 42 of 42) for clinically important traumatic brain injuries and an NPV of 100·0%; 99·9-100·0; 2940 of 2940), whereas the traumatic brain injury rule for children aged 2 years and older had a sensitivity of 98·8% (95·8-99·9; 168 of 170) and an NPV of 100·0% (99·9-100·0; 6015 of 6017). The two children who were misclassified by the traumatic brain injury rule were admitted to hospital for observation but did not need neurosurgery. INTERPRETATION The PECARN intra-abdominal injury and traumatic brain injury rules were validated with a high degree of accuracy. Their implementation in paediatric emergency departments can therefore be considered a safe strategy to minimise inappropriate CT use in children needing high-quality care for abdominal or head trauma. FUNDING The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Kenneth Yen
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA; Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Irma T Ugalde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Ishimine
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pradip P Chaudhari
- Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nisa Atigapramoj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Badawy
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA; Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Donovan Nielsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Allyson C Sage
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Grant Tatro
- Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Upperman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - P David Adelson
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Daniel J Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Bagg MK, Hicks AJ, Hellewell SC, Ponsford JL, Lannin NA, O'Brien TJ, Cameron PA, Cooper DJ, Rushworth N, Gabbe BJ, Fitzgerald M. The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Statement of Working Principles and Rapid Review of Methods to Define Data Dictionaries for Neurological Conditions. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:424-447. [PMID: 38660461 PMCID: PMC11040195 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to develop a health informatics approach to collect data predictive of outcomes for persons with moderate-severe TBI across Australia. Central to this approach is a data dictionary; however, no systematic reviews of methods to define and develop data dictionaries exist to-date. This rapid systematic review aimed to identify and characterize methods for designing data dictionaries to collect outcomes or variables in persons with neurological conditions. Database searches were conducted from inception through October 2021. Records were screened in two stages against set criteria to identify methods to define data dictionaries for neurological conditions (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision: 08, 22, and 23). Standardized data were extracted. Processes were checked at each stage by independent review of a random 25% of records. Consensus was reached through discussion where necessary. Thirty-nine initiatives were identified across 29 neurological conditions. No single established or recommended method for defining a data dictionary was identified. Nine initiatives conducted systematic reviews to collate information before implementing a consensus process. Thirty-seven initiatives consulted with end-users. Methods of consultation were "roundtable" discussion (n = 30); with facilitation (n = 16); that was iterative (n = 27); and frequently conducted in-person (n = 27). Researcher stakeholders were involved in all initiatives and clinicians in 25. Importantly, only six initiatives involved persons with lived experience of TBI and four involved carers. Methods for defining data dictionaries were variable and reporting is sparse. Our findings are instructive for AUS-TBI and can be used to further development of methods for defining data dictionaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. Bagg
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amelia J. Hicks
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah C. Hellewell
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennie L. Ponsford
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha A. Lannin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter A. Cameron
- National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D. Jamie Cooper
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Rushworth
- Brain Injury Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda J. Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Data Research UK, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, United Kingdom
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Wickbom F, Calcagnile O, Marklund N, Undén J. Validation of the Scandinavian guidelines for minor and moderate head trauma in children: protocol for a pragmatic, prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078622. [PMID: 38569695 PMCID: PMC11146355 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mild traumatic brain injury is common in children and it can be challenging to accurately identify those in need of urgent medical intervention. The Scandinavian guidelines for management of minor and moderate head trauma in children, the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guideline 2016 (SNC16), were developed to aid in risk stratification and decision-making in Scandinavian emergency departments (EDs). This guideline has been validated externally with encouraging results, but internal validation in the intended healthcare system is warranted prior to broad clinical implementation. OBJECTIVE We aim to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict clinically important intracranial injuries (CIII) in paediatric patients suffering from blunt head trauma, assessed in EDs in Sweden and Norway. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, pragmatic, observational cohort study. Children (aged 0-17 years) with blunt head trauma, presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 9-15 within 24 hours postinjury at an ED in 1 of the 16 participating hospitals, are eligible for inclusion. Included patients are assessed and managed according to the clinical management routines of each hospital. Data elements for risk stratification are collected in an electronic case report form by the examining doctor. The primary outcome is defined as CIII within 1 week of injury. Secondary outcomes of importance include traumatic CT findings, neurosurgery and 3-month outcome. Diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict endpoints will be assessed by point estimate and 95% CIs for sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, negative predictive value and positive predictive value. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is approved by the ethical board in both Sweden and Norway. Results from this validation will be published in scientific journals, and a tailored development and implementation process will follow if the SNC16 is found safe and effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05964764.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wickbom
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University Faculty of Medicine, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Olga Calcagnile
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Niklas Marklund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Undén
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Tavender E, Eapen N, Wang J, Rausa VC, Babl FE, Phillips N. Triage tools for detecting cervical spine injury in paediatric trauma patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 3:CD011686. [PMID: 38517085 PMCID: PMC10958760 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011686.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric cervical spine injury (CSI) after blunt trauma is rare but can have severe consequences. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) have been developed to guide clinical decision-making, minimise unnecessary tests and associated risks, whilst detecting all significant CSIs. Several validated CDRs are used to guide imaging decision-making in adults following blunt trauma and clinical criteria have been proposed as possible paediatric-specific CDRs. Little information is known about their accuracy. OBJECTIVES To assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of CDRs or sets of clinical criteria, alone or in comparison with each other, for the evaluation of CSI following blunt trauma in children. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases from 1 January 2015 to 13 December 2022. As we expanded the index test eligibility for this review update, we searched the excluded studies from the previous version of the review for eligibility. We contacted field experts to identify ongoing studies and studies potentially missed by the search. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included cross-sectional or cohort designs (retrospective and prospective) and randomised controlled trials that compared the diagnostic accuracy of any CDR or clinical criteria compared with a reference standard for the evaluation of paediatric CSI following blunt trauma. We included studies evaluating one CDR or comparing two or more CDRs (directly and indirectly). We considered X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine, and clinical clearance/follow-up as adequate reference standards. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance, and carried out eligibility, data extraction and quality assessment. A third review author arbitrated. We extracted data on study design, participant characteristics, inclusion/exclusion criteria, index test, target condition, reference standard and data (diagnostic two-by-two tables) and calculated and plotted sensitivity and specificity on forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. We assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Version 2 tool. We graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included five studies with 21,379 enrolled participants, published between 2001 and 2021. Prevalence of CSI ranged from 0.5% to 1.85%. Seven CDRs were evaluated. Three studies reported on direct comparisons of CDRs. One study (973 participants) directly compared the accuracy of three index tests with the sensitivities of NEXUS, Canadian C-Spine Rule and the PECARN retrospective criteria being 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 1.00), 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00), respectively. The specificities were 0.56 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.59), 0.52 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.55) and 0.32 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.35), respectively (moderate-certainty evidence). One study (4091 participants) compared the accuracy of the PECARN retrospective criteria with the Leonard de novo model; the sensitivities were 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.96) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.97), respectively. The specificities were 0.46 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.47) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.52) (moderate- and low-certainty evidence, respectively). One study (270 participants) compared the accuracy of two NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) head injury guidelines; the sensitivity of the CG56 guideline was 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) compared to 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) with the CG176 guideline. The specificities were 0.46 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.52) and 0.07 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.11), respectively (very low-certainty evidence). Two additional studies were indirect comparison studies. One study (3065 participants) tested the accuracy of the NEXUS criteria; the sensitivity was 1.00 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.00) and specificity was 0.20 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.21) (low-certainty evidence). One retrospective study (12,537 participants) evaluated the PEDSPINE criteria and found a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.99) and specificity of 0.70 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.72) (very low-certainty evidence). We did not pool data within the broader CDR categories or investigate heterogeneity due to the small quantity of data and the clinical heterogeneity of studies. Two studies were at high risk of bias. We identified two studies that are awaiting classification pending further information and two ongoing studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of CDRs to detect CSIs in children following blunt trauma, particularly for children under eight years of age. Although most studies had a high sensitivity, this was often achieved at the expense of low specificity and should be interpreted with caution due to a small number of CSIs and wide CIs. Well-designed, large studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of CDRs for the cervical spine clearance in children following blunt trauma, ideally in direct comparison with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tavender
- Emergency Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Departments of Paediatrics and Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nitaa Eapen
- Emergency Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa C Rausa
- Emergency Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Emergency Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Departments of Paediatrics and Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency Department, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natalie Phillips
- Emergency Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Biomechanics and Spine Research Group, Centre for Children's Health Research, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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11
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Bouvier D, Cantais A, Laspougeas A, Lorton F, Plenier Y, Cottier M, Fournier P, Tran A, Moreau E, Durif J, Sarret C, Mourgues C, Sturtz F, Oudart JB, Raffort J, Gonzalo P, Cristol JP, Masson D, Pereira B, Sapin V. Serum S100B Level in the Management of Pediatric Minor Head Trauma: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e242366. [PMID: 38502126 PMCID: PMC10951739 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2366] [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] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Minor head trauma (HT) is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in children. A diagnostic test could prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and cranial computed tomographic (CCT) scans. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of serum S100B values in reducing exposure to CCT scans and in-hospital observation in children with minor HT. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, unblinded, prospective, interventional randomized clinical trial used a stepped-wedge cluster design to compare S100B biomonitoring and control groups at 11 centers in France. Participants included children and adolescents 16 years or younger (hereinafter referred to as children) admitted to the emergency department with minor HT. The enrollment period was November 1, 2016, to October 31, 2021, with a follow-up period of 1 month for each patient. Data were analyzed from March 7 to May 29, 2023, based on the modified intention-to-treat and per protocol populations. Interventions Children in the control group had CCT scans or were hospitalized according to current recommendations. In the S100B biomonitoring group, blood sampling took place within 3 hours after minor HT, and management depended on serum S100B protein levels. If the S100B level was within the reference range according to age, the children were discharged from the emergency department. Otherwise, children were treated as in the control group. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of CCT scans performed (absence or presence of CCT scan for each patient) in the 48 hours following minor HT. Results A total of 2078 children were included: 926 in the control group and 1152 in the S100B biomonitoring group (1235 [59.4%] boys; median age, 3.2 [IQR, 1.0-8.5] years). Cranial CT scans were performed in 299 children (32.3%) in the control group and 112 (9.7%) in the S100B biomonitoring group. This difference of 23% (95% CI, 19%-26%) was not statistically significant (P = .44) due to an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.32. A statistically significant 50% reduction in hospitalizations (95% CI, 47%-53%) was observed in the S100B biomonitoring group (479 [41.6%] vs 849 [91.7%]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of effectiveness of the serum S100B level in the management of pediatric minor HT, S100B biomonitoring yielded a reduction in the number of CCT scans and in-hospital observation when measured in accordance with the conditions defined by a clinical decision algorithm. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02819778.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Génétique, Reproduction et Développement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aymeric Cantais
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Fleur Lorton
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre d’Investigation Clinique 1413, Nantes, France
| | | | - Maria Cottier
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Antoine Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Nice, Nice, France
| | - Emilie Moreau
- Department of Pediatrics, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Durif
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Catherine Sarret
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA, Thérapies Guidées par l’Image, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Charline Mourgues
- Biostatistics Unit (Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation), CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Franck Sturtz
- Department of Biochemistry, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Oudart
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire Unit, UMR CNRS 7369, Reims, France
| | | | - Philippe Gonzalo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, CHU Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Damien Masson
- Department of Biochemistry, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit (Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation), CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Génétique, Reproduction et Développement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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Crowe LM, Rausa VC, Anderson V, Borland ML, Kochar A, Lyttle MD, Gilhotra Y, Dalziel SR, Oakley E, Furyk J, Neutze J, Bressan S, Davis GA, Babl FE. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Characteristics and Symptoms in Preschool Children: How Do They Differ to School Age Children? A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:120-124. [PMID: 37715760 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.08.008] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate if preschool children differ to school age children with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) with respect to injury causes, clinical presentation, and medical management. DESIGN A secondary analysis of a dataset from a large, prospective and multisite cohort study on TBI in children aged 0-18 years, the Australian Paediatric Head Injury Rules Study. SETTING Nine pediatric emergency departments (ED) and 1 combined adult and pediatric ED located across Australia and New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS 7080 preschool aged children (2-5 years) were compared with 5251 school-age children (6-12 years) with mild TBI (N= (N=12,331) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical report form on medical symptoms, injury causes, and management. RESULTS Preschool children were less likely to be injured with a projectile than school age children (P<.001). Preschool children presented with less: loss of consciousness (P<.001), vomiting (P<.001), drowsiness (P=.002), and headache (P<.001), and more irritability and agitation (P=.003), than school-age children in the acute period after mild TBI. Preschool children were less likely to have neuroimaging of any kind (P<.001) or to be admitted for observation than school age children (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our large prospective study has demonstrated that preschool children with mild TBI experience a different acute symptom profile to older children. There are significant clinical implications with symptoms post-TBI used in medical management to aid decisions on neuroimaging and post-acute intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Crowe
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Vanessa C Rausa
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meredith L Borland
- Emergency Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, Divisions of Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amit Kochar
- Emergency Department, Women's & Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mark D Lyttle
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Yuri Gilhotra
- Emergency Medicine Education and Training, Retrieval Services, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stuart R Dalziel
- Emergency Department, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand; Departments of Surgery and Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ed Oakley
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeremy Furyk
- Emergency Department, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Australia; Emergency Department, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Neutze
- Emergency Department, Kidzfirst Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gavin A Davis
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, Austin and Cabrini Hospitals, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Critical Care Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Tiidermann M, Pihlakas T, Saaring J, Märs J, Aasmäe J, Langemets K, Lintrop M, Kool P, Ilves P. Improvement in paediatric CT use and justification: a single-centre experience. BJR Open 2024; 6:tzae020. [PMID: 39144696 PMCID: PMC11322280 DOI: 10.1093/bjro/tzae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyse changes in the use of paediatric (≤16 years) CT over the past decade and to evaluate the appropriateness of CT examinations at a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods Data from 290 paediatric CTs were prospectively collected in 2022 and compared with data from 2017 (358 cases) and 2012 (538 cases). The justification of CTs was evaluated with regard to medical imaging referral guidelines and appropriateness rates were calculated. Results Paediatric CTs decreased 39.4% over the 10 years, contrasting with a 27.6% increase in overall CTs. Paediatric CTs as the share of overall CTs dropped from 2.5% in 2012 to 1.1% in 2022 (P < .0001), with a concurrent rise in paediatric MRIs (P < .0001). Notable reductions in CT use occurred for head trauma (P = .0003), chronic headache (P < .0001), epilepsy (P = .037), hydrocephalus (P = .0078), chest tumour (P = .0005), and whole-body tumour (P = .0041). The overall appropriateness of CTs improved from 73.1% in 2017 to 79.0% in 2022 (P = .0049). In 15.4% of the cases, no radiological examination was deemed necessary, and in 8.7% of the cases, another modality was more appropriate. Appropriateness rates were the highest for the head and neck angiography (100%) and the chest (96%) and the lowest for the neck (66%) and the head (67%). Conclusions Justification of CT scans can be improved by regular educational interventions, increasing MRI accessibility, and evaluating the appropriateness of the requested CT before the examination. Interventions for a more effective implementation of referral guidelines are needed. Advances in knowledge The focus for improvement should be CTs for head and cervical spine trauma, accounting for the majority of inappropriate requests in the paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariliis Tiidermann
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Triin Pihlakas
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Juhan Saaring
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Janelle Märs
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Jaanika Aasmäe
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Langemets
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Mare Lintrop
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Pille Kool
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Pilvi Ilves
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
- Radiology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
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14
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Güneysu ST, Güleryüz OD, Kürklü E, Çağlar AA, Çolak Ö. Traumatic brain injury detection performance of the infant scalp score in children younger than 2 years in the pediatric emergency department. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2023; 49:1673-1681. [PMID: 36056932 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02085-9] [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: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study sought to externally validate the Infant Scalp Score (ISS) within an international pediatric emergency department (PED) setting. The ISS for pediatric Closed Head Injury (CHI), includes age, hematoma localization, and size, and has the potential to predict the presence of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on computed tomography. We aimed to describe a potentially low risk cohort of children younger than 24 months with CHI and scalp hematomas, where clinicians may limit diagnostic radiation exposure to this vulnerable patient population. METHODS This single-center retrospective study was conducted in Gazi University. Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Department, a tertiary trauma care hospital. We reviewed patients (< 24 months) with CHI and scalp hematoma who visited the PED of our institution between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021 for rates of TBI and clinically important TBI (ciTBI). RESULTS 380 cases met inclusion criteria for this study. The median age was 11 months and 58.7% were male children. 121 (31.8%) patients underwent CT, and 57% (n:69) of these studies were normal. TBI on CT was found in 26 (21.5%) patients with ciTBI was detected in 5 (1.3%) patients. All children with TBI were noted to have ISS scores of ≥ 5. Hematoma location OR 18.9 (95% CI, 3.4-105.1) and hematoma size OR 3.0 (95% CI, 1.2-7.3) were positively associated with presence of TBI. CONCLUSIONS Children with ISS scores of ≥ 5 were noted to have increased rates of both TBI and ciTBI. CHI related scalp hematomas located in the temporal/parietal region or with a size greater than 3 cm were associated with increased rates of TBI. Within the context of this study, ISS scores of 4 or less represented a lower risk for TBI and ciTBI. Future research on this potentially low risk pediatric CHI cohort is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songül Tomar Güneysu
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Okşan Derinöz Güleryüz
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Kürklü
- Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayla Akca Çağlar
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Çolak
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Wilson S, Chen KCJ, Chartier LB, Campbell SG, Dowling S, Upadhye S, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. Revisiting Choosing Wisely recommendation #1: "Don't order CT head scan in adults and children who have suffered minor head injuries (unless positive for a validated clinical decision rule)". CAN J EMERG MED 2023:10.1007/s43678-023-00515-0. [PMID: 37253996 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Wilson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lucas B Chartier
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samuel G Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shawn Dowling
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suneel Upadhye
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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16
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Rhodes HX, Berg G, Shadiack AL, Thomas KD, Horawski JL, Boyer G, Kleist SM, Worthley AI, Rosenberg DI, Gutovitz SB, Helmrich GA, Biswas S, Pepe AP. Predicting Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Adolescent Trauma to Enhance Clinical Decisions in Imaging. J Trauma Nurs 2023; 30:150-157. [PMID: 37144804 DOI: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) traumatic brain injury algorithm is used to identify children at low risk of clinically significant traumatic brain injuries to reduce computed tomography (CT) exposure. Adapting PECARN rules based on population-specific risk stratification has been suggested to improve diagnostic accuracy. OBJECTIVE This study sought to identify center-specific patient variables, beyond PECARN rules, that may enhance the identification of patients requiring neuroimaging. METHODS This single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2020, in a Southwestern U.S. Level II pediatric trauma center. The inclusion criteria were adolescents (10-15 years), Glasgow Coma Scale (13-15), with a confirmed mechanical blow to the head. Patients without a head CT were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to identify additional complicated mild traumatic brain injury predictor variables beyond the PECARN. RESULTS There were 136 patients studied; 21 (15%) presented with a complicated mild traumatic brain injury. Relative to motorcycle collision or all-terrain vehicle trauma (odds ratio [OR] 211.75, 95% confidence interval, CI [4.51, 9931.41], p < .001), an unspecified mechanism (OR 42.0, 95% CI [1.30, 1350.97], p = .03) and consult activation (OR 17.44, 95% CI [1.75, 173.31], p = .01) were significantly associated with complicated mild traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS We identified additional factors associated with complex mild traumatic brain injury, including motorcycle collision and all-terrain vehicle trauma, unspecified mechanism, and consult activation that are not in the PECARN imaging decision rule. Adding these variables may aid in determining the need for appropriate CT scanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather X Rhodes
- Department of Trauma (Drs Rhodes, Pepe, and Biswas), Department of Family Medicine (Drs Shadiack, Thomas, and Horawski), Department of Surgery (Dr Boyer), Department of Emergency Medicine (Drs Kleist and Gutovitz), Department of Trauma (Mr Worthley), Department of Pediatrics (Dr Rosenberg), CMO, Administration (Dr Helmrich), Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Department of Trauma, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas (Dr Berg)
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Kula R, Popela S, Klučka J, Charwátová D, Djakow J, Štourač P. Modern Paediatric Emergency Department: Potential Improvements in Light of New Evidence. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040741. [PMID: 37189990 DOI: 10.3390/children10040741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The increasing attendance of paediatric emergency departments has become a serious health issue. To reduce an elevated burden of medical errors, inevitably caused by a high level of stress exerted on emergency physicians, we propose potential areas for improvement in regular paediatric emergency departments. In an effort to guarantee the demanded quality of care to all incoming patients, the workflow in paediatric emergency departments should be sufficiently optimised. The key component remains to implement one of the validated paediatric triage systems upon the patient's arrival at the emergency department and fast-tracking patients with a low level of risk according to the triage system. To ensure the patient's safety, emergency physicians should follow issued guidelines. Cognitive aids, such as well-designed checklists, posters or flow charts, generally improve physicians' adherence to guidelines and should be available in every paediatric emergency department. To sharpen diagnostic accuracy, the use of ultrasound in a paediatric emergency department, according to ultrasound protocols, should be targeted to answer specific clinical questions. Combining all mentioned improvements might reduce the number of errors linked to overcrowding. The review serves not only as a blueprint for modernising paediatric emergency departments but also as a bin of useful literature which can be suitable in the paediatric emergency field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Kula
- Department of Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Popela
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Olomouc and Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University, I.P. Pavlova 185/6, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Emergency Medical Service of the South Moravian Region, Kamenice 798, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Klučka
- Department of Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Simulation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Charwátová
- Department of Surgery, Vyškov Hospital, Purkyňova 235/36, 682 01 Vyškov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Djakow
- Department of Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Simulation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, NH Hospital Inc., 268 01 Hořovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Štourač
- Department of Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Simulation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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18
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Oris C, Kahouadji S, Durif J, Bouvier D, Sapin V. S100B, Actor and Biomarker of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6602. [PMID: 37047574 PMCID: PMC10095287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accounts for approximately 80% of all TBI cases and is a growing source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To improve the management of children and adults with mTBI, a series of candidate biomarkers have been investigated in recent years. In this context, the measurement of blood biomarkers in the acute phase after a traumatic event helps reduce unnecessary CT scans and hospitalizations. In athletes, improved management of sports-related concussions is also sought to ensure athletes' safety. S100B protein has emerged as the most widely studied and used biomarker for clinical decision making in patients with mTBI. In addition to its use as a diagnostic biomarker, S100B plays an active role in the molecular pathogenic processes accompanying acute brain injury. This review describes S100B protein as a diagnostic tool as well as a potential therapeutic target in patients with mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Oris
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, University Hospital, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine of Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Samy Kahouadji
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, University Hospital, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine of Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Durif
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, University Hospital, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Bouvier
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, University Hospital, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine of Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, University Hospital, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Faculty of Medicine of Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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19
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Borland ML, Dalziel SR, Phillips N, Dalton S, Lyttle MD, Bressan S, Oakley E, Kochar A, Furyk J, Cheek JA, Neutze J, Eapen N, Hearps SJC, Rausa VC, Babl FE. Incidence of traumatic brain injuries in head-injured children with seizures. Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:289-296. [PMID: 36323396 PMCID: PMC10947265 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Incidence and short-term outcomes of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) in head-injured children presenting to ED with post-traumatic seizure (PTS) is not described in current literature. METHODS Planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational study undertaken in 10 Australasian Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network EDs between 2011 and 2014 of head-injured children <18 years with and without PTS. Clinical predictors and outcomes were analysed by attributable risk (AR), risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), including the association with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores. RESULTS Of 20 137 head injuries, 336 (1.7%) had PTS with median age of 4.8 years. Initial GCS was 15 in 268/336 (79.8%, AR -16.1 [95% CI -20.4 to -11.8]), 14 in 24/336 (7.1%, AR 4.4 [95% CI 1.6-7.2]) and ≤13 in 44/336 (13.1%, AR 11.7 [95% CI 8.1-15.3]) in comparison with those without PTS, respectively. The ciTBI rate was 34 (10.1%) with PTS versus 219 (1.1%) without PTS (AR 9.0 [95% CI 5.8-12.2]) with 5/268 (1.9%), 6/24 (25.0%) and 23/44 (52.3%) with GCS 15, 14 and ≤13, respectively. In PTS, rates of admission ≥2 nights (34 [10.1%] AR 9.0 [95% CI 5.8-12.3]), intubation >24 h (9 [2.7%] AR 2.5 [95% CI 0.8-4.2]) and neurosurgery (8 [2.4%] AR 2.0 [95% CI 0.4-3.7]), were higher than those without PTS. Children with PTS and GCS 15 or 14 had no neurosurgery, intubations or death, with two deaths in children with PTS and GCS ≤13. CONCLUSIONS PTS was uncommon in head-injured children presenting to the ED but associated with an increased risk of ciTBI in those with reduced GCS on arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith L Borland
- Emergency DepartmentPerth Children's HospitalPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Divisions of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, School of MedicineThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Stuart R Dalziel
- Children's Emergency DepartmentStarship Children's HospitalAucklandNew Zealand
- Departments of Surgery and Paediatrics: Child and Youth HealthThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Natalie Phillips
- Emergency DepartmentQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Child Health Research Centre, School of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Sarah Dalton
- Emergency DepartmentThe Children's Hospital at WestmeadSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark D Lyttle
- Emergency DepartmentBristol Royal Hospital for ChildrenBristolUK
- Academic Department of Emergency CareUniversity of the West of EnglandBristolUK
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Ed Oakley
- Emergency DepartmentThe Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics and Centre for Integrated Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Amit Kochar
- Emergency DepartmentWomen's and Children's HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jeremy Furyk
- Emergency DepartmentThe Townsville HospitalTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- School of MedicineDeakin UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- University Hospital GeelongGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - John A Cheek
- Emergency DepartmentThe Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics and Centre for Integrated Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jocelyn Neutze
- Emergency DepartmentKidz First Children's HospitalAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Nitaa Eapen
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Vanessa C Rausa
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Emergency DepartmentThe Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Paediatrics and Centre for Integrated Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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20
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Tavender EJ, Wilson CL, Dalziel S, Oakley E, Borland M, Ballard DW, Cotterell E, Phillips N, Babl FE. Qualitative study of emergency clinicians to inform a national guideline on the management of children with mild-to-moderate head injuries. Emerg Med J 2023; 40:195-199. [PMID: 36002242 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2021-212198] [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: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head injury is a common reason children present to EDs. Guideline development to improve care for paediatric head injuries should target the information needs of ED clinicians and factors influencing its uptake. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (November 2017-November 2018) with a stratified purposive sample of ED clinicians from across Australia and New Zealand. We identified clinician information needs, used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore factors influencing the use of head CT and clinical decision rules/guidelines in CT decision-making, and explored ways to improve guideline uptake. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis. RESULTS A total of 43 clinicians (28 doctors, 15 nurses), from 19 hospitals (5 tertiary, 8 suburban, 6 regional/rural) were interviewed. Clinicians sought guidance for scenarios including ED management of infants, children with underlying medical issues, delayed or representations and potential non-accidental injuries. Improvements to the quality and content of discharge communication and parental discussion materials were suggested. Known risks of radiation from head CTs has led to a culture of observation over use of CT in Australasia (TDF domain: beliefs about consequences). Formal and informal policies have resulted in senior clinicians making most head CT decisions in children (TDF domain: behavioural regulation). Senior clinicians consider their gestalt to be more accurate and outperform existing guidance (TDF domain: beliefs about capabilities), although they perceive guidelines as useful for training and supporting junior staff. Summaries, flow charts, publication in ED-specific journals and scripted training materials were suggestions to improve uptake. CONCLUSION Information needs of ED clinicians, factors influencing use of head CT in children with head injuries and the role of guidelines were identified. These findings informed the scope and implementation strategies for an Australasian guideline for mild-to-moderate head injuries in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Tavender
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Paediatrics and Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine L Wilson
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart Dalziel
- Emergency Department, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.,Departments of Surgery and Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ed Oakley
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Paediatrics and Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith Borland
- Emergency Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dustin W Ballard
- CREST Network & Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cotterell
- Armidale Rural Referral Hospital, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Rural Medicine, Tablelands Clinical School, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Phillips
- Emergency Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia .,Departments of Paediatrics and Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Wu H, Wright DW, Allen JW, Ding V, Boothroyd D, Glushakova OY, Hayes R, Jiang B, Wintermark M. Accuracy of head computed tomography scoring systems in predicting outcomes for patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A ProTECT III ancillary study. Neuroradiol J 2023; 36:38-48. [PMID: 35533263 PMCID: PMC9893165 DOI: 10.1177/19714009221101313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several types of head CT classification systems have been developed to prognosticate and stratify TBI patients. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare the predictive value and accuracy of the different CT scoring systems, including the Marshall, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Helsinki, and NIRIS systems, to inform specific patient management actions, using the ProTECT III population of patients with moderate to severe acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS We used the data collected in the patients with moderate to severe (GCS score of 4-12) TBI enrolled in the ProTECT III clinical trial. ProTECT III was a NIH-funded, prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to determine the efficacy of early administration of IV progesterone. The CT scoring systems listed above were applied to the baseline CT scans obtained in the trial. We assessed the predictive accuracy of these scoring systems with respect to Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended at 6 months, disability rating scale score, and mortality. RESULTS A total of 882 subjects were enrolled in ProTECT III. Worse scores for each head CT scoring systems were highly correlated with unfavorable outcome, disability outcome, and mortality. The NIRIS classification was more strongly correlated than the Stockholm and Rotterdam CT scores, followed by the Helsinki and Marshall CT classification. The highest correlation was observed between NIRIS and mortality (estimated odds ratios of 4.83). CONCLUSION All scores were highly associated with 6-month unfavorable, disability and mortality outcomes. NIRIS was also accurate in predicting TBI patients' management and disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Wu
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David W Wright
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason W Allen
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Victoria Ding
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Derek Boothroyd
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olena Y Glushakova
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ron Hayes
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's
Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong,
China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer
Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Max Wintermark
- Max Wintermark, Department of Radiology,
Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room S047,
Stanford, CA 94305-5105, USA.
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22
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Kuitunen I, Ponkilainen VT, Iverson GL, Isokuortti H, Luoto TM, Mattila VM. Increasing incidence of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury in Finland - a nationwide register study from 1998 to 2018. Injury 2023; 54:540-546. [PMID: 36564327 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study is to document the annual incidence and incidence trends of pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) in Finland over the course of 21 years. METHODS We conducted a retrospective nationwide register-based cohort study and used the Finnish Care Register and Population information statistics from 1998 to 2018. The patient group includes all patients aged <18 at the time of injury. We included all emergency department (ED) visits and subsequent inpatient admissions (meaning at least one night in the hospital) with International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code S06*. We calculated pTBI incidences per 100,000 person-years with 95% confidence intervals and the incidences were compared by incidence rate ratios (IRR), including age, diagnosis, and gender stratified analyses. RESULTS A total of 71,972 patients were included with 76,785 ED visits or hospitalizations for pTBI diagnoses. The annual incidence of diagnosed pTBI was 251 (CI: 241-260) per 100,000 in 1998 and 547 (CI: 533-561) per 100,000 in 2018, indicating a 118% increase in the incidence (IRR 2.18 CI: 2.09-2.28). Boys had 32% higher incidence (IRR 1.32 CI: 1.30-1.34) than girls. The highest cumulative incidence was observed among boys aged <1 years, 525 (CI: 507-543) per 100,000, and boys had higher incidences in all age groups. The most used diagnostic code was concussion, which included 92.1% of the diagnoses followed by diffuse brain injury, which included 2.3% of the diagnoses. The increase in the incidence of diagnosed pTBI was notably high after 2010. Concussion diagnoses and pTBI cases that were discharged directly from the ED had more than a two-fold increase from 2010 to 2018, whereas the incidence of inpatient admissions for pTBI increased by 53%. CONCLUSIONS The overall incidence of diagnosed pTBI has increased in Finland especially since 2010. Boys have higher incidence of diagnosed pTBI in all age groups. Most of the increase was due to increase in the concussion diagnoses, which may be due to the centralization of EDs into bigger units and increased diagnostic awareness of mild pTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilari Kuitunen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Mikkeli Central Hospital, Mikkeli, Finland.
| | | | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Harri Isokuortti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu M Luoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ville M Mattila
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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23
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Miyagawa T, Saga M, Sasaki M, Shimizu M, Yamaura A. Statistical and machine learning approaches to predict the necessity for computed tomography in children with mild traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278562. [PMID: 36595496 PMCID: PMC9810188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minor head trauma in children is a common reason for emergency department visits, but the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in those children is very low. Therefore, physicians should consider the indication for computed tomography (CT) to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to children. The purpose of this study was to statistically assess the differences between control and mild TBI (mTBI). In addition, we also investigate the feasibility of machine learning (ML) to predict the necessity of CT scans in children with mTBI. METHODS AND FINDINGS The study enrolled 1100 children under the age of 2 years to assess pre-verbal children. Other inclusion and exclusion criteria were per the PECARN study. Data such as demographics, injury details, medical history, and neurological assessment were used for statistical evaluation and creation of the ML algorithm. The number of children with clinically important TBI (ciTBI), mTBI on CT, and controls was 28, 30, and 1042, respectively. Statistical significance between the control group and clinically significant TBI requiring hospitalization (csTBI: ciTBI+mTBI on CT) was demonstrated for all nonparametric predictors except severity of the injury mechanism. The comparison between the three groups also showed significance for all predictors (p<0.05). This study showed that supervised ML for predicting the need for CT scan can be generated with 95% accuracy. It also revealed the significance of each predictor in the decision tree, especially the "days of life." CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the role and importance of each of the predictors mentioned in the PECARN study and show that ML could discriminate between children with csTBI and the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Miyagawa
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Matsudo City General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Marina Saga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Matsudo City General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
| | - Minami Sasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Matsudo City General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Matsudo City General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
| | - Akira Yamaura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Matsudo City General Hospital, Matsudo, Japan
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24
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Singh S, Hoch JS, Hearps S, Dalziel K, Cheek JA, Holmes J, Anderson V, Kuppermann N, Babl FE. Sports-related traumatic brain injuries and acute care costs in children. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001723. [PMID: 36720502 PMCID: PMC9890755 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and acute care costs due to sports activities. METHODS A planned secondary analysis of 7799 children from 5 years old to <18 years old with head injuries enrolled in a prospective multicentre study between 2011 and 2014. Sports-related TBIs were identified by the epidemiology codes for activity, place and injury mechanism. The sports cohort was stratified into two age groups (younger: 5-11 and older: 12-17 years). Acute care costs from the publicly funded Australian health system perspective are presented in 2018 pound sterling (£). RESULTS There were 2903 children (37%) with sports-related TBIs. Mean age was 12.0 years (95% CI 11.9 to 12.1 years); 78% were male. Bicycle riding was associated with the most TBIs (14%), with mean per-patient costs of £802 (95% CI £644 to £960) and 17% of acute costs. The highest acute costs (21%) were from motorcycle-related TBIs (3.8% of injuries), with mean per-patient costs of £3795 (95% CI £1850 to £5739). For younger boys and girls, bicycle riding was associated with the highest TBIs and total costs; however, the mean per-patient costs were highest for motorcycle and horse riding, respectively. For older boys, rugby was associated with the most TBIs. However, motorcycle riding had the highest total and mean per-patient acute costs. For older girls, horse riding was associated with the most TBIs and highest total acute costs, and motorcycle riding was associated with the highest mean per-patient costs. CONCLUSION Injury prevention strategies should focus on age-related and sex-related sports activities to reduce the burden of TBIs in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12614000463673.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Singh
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Hoch
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephen Hearps
- Child Neuropsychology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Dalziel
- Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Alexander Cheek
- Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Clinical Sciences Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Alonso-Cadenas JA, Calderón Checa RM, Rivas García A, Durán Hidalgo I, Cabrero Hernández M, Ruiz González S, Pérez García MJ, De Ceano-Vivas M, Delgado Gómez P, Antoñón Rodríguez M, Moreno Sánchez R, Martínez Hernando J, Muñoz López C, Ortiz Valentín I, Jiménez García R. Evaluation of the PECARN rule for traumatic brain injury applied to infants younger than 3 months and creation of a modified, age-specific rule. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:191-200. [PMID: 36278996 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04661-y] [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] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Infants < 3 months with minor head trauma (MHT) are a particularly vulnerable group, though few studies have focused specifically on these patients. We aimed to evaluate the application of the PECARN prediction rule, designed for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) in children < 2 years in infants < 3 months, and create a specific prediction rule for this population. We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study in 13 pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in Spain. The PECARN rule was applied to all patients. A new specific prediction rule for infants < 3 months of age was created. The main outcome measures were (1) ciTBI, (2) TBI evidenced on computed tomography (CT) scan, and (3) isolated skull fracture (ISF). Telephone follow-up was conducted for all patients over the 4 weeks after the initial PED visit. Of 21,981 children with MHT, 366 (1.7%) were < 3 months old and 195 (53.3%) underwent neuroimaging, including 37 (10.1%) with CT scan. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PECARN prediction rule for ciTBI were 100% (95% CI, 20.7-100) and 99.7% (95% CI, 98.4-100%), respectively. Of the 230 infants (62.8%) who met the PECARN low-risk criteria, none had ciTBI, 1 (0.4% overall, 95% CI, 0-2.4) had TBI on CT, and 2 (0.9% overall; 95% CI, 0.1-3.1) had an ISF. Among the 136 infants (37.2%) who did not meet the PECARN low-risk criteria, 1 (0.3% overall; 95% CI, 0-1.5) had ciTBI, 11 (8.1% overall; 95% CI, 4.1-14.0) had TBI on CT, and 18 (13.2% overall; 95% CI, 8-20.1) had an ISF. The sensitivity and NPV of the Spanish prediction rule for ciTBI were 100% (95% CI, 20.7-100) and 100% (95% CI, 98.4-100%), respectively. No infants in the registry developed complications during follow-up. CONCLUSION The PECARN rule for infants < 2 years old accurately identified infants < 3 months old at low risk for ciTBI in our population, although the adapted Spanish rule presented here could be even more accurate. WHAT IS KNOWN • Infants younger than 3 months are vulnerable to minor blunt head trauma due to their age and to difficulties in assessing the subtle symptoms and minimal physical findings detected on examination. • A low threshold for CT scan is recommended in this population. WHAT IS NEW • PECARN rule for infants < 2 years old is an adequate tool with which to identify infants < 3 months old at low risk for clinically important traumatic brain injury. • Spanish rule could identify even more low-risk infants without overlooking important outcomes but it should be validated to confirm its predictive capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Alonso-Cadenas
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Spain Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Avenida de Menedez Pelayo 65, 28009, Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Arístides Rivas García
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Durán Hidalgo
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Materno-Infantil Universitario Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Sara Ruiz González
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Delgado Gómez
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - José Martínez Hernando
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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Al Mukhtar A, Bergenfeldt H, Edelhamre M, Vedin T, Larsson PA, Öberg S. The epidemiology of and management of pediatric patients with head trauma: a hospital-based study from Southern Sweden. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:67. [PMID: 36494828 PMCID: PMC9733190 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. In Scandinavia, the epidemiology of pediatric head trauma is poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate and compare the epidemiology and management of pediatric patients with isolated head trauma (IHT) and head trauma in connection with multitrauma (MHT). METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients < 18 years of age who attended any of the five emergency departments (ED) in Scania County in Sweden in 2016 due to head trauma. Clinical data of patients with IHT were analyzed and compared with those of patients with MHT. RESULTS We identified 5046 pediatric patients with head trauma, 4874 with IHT and 186 with MHT, yielding an incidence of ED visits due to head trauma of 1815/100,000 children/year. There was male predominance, and the median age was four years. Falls were the dominating trauma mechanism in IHT patients, while motor vehicle accidents dominated in MHT patients. The frequencies of CT head-scans, ward admissions and intracranial injuries (ICI) were 5.4%, 11.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Four patients (0.08%) required neurosurgical intervention. The relative risks for CT-scans and admissions to a hospital ward and ICI were 10, 4.5 and 19 times higher for MHT compared with IHT patients. CONCLUSION Head trauma is a common cause of ED visits in our study. Head-CTs and ICIs were less frequent than in previous studies. MHT patients had higher rates of CT-scans, admissions, and ICIs than IHT patients, suggesting that they are separate entities that should ideally be managed using different guidelines to optimize the use of CT-scans of the head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al Mukhtar
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Departments of Surgery, Skåne’s University Hospital, Carl-Bertil Laurells Gata 9, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Bergenfeldt
- grid.413823.f0000 0004 0624 046XHelsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Edelhamre
- grid.413823.f0000 0004 0624 046XHelsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Vedin
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Departments of Surgery, Skåne’s University Hospital, Carl-Bertil Laurells Gata 9, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per-Anders Larsson
- grid.416029.80000 0004 0624 0275Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan Öberg
- grid.413823.f0000 0004 0624 046XHelsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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27
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Ugalde IT, Chaudhari PP, Badawy M, Ishimine P, McCarten-Gibbs KA, Yen K, Atigapramoj NS, Sage A, Nielsen D, Adelson PD, Upperman J, Tancredi D, Kuppermann N, Holmes JF. Validation of Prediction Rules for Computed Tomography Use in Children With Blunt Abdominal or Blunt Head Trauma: Protocol for a Prospective Multicenter Observational Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e43027. [PMID: 36422920 PMCID: PMC9732756 DOI: 10.2196/43027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and intra-abdominal injuries (IAIs) are 2 leading causes of traumatic death and disability in children. To avoid missed or delayed diagnoses leading to increased morbidity, computed tomography (CT) is used liberally. However, the overuse of CT leads to inefficient care and radiation-induced malignancies. Therefore, to maximize precision and minimize the overuse of CT, the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) previously derived clinical prediction rules for identifying children at high risk and very low risk for IAIs undergoing acute intervention and clinically important TBIs after blunt trauma in large cohorts of children who are injured. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the IAI and age-based TBI clinical prediction rules for identifying children at high risk and very low risk for IAIs undergoing acute intervention and clinically important TBIs after blunt trauma. METHODS This was a prospective 6-center observational study of children aged <18 years with blunt torso or head trauma. Consistent with the original derivation studies, enrolled children underwent routine history and physical examinations, and the treating clinicians completed case report forms prior to knowledge of CT results (if performed). Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical courses and outcomes for all patients, and for those who were discharged from the emergency department, a follow-up survey via a telephone call or SMS text message was performed to identify any patients with missed IAIs or TBIs. The primary outcomes were IAI undergoing acute intervention (therapeutic laparotomy, angiographic embolization, blood transfusion, or intravenous fluid for ≥2 days for pancreatic or gastrointestinal injuries) and clinically important TBI (death from TBI, neurosurgical procedure, intubation for >24 hours for TBI, or hospital admission of ≥2 nights due to a TBI on CT). Prediction rule accuracy was assessed by measuring rule classification performance, using standard point and 95% CI estimates of the operational characteristics of each prediction rule (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic likelihood ratios). RESULTS The project was funded in 2016, and enrollment was completed on September 1, 2021. Data analyses are expected to be completed by December 2022, and the primary study results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2023. CONCLUSIONS This study will attempt to validate previously derived clinical prediction rules to accurately identify children at high and very low risk for clinically important IAIs and TBIs. Assuming successful validation, widespread implementation is then indicated, which will optimize the care of children who are injured by better aligning CT use with need. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/43027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma T Ugalde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pradip P Chaudhari
- Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mohamed Badawy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Paul Ishimine
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kevan A McCarten-Gibbs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Kenneth Yen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Nisa S Atigapramoj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Allyson Sage
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Donovan Nielsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - P David Adelson
- Barrow Neurological Institute of Phoenix Children's Hospital, Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jeffrey Upperman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Daniel Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - James F Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
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28
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Pearls and Pitfalls of Trauma Management. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CLINICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpha.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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29
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Wazir A, Tamim H, Wakil C, Sawaya RD. Misdiagnosis of Pediatric Concussions in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e1641-e1645. [PMID: 35477571 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002714] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the rate and predictors of correctly diagnosed concussions in the pediatric emergency department and to describe the characteristics, presentation, and management of concussions in children presenting for minor head injury. METHODS We included 186 patients aged 5 to 18 years presenting within 24 hours of minor head injuries and met our diagnostic criteria for concussion. We compared patients correctly diagnosed with a concussion with those who were not. Our main outcome was the rate and predictors of misdiagnoses. RESULTS Of the patients, 5.4% were correctly diagnosed. Amnesia was the only variable associated with correct diagnoses (40.0% vs 10.2%, P = 0.02). The most common mechanism of injury was fall (8.4%); the most frequent symptoms were nausea/vomiting (42.5%), and 48.4% had a brain computed tomography scan done. CONCLUSIONS The high rate of concussion misdiagnosis puts into question the usability of current concussion guidelines, their accuracy, and barriers to translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hani Tamim
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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30
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Anthony L, James D. PREDICT-Australian and New Zealand guideline for mild to moderate head injuries in children. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2022; 108:184-188. [PMID: 36162972 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Anthony
- Child Health, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - David James
- Child Health, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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31
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Hanalioglu S, Hanalioglu D, Elbir C, Gulmez A, Sahin OS, Sahin B, Turkoglu ME, Kertmen HH. A Novel Decision-Support Tool (IniCT Score) for Repeat Head Computed Tomography in Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. World Neurosurg 2022; 165:e102-e109. [PMID: 35654329 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.05.103] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The necessity of computed tomography (CT) has been questioned in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) because of concerns related to radiation exposure. Distinguishing patients with lower and higher risk of clinically important TBI (ciTBI) is paramount to the optimal management of these patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the imaging predictors of ciTBI and develop an algorithm to identify patients at low and high risk for ciTBI to inform clinical decision making using a large single-center cohort of pediatric patients with mTBI. METHODS We retrospectively identified pediatric patients with mTBI with repeat CT within 48 hours of injury using an institutional database. RESULTS Among 3867 pediatric patients, 219 patients with mTBI with repeat CT were included. Thirty-eight had ciTBI (17%), 16 (7%) required intensive care unit admission, and 6 (3%) underwent surgery. Median time interval between initial and repeat CT was 7 hours (range, 4-10). Clinical worsening and radiologic progression were evident in 36 (16%) and 24 (11%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that 5 pathologic findings (depressed skull fracture, pneumocephalus, epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, and contusion) on initial CT and radiologic progression on repeat CT were independent predictors of ciTBI. A new scoring system based on these 5 factors on initial CT (IniCT [Initial CT scoring system] score) had excellent discrimination for ciTBI, need for intensive care unit admission, and neurosurgery (area under the curve >0.8). CONCLUSIONS The IniCT scoring system can successfully differentiate low-risk and high-risk patients based on initial CT scan. Zero score can eliminate the need for a routine repeat CT, whereas scores ≥2 should prompt serial neurologic examinations and/or repeat CT depending on the clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahin Hanalioglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Neurosurgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Damla Hanalioglu
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cagri Elbir
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Gulmez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Omer Selcuk Sahin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Balkan Sahin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erhan Turkoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Hayri Kertmen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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32
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Reynolds RA, Kelly KA, Ahluwalia R, Zhao S, Vance EH, Lovvorn HN, Hanson H, Shannon CN, Bonfield CM. Protocolized management of isolated linear skull fractures at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2022; 30:255-262. [PMID: 35901741 DOI: 10.3171/2022.6.peds227] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Isolated linear skull fractures without intracranial findings rarely require urgent neurosurgical intervention. A multidisciplinary fracture management protocol based on antiemetic usage was implemented at our American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 pediatric trauma center on July 1, 2019. This study evaluated protocol safety and efficacy. METHODS Children younger than 18 years with an ICD-10 code for linear skull fracture without acute intracranial abnormality on head CT were compared before and after protocol implementation. The preprotocol cohort was defined as children who presented between July 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017; the postprotocol cohort was defined as those who presented between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. RESULTS The preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts included 162 and 82 children, respectively. Overall, 57% were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 9.1 (4.8-25.0) months. The cohorts did not differ significantly in terms of sex (p = 0.1) or age (p = 0.8). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (193 patients [79%]). After protocol implementation, there was a relative increase in patients who fell from a height > 3 feet (10% to 29%, p < 0.001) and those with no reported injury mechanism (12% to 16%, p < 0.001). The neurosurgery department was consulted for 86% and 44% of preprotocol and postprotocol cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Trauma consultations and consultations for abusive head trauma did not significantly change (p = 0.2 and p = 0.1, respectively). Admission rate significantly decreased (52% to 38%, p = 0.04), and the 72-hour emergency department revisit rate trended down but was not statistically significant (2.8/year to 1/year, p = 0.2). No deaths occurred, and no inpatient neurosurgical procedures were performed. CONCLUSIONS Protocolization of isolated linear skull fracture management is safe and feasible at a high-volume level 1 pediatric trauma center. Neurosurgical consultation can be prioritized for select patients. Further investigation into criteria for admission, need for interfacility transfers, and healthcare costs is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Reynolds
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Katherine A Kelly
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ranbir Ahluwalia
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- 4Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
| | - E Haley Vance
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Harold N Lovvorn
- 5Department of Pediatric Surgery, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville; and
| | - Holly Hanson
- 6Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chevis N Shannon
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christopher M Bonfield
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
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Vajna de Pava M, Milani GP, Zuccotti GV, Tommasi P, Calvi M, Amoroso A, Montesano P, Boselli G, Castellazzi ML, Agosti M. Multi-centre study found no increased risk of clinically important brain injuries when children presented more than 24 hours after a minor head trauma. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:2125-2130. [PMID: 35917207 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16507] [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] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Validated clinical decision rules on neuroimaging are not available for children who are evaluated more than 24 hours after a minor head trauma. We compared clinically important traumatic brain injuries in children who presented with a minor head trauma within, or after, 24 hours. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of patients aged 0-17 years, who were evaluated for minor head traumas by 5 paediatric emergency departments in Northern Italy between January 2019 and June 2020. Children with clinically important traumatic brain injuries were divided into those who had presented within, and after, 24 hours. RESULTS The study comprised 5,981 children (59.9% boys), with a median age of 2 years, including 243 (4.1%) who had presented more than 24 hours after their minor head trauma. Neuroimaging was performed on 448 (7.5%) patients and the time of presentation had no impact on the rates of clinically important traumatic brain injuries. Multiple logistic regression did not show any association between clinically important traumatic brain injuries and late presentation. CONCLUSION Delayed presentation to a paediatric emergency department after a minor head trauma did not alter the risk of clinically important traumatic brain injuries and the same neuroimaging rules could apply.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregorio Paolo Milani
- Paediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini Vittore Buzzi, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Tommasi
- Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini Vittore Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvi
- Paediatric Emergency Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Angela Amoroso
- Paediatric Emergency Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paola Montesano
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Boselli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Luca Castellazzi
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Woman and Child Department, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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34
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Singh S, Hearps S, Nishijima DK, Cheek JA, Borland M, Dalziel S, Holmes J, Kuppermann N, Babl FE, Hoch JS. Cost-effectiveness of patient observation on cranial CT use with minor head trauma. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:712-718. [PMID: 35193874 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323701] [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] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of planned observation on cranial CT use in children with minor head trauma. DESIGN Planned secondary analysis of a multicentre prospective observation study. SETTING Australia and New Zealand. PATIENTS An analytic cohort of 18 471 children aged <18 years with Glasgow Coma Scale scores 14-15 presenting <24 hours after blunt head trauma stratified by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) traumatic brain injury (TBI) risk categories. INTERVENTION A plan for observation and immediate CT scan were documented after the initial assessment. The planned observation group included those with planned observation and no immediate plan for CT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Taking an Australian public-funded healthcare perspective, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of planned observation on the adjusted mean costs per child and CT use reduction by net benefit regression analysis using ordinary least squares with robust SEs and bootstrapping. All costs presented in 2018 euros. RESULTS Planned observation in 4945 (27%) children was cost-saving of €85 (95% CI -120 to -51) with 10.4% lower CT use (95% CI 9.6 to 11.2). This strategy was cost-saving for the PECARN high-risk (-€757 (95% CI -961 to -554)) and intermediate-risk (-€52 (95% CI -99 to -4.3)) categories, with 43% (95% CI 39 to 47) and 11% (95% CI 9.6 to 12.4) lower CT use, respectively. The very low-risk category incurred more cost of €86 (95% CI 67 to 104) with planned observation and 0.05% lower CT use (95% CI -0.61 to 0.71). CONCLUSION Planned ED observation in selected children with minor head trauma is cost-effective for reducing CT use for the PECARN intermediate-risk and high-risk categories. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12614000463673.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Singh
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Stephen Hearps
- Child Neuropsychology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel K Nishijima
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - John Alexander Cheek
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith Borland
- Emergency Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Divisions of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stuart Dalziel
- Emergency Department, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand.,Departments of Surgery and Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey S Hoch
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Leichtes Schädel-Hirn-Trauma im Kindes- und Jugendalter – Update Gehirnerschütterung. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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36
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Fitzgerald M, Ponsford J, Lannin NA, O'Brien TJ, Cameron P, Cooper DJ, Rushworth N, Gabbe B. AUS-TBI: The Australian Health Informatics Approach to Predict Outcomes and Monitor Intervention Efficacy after Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2022; 3:217-223. [PMID: 35919508 PMCID: PMC9279124 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting and optimizing outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major challenge because of the breadth of injury characteristics and complexity of brain responses. AUS-TBI is a new Australian Government–funded initiative that aims to improve personalized care and treatment for children and adults who have sustained a TBI. The AUS-TBI team aims to address a number of key knowledge gaps, by designing an approach to bring together data describing psychosocial modulators, social determinants, clinical parameters, imaging data, biomarker profiles, and rehabilitation outcomes in order to assess the influence that they have on long-term outcome. Data management systems will be designed to track a broad range of suitable potential indicators and outcomes, which will be organized to facilitate secure data collection, linkage, storage, curation, management, and analysis. It is believed that these objectives are achievable because of our consortium of highly committed national and international leaders, expert committees, and partner organizations in TBI and health informatics. It is anticipated that the resulting large-scale data resource will facilitate personalization, prediction, and improvement of outcomes post-TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Fitzgerald
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennie Ponsford
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre–Epworth Healthcare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha A. Lannin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Cameron
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D. James Cooper
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre Recovery Program (ANZIC-RC), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Rushworth
- Brain Injury Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wickbom F, Persson L, Olivecrona Z, Undén J. Management of paediatric traumatic brain injury in Sweden: a national cross-sectional survey. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:35. [PMID: 35551626 PMCID: PMC9097395 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown variations in management routines for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sweden. It is unknown if this management has changed after the publication of the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guidelines in 2016 (SNC16). Also, knowledge of current practice routines may guide development of an efficient implementation strategy for the guidelines. The aim of this study is therefore to describe current management routines in paediatric TBI on a hospital/organizational level in Sweden. Secondary aims are to analyse differences in management over time, to assess the current dissemination status of the SNC16 guideline and to analyse possible variations between hospitals. Methods This is a sequential, cross-sectional, structured survey in five sections, covering initial management routines for paediatric TBI in Sweden. Respondents, with profound knowledge of local management routines and recommendations, were identified for all Swedish hospitals with an emergency department managing children (age 0–17 year) via phone/mail before distribution of the survey. Responses were collected via an on-line survey system during June 2020–March 2021. Data are presented as descriptive statistics and comparisons were made using Fisher exact test, when applicable. Results 71 of the 76 identified hospitals managed patients with TBI of all ages and 66 responded (response rate 93%). 56 of these managed children and were selected for further analysis. 76% (42/55) of hospitals have an established guideline to aid in clinical decision making. Children with TBI are predominately managed by inexperienced doctors (84%; 47/56), primarily from non-paediatric specialities (75%; 42/56). Most hospitals (75%; 42/56) have the possibility to admit and observe children with TBI of varying degrees and almost all centres have complete access to neuroradiology (96%; 54/56). In larger hospitals, it was more common for nurses to discharge patients without doctor assessment when compared to smaller hospitals (6/9 vs. 9/47; p < 0.001). Presence of established guidelines (14/51 vs. 42/55; p < 0.001) and written observation routines (16/51 vs. 29/42; p < 0.001) in hospitals have increased significantly since 2006. Conclusions TBI management routines for children in Sweden still vary, with some differences occurring over time. Use of established guidelines, written observation routines and information for patients/guardians have all improved. These results form a baseline for current management and may also aid in guideline implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-022-01022-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wickbom
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden. .,Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Linda Persson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Zandra Olivecrona
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Department for Medical Sciences, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johan Undén
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.,Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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38
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Cicogna A, Minca G, Posocco F, Corno F, Basile C, Da Dalt L, Bressan S. Non-ionizing Imaging for the Emergency Department Assessment of Pediatric Minor Head Trauma. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:881461. [PMID: 35633980 PMCID: PMC9132372 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.881461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Minor blunt head trauma (MHT) represents a common reason for presentation to the pediatric emergency department (ED). Despite the low incidence of clinically important traumatic brain injuries (ciTBIs) following MHT, many children undergo computed tomography (CT), exposing them to the risk associated with ionizing radiation. The clinical predictions rules developed by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) for MHT are validated accurate tools to support decision-making about neuroimaging for these children to safely reduce CT scans. However, a few non-ionizing imaging modalities have the potential to contribute to further decrease CT use. This narrative review provides an overview of the evidence on the available non-ionizing imaging modalities that could be used in the management of children with MHT, including point of care ultrasound (POCUS) of the skull, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology and rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Skull ultrasound has proven an accurate bedside tool to identify the presence and characteristics of skull fractures. Portable handheld NIRS devices seem to be accurate screening tools to identify intracranial hematomas also in pediatric MHT, in selected scenarios. Both imaging modalities may have a role as adjuncts to the PECARN rule to help refine clinicians' decision making for children at high or intermediate PECARN risk of ciTBI. Lastly, rapid MRI is emerging as a feasible and accurate alternative to CT scan both in the ED setting and when repeat imaging is needed. Advantages and downsides of each modality are discussed in detail in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Bressan
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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39
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Singh S, Babl FE, Huang L, Hearps S, Cheek JA, Hoch JS, Anderson V, Dalziel K. Paediatric traumatic brain injury severity and acute care costs. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:497-499. [PMID: 34799376 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Singh
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Research, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Huang
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Hearps
- Child Neuropsychology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Alexander Cheek
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey S Hoch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Dalziel
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Health Services, Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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40
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Greenberg JK, Otun A, Kyaw PT, Carpenter CR, Brownson RC, Kuppermann N, Limbrick DD, Foraker RE, Yen PY. Usability and Acceptability of Clinical Decision Support Based on the KIIDS-TBI Tool for Children with Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Intracranial Injuries. Appl Clin Inform 2022; 13:456-467. [PMID: 35477149 PMCID: PMC9045962 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kids Intracranial Injury Decision Support tool for Traumatic Brain Injury (KIIDS-TBI) tool is a validated risk prediction model for managing children with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and intracranial injuries. Electronic clinical decision support (CDS) may facilitate the clinical implementation of this evidence-based guidance. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the acceptability and usability of an electronic CDS tool for managing children with mTBI and intracranial injuries. METHODS Emergency medicine and neurosurgery physicians (10 each) from 10 hospitals in the United States were recruited to participate in usability testing of a novel CDS prototype in a simulated electronic health record environment. Testing included a think-aloud protocol, an acceptability and usability survey, and a semi-structured interview. The prototype was updated twice during testing to reflect user feedback. Usability problems recorded in the videos were categorized using content analysis. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Among the 20 participants, most worked at teaching hospitals (80%), freestanding children's hospitals (95%), and level-1 trauma centers (75%). During the two prototype updates, problems with clarity of terminology and navigating through the CDS interface were identified and corrected. Corresponding to these changes, the number of usability problems decreased from 35 in phase 1 to 8 in phase 3 and the number of mistakes made decreased from 18 (phase 1) to 2 (phase 3). Through the survey, participants found the tool easy to use (90%), useful for determining a patient's level of care (95%), and likely to improve resource use (90%) and patient safety (79%). Interview themes related to the CDS's ability to support evidence-based decision-making and improve clinical workflow proposed implementation strategies and potential pitfalls. CONCLUSION After iterative evaluation and refinement, the KIIDS-TBI CDS tool was found to be highly usable and useful for aiding the management of children with mTBI and intracranial injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K Greenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Ayodamola Otun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Pyi Theim Kyaw
- McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Christopher R Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Ross C Brownson
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - David D Limbrick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Randi E Foraker
- Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Po-Yin Yen
- Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Ellethy, ME H, Chandra SS, Nasrallah FA. Deep Neural Networks Predict the Need for CT in Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Corroboration of the PECARN Rule. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:769-778. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lynham R, Boxall S, Warren J, Lynham A. Paediatric trauma imaging in a regional Queensland hospital: Do we need clearer guidance? Emerg Med Australas 2022; 34:704-710. [PMID: 35243766 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13954] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paediatric trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in those aged 0-14. Anatomical and physiological differences require a specialised approach to paediatric trauma care. Medical imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT) scans, requires specific consideration because of the consequences of radiation exposure in the paediatric population. The present study compares current practice of CT scan ordering in paediatric trauma patients at a regional Australian hospital against consensus guidelines published in the UK. METHODS A retrospective audit of paediatric trauma CT scans referred from the ED from May 2017 to May 2018 was completed. Details relating to CT scan ordering were reviewed and compliance with the Royal College of Radiologists Paediatric trauma protocols, was determined. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests comparing those that met and did not meet guidelines were performed. RESULTS A total of 71 CT scans were included with an overall compliance rate of 56.3%. Specific regional compliance was lowest with CT neck at 14%. Patients where a trauma call was initiated were more likely to receive a full body (pan) scan rather than region specific imaging. Compliance improved when paediatric team involvement was documented. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based guidelines for CT imaging in paediatric trauma are essential to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure for children. The present study has demonstrated that current practice has the potential to be improved and that decisions should involve a multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Lynham
- Anaesthesia Department, Whangarei Hospital, Whangarei, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Boxall
- Emergency Department, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Mackay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jacelle Warren
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Metro North Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony Lynham
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Metro North Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Mollen CJ, Brown N. Paediatric emergency medicine. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:211. [PMID: 34893463 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Johnson Mollen
- Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nick Brown
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden .,Department of Paediatrics, Länssjukhuset Gävle-Sandviken, Gävle, Sweden
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44
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Singh S, Babl FE, Hearps SJC, Hoch JS, Dalziel K, Cheek JA. Trends of paediatric head injury and acute care costs in Australia. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:274-280. [PMID: 34523175 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Paediatric head injuries (PHI) are the most common cause of trauma-related emergency department (ED) presentations. This study sought to report the incidence of PHI in Australia, examine the temporal trends from 2014 to 2018 and estimate the patient and population-level acute care costs. METHODS Taking a public-sector health-care perspective, we applied direct and indirect hospital costs for PHI-related ED visits and acute admissions. All costs were inflated to 2018 Australian dollars ($). The patient-level analysis was performed with data from 17 841 children <18 years old enrolled in the prospective Australasian Paediatric Head Injury Study. Mechanisms of injury were characterised by the total and average acute care costs. The population-level data of PHI-related ED presentations were obtained from the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority. Age-standardised incidence rates (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated, and negative binomial regression examined the temporal trend. RESULTS The age-standardised IR for PHI was 2734 per 100 000 population in 2018, with a significant increase over 5 years (IRR 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.14; P < 0.001) and acute care costs of $154 million. Falls occurred in 70% of the study cohort, with average costs per episode of $666 (95% CI: $627-$706), accounting for 47% of acute care costs. Transportation-related injuries occurred in 4.1% of the study cohort, with average costs per episode of $8555 (95% CI: $6193-$10 917), accounting for 35% of acute care costs. CONCLUSION PHI have increased significantly in Australia and are associated with substantial acute care costs. Population-based efforts are required for road safety and injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Singh
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jeffrey S Hoch
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, United States.,Division of Health Policy and Management, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Kim Dalziel
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John A Cheek
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Ozcan A, Ahn T, Akay B, Menoch M. Imaging for Pediatric Blunt Abdominal Trauma With Different Prediction Rules: Is the Outcome the Same? Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e654-e658. [PMID: 33616315 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis is the standard imaging modality to diagnose intra-abdominal injury (IAI). Clinicians must weigh the risk-benefit of CT compared with the degree of clinical suspicion for an IAI. Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), Streck, and blunt abdominal trauma in children (BATiC) prediction rules have been published to help guide evaluation of these patients. Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network uses history and physical examination findings, whereas Streck and BATiC use examination plus laboratory and imaging findings. At the time of the study, there was not a protocol that was more routinely sited. Our goal was to compare these different prediction rules. METHODS This was a retrospective electronic chart review of all children younger than 18 years presenting for either level 1 or 2 trauma activations at our pediatric emergency department (ED) between June 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. Charts were manually reviewed for a mechanism concerning for abdominal trauma, and demographic data, history and physical examination findings, laboratory and imaging results per prediction rules, and revisits in 7 days were collected.The prediction rules were applied to all charts that had all data necessary. For study purposes, a score of zero for PECARN and Streck, and score of ≤5 for modified BATiC (mBATiC) were defined as "low risk." Patients with no CT, negative CT, and no new injury found on revisit were classified as "no IAI identified," and patients with positive CT or revisit with injury found as "IAI identified." The results were compared via Fisher exact test. RESULTS A total of 249 patients met the inclusion criteria with a median age of 12 years. Of the low-risk patients, 119 (98.7%) of 121 in PECARN group, 21 (100%) of 21 in Streck, and 48 (85.7%) of 56 in mBATiC group had no IAI identified. None of the low-risk patients required any intra-abdominal intervention. No missed IAI was identified during revisit review. Negative predictive values of all 3 rules were significant for PECARN, Streck, and mBATiC (98.35%, 100%, and 85.71%, respectively). Overall, 27 patients had positive CT results for IAI. CONCLUSIONS The PECARN and Streck rules have high negative predictive values to predict low-risk patients who do not require CT. When laboratory studies are not obtained, PECARN is an effective means of excluding IAI for low-risk patients. When laboratory tests were obtained, the Streck rule performed well. Overall, the results are similar to the past individual studies done on each individual rule. History and physical examination findings are of high importance in pediatric trauma. This study supports limited imaging when no abnormal findings are present in children with blunt torso trauma. This is the only study found in the literature that has compared 3 different prediction rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ozcan
- From the Pediatric Emergency Department, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Terrie Ahn
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Margaret Menoch
- Pediatric Emergency Department,William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI
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46
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Poyntner L, Simma B. Impact of Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Rules on Admission, Cranial Computed Tomography and Skull X-ray Rates in a Central European Hospital. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e365-e370. [PMID: 33214517 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002293] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mild head injury is a common cause of pediatric emergency department visits. Cranial computed tomography (CCT) is the diagnostic standard, although it involves inherent radiation risks. Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) clinical prediction rules were developed to reduce the number of CCT scans. They provide a guideline for CCT use in mild head injuries, based on clinical parameters.Our study aims to evaluate the impact of PECARN rules on hospital admission and CCT rate in children with mild head injury. METHODS In this retrospective study, we investigated 729 children with mild head injury presenting in the pediatric emergency department between 2012 and 2016. We compared 2 groups, before and after implementation of PECARN criteria in clinical routine. RESULTS Of 729 included patients (417 male; 5.6 ± 4.8 years;) 380 were seen prior to implementation of the PECARN rules, compared to 349 patients afterwards. Overall admissions to the ward decreased significantly from 83.9% (n = 319) to 71.3% (n = 249) (P < 0.001), a 31.3% reduction. Calculated from all pediatric admissions, the rate of patients with mild head injury fell from 6.0% to 4.3% (P < 0.001).We recorded a nonsignificant decrease in the CCT rate, from 14.7% to 13.2% (P = 0.555).No readmissions were recorded. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a significant reduction in the rate of hospital admission following implementation of the PECARN rules in our hospital. Already low, the CCT rate did not change after implementation.The PECARN rules appear to be safe because no readmissions were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Burkhard Simma
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
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47
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Zare S, Mobarak Z, Meidani Z, Nabovati E, Nazemi Z. Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support Systems on the Appropriate Use of Imaging for Central Nervous System Injuries: A Systematic Review. Appl Clin Inform 2022; 13:37-52. [PMID: 35021254 PMCID: PMC8754686 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the best practices for timely and efficient diagnoses of central nervous system (CNS) trauma and complex diseases is imaging. However, rates of imaging for CNS are high and impose a lot of costs to health care facilities in addition to exposing patients with negative impact of ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review the effects and features of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) for the appropriate use of imaging for CNS injuries. METHOD We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane without time period restriction. We included experimental and quasiexperimental studies that assessed the effectiveness of CDSSs designed for the appropriate use of imaging for CNS injuries in any clinical setting, including primary, emergency, and specialist care. The outcomes were categorized based on imaging-related, physician-related, and patient-related groups. RESULT A total of 3,223 records were identified through the online literature search. Of the 55 potential papers for the full-text review, 11 eligible studies were included. Reduction of CNS imaging proportion varied from 2.6 to 40% among the included studies. Physician-related outcomes, including guideline adherence, diagnostic yield, and knowledge, were reported in five studies, and all demonstrated positive impact of CDSSs. Four studies had addressed patient-related outcomes, including missed or delayed diagnosis, as well as length of stay. These studies reported a very low rate of missed diagnosis due to the cancellation of computed tomography (CT) examine according to the CDSS recommendations. CONCLUSION This systematic review reports that CDSSs decrease the utilization of CNS CT scan, while increasing physicians' adherence to the rules. However, the possible harm of CDSSs to patients was not well addressed by the included studies and needs additional investigation. The actual effect of CDSSs on appropriate imaging would be realized when the saved cost of examinations is compared with the cost of missed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Zare
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zohre Mobarak
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Meidani
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nabovati
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Nazemi
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Gambacorta A, Moro M, Curatola A, Brancato F, Covino M, Chiaretti A, Gatto A. PECARN Rule in diagnostic process of pediatric patients with minor head trauma in emergency department. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:2147-2154. [PMID: 35194653 PMCID: PMC9056473 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04424-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the PECARN Rule (PR) in reducing radiological investigations in children with mild traumatic head injury in comparison with current clinical practice. A retrospective study was performed in our hospital between July 2015 and June 2020. Data of all children < 18 years of age admitted to the emergency department (ED), within 24 h after a head trauma with GCS ≥ 14, were analyzed. PECARN Rule was retrospectively applied to all patients. In total, 3832 patients were enrolled, 2613 patients ≥ 2 years and 1219 < 2 years. In the group of children ≥ 2 years, 10 presented clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) and were hospitalized, 7/10 underwent neurosurgery, and 3/10 clinical observation in the pediatric ward for more than 48 h. In children < 2 years, only 3 patients presented ciTBI, 2 underwent neurosurgery and 1 hospitalized. Applying the PR, no patient with ciTBI would have been discharged without an accurate diagnosis and we would have avoided 139 CT scans in patients ≥ 2 years, and 23 in those < 2 years of age (29% less). CONCLUSION We demonstrated the safety and validity of the PR in our setting with 100% sensitivity in both age groups in identifying patients with ciTBI and theoretically in reducing performed CT scans by 29%. Therefore, in patients classified in the low-risk category, it is a duty not to expose the child to ionizing radiation. WHAT IS KNOWN • CT is the gold standard to identify intracranial pathology in children with head injury but CT imaging of head-injured children expose them to higher carcinogenic risk. • PECARN Rules support doctors in identifying children with ciTBI in order to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation. WHAT IS NEW • We demonstrate the safety and validity of the PR with 100% sensitivity in both age groups in identifying patients with ciTBI. • In our setting, the application of PECARN Rule would theoretically have allowed us to reduce the CT scan by 29%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gambacorta
- Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Moro
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Curatola
- Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Brancato
- Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Covino
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Dipartimento Di Medicina d’Emergenza, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gatto
- Dipartimento Di Pediatria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Clinicians often miss making the diagnosis of abusive head injury in infants and toddlers who present with mild, non-specific symptoms such as vomiting, fussiness, irritability, trouble sleeping and eating, and seizure. If abusive head injury is missed, the child is likely to go on to experience more severe injury. An extensive review of the medical literature was done to summarize what is known about missed abusive head injury and about how these injuries can be recognized and appropriately evaluated. The following issues will be addressed: the definition of mild head injury, problems encountered when clinicians evaluated mildly ill young children with non-specific symptoms, the risk of missing the diagnosis of mild abusive head trauma, the risks involved in subjecting infants and young children to radiation and/or sedation required for neuroimaging studies, imaging options for suspected neurotrauma in children, clinical prediction rules for evaluating mild head injury in children, laboratory tests than can be helpful in diagnosing mild abusive head injury, history and physical examination when diagnosing or ruling out mild abusive head injury, social and family factors that could be associated with abusive injuries, and interventions that could improve our recognition of mild abusive head injuries. Relevant literature is described and evaluated. The conclusion is that abusive head trauma remains a difficult diagnosis to identify in mildly symptomatic young children.
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Fishman Y, Gross I, Hashavya S, Benifla M, Tenenbaum A, Rekhtman D. Pediatricians as Case Managers Reduce the Exposure to Computerized Tomography in Children Experiencing Minor Head Trauma. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e1642-e1645. [PMID: 32569250 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head trauma is one of the most common reasons for pediatric emergency medicine department (PED) visits. Computerized tomography (CT) scan is considered the criterion standard for the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury but was shown to increases the risk of malignancies. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed collected data of all children (ages 0-16 years) experiencing mild head trauma who were admitted to a single center, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015. Comparison between patients treated by pediatricians/pediatric emergency medicine physicians (PEMP) with those treated by surgeons regarding CT rates and prognosis was done. RESULTS During the previously mentioned period, 4232 children presented to the PED after minor head trauma, the average age was 5.4 (±4) years and 67.1% were male. Head CT was done in 7.7%, of which 30.7% had positive findings. Younger children tended to have higher percentage of positive findings on CT scan (60%, 43.8%, 26.6%, P = 0.003, for children up to 5 months, 5-24 months, and older than 24 months, respectively). Pediatricians ordered less CT scans when compared with surgeons (5.4% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001). Moreover, they had higher rates of positive findings on CT scan (52.5% vs 25.8%, P < 0.001). When all other characteristics were similar, if the case manager was a pediatrician, the patient's chances to undergo a CT scan were 4.3 times lower than if the case manager was a surgeon (odds ratio, 4.277; confidence interval, 2.274-7.104). No difference in readmissions or other complications were found between the 2 groups. DISCUSSION This study highlights that when the case manager of children with minor head trauma is a pediatrician/PEMP, CT scan rates and thus exposure to radiation are diminished without a failure to detect clinically important traumatic brain injury.In conclusion, our findings suggest that when possible, all children experiencing minor head trauma should be treated by a pediatrician/PEMP in the PED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Fishman
- From the Department of General Surgery, Hadassah and Hebrew University Hospital
| | - Itai Gross
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
| | - Saar Hashavya
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
| | | | - Ariel Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Rekhtman
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
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