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

Child Opportunity Index and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes; the Role of Diagnostic Category

OBJECTIVES

To study the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Retrospective study of children (< 18 yr) supported on ECMO (October 1, 2015 to March 1, 2021) using Pediatric Health Information System (44 U.S. children's hospitals). Patients were divided into five diagnostic categories: neonatal cardiac, pediatric cardiac, neonatal respiratory, pediatric respiratory, and sepsis. SDoH included the Child Opportunity Index (COI; higher indicates social advantage), race, ethnicity, payer, and U.S. region. Children without COI were excluded. Diagnostic category-specific clinical variables related to baseline health and illness severity were collected.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Children supported on ECMO experienced a 33% in-hospital mortality (2863/8710). Overall, children with lower COI, "other" race, Hispanic ethnicity, public insurance and from South or West regions had greater mortality. Associations between SDoH and ECMO outcomes differed between diagnostic cohorts. Bivariate analyses found that only pediatric cardiac patients had an association between COI or race and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined relationships between SDoH, clinical variables and mortality within diagnostic categories. Pediatric cardiac patients had 5% increased odds of death (95% CI, 1.01-1.09) for every 10-point decrement in COI, while Hispanic ethnicity was associated with higher survival (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.72 [0.57-0.89]). Children with heart disease from the highest COI quintile had less cardiac-surgical complexity and earlier cannulation. Independent associations with mortality were observed in sepsis for Black race (aOR 1.62 [1.06-2.47]) and other payer in pediatric respiratory patients (aOR 1.94 [1.23-3.06]).

CONCLUSIONS

SDoH are statistically associated with pediatric ECMO outcomes; however, associations differ between diagnostic categories. Influence of COI was observed only in cardiac patients while payer, race, and ethnicity results varied. Further research should investigate differences between diagnostic cohorts and age groups to understand drivers of inequitable outcomes.

Assessing Social Determinants of Health During Critical Illness: Implications and Methodologies

A growing body of literature has identified social determinants of health (SDoH) as potential contributors to health disparities in pediatric critical illness. Pediatric critical care providers should use validated screening tools to identify unmet social needs and ensure appropriate referral through multisector partnerships. Pediatric critical care researchers should consider factors outside of race and insurance status and explore the association between neighborhood-level factors and disparate health outcomes during critical illness. Measuring and addressing the SDoH at the individual and neighborhood level are important next steps in mitigating health disparities for critically ill pediatric patients.

Social Disparities and Critical Illness during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised new considerations for social disparities in critical illness including hospital capacity and access to personal protective equipment, access to evolving therapies, vaccinations, virtual care, and restrictions on family visitation. This narrative review aims to explore evidence about racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in critical illness during the COVID-19 pandemic, factors driving those differences and promising solutions for mitigating inequities in the future. We apply a patient journey framework to identify social disparities at various stages before, during, and after patient interactions with critical care services and discuss recommendations for policy and practice.

A multi-state analysis on the effect of deprivation and race on PICU admission and mortality in children receiving Medicaid in United States (2007-2014)

INTRODUCTION

In the United States (US), racial and socioeconomic disparities have been implicated in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and outcomes, with higher rates of critical illness in more deprived areas. The degree to which this persists despite insurance coverage is unknown. We investigated whether disparities exist in PICU admission and mortality according to socioeconomic position and race in children receiving Medicaid.

METHODS

Using Medicaid data from 2007-2014 from 23 US states, we tested the association between area level deprivation and race on PICU admission (among hospitalized children) and mortality (among PICU admissions). Race was categorized as Black, White, other and missing. Patient-level ZIP Code was used to generate a multicomponent variable describing area-level social vulnerability index (SVI). Race and SVI were simultaneously tested for associations with PICU admission and mortality.

RESULTS

The cohort contained 8,914,347 children (23·0% Black). There was no clear trend in odds of PICU admission by SVI; however, children residing in the most vulnerable quartile had increased PICU mortality (aOR 1·12 (95%CI 1·04-1·20; p = 0·0021). Black children had higher odds of PICU admission (aOR 1·04; 95% CI 1·03-1·05; p < 0·0001) and higher mortality (aOR 1·09; 95% CI 1·02-1·16; p = 0·0109) relative to White children. Substantial state-level variation was apparent, with the odds of mortality in Black children varying from 0·62 to 1·8.

CONCLUSION

In a Medicaid cohort from 2007-2014, children with greater socioeconomic vulnerability had increased odds of PICU mortality. Black children were at increased risk of PICU admission and mortality, with substantial state-level variation. Our work highlights the persistence of sociodemographic disparities in outcomes even among insured children.

Race-Conscious Research Using Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Data: A Narrative Review

Race-conscious research identifies health disparities with 1) rigorous and responsible data collection, 2) intentionality and considered analyses, and 3) interpretation of results that advance health equity. Individual registries must overcome specific challenges to promote race-conscious research, and this paper describes ways to achieve this with a focus on the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. This article reviews ELSO registry publications that studied race with outcomes to consider whether research outputs align with race-conscious concepts and describe the direction of associations reported. Studies were identified via secondary analysis of a comprehensive scoping review on ECMO disparities. Of 32 multicenter publications, two (6%) studied race as the primary objective. Statistical analyses, confounder adjustment, and inclusive, antibiased language were inconsistently used. Only two (6%) papers explicitly discussed mechanistic drivers of inequity such as structural racism, and five (16%) discussed race variable limitations or acknowledged unmeasured confounders. Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry publications demonstrated more adverse ECMO outcomes for underrepresented/minoritized populations than non-ELSO studies. With the objective to promote race-conscious ELSO registry research outputs, we provide a comprehensive understanding of race variable limitations, suggest reasoned retrospective analytic approaches, offer ways to interpret results that advance health equity, and recommend practice modifications for data collection.

Contribution of ethnicity, area level deprivation and air pollution to paediatric intensive care unit admissions in the United Kingdom 2008-2021

Background

There is emerging evidence on the impact of social and environmental determinants of health on paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and outcomes. We analysed UK paediatric intensive care data to explore disparities in the incidence of admission according to a child's ethnicity and the degree of deprivation and pollution in the child's residential area.

Methods

Data were extracted on children <16 years admitted to UK PICUs between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2021 from the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet) database. Ethnicity was categorised as White, Asian, Black, Mixed or Other. Deprivation was quantified using the 'children in low-income families' measure and outdoor air pollution was characterised using mean annual PM2.5 level at local authority level, both divided into population-weighted quintiles. UK population estimates were used to calculate crude incidence of PICU admission. Incidence rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Findings

There were 245,099 admissions, of which 60.7% were unplanned. After adjusting for age and sex, Asian and Black children had higher relative incidence of unplanned PICU admission compared to White (IRR 1.29 [95% CI: 1.25-1.33] and 1.50 [95% CI: 1.44-1.56] respectively), but there was no evidence of increased incidence of planned admission. Children living in the most deprived quintile had 1.50 times the incidence of admission in the least deprived quintile (95% CI: 1.46-1.54). There were higher crude admission levels of children living in the most polluted quintile compared to the least (157.8 vs 113.6 admissions per 100,000 child years), but after adjustment for ethnicity, deprivation, age and sex there was no association between pollution and PICU admission (IRR 1.00 [95% CI: 1.00-1.00] per 1 μg/m3 increase).

Interpretation

Ethnicity and deprivation impact the incidence of PICU admission. When restricting to unplanned respiratory admissions and ventilated patients only, increasing pollution level was associated with increased incidence of PICU admission. It is essential to act to reduce these observed disparities, further work is needed to understand mechanisms behind these findings and how they relate to outcomes.

Funding

There was no direct funding for this project. HM was funded by an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF-2022-18-017).

Supporting families during pediatric critical illness: Opportunities identified in a multicenter, qualitative study

Critical illness resulting in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission is a profoundly stressful experience for a child and their family. Increasing evidence for emotional and behavioral sequelae post-PICU emphasizes a need to provide better support for families throughout this period of care and recovery. The aim of this qualitative investigation was to identify salient and modifiable aspects of a critical care experience that can be addressed to better support families of critically ill children. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 caregivers of children who survived a PICU admission. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim; themes were identified via thematic analysis. Caregivers were enrolled using convenience sampling from seven tertiary care PICUs in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network. Themes from caregiver interviews were identified within two overarching categories containing three themes each. Advice for future PICU families: (1) Be intentional about caring for your own well-being, (2) speak up, ask questions, and challenge decisions you're not comfortable with, and (3) continue to engage with your child. Characteristics of a satisfactory PICU experience: (1) A caregiver-provider relationship of mutual trust established through clear communication and respectful collaboration, (2) hospital environments that provide physical and social supports to maintain humanity in healthcare, and (3) preparing families for care transitions. Targeted, interdisciplinary approaches to partner with families during critical care may improve their PICU experience and contribute to improved long-term outcomes for PICU survivors.

Younger Age and Female Gender Are Associated With Delayed Antibiotics in Pediatric Sepsis

Sepsis is a leading cause of pediatric mortality and timely antibiotic administration has been shown to improve outcomes. In this retrospective review of a single center sepsis dataset, we identified younger age and female sex as more likely to have delays in antibiotics.

Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Approach for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Research Participation

Importance

While disparities in consent rates for research have been reported in multiple adult and pediatric settings, limited data informing enrollment in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) research are available. Acute care settings such as the PICU present unique challenges for study enrollment, given the highly stressful and emotional environment for caregivers and the time-sensitive nature of the studies.

Objective

To determine whether race and ethnicity, language, religion, and Social Deprivation Index (SDI) were associated with disparate approach and consent rates in PICU research.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PICU between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Participants included patients eligible for studies requiring prospective consent. Data were analyzed from February 2 to July 26, 2022.

Exposure

Exposures included race and ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, White, and other), language (Arabic, English, Spanish, and other), religion (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, none, and other), and SDI (composite of multiple socioeconomic indicators).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable regressions separately tested associations between the 4 exposures (race and ethnicity, language, religion, and SDI) and 3 outcomes (rates of approach among eligible patients, consent among eligible patients, and consent among those approached). The degree to which reduced rates of approach mediated the association between lower consent in Black children was also assessed.

Results

Of 3154 children included in the study (median age, 6 [IQR, 1.9-12.5] years; 1691 [53.6%] male), rates of approach and consent were lower for Black and Hispanic families and those of other races, speakers of Arabic and other languages, Muslim families, and those with worse SDI. Among children approached for research, lower consent odds persisted for those of Black race (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55-0.97]; adjusted OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.49-0.93]) relative to White race. Mediation analysis revealed that 51.0% (95% CI, 11.8%-90.2%) of the reduced odds of consent for Black individuals was mediated by lower probability of approach.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of consent rates for PICU research, multiple sociodemographic factors were associated with lower rates of consent, partly attributable to disparate rates of approach. These findings suggest opportunities for reducing disparities in PICU research participation.

Understanding Disparities in the Pediatric ICU: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Health disparities are pervasive in pediatrics. We aimed to describe disparities among patients who are likely to be cared for in the PICU and delineate how sociodemographic data are collected and categorized.

METHODS

Using MEDLINE as a data source, we identified studies which included an objective to assess sociodemographic disparities among PICU patients in the United States. We created a review rubric, which included methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis, outcome and exposure variables assessed, and study findings. Two authors reviewed every study. We used the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to organize outcome and exposure variables.

RESULTS

The 136 studies included used variable methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis. A total of 30 of 124 studies (24%) assessing racial disparities used self- or parent-identified race. More than half of the studies (52%) dichotomized race as white and "nonwhite" or "other" in some analyses. Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators also varied; only insurance status was used in a majority of studies (72%) evaluating SES. Consistent, although not uniform, disadvantages existed for racial minority populations and patients with indicators of lower SES. The authors of only 1 study evaluated an intervention intended to mitigate health disparities. Requiring a stated objective to evaluate disparities aimed to increase the methodologic rigor of included studies but excluded some available literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Variable, flawed methodologies diminish our understanding of disparities in the PICU. Meaningfully understanding and addressing health inequity requires refining how we collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data.

Child Opportunity Index and Pediatric Intensive Care Outcomes: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in the United States

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate for associations between a child's neighborhood, as categorized by Child Opportunity Index (COI 2.0), and 1) PICU mortality, 2) severity of illness at PICU admission, and 3) PICU length of stay (LOS).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Fifteen PICUs in the United States.

PATIENTS

Children younger than 18 years admitted from 2019 to 2020, excluding those after cardiac procedures. Nationally-normed COI category (very low, low, moderate, high, very high) was determined for each admission by census tract, and clinical features were obtained from the Virtual Pediatric Systems LLC (Los Angeles, CA) data from each site.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among 33,901 index PICU admissions during the time period, median patient age was 4.9 years and PICU mortality was 2.1%. There was a higher percentage of admissions from the very low COI category (27.3%) than other COI categories (17.2-19.5%, p < 0.0001). Patient admissions from the high and very high COI categories had a lower median Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 risk of mortality (0.70) than those from the very low, low, and moderate COI groups (0.71) ( p < 0.001). PICU mortality was lowest in the very high (1.7%) and high (1.9%) COI groups and highest in the moderate group (2.5%), followed by very low (2.3%) and low (2.2%) ( p = 0.001 across categories). Median PICU LOS was between 1.37 and 1.50 days in all COI categories. Multivariable regression revealed adjusted odds of PICU mortality of 1.30 (95% CI, 0.94-1.79; p = 0.11) for children from a very low versus very high COI neighborhood, with an odds ratio [OR] of 0.996 (95% CI, 0.993-1.00; p = 0.05) for mortality for COI as an ordinal value from 0 to 100. Children without insurance coverage had an OR for mortality of 3.58 (95% CI, 2.46-5.20; p < 0.0001) as compared with those with commercial insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Children admitted to a cohort of U.S. PICUs were often from very low COI neighborhoods. Children from very high COI neighborhoods had the lowest risk of mortality and observed mortality; however, odds of mortality were not statistically different by COI category in a multivariable model. Children without insurance coverage had significantly higher odds of PICU mortality regardless of neighborhood.

Cognitive, Functional, and Quality of Life Outcomes 6 Months After Mechanical Ventilation for Bronchiolitis: A Secondary Analysis of Data From the Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure Trial ( RESTORE )

OBJECTIVES

To describe rates and associated risk factors for functional decline 6 months after critical bronchiolitis in a large, multicenter dataset.

DESIGN

Nonprespecified secondary analysis of existing 6-month follow-up data of patients in the Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure trial ( RESTORE , NCT00814099).

SETTING

Patients recruited to RESTORE in any of 31 PICUs in the United States, 2009-2013.

PATIENTS

Mechanically ventilated PICU patients under 2 years at admission with a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis.

INTERVENTIONS

There were no interventions in this secondary analysis; in the RESTORE trial, PICUs were randomized to protocolized sedation versus usual care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

"Functional decline," defined as worsened Pediatric Overall Performance Category and/or Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) scores at 6 months post-PICU discharge as compared with preillness baseline. Quality of life was assessed using Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQOL; children < 2 yr old at follow-up) or Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at 6 months post-PICU discharge. In a cohort of 232 bronchiolitis patients, 28 (12%) had functional decline 6 months postdischarge, which was associated with unfavorable quality of life in several ITQOL and PedsQL domains. Among 209 patients with normal baseline functional status, 19 (9%) had functional decline. In a multivariable model including all subjects, decline was associated with greater odds of worse baseline PCPC score and longer PICU length of stay (LOS). In patients with normal baseline status, decline was also associated with greater odds of longer PICU LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

In a random sampling of RESTORE subjects, 12% of bronchiolitis patients had functional decline at 6 months. Given the high volume of mechanically ventilated patients with bronchiolitis, this observation suggests many young children may be at risk of new morbidities after PICU admission, including functional and/or cognitive morbidity and reduced quality of life.

Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Workforce: 2020-2040

This article, focused on the current and future pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) workforce, is part of a supplement in Pediatrics anticipating the future supply of the pediatric subspecialty workforce. It draws on information available in the literature, data from the American Board of Pediatrics, and findings from a model that estimates the future supply of pediatric subspecialists developed by the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation in collaboration with the Carolina Workforce Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and Strategic Modeling and Analysis Ltd. A brief history of the field of PCCM is provided, followed by an in-depth examination of the current PCCM workforce and a subsequent evaluation of workforce forecasts from 2020 to 2040. Under baseline conditions, the PCCM workforce is expected to increase by 105% during the forecasted period, more than any other pediatric subspecialty. Forecasts are modeled under a variety of multifactorial conditions meant to simulate the effects of changes to the supply of PCCM subspecialists, with only modest changes observed. Future PCCM workforce demand is unclear, although some suggest an oversupply may exist and that market forces may correct this. The findings generate important questions regarding the future state of the PCCM workforce and should be used to guide trainees considering a PCCM career, subspecialty leaders responsible for hosting training programs, staffing ICUs, and governing bodies that oversee training program accreditation and subspecialist certification.

Ethnic differences in parental experiences during the first six months after PICU discharge in Singapore: a qualitative study

Introduction

Literature on parental experiences after childhood critical illness has limited representation from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Parents from global ethnic majority groups have reported worst psychological outcomes and required more social support after childhood critical illness.

Aim

To explore the experiences of Chinese, Malay, and Indian parents in the first six months after Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) discharge of their child in Singapore.

Methods

Sequential semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to collect data from a convenience sample of 28 parents at one month (n = 28) and at six months (n = 22) after their child's discharge from a multidisciplinary PICU. Framework Analysis was adopted as the qualitative analysis strategy. The PICS-p framework was applied a priori in the Framework Analysis.

Findings

Three interdependent domains and seven themes framed the 28 accounts in which ethnically diverse parents reported psychological stressors (PICS-p: emotional health), support received (PICS-p: social health) and practical challenges (transitional health) in the first six months after childhood critical illness. In the emotional health domain, parents were affected by different stressors and had different priorities over their child's survivorship. Only Indian parents reported experiences of stress symptoms, at six months post discharge. Malay parents sought solace from their religion more than Chinese and Indian parents. In the social health domain, parents reported various sources and degree of support received. Familial supports were strong across all groups, while community support was more prominent in Malay as compared to Chinese and Indian parents. A third domain, transitional health, was introduced to capture the difficulties parents faced during the transition from PICU survival to home. Parents from non-Chinese families were more likely to report financial challenges and more involvement of spouses after discharge. Complementary medicine or commercial health products were utilized by Chinese and Malay families.

Conclusion

These findings reveal preferred strategies that parents from a global ethnic employ to address the emotional, social and transitional health impacts of their child's critical illness. Future care delivery may consider tailored care plans, communication strategies, and emotional support in PICUs that address the unique ethnic needs of parents during the critical six-months post their child's illness.

An mHealth Design to Promote Medication Safety in Children with Medical Complexity

BACKGROUND

Children with medical complexity (CMC) are uniquely vulnerable to medication errors and preventable adverse drug events because of their extreme polypharmacy, medical fragility, and reliance on complicated medication schedules and routes managed by undersupported family caregivers. There is an opportunity to improve CMC outcomes by designing health information technologies that support medication administration accuracy, timeliness, and communication within CMC caregiving networks.

OBJECTIVES

The present study engaged family caregivers, secondary caregivers, and clinicians who work with CMC in a codesign process to identify: (1) medication safety challenges experienced by CMC caregivers and (2) design requirements for a mobile health application to improve medication safety for CMC in the home.

METHODS

Study staff recruited family caregivers, secondary caregivers, and clinicians from a children's hospital-based pediatric complex care program to participate in virtual codesign sessions. During sessions, the facilitator-guided codesigners in generating and converging upon medication safety challenges and design requirements. Between sessions, the research team reviewed notes from the session to identify design specifications and modify the prototype. After design sessions concluded, each session recording was reviewed to confirm that all designer comments had been captured.

RESULTS

A total of N = 16 codesigners participated. Analyses yielded 11 challenges to medication safety and 11 corresponding design requirements that fit into three broader challenges: giving the right medication at the right time; communicating with others about medications; and accommodating complex medical routines. Supporting quotations from codesigners and prototype features associated with each design requirement are presented.

CONCLUSION

This study generated design requirements for a tool that may improve medication safety by creating distributed situation awareness within the caregiving network. The next steps are to pilot test tools that integrate these design requirements for usability and feasibility, and to conduct a randomized control trial to determine if use of these tools reduces medication errors.

Family Presence at the PICU Bedside: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine factors associated with bedside family presence in the PICU and to understand how individual factors interact as barriers to family presence.

DESIGN

Mixed methods study.

SETTING

Tertiary children's hospital PICU.

SUBJECTS

Five hundred twenty-three children of less than 18 years enrolled in the Seattle Children's Hospital Outcomes Assessment Program from 2011 to 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Quantitative: Family was documented every 2 hours. Exposures included patient and illness characteristics and family demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with presence of less than 80% and stratified results by self-reported race. Longer PICU length of stay (LOS), public insurance, and complex chronic conditions (C-CD) were associated with family presence of less than 80%. Self-reported race modified these associations; no factors were associated with lower bedside presence for White families, in contrast with multiple associations for non-White families including public insurance, C-CD, and longer LOS. Qualitative: Thematic analysis of social work notes for the 48 patients with family presence of less than 80% matched on age, LOS, and diagnosis to 48 patients with greater than or equal to 95% family presence. Three themes emerged: the primary caregiver's prior experiences with the hospital, relationships outside of the hospital, and additional stressors during the hospitalization affected bedside presence.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified sociodemographic and illness factors associated with family bedside presence in the PICU. Self-reported race modified these associations, representing racism within healthcare. Family presence at the bedside may help identify families facing greater disparities in healthcare access.

Supporting the Family After the Death of a Child or Adolescent

Whether death occurs in the context of a chronic illness or as the sudden loss of a previously healthy infant, child, or adolescent, the death of a child is a highly stressful and traumatic event. Psychosocial support for families after the death of a child embodies core medical values of professional fidelity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and promotion of the best interests of a grieving family. The pediatrician has an important role in supporting the family unit after the death of a child through a family-centered, culturally humble, trauma-informed approach. This clinical report aims to provide the pediatrician with a review of the current evidence on grief, bereavement, and mourning after the loss of a child and with practical guidance to support family caregivers, siblings, and the child's community. Pediatricians have an important role in helping siblings and helping families understand sibling needs during grief. Ways for pediatricians to support family members with cultural sensitivity are suggested and other helpful resources in the community are described.

Social Drivers of Health and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Relationships between social drivers of health (SDoH) and pediatric health outcomes are highly complex with substantial inconsistencies in studies examining SDoH and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes. To add to this literature with emerging novel SDoH measures, and to address calls for institutional accountability, we examined associations between SDoH and pediatric ECMO outcomes.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included children (<18 years) supported on ECMO (2012-2021). SDoH included Child Opportunity Index (COI), race, ethnicity, payer, interpreter requirement, urbanicity, and travel-time to hospital. COI is a multidimensional estimation of SDoH incorporating traditional (eg, income) and novel (eg, healthy food access) neighborhood attributes ([range 0-100] higher indicates healthier child development). Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, ECMO run duration, and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

540 children on ECMO (96%) had a calculable COI. In-hospital mortality was 44% with median run duration of 125 hours and ICU LOS 29 days. Overall, 334 (62%) had cardiac disease, 92 (17%) neonatal respiratory failure, 93 (17%) pediatric respiratory failure, and 21 (4%) sepsis. Median COI was 64 (interquartile range 32-81), 323 (60%) had public insurance, 174 (34%) were from underrepresented racial groups, 57 (11%) required interpreters, 270 (54%) had urban residence, and median travel-time was 89 minutes. SDoH including COI were not statistically associated with outcomes in univariate or multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no significant difference in pediatric ECMO outcomes according to SDoH. Further research is warranted to better understand drivers of inequitable health outcomes in children, and potential protective mechanisms.

Indicators of Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Position and Pediatric Critical Illness

BACKGROUND

With recent prioritization of equity in pediatric health outcomes, a shift to examine neighborhood-level health care disparities within pediatric populations has occurred, specifically in the context of critical illness.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does an association exist between individual indicators of neighborhood-level disadvantage and incidence of PICU admission?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Pediatric patients younger than 18 years admitted to a PICU in a large urban tertiary pediatric hospital from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2019, with a residential address in the city of Baltimore or Baltimore County on the day of admission were included in this ecological study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of children admitted to the PICU were summarized, with the primary outcome being PICU admission. Unadjusted negative binomial regression was used to examine the association between census tract-level PICU admissions and the previously described census tract-level indicators of neighborhood socioeconomic position. Regression models included an offset term for the population younger than 18 years for each census tract; results of models are reported as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with corresponding 95% CIs.

RESULTS

We identified 2,476 PICU admissions: 1,351 patients from the city of Baltimore (10.25 per 1,000 children) and 1,125 patients from Baltimore County (6.31 per 1,000 children). Most PICU admissions (n = 906 [68%]) for the city of Baltimore represented an area deprivation index (ADI) of > 60, whereas most Baltimore County PICU admissions (n = 919 [82.3%]) represented an ADI of < 60. At the neighborhood level, the percentage of families living below the poverty line was associated with greater incidence of PICU admission in the city of Baltimore (IRR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00-1.18) and Baltimore County (IRR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.36). For every $10,000 increase in median household income, PICU admission rates dropped by 9% for the city of Baltimore (IRR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95) and Baltimore County (IRR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88-0.94). Neighborhoods with vacant housing units also were associated with a higher incidence of PICU admission in the city of Baltimore (IRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21) and Baltimore County (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21-1.77), as was a 10% increase in occupied homes without vehicles (city of Baltimore: IRR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.21; Baltimore County: IRR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11-1.37).

INTERPRETATION

Health outcomes of pediatric critical illness should be examined in the context of structural determinants of health, including neighborhood-level and environmental characteristics.

Outcome of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pediatric Patients Without Congenital Cardiac Disease: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in pediatric patients without congenital heart disease (CHD) and identify associations with in-hospital mortality, with a specific focus on initial arrest rhythm.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using data from pediatric patients enrolled in Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019.

SETTING

International, multicenter.

PATIENTS

We included ECPR patients under 18 years old, and excluded those with CHD. Subgroup analysis of patients with initial arrest rhythm.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We identified 567 patients: neonates (12%), infants (27%), children between 1 and 5 years old (25%), and children over 5 years old (36%). The patient cohort included 51% males, 43% of White race, and 89% not obese. Most suffered respiratory disease (26%), followed by acquired cardiac disease (25%) and sepsis (12%). In-hospital mortality was 59%. We found that obesity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.21-4.31) and traumatic injury (aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.55-30.88) were associated with greater odds of in-hospital mortality. We also identified lower odds of death associated with White race (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.91), ventricular tachycardia (VT) as an initial arrest rhythm (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.78), return of spontaneous circulation before cannulation (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.9), and acquired cardiac disease (aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29-0.64). Respiratory disease was associated with greater odds of severe neurologic complications (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06-2.54).

CONCLUSIONS

In children without CHD undergoing ECPR, we found greater odds of in-hospital mortality were associated with either obesity or trauma. The ELSO dataset also showed that other variables were associated with lesser odds of mortality, including VT as an initial arrest rhythm. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these survival differences.

Association Between Markers of Structural Racism and Mass Shooting Events in Major US Cities

Importance

The root cause of mass shooting events (MSEs) and the populations most affected by them are poorly understood.

Objective

To examine the association between structural racism and mass shootings in major metropolitan cities in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of MSEs in the 51 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States analyzes population-based data from 2015 to 2019 and the Gun Violence Archive. The data analysis was performed from February 2021 to January 2022.

Exposure

Shooting event where 4 or more people not including the shooter were injured or killed.

Main Outcome and Measures

MSE incidence and markers of structural racism from demographic data, Gini income coefficient, Black-White segregation index, and violent crime rate.

Results

There were 865 MSEs across all 51 MSAs from 2015 to 2019 with a total of 3968 injuries and 828 fatalities. Higher segregation index (ρ = 0.46, P = .003) was associated with MSE incidence (adjusted per 100 000 population) using Spearman ρ analysis. Percentage of the MSA population comprising Black individuals (ρ = 0.76, P < .001), children in a single-parent household (ρ = 0.44, P < .001), and violent crime rate (ρ = 0.34, P = .03) were other variables associated with MSEs. On linear regression, structural racism, as measured by percentage of the MSA population comprising Black individuals, was associated with MSEs (β = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.14; P < .001). Segregation index (β = 0.02, 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.06; P = .53), children in a single-parent household (β = -0.04, 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.04; P = .28), and Gini income coefficient (β = -1.02; 95% CI, -11.97 to 9.93; P = .93) were not associated with MSEs on linear regression.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that major US cities with higher populations of Black individuals are more likely to be affected by MSEs, suggesting that structural racism may have a role in their incidence. Public health initiatives aiming to prevent MSEs should target factors associated with structural racism to address gun violence.

Patient-centeredness-a cultural targeted survey among junior medical managers

BACKGROUND

Patient-centeredness is a core element in healthcare. However, there is a gap between the understanding of this term by healthcare professionals, and patients' capability, self-efficacy, and willingness to take part in medical decisions. We aim to expose standpoints toward "patient centeredness" among junior medical managers (JMM), as they bridge between policy strategies and patients. We try to reveal cultural differences by comparing the views of the majority and the minority subpopulations of Israel (Arabic and Hebrew speakers).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey among JMM studying for an advanced degree in health-system management at three academic training colleges in Israel was conducted in February-March 2022. The respondents completed a structured questionnaire comprising four sections: a) perceptions of trust, accountability, insurance coverage, and economic status; b) perceptions regarding decision-making mechanisms; c) preferences toward achieving equity, and d) demographic details.

RESULTS

A total of 192 respondents were included in the study-50% Hebrew speakers and 50% Arabic speakers. No differences were found between Arabic and Hebrew speakers regarding perception of trust, accountability, insurance coverage, and economic status. JMM from both subpopulations believed that patients' gender and age do not influence physicians' attitudes but Arabic-speaking respondents perceived that healthcare professionals prefer educated patients or those with supportive families. All respondents believed that patients would like to be more involved in medical decisions; yet Arabic-speakers perceived patients as tending to rely on physicians' recommendations while Hebrew speakers believed that patients wish to lead the medical decision by themselves.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-centeredness strategy needs to be implemented bottom-up as well as top-down, in a transparent nationwide manner. JMM are key actors in carrying out this strategy because they realize policy guidelines in the context of social disparities, enabling them to achieve a friendly personalized dialogue with their patients. We believe that empowering these JMM may create a ripple effect, yielding a bottom-up perception of equity and initiating change.

Financial outcomes after pediatric critical illness among commercially insured families

Critical illness results in subjective financial distress for families, but little is known about objective caregiver finances after a child's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) hospitalization. Using statewide commercial insurance claims linked to cross-sectional commercial credit data, we identified caregivers of children with PICU hospitalizations in January-June 2020 and January-June 2021. Credit data included delinquent debt, debt in collections (medical and non-medical), low credit score (< 660), and a composite of any debt or poor credit and were measured in January 2021 for all caregivers. For the 2020 cohort ("post-PICU"), credit outcomes in January 2021 were measured at least 6 months following PICU hospitalization and reflect financial status after the hospitalization. For the 2021 cohort (comparison), financial outcomes were measured prior to their child's PICU hospitalization and therefore reflect pre-hospitalization financial status. We identified 2032 caregivers, 1017 post-PICU caregivers and 1015 comparison cohort caregivers, of which 1016 and 1014 were matched to credit data, respectively. Post-PICU caregivers had higher adjusted odds of having any delinquent debt [aOR 1.25; 95%CI 1.02-1.53; p = 0.03] and having a low credit score [aOR 1.29; 95%CI 1.06-1.58; p = 0.01]. However, there was no difference in the amount of delinquent debt or debt in collections among those with nonzero debt. Overall, 39.5% and 36.5% of post-PICU and comparator caregivers, respectively, had delinquent debt, debt in collections or poor credit. Many caregivers of critically ill children have financial debt or poor credit during hospitalization and post-discharge. However, caregivers may be at higher risk for poor financial status following their child's critical illness.

Promoting Functional Recovery in Critically Ill Children

Over two-thirds of pediatric critical illness survivors will experience functional impairments that persist after discharge, that is, post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p). Risk factors include child and family characteristics, invasive procedures, and social determinants of health. Approaches to remediate PICS-p include early rehabilitation, minimizing sedation, psychosocial resources for caregivers, delivery of family-centered care, and longitudinal screening for PICS-p. Challenges include feasible and validated approaches to screening, and resources and coordination for multidisciplinary care. Next steps should include resources to identify and address adverse social determinants of health and examination of treatment efficacy and implementation equity.

Social deprivation and the use of healthcare services over one year by children less than 18 years of age in 2018: A French nationwide observational study

This study aimed to describe the health status of children and how social deprivation affects their use of healthcare services and mortality. Children living in mainland France were selected from the national health data system (SNDS) on their date of birth or birthday in 2018 (< 18 years) and followed for one year. Information included data on healthcare reimbursements, long-term chronic diseases (LTDs) eligible for 100% reimbursement, geographic deprivation index (FDep) by quintile (Q5 most disadvantaged), and individual complementary universal insurance (CMUc) status, granted to households with an annual income below the French poverty level. The number of children who had at least one annual visit or hospital admission was compared using the ratio of geographic deprivation (rQ5/Q1) and CMUc (rCMUc/Not) after gender and age-standardization. Over 13 million children were included; 17.5% had CMUc, with an increase across quintiles (rQ5/Q1 = 3.5) and 4.0% a LTD (rQ5/Q1 = 1.44). The 10 most frequent LTDs (6 psychiatric) were more common as the deprivation increased. Visits to general practitioners (GPs) were similar (≈84%) for each FDep quintile and the density of GPs similar. The density decreased with increasing deprivation for specialists and visits: paediatricians (rQ5/Q1 = 0.46) and psychiatrists (rQ5/Q1 = 0.26). Dentist visits also decreased (rQ5/Q1 = 0.86) and deprived children were more often hospitalised for dental caries (rQ5/Q1 = 2.17, 2.1% vs 0.7%). Emergency department (ED) visits increased with deprivation (rCMUc/Not = 1.35, 30% vs 22%) but 50% of CMUc children lived in a municipality with an ED vs. 25% without. Approximately 9% of children were admitted for a short stay and 4.5% for a stay > 1 night (rQ5/Q1 = 1.44). Psychiatric hospitalization was more frequent for children with CMUc (rCMUc/Not = 3.5, 0.7% vs 0.2%). Higher mortality was observed for deprived children < 18 years (rQ5/Q1 = 1.59). Our results show a lower use of pediatricians, other specialists, and dentists among deprived children that may be due, in part, to an insufficient supply of care in their area of residence. These results have been used to recommend optimization and specifically adapted individual or area-wide policies on the use of healthcare services, their density, and activities.

Screening for Social Determinants of Health in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Recommendations for Clinicians

Social determinants of health (SDoH) play a significant role in the health and well-being of children in the United States. Disparities in the risk and outcomes of critical illness have been extensively documented but are yet to be fully explored through the lens of SDoH. In this review, we provide justification for routine SDoH screening as a critical first step toward understanding the causes of, and effectively addressing health disparities affecting critically ill children. Second, we summarize important aspects of SDoH screening that need to be considered before implementing this practice in the pediatric critical care setting.

Children with severe sepsis: relationship between community level income and morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND

Health disparities surrounding pediatric severe sepsis outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to measure the relationship between indicators of socioeconomic status and mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates among children hospitalized with severe sepsis.

METHODS

Children 0-18 years old, hospitalized with severe sepsis in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018) were included. The primary exposure was median household income by ZIP Code of residence, divided into quartiles.

RESULTS

We identified 15,214 index pediatric severe sepsis hospitalizations. There was no difference in hospital mortality rate or readmission rate across income quartiles. Among survivors, patients in Q1 (lowest income) had a 2 day longer LOS compared to those in Q4 (Median 10 days [IQR 4-21] vs 8 days [IQR 4-18]; p < 0.0001). However, there was no difference after adjusting for multiple covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Children living in Q1 had a 2 day longer LOS versus their peers in Q4. This was not significant on multivariable analysis, suggesting income quartile is not driving this difference. As pediatric severe sepsis remains an important source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill children, more sensitive metrics of socioeconomic status may better elucidate any disparities.

IMPACT

Children with severe sepsis living in the lowest income ZIP Codes may have longer hospital stays compared to peers in higher income communities. More precise metrics of socioeconomic status are needed to better understand health disparities in pediatric severe sepsis.

Changes in the Use of Invasive and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Pediatric Asthma: 2009-2019

Rationale: Despite lower overall hospitalization rates for asthma in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of pediatric patients receiving intensive care management in the United States. Objectives: To investigate how the use of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation for asthma has changed in the context of an evolving cohort of critically ill pediatric patients with asthma. Methods: We analyzed children admitted to intensive care units for asthma from 2009 through 2019 in the Virtual Pediatric Systems database. Regression analyses were used to evaluate how respiratory support interventions, mortality, and patient characteristics have changed over time. Odds ratios were calculated to determine how patient characteristics were associated with respiratory support needs. Stratified analyses were performed to determine how changing practice patterns may have differed between patient subgroups. Results: There were 67,614 admissions for 56,727 patients analyzed. Intubation occurred in 4.6% of admissions and decreased from 6.9% to 3.4% over time (P < 0.001), whereas noninvasive ventilation as the maximal respiratory support increased from 8.9% to 20.0% (P < 0.001). Over time, the cohort shifted to include more 2- to 6-year-olds and patients of Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic race/ethnicity. Although intubation decreased and noninvasive ventilation increased in all subgroups, the changes were most pronounced in the youngest patients and slightly less pronounced for obese patients. Conclusions: In pediatric asthma, use of intubation has halved, whereas use of noninvasive ventilation has more than doubled. This change in practice appears partially related to a younger patient cohort, although other factors merit exploration.

Impact of ethnicity on parental health outcomes and experiences after paediatric intensive care unit discharge: a mixed-methods systematic review

The impact of ethnicity on parental health outcome after paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) discharge remains unclear. Thirteen medical and healthcare databases, unpublished studies and grey literature were searched up to November 5, 2021. We performed a mixed-method systematic review to understand the impact of ethnicity on parental outcomes after PICU discharge, including eight quantitative and eight qualitative studies. Among 1529 parents included, 1064 (72%) were White. Higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was seen in Black parents (17% White vs 36% Black, p = .03). Latino ethnicity was found to have protective effect against anxiety as compared to White parents (coefficient - 4.27, p < .001). A total of 91 findings were aggregated into 14 categories, and the five synthesized themes from the eight qualitative studies were long-term psychological impact after PICU, use of coping strategies, challenges of re-integration, changes in relationships and the utilization of formal support services and resources. Mixed-method synthesis found that parents of ethnic minority group were underrepresented (18%) and had higher attrition rates in a longitudinal study as compared to White parents following childhood critical illness.   Conclusion: There are significant gaps in evidence related to the impact of ethnicity on long-term parental health outcomes after PICU discharge. Ethnic diversity and inclusiveness in long-term PICU research may aid understanding of the parental experiences and outcomes to close the gap in health disparity.

An Antiracism Approach to Conducting, Reporting, and Evaluating Pediatric Critical Care Research

Reporting race and ethnicity without consideration for the complexity of these variables is unfortunately common in research. This practice exacerbates the systemic racism present in healthcare and research, of which pediatric critical care is not immune. Scientifically, this approach lacks rigor, as people are grouped into socially derived categories that are often not scientifically justified, and the field is denied the opportunity to examine closely the true associations between race/ethnicity and clinical outcomes. In this Special Article for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, we introduce an antiracism approach to conducting, reporting, and evaluating pediatric critical care research. We propose four recommendations: 1) race and ethnicity are social constructs that should be evaluated as such, with researchers considering the context and relevance of related social determinants of health; 2) race and ethnicity data should be collected with sufficient detail to allow detection of meaningful results and minimize the risk of overgeneralizing findings; 3) as health equity research evolves, the pediatric critical care research field must adapt and proactively strive for inclusivity; and 4) the research community, including investigators, authors, research ethics committees, funding organizations, professional organizations, and journal editorial boards, are all accountable for rigorously conducting and reporting race/ethnicity in research. Taking an antiracism approach to research requires the field to ask the difficult question of why racial/ethnic differences exist to eliminate healthcare disparities and optimize healthcare outcomes for all children.