Current practice patterns regarding diagnostic investigations and empiric use of acyclovir by Canadian pediatric emergency physicians in febrile neonates

Clinical and Health System Impact of Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/Encephalitis Routine Testing of CSF in a Pediatric Hospital: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Rapid cartridge-based molecular test panels targeting multiple pathogens are increasingly available, improve pathogen detection and reduce turn-around-time but are more expensive than standard testing. Confirmation that these test panels contribute to improved patient or health service outcomes is required.

METHODS

In March 2021, our pediatric hospital laboratory implemented the BioFire Filmarray™ meningitis/encephalitis (M/E) panel as an additional routine test for all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from infants <90 days or from any patient in the emergency department. A retrospective chart review was done to ascertain changes in clinical outcomes, antimicrobial prescribing practices, and hospital length of stay, comparing two discrete 6-month periods: preimplementation (March-August 2019) and postimplementation (March-August 2021).

RESULTS

Both pre- and postimplementation groups were similar at baseline, except the preimplementation group had a higher proportion of infants with enterovirus and parechovirus meningitis. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of median length of stay (2.94 vs 3.47 days, p = 0.41), duration of antibiotic treatment (2.0 vs 2.3 days, p = 0.25), need for central venous access (12.9% vs 17%, p = 0.38) or hospital-in-the-home admission (9.4% vs 9%, p = 0.92). A similar proportion of infants received aciclovir (33% vs 31%), however, a reduction in duration was observed (1.36 vs 0.90 days, p = 0.03) in the postimplementation period.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of the Biofire Filmarray™ M/E panel for routine testing of CSF samples reduced the duration of antiviral prescribing but had only a minor impact on antibiotic prescribing practices or health service outcomes in our pediatric hospital. The introduction of new laboratory testing needs to be supported by a comprehensive stewardship program to see optimal outcomes from new testing platforms.

Diagnosis and Management of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Infection in the Emergency Department

Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection (HSV) is rare in neonates, with an estimated global incidence of 10 per 100,000 live births. Neonatal HSV is challenging to diagnose due to often vague signs and symptoms. Untreated, the mortality of some HSV subtypes exceeds 80%. Overtesting and overtreatment can result in prolonged hospitalizations and expose neonates to medication toxicity. In contrast, prompt evaluation and use of empiric antiviral therapy before the results of definitive testing can improve outcomes for infants with HSV. A wide degree of practice variation exists with respect to testing and treatment for neonatal HSV, and more research is required to safely risk-stratify this population. This review presents the epidemiology, risk factors, presenting features, and emergency department management of neonatal HSV infection.

Inconsistent Management of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of neonatal herpes simplex virus (nHSV) infections is monitored periodically in the Netherlands, yet management and outcome is unknown. Comprehensive national guidelines are lacking. We aim to describe management and outcome in the last decade to explore current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We aim to identify possible variability in management of patients with a suspected nHSV infection.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case series of management and outcome of nHSV infections at 2 tertiary care center locations in the Netherlands.

RESULTS

An nHSV infection was diagnosed in 1% (12 of 1348) of patients in whom polymerase chain reaction for HSV was performed. Of the patients with nHSV infection, 3 of 12 died, and 4 of 9 (44%) survivors suffered neurologic sequelae. Neurologic symptoms at presentation were seen in only 2 of 8 patients with nHSV encephalitis. A cerebral spinal fluid analysis was performed in 3 of 6 patients presenting with skin lesions. Only 3 of 6 patients with neurologic symptoms received suppressive therapy. nHSV infection was diagnosed in 8 of 189 (4%) patients who were empirically treated.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of nHSV infection, particularly when presented with skin lesions, is inconsistent. Many infants without a HSV infection are exposed to antiviral medication. There is substantial interhospital variation in diagnostic and therapeutic management of a suspected infection. Comprehensive guidelines need to be developed to standardize management of suspected nHSV infection.

Using Quality Improvement to Implement a Standardized Approach to Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus

OBJECTIVES

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity. However, incidence is low and acyclovir, the treatment of choice, carries risk of toxicity. We aimed to increase the percentage of patients 0 to 60 days of age who are tested and treated for HSV in accordance with local guideline recommendations from 40% to 80%.

METHODS

This quality improvement project took place at 1 freestanding children's hospital. Multiple plan-do-study-act cycles were focused on interventions aimed at key drivers including provider buy-in, guideline availability, and accurate identification of high-risk patients. A run chart was used to track the effect of interventions on the percentage managed per guideline recommendations over time by using established rules for determining special cause. Pre- and postimplementation acyclovir use was compared by using a χ² test. In HSV-positive cases, delayed acyclovir initiation, defined as >1 day from presentation, was tracked as a balancing measure.

RESULTS

The median percentage of patients managed according to guideline recommendations increased from 40% to 80% within 8 months. Acyclovir use decreased from 26% to 7.9% (P < .001) in non-high-risk patients but did not change significantly in high-risk patients (73%-83%; P = .15). There were no cases of delayed acyclovir initiation in HSV-positive cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Point-of-care availability of an evidence-based guideline and interventions targeted at provider engagement improved adherence to a new guideline for neonatal HSV management and decreased acyclovir use in non-high-risk infants. Further study is necessary to confirm the safety of these recommendations in other settings.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Infants Undergoing Meningitis Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Although neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a potentially devastating infection requiring prompt evaluation and treatment, large-scale assessments of the frequency in potentially infected infants have not been performed.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of infants ≤60 days old who had cerebrospinal fluid culture testing performed in 1 of 23 participating North American emergency departments. HSV infection was defined by a positive HSV polymerase chain reaction or viral culture. The primary outcome was the proportion of encounters in which HSV infection was identified. Secondary outcomes included frequency of central nervous system (CNS) and disseminated HSV, and HSV testing and treatment patterns.

RESULTS

Of 26 533 eligible encounters, 112 infants had HSV identified (0.42%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35%-0.51%). Of these, 90 (80.4%) occurred in weeks 1 to 4, 10 (8.9%) in weeks 5 to 6, and 12 (10.7%) in weeks 7 to 9. The median age of HSV-infected infants was 14 days (interquartile range: 9-24 days). HSV infection was more common in 0 to 28-day-old infants compared with 29- to 60-day-old infants (odds ratio 3.9; 95% CI: 2.4-6.2). Sixty-eight (0.26%, 95% CI: 0.21%-0.33%) had CNS or disseminated HSV. The proportion of infants tested for HSV (35%; range 14%-72%) and to whom acyclovir was administered (23%; range 4%-53%) varied widely across sites.

CONCLUSIONS

An HSV infection was uncommon in young infants evaluated for CNS infection, particularly in the second month of life. Evidence-based approaches to the evaluation for HSV in young infants are needed.

Nationwide survey on current management strategies of toddler's fractures

BACKGROUND

Tibial fractures are common in children less than 3 years old. The traditional management involves immobilization in an above knee cast for both confirmed (positive x-ray) and presumed (normal x-ray) toddler's fractures. This carries health care implications and causes unnecessary burden for patients and their families. There is a paucity of literature describing the ideal immobilization strategy for this injury.

OBJECTIVES

To determine: 1) the variation between Canadian emergency departments in management of toddler's fractures; 2) the variation in management between confirmed and presumed toddler's fractures; 3) the association between demographic variables and immobilization strategies.

METHODS

This was an email survey of all members of the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada network. The survey consisted of 2 clinical vignettes followed by multiple-choice questions.

RESULTS

Survey response rate was 73% (153/211). For confirmed toddler's fractures, 39% of physicians chose to immobilize with above knee circumferential cast, 27% with below knee circumferential cast and 20% with below knee splint. For presumed toddler's fractures, 44% of respondents chose to manage without casting, 22% with below knee splint and 14% with above knee circumferential cast. There was significant practice variation between Canadian pediatric emergency departments for both types of fractures and between the management of confirmed and presumed toddler's fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to identify nationwide variation in the management of toddler's fractures. This variation highlights the need for future research to compare the different management strategies to determine families' preferences and functional outcomes in children with these injuries.

National Survey on the Impact of Viral Testing for the ED and Inpatient Management of Febrile Young Infants

OBJECTIVE

Well-appearing febrile infants with viral illnesses cannot be distinguished from those with occult life-threatening infections. Infants with respiratory viruses are less likely to have serious bacterial infections; however, current risk-stratification criteria predate widespread viral testing and there are limited data to safely inform physician management with this now common diagnostic tool. This study sought to explore the possible impact of respiratory virus testing on clinical decision-making for the management of febrile young infants<6 weeks old.

METHODS

A scenario-based survey was sent to emergency department (ED) and inpatient physicians at all 16 Canadian tertiary pediatric centers. Participants were asked questions regarding management decisions with and without results of respiratory virus testing.

RESULTS

Response rate was 78% (n=330; 190 ED, 140 inpatient). Detection of a respiratory virus reduced admission rates among 3-week-old (83% vs 95%, P<.001) and 5-week-old infants (36% vs 52%, P<.001). Similarly, empirical antibiotic treatment was decreased by detection of a respiratory virus for 3-week-old (65% vs 92%, P<.001) and 5-week-old infants (25% vs 39%, P<.001). Management of 5-week-old infants differed between ED and inpatient physicians, both in the presence and absence of a respiratory virus. There was no consensus among inpatient physicians regarding admission duration for well infants with a detectable respiratory virus and otherwise negative workup.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory virus testing appears to influence clinical decision-making for febrile infants<6 weeks, reducing both rates of admission and antimicrobial treatment. Important work is needed to better understand how to safely incorporate viral testing for the management of this vulnerable patient population.