Factors associated with high resource utilization in pediatric skin and soft tissue infection hospitalizations

Pre- and Post-admission Care for Children Hospitalized With Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common indications for pediatric hospitalization, little is known about outpatient care received for SSTI before and after hospitalization. We assessed peri-hospitalization care for SSTI, including antibiotic exposures and their impact on hospital length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of 1229 SSTI hospitalizations in 2019 from children aged 1-to-18 years enrolled in Medicaid from 10 US states included in the Merative Marketscan Medicaid database. We characterized health service utilization (outpatient visits, laboratory and diagnostic tests, antibiotic exposures) 14 days before and 30 days after hospitalization and evaluated the effects of pre-hospitalization care on hospital LOS with linear regression.

RESULTS

Only 43.1% of children hospitalized with SSTI had a preceding outpatient visit with a SSTI diagnosis, 69.8% of which also filled prescription for an antibiotic. Median LOS for SSTI admission was 2 days (interquartile range 1-3). Pre-hospitalization visits with a diagnosis of SSTI were associated with a 0.7 day reduction (95% confidence interval: 0.6-0.81) in LOS (P < .001), but pre-hospital antibiotic exposure alone had no effect on LOS. Most children (81.7%) filled antibiotic prescriptions after hospital discharge and 74.5% had post-discharge ambulatory visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most children did not receive pre-admission care for SSTI, those that did had a shorter hospitalization. Further investigation is necessary on how to optimize access and use of outpatient care for SSTI.

Disparities in Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common health care problem accounting for up to 200 000 pediatric hospitalizations annually. Previous studies show disparities in the management of children from different ethnic backgrounds presenting to the emergency department with AGE. Our aim was to evaluate whether differences in medical management also exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children hospitalized with AGE.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective study of children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to the pediatric hospital medicine service from January 2016 to December 2020 with a diagnosis of (1) acute gastroenteritis or (2) dehydration with feeding intolerance, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Differences in clinical pathway use, diagnostic studies performed, and medical interventions ordered were compared between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients.

RESULTS

Of 512 admissions, 54.9% were male, 51.6% were Hispanic, and 59.2% were on Medicaid. There was no difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients in reported nausea or vomiting at admission, pathway use, or laboratory testing including stool studies. However, after adjusting for covariates, Hispanic patients had more ultrasound scans performed (odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.64) and fewer orders for antiemetics (odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.95) than non-Hispanic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were no differences in many aspects of AGE management between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients, there was still variability in ultrasound scans performed and antiemetics ordered, despite similarities in reported abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Prospective and/or qualitative studies may be needed to clarify underlying reasons for these differences.

Racial and Ethnic Differences Among Adult Patients Hospitalized for Skin and Soft Tissue Infection: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2012-2017 New York State Data

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) can result in hospitalizations and lead to increased healthcare costs and morbidity. Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access, utilization, and outcomes are well-documented. However, limited studies exist on racial and ethnic differences among adult patients hospitalized for SSTI. Our study utilized a large dataset from New York State to investigate such differences. Findings suggest that racial and ethnic minority patients hospitalized for SSTI are younger, primarily covered by Medicaid, and have a higher cost of hospitalization compared to White patients, even after controlling for length of stay and severity of illness. Possible explanations for these disparities include differences in comorbidities and structural vulnerabilities. Further studies are needed to elucidate potential causes of these disparities and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Complicated Cellulitis is an Independent Predictor for Increased Length of Stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

To assess cellulitis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting and identify risk factors for its disease severity and whether cellulitis influences length of stay (LOS).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, patients with cellulitis were identified using the electronic health record while admitted to the NICU at Massachusetts General for Children from January 2007 to December 2020. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patient records. Two multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess for independent predictors for increased LOS (≥30 days) and complicated cellulitis in the hospital.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients met the study criteria; 46.4% were older than 14 days at the time of diagnosis of cellulitis, 61.9% were non-White, and 83.3% were born prematurely; 48.8% had complicated cellulitis as defined by overlying hardware (41.7%), sepsis (7.1%), requirement for broadened antibiotic coverage (7.1%), bacteremia (4.8%), and/or abscess (3.6%). The mean hospital LOS was 58.5 ± 36.1 days SD, with 72.6% having a LOS greater than 30 days. Independent predictors of increased LOS were extreme prematurity (<28 weeks' gestation) (OR: 14.7, P = .03), non-White race (OR: 5.7, P = .03), and complicated cellulitis (OR: 6.4, P = .03). No significant predictors of complicated cellulitis were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies complicated cellulitis in the NICU as an independent predictor of increased hospital LOS in neonates. Implementation of strategies to mitigate the development of cellulitis may decrease LOS among this high-risk population.

Minimally invasive approach associated with lower resource utilization after aortic and mitral valve surgery

Objective

To investigate the effect of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) on resource utilization, cost, and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing left-heart valve operations.

Methods

Data were retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing single-valve surgery (eg, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, or mitral valve repair) at a single center from 2018 to 2021, stratified by surgical approach: MICS vs full sternotomy (FS). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared. Primary outcome was high resource utilization, defined as direct procedure cost higher than the third quartile or either postoperative LOS ≥7 days or 30-day readmission. Secondary outcomes were direct cost, length of stay, 30-day readmission, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and major morbidity. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, controlling for baseline characteristics, operative approach, valve operation, and lead surgeon to assess high resource utilization.

Results

MICS was correlated with a significantly lower rate of high resource utilization (MICS, 31.25% [n = 115] vs FS 61.29% [n = 76]; P < .001). Median postoperative length of stay (MICS, 4 days [range, 3-6 days] vs FS, 6 days [range, 4 to 9 days]; P < .001) and direct cost (MICS, $22,900 [$19,500-$28,600] vs FS, $31,900 [$25,900-$50,000]; P < .001) were lower in the MICS group. FS patients were more likely to experience postoperative atrial fibrillation (P = .040) and renal failure (P = .027). Other outcomes did not differ between groups. Controlling for stratified Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality, cardiac valve operation, and lead surgeon, FS demonstrated increased likelihood of high resource utilization (P < .001).

Conclusions

MICS for left-heart valve pathology demonstrated improved postoperative outcomes and resource utilization.

Factors Associated with Length of Stay and Cost among Pediatric Hospitalizations with a Primary Ophthalmic Diagnosis

PURPOSE

To investigate factors associated with prolonged length of stay and high cost among pediatric hospitalizations with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study utilized data on pediatric admissions with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis from the multicenter 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, hospital, and admission characteristics were used to evaluate factors associated with prolonged stay and high cost, defined as exceeding the 75th percentile (>4 days and $12,642, respectively).

RESULTS

An estimated 6,811 pediatric hospitalizations with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis in the United States in 2016 were included. On adjusted analysis, a prolonged length of stay was more likely with Medicaid (vs. private insurance, OR = 1.19, 95% CI: [1.02, 1.40], p = .03), non-trauma (vs. trauma, OR = 2.77, 95% CI: [2.12, 3.63], p < .001) and urban teaching hospitals (vs. rural, OR = 3.48, 95% CI: [1.04, 11.69], p = .04). A high cost of stay was more likely with higher income levels (Quartile 3 vs. 1, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: [1.02, 1.67], p = .04; Quartile 4 vs. 1, OR = 1.49, 95% CI: [1.08, 2.05], p = .02), private insurance (vs. Medicaid, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: [1.04, 1.53], p = .02), Western hospitals (vs. South, OR = 2.74, 95% CI: [1.83, 4.12], p < .001), and trauma (vs. non-trauma, OR = 3.29, 95% CI: [2.57, 4.21], p < .001). Children and young adults had higher odds of prolonged stay, while adolescents and young adults had higher odds of high cost compared to toddlers (p < .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Additional work addressing the factors associated with higher resource utilization may help promote the delivery of quality inpatient pediatric eye care.

Caregiver Inclusivity and Empowerment During Family-Centered Rounds

OBJECTIVE

Despite widespread adoption of family-centered rounds, few have investigated differences in the experience of family-centered rounds by family race and ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to explore racial and ethnic differences in caregiver perception of inclusion and empowerment during family-centered rounds.

METHODS

We identified eligible caregivers of children admitted to the general pediatrics team through the electronic health record. Surveys were completed by 99 caregivers (47 non-Latinx White and 52 Black, Latinx, or other caregivers of color). To compare agreement with statements of inclusivity and empowerment, we used the Wilcoxon rank sum test in unadjusted analyses and linear regression for the adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

Most (91%) caregivers were satisfied or extremely satisfied with family-centered rounds. We found no differences by race or ethnicity in statements of satisfaction or understanding family-centered rounds content. However, in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, we found that White caregivers more strongly agreed with the statements "I felt comfortable participating in rounds," "I had adequate time to ask questions during rounds," and "I felt a valued member of the team during rounds" compared with Black, Latinx, and other caregivers of color.

CONCLUSIONS

Congruent with studies of communication in other settings, caregivers of color may experience barriers to inclusion in family-centered rounds, such as medical team bias, less empathic communication, and shorter encounters. Future studies are needed to better understand family-centered rounds disparities and develop interventions that promote inclusive rounds.

A systematic scoping review of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities in pediatric dermatology

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Health disparities encompass a wide range of personal, societal, environmental, and system-based factors that contribute to inequitable health and health outcomes in vulnerable patient populations. The goal of this work was to scientifically summarize the existing published North American research on disparity as it pertains to pediatric dermatology.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A medical librarian performed electronic searches from multiple electronic databases from their dates of inception to March 2021. Title and abstracts were reviewed by authors, identifying articles for full review. Data on article characteristics and identified disparities were then extracted and collected in a spreadsheet.

RESULTS

Fifty-one articles met final inclusion criteria, of which 25 highlighted disparities due to race/ethnicity, 13 highlighted disparities due to socioeconomic (SES), and 13 highlighted disparities due to both race/ethnicity and SES. The most frequent study designs were cross-sectional or survey, followed by retrospective cohort. Only two were prospective cohort studies. Disparities reported included reduced access to care and medications, increased school absenteeism, reduced knowledge about skin care including sun protection, increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and severe and persistent disease in the setting of minority race and poverty, among other indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

There are few, scattered research studies addressing disparity in pediatric dermatology. Greater focus will be needed in the future to improve knowledge of sources of disparity and its detrimental effects on the health of children, to rectify the notable disparity under-reporting of disparity research.

We are part of the problem: the role of children's hospitals in addressing health inequity

Racism is an ongoing public health crisis that undermines health equity for all children in hospitals across our nation. The presence and impact of institutionalized racism contributes to health inequity and is under described in the medical literature. In this review, we focus on key interdependent areas to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity in Children's Hospitals, including 1) promotion of workforce diversity 2) provision of anti-racist, equitable hospital patient care, and 3) prioritization of academic scholarship focused on health equity research, quality improvement, medical education, and advocacy. We discuss the implications for clinical and academic practice.Plain Language Summary: Racism in Children's Hospitals harms children. We as health-care providers and hospital systems are part of the problem. We reviewed the literature for the best ways to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity in hospitals. Hospitals can be leaders in improving child health equity by supporting a more diverse workforce, providing anti-racist patient care, and prioritizing health equity scholarship.

Predictors of Prolonged Length of Stay in Suicidal Children Transferred to Psychiatric Facilities

OBJECTIVES

To determine if sociodemographic factors or underlying mental health conditions serve as predictors for prolonged length of stay (pLOS) in children hospitalized for suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempt (SA) requiring transfer to psychiatric facilities. We hypothesized an association between certain patient and hospital characteristics and pLOS.

METHODS

For this retrospective cross-sectional study, we used the National Inpatient Sample. We included children <18 years old hospitalized with a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification diagnosis of SI or SA who were dispositioned to psychiatric facilities from 2016 to 2017. Exposures were patient sociodemographics, underlying mental health diagnoses, and hospital characteristics. Our outcome was pLOS. Adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated with log binomial regression.

RESULTS

Of 12 715 hospitalizations meeting inclusion criteria, 5475 had pLOS. After adjusting for sociodemographics and hospital characteristics, predictive factors for pLOS were public insurance use (prevalence ratio: 1.40; CI: 1.12-1.78), urban nonteaching hospital location (prevalence ratio: 4.61; CI: 2.33-9.12), urban teaching hospital location (prevalence ratio: 3.26; CI: 1.84-5.76), and underlying diagnosis of mood disorder (prevalence ratio: 1.98; CI: 1.63-3.42). Hispanic patients had decreased probability of pLOS (prevalence ratio: 0.69; CI: 0.52-0.93). Otherwise, age, zip income, sex, and hospital region were not predictive of pLOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children hospitalized for SI or SA requiring transfer to psychiatric facilities, public insurance, urban hospital location, and diagnoses of mood disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder were predictive of pLOS. Further research is needed on how to decrease disparities in length of stay among this vulnerable population.

Inpatient Observation After Transition From Intravenous to Oral Antibiotics

OBJECTIVES

Children hospitalized with infections are commonly transitioned from intravenous (IV) to enteral (per os [PO]) antibiotics before discharge, after which they may be observed in the hospital to ensure tolerance of PO therapy and continued clinical improvement. We sought to describe the frequency and predictors of in-hospital observation after transition from IV to PO antibiotics in children admitted for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children with SSTIs discharged between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2018, using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Children were classified as observed if hospitalized ≥1 day after transitioning from IV to PO antibiotics. We calculated the proportion of observed patients and used logistic regression with random intercepts to identify predictors of in-hospital observation.

RESULTS

Overall, 15% (558 of 3704) of hospitalizations for SSTIs included observation for ≥1 hospital day after the transition from IV to PO antibiotics. The proportion of children observed differed significantly between hospitals (range of 4%-27%; P < .001). Observation after transition to PO antibiotics was less common in older children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.90; P = .045). Children initially prescribed vancomycin (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.03-1.79; P = .032) or with infections located on the neck (aOR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.32-2.24; P < .001) were more likely to be observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Children hospitalized for SSTIs are frequently observed after transitioning from IV to PO antibiotics, and there is substantial variability in the observation rate between hospitals. Specific factors predict in-hospital observation and should be investigated as part of future studies aimed at improving the care of children hospitalized with SSTIs.

Identifying Modifiable Health Care Barriers to Improve Health Equity for Hospitalized Children

BACKGROUND

Children from socially disadvantaged families experience worse hospital outcomes compared with other children. We sought to identify modifiable barriers to care to target for intervention.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of hospitalized children over 15 months. Caregivers completed a survey within 3 days of admission and 2 to 8 weeks after discharge to assess 10 reported barriers to care related to their interactions within the health care system (eg, not feeling like they have sufficient skills to navigate the system and experiencing marginalization). Associations between barriers and outcomes (30-day readmissions and length of stay) were assessed by using multivariable regression. Barriers associated with worse outcomes were then tested for associations with a cumulative social disadvantage score based on 5 family sociodemographic characteristics (eg, low income).

RESULTS

Of eligible families, 61% (n = 3651) completed the admission survey; of those, 48% (n = 1734) completed follow-up. Nine of 10 barriers were associated with at least 1 worse hospital outcome. Of those, 4 were also positively associated with cumulative social disadvantage: perceiving the system as a barrier (adjusted β = 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02 to 2.30), skill barriers (β = 3.82; 95% CI 3.22 to 4.43), cultural distance (β = 1.75; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.15), and marginalization (β = .71; 95% CI 0.30 to 1.11). Low income had the most consistently strong association with reported barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

System barriers, skill barriers, cultural distance, and marginalization were significantly associated with both worse hospital outcomes and social disadvantage, suggesting these are promising targets for intervention to decrease disparities for hospitalized children.

Health Disparities in the Hospitalized Child

Health care disparities exist along the continuum of care for children admitted to the hospital; they start before admission, impact hospital course, and continue after discharge. During an acute illness, risk of admission, length of stay, hospital costs, communication during family-centered rounds, and risk of readmission have all been shown to vary by socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Understanding factors beyond the acute illness that increase a child's risk of admission, increase hospital course complications, and lower discharge quality is imperative for the new generation of pediatric hospitalists focused on improving health for a population of children. In this article, we describe a framework to conceptualize socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic health disparities for the hospitalized child. Additionally, we offer actions pediatric hospitalists can take to address disparities within their practices.

Variation in Antibiotic Selection and Clinical Outcomes in Infants <60 Days Hospitalized With Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

OBJECTIVES

To describe variation in empirical antibiotic selection in infants <60 days old who are hospitalized with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) and to determine associations with outcomes, including length of stay (LOS), 30-day returns (emergency department revisit or readmission), and standardized cost.

METHODS

Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we conducted a retrospective study of infants hospitalized with SSTI from 2009 to 2014. We analyzed empirical antibiotic selection in the first 2 days of hospitalization and categorized antibiotics as those typically administered for (1) staphylococcal infection, (2) neonatal sepsis, or (3) combination therapy (staphylococcal infection and neonatal sepsis). We examined the association of antibiotic selection and outcomes using generalized linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 1319 infants across 36 hospitals were included; the median age was 30 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 17-42 days). We observed substantial variation in empirical antibiotic choice, with 134 unique combinations observed before categorization. The most frequently used antibiotics included staphylococcal therapy (50.0% [IQR: 39.2-58.1]) and combination therapy (45.4% [IQR: 36.0-56.0]). Returns occurred in 9.2% of infants. Compared with administration of staphylococcal antibiotics, use of combination therapy was associated with increased LOS (adjusted rate ratio: 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.53) and cost (adjusted rate ratio: 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.21-1.58), but not with 30-day returns.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants who are hospitalized with SSTI experience wide variation in empirical antibiotic selection. Combination therapy was associated with increased LOS and cost, with no difference in returns. Our findings reveal the need to identify treatment strategies that can be used to optimize resource use for infants with SSTI.

Race, Income and Insurance Status Affect Neonatal Sepsis Mortality and Healthcare Resource Utilization

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic disparities negatively impact neonatal health. The influence of sociodemographic disparities on neonatal sepsis is understudied. We examined the association of insurance payer status, income, race and gender on neonatal sepsis mortality and healthcare resource utilization.

METHODS

We used the Kid's Inpatient Database, a nationwide population-based survey from 2006, 2009 and 2012. Neonates diagnosed with sepsis were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression (mortality) and multivariable linear regression (length of stay and total hospital costs) were constructed to determine the association of patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

Our study cohort included a weighted sample of 160,677 septic neonates. Several sociodemographic disparities significantly increased mortality. Self-pay patients had increased mortality (odds ratio 3.26 [95% confidence interval: 2.60-4.08]), decreased length of stay (-2.49 ± 0.31 days, P < 0.0001) and total cost (-$5015.50 ± 783.15, P < 0.0001) compared with privately insured neonates. Additionally, low household income increased odds of death compared with the most affluent households (odds ratio 1.19 [95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.35]). Moreover, Black neonates had significantly decreased length of stay (-0.86 ± 0.25, P = 0.0005) compared with White neonates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified specific socioeconomic disparities that increased odds of death and increased healthcare resource utilization. Moreover, this study provides specific societal targets to address to reduce neonatal sepsis mortality in the United States.

Factors Associated With Resource Utilization and Coronary Artery Dilation in Refractory Kawasaki Disease (from the Pediatric Health Information System Database)

Management guidelines for refractory Kawasaki disease (KD) are vague. We sought to assess practice variation and identify factors associated with large/complex coronary artery aneurysms (LCAA) and resource utilization in refractory KD. This retrospective cohort study identified patients aged ≤18 years with KD (2004 to 2014) using the Pediatric Health Information System. Refractory KD was defined as receiving >1 dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. Demographics, medications, concomitant infections, length of stay (LOS), and charges were collected. Antithrombotic therapy was a surrogate for LCAA. LOS and hospital charges assessed resource utilization. Multivariate regression identified factors associated with LOS, charges, and LCAA. Of 14,194 patients with KD, 2,974 (21%) had refractory KD and 203 of those 2,974 (7%) had LCAA. Additional intravenous immunoglobulin was the sole medication in 77%. Other medications added were steroids (18%), infliximab (2%), and both (3%). Warfarin, low-molecular-weight heparin, tissue plasminogen activator, and clopidogrel were prescribed with equal frequency (2%). Male gender (adjusted relative risk 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 2.16, p <0.01), admission to an intensive care unit (4.79, 95% CI 3.40 to 6.74, p <0.001), arrhythmia (3.00, 95% CI 1.94 to 4.65, p <0.001), and concomitant viral infection (2.29, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.52, p <0.001) were associated with LCAA. Severe illness, race, region, and payer were independently associated with increased charges (p <0.05 for all). In conclusion, treatment for refractory KD varies widely. Concomitant viral infection was associated with a greater risk of LCAA in refractory KD. Better understanding of optimal management may improve outcomes and decrease both variability in management and resource utilization for refractory KD.

Failure of Emergency Department Observation Unit Treatment for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of observation unit (OU) management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) has not been fully evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to determine the rate and risk factors.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of children ages 2 months to 18 years admitted to the OU for an SSTI between 2007 and 2010 from a pediatric emergency department (ED). Failure of OU therapy was defined as subsequent inpatient ward admission, re-admission after discharge from OU, initial or repeat incision and drainage after OU admission, or change in antibiotic therapy. Demographic, clinical, and lesion characteristics were collected. Comparative analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with OU failure; prolonged OU admission, defined as length of stay ≥ 36 h was evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-two (63.2%) of 304 subjects with SSTI were eligible; mean age was 6.2 ± 5.3 years, and 52% were male. Fever (≥38°C) in the ED was present for 77 (40%). Most lesions were skin abscesses (53%) and were located on the lower extremity (36%) and buttock/genitourinary (21%). OU treatment failure occurred in 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.5-28.3), primarily due to inpatient admission. Fever on ED presentation was significantly associated with OU failure (odds ratio 2.02; 95% CI 1.02-4.02). Demographics, body site, presence of abscess, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were not associated with OU failure. Prolonged OU admission occurred in 18 subjects (9.4%).

CONCLUSION

SSTI can be successfully treated in the OU, though febrile children with SSTI are at risk for OU treatment failure and should be considered for inpatient admission.

Trends in hospitalizations and resource utilization for pediatric pertussis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pertussis is a serious and preventable childhood illness often necessitating hospitalization. The objective was to describe national trends in pediatric pertussis hospitalizations and resource utilization and factors associated with increased length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of the 1997 to 2009 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Databases. We examined pediatric hospitalizations of children (0-18 years) with a diagnosis of pertussis. Primary outcomes were hospitalizations, LOS, and charges. Weighted linear regression was used to evaluate trends in resource utilization. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with prolonged LOS.

RESULTS

Infants 0 to 6 months old accounted for nearly 90% of pediatric pertussis hospitalizations. Hospitalizations in public payers increased from 50% in 1997 to 67.4% in 2009 (P < .01). Among children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs), pertussis hospitalizations increased from 9.4% in 1997 to 16.8% in 2009 (P < .01). Mean LOS for pediatric pertussis hospitalizations decreased from 5.40 days in 1997 to 5.28 days in 2009 (P < .01), whereas those for children with CCCs increased from 8.86 days in 1997 to 9.25 days in 2009 (P < .01). Mean adjusted charges for pediatric pertussis hospitalizations rose from $14 520 in 1997 to $22 278 in 2009 (P < .01). For all study years, neonates and children with CCCs had greater odds of prolonged LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Young infants and publicly insured patients account for a disproportionate number of pertussis-related hospitalizations. Patients with CCCs are increasingly contributing to hospitalizations and resource utilization attributable to pertussis. As new vaccine recommendations are implemented, targeted interventions are warranted to increase preventive efforts in these vulnerable populations.