Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) pediatric study protocol: Rationale, objectives and design

IMPORTANCE

The prevalence, pathophysiology, and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 [PASC] or "Long COVID") in children and young adults remain unknown. Studies must address the urgent need to define PASC, its mechanisms, and potential treatment targets in children and young adults.

OBSERVATIONS

We describe the protocol for the Pediatric Observational Cohort Study of the NIH's REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative. RECOVER-Pediatrics is an observational meta-cohort study of caregiver-child pairs (birth through 17 years) and young adults (18 through 25 years), recruited from more than 100 sites across the US. This report focuses on two of four cohorts that comprise RECOVER-Pediatrics: 1) a de novo RECOVER prospective cohort of children and young adults with and without previous or current infection; and 2) an extant cohort derived from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (n = 10,000). The de novo cohort incorporates three tiers of data collection: 1) remote baseline assessments (Tier 1, n = 6000); 2) longitudinal follow-up for up to 4 years (Tier 2, n = 6000); and 3) a subset of participants, primarily the most severely affected by PASC, who will undergo deep phenotyping to explore PASC pathophysiology (Tier 3, n = 600). Youth enrolled in the ABCD study participate in Tier 1. The pediatric protocol was developed as a collaborative partnership of investigators, patients, researchers, clinicians, community partners, and federal partners, intentionally promoting inclusivity and diversity. The protocol is adaptive to facilitate responses to emerging science.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

RECOVER-Pediatrics seeks to characterize the clinical course, underlying mechanisms, and long-term effects of PASC from birth through 25 years old. RECOVER-Pediatrics is designed to elucidate the epidemiology, four-year clinical course, and sociodemographic correlates of pediatric PASC. The data and biosamples will allow examination of mechanistic hypotheses and biomarkers, thus providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions.

CLINICAL TRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT05172011.

Kawarabi: Administrative Structuring of a Multicenter Research Collaborative to Study Kawasaki Disease in the Arab Countries

Kawasaki disease (KD), the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries, merits conducting detailed studies in Arab countries. We introduce Kawarabi, as a multicenter research collaborative effort dedicated to improving diagnosis, care, and outcome of children and adults with KD in the Arab world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there emerged a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children; a disease similar to KD. This highlighted the challenges that Arab physicians face in diagnosing and managing children with KD and KD-like illnesses. Kawarabi brings together experts in North America and Arab nations to study this family of diseases in a not-for-profit, voluntary scientific collaborative setting. Bylaws addressing the vision, objectives, structure, and governance of Kawarabi were established, and vetted by the 45 organizing members in 2021. An initial scientific publication showed evidence of a decreased level of awareness of the disease in the general population, as well as the lack of access to resources available for physicians caring for children with KD in Arab countries. Kawarabi has since held several educational webinars and an inaugural yearly meeting. The groundwork for future initiatives targeted at increasing awareness and understanding of the management and the long-term outcomes of children with KD in the region was established. Data on KD in the Arab world are lacking. Kawarabi is a multicenter research collaborative organization that has the unique resources, diversified ethnic makeup, and energy, to accomplish significant advances in our understanding and management of KD and its variants.

Kawasaki Disease in the Time of COVID-19 and MIS-C: The International Kawasaki Disease Registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD) have overlapping clinical features. We compared demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of patients according to evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

The International Kawasaki Disease Registry (IKDR) enrolled KD and MIS-C patients from sites in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Evidence of previous infection was defined as: Positive (household contact or positive polymerase chain reaction [PCR]/serology), Possible (suggestive clinical features of MIS-C and/or KD with negative PCR or serology but not both), Negative (negative PCR and serology and no known exposure), and Unknown (incomplete testing and no known exposure).

RESULTS

Of 2345 enrolled patients SARS-CoV-2 status was Positive for 1541 (66%) patients, Possible for 89 (4%), Negative for 404 (17%) and Unknown for 311 (13%). Clinical outcomes varied significantly among the groups, with more patients in the Positive/Possible groups presenting with shock, having admission to intensive care, receiving inotropic support, and having longer hospital stays. Regarding cardiac abnormalities, patients in the Positive/Possible groups had a higher prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction, and patients in the Negative and Unknown groups had more severe coronary artery abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be a spectrum of clinical features from MIS-C to KD with a great deal of heterogeneity, and one primary differentiating factor is evidence for previous acute SARS-CoV-2 infection/exposure. SARS-CoV-2 Positive/Possible patients had more severe presentations and required more intensive management, with a greater likelihood of ventricular dysfunction but less severe coronary artery adverse outcomes, in keeping with MIS-C.

Obesity and Outcomes of Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Importance

Obesity may affect the clinical course of Kawasaki disease (KD) in children and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.

Objective

To compare the prevalence of obesity and associations with clinical outcomes in patients with KD or MIS-C.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, analysis of International Kawasaki Disease Registry (IKDR) data on contemporaneous patients was conducted between January 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022 (42 sites, 8 countries). Patients with MIS-C (defined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria) and patients with KD (defined by American Heart Association criteria) were included. Patients with KD who had evidence of a recent COVID-19 infection or missing or unknown COVID-19 status were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient demographic characteristics, clinical features, disease course, and outcome variables were collected from the IKDR data set. Using body mass index (BMI)/weight z score percentile equivalents, patient weight was categorized as normal weight (BMI <85th percentile), overweight (BMI ≥85th to <95th percentile), and obese (BMI ≥95th percentile). The association between adiposity category and clinical features and outcomes was determined separately for KD and MIS-C patient groups.

Results

Of 1767 children, 338 with KD (median age, 2.5 [IQR, 1.2-5.0] years; 60.4% male) and 1429 with MIS-C (median age, 8.7 [IQR, 5.3-12.4] years; 61.4% male) were contemporaneously included in the study. For patients with MIS-C vs KD, the prevalence of overweight (17.1% vs 11.5%) and obesity (23.7% vs 11.5%) was significantly higher (P < .001), with significantly higher adiposity z scores, even after adjustment for age, sex, and race and ethnicity. For patients with KD, apart from intensive care unit admission rate, adiposity category was not associated with laboratory test features or outcomes. For patients with MIS-C, higher adiposity category was associated with worse laboratory test values and outcomes, including a greater likelihood of shock, intensive care unit admission and inotrope requirement, and increased inflammatory markers, creatinine levels, and alanine aminotransferase levels. Adiposity category was not associated with coronary artery abnormalities for either MIS-C or KD.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this international cohort study, obesity was more prevalent for patients with MIS-C vs KD, and associated with more severe presentation, laboratory test features, and outcomes. These findings suggest that obesity as a comorbid factor should be considered at the clinical presentation in children with MIS-C.

Clinical outcomes and safety of anakinra in the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a single center observational study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Evidence for the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is lacking. Anakinra, which targets IL-1-mediated inflammation, is reserved for refractory cases of MIS-C; however, its use in the treatment of MIS-C is not clearly established.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To examine a role for anakinra in MIS-C, we performed a single center observational cohort study of all MIS-C patients diagnosed at our children's hospital from May 15 to November 15, 2020. Demographics, clinical features, diagnostic testing, and cardiac function parameters were compared between MIS-C patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) monotherapy and IVIG with anakinra (IVIG + anakinra).

RESULTS

Among 46 patients with confirmed MIS-C, 32 (70%) were in the IVIG + anakinra group, of which 9 (28%) were also given corticosteroids (CS). No patients were treated with anakinra alone. MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group were enriched in a CV shock phenotype (p = 0.02), and those with CV shock were treated with higher doses of anakinra for a longer duration. Furthermore, MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group exhibited improvements in fever and cardiac function with or without CS. No significant adverse events were observed, and no differences in IL-1β levels were found among MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group.

CONCLUSIONS

Anakinra treatment, which was co-administered with IVIG primarily in patients with severe MIS-C, was associated with improvements in fever and cardiac function, and demonstrated a favorable side-effect profile. These findings suggest a role for adjunctive anakinra in the treatment of severe MIS-C.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Pediatric Discharge Medication Safety and Efficiency

Medication errors are a leading safety concern, especially for families with limited English proficiency and health literacy, and patients discharged on multiple medications with complex schedules. Integration of a multilanguage electronic discharge medication platform may help decrease medication errors. This quality improvement (QI) project's primary aim (process measure) was to increase utilization in the electronic health record (EHR) of the integrated MedActionPlanPro (MAP) for cardiovascular surgery and blood and marrow transplant patients at hospital discharge and for the first clinic follow-up visit to 80% by July 2021.

Methods

This QI project occurred between August 2020 and July 2021 on 2 subspecialty pediatric acute care inpatient units and respective outpatient clinics. An interdisciplinary team developed and implemented interventions, including integration of MAP within EHR; the team tracked and analyzed outcomes for discharge medication matching, and efficacy and safety MAP integration occurred with a go-live date of February 1, 2021. Statistical process control charts tracked progress.

Results

Following the implementation of the QI interventions, there was an increase from 0% to 73% in the utilization of the integrated MAP in the EHR across the acute care cardiology unit-cardiovascular surgery/blood and marrow transplant units. The average user hours per patient (outcome measure) decreased 70% from the centerline of 0.89 hours during the baseline period to 0.27 hours. In addition, the medication matching between Cerner inpatient and MAP inpatient increased significantly from baseline to postintervention by 25.6% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MAP integration into the EHR was associated with improved inpatient discharge medication reconciliation safety and provider efficiency.

Cardiac evaluation of hospitalized children with 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) infection at a single large quaternary center

Background

Cardiac complications of serious SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome of Children (MIS-C) are well described, however current studies have not considered pediatric patients hospitalized with no cardiac concerns. We established a protocol for cardiac evaluation of all admitted COVID-19 patients three weeks post-discharge, irrespective of cardiac concerns. We assessed cardiovascular outcomes and hypothesized that patients with absent cardiac concerns are at lower risk for cardiac abnormalities.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 160 patients admitted for COVID-19 (excluding MIS-C) between March 2020 and September 2021 with subsequent echocardiogram(s) performed at our center. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups: Group 1 included patients with absent cardiac concerns, admitted to acute care (1a) and intensive care unit (ICU) (1 b). Group 2 included patients with cardiac concerns, admitted to acute care (2a) and ICU (2 b). Groups were compared based on clinical endpoints and echocardiographic measurements, including tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) assessment of diastolic function (z-score of septal Mitral E/TDI E' and lateral E/TDI E'). Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used.

Results

Traditional cardiac abnormalities varied significantly between the groups; with Group 2 b having the most (n = 8, 21%), but still found in Group 1a (n = 2, 3%) and Group 1 b (n = 1, 5%). No patients in Group 1 demonstrated abnormal systolic function, compared to Group 2a (n = 1, 3%) and Group 2 b (n = 3, 9%, p = 0.07). When including TDI assessment of diastolic function, the total incidence of abnormalities found on echocardiogram was increased in all groups.

Conclusion

Cardiac abnormalities were found in pediatric patients admitted with COVID-19, even those without apparent cardiovascular concerns. The risk was greatest in ICU-admitted patients with cardiac concerns. The clinical significance of diastolic function assessment in these patients remains unknown. Further studies are needed to assess long-term cardiovascular sequelae of children with COVID-19, irrespective of cardiac concerns.

Emerging Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With COVID-19 in Children

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has emerged as a rare delayed hyperinflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and causes severe morbidity in the pediatric age group. Although MIS-C shares many clinical similarities to Kawasaki disease (KD), important differences in epidemiologic, clinical, immunologic, and potentially genetic factors exist and suggest potential differences in pathophysiology and points to be explored and explained. Epidemiologic features include male predominance, peak age of 6 to12 years, and specific racial or ethnicity predilections. MIS-C is characterized by fever, prominent gastrointestinal symptoms, mucocutaneous manifestations, respiratory symptoms, and neurologic complaints, and patients often present with shock. Cardiac complications are frequent and include ventricular dysfunction, valvular regurgitation, pericardial effusion, coronary artery dilation and aneurysms, conduction abnormalities, and arrhythmias. Emerging evidence regarding potential immunologic mechanisms suggest that an exaggerated T-cell response to a superantigen on the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein-as well as the formation of autoantibodies against cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endothelial antigens-are major contributors to the inflammatory milieu of MIS-C. Further studies are needed to determine both shared and distinct immunologic pathway(s) that underlie the pathogenesis of MIS-C vs both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and KD. There is evidence to suggest that the rare risk of more benign mRNA vaccine-associated myopericarditis is outweighed by a reduced risk of more severe MIS-C. In the current review, we synthesize the published literature to describe associated factors and potential mechanisms regarding an increased risk of MIS-C and cardiac complications, provide insights into the underlying immunologic pathophysiology, and define similarities and differences with KD.

Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) pediatric study protocol: Rationale, objectives and design

Importance

The prevalence, pathophysiology, and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 [PASC] or "Long COVID") in children and young adults remain unknown. Studies must address the urgent need to define PASC, its mechanisms, and potential treatment targets in children and young adults.

Observations

We describe the protocol for the Pediatric Observational Cohort Study of the NIH's RE searching COV ID to E nhance R ecovery (RECOVER) Initiative. RECOVER-Pediatrics is an observational meta-cohort study of caregiver-child pairs (birth through 17 years) and young adults (18 through 25 years), recruited from more than 100 sites across the US. This report focuses on two of five cohorts that comprise RECOVER-Pediatrics: 1) a de novo RECOVER prospective cohort of children and young adults with and without previous or current infection; and 2) an extant cohort derived from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study ( n =10,000). The de novo cohort incorporates three tiers of data collection: 1) remote baseline assessments (Tier 1, n=6000); 2) longitudinal follow-up for up to 4 years (Tier 2, n=6000); and 3) a subset of participants, primarily the most severely affected by PASC, who will undergo deep phenotyping to explore PASC pathophysiology (Tier 3, n=600). Youth enrolled in the ABCD study participate in Tier 1. The pediatric protocol was developed as a collaborative partnership of investigators, patients, researchers, clinicians, community partners, and federal partners, intentionally promoting inclusivity and diversity. The protocol is adaptive to facilitate responses to emerging science.

Conclusions and Relevance

RECOVER-Pediatrics seeks to characterize the clinical course, underlying mechanisms, and long-term effects of PASC from birth through 25 years old. RECOVER-Pediatrics is designed to elucidate the epidemiology, four-year clinical course, and sociodemographic correlates of pediatric PASC. The data and biosamples will allow examination of mechanistic hypotheses and biomarkers, thus providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions.

Clinical Trialsgov Identifier

Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT05172011.

Recommendations for developing effective and safe paediatric and congenital heart disease services in low-income and middle-income countries: a public health framework

The global burden of paediatric and congenital heart disease (PCHD) is substantial. We propose a novel public health framework with recommendations for developing effective and safe PCHD services in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This framework was created by the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery Cardiac Surgery working group in collaboration with a group of international rexperts in providing paediatric and congenital cardiac care to patients with CHD and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in LMICs. Effective and safe PCHD care is inaccessible to many, and there is no consensus on the best approaches to provide meaningful access in resource-limited settings, where it is often needed the most. Considering the high inequity in access to care for CHD and RHD, we aimed to create an actionable framework for health practitioners, policy makers and patients that supports treatment and prevention. It was formulated based on rigorous evaluation of available guidelines and standards of care and builds on a consensus process about the competencies needed at each step of the care continuum. We recommend a tier-based framework for PCHD care integrated within existing health systems. Each level of care is expected to meet minimum benchmarks and ensure high-quality and family centred care. We propose that cardiac surgery capabilities should only be developed at the more advanced levels on hospitals that have an established foundation of cardiology and cardiac surgery services, including screening, diagnostics, inpatient and outpatient care, postoperative care and cardiac catheterisation. This approach requires a quality control system and close collaboration between the different levels of care to facilitate the journey and care of every child with heart disease. This effort was designed to guide readers and leaders in taking action, strengthening capacity, evaluating impact, advancing policy and engaging in partnerships to guide facilities providing PCHD care in LMICs.

Access to Care and Therapy for Kawasaki Disease in the Arab Countries: A Kawasaki Disease Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) Multicenter Survey

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is still the most common acquired heart disease in children below the age of five years; it has been well described in the developed world; however, data from the Arab world are limited to case reports or single-center case series. In an effort of optimizing KD research in the Arab world, a group of physicians and researchers established the KD Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) in 2021, and published the first survey, which showed disparities in the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); this had prompted Kawarabi to assess the access to care and therapy of KD patients in Arab countries. A 32 structured questions survey was conducted in thirteen Arab countries and addressed KD patients' access to healthcare in urban and rural settings. The survey results showed that access to care was uniform across large, mid-size cities and rural areas in 7/13 (54%) countries, while in 6/13 (46%) countries, it was in favor of large and mid-size cities over rural areas. The quality of medical services received by children with KD in large cities was rated as excellent in 6/13 or good in 7/13 countries compared to fair in 4/13 or poor in 4/13 countries in rural areas. Availability of IVIG was limited (23%) in mid-size cities and almost impossible (23%) in rural areas. The KD patients in mid-size cities and rural areas have limited access to standard healthcare in the Arab world. This survey laid the foundation for future Kawarabi endeavors to improve the care of children with KD.

Physicians' Self-reported Exercise Testing and Physical Activity Recommendations in Kawasaki Patients

Recommendations for management of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) include physical activity (PA) promotion. This study aimed to characterize self-reported practices of KD providers to evaluate practice variation in use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and PA recommendations. We developed a REDCap survey with different clinical scenarios of KD patients. It was completed by members of the International Kawasaki Disease Registry (IKDR) and community pediatric cardiologists. Twenty-eight physicians responded; 63% practiced in the US, 63% practiced in an academic setting, 48% were general pediatric cardiologists, and 55% were IKDR members. Most respondents (69%) followed < 50 KD patients. The great majority (93%) agreed that patients with no CAA do not require CPET and could be cleared for all PA. For patients with small CAA, 43% of respondents recommended CPET and 75% cleared for all PA if CAAs regressed completely, but only 32% cleared if CAA persisted. For patients with medium CAA, 66% respondents cleared for PA if CAA regressed, and only 7% if CAA persisted; with 66% and 75% recommending CPET, respectively. For patients with large/giant CAA, 81% of respondents recommended CPET. No respondents felt comfortable clearing their patients with persistent large/giant CAA for PA and 19% would restrict from the entire physical education program. There is practice variation in use of CPET in KD patients with CAAs. Providers are hesitant to promote PA in KD patients with CAA despite known benefits and current guidelines.

Cardiac Effects of COVID-19 Infection, MIS-C, and the Vaccine in Infants and Children: What Is Known and Future Implications

The cardiac effects of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the pediatric heart has become an area of particular interest as elevated cardiac enzymes and abnormalities on echocardiogram and electrocardiogram were seen in a portion of children affected by the virus. In this article, we review the cardiac manifestations of acute COVID-19 infection, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and postvaccine myocarditis. The limited research on the effects of COVID-19 on neonates and infants is also reported. KEY POINTS: · Cardiac involvement from MIS-C is much higher than the risk of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis.. · Neonates and infants have overall been less affected by COVID-19 than adults and older children.. · At this point in time, there is limited research on the cardiac effects of COVID-19 in neonates..

Examining the Association Between MIS-C and the Child Opportunity Index at a Single Center

OBJECTIVE

To describe associations between the Child Opportunity Index (COI) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome of childhood (MIS-C) diagnosis among hospitalized children.

METHODS

We used a retrospective case control study design to examine children ≤21 years hospitalized at a single, tertiary care children's hospital between March 2020 and June 2021. Our study population included children diagnosed with MIS-C (n = 111) and a control group of children hospitalized for MIS-C evaluation who had an alternative diagnosis (n = 61). Census tract COI was the exposure variable, determined using the patient's home address mapped to the census tract. Our outcome measure was MIS-C diagnosis. Odds ratios measured associations between COI and MIS-C diagnosis.

RESULTS

Our study population included 111 children diagnosed with MIS-C and 61 children evaluated but ruled out for MIS-C. The distribution of census tract overall COI differed significantly between children diagnosed with MIS-C compared with children with an alternate diagnosis (P = .03). Children residing in census tracts with very low to low overall COI (2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-6.17) and very low to low health/environment COI (4.69, 95% CI 2.21-9.97) had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with MIS-C compared with children living in moderate and high to very high COI census tracts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Census tract child opportunity is associated with MIS-C diagnosis among hospitalized children suggesting an important contribution of place-based determinants in the development of MIS-C.

Kawasaki Disease Arab Initiative [Kawarabi]: Establishment and Results of a Multicenter Survey

Studies on Kawasaki disease (KD) in Arab countries are scarce, often providing incomplete data. This along with the benefits of multicenter research collaboratives led to the creation of the KD Arab Initiative [Kawarabi] consortium. An anonymous survey was completed among potential collaborative Arab medical institutions to assess burden of KD in those countries and resources available to physicians. An online 32-item survey was distributed to participating institutions after conducting face validity. One survey per institution was collected. Nineteen physicians from 12 countries completed the survey representing 19 out of 20 institutions (response rate of 95%). Fifteen (79%) institutions referred to the 2017 American Heart Association guidelines when managing a patient with KD. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is not readily available at 2 institutions (11%) yet available in the country. In one center (5%), IVIG is imported on-demand. The knowledge and awareness among countries' general population was graded (0 to 10) at median/interquartiles (IQR) 3 (2-5) and at median/IQR 7 (6-8) in the medical community outside their institution. Practice variations in KD management and treatment across Arab countries require solid proactive collaboration. The low awareness and knowledge estimates about KD among the general population contrasted with a high level among the medical community. The Kawarabi collaborative will offer a platform to assess disease burden of KD, among Arab population, decrease practice variation and foster population-based knowledge.

Association of Acute Anti-inflammatory Treatment With Medium-term Outcomes for Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease

Background

The impact of adjunctive anti-inflammatory treatment on outcomes for patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) is unknown.

Methods

Using data from the International KD Registry in patients with ≥ medium CAA we evaluate associations of treatment with outcomes and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

Medium or large CAA was present in 527 (32%) patients. All were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), 70% were male, and the median age was 1.3 years (interquartile range: 0.4-4.0 years). The most common acute therapies included single IVIG alone in 243 (46%), multiple IVIG in 100 (19%), multiple IVIG + corticosteroids in 75 (14%), and multiple IVIG + infliximab + corticosteroids in 44 (8%) patients. Patients who received therapy beyond single IVIG had a larger CA z-score at baseline (P < 0.001) and a higher rate of bilateral CAA (P < 0.001). Compared with IVIG alone, early adjunctive treatments (within 3 days of initial IVIG) were not associated with time to CAA regression or MACE, whereas later adjunctive therapy was associated with MACE and longer time to CAA regression. Patients receiving IVIG plus steroids vs IVIG alone had a trend towards shorter time to CAA regression and lower risk of MACE (P = 0.07). A larger CAA z-score at baseline was the strongest predictor of an increase in the CAA z-score over follow-up, lower likelihood of CAA regression, and higher risk of MACE.

Conclusions

Persistence of CAA and MACE are more strongly associated with baseline severity CAA than with acute adjuvant anti-inflammatory therapy. Patients who received late adjunctive therapy are at higher risk for worse outcomes.

An educational intervention to facilitate appropriate subspecialty referrals: a study assessing resident communication skills

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to improve pediatric residents' advanced communication skills in the setting of referral to address the entrustable professional activity of subspecialty referral identified by the American Board of Pediatrics. To accomplish this aim, we created a referral and consultation curriculum to teach and assess core communication skills in subspecialty referral involving an adolescent with syncope, an anxiety-provoking symptom that is rarely associated with serious pathology.

METHODS

We utilized blended multimodal educational interventions to improve resident communication skills in referral of patients. Trainees participated in 1) an interactive online module on syncope focusing on "red-flag" symptoms that would warrant a subspecialty cardiology referral and 2) a 4-h intervention with Standardized Parents (SPs), focusing on the case-based application of communication skills. Communication skills were assessed by two pre- and post- Objective Structured Clinical Examination encounters of patients with syncope, with an SP evaluation using a 20-item checklist. Analysis was performed with Sign test and McNemar's test. Trainees provided feedback on a Critical Incident Questionnaire, which was analyzed qualitatively.

RESULTS

Sixty-four residents participated. There was an overall improvement in communication skills based on SP scores (82.7 ± 10.9% to 91.7 ± 5.0%, p < 0.001), and 13/20 items demonstrated significant improvement post-intervention. Residents' improved performance enabled them to address patient/family emotions, explain referral logistics, and clarify concerns to agree on a plan.

CONCLUSIONS

By participating in this curriculum, residents' communication skills improved immediately post-intervention. Further research is needed to assess if this intervention improves patient care by providing residents with enduring skills to judiciously manage the referral process.

mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine-Associated Myopericarditis in Adolescents: A Survey Study

In this survey study of institutions across the US, marked variability in evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of adolescents 12 through 18 years of age with mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated myopericarditis was noted. Only one adolescent with life-threatening complications was reported, with no deaths at any of the participating institutions.

Strain Echocardiography and Myocardial Dysfunction in Critically Ill Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Unrecognized by Conventional Echocardiography: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a newly defined complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection that can result in cardiogenic shock in the pediatric population. Early detection of cardiac dysfunction is imperative in directing therapy and identifying patients at highest risk for deterioration. This study compares the strengths of conventional and strain echocardiography in identifying cardiac dysfunction in critically ill children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and their association with ICU therapeutic needs and clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING

A large, quaternary care PICU.

PATIENTS

Sixty-five pediatric patients admitted to the PICU with the diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children from March 2020 to March 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Global longitudinal strain four chamber was measured retrospectively by strain echocardiography and compared with conventional echocardiography. Cardiac dysfunction was defined by left ventricular ejection fraction less than 55% and global longitudinal strain four chamber greater than or equal to -17.2%. Clinical variables examined included cardiac biomarkers, immune therapies, and ICU interventions and outcomes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (37%) had abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction and 56 (86%) had abnormal global longitudinal strain four chamber. Between patients with normal and abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, we failed to identify a difference in cardiac biomarker levels, vasoactive use, respiratory support needs, or ICU length of stay. Global longitudinal strain four chamber was associated with maximum cardiac biomarker levels. Abnormal global longitudinal strain four chamber was associated with greater odds of any vasoactive use (odds ratio, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.3-25.3; z-statistic, 2.3; p = 0.021). The number of days of vasoactive infusion was correlated with global longitudinal strain four chamber (r = 0.400; 95% CI, 2.4-3.9; p < 0.001). Children with abnormal strain had longer ICU length of stay (4.5 d vs 2 d; p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest strain echocardiography can detect abnormalities in cardiac function in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients unrecognized by conventional echocardiography. These abnormalities are associated with increased use of intensive care therapies. Evaluation of these patients with strain echocardiography may better identify those with myocardial dysfunction and need for more intensive therapy.

Comparison of First and Second Wave Cohorts of Multisystem Inflammatory Disease Syndrome IN Children

Comparing first and second wave MIS-C cohorts at our quaternary pediatric institution, second wave were older, presented more frequently with shortness of breath, higher maximum troponin and N-terminal BNP, and more frequently required advanced respiratory and inotropic support. Despite increased severity in the second cohort, both cohorts had similar rates of coronary artery abnormalities, systolic dysfunction, and length of stay.

Variation in Pharmacologic Management of Patients with Kawasaki Disease with Coronary Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate practice variation in pharmacologic management in the International Kawasaki Disease Registry (IKDR).

STUDY DESIGN

Practice variation in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, statins, beta-blockers, antiplatelet therapy, and anticoagulation was described.

RESULTS

We included 1627 patients from 30 IKDR centers with maximum coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) z scores 2.5-4.99 in 848, 5.0-9.99 in 349, and ≥10.0 (large/giant) in 430 patients. All centers reported IVIG and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as primary therapy and use of additional IVIG or steroids as needed. In 23 out of 30 centers, (77%) infliximab was also used; 11 of these 23 centers reported using it in <10% of their patients, and 3 centers used it in >20% of patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were used in >10% of patients in only nine centers. Beta-blocker (8.8%, all patients) and abciximab (3.6%, all patients) were mainly prescribed in patients with large/giant CAAs. Statins (2.7%, all patients) were mostly used in one center and only in patients with large/giant CAAs. ASA was the primary antiplatelet modality for 99% of patients, used in all centers. Clopidogrel (18%, all patients) was used in 24 centers, 11 of which used it in >50% of their patients with large/giant CAAs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the IKDR, IVIG and ASA therapy as primary therapy is universal with common use of a second dose of IVIG for persistent fever. There is practice variation among centers for adjunctive therapies and anticoagulation strategies, likely reflecting ongoing knowledge gaps. Randomized controlled trials nested in a high-quality collaborative registry may be an efficient strategy to reduce practice variation.

Identifying pediatric patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children presenting to a pediatric emergency department

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical and laboratory features of children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) to those evaluated for MIS-C in the Emergency Department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the medical record of encounters with testing for inflammatory markers in an urban, tertiary care Pediatric ED from March 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. We abstracted demographic information, laboratory values, selected medications and diagnoses. We reviewed the record for clinical presentation for the subset of patients admitted to the hospital for suspected MIS-C. We then used receiver operating curves and logistic regression to evaluate the utility of candidate laboratory values to predict MIS-C status.

RESULTS

We identified 32 patients with confirmed MIS-C and 15 admitted and evaluated for MIS-C but without confirmation of SARS CoV-2 infection. We compared these patients to 267 encounters with screening laboratories for MIS-C. Confirmed MIS-C patients had an older median age, higher median fever on presentation and were predominantly of Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity. All children with MIS-C had a C-reactive protein (CRP) >4.5 mg/dL, were more likely to have Brain Natriuretic Peptide >400 pg/mL (OR 10.50, 95%CI 4.40-25.04), D-Dimer >3 μg/mL (7.51, [3.18-17.73]), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) <1.5 K/mcL (21.42, [7.19-63.76]). We found CRP >4.5 mg/dL and ALC <1.5 K/mcL to be 86% sensitive and 91% specific to identify MIS-C among patients screened in our population.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified that elevated CRP and lymphopenia was 86% sensitive and 91% specific for identification of children with MIS-C.

Short-term Cardiovascular Complications of Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Adolescents and Children

Purpose of Review

We provide the readers with a review of cardiac complications in children with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and its short-term outcomes.

Recent Findings

Recent reports described the acute cardiac manifestations of MIS-C in children and provided a glimpse of the short-term outcomes.

Summary

Children with MIS-C have been reported to acutely have variable degrees of cardiac findings including abnormal cardiac enzymes, abnormal electrocardiographs, decreased systolic function, coronary artery abnormalities from coronary dilation to giant aneurysms, mitral valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve regurgitation, aortic valve insufficiency, pericardial effusion, diastolic dysfunction, abnormal cardiac strain, and abnormal cardiac MRI. The majority of these abnormalities resolved during short-term follow-up. Further studies are needed to assess if transient or persistent cardiac complications are associated with long-term adverse cardiac events in children with MIS-C.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40124-021-00258-5.

Ambulatory cardiology telemedicine: a large academic pediatric center experience

We performed a retrospective study of cardiology telemedicine visits at a large academic pediatric center between 2016 and 2019 (pre COVID-19). Telemedicine patient visits were matched to data from their previous in-person visits, to evaluate any significant differences in total charge, insurance compensation, patient payment, percent reimbursement and zero reimbursement. Miles were measured between patient’s home and the address of previous visit. We found statistically significant differences in mean charges of telemedicine versus in-person visits (2019US$) (172.95 vs 218.27, p=0.0046), patient payment for telemedicine visits versus in-person visits (2019US$) (11.13 vs 62.83, p≤0.001), insurance reimbursement (2019US$) (65.18 vs 110.85, p≤0.001) and insurance reimbursement rate (43% vs 61%, p=0.0029). Rate of zero reimbursement was not different. Mean distance from cardiology clinic was 35 miles. No adverse outcomes were detected. This small retrospective study showed cost reduction and a decrease in travel time for families participating in telemedicine visits. Future work is needed to enhance compensation for telemedicine visits.

Promoting Judicious Primary Care Referral of Patients with Chest Pain to Cardiology: A Quality Improvement Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To decrease referrals to cardiology of patients ages 7 to 21 years with low-probability cardiac pathology who presented to primary care with chest pain by 50% within 24 months.

STUDY DESIGN

A multidisciplinary team designed and implemented an initiative consisting of 1) a decision support tool (DST), 2) educational sessions, 3) routine feedback to improve use of referral criteria, and 4) patient family education. Four pediatric practices, comprising 34 pediatricians and 7 nurse practitioners, were included in this study. We tracked progress via statistical process control charts.

RESULTS

A total of 421 patients ages 7 to 21 years presented with chest pain to their pediatrician. The utilization of the DST increased from baseline of 16% to 68%. Concurrently, the percentage of low-probability cardiology referrals in pediatric patients ages 7 to 21 years who presented with chest pain decreased from 17% to 5% after our interventions. At a median follow-up time of 0.9 years (interquartile range, 0.3-1.6 years), no patient had a life-threatening cardiac event.

CONCLUSION

Our health care improvement initiative to reduce low-probability cardiology referrals for children presenting to primary care practices with chest pain was feasible, effective, and safe.

Comparison Between Currently Recommended Long-Term Medical Management of Coronary Artery Aneurysms After Kawasaki Disease and Actual Reported Management in the Last Two Decades

In the 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) Kawasaki disease (KD) guidelines, risk levels (RLs) for long-term management are defined by both maximal and current coronary artery (CA) dimensions normalized as z-scores. We sought to determine the degree to which current recommended practice differs from past actual practice, highlighting areas for knowledge translation efforts. The International KD Registry (IKDR) included 1651 patients with CA aneurysms (z-score > 2.5) from 1999 to 2016. Patients were classified by AHA RL using maximum CA z-score (RL 3 = small, RL 4 = medium, RL 5 = large/giant) and subcategorized based on decreases over time. Medical management provided was compared to recommendations. Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use ranged from 86 (RL 3.1) to 95% (RL 5.1) for RLs where use was "indicated." Dual antiplatelet therapy (ASA + clopidogrel) use ranged from 16% for RL 5.2 to 9% for RL 5.4. Recommended anticoagulation (warfarin or low molecular weight heparin) use was 65% for RL 5.1, while 12% were on triple therapy (anticoagulation + dual antiplatelet). Optional statin use ranged from 2 to 8% depending on RL. Optional beta-blocker use was 2-25% for RL 5, and 0-5% for RLs 3 and 4 where it is not recommended. Generally, past practice was consistent with the latest AHA guidelines, taking into account the flexible wording of recommendations based on the limited evidence, as well as unmeasured patient-specific factors. In addition to strengthening the overall evidence base, knowledge translation efforts may be needed to address variation in thromboprophylaxis management.

High Acuity Therapy Variation Across Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Units: Results from the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Hospital Surveys

We utilized the multicenter Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC³) 2017 and 2019 surveys to describe practice variation in therapy availability and changes over a 2-year period. A high acuity therapies (ATs) score was derived (1 point per positive response) from 44 survey questions and scores were compared to center surgical volume. Of 31 centers that completed the 2017 survey, 26 also completed the 2019 survey. Scores ranged from 11 to 34 in 2017 and 11 to 35 in 2019. AT scores in 2019 were not statistically different from 2017 scores (29/44, IQR 27-32.5 vs. 29.5/44, IQR 27-31, p = 0.9). In 2019, more centers reported initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in Acute Care Cardiology Unit (ACCU) (19/26 vs. 4/26, p < 0.001) and permitting continuous CPAP/BiPAP (22/26 vs. 14/26, p = 0.034) compared to 2017. Scores in both survey years were significantly higher in the highest surgical volume group compared to the lowest, 33 ± 1.5 versus 25 ± 8.5, p = 0.046 and 32 ± 1.7 versus 23 ± 5.5, p = 0.009, respectively. Variation in therapy within the ACCUs participating in PAC³ presents an opportunity for shared learning across the collaborative. Experience with PAC³ was associated with increasing available respiratory therapies from 2017 to 2019. Whether AT scores impact the quality and outcomes of pediatric acute cardiac care will be the subject of further investigation using a comprehensive registry launched in early 2019.

542. SARS CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome of Children (MIS-C) in the Washington DC Metropolitan Region

Background

Background: Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome of Children (MIS-C) has recently emerged internationally as a serious inflammatory complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection with significant morbidity for the pediatric population.

Methods

This observational retrospective cohort study includes 33 children meeting CDC criteria for MIS-C treated between March 15 and June 17, 2020 at Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from medical records and are summarized.

Results

Of 33 hospitalized MIS-C patients, 42% were critically ill, and 58% were non-critically ill. The median age was 8.9 years (0.7–18.7 years). More males (58 %) than females (43 %) were represented in the MIS-C cohort. The majority (75%) of children had no underlying medical condition. Criteria for incomplete or complete Kawasaki Disease (KD) were present in 39% of patients, while an additional 9% had some features of KD. However the remaining 52% of MIS-C patients presented with other sub-phenotypes including prominent severe abdominal pain and/or nonspecific multiorgan dysfunction. 30% presented with shock requiring volume and/or inotropic support. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in 61% of patients. Virus was detectable by PCR in 36% of patients. At the time of initial evaluation, 39% (13/33) of children had identified cardiac abnormalities including myocardial dysfunction (5/33; 15%), coronary ectasia (4/33; 12%), coronary aneurysm (3/33; 9%), or pericardial effusion 5/33; 15%) either alone or in combination. Cytokine profiling identified elevation of several cytokines in this cohort, including IL-6. Treatment has included intravenous immunoglobulin, aspirin, anakinra and other immunomodulatory therapies, with overall rapid response to therapy. No deaths have occurred.

Conclusion

The emergence of MIS-C late in the surge of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the Washington DC metropolitan region has added to the already significant burden of hospitalized and critically ill children in our region. A significant percentage of these children present with cardiac dysfunction and abnormalities, whether or not with KD features at presentation. Detailed characterization of immune responses and long term outcome of these patients is a priority.

Disclosures

Andrea Hahn, MD, MS, Johnson and Johnson (Consultant)

Management of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With COVID-19: A Survey From the International Kawasaki Disease Registry

BACKGROUND

Since April 2020, there have been numerous reports of children presenting with systemic inflammation, often in critical condition, and with evidence of recent infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This condition, since defined as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), is assumed to be a delayed immune response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and there are frequently cardiac manifestations of ventricular dysfunction and/or coronary artery dilation.

METHODS

We surveyed the inpatient MIS-C management approaches of the members of the International Kawasaki Disease Registry across 38 institutions and 11 countries.

RESULTS

Among the respondents, 56% reported using immunomodulatory treatment for all MIS-C patients, regardless of presentation. Every respondent reported use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), including 53% administering IVIG in all patients. Steroids were most often used for patients with severe clinical presentation or lack of response to IVIG, and only a minority used steroids in all patients (14%). Acetylsalicylic acid was frequently used among respondents (91%), including anti-inflammatory and/or antiplatelet dosing. Respondents reported use of prophylactic anticoagulation, especially in patients at higher risk for venous thromboembolism, and therapeutic anticoagulation, particularly for patients with giant coronary artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

There is variation in management of MIS-C patients, with suboptimal evidence to assess superiority of the various treatments; evidence-based gaps in knowledge should be addressed through worldwide collaboration to optimize treatment strategies.

Effectiveness and Safety of Statin Therapy in Children: A Real-World Clinical Practice Experience

BACKGROUND

Statin use for hypercholesterolemia in children is predominantly reported from short-term clinical trials. In this study, we assess the efficacy and safety of statin treatment in clinical pediatric practice.

METHODS

Records of all patients who began statin treatment at age <18 years and remained on statins for >6 months from 5 pediatric lipid clinics were reviewed. Information at baseline and from all clinic evaluations after statin initiation was recorded, including lipid measurements, statin drug/dose, safety measures (anthropometry, hepatic enzymes, creatine kinase levels), and symptoms. Lipid changes on statin therapy were assessed from baseline to 6 ± 3 months and from 6 ± 3 months to last follow-up with a mixed-effects model, using piecewise linear splines to describe temporal changes, controlling for repeated measures, sex, and age.

RESULTS

There were 289 patients with median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 5.3 mmol/L (interquartile range [IQR]:4.5-6.5) and mean age of 12.4 ± 2.9 years at statin initiation. Median duration of therapy was 2.7 years (IQR: 1.6-4.5) with 95% on statins at last evaluation. There were significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) from baseline to 6 ± 3 months (P < 0.001) and from 6 ±3 months to last follow-up (P < 0.001). Triglycerides and HDL-C were unchanged but the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio decreased significantly by late follow-up. At final evaluation, median LDL-C had decreased to 3.4 mmol/L (IQR:2.8-4.2). No patient had statins discontinued for safety measures or symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world clinical practice, intermediate-term statin treatment is effective and safe in children and adolescents with severe LDL-C elevation.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: Is there a linkage to Kawasaki disease?

Since 1967, researches have hunted for an etiology for Kawasaki Disease (KD). Meanwhile, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has produced a strange new illness termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and raised hopes that a cause for KD may be identified. This current review paper discusses KD and its potential connection to pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C illness.

Medium-Term Complications Associated With Coronary Artery Aneurysms After Kawasaki Disease: A Study From the International Kawasaki Disease Registry

Background

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) may occur after Kawasaki disease (KD) and lead to important morbidity and mortality. As CAA in patients with KD are rare and heterogeneous lesions, prognostication and risk stratification are difficult. We sought to derive the cumulative risk and associated factors for cardiovascular complications in patients with CAAs after KD.

Methods and Results

A 34‐institution international registry of 1651 patients with KD who had CAAs (maximum CAA Z score ≥2.5) was used. Time‐to‐event analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models for risk factor analysis. In patients with CAA Z scores ≥10, the cumulative incidence of luminal narrowing (>50% of lumen diameter), coronary artery thrombosis, and composite major adverse cardiovascular complications at 10 years was 20±3%, 18±2%, and 14±2%, respectively. No complications were observed in patients with a CAA Z score <10. Higher CAA Z score and a greater number of coronary artery branches affected were associated with increased risk of all types of complications. At 10 years, normalization of luminal diameter was noted in 99±4% of patients with small (2.5≤Z<5.0), 92±1% with medium (5.0≤Z<10), and 57±3% with large CAAs (Z≥10). CAAs in the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary artery branches were more likely to normalize. Risk factor analysis of coronary artery branch level outcomes was performed with a total of 893 affected branches with Z score ≥10 in 440 patients. In multivariable regression models, hazards of luminal narrowing and thrombosis were higher for patients with CAAs of the right coronary artery and left anterior descending branches, those with CAAs that had complex architecture (other than isolated aneurysms), and those with CAAs with Z scores ≥20.

Conclusions

For patients with CAA after KD, medium‐term risk of complications is confined to those with maximum CAA Z scores ≥10. Further risk stratification and close follow‐up, including advanced imaging, in patients with large CAAs is warranted.

Development and Utility of Quality Metrics for Ambulatory Pediatric Cardiology in Kawasaki Disease

The Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Section of the American College of Cardiology sought to develop quality indicators/metrics for ambulatory pediatric cardiology practice. The objective of this study was to report the creation of metrics for patients with Kawasaki disease. Over a period of 5 months, 12 pediatric cardiologists developed 24 quality metrics based on the most relevant statements, guidelines, and research studies pertaining to Kawasaki disease. Of the 24 metrics, the 8 metrics deemed the most important, feasible, and valid were sent on to the ACPC for consideration. Seven of the 8 metrics were approved using the RAND method by an expert panel. All 7 metrics approved by the ACPC council were accepted by ACPC membership after an "open comments" process. They have been disseminated to the pediatric cardiology community for implementation by the ACPC Quality Network.

Recurrent Cardiology Evaluation for Innocent Heart Murmur: Echocardiogram Utilization

We conducted a retrospective study to identify electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram utilization among patients presenting for a follow-up cardiology evaluation with innocent heart murmur between 2012 and 2014. The 2014 echocardiogram Appropriate Use Criteria was applied. We observed high rates of ordering ECGs and echocardiograms on follow-up visits (79% and 36%); only 1 patient had an appropriate indication for echocardiogram while the rest had rarely appropriate indication. Having had an ECG done did not affect echocardiogram ordering behavior. Older patient age was the only factor associated with a higher likelihood for ordering echocardiograms on follow-up visit (odds ratio = 1.016, P = .021). In this small sample study, we noticed high rates of test utilization and low-probability utilization of echocardiogram in the recurrent evaluation of children with innocent heart murmur. A larger, multicenter prospective study to investigate patterns and drivers of test utilization in children with innocent heart murmur presenting for a follow-up cardiology visit is needed.

Pediatric Chest Pain-Low-Probability Referral: A Multi-Institutional Analysis From Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs®), the Pediatric Health Information Systems Database, and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey

We conducted a study to assess test characteristics of red-flag criteria for identifying cardiac disease causing chest pain and technical charges of low-probability referrals. Accuracy of red-flag criteria was ascertained through study of chest pain Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs®) data. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group1 (concerning clinical elements) and Group2 (without). We compared incidence of cardiac disease causing chest pain between these 2 groups. Technical charges of Group 2 were analyzed using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Potential savings for the US population was estimated using National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data. Fifty-two percent of subjects formed Group 1. Cardiac disease causing chest pain was identified in 8/1656 (0.48%). No heart disease was identified in patients in Group 2 ( P = .03). Applying red-flags in determining need for referral identified patients with cardiac disease causing chest pain with 100% sensitivity. Median technical charges for Group 2, over a 4-year period, were US2014$775 559. Eliminating cardiac testing of low-probability referrals would save US2014$3 775 182 in technical charges annually. Red-flag criteria were an effective screen for children with chest pain. Eliminating cardiac testing in children without red-flags for referral has significant technical charge savings.

Usage of 3D models of tetralogy of Fallot for medical education: impact on learning congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common human birth defect, and clinicians need to understand the anatomy to effectively care for patients with CHD. However, standard two-dimensional (2D) display methods do not adequately carry the critical spatial information to reflect CHD anatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) models may be useful in improving the understanding of CHD, without requiring a mastery of cardiac imaging. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of 3D models on how pediatric residents understand and learn about tetralogy of Fallot following a teaching session.

METHODS

Pediatric residents rotating through an inpatient Cardiology rotation were recruited. The sessions were randomized into using either conventional 2D drawings of tetralogy of Fallot or physical 3D models printed from 3D cardiac imaging data sets (cardiac MR, CT, and 3D echocardiogram). Knowledge acquisition was measured by comparing pre-session and post-session knowledge test scores. Learner satisfaction and self-efficacy ratings were measured with questionnaires filled out by the residents after the teaching sessions. Comparisons between the test scores, learner satisfaction and self-efficacy questionnaires for the two groups were assessed with paired t-test.

RESULTS

Thirty-five pediatric residents enrolled into the study, with no significant differences in background characteristics, including previous clinical exposure to tetralogy of Fallot. The 2D image group (n = 17) and 3D model group (n = 18) demonstrated similar knowledge acquisition in post-test scores. Residents who were taught with 3D models gave a higher composite learner satisfaction scores (P = 0.03). The 3D model group also had higher self-efficacy aggregate scores, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

Physical 3D models enhance resident education around the topic of tetralogy of Fallot by improving learner satisfaction. Future studies should examine the impact of models on teaching CHD that are more complex and elaborate.

The Impact of a Designated Cardiology Team Involving Telemedicine Home Monitoring on the Care of Children with Single-Ventricle Physiology After Norwood Palliation

We evaluated the effect of an interdisciplinary single-ventricle task force (SVTF) that utilizes a family-driven, telemedicine home monitoring program on clinical outcomes of stage II admissions and its acceptance by parents and cardiologists. Study population was divided into two cohorts, one with Norwood surgery dates before the SVTF (pre-SVTF) and one interventional (post-SVTF). Post-SVTF data also included surveys of parents and cardiologists on the efficacy of the SVTF. Comparative and multivariate statistical testing was performed. Compared to the pre-SVTF group, the post-SVTF group had lower complications after stage II (18.4 vs. 34.1 %, p = 0.02), higher weight-for-age z scores at stage II (-1.5 ± 0.97 vs. -1.58 ± 1.34, p = 0.02) and were less likely to have a stage II weight-for-age z score below -2 (26.5 vs. 31.7 %, p = 0.03). A multivariate regression analysis showed providing a written red-flag action plan to parents at discharge was independently associated with higher weight at stage II (β = 0.42, p = 0.04) and higher weight-for-age z score (β = 0.48, p = 0.02). Parents' satisfaction with SVTF (α = 0.97) was 4.34 ± 0.62; (95 % CI 4.01-4.67) and cardiologists' acceptance (α = 0.93) was 4.1 ± 0.7 (95 % CI 3.79-4.42). Development of SVTF was associated with a reduction in complications post-stage II and improved weight status at stage II. A written red-flag action plan provided to parents at the time of Norwood discharge was associated with higher weight status at stage II. Parents and cardiologists expressed satisfaction with the utility of SVTF and encouraged expansion to cover all children with congenital heart disease.

Identified mortality risk factors associated with presentation, initial hospitalisation, and interstage period for the Norwood operation in a multi-centre registry: a report from the national pediatric cardiology-quality improvement collaborative

INTRODUCTION

Despite improvements in care following Stage 1 palliation, interstage mortality remains substantial. The National Pediatric Cardiology-Quality Improvement Collaborative captures clinical process and outcome data on infants discharged into the interstage period after Stage 1. We sought to identify risk factors for interstage mortality using these data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who reached Stage 2 palliation or died in the interstage were included. The analysis was considered exploratory and hypothesis generating. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to screen for univariate predictors, and Cox multiple regression modelling was used to identify potential independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Data on 247 patients who met the criteria between June, 2008 and June, 2011 were collected from 33 surgical centres. There were 23 interstage mortalities (9%). The identified independent risk factors of interstage mortality with associated relative risk were: hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic stenosis and mitral atresia (relative risk = 13), anti-seizure medications at discharge (relative risk = 12.5), earlier gestational age (relative risk = 11.1), nasogastric or nasojejunal feeding (relative risk = 5.5), unscheduled readmissions (relative risk = 5.3), hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic atresia and mitral stenosis (relative risk = 5.2), fewer clinic visits with primary cardiologist identified (relative risk = 3.1), and fewer post-operative vasoactive medications (relative risk = 2.2).

CONCLUSION

Interstage mortality remains substantial, and there are multiple potential risk factors. Future efforts should focus on further exploration of each risk factor, with potential integration of the factors into surveillance schemes and clinical practice strategies.

Conditions mimicking coarctation of the aorta

Coarctation of the aorta is a cause of right arm hypertension in children and of heart failure in infants after ductal closure. We present two cases with these presentations that were initially thought to be coarctation of the aorta. They were subsequently diagnosed as Takayasu's arteritis in the older child and a large cerebral arteriovenous malformation in the infant. These conditions should be in the differential of right arm hypertension and of aortic flow reversal on echocardiography.