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Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Stera G, Toschi Vespasiani G, Biagi C, Zama D, Balduini E, Scheier LM, Lanari M. National survey conducted among Italian pediatricians examining the therapeutic management of croup. Respir Med 2024; 226:107587. [PMID: 38522591 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Practice-to-recommendations gaps exist in croup management and have not been critically investigated. This study examined the therapeutic management of croup among a national sample of Italian pediatric providers. METHODS A survey was administered online to a sample of primary care and hospital-based pediatricians. Demographic data, perception regarding disease severity, treatment and knowledge of croup, choices of croup treatment medications, and knowledge of and adherence to treatment recommendations were compared between hospital and primary care pediatricians. Oral corticosteroids alone, oral corticosteroids with or without nebulized epinephrine and nebulized epinephrine plus oral or inhaled corticosteroids were considered the correct management in mild, moderate and severe croup, respectively. The determinants for correct management were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Six hundred forty-nine pediatricians answered at least 50% of the survey questions and were included in the analysis. Providers reported extensive use of inhaled corticosteroids for mild and moderate croup. Recommended treatment for mild, moderate and severe croup was administered in 46/647 (7.1%), 181/645 (28.0%) and 263/643 (40.9%) participants, respectively. Provider's age and knowledge of Westley Croup Score were significant predictors for correct management of mild croup. Being a hospital pediatrician and perception of croup as a clinically relevant condition were significant for moderate croup. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences exist between recommended guidelines and clinical practice in croup management. This study suggests wide variability in both the treatment of croup and clinical decision making strategies among hospital and primary care pediatricians. Addressing this issue could lead to noteworthy clinical and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Toschi Vespasiani
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Balduini
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kim BH, Ha EK, Yoo H, Lee S, Rha YH, Han MY, Kim JH. Trends in Incidence and Drug Prescriptions for Croup in Children Under 5 Years of Age: A 2002-2019 Population-Based Study. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e95. [PMID: 38469967 PMCID: PMC10927388 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tracking national croup trends can provide important insights for childhood health management. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and drug prescription trends in Korean children over a two-decade period. METHODS This population-based study encompassed 479,783 children aged < 5 years from 2002-2019, utilizing the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. We identified participants with a primary croup diagnosis who were admitted to or visited the emergency room. Age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rates/10,000 person-years were calculated. We assessed using orthogonal polynomial contrasts and stratified by various factors (sex, age, residential area, economic status, comorbidities, and healthcare facility types). We observed changes in the use of five medications: inhaled steroids, systemic steroids, inhaled epinephrine, antibiotics, and short-acting bronchodilators. Generalized binomial logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing prescription strategies. RESULTS In 2002, the croup-related visits were 16.1/10,000 person-years, increasing to 98.3 in 2019 (P for trend < 0.001). This trend persisted, regardless of age, sex, region, and economic status. Children with comorbid atopic dermatitis or asthma maintained consistent croup rates, while those without comorbidities increased. Treatment trends showed decreasing antibiotic (73-47%) and oxygen use (21.3-3.4%), with increasing nebulized epinephrine (9.3-41.5%) and multiple drug prescriptions (67.8-80.3%). Primary care centers exhibited a greater increase in prescription usage and hospitalization duration than did tertiary healthcare institutions. CONCLUSION Over the past two decades, croup incidence has risen, accompanied by increased epinephrine use and decreased antibiotic prescriptions. Longer hospitalization and higher medication use were mainly observed in primary care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hee Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Kyo Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hana Yoo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Soonchul Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yeong Ho Rha
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Man Yong Han
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
| | - Ju Hee Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Belfer J, Roskind CG, Grock A, Jung J, Bae SW, Zhao L, Sobolewski B. Systematic online academic resource (SOAR) review: Pediatric respiratory infectious disease. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2024; 8:e10945. [PMID: 38510728 PMCID: PMC10950020 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Free open access medical education (FOAM) resources have become increasingly popular in graduate medical education. Despite their accessibility, the assessment of FOAM resources' quality is challenging due to their decentralized nature and the diverse qualifications of their authors and distribution platforms. In this first pediatric systematic online academic resource (SOAR) review, we utilized a systematic methodology to aggregate and assess the quality of FOAM resources on pediatric respiratory infectious disease topics. Methods We searched 177 keywords using FOAMSearch, the top 50 FOAM websites on the Social Media Index, and seven additional pediatric emergency medicine-focused blogs. Following a basic initial screen, resources then underwent full-text quality assessment utilizing the revised Medical Education Translational Resources: Impact and Quality (rMETRIQ) tool. Results The search yielded 44,897 resources. After 44,456 were excluded, 441 underwent quality assessment. A total of 36/441 posts (8% of posts) reached the high-quality threshold score (rMETRIQ ≥ 16). The most frequent topics overall were pneumonia and bronchiolitis. A total of 67/441 posts (15% of posts) were found to have a rMETRIQ score of less than or equal to 7, which may indicate poor quality. Conclusions We systematically identified, described, and performed quality assessment on FOAM resources pertaining to the topic of pediatric respiratory infectious disease. We found that there is a paucity of high-quality posts on this topic. Despite this, the curated list of high-quality resources can help guide trainees and educators toward relevant educational information and suggest unmet needs for future FOAM resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Belfer
- New York–Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Cindy G. Roskind
- New York–Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrew Grock
- DGOSM at UCLA, VAGLA HospitalLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - JooYeon Jung
- University of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Lisa Zhao
- DGOSM at UCLA, VAGLA HospitalLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brad Sobolewski
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Department of PediatricsCincinnatiOhioUSA
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4
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Karzon AL, Nazzal EM, Cooke HL, Heo K, Okonma O, Worden J, Hussain Z, Chung KC, Gottschalk MB, Wagner ER. Upper Extremity Fractures in the Emergency Department: A Database Analysis of National Trends in the United States. Hand (N Y) 2024:15589447231219286. [PMID: 38264985 DOI: 10.1177/15589447231219286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper extremity (UE) fractures are a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits, but recent data on their epidemiology are lacking. This study aimed to describe the incidence, demographics, patient characteristics, and associated health care factors of UE fractures, hypothesizing that they would remain prevalent in the ED setting. METHODS Using the Nationwide ED Sample database, patients presenting to the ED with UE fractures in 2016 were identified, and population estimates were used to calculate incidence rates. Data on insurance status, trauma designation, cost, and teaching status were analyzed. RESULTS The study identified 2 118 568 patients with UE fractures, representing 1.5% of all ED visits in 2016. Men accounted for 54.2% of UE fractures, with phalangeal fractures being most common. Distal radius and/or ulna fractures were most common in women (30.4%). The greatest proportion of UE fractures (23.2%) occurred in patients aged 5 to 14 years (1195.5 per 100 000). Nontrauma centers were the most common treating institutions (50.4%), followed by level I (19.5%), II (15.3%), and III (12.8%) centers. The greatest proportion of fractures (38.3%) occurred in the southern United States. Emergency department cost of treatment was almost 2-fold in patients with open UE fractures compared with closed. CONCLUSION This study provides important epidemiological information on UE fractures in 2016. The incidence rate of UE fractures in the ED has remained high, with most occurring in the distal radius, phalanges, and clavicle. In addition, UE fractures were most common in younger patients, men, and those in the southern United States during the summer. These findings can be useful for health care providers and policymakers when evaluating and treating patients with UE fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Heo
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin C Chung
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Eric R Wagner
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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5
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Chitre SD, Crews CM, Tessema MT, Plėštytė-Būtienė I, Coffee M, Richardson ET. The impact of anthropogenic climate change on pediatric viral diseases. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:496-507. [PMID: 38057578 PMCID: PMC10872406 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of climate change on human health are unfolding in real time. Environmental fragmentation is amplifying spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans. Increasing temperatures are expanding mosquito and tick habitats, introducing vector-borne viruses into immunologically susceptible populations. More frequent flooding is spreading water-borne viral pathogens, while prolonged droughts reduce regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources. Worsening air quality and altered transmission seasons due to an increasingly volatile climate may exacerbate the impacts of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, both extreme weather events and long-term climate variation are causing the destruction of health systems and large-scale migrations, reshaping health care delivery in the face of an evolving global burden of viral disease. Because of their immunological immaturity, differences in physiology (e.g., size), dependence on caregivers, and behavioral traits, children are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This investigation into the unique pediatric viral threats posed by an increasingly inhospitable world elucidates potential avenues of targeted programming and uncovers future research questions to effect equitable, actionable change. IMPACT: A review of the effects of climate change on viral threats to pediatric health, including zoonotic, vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory viruses, as well as distal threats related to climate-induced migration and health systems. A unique focus on viruses offers a more in-depth look at the effect of climate change on vector competence, viral particle survival, co-morbidities, and host behavior. An examination of children as a particularly vulnerable population provokes programming tailored to their unique set of vulnerabilities and encourages reflection on equitable climate adaptation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smit D Chitre
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecilia M Crews
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mesfin Teklu Tessema
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Megan Coffee
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene T Richardson
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Reilly K, Walters J, Xu Y, Burkhardt MC. Seventy-Two-Hour Reutilization After Telemedicine Visits in Academic Pediatric Primary Care. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2023; 62:1537-1542. [PMID: 36995024 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231165633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine has expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the health care usage after telemedicine visits compared with similar in-person visits is not known. This study compared the 72-hour health care reutilization after telemedicine visits and in-person acute encounters in a pediatric primary care office. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed in a single quaternary pediatric health care system between March 1, 2020, and November 30, 2020. Reutilization information was collected for 72 hours following the index visit and included subsequent encounters within the health care system. The 72-hour reutilization rate for telemedicine encounters was 4.1% compared with 3.9% for in-person acute visits. Of revisits, patients who had a telemedicine visit most often sought additional care at the medical home, and patients with an in-person visit most often sought additional care to the emergency department or urgent care. Telemedicine does not result in higher total health care reutilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Walters
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yingying Xu
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary Carol Burkhardt
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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7
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Mohammed A, Chen CH, Wasiq AN. Predictors of disease severity and outcomes in pediatric patients with croup and Covid-19 in the pediatric emergency department. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 72:203-204. [PMID: 37596200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah Mohammed
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Chih-Hsuan Chen
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ahmad Nasir Wasiq
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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8
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Bergmann KR, Lefchak B, Nickel A, Lammers S, Watson D, Hester GZ. Variation in Organizational Clinical Practice Guidelines for Croup. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:e241-e245. [PMID: 37545472 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Croup is one of the most common respiratory complaints in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), yet little is known about clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for this condition. OBJECTIVES To describe variation in CPGs across US children's hospitals. METHODS We describe the prevalence and features of CPGs among hospitals that submit data to the Pediatric Health Information System. Each hospital was contacted between January 10, 2022, and April 25, 2022, for their most recent croup CPG and any revisions. Characteristics reported were based on the most recent CPG revision. Characteristics included treatment recommendations, utilization measures, ED observation times, and admission criteria. Interrater reliability between reviewers was reported as percentage agreement. RESULTS Thirty-eight hospitals (79.2%) responded to our query, of which 20 (52.6%) had croup CPGs. Interrater reliability was moderate-high for categorizing the indication for racemic epinephrine (RE) (19 of 20; 95%), the minimum number of RE doses recommended before admission (15 of 20; 75%), and ED observation time (19 of 20; 95%), and was 100% for all other characteristics. Three CPGs (15.0%) recommended 1 RE dose, 14 (70.0%) recommended 2 RE doses, and 3 (15.0%) recommended 3 RE doses before hospital admission. Thirteen (65%) CPGs recommended RE for stridor at rest, whereas 7 (30%) recommended RE for any degree of stridor. Fourteen (70%) CPGs recommended an ED observation time <2 hours, 3 (15%) recommended 2 to 4 hours, and 2 (10%) recommended >4 hours. Few CPGs (15%) recommended use of standardized croup clinical scores. CONCLUSIONS Substantial variation exists among croup CPGs. Our results may inform future efforts to standardize croup CPGs across centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Bergmann
- Departments of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Value and Clinical Excellence, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Brian Lefchak
- Departments of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Value and Clinical Excellence, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Amanda Nickel
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Shea Lammers
- Departments of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Value and Clinical Excellence, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Dave Watson
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Gabrielle Z Hester
- Value and Clinical Excellence, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
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Lefchak B, Nickel A, Lammers S, Watson D, Hester GZ, Bergmann KR. Impact of Clinical Guidelines on Hospital Utilization in Children With Croup. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:768-774. [PMID: 37545468 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of croup guidelines on healthcare utilization and association between guideline-recommended racemic epinephrine (RE) treatments and admission. METHODS Cross-sectional study of children ≥3 months to ≤8 years with croup diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) from 38 hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022. Guidelines were categorized by minimum number of RE treatments recommended before admission. Exclusion criteria included complex chronic or croup mimicking conditions, alternate respiratory diagnoses, and direct admissions or transfers. Primary outcomes were admission rates and standardized costs. Outcomes were compared by guideline availability and different admission thresholds. Mixed effects regression was adjusted for age, sex, race, payer, previous croup encounters, and year. RESULTS Twenty hospitals (52.6%) had guidelines. Fourteen recommended 2 RE treatments and 3 recommended 3 RE treatment before admission. Among 121 284 croup encounters, overall mean admission rate was 5.7% (range 0.6% to 18.5%). Hospitals with guidelines demonstrated lower unadjusted admission rate (4.6% vs 6.6%; mean difference -2.0, 95% confidence interval -2.3 to -1.7) and higher costs ($704 vs $651; mean difference 53, 95% confidence interval 43 to 63) compared with hospitals without guidelines. Hospitals with guidelines recommending 3 RE treatments demonstrated similar unadjusted mean admission rate (5.1%) and lower costs ($658 vs $713) compared with hospitals with guidelines recommending 2 RE treatments. After adjustment, all above-mentioned differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Many children's hospitals lack guidelines for croup. Admission rates and costs were not significantly different between hospitals with or without guidelines after adjusting for confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Nickel
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Dave Watson
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Siebert JN, Salomon C, Taddeo I, Gervaix A, Combescure C, Lacroix L. Outdoor Cold Air Versus Room Temperature Exposure for Croup Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061365. [PMID: 37525974 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Croup is the most common cause of acute upper airway obstruction in children. The benefits of treating croup with steroids are well established, with an onset of effect 30 minutes after administration. We investigated whether a 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold air might improve mild to moderate croup symptoms before the onset of action of steroids. METHODS This open-label, single-center, randomized controlled trial, enrolled children aged 3 months to 10 years with croup and a Westley Croup Score (WCS) ≥2 attending a tertiary pediatric emergency department. Participants were randomized (1:1) to either a 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold (<10°C) atmospheric air or to indoor ambient room air immediately after triage and administration of a single-dose oral dexamethasone. The primary endpoint was a decrease in WCS ≥2 points from baseline at 30 minutes. Analyses were intention to treat. RESULTS A total of 118 participants were randomly assigned to be exposed to outdoor cold air (n = 59) or indoor room temperature (n = 59). Twenty-nine of 59 children (49.2%) in the outdoor group and 14 of 59 (23.7%) in the indoor group showed a decrease in WCS ≥2 points from baseline at 30 minutes after triage (risk difference 25.4% [95% confidence interval 7.0-43.9], P = .007). Patients with moderate croup benefited the most from the intervention at 30 minutes (risk difference 46.1% [20.6-71.5], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold air (<10°C), as an adjunct to oral dexamethasone, is beneficial for reducing the intensity of clinical symptoms in children with croup, especially when moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan N Siebert
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Coralie Salomon
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Taddeo
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alain Gervaix
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Combescure
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Lacroix
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Scribner C, Patel KI, Tunik M. Pediatric Croup Due to Omicron Infection Is More Severe Than Non-COVID Croup. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023; 39:651-653. [PMID: 36729063 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Croup due to infection with the omicron variant of COVID is an emerging clinical entity, but distinguishing features of omicron croup have not yet been characterized. We designed a study to compare the clinical features of croup patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department pre-COVID pandemic with COVID-positive croup patients who presented during the initial omicron surge. METHODS This was a retrospective observational cohort study of children 0 to 18 years old who presented to our urban, tertiary care pediatric emergency department with symptoms of croup. The study compared a cohort of croup patients who presented in the year before the onset of the COVID pandemic to a cohort of COVID-positive croup patients who presented during the initial omicron surge. The primary outcomes included illness severity and treatments required in the emergency department. The secondary outcome was hospital admission rate. RESULTS There were 499 patients enrolled in the study, 88 in the omicron croup cohort and 411 in the classic croup cohort. Compared with the classic croup patients, omicron croup patients were more likely to present with stridor at rest (45.4% vs 31.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.91) and hypoxia (3.4% vs 0.5%; OR, 7.22; CI, 1.19-43.86). Omicron croup patients required repeat dosing of inhaled epinephrine in the emergency department more often (20.4% vs 6.8%; OR, 3.51; CI, 1.85-6.70), and they were more likely to require respiratory support (9.1% vs 1.0%; OR, 10.18; CI, 2.99-34.60). Admission rates were significantly higher for omicron croup patients than for classic croup patients (22.7% vs 3.9%; OR, 7.26; CI, 3.58-14.71), and omicron croup patients required intensive care more frequently (5.7% vs 1.5%; OR, 4.07; CI, 1.21-13.64). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with omicron croup develop more severe disease than do children with classic croup. They are more likely to require additional emergency department treatments and hospital admission than patients with croup before the COVID pandemic.
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12
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Walsh PS, Zhang Y, Lipshaw MJ. Variation in Emergency Department Use of Racemic Epinephrine and Associated Outcomes for Croup. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:167-173. [PMID: 36651069 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Racemic epinephrine (RE) is commonly administered for croup in the emergency department (ED). Our objectives were to examine variation in RE use between EDs, to determine whether ED variation in RE use is associated with hospital or patient factors, and to evaluate the associations between the rates of hospital-specific ED RE use and patient outcomes. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Heath Information System of children aged 3 months to 10 years with croup in the ED. We used mixed-effects regression to calculate risk-standardized proportions of patients receiving RE in each ED and to analyze the relationship between risk-standardized institutional RE use and individual patient odds of hospital admission, ICU admission, and ED revisits. RESULTS We analyzed 231 683 patient visits from 39 hospitals. ED administration of RE varied from 14% to 48% of visits (median, 24.5%; interquartile range, 20.0%-27.8%). A total of 8.6% of patients were hospitalized and 1% were admitted to the ICU. After standardizing for case mix and site effects, increasing ED use of RE per site was associated with increasing patient odds of hospital admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.39-95%; confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.91), but not ICU admission (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.99-1.97) or ED revisit (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.92-1.09). CONCLUSIONS In this large, observational study, RE administration varied widely across EDs. Increased RE use by site was associated with increased odds of hospital admission for individual patients when controlling for patient factors. These results suggest further standardization of RE use in children with croup is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Walsh
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Yin Zhang
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
| | - Matthew J Lipshaw
- Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Narayanan N, Langer S, Acker KP, Rosenblatt SD, Simmons W, Wu A, Han JY, Abramson EL, Grinspan ZM, Levine DA. COVID-19 is Observed in Older Children During the Omicron Wave in New York City. J Emerg Med 2023; 64:195-199. [PMID: 36803448 PMCID: PMC9482840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has a predilection for the upper airways, causing symptoms such as sore throat, hoarse voice, and stridor. OBJECTIVE We describe a series of children with COVID-19-associated croup in an urban multicenter hospital system. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of children ≤18 years of age presenting to the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were extracted from an institutional data repository comprised of all patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2. We included patients with a croup diagnosis by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test within 3 days of presentation. We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes for patients presenting during a pre-Omicron period (March 1, 2020-December 1, 2021) to the Omicron wave (December 2, 2021-February 15, 2022). RESULTS We identified 67 children with croup, 10 (15%) pre-Omicron and 57 (85%) during the Omicron wave. The prevalence of croup among SARS-CoV-2-positive children increased by a factor of 5.8 (95% confidence interval 3.0-11.4) during the Omicron wave compared to prior. More patients were ≥6 years of age in the Omicron wave than prior (19% vs. 0%). The majority were not hospitalized (77%). More patients ≥6 years of age received epinephrine therapy for croup during the Omicron wave (73% vs. 35%). Most patients ≥6 years of age had no croup history (64%) and only 45% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION Croup was prevalent during the Omicron wave, atypically affecting patients ≥6 years of age. COVID-19-associated croup should be added to the differential diagnosis of children with stridor, regardless of age. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven D Rosenblatt
- Department of Otolaryngology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York
| | - Will Simmons
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Alan Wu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Erika L Abramson
- Department of Pediatrics; Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Zachary M Grinspan
- Department of Pediatrics; Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Brustad N, Yang L, Chawes BL, Stokholm J, Gürdeniz G, Bønnelykke K, Bisgaard H. Fish Oil and Vitamin D Supplementations in Pregnancy Protect Against Childhood Croup. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:315-321. [PMID: 36184023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Croup is a prevalent respiratory disorder in early childhood most often caused by parainfluenza virus infections. There are no preventive strategies; therefore, we investigated the potential effects of prenatal micronutrient supplementations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the supplementation effects of (1) 2.4-g n-3 long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) (fish oil) versus olive oil and (2) high-dose (2800 IU/d) versus standard-dose (400 IU/d) of vitamin D from pregnancy week 24 until 1 week after birth on the risk for offspring croup during the double-blinded first 3 years of life in a secondary analysis of a 2 × 2 factorial designed randomized controlled trial. METHODS The study was completed in the Danish population-based single-center Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 mother-child cohort, which included 736 pregnant women. Croup was diagnosed by physicians' clinical examinations and medical record checks. Potential mediating mechanisms were investigated using blood metabolomics, airway cytokines, and airway microbiome. RESULTS Of 695 children, 97 had croup before age 3 years (14%). The risk of croup was reduced in the n-3 LCPUFA (ncases / ntotal = 38/346; 11%) versus olive oil group (59 of 349 children; 17%) (hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93; P = .02) and in the high-dose vitamin D group (32 of 295 children; 11%) versus the standard-dose group (51 of 286 children; 18%) (hazard ratio = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.93; P = .02). There was no evidence of interaction or additive effects between the supplements (Pinteraction = .56). Furthermore, the results did not change when they were adjusted for each other, persistent wheeze, and lower respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSIONS This analysis of the double-blinded period of the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 randomized controlled trial of n-3 LCPUFA and high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy demonstrated a reduced risk of croup in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicklas Brustad
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luo Yang
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo L Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics, Naestved Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - Gözde Gürdeniz
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lee JK, Song SH, Ahn B, Yun KW, Choi EH. Etiology and Epidemiology of Croup before and throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2018-2022, South Korea. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101542. [PMID: 36291478 PMCID: PMC9599993 DOI: 10.3390/children9101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Omicron, a recent variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently globally dominating. We reviewed the etiology and epidemiology of croup over an approximately 5-year period, with an emphasis on the recent dominance of the Omicron variant. Children less than 5 years of age seen in the emergency department with diagnosis of croup from two large national tertiary hospitals were collected for the period from January 2018 through March 2022. Viral etiologies of the patients were compared with national surveillance data upon circulating respiratory viruses in the community. A total number of 879 croup cases were recognized during the study period. The most common pathogen was SARS-CoV-2 (26.9%), followed by HRV (23.8%), PIV1 (14.6%), PIV3 (13.1%), and CoV NL63 (13.1%), among seventeen respiratory viral pathogens tested by polymerase chain reaction. The viral identification rate was significantly higher in the Omicron period, with most of the pathogens identified as SARS-CoV-2. In the Omicron period, with the exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community, croup associated with SARS-CoV-2 significantly increased, with a high detection rate of 97.2% (35 of 36) among croup cases with pathogen identified. The etiologic and epidemiologic data before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that the association between croup and infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is highly plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Kee Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seung Ha Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Bin Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ki Wook Yun
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence:
| | - Eun Hwa Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Walsh PS, Lipshaw MJ. Diurnal Variation in Frequency and Severity of Croup in the Emergency Department. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:e2022006682. [PMID: 36130916 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) presentation for croup is thought to occur more often at night, but evidence for its diurnal variation is sparse. Our objectives were to describe the diurnal patterns of ED presentation in children with croup and to determine whether time of arrival associated with severe clinical outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System. We included children 3 months to 11 years of age with an ED encounter for croup from 2016 through 2020. We quantified ED encounters by arrival hour and used generalized linear mixed-effects models to determine association between arrival time and racemic epinephrine use, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and revisits. RESULTS There was considerable diurnal variation in ED visits for croup. A total of 126 186 children (60.1%) presented to the ED at night (between 8 pm and 8 am), and 83 763 children presented during the day (39.9%). Peak arrival time was 12:00 am (14 189 encounters) and the nadir was at 2:00 pm (5231 encounters). Children presenting during overnight hours had increased odds of the use of racemic epinephrine (odds ratio [OR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.30-1.36), but reduced odds of hospitalization (OR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.73-0.78), ICU admission (OR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.58-0.68), and 3 day ED revisits (OR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.90). CONCLUSIONS Children with croup present to the ED more commonly at night. Children presenting to the ED with croup at night have greater odds of being treated with racemic epinephrine, but reduced odds of hospitalization, ICU admission, and return visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Walsh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Matthew J Lipshaw
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Ruan Z, Qi J, Qian Z, Zhou M, Yang Y, Zhang S, Vaughn MG, LeBaige MH, Yin P, Lin H. Disease burden and attributable risk factors of respiratory infections in China from 1990 to 2019. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 11:100153. [PMID: 34327361 PMCID: PMC8315661 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There was lack of data on the burdens and trends of upper and lower respiratory infections (URIs and LRIs) over the past three decades in China. METHODS We estimated the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to upper and lower respiratory infections (URIs and LRIs) and attributable risk factors in China by a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Incidence, mortality, and DALYs were stratified by sex, age, and province. Risk factors for respiratory infections were analyzed from exposure data. FINDINGS The age-standardized incidence rates of URIs and LRIs were 179,077 and 3926 per 100,000 persons in 2019, with a 7•52% and 35•07% decrease from 1990, respectively. Moreover, 2801 and 185,264 persons died of URIs and LRIs in 2019, respectively. DALYs for URIs and LRIs also decreased from 1,516,727 in 1990 to 928,617 in 2019 and from 38,278,504 in 1990 to 4,020,676 in 2019. The burden of URIs and LRIs were generally similar in males and females, but relatively higher in the new-borns and the elderly. Child malnutrition and low birth weight were the most important cause of age-standardized DALYs of LRIs and URIs, respectively. INTERPRETATION Future URI and LRI prevention strategies should focus on the maternal and child health, air pollution, and tobacco control, especially in young children and the elderly population. FUNDING National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFA0606200); National Natural Science Foundation of China (82041021); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (20ykpy86) and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2019A1515110003); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (No.: INV-006371).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengliang Ruan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jinlei Qi
- National Centre for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhengmin (Min) Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- National Centre for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Morgan H. LeBaige
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Peng Yin
- National Centre for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Mullan PC, Venn AMR, Schmidt JM. COVID-19 croup: Solitary infections and a coinfection case - author reply to a letter. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 49:412-413. [PMID: 33642126 PMCID: PMC7898986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Mullan
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA.
| | - April M R Venn
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 630 W. 168(th) St, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - James M Schmidt
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA.
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Venn AMR, Schmidt JM, Mullan PC. Pediatric croup with COVID-19. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 43:287.e1-287.e3. [PMID: 32980228 PMCID: PMC7490245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe three previously healthy children, admitted from our emergency department (ED) to our free-standing children's hospital, as the first documented cases of croup as a manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. All three cases (ages 11 months, 2 years, and 9 years old) presented with non-specific upper-respiratory-tract symptoms that developed into a barky cough with associated stridor at rest and respiratory distress. All were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction testing from nasopharyngeal samples that were negative for all other pathogens including the most common etiologies for croup. Each received multiple (≥3) doses of nebulized racemic epinephrine with minimal to no improvement shortly after medication. All had a prolonged period of time from ED presentation until the resolution of their stridor at rest (13, 19, and 21 h). All received dexamethasone early in their ED treatment and all were admitted. All three received at least one additional dose of dexamethasone, an atypical treatment occurrence in our hospital, due to each patient's prolonged duration of symptoms. One child required heliox therapy and admission to intensive care. All patients were eventually discharged. Pathogen testing is usually not indicated in croup, but with "COVID-19 croup," SARS-CoV-2 testing should be considered given the prognostic significance and prolonged quarantine implications. Our limited experience with this newly described COVID-19 croup condition suggests that cases can present with significant pathology and might not improve as rapidly as those with typical croup.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M R Venn
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - James M Schmidt
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA.
| | - Paul C Mullan
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980, USA.
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