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Kulasekere DA, Royan R, Shan Y, Reyes AM, Thomas AC, Lundberg AL, Feinglass JM, Stey AM. Appendicitis Hospitalization Care Costs Among Patients With Delayed Diagnosis of Appendicitis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e246721. [PMID: 38619839 PMCID: PMC11019393 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6721] [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] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Delayed appendicitis diagnosis is associated with worse outcomes. Appendicitis hospital care costs associated with delayed diagnosis are unknown. Objective To determine whether delayed appendicitis diagnosis was associated with increased appendicitis hospital care costs. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from patients receiving an appendectomy aged 18 to 64 years in 5 states (Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin) that were captured in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient and Emergency Department databases for the years 2016 and 2017 with no additional follow-up. Data were analyzed January through April 2023. Exposures Delayed diagnosis was defined as a previous emergency department or inpatient hospital encounter with an abdominal diagnosis other than appendicitis, and no intervention 7 days prior to appendectomy encounter. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was appendicitis hospital care costs. This was calculated from aggregated charges of encounters 7 days prior to appendectomy, the appendectomy encounter, and 30 days postoperatively. Cost-to-charge ratios were applied to charges to obtain costs, which were then adjusted for wage index, inflation to 2022 US dollar, and with extreme outliers winsorized. A multivariable Poisson regression estimated appendicitis hospital care costs associated with a delayed diagnosis while controlling for age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, care discontinuity, income quartile, hospital size, teaching status, medical school affiliation, percentage of Black and Hispanic patient discharges, core-based statistical area, and state. Results There were 76 183 patients (38 939 female [51.1%]; 2192 Asian or Pacific Islander [2.9%], 14 132 Hispanic [18.5%], 8195 non-Hispanic Black [10.8%], 46 949 non-Hispanic White [61.6%]) underwent appendectomy, and 2045 (2.7%) had a delayed diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis patients had median (IQR) unadjusted cost of $11 099 ($6752-$17 740) compared with $9177 ($5575-$14 481) for nondelayed (P < .001). Patients with delayed diagnosis had 1.23 times (95% CI, 1.16-1.28 times) adjusted increased appendicitis hospital care costs. The mean marginal cost of delayed diagnosis was $2712 (95% CI, $2083-$3342). Even controlling for delayed diagnosis, non-Hispanic Black patients had 1.22 times (95% CI, 1.17-1.28 times) the adjusted increased appendicitis hospital care costs compared with non-Hispanic White patients. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, delayed diagnosis of appendicitis was associated with increased hospital care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina Royan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Ying Shan
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ana M. Reyes
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Alexander L. Lundberg
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joe M. Feinglass
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anne M. Stey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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Dimmer A, Baird R, Puligandla P. Role of practice standardization in outcome optimization for CDH. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2024; 7:e000783. [PMID: 38532942 PMCID: PMC10961560 DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2024-000783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Standardization of care seeks to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery by reducing unwanted variations in care as well as promoting the efficient and effective use of healthcare resources. There are many types of standardization, with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), based on a stringent assessment of evidence and expert consensus, being the hallmark of high-quality care. This article outlines the history of CPGs, their benefits and shortcomings, with a specific focus on standardization efforts as it relates to congenital diaphragmatic hernia management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Dimmer
- Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Baird
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pramod Puligandla
- Harvey E. Beardmore Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Trinidad S, Parrado R, Gavulic A, Hoang M, Duan Q, Overmann KM, Unaka N, Beck AF, Kotagal M. Characterizing Inequities in Pediatric Appendicitis Delayed Diagnosis and Perforation. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS. CLINICAL PRACTICE 2024; 11:200108. [PMID: 38827485 PMCID: PMC11138256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedcp.2024.200108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective We sought to characterize the impact of a child's sociodemographic characteristics on their odds of delayed diagnosis and perforation in pediatric appendicitis. Study design We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all pediatric appendicitis admissions between 2016 and 2021. Using a multivariable model, we evaluated for associations between delayed diagnosis and perforation and a child's sociodemographic characteristics, including their age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, and their home census-tract Material Community Deprivation Index value. Results The study included 3248 patients. The median age was 12.1 years (IQR 9.5-14.9 years). Most patients were male (60.3%), identified as non-Hispanic White (78.0%), and had private insurance (55.4%). The delayed diagnosis and perforation rates were 6.4% and 25.1%, respectively. Delayed diagnosis cases had a greater perforation rate (56% compared with 21.5%, P < .001). On adjusted analysis, older age decreased the odds (OR 0.91, CI 0.87-0.94) of delayed diagnosis, whereas female sex (OR 1.50, CI 1.13-2.00) and socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.56 for quartile 4 vs quartile 1, CI 1.00-2.43) increased the odds. Furthermore, older age (OR 0.91, CI 0.89-0.93) decreased the odds of perforation, whereas non-Hispanic Black (OR 1.72, CI 1.3-2.29) or Hispanic (OR 1.60, CI 1.24-2.08) compared with non-Hispanic White identification and socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.43 Q4 vs Q1, CI 1.12-1.83) increased the odds. Conclusions Our reported delayed diagnosis rate is greater than recent literature, highlighting the need to consider visits that occur across different health care settings. We further identify sociodemographic factors, including socioeconomic status, that impact a child's risk of delayed diagnosis and perforation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Trinidad
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Raphael Parrado
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Amelia Gavulic
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Mindy Hoang
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Qing Duan
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kevin M. Overmann
- James M. Anderson Center for Health System Excellence, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ndidi Unaka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Michael A. Fisher Child Health Equity Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Office of Population Health, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew F. Beck
- James M. Anderson Center for Health System Excellence, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Michael A. Fisher Child Health Equity Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Office of Population Health, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of General & Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Meera Kotagal
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Trinidad S, Goldshore M, Kotagal M. Addressing health equity in pediatric surgical care in the United States- Progress and challenges. Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151354. [PMID: 37967486 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
There are notable inequities in health outcomes for children based on their social determinants of health (SDOH), including where they are born and live, their primary language, their race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more. These health inequities are not restricted to resource limited settings; here we highlight three broad topics that are relevant to pediatric surgeons in the United States (US): access to care and disparities, and examples of inequities in firearm-related injuries and appendicitis. Most of our patients will at some point require operative interventions, yet there can be significant challenges in accessing this care and navigating our health systems, particularly around complex perioperative care. There are significant opportunities to improve equitable care by helping patients navigate our health systems and connecting them with additional resources, including screening for primary care services. Firearm-related injuries are now the leading cause of death in children in the US, with significant associated morbidity for non-fatal injuries. There are notable inequities in the risk of injury and types of injuries experienced by children based on their SDOH. Appendicitis is one of the most common pathologies managed by pediatric surgeons, with similar inequities in the rates of perforated appendicitis based on a child's SDOH. For both issues, addressing the inequities our patients experience requires moving upstream and working towards prevention. Key opportunities include better research and data to understand the drivers for observed inequities, multidisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and public health advocacy among others. As a profession, we have a responsibility to work to address the health inequities our patients experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Trinidad
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew Goldshore
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Meera Kotagal
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Discordance between Subjective and Objective Assessments of Activity after Pediatric Appendectomy. J Surg Res 2023; 283:751-757. [PMID: 36463814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity recovery after pediatric surgery can be assessed using objective measures such as step counts, but practice currently relies on subjective assessment by proxy. It is unclear how subjective and objective assessments of activity relate. We compared caregiver assessment of return to normal physical activity after pediatric appendectomy to step count recovery measured by a Fitbit. METHODS Pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy were recruited between 2020 and 2022 to be monitored for 21 d with a Fitbit. Patients were grouped by the postoperative day (POD) (7, 14, or 21) their caregiver first reported their activity was "back to normal." Objective return to normal step count was estimated for each group by modeling the inflection point from increasing steps to a plateau. These measures were determined discordant if the subjective report remained outside the modeled 95% confidence interval (CI) for the day the group plateaued. RESULTS Thirty-nine simple appendicitis and 40 complicated appendicitis patients were recruited. Among simple appendicitis patients, daily steps plateaued on POD 10.8 (95% CI 7.4-14.3), POD 14.0 (95% CI 11.0-17.1), and POD 11.1 (95% CI 6.9-15.3) for the day 7, day 14, and day 21 groups, respectively. Complicated appendicitis groups plateaued on POD 12.8 (95% CI 8.7-16.9), POD 15.2 (95% CI 11.1-19.3), and POD 16.7 (95% CI 12.3-21.0), respectively. Significant discordance was observed between subjective and objective assessments for the day 7 and day 14 simple groups and for the day 7 complicated group. CONCLUSIONS There was significant discordance between caregiver and accelerometer-assessed activity recovery after pediatric surgery. Development of objective measures of recovery could help standardize assessment of children's recovery after surgery.
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Postdischarge Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Appendicitis: A Mediation Analysis. J Surg Res 2023; 282:174-182. [PMID: 36308900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist for children presenting with acute appendicitis; however, it is unknown if disparities persist after initial management and hospital discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of children (aged < 18 y) who underwent treatment for acute appendicitis in 47 U.S. Children's Hospitals between 2017 and 2019. Primary outcomes were 30-d emergency department (ED) visits and 30-d inpatient readmission. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models were developed to determine the association of race and ethnicity on the primary outcomes. Inverse odds-weighted mediation analyses were used to estimate the degree to which complicated disease, insurance status, urbanicity, and residential socioeconomic status- mediated disparate outcomes. RESULTS A total of 67,303 patients were included. Compared with Non-Hispanic White children, Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.59) and Hispanic/Latinx (HL) children (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.44-1.67) had higher odds of ED visits. Only NHB children had higher odds of readmission (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.30-1.57). On a multivariable analysis, NHB (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.36) and HL (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.31) children had higher odds of ED visits. Insurance, disease severity, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity mediated 61.6% (95% CI 29.7-100%) and 66.3% (95% CI 46.9-89.3%) of disparities for NHB and HL children, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Children of racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to visit the ED after treatment for acute appendicitis, but HL patients did not have a corresponding increase in readmission. These differences were mediated mainly by insurance status and urban residence. A lack of appropriate postdischarge education and follow-up may drive disparities in healthcare utilization after pediatric appendicitis.
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Yap A, Laverde R, Thompson A, Ozgediz D, Ehie O, Mpody C, Vu L. Social vulnerability index (SVI) and poor postoperative outcomes in children undergoing surgery in California. Am J Surg 2023; 225:122-128. [PMID: 36184328 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Area-based social determinants of health (SDoH) associated with disparities in children's surgical outcomes are not well understood, though some may be risk factors modifiable by public health interventions. METHODS This retrospective cohort study investigated the effect of high social vulnerability index (SVI), defined as ≥90th percentile, on postoperative outcomes in children classified as ASA 1-2 who underwent surgery at a large institution participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2015-2021). Primary outcome was serious postoperative complications, defined as postoperative death, unplanned re-operation, or readmission at 30 days after surgery. RESULTS Among 3278 pediatric surgical procedures, 12.1% had SVI in the ≥90th percentile. Controlling for age, sex, racialization, insurance status, and language preference, serious postoperative complications were associated with high overall SVI (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.44) and high socioeconomic vulnerability (SVI theme 1, OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.03-2.98). CONCLUSION Neighborhood-level socioeconomic vulnerability is associated with worse surgical outcomes in apparently healthy children, which could serve as a target for community-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Yap
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Surgery, USA.
| | - Ruth Laverde
- University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Avery Thompson
- University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Doruk Ozgediz
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Surgery, USA
| | | | - Christian Mpody
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, USA
| | - Lan Vu
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Surgery, USA
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Buss R, SenthilKumar G, Bouchard M, Bowder A, Marquart J, Cooke-Barber J, Vore E, Beals D, Raval M, Rich BS, Goldstein S, Van Arendonk K. Geographic barriers to children's surgical care: A systematic review of existing evidence. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:107-117. [PMID: 34963510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring that children have access to timely and appropriate surgical care is a vital component of comprehensive pediatric care. This study systematically reviews the existing evidence related to geographic barriers in children's surgery. METHODS Medline and Scopus databases were searched for any English language studies that examined associations between geographic burden (rural residence or distance to care) and a quantifiable outcome within pediatric surgical subspecialties. Two independent reviewers extracted data from each study. RESULTS From 6331 studies screened, 22 studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies were retrospective analyses and conducted in the U.S. or Canada (14 and three studies, respectively); five were conducted outside North America. In transplant surgery (seven studies), greater distance from a transplant center was associated with higher waitlist mortality prior to kidney and liver transplantation, although graft outcomes were generally similar. In congenital cardiac surgery (five studies), greater travel was associated with higher neonatal mortality and older age at surgery but not with post-operative outcomes. In general surgery (eight studies), rural residence was associated with increased rates of perforated appendicitis, higher frequency of negative appendectomy, and increased length of stay after appendectomy. In orthopedic surgery (one study), rurality was associated with decreased post-operative satisfaction. No evidence for disparate outcomes based upon distance or rurality was identified in neurosurgery (one study). CONCLUSIONS Substantial evidence suggests that geographic barriers impact the receipt of surgical care among children, particularly with regard to transplantation, congenital cardiac surgery, and appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Buss
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gopika SenthilKumar
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Megan Bouchard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Alexis Bowder
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - John Marquart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Jo Cooke-Barber
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave. ML 2023, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Emily Vore
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University Medical Center, 1600 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2500, Huntington, WV 25701, United States
| | - Daniel Beals
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University Medical Center, 1600 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2500, Huntington, WV 25701, United States
| | - Mehul Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Barrie S Rich
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, 450 Lakeville Rd, North New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States
| | - Seth Goldstein
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Kyle Van Arendonk
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
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Castro P, Rincón J, Sánchez C, Molina I, Buitrago G. Presurgical time and associated factors as predictors of acute perforated appendicitis: a prospective cohort study in a teaching pediatric hospital in Colombia. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:49. [PMID: 35057783 PMCID: PMC8772156 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03121-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aim to determine the association between out and in-hospital factors with time, from the beginning of the symptoms to the surgery, in patients with acute appendicitis treated at Fundación Hospital Pediatrico La Misericordia (HOMI) in Colombia. Methods Eleven month prospective cohort study of pediatric patients at HOMI with acute appendicitis diagnosis taken to surgery. Data from the out-of-hospital phase was collected by surveying parents, and the data regarding the in-hospital phase was completed with medical records. We analyzed the association between the time from the beginning of the symptoms to the surgery, and out and in-hospital factors associated with this time using generalized linear models. Results Eight hundred three patients were included in the study. Total pre-surgical time was longer in perforated appendicitis (PA) group (2.65 days, standard deviation (SD) 1.88 vs. 2.04 days, SD 1.45) (p < 0.01). Factors associated with longer total and out-of-hospital presurgical times were age under 4 years old, lower socioeconomic status, father as a caregiver, self-medication, and underestimating disease severity. Conclusions Out-of-hospital timing determines the longer pre-surgical time in complicated appendicitis. Younger age and lower socioeconomic status affect time significantly. We suggest the implementation of strategies in order to lower prehospital time, rates, and costs of complicated appendicitis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03121-8.
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Bhattacharya J, Silver EJ, Blumfield E, Jan DM, Herold BC, Goldman DL. Clinical, Laboratory and Radiographic Features Associated With Prolonged Hospitalization in Children With Complicated Appendicitis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:828748. [PMID: 35463908 PMCID: PMC9019112 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.828748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In children with appendicitis, rupture of the appendix is associated with a significant increase in morbidity. We sought to characterize the spectrum of illness in children with complicated appendicitis and to define those factors associated with a longer hospital stay. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective review of 132 children, 18 years of age or younger at a large urban teaching hospital in the Bronx, NY between October 2015 and April 2018 with an intraoperative diagnosis of perforated appendix. Clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings were reviewed, and the primary study outcome was length of stay (LOS) dichotomized at the median, which was 7 days. Statistical analyses were done to characterize morbidity and define variables predictive of longer stay. RESULTS Children in the longer LOS group experienced significantly more morbidity, including ICU stay, ileus, and need for multiple drainage procedures. A longer duration of symptoms prior to presentation was associated with a longer stay. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of abscess and presence of free fluid in the right upper quadrant (RUQ FF) on initial imaging and C-reactive protein (CRP) level >12 at admission, were independently associated with a longer stay. CONCLUSION There is considerable variation in the morbidity of complicated appendicitis. The association between longer stay and the findings of abscess and RUQ FF on initial imaging along with an elevated CRP may provide a useful tool in identifying those children at risk for worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Bhattacharya
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ellen J Silver
- Academic General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Einat Blumfield
- Pediatric Radiology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Dominique M Jan
- Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Betsy C Herold
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - David L Goldman
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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Spatial-temporal clusters of pediatric perforated appendicitis in California. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1208-1213. [PMID: 33752913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perforated appendicitis is a well-documented child health disparity. Geographic patterns in perforated appendicitis exist in several United States regions, but such patterns have not been described in California. We aimed to analyze spatial-temporal patterns of pediatric perforated appendicitis and identify population characteristics contributing to these cluster patterns. METHODS We geocoded risk-adjusted perforated appendicitis rates per 1000 appendicitis cases in patients 1-17 years from 2005-2015 in California. We performed a space-time cube analysis to identify hot spot trends. We performed logistic regression to estimate rural classification associated with spatial-temporal hot spots and multivariate analysis to assess effects of socioeconomic factors. RESULTS In 2005-2015, 43,888 cases of pediatric perforated appendicitis occurred in California. Median risk-adjusted perforated appendicitis rate was 312 per 1000 appendicitis cases. We identified 11 spatial-temporal hot spots of perforated appendicitis. Rural micropolitan counties had 14 times higher odds of being classified as a hot spot (p<0.05, 95% CI 1-185). Poverty was a significant predictor of high perforated appendicitis median risk-adjusted rate (p<0.004). CONCLUSIONS We identified 11 California hot spots of perforated appendicitis that persisted across a ten-year time span. Incorporating geography alongside our understanding of socioeconomic factors is a critical step in addressing this important child health disparity.
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Bodnar C, Buss R, Somers K, Mokdad A, Van Arendonk KJ. Association of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage With Complicated Appendicitis in Children. J Surg Res 2021; 265:245-251. [PMID: 33962102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to poorer outcomes for a variety of health conditions in children, potentially through delay in accessing care. The objective of this study was to measure the association between SES and delay in surgical care as marked by presentation with complicated appendicitis (CA). METHODS Children treated for acute appendicitis between 2015-2019 at a large academic children's hospital were reviewed. Patient home addresses were used to calculate travel time to the children's hospital and to determine Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a neighborhood-level SES marker. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare the likelihood of CA across ADI while adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Of 1,697 children with acute appendicitis, 38.8% had CA. Compared to those with uncomplicated disease, children with CA were younger, lived farther from the children's hospital, and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance and have ED visits in the 30 days preceding diagnosis. Children with CA disproportionately came from disadvantaged neighborhoods (P < 0.007), with 32% from the two most disadvantaged ADI deciles. The odds of CA rose 5% per ADI decile-increase (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09, P = 0.02). Younger age and >60-min travel time were also associated with CA. Association between ADI and CA remained among younger (<10 y) children (aOR 1.07, 95%CI 1.00-1.15, P = 0.048) and those living closer (<30 min) to the hospital (aOR 1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS ADI is associated with CA among children, suggesting ADI may be a valuable marker of difficulty accessing surgical care among disadvantaged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bodnar
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Radek Buss
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kimberly Somers
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ali Mokdad
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Mitigating disparity in children with acute appendicitis: Impact of patient-driven protocols. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:663-667. [PMID: 33183744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous reports in the literature demonstrate racial and ethnic disparities for children diagnosed with acute appendicitis, with minorities experiencing worse outcomes. At our institution, we have developed an evidence based patient driven protocol for children following laparoscopic appendectomy. However, the influence of such protocol on mitigating racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to assess the impact of our protocol by evaluating the influence of race and ethnicity on surgical outcomes among children treated for acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted. Children undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy at our freestanding children's hospital between December 2015 and July 2017 were included. Demographic data, post-operative length of stay, same day discharge rates and hospital readmission rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Patients were classified by their race and ethnic background. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with a p value <.05 determined as significant. RESULTS A total of 786 children were included, with the majority being either White (70%, n = 547), Black (8%, n = 62) or Hispanic (17%, n = 133); 569 patients (72%) were found to have non-perforated appendicitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of same day discharge among White, Black or Hispanic children respectively (88% vs. 77% vs. 86%, p = .126). Of the 217 children with perforated appendicitis, Hispanic children had increased rates of perforation (41%, n = 55) compared to White and Black children respectively (23%, n = 128 and 29%, n = 18, p = .001). However, average post-operative length of stay were similar among White, Black and Hispanic children (96 h vs. 95 h vs. 98 h, p = .015). On multivariate analysis, the only significant risk factor for an elevated post-operative length of stay was the presence of a perforation. CONCLUSION Our evidence based patient driven protocol effectively mitigates racial and ethnic disparities found in children with acute appendicitis. Further prospective investigation into the role of such patient-driven protocols to mitigate healthcare disparities is warranted. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study; Level 3.
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Manworren RCB, Kaduwela N, Mishra T, Cooper J. Children's Opioid Use at Home After Laparoscopic Appendectomy. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:708-715. [PMID: 33812791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To combat the opioid epidemic, prescribers need accurate information about pediatric home opioid requirements to manage acute pain after surgery. Current opioid use estimates come from retrospective surveys; this study used medication adherence technology (eCAP) to track home opioid use. PURPOSE To describe children's pain treatment at home after laparoscopic appendectomy, and to compare self-reported opioid analgesic use to eCAP data and counts of returned pills. DESIGN Prospective exploratory and descriptive study METHODS: A convenience sample of 96 patients, 10-17 years of age, from a single urban nonprofit children's hospital consented to self-report pain treatment in 14-day diaries and use eCAP to monitor prescribed opioid use at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS Patients were prescribed 5-45 opioid-containing pills (mean ± standard deviation 15 ± 7.2). Of 749 opioid-containing pills prescribed to 49 patients who returned data, 689 pills were dispensed, 167.5 were used for the reason prescribed, 488 were returned to families for disposal, and 53.5 were missing. The majority of the 49 patients were opioid naïve (72%), Caucasian (64%), and male (56%), with a mean age of 14 years. Patients used 6.6 ± 6.3 opioid-containing pills by pill count and 5.6 ± 5.1 by self-report, a significant difference (p = .004). Unreported eCAP-enabled pill bottle openings typically occurred on weekends. CONCLUSION Medication adherence technology (eCAP) is a more rigorous method than self-report to estimate opioid needs and detect early opioid misuse. Additional rigorously designed studies of postoperative opioid use are needed to guide opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee C B Manworren
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| | | | | | - Jessica Cooper
- KaviGlobal, Barrington, Illinois; University of North Carolina Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Manworren RCB, Cooper J, Mishra T, Kaduwela N. Children's Pain at Home After Laparoscopic Appendectomy. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:623-630. [PMID: 33744106 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalized children experience moderate-to-severe pain after laparoscopic appendectomy, but knowledge of children's pain experiences after discharge home is limited. Accurate pain assessments are needed to guide appropriate pain treatment. AIMS To describe children's pain at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. DESIGN Prospective exploratory and descriptive METHODS: A convenience sample of 100 patients, aged 10-17 years, who spoke or wrote in English or Spanish, volunteered to complete 14-day pain diaries at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. Visual analytic techniques were used to analyze patterns of pain experiences. RESULTS Diaries were returned by 45 patients/parents, the majority of whom were White (64%), male (56%), adolescents (mean age 14 years) with no previous surgical history (70%), and whose appendix was inflamed (87%) but not perforated. More than 50% reported severe pain (4 or 5 on a 0-5 scale) on the first full day home after laparoscopic appendectomy. On day 7, 40% reported pain and on day 14, 16% were still reporting pain. Only rarely were pain scores not clinically significantly lower 1 hour after pain treatment, regardless of treatment type (e.g., nondrug, nonopioid, opioid). Reported pain intensity steadily decreased over time as did frequency of recorded pain scores. CONCLUSION Adolescents experience severe pain at home after laparoscopic appendectomy and some experience pain for 7 to 14 days after hospital discharge. Visual analytics better represent the dynamics of pain experiences than measures of central tendency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee C B Manworren
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago 60611, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago 60611, Illinois.
| | - Jessica Cooper
- University of North Carolina Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Cunningham ME, Zhu H, Hoch CT, DeMello AS, Gusman ND, Fallon SC, Lopez ME. Effectiveness of a clinical pathway for pediatric complex appendicitis based on antibiotic stewardship principles. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1026-1031. [PMID: 32192736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Outcomes and resource utilization were evaluated after implementing a novel complex appendicitis (CA) pathway limiting postoperative antibiotics based on clinical parameters. METHODS Children with intraoperative CA (gangrenous, perforated, or abscess) were treated with intravenous antibiotics postoperatively until clinical criteria were met, without utilizing CBC or oral antibiotics at discharge. An interrupted time series (pre-intervention, transition, post-intervention) was used to assess outcomes. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was analyzed using segmented regression. Intra-abdominal abscess and readmission rates were analyzed using non-inferiority and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Five hundred ten children were included with a median age of 10 [IQR7-12] years. There were no differences in postoperative LOS (slope - 0.008; p = 0.855), intra-abdominal abscess rate (5% vs. 8%; p = 0.135), or readmission rate (12% vs. 8%; p = 0.113) across time periods which remained true when adjusting for age, gender, and intraabdominal disease severity. Post-intervention outcomes were not inferior to pre-intervention, abscess rate (p = 0.002), or readmission rate (p < 0.001). Intraoperative findings of perforation (OR9.0; 95% CI1-71; p = 0.044) and perforation with abscess (OR18.2; 95% CI2-36; p = 0.005) were associated with a greater likelihood of postoperative abscess compared to gangrenous appendicitis. CONCLUSION A CA protocol based on clinical parameters is safe and effective, resulting in similar intra-abdominal abscess and readmission rates compared to more resource-intense regimens. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III TYPE OF RESEARCH: Interrupted Time Series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Cunningham
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Huirong Zhu
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Connor T Hoch
- Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Annalyn S DeMello
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Nakada D Gusman
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Sara C Fallon
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Monica E Lopez
- Texas Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 6701 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030.
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Sibia US, Onayemi AO, Turcotte JJ, Klune JR, Wormuth J, Buckley BM. Bundled Payments for Appendectomy: a Model of Financial Implications to Institutions. J Gastrointest Surg 2020; 24:643-649. [PMID: 30840183 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-019-04181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bundled payments are increasingly becoming common in surgery, yet little is known regarding their potential impact on reimbursements for patients presenting with acute appendicitis. This study examines the financial impact of bundled payments for acute appendicitis. METHODS This was a retrospective review of all open or laparoscopic appendectomies between July 2014 and June 2017. Patients that were not candidates for surgery were not included in this review. RESULTS Of the total 741 patients, 42.1% were diagnosed with complicated acute appendicitis. The median length of stay was 1 day (range, 0 to 21 days). The median hospital cost was $4183 (range, $2075 to $71,023). The 90-day readmission rate was 3.2%, with a mean cost of $5025 per readmission (range, $1595 to $10,795). Length of stay, hospital costs, and 90-day readmissions were significantly higher for complicated versus uncomplicated acute appendicitis. In our current fee-for-service model, hospital reimbursements resulted in margins of - 4.0% to 24.6% depending on the severity of disease. If we assume that bundled payments do not reimburse for readmissions, we estimate that our hospital would incur losses of - 5.7% for patients with acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis and - 20.2% for patients with acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS As bundled payments become more common, hospitals may incur significant losses for acute appendicitis under a model that does not reflect the heterogeneous nature of patients requiring appendectomies. These losses can range up to - 20.2% for complicated cases. Improving clinical outcomes by reducing readmissions may mitigate some of these anticipated losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udai S Sibia
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA.
| | - Ayolola O Onayemi
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA
| | - Justin J Turcotte
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA
| | - John R Klune
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA
| | - Jennifer Wormuth
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA
| | - Brooke M Buckley
- Department of Surgery, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, 21401, USA
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Are we ready for bundled payments for major bowel surgery? Surg Endosc 2019; 34:4950-4956. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-07287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Effects of Hospital Volume on Patient Outcomes and Costs in Infants With Pyloric Stenosis. J Surg Res 2018; 233:65-73. [PMID: 30502289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a well-established relationship between surgical volume and outcomes after complex pediatric operations. However, this relationship remains unclear for common pediatric procedures. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of hospital volume on outcomes after hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). METHODS The Kid's Inpatient Database (2003-2012) was queried for patients with congenital HPS, who underwent pyloromyotomy. Hospitals were stratified based on case volume. Low-volume hospitals performed the lowest quartile of pyloromyotomies per year and high-volume hospitals managed the highest quartile. Outcomes included complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost. RESULTS Overall, 2137 hospitals performed 51,792 pyloromyotomies. The majority were low-volume hospitals (n = 1806). High-volume hospitals comprised mostly children's hospitals (68%) and teaching hospitals (96.1%). The overall mortality rate was 0.1% and median LOS was 2 d. High-volume hospitals had lower overall complications (1.8% versus 2.5%, P < 0.01) and fewer patients with prolonged LOS (17.0% versus 23.5%, P < 0.01) but had similar rates of individual complications, similar mortality, and equivalent median LOS as low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also had higher costs by $1132 per patient ($5494 versus $4362, P < 0.01). Regional variations in outcomes and costs exist with higher complication rates in the West and lower costs in the South. There was no association between mortality or LOS with hospital volume or region. CONCLUSIONS Patients with pyloric stenosis treated at high-volume hospitals had no clinically significant difference in outcomes despite having higher costs. Although high-volume hospitals offer improved outcomes after complex pediatric surgeries, they may not provide a significant advantage over low-volume hospitals in managing common pediatric procedures, such as pyloromyotomy for congenital HPS.
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Anderson C, Peskoe S, Parmer M, Eddy N, Howe J, Fitzgerald TN. Children with appendicitis on the US-Mexico border have socioeconomic challenges and are best served by a freestanding children's hospital. Pediatr Surg Int 2018; 34:1269-1280. [PMID: 30267194 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-018-4353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The US-Mexico border is medically underserved. Recent political changes may render this population even more vulnerable. We hypothesized that children on the border present with high rates of perforated appendicitis due to socioeconomic barriers. METHODS A prospective survey was administered to children presenting with appendicitis in El Paso, Texas. Primary outcomes were rate of perforation and reason for diagnostic delay. We evaluated the association between demographics, potential barriers to care, risk of perforation and risk of misdiagnosis using logistic regression. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS 98 patients participated from October 2016 to February 2017. 96 patients (98%) were Hispanic and 81 (82%) had Medicaid or were uninsured. 11 patients (11%) resided in Mexico or Guatemala. Patients were less likely to receive a CT and more likely to receive an ultrasound if they presented to a freestanding children's hospital (p = 0.01). 37 patients (38%) presented with perforation, of which 19 (52%) were the result of practitioner misdiagnosis. Patients who presented to a freestanding children's hospital were less likely to be misdiagnosed than patients presenting to other facilities (p = 0.05). Children who underwent surgery in a freestanding children's hospital had the shortest length of stay after adjusting for perforation status and potential confounders (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Children with low socioeconomic status did not have difficulty accessing care on the USA-Mexico border, but they were commonly misdiagnosed. Children were less likely to receive a CT, more likely to be correctly diagnosed and length of stay was shorter when patients presented to a freestanding children's hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark Anderson
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, EI Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Peskoe
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Megan Parmer
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, EI Paso, TX, USA
| | - Nelda Eddy
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, EI Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jarett Howe
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, EI Paso, TX, USA
| | - Tamara N Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC, Box 3815, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Howell EC, Dubina ED, Lee SL. Perforation risk in pediatric appendicitis: assessment and management. PEDIATRIC HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2018; 9:135-145. [PMID: 30464677 PMCID: PMC6209076 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s155302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Perforated appendicitis, as defined by a visible hole in the appendix or an appendicolith free within the abdomen, carries significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis is challenging as there is no single symptom or sign that accurately predicts perforated appendicitis. Younger patients and those with increased duration of symptoms are at higher risk of perforated appendicitis. Elevated leukocytosis, bandemia, high C-reactive protein, hyponatremia, ultrasound, and CT are all useful tools in diagnosis. Distinguishing patients with perforation from those without is important given the influence of a perforation diagnosis on the management of the patient. Treatment for perforated appendicitis remains controversial as several options exist, each with its indications and merits, illustrating the complexity of this disease process. Patients may be managed non-operatively with antibiotics, with or without interval appendectomy. Patients may also undergo appendectomy early in the course of their index hospitalization. Factors known to predict failure of non-operative management include appendicolith, leukocytosis greater than 15,000 white blood cells per microliter, increased bands, and CT evidence of disease beyond the right lower quadrant. In this review, the indications and benefits of each treatment strategy will be discussed and an algorithm to guide treatment decisions will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Howell
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA,
| | - Emily D Dubina
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA,
| | - Steven L Lee
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA, .,Division of Pediatric Surgery, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA,
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Yousef Y, Youssef F, Homsy M, Dinh T, Pandya K, Stagg H, Baird R, Laberge JM, Poenaru D, Puligandla P, Shaw K, Emil S. Standardization of care for pediatric perforated appendicitis improves outcomes. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:1916-1920. [PMID: 28935397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of perforated appendicitis in children is characterized by significant variability in care, morbidity, resource utilization, and outcomes. We prospectively studied how minimization of care variability affects outcomes. METHODS A clinical pathway for perforated appendicitis, in use for three decades, was further standardized in May 2015 by initiation of a disease severity classification, refinement of discharge criteria, standardization of the operation, and establishment of criteria for use of postoperative total parenteral nutrition, imaging, and invasive procedures. Prospective evaluation of all children treated for 20months on the new fully standardized protocol was conducted and compared to a retrospective cohort treated over 58months prior to standardization. Differences between outcomes before and after standardization were analyzed using regression analysis techniques to adjust for disease severity. RESULTS Median follow-up time post discharge was 25 and 14days in the post- and prestandardization groups, respectively. Standardization significantly reduced postoperative abscess (9.8% vs. 17.4%, p=0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.002). Standardization reduced the odds of developing a postoperative abscess by four fold. CONCLUSION Minimizing variability of care at all points in the treatment of perforated appendicitis significantly improves outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY Prospective Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Yousef
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fouad Youssef
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Homsy
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Trish Dinh
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kartikey Pandya
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hayden Stagg
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Baird
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Martin Laberge
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dan Poenaru
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pramod Puligandla
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kenneth Shaw
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherif Emil
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Dickinson CM, Coppersmith NA, Luks FI. Early Predictors of Abscess Development after Perforated Pediatric Appendicitis. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2017; 18:886-889. [PMID: 29016242 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2017.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of children with appendicitis present with advanced disease or perforation. Whereas this increases the risk for post-operative complications and re-admission, it is not yet possible to predict early on who will develop an abdominal abscess. We sought to identify specific risk factors for this complication, in an attempt to streamline post-operative care. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the records of all cases of perforated appendicitis over a 12-month period at a tertiary children's hospital. All patients who developed an abscess despite treatment minimum of seven days of antibiotic therapy were identified. Patients who presented or were re-admitted with an abscess were excluded from analysis. Records were reviewed for demographics, laboratory results, progression of oral intake, and vital signs. RESULTS Of 273 patients with appendicitis, we identified 59 cases of perforated appendicitis. Fifteen patients were excluded. Eight of the remaining 44 patients (18.2%) developed an abscess during their initial admission. Their mean length of stay was longer than that of patients without an abscess (13.4 ± 7.1 vs. 6.9 ± 1.9 d, p < 0.0001). Gender, leukocytosis, or diarrhea at presentation, maximum temperature on post-operative day 3, and maximum heart rate on post-operative day 3 were not statistically different. Diet progression was different between the two groups: none of the 21 patients who were tolerating a regular diet by post-operative day 3 developed an abscess, compared with 8 of the 23 patients who were not yet eating a regular diet on post-operative day 3 (p < 0.01). Late leukocytosis also correlated with the presence of an abscess: 7 of the 8 patients with an abscess had persistent leukocytosis at days 5 through 7, compared with 3 of 31 patients without abscess (p < 0.05). An ultrasound was obtained for these 3 patients and proved normal. CONCLUSIONS Tolerating a regular diet three days after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis decreased the likelihood of a post-operative abscess. No other parameter was predictive of this complication early in the post-operative period. If confirmed in a larger prospective study, this finding may help decrease the length of stay for low-risk patients, and identify abscesses in high-risk patients in a timely fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Dickinson
- 1 Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Francois I Luks
- 3 Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,4 Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hasbro Children's Hospital , Providence, Rhode Island
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