Reflux related hospital admissions after fundoplication in children with neurological impairment: retrospective cohort study

Antireflux Procedures in Children With Neurologic Impairment: A National Survey of Physician Perspectives

OBJECTIVE

Decision-making about antireflux procedures (ARPs) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with neurologic impairment and gastrostomy tubes is challenging and likely influenced by physicians' experience and perspectives. This study will explore physician attitudes about ARPs and determine if there are relationships to clinical practice and personal characteristics.

METHODS

This is a national observational cross-sectional study that used an electronic questionnaire addressing reported practice, attitudes regarding the ARPs, and responses to clinical vignettes. Participants were physicians in Canadian tertiary-care pediatric settings. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze physician attitudes. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine associations between physician and practice characteristics and likelihood to consider ARP.

RESULTS

Eighty three respondents represented 12 institutions, with a majority from general or complex care pediatrics. There was a wide disparity between likelihood to consider ARP in each clinical scenario. Likelihood to consider ARP ranged from to 19% to 78% depending on the scenario. Two scenarios were equally split in whether the respondent would offer an ARP. None of the demographic characteristics were significantly associated with likelihood to consider ARP. Often, gastrojejunostomy tubes alone were considered (56% to 68%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variability in physician attitudes toward and recommendations regarding ARPs to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. We did not find a significant association with clinical experience or location of practice. More research is needed to define indications and outcomes for ARPs. This is a scenario where shared decision-making, bringing together physician and family knowledge and expertise, is likely the best course of action.

Antibiotics for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in children with neurodisability: Systematic review

AIM

Determine the optimal antibiotic choice for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children with neurodisability.

METHODS

Embase, Ovid Emcare and MEDLINE were searched for studies from inception to January 2023. All studies, except case reports, focusing on the antibiotic treatment of LRTI in children, with neurodisabilities were included. Outcomes included length of stay, intensive care admission and mortality.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria (5115 patients). All the studies were of low quality. The shortest length of stay was with anaerobic and gram-positive cover. Five studies used anaerobic, gram-positive and gram-negative cover (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanic acid), which was frequently adequate. In one large study, it was better than gram-positive and gram-negative cover alone (e.g. ceftriaxone). Those unresponsive or more unwell at presentation improved faster on Pseudomonas aeruginosa cover (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam).

CONCLUSION

In this context, anaerobic, gram-positive and gram-negative cover is just as effective as P. aeruginosa cover, supporting empiric treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. If there is a failure to improve, broadening to include P. aeruginosa could be considered. This is consistent with a consensus statement on the treatment of LRTI in children with neurodisability. An accepted definition for what constitutes LRTI in this cohort is required before designing prospective randomised trials.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment in Infancy Through Young Adulthood

Gastroesophageal reflux treatment varies greatly across the pediatric age spectrum. Infant reflux treatments rely heavily on nutritional interventions, whereas reflux in older children is treated more commonly with medications. However, because of the broad differential diagnosis, treatment nonresponse merits a re-evaluation of the diagnosis being treated and additional testing to provide a more precision-medicine approach to care.

Identifying children with medical complexity in administrative datasets in a Canadian context: study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Children with medical complexity and their families are an important population of interest within the Canadian healthcare system. Despite representing less than 1% of the paediatric population, children with medical complexity require extensive care and account for one third of paediatric healthcare expenditures. Opportunities to conduct research to assess disparities in care and appropriate allocation of health resources relies on the ability to accurately identify this heterogeneous group of children. This study aims to better understand the population of children with medical complexity in the Canadian Maritimes, including Nova Scotia (NS), New Brunswick (NB) and Prince Edward Island (PEI). This will be achieved through three objectives: (1) Evaluate the performance of three algorithms to identify children with medical complexity in the Canadian Maritimes in administrative data; then using the 'best fit' algorithm (2) Estimate the prevalence of children with medical complexity in the Canadian Maritimes from 2003 to 2017 and (3) Describe patterns of healthcare utilisation for this cohort of children across the Canadian Maritimes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The research will be conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, an expert panel will codevelop a gold-standard definition of paediatric medical complexity relevant to the Canadian Maritime population. A two-gate validation process will then be conducted using NS data and the gold-standard definition to determine the 'best fit' algorithm. During phase 2 the 'best fit' algorithm will be applied to estimate the prevalence of children with medical complexity in NS, NB and PEI. Finally, in phase 3 will describe patterns of healthcare utilisation across the Canadian Maritimes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval for this protocol was granted by the institutional research ethics board at the IWK Health Centre (REB # 1026245). A waiver of consent was approved. This study will use an integrated knowledge translation approach, where end users are involved in each stage of the project, which could increase uptake of the research into policy and practice. The findings of this research study will be submitted for publication and dissemination through conference presentations and with our end users.

Technology-Dependent Pediatric Inpatients at Children's Versus Nonchildren's Hospitals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Technology-dependent children (TDC) are admitted to both children's hospitals (CHs) and nonchildren's hospitals (NCHs), where there may be fewer pediatric-specific specialists or resources. Our objective was to compare the characteristics of TDC admitted to CHs versus NCHs.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective study using the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. We included patients aged 0 to 18 years with a tracheostomy, gastrostomy, and/or ventricular shunt. We excluded those who died, were transferred into or out of the hospital, had a length of stay (LOS) that was an extreme outlier, or had missing data for key variables. We compared patient and hospital characteristics across CH versus NCH using χ² tests and LOS and cost using generalized linear models.

RESULTS

In the final sample of 64 521 discharges, 55% of discharges of TDC were from NCHs. A larger proportion of those from CHs had higher disease severity (55% vs 49%; P < .001) and a major surgical procedure during hospitalization (28% vs 24%; P < .001). In an adjusted generalized linear model, the mean LOS was 4 days at both hospital types, but discharge from a CH was associated with a higher adjusted mean cost ($16 754 vs $12 023; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Because the majority of TDC are hospitalized at NCHs, future research on TDC should incorporate NCH settings. Further studies should investigate if some may benefit from regionalization of care or earlier transfer to a CH.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder in adults and children. The global prevalence of GERD is high and increasing. Non-erosive reflux disease is the most common phenotype of GERD. Heartburn and regurgitation are considered classic symptoms but GERD may present with various atypical and extra-oesophageal manifestations. The pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial and different mechanisms may result in GERD symptoms, including gastric composition and motility, anti-reflux barrier, refluxate characteristics, clearance mechanisms, mucosal integrity and symptom perception. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of GERD is commonly established on the basis of response to anti-reflux treatment; however, a more accurate diagnosis requires testing that includes upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and reflux monitoring. New techniques and new reflux testing parameters help to better phenotype the condition. In children, the diagnosis of GERD is primarily based on history and physical examination and treatment vary with age. Treatment in adults includes a combination of lifestyle modifications with pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical intervention. In refractory GERD, optimization of proton-pump inhibitor treatment should be attempted before a series of diagnostic tests to assess the patient's phenotype.

Timing of Co-occurring Chronic Conditions in Children With Neurologic Impairment

BACKGROUND

Children with neurologic impairment (NI) are at risk for developing co-occurring chronic conditions, increasing their medical complexity and morbidity. We assessed the prevalence and timing of onset for those conditions in children with NI.

METHODS

This longitudinal analysis included 6229 children born in 2009 and continuously enrolled in Medicaid through 2015 with a diagnosis of NI by age 3 in the IBM Watson Medicaid MarketScan Database. NI was defined with an existing diagnostic code set encompassing neurologic, genetic, and metabolic conditions that result in substantial functional impairments requiring subspecialty medical care. The prevalence and timing of co-occurring chronic conditions was assessed with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Chronic Condition Indicator system. Mean cumulative function was used to measure age trends in multimorbidity.

RESULTS

The most common type of NI was static (56.3%), with cerebral palsy (10.0%) being the most common NI diagnosis. Respiratory (86.5%) and digestive (49.4%) organ systems were most frequently affected by co-occurring chronic conditions. By ages 2, 4, and 6 years, the mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) numbers of co-occurring chronic conditions were 3.7 (95% CI 3.7-3.8), 4.6 (95% CI 4.5-4.7), and 5.1 (95% CI 5.1-5.2). An increasing percentage of children had ≥9 co-occurring chronic conditions as they aged: 5.3% by 2 years, 10.0% by 4 years, and 12.8% by 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with NI enrolled in Medicaid have substantial multimorbidity that develops early in life. Increased attention to the timing and types of multimorbidity in children with NI may help optimize their preventive care and case management health services.

Long-Term Analysis of Respiratory-Related Complications Following Gastrostomy Placement with or without Fundoplication in Neurologically Impaired Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Gastrostomy placement is crucial in neurologically impaired (NI) children to ensure an adequate food intake and a safe route for drugs administration and to reduce the risk of primary aspiration. NI patents are more prone to gastroesophageal reflux. The association with fundoplication is deemed to reduce reflux-related respiratory complications. However, long-term benefits of this approach are not clear. We therefore aimed to compare long-term reflux-related respiratory complications of gastrostomy only (GO) to gastrostomy with fundoplication (GF). We retrospectively reviewed 145 consecutive NI children managed from 2008 to 2018. As long-term outcomes, we analyzed number and length of hospital admissions (Reflux-Related-Hospitalization, RRH) and emergency department accesses (Reflux-Related-Accesses, RRA) due to respiratory problems. Results were analyzed with appropriate statistical method. Median age at referral and at gastrostomy placement were 2.2 and 3.4 years (SD 5.6), respectively. Median follow-up was four years (range 1-12). Anti-reflux procedures were performed in 26/145 patients (18%); tracheotomy in 23/145 (16%). RRH following surgery showed lower number of admissions/year (0.32 vs. 1 for GO vs. GF, p < 0.005) and days hospitalization/year (3 vs. 13, p = 0.08) in GO compared to GF; RRA was similar (0.60 vs. 0.65, p = 0.43). Gastrostomy placement alone appeared not to be inferior to gastrostomy plus fundoplication with respect to long-term respiratory-related outcomes for NI children in our center.

Aspiration pneumonia after antireflux surgery among neurologically impaired children with GERD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aspiration pneumonia is a common and serious complication to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among neurologically impaired children. Medication of GERD does not effectively prevent aspiration pneumonia, and whether antireflux surgery with fundoplication is better in this respect is uncertain. The objective was to determine whether fundoplication prevents aspiration pneumonia among children with neurological impairment and GERD.

METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, consisting of neurologically impaired children with GERD who underwent fundoplication. The risk of aspiration pneumonia before fundoplication (preoperative person-time) was compared with the risk after surgery (postoperative person-time). Multivariable Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Except for confounding adjusted for by means of the "crossover like" design, the HRs were adjusted for age, sex, year of entry and respiratory diseases.

RESULTS

Among 578 patients (median age 3.5 years), the preoperative person-time was 956 years and the postoperative person-time was 3324 years. Fundoplication was associated with 56% decreased overall HR of aspiration pneumonia (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.72), and the HRs decreased over time after surgery. The risk of other types of pneumonia than aspiration pneumonia was not clearly decreased after fundoplication (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.59-1.08). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.7% and the complication rate was 3.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery decreases, but does not eliminate, the risk of aspiration pneumonia among neurologically impaired children with GERD. Fundoplication may be a treatment option when aspiration pneumonia is a recurrent problem in these children.

TYPE OF STUDY

Cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis study-level I.

Variation in tonsillectomy cost and revisit rates: analysis of administrative and billing data from US children's hospitals

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common and cumulatively expensive surgical procedures in children. We determined if substantial variation in resource use, as measured by standardised costs, exists across hospitals for performing tonsillectomy and if higher resource use is associated with better quality of care, as measured by revisits to hospital.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children undergoing routine outpatient tonsillectomy between 2011 to 2017 across US children's hospitals using an administrative and billing data source. The primary outcome measures were the hospital tonsillectomy standardised cost and the 30-day revisit rate to hospital. We analysed the interhospital variation in standardised cost by determining the number of outlier hospitals in standardised cost and the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

131 814 children (median age 6 years, IQR: 4,9; female sex 52.5%) underwent tonsillectomy for airway obstruction (62.9%) and infection (23.9%) across 28 hospitals. The median adjusted hospital standardised cost for tonsillectomy was $2392 (IQR: $1827, $2793; range: $1166 to $4222). There was substantial interhospital variation in costs as 11 (40%) hospitals were cost outliers, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.62, suggesting that 62% of the variation in cost was attributable to variation between hospitals. The median hospital revisit rate was 9.5% (IQR: 7.8, 12.1) and higher hospital costs did not correlate with lower revisit rates (rs =0.03, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.41; p=0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial variation in hospital resource use and standardised costs for routine outpatient tonsillectomy across US children's hospitals. Higher resource use is not associated with lower revisit rates. Further study is needed to understand the practices of lower resource use hospitals who deliver high quality of care.

Risk of Hospitalizations Following Gastrostomy in Children with Intellectual Disability

OBJECTIVE

To examine the frequency of hospital admissions before and after gastrostomy insertion in children with severe intellectual disability.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative and disability data from Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW). Children born between 1983 and 2009 in WA and 2002 and 2010 in NSW who had a gastrostomy insertion performed (n = 673 [WA, n = 325; NSW, n = 348]) by the end of 2014 (WA) and 2015 (NSW) were included. Conditional Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the age-adjusted effect of gastrostomy insertion on acute hospitalizations for all-cause, acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and epilepsy admissions.

RESULTS

The incidence of all-cause hospitalizations declined at 5 years after procedure (WA cohort 1983-2009: incidence rate ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.60-0.80]; WA and NSW cohort 2002-2010: incidence rate ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.45-0.86]). Admissions for acute LRTI increased in the WA cohort and remained similar in the combined cohort. Admissions for epilepsy decreased 4 years after gastrostomy in the WA cohort and were generally lower in the combined cohort. Fundoplication seemed to decrease the relative incidence of acute LRTI admissions in the combined cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrostomy was associated with health benefits including reduced all-cause and epilepsy hospitalizations, but was not protective against acute LRTI. These decreases in hospitalizations may reflect improved delivery of nutrition and medications.

Evaluation and Management of Respiratory Illness in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of disability in childhood. Respiratory illness is the most common cause of mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of life in the most severely affected children. Respiratory illness is caused by multiple and combined factors. This review describes these factors and discusses assessments and treatments. Oropharyngeal dysphagia causes pulmonary aspiration of food, drink, and saliva. Speech pathology assessments evaluate safety and adequacy of nutritional intake. Management is holistic and may include dental care, and interventions to improve nutritional intake, and ease, and efficiency of feeding. Behavioral, medical, and surgical approaches to drooling aim to reduce salivary aspiration. Gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to aspiration from reflux, should be assessed objectively, and may be managed by lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions. The motor disorder that defines cerebral palsy may impair fitness, breathing mechanics, effective coughing, and cause scoliosis in individuals with severe impairments; therefore, interventions should maximize physical, musculoskeletal functions. Airway clearance techniques help to clear secretions. Upper airway obstruction may be treated with medications and/or surgery. Malnutrition leads to poor general health and susceptibility to infection, and improved nutritional intake may improve not only respiratory health but also constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and participation in activities. There is some evidence that children with CP carry pathogenic bacteria. Prophylactic antibiotics may be considered for children with recurrent exacerbations. Uncontrolled seizures place children with CP at risk of respiratory illness by increasing their risk of salivary aspiration; therefore optimal control of epilepsy may reduce respiratory illness. Respiratory illnesses in children with CP are sometimes diagnosed as asthma; a short trial of asthma medications may be considered, but should be discontinued if ineffective. Overall, management of respiratory illness in children with CP is complex and needs well-coordinated multidisciplinary teams who communicate clearly with families. Regular immunizations, including annual influenza vaccination, should be encouraged, as well as good oral hygiene. Treatments should aim to improve quality of life for children and families and reduce burden of care for carers.

Predictors of multiple readmissions or death in the first year after Nissen fundoplication in children

PURPOSE

Nissen fundoplication (NF) is commonly performed in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients undergoing NF often have co-morbidities. Reported outcomes of NF vary considerably. This study investigated which factors might predict multiple readmissions or death in the first year following NF at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 187 children who underwent NF at our institution between January 2004 and December 2015 was undertaken. Underlying medical conditions, age, weight, presence of malnutrition, length of hospital stay prior to surgery and type of surgery were recorded. Patients who had more than one admission in the first post-operative year were compared to those who had one or none, and patients who died within the first post-operative year were compared to those who did not.

RESULTS

Risk factors for multiple readmissions were underlying cardiac disease (p = 0.011), esophageal atresia (EA) (p = 0.011), and esophageal stricture (p = 0.0002). Risk factors for death included younger age (p = 0.028), need for gastrostomy tube (GT) (p = 0.01) and prolonged pre-operative hospital admission (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

This study identified multiple factors associated with readmission and death in the first year after NF. These findings will help with the counseling patients and caregivers regarding expectations following NF.

Survival and Health Care Use After Feeding Tube Placement in Children With Neurologic Impairment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Children with neurologic impairment (NI) often undergo feeding tube placement for undernutrition or aspiration. We evaluated survival and acute health care use after tube placement in this population.

METHODS

This is a population-based exposure-crossover study for which we use linked administrative data from Ontario, Canada. We identified children aged 13 months to 17 years with a diagnosis of NI undergoing primary gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy tube placement between 1993 and 2015. We determined survival time from procedure until date of death or last clinical encounter and calculated mean weekly rates of unplanned hospital days overall and for reflux-related diagnoses, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits. Rate ratios were estimated from negative binomial generalized estimating equation models adjusting for time and age.

RESULTS

Two-year survival after feeding tube placement was 87.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.2%-89.4%) and 5-year survival was 75.8% (95% CI: 72.8%-78.4%). The adjusted rate ratio comparing weekly rates of unplanned hospital days during the 2 years after versus before tube placement was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.57-1.48). Similarly, rates of reflux-related hospital days, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits were unchanged. Unplanned hospital days were stable within subgroups, although rates across subgroups varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality is high among children with NI after feeding tube placement. However, the stability of health care use before and after the procedure suggests that the high mortality may reflect underlying fragility rather than increased risk from nonoral feeding. Further research to inform risk stratification and prognostic accuracy is needed.

Optimizing the Use of Medications and Other Therapies in Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the retrograde movement of gastric (and sometimes duodenal) contents into the esophagus. While the majority of GER is physiologic, for patients, it can be associated with symptoms. While some symptoms are merely bothersome (crying), others can be life threatening (cough, gagging, choking). The main driver of GER in infants is the frequent feedings that produce increased intra-abdominal pressure, which is known to trigger transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. The recent 2018 clinical practice guidelines reported by the North American and European Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN) have recommended non-pharmacologic management initially with subsequent consideration of brief trials with acid suppressants. The main target for these acid suppressants is the gastric parietal cells. Our review of the literature has revealed a paucity of data regarding the use of histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors in infants. Despite the absence of well-controlled clinical studies, the prescription rate of these medications has increased internationally. Risks to patients of all ages have become increasingly recognized, with new associations being reported all too often. Here we report our review of all pharmacologic modalities as well as some non-surgical options.

Analysis of Growth, Nutritional Status and Hospital Visitation Scores Associated with Reflux After Nissen Fundoplication in Neurologically Impaired Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux

BACKGROUND

Neurologically impaired children (NIC) often experience swallowing difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although these conditions could place children in a state of poor nutritional status and prevent them from thriving, there is insufficient research evaluating growth and nutritional status following fundoplication in these patients.

METHOD

This is a retrospective study of patients who were neurologically impaired and underwent Nissen fundoplication between April 2001 and March 2015. Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and the follow-up period was 12 months or longer. Growth was measured by the change in body weight and height. Nutritional status was measured by the change in body mass index, serum albumin and protein level.

RESULTS

Median age at operation was 1.85 years old, and median body weight was 10 kg. The respective Z scores for weight and height showed significant improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (-2.42 ± 2.19 vs. -1.31 ± 1.96, P < 0.001) (-1.6 ± 2.16 vs. -1.05 ± 1.69, P = 0.002). The respective Z scores for body mass index, albumin and protein also showed improvements after 1 year since the operation compared to 1 year within the operation (-2.07 ± 2.99 vs. -0.89 ± 2.1, P < 0.001) (3.55 ± 0.48 vs. 3.86 ± 0.45, P < 0.001) (6.22 ± 0.76 vs. 6.65 ± 0.51, P < 0.001). Hospital visitation scores associated with reflux were significantly lower after the operation (4.1 ± 3.43 vs. 1.18 ± 1.67, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, after Nissen fundoplication in NIC with GER, growth and nutritional status improved significantly. Also, hospital visitation scores associated with reflux decreased after the operation.

Associations of Coexisting Conditions with Healthcare Spending for Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE

To determine which coexisting conditions have the strongest associations with healthcare use and spending among children with cerebral palsy (CP).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 16 695 children ages 0-18 years with CP - identified with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes - using Medicaid from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 from 10 states in the Truven MarketScan Medicaid Database. Using generalized linear models, we assessed which coexisting conditions (including medical technology) identified with Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Chronic Condition Indicators had the strongest associations with total healthcare spending across the healthcare continuum.

RESULTS

Median per-patient annual Medicaid spending for children with CP was $12 299 (IQR $4826-$35 582). Most spending went to specialty (33.1%) and hospital (26.7%) care. The children had a median 6 (IQR 4-10) coexisting conditions; epilepsy was the most common (38.1%). Children with epilepsy accounted for 59.6% ($364 million) of all CP spending. In multivariable analysis, the coexisting conditions most strongly associated with increased spending were tracheostomy (median additional cost per patient = $56 567 [95%CI $51 386-61 748]) and enterostomy (median additional cost per patient = $25 707 [95%CI $23 753-27 660]).

CONCLUSIONS

Highly prevalent in children with CP using Medicaid, coexisting conditions correlate strongly with healthcare spending. Tracheostomy and enterostomy, which indicate significant functional impairments in breathing and digestion, are associated with the highest spending. Families, providers, payers, and legislators may leverage these findings when designing policies positioned to enable the best health and care for children with cerebral palsy.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Aerodigestive Disorders

This relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and airway disorders is complex, possibly bidirectional, and not clearly defined. The tools used to investigate gastroesophageal reflux are mostly informative about involvement of gastroesophageal reflux within the gastrointestinal tract, although they are often utilized to study the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and airway issues with are suspected to occur in relation to reflux. These modalities often lack specificity for reflux-related airway disorders. Co-incidence of gastroesophageal reflux and airway disorders does not necessarily infer causality. While much of our focus has been on managing acidity, controlling refluxate is an area that has not been traditionally aggressively pursued. Our management approach is based on some of the evidence presented, but also often from a lack of adequate study to provide further guidance.

Risk factors for hospitalizations due to bacterial respiratory tract infections after tracheotomy

OBJECTIVE

Identify characteristics associated with hospital readmission due to bacterial respiratory tract infections (bRTI) after tracheotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of 8009 children 0-17 years undergoing tracheotomy from 2007 to 2013 at 48 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. The primary outcome was first hospital admission after tracheotomy for bRTI (ie, primary diagnosis of bRTI or a primary diagnosis of bRTI symptom and secondary diagnosis of bRTI). We used Cox-proportional hazard modeling to assess associations between patient demographic and clinical characteristics and bRTI hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Median age at tracheotomy admission was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-50 months). Thirty-six percent (n = 2899) had at least one bRTI admission. Median time-to-readmission for bRTI was 275 days (IQR: 141-530). Factors independently associated with increased risk for bRTI readmission were younger age (eg, age < 30 days vs 13-17 years [aHR 1.32; 95%CI: 1.11-1.58]), Hispanic race/ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic White; aHR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.20-1.50), government insurance (vs private; aHR 1.21; 95%CI: 1.10-1.33), >2 complex chronic conditions (vs zero; aHR 1.96; 95%CI: 1.34-2.86) and discharge to home (vs post-acute care setting; aHR 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.32). Trauma diagnosis at tracheotomy (aHR 0.83; 95%CI: 0.69-1) and ventilator dependency (aHR 0.88; 95%CI: 0.81-0.97) were associated with decreased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Young, Hispanic children with multiple complex chronic conditions who use Medicaid insurance and are not discharged to post-acute care are at the highest risk for hospital readmission for bRTI post-tracheotomy. Future research should investigate strategies to mitigate this risk for these children.

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinical Practice Guidelines: Joint Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

This document serves as an update of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2009 clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants and children and is intended to be applied in daily practice and as a basis for clinical trials. Eight clinical questions addressing diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic topics were formulated. A systematic literature search was performed from October 1, 2008 (if the question was addressed by 2009 guidelines) or from inception to June 1, 2015 using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to define and prioritize outcomes. For therapeutic questions, the quality of evidence was also assessed using GRADE. Grading the quality of evidence for other questions was performed according to the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (QUADAS) and Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tools. During a 3-day consensus meeting, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. In cases where no randomized controlled trials (RCT; therapeutic questions) or diagnostic accuracy studies were available to support the recommendations, expert opinion was used. The group members voted on each recommendation, using the nominal voting technique. With this approach, recommendations regarding evaluation and management of infants and children with GERD to standardize and improve quality of care were formulated. Additionally, 2 algorithms were developed, 1 for infants <12 months of age and the other for older infants and children.

Factors associated with 30-day all-cause hospital readmission after tracheotomy in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with post-tracheotomy hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge.

METHODS

Children 18 years and younger who underwent tracheotomy at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) between 1/1/2005 and 12/31/2013 with at least 30 days of follow-up at CHLA were identified through ICD-9 procedure codes. Patient characteristics and covariates were obtained by linking manual chart review and administrative data. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent association between risk factors and the primary outcome of 30-day all-cause same-hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Of the 273 patients included, the median age at admission was 6 months [interquartile range (IQR): 1-51 months]. Among this primarily male (60.8%) and Hispanic (66.3%) cohort with a high proportion of discharge on positive pressure ventilation (47.1%), the 30-day readmission rate was 22% (n = 60). Of the readmissions, 92% (n = 55) were unplanned and 64% (n = 35) were associated with acute respiratory illnesses. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that, among patients ≤12 months, discharge on positive pressure ventilation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19-6.97] was associated with increased odds of readmission, while gastrostomy tube placement during the tracheotomy hospitalization (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19-0.96) and prematurity (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15-0.83) were associated with decreased odds of readmission. In patients >1 year of age, increased length of hospitalization (aOR = 1.01 per hospital day, 95% CI = 1-1.02) and presence of comorbid malignancy (aOR = 6.03, 95% CI = 1.25-29.16) were associated with increased odds of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one-fifth of children undergoing tracheotomy had an unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days after discharge. Because the majority of readmissions were unplanned and due to acute respiratory illnesses, future research should investigate how discharge procedures and improved care coordination may lower readmission rates in high-risk patients (e.g., patients discharged on positive pressure ventilation).

How to Care for Patients with EA-TEF: The Known and the Unknown

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Guidelines were recently published highlighting why esophageal atresia (EA) patients are prone to complication risks, and the need for long-term follow-up. In this review, we will focus on how to investigate and treat potential complications, as well as the pros and cons of different investigative and treatment modalities, and what areas continue to need further research.

RECENT FINDINGS

EA patients are at high risk for gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal strictures, and the sequela that result. Extraintestinal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can appear similar to other pathologic diagnoses commonly found in EA patients, such as congenital stricture, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal dysmotility, tracheomalacia, recurrent fistula, aspiration, etc. Therefore, it is important to have a standardized way to monitor for these issues. pH impedance allows for detection of nonacid reflux and the height of reflux, which are important in correlating symptoms with reflux episodes. A multidisciplinary approach is beneficial in evaluating and monitoring EA patients in the long term.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and post-tracheotomy bacterial respiratory tract infection readmissions

OBJECTIVE

Identify risk factors for readmission due to a bacterial tracheostomy-associated respiratory tract infection (bTARTI) within 12 months of discharge after tracheotomy.

DESIGN/METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 240 children who underwent tracheotomy and were discharged with tracheotsomy in place between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2013. Children with prolonged total or post-tracheotomy length of stay (LOS), less than 12 months of follow-up, or who died during the index hospitalization were excluded. Readmission for a bTARTI (eg, pneumonia, tracheitis) treated with antibiotics, as ascertained by manual chart review, was the outcome variable. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent association between risk factors and hospital readmission for bTARTI within 12 months.

RESULTS

At index hospitalizations for tracheotomy, the median admission age was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2-43 months) and median LOS was 73 days (IQR 43-121 days). Most patients were of Hispanic ethnicity (n = 162, 68%) and were publicly insured (n = 213, 89%). Nearly half (n = 112, 47%) were discharged on positive pressure mechanical ventilation. Many (n = 103, 43%) were admitted for bTARTI within 12 months of discharge. Only Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-3.9; P = 0.03) and acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa between tracheotomy and discharge from index hospitalization (AOR 3.2; 95%CI: 1.2-8.3; P = 0.02) were independently associated with increased odds of bTARTI readmission, while discharge on gastrointestinal pro-motility agents was associated with decreased risk (AOR = 0.4; 95%CI: 0.2-0.8; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hispanic ethnicity and post-tracheotomy acquisition of P. aeruginosa during initial hospitalization are associated with bTARTI readmission.

Comorbidities and Complications of Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

General pediatricians and hospitalists are increasingly summoned to optimize the comorbid conditions of children with medical complexity (CMC) undergoing major surgery. We assessed the relationship between specific chronic conditions of CMC and hospital resource use with spinal fusion for scoliosis, an operation with high cost and morbidity.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 7252 children age ≥5 years with an underlying complex chronic condition undergoing spinal fusion between January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014 in 41 children's hospitals. Hospital length of stay (LOS), cost, and 30-day readmission rate were compared across comorbid conditions by using linear and logistic regression accounting for demographic characteristics and clustering of patients by hospital.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine percent of children had ≥4 comorbid conditions. As the number of chronic conditions increased from 1-3 to ≥10, median LOS increased 60% (5 [interquartile range (IQR), 4-7] to 8 [IQR, 5-13] days); median hospital cost increased 53% ($52 319 [IQR, $37 937-71 513] to $80 429 [IQR, $58 602-$111 965]); and readmission rates increased 293% (5.4% to 15.8%) (P < .001 for all). In multivariable analysis, conditions strongly associated with LOS and cost were chronic respiratory insufficiency (LOS: +2.1 days; cost: +$12 070; and bladder dysfunction (LOS: +0.8 days; cost: +$4014) (P < .001 for all). Readmission likelihood was highest with bladder dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0) and epilepsy (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic respiratory insufficiency, bladder dysfunction, and epilepsy had significant associations with hospital resource use for CMC undergoing spinal fusion. Pediatricians, patients, and families may find it useful to consider these conditions when striving to benefit the children's perioperative health and outcomes.

Effectiveness of Fundoplication or Gastrojejunal Feeding in Children With Neurologic Impairment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), aspiration, and secondary complications lead to morbidity and mortality in children with neurologic impairment (NI), dysphagia, and gastrostomy feeding. Fundoplication and gastrojejunal (GJ) feeding can reduce risk. We compared GJ to fundoplication using first-year postprocedure reflux-related hospitalization (RRH) rates.

METHODS

We identified children with NI, dysphagia requiring gastrostomy tube feeding and GER undergoing initial GJ placement or fundoplication from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012. Data came from the Pediatric Health Information Systems augmented by laboratory, microbiology, and radiology results. GJ placement was ascertained using radiology results and fundoplication by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Subjects were matched within hospital using propensity scores. The primary outcome was first-year postprocedure RRH rate (hospitalization for GER disease, other esophagitis, aspiration pneumonia, other pneumonia, asthma, or mechanical ventilation). Secondary outcomes included failure to thrive, death, repeated initial intervention, crossover intervention, and procedural complications.

RESULTS

We identified 1178 children with fundoplication and 163 with GJ placement, matching 114 per group. Matched sample RRH incident rate per child-year (95% confidence interval) for GJ was 2.07 (1.62-2.64) and for fundoplication 1.67 (1.28-2.18), P = .19. Odds of death were similar between groups. Failure to thrive, repeat of initial intervention, and crossover intervention were more common in the GJ group.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with NI, GER, and dysphagia: fundoplication and GJ feeding have similar RRH outcomes. Either intervention can reduce future aspiration risk; the choice can reflect non-RRH-related complication risks, caregiver preference, and clinician recommendation.

Concomitant Fundoplication With Gastrostomy: A Two-State Comparison Showing Continued Use of Reflux Medications

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether practice differences for fundoplication exist between 2 geographically distinct states, and to determine the reflux medication use pattern associated with concomitant fundoplication.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study of children in Colorado (CO) and North Carolina (NC) insured by Medicaid from 2006 to 2008. Children who received a surgical gastrostomy during the study period were included, and our primary outcome measure was the performance of a concomitant gastric fundoplication. Thirty-day prescription fills for reflux medications were examined before and after gastrostomy procedure.

RESULTS

We examined 969 surgical gastrostomy admission in both states over the 3-year study period (CO, n = 341 and NC, n = 628). Patients in each state had similar age (median age, 6 months, P = 0.97). Use of pH probe (CO: 15%, NC: 11%) and diagnosis of reflux (CO: 84%, NC: 72%) differed in each state. Concomitant fundoplication was performed in 60% of patients in CO and 43% in NC (P < 0.01). Age less than 6 months was associated with an increased adjusted odds of fundoplication in CO (OR 9.77, CI, 3.91, 24.43), but less so in NC (OR 2.73, CI, 1.48, 5.04). Among patients undergoing gastrostomy, the proportion of patients on reflux medication 4 to 6 months post-discharge did not differ between those receiving fundoplication and those that did not in either state.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of concomitant fundoplication varied in the 2 states despite patients having similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Antireflux surgery was not associated with a reduction in reflux medications in either state.

ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Complications in Children With Esophageal Atresia-Tracheoesophageal Fistula

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia (EA) is one of the most common congenital digestive anomalies. With improvements in surgical techniques and intensive care treatments, the focus of care of these patients has shifted from mortality to morbidity and quality-of-life issues. These children face gastrointestinal (GI) problems not only in early childhood but also through adolescence and adulthood. There is, however, currently a lack of a systematic approach to the care of these patients. The GI working group of International Network on Esophageal Atresia comprises members from ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN and was charged with the task of developing uniform evidence-based guidelines for the management of GI complications in children with EA.

METHODS

Thirty-six clinical questions addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the common GI complications in patients with EA were formulated. Questions on the diagnosis, and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, management of "cyanotic spells," etiology, investigation and management of dysphagia, feeding difficulties, anastomotic strictures, congenital esophageal stenosis in EA patients were addressed. The importance of excluding eosinophilic esophagitis and associated GI anomalies in symptomatic patients with EA is discussed as is the quality of life of these patients and the importance of a systematic transition of care to adulthood. A systematic literature search was performed from inception to March 2014 using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, and PsychInfo databases. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was applied to evaluate outcomes. During 2 consensus meetings, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. The group members voted on each recommendation, using the nominal voting technique. Expert opinion was used where no randomized controlled trials were available to support the recommendation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

Despite the frequency with which antireflux procedures are performed, decisions about gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment remain challenging. Several factors contribute to the difficulties in managing gastroesophageal reflux. First, the distinction between physiologic and pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD) is not always clear. Second, measures of the extent of gastroesophageal reflux often poorly correlate to symptoms or other complications attributed to reflux in infants and children. A third challenge is that the outcome of antireflux procedures, predominately fundoplications, are relatively poorly characterized. All of these factors contribute to difficulty in knowing when to recommend antireflux surgery. One of the manifestations of the uncertainties surrounding GERD is the high degree of variability in the utilization of pediatric antireflux procedures throughout the United States. Pediatric surgeons are frequently consulted for GERD and fundoplication, uncertainties notwithstanding. Although retrospective series and anecdotal observations support fundoplication in some patients, there are many important questions for which sufficient high-quality data to provide a clear answer is lacking. In spite of this, surgeons need to provide guidance to patients and families while awaiting the development of improved evidence to aid in these recommendations. The purpose of this article is to define what is known and what is uncertain, with an emphasis on the most recent evidence.

Hospital Use in the Last Year of Life for Children With Life-Threatening Complex Chronic Conditions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although many adults experience resource-intensive and costly health care in the last year of life, less is known about these health care experiences in children with life-threatening complex chronic conditions (LT-CCCs). We assessed hospital resource use in children by type and number of LT-CCCs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 1252 children with LT-CCCs, ages 1 to 18 years, who died in 2012 within 40 US children's hospitals of the Pediatric Health Information System database. LT-CCCs were identified with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Using generalized linear models, we assessed hospital admissions, days, costs, and interventions (mechanical ventilation and surgeries) in the last year of life by type and number of LT-CCCs.

RESULTS

In the last year of life, children with LT-CCCs experienced a median of 2 admissions (interquartile range [IQR] 1-5), 27 hospital days (IQR 7-84), and $142 562 (IQR $45 270-$410 087) in hospital costs. During the terminal admission, 76% (n = 946) were mechanically ventilated; 36% (n = 453) underwent surgery. Hospital use was greatest (P < .001) among children with hematologic/immunologic conditions (99 hospital days [IQR 51-146]; cost = $504 145 [IQR $250 147-$879 331]) and children with ≥3 LT-CCCs (75 hospital days [IQR 28-132]; cost = $341 222 [IQR $146 698-$686 585]).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital use for children with LT-CCCs in the last year of life varies significantly across the type and number of conditions. Children with hematologic/immunologic or multiple conditions have the greatest hospital use. This information may be useful for clinicians striving to improve care for children with LT-CCCs nearing the end of life.

Anti-gastroesophageal reflux surgery in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Gastroesophageal reflux may exacerbate lung disease in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Anti-reflux surgery may therefore reduce the severity of this disease in some infants. We report a retrospective series of 22 infants with severe BPD who underwent anti-reflux surgery. Our experience indicates that these procedures can be safely performed in this population and that early post-operative initiation of gastric feeds is well tolerated. Modest post-operative reductions in required oxygen and median respiratory rate were observed.

Pediatric complex chronic conditions classification system version 2: updated for ICD-10 and complex medical technology dependence and transplantation

BACKGROUND

The pediatric complex chronic conditions (CCC) classification system, developed in 2000, requires revision to accommodate the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision (ICD-10). To update the CCC classification system, we incorporated ICD-9 diagnostic codes that had been either omitted or incorrectly specified in the original system, and then translated between ICD-9 and ICD-10 using General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs). We further reviewed all codes in the ICD-9 and ICD-10 systems to include both diagnostic and procedural codes indicative of technology dependence or organ transplantation. We applied the provisional CCC version 2 (v2) system to death certificate information and 2 databases of health utilization, reviewed the resulting CCC classifications, and corrected any misclassifications. Finally, we evaluated performance of the CCC v2 system by assessing: 1) the stability of the system between ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes using data which included both ICD-9 codes and ICD-10 codes; 2) the year-to-year stability before and after ICD-10 implementation; and 3) the proportions of patients classified as having a CCC in both the v1 and v2 systems.

RESULTS

The CCC v2 classification system consists of diagnostic and procedural codes that incorporate a new neonatal CCC category as well as domains of complexity arising from technology dependence or organ transplantation. CCC v2 demonstrated close comparability between ICD-9 and ICD-10 and did not detect significant discontinuity in temporal trends of death in the United States. Compared to the original system, CCC v2 resulted in a 1.0% absolute (10% relative) increase in the number of patients identified as having a CCC in national hospitalization dataset, and a 0.4% absolute (24% relative) increase in a national emergency department dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

The updated CCC v2 system is comprehensive and multidimensional, and provides a necessary update to accommodate widespread implementation of ICD-10.

Pediatric hospital care for children with life-threatening illness and the role of palliative care

Under increasing pressure to contain costs, hospitals are challenged to provide high-quality care to an increasingly complex group of children with life-threatening illness (LTI) that often worsen over time. Pediatric palliative care is an essential component of optimal hospital care delivery for these children and their families. This article describes (1) the current landscape of pediatric hospital care for children with LTI, (2) the connection between palliative care and hospital care for such children, and (3) the relationship between health care reform and palliative care for children with LTI.

Fundoplication in neonates and infants with primary gastroesophageal reflux

PURPOSE

Gastroesophageal reflux in infant is a physiological process. However, surgery is performed in high risk infants with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when medical management fails. This study focuses on efficacy and safety of Nissen fundoplication for GERD in infants under age 12 months.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective case analysis of 11 neonates and infants under 12 months of age who underwent Nissen fundoplication following a failure of medical treatment between June 2010 and June 2013 at Pusan National University Children's Hospital. The records were reviewed to determine the effect of fundoplication on symptoms and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 11 infants consist of four males and seven females. Mean birth weight was 2,305.5±558.6 g (1,390-3,130 g). They had some underlying disease, which are not related with GERD such as congenital heart disease (54.5%), prematurity (45.5%), neurologic disease (18.2%), respiratory disease (18.2%), and other gastrointestinal disease. Mean body weight at surgery was 3,803.6±1,864.9 g (1,938.7-5,668.5 g). Mean age at operation was 99.9±107.6 days (17-276 days). Duration from operation to full enteral feeding was 10.9 days. Symptoms related GERD disappeared in all patients including one who got reoperation. One infant died of congenital heart disease unrelated to surgery. There were no complications related to fundoplication.

CONCLUSION

Fundoplication is effective and safe treatment in the neonates and infants with severe GERD.

Effect of gastrojejunal feedings on visits and costs in children with neurologic impairment

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of gastrojejunal tube (GJT) feedings in children with neurologic impairment (NI) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)- and/or dysfunctional swallowing-related visits and their associated costs.

METHODS

The present study is a retrospective cohort study of children with NI and GERD who underwent GJT placement at the study hospital from December 1999 to October 2006. Visits (emergency department, radiology, and hospitalizations) were reviewed from the time of birth until 1 year following GJT placement and classified as either not GERD and/or dysfunctional swallowing related or GERD and/or dysfunctional swallowing related (eg, pneumonias). Incident rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated by dividing the post-GJT visit rate by the pre-GJT visit rate. Other outcomes included associated costs, fundoplications, and deaths.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients met inclusion criteria. The IRR for total visits was 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.81) and for GERD- and/or dysfunctional swallowing-related visits 2.88 (95% CI 1.68-4.94). Feeding tube-related visits (IRR 5.36, 95% CI 2.73-10.51) accounted for the majority. GERD- and/or dysfunctional swallowing-related costs per child per year were low overall, with no difference from pre-GJT versus post-GJT placement ($1851 vs $4601, P = 0.89). Seven (21%) children underwent Nissen fundoplication and 4 (12%) died within 1 year of GJT placement. Two deaths involved jejunal perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with NI and GERD who are treated with GJT feedings have significantly more GERD- and/or dysfunctional swallowing-related visits in the following year. The majority of these visits are because of the procedural complications, which are inexpensive. There is, however, mortality associated with the GJT and some children proceed to a fundoplication.

Outpatient respiratory management of the child with severe neurological impairment

Most paediatricians will have faced the challenge of managing respiratory problems in the child with severe neurological impairment. These children are under-represented in clinical trials, and data is therefore often extrapolated from other groups, for example children with cystic fibrosis. This means that robust evidence for respiratory management in children with severe neurological impairment is often lacking. Here we have attempted to piece together the existing evidence to provide a rational approach to the management of respiratory problems in children with severe neurological impairment. We also hope to highlight areas of uncertainty, in order to aid honest discussions with families. The respiratory management of the child with neuromuscular disease is beyond the scope of this article.

Surgical management of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in the pediatric population. Most cases represent physiologic GER and as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) matures and a solid diet is introduced, many of these patients (>65%) experience spontaneous resolution of symptoms by two years of age. Those who continue to have symptoms and develop complications such as failure to thrive, secondary respiratory disease, and others are classified as having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Goals of GERD treatment include the resolution of symptoms and prevention of complications. Treatment options to achieve these goals include dietary or behavioral modifications, pharmacologic intervention, and surgical therapy. This paper will review the clinical presentation of GERD and discuss options for surgical management and outcomes in these patients.

Antireflux surgery in children with neurological impairment: caregiver perceptions and complications

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to report caregiver perceptions to antireflux surgery and gastrostomy in children with severe neurological impairment and to report the complications of the surgery.

METHODS

Children were identified from a clinic database and clinical information and surgical complications were extracted from the database and hospital medical records. A cross-sectional questionnaire addressing severity of symptoms was administered to parents/caregivers and scored with a 5-point Likert scale (1 is much better to 5, much worse).

RESULTS

A total of 122 children, median age 74 months (interquartile range 29-124), 63% spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, had antireflux surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 77 of 122 (63%) and 117 of 122 (96%) had gastrostomy insertion. Questionnaire was completed by 89 of 122 (73%) children; median duration of time from fundoplication to questionnaire was 77 months (43-89). The majority of caregivers indicated that surgery improved or greatly improved weight gain, chest infections, vomiting, and feeding tolerance. Only 2 caregivers reported that they regretted consenting to surgery. Serious surgical complications occurred in 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious complications were uncommon in this series of antireflux surgery in neurologically impaired children. Although gagging and retching were common following surgery, a high percentage of caregivers reported improved nutrition, reflux-related symptoms, and high levels of satisfaction.

Patterns and costs of health care use of children with medical complexity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Health care use of children with medical complexity (CMC), such as those with neurologic impairment or other complex chronic conditions (CCCs) and those with technology assistance (TA), is not well understood. The objective of the study was to evaluate health care utilization and costs in a population-based sample of CMC in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Hospital discharge data from 2005 through 2007 identified CMC. Complete health system use and costs were analyzed over the subsequent 2-year period.

RESULTS

The study identified 15 771 hospitalized CMC (0.67% of children in Ontario); 10 340 (65.6%) had single-organ CCC, 1063 (6.7%) multiorgan CCC, 4368 (27.6%) neurologic impairment, and 1863 (11.8%) had TA. CMC saw a median of 13 outpatient physicians and 6 distinct subspecialists. Thirty-six percent received home care services. Thirty-day readmission varied from 12.6% (single CCC without TA) to 23.7% (multiple CCC with TA). CMC accounted for almost one-third of child health spending. Rehospitalization accounted for the largest proportion of subsequent costs (27.2%), followed by home care (11.3%) and physician services (6.0%). Home care costs were a much larger proportion of costs in children with TA. Children with multiple CCC with TA had costs 3.5 times higher than children with a single CCC without TA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a small proportion of the population, CMC account for a substantial proportion of health care costs. CMC make multiple transitions across providers and care settings and CMC with TA have higher costs and home care use. Initiatives to improve their health outcomes and decrease costs need to focus on the entire continuum of care.

Fundoplication and the pediatric surgeon: implications for shared decision-making and the medical home

OBJECTIVE

Almost one-half of all pediatric gastrostomy tube insertions are accompanied by a fundoplication, yet little is understood about the surgical decision-making for these procedures. The objective of this study was to examine the decision-making process of surgeons about whether to perform a fundoplication in children already scheduled to have a gastrostomy tube placed.

METHODS

A written questionnaire of all pediatric surgeons at a major children's hospital was completed for each planned gastrostomy procedure over the course of 1 year; the questionnaire asked about various influences on the fundoplication decision: primary care and subspecialty physicians' opinions, patient characteristics, and parent opinions. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics from the medical record, as well as questionnaire responses, were summarized for each gastrostomy occurrence. We modeled the association of questionnaire responses and patient characteristics with the outcome of having a fundoplication.

RESULTS

We received questionnaires on 161 of 169 eligible patients (95%). A total of 52% of patients had fundoplication. Primary care physicians were involved in 44% of decisions, and when involved had "a lot" of influence on the fundoplication decision only 28% of time, compared with neonatologists (61%), hospitalists (44%), pediatric pulmonologists (42%), and pediatric gastroenterologists (40%). A total of 86% of patients had a subspecialist involved, and 28% had >1 subspecialist. A pH probe was performed in 7.5% of cases, and failed pharmacotherapy was noted by the surgeons in only 26.5% of the fundoplications performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to do a fundoplication was rarely based on definitive testing or failed medical treatment. From the surgeon's perspective, subspecialists were more influential than primary care physicians, which is at odds with current concepts of the medical home.

Pediatric hospital medicine: historical perspectives, inspired future

Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) is in an accelerated growth phase. Multiple elements have combined to affect the current state of the field. PHM is similar to other geographic specialties such as pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric critical care that deliver general, comprehensive care to patients based on hospital site. Pediatric hospitalists have been molded by changes in medicine, consumer expectations, and training program modifications. The history of PHM dates back for more than 3 decades, when unwitting pediatricians began to focus on delivering care for the hospitalized child. The ensuing years allowed for natural responses to external pressures that resulted in much of the field's initial development. In more recent years, however, pediatric hospitalists have been catalysts for change and driving forces for health care systems' improvements. Simultaneous with this has been the nearly exponential surge of energy focused on targeted initiatives, which have further defined the field and brought attention on a national level. PHM is at a critical but brilliant juncture in development. Further decisions regarding scope and demonstration of competencies are important to make with clarity of purpose. Pediatric hospitalists are advancing child health in the inpatient setting through evidence-based care, research, education, clinical excellence, advocacy, and health care business acumen. With a strong community sense and leadership evident, PHM has a bright future.

Reflux aspiration in children with neurodisability--a significant problem, but can we measure it?

Recurrent respiratory problems are common in children with severe neurodisability, and respiratory deterioration is a leading cause of premature death in this group. Although the etiology is multifactorial, recurrent pulmonary aspiration is thought to play a significant role. Gastroesophageal reflux is known to be common, as is oral-motor discoordination. Differentiating direct aspiration of food and saliva and gastric reflux aspiration is difficult and presents a challenge in managing patients and assessing their suitability for surgical antireflux procedures. This is particularly the case when children present with predominantly respiratory symptoms, where there may be direct aspiration, reflux aspiration, neither, or both. A clinical biomarker to identify and quantify reflux aspiration would therefore be useful in surgical assessment and may also be applicable as an outcome measure for clinical trials of antireflux surgery. In this review, we discuss the evidence base behind existing and potentially novel biomarkers of aspiration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We highlight the limitations of the lipid-laden macrophage index, particularly with regard to its specificity and interrater/intrarater reliability. We discuss the laboratory methods available to measure promising new biomarkers (pepsin and bile acids) and highlight their potential advantages and disadvantages. Finally, to understand how aspiration causes clinical signs and symptoms in our patients, we need to study the effect of aspirated substances on the lung, and here we review the available in vivo and in vitro literature.

Trends in resource utilization by children with neurological impairment in the United States inpatient health care system: a repeat cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Care advances in the United States (US) have led to improved survival of children with neurological impairment (NI). Children with NI may account for an increasing proportion of hospital resources. However, this assumption has not been tested at a national level.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a study of 25,747,016 US hospitalizations of children recorded in the Kids' Inpatient Database (years 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006). Children with NI were identified with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses resulting in functional and/or intellectual impairment. We assessed trends in inpatient resource utilization for children with NI with a Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test using all 4 y of data combined. Across the 4 y combined, children with NI accounted for 5.2% (1,338,590) of all hospitalizations. Epilepsy (52.2% [n = 538,978]) and cerebral palsy (15.9% [n = 164,665]) were the most prevalent NI diagnoses. The proportion of hospitalizations attributable to children with NI did not change significantly (p = 0.32) over time. In 2006, children with NI accounted for 5.3% (n = 345,621) of all hospitalizations, 13.9% (n = 3.4 million) of bed days, and 21.6% (US$17.7 billion) of all hospital charges within all hospitals. Over time, the proportion of hospitalizations attributable to children with NI decreased within non-children's hospitals (3.0% [n = 146,324] in 1997 to 2.5% [n = 113,097] in 2006, p<.001) and increased within children's hospitals (11.7% [n = 179,324] in 1997 to 13.5% [n = 209,708] in 2006, p<0.001). In 2006, children with NI accounted for 24.7% (2.1 million) of bed days and 29.0% (US$12.0 billion) of hospital charges within children's hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with NI account for a substantial proportion of inpatient resources utilized in the US. Their impact is growing within children's hospitals. We must ensure that the current health care system is staffed, educated, and equipped to serve this growing segment of vulnerable children.

A novel antireflux procedure: gastroplasty with restricted antrum to control emesis (GRACE)

PURPOSE

Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed operation to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and vomiting in children with neurologic impairment. However, failure rates of Nissen fundoplication in this population are higher, and alternatives to Nissen fundoplication have technical and functional disadvantages. We hypothesize that the novel gastroplasty with restricted antrum to control emesis (GRACE) would be more effective than Nissen fundoplication at reducing emetic reflux.

METHODS

To compare the GRACE with Nissen fundoplication, 15 canine subjects were randomized to Nissen fundoplication or GRACE. All subjects underwent gastrostomy tube placement. Baseline gastric emptying, electrogastrography, and induced vomiting studies were performed. Nissen fundoplication or GRACE was then performed. Postoperatively, gastric emptying and vomiting studies were repeated.

RESULTS

Gastric emptying before and after antireflux procedures was not significantly different between groups. Both Nissen fundoplication (38%, P = .04) and GRACE (69%, P < .01) procedures prevented reflux compared with baseline. However, the GRACE procedure significantly reduced reflux when compared with Nissen fundoplication (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this canine model, GRACE appears to be significantly more effective than Nissen fundoplication at reducing emetic reflux. This novel procedure preserves gastric function and is well tolerated. The GRACE procedure may provide an alternative to Nissen fundoplication as a primary or repeat antireflux procedure for children with neurologic impairment.

Characteristics of hospitalizations for patients who use a structured clinical care program for children with medical complexity

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of hospitalizations for patients who use clinical programs that provide care coordination for children with multiple, chronic medical conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 1083 patients hospitalized between June 2006 and July 2008 who used a structured, pediatric complex-care clinical program within 4 children's hospitals. Chronic diagnosis prevalence (ie, technology assistance, neurologic impairment, and other complex chronic conditions), inpatient resource utilization (ie, length of stay, 30-day readmission), and reasons for hospitalization were assessed across the programs.

RESULTS

Over the 2-year study period, complex-care program patients experienced a mean of 3.1 ± 2.8 admissions, a mean length of hospital stay per admission of 12.2 ± 25.5 days, and a 30-day hospital readmission rate of 25.4%. Neurologic impairment (57%) and presence of a gastrostomy tube (56%) were the most common clinical characteristics of program patients. Notable reasons for admission included major surgery (47.1%), medical technology malfunction (9.0%), seizure (6.4%), aspiration pneumonia (3.9%), vomiting/feeding difficulties (3.4%), and asthma (1.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalized patients who used a structured clinical program for children with medical complexity experienced lengthy hospitalizations with high early readmission rates. Reducing hospital readmission may be one potential strategy for decreasing inpatient expenditures in this group of children with high resource utilization.

Well-being of children with neurologic impairment after fundoplication and gastrojejunostomy tube feeding

BACKGROUND

There is limited understanding on the impact of fundoplication or gastrojejunostomy tube (GJT) feeding in children with neurologic impairment who have swallowing dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and/or dysmotility.

OBJECTIVE

To explore and understand the well-being of families and their children with neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication or GJT.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using in-depth, individual interviews with parents of children with severe neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication with gastrostomy or GJT. Parents' perceptions of daily life and QoL were explored in the context of the interventions. Interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Children and their parents are profoundly impacted by the health condition of the children. QoL effects were similar across spheres of individual and family experience and well-being. Themes related to QoL were: physical health of the child and the future, intense caregiving needs, social isolation and stigma, pervasive impact on the family, financial strain, and the process of finding meaning. Fundoplication and GJT affected feeding tolerance and times, caregiving, and health care utilization. Parents identified how changes in these factors influenced child, parental, and family QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The diverse influences of the underlying condition and the interventions should be addressed in the delivery of health services. Future studies of the effectiveness of fundoplication and GJT feeding should address the well-being of the child and family, the impact on family caregiving, and health care utilization.