Cost and Late Hospital Care of Publicly Insured Children After Appendectomy

INTRODUCTION

Immediate complications of appendicitis are common, but the prevalence of long-term complications is uncertain.

METHODS

We studied all publicly-insured children in the US with uncomplicated or complicated appendicitis in 2018-2019 using administrative claims. The main outcome was late hospital care defined as hospitalization or abdominal procedure within 180 d of an appendicitis discharge, excluding interval appendectomies. Time to late hospital care was evaluated using Cox regression. We evaluated health-care expenditures arising from appendicitis episodes.

RESULTS

Among 95,942 children with appendicitis, 5727 (6.0%) had late hospital care, with 5062 requiring rehospitalization and 2012 (2.1%) surgery. The median time to late hospital care was 10 d (interquartile range 4-33). Age under 5 y (compared with >14 y, hazard ratio [HR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70-2.08), complex chronic conditions (HR 2.35, 95% CI 2.13-2.59), and complicated appendicitis (HR 2.81, 95% CI 2.67, 2.96) were each associated with time to late hospital care. Expenditures over 180 d were a median $6553 and $19,589 respectively in those requiring no late hospital care versus those requiring it (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Late hospital care is uncommon in pediatric appendicitis but is costly. Prevention efforts should be targeted to the youngest, most complex children, and those with complicated appendicitis at presentation.

Antibiotic route and outcomes for children hospitalized with pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that initial oral and intravenous (IV) antibiotics have similar efficacy in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), but further data are needed.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the association between hospital-level initial oral antibiotic rates and outcomes in pediatric CAP.

DESIGNS, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study included children hospitalized with CAP at 43 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System (2016-2022). Hospitals were grouped by whether initial antibiotics were given orally in a high, moderate, or low proportion of patients.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Regression models examined associations between high versus low oral-utilizing hospitals and length of stay (LOS, primary outcome), intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, escalated respiratory care, complicated CAP, cost, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) revisits.

RESULTS

Initial oral antibiotics were used in 16% (interquartile range: 10%-20%) of 30,207 encounters, ranging from 1% to 68% across hospitals. Comparing high versus low oral-utilizing hospitals (oral rate: 32% [27%-47%] and 10% [9%-11%], respectively), there were no differences in LOS, intensive care unit, complicated CAP, cost, or ED revisits. Escalated respiratory care occurred in 1.3% and 0.5% of high and low oral-utilizing hospitals, respectively (relative ratio [RR]: 2.96 [1.12, 7.81]), and readmissions occurred in 1.5% and 0.8% (RR: 1.68 [1.31, 2.17]). Initial oral antibiotics varied across hospitals without a difference in LOS. While high oral-utilizing hospitals had higher escalated respiratory care and readmission rates, these were rare, the clinical significance of these small differences is uncertain, and there were no differences in other clinically relevant outcomes. This suggests some children may benefit from initial IV antibiotics, but most would probably do well with oral antibiotics.

Features Associated With Radiographic Pneumonia in Children with SARS-CoV-2

14% of children with SARS-CoV-2 infections had radiographic pneumonia. Hypoxemia, cough, higher temperature, and older age were associated with pneumonias. In children tested, SARS-CoV-2 test results were not associated with radiographic pneumonia.

Test Characteristics of Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Children With Preexisting Cardiac Conditions

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess diagnostic performance of cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians in children with preexisting cardiac disease.

METHODS

We evaluated the use of cardiac POCUS performed by PEM physicians among a convenience sample of children with preexisting cardiac disease presenting to a tertiary care pediatric ED. We assessed patient characteristics and the indication for POCUS. The test characteristics of the sonologist interpretation for the assessment of both pericardial effusion as well as left ventricular systolic dysfunction were compared with expert POCUS review by PEM physicians with POCUS fellowship training.

RESULTS

A total of 104 children with preexisting cardiac disease underwent cardiac POCUS examinations between July 2015 and December 2017. Among children with preexisting cardiac disease, structural defects were present in 72%, acquired conditions in 22%, and arrhythmias in 13% of patients. Cardiac POCUS was most frequently obtained because of chest pain (55%), dyspnea (18%), tachycardia (17%), and syncope (10%). Cardiac POCUS interpretation compared with expert review had a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.7-100) for pericardial effusion and 100% (95% CI, 71.5-100) for left ventricular systolic dysfunction; specificity was 97.5% (95% CI, 91.3.1-99.7) for pericardial effusion and 98.9% (95% CI, 93.8-99.8) for left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac POCUS demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing pericardial effusion and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in children with preexisting cardiac conditions when technically adequate studies are obtained. These findings support future studies of cardiac POCUS in children with preexisting cardiac conditions presenting to the ED.

Acute care utilization for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions among publicly insured children

BACKGROUND

Although characteristics of preventable hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) have been described, less is known about patterns of emergency and other acute care utilization for ACSCs among children who are not hospitalized. We sought to describe patterns of utilization for ACSCs according to the initial site of care and to determine characteristics associated with seeking initial care in an acute care setting rather than in an office. A better understanding of the sequence of health care utilization for ACSCs may inform efforts to shift care for these common conditions to the medical home.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric encounters for ACSCs between 2017 and 2019 using data from the IBM Watson MarketScan Medicaid database. The database includes insurance claims for Medicaid-insured children in 10 anonymized states. We assessed the initial sites of care for ACSC encounters, which were defined as either acute care settings (emergency or urgent care) or office-based settings. We used generalized estimating equations clustered on patient to identify associations between encounter characteristics and the initial site of care.

RESULTS

Among 7,128,515 encounters for ACSCs, acute care settings were the initial site of care in 27.9%. Diagnoses with the greatest proportion of episodes presenting to acute care settings were urinary tract infection (52.0% of episodes) and pneumonia (44.6%). Encounters on the weekend (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.27-6.34 compared with weekday) and among children with capitated insurance (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.54-1.56 compared with fee for service) were associated with increased odds of seeking care first in an acute care setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute care settings are the initial sites of care for more than one in four encounters for ACSCs among publicly insured children. Expanded access to primary care on weekends may shift care for ACSCs to the medical home.

Household Transmission Dynamics of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-Infected Children: A Multinational, Controlled Case-Ascertained Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is highly prevalent but its acute and chronic implications have been minimally described.

METHODS

In this controlled case-ascertained household transmission study, we recruited asymptomatic children <18 years with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing performed at 12 tertiary care pediatric institutions in Canada and the United States. We attempted to recruit all test-positive children and 1 to 3 test-negative, site-matched controls. After 14 days' follow-up we assessed the clinical (ie, symptomatic) and combined (ie, test-positive, or symptomatic) secondary attack rates (SARs) among household contacts. Additionally, post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) was assessed in SARS-CoV-2-positive participating children after 90 days' follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 111 test-positive and 256 SARS-CoV-2 test-negative asymptomatic children were enrolled between January 2021 and April 2022. After 14 days, excluding households with co-primary cases, the clinical SAR among household contacts of SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative index children was 10.6% (19/179; 95% CI: 6.5%-16.1%) and 2.0% (13/663; 95% CI: 1.0%-3.3%), respectively (relative risk = 5.4; 95% CI: 2.7-10.7). In households with a SARS-CoV-2-positive index child, age <5 years, being pre-symptomatic (ie, developed symptoms after test), and testing positive during Omicron and Delta circulation periods (vs earlier) were associated with increased clinical and combined SARs among household contacts. Among 77 asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected children with 90-day follow-up, 6 (7.8%; 95% CI: 2.9%-16.2%) reported PCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected children, especially those <5 years, are important contributors to household transmission, with 1 in 10 exposed household contacts developing symptomatic illness within 14 days. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected children may develop PCC.

Epidemiology of brief resolved unexplained events and impact of clinical practice guidelines in general and pediatric emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) and compare the impact of a national clinical practice guideline (CPG) on admission and diagnostic testing practices between general and pediatric emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2012-2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of children <1 year of age with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code for BRUE. Population incidence rate was estimated using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention birth data. ED incidence rate was estimated for all ED encounters. We used interrupted time series to evaluate the associated impact of the CPG publication on the outcomes of ED disposition (discharge, admission, and transfer) and electrocardiogram (ECG) use.

RESULTS

Of 133,972 encounters for BRUE, 80.0% occurred in general EDs. BRUE population incidence was 4.28 per 1000 live births and the annual incidence remained stable (p = 0.19). BRUE ED incidence was 5.06 per 1000 infant ED encounters (p = 0.14). The impact of the BRUE CPG on admission rates was limited to pediatric EDs (level shift -23.3%, p = 0.002). Transfers from general EDs did not change with the CPG (level shift 2.2%, p = 0.17). After the CPG was published, ECGs increased by 13.7% in pediatric EDs (p = 0.005) but did not change in general EDs (level shift -0.2%, p = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

BRUEs remain a common pediatric problem at a population level and in EDs. Although a disproportionate number of infants present to general EDs, there is differential uptake of the CPG recommendations between pediatric and general EDs. These findings may support quality improvement opportunities aimed at improving care for these infants and decreasing unnecessary hospital admissions or transfers.

Interpretation of Antibiotic Trials in Pediatric Pneumonia

This cohort study assesses radiographic evidence of pneumonia and antibiotic use in children with clinically suspected community-acquired pneumonia.

Cost of Pediatric Pneumonia Episodes With or Without Chest Radiography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite its routine use, it is unclear whether chest radiograph (CXR) is a cost-effective strategy in the workup of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the pediatric emergency department (ED). We sought to assess the costs of CAP episodes with and without CXR among children discharged from the ED.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study within the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State ED and Inpatient Databases of children aged 3 months to 18 years with CAP discharged from any EDs in 8 states from 2014 to 2019. We evaluated total 28-day costs after ED discharge, including the index visit and subsequent care. Mixed-effects linear regression models adjusted for patient-level variables and illness severity were performed to evaluate the association between CXR and costs.

RESULTS

We evaluated 225c781 children with CAP, and 86.2% had CXR at the index ED visit. Median costs of the 28-day episodes, index ED visits, and subsequent visits were $314 (interquartile range [IQR] 208-497), $288 (IQR 195-433), and $255 (IQR 133-637), respectively. There was a $33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 22-44) savings over 28-days per patient for those who received a CXR compared with no CXR after adjusting for patient-level variables and illness severity. Costs during subsequent visits ($26 savings, 95% CI 16-36) accounted for the majority of the savings as compared with the index ED visit ($6, 95% CI 3-10).

CONCLUSIONS

Performance of CXR for CAP diagnosis is associated with lower costs when considering the downstream provision of care among patients who require subsequent health care after initial ED discharge.

Evaluation of Insurance Type as a Proxy for Socioeconomic Status in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether insurance status can function as a sufficient proxy for socioeconomic status in emergency medicine research by examining the concordance between insurance status and direct socioeconomic status measures in a sample of pediatric patients.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study of patients aged 5 to 17 years in the emergency department of a quaternary care children's hospital. Socioeconomic status was measured using the highest level of the caregiver's education (low: less than bachelor's degree; high: bachelor's or greater) and previous year household income (low: <$75,000; high: ≥$75,000). We calculated the misclassification rate of insurance status (low: public; high: private) using education and income as reference standards. Results were expressed as percentages with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In total, 300 patients were enrolled (median age 11 years, 44% female). Insurance status misclassified 23% (95% CI 18% to 28%) and 14% (95% CI 10% to 19%) of patients when using caregiver education and income, respectively, as reference standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Insurance status misclassified socioeconomic status in up to 23% of pediatric patients, as measured by caregivers' education and income. Emergency medicine studies of pediatric patients using insurance as a covariate to adjust for socioeconomic status may need to consider this misclassification and the resulting potential for bias. These findings require confirmation in larger, more diverse samples, including adult patients.

Learning From a National Quality Improvement Collaborative for Brief Resolved Unexplained Events

OBJECTIVE

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics published the Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG). A multicenter quality improvement (QI) collaborative aimed to improve CPG adherence.

METHODS

A QI collaborative of 15 hospitals aimed to improve testing adherence, the hospitalization of lower-risk infants, the correct use of diagnostic criteria, and risk classification. Interventions included CPG education, documentation practices, clinical pathways, and electronic medical record integration. By using medical record review, care of emergency department (ED) and inpatient patients meeting BRUE criteria was displayed via control or run charts for 3 time periods: pre-CPG publication (October 2015 to June 2016), post-CPG publication (July 2016 to September 2018), and collaborative (April 2019 to June 2020). Collaborative learning was used to identify and mitigate barriers to iterative improvement.

RESULTS

A total of 1756 infants met BRUE criteria. After CPG publication, testing adherence improved from 56% to 64% and hospitalization decreased from 49% to 27% for lower-risk infants, but additional improvements were not demonstrated during the collaborative period. During the collaborative period, correct risk classification for hospitalized infants improved from 26% to 49% (ED) and 15% to 33% (inpatient) and the documentation of BRUE risk factors for hospitalized infants improved from 84% to 91% (ED).

CONCLUSIONS

A national BRUE QI collaborative enhanced BRUE-related hospital outcomes and processes. Sites did not improve testing and hospitalization beyond the gains made after CPG publication, but they did shift the BRUE definition and risk classification. The incorporation of caregiver perspectives and the use of shared decision-making tools may further improve care.

Management of Pediatric Pneumonia: A Decade After the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America Guideline

BACKGROUND

Incomplete uptake of guidelines can lead to nonstandardized care, increased expenditures, and adverse clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2011 Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America (PIDS/IDSA) pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guideline that emphasized aminopenicillin use and de-emphasized the use of chest radiographs (CXRs) in certain populations.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study queried a national administrative database of children's hospitals to identify children aged 3 months-18 years with CAP who visited 1 of 28 participating hospitals from 2009 to 2021. PIDS/IDSA pediatric CAP guideline recommendations regarding antibiotic therapy, diagnostic testing, and imaging were evaluated. Segmented regression interrupted time series was used to measure guideline-concordant practices with interruptions for guideline publication and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

RESULTS

Of 315 384 children with CAP, 71 804 (22.8%) were hospitalized. Among hospitalized children, there was a decrease in blood culture performance (0.5% per quarter) and increase in aminopenicillin prescribing (1.1% per quarter). Among children discharged from the emergency department (ED), there was an increase in aminopenicillin prescription (0.45% per quarter), whereas the rate of obtaining CXRs declined (0.12% per quarter). However, use of CXRs rebounded during the COVID-19 pandemic (increase of 1.56% per quarter). Hospital length of stay, ED revisit rates, and hospital readmission rates remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Guideline publication was associated with an increase of aminopenicillin prescribing. However, rates of diagnostic testing did not materially change, suggesting the need to consider implementation strategies to meaningfully change clinical practice for children with CAP.

National Patterns of Outpatient Follow-Up Visits After Emergency Care for Acute Bronchiolitis

This cohort study examines the frequency of postdischarge follow-up visits among US emergency department encounters for bronchiolitis and assesses whether follow-up was associated with decreased hospital reutilization or increased treatment with nonrecommended medications.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Association Between Laboratory Tests and Severe Outcomes Among Hospitalized Children

Background

To assist clinicians with identifying children at risk of severe outcomes, we assessed the association between laboratory findings and severe outcomes among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected children and determined if SARS-CoV-2 test result status modified the associations.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in 41 pediatric emergency departments in 10 countries. Participants were hospitalized, had laboratory testing performed, and completed 14-day follow-up. The primary objective was to assess the associations between laboratory findings and severe outcomes. The secondary objective was to determine if the SARS-CoV-2 test result modified the associations.

Results

We included 1817 participants; 522 (28.7%) SARS-CoV-2 test-positive and 1295 (71.3%) test-negative. Seventy-five (14.4%) test-positive and 174 (13.4%) test-negative children experienced severe outcomes. In regression analysis, we found that among SARS-CoV-2-positive children, procalcitonin ≥0.5 ng/mL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 9.14; 95% CI, 2.90-28.80), ferritin >500 ng/mL (aOR, 7.95; 95% CI, 1.89-33.44), D-dimer ≥1500 ng/mL (aOR, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.12-18.68), serum glucose ≥120 mg/dL (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06-3.81), lymphocyte count <1.0 × 109/L (aOR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.34-7.69), and platelet count <150 × 109/L (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.31-6.07) were associated with severe outcomes. Evaluation of the interaction term revealed that a positive SARS-CoV-2 result increased the associations with severe outcomes for elevated procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and for reduced lymphocyte and platelet counts.

Conclusions

Specific laboratory parameters are associated with severe outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected children, and elevated serum procalcitonin, CRP, and D-dimer and low absolute lymphocyte and platelet counts were more strongly associated with severe outcomes in children testing positive compared with those testing negative.

National Trends in Voiding Cystourethrograms During Hospitalization for Young Infants With Urinary Tract Infections

OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics published a guideline in 2011 recommending against the routine use of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) in infants aged 2 to 24 months with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI); however, the rates of VCUG for infants aged <2 months are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the trend in VCUG performance during index hospitalization among infants aged 0 to 2 months with UTI.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included infants aged birth to 2 months hospitalized with a UTI from 2008 to 2019 across 38 institutions in the Pediatric Health Information System. Outcome measures included recurrent UTI within 1 year, vesicoureteral reflux diagnosis within 1 year and antiurinary reflux procedure performed within 2 years. Trends over time were compared between preguideline (2008-2011) and postguideline periods (2012-2019) using piecewise mixed-effects logistic regression.

RESULTS

The odds of VCUG decreased by 21% per year in the preguideline period (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.81; P < .001) versus 20% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.83; P < .001) in the postguideline period. The preguideline and postguideline difference was not statistically significant (P = .60). There was no difference in the postguideline odds of UTI within 1 year (P = .07), whereas the odds of vesicoureteral reflux diagnosis (P < .001) and antiurinary reflux procedure performance (P < .001) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

VCUG performance during hospitalization has declined over the past decade among young infants hospitalized with UTI. Further work is needed to determine the optimal approach to imaging in these young infants.

Diagnosis and Management of Pneumonia in Infants Less Than 90 Days of Age

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines and recent studies on pediatric pneumonia pertain to children older than 3 months of age. Little information exists regarding the diagnostic evaluation, management, and outcomes of infants less than 90 days with pneumonia.

METHODS

We compared infants <90 days of age diagnosed with pneumonia across 38 US children's hospitals from 2016 to 2021 to children 90 days to 5 years of age. We evaluated whether differences exist in patient characteristics, diagnostic testing, antibiotic treatment, and outcomes between young infants and older children. Additionally, we assessed seasonal variability and trends over time in pneumonia diagnoses by age group.

RESULTS

Among 109 796 children diagnosed with pneumonia, 3128 (2.8%) were <90 days of age. Compared with older children, infants <90 days had more laboratory testing performed (88.6% vs 48.8%, P < .001; median number of laboratory tests 4 [interquartile range: 2-5] vs 0 [interquartile range: 0-3] respectively), with wide variation in testing across hospitals. Chest radiograph utilization did not differ by age group. Infants <90 days were more likely to be hospitalized and require respiratory support than older children. Seasonal variation was observed for pneumonia encounters in both age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants <90 days with pneumonia were more likely to undergo laboratory testing, be hospitalized, and require respiratory support than children 90 days to 5 years of age. This may reflect inherent differences in the pathophysiology of pneumonia by age, the manner in which pneumonia is diagnosed, or possible overuse of testing in infants.

Annual Variation in 30-Day Risk-Adjusted Readmission Rates in U.S. Children's Hospitals

OBJECTIVE

Reducing pediatric readmissions has become a national priority; however, the use of readmission rates as a quality metric remains controversial. The goal of this study was to examine short-term stability and long-term changes in hospital readmission rates.

METHODS

Data from the Pediatric Health Information System were used to compare annual 30-day risk-adjusted readmission rates (RARRs) in 47 US children's hospitals from 2016 to 2017 (short-term) and 2016 to 2019 (long-term). Pearson correlation coefficients and weighted Cohen's Kappa statistics were used to measure correlation and agreement across years for hospital-level RARRs and performance quartiles.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) 30-day RARRs remained stable from 7.7% (7.0-8.3) in 2016 to 7.6% (7.0-8.1) in 2019. Individual hospital RARRs in 2016 were strongly correlated with the same hospital's 2017 rate (R2 = 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-0.94]) and moderately correlated with those in 2019 (R2 = 0.49 [95%CI 0.23-0.68]). Short-term RARRs (2016 vs 2017) were more highly correlated for medical conditions than surgical conditions, but correlations between long-term medical and surgical RARRs (2016 vs 2019) were similar. Agreement between RARRs was higher when comparing short-term changes (0.73 [95%CI 0.59-0.86]) than long-term changes (0.45 [95%CI 0.27-0.63]). From 2016 to 2019, RARRs increased by ≥1% in 7 (15%) hospitals and decreased by ≥1% in 6 (13%) hospitals. Only 7 (15%) hospitals experienced reductions in RARRs over the short and long-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital-level performance on RARRs remained stable with high agreement over the short-term suggesting stability of readmission measures. There was little evidence of sustained improvement in hospital-level performance over multiple years.

Ambulatory follow-up among publicly insured children discharged from the emergency department

BACKGROUND

While children discharged from the emergency department (ED) are frequently advised to follow up with ambulatory care providers, the extent to which this occurs is unknown. We sought to characterize the proportion of publicly insured children who have an ambulatory visit following ED discharge, identify factors associated with ambulatory follow-up, and evaluate the association of ambulatory follow-up with subsequent hospital-based health care utilization.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of pediatric (<18 years) encounters during 2019 included in the IBM Watson Medicaid MarketScan claims database from seven U.S. states. Our primary outcome was an ambulatory follow-up visit within 7 days of ED discharge. Secondary outcomes were 7-day ED return visits and hospitalizations. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards were used for multivariable modeling.

RESULTS

We included 1,408,406 index ED encounters (median age 5 years, IQR 2-10 years), for which a 7-day ambulatory visit occurred in 280,602 (19.9%). Conditions with the highest proportion of 7-day ambulatory follow-up included seizures (36.4%); allergic, immunologic, and rheumatologic diseases (24.6%); other gastrointestinal diseases (24.5%); and fever (24.1%). Ambulatory follow-up was associated with younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, weekend ED discharge, ambulatory encounters prior to the ED visit, and diagnostic testing performed during the ED encounter. Ambulatory follow-up was inversely associated with Black race and ambulatory care-sensitive or complex chronic conditions. In Cox models, ambulatory follow-up was associated with a higher hazard ratio (HR) of subsequent ED return (HR range 1.32-1.65) visit and hospitalization (HR range 3.10-4.03).

CONCLUSIONS

One-fifth of children discharged from the ED have an ambulatory visit within 7 days, which varied by patient characteristics and diagnoses. Children with ambulatory follow-up have a greater subsequent health care utilization, including subsequent ED visit and/or hospitalization. These findings identify the need to further research the role and costs associated with routine post-ED visit follow-up.

Association of Chest Radiography With Outcomes in Pediatric Pneumonia: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Chest radiograph (CXR) is often performed for the evaluation of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the ED setting. We sought to evaluate the association of undergoing CXR with 7-day hospitalization after emergency department (ED) discharge among patients with CAP.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including children 3 months to 17 years discharged from any ED within 8 states from 2014 to 2019. We evaluated the association of CXR performance with 7-day hospitalization at both the patient and ED levels using mixed-effects logistic regression models accounting for markers of illness severity. Secondary outcomes included 7-day ED revisits and 7-day hospitalization with severe CAP.

RESULTS

Among 206 694 children with CAP, rates of 7-day ED revisit, hospitalization, and severe CAP were 8.9%, 1.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. After adjusting for illness severity, CXR was associated with fewer 7-day hospitalizations (1.6% vs. 1.7%, adjusted odds ratio: [aOR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.92). CXR performance varied somewhat between EDs (median 91.5%, IQR: 85.3%-95.0%). EDs in the highest quartile had fewer 7-day hospitalizations (1.4% vs 1.9%, aOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.94), ED revisits (8.5% vs 9.4%, aOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.96) and hospitalizations for severe CAP (0.3% vs. 0.5%, aOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51-0.97) as compared to EDs with the lowest quartile of CXR utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children discharged from the ED with CAP, performance of CXR was associated with a small but significant reduction in hospitalization within 7 days. CXR may be helpful in the prognostic evaluation of children with CAP discharged from the ED.

Pediatric hand sanitizer exposures reported to United States poison centers, 2017-2021

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for alcohol-based hand sanitizers. We aimed to describe the epidemiological trends in pediatric alcohol-based hand sanitizer cases reported to United States poison centers. We characterized clinically significant pediatric reports involving alcohol-based hand sanitizer products before and during the pandemic and methanol-containing hand sanitizers during the pandemic.

METHODS

We included all single-substance cases involving alcohol-based hand sanitizers reported to the National Poison Data System among children ≤ 19 years from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021, and methanol-containing hand sanitizers from 23 June 2020 to 31 December 2021. Multiple product exposures and non-human exposures were excluded. Clinically significant outcomes included moderate or major effects or death.

RESULTS

There were 95,718 alcohol-based hand sanitizer pediatric cases during the study period. Most (n = 89,521; 94%) were unintentional, occurred by ingestion (n = 89,879; 93.9%), occurred at home, and were managed at the exposure site (n = 89,774; 93.8%). Common symptoms were vomiting (n = 2,969; 3.1%), coughing (n = 1,102; 1.2%), ocular irritation (n = 1,244; 1.3%), and drowsiness (n = 981; 1.0%). Most children (n = 3,937; 66.2%) managed at a health care facility were treated and released; a minority were admitted (n = 527; 9.0%). Few children (n = 81; 1.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. The prevalence of clinically significant cases increased in 2020 and 2021, compared to 2017. Population-adjusted rates, by state, of alcohol-based hand sanitizer cases ranged from 280 to 2,700 per million children. Of the 540 reported cases involving methanol-containing hand sanitizers, the majority (n = 255) occurred in July 2020. Thirteen cases (2.4%) had clinically significant outcomes. The prevalence of clinically significant cases remained similar in 2020 and 2021 and exhibited lower prevalence compared to alcohol-based products. Population-adjusted rates, by state, ranged from fewer than 0.9 to 40 per million children.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically significant pediatric cases involving alcohol-based hand sanitizers increased during the pandemic and remained elevated in 2021. Cases involving methanol-containing products were less frequent. Our findings may inform heightened product quality control and regulatory oversight.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Insurer Classification of Nonemergent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits

Importance

Government and commercial health insurers have recently enacted policies to discourage nonemergent emergency department (ED) visits by reducing or denying claims for such visits using retrospective claims algorithms. Low-income Black and Hispanic pediatric patients often experience worse access to primary care services necessary for preventing some ED visits, raising concerns about the uneven impact of these policies.

Objective

To estimate potential racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes of Medicaid policies for reducing ED professional reimbursement based on a retrospective diagnosis-based claims algorithm.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This simulation study used a retrospective cohort of pediatric ED visits (aged 0-18 years) for Medicaid-insured children and adolescents appearing in the Market Scan Medicaid database between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Visits missing date of birth, race and ethnicity, professional claims data, and Current Procedural Terminology codes of billing level of complexity were excluded, as were visits that result in admission. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to June 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of ED visits algorithmically classified as nonemergent and simulated per-visit professional reimbursement after applying a current reimbursement reduction policy for potentially nonemergent ED visits. Rates were calculated overall and compared by race and ethnicity.

Results

The sample included 8 471 386 unique ED visits (43.0% by patients aged 4-12 years; 39.6% Black, 7.7% Hispanic, and 48.7% White), of which 47.7% were algorithmically identified as potentially nonemergent and subject to reimbursement reduction, resulting in a 37% reduction in ED professional reimbursement across the study cohort. More visits by Black (50.3%) and Hispanic (49.0%) children were algorithmically identified as nonemergent when compared with visits by White children (45.3%; P < .001). Modeling the impact of the reimbursement reductions across the cohort resulted in expected per-visit reimbursement that was 6% lower for visits by Black children and 3% lower for visits by Hispanic children relative to visits by White children.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this simulation study of over 8 million unique ED visits, algorithmic approaches for classifying pediatric ED visits that used diagnosis codes identified proportionately more visits by Black and Hispanic children as nonemergent. Insurers applying financial adjustments based on these algorithmic outputs risk creating uneven reimbursement policies across racial and ethnic groups.

In-hospital mortality risk stratification in children aged under 5 years with pneumonia with or without pulse oximetry: A secondary analysis of the Pneumonia REsearch Partnership to Assess WHO REcommendations (PREPARE) dataset

OBJECTIVES

We determined the pulse oximetry benefit in pediatric pneumonia mortality risk stratification and chest-indrawing pneumonia in-hospital mortality risk factors.

METHODS

We report the characteristics and in-hospital pneumonia-related mortality of children aged 2-59 months who were included in the Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations dataset. We developed multivariable logistic regression models of chest-indrawing pneumonia to identify mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 285,839 children, 164,244 (57.5%) from hospital-based studies were included. Pneumonia case fatality risk (CFR) without pulse oximetry measurement was higher than with measurement (5.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6-5.9% vs 2.1%, 95% CI 1.9-2.4%). One in five children with chest-indrawing pneumonia was hypoxemic (19.7%, 95% CI 19.0-20.4%), and the hypoxemic CFR was 10.3% (95% CI 9.1-11.5%). Other mortality risk factors were younger age (either 2-5 months [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9.94, 95% CI 6.67-14.84] or 6-11 months [aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.71-4.16]), moderate malnutrition (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.87-3.09), and female sex (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.43-2.32).

CONCLUSION

Children with a pulse oximetry measurement had a lower CFR. Many children hospitalized with chest-indrawing pneumonia were hypoxemic and one in 10 died. Young age and moderate malnutrition were risk factors for in-hospital chest-indrawing pneumonia-related mortality. Pulse oximetry should be integrated in pneumonia hospital care for children under 5 years.

Trends and Variation in Pediatric Anaphylaxis Care From 2016 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Variation in the use of treatments and hospitalization for anaphylaxis would suggest a lack of consensus in therapeutic approach.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate trends and practice variation in the emergency department (ED) care of children with anaphylaxis in a large US cohort.

METHODS

We conducted a 48-site retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System from January 2016 through September 2022. Children younger than 18 years with a primary diagnosis of anaphylaxis were included. Care trends were assessed using negative binomial regression modeling. Rates of medication use, hospitalizations, and revisits were reported as medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs).

RESULTS

There were 42,909 ED visits for anaphylaxis, with a 4.2% per-year increase in visit incidence (95% CI, 1.8-6.7) during the study period. The median hospitalization rate was 3.5% (IQR, 2.2-6.0), and the 3-day ED revisit rate was 0.6% (IQR, 0.4-0.9). The hospital-level median use of therapies included intramuscular epinephrine (55.3%; IQR, 50.1-59.9), systemic steroids (73.8%; IQR, 63.9-81.4), antihistamines (59.9%; IQR, 53.5-65.5), H2-receptor antagonists (56.8%; IQR, 42.3-66.2), bronchodilators (15.1%; IQR, 12.5-17.0), inhaled epinephrine (1.1%; IQR, 0.6-1.9), and fluid boluses (19.8%; IQR, 11.3-29.3). Severe reactions requiring intensive care unit admission (1.5%; IQR, 0.8-2.2), vasopressors (0.3%; IQR, 0.0-0.6), and intubation (0.2%; IQR, 0.0-0.3) were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

ED visits for anaphylaxis increased during the study period, but hospitalization rates were low. Substantial variation exists between EDs regarding the use of anaphylaxis therapies, supporting the need for future research to evaluate the efficacy of these medications.

Developing Consensus on Clinical Outcomes for Children with Mild Pneumonia: A Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

The absence of consensus for outcomes in pediatric antibiotic trials is a major barrier to research harmonization and clinical translation. We sought to develop expert consensus on study outcomes for clinical trials of children with mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS

Applying the Delphi method, a multispecialty expert panel ranked the importance of various components of clinical response and treatment failure outcomes in children with mild CAP for use in research. During Round 1, panelists suggested additional outcomes in open-ended responses that were added to subsequent rounds of consensus building. For Rounds 2 and 3, panelists were provided their own prior responses and summary statistics for each item in the previous round. The consensus was defined by >70% agreement.

RESULTS

The expert panel determined that response to and failure of treatment should be addressed at a median of 3 days after initiation. Complete or substantial improvement in fever, work of breathing, dyspnea, tachypnea when afebrile, oral intake, and activity should be included as components of adequate clinical response outcomes. Clinical signs and symptoms including persistent or worsening fever, work of breathing, and reduced oral intake should be included in treatment failure outcomes. Interventions including receipt of parenteral fluids, supplemental oxygen, need for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, and change in prescription of antibiotics should also be considered in treatment failure outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical response and treatment failure outcomes determined by the consensus of this multidisciplinary expert panel can be used for pediatric CAP studies to provide objective data translatable to clinical practice.

Diagnostic testing for evaluation of brief resolved unexplained events

BACKGROUND

Since the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guideline for brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs), a few small, single-center studies have suggested low yield of diagnostic testing in infants presenting with such an event. We conducted this large retrospective multicenter study to determine the role of diagnostic testing in leading to a confirmatory diagnosis in BRUE patients.

METHODS

Secondary analysis from a large multicenter cohort derived from 15 hospitals participating in the BRUE Quality Improvement and Research Collaborative. The study subjects were infants < 1 year of age presenting with a BRUE to the emergency departments (EDs) of these hospitals between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2018. Potential BRUE cases were identified using a validated algorithm that relies on administrative data. Chart review was conducted to confirm study inclusion/exclusion, AAP risk criteria, final diagnosis, and contribution of test results. Findings were stratified by ED or hospital discharge and AAP risk criteria. For each patient, we identified whether any diagnostic test contributed to the final diagnosis. We distinguished true (contributory) results from false-positive results.

RESULTS

Of 2036 patients meeting study criteria, 63.2% were hospitalized, 87.1% qualified as AAP higher risk, and 45.3% received an explanatory diagnosis. Overall, a laboratory test, imaging, or an ancillary test supported the final diagnosis in 3.2% (65/2036, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7%-4.4%) of patients. Out of 5163 diagnostic tests overall, 1.1% (33/2897, 95% CI 0.8%-1.5%) laboratory tests and 1.5% (33/2266, 95% CI 1.0%-1.9%) of imaging and ancillary studies contributed to a diagnosis. Although 861 electrocardiograms were performed, no new cardiac diagnoses were identified during the index visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic testing to explain BRUE including for those with AAP higher risk criteria is low yield and rarely contributes to an explanation. Future research is needed to evaluate the role of testing in more specific, at-risk populations.

Trends in the Use of Procalcitonin at US Children's Hospital Emergency Departments

OBJECTIVES

Procalcitonin (PCT) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016. We assessed changes in PCT utilization over time in emergency departments (EDs) at US Children's Hospitals and identified the most common conditions associated with PCT testing.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of children <18 years of age presenting to 1 of 33 EDs contributing data to the Pediatric Health Information System between 2016 and 2020. We examined trends in PCT utilization during an ED encounter between institutions and over the study period. Using All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups, we identified the most common conditions for which PCT was obtained (overall, and relative to the performance of a complete blood count).

RESULTS

The overall rate of PCT testing increased from 0.2% of all ED visits in 2016 to 1.8% in 2020. Across hospitals, the proportion of ED encounters with PCT obtained ranged from 0.0005% to 4.3% with marked variability in overall use. Among children who had PCT testing performed, the most common diagnoses were fever (10.7%), infections of the upper respiratory tract (9.2%), and pneumonia (5.9%). Relative to the performance of a complete blood count, rates of PCT testing were highest among children with sepsis (28.7%), fever (21.4%), pulmonary edema/respiratory failure (17.3%), and bronchiolitis/respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia (15.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

PCT utilization in the ED has increased over the past 5 years with variation between hospitals. PCT is most frequently obtained for children with respiratory infections and febrile illnesses.

Disparities and Trends in Migraine Management in Pediatric Emergency Departments, 2009-19

OBJECTIVE

To assess the variation in migraine management over time across US children's hospitals and to identify factors associated with disparities in management.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 32 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System from 2009 to 2019. We included children 7 to 21 years old with primary ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis codes for migraine headache. We surveyed hospitals to assess for clinical guideline presence. We assessed medication use trends over time. To examine differences in medication and advanced head imaging use by patient characteristics and presence of clinical guideline, we performed multivariable logistic regression analyses reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

We identified 112,077 eligible visits. Opioid use decreased over time, while nonopioid analgesic, dopamine antagonist, and diphenhydramine use increased. Multivariable analysis for opioids revealed increased odds of use for those 14 to 17 (aOR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.34) and 18 to 21 years old (aOR 1.69; CI, 1.37, 2.08), and clinical guideline presence had decreased odds (aOR 0.64; CI, 0.48, 0.84). For head computed tomography, increased odds of use were reported for Hispanic ethnicity (aOR 1.15; CI, 1.06, 1.24) and decreased odds for 14 to 17 years (aOR 0.85; CI, 0.80, 0.90), 18 to 21 years (aOR 0.87; CI, 0.77, 0.98), and female sex (aOR 0.74; CI, 0.70, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use decreased while other medications increased over time. Medication and imaging differed by demographic characteristics. Opioid use was less likely in hospitals with clinical guidelines. Standardization in management may decrease care disparities and variability.

Assembling a global database of child pneumonia studies to inform WHO pneumonia management algorithm: Methodology and applications

Background

The existing World Health Organization (WHO) pneumonia case management guidelines rely on clinical symptoms and signs for identifying, classifying, and treating pneumonia in children up to 5 years old. We aimed to collate an individual patient-level data set from large, high-quality pre-existing studies on pneumonia in children to identify a set of signs and symptoms with greater validity in the diagnosis, prognosis, and possible treatment of childhood pneumonia for the improvement of current pneumonia case management guidelines.

Methods

Using data from a published systematic review and expert knowledge, we identified studies meeting our eligibility criteria and invited investigators to share individual-level patient data. We collected data on demographic information, general medical history, and current illness episode, including history, clinical presentation, chest radiograph findings when available, treatment, and outcome. Data were gathered separately from hospital-based and community-based cases. We performed a narrative synthesis to describe the final data set.

Results

Forty-one separate data sets were included in the Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations (PREPARE) database, 26 of which were hospital-based and 15 were community-based. The PREPARE database includes 285 839 children with pneumonia (244 323 in the hospital and 41 516 in the community), with detailed descriptions of clinical presentation, clinical progression, and outcome. Of 9185 pneumonia-related deaths, 6836 (74%) occurred in children <1 year of age and 1317 (14%) in children aged 1-2 years. Of the 285 839 episodes, 280 998 occurred in children 0-59 months old, of which 129 584 (46%) were 2-11 months of age and 152 730 (54%) were males.

Conclusions

This data set could identify an improved specific, sensitive set of criteria for diagnosing clinical pneumonia and help identify sick children in need of referral to a higher level of care or a change of therapy. Field studies could be designed based on insights from PREPARE analyses to validate a potential revised pneumonia algorithm. The PREPARE methodology can also act as a model for disease database assembly.

Resolution of Fever in the Pediatric Emergency Department and Bacteremia

To determine whether a lack of response to antipyretics was associated with bacteremia, we performed a cross-sectional study involving children with an initial temperature ≥38°C presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED) from 2012 to 2020 who received an antipyretic and had a blood culture obtained. We assessed the association of resolution of fever at specific time points after antipyretic administration with bacteremia adjusting for age, complex chronic condition, blood culture source, type of antipyretic, and height of temperature. Among 6319 febrile children, 242 (3.8%) had bacteremia. The adjusted odds ratio of bacteremia was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-2.2) among children who remained febrile at 180 minutes and 1.7 (1.2-2.4) among children who remained febrile at 240 minutes. Among febrile children presenting to a tertiary care ED for whom a blood culture was obtained, the response to an antipyretic varies based on the presence or absence of bacteremia.

Injury-Related Pediatric Emergency Department Visits in the First Year of COVID-19

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology of pediatric injury-related visits to children's hospital emergency departments (EDs) in the United States during early and later periods of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Pediatric Health Information System, an administrative database to identify injury-related ED visits at 41 United States children's hospitals during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period (March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021) and a 3 year comparator period (March 15-March 14, 2017-2020). For these 2 periods, we compared patient characteristics, injury type and severity, primary discharge diagnoses, and disposition, stratified by early (March 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020), middle (July 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020), and late (November 1, 2020 to March 14, 2021) pandemic periods.

RESULTS

Overall, ED injury-related visits decreased by 26.6% during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with the largest decline observed in minor injuries. ED injury-related visits resulting in serious-critical injuries increased across the pandemic (15.9% early, 4.9% middle, 20.6% late). Injury patterns with the sharpest relative declines included superficial injuries (41.7% early) and sprains/strains (62.4% early). Mechanisms of injury with the greatest relative increases included (1) firearms (22.9% early; 42.8% middle; 37% late), (2) pedal cyclists (60.4%; 24.9%; 32.2%), (3) other transportation (20.8%; 25.3%; 17.9%), and (4) suffocation/asphyxiation (21.4%; 20.2%; 28.4%) and injuries because of suicide intent (-16.2%, 19.9%, 21.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric injury-related ED visits declined in general. However, there was a relative increase in injuries with the highest severity, which warrants further investigation.

Variation in low-value radiograph use for children in the emergency department: a cross-sectional study of administrative databases

BACKGROUND

Radiograph use contributes to low-value care for children in emergency departments (EDs), but little is known about systemic factors associated with their use. This study compares low-value radiograph use across ED settings by hospital type, pediatric volumes and physician specialty.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of routinely collected administrative data. We included children (age 0-18 yr) discharged from EDs in Ontario, Canada, between 2010 and 2019 with diagnoses of bronchiolitis, asthma, abdominal pain and constipation. Multiple clinical practice guidelines recommend against routine radiograph use in these conditions. Logistic regression evaluated odds of low-value radiograph by ED setting (pediatric academic [referent], adult academic, community with or without pediatric consultation services), pediatric volume and physician specialty (pediatric emergency medicine [PEM, referent], emergency medicine [EM], family medicine with EM training, pediatrics, family medicine), adjusting for demographic, clinical and provider characteristics. We used generalized estimating equations to account for clustering by ED.

RESULTS

Of the total 9 862 787 eligible pediatric ED discharges in Ontario, 60 914 children had bronchiolitis, 141 921 asthma, 333 332 abdominal pain and 110 514 constipation; 26.0% received low-value radiographs. Compared with pediatric EDs and PEM physicians (referents), patients with bronchiolitis were most likely to have a chest radiograph in adult academic EDs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6-5.6]) and by family physicians with EM training (adjusted OR 4.8 [95% CI 4.5-5.1]). Patients with asthma were more likely to have a chest radiograph in adult academic EDs (adjusted OR 3.0 [95% CI 2.8-3.2]) and by EM physicians (adjusted OR 2.8 [95% CI 2.6-3.0]). Patients with abdominal pain and constipation were more likely to have abdominal radiographs in community hospitals with pediatric consultation (adjusted OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.6-1.7] and 2.3 [95% CI 2.3-2.4], respectively) and by family physicians with EM training (adjusted OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.6-1.7] and 2.1 [95% CI 2.0-2.2], respectively).

INTERPRETATION

Over the decade-long study period, low-value radiograph use was frequent for children with 4 common conditions seen in Ontario EDs. Quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing unnecessary radiographs in children should focus on EM physicians practising in EDs that primarily treat adult patients.

Respiratory virus testing and clinical outcomes among children hospitalized with pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Despite the increased availability of diagnostic tests for respiratory viruses, their clinical utility for children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To identify patterns of respiratory virus testing across children's hospitals prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine whether hospital-level rates of viral testing were associated with clinical outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized for CAP at 19 children's hospitals in the United States from 2010-2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Using a novel method to identify the performance of viral testing, we assessed time trends in the use of viral tests, both overall and stratified by testing method. Adjusted proportions of encounters with viral testing were compared across hospitals and were correlated with length of stay, antibiotic and oseltamivir use, and performance of ancillary laboratory testing.

RESULTS

There were 46,038 hospitalizations for non-severe CAP among children without complex chronic conditions. The proportion with viral testing increased from 38.8% to 44.2% during the study period (p < .001). Molecular testing increased (27.2% to 40.0%, p < .001) and antigen testing decreased (33.2% to 7.8%, p < .001). Hospital-specific adjusted proportions of testing ranged from 10.0% to 83.5% and were not associated with length of stay, antibiotic use, or antiviral use. Hospitals that performed more viral testing did not have lower rates of ancillary laboratory testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Viral testing practices varied widely across children's hospitals and were not associated with clinically important process or outcome measures. Viral testing may not influence clinical management for many children hospitalized with CAP.

Antibiotics and outcomes of CF pulmonary exacerbations in children infected with MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist to inform antibiotic selection among people with cystic fibrosis (CF) with airway infection by multiple CF-related microorganisms. This study aimed to determine among children with CF co-infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) if the addition of anti-MRSA antibiotics to antipseudomonal antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) would be associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with antipseudomonal antibiotics alone.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using data from the CF Foundation Patient Registry-Pediatric Health Information System linked dataset. The odds of returning to baseline lung function and having a subsequent PEx requiring intravenous antibiotics were compared between PEx treated with anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal antibiotics and those treated with antipseudomonal antibiotics alone, adjusting for confounding by indication using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

RESULTS

943 children with CF co-infected with MRSA and Pa contributed 2,989 PEx for analysis. Of these, 2,331 (78%) PEx were treated with both anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal antibiotics and 658 (22%) PEx were treated with antipseudomonal antibiotics alone. Compared with PEx treated with antipseudomonal antibiotics alone, the addition of anti-MRSA antibiotics to antipseudomonal antibiotic therapy was not associated with a higher odds of returning to ≥90% or ≥100% of baseline lung function or a lower odds of future PEx requiring intravenous antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CF co-infected with MRSA and Pa may not benefit from the addition of anti-MRSA antibiotics for PEx treatment. Prospective studies evaluating optimal antibiotic selection strategies for PEx treatment are needed to optimize clinical outcomes following PEx treatment.

Variation in Condition-Specific Readmission Rates Across US Children's Hospitals

OBJECTIVE

Despite extensive efforts, overall readmission rates at US children's hospitals have not materially declined over the past decade, raising questions about how to direct future efforts. Using measures of prevalence and performance variation we describe readmission rates by condition and identify priority conditions for future intervention.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 49 US children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System in 2017. Conditions were classified using All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups. 30-day unadjusted and risk-adjusted readmission rates were calculated for each hospital/condition using the Pediatric All Cause Readmission measure. We ranked the highest volume conditions by rate variation (RV, interquartile range divided by the median) for each condition across hospitals.

RESULTS

The sample included 811,434 index hospitalizations with 50,196 (6.2%) 30-day readmissions. The RV across hospitals/conditions was between 0 and 2.8 (median = 0.7). Common reasons for admission had low RVs across hospitals, for example, bronchiolitis (readmission rate = 5.6%, RV = 0.4), seizure (readmission rate = 6.6%, RV = 0.3), and asthma (readmission rate = 3.1%, RV = 0.4). We identified 33 conditions with high variation in readmission rates across hospitals, which accounted for 18% of all discharges and 11% of all pediatric readmissions. These conditions may serve as candidates for future readmission reduction activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Many common childhood conditions have little variation in readmission rates across children's hospitals, suggesting limited future improvement opportunities. Conditions with high rate variation may provide opportunities for quality improvement; however, these conditions account for a relatively small share of total discharges suggesting modest potential impacts on national rates.

Post-COVID-19 Conditions Among Children 90 Days After SARS-CoV-2 Infection

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the risk factors for, and the risk of, developing post-COVID-19 conditions (PCCs) among children.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the proportion of SARS-CoV-2-positive children with PCCs 90 days after a positive test result, to compare this proportion with SARS-CoV-2-negative children, and to assess factors associated with PCCs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This prospective cohort study, conducted in 36 emergency departments (EDs) in 8 countries between March 7, 2020, and January 20, 2021, included 1884 SARS-CoV-2-positive children who completed 90-day follow-up; 1686 of these children were frequency matched by hospitalization status, country, and recruitment date with 1701 SARS-CoV-2-negative controls.

EXPOSURE

SARS-CoV-2 detected via nucleic acid testing.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Post-COVID-19 conditions, defined as any persistent, new, or recurrent health problems reported in the 90-day follow-up survey.

RESULTS

Of 8642 enrolled children, 2368 (27.4%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive, among whom 2365 (99.9%) had index ED visit disposition data available; among the 1884 children (79.7%) who completed follow-up, the median age was 3 years (IQR, 0-10 years) and 994 (52.8%) were boys. A total of 110 SARS-CoV-2-positive children (5.8%; 95% CI, 4.8%-7.0%) reported PCCs, including 44 of 447 children (9.8%; 95% CI, 7.4%-13.0%) hospitalized during the acute illness and 66 of 1437 children (4.6%; 95% CI, 3.6%-5.8%) not hospitalized during the acute illness (difference, 5.3%; 95% CI, 2.5%-8.5%). Among SARS-CoV-2-positive children, the most common symptom was fatigue or weakness (21 [1.1%]). Characteristics associated with reporting at least 1 PCC at 90 days included being hospitalized 48 hours or more compared with no hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.67 [95% CI, 1.63-4.38]); having 4 or more symptoms reported at the index ED visit compared with 1 to 3 symptoms (4-6 symptoms: aOR, 2.35 [95% CI, 1.28-4.31]; ≥7 symptoms: aOR, 4.59 [95% CI, 2.50-8.44]); and being 14 years of age or older compared with younger than 1 year (aOR, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.43-4.99]). SARS-CoV-2-positive children were more likely to report PCCs at 90 days compared with those who tested negative, both among those who were not hospitalized (55 of 1295 [4.2%; 95% CI, 3.2%-5.5%] vs 35 of 1321 [2.7%; 95% CI, 1.9%-3.7%]; difference, 1.6% [95% CI, 0.2%-3.0%]) and those who were hospitalized (40 of 391 [10.2%; 95% CI, 7.4%-13.7%] vs 19 of 380 [5.0%; 95% CI, 3.0%-7.7%]; difference, 5.2% [95% CI, 1.5%-9.1%]). In addition, SARS-CoV-2 positivity was associated with reporting PCCs 90 days after the index ED visit (aOR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.14-2.35]), specifically systemic health problems (eg, fatigue, weakness, fever; aOR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.19-5.00]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with reporting PCCs at 90 days in children. Guidance and follow-up are particularly necessary for hospitalized children who have numerous acute symptoms and are older.

Mortality During Readmission Among Children in United States Children's Hospitals

OBJECTIVE

To identify demographic, clinical, and hospital factors associated with mortality on readmission within 180 days following an inpatient hospitalization.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 33 US children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System from January 2010 to June 2020. Our primary outcome was death during readmission within 180 days of an index hospitalization among children aged 0-18 years. Illness severity during the index hospitalization was defined according to the All Patient-Refined Diagnosis-Related Group-categorized illness severity (ie, minor, moderate, or major/extreme). We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors during the index hospitalization associated with mortality during readmission.

RESULTS

Among 2 677 111 children discharged, 337 385 (12.6%) were readmitted within 180 days of the index hospitalization and 2913 (0.8%) died during readmission. More than one-quarter (26.2%) of deaths among children who were readmitted and died occurred within 10 days after discharge from the index hospitalization. Factors independently associated with mortality during readmission included multiple complex chronic conditions, index admissions lasting >7 days, moderate or severe/extreme illness during the index hospitalization, and public insurance. Children whose race was reported as Black had greater odds of mortality during readmission compared with children of other races.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hospitalized children, several demographic and clinical factors present during index hospitalizations were associated with mortality during readmission. Greater odds of mortality during readmission among children whose race was reported as Black likely reflects disparities in social determinants of health and clinical care. Interventions to reduce mortality during readmission may target high-risk populations in the period immediately following discharge.

Pediatric Emergency Department Testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in Children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe trends in the utilization of nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia in US pediatric emergency departments. Nucleic acid amplification has been recommended over genital culture by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for children evaluated for sexual abuse.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter study of children aged 12 months to 11 years tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia between 2004 and 2018 at 22 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. We included patients diagnosed with maltreatment concerns and/or genitourinary (GU) symptoms. The primary outcome was prevalence of testing with NAAT, culture, or both. We analyzed groups based on patient sex, as well as diagnoses of maltreatment versus GU symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 36,312 visits were analyzed. Visits were 73.4% girls and 26.6% boys. During the study period, there was an increase in use of NAAT-only testing for girls (49.3% to 94.3%; P < 0.001) and boys (54.5% to 96.1%; P < 0.001). There was a decrease in use of culture alone for girls (40% to 1.6%; P < 0.001) and boys (38.7% to 0.8%; P < 0.001). Use of both tests in the same encounter was higher among children diagnosed with maltreatment than GU symptoms, regardless of sex (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 14-year period, downtrend of culture use with increase in NAAT was observed, suggesting general adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Almost 10% of children diagnosed with maltreatment continued to be tested with culture. This could indicate provider concerns regarding test accuracy, legal admissibility, or lack of test availability.

Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Population Served and Imaging Used in US Children's Hospital Emergency Departments

Importance

Lower rates of diagnostic imaging have been observed among Black children compared with White children in pediatric emergency departments. Although the racial composition of the pediatric population served by each hospital differs, it is unclear whether this is associated with overall imaging rates at the hospital level, and in particular how it may be associated with the difference in imaging rates between Black and White children at a given hospital.

Objective

To examine the association between the diversity of the pediatric population seen at each pediatric ED and variation in diagnostic imaging.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional analysis of ED visits by patients younger than 18 years at 38 children's hospitals from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2019, using data from the Pediatric Health Information System. Data were analyzed from April to September 2021.

Exposures

Proportion of patients from minoritized groups cared for at each hospital.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was receipt of an imaging test defined as radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated to measure differences in imaging by race and ethnicity by hospital, and the correlation between the proportion of patients from minoritized groups cared for at each hospital and the aOR for receipt of diagnostic imaging by race and ethnicity was examined.

Results

There were 12 310 344 ED visits (3 477 674 [28.3%] among Hispanic patients; 3 212 915 [26.1%] among non-Hispanic Black patients; 4 415 747 [35.9%] among non-Hispanic White patients; 6 487 660 [52.7%] among female patients) by 5 883 664 pediatric patients (mean [SD] age, 5.84 [5.23] years) to the 38 hospitals during the study period, of which 3 527 866 visits (28.7%) involved at least 1 diagnostic imaging test. Diagnostic imaging was performed in 1 508 382 visits (34.2%) for non-Hispanic White children, 790 961 (24.6%) for non-Hispanic Black children, and 907 222 (26.1%) for Hispanic children (P < .001). Non-Hispanic Black patients were consistently less likely to receive diagnostic imaging than non-Hispanic White patients at each hospital, and for all imaging modalities. There was a significant correlation between the proportion of patients from minoritized groups cared for at the hospital and greater imaging difference between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black patients (correlation coefficient, -0.37; 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.07; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, hospitals with a higher percentage of pediatric patients from minoritized groups had larger differences in imaging between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients, with non-Hispanic White patients consistently more likely to receive diagnostic imaging. These findings emphasize the urgent need for interventions at the hospital level to improve equity in imaging in pediatric emergency medicine.

Impact of Viral Radiographic Features on Antibiotic Treatment for Pediatric Pneumonia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Chest radiograph (CXR) is routinely performed among children with suspected pneumonia, though it is not clear how specific radiographic findings impact antibiotic treatment for pneumonia. We evaluated the impact of viral radiographic features on antibiotic treatment among children undergoing pneumonia evaluation in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Children presenting to a pediatric ED who underwent a CXR for pneumonia evaluation were prospectively enrolled. Prior to CXR performance, physicians indicated their level of suspicion for pneumonia. The CXR report was reviewed to assess for the presence of viral features (peribronchial cuffing, perihilar markings, and interstitial infiltrate) as well as radiographic features suggestive of pneumonia (consolidation, infiltrate, and opacity). The relationship between viral radiographic features and antibiotic treatment was assessed based on the level of clinical suspicion for pneumonia prior to CXR.

RESULTS

Patients with normal CXRs (n = 400) and viral features alone (n = 370) were managed similarly, with 8.0% and 8.6% of patients receiving antibiotic treatment, respectively (P = .75). Compared with children with radiographic pneumonia (n = 174), patients with concurrent viral features and radiographic pneumonia (n = 177) were treated with antibiotics less frequently (86.2% vs 54.3%, P < .001). Among children with isolated viral features on CXR, antibiotic treatment rates were correlated with pre-CXR level of suspicion for pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children with suspected pneumonia, the presence of viral features alone on CXR is not associated with increased rates of antibiotic use. Among children with radiographic pneumonia, the addition of viral features on CXR is associated with lower rates of antibiotic use, as compared to children with radiographic pneumonia alone.

Derivation and validation of a novel risk assessment tool to identify children aged 2–59 months at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality in 20 countries

Introduction

Existing risk assessment tools to identify children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality have shown suboptimal discriminatory value during external validation. Our objective was to derive and validate a novel risk assessment tool to identify children aged 2–59 months at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality across various settings.

Methods

We used primary, baseline, patient-level data from 11 studies, including children evaluated for pneumonia in 20 low-income and middle-income countries. Patients with complete data were included in a logistic regression model to assess the association of candidate variables with the outcome hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality. Adjusted log coefficients were calculated for each candidate variable and assigned weighted points to derive the Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations (PREPARE) risk assessment tool. We used bootstrapped selection with 200 repetitions to internally validate the PREPARE risk assessment tool.

Results

A total of 27 388 children were included in the analysis (mean age 14.0 months, pneumonia-related case fatality ratio 3.1%). The PREPARE risk assessment tool included patient age, sex, weight-for-age z-score, body temperature, respiratory rate, unconsciousness or decreased level of consciousness, convulsions, cyanosis and hypoxaemia at baseline. The PREPARE risk assessment tool had good discriminatory value when internally validated (area under the curve 0.83, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.84).

Conclusions

The PREPARE risk assessment tool had good discriminatory ability for identifying children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality in a large, geographically diverse dataset. After external validation, this tool may be implemented in various settings to identify children at risk of hospitalised pneumonia-related mortality.

Epidemiology and management of abdominal injuries in children

BACKGROUND

Although more guideline-adherent care has been described in pediatric compared to adult trauma centers, we aimed to provide a more detailed characterization of management and resource utilization of children with intra-abdominal injury (IAI) within pediatric centers. Our primary objective was to describe the epidemiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management of children with IAI across U.S. children's hospitals. Our secondary objective was to describe the interhospital variation in surgical management of children with IAI.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 33 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. We included children aged <18 years evaluated in the emergency department from 2010 to 2019 with IAI, as defined by ICD coding, and who underwent an abdominal computed tomography (CT). Our primary outcome was abdominal surgery. We categorized IAI by organ system and described resource utilization data. We used generalized linear regression to calculate adjusted hospital-level proportions of abdominal surgery, with a random effect for hospital.

RESULTS

We studied 9265 children with IAI. Median (IQR) age was 9.0 (6.0-13.0) years. Abdominal surgery was performed in 16% (n = 1479) of children, with the lowest proportion of abdominal surgery observed in children aged <5 years. Liver (38.6%) and spleen (32.1%) were the most common organs injured. A total of 3.1% of children with liver injuries and 2.8% with splenic injuries underwent abdominal surgery. Although there was variation in rates of surgery across hospitals (p < 0.001), only three of 33 hospitals had rates that were statistically different from the aggregate mean of 16%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with IAI are managed nonoperatively, and most children's hospitals manage children with IAI similarly. These data can be used to inform future benchmarking efforts across hospitals to assess concordance with guidelines for the management of children with IAI.

Anaphylaxis knowledge gaps and future research priorities: A consensus report

BACKGROUND

Despite a better understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of patients with anaphylaxis, there remain knowledge gaps. Enumerating and prioritizing these gaps would allow limited scientific resources to be directed more effectively.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to systematically describe and appraise anaphylaxis knowledge gaps and future research priorities based on their potential impact and feasibility.

METHODS

We convened a 25-member multidisciplinary panel of anaphylaxis experts. Panelists formulated knowledge gaps/research priority statements in an anonymous electronic survey. Four anaphylaxis themed writing groups were formed to refine statements: (1) Population Science, (2) Basic and Translational Sciences, (3) Emergency Department Care/Acute Management, and (4) Long-Term Management Strategies and Prevention. Revised statements were incorporated into an anonymous electronic survey, and panelists were asked to rate the impact and feasibility of addressing statements on a continuous 0 to 100 scale.

RESULTS

The panel generated 98 statements across the 4 anaphylaxis themes: Population Science (29), Basic and Translational Sciences (27), Emergency Department Care/Acute Management (24), and Long-Term Management Strategies and Prevention (18). Median scores for impact and feasibility ranged from 50.0 to 95.0 and from 40.0 to 90.0, respectively. Key statements based on median rating for impact/feasibility included the need to refine anaphylaxis diagnostic criteria, identify reliable diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic anaphylaxis bioassays, develop clinical prediction models to standardize postanaphylaxis observation periods and hospitalization criteria, and determine immunotherapy best practices.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified and systematically appraised anaphylaxis knowledge gaps and future research priorities. This study reinforces the need to harmonize scientific pursuits to optimize the outcomes of patients with and at risk of anaphylaxis.

Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2-Positive Youths Tested in Emergency Departments: The Global PERN-COVID-19 Study

IMPORTANCE

Severe outcomes among youths with SARS-CoV-2 infections are poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of children with severe outcomes within 14 days of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in an emergency department (ED).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This prospective cohort study with 14-day follow-up enrolled participants between March 2020 and June 2021. Participants were youths aged younger than 18 years who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection at one of 41 EDs across 10 countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Singapore, Spain, and the United States. Statistical analysis was performed from September to October 2021.

EXPOSURES

Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined by nucleic acid (eg, polymerase chain reaction) testing.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Severe outcomes, a composite measure defined as intensive interventions during hospitalization (eg, inotropic support, positive pressure ventilation), diagnoses indicating severe organ impairment, or death.

RESULTS

Among 3222 enrolled youths who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 3221 (>99.9%) had index visit outcome data available, 2007 (62.3%) were from the United States, 1694 (52.6%) were male, and 484 (15.0%) had a self-reported chronic illness; the median (IQR) age was 3 (0-10) years. After 14 days of follow-up, 735 children (22.8% [95% CI, 21.4%-24.3%]) were hospitalized, 107 (3.3% [95% CI, 2.7%-4.0%]) had severe outcomes, and 4 children (0.12% [95% CI, 0.03%-0.32%]) died. Characteristics associated with severe outcomes included being aged 5 to 18 years (age 5 to <10 years vs <1 year: odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.09-2.34]; age 10 to <18 years vs <1 year: OR, 2.39 [95% CI 1.38-4.14]), having a self-reported chronic illness (OR, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.59-3.44]), prior episode of pneumonia (OR, 3.15 [95% CI, 1.83-5.42]), symptoms starting 4 to 7 days prior to seeking ED care (vs starting 0-3 days before seeking care: OR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.29-3.82]), and country (eg, Canada vs US: OR, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.05-0.23]; Costa Rica vs US: OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.05-2.96]; Spain vs US: OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.27-0.98]). Among a subgroup of 2510 participants discharged home from the ED after initial testing and who had complete follow-up, 50 (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.5%-2.6%) were eventually hospitalized and 12 (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.3%-0.8%) had severe outcomes. Compared with hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-negative youths, the risk of severe outcomes was higher among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-positive youths (risk difference, 3.9%; 95% CI, 1.1%-6.9%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, approximately 3% of SARS-CoV-2-positive youths tested in EDs experienced severe outcomes within 2 weeks of their ED visit. Among children discharged home from the ED, the risk was much lower. Risk factors such as age, underlying chronic illness, and symptom duration may be useful to consider when making clinical care decisions.

Corticosteroids and Other Treatments Administered to Children Tested for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Emergency Departments

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine if corticosteroid administration is associated with a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test-positive result and to describe therapies administered to SARS-CoV-2 infected children.

METHODS

We collected cross-sectional data from participants recruited in 41 pediatric emergency departments (ED) in 10 countries between March 2020 and June 2021. Participants were <18 years old, had signs or symptoms of, or risk factors for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and had nucleic acid testing performed. To determine if SARS-CoV-2 test status was independently associated with corticosteroid administration, we used a multivariable conditional logistic regression model matched by study site to compare treatments administered based on SARS-CoV-2 test and disposition status. This analysis was repeated for the subgroup of study participants who were hospitalized.

RESULTS

30.3% (3,121/10,315) of participants were SARS-CoV-2-positive. Although remdesivir was more commonly administered to SARS-CoV-2-positive children, use was infrequent (25/3120 [0.8%] vs 1/7188 [0.01%]; P = .001). Corticosteroid use was less common among SARS-CoV-2-positive children (219/3120 [7.0%] vs 759/7190 [10.6%]; P < .001). Among hospitalized children, there were no differences in provision of inotropes, respiratory support, chest drainage or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between groups. Corticosteroid administration was associated with age, history of asthma, wheezing, study month, hospitalization and intensive care unit admission; it was not associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result overall (aOR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.74, 1.12) or among the subgroup of those hospitalized (aOR: 1.04; 95%CI: 0.75, 1.44).

CONCLUSIONS

Few disease-specific treatments are provided to SARS-CoV-2-positive children; clinical trials evaluating therapies in children are urgently needed.