Bacteriology of pediatric breast abscesses beyond the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the presentation and bacteriology of nonneonatal pediatric breast abscess. OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacteriology and characteristic presentation of pediatric breast abscesses in a tertiary care center. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients age 1 month to 21 years admitted to a pediatric Emergency Department (ED) between 1996 and 2018 with a breast abscess. Patients with pre-existing conditions were excluded. Records were reviewed to determine demographics, history, physical exam findings, wound culture results, imaging and ED disposition. We used descriptive statistics to describe prevalence of different bacteria. RESULTS: We identified 210 patients who met study criteria. Median age was 13.6 years [IQR 6.6, 17.4], and 91% (191/210) were females. Ninety-two patients (43.8%) were 'pre-treated' with antibiotics prior to ED visit, and 33/210 (16%) were febrile. Ultrasound was obtained in 85 patients (40.5%), 69 patients had a single abscess and 16 had multiple abscesses. Most patients were treated with antibiotics and 100 had a surgical intervention, of these 89 had I&D and 11 a needle aspiration. Admission rate was 45%. Culture results were available for 75 (75%). Thirty-three (44%) had a negative culture, or grew non-aureus staphylococci or other skin flora. Culture were positive for MSSA 21 (28%), MRSA 13 (17%), Proteus mirabilis 2 (2.6%), Serratia 1 (1.3%). Other organisms include Gram-negative bacilli, group A Streptococcus and enterococcus. CONCLUSIONS: Non-neonatal pediatric breast abscess bacteriology is no different than data published on other skin abscesses. MRSA coverage should be considered based on local prevalence in skin infections.

Magnet-related injury rates in children: a single hospital experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ingestion of multiple magnets simultaneously or the placement of magnets in both nares can lead to serious injury resulting from the attraction of the magnets across the tissues. The impact of mandatory standards for toys containing magnets has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the present study was to describe the emergency department (ED) visit rate for magnet-related injuries. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of children evaluated for magnet-related injuries from 1995 to 2012 in an urban tertiary care pediatric ED. We identified cases using a computerized text-search methodology followed by manual chart review. We included children evaluated for magnet ingestion or impaction in the ears, nose, vagina, or rectum. We assessed the type and number of magnets as well as management and required interventions. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze rates of injury over time. RESULTS: We identified 112 cases of magnet injuries. The median patient age was 6 years (IQR 3.5, 10), and 54% were male. Compared to before 2006, the rate for all magnet-related injuries in 2007-2012 (incidence rate ratio 3.44; 95% confidence interval 2.3-5.11) as well as multiple magnet-related injuries (incidence rate ratio 7.54; 95% confidence interval 3.51-16.19) increased. Swallowed magnets accounted for 86% of the injuries. Thirteen patients had endoscopy performed for magnet removal (12%), and 4 (4%) had a surgical intervention. Magnets from toys account for the majority of the injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The number of ED visits for magnet-related injuries in children may be rising and are underreported, with an increase in the proportion of multiple magnets involvement. In our case series, mandatory standard for toys had no mitigating effect.