Geospatial Distribution of Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease: Implications for Equitable Care from a Fetal Heart Society Research Collaborative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize patterns in the geospatial distribution of pre- and postnatally diagnosed congenital heart disease (CHD) across 6 surgical centers. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, multicenter case series from the Fetal Heart Society identified patients at 6 centers from 2012 through 2016 with prenatally (PrND) or postnatally (PoND) diagnosed hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or d-transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Geospatial analysis for clustering was done by the average nearest neighbor (ANN) tool or optimized hot spot tool, depending on spatial unit and data type. Both point location and county case rate per 10 000 live births were assessed for geographic clustering or dispersion. RESULTS: Of the 453 CHD cases, 26% were PoND (n = 117), and 74% were PrND (n = 336). PrND cases, in all but one center, displayed significant geographic clustering by the ANN. Conversely, PoND cases tended toward geographic dispersion. Dispersion of PoND HLHS occurred in 2 centers (ANN = 1.59, P < .001; and 1.47, P = .016), and PoND TGA occurred in 2 centers (ANN = 1.22, P < .05; and ANN = 1.73, P < .001). Hot spot analysis of all CHD cases (TGA and HLHS combined) revealed clustering near areas of high population density and the tertiary surgical center. Hot spot analysis of county-level case rate, accounting for population density, found variable clustering patterns. CONCLUSION: Geographic dispersion among postnatally detected CHD highlights the need for a wider reach of prenatal cardiac diagnosis tailored to the specific needs of a community. Geospatial analysis can support centers in improving the equitable delivery of prenatal care.

The Child Opportunity Index and asthma morbidity among children younger than 5 years old in Washington, DC.

BACKGROUND: Place-based social determinants of health are associated with pediatric asthma morbidity. However, there is little evidence on how social determinants of health correlate to the disproportionately high rates of asthma morbidity experienced by children <5 years old. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate census tract associations between the Child Opportunity Index ±COI) and at-risk rates (ARRs) for pediatric asthma-related emergency department (ED) encounters and hospitalizations in Washington, DC. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of children <5 years old with physician-diagnosed asthma included in the DC Asthma Registry between January 2018 and December 2019. Census tract COI score (1-100) and its 3 domains (social/economic, health/environmental, and educational) were the exposures (source: www.diversitydatakids.org). ED and hospitalization ARRs (outcomes) were created by dividing counts of ED encounters and hospitalizations by populations with asthma for each census tract and adjusted for population-level demographic (age, sex, insurance), clinical (asthma severity), and community (violent crime and limited English proficiency) covariates. RESULTS: Within a study population of 3806 children with a mean age of 2.4 ± 1.4 years, 2132 (56%) had 5852 ED encounters, and 821 (22%) had 1418 hospitalizations. Greater census tract overall COI, social/economic COI, and educational COI were associated with fewer ED ARRs. There were no associations between the health/environmental COI and ED ARRs or between the COI and hospitalization ARRs. CONCLUSION: Improving community-level social, economic, and educational opportunity within specific census tracts may reduce ED ARRs in this population.

Population-level SDOH and Pediatric Asthma Health Care Utilization: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Spatial analysis is a population health methodology that can determine geographic distributions of asthma outcomes and examine their relationship to place-based social determinants of health (SDOH). OBJECTIVES: To systematically review US-based studies analyzing associations between SDOH and asthma health care utilization by geographic entities. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. STUDY SELECTION: Empirical, observational US-based studies were included if (1) outcomes included asthma-related emergency department visits or revisits, and hospitalizations or rehospitalizations; (2) exposures were ≥1 SDOH described by the Healthy People (HP) SDOH framework; (3) analysis occurred at the population-level using a geographic entity (eg, census-tract); (4) results were reported separately for children ≤18 years. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers collected data on study information, demographics, geographic entities, SDOH exposures, and asthma outcomes. We used the HP SDOH framework's 5 domains to organize and synthesize study findings. RESULTS: The initial search identified 815 studies; 40 met inclusion criteria. Zip-code tabulation areas (n = 16) and census-tracts (n = 9) were frequently used geographic entities. Ten SDOH were evaluated across all HP domains. Most studies (n = 37) found significant associations between ≥1 SDOH and asthma health care utilization. Poverty and environmental conditions were the most often studied SDOH. Eight SDOH-poverty, higher education enrollment, health care access, primary care access, discrimination, environmental conditions, housing quality, and crime - had consistent significant associations with asthma health care utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Population-level SDOH are associated with asthma health care utilization when evaluated by geographic entities. Future work using similar methodology may improve this research's quality and utility.

Characteristics and Geographic Variation in Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths in the District of Columbia.

ABSTRACT: Sleep-related infant death is a major cause of infant mortality in the United States. In the District of Columbia, infant mortality varies widely among regions (2 to 14 per 1000 live births). The study objectives were to analyze the patient characteristics and related variables to sudden unexpected infant deaths at 2 pediatric emergency department (ED) sites and the geographic patterns of infant deaths and their relationship to social vulnerability. This retrospective cohort study examined infants under 1 year of age presenting with cardiac arrest at 2 ED sites from 2010 to 2020. Analysis showed 81 deaths with a median population age of 75 days (SD, 46 days). The most frequent demographics of deceased patients were African American Black (89%) with Medicaid insurance (63%), born at term gestation (66%), and without comorbidity (60%). The cause of death was most frequently undetermined (32%) and asphyxia (31%). Most cases involved bed-sharing (63%), despite more than half of those cases having a known safe sleep surface available. Infant death location showed that most deaths occurred in areas with the highest social vulnerability index, including near a community ED location. Understanding the etiologies of this geographic variability may enhance sleep-related infant death prevention strategies.

Social Determinants of Health and At-Risk Rates for Pediatric Asthma Morbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Compared with population-based rates, at-risk rates (ARRs) account for underlying variations of asthma prevalence. When applied with geospatial analysis, ARRs may facilitate more accurate evaluations of the contribution of place-based social determinants of health (SDOH) to pediatric asthma morbidity. Our objectives were to calculate ARRs for pediatric asthma-related emergency department (ED) encounters and hospitalizations by census-tract in Washington, the District of Columbia (DC) and evaluate their associations with SDOH. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study identified children with asthma, 2 to 17 years old, living in DC, and included in the DC Pediatric Asthma Registry from January 2018 to December 2019. ED encounter and hospitalization ARRs (outcomes) were calculated for each DC census-tract. Five census-tract variables (exposures) were selected by using the Healthy People 2030 SDOH framework: educational attainment, vacant housing, violent crime, limited English proficiency, and families living in poverty. RESULTS: During the study period, 4321 children had 7515 ED encounters; 1182 children had 1588 hospitalizations. ARRs varied 10-fold across census-tracts for both ED encounters (64-728 per 1000 children with asthma) and hospitalizations (20-240 per 1000 children with asthma). In adjusted analyses, decreased educational attainment was significantly associated with ARRs for ED encounters (estimate 12.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4 to 15.8, P <.001) and hospitalizations (estimate 1.2, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.2, P = .016). Violent crime was significantly associated with ARRs for ED encounters (estimate 35.3, 95% CI 10.2 to 60.4, P = .006). CONCLUSION: Place-based interventions addressing SDOH may be an opportunity to reduce asthma morbidity among children with asthma.

Geospatial analysis of salmonellosis and its association with socioeconomic status in Texas.

OBJECTIVE: The study's objective was to find the association between salmonellosis and socioeconomic status (SES) in hot spot areas and statewide counties. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The data were recorded regarding salmonellosis in 2017 from the Texas surveillance database. It included assessment of hot spot analysis and SES association with salmonellosis at the county level. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with salmonellosis of all age groups in Texas. RESULTS: There were a total of 5113 salmonellosis from 254 counties with an unadjusted crude rate of 18 per 100 000 person-years. Seven SES risk factors in the hot spot counties were as follows: low values of the severe housing problem, unemployment, African American and high values of social association rate, fast food/full-service restaurant use, Hispanic and Hispanic senior low access-to-store (p<0.05). A 12% difference existed between local health departments in hot (25%) and cold spot (37%) counties (χ2 (1, n=108)=0.5, p=0.81).Statewide independent risk factors were severe housing problem (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.1; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.14), social association rate (IRR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.92), college education (IRR=1.05; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.07) and non-Hispanic senior local access-to-store (IRR=1.98; 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.11). The severe housing problem predicted zero occurrences of infection in a county (OR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Disparity exists in salmonellosis and SES. Attention to unmet needs will decrease salmonellosis. Severe housing problem is a notable risk.

Antibiotic exposure in hospitalized pediatric patients in the United States: prevalence and length of stay.

BACKGROUND: Hospital antibiotic use is rising. We aimed to evaluate the antibiotic-use prevalence and length of stay. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients < 18-years-old admitted to general pediatric services who received ≥ 1 antibiotic over six months. Demographics, culture results and antibiotic details were collected. The primary outcome was to identify the total number and classes of antibiotics prescribed during the admission. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), culture results, and the most commonly used antibiotics. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of patients received monotherapy (single class antibiotic). Cephalosporins (55%), vancomycin (35%), and clindamycin (22%) were prescribed more commonly than other antibiotic classes. Children were exposed up to 4 classes of antibiotics (range 1-4). A moderate correlation existed between the length of stay and the number of antibiotic classes used (R2 = 0.38). Two or more classes of antibiotic use prolonged the length of stay. Cephalosporin use was associated with 35% reduced LOS (95 CI, 21%-57%), and penicillin use correlated with 38% more prolonged LOS (95 CI, 22%-66%). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic use in pediatric hospitals was high, and children received multiple classes of antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic use and culture results may have an untoward effect on hospital length of stay.

Things We Do For No Reason™: Routine Blood Culture Acquisition for Children Hospitalized with Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Inspired by the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely® campaign, the "Things We Do for No Reason™" (TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent "black and white" conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.

Demographic and clinical features of pediatric patients with orthostatic intolerance and an abnormal head-up tilt table test; A retrospective descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical presentation varies in children with Orthostatic Intolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with orthostatic intolerance (OI) and positive head-up tilt test (HUTT). METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of clinical data from outpatients over 18 months period. RESULTS: We included 112 patients with abnormal HUTT results. Females were 78 (70%). Mean age of presentation was 15.6 years (sd: 3.3). Fifteen percent were overweight, and 14% were obese. A headache and syncope were the most frequent presenting symptoms (46% and 29% respectively). Review of systems identified more patients with headaches (84%), Syncope (61%), presyncope (87%) and abdominal pain (29%). Except for fatigue being more prevalent during a review of systems among patients with severe OI (69%) compared to those with moderate OI (46%, p = 0.02), there was no statistically significant difference in the clinical presentation between investigator-defined moderate and severe OI. Comorbidities identified in this cohort were Chiari malformations (9%), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (9%), electroencephalographic abnormalities (8%) and patent foramen ovale (43%). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents, mainly females had OI. Patients with OI and abnormal HUTT predominantly had a headache, syncope, and presyncope during the presentation. Eliciting review of systems and using tools such as clinical questionnaire identifies significant clinical presenting features and comorbidities.

Protocol: randomised trial to compare nasoduodenal tube and nasogastric tube feeding in infants with bronchiolitis on high-flow nasal cannula; Bronchiolitis and High-flow nasal cannula with Enteral Tube feeding Randomised (BHETR) trial.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a non-invasive form of respiratory support used increasingly in bronchiolitis. HFNC provides a variable amount of positive pressure similar to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The positive pressure in CPAP can distend and loosen oesophageal sphincter pressure leading to increased reflux. It is unclear if HFNC causes a similar action. Feeding tubes are used to provide nutrition and hydration to patients that are unable to safely take oral feedings. If there is increased reflux from HFNC, this would increase the risk of aspiration. Our institution places nasoduodenal tubes (NDT) to eliminate this risk. The purpose of the study is to infer if there is a difference between NDT and nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding with regard to length of respiratory support, number of emesis, number of chest X-rays and readmission/emergency room revisit rates. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients with bronchiolitis, on high-flow nasal cannula, and whose primary physicians have decided on feeding tube for nutrition/hydration will be approached for consent and enrolment. Patients will be randomised to NGT or NDT in variable block sizes and stratified into low- and high-risk groups. Outcomes will be analysed by both a frequentist and Bayesian statistical approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial was approved by local institutional review board. Every attempt will be made to reduce to an absolute minimum the interval between completion of data collection and release of study results through appropriate dissemination mediums including abstracts, poster presentations and journal publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03346850; Pre-results.

A Differential Approach to an Uncommon Case of Acute Anemia in a Child With Sickle Cell Disease.

Introduction: Hyperhemolytic crisis is a rare and dangerous complication of sickle cell disease where the hemoglobin level drops rapidly. This can quickly lead to organ failure and death. In the literature, most cases of hyperhemolysis in sickle cell patients followed a red cell transfusion. Case Summary: In this article, we report a case of a 6-year-old African American boy with sickle cell disease who presented with fever, increased work of breathing, and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung on chest X-ray. He initially improved with oxygen, fluids, and antibiotics but his hemoglobin acutely dropped from 7.6 to 6 g/dL the next day of admission. He was not previously transfused, and his reticulocyte count remained high. Subsequent transfusion recovered his hemoglobin. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that in the background of the chronic hemolysis of sickle cell disease, an acute anemia should warrant exploration of aplastic crisis (parvovirus infection), immune hemolytic anemia, hepatic sequestration crisis, splenic sequestration crisis, and hyperhemolytic crisis as possible etiologies. Ongoing reticulocytosis and a source of infection may direct suspicion especially toward hyperhemolytic crisis even without preceding red cell transfusion. We propose that the optimum management should include full supportive care (including transfusions if necessary) and treatment of the underlying cause of hemolysis (such as infections or drug exposure).

Acute Swollen Calf Pain With a Diagnosis of Hemophilia Following an MRI.

Hemarthrosis is a common musculoskeletal presentation in hemophilia. Intramuscular bleed is not uncommon. We report a young child who had a minor injury and calf swelling. He was initially diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed intramuscular hematoma and factor VIII assay confirmed hemophilia.

Disparities Between US Opioid Overdose Deaths and Treatment Capacity: A Geospatial and Descriptive Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: With opioid-related deaths reaching epidemic levels, gaining a better understanding of access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is critical. Most studies have focused on 1 side of the equation-either provider capacity or patients' need for care, as measured by overdose deaths. This study examines the overlay between treatment program availability and opioid mortality, comparing accessibility by region. METHODS: Geospatial and statistical analyses were used to model OUD treatment programs relative to population density and opioid overdose death incidence at the state and county level. We computed a ratio between program capacity and mortality called the programs-per-death (PPD) ratio. RESULTS: There were 40 274 opioid deaths in 2016 and 12 572 treatment programs across the contiguous 48 states, yielding a ratio of 1 program for every 3.2 deaths. Texas had the lowest number of treatment programs per 100 000 persons (1.4) and Maine the highest (13.2). West Virginia ranked highest in opioid deaths (39.09 per 100 000). Ohio, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia had the greatest mismatch between providers and deaths, with an average of 1 program for every 8.5 deaths. Over 32% of US counties had no treatment programs and among those with >10 deaths, nearly 2.5% had no programs. Over 19% of all counties had a ratio ≤1 provider facility per 10 deaths. CONCLUSION: Assessing the overlay between treatment capacity and need demonstrated that regional imbalances exist. These data can aid in strategic planning to correct the mismatch and potentially reduce mortality in the most challenged geographic regions.

Coronary artery dilation associated with anti-synthetase syndrome in an adolescent.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of systemic autoimmune disorders primarily affecting skeletal muscle. Pediatric coronary artery dilation is frequently discussed in Kawasaki disease. However, it has yet to be reported in the IIMs or antisynthetase syndrome. We report a unique case of a patient with IIM, antisynthetase syndrome and coronary artery dilation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an adolescent presenting with joint symptoms, fever, and eye swelling with a clinical diagnosis of Juvenile Dermatomyositis. He subsequently developed diastolic hypotension with evidence of coronary artery dilation. He received steroids and immunoglobulin and followed by immunosuppressants with mild improvement in his symptoms. The adolescent later developed dyspnea and cough with CT lungs evident for cystic changes; lung biopsy showed interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, and muscle biopsy was abnormal as well. The anti-pl-12 antibody was positive. Following several weeks of treatment, an echocardiogram showed improvement in coronary artery dilation. His joint symptoms, muscle strength and respiratory symptoms have also improved. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery dilation is not well understood in IIMs or antisynthetase syndrome. Pathobiology of coronary artery involvement, its treatment and prognosis, and association with IIM and antisynthetase syndrome needs further exploration.