Improving Accuracy of Administrative Data for Perforated Appendicitis Classification.

INTRODUCTION: Reliance on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes may misclassify perforated appendicitis with resultant research, fiscal, and public health implications. We aimed to improve the accuracy of administrative data for perforated appendicitis classification relying on ICD-10-CM codes from 2015 to 2018. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of randomly sampled patients aged ≤18 years diagnosed with acute appendicitis from eight children's hospitals. Patients were identified using the Pediatric Health Information System, and true perforation status was determined by medical record review. We developed two algorithms by leveraging Pediatric Health Information System data elements and data mining (DM) approaches. The two developed algorithm performance was compared against algorithms that exclusively relied on ICD-10-CM codes using area under the curve and other measures. RESULTS: Of 1051 clinically validated encounters that were included, 383 (36.4%) patients were identified to have perforated appendicitis. The two algorithms developed using DM approaches primarily leveraged ICD-10-CM codes and length of stay. DM-developed algorithms had a significantly higher accuracy than algorithms relying exclusively on ICD-10-CM (P value < 0.01): sensitivity and specificity for DM-developed algorithms were 0.86-0.88 and 0.95-0.97, respectively, which were overall higher than algorithms that relied on only ICD-10-CM. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an algorithm that can improve the accuracy of perforated appendicitis classification using commonly available elements in administrative data. We recommend that this algorithm is used in future appendicitis classification to ensure valid reporting, hospital-level benchmarking, and fiscal or public health assessments.

Prevalence and Outcomes of High versus Low Ratio Plasma to Red Blood Cell Resuscitation in a Multi-Institutional Cohort of Severely Injured Children.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of targeting high ratio fresh frozen plasma (FFP):red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in pediatric trauma resuscitation is unclear as existing studies are limited to patients who retrospectively met criteria for massive transfusion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of high ratio FFP:RBC transfusion and the association with outcomes in children presenting in shock. METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of a 24-institution prospective observational study (4/2018-9/2019) of injured children <18 years with elevated age-adjusted shock index was performed. Patients transfused within 24 hours were stratified into cohorts of low (<1:2) or high (>1:2) ratio FFP:RBC. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square were used to compare characteristics and mortality. Competing risks analysis was used to compare extended (≥75th percentile) ventilator, intensive care, and hospital days while accounting for early deaths. RESULTS: Of 135 children with median (IQR) age 10 (5,14) years and weight 40 (20,64) kg, 85 (63%) received low ratio transfusion and 50 (37%) high ratio despite similar activation of institutional massive transfusion protocols (MTP; low-38%, high-46%, p = .34). Most patients sustained blunt injuries (70%). Median injury severity score was greater in high ratio patients (low-25, high-33, p = .01); however, hospital mortality was similar (low-24%, high-20%, p = .65) as was the risk of extended ventilator, ICU, and hospital days (all p > .05). CONCLUSION: Despite increased injury severity, patients who received a high ratio of FFP:RBC had comparable rates of mortality. These data suggest high ratio FFP:RBC resuscitation is not associated with worst outcomes in children who present in shock. MTP activation was not associated with receipt of high ratio transfusion, suggesting variability in MTP between centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, Level II.

Treatment Facility Case Volume and Disparities in Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening, prenatally diagnosed congenital anomaly. We aim to characterize care and outcomes of infants with CDH in Texas and the impact of treating facilities volume of care. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using a state-wide Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data File was conducted (2013-2021). Neonates and infants <1 year of age were included using CDH ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Neonates transferred to an outside hospital were excluded to avoid double-counting. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of 1314 CDH patient encounters identified, 728 (55%) occurred at 5 higher volume centers (HVC, >75 cases), 326 (25%) at 9 mid-volume centers (MVC, 20-75 cases) and 268 (20%) at 79 low volume centers (LVC, <20 cases). HVC had lower mortality rates (18%, MVC 22% vs LVC 27%; p = 0.011) despite treating sicker patients (extreme illness severity: HVC 71%, MVC 62% vs LVC 50%; p < 0.001) with longer length-of-stay (p < 0.001). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 136 (10%) and provided primarily at HVC. LVC treated proportionately more non-white Hispanic patients (p < 0.001) and patients from counties along the Mexican border (p < 0.001). The predicted probability of mortality in CDH patients decreases with higher treatment facility CDH case volume, with a 0.5% decrease in the odds of mortality for every additional CDH case treated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated in HVC have significantly lower mortality despite increased severity. Our data suggest minority populations may be disproportionately treated at LVC associated with worse outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Prognosis Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Surfactant Therapy in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a complex pathology with severe pulmonary morbidity. Administration of surfactant in CDH is controversial, and the advent of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) has added further complexity. While FETO has been shown to improve survival outcomes, there are risks of prematurity and potential surfactant deficiency. We aim to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of surfactant administration for CDH infants and elucidate potential benefits or risks in this unique population. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort review of patients with unilateral CDH from September 2015 to July 2022 was performed. Demographics, prognostic perinatal imaging features, and outcomes were collected. Patients were stratified by surfactant administration and history of FETO. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, two-sample t-tests, chi-squared analyses, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 105 included patients, 19 (18%) underwent FETO and 25 (24%) received surfactant. Overall, surfactant recipients were born at earlier gestational ages and lower birthweights regardless of FETO history. Surfactant recipients possessed significantly worse prenatal prognostic features such as observed to expected total fetal lung volume, observed to expected lung to head ratio, and percent liver herniation. In CDH patients without FETO history, surfactant recipients demonstrated worse outcomes than nonrecipients. This association is notably absent in the FETO population, where surfactant recipients have more favorable survival and comparable outcomes. When controlling for defect severity or surfactant usage, as a proxy for respiratory status, surfactant recipients that underwent FETO trended toward improved survival and decreased ECMO use. CONCLUSIONS: Surfactant administration is not associated with increased morbidity and mortality and may be beneficial in CDH patients that have undergone FETO.

Management and Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk (Congenital Lung Malformation Volume Ratio≥ 1.6) Congenital Lung Malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) have a variable natural history. Larger lesions with CLM volume ratio (CVR) ≥ 1.6 are associated with hydrops and fetal mortality. The purpose of this study is to describe the management and outcomes of high-risk (CVR ≥ 1.6) CLM patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for all fetuses evaluated between May 2015 and May 2022. Demographics, prenatal imaging factors, prenatal and postnatal treatment, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the cohorts. RESULTS: Of 149 fetal CLM patients referred to our fetal center, 21/149 (14%) had CVR ≥ 1.6. One CLM patient had intrauterine fetal demise, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 18 patients, 11/18 (67%) received maternal steroids. Seven out of 18 patients (39%) underwent resection at the time of delivery with 1/7 (14%) undergoing exutero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-resection, 5/7 (71%) undergoing EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection, and 1/7 (14%) undergoing a coordinated delivery to resection; among those undergoing resection, there were 2 fatalities (28.5%). Seven out of 18 (39%) patients required urgent neonatal open lobectomies, and the remaining 4/18 (22%) patients underwent elective thoracoscopic lobectomies with no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history and outcomes of severe CLM patients remain highly variable. The EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection procedure may be a safe and effective approach for a subset of CLM patients with persistent symptoms of mass effect and severe mediastinal shift due to the observed decreased operative time requiring placental support observed in our study.

Outcomes of Extracorporeal Life Support Utilization for Pediatric Patients With COVID-19 Infections.

Outcomes of pediatric patients who received extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for COVID-19 remain poorly described. The aim of this multi-institutional retrospective observational study was to evaluate these outcomes and assess for prognostic factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Seventy-nine patients at 14 pediatric centers across the United States who received ECLS support for COVID-19 infections between January 2020 and July 2022 were included for analysis. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. The median age was 14.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-17 years). Most patients were female (54.4%) and had at least one pre-existing comorbidity (84.8%), such as obesity (44.3%, median body mass index percentile: 97% [IQR: 67.5-99.0%]). Venovenous (VV) ECLS was initiated in 50.6% of patients. Median duration of ECLS was 12 days (IQR: 6.0-22.5 days) with a mean duration from admission to ECLS initiation of 5.2 ± 6.3 days. Survival to hospital discharge was 54.4%. Neurological deficits were reported in 16.3% of survivors. Nonsurvivors were of older age (13.3 ± 6.2 years vs. 9.3 ± 7.7 years, p = 0.012), more likely to receive renal replacement therapy (63.9% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.003), demonstrated longer durations from admission to ECLS initiation (7.0 ± 8.1 days vs. 3.7 ± 3.8 days, p = 0.030), and had higher rates of ECLS-related complications (91.7% vs. 69.8%, p = 0.016) than survivors. Pediatric patients with COVID-19 who received ECLS demonstrated substantial morbidity and further investigation is warranted to optimize management strategies.

Hospital Variation in Mortality and Failure to Rescue after Surgery for High-Risk Neonatal Diagnoses.

INTRODUCTION: A large proportion of postoperative mortality after pediatric surgery occurs among neonates with specific high-risk diagnoses. The extent to which there is hospital-level mortality variation among patients with these diagnoses and whether this variation is associated with differences in failure to rescue (FTR) is unclear. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System® database (2012-2020) was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for eight high-risk neonatal diagnoses: gastroschisis; volvulus; necrotizing enterocolitis; intestinal atresia; meconium peritonitis; tracheoesophageal fistula; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; and perinatal intestinal perforation. Hospitals were stratified into tertiles of reliability-adjusted inpatient mortality rates (lower than average mortality - tertile 1 [T1]; higher than average mortality - tertile 3 [T3]). Multivariable hierarchical regression was used to evaluate the association between hospital-level, reliability-adjusted mortality and FTR. RESULTS: Overall, 20,838 infants were identified across 48 academic, pediatric hospitals. Adjusted hospital mortality rates ranged from 4.0% (95% CI, 0.0-8.2) to 16.3% (12.2-20.4). Median case volume (range, 80-1,238) and number of NICU beds (range, 24-126) were not significantly different across hospital tertiles. Compared to the hospitals with the lowest postoperative mortality (T1), the odds of FTR were significantly higher in hospitals with the highest (T3) postoperative mortality (odds ratio 1.97 [1.50-2.59]). CONCLUSIONS: Significant variation in neonatal hospital mortality for high-risk diagnoses does not appear to be explained by hospital structural characteristics. Rather, difference in FTR suggests quality improvement interventions targeting early recognition and management of postoperative complications could improve surgical quality and safety for high-risk neonatal care.

Utility of Hospital Failure to Rescue for Analyzing Variation in Pediatric Postoperative Mortality.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between pediatric hospital performances in terms of failure to rescue (FTR), defined as postoperative mortality after a surgical complication, and mortality among patients without a surgical complication. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Forty-eight academic, pediatric hospitals; data obtained from Pediatric Health Information System database (Child Health Corporation of America, Shawnee Mission, KS) (2012-2020). PATIENTS: Children who underwent at least one of 57 high-risk operations associated with significant postoperative mortality. EXPOSURES: Hospitals were stratified into quintiles of reliability adjusted FTR (lower than average FTR in quintile 1 [Q1], higher than average FTR in quintile 5 [Q5]). Multivariable hierarchical regression was used to evaluate the association between hospital FTR performance and mortality among patients who did not have a surgical complication. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 203,242 children treated across 48 academic hospitals, the complication and overall postoperative mortality rates were 8.8% and 2.3%, respectively. Among patients who had a complication, the FTR rate was 8.8%. Among patients who did not have a complication, the mortality rate was 1.7%. There was a 6.5-fold increase in reliability adjusted FTR between the lowest and highest performing hospitals (lowest FTR hospital-2.7%; 95% CI [1.6-3.9]; highest FTR hospital-17.8% [16.8-18.8]). Complex chronic conditions were highly prevalent across hospitals (Q1, 72.7%; Q2, 73.8%; Q3, 72.2%; Q4, 74.0%; Q5, 74.8%; trend test p < 0.01). Relative to Q1 hospitals, the odds of mortality in the absence of a postoperative complication significantly increased by 33% at Q5 hospitals (odds ratio 1.33; 95% CI [1.07-1.66]). This association was consistent when limited to patients with a complex chronic condition and neonates. CONCLUSION: FTR may be a useful and valid surgical quality measure for pediatric surgery, even when considering patients without a postoperative complication. These findings suggest practices and processes for preventing FTR at high performing pediatric hospitals might help mitigate the risk of postoperative mortality even in the absence of a postoperative complication.

Novel Clinical Algorithm for Prenatal Monitoring of Congenital Lung Malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are readily identified early in pregnancy with a variable natural history. Monitoring for lesion size and mediastinal shift (MS) is recommended following diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to propose a risk-stratified clinical algorithm for prenatal monitoring of CLM. METHODS: After ethical approval, all fetuses with CLMs evaluated at our fetal center from January 2015 to June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, imaging characteristics, and fetal interventions were collected. Lesions were stratified by congenital lung malformation volume ratio (CVR) and the presence of MS. Descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic curves were employed in the analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 111 patients with a mean of 23.4 wk gestational age, a median CVR of 0.5 (interquartile range, 0.3-1.2), and MS in 76 of 111(68%) patients on initial evaluation. Among low-risk patients (CVR ≤1.1), 96% remained low-risk on final evaluation. No patients transitioned from low to high risk during the growth period. Patients with CVR >1.1 often had persistent MS (P < 0.001). Hydrops (5/111, 5%) and fetal intervention (4/111, 4%) only occurred in patients with CVR >1.1 (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) and MS (P = 0.144, P = 0.214). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, initial CVR >1.1 had 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value for hydrops and fetal intervention. CONCLUSIONS: CLMs with initial CVR ≤1.1 are low risk for hydrops and fetal intervention. We propose a risk-stratified algorithm for the monitoring of CLM during the growth period based on CVR. While our experience suggests that patients with CLM and MS are at higher risk, the current subjective assessment of MS is not adequately predictive. Incorporating an MS grading system may further refine risk stratification in the management of CLM.

Maternal Anxiety and Empowerment in Pregnancies Complicated By Fetal Surgical Anomalies: A Mixed Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal surgical anomalies cause significant anxiety. Following the diagnosis, prenatal counseling with shared decision-making occurs. Empowerment is an essential component of shared decision-making. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate the association between patient empowerment with depression and anxiety among patients with fetal surgical anomalies. METHODS: An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted at a large tertiary fetal center among patients with recently diagnosed surgical fetal anomalies from May, 2021 to May, 2022. Validated cross-sectional surveys were used to collect quantitative data regarding patient empowerment, depression, and anxiety. Univariate analysis was used to compare the association of maternal empowerment with depression and anxiety. Qualitative data was obtained from semistructured interviews to explore maternal anxiety and depression relative to the fetal diagnosis. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were recruited for the quantitative study. Pregnancy-related empowerment score and patient empowerment score were significantly lower for expectant mothers with high anxiety (P < 0.01). Eighteen patients participated in qualitative interviews. Participants expressed significant anxiety related to their fetal diagnosis. Exacerbating stressors included social determinants, personal history of miscarriage, and changing family dynamics. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest there is an association between increased depression and anxiety with lower empowerment. These findings have important implications for prenatal counseling, as targeted interventions to improve psychosocial support to treat depression and anxiety might also improve empowerment.

Management of Pediatric Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Due to Penetrating Trauma.

Due to the increasing frequency of pediatric penetrating trauma, pediatric surgeons need to be prepared to evaluate and manage complex penetrating injuries. In this report, we discuss the endovascular management of a traumatic aortic pseudoaneurym and subsequent bullet retrieval following penetrating chest trauma in a child. The key to successful management included multidisciplinary decision making and use of an expandable covered stent generally used for management of aortic coarctation.

Association of Socioeconomic Status with Empowerment, Depression, and Anxiety in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Surgical Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Women with pregnancies complicated by fetal surgical anomalies experience significant psychosocial burden. There remains a need to determine the impact that socioeconomic status has on maternal empowerment, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: A survey study was conducted from 5/2021-5/2022 to quantify empowerment, anxiety, and depression in women with fetal surgical anomalies. Surveys administered included Pregnancy Related Empowerment Scale (PRES), Patient Empowerment Scale (PES), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Two-sample t-test was used to compare survey scores across socioeconomic groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were recruited. Mothers more commonly preferred English as primary language (n = 61, 82%) and were non-Hispanic (n = 43, 58%). Lower empowerment scores were observed in Hispanic mothers (PRES, p = 0.03; PES, p = 0.04) and mothers who preferred Spanish (PRES, p = 0.04; PES, p = 0.06) as primary language. Both non-Hispanic (p = 0.88) and English speaking (p = 0.75) women had higher STAI scores, but neither was significantly different. DASS was not significantly higher for Hispanic (p = 0.79) or Spanish speaking mothers (p = 0.47). CONCLUSION: Hispanic and Spanish speaking women with pregnancies complicated by fetal surgical anomalies have significantly decreased empowerment scores. These findings suggest a need for development of culturally competent, targeted interventions to improve maternal empowerment in this high-risk population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II. TYPE OF STUDY: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

No Association of Sirolimus with Wound Complications in Children With Vascular Anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: Sirolimus has demonstrated effectiveness as a treatment option for several types of vascular anomalies; however, it has a potential side effect of delayed surgical wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of sirolimus with postoperative complications in the pediatric vascular anomaly population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for children with a vascular anomaly who underwent excision or debulking of the anomaly from 2015 to 2020. Patient demographics, vascular anomaly characteristics, operative variables, sirolimus dosing information, and perioperative outcomes were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to compare outcomes based on the administration of sirolimus. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with vascular anomalies underwent 57 surgical procedures (36 without perioperative sirolimus, 21 with perioperative sirolimus). The median age at the time of surgery was seven years (IQR 1.7-14.0). The most common anomalies were lymphatic and venolymphatic malformations. Of the patients administered perioperative sirolimus, the median preoperative and postoperative sirolimus levels were comparable (preoperative 6.9 ng/mL (IQR 4.9-10.1), postoperative 6.5 ng/mL (IQR 4.7-9.4)). The rate of postoperative complications (sirolimus 19%, without sirolimus 11%; p = 0.45) and wound complications (sirolimus 14%, without sirolimus 6%; p = 0.26) were comparable between the cohorts. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest sirolimus may not significantly increase perioperative complication rates in pediatric patients undergoing resection of their vascular anomaly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Association of Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation During Nuss Procedure With Complications and Costs.

BACKGROUND: Intercostal nerve cryoablation with the Nuss procedure has been shown to decrease opioid requirements and hospital length of stay; however, few studies have evaluated the impact on complications and hospital costs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for all Nuss procedures at our institution from 2016 through 2020. Outcomes were compared across 4 pain modalities: cryoablation with standardized pain regimen (n = 98), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA; n = 96), epidural (n = 36), and PCA with peripheral nerve block (PNB; n = 35). Outcomes collected included length of stay, opioid use, variable direct costs, and postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate hierarchical regression analysis was used to compare outcomes between the pain modalities. RESULTS: Cryoablation was associated with increased total hospital cost compared with PCA (cryoablation, $11 145; PCA, $8975; P < .01), but not when compared with epidural ($9678) or PCA with PNB ($10 303). The primary driver for increased costs was operating room supplies (PCA, $2741; epidural, $2767; PCA with PNB, $3157; and cryoablation, $5938; P < .01). With multivariate analysis, cryoablation was associated with decreased length of stay (-1.94; 95% CI, -2.30 to -1.57), opioid use during hospitalization (-3.54; 95% CI, -4.81 to -2.28), and urinary retention (0.13; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation significantly reduces opioid requirements and length of stay relative to alternative modalities, but it was associated with an increase in total hospital costs relative to PCA, but not epidural or PCA with PNB. Cryoablation was not associated with allodynia or slipped bars requiring reoperation.

Variation in Resident Operative Autonomy at Veterans Affairs Hospitals.

This cohort study examines resident involvement in the care of US veterans who underwent noncardiac surgery.

Postoperative Respiratory Complications in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Pediatric Patients Across 20 United States Hospitals: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Data examining rates of postoperative complications among SARS-CoV-2 positive children are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive status on postoperative respiratory outcomes for children. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included SARS-CoV-2 positive pediatric patients across 20 hospitals who underwent general anesthesia from March to October 2020. The primary outcome was frequency of postoperative respiratory complications, including: high-flow nasal cannula/non invasive ventilation, reintubation, pneumonia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and 30-day respiratory-related readmissions or emergency department (ED) visits. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between patient and procedure characteristics and stratified analyses by symptoms were performed examining incidence of complications. RESULTS: Of 266 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 163 (61.7%) were male, and the median age was 10 years (interquartile range 4-14). The majority of procedures were emergent or urgent (n = 214, 80.5%). The most common procedures were appendectomies (n = 78, 29.3%) and fracture repairs (n = 40,15.0%). 13 patients (4.9%) had preoperative symptoms including cough or dyspnea. 26 patients (9.8%) had postoperative respiratory complications, including 15 requiring high-flow oxygen, 8 with pneumonia, 4 requiring non invasive ventilation, 3 respiratory ED visits, and 2 respiratory readmissions. Respiratory complications were more common among symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (30.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.01). Higher ASA class and comorbidities were also associated with postoperative respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative respiratory complications are less common in asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-COV-2 positive children. Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions for time-sensitive, non urgent procedures in selected asymptomatic patients may be reasonably considered. Additionally, further research is needed to evaluate the costs and benefits of routine testing for asymptomatic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Iii, Respiratory complications.

Hospital Variation in Mortality After Inpatient Pediatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the association between risk adjusted hospital perioperative mortality rates, postoperative complications, and failure to rescue (FTR) after inpatient pediatric surgery. BACKGROUND: FTR has been identified as a possible explanatory factor for hospital variation in perioperative mortality in adults. However, the extent to which this may be the case for hospitals that perform pediatric surgery is unclear. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System database (2012-2020) was used to identify patients who underwent one of 57 high-risk operations associated with significant perioperative mortality (n=203,242). Academic, pediatric hospitals (n=48) were stratified into quintiles based on risk adjusted inpatient mortality [lower than average, quintile 1 (Q1); higher than average, quintile 5 (Q5)]. Multivariable hierarchical regression was used to evaluate the association between hospital mortality rates, complications, and FTR. RESULTS: Inpatient mortality, complication, and FTR rates were 2.3%, 8.8%, and 8.8%, respectively. Among all patients who died after surgery, only 34.1% had a preceding complication (Q1, 36.1%; Q2, 31.5%; Q3, 34.7%; Q4, 35.7%; Q5, 32.2%; trend test, P =0.49). The rates of observed mortality significantly increased across hospital quintiles, but the difference was <1% (Q1, 1.9%; Q5; 2.6%; trend test, P <0.01). Relative to Q1 hospitals, the odds of complications were not significantly increased at Q5 hospitals [odds ratio (OR): 1.02 (0.87-1.20)]. By comparison, the odds of FTR was significantly increased at Q5 hospitals [OR: 1.60 (1.30-1.96)] with a dose-response relationship across hospital quintiles [Q2-OR: 0.99 (0.80-1.22); Q3-OR: 1.26 (1.03-1.55); Q4-OR: 1.33 (1.09-1.63)]. CONCLUSIONS: The minority of pediatric surgical deaths are preceded by a postoperative complication, but variation in risk adjusted mortality across academic, pediatric hospitals may be partially explained by differences in the recognition and management of postoperative complications. Additional work is needed to identify children at greatest risk of postoperative death from perioperative complications as opposed to those at risk from pre-existing chronic conditions.

Comparison of subcutaneous analgesic system and epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control in open pediatric oncology operations: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Children undergoing open oncologic surgery can have significant post-operative pain. The purpose of this trial was to compare a surgeon-placed subcutaneous analgesic system (SAS) to epidural analgesia. METHODS: Single center randomized controlled trial including children ≤18 years undergoing open tumor resection between October 2018 and April 2021. Randomization to SAS or epidural was done preoperatively and perioperative pain management was standardized. Families were blinded to the modality. Comparisons of oral morphine equivalents (OME) and pain scores for three postoperative days, clinical outcome parameters, and parental satisfaction following unblinding were completed using non-parametric analyses. RESULTS: Of 36 patients (SAS 18, Epidural 18), median age was 5 years (range <1-17). The Epidural cohort had less OME demand on postoperative day one (SAS 0.76 mg/kg, Epidural 0.11 mg/kg; p<0.01) and two (SAS 0.48 mg/kg, Epidural 0.07 mg/kg, p = 0.03). Pain scores were similar on postoperative days 1-3 (0-2 in both groups). The Epidural cohort had more device complications (SAS 11%, Epidural 50%; p = 0.03) and higher urinary catheter use (SAS 50%, Epidural 89%; p = 0.03). More than 80% of parents would use the same device in the future (SAS 100%, Epidural 84%, p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: For children undergoing open oncologic abdominal or thoracic surgery, early post-operative pain control appears to be better with epidural analgesia; however, SAS has decreased incidence of device complications and urinary catheter use. Parental satisfaction is excellent with both modalities. SAS could be considered as an alternative to epidural, especially in settings when epidural placement is not available or contraindicated. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study, Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.