European journal of pediatrics
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The objective of this study was to analyze acute care utilization of sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) in children and identify trends in emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions over a 10-year period. This is a retrospective population-based study of SCD- and SCT-related ED visits and admissions from 2006 to 2015. Data were acquired from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), National Inpatient Sample (NIS), and National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database. ⋯ Conclusion: Among patients less than 18 years of age with HbSS, inpatient admissions through the emergency department accounted for the largest medical expenditure of the SCD subtypes. What is Known: • There are currently no multi-year, nationwide analyses of acute care utilization in sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait (SCT) in the pediatric population. • SCT is more common than SCD, affecting 1.5% of all infants born in the USA. What is New: • Comprehensive annual costs of acute care utilization of patients less than 18 years of age with SCD and SCT in the USA which includes aggregated demographical patient care data and to illustrate temporal trends of acute care utilization in children less than 18 years of age with SCD and SCT • Among patients less than 18 years of age with HbSS, inpatient admissions through the emergency department accounted for the largest medical expenditure of the sickle cell disease subtypes.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Application of PECARN rules would significantly decrease CT rates in a Dutch cohort of children with minor traumatic head injuries.
The aim of this study was to determine the potential impact of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) rules on the CT rate in a large paediatric minor traumatic head injury (MTHI) cohort and compare this with current national Dutch guidelines. This was a planned sub-study of a prospective multicentre observational study that enrolled 1006 children younger than 18 years with MTHI. We calculated the number of recommended CT scans and described trauma-related CT scan abnormalities. ⋯ We therefore advocate that the PECARN guidelines are also implemented in The Netherlands. What is Known: • To guide clinicians whether to perform a CT scan in children with a minor traumatic head injury (MTHI) clinical decision rules has been developed. • The overall CT scan rate in adherence with the Dutch MTHI guidelines is 44%. What is New: • The projected CT rate can significantly be reduced in a Dutch cohort of MTHI if the PECARN rules are applied. • The Dutch national guidelines for MTHI can safely be replaced by the PECARN rules.
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Anthropometric indices (AI) have been known to be associated with age at menarche (AAM). The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the changes in AI and its association with AAM in a community-based population in Iran. From among 10,192 women, we included 6818, aged ≥ 10 years, who were post-menarche at the time of entering the study and their AAM ranged between 8 and 18 years. ⋯ Conclusion: Our findings showed an inverse association of AAM with mean BMI, waist to height ratio, and waist circumference, an association weaker in younger women compared to other age groups. What is Known: • Limited data are available on the association of menarcheal age with anthropometric indices. • Previous studies reported conflicting and inclusive results of this association. What is New: • Our results can provide beneficial information on the association of menarcheal age with anthropometric indices based on different age groups. • This long follow-up study shows an association of menarcheal age with anthropometric indices which are stronger in older women except for height.
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Advance care planning enables parents to discuss goals and preferences for future care and treatment of their seriously ill child. Although clinicians report parental factors as common barriers for advance care planning, parental views on reflecting on their child's future have had limited exploration. A clear understanding of their perspectives might help clinicians to implement advance care planning tailored to parental needs. ⋯ To engage parents in advance care planning, the future needs to be discussed in relation to the present and the past. • There is "no sharing without caring". Parents who felt cared for and acknowledged in their challenging context by clinicians, were open to share their perspectives on the future of their seriously ill child. To share deeper motives and values underlying goals and preferences for future care and treatment, parents need a stimulating attitude of listening and encouragement from clinicians to express their feelings.