Journal of pediatric surgery
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The purpose of this study was to determine the early impact of American College of Surgeons (ACS)-level-1 verification at an established pediatric trauma center. ⋯ ACS-verification at a level-1 pediatric trauma center is associated with an immediate benefit to patient outcomes. Enhanced tracking and institutional policy changes resulted in fewer HACS. Further cost-saving and improved outcomes because of ACS-verification may be amplified over time.
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Quality improvement (QI) bundles have been widely adopted to reduce surgical site infections (SSI). Improvement science suggests when organizations achieve high-reliability to QI processes, outcomes dramatically improve. However, measuring QI process compliance is poorly supported by electronic health record (EHR) systems. We developed a custom EHR tool to facilitate capture of process data for SSI prevention with the aim of increasing bundle compliance and reducing adverse events. ⋯ Simple informatics solutions can facilitate extraction of QI process data from the EHR without relying on adjunctive systems. Analyses of these data may drive reductions in adverse events. Pediatric surgical departments should consider leveraging the EHR to enhance bundle compliance as they implement QI strategies.
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Clinical Trial
High failure rate of nonoperative management of acute appendicitis with an appendicolith in children.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of nonoperative management of acute appendicitis in children with an appendicolith identified on preoperative imaging. ⋯ Nonoperative management of acute appendicitis with an appendicolith in children resulted in an unacceptably high failure rate.
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Multicenter Study
Laboratory evaluation for pediatric patients with suspected necrotizing soft tissue infections: A case-control study.
Optimal outcomes for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) depend on rapid diagnosis and management. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score is a validated diagnostic tool for adult NSTI, but its value for children remains unknown. We hypothesized that modification of the LRINEC score may increase its diagnostic accuracy for pediatric NSTI. ⋯ The P-LRINEC is a simplified version of the LRINEC score utilizing only CRP and sodium and may provide superior accuracy in predicting pediatric NSTI.