Journal of pediatric surgery
-
High school athletes who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion are required to be removed from play until clearance by a provider. A regional pediatric trauma center offered an mTBI clinic to evaluate students for return to play (RTP). ⋯ Although the mTBI rate is similar to reported rates, the unreported mTBI episodes were lower (22.5%) than previously published self-reported mTBI rates. The RTP algorithm was successful in returning athletes in 16.9 days. The algorithm and data can be utilized by other organizations in establishment of an mTBI clinic and RTP program.
-
Pure esophageal atresia (EA) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) are commonly associated with various anomalies. Associated anomalies, especially those of upper airways may alter the management strategies. This study was designed to find out the role of preoperative laryngotracheobronchoscopy (LTB) just prior to the standard surgical procedure. ⋯ LTB performed just prior to the definitive surgical procedure in EA and EA-TEF would diagnose, document and may aid in the surgical management strategies.
-
Researchers are constantly challenged to identify optimal mortality risk adjustment methodologies that perform accurately in pediatric trauma patients. This study evaluated the new Trauma Mortality Prediction Model (TMPM-ICD-9) in pediatric trauma patients. ⋯ The TMPM demonstrated superior discrimination compared to ISS. The TMPM shows promise of a much needed and simple to use risk adjustment tool with application to both adult and pediatric patients. Researchers should continue to validate this tool in robust pediatric data sets.
-
Little data exists on temporal changes in the care of children with common surgical conditions. We hypothesized that an increasing proportion of procedures are performed at pediatric hospitals over time, and that outcomes are superior at these centers. ⋯ There has been a shift towards pediatric hospitals for certain procedures, with a widening disparity in outcomes for younger children. These results suggest that procedures in younger patients may best be performed by providers familiar with these patient populations.
-
At our level 1 pediatric trauma center, 9-54 intermediate-level ("level 2") trauma activations are received per month. Previously, the surgery team was required to respond to and assume responsibility for all patients who had "level 2" trauma activations. In 8/2011, we implemented a protocol where the emergency room (ER) physician primarily manages these patients with trauma consultation for surgical evaluation or admission. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effects of the new protocol to ensure that patient safety and quality of care were maintained. ⋯ Intermediate-level pediatric trauma patients can be efficiently and safely managed by pediatric emergency room physicians, with surgical consultation only as needed. The protocol change improved resource utilization by decreasing testing and admissions and streamlining resident utilization in an era of reduced duty hours.