PAST CLINIC STUDIES
Cervical Spine Clearance in Obtunded Pediatric Trauma Patients
A multicenter retrospective cohort study, led by Dr. Aaron Jensen of UCSF-Benioff Children’s Hospital, that examines the rate of occult ligamentous injury on MRI in the context of a normal cervical spine CT in injured children. Additional subgroup analyses of imaging characteristics, timing and long-term outcomes will also be reported.
Evaluation of Outcomes of Extracorporeal Life Support On Pediatric Patients with SARS-CoV-2
Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began in 2020, it has been noted that the effects of SARS-CoV-2 vary with severity and age, but a large proportion has affected the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions in particular. Given the vulnerability of those on ECMO, it was decided to evaluate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the outcomes of pediatric patients requiring ECMO.
Use of a Water Soluble Contrast-Based protocol to Assist in the Management of Pediatric Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common problem following abdominal surgery. The use of water-soluble enteral contrast protocols in adults have been shown to reduce unnecessary operations and identify those patients that need an operation earlier. Little is known about the utility of water-soluble enteral contrast protocols is children with ASBO. The goal of this study is to determine if water-soluble enteral contrast protocols are safe and effective in the non-operative management of ASBO in children and are successful earlier identification of patients that will fail non-operative management. This study prospective observational study leverages the variations in the management ASBO across the 10 WPSRC sites to answer these important clinical questions.
A Prospective Randomized Trial of Antibiotic Duration in Post-Appendectomy Abscess
Post-operative abscess is the most common complication following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. There is wide variation in the duration of antibiotic administration following source control of the abscess. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the duration of antibiotic therapy in patients who have undergone abscess drainage and identify the minimum length of time necessary to treat. This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the impact 4-day vs 8-day antibiotic regimens on abscess formation, length of stay, treatment cost and burden to families.
Child Physical Abuse and COVID-19: Trends from Nine Pediatric Trauma Centers
COVID-19 radically changed where children spend their time and has placed untold social and financial stressors on families. This retrospective study examined trends in non-accidental pediatric trauma in early stages of COVID-19 compared to the pre-COVID era.
Surgeon Volume Does Not Impact Outcomes for Infants Undergoing Kasai Portoenterostomy
Kasai portoenterostomy or hepatoportoenterostomy is a highly technical operation for the treatment of biliary atresia in infants. This was a retrospective study of 216 infants who underwent a Kasai procedure between January 1st of 2009 and May 19th of 2017.
A Multi-Institutional Quality Improvement to Minimize Opioid Prescribing in Children After Appendectomy Using NSQIP-Pediatric
Given the opioid epidemic gripping the United States, WPSRC institutions initiated a large-scale quality improvement project that ELIMINATES opioid prescriptions on discharge following appendectomy. Using the an expanded NSQUIP questionnaire, this study evaluated opioid use, pain control and patient satisfaction.
Adolescent Vaping-Associated Trauma in the Western United States
E-cigarettes, aka vape pens, use a battery and heating element to vaporize liquids into an aerosol that users inhale. Though the damage caused by the inhalant is increasingly recognized, little is known about the trauma that can result from device malfunction.