Detection of hypertension and prehypertension in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes using a simple blood pressure table

BACKGROUND:

The diagnosis of hypertension is often unrecognized in the general paediatric and type 1 diabetes populations. Reference to a simple blood pressure table has been proposed as a screening tool for the identification of abnormal paediatric blood pressure. This simple table lists one cut-off blood pressure value for each sex and year of age, compared with the standard blood pressure tables, which list 476 abnormal and normal blood pressure values.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the simple blood pressure table in identifying hypertensive and abnormal (hypertensive or prehypertensive) blood pressure values in children with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data regarding baseline characteristics and blood pressure measurements were collected. Blood pressure values were categorized as nonhypertensive, prehypertensive or hypertensive using the standard and simple blood pressure tables. Sensitivity and specificity of the simple blood pressure table was determined for the identification of hypertensive and abnormal (hypertensive or prehypertensive) blood pressure values using a generalized estimating equation approach.

RESULTS:

The simple blood pressure table had sensitivities of 100% (95% CI 95.7% to 100%) and 100% (95% CI 97.6% to 100%), and specificities of 61.1% (95% CI 54.0% to 67.8%) and 81.3% (95% CI 74.4% to 86.6%), for the identification of hypertensive and abnormal blood pressure values, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The simple blood pressure table is an effective screening tool that may enable earlier detection and timely treatment of abnormal blood pressure.     

Triage of the child with abdominal pain: A clinical algorithm for emergency patient management

OBJECTIVE:

To create a simplified clinical algorithm for the triage of children with abdominal pain.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING:

Emergency room at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario.

METHODS:

A data mining methodology (rough sets analysis) was applied to a randomized data set obtained from 175 emergency room admission charts of patients. Patients were placed into two diagnostic decision classes: appendicitis confirmed by a pathological report, and resolution (this classification implied the resolution of all clinical complaints and physical findings, with no pathological diagnosis and no operative procedure).

RESULTS:

Nine clinical symptoms and signs were identified as being important in the management of children with abdominal pain. A clinically based algorithm for the triage of such children was developed.

CONCLUSIONS:

It is possible to develop a clinical algorithm for the triage of children with abdominal pain that can also be used by nonmedical professionals. A template for such an algorithm can be used as the basis for diagnosing other paediatric emergencies, such as chest pain, headaches and joint pain.     

Physiological referrals for paediatric musculoskeletal complaints: A costly problem that needs to be addressed

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:

Referrals to paediatric orthopedists for physiologically normal conditions consume limited resources and delay care for patients. The goal of the present study was to formally define such referrals and determine their prevalence.

METHODS:

A retrospective review evaluated consecutive referrals to a single tertiary paediatric orthopedic centre over two eight-month periods. Referrals from family physicians and paediatricians were retained for analysis. Physiological referrals were defined as a final orthopedic diagnosis of ‘within physiological norms’; and no scheduled follow up.

RESULTS:

Physiological conditions represented 22.5% of referrals. The type of referring physician did not determine referral quality. Flat foot, intoeing and genu varum/valgum exhibited physiological referral rates that exceeded 40%.

CONCLUSION:

Physiological referrals constitute a large portion of the outpatient paediatric orthopedic practice and represent a substantial unnecessary cost to the Canadian medical system. Future strategies to improve referral quality should target undergraduate and postgraduate musculoskeletal education.     

Symptomatic toxoplasma infection due to congenital and postnatally acquired infection

Aims

To determine the incidence and severity of symptomatic toxoplasma infection presenting during childhood due to congenital or postnatally acquired infection.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2004, newly diagnosed children (<16 years) with signs or symptoms of congenital or ocular toxoplasmosis were reported by clinicians to the British Paediatric and Ophthalmic Surveillance Units or by toxoplasma referral laboratories. Confirmed cases were estimated to have a greater than 50% probability of congenital and/or ocular toxoplasmosis, based on clinical and serological findings.

Results

Thirty eight children had confirmed toxoplasma infection. Twenty two (58%) were classified with congenital infection (cumulative incidence for England and Wales 3.4/100 000 live births; 95% CI 2.4 to 4.8), of whom 2 (9%) were stillborn, 7 (32%) live births had intracranial abnormalities and/or developmental delay (5 of whom had retinochoroiditis), and 10 (45%) had retinochoroiditis with no other abnormalities reported. A further 16 (42%) children were classified as infected after birth; all had retinochoroiditis.

Conclusions

The low burden of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis combined with the lack of evidence of an effective treatment support current policy not to offer prenatal or neonatal screening for toxoplasma infection. Primary prevention strategies need to address acquisition of infection in childhood which accounts for half the ocular disease due to toxoplasma infection in children in the UK and Ireland.     

Lessons learned during implementation of therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in a regional transport program in Ontario

BACKGROUND:

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the first intervention to consistently show improved neurological outcomes in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Since the recent introduction of TH for HIE in many centres, reviews of practices during the implementation of TH in Canada have not been published.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if eligible neonates are being offered TH and to identify any barriers to the effective implementation of TH.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of neonates referred to a regional tertiary centre at a gestational age of 35 weeks or more with HIE was conducted.

RESULTS:

Among 41 neonates referred, 29 (71%) were eligible for TH; among eligible patients, five were moribund and excluded, and TH was initiated in 16 (67%) of the remaining 24. Reasons for not cooling in eight eligible patients included a delay in referral (n=5, median age at referral was 14 h) and a failure to recognize the severity of HIE (n=3). Among cooled patients, median times were the following: 116 min for age at referral; 80 min for time from referral to transport team arrival; and 358 min for age at initiation of cooling. Seven (44%) patients had cooling initiated after 6 h of age.

CONCLUSION:

A significant proportion of eligible patients were not offered TH, and in many cooled patients, initiation of cooling was delayed beyond the recommended 6 h. For eligible patients to benefit from TH, it is imperative that all birthing centres be made aware that TH is now widely available as an important treatment option, but also that TH is a time-sensitive therapy requiring rapid identification and referral. In the region studied, for eligible patients, referring hospitals should initiate passive cooling before arrival of the transport team. Referring hospitals should be prepared to provide early, yet safe initiation of passive cooling by having the appropriate equipment, and having staff trained in the use and monitoring of rectal temperatures.     

Management recommendations for metabolic complications associated with second-generation antipsychotic use in children and youth

BACKGROUND:

Second-generation antipsychotics are commonly associated with metabolic complications. These medications are being used more frequently for the treatment of mental health disorders in children, which has stimulated the need for creating formal guidelines on monitoring their safety and effectiveness. Previous guidelines have been developed for monitoring metabolic and neurological complications. To assist practitioners who perform these monitoring procedures, a complementary set of treatment recommendations have been created for situations in which abnormal measurements or results are encountered.

OBJECTIVE:

To create evidence-based recommendations to assist in managing metabolic complications in children being treated with second-generation antipsychotics.

METHODS:

A systematic review of the literature on metabolic complications of second-generation antipsychotic medications in children was conducted. Members of the consensus group evaluated the information gathered from the systematic review of the literature and used a nominal group process to reach a consensus on treatment recommendations. Wherever possible, references were made to existing guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of metabolic abnormalities in children.

RESULTS:

Evidence-based recommendations are presented to assist in managing metabolic complications including weight gain; increased waist circumference; elevation in prolactin, cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels; abnormal liver function tests and abnormal thyroid studies.

CONCLUSION:

The use of second-generation antipsychotics requires proper monitoring procedures. The present treatment guideline provides guidance to clinicians on the clinical management of metabolic complications if they occur.     

A collaborative outreach clinic for pregnant youth and adolescent mothers: Description of a pilot clinic and its patients

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the pregnant youth and adolescent parents seen at an adolescent health outreach clinic in an urban community setting during a two-year pilot project.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review of all adolescents who presented at the monthly half-day clinics from January 2008 through January 2010 (n=36) was performed. Measures extracted from charts included demographic information, reason for referral, social history, mental health history and outcome of assessment.

RESULTS:

All participants were female (mean age 17 years). Forty-two percent were pregnant at initial assessment, while the remainder had one or two children, or a recent pregnancy loss. Sixty-one percent had no primary care physician. The primary reason for referral was mental health concerns, most commonly depression. Almost one-half of patients relied on social assistance and almost one-third were living in shelters. At the time of first visit, 42% of patients were not attending school; the highest level of school completed for most patients was grade 8. The majority had a history of mental health issues and previous drug and/or alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents presenting to the clinic had a history of disadvantage in terms of income, educational attainment, living arrangements and mental health background, and are in need of various health services including primary care practitioners. These findings will help to inform future program development for these vulnerable youth, and have implications for practitioners caring for this population.     

Fetal Alert Network: An integrated population-based fetal care network �C Linking conception to outcome

BACKGROUND:

Fetal diagnosis and intervention are changing the nature and natural history of many congenital anomalies treated today. Given the small cohort numbers and complexity of many congenital anomalies, an integrated network of accurate and timely information sharing is essential for evidence-based best clinical practice and outcomes.

METHODS:

A prospective, population-based, real-time provincial database was established by a transdisciplinary team of antenatal care providers consisting of five perinatal centres and affiliated paediatric subspecialties providing care.

RESULTS:

Eight hundred thirty-two pregnant women referred for fetal anomalies were registered between April 2, 2005, and March 31, 2006. The women had a mean ± SD age of 30±6.2 years, and approximately 90% of the pregnancies were spontaneously conceived. In addition, more than 90% of the women had no predisposing genetic history. The mean time of initial diagnosis was 21 weeks gestational age, and the mean time of referral was 24.7 weeks gestational age. Approximately 50% of the patients had no antenatal screening. Detailed analysis such as geographical mapping demonstrated regional differences in fetal anomalies prevalence, practice differences and clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Accurate, precise and real-time collection of fetal care and health systems utilization information establishes a new benchmark, and reveals some critical deficiencies such as lack of antenatal care and delayed referral for fetal anomalies in Ontario.     

Unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney: long term outcomes

Aims

To report the long term follow up of children with antenatally detected unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) with documentation of complications, involution rate with time, and renal function at 10 years.

Methods

Data were retrieved from a prospective regional registry of patients with MCDK between 1985 and 2004. Children were followed using a common protocol of investigation with follow up ultrasound scans (USS) at 2 (165 patients), 5 (117 patients), and 10 years (43 patients).

Results

Serial USS showed that 33% of the MCDK kidneys had completely involuted at 2 years of age, 47% at 5 years, and 59% at 10 years. No patients developed hypertension, significant proteinuria, or malignancy, but two developed pelviureteric junction obstruction in the contralateral kidney. Twenty seven of 143 children (19%) had vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) (96% mild to moderate VUR) into the contralateral kidney with no difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections or renal scarring between those with or without VUR. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 86.4 ml/min/1.73 m² (range 48–125) in 31 of 43 patients followed to 10 years.

Conclusions

Conservative management of unilateral MCDK is justified with clinical review and infrequent USS but longer term follow up continues in the 41% still with renal remnants at 10 years and those with impaired GFR. It is suggested that the initial micturating cystogram is deferred unless abnormal USS features are present in the contralateral kidney or ureter.     

Canadian paediatricians’ approaches to managing patients with adverse events following immunization: The role of the Special Immunization Clinic network

BACKGROUND:

When moderate or severe adverse events occur after vaccination, physicians and patients may have concerns about future immunizations. Similar concerns arise in patients with underlying conditions whose risk for adverse events may differ from the general population. The Special Immunization Clinic (SIC) network was established in 2013 at 13 sites in Canada to provide expertise in the clinical evaluation and vaccination of these patients.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess referral patterns for patients with vaccine adverse events or potential vaccine contraindications among paediatricians and to assess the anticipated utilization of an SIC.

METHODS:

A 12-item questionnaire was distributed to paediatricians and subspecialists participating in the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program through monthly e-mail and mail contacts.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 24% (586 of 2490). Fifty-three percent of respondents practiced general paediatrics exclusively and 52% reported that they administer vaccines. In the previous 12 months, 26% of respondents had encountered children with challenging adverse events or potential vaccine contraindications in their practice and 29% had received referrals for such patients, including 27% of subspecialists. Overall, 69% of respondents indicated that they would be likely or very likely to refer patients to an SIC, and 34% indicated that they would have referred at least one patient to an SIC in the previous 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who experience challenging adverse events following immunization or potential vaccine contraindications are encountered by paediatricians and subspecialists in all practice settings. The SIC network will be able to respond to a clinical need and support paediatricians in managing these patients.     

Outcome of Multi-Cystic Dysplastic Kidneys in Children

Background:

Renal cystic diseases are important causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objectives:

We report the pattern of renal cystic disease in children and evaluate the outcome of children with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK).

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective study of all children with cystic kidney diseases at King Abdulaziz University hospital from 2006 to 2014.

Results:

Total of 55 children (30 males); 25 MCDK, 22 polycystic kidney diseases (PKD), 4 nephronophthises and 4 renal cysts. Consanguinity was positive in 96.2%. MCDK and simple renal cyst patients had good renal function while PKD and nephronophthisis developed renal impairment. Most MCKD were diagnosed ante-natally, 16 of them were followed up for 3.4 (1.97) year. Their last creatinine was 33.9 (13.5) umol/L. MCDK was spontaneously involuted at mean age of 2.6 (1.3) years in 56%.

Conclusions:

MCDK is the commonest cystic renal disease and diagnosed ante-natally in the majority of cases. It has a good prognosis.     

Short Term Outcome of Neonates Born With Abnormal Umbilical Cord Arterial Blood Gases

Background:

Umbilical arterial blood gas (UABG) analysis is more objective than other methods for predicting neonatal outcome. Acidemic neonates may be at risk for unfavorable outcome after birth, but all neonates with abnormal arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis do not always have poor outcome.

Objectives:

This study was carried out to determine the short term outcome of the neonates born with an abnormal ABG.

Patients and Methods:

In a cohort prospective study 120 high risk mother-neonate pairs were enrolled and UABG was taken immediately after birth. All neonates with an umbilical cord pH less than 7.2 were considered as case group and more than 7.2 as controls. Outcomes like need to resuscitation, admission to newborn services and/or NICU), seizure occurrence, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), delayed initiation of oral feeding and length of hospital stay were recorded and compared between the two groups. P value less than 0.05 was considered as being significant.

Results:

Comparison of short term outcomes between normal and abnormal ABG groups were as the fallowing: need for advanced resuscitation 4 vs. 0 (P = 0.001), NICU admission 16 vs. 4 (P = 0.001), convulsion 2 vs. 0 (P = 0.496), HIE 17 vs. 4 (P = 0.002), delay to start oral feeding 16 vs. 4 (P = 0.001), mean hospital stay 4 vs. 3 days (P = 0.001). None of the neonates died in study groups.

Conclusions:

An umbilical cord PH less than 7.2 immediately after birth can be used as a prognostic factor for unfavorable short term outcome in newborns.     

Calcium Intake,Major Dietary Sources and Bone Health Indicators in Iranian Primary School Children

Background:

Adequate calcium intake may have a crucial role with regards to prevention of many chronic diseases, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, different types of cancer, obesity and osteoporosis. In children, sufficient calcium intake is especially important to support the accelerated growth spurt during the preteen and teenage years and to increase bone mineral mass to lay the foundation for older age.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess daily calcium intake in school-age children to ensure whether they fulfill the FGP dairy serving recommendations, the recommended levels of daily calcium intake and to assess the relationship between dietary calcium intake and major bone health indicators.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 501 Iranian school-age children were randomly selected. Calcium intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Bone health indicators were also assessed.

Results:

Dairy products contributed to 69.3% of the total calcium intake of the children. Daily adequate intake of calcium was achieved by 17.8% of children. Only 29.8% met the Food guide pyramid recommendations for dairy intake. Dietary calcium intake was not significantly correlated with serum calcium and other selected biochemical indicators of bone health.

Conclusions:

The need for planning appropriate nutrition strategies for overcoming inadequate calcium intake in school age children in the city of Tehran is inevitable.     

Managed Care Network for the assessment of cardiac problems in children in a district general hospital: a working model

Aim

To assess a model for cardiology assessments in children with suspected heart disease by a general paediatrician with special expertise in paediatric cardiology (PsePC) in a district general hospital.

Methods

A new monthly “screening” clinic was established in May 2004 by the PsePC to reduce the burden of new referrals on outreach tertiary paediatric cardiology services. All patients were to have echocardiograms as part of their referral for cardiac assessment. Over a one year period (May 2004–April 2005), through audit, details of referrers, indications for referral, echocardiography assessments, and subsequent management were recorded. This was compared with the pattern of patients seen in the joint paediatric cardiology outreach clinics over a two year period (May 2003–April 2005).

Results

In the “screening” clinic, there were 75 appointments for 65 patients seen in 12 months. Fifty five of these patients had normal echocardiographic studies. Of the 47 referrals with heart murmurs in asymptomatic children, four had structurally abnormal hearts on echocardiographic assessment. Between May–October 2003 and November 2003–April 2004, the number of new patients with normal echocardiographic studies seen in the paediatric cardiology outreach clinic was 33/106 (31%) and 28/110 (25.4%) respectively. Following the introduction of the “screening” clinic, the number decreased to 21/99 (21%) during May–October 2004, and 10/102 (9.8%) during November 2004–April 2005.

Conclusion

This model can work effectively in order to identify pathology requiring input of a paediatric cardiologist more appropriately. Paediatricians with specific training in paediatric cardiology are potentially well equipped to provide this basic screening service.     

Anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in children with clinically diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is currently approaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Various chronic diseases are associated with obesity, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has received little attention from paediatricians.

AIM

To examine anthropometric and metabolic variables relevant to NAFLD disease mechanism and severity.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 53 consecutive paediatric patients clinically diagnosed with NAFLD was performed between 1997 and 2004. Variables studied included ethnicity, body mass index, acanthosis nigricans, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine amino-transferase levels, and fasting levels of glucose, insulin and lipids. Insulin resistance was quantified by validated models (the homeostasis model of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index [QUICKI]).

RESULTS

The cohort was comprised of 34 boys and 19 girls; there was a 2:1 male predominance. The mean age of the children was 13.5 years (median 14.2 years; range 5.6 to 18.9 years), and 13 were 11 years of age or younger. Forty-five per cent were Caucasian, 30% Asian and 21% Hispanic. Thirty-eight children (72%) were classified as obese and 11 children (21%) were classified as overweight, with a mean ideal body weight percentage of 150.9±4.2 (range 67% to 226%) and a BMI Z score of 1.9±0.1 (range −1.2 to 3.2). Hyperinsulinemia was present in 35 children (66%). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 9.8±2.6, abnormal if greater than 3) was associated with increased plasma triglyceride (P=0.03) and total cholesterol (P=0.04) levels. These parameters were significant irrespective of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperlipidemia with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in overweight and obese children with fatty liver may be important signs of liver dysfunction in childhood NAFLD, irrespective of serum aminotransferases. In overweight or obese children with hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance, evaluation for NAFLD is warranted.     

Serum Aminotransferases in Thai Children With Dengue Infection

Background:

Hepatic manifestations are one of the unusual manifestations of dengue infection.

Objectives:

We conducted this study in order to study the pattern of serum aminotransferases and sequential changes before and after shock in Thai children with dengue infection.

Patients and Methods:

Children who were clinically and serologically diagnosed as dengue infection and were admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during a peroid of one year were enrolled. They were clinically classified into a non-shock group and a shock group. The majority of serum aminotransferases including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were obtained within a week after the onset of fever and until 3 days after shock in the shock group. Student t-test and median in boxplot form were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

We enrolled 127 children with a mean age of 7.6 ± 3.6 years. The incidence of abnormal AST and ALT levels was 97.4% and 50.0% in the shock group, and 91.8% and 44.9% in the non-shock group respectively. 29% and 15.4% of the patients in shock group and only 10.2% and 4.1% in non-shock group had the respective AST and ALT levels > 200 U/L. Serum aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the shock group when compared to the non-shock group. AST tended to increase starting from one day before shock and continued to increase within a few days whereas ALT was less likely to be affected.

Conclusions:

Elevated serum aminotransferases are a common finding in children with dengue infection and the levels of AST are higher than those of ALT. Patients with shock have significantly higher aminotransferase levels that increase up to 3 days after shock.     

Systematic review of effectiveness of bisphosphonates in treatment of low bone mineral density and fragility fractures in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Aims

To evaluate the currently available evidence for the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in children with low bone mineral density (BMD) and fragility fractures associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and the safety of bisphosphonates in JIA and other conditions.

Methods

Literature databases were searched using a structured search strategy. The effectiveness review included any studies of children with JIA treated with bisphosphonates. The safety review also included studies of osteogenesis imperfecta. Quantitative data analysis was not undertaken because of the heterogeneity of the studies; findings were summarised using tables and narrative synthesis.

Results

Ninety four studies were identified. Sixteen studies (78 JIA children) were included in the effectiveness review: one randomised controlled trial, three controlled cohort studies, 11 case series, and one case report. At baseline, children had low BMD below the expected values for age and sex matched children. In all studies, treatment with bisphosphonates increased BMD compared with baseline: the mean percentage increase in spine BMD ranged from 4.5% to 19.1%. Overall, studies were heterogeneous and of variable quality. A total of 59 papers were included in the safety review; treatment durations were up to three years. The most common side effect was a flu‐like reaction with intravenous treatment. This occurred during the first infusion and was transient; the symptoms were managed with paracetamol and did not occur during subsequent cycles.

Conclusions

Bisphosphonates are a promising treatment for low BMD and fragility fractures in children with JIA. However, the quality of the current evidence is variable and better studies are needed to more clearly assess their role.     

Paediatricians�� validation of learning objectives in paediatric cardiology

BACKGROUND

The current objectives for teaching paediatric cardiology to paediatric residents have not been validated and may not be relevant to current paediatric practice.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the cardiology component of the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada’s objectives for training paediatricians.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to practising paediatricians in Atlantic Canada. The questions were based on the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada’s training objectives. The frequency of problems seen, confidence in assessment and management of problems, and reasons for referral were identified. Clinical vignettes were followed by short questions. The outpatient referrals were reviewed to validate the questionnaire responses.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-one questionnaires were mailed and the response rate was 60%. Murmurs were the most common problem encountered (92%). Syncope (9%), Kawasaki disease (8%) and chest pain (6%) were less frequently encountered. Paediatricians were confident in assessing and managing problems despite the low frequency of encounters. Less confidence was expressed regarding physical examination skills and interpretation of electrocardiograms. Uncertainty of the diagnosis was the most common reason for patient referral, with parental anxiety and medicolegal concerns accounting for 24% and 7% of referrals, respectively. Syncope with exercise was relatively poorly recognized as a worrisome symptom.

CONCLUSIONS

Most cardiology objectives for general paediatric training remain relevant and appropriate to clinical practice. Physical examination skills, electrocardiogram interpretation and the assessment of syncope need to be emphasized.     

High rate of missing vital signs data at triage in a paediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

Vital signs measurement is considered standard practice in paediatric emergency department triage assessment, but studies have shown variable incidence of missing data.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the rate of missing data for vital signs at triage and to determine clinical and environmental predictive factors.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort design was used to study a database of consecutive patients registered at a tertiary paediatric emergency department during randomly chosen shifts. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the determinants of missing data for body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse oximetry.

RESULTS

There were 2081 patients triaged during the study periods. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, triage level (from 1 = priority to 4 = nonurgent) was an independent predictor of missing data for heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse oximetry (OR 1.48 to 2.05). Patients visiting the emergency department during the day shift (OR 1.08 to 4.72) and the evening shift (OR 1.38 to 9.24) had a higher rate of missing data than those visiting during the night shift. A decreased level of consciousness, an immunocompromised state and referral by a physician did not meet statistical significance as predictive factors.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high rate of missing data for vital signs. Factors related to patients’ clinical characteristics, such as acuity of triage level, were associated with a higher rate of vital signs documentation at triage. An environmental factor, shift of presentation, was also independently associated with a higher rate.