The Journal of pediatrics
-
The Journal of pediatrics · Oct 2013
Comparative StudyComparative effectiveness of surfactant preparations in premature infants.
To compare effectiveness of 3 surfactant preparations (beractant, calfactant, and poractant alfa) in premature infants for preventing 3 outcomes: (1) air leak syndromes; (2) death; and (3) bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death (composite outcome). ⋯ Beractant, calfactant, and poractant alfa demonstrated similar effectiveness in prevention of air leak syndromes, death, and BPD or death in premature infants when adjusted for site. Previously described differences in mortality between surfactants likely do not represent true differences in effectiveness but may relate to site variation in outcomes.
-
The Journal of pediatrics · Oct 2013
Effects of out-of-hours and winter admissions and number of patients per unit on mortality in pediatric intensive care.
To investigate the effect of out-of-hours and winter admissions, and unit size on risk adjusted mortality in pediatric intensive care. ⋯ A child admitted to pediatric intensive care as an out-of-hours emergency is not at increased risk of dying compared with a weekday daytime admission, indicating pediatric intensive care units provide consistent quality of care around the clock. Excess mortality in planned out-of-hours admissions may be explained by admissions following complex operations where risk-adjustment models underestimate the true probability of mortality. In winter, a time of seasonally high bed occupancy, there was an increased mortality risk, an effect which requires further investigation. Despite the different characteristics of small units, the absence of any effect of unit size on mortality suggests that number of admissions per unit does not influence standards of care.
-
The Journal of pediatrics · Oct 2013
Comparative Study Observational StudyNeurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight infants with Candida infection.
Candida remains an important cause of late-onset infection in preterm infants. Mortality and neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants enrolled in the Candida study were evaluated based on infection status. ⋯ In this cohort of ELBW infants, those with infection and/or meningitis were at increased risk for death and/or NDI. This risk was highest among those with Candida sepsis and/or meningitis.
-
The Journal of pediatrics · Oct 2013
Childhood asthma hospitalizations in the United States, 2000-2009.
To examine temporal trends in the US incidence of childhood asthma hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation use, and hospital charges between 2000 and 2009. ⋯ Between 2000 and 2009, we found significant declines in asthma hospitalization and in-hospital mortality among US children. In contrast, mechanical ventilation use and hospital charges for asthma increased significantly over this same period.
-
The Journal of pediatrics · Oct 2013
Predictors of 30-day readmission and association with primary care follow-up plans.
To test the hypothesis that missing primary care follow-up plans in the discharge summary is associated with higher 30-day readmissions. ⋯ Readmission rates are complex quality measures, and documenting primary care follow-up may be associated with higher rather than lower 30-day readmissions. Additional studies are needed to understand the inpatient-outpatient transition.