Treating Displaced Distal Forearm Fractures in Children

Purpose:: Distal forearm fractures are among the most common fractures in children. In the past few years the option of percutaneous pinning has gained more attention in the treatment of unstable fractures. However, it remains unclear in which cases a fracture or its reduction should be considered unstable. Study Design:: In order to evaluate which type of fractures profit most from additional pinning after closed reduction, we performed a retrospective analysis of 225 consecutive cases using the recently published AO pediatric classification of long bone fractures. Results:: After closed reduction, position in the cast was lost in 23% of the cases. The proportion of unstable reductions was much higher in completely displaced fractures. The amount of dislocation was more important than the type of fracture according to the AO classification proposal. Conclusions:: Fully displaced fractures should always be reduced in a setting with pins immediately available. If anatomical reduction cannot be achieved, pinning is advocated. The AO proposal for pediatric long bone fracture classification could be a useful tool to render the diverse studies more comparable. However, the important feature of complete versus subtotal displacement is lackin

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients presenting to a paediatric Emergency Department

Although the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has risen in the last decade, information about its use by paediatric patients presenting to an Emergency Department is still sparse. We report here the results of a cross-sectional survey of paediatric patients presenting to an urban, tertiary paediatric Emergency Department between October 2006 and March 2007. In total, 1143 questionnaires (68% of those distributed) were completed and available for analysis. Of these, 58% (n = 665) of all respondents admitted that their child had received some form of CAM therapy, while 25% (n = 291) admitted that their child was receiving CAM for the present illness. In 31% of the respondents (n = 354), CAM had been prescribed by a physician, while 50% (n = 575) used CAM as self-medication. Patients presented to the Emergency Department mostly because of an infection (42% of total; 29% of these used CAM) or a trauma (38% of total; 19% of these used CAM). Parents of CAM-users were significantly older, more often born in Switzerland and had significantly higher school education than those of the non-users. Nearly two-thirds of the administered CAM therapies were not prescribed by a physician, and 50% of the families using CAM did not discuss this with their general practitioner. Parental requirements implied that medical professionals on a paediatric Emergency Department should know the effects and side-effects of CAM therapies and even be able to recommend them. The study population, even trauma patients, frequently used CAM. The use of CAM is characterised by a high rate of self-medication and the exclusion of the physicians from the decision-making process. The parents of paediatric patients frequently demand that CAM be considered as a possible treatment option and wish to have an open discussion with the medical professionals on this topi

A 3-year Retrospective Analysis of Dento-Alveolar Injuries at the University Children's Hospital Zurich (2018-2020)

Children and adolescents are vulnerable to dental trauma due to their active lifestyles, lack of coordination, and inexperience in recognizing potentially dangerous situations. Early recognition and proper management of dental trauma is crucial in order to minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of all dento-alveolar injuries in children and adolescents who were treated at the University Children's Hospital Zurich from 2018-2020 by the resident physicians of the Centre of Dental Medicine of the University of Zurich. All information concerning age and sex distribution, seasonal and weekly variations, as well as aetiology, types of trauma and co-affected structures in the head and neck area from 389 patients was analysed. For data extraction, a parameterised Excel list was created, enabling a continuous data collection. In the study, 65% of the patients were male and 35% female. The average patient age was 7 years and 4 months. The highest frequency of trauma occurred in mixed dentition (49%), followed by deciduous dentition (36%) and permanent dentition (15%). Most of the accidents occurred in the second quarter of the year, especially in the month of May slightly more injuries were reported. The most common injuries were increased tooth mobility (40%) and tooth fractures without pulp exposure (34%). Less frequent were tooth fractures with pulp exposure (12%), lateral dislocations (29%), avulsions (21%), intrusions (8%), extrusions (6%) and root fractures (4%). As in many studies the upper central incisors were most often affected. Main causes of dental trauma were falls, especially by bike (18%) or scooter (14%). Soft tissue injuries or fractures, in the area of the head and neck occurred in 59% and 10% of the cases simultaneously accompanied by dento-alveolar trauma

Analytical description of adolescent binge drinking patients

Background Binge drinking is a widespread health compromising behavior among adolescents and young adults, leading to significant health problems, injuries and mortality. However, data on alcohol consumption is often unreliable, as it is mainly based on self-reporting surveys. In this five-year study (2014–2019) at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, we analyzed blood samples from adolescent binge drinking patients to investigate blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), co-ingestion of drugs, assess compliance between self-reported and measured substance use, and test for genetic components of innate alcohol tolerance. Furthermore, hair analysis was performed to retrospectively access drug exposure and to evaluate the potential of hair analysis to assess binge drinking. Methods In a prospective, single-center study, patients with alcohol intoxications aged 16 years and younger were included. Blood and hair samples were analyzed by sensitive liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry drug analysis. HTTLPR genotyping was performed with PCR and fragment analysis. Results Among 72 cases, 72 blood and 13 hair samples were analyzed. BACs ranged from 0.08–3.20‰ (mean 1.63‰, median 1.60‰), while a mean concentration of 3.64 pg/mg hair (median 3.0 pg/mg) of the alcohol marker ethyl glucuronide (EtG) was detected in eleven hair samples, providing no evidence of chronic excessive drinking. In 47% of the cases, co-ingested drugs were qualitatively detected next to ethanol, but only 9% of the detected drugs had blood concentrations classified as pharmacologically active. Cannabis consumption (22%) and stimulant intake (16%) were the most frequently observed drugs. Compliance between patients’ statements and measured substances matched well. Although we investigated the genetic contribution to innate alcohol tolerance via the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, the diverse genetic background of the cohort and small sample size did not allow any conclusions to be drawn. Conclusion Almost half of our binge drinking patients tested positive for other substances, primarily cannabis. We anticipate that our study enhances understanding of consumption behavior of young people and encourage continued efforts to address the harmful effects of binge drinking and co-occurring substance use

Parents' intent to vaccinate against influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic in two regions in Switzerland.

AIMS OF THE STUDY The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to overlap with the seasonal influenza epidemic, increasing the risk of overextending the health system capacity in Switzerland. Influenza vaccine uptake has remained low in most countries, including Switzerland. The aim of the study was to determine parents' intentions towards influenza vaccination of their children as well as themselves, and to assess regional differences. METHODS Parents presenting to four pediatric emergency departments (PEDs; Zurich, Bern, Bellinzona, Geneva) were asked to complete an online survey during and after the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic (April - June 2020). The anonymized survey included demographic information, vaccination history and intentions to vaccinate against influenza, as well as attitudes towards future vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS The majority of children (92%; 602/654) were up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. In 2019/2020, 7.2% (47/654) were vaccinated against influenza. Children with chronic illnesses were more frequently vaccinated compared to healthy children (19.2% vs 5.6%; p = 0.002). For the coming winter season, 111 (17%) parents stated they plan to vaccinate their children against influenza, more than double the rate from last year, and 383 (59.2%) parents suggest they will vaccinate against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available. Regional differences between "German" and "Latin" Switzerland were found for parents' intent to have their children vaccinated against influenza next season (Zurich and Bern 14.3%, Bellinzona and Geneva 27.2%, p < 0.001) but not for a hypothetical vaccination against COVID-19 (Zurich and Bern 59.1%, Bellinzona and Geneva 59.7%, p = 0.894). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a substantial increase of parents' intention to vaccinating their children against influenza, especially in hard-hit "Latin" Switzerland. The Swiss government and public health organizations can leverage these regional results to promote influenza vaccination among children for the coming seasons

Tongue lacerations in children: to suture or not?

AIMS OF THE STUDY Tongue lacerations are common in children, occurring mostly from falls or sports injuries. Optimal treatment of tongue lacerations is a challenge for paediatricians due to contradictory recommendations and a lack of current guidelines. It remains unclear which tongue lacerations should be sutured and which would benefit from spontaneous healing, which is a promising alternative. In recent years, the treatment of choice in our paediatric emergency department (ED) has shifted from generally suturing the wounds to more frequently advising secondary wound healing. The aim of this study was to analyse tongue lacerations treated at our ED in order to develop guidance for the optimal management of tongue lacerations in children. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted to assess tongue lacerations at the ED of a University Children's Hospital Zurich from January 2010 to August 2015. All families were contacted for informed consent and photo documentation of the healed tongue. Clinical records of all the patients included were reviewed and different variables were defined and analysed. RESULTS A total of 73 children with tongue lacerations were included (75.3% boys, mean age ± standard deviation 4.0 ± 2.6 years). The mean size of the lacerations was 12.4 ± 8.3 mm, with affected tongue borders in 51 cases (69.9%) and a through-and-through laceration in 23 patients (31.5%). A primary wound closure was performed in 12 children (16.4%). These wounds were significantly larger than those of the secondary wound healing group (21 ± 10 mm compared to 10.8 ± 6.8 mm), presented gaping wound edges with the tongue at rest more frequently (91.7% compared to 32.8%), and showed through-and-through lacerations more often (91.7% compared to 19.7%). The group with wound suturing needed longer to recover (median 13 days compared to 6.2 days) and had a higher rate of complications (25 vs 3.3%). CONCLUSIONS Suturing is not required in gaping tongue lacerations less than 2 cm long that do not involve the tip of the tongue. The Zurich Tongue Scheme was developed as a guide for clinicians when deciding which tongue lacerations need suturing

Five-year experience of clinical ethics consultations in a pediatric teaching hospital

Our retrospective study presents and evaluates clinical ethics consultations (CECs) in pediatrics as a structure for implementing hospital-wide ethics. We performed a descriptive and statistical analysis of clinical ethics decision making and its implementation in pediatric CECs at Zurich University Children's Hospital. Ninety-five CECs were held over 5years for 80 patients. The care team reached a consensus treatment recommendation after one session in 75 consultations (89%) and on 82 of 84 ethical issues (98%) after two or more sessions (11 repeats). Fifty-seven CECs recommended limited treatment and 23 maximal treatment. Team recommendations were agreed outright by parents and/or patient in 59 of 73 consultations (81%). Initial dissensus yielded to explanatory discussion or repeat CEC in seven consultations (10%). In a further seven families (10%), no solution was found within the CEC framework: five (7%) required involvement of the child protection service, and in two families, the parents took their child elsewhere. Eventual team-parent/patient consensus was reached in 66 of 73 families (90%) with documented parental/patient decisions (missing data, n = 11). Patient preference was assessable in ten CECs. Patient autonomy was part of the ethical dilemma in only three CECs. The Zurich clinical ethics structure produced a 98% intra-team consensus rate in 95 CECs and reduced initial team-parent dissensus from 21 to 10%. Success depends closely on a standardized CEC protocol and an underlying institutional clinical ethics framework embodying a comprehensive set of transparently articulated values and opinions, with regular evaluation of decisions and their consequences for care teams and families

Five-year experience of clinical ethics consultations in a pediatric teaching hospital

Our retrospective study presents and evaluates clinical ethics consultations (CECs) in pediatrics as a structure for implementing hospital-wide ethics. We performed a descriptive and statistical analysis of clinical ethics decision making and its implementation in pediatric CECs at Zurich University Children's Hospital. Ninety-five CECs were held over 5years for 80 patients. The care team reached a consensus treatment recommendation after one session in 75 consultations (89%) and on 82 of 84 ethical issues (98%) after two or more sessions (11 repeats). Fifty-seven CECs recommended limited treatment and 23 maximal treatment. Team recommendations were agreed outright by parents and/or patient in 59 of 73 consultations (81%). Initial dissensus yielded to explanatory discussion or repeat CEC in seven consultations (10%). In a further seven families (10%), no solution was found within the CEC framework: five (7%) required involvement of the child protection service, and in two families, the parents took their child elsewhere. Eventual team-parent/patient consensus was reached in 66 of 73 families (90%) with documented parental/patient decisions (missing data, n = 11). Patient preference was assessable in ten CECs. Patient autonomy was part of the ethical dilemma in only three CECs. The Zurich clinical ethics structure produced a 98% intra-team consensus rate in 95 CECs and reduced initial team-parent dissensus from 21 to 10%. Success depends closely on a standardized CEC protocol and an underlying institutional clinical ethics framework embodying a comprehensive set of transparently articulated values and opinions, with regular evaluation of decisions and their consequences for care teams and families

Consensus Minimal Dataset for Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVES Standardized, harmonized data sets generated through routine clinical and administrative documentation can greatly accelerate the generation of evidence to improve patient care. The objective of this study was to define a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) minimal dataset for Switzerland (Swiss PEM minimal dataset) and to contribute a subspecialty module to a national pediatric data harmonization process (SwissPedData). METHODS We completed a modified Delphi survey, inviting experts from all major Swiss pediatric emergency departments (PEDs). RESULTS Twelve experts from 10 Swiss PEDs, through 3 Delphi survey rounds and a moderated e-mail discussion, suggested a subspecialty module for PEM to complement the newly developed SwissPedData main common data model (CDM). The PEM subspecialty CDM contains 28 common data elements (CDEs) specific to PEM. Additional CDEs cover PEM-specific admission processes (type of arrival), timestamps (time of death), greater details on investigations and treatments received at the PED, and PEM procedures (eg, procedural sedation). In addition to the 28 CDEs specific to PEM, 43 items from the SwissPedData main CDM were selected to create a Swiss PEM minimal dataset. The final Swiss PEM minimal dataset was similar in scope and content to the registry of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. CONCLUSIONS A practical minimal dataset for PEM in Switzerland was developed through recognized consensus methodology. The Swiss PEM minimal dataset developed by Swiss PEM experts will facilitate international data sharing for PEM research and quality improvement projects