BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: To improve clinical results and resource utilization in the care of appendicitis in children, the authors examined the current practice and outcomes of 30 pediatric hospitals. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database consists of comparative data from 30 free-standing Children's hospitals. The study population of 3,393 children was derived from the database by selecting the "Diagnosis Related Group Code" for appendicitis (APRDRGv12 164), ages 0 to 17 years, using discharges between October 1, 1999 and September 30, 2000. Data are expressed as the range and median for individual hospital outcomes. RESULTS: The nonpositive appendectomy rate ranged from 0 to 17% at the 30 hospitals (median, 2.6%). Ruptured appendicitis varied from 20% to 76% (median, 36.5%). The median length of stay (LOS) for nonruptured appendicitis was 2 days (range, 1.4 to 3.1 days), ruptured appendicitis varied from 4.4 to 11 days (median, 6 days). The median readmission rate within 14 days was 4.3% (0 to 10%). Laparoscopic appendectomy varied from 0 to 95% in the 30 hospitals (mean, 31%) The LOS did not vary significantly in laparoscopic versus open for nonruptured (2.3 v 2.0 days) or ruptured appendicitis (5.5 v 6.2 days). Days on antibiotics for ruptured appendicitis ranged from 4.6 to 7.9 days (median, 5.9 days) Children receiving any study varied from 18% to 89% (median, 69%). Ultrasound scan and computed tomography (CT) were comparable in both nonruptured (13% ultrasound scan v 14%) and ruptured appendicitis (14% ultrasound scan v 21% CT). CONCLUSIONS: Significant variability in practice patterns and resource utilization exists in the management of acute appendicitis in pediatric hospitals. Clinical outcomes could be improved by collaborative initiatives to adopt evidence-based best practices. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: To improve clinical results and resource utilization in the care of appendicitis in children, the authors examined the current practice and outcomes of 30 pediatric hospitals. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database consists of comparative data from 30 free-standing Children's hospitals. The study population of 3,393 children was derived from the database by selecting the "Diagnosis Related Group Code" for appendicitis (APRDRGv12 164), ages 0 to 17 years, using discharges between October 1, 1999 and September 30, 2000. Data are expressed as the range and median for individual hospital outcomes. RESULTS: The nonpositive appendectomy rate ranged from 0 to 17% at the 30 hospitals (median, 2.6%). Ruptured appendicitis varied from 20% to 76% (median, 36.5%). The median length of stay (LOS) for nonruptured appendicitis was 2 days (range, 1.4 to 3.1 days), ruptured appendicitis varied from 4.4 to 11 days (median, 6 days). The median readmission rate within 14 days was 4.3% (0 to 10%). Laparoscopic appendectomy varied from 0 to 95% in the 30 hospitals (mean, 31%) The LOS did not vary significantly in laparoscopic versus open for nonruptured (2.3 v 2.0 days) or ruptured appendicitis (5.5 v 6.2 days). Days on antibiotics for ruptured appendicitis ranged from 4.6 to 7.9 days (median, 5.9 days) Children receiving any study varied from 18% to 89% (median, 69%). Ultrasound scan and computed tomography (CT) were comparable in both nonruptured (13% ultrasound scan v 14%) and ruptured appendicitis (14% ultrasound scan v 21% CT). CONCLUSIONS: Significant variability in practice patterns and resource utilization exists in the management of acute appendicitis in pediatric hospitals. Clinical outcomes could be improved by collaborative initiatives to adopt evidence-based best practices. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Authors: Eileen M Duggan; Andre P Marshall; Katrina L Weaver; Shawn D St Peter; Jamie Tice; Li Wang; Leena Choi; Martin L Blakely Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2016-05-09 Impact factor: 1.827
Authors: Mark J Hogan; Francis E Marshalleck; Manrita K Sidhu; Bairbre L Connolly; Richard B Towbin; Wael A Saad; Ann Marie Cahill; John Crowley; Manraj K S Heran; Eric J Hohenwalter; Derek J Roebuck; Michael J Temple; T Gregory Walker; John F Cardella Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2012-11-02
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