Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Identifying The Roadblocks To Successful Pediatric Imaging Without Sedation Or Anesthesia, Iman Soliman, Ammie M. White, Md, J. Christopher Edgar, Phd, Laura Cadge, Ccls, Margaret Hamel-Daymon, Crnp, Sandra Saade-Lemus, Md, Rochelle Bagatell, Md, Elizabeth T. Drum, Md, Lisa States, Md

Phase 1

Background: Modern imaging modalities allow for assessment of a wide array of medical conditions. Because it is difficult for young children to remain still during lengthy imaging studies, there is a need for sedation and general anesthesia (GA). A growing literature, however, suggests that there may be deleterious neurocognitive effects of sedation/GA in young children. As such, it is in our patients’ best interest to critically evaluate the use of sedation/GA.

Objective: To identify the roadblocks to obtaining clinical pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams without sedation/GA.

Materials and Methods: Participants included 63 parents/guardians of 5- to 9-year-old patients who …

Callicore, Cole Miller, Galen Ogg, Jasmine Phun, Yajnesh Vedanaparti, Morgan Hutchinson, Md

Phase 1

Transporting children in SPICA casts in a safe, comfortable, and convenient manner so that the parents can feel more at ease.

Acute Depression And Anxiety Symptoms Following Concussion In An Adolescent Outpatient Population, Ari M. Fish, Julia Vanni, Kristy Arbogast, Phd, Catherine C. Mcdonald, Phd, Rn, Christina Master, Md, Caqsm

Phase 1

Introduction: Research has shown that concussed youth are at increased risk of developing psychiatric symptoms as compared to non-concussed youth. Few studies, however, have detailed the presence and severity of acute depression and anxiety symptoms following a concussion in adolescents, specifically. Thus, the current study aims to describe depression and anxiety symptoms in concussed and non-concussed adolescents using validated measures of depression and anxiety.

Methods: The current study includes 284 adolescents (114 cases, 170 controls), 13-18 years of age. Cases included concussed patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and controls were recruited from a local, Philadelphia high school. …

Adverse Events Following Screening Eye Examinations For Retinopathy Of Prematurity In Premature Infants, Aditi Kale, Pedro Urday, Zubair H. Aghai

Phase 1

Introduction: The retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination is recommended for high-risk preterm infants to prevent its complications but may be associated with adverse events. The goal of this study is to determine whether the ROP examination increases the incidence of adverse events in premature infants.

Design/Methods: This was a retrospective study on all preterm infants (32 weeks gestation) born between 03/2017 and 12/2019 who survived until the first eye examination. The number of episodes of apnea (A), bradycardia (B), desaturation (D), number of infants on mechanical ventilation, and number of infants requiring sepsis evaluation were compared before and …

Quality Improvement Study Of Behavioral Health Resources Access In 19121 And 19132, Courtney Kaye, Rickie Brawer, Mph, Phd, Mches, Jeanne Felter, Phd, Lpc

Phase 1

Introduction: Children who have experienced four or more ACES (adverse childhood events) are shown to have negative mental health outcomes. Adolescents living in the Philadelphia zip codes 19121 and 19132 have higher ACE scores. This makes it necessary for adolescent providers to screen for behavioral health issues in their patients and refer out to appropriate resources.

Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement study is to see what current barriers exist relating to physician referral and access to behavioral health resources for their patients.

Methods: A guide of behavioral health resources available to adolescents in 19121 and 19132 was …

Obesity And Cardiovascular Health Differences Between Urban And Suburban Philadelphia High School Athletes, Peri Levey, Kyle Prochno, Prashant Rao, Md, David Shipon, Md, Facc, Facp, Jeremy Close, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The strongest risk factor for primary hypertension in children is obesity, and concern for pediatric hypertension rises with the rising prevalence of obesity in American children. Specifically, in urban Philadelphia schools from 2009 to 2012, preparticipation physical evaluations (PPEs) demonstrated a positive correlation between blood pressure measurements demonstrating stage 1 or 2 hypertension and elevated body mass index (P < 0.00001).

Objective: The purpose was to identify potential differences in cardiovascular health and prevalence of obesity between adolescents in the urban and suburban Philadelphia areas.

Methods: Data from PPEs administered to urban Philadelphia high school athletes in 2018 by the Athlete …

Effect Of Sustained Attention On Early Start Denver Model Outcomes, Katherine Mcleod, Giacomo Vivanti, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: There is very little research on the use of sustained attention as an outcome predictor for the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). We hypothesized that a child’s level of sustained attention prior to therapy will correlate with positive ESDM outcomes.

Methods: 10 pre-preschool age children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder received one year of ESDM therapy. A novel coding scheme was developed to evaluate each child’s pre-treatment level of sustained attention. Mullen Scales of Early Learning were evaluated prior to and after one year of ESDM. Pre-treatment levels of sustained attention were compared to pre-and post-treatment Mullen …

Advocating For Protective Measures Against Childhood Lead-Poisoning In Philadelphia Rental Homes, Claire Miller, Colleen Mccauley

Phase 1

Introduction: Lead exposure has been linked to delays in development and behavioral problems in children. Over 1,500 children are poisoned by lead each year in Philadelphia; the majority (62%) in rental homes.

Objective: The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of lead poisoning on children in Philadelphia, the current policies in place to protect children and the ways in which various stakeholders can advocate for policy changes that will better protect children.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized including meetings with councilmembers, stakeholder interviews and data analysis, visualization and presentation. This information was used to gain councilmembers’ …

Obesity And Cardiovascular Health Differences Between Urban And Suburban Philadelphia High School Athletes, Kyle W. Prochno, Peri Levey, Prashant Rao, Md, David M. Shipon, Md, Facc, Facp, Jeremy D. Close, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Limited data exist regarding hypertension and obesity levels of Philadelphia-area high school student-athletes. We aim to assess their prevalence in an urban population, investigate whether they are correlated with demographic factors, and determine whether urban student-athletes differ in these outcomes compared to their suburban/non-urban counterparts.

Methods: Demographic and physical data were extracted from Athlete Health Organization (AHO) 2018 pre-participation physical exams. Adiposity classifications were made from body mass index (BMI) calculations applied to appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts, while systolic/diastolic measurements were used to classify students’ blood pressure according to current American Academy of …

Sound Dampening Headband For Infants, Alexandra A. Mccullough, Mohammad Rasool, Alison Romisher, Robert S. Pugliese, Pharmd, Bcps, Bon Ku, Md, Mpp

Phase 1

Background: Noise in the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) has been linked to sleep disruption, vital sign destabilization, abnormal development, and stress response induction in infants. Specifically, a sound level ≥60 decibels (dB) was linked to sleep disruption in infants, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) set a maximum recommended sound level of 45dB in ICNs. The present work was conducted to confirm that the Jefferson ICN exceeds the 60dB and 45dB levels, like most hospitals do, and to conduct preliminary testing on materials for a wearable intervention to reduce infants’ exposure to noise.

Methods: A group of …

Creating A Noise-Reducing, Wearable Intervention For Newborns In The Nicu, Mohammad Rasool, Alexandra A. Mccullough, Alison Romisher, Robert S. Pugliese, Pharmd, Bcps, Bon Ku, Md, Mpp

Phase 1

Background: Excessive auditory stimulation can have negative effects on the growth and development of newborn babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that newborns should not be exposed to sounds in excess of 45dB while they are in the hospital, however noise levels in NICUs across the country are often between 50-100dB. A design project was conducted to develop an intervention that could reduce infant exposure to excessive noise.

Methods: Neonatologists, nurses, audiologists, music therapists, sound designers, soft materials experts, and medical device designers were interviewed and consulted throughout the design process. A 24-hour sound recording using a REED-SD-4023 meter …

Assessing The Temporality Of Adverse Effects Of Vaccines In The Nicu, Julia Tonnessen, Pedro Urday, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Premature infants have an increased risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and experience worse outcomes. Evidence supports keeping them on a regular vaccination schedule, but it is often delayed, partly because preterm infants have an increased incidence of cardiorespiratory events compared to term infants. The aim of our study was to determine if immunizations in the NICU contribute to an increased number of adverse events.

Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study with the target population infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital who received the two-month vaccination series in the NICU. The …

Vaccination Exemptions For School-Aged Children In Delaware, Anna Melnick, Mph, Meghan Gannon, Phd

Phase 1

Background: Current awareness around childhood vaccinations and associated requirements for school entry has been heightened both nationally and internationally as governments work to find a balance between protecting their residents’ health and personal freedoms. Scant research exists examining the characteristics of these vaccine exemptors, but as the percentage of students seeking these exemptions increases yearly, this yields an opportunity to identify trends and inform future policy.

Question: What are the associations between reason for exemption from mandated vaccinations and the demographics of race and gender for school-aged children in the state of Delaware?

Results: Drawing from school nurse vaccine exemption …

Impact Of Smartphone Usage On Children’S Horizontal Fusional Amplitudes, Jordan Hamburger, Judith Lavrich, Md, Kammi Gunton, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Cell phone usage has increased in pediatric patients and little research has been done on its effects on patients’ fusional vergence amplitudes. We aim to study the impact of smartphone usage on healthy pediatric patients’ fusional vergence amplitudes and report findings that may lead to future eye problems.

Methods: This is a prospective randomized study. We are currently recruiting healthy patients between the ages of 8-17 years old with no ocular problems. Data collected include refractive error, ocular alignment in the distance and at near, divergence amplitudes at near and in distance, convergence amplitudes at near and in distance, …

Effects Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome On Long-Term Growth Parameters, Ayoung Kim, Anastasiya Latushko, Md, Zubair H. Aghai, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Past studies have shown that babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) have lower weight, head circumference, and height at birth. This study aims to compare their growth at 9 and 18 months of age, and to compare growth parameter of NAS infants below 10th percentile to those above 10th percentile at birth.

Methods: In this retrospective review, 260 infants admitted to Jefferson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2006 and 2018 were included. The weight, height, and head circumference at birth, 9 months, and 18 months were collected and correlated by Pearson correlation. The growth parameters of infants below …

Development Of Vaccine Preferences In Parents Of Newborns, Ramon Ruiz, Neera Goyal

Phase 1

Introduction: The resurgence in cases of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in the U.S. may be associated with increasing rates of vaccine hesitancy. Although previous research has sought to identify attributes of non-vaccinating parents, the timing in which parents make such vaccination decisions has yet to be explored. Our goal is to identify when first-time parents develop their vaccination preferences: before, after, or during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 73 first time parents at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Survey questions addressed timing of vaccination decisions and projected compliance with vaccine schedules. Eligibility for …

Comorbidities And Treatments In United States Youth With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Matthew T. Taylor, Sabrina Gmuca, Alexis Boneparth, L. Nandini Moorthy, Daniel B. Horton

Phase 1

Introduction: Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain has been associated with chronic illnesses and high rates of pain medication use, often in referral centers, European populations, or studies focused on single drug classes. We aimed to characterize patterns of comorbidities and treatments associated with chronic MSK pain in a nationally-representative sample of US youth.

Methods: We used the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2002-2015) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2002-2011), which contain cross-sectional data for US outpatient visits. The study included all visits for youth age 8-24, excluding those with malignancy or sickle cell disease. We compared comorbidities and drugs …

The Role Of Rassf5 On Cell Growth And Hippo Signaling In Rhabdomyosarcoma, Megan Garver, Lee Helman, Md, Katrina Slemmons, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway, a signaling cascade that regulates many biological processes, is associated with many human cancers. The goal of my project was to delete RASSF5, a regulator of the Hippo pathway, in RMS cells utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 and then to evaluate how the absence of RASSF5 affects RMS cell growth and Hippo signaling, with and without DNMTi Tx.

Methods: A lipofectamine transfection was performed in two different RMS cell lines, Rh30 & RD, in which two different CRIPSR/Cas9 vectors with RASSF5 guide RNA were introduced. …

Minimally Invasive Surgery In Neonates With Congenital Anomalies: Experience From The Nsqip-P, Emily Sagalow, Katerina Dukleska, Md, Courtney Devin, Md, Erin Teeple, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md, Charles D. Vincour, Md, Loren Berman, Md

Phase 1

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) and tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) are managed with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open surgery. Little is known about the patient populations and outcomes for those treated by each approach. Hypothesis/Specific Aims: We expect that there will be fewer complications, better outcomes, and longer operative times for the MIS group versus the open group.

Methods: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Participant Use Files (NSQIP-P PUFs) from 2012-2015 were used to identify neonates (up to 30 days old) who underwent CDH and TEF repair. The patient characteristics, post-operative complications, and 30-day mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic …

Management Of Retinoblastoma In Older Children (>5 Years) Using Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy: Comparison Of Outcomes To Pre-Chemotherapy And Intravenous Chemotherapy Eras, Evan Selzer, Ms, R. Joel Welch, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md, Ann Leahey, Md, Carol L. Shields, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) has emerged as an effective treatment for retinoblastoma (RB), but little information exists regarding its use in older patients (>5 years). We evaluate the use of IAC (2008-2018) for RB in older patients and compare outcomes to those in the pre-chemotherapy (<1994) and intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) (1994-2007) eras.

Objective: To evaluate the hypothesis that IAC is effective in managing RB in older patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients older than 5 years who were treated with IAC for RB from 2008-2018 on the Ocular Oncology Service at the Wills Eye Hospital. Comparisons were made to historic, …

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Sound Levels In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Caroline Komlo, Martin Morris, Robert Ries, Michael Velez

Phase 1

Introduction . Infants in the NICU are considered at greater risk of developmental delay. It is now known that excessively loud noise can have a negative impact on parameters such as blood pressure, breathing, heart beat and oxygen saturation. Previous research has concluded that the optimal decibel (dB) level for proper growth of neonate hair cells rests around 45dB. Consequently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that noise levels in the NICU be maintained to a maximum of 45dBA. However, little research has focused on designing new noise-altering products and their impact on neonatal outcomes.

Methods. This was a cross …

Common Practice For Behavioral Health Screening In Pediatric Primary Care Settings, Joseph A. Menand, Mario Cruz, Md

Phase 1

Mental health disorders in the United States are highly prevalent, affecting 14-20% of children yearly. Only 25-35% receive treatment after on average a six-plus year delay from symptom onset. Current recommendations suggest primary care physicians/providers (PCP) manage mental health conditions, however, PCPs are wary, citing lack of time, training and resources.This study evaluated pediatric/adolescent PCPs using a self-report questionnaire assessing knowledge/skill, clinical practice (e.g. screening tool) and perceived barriers when managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression (N = 11). Self-reported knowledge/skill diagnosing, treating and referring each disorder were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale and evaluated using …