Effect of Reader and Patient Parameters on the Performance of Last-Image-Hold for Fluoroscopic Grading of Vesicoureteric Reflux.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of different reader and patient parameters on the degree of agreement and the rate of misclassification of vesicoureteric reflux grading on last-image-hold frames in relation to spot-exposed frames from voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) as well as to determine the nature of reflux misclassification on last-image-hold frames. Blinded readers conducted a retrospective evaluation of last-image-hold and spot-exposed frames of the renal fossae from 191 sequential VCUG examinations performed during a five-year period. Kappa tests were used to determine the agreement between reflux gradings and to assess the impact of reader and patient parameters.

Abusive fracture incidence over three decades at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Few studies have examined the incidence of abusive fractures in children. Only one study to date, from a single pediatric trauma center,has reported on the incidence of abusive fractures over time. That study showed a decrease in abusive fractures over a 24-year period.

Inter-rater reliability of physical abuse determinations in young children with fractures.

As there is no "gold standard" in determining whether a fracture is caused by accident or abuse, agreement among medical providers is paramount. Using abstracted medical record data from 551 children <36months of age presenting to a pediatric emergency department, we examined the extent of agreement between specialists who evaluate children with fractures for suspected abuse. To simulate clinical scenarios, two pediatric orthopaedists and two child abuse pediatricians (CAPs) reviewed the full abstraction and imaging, whereas the two pediatric radiologists reviewed a brief history and imaging.