Effect of shortened length of stay on functional and educational outcome after pediatric rehabilitation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the length of stay and its effect on effectiveness and return to school in an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit during a 5-yr period from fiscal year 1997 through 2001.

Design: We reviewed prospectively collected data for a cohort of 321 children during fiscal years 1997-2001.

Results: Length of stay was significantly shortened, with mean lengths of stay of 58.

Brain imaging as a predictor of early functional outcome following traumatic brain injury in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Objectives: A depth of lesion (DOL) model using brain imaging has been proposed to aid in medical decision-making and planning for rehabilitation resource needs. The purpose of this study was to determine the early prognostic value of a DOL classification system for children and young adults following severe traumatic brain injury.

Methods And Outcome Measures: CT/MRI brain imaging studies on 92 patients, aged 3 to 21, admitted to the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, University of Virginia, were evaluated to determine DOL.