These posters have been presented at meetings in Children's Mercy and around the world. They represent research that was done at the time they were created, and may not represent medical knowledge or practice as it exists at the time viewers access these posters.
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Cartilage Ring Formation in Chick Trachea
Yashica Sharma, Samuel Q. Mellentine, John Dahl, and Jennifer C. Kasemeier
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Developing a Deep-Learning Model to Segment White Matter Lesions in Cerebral Palsy
Varsha Kumar, Hyukjin Yun, Rose N. Gelineau-Morel, and Avner Meoded
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Endotyping Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants with Micrognathia
Alexis Dominic, Zarmina Ehsan, Baha Al-Shawwa MD, Karishma Rao, Blake A. Welker, Meghan Tracy, Andrew Li, Alessandra Manoylova-Vedder, Shiyuan Chen, Shu-Ching Chen, Members of the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC), John P. Dahl, and Janelle Noel-MacDonnell
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Evaluating The Relationship Between Naltrexone Systemic Exposure And Acute Brain Response Using A Neuroimaging-based Pharmacodynamic Biomarker
Trisha Rastogi, Stephani Stancil, Susan M. Abdel-Rahman, Michael Bartkoski, James Bartolotti, Mariah E. Brewe, William Brooks, Morgan Brucks, Anna Burns, Ann M. Davis, Laura Martin, Jeffrey R. Strawn, John Tumberger, Michaela Voss, and Hung-Wen Yeh
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Exploring the Impacts of Research Including Zealous GenZ-ers (RIZZ)
Afraah Hawa; Andrea Bradley-Ewing MPA, MA; Kimberly A. Randell, MD, MSc; Yesenia Montoya; and Karynn E. Glover
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Exposure-Toxicity Analysis of Fluoxetine in Children and Adolescents
Amelia Whittier, Ethan Poweleit, Whitney Sparks MS, Catherine Koertje, Addison Pritchett MS, Angela Wiedner, Gail Robertson, Lindsey Malloy-Walton, Stephani Stancil, Alexa L. Pagano, Kathryn Kyler, Jonathan B. Wagner, Jeffrey R. Strawn, Brandon Retke, Paul C. Toren, J Steven Leeder, and Laura B. Ramsey
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Investigating Postbiotic-Derived Therapies for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants
Ilan Reichbart, Marianne N. Nsumu, Joshua Wheatley, Susana Chavez-Bueno, and Alain Cuna
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In Vivo Model of Neurotropic Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Mice Brain
Joanna Yuen, Gage Greening, Eric S. Geanes, Dharitri Betha, Rebecca McLennan PhD, and Todd Bradley
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Operationalizing Frailty: A Comparison of Measurement Frameworks
Audrey P. Doege, Madeline Donnelli, Daniel Forsha, Thomas Cochran, William R. Black, and David A. White
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Rural Emergency Department Perspectives on Telemedicine Consultation for Pediatric Emergencies
Caroline Nemechek, Kimberly Randell, Romina Barral, and Michelle K. Arzubi-Hughes
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“We’re just always there for each other”: Examining Social Support for African American Caregivers of Oncology Patients
Madeleine Lee and Keisha White Makinde
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BYOS: Build Your Own Simulator - Creation of Specialized Surgical Simulations Using AI Segmentation and 3D Printing
Jieun Lee MD
Aim: Minimally invasive surgery in children frequently involves performing complex tasks within a confined space. Skills obtained in general surgery training are not always transferable to specialized technical aspects of pediatric procedures. We describe an expedited workflow for designing and creating tailored simulations for pediatric procedures.. Methods: An anonymized infant thoracoabdominal CT scan was imported into 3D Slicer (Slicer.org). An AI segmentation algorithm was then applied to the images (TotalSegmentator) for rapid modeling of anatomic structures. After post-processing, relevant models were exported as .STL files and uploaded into slicer software for further modification and printing using fused deposition modeling (FDM) or stereolithography (SLA). Materials were selected based on the desired properties of the simulated tissue. For structures not printable with thermoplastics or resin, (skin and subcutaneous tissue), the models were used to generate negative silicone molds. Incorporation of mechanical elements (magnets, hinges) was done using Autodesk Fusion 360. Results: AI modeling of all structures was performed in approximately 67 seconds. Printing time for individual components was approximately 8-16 hours depending on materials used. A non-linear cut was placed through the thoracic model to allow for fixation of simulated or animal tissue between magnetic and mechanical attachment points. Conclusions: Conversion of CT and MRI data to printable 3D models can be accomplished rapidly using AI segmentation algorithms integrated into open-source imaging software. Low-cost commercial 3D printers are now able to manufacture detailed objects using diverse materials. This enables pediatric surgeons to create simulators tailored to complex procedural tasks.
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Dental Findings Associated with Dandy Walker and Orofacial Digital Syndrome
Cailey C. Schell, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, and Amy Burleson
Dandy Walker Syndrome is a rare congenital brain malformation in which the cerebellum does not fully develop. The cerebellum is responsible for controlling movement and balance and is located at the back of the brain1. Clinical symptoms associated with this syndrome include developmental delays, hydrocephalus, eye abnormalities and dental abnormalities including malformed or missing teeth1. Orofacial Digital Syndrome is another rare genetic disorder characterized by a combination of abnormalities affecting the face, mouth, hands and feet2. Clinical features of this syndrome include cleft lip, cleft palate, syndactyly, polydactyly, hypodontia and supernumerary teeth2. This presentation discusses a 9-year-old female patient who has been seen at Children’s Mercy Hospital due to her complex medical history. Her medical history is notable for Dandy Walker Syndrome, Orofacial Digital Syndrome Type 1, developmental delays and hydrocephalus. The patient does not have a specific chief complaint. Her mother is aware of her conditions and wishes to establish a dental home at a hospital equipped to provide necessary care. During a periodic exam, radiographic findings revealed the presence of supernumerary teeth and congenitally missing teeth. This report will detail the dental findings and treatment management for patients with Dandy Walker Syndrome and Orofacial Digital Syndrome.
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Dental Rehabilitation of Pediatric Patient with Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome: Case Report
Emma Kojima DDS, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, and Amy Burleson
Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome, also known as Chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the EVC and EVC2 genes4. This syndrome is characterized by polydactyly of the hands, short limbs, ectodermal dysplasia, and congenital heart defects. Because Ellis–van Creveld syndrome affects all three embryonic layers, it presents with a range of oral manifestations, including absence of the mucobuccal fold, a serrated alveolar ridge, multiple labial frenula, abnormalities in tooth morphology, and congenitally missing teeth1. This report details a 20-month-old female who presented to the Children’s Mercy Dental Clinic in May 2019 for comprehensive dental care. The purpose of this report is to review dental treatment considerations for patients with Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome.
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Dental Rehabilitation with General Anesthesia and Analysis of Waiting Time Periods
Hannah Shelton, Bethany Castro, Neena Patel, Robin Onikul, Amy Burleson, and Jenna Sparks
Purpose: The aim of this research project is to understand how long patients are waiting to be seen to have dental rehabilitation completed under general anesthesia at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The data will help determine if additional surgical blocks are needed for dental providers to serve the patient population in a more reasonable time frame. Methods: A retrospective review of all appointments in the CMH dental clinic was conducted for all patients referred for general anesthesia. Data collected included patient wait times, patient age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, type of appointment in which GA referral was made, and if the patient had previously undergone dental rehab under general anesthesia. Results: Data analyzed included only patients seen at CMH for dental rehabilitation. Most referrals were patients of ASA III+ classification between 4 and 7 years old. Most were also being seen for dental rehabilitation under GA for the first time and waited between 6 and 12 months for treatment. Conclusion: Results show need for expansion of internal dental surgical capacity at CMH. Increasing the number of internal surgical blocks or establishing a dental surgery center could greatly decrease surgery wait time and increase the number of patients seen for dental rehabilitation.
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Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Pre-eruptive Intracoronal Resorption
Sophia Rosen, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, and Amy Burleson
Pre- eruptive intracoronal resorption (PEIR), also known as “pre-eruptive caries,” is a dental condition characterized by the resorption of dental tissue prior to the eruption of the tooth.1PIER is typically found adjacent to the dentin-enamel junction, within the occlusal dentin of the tooth.2PIER may be referred to as “occult” or hidden caries due to the presence of sound enamel and is often an incidental finding on routine radiographs.3PEIR is often misinterpreted as traditional caries due to its radiographic appearance,3however requires careful evaluation for determination of treatment and long term success. Case report: This case report details a 13 year old female patient who presented to the Children’s Mercy Hospital Dental Clinic in August 2025 with asymptomatic PEIR on her permanent second molar. The patient’s medical history is significant for Apert’s syndrome. Although the exact etiology of PEIR is unknown, this case report aims to explore potential etiologies, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical considerations of PEIR
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Measuring school anxiety in pediatric chronic pain: Initial investigation of the psychometric properties of the School Anxiety Inventory for Chronic Pain (SAI-CP)
Caitlyn Maye, Robert C. Gibler, Kristen E. Jastrowski, Dustin Wallace PhD, Cara M. Hoffart, and Jenny Scheurich PhD
Introduction: School anxiety is common among adolescents with chronic pain and often impacts academic and social functioning. Existing anxiety measures lack specificity for capturing the unique sources and symptoms of school-related anxiety in this population. To address this gap, a bank of new potential measure items (the School Anxiety Inventory for Chronic Pain [SAI-CP]), was developed based on the original School Anxiety Inventory (SAI), qualitative interviews with adolescents with chronic pain, and expert clinician input. The objective of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and internal consistency of the SAI-CP and identify avenues for future measure refinement. Method: Participants were 97 adolescents aged 11-18 (87% White, 62% female, 13.3% minoritized gender identity) seeking treatment in a Midwest pediatric pain clinic or an intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment program. Adolescents completed demographics, PROMIS Anxiety-Short Form, Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and SAI-CP. The SAI-CP consists of 15 potentially anxiety-provoking school situations, and respondents rate how frequently they experience cognitive, physiological, and behavioral symptoms in these situations from 0 (“never”) to 4 (“always”). Total and symptom subscale scores were calculated, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Pearson’s correlations assessed construct validity. Results: Internal consistency was excellent across three subscales: cognitive (α=0.96), physiological (α=0.96), and behavioral (α=0.96), and total scale (α=0.98). SAI-CP total scores were positively associated with the PROMIS Anxiety total score (r=0.58, p< .001) and FDI (self-report: r=0.34, p< 0.001; parent report: r=0.23, p=0.03). Discussion: Findings suggest that the SAI-CP has very high internal consistency, though this may indicate some redundancy or conceptual overlap in items. Preliminary evidence also supports the construct validity of the SAI-CP. Future work should establish the factor structure of the SAI-CP to improve clinical utility and inform treatment targets for school anxiety in youth with chronic pain.
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Recognizing What Matters Most: Using Safety-Critical Tasks to Strengthen Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Prevention Rounds
Lacey Bergerhofer, Christian Anthony Schneider, and Emily Evans
Background: Our CLABSI improvement team developed high-risk rounding processes on the Hematology/Oncology unit. Expanding this model to additional Med/Surg units was challenging due to limited staffing and time-intensive tasks required during rounds. Concurrently, CLABSI rates across other Med/Surg units increased, necessitating a scalable approach. Objectives: Apparent Cause Analysis (ACA) review in Med/Surg units identified an opportunity to strengthen surveillance by engaging Vascular Access subject-matter experts. Our proactive high-risk rounds pilot led to CLABSI rate reduction. The objective was to expand service coverage without compromising established high-risk rounding quality standards. Our goal is to assess > 90% of central lines in Med/Surg through daily high-risk rounding. Methods: We applied the SPS Safety Performance Plan: Hospital Improvement Work Activity to systematically evaluate existing high‑risk rounding processes. Non–safety‑critical tasks were identified, and an improvement team assessed opportunities to streamline, retire, or reassign. This analysis enabled breakthrough changes, including engaging virtual nurses to deliver CLABSI education. Utilizing Plan‑Do‑Study‑Act framework, we tested process modifications and refined workflow to support expansion beyond the Hematology/Oncology/BMT unit. Rounding extended first to Med/Surg areas with higher CLABSI rates, allowing resource prioritization and validating scalability of the revised model. Results: Hem/Onc CLABSI rates decreased from 2.70 to 0.64 per 1,000 line days (July–October 2025 vs. November 2025–January 2026). Med/Surg CLABSI rates declined from 1.64 to 1.21 per 1,000 line days, concurrent with expanding CLABSI rounding to all Med/Surg units by January 2026. On average, 88% of central‑line patients received high-risk rounds. The proportion of in-room assessment times under 15 minutes increased from 33.5% to 54.8%. Conclusions/Implications: Prioritizing safety-critical tasks strengthened continuous monitoring and enabled earlier risk mitigation through subject‑matter expert support. By reallocating non-critical tasks to existing hospital rounds and shifting education to virtual nursing, rounding across all Med/Surg units expanded. Frequent rounding supports adherence to interventions and lowers CLABSI risk.
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Adults and Adolescents with High-Intensity Neurologic Impairment Hospitalized at Children’s Hospitals
Charles Maloy, Matt Hall, Joanna Thomson, Jean-Baptist LePichon, and Henry T. Puls
Introduction: Children with high-intensity neurologic impairment (HINI) account for a sizeable proportion of inpatient resources. As survival into adulthood for children with medical complexity increases, children’s hospitals will likely admit adults with HINI. Understanding adult HINI hospitalization patterns is necessary to develop effective care strategies for this population. Objective: Compare characteristics of adults and adolescents with HINI hospitalized at children’s hospitals and describe hospital-level variation in hospitalizations for adults with HINI. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included discharges of patients with HINI aged 12-29 years from 41 children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System between 2022-24. Hospitals were excluded if birthing encounters were identified. Discharges were categorized by age: adolescents (12-17 years) and adults (18-29 years). Chi-square and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests compared hospitalization level characteristics (i.e., intensive care use, hospital length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and costs) across the two age groups. Hospital-level variation was described using the percentage of included HINI discharges that were adults and correlated with hospital volume of included HINI discharges using Pearson’s coefficient. Results: There were 136,290 discharges included; 23.6% were adults. Compared to adolescents, adults were more likely to have >1 HINI category (41.1% vs 33.9%), a co-morbid non-neurologic chronic complex condition (72.5% vs 58.5%), and technology use (49.2% vs 37.8%) (Table). Adults had slightly longer length-of-stay, similar ICU use, similar mortality, and higher hospitalization costs (Table). There was substantial hospital-level variation in the percentage of HINI hospitalizations that were adults (range 0.0% to 35.7%), which was correlated with hospital volume of all HINI discharges aged 12-29 years (p< 0.01). Conclusion: Adults with HINI were more complex and incurred longer hospitalizations and greater costs than their adolescent counterparts. Hospital-level variation in adults with HINI hospitalized at children’s hospitals was correlated with hospital volume of HINI discharges and may result from differences in the transition processes between institutions. Future studies should seek to understand optimal transition timing and care setting for adult HINI patients.
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A Predictive Modeling Approach to Reduce Pediatric Central Line-Associated
Erin Marshall, Michael Sayer, Christian Anthony Schneider, Lacey Bergerhofer, and Azadeh Wickham
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Beyond Utilization: Measuring Antimicrobial-Associated Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Children
Elizabeth Monsees, Ann L. Wirtz, Jennifer Goldman, Adrienne Olney, Susan F. McElroy, and Brian Lee
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Building a Better Onboarding Process: The Addition of a 30-Minute 1:1 for New Faculty
Heather McNeill, Enam Haddad, Sarah Tsai, Ruba A. Abdelhadi, and Jacqueline Hill
Our faculty development office examined the addition of a 30-minute personalized 1:1 session to the broader faculty onboarding strategy at our pediatric teaching hospital. We surveyed 106 new faculty who participated in a session from 2023-2025 to assess its usefulness. Of the 69 (65.7%) respondents, a large majority (92%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the session was a valuable use of their time. Several faculty commented that the most useful information was learning about career development resources (e.g., mentorship program, writing center), understanding how to prepare for academic promotion, and having time to ask questions. Most new faculty thought the 1:1 was valuable, justifying the use of time and staff resources to sustain this addition to the onboarding process.
