Faraz Alizadeh

All Publications

• Geospatial Access to Pediatric Cardiac and Cardiac-Surgical Services by Neighborhood-Level Determinants of Health. Journal of the American Heart Association Weld, J. K., Day, R. T., Alizadeh, F., Blossom, J., Bailey, D., Worthington, S., Liu, J., Ward, V. L., Teele, S. A., Newburger, J. W., Thiagarajan, R. R., Bucholz, E. M., Moynihan, K. M. 2026; 15 (10): e044518

  Abstract

  Access to quality health care is a key social determinant of health. We determined whether geographic access to pediatric cardiac services differed by neighborhood-level opportunity, racial and ethnic population composition, and urbanicity.Geospatial analysis delineated geographic access to hospitals with pediatric cardiac and cardiac-surgical services. Geographic access was defined in 4 drive-time catchments (0-30, 31-60, 61-120, and 121-240-minutes) and dichotomizing direct (≤60-minute) versus limited (>60-minute) access. Mean predicted Child Opportunity Index (COI), percentage of racial and ethnic populations considered medically underserved and rural-urban residence were compared by geographic access. Prevalence ratios compared the prevalence of limited geographic access for low COI and percentage of populations medically underserved catchments compared with high, and rural versus urban areas. Additional analyses controlled for hospital characteristics.Limited access to pediatric cardiac and surgical care was more prevalent in very low quintile COI catchments versus very high (prevalence ratio, 3.64 [95% CI, 2.61-5.07] and 2.98 [95% CI, 2.04-4.35], respectively). Catchments with >60-minute drive time to cardiac care had on average>6 point lower COI. Catchments closer to cardiac services were more urban and with a higher percentage of populations medically underserved. Prevalence of limited geographic access to pediatric cardiac care was higher in rural versus urban catchments (prevalence ratio, 3.48 [3.02, 4.00]). Incorporating hospital characteristics increased COI differences and attenuated the higher percentage of populations medically underserved with direct cardiac-surgical access.On average, areas with fewer neighborhood-level resources promoting healthy child development are associated with greater distance to pediatric cardiac services. Geospatial analyses identify specific areas with limited access to cardiac care to focus future resource allocation.

  View details for DOI 10.1161/JAHA.125.044518

  View details for PubMedID 42132176

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC13279433

• Unplanned Readmissions in Pediatric Cardiac Disease: Impacts of Social Determinants of Health. Pediatric cardiology Fox, M. T., Melvin, P., Alizadeh, F., Barreto, J. A., Thiagarajan, R. R., Newburger, J. W., de Ferranti, S. D., Saleeb, S. F., Umali, M., Ward, V. L., Moynihan, K. M. 2026; 47 (3): 1109-1127

  Abstract

  To investigate relationships between unplanned readmissions and social determinants of health in pediatric cardiac disease. Retrospective cohort study of pediatric (< 18 years) cardiac admissions in the Pediatric Health Information System (1/2019-3/2023). Social determinants included Child Opportunity Index (lower opportunity indicates fewer neighborhood-level resources), insurance, urbanicity, race, and ethnicity. Primary outcomes were unplanned all-cause and cardiac-related 90- and 365-day readmissions. Sub-analyses were performed in cardiac surgical and cardiac medical (congenital versus acquired) cohorts. Of 320,225 admissions, 90- and 365-day all-cause readmission rates were 22.0%, and 33.6% (cardiac-related: 13.8% and 20.9%). Cardiac-surgical patients accounted for 9.4% of readmissions. All-cause 90- and 365-day readmissions were higher among children with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Black/African American race, Medicaid, and low/very low opportunity (p < 0.001). Adjusted odds of 90-day readmissions were greater for children with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (aOR 1.04[95%CI 1.01-1.07]), Medicaid insurance (aOR 1.17[1.14-1.19]), and urban residence (aOR 1.11[1.08-1.14]). At 365 days, odds were also higher for children with Multiracial backgrounds (aOR 1.07[1.01-1.14]) and residing in low/very low opportunity areas (aOR 1.08[1.03-1.12]). All-cause readmission findings were primarily driven by cardiac medical patients with less pronounced effects in surgical readmissions. All-cause readmission rates decreased as opportunity increased for children with Asian and White race but not other racial/ethnic backgrounds. Cardiac-related readmissions had similar results, except for lower readmissions in children with Black/African American race. Children with cardiac disease with fewer resources, public insurance, and underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds have more unplanned readmissions. The child opportunity index modified race-readmission relationships. Opportunities exist to optimize discharge planning, follow-up, and preventative care.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00246-025-03883-9

  View details for PubMedID 40381042

  View details for PubMedCentralID 6991288

• Paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use by social determinants: a multicentre retrospective cohort study. The Lancet. Child & adolescent health Alizadeh, F., Gauvreau, K., Barreto, J. A., Hall, M., Bucholz, E., Nathan, M., Newburger, J. W., Vitali, S., Thiagarajan, R. R., Chan, T., Moynihan, K. M. 2025; 9 (8): 565-577

  Abstract

  Social determinants of health have upstream effects on health-care access and decision making to influence outcomes. We aimed to study the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in children according to social determinants of health.This retrospective, multicentre cohort study used data from 47 children's hospitals in the USA that contributed to the Pediatric Health Information System. Children (aged <18 years) admitted to an intensive care unit in one of the study hospitals between Oct 1, 2015, and March 31, 2021, with extreme or major mortality risk and cardiac or respiratory diagnoses, were eligible for the study. Social determinants of health considered were Child Opportunity Index (COI; a multidimensional metric of neighbourhood conditions), race, ethnicity, type of health insurance, distance from home to hospital, and hospital region. We calculated relative risk ratios (RRR) using multivariable multinomial regression models to compare the outcome of ECMO use according to three categories: patients who received ECMO, patients who survived without ECMO, and patients who died without ECMO (ie, those who might have benefited from ECMO).Of 829 445 children admitted to paediatric intensive care units during the study period, 309 937 (37·4%) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. 288 717 (93·2%) of 309 937 patients survived without ECMO, 12 542 (4·0%) died without ECMO, and 8678 (2·8%) received ECMO. Patients who received ECMO were younger and more likely to have a cardiac diagnosis than those who died without ECMO. A 5% greater adjusted risk of dying without ECMO (adjusted RRR [aRRR] 1·05 [95% CI 1·01-1·09]) was seen for every 10-point decrease in COI score. A greater risk of dying without ECMO than of receiving ECMO was observed in patients of Asian (aRRR 1·36 [95% CI 1·04-1·78]) or other (1·54 [1·09-2·18]) race, Hispanic ethnicity (1·70 [1·31-2·22]), and with public health insurance (1·33 [1·16-1·52]). The risk of dying without ECMO differed by distance from hospital (aRRR per 50 miles increase 0·98 [95% CI 0·96-0·99]), whereas patients in hospitals in the south (2·34 [1·02-5·38]) and west (3·74 [1·44-9·67]) had a greater risk of dying without ECMO than those in the midwest; only those in the west also had a greater risk of survival without ECMO (3·72 [1·40-9·90]).There are disparities in ECMO use according to social determinants of health, with lower use among children from under-resourced neighbourhoods, from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those with public health insurance. Interventions to promote equitable ECMO use can be derived using health equity frameworks.None.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00134-8

  View details for PubMedID 40582368

• Geospatial Accessibility of Pediatric Resources by Child Opportunity, Racial and Ethnic Composition and Urbanicity. Academic pediatrics Bucholz, E. M., Day, R. T., Khazanchi, R., Alizadeh, F., Blossom, J., Bailey, D., Worthington, S., Liu, J., Thiagarajan, R., Ward, V. L., Moynihan, K. M. 2025; 25 (5): 102817

  Abstract

  We analyze drive times to pediatric inpatient and intensive care services in the US according to Child Opportunity Index (COI), racial/ethnic composition, and urbanicity.Geospatial information system analyses delineated drive-time catchments of 0-30, 31-60, 61-120 and 120-240 minutes around hospitals with ≥5 inpatient pediatric and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds. For each catchment, population-weighted COI, percent pediatric population of underrepresented races and ethnicities (%UR), and urbanicity were calculated and compared between the four drive-time catchments and for >60 versus ≤60-minute drive-times. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated for >60 versus ≤60-minute drive-times to compare the prevalence of longer drive-times for catchments with lower COI and lower %UR (vs higher), and rural versus urban areas.Overall, 8.1% and 20.5% of children reside >60-minutes from pediatric and PICU services. Catchments within 60-minutes of inpatient or PICU services had higher COI (4.8, [95% CI 3.2, 6.5] and 6.1 [7.7, 4.5] respectively) compared with those >60-minutes. Very low quintile COI catchments (vs very high) were more likely to be >60-minutes from pediatric inpatient care (PR 2.89 [2.30, 3.61]) and PICU (PR 2.48 [1.92, 3.20]). %UR was 2.7% higher in ≤60-minute drive-time catchments (95% CI 0.1, 5.23, P=0.043) versus those >60-minutes. Greater prevalence of >60-minute drive-times was seen in catchments with a lower %UR (vs higher) and for rural (vs urban) catchments for pediatric and PICU services.Children living further from pediatric care tend to have less resources and reside in rural areas. These data inform public health solutions for equitable resource distribution as care consolidates.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.acap.2025.102817

  View details for PubMedID 40089205

• Morphology, Clinical Associations, and Pathologic Follow-up of Quadricuspid Aortic Valves in Children. Pediatric cardiology Ajayi, O., Alizadeh, F., Sekhavat, S., Bonello, K., Beroukhim, R. S., Ghelani, S. J. 2025; 46 (3): 599-603

  Abstract

  While quadricuspid morphology is commonly observed in truncal valves, quadricuspid aortic valves (QAV) are rare and their natural history is not well described. This retrospective study of 37 patients describes the diagnostic associations and morphologic variability of QAVs in children (median age at diagnosis 4.3 y IQR 0-12 y). Associated congenital heart diseases were present in 54% (most commonly tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and valvar pulmonary stenosis). Among patients with isolated QAV, 11 had genetic syndrome and 5 had skeletal anomalies. Valve morphology was most commonly type B (41%) and A (35%; Hurvitz and Roberts). Dilated aortic root (Z ≥ 2) was present in 5 and dilated ascending aorta in 9 patients at diagnosis. All patients with type C (n = 3) and G (n = 1) had aortic dilation. At diagnosis, >mild AR was rare (n = 1), mild regurgitation was common (n = 12, 32%), >mild AS was rare (n = 2), and mild AS was uncommon (n = 4). Over a median follow-up of 3.3y (IQR 0.9-11y), progression of AR was seen in 2 patients and progression of aortic root or ascending aorta dilation (increase in Z score by ≥ 2) was seen in 5 patients. In conclusion, QAV is a rare congenital anomaly and about half of the cases are found in hearts that are otherwise structurally normal. A relatively high prevalence is seen in patients with TOF, pulmonary stenosis, skeletal deformities, and genetic syndromes. Meticulous evaluation of aortic valve morphology should be conducted on echocardiograms performed for these indications.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00246-024-03471-3

  View details for PubMedID 38478047

  View details for PubMedCentralID 7763736

• Child Opportunity Index and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes; the Role of Diagnostic Category. Critical care medicine Alizadeh, F., Gauvreau, K., Barreto, J. A., Hall, M., Bucholz, E., Nathan, M., Newburger, J. W., Vitali, S., Thiagarajan, R. R., Chan, T., Moynihan, K. M. 2024; 52 (10): 1587-1601

  Abstract

  To study the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes.Retrospective study of children (< 18 yr) supported on ECMO (October 1, 2015 to March 1, 2021) using Pediatric Health Information System (44 U.S. children's hospitals). Patients were divided into five diagnostic categories: neonatal cardiac, pediatric cardiac, neonatal respiratory, pediatric respiratory, and sepsis. SDoH included the Child Opportunity Index (COI; higher indicates social advantage), race, ethnicity, payer, and U.S. region. Children without COI were excluded. Diagnostic category-specific clinical variables related to baseline health and illness severity were collected.None.Children supported on ECMO experienced a 33% in-hospital mortality (2863/8710). Overall, children with lower COI, "other" race, Hispanic ethnicity, public insurance and from South or West regions had greater mortality. Associations between SDoH and ECMO outcomes differed between diagnostic cohorts. Bivariate analyses found that only pediatric cardiac patients had an association between COI or race and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined relationships between SDoH, clinical variables and mortality within diagnostic categories. Pediatric cardiac patients had 5% increased odds of death (95% CI, 1.01-1.09) for every 10-point decrement in COI, while Hispanic ethnicity was associated with higher survival (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.72 [0.57-0.89]). Children with heart disease from the highest COI quintile had less cardiac-surgical complexity and earlier cannulation. Independent associations with mortality were observed in sepsis for Black race (aOR 1.62 [1.06-2.47]) and other payer in pediatric respiratory patients (aOR 1.94 [1.23-3.06]).SDoH are statistically associated with pediatric ECMO outcomes; however, associations differ between diagnostic categories. Influence of COI was observed only in cardiac patients while payer, race, and ethnicity results varied. Further research should investigate differences between diagnostic cohorts and age groups to understand drivers of inequitable outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006358

  View details for PubMedID 38920540

• Correction: Decentralization and Integration of Advanced Cardiac Care for the World's Poorest Billion Through the PEN-Plus Strategy for Severe Chronic Non-Communicable Disease. Global heart Klassen, S. L., Okello, E., Ferrer, J. M., Alizadeh, F., Barango, P., Chillo, P., Chimalizeni, Y., Dagnaw, W. W., Eiselé, J. L., Eberly, L., Gomanju, A., Gupta, N., Koirala, B., Kpodonu, J., Kwan, G. F., Mailosi, B. G., Mbau, L., Mutagaywa, R., Namuyonga, J., Pfaff, C., Piñero, D., Pinto, F., Rusingiza, E., Sanni, U. A., Sanyahumbi, A., Shakya, U., Sharma, S. K., Sherpa, K., Sinabulya, I., Wroe, E. B., Bukhman, G., Mocumbi, A. 2024; 19 (1): 54

  Abstract

  [This corrects the article DOI: 10.5334/gh.1313.].

  View details for DOI 10.5334/gh.1338

  View details for PubMedID 38947254

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11212772

• Formal Ethics Consultation in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort of a Quaternary Pediatric Hospital. Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies Siegel, B., Taylor, L. S., Alizadeh, F., Barreto, J. A., Daniel, D., Alexander, P. M., Lipsitz, S., Moynihan, K. 2024; 25 (4): 301-311

  Abstract

  To examine characteristics associated with formal ethics consultation (EC) referral in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cases, and document ethical issues presented.Retrospective cohort study using mixed methods.Single-center quaternary pediatric hospital.Patients supported on ECMO (January 2012 to December 2021).We compared clinical variables among ECMO patients according to the presence of EC. We defined optimal cutoffs for EC based on run duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), and sum of procedures or complications. To identify independent explanatory variables for EC, we used a forward stepwise selection multivariable logistic regression model. EC records were thematically characterized into ethical issues.Of 601 ECMO patients and 225 patients with EC in 10 years, 27 ECMO patients received EC (4.5% of ECMO patients, 12% of all ECs). On univariate analysis, use of EC vs. not was associated with multiple ECMO runs, more complications/procedures, longer ICU LOS and ECMO duration, cardiac admissions, decannulation outcome, and higher mortality. Cutoffs for EC were ICU LOS >52 days, run duration >160 hours, and >6 complications/procedures. Independent associations with EC included these three cutoffs and older age. The model showed good discrimination (area under the curve 0.88 [0.83, 0.93]) and fit. The most common primary ethical issues were related to end-of-life, ECMO discontinuation, and treatment decision-making. Moral distress was cited in 22 of 27 cases (82%).EC was used in 4.5% of our pediatric ECMO cases, with most ethical issues related to end-of-life care or ECMO discontinuation. Older age, longer ICU LOS, prolonged runs, and multiple procedures/complications were associated with greater odds for EC requests. These data highlight our single-center experience of ECMO-associated ethical dilemmas. Historical referral patterns may guide a supported decision-making framework. Future work will need to include quality improvement projects for timely EC, with evaluation of impacts on relevant endpoints.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PCC.0000000000003422

  View details for PubMedID 38193777

• Decentralization and Integration of Advanced Cardiac Care for the World's Poorest Billion Through the PEN-Plus Strategy for Severe Chronic Non-Communicable Disease. Global heart Klassen, S. L., Okello, E., Ferrer, J. M., Alizadeh, F., Barango, P., Chillo, P., Chimalizeni, Y., Dagnaw, W. W., Eiselé, J. L., Eberly, L., Gomanju, A., Gupta, N., Koirala, B., Kpodonu, J., Kwan, G., Mailosi, B. G., Mbau, L., Mutagaywa, R., Pfaff, C., Piñero, D., Pinto, F., Rusingiza, E., Sanni, U. A., Sanyahumbi, A., Shakya, U., Sharma, S. K., Sherpa, K., Sinabulya, I., Wroe, E. B., Bukhman, G., Mocumbi, A. 2024; 19 (1): 33

  Abstract

  Rheumatic and congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and hypertensive heart disease are major causes of suffering and death in low- and lower middle-income countries (LLMICs), where the world's poorest billion people reside. Advanced cardiac care in these counties is still predominantly provided by specialists at urban tertiary centers, and is largely inaccessible to the rural poor. This situation is due to critical shortages in diagnostics, medications, and trained healthcare workers. The Package of Essential NCD Interventions - Plus (PEN-Plus) is an integrated care model for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that aims to decentralize services and increase access. PEN-Plus strategies are being initiated by a growing number of LLMICs. We describe how PEN-Plus addresses the need for advanced cardiac care and discuss how a global group of cardiac organizations are working through the PEN-Plus Cardiac expert group to promote a shared operational strategy for management of severe cardiac disease in high-poverty settings.

  View details for DOI 10.5334/gh.1313

  View details for PubMedID 38549727

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10976983

• Social Drivers of Health and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes. Pediatrics Alizadeh, F., Gauvreau, K., Mayourian, J., Brown, E., Barreto, J. A., Blossom, J., Bucholz, E., Newburger, J. W., Kheir, J., Vitali, S., Thiagarajan, R. R., Moynihan, K. 2023; 152 (6)

  Abstract

  Relationships between social drivers of health (SDoH) and pediatric health outcomes are highly complex with substantial inconsistencies in studies examining SDoH and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes. To add to this literature with emerging novel SDoH measures, and to address calls for institutional accountability, we examined associations between SDoH and pediatric ECMO outcomes.This single-center retrospective cohort study included children (<18 years) supported on ECMO (2012-2021). SDoH included Child Opportunity Index (COI), race, ethnicity, payer, interpreter requirement, urbanicity, and travel-time to hospital. COI is a multidimensional estimation of SDoH incorporating traditional (eg, income) and novel (eg, healthy food access) neighborhood attributes ([range 0-100] higher indicates healthier child development). Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, ECMO run duration, and length of stay (LOS).540 children on ECMO (96%) had a calculable COI. In-hospital mortality was 44% with median run duration of 125 hours and ICU LOS 29 days. Overall, 334 (62%) had cardiac disease, 92 (17%) neonatal respiratory failure, 93 (17%) pediatric respiratory failure, and 21 (4%) sepsis. Median COI was 64 (interquartile range 32-81), 323 (60%) had public insurance, 174 (34%) were from underrepresented racial groups, 57 (11%) required interpreters, 270 (54%) had urban residence, and median travel-time was 89 minutes. SDoH including COI were not statistically associated with outcomes in univariate or multivariate analysis.We observed no significant difference in pediatric ECMO outcomes according to SDoH. Further research is warranted to better understand drivers of inequitable health outcomes in children, and potential protective mechanisms.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2023-061305

  View details for PubMedID 37933403

• Obesity in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: The Role of Age, Complexity, and Sociodemographics. Pediatric cardiology Jordan, C. A., Alizadeh, F., Ramirez, L. S., Kimbro, R., Lopez, K. N. 2023; 44 (6): 1251-1261

  Abstract

  The prevalence of obesity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is greater than 25%, putting these patients at-risk for increased surgical morbidity and mortality. Our goal was to determine the association between CHD complexity, sociodemographic factors, and obesity. Our hypothesis was that among CHD patients, the odds of obesity would be highest in older children with simple CHD, and in all children with a lower socioeconomic status. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, reviewing electronic medical records of children aged 2-17 years from over 50 outpatient pediatric clinics in Houston, TX. Children were classified as simple or moderate/complex CHD, and obesity was defined by BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and CHD complexity with obesity. We identified 648 CHD and 369,776 non-CHD patients. Children with simple CHD had a similar odds of obesity as non-CHD children. Children with CHD had a higher prevalence of obesity if they were older, male, Black, Hispanic, and publicly insured. Children with moderate/complex CHD had lower odds of obesity [OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.07-0.73)], however their predicted probability of obesity approached that of the general population as they aged. Additionally, there was an incremental relationship with poverty and obesity [1.01 (1.01-1.01)]. Awareness of which patients with CHD are at highest risk of obesity may help in targeting interventions to assist at-risk patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00246-023-03148-3

  View details for PubMedID 36964218

  View details for PubMedCentralID 2850199

• Health Disparities in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utilization and Outcomes: A Scoping Review and Methodologic Critique of the Literature. Critical care medicine Moynihan, K. M., Dorste, A., Alizadeh, F., Phelps, K., Barreto, J. A., Kolwaite, A. R., Merlocco, A., Barbaro, R. P., Chan, T., Thiagarajan, R. R. 2023; 51 (7): 843-860

  Abstract

  To map the scope, methodological rigor, quality, and direction of associations between social determinants of health (SDoH) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) utilization or outcomes.PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for citations from January 2000 to January 2023, examining socioeconomic status (SES), race, ethnicity, hospital and ECMO program characteristics, transport, and geographic location (context) with utilization and outcomes (concept) in ECMO patients (population).Methodology followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping review extension. Two reviewers independently evaluated abstracts and full text of identified publications. Exclusion criteria included non-English, unavailable, less than 40 patients, and periprocedural or mixed mechanical support.Content analysis used a standardized data extraction tool and inductive thematic analysis for author-proposed mediators of disparities. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool.Of 8,214 citations screened, 219 studies were identified. Primary analysis focuses on 148 (68%) including race/ethnicity/SES/payer variables including investigation of ECMO outcomes 114 (77%) and utilization 43 (29%). SDoH were the primary predictor in 15 (10%). Overall quality and methodologic rigor was poor with advanced statistics in 7%. Direction of associations between ECMO outcomes or utilization according to race, ethnicity, SES, or payer varied. In 38% adverse outcomes or lower use was reported in underrepresented, under-resourced or diverse populations, while improved outcomes or greater use were observed in these populations in 7%, and 55% had no statistically significant result. Only 26 studies (18%) discussed mechanistic drivers of disparities, primarily focusing on individual- and hospital-level rather than systemic/structural factors.Associations between ECMO utilization and outcomes with SDoH are inconsistent, complicated by population heterogeneity and analytic shortcomings with limited consideration of systemic contributors. Findings and research gaps have implications for measuring, analyzing, and interpreting SDoH in ECMO research and healthcare.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005866

  View details for PubMedID 36975216

• Staff Perceptions of Dying and Death in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit During COVID-19. American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Moynihan, K. M., Bailey, V., Beke, D. M., Alizadeh, F., Gauvreau, K., Snaman, J. M. 2023; 32 (3): 221-225

  Abstract

  Strict visitor restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with staff moral distress in numerous clinical settings, yet little is known about effects on perceptions of pediatric end-of-life care.To determine the effect of COVID-19 visitor restrictions on perceptions of quality of dying and death.This was a cross-sectional survey of interdisciplinary staff caring for dying children in a cardiac intensive care unit with flexible visitation allowances compared with published policies reported in the literature at the time.No significant difference in perceptions of quality of dying and death was found between the prepandemic and pandemic periods despite similar clinical care provision. The relatively less stringent allowances at end of life did not adversely affect staff risk for infection.The findings support affording some flexibility to visitation at end of life, which may mitigate negative staff perceptions of quality of dying and death. With the profound effects of COVID-19 on end-of-life care provision, these results may have implications for future global challenges.

  View details for DOI 10.4037/ajcc2023424

  View details for PubMedID 36804658

• Learning to walk the walk: Incorporating praxis for decolonization in global health education. Global public health Sridhar, S., Alizadeh, F., Ratner, L., Russ, C. M., Sun, S. W., Sundberg, M. A., Rosman, S. L. 2023; 18 (1): 2193834

  Abstract

  Colonial history has deeply influenced the structures that govern global health. Though many curricula promote equity, few focus on developing competency in understanding and dismantling colonialism, and the structural barriers to global health equity. To dismantle colonial structures and create equitable collaborations, learners must be able to recognise how colonialism permeates global health practice. We propose a praxis cycle in education that asks learners to actively engage with these concepts. The praxis cycle includes: Theory: Learners explore the principles of decoloniality to understand how attitudes and practices are shaped by biased social structures influenced by colonialism. Reflection: Learners reflect on their work in LMIC settings through a lens of decoloniality and positionality. Action: Learners work in LMIC settings where they apply and actively engage with these concepts and insights. During implementation of this curriculum, we encountered several challenges including the cognitive dissonance of the learner to changing mental models of global health practice, existing systemic barriers to changing one's practice and the development of accountability mechanisms for learners in this type of curriculum. Intentionally incorporating a praxis cycle helps learners recognise their role in disrupting the structural forces that promote inequities, and actively dismantle the forces upholding systemic oppression.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/17441692.2023.2193834

  View details for PubMedID 36989128

• The Surprise Question as a Trigger for Primary Palliative Care Interventions for Children with Advanced Heart Disease. Pediatric cardiology Alizadeh, F., Morell, E., Hummel, K., Wu, Y., Wypij, D., Matthew, D., Esteso, P., Moynihan, K., Blume, E. D. 2022; 43 (8): 1822-1831

  Abstract

  There is significant uncertainty in describing prognosis and a lack of reliable entry criteria for palliative care studies in children with advanced heart disease (AHD). This study evaluates the utility of the surprise question-"Would you be surprised if this child died within the next year?"-to predict one-year mortality in children with AHD and assess its utility as entry criteria for future trials. This is a prospective cohort study of physicians and nurses caring for children (1 month-19 years) with AHD hospitalized ≥ 7 days. AHD was defined as single ventricle physiology, pulmonary vein stenosis or pulmonary hypertension, or any cardiac diagnosis with signs of advanced disease. Primary physicians were asked the surprise question and medical record review was performed. Forty-nine physicians responded to the surprise question for 152 patients. Physicians responded "No, I would not be surprised if this patient died" for 54 (36%) patients, 20 (37%) of whom died within 1 year, predicting one-year mortality with 77% sensitivity, 73% specificity, 37% positive predictive value, and 94% negative predictive value. Patients who received a "No" response had an increased 1-year risk of death (hazard ratio 7.25, p < 0.001). Physician years of experience, subspecialty, and self-rated competency were not associated with the accuracy of the surprise question. The surprise question offers promise as a bedside screening tool to identify children with AHD at high risk for mortality and help physicians identify patients who may benefit from palliative care and advance care planning discussions.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00246-022-02919-8

  View details for PubMedID 35503117

  View details for PubMedCentralID 6637963

• Assessment of an Instrument to Measure Interdisciplinary Staff Perceptions of Quality of Dying and Death in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. JAMA network open Bailey, V., Beke, D. M., Snaman, J. M., Alizadeh, F., Goldberg, S., Smith-Parrish, M., Gauvreau, K., Blume, E. D., Moynihan, K. M. 2022; 5 (5): e2210762

  Abstract

  Lack of pediatric end-of-life care quality indicators and challenges ascertaining family perspectives make staff perceptions valuable. Cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) interdisciplinary staff play an integral role supporting children and families at end of life.To evaluate the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Quality of Dying and Death (PICU-QODD) instrument and examine differences between disciplines and end-of-life circumstances.This cross-sectional survey included staff at a single center involved in pediatric CICU deaths from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021.Staff demographic characteristics, intensity of end-of-life care (mechanical support, open chest, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR]), mode of death (discontinuation of life-sustaining therapy, treatment limitation, comfort care, CPR, and brain death), and palliative care involvement.PICU-QODD instrument standardized score (maximum, 100, with higher scores indicating higher quality); global rating of quality of the moment of death and 7 days prior (Likert 11-point scale, with 0 indicating terrible and 10, ideal) and mode-of-death alignment with family wishes.Of 60 patient deaths (31 [52%] female; median [IQR] age, 4.9 months [10 days to 7.5 years]), 33 (55%) received intense care. Of 713 surveys (72% response rate), 246 (35%) were from nurses, 208 (29%) from medical practitioners, and 259 (36%) from allied health professionals. Clinical experience varied (298 [42%] ≤5 years). Median (IQR) PICU-QODD score was 93 (84-97); and quality of the moment of death and 7 days prior scores were 9 (7-10) and 5 (2-7), respectively. Cronbach α ranged from 0.87 (medical staff) to 0.92 (allied health), and PICU-QODD scores significantly correlated with global rating and alignment questions. Mean (SD) PICU-QODD scores were more than 3 points lower for nursing and allied health compared with medical practitioners (nursing staff: 88.3 [10.6]; allied health: 88.9 [9.6]; medical practitioner: 91.9 [7.8]; P < .001) and for less experienced staff (eg, <2 y: 87.7 [8.9]; >15 y: 91, P = .002). Mean PICU-QODD scores were lower for patients with comorbidities, surgical admissions, death following treatment limitation, or death misaligned with family wishes. No difference was observed with palliative care involvement. High-intensity care, compared with low-intensity care, was associated with lower median (IQR) rating of the quality of the 7 days prior to death (4 [2-6] vs 6 [4-8]; P = .001) and of the moment of death (8 [4-10] vs 9 [8-10]; P =.001).In this cross-sectional survey study of CICU staff, the PICU-QODD showed promise as a reliable and valid clinician measure of quality of dying and death in the CICU. Overall QODD was positively perceived, with lower rated quality of 7 days prior to death and variation by staff and patient characteristics. Our data could guide strategies to meaningfully improve CICU staff well-being and end-of-life experiences for patients and families.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.10762

  View details for PubMedID 35522280

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9077481

• An e-learning pediatric cardiology curriculum for Pediatric Postgraduate trainees in Rwanda: implementation and evaluation. BMC medical education Rusingiza, E., Alizadeh, F., Wolbrink, T., Mutamba, B., Vinci, S., Profita, E. L., Rulisa, S., DelSignore, L., Solis, J., Geggel, R., Wilson, K. 2022; 22 (1): 179

  Abstract

  Access to pediatric sub-specialty training is a critical unmet need in many resource-limited settings. In Rwanda, only two pediatric cardiologists are responsible for the country's clinical care of a population of 12 million, along with the medical education of all pediatric trainees. To strengthen physician training opportunities, we developed an e-learning curriculum in pediatric cardiology. This curriculum aimed to "flip the classroom", allowing residents to learn key pediatric cardiology concepts digitally before an in-person session with the specialist, thus efficiently utilizing the specialist for additional case based and bedside teaching.We surveyed Rwandan and US faculty and residents using a modified Delphi approach to identify key topics in pediatric cardiology. Lead authors from Rwanda and the USA collaborated with OPENPediatrics™, a free digital knowledge-sharing platform, to produce ten core topics presented in structured videos spanning 4.5 h. A mixed methods evaluation was completed with Rwandan pediatric residents, including surveys assessing knowledge, utilization, and satisfaction. Qualitative analysis of structured interviews was conducted using NVivo.Among the 43 residents who participated in the OPENPediatrics™ cardiology curriculum, 33 (77%) completed the curriculum assessment. Residents reported using the curriculum for a median of 8 h. Thirty-eight (88%) reported viewing the curriculum on their personal or hospital computer via pre-downloaded materials on a USB flash drive, with another seven (16%) reporting viewing it online. Twenty-seven residents viewed the course during core lecture time (63%). Commonly reported barriers to utilization included lack of time (70%), access to internet (40%) and language (24%). Scores on knowledge assessment improved from 66.2% to 76.7% upon completion of the curriculum (p < 0.001) across all levels of training, with most significant improvement in scores for PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents. Residents reported high satisfaction with the visuals, engaging presentation, and organization of the curriculum. Residents opined the need for expanded training material in cardiac electrocardiogram and echocardiogram and requested for slower narration by foreign presenters.Video-based e-learning via OPENPediatrics™ in a resource-limited setting was effective in improving resident's knowledge in pediatric cardiology with high levels of utilization and satisfaction. Expanding access to digital curriculums for other pediatric sub-specialties may be both an effective and efficient strategy for improving training in settings with limited access to subspecialist faculty.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12909-022-03222-z

  View details for PubMedID 35291997

• Family health sheets: a vital instrument for village health workers providing comprehensive healthcare. BMC health services research Alizadeh, F., Addepalli, A., Chaudhuri, S. R., Budongo, A. M., Owembabazi, I., Chaw, G. F., Musominali, S., Paccione, G. 2021; 21 (1): 1138

  Abstract

  Community Health Worker (CHW) programs have long been used to provide acute care for children and women in healthcare shortage areas, but their provision of comprehensive longitudinal care for chronic problems is rare. The Village Health Worker (VHW) program, initiated in 2007, is an example of a long standing "horizontal" CHW program in rural Southwestern Uganda that has delivered village-level care for chronic disease based on a biannual village health census that identifies individual and family health risks. To facilitate continuity of care for problems identified, health census data were electronically transformed into family-specific Family Health Sheets (FHS) in 2016 which summarize the pertinent demographic and health data for each family, as well as health topics the family would like to learn more about. The FHS, evaluated and discussed here, serves as an epidemiologically-informed "bedside" tool to help VHWs provide longitudinal care in their villages.48 VHWs in the program completed a survey on the utility of the FHS and 24 VHWs participated in small discussion groups. Responses were analyzed using both quantitative and standard conceptual content analysis models RESULTS: 46 out of 48 VHWs reported that the FHS made them a "much better VHW." In addition to helping target interventions in child health, women's health, and sanitation, the FHS assisted follow-up of non-communicable diseases in the community. In discussion groups, VHWs reported that the FHS helped them understand risks for future disease, facilitated earning stipends, and increased credibility and trust in the community. Limitations cited were the infrequent updates of the FHS, only biannually with the census, and the lack of cross-reference capability by health problem.The FHS supports VHWs in providing longitudinal and comprehensive healthcare of chronic diseases in their villages. Limitations, potential solutions, and future directions are discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12913-021-07180-y

  View details for PubMedID 34674694

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8530699

• Female Newborn With Bulge in the Left Inguinal Region. Annals of emergency medicine Mills, D., Alizadeh, F., Dorney, K. 2021; 77 (2): 268-282

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.07.030

  View details for PubMedID 33487318

• Toddler With New Onset Diabetes and Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome in the Setting of COVID-19. Pediatrics Alizadeh, F., O'Halloran, A., Alghamdi, A., Chen, C., Trissal, M., Traum, A., DeCourcey, D. 2021; 147 (2)

  Abstract

  This is a novel case of a 16-month-old boy with a history of prematurity with intrauterine growth restriction, severe failure to thrive, microcephaly, pachygyria, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and postnatal embolic stroke, who presented with new-onset diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, with a course complicated by atypical hemolytic syndrome (aHUS). This patient demonstrated remarkable insulin resistance in the period before aHUS diagnosis, which resolved with the first dose of eculizumab therapy. There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 is associated with thrombotic disorders and that microangiopathic processes and complement-mediated inflammation may be implicated. In this case report, we describe a pediatric patient with COVID-19 and a new complement-mediated microangiopathic thrombotic disease. Because whole-exome sequencing and extensive workup returned without a clear etiology for aHUS, this is likely a COVID-19 triggered case of aHUS versus an idiopathic case that was unmasked by the infection.

  View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2020-016774

  View details for PubMedID 33037119

• Managing hypertension in rural Uganda: Realities and strategies 10 years of experience at a district hospital chronic disease clinic. PloS one Stephens, J. H., Alizadeh, F., Bamwine, J. B., Baganizi, M., Chaw, G. F., Yao Cohen, M., Patel, A., Schaefle, K. J., Mangat, J. S., Mukiza, J., Paccione, G. A. 2020; 15 (6): e0234049

  Abstract

  The literature on the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) contrasts a spiraling epidemic centered in low-income countries with low levels of awareness, risk factor control, infrastructure, personnel and funding. There are few data-based reports of broad and interconnected strategies to address these challenges where they hit hardest. Kisoro district in Southwest Uganda is rural, remote, over-populated and poor, the majority of its population working as subsistence farmers. This paper describes the 10-year experience of a tri-partite collaboration between Kisoro District Hospital, a New York teaching hospital, and a US-based NGO delivering hypertension services to the district. Using data from patient and pharmacy registers and a random sample of charts reviewed manually, we describe both common and often-overlooked barriers to quality care (clinic overcrowding, drug stockouts, provider shortages, visit non-adherence, and uninformative medical records) and strategies adopted to address these barriers (locally-adapted treatment guidelines, patient-clinic-pharmacy cost sharing, appointment systems, workforce development, patient-provider continuity initiatives, and ongoing data monitoring). We find that: 1) although following CVD risk-based treatment guidelines could safely allocate scarce medications to the highest-risk patients first, national guidelines emphasizing treatment at blood pressures over 140/90 mmHg ignore the reality of "stockouts" and conflict with this goal; 2) often-overlooked barriers to quality care such as poor quality medical records, clinic disorganization and local employment practices are surmountable; 3) cost-sharing initiatives partially fill the gap during stockouts of government supplied medications, but still may be insufficient for the poorest patients; 4) frequent prolonged lapses in care may be the norm for most known hypertensives in rural SSA, and 5) ongoing data monitoring can identify local barriers to quality care and provide the impetus to ameliorate them. We anticipate that our 10-year experience adapting to the complex challenges of hypertension management and a granular description of the solutions we devised will be of benefit to others managing chronic disease in similar rural African communities.

  View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0234049

  View details for PubMedID 32502169

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7274420

• An educational intervention in rural Uganda: Risk-targeted home talks by village health workers. Patient education and counseling Moon, C., Alizadeh, F., Chaw, G. F., Mulongo, M. I., Schaefle, K., Yao-Cohen, M., Musominalli, S., Paccione, G. 2020; 103 (6): 1209-1215

  Abstract

  Evaluate the effectiveness of home talks (HTs), a novel model of health education delivered by village health workers (VHWs) with primary-level education to rural African mothers. Talk recipients were assessed by health census to be at risk for ill-health in one of 5 ways: malnutrition, diarrhea, respiratory disease, HIV, and poverty due to family size.Each participant received a pre-test, immediate post-test and delayed post-test on their assigned HT topic and a pre-test and delayed post-test on a randomly assigned control topic. Differences in scoring were examined against controls and over time using paired t-tests and general linear regression analysis, respectively.Subjects lost knowledge gained from the HTs over time, but what they retained at 3 months was far greater than what they learned about the control topics (p-values <0.0001), independent of subjects' educational level.Targeted HTs to people with health census-identified risk factors resulted in learning and significant retention of knowledge.Positive behavioral change resulting from health education has been shown in diverse contexts. This personal model of home talk education by VHWs targeting vulnerable families is flexible and effective and may be used to improve community health in other impoverished settings worldwide.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.015

  View details for PubMedID 32035739

• Health Equity Rounds: An Interdisciplinary Case Conference to Address Implicit Bias and Structural Racism for Faculty and Trainees. MedEdPORTAL : the journal of teaching and learning resources Perdomo, J., Tolliver, D., Hsu, H., He, Y., Nash, K. A., Donatelli, S., Mateo, C., Akagbosu, C., Alizadeh, F., Power-Hays, A., Rainer, T., Zheng, D. J., Kistin, C. J., Vinci, R. J., Michelson, C. D. 2019; 15: 10858

  Abstract

  The medical community recognizes the importance of confronting structural racism and implicit bias to address health inequities. Several curricula aimed at teaching trainees about these issues are described in the literature. However, few curricula exist that engage faculty members as learners rather than teachers of these topics or target interdisciplinary audiences.We developed a longitudinal case conference curriculum called Health Equity Rounds (HER) to discuss and address the impact of structural racism and implicit bias on patient care. The curriculum engaged participants across training levels and disciplines on these topics utilizing case-based discussion, evidence-based exercises, and two relevant conceptual frameworks. It was delivered quarterly as part of a departmental case conference series. We evaluated HER's feasibility and acceptability by tracking conference attendance and administering postconference surveys. We analyzed quantitative survey data using descriptive statistics and qualitatively reviewed free-text comments.We delivered seven 1-hour HER conferences at our institution from June 2016 to June 2018. A mean of 66 participants attended each HER. Most survey respondents (88% or more) indicated that HER promoted personal reflection on implicit bias, and 75% or more indicated that HER would impact their clinical practice.HER provided a unique forum for practitioners across training levels to address structural racism and implicit bias. Our aim in dissemination is to provide meaningful tools for others to adapt at their own institutions, recognizing that HER should serve as a component of larger, multifaceted efforts to decrease structural racism and implicit bias in health care.

  View details for DOI 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10858

  View details for PubMedID 32166114

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7050660

• Identifying and Reengaging Patients Lost to Follow-Up in Rural Africa: The "Horizontal" Hospital-Based Approach in Uganda. Global health, science and practice Alizadeh, F., Mfitumuhoza, G., Stephens, J., Habimaana, C., Myles, K., Baganizi, M., Paccione, G. 2019; 7 (1): 103-115

  Abstract

  Among the many challenges facing health systems grappling with the explosive growth of chronic disease in Africa are continuity of care, particularly in poor, rural areas. We report the strategy, field experience, and results of an ongoing 6-year follow-up program operating in a rural district hospital in Kisoro, Uganda, that attempts to locate and reengage patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) from communities that are largely without phones, addresses, or paved roads. The program works with diverse hospital clinics, including chronic diseases, HIV, tuberculosis (TB), nutrition, and women's health, to identify patients who have not returned to care, employing a modest staff who spend about 20 days monthly making outreach visits by motorcycle in search of approximately 130 patients. We describe the organization of this unique "horizontal" program and report on follow-up outcomes between November 2015 to October 2016. Between 30% and 60% of patients were found to have lapses in care. The follow-up program was able to locate 64% of patients, with a reengagement rate of 54% to 92% (average, 69%) depending on the clinic. The program costs approximately US$5 per patient LTFU but about US$40 per patient maintained in care. The hospital-based follow-up program that cuts across diverse clinics and wards was novel and feasible in this rural sub-Saharan African setting.

  View details for DOI 10.9745/GHSP-D-18-00394

  View details for PubMedID 30926739

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6538125