JOURNAL ARTICLE

Letter re: A Standardized Scoring System to Predict Unnecessary Transfers to Children's Hospitals for Appendicitis Evaluation.

  • Published In: American Surgeon, 2026, v. 92, n. 2. P. 637 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Arredondo Montero, Javier 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the challenges associated with interhospital transfers for suspected appendicitis in pediatric surgery and critiques a recent study's prediction model aimed at addressing this issue. It highlights concerns regarding the model's variable selection method, suggesting that backward stepwise regression is unstable and recommending the use of penalized regression techniques like the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) for more reliable results. The author emphasizes the need for robust validation methods, assessment of clinical utility through decision curve analysis, and careful consideration of generalizability and fairness, particularly regarding the inclusion of ethnicity as a predictor. Overall, the article calls for improved methodologies to ensure that predictive tools enhance patient safety and equity in pediatric surgical care. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Surgeon. 2026/02, Vol. 92, Issue 2, p637
  • Document Type:Letter
  • Subject Area:Consumer Health
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0003-1348
  • DOI:10.1177/00031348251381656
  • Accession Number:190302410
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