To characterize normative rest-activity rhythmicity (RAR) trajectories related to activity and heart rate in pediatric patients post-appendectomy and compare these trajectories for patients who experienced complications.
Approach:
Study Design: Utilized wearable Fitbit devices to collect physical activity and heart rate data from children aged 3-18 who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis.
Data Collection: Data were collected from postoperative days 1 to 21, with clinical information extracted from electronic health records and follow-up surveys conducted on specified days.
Key Findings:
Rest-activity rhythmicity (RAR) metrics derived from wearable data may serve as biomarkers for postoperative recovery and complications.
RAR metrics were able to predict complications up to three days before clinical diagnosis with 91% sensitivity.
Interpretation:
Wearable-derived RAR metrics can provide insights into postoperative recovery trajectories and help identify complications in pediatric patients.
Limitations:
The study was limited to children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy, which may not generalize to other surgical populations.
Exclusion of non-English or non-Spanish speaking patients due to translation service constraints.
Conclusion:
Wearable technology may enhance monitoring of postoperative recovery and early detection of complications in pediatric surgical patients.
by Michela Carter, Rui Hua, Megan K. O’Brien, Hangil Lee, J. Benjamin Pitt, Soyang Kwon, Renee C. B. Manworren, Austin Chen, Arianna Edobor, Jane Holl, Arun Jayaraman, Hassan MK Ghomrawi, Fizan Abdullah
