Index Of Mortality Research Articles

Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), System Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) and Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality: A 20-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study of 42,875 US Adults.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with various health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancers. Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and system inflammation response index (SIRI) have lately been explored as novel prognostic markers for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. However, studies on prediction value in nationwide representative population are scarce, which limit their generalization. To bridge the knowledge gap, this study aims to prospectively assess the association of SII, SIRI with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). From 1999 to 2018, 42,875 adults who were free of pregnancy, CVDs (stroke, acute coronary syndrome), cancers, and had follow-up records and participated in the NHANES were included in this study. SII and SIRI were quantified by calculating the composite inflammation indicators from the blood routine. To explore the characteristics of the population in different SII or SIRI levels, we divided them according to the quartile of SII or SIRI. The associations between SII, SIRI, and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality events were examined using a Cox regression model. To investigate whether there was a reliable relationship between these two indices and mortalities, we performed subgroup analysis based on sex and age. A total of 42,875 eligible individuals were enrolled, with a mean age of 44 ± 18 years old. During the follow-up period of up to 20 years, 4250 deaths occurred, including 998 deaths from CVDs. Cox proportional hazards modeling showed that adults with SII levels of >655.56 had higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.41) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11-1.59) than those with SII levels of <335.36. Adults with SIRI levels of >1.43 had higher risk of all-cause (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.52) and cardiovascular death (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14-1.68) than those with SIRI levels of <0.68. In general population older than 60 years, the elevation of SII or SIRI was associated with the risk of all-cause death. Two novel inflammatory composite indices, SII and SIRI, were closely associated with cardiovascular death and all-cause death, and more attention should be paid to systemic inflammation to provide better preventive strategies.

Does Health-related Aid Really Matter? Evidence from South Asia

Using data from South Asia for the period 1990–2017, this paper examines the effectiveness of the health sector aid on infant mortality, neonatal mortality, child mortality and a new composite index of child mortality. The investigation of South Asia is interesting not only because it accounts for roughly one quarter of the world population and has attracted significant aid over the years but also because of the significant variations in health outcomes between countries in the region. Applying the instrumental variables method to account for the endogeneity of aid, we find that health-focused aid assists in improving child health outcomes in South Asian countries. The effect operates mainly through female literacy and is robust to a variety of specifications. Our findings have significant policy implications for achieving the post-MDG target and point to the importance of the health sector aid to improve child health for countries swamped with poorer health status. JEL Codes: F35, I15, O53

Association between atherogenic index of plasma and in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Aim: Dyslipidemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Increased triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and decreased high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Recently, comprehensive lipid profile indices derived from these conventional parameters have attracted to attention. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is one of the indices calculated as the logarithm of TG/HDL-C levels and it is accepted as an alternative and simple marker of plasma atherogenicity. Although various studies demonstrated that their relationship with these lipid indices and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, this situation is not yet clear in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primer percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of AIP with early mortality in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI.Material and Method: This is a retrospective, single center, hospital-based study carried out between January 2019 and April 2021. A total of 873 consecutive STEMI patients (705 men; median age 59 years), whose undergoing pPCI, were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality status namely survivors vs non-survivors. Conventional lipid values were measured and non-traditional lipid indexes including non-HDL-C [Total cholesterol minus HDL-C], Total cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, atherogenic index (AI) [non-HDL-C/HDL-C], lipoprotein combine index (LCI) [Total cholesterol*TG*LDL-C/HDL-C] and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) [Log(TG/HDL-C)] were calculated. Angiographic images of the patients were evaluated through the hospital automation system. Results: AIP was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivor group (0.59, 0.47, p=0.006, respectively). AI, non-HDL-C, Total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and LCI measurements were similar between two groups. The cut-off value of the AIP (0.50) was associated with 70% sensitivity and 52% specificity for predicts in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression model indicated AIP (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.34–10.6, p &amp;lt; 0.012) as independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI. Conclusion: AIP predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI. AIP, which can be calculated easily by complete blood can be beneficial in evaluating the prognosis of these patients.

Infective endocarditis-much lacunae for improved management

Abstract Infective endocarditis is not frequently reported in our environment, partly due to poor index of suspicion, inadequate investigation, and high mortality. We report a 52-year-old man who developed and presented with sepsis, hyperglycemia, cardiac failure, and echocardiographic detection of vegetation. We discuss management challenges in our environment.

Data, Anomalies; a Call to Cease and Desist.

Data, Anomalies; a Call to Cease and Desist.

Adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit: the contribution of the VIS score and the RACHS-1.

To evaluate the occurrence of adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit and to find any patient characteristics that can predict such events. This was a historical cohort study of patients recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit for the first 7 days after cardiac surgery between April and December 2019, by reviewing the medical records. The following were reviewed: demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics; patient severity scores; and selected adverse events, grouped into device-related, surgical, and nonsurgical. A total of 238 medical records were included. At least one adverse event occurred in 110 postoperative patients (46.2%). The total number of adverse events was 193 (81%). Vascular catheters were the most common cause, followed by cardiac arrest, bleeding, and surgical reexploration. In the univariate analysis, the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score, age, Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM-2), cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping duration were significantly associated with adverse events. In the multivariate analysis, VIS ≥ 20 (OR 2.90; p = 0.004) and RACHS-1 ≥ 3 (OR 2.11; p = 0.019) were significant predictors, while age and delayed sternal closure showed only trends toward significance. To predict the occurrence of adverse events from VIS and RACHS-1, the area under the curve was 0.73 (95%CI 0.66 - 0.79). Adverse events were quite frequent in children after cardiac surgery, especially those related to devices. The VIS and RACHS-1, used together, predicted the occurrence of adverse events well in this pediatric sample.

Prognostic utility of a modified pediatric index of mortality 3 score incorporating nutritional status: An observational study

Prognostic utility of a modified pediatric index of mortality 3 score incorporating nutritional status: An observational study

Analysis of Recorded Morbidity, Prevalence and Hospital Mortality of Patients with Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma in the Ryazan Region for 10 Years

INTRODUCTION: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease whose substrate is plasma cells; it is characterized by the production of monoclonal immunoglobulin. Epidemiology of MM in Russia is insufficiently studied. Of interest is a study of dynamics of the main epidemiological parameters of multiple myeloma in the context of a poor epidemiological prognosis for oncological diseases in the Russian Federation and in the world in general.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze the main epidemiological parameters of symptomatic MM in the Ryazan region for 10 years (20102019).&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 343 medical records of patients with symptomatic MM were analyzed, of them 146 men (age median 65 years), 197 women (age median 64 years). The patients underwent inpatient treatment in the hematology and chemotherapy department of Ryazan Regional Clinical Hospital from 2010 to 2019. The epidemiological analysis consisted in evaluation of the parameters of the registered morbidity, prevalence and hospital mortality. The criterion for inclusion in the study was the existence of symptomatic MM in the patient. For statistical processing, Microsoft information and analytical system, Office package was used.&#x0D; RESULTS: The highest amount of new cases of MM were identified in 2018 (4.19 per 100,000 population), the lowest in 2012 (1.83 per 100,000 population). In the analyzed period, the number of cases of newly diagnosed MM per year increased by 30.3%. Most patients at the time of diagnosis were in the age group of 6069 years. Morbidity with MM in the age group of 3049 years was comparable in men and women, however, among the patients 50 years women predominated. Over 10 years, the index of MM prevalence in the Ryazan region increased 1.43 times: from 6.71 to 9.6 per 100,000 population, index of hospital mortality from 1.4% to 3.3%.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The growth of the registered mortality and prevalence of MM in the Ryazan region in 20102019 was identified, which corresponds to the dynamics in other regions of the Russian Federation. Also, during the analyzed period, an increase in hospital mortality of patients with MM was observed in the region.

627: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SEVERE PEDIATRIC PNEUMONIA IN ASIA: A PROSPECTIVE MULTINATIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Severe pneumonia is a common indication for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The lack of epidemiology and outcome data from Asia is a barrier to improving outcomes of severe pneumonia in the region. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study carried out from April 2019 to April 2022. Fifteen PICUs participated in this study under the Pediatric Acute & Critical Care Medicine Asian Network. Epidemiological, microbiological and outcome data were collected up to hospital discharge. Univariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore the association between potential risk factors and severe outcomes [acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and PICU mortality]. Multivariable analysis was performed withforward stepwise logistic regression adjusted for sites and COVID-19 pandemic including variables with p< 0.05 in univariate model. Results: There were 786 children with severe pneumonia in PICU with mean (standard deviation) age 2.8 (3.9) years. 384/786 (48.9%) had comorbidities; 126/786 (16.0%) had a history of prematurity (gestational age < 37 weeks). Admission Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM3) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction 2 (PELOD2) score were 16.2 (22.9) and 4.1(4.6). A sole viral or bacterial pathogen was identified in 179/786 (22.4%) and 165/786 (21.0%). Co-infections occurred in 114/786 (14.5%) patients. ARDS and mortality occurred in 156/786 (20.1%) and 70/786(8.9%) patients. In the multivariable model, risk factors for ARDS included PIM3 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.02 (1.01, 1.03)], PELOD2 [aOR 1.08 (95%CI 1.02, 1.13)] and involvement of 4 quadrants on chest-x-ray, [aOR 2.69 (95%CI 1.39, 5.18)]. Risk factors for mortality included PIM 3 [aOR 1.03 (95%CI 1.01, 1.04)], involvement of 4 quadrants on chest-x-ray [aOR 2.72 (95%CI 1.10, 6.73)], bacterial [aOR 2.61 (95%CI 1.00, 6.82)], fungus or mycobacterium [aOR 12.30 (95%CI 1.45, 104.57)] and co-infections [aOR 2.72 (95%CI 1.10, 10.35)]. Conclusions: The rate of ARDS and mortality in severe pneumonia admitted to PICU in Asia was high. Risk factors for poor outcomes were admission severity scores, generalized X-ray involvement and identification of bacteria, fungus/mycobacteria or co-infections.

728: OUTCOMES AND TIMING OF STRESS-DOSE HYDROCORTISONE IN PEDIATRIC SEPTIC SHOCK

Introduction: Sepsis is a major contributor to pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pediatric sepsis is defined as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the presence of suspected or confirmed infection. Pediatric septic shock is defined as sepsis with cardiovascular organ dysfunction. In vasoactive-inotropic recalcitrant septic shock, stress dose corticosteroids are often administered for presumed critical illness related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). However, there is not consistent data to support the use of stress dose hydrocortisone (HCT) in septic shock. To further investigate clinical outcomes related to timing of HCT, we hypothesized that children with vasoactive-inotropic recalcitrant septic shock who received early HCT (< 6 hours) would have lower vasoactive-inotropic scores (VIS) in the first 48 hours, a decreased length of stay (LOS) and increased ventilator-free days (VFD). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed from November 2017 to December 2021 of subjects 0 to < 18 years, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) meeting the definition for septic shock, requiring vasopressors and/or inotropes and given HCT for CIRCI. We measured VIS, PICU and hospital LOS and VFD. Subjects with chronic steroid use or who received etomidate were excluded. Results: Of 227 subjects screened, 23 met criteria for analysis. Seven subjects received HCT within 6 hours of vasopressor initiation (early group), while 16 received HCT >6 hours (late group). Initial VIS average was 10.96 in the early group and 10.78 in the late group. At 48 hours, average VIS in the early group was 9.51 and 1.44 in the late group. Average PICU LOS was 15.58 for the early group and 10.82 for the late group. Average hospital LOS was 37.47 for the early group and 19.76 for the late group. VFD average was 15.32 in the early group and 16.61 in the late group. Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM-3) average in the early group was 2.02 and 1.61 in the late group. Mortality incidence was 2 in 7 in the early group, and 4 in 16 in the late group. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggests there is an increased VIS at 48 hours, increased PICU and hospital LOS, and decreased VFD with early administration of HCT. Although PIM-3 scores were higher in the early group, mortality was similar between groups.

Association of the triglyceride glucose index as a measure of insulin resistance with mortality and cardiovascular disease in populations from five continents (PURE study): a prospective cohort study

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is an easily accessible surrogate marker of insulin resistance, an important pathway in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association of the TyG index with cardiovascular diseases and mortality has mainly been investigated in Asia, with few data available from other regions of the world. We assessed the association of insulin resistance (as determined by the TyG index) with mortality and cardiovascular diseases in individuals from five continents at different levels of economic development, living in urban or rural areas. We also examined whether the associations differed according to the country's economical development. We used the TyG index as a surrogate measure for insulin resistance. Fasting triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose were measured at the baseline visit in 141 243 individuals aged 35-70 years from 22 countries in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides [mg/dL] x fasting plasma glucose [mg/dL]/2). We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using a multivariable Cox frailty model with random effects to test the associations between the TyG index and risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The primary outcome of this analysis was the composite of mortality or major cardiovascular events (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, and non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke). Secondary outcomes were non-cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular mortality, all myocardial infarctions, stroke, and incident diabetes. We also did subgroup analyses to examine the magnitude of associations between insulin resistance (ie, the TyG index) and outcome events according to the income level of the countries. During a median follow-up of 13·2 years (IQR 11·9-14·6), we recorded 6345 composite cardiovascular diseases events, 2030 cardiovascular deaths, 3038 cases of myocardial infarction, 3291 cases of stroke, and 5191 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for all other variables, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increased across tertiles of the baseline TyG index. Compared with the lowest tertile of the TyG index, the highest tertile (tertile 3) was associated with a greater incidence of the composite outcome (HR 1·21; 95% CI 1·13-1·30), myocardial infarction (1·24; 1·12-1·38), stroke (1·16; 1·05-1·28), and incident type 2 diabetes (1·99; 1·82-2·16). No significant association of the TyG index was seen with non-cardiovascular mortality. In low-income countries (LICs) and middle-income countries (MICs), the highest tertile of the TyG index was associated with increased hazards for the composite outcome (LICs: HR 1·31; 95% CI 1·12-1·54; MICs: 1·20; 1·11-1·31; pinteraction=0·01), cardiovascular mortality (LICs: 1·44; 1·15-1·80; pinteraction=0·01), myocardial infarction (LICs: 1·29; 1·06-1·56; MICs: 1·26; 1·10-1·45; pinteraction=0·08), stroke (LICs: 1·35; 1·02-1·78; MICs: 1·17; 1·05-1·30; pinteraction=0·19), and incident diabetes (LICs: 1·64; 1·38-1·94; MICs: 2·68; 2·40-2·99; pinteraction <0·0001). In contrast, in high-income countries, higher TyG index tertiles were only associated with an increased hazard of incident diabetes (2·95; 2·25-3·87; pinteraction <0·0001), but not of cardiovascular diseases or mortality. The TyG index is significantly associated with future cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, suggesting that insulin resistance plays a promoting role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Potentially, the association between the TyG index and the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in LICs and MICs might be explained by an increased vulnerability of these populations to the presence of insulin resistance. Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

Severity of frailty using modified Thai frailty index, social factors, and prediction of mortality among community-dwelling older adults in a middle-income country.

Frailty has been increasingly recognized as a public health problem for aging populations with significant social impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to develop a modified version of the Thai Frailty Index (TFI) and explore the association between different frailty statuses, socioeconomic factors, and mortality in community-dwelling older people from a middle-income country. The data from participants aged ≥60 years in the Fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey were used to construct the 30-item TFI. Cutoff points were created based on stratum-specific likelihood ratio. TFI ≤ 0.10 was categorized as fit, 0.10-0.25 as pre-frail, 0.25-0.45 as mildly frail, and >0.45 as severely frail. The association of frailty status with mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazard models. Among 8,195 older adults with a mean age of 69.2 years, 1,284 died during the 7-year follow-up. The prevalence of frailty was 16.6%. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for mortality in pre-frail was 1.76 (95% CI = 1.50-2.07), mildly frail 2.79 (95% CI = 2.33-3.35), and severely frail 6.34 (95% CI = 4.60-8.73). Having a caretaker in the same household alleviated mortality risk for severely frail participants with an aHR of 2.93 (95% CI = 1.92-4.46) compared with an aHR of 6.89 (95% CI = 3.87-12.26) among those living without a caretaker. The severity of frailty classified by the modified TFI can predict long-term mortality risk for community-dwelling older adults. Identification of severely frail older people to provide appropriate care might alleviate mortality risk. Our findings can inform policymakers to appropriately allocate services in a resource-limited setting.

Comparing Pediatric Index of Mortality 3, Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction 2 (PELOD-2), and Modified PELOD-2 scores for Mortality Prognosis in Vietnamese Children with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the performance of three scores, the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM-3), the Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction 2 (PELOD-2), and the modified PELOD-2 scores, in predicting mortality in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) children in Vietnam.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study of MODS children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a central children’s hospital in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, was undertaken from April 2019 to June 2021. All three scores were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for discrimination and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test for calibration.Results: Of eighty-four subjects, the median age was 24.5 months and the overall mortality rate was 63.1%. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of PIM-3, PELOD-2, and modified PELOD-2 for predicting the death of MODS children were 0.77, 0.89, and 0.89, respectively. With individual cut-offs, the PIM-3, PELOD-2, and modified PELOD-2 scores had sensitivities for predicting mortality of 81.1%, 79.2%, and 81.1%, respectively, and specificities of 61.3%, 87.1%, and 80.6%, respectively. All three scores performed well in the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, indicating high calibration between predicted and observed mortalities (PIM-3: χ²=4.36, p-value=0.823; PELOD-2: χ²=4.837, p-value=0.775; modified PELOD-2: χ²=6.082, p-value=0.638).Conclusion: The PELOD-2 and modified PELOD-2 scores showed a better mortality prognosis than the PIM-3 score. Compared to the PELOD-2, the modified PELOD-2 with fewer parameters can still predict mortality well in Vietnamese children with MODS when using a cut-off score ≥9.

End of Life Cost Savings in the Palliative Care Unit Compared to Other Services.

Hospital deaths carry a significant healthcare cost that has been confirmed to be lower when palliative care units (PCUs) are available. To compare the last admission hospital health care cost of dying in a first-level hospital between the PCU and the rest of the hospital services. A retrospective, comparative, observational study evaluating costs from the payer perspective on treatments and diagnostic-therapeutic tests performed on patients who die in first-level hospital, comparing whether they were treated by the PCU or another unit (Non-PCU). Patients with a mortality risk >2 were included according to the Severity of Illness Index (SOI) and Risk of Mortality (MOR). All cost express in €, median per patient and interquartile range (IQR). From 1,833 patients who died, 1,389 were included, 442 (31.1%) treated by PCU and 928 (68.9%) Non-PCU. Statistical differences were found for the last admission total cost (€262.8 (€470.1) for PCU versus €515.3 (€980.48) in Non-PCU), daily total cost (€74.27 (€127.4) vs €115.8 (€142.4) Non-PCU). Savings were maintained when the sample was broken down by diagnosis-related group (DRG) and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine how the different patients baseline characteristics between PCU and Non-PCU patients influenced the results obtained. Data from this study show that cost is significantly lower when the patients are treated by a PCU during their last hospital stay when they pass away.

Association of nutritional status with clinical outcomes of critically ill pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions

There is a high prevalence of children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). However, information on the nutritional status (NS) of this specific population is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the NS of critically ill pediatric patients with CCCs and to relate it to clinical outcomes. A retrospective cohort study of children admitted to a PICU over a 4-year period. We classified NS according to body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) and height-for-age (H/A) z-scores, using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth curves as a reference. We recorded the presence of CCC according to the definition proposed by Feudtner etal. Severity on admission was measured using the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2). We assessed the following outcomes: mortality, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome during PICU stay, and PICU length of stay (LOS). We included 1753 children in the study. Presence of CCC accounted for 49.8% (873) of the sample. Among children with CCCs, 61.7% (539) had appropriate weight, 19.8% (173) were underweight, and 18.4% (161) were overweight. H/A was considered inadequate in 32.2% (281) of patients with CCCs, a higher rate than in those without CCCs (25.3%; 132) (p<0.001). Regarding outcomes, underweight children had more organ dysfunctions and prolonged LOS. The association only remained for prolonged LOS when adjusting for confounders. Although underweight children had a higher PIM2-predicted risk of mortality, there was no significant difference in actual mortality between the three NS groups (p=0.200). The rates of nutritional inadequacies in patients with CCCs were high. Underweight was independently associated with prolonged LOS in children with CCC.

Implementation of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 and the pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in an intensive care unit in Mexico.

The study objective was to analyze the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM 3) and the pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) for the prediction of mortality. Observational, prospective study; patients aged 1 month to 17.9 years were included. Assessment of area under the curve (AUC) accuracy and estimation of standardized mortality rate. A total of 244 admissions were studied: median age was 60 months. The main diagnoses were solid or hematologic neoplasms (26.5%). The mortality by admission was 18% (44/244). The AUC was 0.77 for PIM 3 and 0.81 for pSOFA; both scales showed an adequate calibration (p > 0.05). The standardized mortality rate was 1.91. We identified that the PIM 3 and pSOFA have an acceptable discrimination power. The calibration of the PIM 3 was not adequate in patients with solid or hematologic neoplasms.

Body mass index and risk of mortality in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Prior literature has demonstrated that bariatric surgery is a safe approach for patients with morbid obesity. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of mortality in these patients has not been fully elucidated. Primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and risk of mortality using data obtained from a national database, with a special focus on patients with BMI ≥ 70.0kg/m2. A retrospective cohort study of patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40kg/m2) undergoing first-time bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2018 was performed using data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Primary outcome was intra-operative death or death within 30days post-operatively. Patients were categorized into quartiles according to BMI. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the association of BMI with risk of mortality. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) are provided as measures of strength of association and precision, respectively. A total of 463, 436 patients were included with a 30-day mortality rate of 0.11%. Mean BMI (SD) was 48.2 (7.3) kg/m2; 1.5% of patients had BMI ≥ 70.0kg/m2. On multivariable analysis, highest quartile patients had a significantly higher risk of mortality than lowest quartile patients. For patients with BMI ≥ 70.0kg/m2, the risk of mortality was more pronounced with an eightfold increase compared to the lowest quartile. In patients with BMI ≥ 70.0kg/m2, although sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was the most common procedure, the risk of mortality was significantly higher in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). BMI is associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. The effect of BMI is more pronounced in patients with BMI ≥ 70.0kg/m2. In these patients, RYGB is associated with increased risk of mortality compared to SG.

Biochemical indicators of euthyroid sick syndrome in critically ill children.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in pediatric intensive care, and to establish a link between thyroid function tests and mortality. Between January 2015 and March 2020, children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and tested for free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) levels were included. Patients with decreased fT3, with normal or decreased fT4, and normal or decreased TSH levels were assigned to the ESS group. The association between biochemical indicators and ESS, as well as the relationship between fT3 and mortality, were examined. A total of 141 (36%) of 386 children included to study were classified in the ESS group. The ESS group had a higher rate of 28-day mortality (12 [8.5%] vs. 9 [3.7%]). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, platelet, lactate, and pediatric index of mortality 3 [PIM3 (%)] were significantly associated with ESS (odds ratios in order: 1.024, 0.422, 0.729, 1.208, 1.013). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BUN, albumin, platelet, and lactate were independently associated with ESS progression. The area under curve (AUC [95%CI]) for fT3 was 0.644 (0.555-0.789) to detect mortality. Children with a fT3 level lower than 2.31pg/mL had significantly higher 28-day mortality (log rank test, p=0.001). Our study identified BUN, albumin, lactate, and platelet count as independent risk factors for ESS progression in children. Furthermore, our findings indicated a correlation between fT3 and mortality, which makes fT3 anideal candidate to be included in mortality indices.

The burden of viral infections in pediatric intensive care unit between endemic and pandemic coronavirus infections: A tertiary care center experience

ObjectivesTo measure the prevalence of viral infections, length of stay (LOS), and outcome in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) during the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic in a MERS-CoV endemic country. MethodsA retrospective chart review of children 0–14 years old admitted to PICU with a viral infection. ResultsOf 1736 patients, 164 patients (9.45%) had a positive viral infection. The annual prevalence trended downward over a three-year period, from 11.7% to 7.3%. The median PICU LOS was 11.6 days. Viral infections were responsible for 1904.4 (21.94%) PICU patient-days. Mechanical ventilation was used in 91.5% of patients, including noninvasive and invasive modes. Comorbidities were significantly associated with intubation (P-value = 0.025). Patients infected with multiple viruses had median pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM 2) scores of 4, as compared to 1 for patients with single virus infections (p < 0.001), and a median PICU LOS of 12 days, compared to 4 in the single-virus group (p < 0.001). Overall, mortality associated with viral infections in PICU was 7 (4.3%). Patients with viral infections having multiple organ failure were significantly more likely to die in the PICU (p = 0.001). ConclusionViral infections are responsible for one-fifth of PICU patient-days, with a high demand for mechanical ventilation. Patients with multiple viral infections had longer LOS, and higher PIM 2 scores. The downward trend in the yearly rate of PICU admissions for viral infections between the end of the MERS-CoV outbreak and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic may suggest viral interference that warrants further investigations.

Clinical outcomes according to timing to invasive ventilation due to noninvasive ventilation failure in children

ObjectiveNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure it has been associated to worst clinical outcomes due to a delay in intubation and initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). There is a lack of evidence in pediatric patients regarding this topic. The objective was to deter-mine the association between duration of IMV and length of stay, with duration of NIV prior tointubation/IMV in pediatric patients. DesignA prospective cohort study since January 2015 to October 2019. SettingA pediatric intensive care unit. PatientsChildren under 15 years with acute respiratory failure who failed to noninvasive ventilation. InterventionsNone. Main variables of interestDemographic variables, pediatric index of mortality (PIM2), pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) diagnosis, IMV and NIV duration, PICU LOS were registered and intrahospital mortality. ResultsA total of 109 patients with a median (IQR) age of 7 (3–14) months were included. The main diagnosis was pneumonia (89.9%). PARDS was diagnosed in 37.6% of the sample. No association was found between NIV duration and duration of IMV after Kaplan–Meier analysis (Log rank P = .479). There was no significant difference between PICU LOS (P = .253) or hospital LOS (P = 0.669), when categorized by NIV duration before intubation. PARDS diagnosis was associated to an increased length of invasive ventilation (HR: 0.64 [95% IC: 0.42–0.99]). ConclusionsNo association was found between NIV duration prior to intubation and duration of invasive ventilation in critical pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure.