Need For Sedation Research Articles

Anaesthesia for radiotherapy in paediatric oncology-a retrospective observational study in an Asian population.

Immobilisation in radiotherapy treatment is especially important as many paediatric tumours are located near critical organs. Although the external beam radiotherapy treatment process itself is painless, the immobilization devices used may cause anxiety and discomfort in children who are too young to understand and co-operate. Hence, anaesthesia or sedation is unavoidable in such cases. This descriptive study aims to evaluate the demographics, methods and outcomes of paediatric radiotherapy patients in our Asian context. This is a single-institution, retrospective observational study in a tertiary hospital with more than a decade of experience in paediatric radiotherapy. Data collected include age, gender, race, ASA status, oncology diagnosis, site of radiotherapy, position of patient during procedure, need for sedation or anaesthesia, anaesthetic drugs used, airway devices, use of premedications, use of antiemetics, and incidence and type of complications. We also analysed the association between various factors (e.g., age, radiotherapy treatment site) and usage of anaesthesia. Statistical analysis was carried out using a multivariable model. Between January 2006 and December 2017, 434 paediatric patients underwent radiotherapy, with a total of 10,357 discrete radiotherapy sessions. In 1,276 radiotherapy sessions (11.8%) either general anaesthesia or sedation was required. The need for anaesthesia was highly age-dependent-all patients under 3 years of age required anaesthesia, whereas anaesthesia was rarely needed in patients above 7 years of age. Our institution had a higher prevalence of inhalational agent usage as opposed to intravenous agent usage. Complication rate was relatively low. This is the first retrospective review performed in our country on paediatric patients receiving anaesthesia during radiotherapy, evaluating patients' demographic data, and type of anaesthesia and radiotherapy techniques used. We found that patients' requirement for anaesthesia decreases in an age-dependent fashion, in line with existing literature. Our reported complication rate during anaesthesia sessions was low, testament to the high standards and safety of our techniques.

Choosing the Best Treatment Approach for Axial Vein Reflux: Thermal versus Nonthermal Approaches.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common and treatable medical condition which has a high morbidity if left untreated, progressing to lower extremity edema, skin changes of lipodermatosclerosis, and venous ulceration. Treatment options have significantly expanded over the last several decades, shifting away from the traditional surgical approach to more minimally invasive procedures such as endoluminal venous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation. Even more recently, several techniques using nonthermal methods to ablate varicose veins have been developed, which offer the advantage of not requiring labor-intensive and painful tumescent anesthesia to protect the surrounding tissues. These techniques include mechanochemical ablation, cyanoacrylate closure, or polidocanol microfoam injection and can be offered to a wider range of patients without the need for sedation while offering similar closure rates and improved postprocedure symptom profile. Furthermore, certain patient characteristics which might preclude or complicate the use of thermal ablation methods might not pose a problem with nonthermal nontumescent methods.

Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce sedation/general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used in paediatrics and requires the child/adolescent to remain still for 45min or more. The long and narrow scanner gantry makes loud noises and may cause anxiety. To complete the procedure, children and adolescents are often sedated or receive general anaesthesia. Our primary aim is to determine whether nonpharmacological interventions designed to mentally prepare, support or distract children, and adolescents are effective in reducing the need for sedation and general anaesthesia. We will conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis by searching the following electronic databases: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and CENTRAL, as well as databases for ongoing trials. Eligibility criteria are based on the participants, intervention, comparator and outcome (PICO) framework. We will include intervention studies with comparator group(s) with no restriction on date. Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts, and three reviewers will assess the full texts of potentially relevant studies. Data will be extracted, and the methodological quality will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tools. If the data allow, we will perform a meta-analysis using a random effects model on the primary outcome, sedation/general anaesthesia. A narrative synthesis will supplement the statistical analysis. Quality of evidence for the primary outcome will be assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) approach. Our findings will provide directions for future research and may guide clinicians in terms of which type(s) of intervention(s) to implement to reduce the use of sedation/general anaesthesia during paediatric magnetic resonance imaging.

Diffusion-Weighted MRI in the Evaluation of Renal Parenchymal Involvement during Febrile Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Preliminary Data.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in pediatric-age patients. Acute pyelonephritis (PNA) represents a worrying situation in pediatric patients due to the risk of sepsis and long-term cicatricial consequences. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the diagnostic role of DW-MRI in relation to clinical data, to understand if there are any clinical parameters useful in identifying which patients should undergo it. Methods: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we enrolled 51 patients ≤15 years old admitted to our Institute between September 2012 and April 2020 with a febrile UTI who underwent DW-MRI evaluation. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: 34 of 51 patients with an fUTI (66.7%) showed signs of acute parenchymal involvement at DW-MRI evaluation. In 27 of these 34 (79.4%), DW-MRI showed multiple areas of pyelonephritis. A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0004) between older age at admission and pyelonephritis was demonstrated. No statistically significant relationship was found between the other clinical, anamnestic and laboratory parameters and the outcome of DWI. Only two ultrasound examinations allowed the identification of pathological areas on the renal parenchyma. Conclusions: From these preliminary investigations, we can say that selecting the patients with fUTI on whom to perform a DW-MRI is difficult. Nevertheless, thanks to the low cost, the very rare need for sedation and the accuracy in identifying pyelonephritic areas, the use of DW-MRI in patients with febrile UTI seems recommendable.

Sedation Rate Reduction in Paediatric Renal Nuclear Medicine Examinations: Consequences of a Targeted Audit.

Background: Nuclear medicine investigations are essential diagnostic tools in paediatric urology. Child-orientated examination techniques and the avoidance of sedation or anaesthesia vary in different institutions. We aimed at evaluating child friendly measures in our department to identify the potential for improvement. Based on these data, we changed the standards regarding the sedation policy and consequently re-evaluated sedation rates. Methods: Four-hundred thirty-five consecutive investigations were evaluated regarding the need for sedation, outcome and patient satisfaction at our department. After the revision of our department standards, we re-evaluated 159 examinations. Statistical analysis was performed with JUMBO (Java-supported Münsterian biometrical platform). Results: Eighty-six percent (60/70) would agree to perform an investigation under identical conditions again. Seventy-seven percent (17/22) of eligible patients >5 years of age felt good during the investigation. By changing our sedation policy, we could reduce the sedation rate from 27.1% to 7.5% (p < 0.0001; OR 0.219 95% CI 0.111–0.423). Conclusion: The evaluation of child friendly examination protocols demonstrated high reliability and patient satisfaction using situational sedation with a relatively high proportion of patients being sedated. Through protocol adaption with clear age limits, individual indication and education of staff, as well as the use of optimized sedatives, the need for sedation could be further reduced whilst maintaining a high patient satisfaction.

Evidence-Based Guideline on Critical Patient Transport and Handover to ICU.

The perioperative period is a time in which significant physiological change occurs. Improper transfer of information at this point can lead to medical errors. Planning and preparation for critical patient transport to ICU is vital to prevent adverse events. Critical patient transport to ICU must be as safe as possible and should not cause additional risks. It needs good communication, planning, and appropriate staffing with standard monitoring. Evidence shows inconsistency and variability on the use of standardized protocols during critical patient transfer and handover to the ICU. There is a variety of controversial approaches about the need of sedation, use of end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and manual versus mechanical ventilation based on different evidence. The objective of this review was to recommend safer options of critical patient transfer to the ICU that help reduce patient morbidity and mortality. Methods. Google Scholars, PubMed through HINARI, and other search engines were used to search high-quality evidence that help reach appropriate conclusions. Discussion. Critical patient transfer and handover to ICU is a complex procedure that needs experienced hands, availability of appropriate team members, standard monitoring, and necessary emergency and patient-specific medications. Appropriate and adequate transfer of patient information to the receiving team decreases patient morbidity and mortality when the transfer team uses standardized checklist. Conclusion. Involvement of senior physicians, use of standard monitoring, and appropriate transfer of information have been shown to decrease critical patient morbidity and mortality.

900 An Audit of Effectiveness of Inhaled Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) Use for Reduction of Shoulder Dislocation

Abstract Introduction Shoulder dislocation is a painful injury best treated by early closed reduction. Patients often require intravenous sedation, with airway monitoring in a safe setting. We implemented methoxyflurane inhalational analgesia (Penthrox) to aid shoulder dislocation reduction without the need for sedation and evaluated the effectiveness and adverse events. Method Patients presenting to the minor injury’s unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital between 01/04/2020 and 26/05/2020 with only shoulder dislocation were included. Patients had Penthrox and underwent closed reduction. Pre and post reduction shoulder radiographs were reviewed to determine reduction success and time between radiographs was evaluated. Adverse events were recorded. Reduction success and times between radiographs were compared to a consecutive retrospective cohort of patients who underwent closed shoulder dislocation reduction with sedation before implementing Penthrox. Results 22 patients were included. Mean patient age was 44.6 years. Majority were male (72%). Penthrox was used in 11 patients. All patients had their shoulder dislocation reduced successfully. Mean time between reduction radiographs for the Penthrox group was 40.8 min (95%CI 27.4 to 54.3). This was shorter than the intravenous sedation group mean 157.7 minutes (95%CI 92.3 to 223.2, p = 0.0026). No documented adverse events with Penthrox. Conclusions Simple shoulder dislocations can be reduced safely, quickly, and effectively using Penthrox.

Comparison between continuous positive airway pressure and T piece as spontaneous breathing trial at a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit

Background: A spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is often used to decide about extubation readiness in mechanically ventilated patients. Studies done to identify the best method of SBT have shown variable results. As there was no published data comparing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and T piece, this study was conducted to compare CPAP and T piece as method of SBT for postextubation outcomes. Subjects and Methods: This study was a pilot randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from November 2018 to October 2019. Criteria for starting SBT and to identify trial as failure were predefined. Sixty patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to CPAP and T-piece group, of 30 each. Demographic data, diagnosis, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), endotracheal tube size, need of inotropes, vasopressors, and sedation were all recorded. The primary outcome of the study was extubation failure within 48 h. The secondary outcomes studied were mortality, need of respiratory support, duration of oxygen requirement, and length of PICU (LOPICU) stay after extubation. Results: Age, gender, indication of intubation, duration of MV, and number of SBT attempts were similar in both the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in extubation failure within 48 h between the two groups. Four patients were reintubated in both the groups and two patients died in T piece group and one patient in CPAP group. Postextubation respiratory support, duration of oxygen therapy, LOPICU stay, and mortality were not significant different between the two groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in extubation outcomes when CPAP and T piece were used as methods of SBT.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Children: Implementation and Key Diagnostic Applications.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) utilization is expanding rapidly, particularly in children, in whom the modality offers the important advantages of dynamic evaluation of the vasculature, portability, lack of ionizing radiation, and lack of need for sedation. Accumulating data establish an excellent safety profile of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) in children. Although UCAs have been FDA-approved only for IV use in children for characterizing focal liver lesions and for use in children during echocardiography, off-label applications are expanding the diagnostic potential of ultrasound. Focal liver lesion evaluation is the most common use of CEUS, and the American College of Radiology Pediatric LI-RADS Working Group recommends including CEUS for evaluation of a newly discovered focal liver lesion in many circumstances. Data also support the role of CEUS in hemodynamically stable children with blunt abdominal trauma, and CEUS is becoming a potential alternative to CT in this setting. Additional potential applications that require further study include evaluation of pathology in the lung, spleen, brain, pancreas, bowel, kidney, female pelvis, and scrotum. This article explores the implementation of CEUS in children, describing basic principles of UCAs and CEUS technique and summarizing current and potential IV diagnostic applications based on pediatric-specific supporting evidence.

Fixed dexmedetomidine infusion versus fixed-dose midazolam bolus as primary sedative for maintaining intra-procedural sedation during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a double blind randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The utility and safety of fixed dexmedetomidine infusion was compared to fixed-dose midazolam bolus among patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Methods: In this randomized double-blind study, 197 patients were assigned to receive dexmedetomidine (Group D, 1 μg/kg before, and 0.6 μg/kg/hour during, procedure) or midazolam (Group M, 2 mg before procedure) sedation. The primary outcome was number of rescue midazolam boluses administered to achieve Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score of two or more. We also studied sedation depth during procedure, adverse hemodynamic and hypoxemic events, bronchoscopist and patient satisfaction, and time-to-discharge from recovery room. Results: Rescue midazolam requirement was significantly lesser in 99 Group D (0.9 ± 1.2 boluses) than in 98 Group M (2.0 ± 2.4 boluses), subjects. Mean RSS score was significantly higher in Group D subjects (2.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 0.7). Significantly more subjects in Group D developed hypotension (46 vs. 27) or bradycardia (37 vs. 5), but none required specific intervention. Bronchoscopists reported significantly greater overall procedure satisfaction in Group D subjects. Conclusion: Fixed dexmedetomidine infusion reduced need for rescue sedation during EBUS-TBNA, and allowed slightly faster post-procedure recovery, as compared to fixed-dose midazolam bolus. However, it caused hypotension and bradycardia more frequently. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT02713191

Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Hematoma Block for Forearm Fracture Reduction.

Fractures of the radius and ulna are very common in pediatric patients. Procedural sedation or general anesthesia is typically required to perform orthopedic reductions. There are several studies in the adult literature that conclude that point-of-care ultrasound-guided hematoma blocks are faster and just as efficacious as procedural sedation for reducing fractures in the emergency department. There is currently no literature examining point-of-care ultrasound-guided hematoma blocks in pediatric patients. This case describes a pediatric patient with a distal radius fracture who underwent a hematoma block under ultrasound guidance and had a successful bedside reduction without the need for sedation.

Audio-guided self-hypnosis for reduction of claustrophobia during MR imaging: results of an observational 2-group study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of audio-guided self-hypnosis on claustrophobia in a high-risk cohort undergoing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.MethodsIn this prospective observational 2-group study, 55 patients (69% female, mean age 53.6 ± 13.9) used self-hypnosis directly before imaging. Claustrophobia included premature termination, sedation, and coping actions. The claustrophobia questionnaire (CLQ) was completed before self-hypnosis and after MR imaging. Results were compared to a control cohort of 89 patients examined on the same open MR scanner using logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Furthermore, patients were asked about their preferences for future imaging.ResultsThere was significantly fewer claustrophobia in the self-hypnosis group (16%; 9/55), compared with the control group (43%; 38/89; odds ratio .14; p = .001). Self-hypnosis patients also needed less sedation (2% vs 16%; 1/55 vs 14/89; odds ratio .1; p = .008) and non-sedation coping actions (13% vs 28%; 7/55 vs 25/89; odds ratio .3; p = .02). Self-hypnosis did not influence the CLQ results measured before and after MR imaging (p = .79). Self-hypnosis reduced the frequency of claustrophobia in the subgroup of patients above an established CLQ cut-off of .33 from 47% (37/78) to 18% (9/49; p = .002). In the subgroup below the CLQ cut-off of 0.33, there were no significant differences (0% vs 9%, 0/6 vs 1/11; p = 1.0). Most patients (67%; 35/52) preferred self-hypnosis for future MR examinations.ConclusionsSelf-hypnosis reduced claustrophobia in high-risk patients undergoing imaging in an open MR scanner and might reduce the need for sedation and non-sedation coping actions.Key Points• Forty percent of the patients at high risk for claustrophobia may also experience a claustrophobic event in an open MR scanner.• Self-hypnosis while listening to an audio in the waiting room before the examination may reduce claustrophobic events in over 50% of patients with high risk for claustrophobia.• Self-hypnosis may also reduce the need for sedation and other time-consuming non-sedation coping actions and is preferred by high-risk patients for future examinations.

Extremity Pain

Key Points Fever, weight loss, rash, diaphoresis, or gastrointestinal symptoms should raise suspicion for systemic diseases such as septic arthritis or autoimmune disease.If patients have undergone recent medication treatment, vaccination, or viral exposure, or have traveled, consider serum sickness–like illness, aseptic necrosis, or viral myositis or arthritis.Pain that disrupts only unpleasant activities (eg, school) or occurs in a nonanatomic distribution should prompt consideration of a functional disorder.Be sure to examine proximally and distally to the site of pain, as referred pain is common in children.Screening laboratory studies should be performed when history and physical examination do not yield definitive diagnosis or suggest systemic or infectious disease, or if pain lasts beyond expected duration.The Ottawa criteria to guide radiograph imaging decisions have been validated for ankle and knee pain in children older than 5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging is most useful if assessment for joint and soft tissue disease, osteomyelitis, and malignancy is needed, although bone scan may be used instead if area of concern cannot be sufficiently narrowed by examination or if the need for sedation is prohibitive.

Strategies to perform magnetic resonance imaging in infants and young children without sedation.

Given the increasing use of MRI in the pediatric population, the need for sedation in MRI performed in young children is a topic of growing importance. Although sedation is generally tolerated well by children, the financial and operational impacts of anesthesia on MRI workflow, as well as potential adverse effects of anesthetic medications, highlight the need to perform MRI in children without sedation whenever possible. This review focuses on current techniques to facilitate non-sedation MRI in children, including exam preparation with MRI simulation; asleep but not sedated techniques; awake and relaxed techniques using certified child life specialists, animal-assisted therapy, a child-friendly environment and in-scan entertainment; and non-sedated MRI protocol modifications such as shorter scan time, prioritizing sequences, reducing motion artifact, noise reduction, limiting use of gadolinium, employing an open MRI and modifying protocols.

Predictors of extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Extubation failure is defined as the need for reinstitution of artificial airway within 48–72 h after planned extubation. It is associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stay and is more liable to serious complications and mortality. Objectives To evaluate the frequency of incidence and predictors of extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its effect on their outcome. Patients and methods This observational descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 150 mechanically ventilated patients with COPD. All patients were assessed regarding the severity of the disease using both acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II and simplified acute physiology score scores and cough strength by white card test, with assessment of the amount of the secretion. All ventilatory parameters were monitored, with more attention given to the following: rapid shallow breathing index, negative inspiratory force (NIF), airway occlusion pressure, and weaning indices. Duration of sedation, complications, length of ICU stay, and also mortality rate were recorded. Results According to outcome of extubation, patients were classified into two basic groups: successfully extubated and failed extubation. Extubation failure occurred in 14.7% of the studied patients. Independent predictors of extubation failure were APACHE II more than 26, NIF less than −19, negative white card, CROP less than 11.5, large amount of secretions, and need for sedation more than 2 days. There were significant increases in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, mortality, ICU, and hospital stay among reintubated group. Conclusion APACHE II more than 26, NIF less than −19, negative white card, CROP less than 11.5, large amount of secretions, and need for sedation more than 2 days are good predictors of extubation failure in patients with COPD. Extubation failure is associated with more frequent morbidity and mortality.

511 A Retrospective Review of the Timing of Tracheostomy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Abstract Introduction Tracheostomy is indicated for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy provides various benefits over prolonged endotracheal intubation including improved airway care, diminished need for sedation, reduced airway resistance, and increased patient comfort. However, the timing and effectiveness of tracheostomies has been controversial. Several studies, have indicated that early tracheostomy reduces the length of ICU and hospital stay, decrease the time on mechanical ventilation, and reduces the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia. In contrast other studies have shown that early tracheostomy shows no benefit, or even extends the length of mechanical ventilation in some patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the timing and the appropriateness of timing of tracheostomy. Methods This was a retrospective study of burn patients requiring mechanical ventilation over a 5-year period. The main comparison groups were endotracheal tube only (ETT) vs tracheostomy (Trach) and early tracheostomy (ETrach) vs. late tracheostomy (LTrach). Tracheostomies that were performed within the first 7 days were considered to be ETrach. Results Age, gender, ethnicity, % TBSA burned, presence of inhalation injury did not differ between any of the groups. The Trach group demonstrated increased hospital length of stay (LOS) (22 vs. 39 days, p&amp;lt; .0001), greater number of ICU days (11 vs. 31 days, p&amp;lt; .0001), greater number of surgeries (3.7 vs. 6.6, p&amp;lt; .0001) and patients in this group were more likely to be discharged to a post-acute care facility rather than home, when compared to the ETT group (p&amp;lt; .0001). The Trach group also was more likely to develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (23% vs. 48%, p&amp;lt; .0001), and more likely to develop swallowing abnormalities. Similarly, the LTrach group demonstrated greater number of ICU days (25 vs. 32 days, p=.04), greater number of ventilator days (23 vs. 29 days, p=.03), greater number of surgeries (4.5 vs 7.2, p=.02), but fewer days to liberate from the ventilator (19.4 vs 13.6 days, p=.04). This group also was more likely to develop VAP than the ETrach group (28% vs 53%, p=.03). Conclusions This study demonstrates a number of improved outcomes of tracheostomy over continued endotracheal intubation, and a number of improved outcomes of early tracheostomy over later tracheostomy. The most significant improved outcomes were decreased incidence of VAP and decreased swallowing difficulties following extubation/decannulation.

Hematoma Block: An Effective Alternative for Pain Management and Procedural Sedation.

Management of traumatic extremity injuries in the emergency department is typically time consuming, often requiring multiple resources including pain control and procedural sedation. A hematoma block is a safe and effective alternative treatment of pain and may eliminate the need for procedural sedation. The hematoma block requires fewer emergency department resources and may decrease time and costs that are associated with procedural sedation and analgesia. This technique is easily performed by the emergency nurse practitioner, and complications are rare. This article presents the appropriate technique required to perform a hematoma block for pain control and fracture reduction in patients with closed traumatic injuries.

Factors affecting successful use of intranasal dexmedetomidine: a cohort study from a national paediatrics tertiary centre.

BackgroundUse of intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation has been reported in recent years. Good patient selection is important to ensure high success rates. We aimed to identify factors that influence the successful use of IN dexmedetomidine in non-invasive investigations.MethodsAll paediatric patients who received IN dexmedetomidine for investigations between 01 July 2019 to 01 July 2020 were included. Baseline demographics, time to reach adequate sedation level, duration of sedation, dose, indications for sedation and need for rescue sedatives were recorded. Procedures were classified into “long” or “short” according to completion time. Successful sedation was defined by completion of investigations by IN dexmedetomidine alone.ResultsOf 105 patients included, median age was 20.0 months, and median weight 11.0 kg. Magnetic resonance imaging (56, 53.3%) was the most common indication. Sixty (57.1%) were successfully sedated using IN dexmedetomidine alone. Automated auditory brainstem response, computerised tomography and mercaptoacetyltriglycine-3 renogram scans had the highest success rate (83.3%, 83.3%, and 100% respectively). On multivariate analysis, short procedures had an adjusted odds ratio of 5.30 (95% CI: 1.69–16.61; P=0.004) compared to long procedures.ConclusionsIN dexmedetomidine is effective for procedural sedation for paediatric patients. The most important predictor for sedation success was indication of sedation and duration of procedures.

The Multidimensional Assessment for Pediatric Patients in Radiotherapy (M.A.P.-RT) Tool for Customized Treatment Preparation: RADAR Project.

Aims: Pediatric patients may experience considerable distress during radiotherapy. Combining psychological interventions with standard therapies can reduce the need for sedation. The RADAR Project aims to use a systematic method of recording data that can reveal patients' difficulties and fragility during treatment.In this context, the aim of our study was to investigate the ability of a multidimensional assessment tool (M.A.P.-RT schedule) to predict the need for sedation during radiotherapy. The schedule, which is administered during the first evaluation, was created to collect information on patients and their families in a standardized way.Materials and Methods: The study enrolled pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years or 18–21 with cognitive impairment). Data were collected by means of the M.A.P.-RT module; this explores various thematic areas, and is completed by the radiation oncologist, psychologist and nurse during their first evaluation. Features were selected by means of the Boruta method (random forest classifier), and the totals of the significant partial scores on each subsection of the module were inserted into a logistic model in order to test for their correlation with the use of anesthesia and with the frequency of psychological support. The results of logistic regression (LR) were used to identify the best predictors. The AUC was used to identify the best threshold for the scores in the evaluation.Results: A total of 99 patients were considered for this analysis. The feature that best predicted both the need for anesthesia and the frequency of psychological support was the total score (TS), the AUC of the ROC being 0.9875 for anesthesia and 0.8866 for psychological support.Conclusion: During the first evaluation, the M.A.P.-RT form can predict the need for anesthesia in pediatric patients, and is a potential tool for personalizing therapeutic and management procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric mediastinum: updates, tips and tricks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pediatric mediastinum is challenging for the practicing radiologist. Many confounding factors add to the complexity of pediatric mediastinal MRI including small patient size, broad spectrum of mediastinal pathologies, motion artifacts and the need for sedation in a significant portion of children. However, with special attention to motion-reduction techniques and knowledge of pediatric-specific considerations, pediatric radiologists can help to provide accurate and timely diagnosis and also prevent multimodality imaging where MRI might be all that is needed. The purpose of this paper was present a practical review of pediatric mediastinal MRI with particular emphasis on diseases where MRI is the primary imaging modality of choice. Additionally, the author addresses those mediastinal processes for which MRI serves as a secondary problem-solving imaging tool.