Pediatric Arrest Research Articles

The impact of pediatric post-cardiac arrest care on survival: A multicenter review from the AHA get with the Guidelines®-resuscitation post-cardiac arrest care registry

AimAdherence to post-cardiac arrest care (PCAC) recommendations is associated with improved outcomes for adults. We aimed to describe the survival impact of meeting American Heart Association (AHA) PCAC guidelines in children after cardiac arrest. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study using Get With The Guidelines® Resuscitation’s (GWTG®-R) registry to describe the PCAC of patients ≤ 18 years old who suffered an in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA or OHCA). We evaluated the association between the absence of hypotension and fever in the initial 24 h following return of circulation (ROC) with survival to hospital discharge. We reviewed the utilization of monitoring/evaluation tools recommended in pediatric PCAC guidelines: electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and neuro-imaging. ResultsWe found 385 pediatric patients who suffered an IHCA or OHCA from 2015 through 2019 and survived at least 6 h post-ROC. Sixty-six percent of patients survived to hospital discharge. Following ROC, 56% of patients had EEG monitoring, 80% had an ECG performed, 47% had a head CT, and 26% had a cerebral MRI. In the initial 24 h post-ROC, 92% of patients did not have hypotension and 79% were afebrile. Patients without hypotension in the initial 24 h post-ROC had higher odds of survival to hospital discharge than those with hypotension (aOR 4.96; 95% CI 2.07, 11.90; p = 0.0003), adjusting for age and cardiac arrest location. Patients without hypotension and without fever in the initial 24 h post-ROC had higher odds of survival to hospital discharge compared to patients who had either hypotension or fever or both (aOR 1.98; 95% CI 1.06,3.71; p = 0.034). ConclusionIn this retrospective multicenter registry study, absence of both post-cardiac arrest hypotension and fever were associated with increased odds of survival to hospital discharge. Further research is needed to understand the full impact of PCAC recommendation compliance on survival outcomes.

Postcardiac Arrest Care Delivery in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Plan and Call to Action.

Despite national pediatric postcardiac arrest care (PCAC) guidelines to improve neurological outcomes and survival, there are limited studies describing PCAC delivery in pediatric institutions. This study aimed to describe PCAC delivery in centers belonging to a resuscitation quality collaborative. An institutional review board-approved REDCap survey was distributed electronically to the lead resuscitation investigator at each institution in the international Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Improvement Collaborative. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. A chi-square test was used to compare categorical data. Twenty-four of 47 centers (51%) completed the survey. Most respondents (58%) belonged to large centers (>1,000 annual pediatric intensive care unit admissions). Sixty-seven percent of centers reported no specific process to initiate PCAC with the other third employing order sets, paper forms, or institutional guidelines. Common PCAC targets included temperature (96%), age-based blood pressure (88%), and glucose (75%). Most PCAC included electroencephalogram (75%), but neuroimaging was only included at 46% of centers. Duration of PCAC was either tailored to clinical improvement and neurological examination (54%) or time-based (45%). Only 25% of centers reported having a mechanism for evaluating PCAC adherence. Common barriers to effective PCAC implementation included lack of time and limited training opportunities. There is wide variation in PCAC delivery among surveyed pediatric institutions despite national guidelines to standardize and implement PCAC.

Association of Pediatric Postcardiac Arrest Ventilation and Oxygenation with Survival Outcomes.

Rationale: Adult and pediatric studies provide conflicting data regarding whether post-cardiac arrest hypoxemia, hyperoxemia, hypercapnia, and/or hypocapnia are associated with worse outcomes. Objectives: We sought to determine whether postarrest hypoxemia or postarrest hyperoxemia is associated with lower rates of survival to hospital discharge, compared with postarrest normoxemia, and whether postarrest hypocapnia or hypercapnia is associated with lower rates of survival, compared with postarrest normocapnia. Methods: An embedded prospective observational study during a multicenter interventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation trial was conducted from 2016 to 2021. Patients ⩽18 years old and with a corrected gestational age of ≥37 weeks who received chest compressions for cardiac arrest in one of the 18 intensive care units were included. Exposures during the first 24 hours postarrest were hypoxemia, hyperoxemia, or normoxemia-defined as lowest arterial oxygen tension/pressure (PaO2) <60 mm Hg, highest PaO2 ⩾200 mm Hg, or every PaO2 60-199 mm Hg, respectively-and hypocapnia, hypercapnia, or normocapnia, defined as lowest arterial carbon dioxide tension/pressure (PaCO2) <30 mm Hg, highest PaCO2 ⩾50 mm Hg, or every PaCO2 30-49 mm Hg, respectively. Associations of oxygenation and carbon dioxide group with survival to hospital discharge were assessed using Poisson regression with robust error estimates. Results: The hypoxemia group was less likely to survive to hospital discharge, compared with the normoxemia group (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58-0.87), whereas survival in the hyperoxemia group did not differ from that in the normoxemia group (aRR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.87-1.15). The hypercapnia group was less likely to survive to hospital discharge, compared with the normocapnia group (aRR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.64-0.84), whereas survival in the hypocapnia group did not differ from that in the normocapnia group (aRR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.74-1.12). Conclusions: Postarrest hypoxemia and hypercapnia were each associated with lower rates of survival to hospital discharge.

Interdisciplinary training program for pediatric cardiorespiratory arrest using rapid cycle deliberate practice: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) is a severe public health concern, and clinical simulation has proven to be a beneficial educational strategy for training on this topic. To describe the implementation of a program for pediatric cardiac arrest care using rapid-cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), the quality of the technique employed, and participants' opinions on the methodology. This descriptive cross-sectional study of pre- and post-performance training in cardiopul monary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and reaction evaluation was conducted in a hospital in São Paulo. Multidisciplinary groups performed pediatric resuscitation in a simulated scenario with RCDP mediated by a facilitator. The study sample included professionals working in patient care. During the simulation, the participants were evaluated for their compliance with the CRA care algorithm. Further, their execution of chest compressions was assessed pre- and post-intervention. In total, 302 professionals were trained in this study. The overall quality of CPR measured pre-intervention was inadequate, and only 26% had adequate technique proficiency, whereas it was 91% (P < 0.01) post-intervention. Of the participants, 95.7% responded to the final evaluation and provided positive comments on the method and their satisfaction with the novel simulation. Of these, 88% considered that repetition of the technique used was more effective than traditional simulation. The RCDP is effective for training multidisciplinary teams in pediatric CPR, with an emphasis on the quality of chest compressions. However, further studies are necessary to explore whether this trend translates to differential performances in practical settings.

Abstract 147: Is Effect Size of Targeted Temperature Management Different for Pediatric Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome According to the Severity?

Introduction: The beneficial effect of target temperature management (TTM) for pediatric post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) patients is controversial, and there are few studies on the differential effects of TTM according to the risk classification. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential effects of TTM for pediatric PCAS patients according to a risk classification tool we previously developed, rCAST. Methods: We used data from the Japanese nationwide out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registry of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. We classified eligible pediatric PCAS patients (aged ≤18 years) who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) according to the quintile of score points on the rCAST. The effect of TTM for their neurological outcome was evaluated for each severity group. And then, focusing on the severity group that appeared to benefit from TTM, we also evaluated the effect of TTM by the propensity score analysis with several adjustment factors. Good neurological outcome was defined as a Cerebral Performance Categories score or Pediatric Cerebral Performance Categories score ≤2 at 30 days. Results: Among 1,526 OHCA pediatric patients in the registry, data of 307 PCAS patients who achieved ROSC were analyzed. The proportion of patients with a good neurological outcome was higher among those who underwent TTM compared to those who did not in the first to forth quintile (TTM vs non-TTM; 81% [21/26] vs 58% [21/36] [p=0.10] in the first, 11% [2/19] vs 7% [2/31] [p=0.63] in the second, 12% [2/17] vs 0% [0/55] [p=0.053] in the third, and 11% [1/9] vs 0% [0/21] [p=0.30] in the fourth). In the group of the fifth quantile (rCAST ≥ 18.5), no patients showed good neurological outcome regardless of TTM (0% [0/20] vs 0% [0/73]). The propensity score analysis showed that TTM was significantly associated with their good neurological outcome in the patients classified into the first to fourth quantile group (Odds ratio; 1.21 [1.04-1.40], p = 0.014). Conclusions: TTM was significantly associated with a good neurological outcome in the pediatric PCAS patients with rCAST ≤ 18.0. All patients with rCAST ≥ 18.5 showed poor neurological outcomes even if they underwent TTM.

Neuromonitoring after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Cerebral Physiology and Injury Stratification.

Significant long-term neurologic disability occurs in survivors of pediatric cardiac arrest, primarily due to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Postresuscitation care focuses on preventing secondary injury and the pathophysiologic cascade that leads to neuronal cell death. These injury processes include reperfusion injury, perturbations in cerebral blood flow, disturbed oxygen metabolism, impaired autoregulation, cerebral edema, and hyperthermia. Postresuscitation care also focuses on early injury stratification to allow clinicians to identify patients who could benefit from neuroprotective interventions in clinical trials and enable targeted therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of postcardiac arrest pathophysiology, explore the role of neuromonitoring in understanding postcardiac arrest cerebral physiology, and summarize the evidence supporting the use of neuromonitoring devices to guide pediatric postcardiac arrest care. We provide an in-depth review of the neuromonitoring modalities that measure cerebral perfusion, oxygenation, and function, as well as neuroimaging, serum biomarkers, and the implications of targeted temperature management. For each modality, we provide an in-depth review of its impact on treatment, its ability to stratify hypoxic-ischemic brain injury severity, and its role in neuroprognostication. Potential therapeutic targets and future directions are discussed, with the hope that multimodality monitoring can shift postarrest care from a one-size-fits-all model to an individualized model that uses cerebrovascular physiology to reduce secondary brain injury, increase accuracy of neuroprognostication, and improve outcomes.

Abstract 265: Social Determinants Of Health Impact Phenotype-based Outcome Prediction After Pediatric Arrest

The Personalizing Outcomes after Child Cardiac Arrest-1 (POCCA-1) trial showed that blood-based brain injury biomarkers have promise to prognosticate outcome post-pediatric cardiac arrest. However, whether POCCA-1 biomarkers perform accurately among all children is unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesized that POCCA-1 biomarkers will have different performance accuracy by distinct clinical phenotypes after pediatric cardiac arrest. Methods: Fourteen US centers enrolled 164 children aged &lt; 18 y with pediatric intensive care unit admission post-arrest. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1, neurofilament light, and Tau proteins were measured in blood post-arrest d1-3. Patient ZIP codes linked to US census data provided socioeconomic neighborhood characteristics. We analyzed 120 children with evaluable data (n=50, unfavorable outcome [Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale &lt; 70 or dead]) to create 3 clinical phenotypes using latent class analysis. POCCA-1 biomarker levels and outcomes were analyzed by phenotype. The POCCA-1 model was analyzed to predict 1 y unfavorable outcome using multivariate AUROC by phenotype for all 4 biomarkers on d1- 3 post-arrest. Results: Group 1 (n=35, 22%) were older, of White race, with private insurance and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCA), fewer fever post-arrest, living in neighborhoods of mostly White race and lower poverty. Group 2 patients (n=77, 47%) were younger, of White race, with in-hospital cardiac arrests living in more socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods. Group 3 (n=51, 31%) were diverse in race and age, of more male sex, with Medicaid insurance and asphyxial, OOHCA, living in more impoverished neighborhoods. Unfavorable outcome was higher in Group 3 (69%) vs 1 (48%) and 2 (28%), p&lt;0.001. All biomarkers (except Tau) were significantly increased on d1-3 in Group 3. Biomarker accuracy to predict outcome was excellent for Group 1 with 11/12 AUROCs significant. Models were less accurate for Group 2 (7/12) and marginal for Group 3 (3/12). Conclusions: The POCCA-1 prediction model performance varied by patient, arrest, and neighborhood context, suggesting that prediction models need to be personalized using clinically relevant and equitable phenotypes.

2022 Interim Guidance to Health Care Providers for Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19: From the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation Adult and Pediatric Task Forces of the American Heart Association in Collaboration With the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Respiratory Care, the Society

2022 Interim Guidance to Health Care Providers for Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19: From the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation Adult and Pediatric Task Forces of the American Heart Association in Collaboration With the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Respiratory Care, the Society

Abstract 14218: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Delivery Varies Widely Across Institutions Belonging to the PediRES-Q Collaborative

Introduction: Despite national pediatric post-cardiac arrest care (PCAC) guidelines to improve survival and neurological outcomes, there are limited studies describing PCAC delivery in pediatric institutions. The objective of this study was to describe reported PCAC delivery in pediatric institutions. We hypothesized that there would be variability in PCAC processes across institutions. Methods: An IRB-approved REDCap survey was distributed electronically to the lead resuscitation investigator at each institution belonging to the international Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Improvement collaborative (PediRES-Q). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. A chi-square test was used to compare categorical data. Results: Twenty-four of 47 centers completed the survey (51%). Most respondents (58%) belonged to large centers (≥1000 annual PICU admissions). Two-third (67%) of centers reported using no specific selection criteria to initiate PCAC with the other third employing order sets, paper forms, or institutional guidelines. Smaller centers (&lt;1000 annual PICU admissions) more frequently reported the use of attending-directed care for PCAC initiation/delivery (80%) versus larger centers (57%), p = 0.04. Common PCAC targets included temperature (96%), glucose (75%), and age-based blood pressure (88%). Most PCAC included EEG (75%) but neuroimaging was only included at 46% of centers. Duration of PCAC was either tailored to clinical improvement and neurological exam (54%) or time-based (45%). Only 25% of centers reported having a mechanism for evaluating PCAC adherence. Common barriers to effective PCAC implementation included lack of time and limited training opportunities (Figure 1). Conclusions: There is wide variation in PCAC delivery among surveyed pediatric institutions. Targeting common themes such as standardization of PCAC initiation and bundle components and implementing adherence evaluation could improve PCAC.

Utility and Variability of Post Mortem Imaging in Unexplained Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Arrest

Utility and Variability of Post Mortem Imaging in Unexplained Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Arrest

Utility and Variability of Post Mortem Imaging in Unexplained Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Arrest

Background: Sudden unexplained pediatric deaths accounts for > 2,000 deaths per year in children in the United States. Though specific AAP guidelines exist for postmortem investigations in infants with unexplained cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), it is unclear whether these guidelines are strictly followed. No such guidelines exist for children >1 year of age. Further, there is paucity of data regarding the yield of postmortem imaging performed in children. Objectives: 1. To describe the postmortem investigations …

Deployment of a Clinical Pathway to Improve Postcardiac Arrest Care: A Before-After Study.

Postcardiac arrest care bundles following adult cardiac arrest are associated with improved survival to discharge. We aimed to evaluate whether a clinical pathway and computerized order entry were associated with improved pediatric postcardiac arrest care and discharge outcomes. Single-center retrospective before-after study. Academic PICU. Patients who suffered an in- or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from January 2008 to December 2015 cared for in the PICU within 12 hours of sustained return of circulation. Deployment of a postcardiac arrest clinical pathway and computerized order entry system. There were 380 patients included-163 in the pre-pathway period and 217 in the post-pathway period. Primary outcome was percent adherence to pathway clinical goals at 0-6 and 6-24 hours post-return of circulation and to diagnostics (continuous electroencephalogram monitoring, head CT for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, echocardiogram). Secondary outcomes included survival to hospital discharge and survival with favorable neurologic outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category of 1-3 or no change from baseline). The pre-pathway and post-pathway groups differed in their baseline Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scores and the following causes of arrest: airway obstruction, arrhythmias, and electrolyte abnormalities. Pathway adherence was not significantly different between the pre-pathway and post-pathway groups, with the exception of higher rates of continuous electroencephalogram monitoring (45% vs 64%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in survival to hospital discharge between the two groups (56% vs 67%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.95-2.84; p = 0.05). Survival to discharge was higher in the post-pathway group for the in-hospital cardiac arrest cohort (55% vs 76%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.44-6.51; p < 0.01). There was no difference in favorable neurologic outcome between all patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.72-2.04) or among survivors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.27-1.43). After controlling for known potential confounders, the creation and deployment of a postcardiac arrest care pathway and computerized order entry set were not associated with improvement in pathway adherence or overall outcomes, but was associated with increased survival to hospital discharge for children with in-hospital cardiac arrests.

Volumetric Capnography Monitoring and Effects of Epinephrine on Volume of Carbon Dioxide Elimination during Resuscitation after Cardiac Arrest in a Swine Pediatric Ventricular Fibrillatory Arrest.

The aim of this study was to examine the use of volumetric capnography monitoring to assess cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectiveness by correlating it with cardiac output (CO), and to evaluate the effect of epinephrine boluses on both end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO 2 ) and the volume of CO 2 elimination (VCO 2 ) in a swine ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model. Planned secondary analysis of data collected to investigate the use of noninvasive monitors in a pediatric swine ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model was performed. Twenty-eight ventricular fibrillatory arrests with open cardiac massage were conducted. During CPR, EtCO 2 and VCO 2 had strong correlation with CO, measured as a percentage of baseline pulmonary blood flow, with correlation coefficients of 0.83 ( p < 0.001) and 0.53 ( p = 0.018), respectively. However, both EtCO 2 and VCO 2 had weak and nonsignificant correlation with diastolic blood pressure during CPR 0.30 ( p = 0.484) (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.51-0.83) and 0.25 ( p = 0.566) (95% CI, -0.55-0.81), respectively. EtCO 2 and VCO 2 increased significantly after the first epinephrine bolus without significant change in CO. The correlations between EtCO 2 and VCO 2 and CO were weak 0.20 ( p = 0.646) (95% CI, -0.59-0.79), and 0.27 ( p = 0.543) (95% CI, -0.54-0.82) following epinephrine boluses. Continuous EtCO 2 and VCO 2 monitoring are potentially useful metrics to ensure effective CPR. However, transient epinephrine administration by boluses might confound the use of EtCO 2 and VCO 2 to guide chest compression.

Methadone Toxicity with Electrocardiographic Sodium Channel Blockade Changes in a Pediatric Patient Post-cardiopulmonary Arrest: a Case Report

Background: Cardiopulmonary arrest in the pediatric population due to methadone toxicity is not commonly reported. Severe methadone toxicity often involves respiratory depression with reports of orthostatic hypotension, due to vasodilation, and QTc prolongation. Case presentation: A pair of toddler siblings presented in cardiopulmonary arrest due to methadone ingestion. They were successfully resuscitated with no significant neurobehavioral deficits despite a suspected prolonged “downtime.” After return of spontaneous circulation, the older sibling, a four-year old male, had electrocardiographs (ECGs) that were suggestive of sodium channel blockade. These changes were reversed following bicarbonate therapy. The two-year old child’s ECGs did not show such changes. Discussion: There is no prior clinical literature on sodium channel blockade in methadone toxicity. The older sibling’s ECG findings and response to bicarbonate therapy appeared to be consistent with sodium channel blockade. There have been preclinical data that suggest methadone cardiotoxicity may involve cardiac sodium channels. Pharmacogenetic variations could also explain how these effects may selectively manifest. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the possible toxicologic causes of cardiopulmonary arrest in the pediatric population. Pharmacogenetic variations may contribute to different clinical manifestations in methadone cardiotoxicity.

Epinephrine in pediatric cardiorespiratory arrest: when and how much?

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of different doses, times for infusion of the first dose, intervals of administration of subsequent doses, and number of epinephrine doses in the survival of children and adolescents who went into cardiorespiratory arrest. It is a review study with data from the PubMedⓇ/MEDLINEⓇdatabase. The search was for articles published from January 1st, 2000 to February 10, 2019, with a sample of patients aged under 18 years, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. We found 222 articles, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria of the study. The first dose should be given as soon as possible. The standard dose (0.01mg/kg) has a better outcome when compared to the higher dose (0.1mg/kg). There is an iⓇverse relation between the number of epinephrine doses and survival. The interval currently recommended between doses has lower survival when compared to larger intervals. The dosage recommended by the American Heart Association presents a better outcome for survival, but the interval between doses and the maximum number of doses should be better assessed.

Rapid cycle deliberate practice improves and sustains paediatric resident PALS performance

ObjectivesPaediatric cardiopulmonary arrest resuscitation is a critically important skill but infrequently used in clinical practice. Therefore, resuscitation knowledge relies heavily on formal training which is vulnerable to rapid knowledge decay....

Effects of Endotracheal Administration of Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest of Adult and Pediatric Swine

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effects of hypovolemia on area under the curve (AUC) and the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) comparing adults and children in cardiac arrest.AIMS: To compare the epinephrine endotracheal (ET) administration relative to AUC, rate, time to, and odds of achieving ROSC between hypovolemic adult and pediatric cardiac arrest models.METHODS: This was an experimental study using male Adult ET and Pediatric ET swine. Pediatric ET pigs (N=7) weighed 20-30 kg representing the average weight for a child between 5 and 6 years of age. Adult ET pigs (N=7) weighed 60 to 80 kg. All were exsanguinated 35% of their blood volume. Swine were put into arrest for 2 minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated for 2 minutes; epinephrine was then administered. Blood samples were collected over 5 minutes. RESULTS: No significant difference occurred in AUC between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). The Pediatric ET group had higher rates of ROSC and a shorter time to ROSC (p &lt; 0.05). Pediatric ET group had a 15 times greater odds of achieving ROSC compared to the Adult ET group. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we recommend epinephrine administration via ET within the pediatric arrest model, but not for the adult.

Two new chest compression methods might challenge the standard in a simulated infant model.

Paediatric cardiorespiratory arrest is a rare event that requires a fast, quality intervention. High-quality chest compressions are an essential prognostic factor. The aim of this prospective, randomized and crossover study in infant manikin 2-min cardiorespiratory resuscitation scenario is to quantitatively compare the quality of the currently recommended method in infants (two-thumb-encircling hand techniques) with two new methods (the new two-thumb and the knocking-fingers techniques) using a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio. Ten qualified health professionals were recruited. Variables analysed were mean rate and the ratio of compressions in the recommended rate range, mean depth and the ratio of compressions within the depth range recommendations, ratio of compressions with adequate chest release and ratio of compressions performed with the fingers in the correct position. Ratios of correct compressions for depth, rate, chest release and hand position were always above 70% regardless of the technique used. Reached mean depth and mean rate were similar to the 3 techniques. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the variables analysed.Conclusion: In an infant manikin, professionals are able to perform chest compressions with the new techniques with similar quality to that obtained with the standard method. What is Known: • Quality chest compressions are an essential prognostic factor in paediatric cardiorespiratory arrest. • It has been reported poor results when studied cardiorespiratory resuscitation quality in infants applying the recommended methods. What is New: • In a simulated scenario, quality of chest compressions performed with two new techniques (nTTT and KF) is similar to that obtained with the currently recommended method (TTHT).

Two-site regional oxygen saturation and capnography monitoring during resuscitation after cardiac arrest in a swine pediatric ventricular fibrillatory arrest model.

AbstarctTo investigate the use of two-site regional oxygen saturations (rSO2) and end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) to assess the effectiveness of resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Eight mechanically ventilated juvenile swine underwent 28 ventricular fibrillatory arrests with open cardiac massage. Cardiac massage was administered to achieve target pulmonary blood flow (PBF) as a percentage of pre-cardiac arrest baseline. Non-invasive data, including, EtCO2, cerebral rSO2 (C-rSO2) and renal rSO2 (R-rSO2) were collected continuously. Our data demonstrate the ability to measure both rSO2 and EtCO2 during CPR and after ROSC. During resuscitation EtCO2 had a strong correlation with goal CO with r = 0.83 (p < 0.001) 95% CI [0.67–0.92]. Both C-rSO2 and R-rSO2 had moderate and statistically significant correlation with CO with r = 0.52 (p = 0.003) 95% CI (0.19–0.74) and 0.50 (p = 0.004) 95% CI [0.16–0.73]. The AUCs for sudden increase of EtCO2, C-rSO2, and R-rSO2 at ROSC were 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.94], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.8–0.94], and 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96–1.00] respectively. Measurement of continuous EtCO2 and rSO2 may be used during CPR to ensure effective chest compressions. Moreover, both rSO2 and EtCO2 may be used to detect ROSC in a swine pediatric ventricular fibrillatory arrest model.

A mobile device application to reduce medication errors and time to drug delivery during simulated paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a multicentre, randomised, controlled, crossover trial

Vasoactive drug preparation for continuous infusion in children is both complex and time consuming and places the paediatric population at higher risk than adults for medication errors. We developed a mobile device application (app) as a step-by-step guide for the preparation to delivery of drugs requiring continuous infusion. The app has been previously tested during simulation-based resuscitations in a previous single-centre trial. In this trial, our aim was to assess this app in various hospital settings. We did a prospective, multicentre, randomised, controlled, crossover trial to compare this app with an internationally used drug-infusion-rates table for the preparation of continuous drug infusion during standardised, simulation-based, paediatric post-cardiac arrest scenarios using a high-fidelity manikin. The scenarios were split into two study periods to assess the two preparation methods consecutively, separated by a washout distraction manoeuvre. Nurses in six paediatric emergency centres in Switzerland were randomly assigned (1:1) to start the scenario with either the app or the infusion-rates table and then complete the scenario using the other preparation method. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants committing a medication error, which was defined as a deviation from the correct weight dose of more than 10%, miscalculation of the infusion rate, misprogramming of the infusion pump, or the inability to calculate drug dosage without calculation and guidance help from the study team. The medication error proportions observed with both preparation methods were compared by pooling both study periods, with paired data analysed using the unconditional exact McNemar test for dependent groups with a two-sided α level of 0·05. We did sensitivity analyses to investigate the carryover effect. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03021122. From March 1 to Dec 31, 2017, we randomly assigned 128 nurses to start the scenario using the app (n=64) or the infusion-rates table (n=64). Among the 128 drug preparations associated with each of the two methods, 96 (75%, 95% CI 67-82) delivered using the infusion-rates table were associated with medication errors compared with nine (7%, 3-13) delivered using the mobile app. Medication errors were reduced by 68% (95% CI 59-76%; p<0·0001) with the app compared with the table, as was the mean time to drug preparation (difference 148·2 s [95% CI 124·2-172·1], a 45% reduction; p<0·0001) and mean time to drug delivery (168·5 s [146·1-190·8], a 40% reduction; p<0·0001). Hospital size and nurses' experience did not modify the intervention effect. We detected no carryover effect. Critically ill children are particularly vulnerable to medication errors. A mobile app designed to help paediatric drug preparation during resuscitation with the aim to significantly reduce the occurrence of medication errors, drug preparation time, and delivery time could have the potential to change paediatric clinical practice in the area of emergency medicine. Swiss National Science Foundation.