Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

53 Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with RSV-associated acute respiratory infections

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common acute respiratory infections (ARI) in infants and young children. After the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, children’s hospitals worldwide experienced unprecedented volumes and severity in presentation of children admitted with ARIs, such as RSV. It is unknown whether the increase in volumes was also associated with changes in the typical demographic, severity and outcomes of patients with RSV infections. Objectives To describe sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management including diagnosis and disposition and clinical outcomes of children under the age of 18 years admitted to tertiary care paediatric hospital with RSV-associated ARI. Design/Methods Observational cohort of children and adolescents aged 0-18 years admitted to two large Canadian children’s hospitals between July 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022, who had microbiological evidence of RSV infection. Detailed clinical and demographic information were extracted, including admission and discharge diagnoses, diagnostic tests, viral and bacterial testing, interventions, and respiratory settings. Clinical outcomes and complications were collected, including length of hospital admission, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, disposition, and death. Results There were 455 patients admitted with an RSV infection, of which a third (35.0%, n=146) were transfers from other hospitals. Cases were 41.0% male and the median age was 1.22 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.19-3.06). Nearly two-thirds of patients (62.0%, n=284) were younger than 2 years of age, 8.6% had a history of prematurity. One third (31.0%, n=142) of patients had at least one documented comorbid condition, the most common diagnosis was asthma (6.6%). In addition to RSV, 3.5% (n=16) of patients had a simultaneous bacterial pathogen identified. Most patients (73%, n=330) were only RSV positive, while 24% (n=109) had two pathogens identified. One quarter (25.9%) were admitted to the PICU. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR 2.00-5.00) and for those admitted to the PICU, nearly two thirds of patients (63.0%, n=75) were admitted for less than 4 days. 0 patients died. The most common discharge diagnosis in 61.0% of patients (n=279) was bronchiolitis. There were 56 patients (12.3%) who had an unscheduled return visit to the ED within 30 days of discharge with 23.0% (n=13) requiring readmission to the hospital. Conclusion There continues to be a substantial volume of hospitalizations secondary to RSV infection, predominantly in those <2 years of age, with a prominent diagnosis of bronchiolitis. A quarter of patients had notable severity requiring PICU admission.

Impact of an Adult Congenital Heart Disease Order Set in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are increasingly surviving to adulthood. Given their age- and condition-specific needs, the optimal postoperative setting for these patients is not yet determined. This study aims to evaluate the utility of an adult-specific order set in improving clinical outcomes for these patients in a pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Adults with CHD (ACHD) admitted to the cardiovascular ICU following cardiac surgery at a pediatric tertiary care center were identified for a retrospective cohort study. Health care delivery metrics and clinical outcomes of participants who received the adult-specific order set were compared with control patients admitted prior to the intervention. Categorical outcomes were compared using the χ2 test of independence or Fisher exact test, and continuous outcomes were assessed using the t test. Results: A total of 130 ACHD patients received the intervention, with no significant differences observed in clinical outcomes when compared with 89 controls. While there was additionally no reduction in hospital-related mortality (2.3% vs 7.8%, RR 0.3; P = .1), clinician ordering behaviors were better aligned with best-practices following the intervention. Among patients with moderate or greater anatomic complexity, a post hoc analysis demonstrated reduced in-hospital mortality from those who received the adult order set. Conclusions: The implementation of an adult-specific order set in a pediatric care setting did not improve clinical outcomes for all ACHD patients. Patients with moderate and greater anatomic complexity did see a mortality benefit, suggestive that targeted electronic tools may most benefit those who have the highest risk.

Nutrition support in children discharged from the pediatric intensive care unit: A bi-national prospective cohort study (ePICUre).

The role of nutrition in the recovery of critically ill children has not been investigated and current nutrition provision in the post-pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) period is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to describe ward nutrition support in children following PICU discharge. Children up to 18 years admitted to one of nine PICUs over a 2-week period with a length of stay >48 h were enrolled. Data were collected on the first full ward day following PICU discharge and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28 following PICU admission. Data points included oral intake, enteral (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) support, and oral and EN energy and protein provision. Among the 108 children, on the first full ward day 75/108 (69%) children received EN, 54/108 (50%) oral intake, and 8/108 (7%) PN. Of those receiving oral nutrition only on the first full ward day (25/108; 23%), 9/25 (36%) received <50% of their estimated energy and protein requirements. Of those provided EN only, and where nutrition targets were known, on the first full ward day 8/46 (17%) and 7/46 (15%) met <75% of their estimated energy and protein requirements, respectively. On Day 28, this increased to 4/12 (33%) and 5/12 (42%). In this study of ward-based nutrition support, key findings included consistent use of EN and PN up to at least 28 days following PICU admission, and a high proportion of children receiving EN or oral intake only not meeting their estimated energy and protein requirements.

Poor correlation of venous lactate with systemic oxygen saturation in the paediatric cardiac ICU: a pilot study.

Cardiac intensive care providers require a comprehensive understanding of cardiac output and oxygen delivery. The estimation of cardiac output in clinical practice often relies on thermodilution and the Fick principle. Central venous saturation and lactate levels are commonly used indicators for cardiac output assessment. However, the relationship between venous lactate levels and venous oxygen saturation in paediatric cardiac intensive care patients remains unclear. This is a single-centre retrospective pilot study aimed to investigate the correlation between venous lactate and venous oxygen saturation in paediatric patients. Data collected included venous saturation, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, arterial saturation by pulse oximetry, cerebral and renal near-infra-red spectroscopy values, and the presence of a functionally univentricular heart. Statistical analyses included Bayesian Pearson correlation and regression analyses. A total of 203 data points from 37 unique patients were included in the analysis. There was no significant correlation between serum lactate and venous saturation (correlation coefficient = -0.01; Bayes factor 10 = 0.06). Serum lactate also did not correlate with other haemodynamic metrics. Venous saturation showed correlations with arterial saturation and cerebral and renal near-infra-red spectroscopy. Regression analysis revealed that parallel circulation, arterial saturation, and cerebral near-infra-red spectroscopy were predictive of venous saturation. The following equation resulted from the regression analysis: 68.0 - (12.7 x parallel circulation) - (0.8 x arterial saturation) + (0.3 x cerebral near-infra-red spectroscopy). This model had a Bayes factor 10 of 0.03 and adjusted R-squared was 0.29. In paediatric cardiac intensive care patients, there is no significant correlation between venous lactate and venous saturation, suggesting that lactate may not be a reliable marker for assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery in this population. Only a weak correlation could be identified once the venous saturation was 70% or lower. Additional research is needed to explore alternative markers for monitoring oxygen delivery in critically ill paediatric patients.

Workplace affordances and learning engagement in a Thai paediatric intensive care unit.

Workplace learning in critical care settings is complex and challenging. Research has explored learner-, teacher-, and context-related factors that influence medical residents' engagement in critical care workplaces in Western but not in non-Western cultures. This limits our understanding of workplace learning globally and how we can better support resident learning in diverse cultures. To explore how paediatric residents engage in workplace learning in a Thai Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and how this culturally situated workplace shapes their learning. In this qualitative study, we recruited paediatric residents (n = 16) from a tertiary care hospital in Thailand for semi-structured interviews. We used reflexive thematic analysis to describe, analyse and interpret residents' experiences of workplace learning, and to capitalise on our own experience as an analytic resource. We constructed three themes to represent participants' narratives: PICU cases and context as dynamic affordances; impact of psychological safety; and the role of attending physicians. While Thai PICU cases and context could afford participation and thus learning, Thailand's collectivist culture, which prioritises group needs over individual needs, contributed to a sense of psychological safety within culturally-endorsed, professional and social hierarchies, and set the stage for workplace learning. Despite their higher status in these hierarchies, attending physicians facilitated resident learning by fostering open dialogue, joint problem-solving and a low-stress atmosphere. Workplace learning in a Thai PICU while challenging, is uniquely facilitated by Thailand's collectivist culture that fosters psychological safety and attending physicians' invitation in, and learn from, the workplace optimises learning.

Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of critical multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a retrospective, observational study

ObjectiveMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a critical childhood disease that is associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics and outcome of critical MIS-C cases in Egyptian children during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignA retrospective, observational study.SettingA single-center tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).In Ain Shams university hospitals Cairo EgyptMethodsChildren admitted to the PICU diagnosed with severe MIS-C as per the Centers for Disease Control’s definition from June 23, 2020, to August 22, 2020, were included.ResultsThe patient’s mean age was 7.45 (interquartile range [IQR], 4.23) years, and the cause of PICU admission was hypotension and shock. All patients had a fever for 4.8 (IQR, 2.5) days before shock developed. Overall, 68% had a gastrointestinal manifestation, and 55.6% had a rash. Thirty-five of 45 patients had ≥ 4 elevated inflammatory markers. The cardiac troponin I level was elevated in 35 of 45 patients. The most common cardiac condition was valvulitis (tricuspid regurgitation, 29/45; mitral valve regurgitation, 28/45; pulmonary valve regurgitation, 5/45; atrial valve regurgitation, 4/45). Twenty-one patients had an impaired ejection fraction < 50%, and 17 patients had coronary dilatation. Six patients had pericardial effusion, 1 patient had dilated pulmonary arteries, and 6 patients (13.3%) died of their associated comorbidities. The mean PICU length of stay among patients with no associated comorbidities was 7 days.ConclusionsCritical cases of MIS-C had a spectrum of different cardiac conditions, with valvulitis being the most common one. The worst outcome occurred in patients with comorbidities and infants.

A multicenter retrospective study on clinical features and pathogenic composition of septic shock in children

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, pathogen composition, and prognosis of septic shock in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in China. Methods: Multi-center retrospective cohort study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with septic shock from 10 hospitals in China between January 2018 and December 2021. The clinical features, pathogen composition, and outcomes were collected. Patients were categorized into malignant tumor and non-malignant tumor groups, as well as survival and mortality groups. T test, Mann Whitney U test or Chi square test were used respectively for comparing clinical characteristics and prognosis between 2 groups. Multiple Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for mortality. Results: A total of 1 247 children with septic shock were included, with 748 males (59.9%) and the age of 3.1 (0.9, 8.8) years. The in-patient mortality rate was 23.2% (289 cases). The overall pathogen positive rate was 68.2% (851 cases), with 1 229 pathogens identified. Bacterial accounted for 61.4% (754 strains) and virus for 24.8% (305 strains). Among all bacterium, Gram negative bacteria constituted 64.2% (484 strains), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter being the most common; Gram positive bacteria comprised 35.8% (270 strains), primarily Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Influenza virus (86 strains (28.2%)), Epstein-Barr virus (53 strains (17.4%)), and respiratory syncytial virus (46 strains (17.1%)) were the top three viruses. Children with malignant tumors were older and had higher pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) Ⅲ score, paediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) score (7.9 (4.3, 11.8) vs. 2.3 (0.8, 7.5) years old, 22 (16, 26) vs. 16 (10, 24) points, 10 (5, 14) vs. 8 (4, 12) points, Z=11.32, 0.87, 4.00, all P<0.05), and higher pathogen positive rate, and in-hospital mortality (77.7% (240/309) vs. 65.1% (611/938), 29.7% (92/309) vs. 21.0% (197/938), χ2=16.84, 10.04, both P<0.05) compared to the non-tumor group. In the death group, the score of PRISM Ⅲ, pSOFA (16 (22, 29) vs. 14 (10, 20) points, 8 (12, 15) vs. 6 (3, 9) points, Z=4.92, 11.88, both P<0.05) were all higher, and presence of neoplastic disease, positive rate of pathogen and proportion of invasive mechanical ventilation in death group were also all higher than those in survival group (29.7% (87/289) vs. 23.2% (222/958), 77.8% (225/289) vs. 65.4% (626/958), 73.7% (213/289) vs. 50.6% (485/958), χ2=5.72, 16.03, 49.98, all P<0.05). Multiple Logistic regression showed that PRISM Ⅲ, pSOFA, and malignant tumor were the independent risk factors for mortality (OR=1.04, 1.09, 0.67, 95%CI 1.01-1.05, 1.04-1.12, 0.47-0.94, all P<0.05). Conclusions: Bacterial infection are predominant in pediatric septic shock, but viral infection are also significant. Children with malignancies are more severe and resource consumptive. The overall mortality rate for pediatric septic shock remains high, and mortality are associated with malignant tumor, PRISM Ⅲ and pSOFA scores.

Short- and medium-term longitudinal outcomes of children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children - report from a single centre in Pakistan.

To determine the short- and medium-term cardiac outcomes in children admitted with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children at a tertiary care centre in Pakistan. Children fulfilling the criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome and admitted to the hospital between April 2020 and March 2022 were enrolled in this prospective longitudinal cohort study. From admission to discharge, laboratory and cardiac parameters were recorded for all patients, who were subsequently followed up in clinics at various intervals. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 15.0. A total of 51 children were included, with viral myocarditis (41.2%) and toxic shock syndrome (33.3%) being the most common phenotypes. The cardiovascular system was most commonly affected in 27 children (53%) with laboratory evidence of inflammation and myocardial injury with median and interquartile levels of ferritin 1169 (534-1704), C-reactive protein 83 (24-175), lactate dehydrogenase 468 (365-1270), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide 8,656 (2,538-31,166), and troponin 0.16 (0.02-2.0).On admission, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction was observed in 58.8% of patients and impaired global longitudinal strain in 33.3%. At discharge, left ventricular ejection fraction had normalised in 83% of patients. Pericardial effusion resolved in all patients, and valvulitis resolved in 86% by 12 months. Paediatric ICU admission was required in 42 (82%) of patients with an overall mortality of 12% (n = 6). Our study finds high hospital mortality for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children compared to 1-2% from previous studies. Yet, in Pakistan, surviving children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome show favourable short- to medium-term cardiac outcomes.

Features of refeeding syndrome in pediatric intensive care unit patients (literature review)

Introduction. Restoration of nutrition in patients with nutritional deficiency hospitalized in intensive care units is a complex process due to the high risk of the development of refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome is insufficiently studied in children not only with regard to pathogenesis and intensive care, but also with regard to its influence on the further development of the child.Materials and methods. A non-systematic review of literature sources was performed. Domestic publications were searched in the database on the eLibrary website, foreign publications were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cophrane Library, Cyberleninka, ResearchGate databases in the period 2017–2024. 73 full-text publications describing risk factors, peculiarities of mechanisms of refeeding syndrome development in children, clinical picture and methods of intensive therapy were analyzed.Results. The review analyzed and systematized the stratified risk factors, peculiarities of pathogenesis and clinical picture of refeeding syndrome in children depending on developing metabolic disorders. The connection of refeeding syndrome on the progression of nutritional deficiency is shown. The main methods of intensive therapy, including nutritional support for patients with high-risk and developed refeeding syndrome are determined.Conclusion. Currently, there is no unambiguous definition and diagnostic criteria for refeeding syndrome in children. Timely intensive therapy in cases of refeeding syndrome development allows to correct nutritional deficiency, to increase the survival rate of patients, can influence further growth and development of the child.

Patient follow-up after discharge from the paediatric intensive care unit: A scoping review.

Most children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) now survive because of improvements in care. Many studies have identified the psychological, functional, cognitive and social impact of PICU admission on a child and their family. However, expert recommendations on follow-up are lacking. To identify the strategies of clinical follow-up after PICU discharge performed from 2001 to 2021. This scoping review was undertaken between January and April 2021 using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL. The search strategy consisted of a combination of keywords, including PICU, post-PICU discharge and follow-up in articles published between 2001 and 2021. The results are reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six-hundred and fifty-two articles were identified and 68 were analysed. Median age was 4.5 years and the two main reasons for PICU admission were cardiorespiratory failure and sepsis. Median length of PICU stay was 8 days. Most follow-up was carried out by research units (88%), while 6% of studies reported follow-up by a multidisciplinary PICU team. The most common follow-up schedule included an assessment at PICU discharge, and then at 3, 6 and 12 months. Follow-up for >1 year was reported in 20% of studies. One third of studies focused on follow-up quality of life and neurological outcomes. Parental emotional impact was assessed in 7% of studies. Follow-up after PICU discharge was highly heterogeneous regarding timing, health care professionals involved and assessment methods. There is an urgent need for standardization and coordination of PICU follow-up because of the increasing number of patients impacted by a PICU stay. Although most patients admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) now survive; they may develop paediatric post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-P). To our knowledge, there are currently no clinical guidelines regarding follow-up after PICU discharge. This review summarizes current approaches to follow-up after PICU discharge, including how it is carried out, who is involved and what the main aims of assessment are.

Evaluation of patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange in the pediatric intensive care unit and determining the factors affecting prognosis.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), an extracorporeal method targeting the removal of large molecular weight pathogens, is explored in this study for indications, complications, prognosis, safety, and effectiveness. The patients' data were collected retrospectively. Overall, 334 sessions of TPE were applied to 57 patients. Per the American Society for Apheresis classification, 24.6% of indications fell under Category I, 14% Category II, and 50.9% Category III. Sepsis-induced multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) emerged as the leading indication, correlating with elevated needs for mechanical ventilation (MV), increased failed organs, and heightened mortality. Patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy faced a 16.06 times higher mortality risk. Non-survivors exhibited higher comorbidity, prolonged MV, increased inotropic drug requirement, more failed organs, and a higher PRISM score. 33.2% of complications occurred, primarily catheter-related. Sepsis-induced MODS and extracorporeal modalities are associated with increased mortality in TPE patients, with comorbidities, ventilation, and PRISM scores potentially influencing outcomes.

Molecular characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections among critically ill pediatric patients in Shanghai, 2016-2021.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in children has been on the rise, which poses a serious threat to their health and life in China. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of MRSA infections among critically ill pediatric patients. A retrospective case-control study was performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary university teaching hospital. All children infected with culture-positive S. aureus in the PICU between January 2016 and December 2021 were included. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors for MRSA infection and clinical outcomes of S. aureus infection. All S. aureus isolates were characterized based on antimicrobial resistance, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing. Of 3,974 patients admitted to the PICU, 280 were diagnosed with a S. aureus infection during the 6-year study period. Among them, 43.2% (121/280) were MRSA. All MRSA isolates showed significantly higher rates of resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline than MSSA strains. The MRSA strains consisted of 45 spa types and 20 sequence types (STs) (20 clonal complexes), among which the most frequently represented were ST59-t437and ST398-t034. Multivariable logistic regression revealed vaginal delivery, respiratory failure, co-infection with a virus, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 8 mg/L as significant risk factors for MRSA infection. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality during hospitalization between the MRSA group and the MSSA group. Furthermore, independent predictors for mortality in patients with S. aureus infections were the presence of hypoproteinemia, hematopathy, septic shock, respiratory failure, fever, and white blood cell (WBC) > 15.0 × 109/L. The study revealed a high proportion of MRSA infections among critically ill pediatric patients, and found significant risk factors for MRSA infection and poor prognosis of S. aureus infection. Methicillin resistance did not contribute to the mortality in the current study. These findings will provide evidence-based practices to make the strategies of prevention and rational use of antibiotics for pediatric patients with S. aureus infection in the ICU.

Personalized Nutrition in the Pediatric ICU: Steering the Shift from Acute Stress to Metabolic Recovery and Rehabilitation.

Nutrition significantly impacts the outcomes of critically ill children in intensive care units (ICUs). Due to the evolving metabolic, neuroendocrine, and immunological disorders associated with severe illness or trauma, there are dynamically changing phases of energy needs requiring tailored macronutrient intake. This study aims to assess the changing dietary needs from the acute phase through recovery, provide recommendations for implementing evidence-based strategies to ensure adequate energy and nutrient provision in pediatric ICUs, and optimize patient outcomes. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE-PubMed database was conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews related to the nutrition of critically ill children. The study highlights recent guidelines using the GRADE approach, supplemented by relevant adult studies, current clinical practices, challenges, gaps in knowledge, and future directions for research aimed at improving nutritional interventions. Early personalized, incremental enteral feeding helps mitigate the negative energy balance during the acute phase, aids organ function restoration in the stabilization phase, and supports growth during the recovery phase and beyond. Conversely, early full nutritional support, high protein doses, or isolated micronutrient administration have not demonstrated benefits due to anabolic resistance in these patients. Moreover, early parenteral nutrition during the acute phase may suppress autophagy and lead to worse outcomes. Accurate assessment of nutritional status and monitoring of daily energy and protein needs are crucial. Strong evidence supports the establishment of a dedicated nutritional team and the implementation of individualized nutritional protocols in the ICU to reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill children.

Prolonged Ventilator Dependency in a Pediatric ICU Patient With Pfeiffer Syndrome Following Le Fort I Osteotomy and Distraction Osteogenesis: A Case Report

Prolonged Ventilator Dependency in a Pediatric ICU Patient With Pfeiffer Syndrome Following Le Fort I Osteotomy and Distraction Osteogenesis: A Case Report

Inborn Errors of Immunity in Pediatric Intensive Care: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Prognosis.

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by impaired immune system function. This prospective study aimed to determine the frequency, characteristics, and clinical course of IEI patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identify mortality-related factors. Using a comprehensive immunological evaluation protocol, we screened 753 PICU admissions for potential IEIs during three years. Patients with pre-existing IEI diagnoses, chronic diseases, ongoing chronic medication regimens, other known comorbidities, trauma cases, post-surgical cases, and poisonings were excluded. Thirty-three patients were newly diagnosed with IEIs during or as a result of their PICU stay, representing an incidence of 4.39%. The most common disorders were immunodeficiencies with immune dysregulation (48.5%), followed by combined immunodeficiencies (24.2%). Severe viral infections (61%) and life-threatening infections (51.7%) were the most frequent warning signs. Only 31% of patients exhibited at least two Jeffrey Modell Foundation warning signs. The mortality rate was 58%, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Newborn screening and family segregation studies are crucial to improving outcomes for IEI patients in intensive care settings.

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and uptake in a national cohort of English children and young people with life-limiting neurodisability

ObjectiveTo investigate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake and effectiveness in children and young people (CYP) with life-limiting neurodisability.DesignWe undertook a retrospective cohort study using national hospital data in England from 21 December...

Features of children with critical asthma hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit: Results from the ICU-3A study.

Despite improvements in long-term asthma treatment, an increasing number of children are being hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) for asthma. The main objective of this study was to describe a recent cohort of children hospitalized in PICU for asthma to identify risk factors associated with a need for respiratory support, and multiple PICU stays. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in three PICUs in Paris (intensive care units 3A Study), using medical files of children hospitalized for asthma between February 2019 and October 2020. Need for respiratory support was defined by the need for high-flow nasal cannula or mechanical ventilation (MV) (either noninvasive [NIV] or invasive [IMV]). During the study period, 252 stays corresponding to 234 patients were analyzed. MV was required in 17.5% of stays, for significantly younger patients (2.37 vs. 4.18 years, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, a higher risk of progression to a need for respiratory support was found for children requiring magnesium sulfate or oxygen therapy ≥6 L/mn before PICU admission (RR 4.48; CI95% [1.85-10.89]; p = 0.001, and RR 2.86; CI95% [1.13-7.22]; p = 0.03, respectively), and those with atelectasis detected on chest radiography (RR 3.38; CI95% [1.43-8.00]; p < 0.01). Multiple PICU stays were associated with greater social deprivation (RR for French Deprivation Index 1.25; CI95% [1.03-1.51]; p = 0.03). Children experiencing social deprivation are at greater risk of multiple PICU stays for severe asthma. After transfer to PICU, children with chest radiograph detected atelectasis on admission are at higher risk of needing respiratory support.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in children with critical illness

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an acute functional kidney disorder that increases morbidity and mortality in children. The mortality rate for critically ill patients accompanied by AKI is quite high and is influenced by the degree of AKI, the severity of the disease, and organ function disorders. Understanding the risk factors of developing AKI in children with critical illness can help prevent AKI. Objective To determine the risk factors for AKI in children with critical illness. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 255 children aged 1 month to 18 years admitted at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional Public Hospital, Banda Aceh, Aceh, from January to December 2022 using medical record data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Acute kidney injury occurred in 68 (26.7%) patients. Based on pRIFLE criteria, 34 (50%) patients had AKI in the failure stage. Risk factors for AKI in children with critical illness were in descending order of RR: sepsis (RR 14.3; 95%CI 11.68 to 18.66; P=0.000), mechanical ventilation (RR 12.13; 95%CI 8.75 to 15.98; P=0.000), respiratory disorders (RR 2.51; 95%CI 2.06 to 4.02; P=0.003), congenital heart disease (RR 2.08; 95%CI 2.00 to 3.05; P=0.004), CNS disorders (RR 1.24; 95%CI 1.02 to 2.49; P=0.048), nephrotoxic drug use (RR 1.41; 95%CI 1.24 to 3.08; P=0.000), and age 1 month to 5 years (RR 0.072; 95%CI 0.16 to 0.32; P=0.010). Conclusion Sepsis is a risk factor for AKI in children with critical illness, followed by mechanical ventilation use, respiratory disorders, nephrotoxic drug use. Age &lt;5 years is a protective factor.

Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Pathogens Isolated from Pediatric Patients during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background/Objectives: The present study aims to highlight the possible significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the resistance of pathogens involved in cases of pediatric infections. Methods: This study included children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Surgery and Pediatrics from a tertiary teaching hospital, during and after the COVID-19 period (2020-2023). Results: The research included 845 samples collected during 2020-2023, from 685 pediatric patients. A total of 937 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 509 isolates (54.32%) were Gram-negative bacteria. Around 30% of all the pathogens were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with a statistically significant increase post-pandemic, in the case of the MDR Escherichia coli strains (p < 0.05). A very high percentage of MDR Acinetobacter spp. isolates was found, with an important, but not statistically significant, increase in the post-pandemic period. The highest percentage of the MDR Gram-positive pathogens was registered in the case of S. aureus strains (31.80%). Over 20% of the Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) strains isolated between 2020 and 2023 were MDR, with an important increase in the post-COVID-19 period. The proportion of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens significantly decreased in the post-COVID-19 period compared with the COVID-19 period (p < 0.05), especially in the case of the Klebsiella spp. strains. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the increase in the post-COVID-19 period of the prevalence of MDR strains of Acinetobacter spp., CoNS, and Escherichia coli isolated in pediatric patient samples and a significant decline in the trend of the carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, which may be due to the testing rate and to the specific pathology of the pediatric patients hospitalized in the two periods.

RECURRENT RESUSCITATION PROCEDURES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

The present study refers to a real case report, in which a bioethical analysis is developed, from the perspective of principlism, in the environment of a pediatric intensive care unit, with the objective of discussing the dysthanasia practiced in the medical setting and the decision-making of those involved in this case. A search was performed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and PubMed databases for literature review. Dysthanasia consists of a treatment that only prolongs the pain, making any investment in healing an aggression against the dignity of the human person. When the patient is a child close to death, the difficulty for professionals becomes even greater. Therefore, it is necessary to pay greater attention to the curriculum, raising discussions and reflections on the subject, in order to train professionals to deal with finitude and play their role of offering support and comfort, as well as helping families to identify what quality of life means to them and how it is possible to achieve it.