Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Patients Research Articles

The effect of antipsychotic medications on QTc and delirium in paediatric cardiac patients with ICU delirium.

Children with prolonged hospital admissions for CHD often develop delirium. Antipsychotic medications (APMs) have been used to treat delirium but are known to prolong the QTc duration. There is concern for prolongation of the QTc interval in cardiac patients who may be more vulnerable to electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and may have postoperative QTc prolongation already. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of APM on QTc duration in postoperative paediatric cardiac patients and determine the effect of quetiapine and risperidone in treating delirium and QTc prolongation. Retrospective study, July 1, 2017-May 31, 2022. Tertiary children's hospital. Included were patients admitted to the paediatric cardiac ICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. None. ECGs, delirium scores, and drug information were collected. Delirium was defined as Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) score >9. Mixed effect models were performed to evaluate the effect of surgery on QTc change and the effect of antipsychotics on QTc and CAPD changes. There were 139 children, 55% male and 67% surgical admissions. Median age was 5.9 months. Mean QTc increased after cardiac surgery by 18 ms (p = 0.014, 95% CI 3.65-32.4). There was no significant change in QTc after antipsychotic administration (p = 0.064). The mean CAPD score decreased (12.5-7.2; p < 0.001). Quetiapine had the most improvement in delirium, and risperidone had the least improvement (77.8%, n = 14; 37.8%, n = 34, respectively; p = 0.002). The QTc interval did not have a statistically significant change after the administration of antipsychotics, while there was improvement in the CAPD score. APMs may be administered safely without significant prolongation of the QTc and are an effective treatment for delirium.

Cardiac resternotomy after cardiac surgery in kids: CRACK the chest.

Emergent resuscitation of postoperative paediatric cardiac surgical patients requires specialised skills and multidisciplinary teamwork. Bedside resternotomy is a rare but life-saving procedure and few studies focus on ways to prepare providers and improve performance. We created a multidisciplinary educational intervention that addressed teamwork and technical skills. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the intervention to decrease time to perform critical tasks and improve caregiver comfort. A simulation-based, in situ resternotomy educational intervention was implemented. Pre-intervention data were collected. Educational aids were used weekly during day and night nursing huddles over a three-month period. All ICU charge nurses had separate educational sessions with study personnel and were required to demonstrate competency in all the critical tasks. Post-intervention simulations were performed after intervention and at 6 months and post-intervention surveys were performed. A total of 186 providers participated in the intervention. There was a decrease in time to obtain defibrillator, setup resternotomy equipment and internal defibrillator paddles and deliver sedation and fluid (all p < 0.05). Time to escort family from the room and obtain blood was significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). There was no difference in time to first dose of epinephrine, defibrillator pads on the patient, or time to call the cardiovascular surgeon or blood bank. Providers reported increased comfort in identifying equipment needed for resternotomy (p < 0.01) and setting up the internal defibrillator paddles (p < 0.01). Implementation of a novel educational intervention increased provider comfort and decreased time to perform critical tasks in an emergent resternotomy scenario.

Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring by Electrical Cardiometry with Transthoracic Echocardiography in Postoperative Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients: Comment.

Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring by Electrical Cardiometry with Transthoracic Echocardiography in Postoperative Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients: Comment.

Enhancing Congenital Cardiac Postprocedural Care: A QR Code-Enabled Medical Bracelet Pilot Study.

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using QR code-enabled medical bracelets for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients after hospital discharge to ensure quick communication of vital information to other medical personnel in emergency situations. A prospective study was conducted where QR code-enabled medical bracelets were given to families of postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. The QR code linked to a secure medical information sheet detailing the patient's cardiac history. Post-study surveys were completed by providers and families to assess their experiences with the bracelet. Of the 20 participants enrolled, 65% used the QR bracelet when seeking medical care. 55% found the bracelet useful, and 70% rated their experience as either "positive" or "very positive". Additionally, 80% recommended the bracelet for other patients undergoing cardiac procedures. The use of QR code bracelets for postoperative CHD patients has shown high levels of satisfaction from families and providers, potentially reducing medical errors and treatment delays.

Opioid Utilization after Cardiac Surgery in the Pediatric Medicaid-Insured Population

To determine the variation of outpatient opioid prescribing across the US in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. Retrospective, cross-sectional study using a concatenated database of Medicaid claims between from 2016 through 2018 of children 0-17years, discharged after cardiac surgery and receiving an opioid prescription within 30days. Filled prescriptions were identified and converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Use, duration, and dose were analyzed by sex, race, ethnicity, residence urbanicity, and region. Among 17 186 Medicaid-enrolled children after cardiac surgery, 2129 received opioids within 30days of discharge. Females received lower doses than males (coefficient -0.17, P=.022). Hispanic individuals were less likely to receive opioids (coefficient 0.53, P<.05, 95% CI: 0.38-0.71) and for shorter periods (coefficient 0.83, P<.001). Midwest (MW) (OR 0.61, 95% P-values < 0.05, 95% CI: 0.46-0.80) and Northeast (NE) (OR 0.43, 95% P-values < 0.05, 95% CI: 0.30-0.61) regions were less likely to receive opioids but used higher doses compared with the Southeast (SE) (MW coefficient 0.41, Southwest (SW) coefficient 0.18, NE coefficient 0.32, West (W) coefficient 0.19, P<.05). There were significant variations in opioid prescribing after cardiac surgery by race, ethnicity, sex, and region. National guidelines for outpatient use of opioids in children after cardiac surgery may help limit practice variation and reduce potential harms in outpatient opioid usage.

Sedation Weaning Initiative Targeting Methadone Exposure: Single Center Improvements in Withdrawal Symptoms and Hospital Length of Stay for Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care.

Sedation and pain medications are necessary in the management of postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. Prolonged exposure to these medications can lead to negative side effects including withdrawal. We hypothesized that standardized weaning guidelines would decrease exposure to sedation medications and decrease withdrawal symptoms. The primary aim was to decrease average days of methadone exposure to within goal for moderate- and high-risk patients within 6 months. Quality improvement methods were used to standardize sedation medication weaning in a pediatric cardiac ICU. This study took place at Duke Children's Hospital Pediatric Cardiac ICU in Durham, North Carolina from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Children less than 12 months old admitted to the pediatric cardiac ICU who underwent cardiac surgery. Sedation weaning guidelines were implemented over the course of 12 months. Data were tracked every 6 months and compared with the 12 months pre-intervention. Patients were stratified into low, moderate, and high risk withdrawal categories based on duration of opioid infusion exposure. Total sample size was 94 patients in the moderate and high risk categories. Process measures included documentation of Withdrawal Assessment Tool scores and appropriate methadone prescription in patients which increased to 100% post-intervention. For outcome measures, we observed decreased dexmedetomidine infusion duration, decreased methadone wean duration, decreased frequency of elevated Withdrawal Assessment Tool scores, and decreased hospital length of stay post-intervention. For the primary aim, methadone wean duration consistently decreased after each study period. Our intervention did not adversely impact balancing measures. A quality improvement initiative to standardize sedation weaning in a Pediatric Cardiac ICU was successfully implemented and was correlated with decreased duration of sedation medications, decreased withdrawal scores, and decreased length of stay.

Comparison of hemodynamic consequences of hand ventilation versus machine ventilation for transportation of post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

Hemodynamic monitoring during in-hospital transport of intubated patients is vital; however, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated the hemodynamic consequences of hand versus machine ventilation during transport among pediatric patients' post-cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that manual ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery would alter hemodynamic and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters during transport compared to mechanical ventilation. A prospective randomized trial. Tertiary cardiac care hospital. Pediatric cardiac surgery patients. One hundred intubated pediatric patients were randomized to hand or machine ventilation immediately post-cardiac surgery during transport from the operating room to the pediatric post-operative intensive care unit (PICU). Hemodynamic variables, including end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), and mean airway pressure (Pmean), were measured at origin, during transport, and at the destination. ABG was measured before and upon arrival in the PICU, and adverse events were recorded. The Chi-square test and independent t-test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous parameters, respectively. The mean transport time was comparable between hand-ventilated (5.77 ± 1.46 min) and machine-ventilated (5.96 ± 1.19 min) groups (P = 0.47). ETCO2 consistently dropped during transport and after shifting in the hand-ventilated group, with significantly higher ETCO2 excursion than in machine-ventilated patients (P < 0.05). SBP and DBP significantly decreased during transport (at 5 and 6 min intervals) and after shifting in hand-ventilated patients than in the other group (P < 0.05). Additionally, after shifting, a significant increase in Ppeak (P < 0.001), Pmean (P < 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001), and a decrease in pCO2 (P = 0.0072) was observed in hand-ventilated patients than machine-ventilated patients. No adverse event was noted during either mode of ventilation. Hand ventilation leads to more significant variation in ABG and hemodynamic parameters than machine ventilation in pediatric patients during transport post-cardiac surgery. Therefore, using a mechanical ventilator is the preferred method for transporting post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

Comparision of cardiac output measured by transthoracic echocardiography with continuous cardiac output measured by pressure recording analytical method.

Low cardiac output is a common complication following cardiac surgery and it is associated with higher mortality in the pediatric population. A gold standard method for cardiac output (CO) monitoring in the pediatric population is lacking. The present study was conducted to validate cardiac output and cardiac index measured by transthoracic echocardiography and Pressure recording analytical method, a continuous pulse contour method, MostCareUp in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients. This was a prospective observational clinical study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 23 pediatric patients weighed between 2 and 20 kg who had undergone elective cardiac surgery were included in the study. Spearman's correlation coefficient of CO between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Pressure Recording Analytical Method (PRAM) showed of positive correlation (r = 0.69, 95% Confidence interval 0.59-0.77, P < 0.0001) Linear regression equations for CO between TTE and PRAM were y = 0.55 + 0.88x (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.0001). (y = PRAM, x = TTE), respectively. Bland- Altman plot for CO between TTE and PRAM showed a bias of -0.397 with limits of the agreement being -2.01 to 1.22. Polar plot analysis showed an angular bias of 6.55° with radial limits of the agreement being -21.46 to 34.58 for CO and angular bias of 6.22° with radial limits of the agreement being -22.4 to 34.84 for CI. PRAM has shown good trending ability for cardiac output. However, values measured by PRAM are not interchangeable with the values measured by transthoracic echocardiography.

Outcomes associated with unrecognized acute kidney injury in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients.

The present retrospective study was carried out to determine the incidence of unrecognized cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) due to infrequency of serum creatinine (SCr) measurements in pediatric cardiac patients and to assess the association between unrecognized CSA-AKI and clinical outcomes. This study was a single-center, retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Patients were diagnosed with CSA-AKI based on SCr measurements, and unrecognized CSA-AKI was defined under the assumptions that there had been only one or two SCr measurements within 48h after surgery: CSA-AKI unrecognized by one SCr measurement (AKI-URone), CSA-AKI unrecognized by two SCr measurements (AKI-URtwo), and CSA-AKI recognized by one and two SCr measurements (AKI-R). The change of SCr from baseline to postoperative day 30 (delta SCr30d) was assessed as a surrogate of kidney recovery. In a total of 557 cases, 313 patients (56.2%) were diagnosed with CSA-AKI, 188 (33.8%) of whom had unrecognized CSA-AKI. Delta SCr30d in the AKI-URtwo group and delta SCr30d in the AKI-URone group was not significantly different from delta SCr30d in the non-AKI group (p = 0.67 and p = 0.79, respectively). There were significant differences in the durations of mechanical ventilation, serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and lengths of stay in hospital between the non-AKI group and the AKI-URtwo group and between the non-AKI group and the AKI-URtwo group. Unrecognized CSA-AKI due to infrequent SCr measurements is not rare and is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, high postoperative BNP level, and prolonged length of stay in hospital. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

An Assessment of the Practice of Neuromuscular Blockade and the Association Between Its Prophylactic Use and Outcomes Among Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Patients

The authors investigated the management of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) for pediatric patients after cardiac surgery, and compared the outcomes of patients who received prophylactic NMBA (pNMBA) infusions and patients without pNMBA infusions. A retrospective cohort study. At a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients younger than 18, with congenital heart disease, who underwent cardiac surgery. Commencement of NMBA infusion in the first 2 hours after surgery MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was a composite of one or more of the following major adverse events (MAEs) that occurred within 7 days after surgery: death from any cause, a circulatory collapse that needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The secondary endpoints included the total duration of mechanical ventilation for the first 30 days after surgery. A total of 566 patients were included in this study. The MAEs occurred in 13 patients (2.3%). An NMBA was commenced within 2 hours after surgery in 207 patients (36.6%). There were significant differences in the incidence of postoperative MAEs between the pNMBA group and the non-pNMBA group (5.3% v 0.6%; p < 0.001). In multivariate regression models, pNMBA infusion was not significantly associated with the incidence of MAEs (odds ratio: 1.79, 95% CI: 0.23-13.93, p=0.58), but was significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation by 3.85 days (p < 0.001). Postoperative prophylactic neuromuscular blockade after cardiac surgery can be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, but has no association with MAEs among pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

Right Atrial Lines as Primary Access for Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Patients.

To characterize the use of right atrial lines (RALs) as primary access in the postoperative care of neonatal and pediatric patients after cardiothoracic surgery and to identify risk factors associated with RAL complications. Observational retrospective cohort study in pediatric cardiac patients who underwent RAL placement in a tertiary children's hospital from January 2011 through June 2018. A total of 692 children with congenital heart disease underwent 815 RAL placements during the same or subsequent cardiothoracic surgeries during the study period. Median age and weight were 22days (IQR 7-134) and 3.6kg (IQR 3.1-5.3), respectively. Neonates accounted for 53.5% of patients and those with single-ventricle physiology were 35.4%. Palliation surgery (shunts, cavo-pulmonary connections, hybrid procedures, and pulmonary artery bandings) accounted for 38%. Survival to hospital discharge was 95.5%. Median RAL duration was 11days (IQR 7-19) with a median RAL removal to hospital discharge time of 0days (IQR 0-3). Thrombosis and migration were the most prevalent complications (1.7% each), followed by malfunction (1.4%) and infection (0.7%). Adverse events associated with complications were seen in 12 (1.4%) of these RAL placements: decrease in hemoglobin (n = 1), tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis (n = 3), pleural effusion requiring chest tube (n = 2), and need for antimicrobials (n = 6). Multivariable logistic regression showed that RAL duration (OR 1.01, p = 0.006) and palliation surgery (OR 2.38, p = 0.015) were significant and independent factors for complications. The use of RALs as primary access in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients seems to be feasible and safe. Our overall incidence of complications from prolonged use of RALs remained similar or lower to that reported with short-term use of these lines. While RAL duration and palliation surgeries seemed to be associated with complications, severity of illness could be a confounding factor. A prospective assessment of RAL complications may improve outcomes in this medically complex population.

Bedside Chest Ultrasound in Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients: Comparison With Bedside Chest Radiography

The primary objective was to study the degree of agreement between the chest ultrasound (CUS) studies and chest x-ray (CXR) studies in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients regarding the diagnosis of thoracic abnormalities, and also to compare the diagnostic performance of CUS in reference to CXR for the detection of thoracic abnormalities. The secondary objective was to compare the necessity for interventions done on the basis of CUS and CXR findings in the postoperative setting. A prospective observational study. At a postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary-care center. One hundred sixty patients between the age of 2 months to 18 years undergoing elective cardiac surgery for various congenital heart diseases. After obtaining permission from the institutional ethics committee, 160 pediatric cardiac surgical patients were studied prospectively in the postoperative period. On the day of surgery (postoperative day [POD] 0), bedside CXR was done in the immediate postoperative period. After bedside CXR, CUS examination was performed and then interpreted by the principal investigator. The CXR was interpreted by the surgical team. Provisional diagnosis was made by the principal investigator and surgical team. Any intervention required was decided based on CXR or CUS findings or both. The procedure was repeated in the morning of POD 1. The degree of agreement between CUS studies and CXR studies in detecting abnormalities was evaluated by Cohen's kappa (k) statistics. The diagnostic performance of CUS was compared with that of CXR using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy. Overall, kappa analysis (k) showed substantial agreement between the findings of the CUS and CXR studies (k=0.749). The diagnostic performance of CUS, as compared with CXR, was found to have a sensitivity of 96.9%, specificity of 84.75%, PPV of 73.4%, NPV of 98.43%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.44%. In 94 abnormal findings, the interventions were done based on CUS or CXR findings or both. Overall, there was a substantial agreement (k=0.787) between CUS and CXR regarding the necessity for interventions. The degree of agreement between CUS and CXR studies was substantial for atelectasis, interstitial edema, and diaphragmatic weakness. The degree of agreement between CUS and CXR studies was almost perfect for pneumothorax and fair for pleural effusion. More CUS studies detected intrathoracic pathologies than CXR studies. The CUS also detected abnormalities earlier than CXR and was found to be useful for the early institution of intervention therapy in patients with interstitial edema and atelectasis. It would be reasonable to conclude that CUS may be considered in some instances as an alternative to CXR.

Contemporary feeding practices in postoperative patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

We aimed to assess the current nutritional practices in postoperative patients with Congenital Heart Disease. Cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to members of The Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society. In Total, 52 members of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society responded to the survey consisting of 14% paediatric intensivist, 53% paediatric cardiac intensivist, and 33% nurse/nurse practitioner with a median of 10 years of experience. There was an even distribution between intensivist (55%) and dietitian or nutritionist (45%) in nutrition management. Ninety-eight percent of respondents report that they would feed patients on inotropic or vasoactive support. Only 27% of respondents reported using indirect calorimetry in calculating resting energy expenditure which is the current gold standard. Academic hospitals compared to non-academic hospital were most likely to report feeding patients within 24 hours postoperative (p = 0.014). Having a feeding protocol was associated with feeding within 24 hours postoperative (p = 0.014) and associated with >50% goal intake by 48 hours postoperative (p = 0.025). Substantial variation in feeding practice still exists despite the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines from 2017. Report of institutional established feeding protocol was associated with increased early feeding and reaching goal feeds by 48 hours postoperative. Very few centres reported use of indirect calorimetry in postoperative paediatric cardiac intensive care patients and many respondents lacked knowledge about applications in this population. Additional work to determine optimal feeding pathways and assessment of caloric needs in this population is needed.

83 The predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in post-operative cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

Abstract Aims Postoperative arrhythmias (POA) are a common complication after cardiac surgical repairs for congenital heart disease (CHD), representing a substantial source of morbidity, mortality, and prolonged total in-hospital stay, with an incidence of 7.5–48% in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. The etiology is multifactorial, and it has been related to the direct surgical manipulation of the cardiac conduction system, to the local tissue inflammation in the myocardium adjacent to the conduction system and to the arrhythmogenic effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), inotropes, and electrolyte disturbances. Recently, the prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a novel inflammation marker, has been evaluated in pediatric patients after CPB surgery. To evaluate the predictive role of NLR in POA in a population of pediatric CHD patients after CPB. Methods and results We retrospectively collected perioperative clinical and laboratory data of 146 patients (age 8.27 ± 10.79 years; male gender: 60.8%) consecutively admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) of our institute after elective cardiac surgery with CPB in 2018. We grouped and analyzed our population over NLR tertiles evaluated at 24 h from CPB and types of POA: supraventricular (SVT) and junctional (JET). The prognostic value of NLR and its association with POA was analyzed. Diagnoses of 146 patients included atrial septal defect (n = 36), ventricular septal defect (n = 20), pulmonary atresia/stenosis (n = 10), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 20), endocardial cushion defect (n = 8), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 14), anomalous origin of coronary artery (n = 6), complex CHD (n = 13), interrupted/hypoplastic aortic arch (n = 12), anomalous pulmonary venous return (n = 3). The mean CPB time was 121.6 ± 84.6 min. The median ICU hospitalization was 48 h [Q1, Q3: 24, 96]. Twelve patients experienced POA: 6 SVT and 6 JET. The frequency of POA incremented over NLR-tertiles (P-Trend 0.017), while SVT onset was associated with higher values of NLR and C-reactive protein (P = 0.034 and P = 0.011, respectively). Patients in the second and third tertiles of NLR had a prolonged hospitalization (log-rank, P = 0.029), especially when associated with POA (log-rank, P = 0.012). At the multivariable analysis, higher age and NLR values were independently associated with SVT [OR per year 1.22; 95% CI (1.02, 1.25), P = 0.043 and OR per point 1.91; 95% CI (1.29, 2.82), P = 0.012, respectively], but not with JET. Conclusions 24-h post-CPB NLR can predict postoperative SVT in a population of pediatric CHD patients. Our data suggest that the NLR could be a useful, easy-to-obtain marker for postoperative outcome in pediatric patients who had undergone elective CPB.

Abstract 9588: Higher Survival With the Use of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Compared With Conventional Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Analysis of the Get With the Guidelines Registry©

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) has been increasingly utilized during in-hospital arrest in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgical patients. Despite this and the significant associated mortality, few pediatric multicenter analyses have evaluated if E-CPR increases survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest compared with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C-CPR). Methods: Children &lt;18 years in the Get with the Guidelines-Resuscitation Registry© suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest following cardiac surgery who received ≥10 minutes of CPR between January 2008 and December 2020 were included. We compared patient factors, pre-arrest comorbid conditions, and survival to hospital discharge for E-CPR and C-CPR groups. Results: Among 1219 patients from 56 institutions, 483 patients (39.6%) received E-CPR. Nearly 75% (910/1219) of patients were &lt;1 year of age with 39% (477/1219) under 1 month. Older patients were more likely to receive E-CPR (p=0.004). E-CPR utilization increased over the study period (p&lt;0.001). Non-Hispanic White patients accounted for almost half of the population (575/1219) and were also more likely to receive E-CPR (p=0.044) compared to other races/ethnicities. Patients with cyanotic cardiac malformations (p=0.005), congestive heart failure prior to admission (p=0.007), and hypotension prior to arrest (p=0.014) were also more likely to receive E-CPR. Unadjusted survival of the index CPR event (98% vs. 63%, p&lt;0.001) and to hospital discharge (47% vs 39%, p=0.007) were both higher in the E-CPR compared to C-CPR group. Conclusions: In a large, multicenter study of pediatric cardiac surgical patients suffering in-hospital arrest, we found that E-CPR is commonly used and had significantly higher survival to hospital discharge compared with C-CPR. E-CPR is an important rescue strategy for children with heart disease and centers performing cardiac surgery should develop E-CPR programs.

The predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in post-operative arrhythmias in pediatric patients after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

Abstract Background Postoperative arrhythmias (POA) are a common complication after cardiac surgical repairs for congenital heart disease (CHD), representing a substantial source of morbidity, mortality and prolonged total in-hospital stay, with an incidence of 7.5–48% in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients. The etiology is multifactorial, and it has been related to the direct surgical manipulation of the cardiac conduction system, to the local tissue inflammation in the myocardium adjacent to the conduction system and to the arrhythmogenic effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), inotropes and electrolyte disturbances. Recently, the prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a novel inflammation marker, has been evaluated in pediatric patients after CPB surgery. Purpose To evaluate the predictive role of NLR in POA in a population of pediatric CHD patients after CPB. Methods We retrospectively collected perioperative clinical and laboratory data of 146 patients (age 8.27±10.79 years; male gender: 60.8%) consecutively admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) of our institute after elective cardiac surgery with CPB in 2018. We grouped and analyzed our population over NLR tertiles evaluated at 24 hours from CPB and types of POA: supraventricular (SVT) and junctional (JET). The prognostic value of NLR and its association with POA was analyzed. Results Diagnoses of 146 patients included atrial septal defect (n=36), ventricular septal defect (n=20), pulmonary atresia/stenosis (n=10), tetralogy of Fallot (n=20), endocardial cushion defect (n=8), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n=14), anomalous origin of coronary artery (n=6), complex CHD (n=13), interrupted/hypoplastic aortic arch (n=12), anomalous pulmonary artery venous return (n=3). The mean CPB time was 121.6±84.6 minutes. The median ICU hospitalization was 48 hours [Q1, Q3: 24, 96]. Twelve patients experienced POA: 6 SVT and 6 JET. The frequency of POA incremented over NLR-tertiles (P-Trend 0.017), while SVT onset was associated with higher values of NLR and C-reactive protein (P=0.034 and P=0.011, respectively). Patients in the second and third tertiles of NLR had a prolonged hospitalization (Log-rank, P=0.029), especially when associated with POA (Log-rank, P=0.012). At the multivariable analysis, higher age and NLR values were independently associated with SVT [OR per year 1.22; 95% CI (1.02, 1.25), P=0.043 and OR per point 1.91; 95% CI (1.29, 2.82), P=0.012, respectively], but not with JET. Conclusions 24-h post-CPB NLR can predict postoperative SVT in a population of pediatric CHD patients. Our data suggest that the NLR could be a useful, easy-to-obtain marker for postoperative outcome in pediatric patients who had undergone elective CPB. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Comparative evaluation of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation vs nasal intermittent ventilation in postoperative paediatric patients operated for acyanotic congenital cardiac defects

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation vs nasal intermittent ventilation (NIV) oxygenation for respiratory care after extubation in postoperative paediatric cardiac patients. MethodsThis study was a randomised controlled trial. One hundred twenty-one paediatric patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease undergoing corrective cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Patients were randomised to receive either HFNC (AIRVO) or NIV (RAM Cannula) postextubation. Arterial blood gas was analysed at different time points perioperatively. ResultsPatients in both the groups were matched with respect to diagnosis and demographic profiles. Baseline hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were also similar in both the groups. Patients in HFNC/AIRVO group did not show improved carbon dioxide (CO2) washout but showed improved pO2 and pO2/FiO2 ratio immediate postextubation. Reintubation rate and other intensive care unit (ICU) complications were similar in both the groups. ConclusionPostcardiopulmonary bypass respiratory complications in paediatric patients with congenital acyanotic heart disease can be minimised with newer oxygen therapy devices such as AIRVO (HFNC) or RAM cannula (NIV). In comparison between these two, AIRVO did not show improved CO2 washout over RAM cannula; however, it did provide better oxygenation as measured by pO2 in arterial blood and pO2/FiO2 ratio immediate postextubation. Also, long-term results such as duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay were not affected by the choice of device.

Core-Peripheral Temperature Gradient and Skin Temperature as Predictors of Major Adverse Events Among Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Patients

During episodes of low cardiac output, sympathetic neurohumoral responses with peripheral vasoconstriction result in an increase in the core-peripheral temperature gradient (CPTG). However, assessment of CPTG as a surrogate of low cardiac output and a predictor of outcomes in pediatric cardiac patients rarely has been performed. In this retrospective study, the authors assessed the prognostic abilities of CPTG, skin temperature, and serum lactate level for predicting clinical outcomes. A retrospective single-center study. Referral high-volume pediatric center. Patients younger than four months of age with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. None. The primary outcome was a composite of one or more of the following major adverse events (MAEs) that occurred within seven days after surgery: death from any cause, cardiac arrest, emergency chest reopening, and requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A total of 661 patients were included in the study. Univariate logistic regression analyses showed no significant difference in the odds for MAEs with CPTG at admission and at six hours after surgery and in the odds for MAEs with skin temperature at admission. On the other hand, the odds for MAEs increased significantly with increase in serum lactate level at admission (odds ratio [OR]: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-1.87, p < 0.001) and at six hours after surgery (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.50-2.51, p < 0.001). Areas under the receiver operating curve at admission for predicting MAEs were 0.531 for CPTG, 0.557 for skin temperature, and 0.713 for serum lactate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed neither CPTG nor skin temperature at any time point was significantly associated with MAEs. Both CPTG and skin temperature had low performance for prediction of MAEs in children after cardiac surgery. Either of those markers, especially at admission, should not be used as a single marker for assessing the condition of a patient.

Inciting Events in the High Risk Post-Operative Pediatric Cardiac Patients – A Novel Three Hit Model for Bacteremia Prediction

Background: Blood stream infections (BSI) are well described in pediatric cardiac intensive care units (PCICU). We noted that postoperative high-risk patients may develop BSI after an inciting event. The aim of this study was to investigate whether high risk patients who developed bacteremia experienced more inciting events than a similar group of high-risk patients. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we enrolled patients who developed bacteremia from March 2010 to November 2019, after undergoing open-heart surgery at a referral pediatric center. The control group was comprised of case-matched patients with the immediate consecutive same surgery. The following were recorded: operative data, common risk factors, postoperative severity of illness parameters, mortality, and inciting events 72-24 hours before bacteremia emerged. Findings: A total of 200 patients were included (100 with bacteremia, and 100 controls). Main demographic and operative parameters were matched. Bacteremia emerged on average postoperative day (POD) 12·8. Gram-negative bacteria were cultured in 84%, and skin associated gram-positive bacteria in 10% of the patients. Average central-venous lines (CVL) duration was 9·5±8·4 days. Postoperatively (72 hours), severity of illness parameters were significantly worse in patients with bacteremia, with a higher rate of postoperative complications during PCICU length-of-stay (LOS). In the bacteremia group, 72-24 hours prior to development of bacteremia, 92(92%) inciting events were recorded, compared to 21 (21%) in controls during their entire LOS. (OR 43·3,CI 18·2-103·1, p<0·0001). Interpretation: We propose a three hit model demonstrating that high-risk patients undergoing open heart surgery have significant higher risk for bacteremia after an inciting event. Funding Statement: No funding was procured for this work. Declaration of Interests: Mrs· Shochat disclosed work for hire at Rabin Medical Center as a statistical consultant. The remaining authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The Institutional Review Board reviewed and approved the study, and waived the need for parental consent.

Tracheostomy in Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients—The Earlier, the Better

AbstractObjectives This study was aimed to assess the benefits of early tracheostomy (ET) compared with late tracheostomy (LT) on postoperative outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgical patients.Design Present one is a prospective, observational study.Setting The study was conducted at a cardiac surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital.Participants All pediatric patients below 10 years of age, who underwent tracheostomy after cardiac surgery from January2019 to december2019, were subdivided into two groups according to the timing of tracheostomy: “early” if done before 7 days or “late” if done after 7 days postcardiac surgery.Interventions ET versus LT was measured in the study.Results Out of all 1,084 pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery over the study period, 41 (3.7%) received tracheostomy. Sixteen (39%) patients underwent ET and 25 (61%) underwent LT. ET had advantages by having reduced risk associations with the following variables: preoperative hospital stay (p = 0.0016), sepsis (p = 0.03), high risk surgery (p = 0.04), postoperative sepsis (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (p = 0.04), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; p = 0.006), antibiotic escalation (p = 0.006), and antifungal therapy (p = 0.01) requirement. Furthermore, ET was associated with lesser duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.0027), length of ICU stay (LOICUS; p = 0.01), length of hospital stay (LOHS; p = 0.001), lesser days of feed interruption (p = 0.0017), and tracheostomy tube change (p = 0.02). ET group of children, who had higher total ventilation-free days (p = 0.02), were decannulated earlier (p = 0.03) and discharged earlier (p = 0.0089).Conclusion ET had significant benefits in reduction of postoperative morbidities with overall shorter mechanical ventilation, LOICUS, and LOHS, better nutrition supplementation, lesser infection, etc. These benefits may promote faster patient convalescence and rehabilitation with reduced hospital costs.