Vasoactive Support Research Articles

Ruptúra voľnej steny myokardu ako komplikácia STEMI

Myocardial free wall rupture is a rare, but serious complication of acute myocardial infarction with high mortality. We present a case of a 64-year-old patient with this devastating complication of an anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with a prolonged time delay. Cardiac surgery was not performed due to prohibitive surgical risk and predicted poor prognosis. We describe our successful therapeutic intervention consisting of immediate pericardial drainage, vasoactive and inotropic support, intraaortic balloon pump placement and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis. This combined therapy led to patient stabilization and after incremental clinical improvement the patient was able to return to a normal life. After several months a long-term mechanical circulatory support was implanted as a bridge to heart transplant.

A Rare Cause of Severe Biventricular Dyssynchrony During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19 Respiratory Failure

A Rare Cause of Severe Biventricular Dyssynchrony During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19 Respiratory Failure

Impella 5.0 is associated with a reduction in vasoactive support and improves hemodynamics in cardiogenic shock: A single-center experience

Treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) often requires the use of vasopressors and inotropic agents, which are associated with an increase in mortality. Data on change in vasopressor and inotrope requirements post Impella 5.0 placement is scarce. Thus, we aimed to study the ability of Impella 5.0 to reduce these requirements. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with CS receiving Impella 5.0 was performed. Vasopressor-Inotrope Score (VIS) and a Modified Catecholamine Equivalent score (MCES) was calculated prior to and up to 72 h post-Impella implantation. Primary outcome was change in MCES from baseline to 48-h post implantation and secondary outcomes included change in VIS, changes in MCES according to SCAI Stage and to underlying etiology, and freedom from mortality at 30-days. Twenty-eight patients with median age of 61 (48, 67) years were included. Impella 5.0 was associated with significant reduction in MCES from baseline [9.7 (5.3, 17)] to 48 h [5.7 (3.8, 7.5), p = 0.001]. VIS was also significantly reduced from baseline [8.3 (3.8, 19.9)] to 48 h [5.0 (2.5, 8), p = 0.003]. MCES at 48 h was significantly reduced in patients with SCAI Stage E versus Stage C (p = 0.026) and with acute myocardial infarction versus acute decompensated heart (p = 0.003). Thirty-day survival was 0% in patients that had a baseline MCES ⩾ 10 without a reduction in MCES of at least 5 at 24 h. Impella 5.0 is associated with a significant reduction in MCES and VIS scores in patients presenting with CS with 30-day survival being dependent on MCES.

Outcomes Of IABP Vs Impella As A Bridge To Cardiac Transplantation - Analysis Of National United Network For Organ Sharing Database

<h3>Introduction</h3> Temporary mechanical circulatory support technology has advanced vastly in the last decade. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart transplant allocation system was updated in 2018 to accommodate the new Era. Among patients requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation, device choice relies on patient, practitioner, and institutional factors. To date, there is limited outcome data to contrast the different mechanical circulatory support platforms. <h3>Objective</h3> We aim to compare heart transplant survival in those bridged with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) vs Impella mechanical support. <h3>Methods</h3> Using the national UNOS database, we studied heart transplantation recipients listed on the new UNOS allocation system (oct 18^th 2018) and then compared survival of those bridged with IABP vs Impella to transplantation as status 2. The last date of follow up was Sep 4^th 2020. Cohort demographics, serum biochemistry, hemodynamic measurements, and organ support interventions were collected. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for continuous variables, Chi-square test for categorical variables, and Log-rank test for survival analysis. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 1721 patients (1524 IABP, 197 Impella) met our criteria, in whom, there was no difference between IABP vs Impella groups in age, BMI, or waiting list time (Table 1). We found that Impella was used more often in males (74% vs 88%, p <0.01) and Hispanics (9% vs 15% p <0.01). Clinical data are summarized in Table 1. Impella was associated with more mechanical ventilation (4 vs 16%, p <0.01), dialysis (3 vs 10%, p <0.01), and vasoactive medication support (79 vs 89%). Plasma free hemoglobin > 50 mg/dL was noted in 13.3% of the Impella group. Median survival (figure 1) was similar between IABP vs Impella (181 vs 183 days, p=0.92). <h3>Conclusion</h3> There was no observed difference in waiting time nor post-transplant survival between IABP vs Impella groups, however, the latter group was in more critical condition, and from that perspective, Impella seems to be an effective platform to bridge higher acuity status 2 patients.

Vasoplegic Shock Represents a Dominant Hemodynamic Profile of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Following COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES:The hemodynamic profile of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)–related shock remains poorly defined and, therefore, challenging to support with pharmacotherapy in the ICU. We aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic profile and vasoactive medication management used in MIS-C patients presenting to the ICU in shock and provide data from high-fidelity continuous cardiac output monitoring.DESIGNSingle-center retrospective case-cohort study.SETTING:Pediatric and cardiac ICU in a quaternary-care hospital.PATIENTS:All patients who met U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for MIS-C and who were admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and May 2021 required vasoactive support and were placed on continuous cardiac index (CCI) monitoring. Patients requiring extracorporeal life support were excluded.INTERVENTIONS:None.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Among 52 children with MIS-C presenting in shock and requiring vasoactive support, 14 patients (27%) were placed on CCI monitoring. These 14 patients had hyperdynamic cardiac index (CI) and low indexed systemic vascular resistance (SVRi) in the first 24 hours with normalization of CI and improved SVRi within the subsequent 24 hours.CONCLUSIONS:Further studies are needed to evaluate the difference between the use of vasoconstrictor versus vasodilators in pediatric patients with MIS-C because a phenotype with high CI and low SVRi may be important.

Mobilization Safety of Critically Ill Children.

Children in PICUs experience negative sequelae of immobility; however, interprofessional staff concerns about safety are a barrier to early mobilization. Our objective was to determine the safety profile of early mobilization in PICU patients. We conducted a secondary analysis of a 2-day study focused on physical rehabilitation in 82 PICUs in 65 US hospitals. Patients who had ≥72-hour admissions and participated in a mobility event were included. The primary outcome was occurrence of a potential safety event during mobilizations. On 1433 patient days, 4658 mobility events occurred with a potential safety event rate of 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6%-4.7%). Most potential safety events were transient physiologic changes. Medical equipment dislodgement was rare (0.3%), with no falls or cardiac arrests. Potential safety event rates did not differ by patient age or sex. Patients had higher potential safety event rates if they screened positive for delirium (7.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 5.86; 95% CI, 2.17-15.86) or were not screened for delirium (4.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.82-8.72). There were no differences in potential safety event rates by PICU intervention, including respiratory support or vasoactive support. Early PICU mobilization has a strong safety profile and medical equipment dislodgement is rare. No PICU interventions were associated with increased potential safety event rates. Delirium is associated with higher potential safety event rates. These findings highlight the need to improve provider education and confidence in mobilizing critically ill children.

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.

Clinical impact of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe clinical impact and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) have been scarcely investigated in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).MethodsPatients admitted over an 18-month period in two intensive care units (ICU) of a university-affiliated hospital and meeting the Berlin criteria for ARDS were retrospectively included. The association between VAP and the probability of death at day 90 (primary endpoint) was appraised through a Cox proportional hazards model handling VAP as a delay entry variable. Secondary endpoints included (i) potential changes in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and SOFA score values around VAP (linear mixed modelling), and (ii) mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, numbers of ventilator- and vasopressor-free days at day 28, and length of stay (LOS) in patients with and without VAP (median or absolute risk difference calculation). Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS and those with ARDS from other causes.ResultsAmong the 336 included patients (101 with COVID-19 and 235 with other ARDS), 176 (52.4%) experienced a first VAP. VAP induced a transient and moderate decline in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio without increase in SOFA score values. VAP was associated with less ventilator-free days (median difference and 95% CI, − 19 [− 20; − 13.5] days) and vasopressor-free days (− 5 [− 9; − 2] days) at day 28, and longer ICU (+ 13 [+ 9; + 15] days) and hospital (+ 11.5 [+ 7.5; + 17.5] days) LOS. These effects were observed in both subgroups. Overall day-90 mortality rates were 35.8% and 30.0% in patients with and without VAP, respectively (P = 0.30). In the whole cohort, VAP (adjusted HR 3.16, 95% CI 2.04–4.89, P < 0.0001), the SAPS-2 value at admission, chronic renal disease and an admission for cardiac arrest predicted death at day 90, while the COVID-19 status had no independent impact. When analysed separately, VAP predicted death in non-COVID-19 patients (aHR 3.43, 95% CI 2.11–5.58, P < 0.0001) but not in those with COVID-19 (aHR 1.19, 95% CI 0.32–4.49, P = 0.80).ConclusionsVAP is an independent predictor of 90-day mortality in ARDS patients. This condition exerts a limited impact on oxygenation but correlates with extended MV duration, vasoactive support, and LOS.

Using Aggregate Vasoactive-Inotrope Scores to Predict Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Sepsis.

ObjectivesThe heterogeneity of sepsis makes it difficult to predict outcomes using existing severity of illness tools. The vasoactive-inotrope score (VIS) is a quantitative measure of the amount of vasoactive support required by patients. We sought to determine if a higher aggregate VIS over the first 96 h of vasoactive medication initiation is associated with increased resource utilization and worsened clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with severe sepsis.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle-center at Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.PatientsOne hundred ninety-nine pediatric patients, age less than 18 years old, diagnosed with severe sepsis, receiving vasoactive medications between January 2017 and July 2019.InterventionsRetrospective data obtained from the electronic medical record, calculating VIS at 2 h intervals from 0–12 h and at 4 h intervals from 12–96 h from Time 0.MeasurementsAggregate VIS derived from the hourly VIS area under the curve (AUC) calculation based on the trapezoidal rule. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlations, Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and classification, and regression tree (CART) analyses.Main ResultsHigher aggregate VIS is associated with longer hospital LOS (p < 0.0001), PICU LOS (p < 0.0001), MV days (p = 0.018), increased in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001), in-hospital cardiac arrest (p = 0.006), need for ECMO (p < 0.0001), and need for CRRT (p < 0.0001). CART analyses found that aggregate VIS >20 is an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001) and aggregate VIS >16 for ECMO use (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant association between aggregate VIS and many clinical outcomes, allowing clinicians to utilize aggregate VIS as a physiologic indicator to more accurately predict disease severity/trajectory in pediatric sepsis.

Pediatric Septic Shock Collaborative Improves Emergency Department Sepsis Care in Children.

The pediatric emergency department (ED)-based Pediatric Septic Shock Collaborative (PSSC) aimed to improve mortality and key care processes among children with presumed septic shock. This was a multicenter learning and improvement collaborative of 19 pediatric EDs from November 2013 to May 2016 with shared screening and patient identification recommendations, bundles of care, and educational materials. Process metrics included minutes to initial vital sign assessment and to first and third fluid bolus and antibiotic administration. Outcomes included 3- and 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality, hospital and ICU lengths of stay, hours on increased ventilation (including new and increases from chronic baseline in invasive and noninvasive ventilation), and hours on vasoactive agent support. Analysis used statistical process control charts and included both the overall sample and an ICU subgroup. Process improvements were noted in timely vital sign assessment and receipt of antibiotics in the overall group. Timely first bolus and antibiotics improved in the ICU subgroup. There was a decrease in 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality in the overall sample. A multicenter pediatric ED improvement collaborative showed improvement in key processes for early sepsis management and demonstrated that a bundled quality improvement-focused approach to sepsis management can be effective in improving care.

Ultrasound-assessed diaphragmatic dysfunction as a predictor of weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis in intensive care unit

BackgroundWeaning from mechanical ventilation is one of the most common challenges in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most of predictive indices of weaning from mechanical ventilation are often inaccurate. This study was performed to assess the accuracy of diaphragmatic ultrasonography for predicting weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis in ICU.ResultsSixty patients with sepsis in medical ICU were prospectively enrolled. All patients were ventilated in pressure support. Patients underwent a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) on T-piece when they met all the following criteria: FiO2 < 0.6, PEEP ≤5 cmH2O, PaO2/FiO2 > 200, respiratory rate <30 breaths per minute, absence of fever, alert and cooperative, hemodynamic stability without or with low-dose vasoactive therapy support, and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI)<105. During the trial, the patient was instructed to perform deep breathing to total lung capacity (TLC) and then exhaling to residual volume (RV) and the diaphragm was visualized in the 8th or 9th intercostal space between anterior and mid-axillary lines using a 3–5-MHz curved ultrasound probe to measure diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and a 7–11-MHz linear ultrasound probe to measure diaphragmatic thickness (DT) at TLC and RV, and the diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) was calculated as percentage from the following formula (thickness at end inspiration—thickness at end expiration)/thickness at end expiration. According to weaning outcome, patients were divided into 2 groups: successful weaning group and weaning failure group. Weaning failure was defined as the inability to maintain spontaneous breathing for at least 48 h, without any form of ventilatory support.In the present study, right DTF of more than 37% and DE during deep breathing of more than 6.1 and 5.4 cm on the Rt and Lt side, respectively, were associated with successful weaning from MV. In the study, the sensitivities for right and left DE and DTF were 58.33, 62.5, and 58.33%, respectively, and the pooled specificities were 83.33, 83.33, and 100%, respectively, with p value = 0.032, 0.028, and 0.001, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) for Rt, Lt DE, and DTF were 0.701, 0.712, and 0.840, respectively. The present data indicate a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy in predicting extubation outcome.ConclusionsUltrasonography-based determination of diaphragm function by assessing DTF and DE can be used as predictor of weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.

PCO2 gap, its ratio to arteriovenous oxygen content, ScvO2 and lactate in high-risk abdominal surgery patients: An observational study

BackgroundThe difference between arterial and central venous carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2 gap), a marker of oxygen delivery (DO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2) adequacy, has been evaluated as a promising prognostic tool in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We therefore sought to study the association between intraoperative PCO2 gap and postoperative complications (POC) in the perioperative setting of elective major abdominal surgery. MethodsWe conducted a single-centre prospective observational study. All adult patients who underwent major planned abdominal surgery were eligible. PCO2 gap was measured every 2 h during surgery, at ICU admission and repeated 12 h and 24 h later. Severe POC within 28 days after surgery were defined as complications graded 3 or more according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Following a univariate analysis, a multivariable analysis using a logistic regression model was performed. ResultsNinety patients were included and divided into two groups according to the occurrence of POC. No significant difference was found between groups regarding baseline characteristics at inclusion. Thirty-nine (43%) patients developed postoperative complications. The median [IQR] intraoperative PCO2 gap was significantly higher in patients who had complications (6.5 [5.5−7.3] mmHg) compared to those who did not (5.0 [3.9–5.8] mmHg; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for occurrence of POC was 0.78 for the PCO2 gap. After multivariable analysis, PCO2 gap was found independently associated with POC (OR: 14.9, 95% CI [4.68–60.1], p < 0.001) with a threshold value of 6.2 mmHg. The duration of surgery (OR: 1.01, 95% CI [1.00; 1.01], p = 0.04) and the need for vasoactive support during surgery (OR: 5.76, 95% CI [1.72; 24.1], p = 0.006) were also independently associated with POC. ConclusionIntraoperative PCO2 gap is a relevant predictive factor of severe postoperative complications in high-risk elective surgery patients. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03914976.

Characteristics of circulatory failure after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundCirculatory failure after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) as part of the postcardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is believed to be caused by an initial myocardial depression that later subsides into a...

Early Enteral Nutrition Tolerance in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Background: Enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended within the first 24–48 h for patients with hemodynamic stability, following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). However, for patients with approximate stable hemodynamics requiring mechanical circulatory support and vasoactive drugs, the application of early EN remains controversial. We sought to evaluate the tolerance of early EN in patients with cardiogenic shock who required vasoactive drugs and mechanical circulatory support after cardiac surgery.Methods: This single-center, prospective observational study included patients with cardiogenic shock, requiring vasoactive drugs and mechanical circulatory support after cardiac surgery, undergoing EN. The primary endpoint was EN tolerance and secondary endpoints were mortality, length of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay.Results: From February 2019 to December 2020, 59 patients were enrolled, of which 25 (42.37%) developed intolerance within 3 days of starting EN. Patients in the EN intolerant group had a longer median length of mechanical ventilation (380 vs. 128 h, p = 0.006), a longer median ICU stay (20 vs. 11.5 days, p = 0.03), and a higher proportion of bloodstream infections (44 vs. 14.71%, p = 0.018). The median EN calorie levels for all patients in the first 3 days of EN were 4.00, 4.13, and 4.28 kcal/kg/day, respectively. Median protein intake levels of EN in the first 3 days were 0.18, 0.17, and 0.17 g/kg/day, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the median dose of vasoactive drugs between the groups (0.035 vs. 0.05 μg/kg/min, p = 0.306).Conclusions: Patients with cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery had a high proportion of early EN intolerance, and patients with EN intolerance had a worse prognosis, but no significant correlation was identified between EN tolerance and the dose of vasoactive drugs.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in U.S. Children and Adolescents

To summarize the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) cases in 26 states.A total of 186 pediatric patients admitted to 38 sites in 26 states that were participating health centers in the Overcoming COVID-19 study and members of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators Pediatric Intensive Care Influenza and Emerging Pathogens Subgroup. The case definition of MIS-C included 6 criteria: serious illness leading to hospitalization, an age of <21 years, fever that lasted for at least 24 hours, laboratory evidence of inflammation, multisystem organ involvement, and evidence of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), antibody testing, or exposure to persons with SARS-CoV-2.Prospective and retrospective surveillance was used. Statistical analysis was performed to report the frequency of clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatments among patients stratified by SARS-CoV-2 test results, age, and clinical presentation.A total of 186 patients were included on the basis of case definition. The median age was 8.3 years old, 62% were male, and 73% had previously been healthy. Overall, 70% were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antibody testing. The most common system involvement included the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, mucocutaneous, and respiratory. In terms of clinical management, 80% received intensive care, 20% received mechanical ventilation, and 48% received vasoactive support. Treatment included the use of intravenous immune globulin in 77%, glucocorticoids in 49%, and interleukin 6 or 1RA inhibitors in 20%. Kawasaki disease–like features were documented in 40%.MIS-C affects previously healthy children and adolescents and includes multiple organ system involvement.The pathogenesis of MIS-C is still being investigated. Cardiac involvement appears common in MIS-C, and coronary artery dilation has been noted. The long-term cardiac sequelae of MIS-C is still unknown.

Ultrasound cardiac output monitoring in mechanically ventilated children.

To non-invasively identify the hemodynamic changes in critically ill children during the first 48 h following initiation of mechanical ventilation by the ultrasound cardiac output monitor (USCOM) method and compare the data in children with pulmonary and non-pulmonary pathology. This was a prospective observational study to evaluate the influence of mechanical ventilation on hemodynamic changes and to describe hemodynamic profiles of mechanically ventilated children. A total of 56 children with respiratory failure were included in the present study. Ventilated patients are divided into two groups. Group A (n=36) includes patients with pulmonary pathology. Group B (n=20) consists of patients with extra pulmonary etiology of respiratory failure. Hemodynamic parameters (cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance index) were evaluated using ultrasound cardiac output monitoring (USCOM 1A) immediately following initiation of mechanical ventilation and again at 6, 12, and 48 h. Pharmacological circulatory support (inotropes, vasopressors, levosimendan and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors) was individually and continuously modified based on real-time hemodynamic parameters and optimal fluid balance. No significant differences in hemodynamic profiles were found between Group A and Group B. The protective strategy of mechanical ventilation was not associated with significant differences in hemodynamic profiles between children ventilated for pulmonary and non-pulmonary pathologies. Hemodynamically unstable children ventilated for pulmonary pathology with the protective strategy of mechanical ventilation had a greater requirement for inotropic and combined inotropic and vasoactive circulatory support than children ventilated for non-pulmonary causes of respiratory failure.

Mortality and clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with covid-19 in critically ill patients: an observational multicenter study (MISCO study)

BackgroundThe clinical presentation and severity of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) is widespread and presents a very low mortality rate in high-income countries. This research describes the clinical characteristics of MIS-C in critically ill children in middle-income countries and the factors associated with the rate of mortality and patients with critical outcomes.MethodsAn observational cohort study was conducted in 14 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Colombia between April 01, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Patient age ranged between one month and 18 years, and each patient met the requirements set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) for MIS-C.ResultsThere were seventy-eight children in this study. The median age was seven years (IQR 1-11), 18 % (14/78) were under one year old, and 56 % were male. 35 % of patients (29/78) were obese or overweight. The PICU stay per individual was six days (IQR 4-7), and 100 % had a fever upon arrival to the clinic lasting at least five days (IQR 3.7-6). 70 % (55/78) of patients had diarrhea, and 87 % (68/78) had shock or systolic myocardial dysfunction (78 %). Coronary aneurysms were found in 35 % (27/78) of cases, and pericardial effusion was found in 36 %. When compared to existing data in high-income countries, there was a higher mortality rate observed (9 % vs. 1.8 %; p=0.001). When assessing the group of patients that did not survive, a higher frequency of ferritin levels was found, above 500 ngr/mL (100 % vs. 45 %; p=0.012), as well as more cardiovascular complications (100 % vs. 54 %; p = 0.019) when compared to the group that survived. The main treatments received were immunoglobulin (91 %), vasoactive support (76 %), steroids (70.5 %) and antiplatelets (44 %).ConclusionsMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children due to SARS-CoV-2 in critically ill children living in a middle-income country has some clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics similar to those described in high-income countries. The observed inflammatory response and cardiovascular involvement were conditions that, added to the later presentation, may explain the higher mortality seen in these children.

Acute Pericardial Tamponade Associated with Myopericarditis due COVID-19 in a Pediatric Patient

We report of a 4-year-old asthmatic female presenting with severe respiratory failure and multi-system inflammatory condition in the setting of acute COVID-19 infection. Despite mechanical ventilation and vasoactive support, she showed hemodynamic instability. Cardiomegaly was evident on chest X-ray and significantly depressed left ventricular function with a large pericardial effusion and signs of tamponade were seen on echocardiography. The effusion was successfully drained percutaneously and her clinical condition improved progressively. Our patient got extubated and discharged home, 4 and 8 days after initial presentation, respectively, with an echocardiogram depicting normal left ventricular function and no recurrent pericardial effusion. Acute cardiac tamponade after COVID-19 infection is rare in pediatric patients but can be life threatening. In our patient, high suspicion of myopericarditis and pericardial effusion led to early intervention and fast recovery on a critically ill patient.

Use of a Risk Analytic Algorithm to Inform Weaning From Vasoactive Medication in Patients Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

Advanced clinical decision support tools, such as real-time risk analytic algorithms, show promise in assisting clinicians in making more efficient and precise decisions. These algorithms, which calculate the likelihood of a given underlying physiology or future event, have predominantly been used to identify the risk of impending clinical decompensation. There may be broader clinical applications of these models. Using the inadequate delivery of oxygen index, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved risk analytic algorithm predicting the likelihood of low cardiac output state, the primary objective was to evaluate the association of inadequate delivery of oxygen index with success or failure of weaning vasoactive support in postoperative cardiac surgery patients. Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Three pediatric cardiac ICUs at tertiary academic children's hospitals. Infants and children greater than 2 kg and less than 12 years following cardiac surgery, who required vasoactive infusions for greater than 6 hours in the postoperative period. None. Postoperative patients were identified who successfully weaned off initial vasoactive infusions (n = 2,645) versus those who failed vasoactive wean (required reinitiation of vasoactive, required mechanical circulatory support, renal replacement therapy, suffered cardiac arrest, or died) (n = 516). Inadequate delivery of oxygen index for final 6 hours of vasoactive wean was captured. Inadequate delivery of oxygen index was significantly elevated in patients with failed versus successful weans (inadequate delivery of oxygen index 11.6 [sd 19.0] vs 6.4 [sd 12.6]; p < 0.001). Mean 6-hour inadequate delivery of oxygen index greater than 50 had strongest association with failed vasoactive wean (adjusted odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.5-6.6). In patients who failed wean, reinitiation of vasoactive support was associated with concomitant fall in inadequate delivery of oxygen index (11.1 [sd 18] vs 8.9 [sd 16]; p = 0.007). During the de-escalation phase of postoperative cardiac ICU management, elevation of the real-time risk analytic model, inadequate delivery of oxygen index, was associated with failure to wean off vasoactive infusions. Future studies should prospectively evaluate utility of risk analytic models as clinical decision support tools in de-escalation practices in critically ill patients.

Outcomes of Pediatric Oncology Patients Admitted to An Intensive Care Unit in a Resource-limited Setting.

Improved survival and intensified treatment protocols in pediatric oncology have resulted in an increased need for intensive care. However, in resource-constrained settings, the higher morbidity and mortality of these patients raises sensitive issues around the optimal use of limited critical care resources. Single-center, 10-year retrospective review of pediatric oncology patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Of the 117 admissions, 70.1% had solid tumors, 61.5% were admitted electively, and 76.1% were admitted for noninfective indications. PICU mortality of oncology patients was 18.8% relative to the PICU mortality of all patients in the same period of 10.5%. In a multivariable analysis, factors shown to be independently associated with PICU mortality were infective indications for admission (relative risk=3.83, confidence interval: 1.16; 12.6, P=0.028) and vasoactive support (relative risk=7.50, confidence interval: 1.72; 32.8, P=0.0074). The increased mortality associated with sepsis, organ dysfunction and need for organ support underscores the need for earlier recognition of and intervention in pediatric oncology patients requiring intensive care. Further prospective studies are needed to identify the most critical areas for improvement in the referral of these children to PICU, to optimize care and improve outcomes.