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Background: Critically ill children are vulnerable to acute kidney injury (AKI) and are often exposed to nephrotoxic medications. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between nephrotoxic medications and the risk of AKI in critically ill children admitted to our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Patients aged > 1 month to ≤18 years old were prospectively recruited from 6/2020 to 6/2021. The medication records from 14 days prior to PICU admission to PICU discharge were reviewed. Medication-exposure intensity was defined as the number of concomitant nephrotoxic medications. The relative risk (RR) of nephrotoxic medication exposure indices and other potential predictors for AKI development were determined. Results: Altogether 253 episodes of admissions (median [IQR] age of 4.9 [9.6] years) were enrolled. The AKI incidence was 41.9% and 69.2% of the patients were exposed to ≥1 of the 47 nephrotoxic medications. The total nephrotoxic medication dose (RR: 1.01 [1.00, 1.02]) and medication-exposure intensity (RR: 1.381 [1.101, 1.732]) were significantly associated with AKI development. The risk of AKI increased when the medication-exposure intensity was ≥4 (RR: 3.687 (1.320, 10.301)). During their PICU stay, children with AKI received a higher number (P < .01), total dose (P < .01) and medication exposure intensity (P < .01) of nephrotoxic medications. Children with AKI who received nephrotoxic medications were more likely to have a persistently higher peak-to-baseline ratio (P = .046). Conclusion: Nephrotoxic medication exposure significantly increased the risk of AKI development among critically ill children. The use of nephrotoxic medications among critically ill children at risk for AKI should be monitored frequently.
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Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important infectious complications amongst critically ill children. The most common fungal infections are due to Candida species. Aspergillus, Zygomycetes and Fusarium are also emerging because of the empirical use of antifungal drugs. This updated review discusses the epidemiology of IFIs as well as antifungal drugs, dosing and potential adverse effects in critically ill children. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted with Clinical Queries using the key terms "antifungal", "children", "critical care" AND "paediatric intensive care unit" OR "PICU". The search strategy included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, observational studies and reviews and was limited to the English literature in paediatrics. Results: Candida and Aspergillus spp. are the most prevalent fungi in paediatric IFIs, causing invasive candidiasis infections (ICIs) and invasive aspergillosis infections (IAIs), respectively. These IFIs are associated with high morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Candida albicans is the principal Candida spp. associated with paediatric ICIs. The risks and epidemiology for IFIs vary if considering previously healthy children treated in the paediatric intensive care unit or children with leukaemia, malignancy or a severe haematological disease. The mortality rate for IAIs in children is 2.5-3.5-fold higher than for ICIs. Four major classes of antifungals for critically ill children are azoles, polyenes, antifungal antimetabolites and echinocandins. Conclusions: Antifungal agents are highly efficacious. For successful treatment outcomes, it is crucial to determine the optimal dosage, monitor pharmacokinetics parameters and adverse effects, and individualized therapeutic monitoring. Despite potent antifungal medications, ICIs and IAIs continue to be serious infections with high mortality rates. Pre-emptive therapy has been used for IAIs. Most guidelines recommend voriconazole as initial therapy of invasive aspergillosis in most patients, with consideration of combination therapy with voriconazole plus an echinocandin in selected patients with severe disease. The challenge is to identify critically ill patients at high risks of ICIs for targeted prophylaxis. Intravenous/per os fluconazole is first-line pre-emptive treatment for Candida spp. whereas intravenous micafungin or intravenous liposomal amphotericin B is alternative pre-emptive treatment.This article is part of the Challenges and strategies in the management of invasive fungal infections Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/challenges-and-strategies-in-the-management-of-invasive-fungal-infections.
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OBJECTIVES: Despite the recommendation for lung-protective mechanical ventilation (LPMV) in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS), there is a lack of robust supporting data and variable adherence in clinical practice. This study evaluates the impact of an LPMV protocol vs. standard care and adherence to LPMV elements on mortality. We hypothesized that LPMV strategies deployed as a pragmatic protocol reduces mortality in PARDS. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective before-and-after comparison design study. SETTING: Twenty-one PICUs. PATIENTS: Patients fulfilled the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference 2015 definition of PARDS and were on invasive mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: The LPMV protocol included a limit on peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), delta/driving pressure (DP), tidal volume, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to Fio2 combinations of the low PEEP acute respiratory distress syndrome network table, permissive hypercarbia, and conservative oxygen targets. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 285 of 693 (41·1%) and 408 of 693 (58·9%) patients treated with and without the LPMV protocol, respectively. Median age and oxygenation index was 1.5 years (0.4-5.3 yr) and 10.9 years (7.0-18.6 yr), respectively. There was no difference in 60-day mortality between LPMV and non-LPMV protocol groups (65/285 [22.8%] vs. 115/406 [28.3%]; p = 0.104). However, total adherence score did improve in the LPMV compared to non-LPMV group (57.1 [40.0-66.7] vs. 47.6 [31.0-58.3]; p < 0·001). After adjusting for confounders, adherence to LPMV strategies (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; p = 0.004) but not the LPMV protocol itself was associated with a reduced risk of 60-day mortality. Adherence to PIP, DP, and PEEP/Fio2 combinations were associated with reduced mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to LPMV elements over the first week of PARDS was associated with reduced mortality. Future work is needed to improve implementation of LPMV in order to improve adherence.
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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 global pandemic was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which then became an endemic infection. COVID refers to the World Health Organization's coined acronym for coronavirus disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We have, herein, reported three cases of coronavirus diseases that could have been misdiagnosed as COVID-19. All of these families reported previous COVID-19 infection based on self-administered Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) and completed a period of home isolation. In the current presentation, one child had an RSV-associated asthma attack, one had norovirus gastritis, and another had an infection with Campylobacter and E. coli. NL63, OC43, and 229E, respectively, were found by PCR in these patients. DISCUSSION: Seven human coronaviruses cause infectious diseases, including in children. Confusion and issues associated with coronavirus disease diagnosis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) may arise. Some RATs are Antigen Fluorescent Immunoassays (FIA) that target monoclonal antibodies for the detection of viral nucleocapsid protein. Others target the non-nucleocapsid proteins. False positivity is possible. False negativity is also possible if the specimen's antigen level is below the test's detection limit. RAT results usually remain positive for 6 to 7 days, but they may stay positive as long as 2 weeks. Stigmatization with the COVID-19 diagnosis may occur. The PCR test is a highly sensitive 'gold standard' for the detection of COVID-19, but it can also detect non-infectious individuals' fragmented non-infectious viral nucleic acids, and could be positive for a long period. An individual may be tested positive for a few weeks to months after the individual becomes non-infectious. CONCLUSION: The cases presented here had coronavirus diseases other than COVID-19. Coronavirus diseases can be caused by coronavirus variants other than SARS-CoV-2. Co-infections with other pathogens are present in these diseases. PCR testing of non-COVID-19 diseases may help in the accurate diagnosis of these ailments and respiratory co-infections.
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Background: Eczema is associated with multiple genes regulating epidermal barrier functions and immunological pathways. However, their epistatic interactions are not well studied. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between childhood eczema phenotypes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of immune regulatory genes. Methods: One thousand three hundred and twenty-nine Chinese eczematous children and 1,179 non-allergic controls were recruited. Nine SNPs of immune regulatory genes signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), interleukin-10 (IL10), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFB1), and IL-6 receptor (IL6R) were genotyped by TaqMan genotyping assays. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between SNPs and eczema phenotypes. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to examine epistatic interactions among these SNPs as well as those reported by our group [filaggrin (FLG) and 11q13] for eczema phenotypes. Results: TGFB1_rs1800469 was found to be associated with eczema [odds ratio (OR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73-0.92; P=0.001], atopic eczema (OR, 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72-0.95; P=0.009) and allergic rhinitis (OR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.95; P=0.005). We also found a trend between IL10_rs1800872 and increased total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (P=0.009). Epistatic interaction among IL10_rs3021094, TGFB1_rs1800469, IL6R_rs2228145, and STAT3_rs4796793 were found for total IgE [testing accuracy (TA), 0.551; cross-validation consistency (CVC), 10; P=0.014]. Mean log-transformed total IgE (logIgE) levels in high-risk cases, low-risk cases, high-risk controls, and low-risk controls were 2.75, 2.60, 1.90, and 1.81 respectively (P=0.019 for trend). Conclusions: Functional TGFB1 polymorphism is associated with both eczema and allergic rhinitis, suggesting the role of TGF-ß1 in allergy susceptibility. IL10 may be associated with increased total IgE levels. Interaction among immune regulatory genes modulates total IgE levels.
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INTRODUCTION: Globally, Ascaris lumbricoides is the commonest helminthic infection that affects people in underdeveloped countries and returning immigrants in industrialized nations. This article aims to provide latest updates on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pharmacotherapy of ascariasis. AREAS COVERED: A PubMed search was conducted using Clinical Queries and the key terms 'human ascariasis' OR 'Ascaris lumbricoides.' Ascaris lumbricoides is highly endemic in tropical and subtropic regions and among returning immigrants in industrialized nations. Predisposing factors include poor sanitation and poverty. The prevalence is greatest in young children. Most infected patients are asymptomatic. Patients with A. lumbricoides infection should be treated with anti-helminthic drugs to prevent complications from migration of the worm. Mebendazole and albendazole are indicated for children and nonpregnant women. Pregnant individuals should be treated with pyrantel pamoate. EXPERT OPINION: Cure rates with anthelmintic treatment are high. No emerging pharmacotherapy can replace these existing drugs of good efficacy, safety profile and low cost for public health. It is opinioned that advances in the management of ascariasis include diagnostic accuracy at affordable costs, Emodepside is highly effective in single doses against ascarids in mammals and in human trials. The drug could be registered for human use in multiple neglected tropical diseases.
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BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication in children with diabetes mellitus. There are considerable differences in the management approaches for DKA between different countries. One of the main areas of differences between guidelines is the administration of fluid, with most guidelines adopting a restrictive approach. This is based on the concern over cerebral oedema, a lethal sequela allegedly to be caused by excessive fluid administration. However, in recent years, new clinical studies suggest that there is no causal relationship between intravenous fluid therapy and DKA-related cerebral injury. The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology updated its guideline in 2020 to adopt a more permissive approach to fluid administration, which has sparked controversy among some paediatricians. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review on the management of DKA. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed with clinical queries using the key term "diabetic ketoacidosis". The search strategy included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies, guidelines, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and the age range of 18 years and younger. Moreover, we reviewed and compared major guidelines. CONCLUSION: The management of DKA involves early recognition, accurate diagnosis, meticulous fluid and insulin treatment with close monitoring of blood glucose, ketones, electrolytes, renal function, and neurological status. There is still limited clinical evidence to support either a restrictive or permissive approach in the fluid management of paediatric DKA patients. Clinicians should exercise caution when applying different guidelines in their clinical practice, considering the specific circumstances of individual paediatric patients.
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BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic atopic and inflammatory bronchial disease characterized by recurring symptoms and, episodic reversible bronchial obstruction and easily triggered bronchospasms. Asthma often begins in childhood. International guidelines are widely accepted and implemented; however, there are similarities and differences in the management approaches. There is no national guideline in many cities in Asia. This review aims to provide a practical perspective on current recommendations in the management of childhood asthma, specifically in the following aspects: diagnosis, classification of severity, treatment options, and asthma control, and to provide physicians with up-to-date information for the management of asthma. METHODS: We used the PubMed function of Clinical Queries and searched keywords of "Asthma", "Pediatric," AND "Guidelines" as the search engine. "Clinical Prediction Guides", "Etiology", "Diagnosis", "Therapy," "Prognosis," and "Narrow" scope were used as filters. The search was conducted in November 2022. The information retrieved from this search was used in compiling the present article. RESULTS: Diagnosis is clinically based on symptom pattern, response to therapy with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, and spirometric pulmonary function testing (PFT). Asthma is classified in accordance with symptom frequency, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), atopic versus nonatopic etiology, where atopy means a predisposition toward a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. Asthma is also classified as intermittent or persistent (mild to severe). Unfortunately, there is no disease cure for asthma. However, symptoms can be prevented by trigger avoidance and suppressed with inhaled corticosteroids. Antileukotriene agents or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) may be used together with inhaled corticosteroids if symptoms of asthma are not controlled. Rapidly worsening symptoms are usually treated with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA, e.g., salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids. Intravenous corticosteroids and hospitalization are required in severe cases of asthma attacks. Some guidelines also provide recommendations on the use of biologics and immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Asthma is diagnosed clinically, with supporting laboratory testing. Treatment is based on severity classification, from intermittent to persistent. Inhaled bronchodilator and steroid anti-inflammatory form the main stay of management.
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PURPOSE: The survival of paediatric oncology patients has improved substantially in the past decades due to advances in the field of oncology. Modern cancer treatments often come with life-threatening complications, of which infection is one of the most common causes in this patient population. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and outcomes of common infections in haemato-oncology patients during their stay in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to identify any factors associated with these infections. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all children with a haemato-oncology diagnosis or who underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and who were admitted to the Hong Kong Children's Hospital PICU over a one-year period. Infection characteristics and patient outcomes were evaluated and compared between different sub-groups. Univariable and multi-variable analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with the development of active infection. RESULTS: Forty-five (36.3%) of 124 critically ill haemato-oncology admissions to PICU were associated with infections, of which 31 (25%) admissions involved bacterial infections, 26 (20.9%) involved viral infections and 6 (4.8%) involved fungal infections. Bloodstream infection was the most common type of infection. More than half (61.3%) of the bacterial infections were due to an antibiotic-resistant strain. After adjusting for confounding variables, post-HSCT status and neutropenia were significantly associated with active infections. CONCLUSION: Infections in critically-ill haemato-oncological patients are associated with post haematopoietic stem cell transplant status and neutropenia. Further study is warranted to review effective strategies that may mitigate the likelihood of infection in this patient population.
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BACKGROUND: Pinworm infestation is an important public health problem worldwide, especially among children 5 to 10 years of age in developing countries with temperate climates. The problem is often overlooked because of its mild or asymptomatic clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to familiarize pediatricians with the diagnosis and management of pinworm infestation. METHODS: A search was conducted in August 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Enterobius vermicularis," OR "enterobiasis," OR "pinworm." The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: Enterobiasis is a cosmopolitan parasitosis caused by Enterobius vermicularis. It affects approximately 30% of children worldwide and up to 60% of children in some developing countries. Predisposing factors include poor socioeconomic conditions, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and overcrowding. Children aged 5 to 14 years have shown the highest prevalence of enterobiasis.. Egg transmission is mainly by the fecal-oral route. Approximately 30 to 40% of infested patients do not show any clinical symptoms of the disease. For symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom is nocturnal pruritus ani. The diagnosis of E. vermicularis infection is best established by the cellophane tape test. The sensitivity of one single test is around 50%; however, the sensitivity increases to approximately 90% with tests performed on three different mornings. If a worm is visualized in the perianal area or the stool, a pathological examination of the worm will yield a definitive diagnosis. As pinworms and eggs are not usually passed in the stool, examination of the stool is not recommended. The drugs of choice for the treatment of pinworm infestation are mebendazole (100 mg), pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg, maximum 1 g), and albendazole (400 mg), all of the above-mentioned drugs are given in a single dose and repeated in two weeks. Mebendazole and albendazole are both adulticidal and ovicidal, whereas pyrantel pamoate is only adulticidal. Given their safety and effectiveness, mebendazole and albendazole are currently the best available drugs for the treatment of pinworm infestation. For pregnant women, pyrantel is preferred to mebendazole and albendazole. Treatment of all household members should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated symptomatic infections because reinfection is common even when effective medication is given. CONCLUSION: In spite of effective treatment of pinworm infestation, recurrences are common. Recurrences are likely due to repeated cycles of reinfection (particularly, autoinfection) because of the short life span of adult pinworms. Good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, especially after bowel movements and before meals, clipping of fingernails, avoidance of finger-sucking, nail-biting, and scratching in the anogenital area, are important preventive measures. Treatment of all household members should be considered, especially if there are multiple or repeated symptomatic infections.
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OBJECTIVE: To examine the pattern of kidney function progression after acute kidney injury (AKI) and identify the associated risk factors. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2020 to June 2021 on children aged 1 month to <18 years admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Acute kidney disease (AKD) was defined as AKI persisting from 7 to 90 days after diagnosis. The natural history and prognostic factors of kidney function progression were determined. RESULTS: Among the 253 admissions with a median (IQR) age of 4.9 (9.7) years, the AKI and AKD incidence was 41.9% and 52.2% respectively. The incidence of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 6.7% at 90 days and 11.9% at latest follow-up. Severe and prolonged AKI and higher degree of nephrotoxic medication exposure were associated with AKD development. The severity and duration of AKI and AKD significantly predicted kidney function non-recovery. Children with both entities exhibited a higher peak-to-baseline serum creatinine level ratio at 90 days (1.6 vs 1.0, p<0.001), and a more pronounced decline in eGFR (21% vs 19%, p=0.028) during the follow-up period compared with those without AKI/AKD. They also had an increased risk of having eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 90 days (HR 14.9 (95% CI 1.8 to 124.0)) and latest follow-up (HR 3.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 13.1)). CONCLUSIONS: AKI and AKD are prevalent among critically ill children and pose substantial risk for non-recovery of kidney function among PICU survivors. A structural follow-up visit for AKI survivors to monitor kidney function progression is advocated.
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Lesión Renal Aguda , Niño , Humanos , Estudios de Cohortes , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Lesión Renal Aguda/epidemiología , Lesión Renal Aguda/etiología , Enfermedad Aguda , Sobrevivientes , Factores de Riesgo , Riñón , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Worldwide, iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder and the leading cause of anemia in children, especially in developing countries. When present in early childhood, especially if severe and prolonged, iron deficiency anemia can result in neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits, which may not always be fully reversible even following the correction of iron deficiency anemia. OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and management of children with iron deficiency anemia. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted in February 2023 in Clinical Queries using the key term "iron deficiency anemia". The search strategy included all clinical trials (including open trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and randomized controlled trials), observational studies (including case reports and case series), and reviews (including narrative reviews, clinical guidelines, and meta-analyses) published within the past 10 years. Google, UpToDate, and Wikipedia were also searched to enrich the review. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: Iron deficiency anemia is most common among children aged nine months to three years and during adolescence. Iron deficiency anemia can result from increased demand for iron, inadequate iron intake, decreased iron absorption (malabsorption), increased blood loss, and rarely, defective plasma iron transport. Most children with mild iron deficiency anemia are asymptomatic. Pallor is the most frequent presenting feature. In mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia, poor appetite, fatigability, lassitude, lethargy, exercise intolerance, irritability, and dizziness may be seen. In severe iron deficiency anemia, tachycardia, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and poor capillary refilling may occur. When present in early childhood, especially if severe and prolonged, iron deficiency anemia can result in neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits, which may not always be fully reversible even with the correction of iron deficiency anemia. A low hemoglobin and a peripheral blood film showing hypochromia, microcytosis, and marked anisocytosis, should arouse suspicion of iron deficiency anemia. A low serum ferritin level may confirm the diagnosis. Oral iron therapy is the first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia. This can be achieved by oral administration of one of the ferrous preparations, which is the most cost-effective medication for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The optimal response can be achieved with a dosage of 3 to 6 mg/kg of elemental iron per day. Parenteral iron therapy or red blood cell transfusion is usually not necessary. CONCLUSION: In spite of a decline in prevalence, iron deficiency anemia remains a common cause of anemia in young children and adolescents, especially in developing countries; hence, its prevention is important. Primary prevention can be achieved by supplementary iron or iron fortification of staple foods. The importance of dietary counseling and nutritional education cannot be overemphasized. Secondary prevention involves screening for, diagnosing, and treating iron deficiency anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal laboratory screening for iron deficiency anemia at approximately one year of age for healthy children. Assessment of risk factors associated with iron deficiency anemia should be performed at this time. Selective laboratory screening should be performed at any age when risk factors for iron deficiency anemia have been identified.
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Anemia Ferropénica , Anemia , Adolescente , Niño , Humanos , Preescolar , Anemia Ferropénica/diagnóstico , Anemia Ferropénica/etiología , Anemia Ferropénica/terapia , Hierro/uso terapéutico , Anemia/complicaciones , Anemia/diagnóstico , Anemia/tratamiento farmacológicoAsunto(s)
Reanimación Cardiopulmonar , Servicios Médicos de Urgencia , Recién Nacido , Humanos , NiñoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tubular dysfunction can cause electrolyte disturbances with potentially serious consequences. We studied the epidemiology and outcomes of electrolyte disturbances and tubular dysfunction among critically ill children and evaluated their relationships with acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study recruiting children aged 1 month to ≤ 18 years old admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from 6/2020 to 6/2021. The serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were reviewed and simultaneous urinary investigations for tubular function were performed among children with electrolyte disturbances. RESULTS: Altogether there were 253 episodes of admission. The median (interquartile) age was 4.9 (1.3-11.0) years and 58.1% were male. The median number of electrolyte disorders was 3 (2-4) types. Hypophosphatemia (74.2%), hypocalcemia (70.3%) and hypermagnesemia (52.9%) were the three commonest types of disturbances. Urinary electrolyte wasting was commonly observed among children with hypomagnesemia (70.6%), hypophosphatemia (67.4%) and hypokalemia (28.6%). Tubular dysfunction was detected in 82.6% of patients and urinary ß2-microglobulin level significantly correlated with the severity of tubular dysfunction (p < 0.001). The development of tubular dysfunction was independent of AKI status. Tubular dysfunction was associated with mortality (p < 0.001) and was an independent predictor of PICU length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001). The incorporation of the tubular dysfunction severity into the AKI staging system improved the prediction of PICU LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Tubular dysfunction was associated with both morbidity and mortality in critically ill children and its assessment may help to capture a more comprehensive picture of acute kidney insult.
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Lesión Renal Aguda , Hipofosfatemia , Desequilibrio Hidroelectrolítico , Niño , Humanos , Masculino , Lactante , Femenino , Estudios Prospectivos , Enfermedad Crítica , Desequilibrio Hidroelectrolítico/epidemiología , Magnesio , Lesión Renal Aguda/epidemiología , Lesión Renal Aguda/etiología , Hipofosfatemia/epidemiología , Hipofosfatemia/etiología , ElectrólitosRESUMEN
Background: Paediatric cardiac arrest outcomes, especially for infants, remain poor. Due to different training, resource differences, and historical reasons, paediatric cardiac arrest algorithms for various Asia countries vary. While there has been a common basic life support algorithm for adults by the Resuscitation Council of Asia (RCA), there is no common RCA algorithm for paediatric life support.We aimed to review published paediatric life support guidelines from different Asian resuscitation councils. Methods: Pubmed and Google Scholar search were performed for published paediatric basic and advanced life support guidelines from January 2015 to June 2023. Paediatric representatives from the Resuscitation Council of Asia were sought and contacted to provide input from September 2022 till June 2023. Results: While most of the components of published paediatric life support algorithms of Asian countries are similar, there are notable variations in terms of age criteria for recommended use of adult basic life support algorithms in the paediatric population less than 18 years old, recommended paediatric chest compression depth targets, ventilation rates post-advanced airway intra-arrest, and first defibrillation dose for shockable rhythms in paediatric cardiac arrest. Conclusion: This was an overview and mapping of published Asian paediatric resuscitation algorithms. It highlights similarities across paediatric life support guidelines in Asian countries. There were some differences in components of paediatric life support which highlight important knowledge gaps in paediatric resuscitation science. The minor differences in the paediatric life support guidelines endorsed by the member councils may provide a framework for prioritising resuscitation research and highlight knowledge gaps in paediatric resuscitation.
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Sleep bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible during sleep, is common in children. Sleep bruxism occurs while the patient is asleep. As such, diagnosis can be difficult as the affected child is usually unaware of the tooth grinding sounds. This article aims to familiarize physicians with the diagnosis and management of sleep bruxism in children. A search was conducted in May 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Bruxism" OR "Teeth grinding" AND "sleep". The search strategy included all observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. According to the International classification of sleep disorders, the minimum criteria for the diagnosis of sleep bruxism are (1) the presence of frequent or regular (at least three nights per week for at least three months) tooth grinding sounds during sleep and (2) at least one or more of the following (a) abnormal tooth wear; (b) transient morning jaw muscle fatigue or pain; (c) temporary headache; or (d) jaw locking on awaking. According to the International Consensus on the assessment of bruxism, "possible" sleep bruxism can be diagnosed based on self-report or report from family members of tooth-grinding sounds during sleep; "probable" sleep bruxism based on self-report or report from family members of tooth-grinding sounds during sleep plus clinical findings suggestive of bruxism (e.g., abnormal tooth wear, hypertrophy and/or tenderness of masseter muscles, or tongue/lip indentation); "definite" sleep bruxism based on the history and clinical findings and confirmation by polysomnography, preferably combined with video and audio recording. Although polysomnography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sleep bruxism, because of the high cost, lengthy time involvement, and the need for high levels of technical competence, polysomnography is not available for use in most clinical settings. On the other hand, since sleep bruxism occurs while the patient is asleep, diagnosis can be difficult as the affected child is usually unaware of the tooth grinding sounds. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of sleep bruxism is often based on the history (e.g., reports of grinding noises during sleep) and clinical findings (e.g., tooth wear, hypertrophy and/or tenderness of masseter muscles). In childhood, sleep-bruxism is typically self-limited and does not require specific treatment. Causative or triggering factors should be eliminated if possible. The importance of sleep hygiene cannot be over-emphasized. Bedtime should be relaxed and enjoyable. Mental stimulation and physical activity should be limited before going to bed. For adults with frequent and severe sleep bruxism who do not respond to the above measures, oral devices can be considered to protect teeth from further damage during bruxism episodes. As the orofacial structures are still developing in the pediatric age group, the benefits and risks of using oral devices should be taken into consideration. Pharmacotherapy is not a favorable option and is rarely used in children. Current evidence on the effective interventions for the management of sleep bruxism in children is inconclusive. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific treatment at this time.
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INTRODUCTION: Appendicitis is a common childhood condition that can be diagnostically challenging. Severe cases may necessitate support in the critical or intensive care unit. These "critical appendicitis diagnoses" have rarely been described. CASE DESCRIPTION: We retrospective reviewed the PICU database of the Hong Kong Children's Hospital and identified cases of suspected and confirmed appendicitis. Clinical features, radiologic findings and final diagnosis of each case were summarized and reported in this case series. We review six anonymized cases of appendicitis managed in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to illustrate the different age spectrum and clinical manifestations of the condition. Rupture of the inflamed appendix, peritonitis and pancreatitis were some of the complications encountered. Crohn disease was found in one case as an underlying diagnosis. Also, one girl clinically diagnosed with appendicitis was found to be a case of ruptured hepatoblastoma with no appendicitis (i.e., pseudoappendicitis). CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis, surgical removal of the inflamed appendix, and use of appropriate antimicrobials when indicated are essential in reducing mortality and morbidity associated with severe appendicitis. Significant premorbid conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia, mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis syndrome (MELAS), inflammatory bowel disease and complications may be present in patients needing intensive care as is illustrated in the present cases. Pseudoappendicitis is an important differential diagnosis. Imaging is crucial and useful in establishing and confirming the diagnosis of appendicitis and pseudo-appendicitis in these PICU cases.
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INTRODUCTION: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) cause significant mortality and morbidity in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Early recognition and prompt treatment of invasive fungal infections are important. This article reviewed the mortality and morbidity of IFIs in the PICU of Hong Kong Children's Hospital.
Methods: Retrospective review of all PICU admissions from April 2019 to May 2021. The following data were retrieved: age, gender, diagnosis, comorbidity, clinical manifestation, type of fungus, duration of stay at PICU, absolute neutrophil count, use of immunosuppressive therapy, presence of central venous catheter and use of total parental nutrition. The primary outcomes were the incidence and mortality of IFIs among PICU patients. The secondary outcomes were risk factors for developing IFI in PICU and clinical course of IFIs. Numerical variables were compared between groups by Mann-Whitney U test and categorical variables by Fisher's exact test.
Results: There were 692 PICU admissions over the study period from April 2019 to May 2021. There were 24 death cases during this period of time. The crude mortality was 3%. Fourteen patients (2%) fulfilling the criteria for IFIs were identified using hospital electronic record system and according to PICU documentation. Eight of these 14 patients (57%) had hematological malignancy, 2 (17%) had solid tumours and 4 had non-oncological conditions. There were 4 (29%) patients who had received hematopoietic stem cells transplant because of oncological problems. Six patients (43%) were neutropenic with absolute neutrophil count less than 1x 109 at diagnosis of IFI. Six (43%) had received immunosuppressive therapy including steroid, cyclosporin A, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Sirolimus or tacrolimus. 12 (86%) had had central venous catheter. Eight (57%) were on parenteral nutrition. Rhizopus or Aspergillus infection (5/14) were associated with nonsurvival (p = 0.031).
Conclusion: All patients with IFIs managed in the PICU have haemato-oncology diseases or are recipients of stem cell transplantation. IFIs with Rhizopus or Aspergillus as a group are associated with high mortality in the PICU. Awareness of this pathology with prompt diagnosis and treatment may improve the outcome of these infections and reduce the mortality.