A randomized controlled trial of one bag vs. two bag system of fluid delivery in children with diabetic ketoacidosis: Experience from a developing country.

PURPOSE: To compare one vs. two bag system with respect to blood glucose variability (BGV), time for resolution of acidosis and incidence of hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and cerebral edema in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an open labelled randomized controlled trial, thirty consecutive patients ≤12years with DKA were randomized to either one (n=15) or two bag (n=15) system of intravenous fluid delivery. The two bags had similar electrolyte but differing dextrose concentration (none vs. 12.5%) and changing the rate of fluid, delivered different dextrose concentrations. BGV was primary outcome while hypoglycemia (blood glucose, BG<50mg/dL), hypokalemia (serum potassium<3.5mEq/L), time to resolution of acidosis and cerebral edema were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The one and two bag systems had similar BGV parameters; median hourly absolute BG change (mg/dL) [44 (30-74.5) vs. 36 (31-49); p=0.54], mean of standard deviation of BG measurements [65.1 (25.1) vs. 65.5 (26.8); p=0.96] and median number of undesirable events (hourly blood sugar change ≥50mg/dL) [4.5 (1.75-6.0) vs. 5.0 (3.0-8.0); p=0.31]. The incidence of hypoglycemia [42.9% (n=6) vs. 26.7% (n=4); p=0.45] and hypokalemia [64% (n=9) vs. 67% (n=10); p=0.23], and mean (SD) time to resolution of acidosis [20.3 (14.8) and 20.3 (7.0); p=0.59] were similar in both the groups. None had cerebral edema. CONCLUSIONS: The one and two bag systems were similar to each other with respect to BGV, incidence of complications and time to resolution of acidosis.

Epidemiological study of a large cluster of fungaemia cases due to Kodamaea ohmeri in an Indian tertiary care centre.

While performing molecular confirmation of phenotypically identified Candida tropicalis isolates, we re-identified a few isolates as Kodamaea ohmeri. This led us to the present epidemiological investigation of K. ohmeri fungaemia cases. All phenotypically identified C. tropicalis blood isolates during October 2008 through to December 2009 at our advanced paediatric centre were included for molecular identification by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer and D1/D2 regions of rDNA. After identifying a large cluster K. ohmeri fungaemia cases, a case-control study was carried out retrospectively to analyse potential risk factors for K. ohmeri fungaemia. Molecular typing of the isolates was performed using a fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) technique. The antifungal susceptibility testing was performed as per the M27-A3 protocol of CLSI. Thirty-eight (25.7%) of 148 phenotypically identified C. tropicalis isolates were confirmed as K. ohmeri by sequencing and FAFLP. By case-control analysis, piperacillin-tazobactam was significantly associated with the K. ohmeri fungaemia. The FAFLP analysis showed that all K. ohmeri isolates had >92% similarity. The azoles and echinocandins had good in vitro activity against K. ohmeri, though 86.8% of the isolates had MIC of 1 mg/L for amphotericin B. The response to antifungal therapy could be evaluated in 27 patients and 70.4% of patients recovered after antifungal therapy. The present study reports the largest cluster of K. ohmeri fungaemia from a single centre. The study also stresses the need for accurate identification of clinical yeast isolates.

Vitamin D levels during and after resolution of ketoacidosis in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To study the effect of ketoacidosis on measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Measurement of pH and bicarbonate levels was carried out in children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes at presentation with ketoacidosis. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 estimation was carried out at presentation (timepoint 1) and 1 month later (timepoint 2). There was no significant difference in the mean (±sd) 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels [35.39 (±25.79) vs 39.63 (±48.03) nmol/L; P = 0.661) at the two timepoints in the study. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between bicarbonate levels and timepoint 1, i.e. the lower the bicarbonate levels, the lower were the timepoint 1 levels and vice versa (correlation coefficient 0.538, P = 0.001). Timepoint 2 levels also showed a positive correlation with serum bicarbonate levels with a correlation coefficient of 0.379 (P = 0.032). None of the variables other than bicarbonate,.(age, gender, BMI, pH or time), was found to have the predictive ability for timepoint1 levels. Similarly for predicting timepoint 2 levels, BMI was found to have independent predictive ability in addition to bicarbonate. CONCLUSIONS: Severe ketoacidosis, as judged by bicarbonate but not pH, may transiently lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in children with new onset Type 1 diabetes. Persistence of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels after resolution of ketoacidosis suggests a state of permanent vitamin D deficiency in our patient population.

(18)F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography in Multifocal Pyomyositis.

(18)F-Fluoro-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings in a case presenting with pyomyositis are presented in this report.

Potential risk of hypoxaemia in patients with severe pneumonia but no hypoxaemia on initial assessment: a prospective pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends oxygen therapy for children under 5 years of age with pneumonia and lower chest indrawing. In patients with severe pneumonia who are initially normoxaemic, there is little information on the risk of subsequently developing hypoxaemia and the benefit of routine oxygen therapy. OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence of subsequent hypoxaemia in initially normoxaemic children with pneumonia and lower chest indrawing. METHODS: Children (n = 58, 3-59 mths) with pneumonia, lower chest indrawing and normoxaemia (SpO(2) >90%) were randomly assigned to receive supplemental oxygen (nasal prongs, 1-2 L/min flow) (n = 29) or room air (n = 29). Vital signs and SpO(2) were monitored continuously and recorded every 6 hours. Outcome variables were incidence of hypoxaemia, length of tachypnoea and lower chest indrawing. RESULTS: The two groups had similar demographic and clinical profiles. Thirty-one patients (53%) developed hypoxaemia later, without significant differences between the two arms (RR 0·61, 95% CI 0·36-1·04). Patients who developed hypoxaemia later were similar to those who did not, except for a lower SpO(2) on enrolment. However, they took more time to recover from tachypnoea (P<0·05), chest indrawing (P<0·05) and fever, indicating that they had more severe disease. Early oxygen therapy did not alter the course of disease. CONCLUSIONS: About half of the normoxaemic patients with severe pneumonia developed hypoxaemia after enrolment, indicating a significant potential risk. Children hospitaled with severe pneumonia might benefit from routine oxygen therapy. Alternatively, oxygen might be provided to those who develop hypoxaemia identified by a pulse oximeter.

White-gray matter echogenicity ratio and resistive index: sonographic bedside markers of cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury/edema?

OBJECTIVE: Head ultrasonography (HUS) is a reliable and easy to perform bedside imaging technique that can give valuable information about degree of brain injury/edema after perinatal asphyxia in term neonates. The goals of our study were to determine whether semiquantitative markers such as standardized white matter/gray matter (WM/GM) echogenicity ratio and resistive index (RI) value measured by HUS differs between asphyxiated term neonates and healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-one carefully selected term neonates who suffered from perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) were included in the study. The ratio of the WM/GM echogenicity of the cingulate gyrus was calculated. In addition, the RI value was measured in the anterior cerebral artery. US scalars were compared with 11 healthy neonates. RESULT: WM/GM ratio is significantly increased and RI value significantly decreased in asphyxiated term neonates compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: WM/GM ratio and RI value allows discriminating between asphyxiated neonates and healthy subjects. These US scalars may serve as valuable, easy to acquire semiquantitative bedside markers of brain HIE, when magnetic resonance imaging is unavailable or cannot be performed in the acute setting.

Tecto-cerebellar dysraphism with occipital encephalocele: not a distinct disorder, but part of the Joubert syndrome spectrum?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings in a 4-year-old child with occipital encephalocele, cerebellar vermis hypogenesis, and tectal malformation are presented. The neuroimaging findings are reminiscent of tectocerebellar dysraphism with an occipital encephalocele (TCD-OE). Additionally, elongated, thickened, and horizontally orientated superior cerebellar peduncles, an abnormally deepened interpeduncular fossa, subependymal heterotopia, and focal cortical dysplasia were noted. Color-coded fractional anisotropy (FA) maps revealed an absence of the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncles. These findings are highly suggestive of Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD). Our report and the review of the published cases suggest that TCD-OE is not a nosological entity, but may represent the structural manifestation of heterogeneous disorders such as the JSRD spectrum. DTI may be very helpful to differentiate between similar midbrain-hindbrain malformations.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatric critical care nurses towards pain: survey in a developing country setting.

BACKGROUND: Nurses' knowledge, sensitivity and attitudes about pain in children and its management affect their response and therefore management of pediatric pain. Children in critical care units undergo more painful procedures than those in general wards. AIMS: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing personnel catering to critically ill children in a developing country. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective questionnaire-based survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital on nursing personnel in three pediatric/neonatal intensive care units. The domains studied were: i. Training and experience, ii. Knowledge of pediatric pain, iii. Individual attitude towards pain in children, iv. Personal practice(s) for pain alleviation, v. Pain assessment, and vi. Non-pharmacological measures adopted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 81 nursing personnel working in the three critical care units, 56 (69.1%) responded to the questionnaire. Only one-third of them had received formal training in pediatric nursing. Fifty percent of the respondents felt that infants perceive less pain than adults. Training in pediatric nursing was a significant contributing factor in the domain of knowledge (P=0.03). Restraint and distraction were the common modalities employed to facilitate painful procedures. Scientific approaches like eutectic mixture of local anesthetic and the judicious use of sedatives were not adopted routinely. Observing a child's face and posture were widely used parameters to assess pain (83%). None of the three critical care areas used a scoring system to assess pain. CONCLUSIONS: There are several lacunae in the knowledge and practice of nurses in developing countries which need to be improved by training.

Tectorial membrane injury: frequently overlooked in pediatric traumatic head injury.

REHs and tectorial membrane injuries are rare complications of pediatric head and neck injuries. We aim to describe the neuroimaging findings in pediatric REHs, to summarize the mechanism of injury, and to correlate the imaging findings with the clinical presentation. We retrospectively evaluated CT and/or MR imaging studies of 10 children with traumatic REH. Most patients were involved in MVAs. The tectorial membrane was injured in 70% of patients, and REHs were medium to large in 80%. None of the patients had a focal spinal cord or brain stem injury, craniocervical junction dislocation, or vertebral fractures. Tectorial membrane disruption was diagnosed in most patients without craniocervical junction-related symptoms. Tectorial membrane lesions and REHs were seen in young children who sustained high-speed head and neck injuries. Clinical symptoms may be minimal or misleading. The radiologist should be aware of these injuries in children. MR imaging appears to be more sensitive than CT.

Changing trends and predictors of outcome in patients with acute poisoning admitted to the intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Acute poisoning in children is a medical emergency and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Knowledge about the nature, magnitude, outcome and predictors of outcome is necessary for management and allocation of scant resources. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of an urban multi speciality teaching and referral hospital in North India from January 1993 to June 2008 to determine the epidemiology, clinical profile, outcome and predictors of outcome in children with acute poisoning. Data of 225 children with acute poisoning was retrieved from case records with respect to demographic profile, time to presentation, PRISM score, clinical features, investigations, therapeutic measures, complications and outcome in terms of survival or death. Survivors and non-survivors were compared to determine the predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Acute poisoning constituted 3.9% of total PICU admissions; almost all (96.9%) were accidental. The mean age of study patient's was 3.3 ± 3.1 (range 0.10-12) years with majority (61.3%) being toddlers (1-3 years). In the overall cohort, kerosene (27.1%) and prescription drugs (26.7%) were the most common causative agents followed by organophosphates (16.0%), corrosives (7.6%), carbamates (4.9%) and aluminum phosphide (4.9%). However the trends of the three 5-year interval (1993 till the end of 1997, 1998 till the end of 2002 and 2003 till the end of June 2008) revealed a significant decrease in kerosene, aluminum phosphide and iron with increase in organophosphate compound poisoning. Ninety nine (44%) patients required supplemental oxygen, of which nearly half (n = 42; 42.4%) needed mechanical ventilation. Twenty (8.9%) died; cause of death being iron poisoning in five; aluminum phosphide in four; organophosphates in three and one each because of kerosene, diesel, carbamate, corrosive, sewing machine lubricant, isoniazid, salicylate and maduramycin poisoning. There has been a significant decrease in the mortality over the years. The non-survivors were older, had a higher PRISM score and hypotension at admission and higher need for oxygen and ventilation. On multiple logistic regression analysis hypotension at admission was the most significant predictor of death (adjusted odds ratio: 5.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.38-22.63; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Acute poisoning in children over the past 15 years has shown a changing trend with significant decrease in kerosene, iron and aluminum phosphide and an increase in organophosphate and prescription drugs. The overall mortality has decreased significantly. Hypotension at admission was the most significant predictor of death.

Inferior pontine segmentation abnormality in a child with sensorineural deafness: DTI analysis of fiber tracts.

MRI/DTI data are presented in a child with sensoneurinal hearing loss and swallowing disorder. MRI/DTI revealed hypoplastic 8th cranial nerves and an inferior pontine segmentation abnormality. Color-coded FA-maps revealed diminished/absent fiber tracts within the affected brainstem segment. This report may add another small puzzle piece to the ongoing research on brainstem malformations.

Aerosolized L-epinephrine vs budesonide for post extubation stridor: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of aerosolized L-epinephrine vs budesonide in the treatment of post-extubation stridor. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary teaching and referral hospital. SUBJECTS: Sixty two patients with a stridor score ?4 following extubation. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to receive either aerosolized L-epinephrine (n=32) or budesonide (n =30). Respiratory rate, heart rate, stridor score, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were recorded from 0 min to 24 hours. OUTCOME MEASURES: Stridor score remaining at >4, need for renebulization and reintubation between 20 min to 24 hours were primary outcome measures. Tachycardia (HR > normal for age), hypertension (BP >95th centile for age) and hypoxia (SpO2 < 92% for 5 min) were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Both drugs showed a significant and comparable decline in the median (95% CI) stridor scores from baseline to 60 min [4 (4.10-4.50) to 2.00 (1.46-2.67) for budesonide vs 4 (4.12-5.00) to 2.00 (1.31 -2.75) for epinephrine]. At 2 hours, the stridor scores were significantly lower in the epinephrine as compared to budesonide group [0.00 (0.69-1.81) vs 3.00(1.75-3.32); P =0.02)]. However, the proportion of patients with stridor score >4 at any time between 20 min to 24 hrs (53.3% vs 53.1%; P=0.99), need for renebulization (40% vs 43.8%; P=0.76) and reintubation (20% vs 25%, P=0.638), and adverse effects were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both aerosolized L-epinephrine and budesonide were equally effective in their initial therapeutic response in post-extubation stridor. However, epinephrine showed a more sustained effect.

Invasive zygomycosis in India: experience in a tertiary care hospital.

AIM: To report the natural history and clinical course of zygomycosis from a single tertiary care centre in India where doctors maintain an institutional zygomycosis registry. METHODS: The clinical and laboratory data collected prospectively from patients with antemortem diagnosis for invasive zygomycosis, and retrospectively from autopsy diagnosed cases, over an 18 month period (July 2006-December 2007) were combined and analysed. RESULTS: During the period 75 cases (50 cases/year) of zygomycosis were reported. Antemortem diagnosis could be made in 81% of cases and 9% of patients had nosocomial zygomycosis. The spectrum of disease included rhino-orbito-cerebral (48%), pulmonary (17%), gastrointestinal (13%), cutaneous (11%), renal and disseminated zygomycosis (5% each). Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (58%) and diabetic ketoacidosis (38%) in the rhino-orbito-cerebral type, renal failure (69%) in the pulmonary type, prematurity (70%) in the gastrointestinal type, and breach of skin (88%) in cutaneous zygomycosis, were the significant (p<0.05) underlying illnesses. Rhizopus oryzae (69%) was the most common isolate followed by Apophysomyces elegans (19%). Overall mortality was 45% in patients who could be treated. Outcome was significantly poor when surgical debridement could not be performed or the patients were treated only with amphotericin B deoxycholate. On multivariate analysis, patients with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) >or=9 had a better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Zygomycosis is a threat in uncontrolled diabetes. New risk factors such as renal failure and chronic liver disease require attention. A elegans is an emerging agent in India. The need for surgical debridement in addition to medical treatment is emphasised. GCS is an independent marker of prognosis in cases of invasive zygomycosis.

Free water excess is not the main cause for hyponatremia in critically ill children receiving conventional maintenance fluids.

OBJECTIVE: To examine occurrence of hyponatremia in critically ill children receiving conventional maintenance fluids (0.18% saline in 5% dextrose) and its relationship with electrolyte free water (EFW), sodium intake and natriuresis. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Thirty eight patients, 3 months-12 years, consecutively admitted to PICU over 30 days. Main outcome measure was occurrence of hyponatremia (serum sodium < 130 mEq/L). Serum and urinary sodium, and osmolality were measured, and type and volume of intravenous fluids and total urine output were recorded 12 hourly. Daily intake of sodium and EFW, urinary sodium excretion and net balance of fluid and sodium were estimated from above. Data of hyponatremic and non-hyponatremic patients was compared using ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Fourteen episodes of hyponatremia were recorded in 12 patients over 397 patient days (3.5 episodes/100 patient days). Their mean (SD) serum sodium dropped from 139 (9.3) at admission to 128 (1.0) mEq/L, over a median interval of 3.5 days (range 1-15 days). Net fluid and sodium balance in hyponatremic patients did not differ significantly from non-hyponatremic patients. Within the hyponatremic group, sodium intake, urinary sodium and sodium balance were similar before and after the occurrence of hyponatremia, while total fluid (P=0.009) and EFW intake (P=0.001) were lower in the days preceding hyponatremia. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid and sodium balance, magnitude of natriuresis and EFW intake alone did not explain occurrence of hyponatremia in critically ill children; contribution of other mechanisms needs to be studied.

Nosocomial pneumonia in a pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) is the second most common hospital acquired infection. Understanding the pattern of occurrence, risk factors and etiological agents of NP in a PICU, is essential for developing effective infection control measures. This prospective observational study was conducted in a PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital, to determine the incidence, etiology and risk factors for NP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted to the PICU, over a period of 1 year who had endotracheal (ET) intubation, were enrolled consecutively into the study. Demographic details were recorded at the time of inclusion. Diagnosis of NP was based on CDC criteria (1988). Semiquantiative assay of endotracheal aspirate (ETA) with a colony count of > 10(5) cfu/mL was taken as evidence of infection. Colonisation was defined as isolation of organism with <10(5) cfu/mL. Age, nutritional status, number and duration of intubations, duration of mechanical ventilation, sedation, nasogastric feeding were the risk factors studied for development of NP. Intubation attempts of more than one were defined as reintubation. Risk factors found significant on univariate analysis, were subjected to multiple regression analysis to determine the most important predictors of NP. RESULTS: The study group comprised of 72 children with a median age of 3.7 years and boys: girls ratio of 1.9:1. Twenty two of 72 (30.5%) developed NP; the predominant isolates from ETA were Acinetobacter anitratus(12), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5), Klebsiella sp(3) and Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli(1) each. Additionally 18(39%) had evidence of ET colonization, with Acinetobacter sp being the commonest 9(50%). Re-intubation, prolonged duration of intubation and mechanical ventilation were the significant risk factors on univariate analysis for development of NP. On multiple regression analysis, reintubation was the only independent risk factor for NP(OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.55-0.94). Overall mortality was 21%(15/72);7(47%)of these deaths were secondary to NP. CONCLUSIONS: NP developed in nearly one third of the intubated patients; Gram negative organisms were the predominant etiological agents and associated with high mortality. Re-intubation, prolonged duration of intubation and mechanical ventilation were the significant risk factors on univariate analysis for development of NP. On multiple regression analysis, reintubation was the only independent risk factor for NP.

Role of dexamethasone and oral glycerol in reducing hearing and neurological sequelae in children with bacterial meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of dexamethasone and oral glycerol in reducing hearing and neurological sequelae in children with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM). DESIGN: Prospective double blind, placebo controlled randomized study. SETTING: Pediatric services of a tertiary care teaching and referral hospital. SUBJECTS: Children 2 months to 12 years with a diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis admitted between June 2002 to September 2003. INTERVENTION: Subjects were assigned randomly to receive dexamethasone, glycerol, dexamethasone+glycerol or placebo. Neurological and hearing impairment was assessed at discharge and after 1 month. RESULTS: 58 children (48 boys, 10 girls), mean age 50.2 +/- 41.0 months, were studied. Twelve patients received dexamethasone, 13 glycerol, 20 dexamethasone + glycerol and 13 placebo. Bacterial etiology was ascertained in 24 patients: Streptococcus pneumoniae-10, H influenzae b-7, Staph. aureus-5 and others-2. Three (5.2%) children died during hospital stay and 55 survived. Seven (12%) patients had neurological sequelae (3 in glycerol, 3 in dexamethasone+glycerol, 1 in placebo group, P = 0.29), and 10 patients (17%) had hearing sequelae (2 in glycerol, 3 in dexamethasone, 2 dexamethasone + glycerol and 3 in placebo group, P = 0.68). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was seen in neurological or hearing outcome with use of either glycerol or dexamethasone in children with acute bacterial meningitis.

Study of nosocomial primary bloodstream infections in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are the commonest cause of nosocomial infections (NI) in PICU. Knowledge about their magnitude, risk factors and outcome are important in devising appropriate prevention and control measures. Our objective was to study the incidence, etiology, risk factors and outcome of primary BSI in PICU. A prospective cohort of 285 patients consecutively admitted to PICU from July 2003-04, having a stay of >48 h, were enrolled and monitored for BSI till discharge from ICU or death. Primary BSI was defined as per CDC criteria 1988. Data of patients with BSI was compared with those without BSI with respect to demographic details, PRISM III, primary diagnosis, nutritional status, device utilization and invasive procedures to identify risk factors for BSI. Variables significant on univariate analysis were subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis. Outcome was measured as length of PICU stay (LOS) and survival or death. There were 116 episodes of primary BSI in 86 (30%) patients; the incidence being 31.2 episodes/1000 patient days. The mean age of the patients with BSI was 3.7 +/- 3.5 years. Predominant isolates were Gram-negative (53.5%); Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 21) being the commonest. Staphylococcus aureus (n = 18) was the most common Gram-positive organism. Seven of the 9 (77.8%) yeast isolates were Candida tropicalis. Younger age, higher PRISM III, lower hemoglobin, pre-existing infection, higher frequency and duration of device utilization (CVC, urinary catheter, endotracheal tube, mechanical ventilation) were significant risk factors on univariate analysis. On multiple logistic regressions, hemoglobin (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.002) duration of urinary catheter (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98, p = 0.015) and pre-existing infection (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23-0.93, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for primary BSI. The median LOS was significantly longer in patients with BSI compared to those without (16 vs. 7 days, p = 0.0001) 47% of patients with BSI died as compared to 26% deaths in the whole cohort (p = 0.002). Just over half the cases of BSI in our PICU were caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Lower hemoglobin, pre-existing infection and prolonged duration of urinary catheter were independent risk factors identified on multivariate analysis. BSI was associated with significantly higher mortality and longer stay in our PICU.

Predictors of outcome in children with hydrocarbon poisoning receiving intensive care.

The retrospective study included 48 children between 8.5 months--10 years, admitted to the PICU of an urban, tertiary care, teaching hospital in northern India from January 1995 to December 2001. Eighteen (38%) patients were hypoxemic on arrival, of which 8 (45%) required mechanical ventilation. Compared to the non-hypoxemic children, the hypoxemic patients were more likely to have received gastric lavage before arrival to our center (Odds Ratio 23.2, 95% CI 2.4 - 560.7) and had higher frequency of severe respiratory distress and leucocytosis (Odds Ratio 8.0, 95% CI 1.79 -38.6). On multiple regression analysis, we could not identify any particular variable that could predict hypoxemia. Secondary pneumonia developed in 16 (33.3%), with the duration of PICU stay being longer in these patients as against those who did not (144 hours vs 72 hours, p <0.05). Two (4.2%) children died and one suffered hypoxic sequelae. Prior lavage, hypoxemia at admission, need for ventilation, secondary sepsis and ventilator related complications were associated with poor outcome.