Profile of patients in private home care who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the profile and clinical outcomes of patients who developed Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in private home care and to compare the incidence with national data. METHODS: this was a retrospective study with data collected from July 2021 to June 2022 from patient records at a private clinic. Patients using intermittent ventilation or without ventilatory support were excluded. RESULTS: the utilization rate of mechanical ventilation was 15.9%. The incidence density of pneumonia in pediatrics was 2.2 cases per 1000 ventilation-days and in adults was 1.7 cases per 1000 ventilation-days, figures lower than those reported by the National Health Surveillance Agency. There were 101 episodes of pneumonia in 73 patients, predominantly male (65.8%), adults (53.4%), and those with neurological diseases (57.5%). The treatment regimen predominantly took place at home (80.2%), and there was one death. CONCLUSIONS: patients in home care showed a low incidence and mortality rate from ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Profile of patients in private home care who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia / Perfil de pacientes en asistencia domiciliaria privada que desarrollaron neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica) / Perfil de pacientes na assistência domiciliar privada que desenvolveram pneumonia associada à ventilação

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the profile and clinical outcomes of patients who developed Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in private home care and to compare the incidence with national data. Methods: this was a retrospective study with data collected from July 2021 to June 2022 from patient records at a private clinic. Patients using intermittent ventilation or without ventilatory support were excluded. Results: the utilization rate of mechanical ventilation was 15.9%. The incidence density of pneumonia in pediatrics was 2.2 cases per 1000 ventilation-days and in adults was 1.7 cases per 1000 ventilation-days, figures lower than those reported by the National Health Surveillance Agency. There were 101 episodes of pneumonia in 73 patients, predominantly male (65.8%), adults (53.4%), and those with neurological diseases (57.5%). The treatment regimen predominantly took place at home (80.2%), and there was one death. Conclusions: patients in home care showed a low incidence and mortality rate from ventilator-associated pneumonia.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar el perfil y el desenlace clínico de pacientes que desarrollaron Neumonía Asociada a la Ventilación en Asistencia Domiciliaria privada y comparar la incidencia con datos nacionales. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, con recolección de datos entre julio de 2021 y junio de 2022 en registros médicos de una clínica privada, excluyendo la ventilación intermitente y la ausencia de soporte ventilatorio. Resultados: la tasa de utilización de ventilación mecánica fue del 15,9%. La densidad de neumonía en pediatría fue de 2,2 casos por 1000 ventilaciones-día y en adultos de 1,7 casos por 1000 ventilaciones-día, datos inferiores a los reportados por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria. Se registraron 101 episodios de neumonía en 73 pacientes, en su mayoría varones (65,8%), adultos (53,4%) y con enfermedades neurológicas (57,5%). El régimen de tratamiento prevaleció en el domicilio (80,2%) y se registró un deceso. Conclusiones: los pacientes en Asistencia Domiciliaria presentaron baja incidencia y mortalidad por neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar o perfil e o desfecho clínico de pacientes que desenvolveram Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação em Assistência Domiciliar privada e comparar a incidência com dados nacionais. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, com coleta entre julho de 2021 e junho de 2022 em prontuários de pacientes de uma instituição privada, sendo excluídos a ventilação intermitente e a ausência de suporte ventilatório. Resultados: a taxa de utilização de ventilação mecânica foi de 15,9%. A densidade de pneumonia na pediatria foi de 2,2 casos por 1000 ventilações-dia e em adultos de 1,7 casos por 1000 ventilações-dia, dados inferiores aos reportados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Ocorreram 101 episódios de pneumonia em 73 pacientes, em sua maioria do sexo masculino (65,8%), adultos (53,4%) e com doenças neurológicas (57,5%). O regime de tratamento prevaleceu no domicílio (80,2%) e ocorreu um óbito. Conclusões: os pacientes em Assistência Domiciliar apresentaram baixa incidência e mortalidade por pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica.

Haemodynamic support for paediatric septic shock: a global perspective.

Septic shock is a leading cause of hospitalisation, morbidity, and mortality for children worldwide. In 2020, the paediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) issued evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for children with septic shock and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction based on the evidence available at the time. There are now more trials from multiple settings, including low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), addressing optimal fluid choice and amount, selection and timing of vasoactive infusions, and optimal monitoring and therapeutic endpoints. In response to developments in adult critical care to trial personalised haemodynamic management algorithms, it is timely to critically reassess the current state of applying SSC guidelines in LMIC settings. In this Viewpoint, we briefly outline the challenges to improve sepsis care in LMICs and then discuss three key concepts that are relevant to management of children with septic shock around the world, especially in LMICs. These concepts include uncertainties surrounding the early recognition of paediatric septic shock, choices for initial haemodynamic support, and titration of ongoing resuscitation to therapeutic endpoints. Specifically, given the evolving understanding of clinical phenotypes, we focus on the controversies surrounding the concepts of early fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agent use, including insights gained from experience in LMICs and high-income countries. We outline the key components of sepsis management that are both globally relevant and translatable to low-resource settings, with a view to open the conversation to the large variety of treatment pathways, especially in LMICs. We emphasise the role of simple and easily available monitoring tools to apply the SSC guidelines and to tailor individualised support to the patient's cardiovascular physiology.

Criteria for Pediatric Sepsis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by the Pediatric Sepsis Definition Taskforce.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations of demographic, clinical, laboratory, organ dysfunction, and illness severity variable values with: 1) sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock in children with infection and 2) multiple organ dysfunction or death in children with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 1, 2004, and November 16, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Case-control studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials in children greater than or equal to 37-week-old postconception to 18 years with suspected or confirmed infection, which included the terms "sepsis," "septicemia," or "septic shock" in the title or abstract. DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics, patient demographics, clinical signs or interventions, laboratory values, organ dysfunction measures, and illness severity scores were extracted from eligible articles. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. DATA SYNTHESIS: One hundred and six studies met eligibility criteria of which 81 were included in the meta-analysis. Sixteen studies (9,629 patients) provided data for the sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock outcome and 71 studies (154,674 patients) for the mortality outcome. In children with infection, decreased level of consciousness and higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores were associated with sepsis/severe sepsis. In children with sepsis/severe sepsis/septic shock, chronic conditions, oncologic diagnosis, use of vasoactive/inotropic agents, mechanical ventilation, serum lactate, platelet count, fibrinogen, procalcitonin, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score, Pediatric Index of Mortality-3, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality score each demonstrated significant and consistent associations with mortality. Pooled mortality rates varied among high-, upper middle-, and lower middle-income countries for patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Strong associations of several markers of organ dysfunction with the outcomes of interest among infected and septic children support their inclusion in the data validation phase of the Pediatric Sepsis Definition Taskforce.

The epidemiology of sepsis in paediatric intensive care units in Brazil (the Sepsis PREvalence Assessment Database in Pediatric population, SPREAD PED): an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence and mortality of paediatric sepsis in resource-poor settings are scarce. We aimed to assess the prevalence and in-hospital mortality of severe sepsis and septic shock treated in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Brazil, and risk factors for mortality. METHODS: We performed a nationwide, 1-day, prospective point prevalence study with follow-up of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, using a stratified random sample of all PICUs in Brazil. Patients were enrolled at each participating PICU on a single day between March 25 and 29, 2019. All patients occupying a bed at the PICU on the study day (either admitted previously or on that day) were included if they were aged 28 days to 18 years and met the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock at any time during hospitalisation. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge or death, censored at 60 days. Risk factors for mortality were assessed using a Poisson regression model. We used prevalence to generate national estimates. FINDINGS: Of 241 PICUs invited to participate, 144 PICUs (capacity of 1242 beds) included patients in the study. On the day of the study, 1122 children were admitted to the participating PICUs, of whom 280 met the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock during hospitalisation, resulting in a prevalence of 25·0% (95% CI 21·6-28·8), with a mortality rate of 19·8% (15·4-25·2; 50 of 252 patients with complete clinical data). Increased risk of mortality was associated with higher Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (relative risk per point increase 1·21, 95% CI 1·14-1·29, p<0·0001), unknown vaccination status (2·57, 1·26-5·24; p=0·011), incomplete vaccination status (2·16, 1·19-3·92; p=0·012), health care-associated infection (2·12, 1·23-3·64, p=0·0073), and compliance with antibiotics (2·38, 1·46-3·86, p=0·0007). The estimated incidence of PICU-treated sepsis was 74·6 cases per 100 000 paediatric population (95% CI 61·5-90·5), which translates to 42 374 cases per year (34 940-51 443) in Brazil, with an estimated mortality of 8305 (6848-10 083). INTERPRETATION: In this representative sample of PICUs in a middle-income country, the prevalences of severe sepsis or septic shock and in-hospital mortality were high. Modifiable factors, such as incomplete vaccination and health care-associated infections, were associated with greater risk of in-hospital mortality. FUNDING: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. TRANSLATION: For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Home Care as a safe alternative during the COVID-19 crisis.

INTRODUCTION: There are several reports worldwide about the high mortality related to COVID-19 among residents of nursing homes. The worldwide concern about the safety of patients and professionals in these institutions is relevant. In Brasil, a large part of post-acute care and chronic patients is performed at home through Home Care (HC). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in Home Care patients and the clinical outcomes of these patients; it also aims to assess the impact of the epidemic on the number of patients, new admissions, and hospitalizations. METHODS: A descriptive study of the COVID-19 cases that affected the population in care by Home Doctor (a private company of Home Care), between the months of March 2020 and May 2020 and analysis of the total number of patients, the hospitalization and death rate in the period compared to the pre-epidemic period. RESULTS: There were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 21 of which were male, mean age 73 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities, the most prevalent were: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (54%) and Stroke (35%). The incidence of COVID-19 was 1% in the studied population. There were 10 hospitalizations with 5 hospital deaths and one case of home death (lethality 19%). Safe care was maintained, with a low death rate (0.6%) and hospitalization (6.1%). CONCLUSION: Home Care is able to maintain safe care during the pandemic due to COVID-19, with a low incidence of COVID-19, low hospitalization rate, and low mortality when compared to nursing homes institutions.

Home Care as a safe alternative during the COVID-19 crisis

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: There are several reports worldwide about the high mortality related to COVID-19 among residents of nursing homes. The worldwide concern about the safety of patients and professionals in these institutions is relevant. In Brasil, a large part of post-acute care and chronic patients is performed at home through Home Care (HC). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in Home Care patients and the clinical outcomes of these patients; it also aims to assess the impact of the epidemic on the number of patients, new admissions, and hospitalizations. METHODS: A descriptive study of the COVID-19 cases that affected the population in care by Home Doctor (a private company of Home Care), between the months of March 2020 and May 2020 and analysis of the total number of patients, the hospitalization and death rate in the period compared to the pre-epidemic period. RESULTS: There were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 21 of which were male, mean age 73 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities, the most prevalent were: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (54%) and Stroke (35%). The incidence of COVID-19 was 1% in the studied population. There were 10 hospitalizations with 5 hospital deaths and one case of home death (lethality 19%). Safe care was maintained, with a low death rate (0.6%) and hospitalization (6.1%). CONCLUSION: Home Care is able to maintain safe care during the pandemic due to COVID-19, with a low incidence of COVID-19, low hospitalization rate, and low mortality when compared to nursing homes institutions.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos são os relatos mundiais a respeito da elevada mortalidade relacionada a COVID-19 entre os residentes de instituições de longa permanência. A preocupação demonstrada mundialmente sobre a segurança dos pacientes e profissionais nestas instituições é relevante. No Brasil grande parte dos cuidados pós-agudo e de pacientes crônicos é realizado no domicílio através da Atenção Domiciliar (AD). OBJETIVO: O estudo visa avaliar a incidência de COVID-19 em pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar e o desfecho clínico destes pacientes; objetiva avaliar o impacto da epidemia sobre número de pacientes totais, novas admissões e hospitalizações. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo dos casos de COVID-19 que acometeram população em atendimento pela Home Doctor (empresa privada de Atenção Domiciliar), entre os meses de março de 2020 a maio de 2020 e análise do número total de pacientes, da taxa de hospitalização e óbito no período comparado o período pré-epidemia. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 31 casos confirmados de COVID-19, sendo 21 sexo masculino, idade média 73 anos. Todos os pacientes apresentavam múltiplas comorbidades, sendo as mais prevalentes: Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (54%) e Acidente Vascular Cerebral (35%). A incidência de COVID-19 foi de 1% na população estudada. Ocorreram 10 hospitalizações com 5 óbitos hospitalares e um caso de óbito domiciliar (letalidade 19%). A segurança do atendimento foi mantida, com baixa taxa de óbito (0,6%) e hospitalização (6,1%). CONCLUSÃO: A Atenção Domiciliar é capaz de manter atendimento seguro durante a pandemia por COVID-19, com baixa incidência de COVID-19, baixa taxa de hospitalização e baixa mortalidade quando comparada a instituições de longa permanência.

Pediatric Sepsis Definition-A Systematic Review Protocol by the Pediatric Sepsis Definition Taskforce.

OBJECTIVES: Sepsis is responsible for a substantial proportion of global childhood morbidity and mortality. However, evidence demonstrates major inaccuracies in the use of the term "sepsis" in clinical practice, coding, and research. Current and previous definitions of sepsis have been developed using expert consensus but the specific criteria used to identify children with sepsis have not been rigorously evaluated. Therefore, as part of the Society of Critical Care Medicine's Pediatric Sepsis Definition Taskforce, we will conduct a systematic review to synthesize evidence on individual factors, clinical criteria, or illness severity scores that may be used to identify children with infection who have or are at high risk of developing sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and separately those factors, criteria, and scores that may be used to identify children with sepsis who are at high risk of progressing to multiple organ dysfunction or death. DATA SOURCES: We will identify eligible studies by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. STUDY SELECTION: We will include all randomized trials and cohort studies published between January 1, 2004, and March 16, 2020. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction will include information related to study characteristics, population characteristics, clinical criteria, and outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: We will calculate sensitivity and specificity of each criterion for predicting sepsis and conduct a meta-analysis if the data allow. We will also provide pooled estimates of overall hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The potential risk factors, clinical criteria, and illness severity scores from this review which identify patients with infection who are at high risk of developing sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and/or progressing to multiple organ dysfunction or death will be used to inform the next steps of the Pediatric Sepsis Definition Taskforce.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for children (including infants, school-aged children, and adolescents) with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. DESIGN: A panel of 49 international experts, representing 12 international organizations, as well as three methodologists and three public members was convened. Panel members assembled at key international meetings (for those panel members attending the conference), and a stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in November 2018. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the chairs, co-chairs, methodologists, and group heads, as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development process. METHODS: The panel consisted of six subgroups: recognition and management of infection, hemodynamics and resuscitation, ventilation, endocrine and metabolic therapies, adjunctive therapies, and research priorities. We conducted a systematic review for each Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes question to identify the best available evidence, statistically summarized the evidence, and then assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence-to-decision framework to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or as a best practice statement. In addition, "in our practice" statements were included when evidence was inconclusive to issue a recommendation, but the panel felt that some guidance based on practice patterns may be appropriate. RESULTS: The panel provided 77 statements on the management and resuscitation of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. Overall, six were strong recommendations, 52 were weak recommendations, and nine were best-practice statements. For 13 questions, no recommendations could be made; but, for 10 of these, "in our practice" statements were provided. In addition, 49 research priorities were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A large cohort of international experts was able to achieve consensus regarding many recommendations for the best care of children with sepsis, acknowledging that most aspects of care had relatively low quality of evidence resulting in the frequent issuance of weak recommendations. Despite this challenge, these recommendations regarding the management of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction provide a foundation for consistent care to improve outcomes and inform future research.

Surviving sepsis campaign international guidelines for the management of septic shock and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction in children.

OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for children (including infants, school-aged children, and adolescents) with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. DESIGN: A panel of 49 international experts, representing 12 international organizations, as well as three methodologists and three public members was convened. Panel members assembled at key international meetings (for those panel members attending the conference), and a stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in November 2018. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the chairs, co-chairs, methodologists, and group heads, as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development process. METHODS: The panel consisted of six subgroups: recognition and management of infection, hemodynamics and resuscitation, ventilation, endocrine and metabolic therapies, adjunctive therapies, and research priorities. We conducted a systematic review for each Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes question to identify the best available evidence, statistically summarized the evidence, and then assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence-to-decision framework to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or as a best practice statement. In addition, "in our practice" statements were included when evidence was inconclusive to issue a recommendation, but the panel felt that some guidance based on practice patterns may be appropriate. RESULTS: The panel provided 77 statements on the management and resuscitation of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. Overall, six were strong recommendations, 49 were weak recommendations, and nine were best-practice statements. For 13 questions, no recommendations could be made; but, for 10 of these, "in our practice" statements were provided. In addition, 52 research priorities were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A large cohort of international experts was able to achieve consensus regarding many recommendations for the best care of children with sepsis, acknowledging that most aspects of care had relatively low quality of evidence resulting in the frequent issuance of weak recommendations. Despite this challenge, these recommendations regarding the management of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction provide a foundation for consistent care to improve outcomes and inform future research.

Fracture risk assessment in home care patients using the FRAX® tool.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ten-year risk of hip and osteoporotic fracture in home care patients using the FRAX® tool. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study including patients aged ≥ 40 and ≤ 90 years and receiving home care from a private provider. The risk of fracture was calculated using an online calculator. High risk was defined as risk of hip fracture greater than 3% or risk of osteoporotic fracture greater than 20%. Data were expressed as absolute number (n), relative frequency (%), mean, standard deviation (±) and probability value (p). RESULTS: Eighty-three (37.7%) out of 222 patients were at high risk of fracture. Of these, 81 (36.7%) were at high risk of hip fracture, as follows: 18 patients aged 70-80 years (17 female) and 63 patients aged 80-90 years (51 female). High risk of osteoporotic fracture was limited to two female patients (0.1%) aged over 80 years. CONCLUSION: FRAX® analysis revealed similar fracture risks in the sample and the older adult population overall. Prospective investigation of fracture rates in home care patients, identification of true risk factors and construction of a home care patient-specific clinical score are warranted.

Fracture risk assessment in home care patients using the FRAX® tool / Estimativa do risco de fratura óssea em pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar por meio da ferramenta FRAX®

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the ten-year risk of hip and osteoporotic fracture in home care patients using the FRAX® tool. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study including patients aged ≥ 40 and ≤ 90 years and receiving home care from a private provider. The risk of fracture was calculated using an online calculator. High risk was defined as risk of hip fracture greater than 3% or risk of osteoporotic fracture greater than 20%. Data were expressed as absolute number (n), relative frequency (%), mean, standard deviation (±) and probability value (p). Results Eighty-three (37.7%) out of 222 patients were at high risk of fracture. Of these, 81 (36.7%) were at high risk of hip fracture, as follows: 18 patients aged 70-80 years (17 female) and 63 patients aged 80-90 years (51 female). High risk of osteoporotic fracture was limited to two female patients (0.1%) aged over 80 years. Conclusion FRAX® analysis revealed similar fracture risks in the sample and the older adult population overall. Prospective investigation of fracture rates in home care patients, identification of true risk factors and construction of a home care patient-specific clinical score are warranted.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o risco de fratura de quadril e fratura osteoporótica, em 10 anos, em pacientes em atenção domiciliar, de acordo com a ferramenta FRAX®. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, observacional realizados com pacientes de uma empresa de Assistência Domiciliar com idade ≥40 e ≤90 anos. Foi avaliado o risco de fratura por meio da calculadora on-line, tendo sido considerado elevado risco de fratura de quadril acima de 3% e elevado risco de fratura osteoporótica quando acima de 20%. Os dados foram expressos em número absoluto (n), frequência relativa (%), média, desvio padrão (±) e valor de significância (p). Resultados Dos 222 pacientes, 83 (37,7%) apresentaram alto risco de fratura, sendo 81 (36,7%) casos por elevado risco de fratura de quadril. Destes, 18 deles tinham idade entre 70 e 80 anos (sendo 17 do sexo feminino) e 63 entre 80 e 90 anos (sendo 51 do sexo feminino). O risco elevado de fratura osteoporótica ocorreu em apenas duas pacientes do sexo feminino (0,1%), ambas com idade acima de 80 anos. Conclusão O risco de fratura óssea verificado pela ferramenta FRAX® foi semelhante na população do estudo em relação ao da população idosa em geral. A avaliação prospectiva da incidência de fraturas nos pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar, a identificação dos reais fatores de risco e a personalização do escore clínico para este grupo de pacientes se fazem necessárias.

Early goal-directed therapy in treatment of pediatric septic shock.

In the whole world, around 29,000 children younger than 5 years die every day, and sepsis is the most common cause of death. Whereas in adult patients vasomotor paralysis represents the predominant cause of mortality, death in pediatric sepsis is associated with severe hypovolemia and low cardiac output. The purpose of this article was to review the recent evidence on early treatment of pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock. Although current American College of Critical Care Medicine-Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines represent best practice, stronger evidences are lacking to confirm the components of these recommendations. Retrospective studies showed, at the same time, the positive effects arising from the utilization of American College of Critical Care Medicine-Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines and the existing barriers to its implementation. And one randomized control trial paralleled the results observed in adult patients and revealed that early goal-directed therapy in children is one of the few therapeutic interventions that proved to be beneficial in septic shock treatment. Early goal-directed therapy in pediatric septic shock is a successful method to optimize and parameterize treatment, but there is still a long way to turn septic shock resuscitation simpler and more widely spread.