Diuretic response after neonatal cardiac surgery: a report from the NEPHRON collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Multicenter early diuretic response (DR) analysis of single furosemide dosing following neonatal cardiac surgery is lacking to inform whether early DR predicts adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the NEPHRON registry. Random forest machine learning generated receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) and odds ratios for mechanical ventilation (MV) and respiratory support (RS). Prolonged MV and RS were defined using ≥ 90th percentile of observed/expected ratios. Secondary outcomes were prolonged CICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) and kidney failure (stage III acute kidney injury (AKI), peritoneal dialysis, and/or continuous kidney replacement therapy on postoperative day three) assessed using covariate-adjusted ROC-AUC curves. RESULTS: A total of 782 children were included. Cumulative urine output (UOP) metrics were lower in prolonged MV and RS patients, but DR poorly predicted prolonged MV (highest AUC 0.611, OR 0.98, sensitivity 0.67, specificity 0.53, p = 0.006, 95% OR CI 0.96-0.99 for cumulative 6-h UOP) and RS (highest AUC 0.674, OR 0.94, sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.54, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.91-0.97 UOP between 3 and 6 h). Secondary outcome results were similar. DR had fair discrimination for kidney failure (AUC 0.703, OR 0.94, sensitivity 0.63, specificity 0.71, 95% OR CI 0.91-0.98, p < 0.001, cumulative 6-h UOP). CONCLUSIONS: Early DR poorly discriminated patients with prolonged MV, RS, and LOS in this cohort, though it may identify severe postoperative AKI phenotype. Future work is warranted to determine if early DR or late postoperative DR later, in combination with other AKI metrics, may identify a higher-risk phenotype.

A neonate with aseptic cutaneous necrosis related to the migration of the proximal central venous catheter infusion port.

We report a case of aseptic cutaneous necrosis from extravasation of calcium chloride at the proximal port of a central venous catheter (CVC). A right internal jugular CVC was placed with ultrasound guidance using contemporary guidelines for size and insertion site. Catheter migration occurred concurrent with development of postoperative anasarca. Four days later, leakage of infusate with skin necrosis was noted at the insertion site. Despite initial proper positioning, catheter ports can migrate out of intravascular structures due to postprocedural subcutaneous edema. Intravascular confirmation should be performed regularly for infants with localized or generalized edema.

Improved Survival While Waiting and Risk Factors for Death in Pediatric Patients Listed for Cardiac Transplantation.

Our aim is to determine (a) the effect of changes in pre-transplant management and era of listing on survival of children listed for HTx and (b) risk factors for death while waiting. This retrospective study included all children listed between 1/1993 and 12/2009 at our center. Survival was determined using survival analysis and competing outcomes modeling. There were 254 listed patients of whom 144 (57%) had congenital heart disease, 208 (82%) were status 1, 52 used ECMO (20%), and 28 used ventricular assist device support (VAD) (11%) beginning in 2005. Overall mortality while waiting was 17% at 6 months, and 69% underwent transplant. Seven of 95 patients (7%) died waiting after 2004 compared to 36 of 159 (23%) before. ECMO and earlier year of listing were significant risk factors (p < 0.001) for wait-list mortality, whereas mortality was significantly lower (p = 0.002) after availability of VADs. Race, gender, blood type, and congenital diagnosis were not significant risk factors for death. Survival in pediatric patients listed for HTx has improved significantly in the current era at our institution. The availability of pediatric VADs has had a significant impact on survival while waiting in children listed for transplantation.

Heart Transplantation in the Short Term After Chemotherapy.

Anthracycline antibiotics are an effective therapy for a variety of neoplastic diseases. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a known risk of their use. Because of the risk of new or recurrent neoplasm with immunosuppression transplantation is often delayed. Our patient developed early cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure 3 months after completion of chemotherapy. Given the severity of her cardiac symptoms the decision was made to proceed with heart transplantation in the short term after completion of her chemotherapy. We report the success to 1 year of this decision and discuss the implications of her genetic and oncologic diagnoses in this clinical scenario.

Aspergillus infection and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of patients with Aspergillus isolation while supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: We present a case report of angioinvasive Aspergillus infection on an infant supported on ECMO and also investigate outcomes among patients with Aspergillus infection reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. DESIGN: Case report and retrospective analysis of ELSO registry data set from 1985 to 2009. SETTING: One hundred and seventy ECMO centers contributing data to the ELSO registry. PATIENTS: Single case report and patients 0 to 90 years of age with Aspergillus infection requiring ECMO support as reported to the ELSO registry. METHODS: Besides presenting details of our institutional case, we compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with Aspergillus isolation. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were investigated. Kaplan-Meier estimates for freedom from death on ECMO for pediatric and adult patients were investigated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: (a) we report a case with Aspergillus supported on ECMO, (b) the ELSO registry yielded 46 patients with 59% (n = 27) in the pediatric data set (≤20 years of age) and 41% (n = 19) in the adult data set (>20 years of age) with Aspergillus infection requiring ECMO support. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 30% (14/46) with 22% (6/27) in children as compared to 42% (8/18) in adults (P = .19). Table 1 shows a comparison of clinical characteristics between children and adults. The comparison between adults and pediatric groups differed significantly in age (P = .0001), more use of venoarterial ECMO in children (P = .028). The median age of pediatric group was 1.95 years (range 0-17.3 years) versus 30.2 years (range 22-60 years) among adults. CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillus infection/colonization is associated with a 70% overall mortality among patients supported on ECMO. The ELSO registry data confirms that Aspergillus infection among ECMO supported patients occurs often in hosts who do not have known immunodeficiencies. The case stresses the need for a high level of suspicion for Aspergillus infection in nonimproving lung disease in patients on ECMO support.

Parvovirus B19 myocarditis causes significant morbidity and mortality in children.

Although parvovirus B19 (PVB19) currently is the most common cause of viral myocarditis, limited pediatric data exist. Whereas other viruses infect cardiomyocytes, PVB19 targets coronary endothelium, leading to myocardial ischemia and dysfunction. A retrospective review investigated patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-verified PVB19 myocarditis at Texas Children's Hospital and Arkansas Children's Hospital (January 2005 to August 2008). The primary end points of the study were transplant-free survival and circulatory collapse (death, mechanical support, or transplantation). For the 19 patients identified (age, 6 months to 15 years), the most common presenting symptoms were respiratory and gastrointestinal. At admission, all the patients demonstrated ventricular dysfunction requiring inotropic support (median ejection fraction, 24 %; median left ventricle end-diastolic diameter [LVEDD] z-score, 4.6). Whereas T-wave abnormalities were common, ST elevation was evident in five patients (two died and three required transplantation). Serum B-type natrietic peptide was elevated in all 12 patients tested (range, 348-8,058 pg/ml), and troponin I was high in 7 of 9 patients (range, 0.04-14.5 ng/ml). Of the 15 patients with circulatory collapse, nine received mechanical support, eight underwent successful transplantation, and five died. Only six patients (32 %) experienced transplant-free survival, and five patients had full recovery of function at discharge. In the transplant-free survival group, ST changes on presenting electrocardiography were less likely (p = 0.03), and the admission LVEDD z-score tended to be lower (3.3 vs 5.6; p = 0.08). In children, PVB19 myocarditis causes significant mortality and morbidity. Although mechanical intervention can support patients in the initial stage of decompensated heart failure, patients with PVB19 myocarditis often demonstrate persistent dysfunction requiring medical therapy and transplantation.

Impact of 22q11.2 deletion on the postoperative course of children after cardiac surgery.

The primary objective of this study was to describe the impact of 22q11.2 deletion (del22q11) on the clinical characteristics, postoperative course, and short-term outcomes of children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. The charts of all children ages 1 day-18 years who received cardiac surgery for interrupted aortic arch (IAA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), or truncus arteriosus (TA) repair from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: the 22q11 group including children with del22q11 undergoing surgery for TOF, IAA, or TA and the non-22q11 or control group including children with no chromosomal or genetic abnormality undergoing surgery for TOF, IAA, or TA. Demographic information, cardiac diagnoses, noncardiac abnormalities, preoperative factors, intraoperative details, surgical procedures performed, postoperative complications, and in-hospital deaths were collected. The outcome data collected included days of inotrope use, need for dialysis, length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and mortality. The study enrolled 173 patients: 65 patients in the 22q11 group and 108 patients in the control group. Of the 65 patients in the 22q11 group, 36 (55 %) underwent repair for TOF, 13 (20 %) for IAA, and 16 (25 %) for TA. The two groups did not differ in terms of age or weight. The preexisting conditions were similar in the two groups. Unplanned noncardiac operations were more common in the children with del22q11, but delayed chest closure was similar in the two groups. The incidence of postoperative noncardiac complications such as reintubation, vocal cord paralysis, and diaphragmatic paralysis was similar in the two groups. However, increasing numbers of patients in del22q11 group needed dialysis in one form or the other during the immediate postoperative stay. The incidence of fungal infection and wound infection was higher in the del22q11 group than in the control group. Duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS were similar in the two groups, except in certain subgroups. Mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, children with del22q11 have a higher risk of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery, with no difference in length of mechanical ventilation, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, or mortality. However, short-term outcomes may differ in certain subgroups.

Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome associated factors: A retrospective chart review.

Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) has been introduced to describe the constellation of symptoms resulting from reduction or suspension of dopamine agonist medications. In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) the impact of DAWS can be significant in terms of distress and disability. Unfortunately, no standard treatment exists other than reintroduce the dopamine agonist even in the presence of adverse effects. Therefore, identification of vulnerable patients would be beneficial. Previous studies have linked DAWS with impulse control disorder behavior (ICD), higher dopamine agonist doses, and milder motor impairment in PD patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review of PD patients treated with dopamine agonist. A total of 313 charts from January 2011 to December 2013 were reviewed, showing 126 patients who were discontinued from dopamine agonist. Twenty-one patients (16.8 %) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for DAWS. Factors associated with the occurrence of DAWS were: (1) dose of dopamine agonist ≥150 mg expressed in levodopa equivalents daily dose (LEDD) (p = 0.018), (2) impulse control disorder as an adverse effect to dopamine agonist (p = 0.002), and (3) prior deep brain stimulation (DBS) (p = 0.049). The probability of developing DAWS in the presence of all 3 identified factors was 92 %; presence of 2 factors raised the probability up to 70 %; the presence of one factor increased the probability up to 30 %. In the absence of these 3 factors the probability of developing DAWS was 3 %. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Preemptive gastrostomy tube placement after Norwood operation.

OBJECTIVE: Because infants undergoing a Norwood operation have poor interstage weight gain, we hypothesized that preemptive gastrostomy tube (GT) placement would result in earlier discharge, improved growth, and higher survival to stage 2. STUDY DESIGN: Records of 74 neonates who underwent a Norwood operation were reviewed until stage 2 palliation. The patients were divided into conventional (n = 43) and preemptive GT groups (n = 31). Data included demographics, cardiac surgery, feeding strategy, length of hospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS: Transplant-free survival to stage 2 was significantly higher in the preemptive group, but there were no significant differences in survival to discharge after stage 1, length of hospitalization, and weight-for-age z-score at discharge and at stage 2 palliation. In the conventional group, 27 of 43 underwent GT placement, all via laparotomy, 23 with Nissen fundoplication. In the preemptive group, all underwent GT placement (21 laparoscopic, 10 laparotomy), 7 with Nissen fundoplication. A second gastric intervention was performed in 11 of 21 with laparoscopic GT (7 conversion to gastrojejunostomy tube, 4 Nissen fundoplication). CONCLUSION: Preemptive GT placement is associated with improved survival to stage 2 after a Norwood operation but not with shorter hospitalization or better growth. A thorough gastrointestinal evaluation must be performed before GT placement to avoid additional surgery.

Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Transport and Palliative Care: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To present our center's experience with terminal extubation in 3 palliative critical care home transports from the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Unit. DESIGN: All cases were identified from our Cardiovascular intensive care unit ( CVICU). Patients were terminally ill children with no other surgical or medical option who were transported home between 2014 and 2018, for terminal extubation and end-of-life care according to their families' wishes. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were 7, 9 months, and 19 years; and they had very complex and chronic conditions. The families were approached by the CVICU staff during multidisciplinary meetings, where goals of care were established. Parental expectations were clarified, and palliative care team was involved, as well as home hospice was arranged pre transfer. The transfer process was discussed and all the needs were established. All patients had unstable medical conditions, with needs for transport for withdrawal of life support and death at home. Each case needed a highly trained team to support life while in transport. The need of these patients required coordination with home palliative care services, as well as community resources due to difficulty to get in their homes. CONCLUSIONS: Transportation of pediatric cardiac critical care patients for terminal extubation at home is a relatively infrequent practice. It is a feasible alternative for families seeking out of the hospital end-of-life care for their critically ill and technology dependent children. Our single-center experience supports the need for development of formal programs for end-of-life critical care transports.

Severe Acute Neurologic Involvement in Children With Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute severe neurologic involvement is the most threatening complication in children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Our primary study objectives were to describe the association between acute neurologic manifestations (ANMs) and in-hospital mortality among children with HUS. METHODS: Using the Pediatric Health Information System database, in this retrospective multicenter cohort study, we identified the first HUS-related inpatient visit among children ≤18 years (years 2004-2018). Frequency of selected ANMs and combinations of ANMs, as well as the rate of mortality, was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the association of ANMs and the risk of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Among 3915 patients included in the analysis, an ANM was noted in 10.4% (n = 409) patients. Encephalopathy was the most common ANM (n = 245). Mortality was significantly higher among patients with an ANM compared with patients without an ANM (13.9% vs 1.8%; P < .001). Individuals with any ANM had increased odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-3.93; P = .004), with greater risk (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.34-5.06; P = .005) among patients with ≥2 manifestations. Brain hemorrhage (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.40-6.82; P = .005), brain infarction (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.10-6.34; P = .03), anoxic brain injury (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.49-10.31; P = .006), and brain edema (OR: 4.81; 95% CI: 1.82-12.71; P = .002) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the largest systematic assessment of ANMs among children with HUS to date, we identify differences in in-hospital mortality based on the type of ANM, with increased risk observed for patients with multiple ANMs.

Impact of behavioral side effects on the management of Parkinson patients treated with dopamine agonists.

Dopamine agonists are one of the main stay of treatment option for Parkinson disease (PD). Side effects that develop from their use are generally categorized into behavioral and non-behavioral. Behavioral side effects include: impulse control behavior disorder (ICD), psychosis and cognitive impairment. Non-behavioral side effects include: nausea/vomiting, "sleep attacks", leg swelling, weight gain and orthostasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicians' response to PD patients who developed behavioral side effects from dopamine agonists, in comparison to those patients who developed only non-behavioral side effects. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with PD over a two year period. Among 313 patients who were on a dopamine agonist, 156 reported side effects. Sixty-five patients reported behavioral (with or without non-behavioral) side effects, while 91 experienced only non-behavioral side effects. Forty-nine out of the 65 patients (75.3%) who experienced behavioral side effects had their dopamine agonist dose decreased compared to 53 out of 91patients (58.2%) who experienced only non-behavioral side effects (Chi square = 4.92, p < 0.05). Patients with behavioral side effects were 3 times more likely have their dose decreased (OR = 3.3; 95%CI = 1.442-7.551; P = 0.005). However, neither taper speed nor the occurrence of dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) differed between the two groups. Amongst PD patients treated with dopamine agonists, the presence of behavioral side effects independently increased the chance of dopamine agonist dose reduction. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Neonatal herpes virus infection and extracorporeal life support.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes among neonates with herpes virus infection reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry and analyze factors associated with death before hospital discharge with this virus. Currently, scant data exist regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in neonates with herpes virus infection. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of ELSO Registry data set from 1985 to 2005. SETTING: A total of 114 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers contributing data to the ELSO Registry. PATIENTS: Patients, 0 to 31 days of age, with herpes simplex virus infection supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and reported to the ELSO Registry. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and factors associated with death before hospital discharge were investigated for patients in the virus group. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival to hospital discharge according to virus type were investigated. Newborns with herpes simplex virus infection requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support demonstrated much lower hospital survival rates (25%). Clinical presentation with septicemia/shock was significantly associated with mortality for the herpes simplex virus group on multivariate analysis. There was no difference in herpes simplex virus mortality when comparing two eras (> or =2000 vs. <2000). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of neonatal patients with overwhelming infections due to herpes simplex virus who were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, survival was dismal. Patients with disseminated herpes simplex virus infection presenting with septicemia/shock are unlikely to survive, even with aggressive extracorporeal support.

Calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedades tiroideas

Introducción: Las enfermedades del tiroides son relativamente frecuentes, constituyen un importante grupo dentro de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: Determinar la calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedades tiroideas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por 210 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedades tiroideas, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión previstos en el estudio, previo consentimiento informado y la muestra no probabilística de 198 pacientes. Se utilizaron las variables: edad, sexo, enfermedad tiroidea diagnosticada (hipertiroidismo, hipotiroidismo, bocio difuso eutiroideo) y calidad de vida (facetas según dimensiones, según la clasificación de expertos y enfermedades tiroideas y la calidad de vida integral según enfermedades tiroideas). Se utilizó el cuestionario World Health Organization Quality of Life. Resultados: Predominó el hipotiroidismo como afección tiroidea más frecuente en las féminas entre 50 a 59 años. Las manifestaciones clínicas que puntuaron las medias más bajas fueron el dolor y malestar, seguido de indicaciones médicas y sentimientos negativos; las dimensiones físicas y psicológicas puntuaron con medias bajas, al igual que el ambiente, valores considerados como deficientes. Conclusiones: Predominó una calidad de vida integral media en el mayor por ciento de los pacientes, estas enfermedades deben ser identificadas a tiempo, para evitar otras complicaciones en diferentes sistemas del organismo que pudieran comprometer la vida del paciente.

Introduction: Thyroid diseases are relatively frequent; they constitute an important group within chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: To determine the quality of life in patients with thyroid diseases. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe (210 patients) with a diagnosis of thyroid diseases, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria provided for in the study, prior informed consent, and the non-probabilistic sample (198 patients). The variables used were: age, sex, diagnosed thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diffuse euthyroid goiter) and quality of life (facets according to dimensions, according to expert classification and thyroid diseases and comprehensive quality of life according to diseases thyroid). The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire was used. Results: Hypothyroidism predominated as the most frequent thyroid condition in women between 50 and 59 years of age. The clinical manifestations that scored the lowest average were pain and discomfort, followed by medical indications and negative feelings; the physical and psychological dimensions scored with low averages, as well as the environment, values ​​considered deficient. Conclusions: An average comprehensive quality of life prevailed in the highest percentage of patients; these diseases must be identified in time, to avoid other complications in different body systems that could compromise the patient's life.

Manifestaciones de la enfermedad periodontal en pacientes con artritis reumatoide

Introducción: Las enfermedades periodontales inmunoinflamatorias crónicas, están catalogadas entre las afecciones más comunes del género humano, las que pueden estar asociadas a enfermedades sistémicas como la artritis reumatoidea. Objetivo: Identificar las manifestaciones periodontales más comunes en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por 107 pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoidea, la muestra no probabilística de 50 pacientes que acudieron a consulta estomatológica durante el periodo, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión previstos en el estudio. Las principales variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo de diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, presencia de enfermedad periodontal (gingivitis y periodontitis), factores de riesgo. Resultados: Prevaleció las edades entre 49 a 58 años, seguido de 39 a 48 años para un 34 y 26 % respectivamente, predominó el sexo femenino con un 46 % de afectadas por gingivitis y con más de siete años para un 58 %, la higiene bucal deficiente seguido de la dieta cariogénica prevaleció en un 50 % y 54% respectivamente. Conclusiones: Predominó el sexo femenino de pacientes diagnosticadas con artritis reumatoidea afectadas por gingivitis, ambas enfermedades son inflamatorias sistémicas, por lo que se puede explicar la conexión entre las dos.

Introduction: Chronic immunoinflammatory periodontal diseases are classified among the most common affections of the human gender, which may be associated with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Objective: To identify the most common periodontal manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out. The universe consisted of 107 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the non-probabilistic sample of 50 patients who attended a dental consultation during the study period, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria provided for in the study. The main variables studied were: age, sex, time since diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, presence of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), risk factors. Results: Ages between 49 and 58 years prevailed, followed by 39 to 48 years with 34 and 26% respectively, predominantly female with 46% affected by gingivitis, affected with more than 7 years with 58%, the poor oral hygiene followed by the cariogenic diet prevailed with 54 and 50% respectively. Conclusions: The female sex prevailed in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis affected by gingivitis, both diseases are systemic inflammatory, so the connection between the two can be explained.

Catheter-Associated Blood Stream Infections in Intracardiac Lines.

Purpose Right atrial (RA) or intracardiac lines are commonly used for hemodynamic monitoring in children undergoing cardiac surgery. In some institutions, these lines are used as the preferred long-term access line due to concerns for catheter-associated blood stream infections (CABSI) and catheter-related venous thrombosis with central lines in other locations. However, the rates and risk factors for CABSI and other complications are not known for RA lines. We undertook this study to estimate CABSI rates for RA lines in comparison with central catheters of various types and locations and to evaluate the incidence of other complications associated with the use of RA lines. Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a retrospective review of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Arkansas Children's Hospital between the dates of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011 was performed. Demographic data, clinical features, and outcomes were summarized on a per-patient level. Type, location of placement, and duration of all centrally placed catheters as well as associated complications were recorded. Central venous lines (CVL) used in our unit include peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) lines, and antibiotic and heparin coated double or triple lumen lines placed in internal jugular (IJ), femoral (Fem), or RA positions. The data were analyzed using statistical software STATA/MP. Results A total of 2,736 central lines were used in 1,537 patients. Data on line duration, alteplase use, and percentage of lines developing CABSI are described in the study. Disease severity as assessed by risk-adjusted classification for congenital heart surgery (RACHS) score ( p < 0.046), year of placement ( p < 0.001), and line type adjusted for thrombolytic (alteplase) use are significantly associated with risk of any CABSI. Overall, IJ and RA lines had least risk of CABSI while PICC lines had the highest CABSI rates. RA lines are also associated with other medically significant complications. Conclusion The CABSI rates associated with RA lines are lower than those seen with PICC lines. However, RA line use is associated with other, potentially significant complications. RA lines may be used cautiously as long-term access lines in cardiac patients in whom it is important to preserve venous patency for future interventions.

Intraocular pressure in children after congenital heart surgery: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of varied cardiac physiologies on intraocular pressure (IOP) among children undergoing heart operations is unknown. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the IOP among children with varying cardiovascular physiologies and varying hemodynamics after their heart operation. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients ≤18 years undergoing congenital heart surgery were included in this study. IOP measurement was performed by Icare® tonometer between 3 and 14 days after heart operation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Summary statistics were estimated for all demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data. RESULTS: A total of 116 eyes from 58 children were included. The mean and standard deviation age was 28.4 (45.8) months. Single-ventricle anatomy was present in 26 patients (45%). Despite similar heart rate and blood pressure, the mean IOP among the patients with single-ventricle anatomy was significantly elevated as compared to patients with two-ventricle anatomy (18 mm Hg vs. 12 mm Hg, P < 0.001). There was no difference in IOP measurements based on the complexity of operation performed. We noted that patients undergoing surgical palliation with central shunt (21 mm Hg), Fontan operation (19 mm Hg), bidirectional Glenn operation (19 mm Hg), Norwood operation (19 mm Hg), or definitive repairs such as tetralogy of Fallot repair (17 mm Hg), and atrioventricular canal repair (19 mm Hg) were associated with the highest IOPs in the study cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that IOPs vary with varying cardiovascular physiology after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Tracheostomy Among Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Undergoing Cardiac Operations: A Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Less than 2.7% of infants undergoing congenital heart disease operations have difficulty weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. In such instances, clinicians may choose to perform tracheostomy. Limited literature has examined tracheostomy placement specifically in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This study evaluated the risk factors for tracheostomy placement in infants with HLHS and examined the outcomes of these infants before their first hospital discharge. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Heath Information System data set included infants with HLHS who underwent stage 1 Norwood operation, a hybrid procedure, or heart transplant from 2004 through 2013. RESULTS: We identified 5721 infants with HLHS, and 126 underwent tracheostomy placement. Infants in the tracheostomy group had more morbidities and a higher mortality rate across the study period. Diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, anomalies of the trachea and esophagus, larynx, diaphragm and nervous system, bilateral vocal cord paralysis, and necrotizing enterocolitis, and procedures including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, cardiac catheterization, and gastrostomy tube were independently associated with tracheostomy placement in the study population. Despite an overall increase in rates of tracheostomy performed in infants with HLHS during the study period, the mortality rate did not improve among tracheostomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Several risk factors were identified in infants with HLHS in whom a tracheostomy was placed during their first hospitalization. Despite an overall increase in rates of tracheostomies during the study period, the mortality rate did not improve among these patients. Appropriate family counseling and thorough preoperative case selection is suggested when discussing possible tracheostomy placement in infants with HLHS.

Epidemiology and outcomes of cardiac arrest among children with Down Syndrome: a multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of Down Syndrome, it is unknown if children with Down Syndrome are associated with increased incidence of cardiac arrest and poor outcomes after cardiac arrest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of cardiac arrest and mortality after cardiac arrest among critically ill children with and without Down Syndrome. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years admitted at a Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) participating Intensive Care Unit were included (2004-2014). Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate association of Down Syndrome with study outcomes after adjusting for patient and center characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 849,250 patients from 44 centers were included. Of the 25,143 patients with Down Syndrome, cardiac arrest was noted among 568 (2.3%) patients with an associated mortality at hospital discharge of 248 (43.6%) patients. In contrast, of the 824,107 patients without Down Syndrome, cardiac arrest was noted among 15,822 (1.9%) patients with an associated mortality at hospital discharge of 7775 (49.1%) patients. In adjusted models, patients with Down Syndrome had a higher likelihood of having cardiac arrest as compared to patients without Down Syndrome (with vs. without Down, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25, P=0.01). Despite having a higher likelihood of cardiac arrest, patients with Down Syndrome were associated with a lower mortality after cardiac arrest (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.96, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both incidence of cardiac arrest, and mortality at hospital discharge in those with cardiac arrest vary substantially in children with and without Down Syndrome.