Mapping Systemic Inflammation and Antibody Responses in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

Initially, children were thought to be spared from disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, a month into the epidemic, a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged. Herein, we report on the immune profiles of nine MIS-C cases. All MIS-C patients had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, mounting an antibody response with intact neutralization capability. Cytokine profiling identified elevated signatures of inflammation (IL-18 and IL-6), lymphocytic and myeloid chemotaxis and activation (CCL3, CCL4, and CDCP1), and mucosal immune dysregulation (IL-17A, CCL20, and CCL28). Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood revealed reductions of non-classical monocytes, and subsets of NK and T lymphocytes, suggesting extravasation to affected tissues. Finally, profiling the autoantigen reactivity of MIS-C plasma revealed both known disease-associated autoantibodies (anti-La) and novel candidates that recognize endothelial, gastrointestinal, and immune-cell antigens. All patients were treated with anti-IL-6R antibody and/or IVIG, which led to rapid disease resolution.

Acute Kidney Injury Following Pediatric Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, severity, and risk factors of postoperative acute kidney injury in pediatric liver transplant patients with and without inborn errors of metabolism. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-center PICU. PATIENTS: All children less than or equal to 18 years old who received a liver transplant between January 2009 and July 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Following exclusion criteria there were 92 transplant encounters. After excluding patients who received combined kidney-liver transplantation, acute kidney injury occurred in 57% of patients (N = 49), with 25.6% (N = 22) stage 1, 15.1% (N = 13) stage 2, and 16.3% (N = 14) stage 3. In an adjusted analysis, metabolic indication for transplant was not significantly associated with presence of acute kidney injury (p = 0.45). For the subset of patients without inborn errors of metabolism, the odds of having acute kidney injury was 1.50 (95% CI: 1.00-2.26) for each 1-unit increase in preoperative INR after adjusting for the covariates of age, preoperative albumin, CMV status of donor, and preoperative creatinine. In the full cohort, as well as the sample of children without inborn errors of metabolism, presence of acute kidney injury was associated with longer total hospital stay as well as number of ICU days. CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury in the early postoperative period is common in pediatric liver transplant patients (57%), 31.4% of whom had severe disease. In patients without inborn errors of metabolism, each unit increase in preoperative INR suggests a higher risk of acute kidney injury after adjusting for covariates including preoperative creatinine. This finding suggests an association between the severity of preoperative synthetic liver function and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury which requires further investigation.

Left Heart Decompression on Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children With Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis: An Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Review.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between left heart decompression on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survival in patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. The secondary outcome is to study association of left heart decompression with survival in children with myocarditis compared with those with dilated cardiomyopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective study of a multicenter registry database. SETTING: Data reported to Extracorporeal Life Support Organization from international extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers. PATIENTS: Patients less than or equal to 18 years old with a diagnosis of myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,438 pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs were identified. Thirty-seven percent of the patients had myocarditis (n = 532), whereas the rest had dilated cardiomyopathy. Survival to hospital discharge was 63%. Median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration was 148 hours with interquartile range (84-248 hr). Nineteen percent of patients (n = 274) had left heart decompression. Multivariable analysis revealed using left heart decompression (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06-1.89; p = 0.02), e-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51-0.79; p < 0.001), higher pH (adjusted odds ratio, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.80-7.53; p < 0.001), and diagnosis of myocarditis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.35-2.08; p < 0.001) were associated with greater odds of survival. In the multivariable analysis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, left heart decompression failed to reveal a significant association with survival (20% among survivors vs 17% among nonsurvivors, 95% CI, -2.2% to 8.0%). Meanwhile in patients with myocarditis, the multivariable analysis failed to exclude the possibility that left heart decompression was associated with up to a three-fold greater odds of survival (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.99-.15). CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry revealed an association between left heart decompression and greater odds of survival in children with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. When comparing patients with dilated cardiomyopathy against those with myocarditis, we could not exclude a three-fold greater odds of survival associated with the use of left heart decompression. This finding warrants further prospective evaluation.

ECMO support in SARS-CoV2 multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in a child.

In this report, we describe the case of a 5-year-old male with SARS-CoV-2 associated MIS-C with progressive respiratory failure and vasoplegic shock requiring extracorporeal support. At presentation, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 was negative, however, SARS-CoV2 antibody testing was positive. Multiple inflammatory markers and cardiac biomarkers were elevated. Echocardiogram demonstrated mildly depressed left ventricular function and no coronary anomalies noted. The patient required mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and eventually extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for profound circulatory shock and progressive respiratory failure. During his clinical course, recovery of cardiac function was demonstrated however, a middle cerebral artery infarct and left frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage was suffered which ultimately the patient succumbed to. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest previously healthy child who had multi-system hyperinflammatory syndrome requiring ECMO support and the first case of SARS-CoV-2 related pediatric stroke.Clinical Trial Registration: None.

Therapeutic Hypothermia after In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Children.

BACKGROUND: Targeted temperature management is recommended for comatose adults and children after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; however, data on temperature management after in-hospital cardiac arrest are limited. METHODS: In a trial conducted at 37 children's hospitals, we compared two temperature interventions in children who had had in-hospital cardiac arrest. Within 6 hours after the return of circulation, comatose children older than 48 hours and younger than 18 years of age were randomly assigned to therapeutic hypothermia (target temperature, 33.0°C) or therapeutic normothermia (target temperature, 36.8°C). The primary efficacy outcome, survival at 12 months after cardiac arrest with a score of 70 or higher on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II, on which scores range from 20 to 160, with higher scores indicating better function), was evaluated among patients who had had a VABS-II score of at least 70 before the cardiac arrest. RESULTS: The trial was terminated because of futility after 329 patients had undergone randomization. Among the 257 patients who had a VABS-II score of at least 70 before cardiac arrest and who could be evaluated, the rate of the primary efficacy outcome did not differ significantly between the hypothermia group and the normothermia group (36% [48 of 133 patients] and 39% [48 of 124 patients], respectively; relative risk, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67 to 1.27; P=0.63). Among 317 patients who could be evaluated for change in neurobehavioral function, the change in VABS-II score from baseline to 12 months did not differ significantly between the groups (P=0.70). Among 327 patients who could be evaluated for 1-year survival, the rate of 1-year survival did not differ significantly between the hypothermia group and the normothermia group (49% [81 of 166 patients] and 46% [74 of 161 patients], respectively; relative risk, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.34; P=0.56). The incidences of blood-product use, infection, and serious adverse events, as well as 28-day mortality, did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among comatose children who survived in-hospital cardiac arrest, therapeutic hypothermia, as compared with therapeutic normothermia, did not confer a significant benefit in survival with a favorable functional outcome at 1 year. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; THAPCA-IH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00880087 .).

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection (MIS-C): A Multi-institutional Study from New York City.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). STUDY DESIGN: Children with MIS-C admitted to pediatric intensive care units in New York City between April 23 and May 23, 2020, were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Of 33 children with MIS-C, the median age was 10 years; 61% were male; 45% were Hispanic/Latino; and 39% were black. Comorbidities were present in 45%. Fever (93%) and vomiting (69%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Depressed left ventricular ejection fraction was found in 63% of patients with median ejection fraction of 46.6% (IQR, 39.5-52.8). C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, d-dimer, and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were elevated in all patients. For treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin was used in 18 (54%), corticosteroids in 17 (51%), tocilizumab in 12 (36%), remdesivir in 7 (21%), vasopressors in 17 (51%), mechanical ventilation in 5 (15%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 1 (3%), and intra-aortic balloon pump in 1 (3%). The left ventricular ejection fraction normalized in 95% of those with a depressed ejection fraction. All patients were discharged home with median duration of pediatric intensive care unit stay of 4.7 days (IQR, 4-8 days) and a hospital stay of 7.8 days (IQR, 6.0-10.1 days). One patient (3%) died after withdrawal of care secondary to stroke while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill children with coronavirus disease-2019-associated MIS-C have a spectrum of severity broader than described previously but still require careful supportive intensive care. Rapid, complete clinical and myocardial recovery was almost universal.

Two-site regional oxygen saturation and capnography monitoring during resuscitation after cardiac arrest in a swine pediatric ventricular fibrillatory arrest model.

ABSTARCT: To investigate the use of two-site regional oxygen saturations (rSO2) and end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) to assess the effectiveness of resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Eight mechanically ventilated juvenile swine underwent 28 ventricular fibrillatory arrests with open cardiac massage. Cardiac massage was administered to achieve target pulmonary blood flow (PBF) as a percentage of pre-cardiac arrest baseline. Non-invasive data, including, EtCO2, cerebral rSO2 (C-rSO2) and renal rSO2 (R-rSO2) were collected continuously. Our data demonstrate the ability to measure both rSO2 and EtCO2 during CPR and after ROSC. During resuscitation EtCO2 had a strong correlation with goal CO with r = 0.83 (p < 0.001) 95% CI [0.67-0.92]. Both C-rSO2 and R-rSO2 had moderate and statistically significant correlation with CO with r = 0.52 (p = 0.003) 95% CI (0.19-0.74) and 0.50 (p = 0.004) 95% CI [0.16-0.73]. The AUCs for sudden increase of EtCO2, C-rSO2, and R-rSO2 at ROSC were 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77-0.94], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.8-0.94], and 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96-1.00] respectively. Measurement of continuous EtCO2 and rSO2 may be used during CPR to ensure effective chest compressions. Moreover, both rSO2 and EtCO2 may be used to detect ROSC in a swine pediatric ventricular fibrillatory arrest model.

Therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in children.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia is recommended for comatose adults after witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but data about this intervention in children are limited. METHODS: We conducted this trial of two targeted temperature interventions at 38 children's hospitals involving children who remained unconscious after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Within 6 hours after the return of circulation, comatose patients who were older than 2 days and younger than 18 years of age were randomly assigned to therapeutic hypothermia (target temperature, 33.0°C) or therapeutic normothermia (target temperature, 36.8°C). The primary efficacy outcome, survival at 12 months after cardiac arrest with a Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II), score of 70 or higher (on a scale from 20 to 160, with higher scores indicating better function), was evaluated among patients with a VABS-II score of at least 70 before cardiac arrest. RESULTS: A total of 295 patients underwent randomization. Among the 260 patients with data that could be evaluated and who had a VABS-II score of at least 70 before cardiac arrest, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the hypothermia group and the normothermia group (20% vs. 12%; relative likelihood, 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 2.76; P=0.14). Among all the patients with data that could be evaluated, the change in the VABS-II score from baseline to 12 months was not significantly different (P=0.13) and 1-year survival was similar (38% in the hypothermia group vs. 29% in the normothermia group; relative likelihood, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.79; P=0.13). The groups had similar incidences of infection and serious arrhythmias, as well as similar use of blood products and 28-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In comatose children who survived out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, therapeutic hypothermia, as compared with therapeutic normothermia, did not confer a significant benefit in survival with a good functional outcome at 1 year. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; THAPCA-OH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00878644.).

Correlation between minute carbon dioxide elimination and pulmonary blood flow in single-ventricle patients after stage 1 palliation and 2-ventricle patients with intracardiac shunts: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output is critical in the postoperative management of patients with single-ventricle physiology or 2-ventricle physiology with intracardiac shunting. Currently, such hemodynamic data are only obtainable by invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterization or the use of a pulmonary artery catheter. Ready availability of such information, especially if attainable noninvasively, could be a valuable addition to postoperative management. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between volume of CO2 elimination obtained by volumetric capnography and pulmonary blood flow in pediatric patients with single-ventricle physiology after stage 1 palliation as well as in patients with other cardiac lesions associated with intracardiac shunting. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included children with congenital or acquired heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization as part of clinical care. Cardiac output, pulmonary blood flow, and volume of CO2 elimination were simultaneously collected. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to assess correlation between measurements after controlling for minute ventilation. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 8) included single-ventricle patients after stage 1 palliation. Group 2 (n = 10) patients had structural heart disease with 2 ventricles and intracardiac shunting. Group 3 (n = 17) had structurally normal hearts. Among Group 1 patients, the correlation coefficients (R2 ) between volume of CO2 elimination and pulmonary blood flow and volume of CO2 elimination and cardiac output were 0.60 (P = .02) 95% CI [0.01-0.79] and 0.29 (P = .74) 95% CI [-0.91 - 0.86], respectively. In patients with 2 ventricles associated with intracardiac shunts (Group 2), the correlation coefficients between volume of CO2 elimination and pulmonary blood flow and volume of CO2 elimination and cardiac output were 0.86 (P = .001) 95% CI [0.53 - 0.97] and 0.73 (P = .001) 95% CI [0.29 - 0.95], respectively. Among Group 3 patients, the correlation coefficient between volume of CO2 elimination and pulmonary blood flow was 0.66 (P = .038) 95% CI [0.29 - 0.87]. CONCLUSION: Volume of CO2 elimination may be a surrogate marker of pulmonary blood flow in single-ventricle patients and patients with biventricular physiology with intracardiac shunting. Also, among patients with normal cardiac anatomy, volume of CO2 elimination may be a marker of cardiac output.

Natural history of nonimmune-mediated thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury in pediatric open-heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common following pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, the relationship between postoperative nadir platelet counts and AKI has not been investigated in the pediatric population. Our objective was to investigate this relationship and examine independent predictors of AKI. DESIGN: After IRB approval, we performed a retrospective review of the institution's medical records and database. SETTING: This study was performed at a single institution over a 5-year period. PATIENTS: We included patients <21 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Demographics, laboratory, and surgical characteristics were captured, and clinical event rates were recorded. MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate platelet and creatinine distributions. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare characteristics among Acute Kidney Injury Network groups. Multivariable logistic and ordinal logistic regression models were used to determine the association of our predictor of interest, postoperative nadir platelet count and AKI. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fourteen patients (23% infants and 23% neonates) were included in the analysis. Postoperative platelet counts decreased 48% from baseline reaching a mean nadir value of 150 × 109 ·l-1 on postoperative day 3. AKI occurred in 37% of patients including 13%, 17%, and 6% with Acute Kidney Injury Network stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The magnitude of nadir platelet counts correlated with the severity of AKI. Independent predictors of severity of AKI include nadir platelet counts, CPB time, Aristotle score, patient weight, intra-operative packed red blood cell transfusion, and having a heart transplant procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric open-heart surgery, thrombocytopenia and AKI occur commonly following CPB. Our findings show a strong association between nadir platelet counts and the severity of AKI.

Volumetric Capnography in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Series.

The kinetics of carbon dioxide elimination (VCO 2 ) may be used as a surrogate for pulmonary blood flow. As such, we can apply a novel use of volumetric capnography to assess hemodynamic stability in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We report our experience of pediatric patients requiring ECMO support who were monitored using volumetric capnography. We describe the use of VCO 2 and its association with successful decannulation. This is a prospective observational study of pediatric patients requiring ECMO support at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore from 2017 to 2019. A Respironics NM3 monitor was applied to each patient. Demographics, hemodynamic data, blood gases, and VCO 2 (mL/min) data were collected. Data were collected immediately prior to and after decannulation. Over the course of the study period, seven patients were included. Predecannulation VCO 2 was higher among patients who were successfully decannulated than nonsurvivors (109 [35, 230] vs. 12.4 [7.6, 17.2] mL/min), though not statistically significant. Four patients (57%) survived without further mechanical support; two (29%) died, and one (14%) was decannulated to Berlin. Predecannulation VCO 2 appears to correlate with hemodynamic stability following decannulation. This case series adds to the growing literature describing the use of volumetric capnography in critical care medicine, particularly pediatric patients requiring ECMO. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the use of volumetric capnography and optimal timing for ECMO decannulation.

Volumetric Capnography Monitoring and Effects of Epinephrine on Volume of Carbon Dioxide Elimination during Resuscitation after Cardiac Arrest in a Swine Pediatric Ventricular Fibrillatory Arrest.

The aim of this study was to examine the use of volumetric capnography monitoring to assess cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectiveness by correlating it with cardiac output (CO), and to evaluate the effect of epinephrine boluses on both end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO 2 ) and the volume of CO 2 elimination (VCO 2 ) in a swine ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model. Planned secondary analysis of data collected to investigate the use of noninvasive monitors in a pediatric swine ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model was performed. Twenty-eight ventricular fibrillatory arrests with open cardiac massage were conducted. During CPR, EtCO 2 and VCO 2 had strong correlation with CO, measured as a percentage of baseline pulmonary blood flow, with correlation coefficients of 0.83 ( p < 0.001) and 0.53 ( p = 0.018), respectively. However, both EtCO 2 and VCO 2 had weak and nonsignificant correlation with diastolic blood pressure during CPR 0.30 ( p = 0.484) (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.51-0.83) and 0.25 ( p = 0.566) (95% CI, -0.55-0.81), respectively. EtCO 2 and VCO 2 increased significantly after the first epinephrine bolus without significant change in CO. The correlations between EtCO 2 and VCO 2 and CO were weak 0.20 ( p = 0.646) (95% CI, -0.59-0.79), and 0.27 ( p = 0.543) (95% CI, -0.54-0.82) following epinephrine boluses. Continuous EtCO 2 and VCO 2 monitoring are potentially useful metrics to ensure effective CPR. However, transient epinephrine administration by boluses might confound the use of EtCO 2 and VCO 2 to guide chest compression.

Mapping Systemic Inflammation and Antibody Responses in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

Initially, the global outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spared children from severe disease. However, after the initial wave of infections, clusters of a novel hyperinflammatory disease have been reported in regions with ongoing SARS-CoV-2 epidemics. While the characteristic clinical features are becoming clear, the pathophysiology remains unknown. Herein, we report on the immune profiles of eight Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases. We document that all MIS-C patients had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, mounting an antibody response with normal isotype-switching and neutralization capability. We further profiled the secreted immune response by high-dimensional cytokine assays, which identified elevated signatures of inflammation (IL-18 and IL-6), lymphocytic and myeloid chemotaxis and activation (CCL3, CCL4, and CDCP1) and mucosal immune dysregulation (IL-17A, CCL20, CCL28). Mass cytometry immunophenotyping of peripheral blood revealed reductions of mDC1 and non-classical monocytes, as well as both NK- and T- lymphocytes, suggesting extravasation to affected tissues. Markers of activated myeloid function were also evident, including upregulation of ICAM1 and FcγR1 in neutrophil and non-classical monocytes, well-documented markers in autoinflammation and autoimmunity that indicate enhanced antigen presentation and Fc-mediated responses. Finally, to assess the role for autoimmunity secondary to infection, we profiled the auto-antigen reactivity of MIS-C plasma, which revealed both known disease-associated autoantibodies (anti-La) and novel candidates that recognize endothelial, gastrointestinal and immune-cell antigens. All patients were treated with anti-IL6R antibody or IVIG, which led to rapid disease resolution tracking with normalization of inflammatory markers.

A Case of Mitral Valve Endocarditis Complicated by Multiple Embolic Phenomena: Leaping from Adult Guidelines to Pediatric Critical Care Decisions.

Early surgical intervention for children with infective endocarditis (IE) and cerebrovascular sequelae has significant risks, resulting in practice variation amongst pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, and cardiothoracic surgeons. The limited pediatric consensus recommendations make decision making for practitioners challenging. The added risk of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome can make these decisions even more difficult. We present the case of a 14-year-old with IE and resultant multiorgan dysfunction syndrome including cerebrovascular complication, successfully treated by primary valve repair within the 1st week of diagnosis.

Current Use of Invasive and Noninvasive Monitors in Academic Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

To describe the current use of noninvasive monitoring compared with traditional invasive monitoring in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accredited fellowship programs in the United States. A web-based survey with the primary aim of describing the utilization of noninvasive monitoring compared with invasive monitoring was distributed to PCCM program directors (PDs) at the 64 accredited fellowship training programs. Questions focused on demographics and the utilization of invasive and noninvasive monitoring for specific patient populations and disease states. Forty-two (66%) PDs responded to the survey. Capnography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were the most commonly reported noninvasive monitoring technology. Arterial and central venous catheters were widely used. Other invasive monitoring devices were used sparingly. Despite widespread use of both invasive and noninvasive monitoring in academic pediatric critical care units across the United States, there is significant variability in the use of noninvasive monitoring compared with invasive monitoring. Further investigation is needed to define the standard of care for the use of noninvasive monitors as practitioners attempt to optimize care while minimizing risks and complications.

Correlation between Regional Cerebral Saturation and Invasive Cardiac Index Monitoring after Heart Transplantation Surgery.

The present study assessed the correlations between cerebral regional saturation detected by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and cardiac index (CI) measured by pulmonary artery catheter. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. Patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent heart transplantation and had a pulmonary artery catheter on admission to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between January, 2010, and August, 2013, were included. There were no interventions. A total of 10 patients were included with median age of 14 years (range, 7-17). Indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy ( n = 9) and restrictive cardiomyopathy ( n = 1). Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2 ), cerebral regional tissue saturation (rSO 2 ), and CI were recorded hourly for 8 to 92 hours post-transplantation. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between SvO 2 and cerebral rSO 2 and between CI and cerebral rSO 2 . A total of 410 data points were collected. Median, 25th and 75th percentiles of cerebral rSO 2 , CI, and SvO 2 were 65% (54-69), 2.9 L/min/m 2 (2.2-4.0), and 75% (69-79), respectively. The correlation coefficient between cerebral rSO 2 and CI was 0.104 ( p = 0.034) and that for cerebral rSO 2 and SvO 2 was 0.11 ( p = 0.029). The correlations between cerebral rSO 2 and CI and between cerebral rSO 2 and SvO 2 were weak. Cerebral rSO 2 as detected by NIRS may not be an accurate indicator of CI in critically ill patients.

Paediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest: Factors associated with survival and neurobehavioural outcome one year later.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical characteristics associated with 12-month survival and neurobehavioural function among children recruited to the Therapeutic Hypothermia after Paediatric Cardiac Arrest In-Hospital trial. METHODS: Children (n = 329) with in-hospital cardiac arrest who received chest compressions for ≥2 min, were comatose, and required mechanical ventilation after return of circulation were included. Neurobehavioural function was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, second edition (VABS-II) at baseline (reflecting pre-arrest status) and 12 months post-arrest. Norms for VABS-II are 100 (mean) ±15 (SD). Higher scores indicate better functioning. Outcomes included 12-month survival, 12-month survival with VABS-II decreased by ≤15 points from baseline, and 12-month survival with VABS-II ≥70. RESULTS: Asystole as the initial arrest rhythm, administration of >4 adrenaline doses, and higher post-arrest blood lactate concentration were independently associated with lower 12-month survival; an adrenaline dosing interval of 3-<5 min and open chest compressions were independently associated with greater 12-month survival. Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and higher blood lactate were independently associated with lower 12-month survival with VABS-II decreased by ≤15 points from baseline; open chest compressions was independently associated with greater 12-month survival with VABS-II decreased by ≤15 points. Asystole as the initial rhythm, use of ECMO, and higher blood lactate were independently associated with lower 12-month survival with VABS-II ≥70; open chest compressions was independently associated with greater 12-month survival with VABS-II ≥70. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrest and resuscitation factors are associated with long-term survival and neurobehavioural function among children who are comatose after in-hospital arrest.