Respiratory Rate Oxygenation (ROX) index as predictor of high flow nasal cannula in pediatric patients in pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is often used in pediatric populations with respiratory distress. In adults, the respiratory-rate oxygenation (ROX) index is used as a predictor of HFNC therapy; however, children have age-associated differences in respiratory rate, thus may not be applicable to children. This study aims to find the reliability of ROX index and modified P-ROX index as predictors of HFNC therapy failure in pediatric patients. METHODS: Subjects in this analytical cross-sectional study were taken from January 2023 until November 2023 in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Inclusion criteria are children aged 1 month to 18 years with respiratory distress and got HFNC therapy. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to find mP-ROX index cutoff value as a predictor of HFNC failure. The area under curve (AUC) score of mP-ROX index was assessed at different time point. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients, with 70% of the population with pneumonia, were included in this study. There are significant differences in the ROX index between the successful and failed HFNC group therapy (p < 0.05). This study suggests that mP-ROX index is not useful as predictor of HFNC therapy in pediatrics. While ROX index < 5.52 at 60 min and < 5.68 at 90 min after HFNC initiation have a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 71%, sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: mP-ROX index is not useful as a predictor of HFNC therapy in pediatrics. Meanwhile, ROX index at 60 min and 90 min after initiation of HFNC is useful as a predictor of HFNC failure.

Pediatric sepsis profile in a tertiary-care hospital in Indonesia: a 4-year retrospective study.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to mortality and its management among pediatric sepsis patients at a single center in Indonesia. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study of children admitted due to sepsis from January 2015 to December 2019 in an Indonesian tertiary hospital. RESULTS: The mortality rate of pediatric sepsis in our study was 76.1% among 176 records with outcome identified. Mortality was significantly associated with septic shock at triage, number of organ failure, intensive care unit admission, inotropic use, septic shock and severe sepsis during hospitalization. Timing of antibiotic use did not affect mortality. Death within the first 24 h occurred in 41.8% of subjects, mostly due to septic shock. CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the current state of pediatric sepsis management in our Indonesian hospital, revealing it as inadequate. Findings highlight the need for improved pre-hospital systems and sepsis recognition tools, and wider use of mechanical ventilators and advanced monitoring due to limited pediatric intensive care unit beds. Future research should focus on hospital-specific sepsis protocols to reduce pediatric sepsis mortality rates.

Clinical Features of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with COVID-19 in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: While the number of cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is increasing, reported cases in Asian countries are still low, particularly in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with MIS-C in a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with collected data of patients with MIS-C admitted to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo from March 2020 to April 2021. RESULTS: The first case of MIS-C was detected 5 months after the first reported coronavirus disease 2019 case in Indonesia. Thirteen patients out of 158 positive admitted patients for COVID-19 were diagnosed with MIS-C during the study period. Of these 13 patients, 2 patients (15%) had a fatal outcome. Subjects were predominantly male, and the median age was 7.58 years (IQR 12.3) years. Most patients required mechanical ventilation (7 out of 13 patients) and intubation (8 out of 13 patients). Patients who needed intubation usually needed mechanical ventilation. All inflammatory markers, white blood cells, neutrophil counts, and all coagulation factor parameters (except for normal prothrombin time and activated partial prothrombin time) were elevated. The median time to MIS-C diagnosis was 2 days in the survivor group (n = 11) compared to 8.5 days in the non-survivor group (n = 2). Compared to the non-survivor group, those who survived spent more days in the hospital, received vasopressors earlier, and did not require mechanical ventilation as early as the non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Our work highlights the differences in MIS-C clinical course, treatment, and clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Education: Perspectives from Pediatric Medical Educators and Residents.

OBJECTIVES: The use of technology has rapidly increased in the past century. Artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT) are now applied in healthcare and medical education. The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of Indonesian teaching staff and pediatric residents for AI integration into the curriculum. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed among teaching staff and pediatric residents from 15 national universities. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: demographic information and questions regarding the use of IT and AI in child health education. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale: strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, and highly agree. RESULTS: A total of 728 pediatric residents and 196 teaching staff from 15 national universities participated in the survey. Over half of the respondents were familiar with the terms IT and AI. The majority agreed that IT and AI have simplified the process of learning theories and skills. All participants were in favor of sharing data to facilitate the development of AI and expressed readiness to incorporate IT and AI into their teaching tools. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study indicate that pediatric residents and teaching staff are ready to implement AI in medical education.

The Role of Pretransplant Infections in Pediatric Receiving LDLT in Indonesia: A 7-y Retrospective Study.

Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for pediatric end-stage liver disease. Infections posttransplantation might significantly affect the outcome of the surgery. This study aimed to identify the role of pretransplant infection among children who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Indonesia. Methods: This is an observational, retrospective cohort study. A total of 56 children were recruited between April 2015 and May 2022. Patients were categorized into 2 according to the presence of pretransplantation infections requiring hospitalization before the surgery. Diagnosis of posttransplantation infection was observed for up to 1 y based on the clinical features and laboratory parameters. Results: The most common indication for LDLT was biliary atresia (82.1%). Fifteen of 56 patients (26.7%) had a pretransplant infection, whereas 73.2% of patients were diagnosed with a posttransplant infection. There was no significant association between pretransplant and posttransplant infection in all 3-time points (≤1 mo, 2-6 mo, and 6-12 mo). The most common organ involvement posttransplantation was respiratory infections (50%). The pretransplant infection did not significantly affect posttransplant bacteremia, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, initiation of enteral feeding, hospitalization cost, and graft rejection. Conclusions: Our data showed that pretransplant infections did not significantly affect clinical outcomes in post-LDLT procedures. A prompt and sufficient diagnosis and treatment before and after the LDLT procedure is the best way to obtain an optimal outcome.

Diagnostic challenges of hypoganglionosis based on immunohistochemical method.

Background: Hypoganglionosis resembles Hirschsprung's disease as in both diseases, patients may present with severe constipation or pseudo-obstruction. To date, diagnosis of hypoganglionosis is still difficult to be established due to lack of international consensus regarding diagnostic criteria. This study aims to evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry to provide objective support for our initial subjective impression of hypoganglionosis as well as to describe the morphological features of this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Three resected intestinal samples from patients with hypoganglionosis at Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan were included in this study. One healthy intestinal sample was used as control. All specimens were immunohistochemically stained with anti-S-100 protein, anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and anti-c-kit protein antibodies. Results: (I) S-100 immunostaining: hypoplasia of the myenteric ganglia and marked reduction of intramuscular nerve fibers were observed in several segments of the intestine. (II) α-SMA immunostaining: the pattern of the muscular layers was almost normal in all segments; however, some areas showed hypotrophy of the circular muscle (CM) layers and hypertrophy of the longitudinal muscle (LM) layers. (III) C-kit immunostaining: a decreased in the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) was observed in almost all segments of the resected intestine, even around the myenteric plexus. Conclusions: Each segment of intestine in hypoganglionosis had different numbers of ICCs, sizes, and distributions of ganglions, as well as patterns of musculature, which may range from severely abnormal to nearly normal. Further investigations regarding the definition, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease should be performed to improve the prognosis of this disease.

The Comparison of Cerebral Oxygenation among Mechanically Ventilated Children Receiving Protocolized Sedation and Analgesia versus Clinician's Decision in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Introduction: Adequate sedation and analgesia are two crucial factors affecting recovery of intensive care patients. Improper use of sedation and analgesia in intensive care patients may adversely lead to brain oxygen desaturation. This study aims to determine cerebral oxygenation as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and inotropic interventions received among mechanically ventilated children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: This study is a nested case - control study in the PICU of Indonesian tertiary hospital. Children aged 1 month to 17 years on mechanical ventilation and were given sedation and analgesia were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the protocol of the main study (Clinical Trial ID NCT04788589). Cerebral oxygenation was measured by NIRS at five time points (before sedation, 5-min, 1, 6, and 12 h after sedation). Results: Thirty-nine of the 69 subjects were categorized into the protocol group and the rest were in the control group. A decrease of >20% NIRS values was found among subjects in the protocol group at 5-min (6.7%), 1-h (11.1%), 6-h (26.3%), and 12-h (23.8%) time-point. The mean NIRS value was lower and the inotropic intervention was more common in the control group (without protocol), although not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study found that mechanically ventilated children who received sedation and analgesia based on the protocol had a greater decrease of >20% NIRS values compared to the other group. The use of sedation and analgesia protocols must be applied in selected patients after careful consideration.

Correlation between syndecan-1 level and PELOD-2 score and mortality in pediatric sepsis. / Correlação entre níveis de sindecano 1, escore PELOD-2 e mortalidade em sepse pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between glycocalyx disruption measured via the serum syndecan-1 level and organ dysfunctions assessed by the PELOD-2 score and to evaluate its association with mortality in pediatric sepsis. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study in a tertiary public hospital. Sixty-eight pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis according to International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria were consecutively recruited. We performed measurements of day 1 and day 5 serum syndecan-1 levels and PELOD-2 score components. Patients were followed up to 28 days following sepsis diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, the syndecan-1 level was increased in all subjects, with a significantly higher level among septic shock patients (p = 0.01). The day 1 syndecan-1 level was positively correlated with the day 1 PELOD-2 score with a correlation coefficient of 0.35 (p = 0.003). Changes in syndecan-1 were positively correlated with changes in the PELOD-2 score, with a correlation coefficient of 0.499 (p < 0.001) during the first five days. Using the cutoff point of day 1 syndecan-1 ≥ 430ng/mL, organ dysfunction (PELOD-2 score of ≥ 8) could be predicted with an AUC of 74.3%, sensitivity of 78.6%, and specificity of 68.5% (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The day 1 syndecan-1 level was correlated with the day 1 PELOD-2 score but not 28-day mortality. Organ dysfunction (PELOD-2 ≥ 8) could be predicted by the syndecan-1 level in the first 24 hours of sepsis, suggesting its significant pathophysiological involvement in sepsis-associated organ dysfunction.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a correlação entre a lesão do glicocálix medida pelo nível sérico de sindecano 1 e as disfunções de órgãos avaliadas com o escore PELOD-2, assim como avaliar sua associação com a mortalidade em sepse pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo observacional em um hospital terciário público. Sessenta e oito pacientes pediátricos, com diagnóstico de sepse segundo os critérios da International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference, foram consecutivamente recrutados. Nos dias 1 e 5, realizaram-se dosagens dos níveis séricos de sindecano 1 e avaliação dos componentes do escore PELOD-2. Os pacientes foram seguidos por até 28 dias após o diagnóstico de sepse. RESULTADOS: Em geral, o nível de sindecano 1 estava aumentado em todos os participantes, com nível significantemente mais elevado nos pacientes em choque (p = 0,01). O nível de sindecano 1 no dia 1 teve correlação positiva com o escore PELOD-2 no dia 1 e coeficiente de correlação de 0,35 (p = 0,003). Nos primeiros 5 dias após o diagnóstico de sepse, as alterações nos níveis de sindecano 1 tiveram correlação positiva com modificações no escore PELOD-2, com coeficiente de correlação de 0,499 (p < 0,001). Com utilização de um ponto de corte dos níveis de sindecano 1 no dia 1 ≥ 430ng/mL, a disfunção de órgãos (escore PELOD-2 ≥ 8) pôde ser predita com área sob a curva de 74,3%, sensibilidade de 78,6% e especificidade de 68,5% (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O nível de sindecano 1 no dia 1 teve correlação com o escore PELOD-2 no dia 1, porém não se associou com a mortalidade aos 28 dias. A disfunção de órgãos (PELOD-2 ≥ 8) pôde ser predita pelo nível de sindecano 1 nas primeiras 24 horas de sepse, sugerindo seu significante envolvimento na fisiopatologia da disfunção de órgãos associada à sepse.

The Correlations of Human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide on Cardiac Function and Hemodynamics in Pediatric Septic Shock.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the correlations of human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) on cardiac function and hemodynamics in pediatric septic shock. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational and prospective study on 30 children with septic shock. Measurement of the level of human atrial natriuretic peptide was determined in the serum of patients. Cardiac power (CP) is a cardiac function parameter measured with cardiac output (cardiovascular flow) and mean arterial (intravascular) pressure. Cardiac output and mean arterial pressure were monitored using pressure recording analytical methods (PRAM). Hemodynamic status was represented by a vasoactive inotropic score. Results: Thirty pediatric septic shock patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The human ANP level was not significantly different in pediatric septic shock on three days of examination. Cardiac power was significantly different in pediatric septic shock on three days of examination. There was a correlation between human ANP and cardiac power on day 3 and human ANP and VIS on day 2. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between human ANP level and cardiac power on day 3 and ANP level and VIS on day 2. The cardiac power on day 3 and VIS on 48 hours can be alternatives to evaluate the hemodynamic status and cardiac function concerning human ANP in pediatric septic shock.

Resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock using normal saline does not damage the glycocalyx in the immediate resuscitation phase.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to study the effect of aggressive resuscitation using normal saline on hemodynamics, serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), syndecan-1 (marker of endothelial glycocalyx shedding), and extravascular lung water index (ELWI) following hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Eleven male piglets (Sus scrofa) underwent blood drawing to create 20% drop in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Two-phase resuscitation was performed: Phase 1 using normal saline of an equal volume of blood drawn to create shock and Phase 2 using 40 ml/kg BW of normal saline to simulate hypervolemia and hemodilution. Heart rate, MAP, cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index, oxygen delivery (DO2), global end-diastolic volume index, ELWI, hemoglobin (Hb), lactate, ANP, and syndecan-1 at each phase and up to 60 min following Phase 2 resuscitation were recorded. RESULTS: Phase 2 resuscitation significantly decreased Hb concentration (P = 0.006), however, DO2 was maintained (P = 1.000). CI increased from shock to Phase 1 (P = 0.029) and further increase in Phase 2 resuscitation (P = 0.001). Overall, there was a transient increase of ANP following Phase 1 resuscitation, from 85.20 ± 40.86 ng/L at baseline to 106.42 ± 33.71 ng/L (P = 0.260). Serum syndecan-1 and ELWI change at all phases were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate compensatory protective mechanism despite overzealous fluid resuscitation. Compensatory increased CI despite decreased Hb maintained DO2. In the absence of inflammation, serum ANP did not increase significantly, no glycocalyx shedding occurred, subsequently no change in ELWI. We show that factors other than volume overload are more dominant in causing glycocalyx shedding.

Parents' Perspectives Toward School Reopening During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia-A National Survey.

Background: All sectors are affected due to COVID-19 pandemic occurring worldwide, including the education industry. School closure had been taking place for more than a year in Indonesia. Despite the controversies, Indonesian government had decided to begin school reopening. Objectives: This study aims to assess parental readiness for school reopening, and factors affecting parental attitude toward school reopening. Methods: A cross-sectional study using online questionnaire distributed via official Indonesian Pediatric Society (IPS) official social media account collected between March and April 2021. The questionnaire contained the general characteristics of study participants, parents' knowledge, and perspectives on COVID-19, and health protocols for school reopening. Results: A total of 17,562 responses were collected, of which 55.7% parents were ready to send their children to school should school reopens. Factors significantly contribute to parental decision to keep their child at home were: presence of vulnerable population at home [OR = 1.18 (1.10-1.27), p < 0.001], children with comorbidities [OR = 2.56 (2.29-2.87), p < 0.001], perception of COVID-19 as a dangerous disease [OR = 28.87 (14.29-58.33), p < 0.001], experience with COVID-19 positive cases in the community [OR = 1.75 (1.61-1.90), p < 0.001], COVID-19 related death in the community [OR = 2.05 (1.90-2.21), P < 0.001], approval for adult COVID-19 vaccination [OR = 1.69 (1.53-1.87), p < 0.001], and ownership of private transportation [OR = 1.46 (1.30-1.66), p <0.001]. Conclusion: We identified several factors affecting parental perception on school reopening during COVID-19 pandemic that should be addressed. This study can be used for policy-maker to make further recommendations and health educations prior to school reopening in Indonesia.

Inferior Vena Cava/Abdominal Aorta Ratio as a Guide for Fluid Resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION: The fluid therapy is crucial in the treatment of critically ill children. Inadequate or excessive fluid resuscitation leads to increased mortality and morbidity, thus necessitating an accurate parameter for predicting fluid responsiveness when conducting fluid resuscitation. The inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta (IVC/Ao) ratio is suggested as a good guide for fluid resuscitation. However, the cutoff value for predicting fluid responsiveness in children has not been established. Is IVC/Ao ratio can be used to predict fluid responsiveness? METHODS: The objective was to determine the accuracy and a cutoff value of IVC/Ao in predicting fluid responsiveness. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency room and the pediatric intensive care unit of the tertiary hospital from March to August 2017. We consecutively enrolled all critically ill children aged 1 month to 18 years' old who were hemodynamically unstable (shock). Measurements of IVC/Ao with ultrasound and stroke volume with ultrasound cardiac output monitor were obtained before and after fluid challenge. RESULTS: Of 167 subjects enrolled in this study, only 58 subjects were included, most of whom were male (58.6%) and ranging in age from 1 to 11 months (32.8%). The mean IVC/Ao ratio before the fluid challenge in the fluid responsive group was 0.70 ± 0.053. The best cutoff of the IVC/Ao ratio is 0.675 with area under the curve 70.8% (95% confidence interval of 54.6%-87%), 75.7% sensitivity, and 61.9% specificity for predicting significant fluid responsiveness. CONCLUSION: The measurement of IVC/Ao is an accurate, sensitive, and specific parameter to predict fluid responsiveness. The best cut-off for the IVC/Ao ratio is 0.675.

Serum NT-Pro-BNP versus Noninvasive Bedside Inotropic Index in Paediatric Shock: A Contest of Myocardial Performance in Response to Fluid Loading.

BACKGROUND: Mild elevation of serum amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is associated with myocardial dysfunction. A significantly lower Smith-Madigan inotropic index (SMII) has been shown to accurately represent cardiac contractility among heart failure subjects. We aim to monitor the effect of fluid resuscitation on cardiac function among paediatric patients by measuring serum NT-pro-BNP and SMII. METHODS: This is an observational study on 70 paediatric shock patients. NT-pro-BNP and noninvasive bedside haemodynamic monitoring were done by using an ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM, USCOM, Sydney, Australia). The presence of cardiac diseases was excluded. SMII was obtained from the USCOM. An increase in the stroke volume index (SVI) of ≥15% indicates fluid responders. Measurements were taken before and after fluid loading. RESULTS: Preloading NT-pro-BNP and SMII category were significantly different between the fluid responsiveness group, p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively. Higher median NT-pro-BNP (preloading NT-pro-BNP of 1175.00 (254.50-9965.00) ng/mL vs. 196.00 (65.00-509.00) ng/mL, p=0.002) was associated with fluid nonresponders (subjects >12 months old). Preloading NT-pro-BNP <242.5 ng/mL was associated with fluid responders (AUC: 0.768 (0.615-0.921), p=0.003), 82.1% sensitivity, and 68.7% specificity for subjects >12 years old. Delta NT-pro-BNP in fluid responders (15.00 (-16.00-950.00) ng/mL) did not differ from fluid nonresponders (505.00 (-797.00-1600.00) ng/mL), p=0.456. Postloading SMII >1.25 W·m-2 was associated with fluid responders (AUC: 0.683 (0.553-0.813), p = 0.011), 61.9% sensitivity, and 66.7% specificity, but not preloading SMII. Fluid responders had a higher mean postloading SMII compared to nonresponders (1.36 ± 0.38 vs. 1.10 ± 0.34, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Higher NT-pro-BNP and lower SMII in the absence of cardiac diseases were associated with poor response to fluid loading. The SMII is affected by low preload conditions.

Echovirus-7 Infection in Children with Unusual Severe Manifestation: A Case Report.

We report a rare laboratory-confirmed, clinical case of Echovirus-7 infection in an immuno-competent child with central nervous system and systemic manifestation. Echovirus infection is usually mild, however in this case we identified echovirus-7 infection with 91% homology with the Echovirus-7 strain previously isolated in neighbouring country with severe manifestation.

Validation of the vasoactive-inotropic score in predicting pediatric septic shock mortality: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Mortality in pediatric septic shock remains very high. Vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is widely used to predict prognosis in patients with heart disease. It is a simple method that was initially used as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in postoperative patients with congenital heart diseases. Previous reports showed that high VIS score was associated with high mortality in pediatric sepsis. However, its discriminative value remains unclear. We aim to explore the discriminative value of VIS in predicting mortality in pediatric septic shock patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on medical records of septic shock patients who received care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We screened medical records of pediatric patients which were diagnosed with septic shock and admitted to the PICU and received vasoactive/inotropic score for more than 8 h. Other supporting examination results were recorded, such as organ function evaluation for calculation of Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (PELOD-2) score. The outcome of patients was recorded. The receiver operating curve was constructed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of each cutoff point. RESULTS: We obtained the optimum cutoff point of VIS > 11 with 78.87% sensitivity and 72.22% specificity. AUC positive was 0.779 (P < 0.001); predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.80% and 46.43%, respectively. CONCLUSION: VIS > 11 has a good ability to predict mortality in children with septic shock.

Mortality in children with positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test: Lessons learned from a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still increasing rapidly, but little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of fatal cases in children in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of children with COVID-19 with fatal outcomes in a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data collected from the medical records of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia from March to October 2020. RESULTS: During the study period, 490 patients were admitted and diagnosed with suspected and probable COVID-19. Of these patients, 50 (10.2%) were confirmed to have COVID-19, and 20 (40%) had a fatal outcome. The fatality rate was higher in patients aged ≥10 years, categorized with severe disease upon admission, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤300 mmHg and chronic underlying diseases. The most common clinical manifestations were generalized symptoms, while acute respiratory distress syndrome (8/20) and septic shock (7/20) were the two most common causes of death. Increased procalcitonin, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase and presepsin levels were found in all fatal cases. One patient met the criteria of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. CONCLUSION: Our work highlights the high mortality rate in paediatric patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test. These findings might be related to or co-incided with COVID-19 infection. Further studies are needed to improve understanding of the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in elaborating the mechanisms leading to death in children with comorbidities.

Determining pediatric fluid responsiveness by stroke volume variation analysis using ICON® electrical cardiometry and ultrasonic cardiac output monitor: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to determine the adequacy fluid responsiveness by the validity and cut off point of stroke volume variation (SVV) usingelectrical cardiometry, ICON® (Osypka Medical, Berlin, Germany) and ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) and to recognize cut off point of tidal volume in shock children with mechanical ventilation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to September 2017 in a single center. The selection of subject through consecutive sampling. Measurements of SVV and stroke volume (SV) using USCOM and ICON were performed before and after fluid challenge. The tidal volume of individuals was measured and recorded. RESULTS: Analysis was performed in 45 patients with median age of 14 months and 62.2% of male population. It showed that the sensitivity and specificity of ICON were 58% and 74%, respectively. The optimal cut off point of SVV using ICON was 16.5% and the area under the curve (AUC) value was 53% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.9%-70%), P > 0.05 and cut off point of SVV using USCOM was 33.5% with the AUC value was 70% (95% CI 52.9%-87.7%), P < 0.05. The optimal cut off point of tidal volume to fluid responsivenes was 6.8 ml/kg BW and the AUC value was 44.6% (95% CI 27.4%-61.9%), P > 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study showed that electrical cardiometry (ICON) is unable to assess preload and the response of fluid resuscitation in children.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Agonist Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Several Fibrogenic Pathways in an Animal Model of Cholestatic Fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis by virtue of its effect on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Although many studies have shown that PPAR-γ agonists inhibit liver fibrosis, the mechanism remains largely unclear, especially regarding the cross-talk between PPAR-γ and other potent fibrogenic factors. METHODS: This experimental study involved 25 male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce liver fibrosis, further divided into an untreated group (BDL; n=10) and a group treated with the PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinedione (TZD), at 14 days post-operation (BDL+TZD; n=10). The remaining 5 rats had a sham operation (sham; n=5). The effect of PPAR-γ agonist on liver fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology, protein immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Histology and immunostaining showed markedly reduced collagen deposition, bile duct proliferation, and HSCs in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p<0.001). Similarly, significantly lower mRNA expression of collagen α-1(I), matrix metalloproteinase-2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B chain, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were evident in the BDL+TZD group compared to those in the BDL group (p=0.0002, p<0.035, p<0.0001, and p=0.0123 respectively). Moreover, expression of the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) was also downregulated in the BDL+TZD group (p=0.0087). CONCLUSION: The PPAR-γ agonist inhibits HSC activation in vivo and attenuates liver fibrosis through several fibrogenic pathways. Potent fibrogenic factors such as PDGF, CTGF, and TGF-ß1 were downregulated by the PPAR-γ agonist. Targeting PPAR-γ activity may be a potential strategy to control liver fibrosis.

Modified Puestow Procedure for Chronic Pancreatitis in a Child Due to Annular Pancreas and Duodenal Duplication: A Case Report.

An 18-year-old woman with annular pancreas and duodenal duplication presented with recurrent acute pancreatitis and underwent a resection of duodenal duplication. However, the patient experienced recurrent abdominal pain after resection. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a dilatation of the peripheral pancreatic duct and stenosis and malformation of both the Wirsung's and Santorini's duct due to multiple stones. The modified puestow procedure was performed. The main pancreatic ducts in the body and tail were opened, and the intrapancreatic common bile duct was preserved. A Roux-en-Y pancreatico-jejunostomy was performed for reconstructing the pancreaticobiliary system after removing the ductal protein plug. The patient experienced no abdominal pain, no significant elevation of the serum amylase and lipase levels, and no stone formation during the 2 years of follow-up. This procedure is considered to be beneficial for pediatric patients with chronic pancreatitis due to annular pancreas and duodenal duplication.

Correlação entre níveis de sindecano 1, escore PELOD-2 e mortalidade em sepse pediátrica / Correlation between syndecan-1 level and PELOD-2 score and mortality in pediatric sepsis

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre a lesão do glicocálix medida pelo nível sérico de sindecano 1 e as disfunções de órgãos avaliadas com o escore PELOD-2, assim como avaliar sua associação com a mortalidade em sepse pediátrica. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo observacional em um hospital terciário público. Sessenta e oito pacientes pediátricos, com diagnóstico de sepse segundo os critérios da International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference, foram consecutivamente recrutados. Nos dias 1 e 5, realizaram-se dosagens dos níveis séricos de sindecano 1 e avaliação dos componentes do escore PELOD-2. Os pacientes foram seguidos por até 28 dias após o diagnóstico de sepse. Resultados: Em geral, o nível de sindecano 1 estava aumentado em todos os participantes, com nível significantemente mais elevado nos pacientes em choque (p = 0,01). O nível de sindecano 1 no dia 1 teve correlação positiva com o escore PELOD-2 no dia 1 e coeficiente de correlação de 0,35 (p = 0,003). Nos primeiros 5 dias após o diagnóstico de sepse, as alterações nos níveis de sindecano 1 tiveram correlação positiva com modificações no escore PELOD-2, com coeficiente de correlação de 0,499 (p < 0,001). Com utilização de um ponto de corte dos níveis de sindecano 1 no dia 1 ≥ 430ng/mL, a disfunção de órgãos (escore PELOD-2 ≥ 8) pôde ser predita com área sob a curva de 74,3%, sensibilidade de 78,6% e especificidade de 68,5% (p = 0,001). Conclusão: O nível de sindecano 1 no dia 1 teve correlação com o escore PELOD-2 no dia 1, porém não se associou com a mortalidade aos 28 dias. A disfunção de órgãos (PELOD-2 ≥ 8) pôde ser predita pelo nível de sindecano 1 nas primeiras 24 horas de sepse, sugerindo seu significante envolvimento na fisiopatologia da disfunção de órgãos associada à sepse.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the correlation between glycocalyx disruption measured via the serum syndecan-1 level and organ dysfunctions assessed by the PELOD-2 score and to evaluate its association with mortality in pediatric sepsis. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study in a tertiary public hospital. Sixty-eight pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis according to International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria were consecutively recruited. We performed measurements of day 1 and day 5 serum syndecan-1 levels and PELOD-2 score components. Patients were followed up to 28 days following sepsis diagnosis. Results: Overall, the syndecan-1 level was increased in all subjects, with a significantly higher level among septic shock patients (p = 0.01). The day 1 syndecan-1 level was positively correlated with the day 1 PELOD-2 score with a correlation coefficient of 0.35 (p = 0.003). Changes in syndecan-1 were positively correlated with changes in the PELOD-2 score, with a correlation coefficient of 0.499 (p < 0.001) during the first five days. Using the cutoff point of day 1 syndecan-1 ≥ 430ng/mL, organ dysfunction (PELOD-2 score of ≥ 8) could be predicted with an AUC of 74.3%, sensitivity of 78.6%, and specificity of 68.5% (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The day 1 syndecan-1 level was correlated with the day 1 PELOD-2 score but not 28-day mortality. Organ dysfunction (PELOD-2 ≥ 8) could be predicted by the syndecan-1 level in the first 24 hours of sepsis, suggesting its significant pathophysiological involvement in sepsis-associated organ dysfunction.