The use of point of care gastric ultrasound and anesthesia management in pediatric patients with preoperative fasting non-adherence scheduled for elective surgical procedures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Failure to adhere to perioperative fasting requirements increases aspiration risk and can lead to delay or cancellation of surgery. Point of care gastric ultrasound may guide decision-making to delay, cancel or proceed with surgery. METHODS: This study aimed to describe gastric contents using point of care gastric ultrasound in pediatric patients with known fasting guideline violations presenting for elective surgery. This was a single-center retrospectivechart review of gastric ultrasound scans in patients presenting for elective surgeries with "nothing by mouth" violation (per fasting guidelines) or unclear fasting status. The primary outcome is description of gastric contents using point of care ultrasound. The ultrasound findings were classified as low-risk for aspiration (empty, clear fluid < 1.5 ml/kg), high-risk (solids, clear fluid > 1.5 ml/kg), or inconclusive study. Gastric ultrasound findings were communicated to the attending anesthesiologist. For patients proceeding without delay the estimated time saved was defined as the difference between ultrasound scan time and presumed case start time based on American Society of Anesthesiologists fasting guidelines. RESULTS: We identified 106 patients with a median age of 4.8 years. There were 31 patients (29.2%) that had ultrasound finding of high-risk gastric contents. These patients had cases that were delayed, cancelled or proceeded with rapid sequence intubation. Sixty-six patients (62.3%) were determined to be low-risk gastric contents and proceeded with surgery without delay. For these patients, a median of 2.6 h was saved. No aspiration events were recorded for any patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use preoperative point of care gastric ultrasound to determine stomach contents and risk-stratify pediatric patients presenting for elective surgical procedures with fasting non-adherence. Preoperative gastric ultrasound may have a role in determining changes in anesthetic management in this patient population.

Development of an enhanced recovery after surgery program for pediatric solid tumors.

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based, multi-modal approach to decrease surgical stress, expedite recovery, and improve postoperative outcomes. ERAS is increasingly being utilized in pediatric surgery. Its applicability to pediatric patients undergoing abdominal tumor resections remains unknown. Methods and Analysis: A group of key stakeholders adopted ERAS principles and developed a protocol suitable for the variable complexity of pediatric abdominal solid tumor resections. A multi-center, prospective, propensity-matched case control study was then developed to evaluate the feasibility of the protocol. A pilot-phase was utilized prior to enrollment of all patients older than one month of age undergoing any abdominal, retroperitoneal, or pelvic tumor resections. The primary outcome was 90-day complications per patient. Additional secondary outcomes included: ERAS protocol adherence, length of stay, time to administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, readmissions, reoperations, emergency room visits, pain scores, opioid usage, and differences in Quality of Recovery 9 scores. Ethics and Dissemination: Institutional review board approval was obtained at all participating centers. Informed consent was obtained from each participating patient. The results of this study will be presented at pertinent society meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. We expect the results will inform peri-operative care for pediatric surgical oncology patients and provide guidance on initiation of ERAS programs. We anticipate this study will take four years to meet accrual targets and complete follow-up. Trial Registration Number: NCT04344899.

Retrospective study comparing outcomes of multimodal epidural and erector spinae catheter pain protocols after pectus surgery.

INTRODUCTION: There are no optimal postoperative analgesia regimens for Nuss procedures. We compared the effectiveness of thoracic epidurals (EPI) and novel ambulatory erector spinae plane (ESP) catheters as part of multimodal pain protocols after Nuss surgery. METHODS: Data on demographics, comorbidities, perioperative details, length of stay (LOS), in hospital and post discharge pain/opioid use, side effects, and emergency department (ED) visits were collected retrospectively in children who underwent Nuss repair with EPI (N = 114) and ESP protocols (N = 97). Association of the group with length of stay (LOS), in hospital opioid use (intravenous morphine equivalents (MEq)/kg over postoperative day (POD) 0-2), and oral opioid use beyond POD7 was analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with propensity scores, followed by multivariable regression. RESULTS: Groups had similar demographics. Compared to EPI, ESP had longer block time and higher rate of ketamine and dexmedetomidine use. LOS for ESP was 2 days IQR (2, 2) compared to 3 days IQR (3, 4) for EPI (p < 0.01). Compared to EPI, ESP group had higher opioid use (in MEq/kg) intraoperatively (0.32 (IQR 0.27, 0.36) vs. 0.28 (0.24, 0.32); p < 0.01) but lower opioid use on POD 0 (0.09 (IQR 0.04, 0.17) vs. 0.11 (0.08, 0.17); p = 0.03) and POD2 (0.00 (IQR 0.00, 0.00) vs. 0.04 (0.00, 0.06) ; p < 0.01). ESP group also had lower total in hospital opioid use (0.57 (IQR 0.42, 0.73) vs.0.82 (0.71, 0.91); p < 0.01), and shorter duration of post discharge opioid use (6 days (IQR 5,8) vs. 9 days (IQR 7,12) (p < 0.01). After IPTW adjustment, ESP continued to be associated with shorter LOS (difference -1.20, 95% CI: -1.38, -1.01, p < 0.01) and decreased odds for opioid use beyond POD7 (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.24); p < 0.01). However, total in hospital opioid use in MEq/kg (POD0-2) was now similar between groups (difference -0.02 (95% CI: -0.09, -0.04); p = 0.50). The EPI group had higher incidence of emesis (29% v 4%, p < 0.01), while ESP had higher catheter malfunction rates (23% v 0%; p < 0.01) but both groups had comparable ED visits/readmissions. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Compared to EPI, multimodal ambulatory ESP protocol decreased LOS and postoperative opioid use, with comparable ED visits/readmissions. Disadvantages included higher postoperative pain scores, longer block times and higher catheter leakage/malfunction. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Design and implementation of a novel patient-centered empowerment approach for pain optimisation in children undergoing major surgery.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric surgery is a stressful experience for patients and caregivers. While standardised protocols are the norm, patient-centred approaches are needed to empower patients/caregivers for an optimal perioperative pain experience. To address this gap, we employed a patient-centred approach using design thinking (DT) methodology to develop insights, map processes, identify opportunities and design solutions for individualised empowerment tools. METHODS: In consultation with DT experts, a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders (healthcare providers, patients who underwent pectus excavatum/scoliosis surgery and their caregivers), were invited to participate in surveys, interviews and focus groups. The project was conducted in two sequential stages each over 24 weeks-involving 7 families in stage 1 and 16 patients/17 caregivers in stage 2. Each stage consisted of three phases: design research (focus groups with key stakeholders to review and apply collective learnings, map processes, stressors, identify influencing factors and opportunities), concept ideation (benchmarking and co-creation of new solutions) and concept refinement. RESULTS: In stage 1, mapping of stress/anxiety peaks identified target intervention times. We identified positive and negative influencers as well as the need for consistent messaging from the healthcare team in our design research. Current educational tools were benchmarked, parent-child engagement dyads determined and healthcare-based technology-based solutions conceived. The 'hero's journey' concept which has been applied to other illness paradigms for motivation successfully the was adapted to describe surgery as a transformative experience. In stage 2, patient and caregiver expectations, distinct personas and responses to perioperative experience were categorised. Educational tools and an empowerment tool kit based on sensorial, thinking, relaxation and activity themes, tailored to parent/child categories were conceptualised. CONCLUSION: DT methodology provided novel family centred insights, enabling design of tailored empowerment toolkits to optimise perioperative experience. Adapting the hero's journey call to adventure may motivate and build resilience among children undergoing surgery.

Factors associated with intraoperative intravenous catheter extravasation in children.

SummaryThis retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence of and factors associated with peripheral intravenous extravasation in paediatric patients in the intraoperative setting. We conducted a retrospective study of 56,777 patients who underwent general anaesthesia and had peripheral intravenous catheter placement at Cincinnati Children's Hospital between 1 January 2015 and 1 January 2017. Data collected included age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification, catheter site, number of cannulation attempts, ultrasound use for cannulation, surgery duration, and surgery class. Primary outcome was peripheral intravenous extravasation using an extravasation assessment tool. Some 64,814 peripheral venous catheters were placed in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Significant extravasation was documented in 40 catheters with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1620 venous catheters (0.06%). Of those 40 catheters, 47.5% (n = 19) were placed using ultrasound and 37.5% (n = 15) required more than one cannulation attempt. In multivariable analysis, peripheral intravenous catheter extravasation was associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (3, 4, 5) versus (1, 2) (odds ratio 2.42 (95% CI 1.08 to 5.41)), inpatient versus outpatient surgeries (odds ratio 2.99 (95% CI 1.31 to 6.81)), and intravenous catheters placed with ultrasound guidance (odds ratio 8.01 (95% CI 4.12 to 15.57)). Our study identified factors associated with intraoperative peripheral intravenous extravasation, and will help develop mitigation strategies to minimise harm to patients.

Feasibility study of cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis as a competency assessment tool for ultrasound-guided venous access procedures.

PURPOSE: Typically, physician training programs use a self-reported case-log competency assessment that does not measure procedure success or objectively assess competency. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis could provide objective assessments of competency and progress over the training period. Our study objective was to determine the feasibility of CUSUM analysis to assess competency of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USG-PIV) line placement in pediatric anesthesiology fellows. METHODS: We applied a CUSUM analysis to assess competency in USG-PIV placement in three consecutive pediatric anesthesia fellowship classes. After a didactic and hands-on training session, fellows placed a USG-PIV line and self-reported the outcomes via a web-based application. Fellows were deemed competent if the CUSUM curve crossed two consecutive boundary lines from above. RESULTS: Twenty-nine fellows reported 1,388 USG-PIV attempts, with 74% success. Most fellows (26/29; 90%) achieved competency by the end of the fellowship. Two fellows identified in the mid-year CUSUM as not progressing towards competency achieved competency after targeted interventions. Fellows achieving competency (11/29 vs 25/29; odds ratio, 15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98 to 113.56; P = 0.01) and attempts needed to achieve competency (19 vs 11; mean difference, 8.5; 95% CI, 3.3 to 13.7; P = 0.002) were significantly lower in younger patients and significantly higher in older patients. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CUSUM can be used to assess competence in USG-PIV procedures performed by pediatric anesthesia fellows and to identify learners not progressing toward competency in procedural skills. Ultrasound-guided venous access required more attempts to achieve competency in younger patients.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: En règle générale, les programmes de formation des médecins se fondent sur une évaluation autodéclarée des compétences dans un registre des cas qui ne mesure pas la réussite de l'intervention et n'évalue pas objectivement la compétence. L'analyse du cumul des écarts (CUSUM - pour CUmulative SUM) pourrait fournir des évaluations objectives des compétences et des progrès au cours de la période de formation. L'objectif de notre étude était de déterminer la faisabilité d'une analyse CUSUM pour évaluer la compétence pour le positionnement du cathéter intraveineux périphérique échoguidé (CIP-écho) des fellows en anesthésiologie pédiatrique. MéTHODE: Nous avons appliqué une analyse CUSUM pour évaluer la compétence pour le positionnement du CIP-écho de trois classes consécutives de fellows en anesthésie pédiatrique. Après une séance de formation didactique et pratique, les fellows ont placé un cathéter CIP-écho et ont déclaré eux-même les résultats via une application Web. Les fellows étaient jugés compétents si la courbe CUSUM franchissait deux lignes de démarcation consécutives à partir du haut. RéSULTATS: Vingt-neuf fellows ont rapporté 1388 tentatives de CIP-écho, avec un taux de réussite de 74 %. La plupart des fellows (26/29; 90 %) ont acquis la compétence à la fin de leur fellowship. Deux fellows identifiés dans l'analyse CUSUM de mi-année comme ne progressant pas vers la compétence sont parvenus à l'acquérir après des interventions ciblées. Les fellows acquérant cette compétence (11/29 vs 25/29; rapport de cotes, 15; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 1,98 à 113,56; P = 0,01) et les tentatives nécessaires pour acquérir la compétence (19 vs 11; différence moyenne, 8,5; IC 95 %, 3,3 à 13,7; P = 0,002) étaient significativement plus basses avec des patients plus jeunes et significativement plus élevés chez les patients plus âgés. CONCLUSION: Notre étude a montré qu'une analyse CUSUM pouvait être utilisée pour évaluer la compétence pour les procédures de CIP-écho réalisées par des fellows en anesthésie pédiatrique et pour identifier les apprenants qui ne progressent pas vers la compétence en habiletés opératoires. L'accès veineux échoguidé a nécessité davantage de tentatives pour atteindre la compétence chez les patients plus jeunes.

Standardization of clinical care pathway leads to sustained decreased length of stay following Nuss pectus repair: A multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Postoperatively, standardized clinical care pathways (SCCPs) help patients reach necessary milestones for discharge. The objective of this study was to achieve 90% compliance with a pectus specific SCCP within 9 months of implementation. We hypothesized that adherence to a pectus SCCP following the Nuss procedure would decrease postsurgical length of stay (LOS). METHODS: A multidisciplinary team implemented the pectus SCCP, including goals for mobility, lung recruitment, pain control, intake, and output. The full protocol included 42 components, tracked using chart reviews and a patient-directed checklist. The primary process measure was compliance with the pectus SCCP. The primary outcome measure was LOS; secondary outcomes were patient charges, patient satisfaction, and hospital readmission. RESULTS: Total study patients were n = 509: 159 patients pre-intervention, 350 patients post-intervention (80 implementation group; 270 sustain group). SCCP compliance data were collected on 164 patients post-intervention - 80 implementation, 84 sustain. LOS, ED visits, and hospital readmissions were recorded for all 509 patients. Mean LOS decreased from 4.5 days to 3.4 days, with >90% adherence to the pectus SCCP postintervention. There were no readmissions owing to pain despite earlier termination of epidural analgesia. Total patient charges decreased by 30% and patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: Using quality improvement methodology with strict adherence to a pectus SCCP, we had significant reduction in LOS and patient charge without compromising effective postoperative pain management or patient satisfaction. TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical research; quality improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Pragmatic comparative effectiveness study of multimodal fascia iliaca nerve block and continuous lumbar epidural-based protocols for periacetabular osteotomy.

Perioperative pain management protocols have a significant impact on early surgical outcomes and recovery. We hypothesized that multimodal protocol including fascia iliaca compartment nerve block (MM-FICNB) would decrease the length of hospital stay (LOS) by facilitating earlier mobilization, without compromising analgesia, compared to a traditional lumbar epidural-based protocol (EP). Demographics/comorbidities, surgical/block characteristics and perioperative pain/mobilization data were collected from a prospectively recruited MM-FICNB group (N = 16) and a retrospective EP cohort (N = 16) who underwent PAO using similar surgical techniques, physical therapy/discharge criteria. Association of MM-FICNB group with LOS (primary outcome), postoperative pain, postoperative opioid requirements in morphine equivalent rates (MER) (mcg/kg/h) and time to complete physical therapy were tested using multivariable and survival regression. Patient and surgical characteristics were similar between groups. Median time for FICNB performance was significantly less than epidural (6 versus 15 min; P < 0.001). LOS was significantly decreased in the MM-FICNB group (2.88 ± 0.72 days) compared to the EP group (4.38 ± 1.02 days); P < 0.001. MM-FICNB group had significantly lower MER on POD1 (P = 0.006) and POD2 (P < 0.001), with similar pain scores on all POD. MM-FICNB group was associated with decreased LOS and earlier mobilization (P < 0.001) by covariate-adjusted multivariate regression. Cox proportional hazard regression model showed MM-FICNB subjects had 63 (95% CI 7-571, P < 0.001) times the chance of completing physical therapy goals, compared to EP. Compared to EP, MM-FICNB protocol allowed earlier mobilization and decreased post-surgical hospitalization by 1.5 days, without compromising analgesia, with important implications for value-based healthcare and cost-effectiveness.

CYP2D6 pharmacogenetic and oxycodone pharmacokinetic association study in pediatric surgical patients.

AIM: Oxycodone is partly metabolized to the active metabolite oxymorphone by hepatic CYP2D6 in the liver. Significant genetic variability in CYP2D6 activity affects oxymorphone formation. This study aimed to associate CYP2D6 genotype and oxycodone's metabolism. METHODS: 30 children were administered oral oxycodone postoperatively. Plasma levels of oxycodone and oxymorphone, and CYP2D6 genotype were analyzed. CYP2D6 genotype and oxycodone metabolism phenotype were determined based on CYP2D6 total activity score (TAS) and metabolism phenotype: poor metabolizer (PM), intermediate metabolizer (IM), extensive metabolizer (EM) or ultrarapid metabolizer (UM). RESULTS: Compared with PM/IM subjects, significantly greater oxymorphone exposure was seen in EM subjects (p = 0.02 for Cmax, p = 0.016 for AUC0-6 and p = 0.026 for AUC0-24). Similarly, higher TAS value was found to be associated with greater oxymorphone exposure. Higher conversion of oxycodone to oxymorphone was observed in EM subjects compared with PM/IM subjects (p = 0.0007 for Cmax, p = 0.001 for AUC0-6 and p = 0.004 for AUC0-24). CONCLUSION: CYP2D6 phenotypes explain metabolism of oxycodone in children, and oxymorphone exposure is higher in CYP2D6 EM phenotype. Further studies are needed to predict the occurrence of adverse event and tailor oxycodone dose for a specific CYP2D6 phenotype.

Surgical site infection related to use of elastomeric pumps in pectus excavatum repair. Lessons learned from root cause analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pectus excavatum repair (PEX) is among the most painful thoracic procedures performed. Continuous peripheral nerve blockade (CPNB) is known to be efficacious in optimizing pain control while limiting narcotic use in adult thoracic procedures. It was introduced in May 2015 as a bridge to oral pain control in children undergoing PEX. Consequently, the surgical site infection (SSI) rate increased from 2.7% to 27.7%. METHODS: SSI surveillance followed national guidelines. The abrupt increase prompted root cause analysis and cessation of CPNB use. A dynamic systems model of SSI in PEX was developed. Statistical analysis compared SSI outcomes with and without CPNB. RESULTS: From May 2015 to June 2015, 21 PEX were performed; 11 with CPNB. 6 SSIs were observed. Use of CPNB significantly (p=0.008) increased SSI incidence. Haller index, number of bars, usage of Fiberwire®, methicillin resistant S. aureus colonization and length of stay did not differ. Root cause analysis revealed the proximity of CPNB catheters to the wound, the use of CPNB with implanted hardware and a delayed utilization of CPNB catheters to be of concern. CONCLUSION: Introduction of CPNB coincided with a significant increase in SSI. Further study is needed to assess the safety of CPNB in pediatric PEX. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III treatment study.

Morphometric differences in the Heschl's gyrus of hearing impaired and normal hearing infants.

This study investigates the morphometry of Heschl's gyrus and its included primary auditory cortex (PAC) in hearing impaired (HI) and normal hearing (NH) infants. Fourty-two infants, age 8-19 months, with NH (n = 26) or hearing impairment (n = 16) were studied using high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging. Gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were obtained using software for automatic brain imaging segmentation to estimate the volume of each tissue within manually defined regions for the anterior portion of Heschl's gyrus (aHG) in each individual subject, transformed to an infant brain template space. Interactions among group (HI, NH), tissue type (GM, WM), and hemisphere (left, right) were examined using analysis of variance. Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry was utilized to explore volume differences between groups across the entire brain. The HI group showed increased GM and decreased WM in aHG compared with the NH group; likely effects of auditory deprivation. The HI group did not exhibit their typical L > R asymmetry pattern that the NH group showed. Increased GM in aHG in HI infants may represent abnormal cortical development in PAC as seen in animal models of sensory deprivation. Lower WM volume is consistent with studies with deaf adults.

Functional MRI of language lateralization during development in children.

Changes in the distribution of language function in the brain have been documented from infancy through adulthood. Even macroscopic measures of language lateralization reflect a dynamic process of language development. In this review, we summarize a series of functional MRI studies of language skills in children ages of five to 18 years, both typically-developing children and children with brain injuries or neurological disorders that occur at different developmental stages with different degrees of severity. These studies used a battery of fMRI-compatible language tasks designed to tap sentential and lexical language skills that develop early and later in childhood. In typically-developing children, lateralization changes with age are associated with language skills that have a protracted period of development, reflecting the developmental process of skill acquisition rather than general maturation of the brain. Normative data, across the developmental period, acts as a reference for disentangling developmental patterns in brain activation from changes due to developmental or acquired abnormalities. This review emphasizes the importance of considering age and child development in neuroimaging studies of language.