2023 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2023 focused update to the neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 4 systematic reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Systematic reviewers and content experts from this task force performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on umbilical cord management in preterm, late preterm, and term newborn infants, and the optimal devices and interfaces used for administering positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation of newborn infants. These recommendations provide new guidance on the use of intact umbilical cord milking, device selection for administering positive-pressure ventilation, and an additional primary interface for administering positive-pressure ventilation.

Aggressive or Moderate Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Early aggressive hydration is widely recommended for the management of acute pancreatitis, but evidence for this practice is limited. METHODS: At 18 centers, we randomly assigned patients who presented with acute pancreatitis to receive goal-directed aggressive or moderate resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution. Aggressive fluid resuscitation consisted of a bolus of 20 ml per kilogram of body weight, followed by 3 ml per kilogram per hour. Moderate fluid resuscitation consisted of a bolus of 10 ml per kilogram in patients with hypovolemia or no bolus in patients with normovolemia, followed by 1.5 ml per kilogram per hour in all patients in this group. Patients were assessed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and fluid resuscitation was adjusted according to the patient's clinical status. The primary outcome was the development of moderately severe or severe pancreatitis during the hospitalization. The main safety outcome was fluid overload. The planned sample size was 744, with a first planned interim analysis after the enrollment of 248 patients. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were included in the interim analysis. The trial was halted owing to between-group differences in the safety outcomes without a significant difference in the incidence of moderately severe or severe pancreatitis (22.1% in the aggressive-resuscitation group and 17.3% in the moderate-resuscitation group; adjusted relative risk, 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 2.18; P = 0.32). Fluid overload developed in 20.5% of the patients who received aggressive resuscitation and in 6.3% of those who received moderate resuscitation (adjusted relative risk, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.36 to 5.94, P = 0.004). The median duration of hospitalization was 6 days (interquartile range, 4 to 8) in the aggressive-resuscitation group and 5 days (interquartile range, 3 to 7) in the moderate-resuscitation group. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized trial involving patients with acute pancreatitis, early aggressive fluid resuscitation resulted in a higher incidence of fluid overload without improvement in clinical outcomes. (Funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and others; WATERFALL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04381169.).

Association Between Whole Blood Transfusion and Mortality Among Injured Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between whole blood (WB) and mortality among injured children who received immediate blood transfusion. BACKGROUND: The use of WB for transfusion therapy in trauma has been revisited, and recent studies have reported an association between WB and improved survival among adults. However, evidence of a similar association lacks in children. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) between 2020 and 2021. Patients were aged less than or equal to 16 years and had immediate blood transfusion within 4 hours of hospital arrival. Survival at 24 hours and 30 days were compared after creating 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts, matching for demographics, injury type, vital signs on admission, trauma severity scores, hemorrhage control procedures, hospital characteristics, and the need for massive transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 2729 patients were eligible for analysis. The median age was 14 years (interquartile range: 8-16 years); 1862 (68.2%) patients were male; and 1207 (44.2%) patients were White. A total of 319 (11.7%) patients received WB. After a 1:1 ratio propensity score matching, 318 matched pairs were compared. WB transfusion was associated with improved survival at 24 hours, demonstrating a 42% lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98; P =0.042) Similarly, the survival benefit associated with WB transfusion remained consistent at 30 days (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.90; P =0.011). CONCLUSION: The use of WB was associated with improved survival among injured pediatric patients requiring immediate transfusion.

Fluid Intake in Critically Ill Patients: The "Save Useless Fluids For Intensive Resuscitation" Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients at risk of adverse effects related to positive fluid balance could benefit from fluid intake optimization. Less attention is paid to nonresuscitation fluids. We aim to evaluate the heterogeneity of fluid intake at the initial phase of resuscitation. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Thirty ICUs across France and one in Spain. PATIENTS: Patients requiring vasopressors and/or invasive mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All fluids administered by vascular or enteral lines were recorded over 24 hours following admission and were classified in four main groups according to their predefined indication: fluids having a well-documented homeostasis goal (resuscitation fluids, rehydration, blood products, and nutrition), drug carriers, maintenance fluids, and fluids for technical needs. Models of regression were constructed to determine fluid intake predicted by patient characteristics. Centers were classified according to tertiles of fluid intake. The cohort included 296 patients. The median total volume of fluids was 3546 mL (interquartile range, 2441-4955 mL), with fluids indisputably required for body fluid homeostasis representing 36% of this total. Saline, glucose-containing high chloride crystalloids, and balanced crystalloids represented 43%, 27%, and 16% of total volume, respectively. Whatever the class of fluids, center of inclusion was the strongest factor associated with volumes. Compared with the first tertile, the difference between the volume predicted by patient characteristics and the volume given was +1.2 ± 2.0 L in tertile 2 and +3.0 ± 2.8 L in tertile 3. CONCLUSIONS: Fluids indisputably required for body fluid homeostasis represent the minority of fluid intake during the 24 hours after ICU admission. Center effect is the strongest factor associated with the volume of fluids. Heterogeneity in practices suggests that optimal strategies for volume and goals of common fluids administration need to be developed.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign Research Priorities 2023.

OBJECTIVES: To identify research priorities in the management, epidemiology, outcome, and pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock. DESIGN: Shortly after publication of the most recent Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, the Surviving Sepsis Research Committee, a multiprofessional group of 16 international experts representing the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, convened virtually and iteratively developed the article and recommendations, which represents an update from the 2018 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Research Priorities. METHODS: Each task force member submitted five research questions on any sepsis-related subject. Committee members then independently ranked their top three priorities from the list generated. The highest rated clinical and basic science questions were developed into the current article. RESULTS: A total of 81 questions were submitted. After merging similar questions, there were 34 clinical and ten basic science research questions submitted for voting. The five top clinical priorities were as follows: 1) what is the best strategy for screening and identification of patients with sepsis, and can predictive modeling assist in real-time recognition of sepsis? 2) what causes organ injury and dysfunction in sepsis, how should it be defined, and how can it be detected? 3) how should fluid resuscitation be individualized initially and beyond? 4) what is the best vasopressor approach for treating the different phases of septic shock? and 5) can a personalized/precision medicine approach identify optimal therapies to improve patient outcomes? The five top basic science priorities were as follows: 1) How can we improve animal models so that they more closely resemble sepsis in humans? 2) What outcome variables maximize correlations between human sepsis and animal models and are therefore most appropriate to use in both? 3) How does sepsis affect the brain, and how do sepsis-induced brain alterations contribute to organ dysfunction? How does sepsis affect interactions between neural, endocrine, and immune systems? 4) How does the microbiome affect sepsis pathobiology? 5) How do genetics and epigenetics influence the development of sepsis, the course of sepsis and the response to treatments for sepsis? CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge advances in multiple clinical domains have been incorporated in progressive iterations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, allowing for evidence-based recommendations for short- and long-term management of sepsis. However, the strength of existing evidence is modest with significant knowledge gaps and mortality from sepsis remains high. The priorities identified represent a roadmap for research in sepsis and septic shock.

The Landscape of Resource Utilization After Resuscitation of 22-, 23-, and 24-Weeks' Gestation Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare estimated healthcare resources needed to care for 22 through 24 weeks' gestation infants. STUDY DESIGN: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 1505 live in-born and out-born infants 22 through 24 weeks' gestational age at delivery from 6 pediatric tertiary care hospitals from 2011 through 2020. Median neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay (LOS) for each gestational age was used as a proxy for hospital resource utilization, and the number of comorbidities and medical technology use for each infant were used as estimates of future medical care needs. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis with Nemenyi's posthoc test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the identified newborns, 22-week infants had shorter median LOS than their 23- and 24-week counterparts due to low survival rates. There was no significant difference in LOS for surviving 22-week infants compared with surviving 23-week infants. Surviving 22-week infants had similar proportions of comorbidities and medical technology use as 23-week infants. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with 23- and 24-week infants, 22-week infants did not use a disproportionate amount of hospital resources. Twenty-two-week infants should not be excluded from resuscitation based on concern for increased hospital care and medical technology requirements. As overall resuscitation efforts and survival rates increase for 22-week infants, future research will be needed to assess the evolution of these results.

Vascular complications secondary to resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta placement at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is designed to manage severe hemorrhagic shock. Popularized in medical care during military conflicts, the concept has emerged as a lifesaving technique that is utilized around the United States. Literature on risks of REBOA placement, especially vascular injuries, are not well-reported. Our goal was to assess the incidence of vascular injury from REBOA placement and the risk factors associated with injury and death among these patients at our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent REBOA placement between September 2017 and June 2022 at our Level 1 Trauma Center. The primary outcome variable was the presence of an injury related to REBOA insertion or use. Secondary outcomes studied were limb loss, the need for dialysis, and mortality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2, and t-tests as appropriate for the variable type. RESULTS: We identified 99 patients who underwent REBOA placement during the study period. The mean age of patients was 43.1 ± 17.2 years, and 67.7% (67/99) were males. The majority of injuries were from blunt trauma (79.8%; 79/99). Twelve of the patients (12.1%; 12/99) had a vascular injury related to REBOA placement. All but one required intervention. The complications included local vessel injury (58.3%; 7/12), distal embolization (16.7%; 2/12), excessive bleeding requiring vascular consult (8.3%; 1/12), pseudoaneurysm requiring intervention (8.3%; 1/12), and one incident of inability to remove the REBOA device (8.3%; 1/12). The repairs were performed by vascular surgery (75%; 9/12), interventional radiology (16.7%; 2/12), and trauma surgery (8.3%; 1/12). There was no association of age, gender, race, and blunt vs penetrating injury to REBOA-related complications. Mortality in this patient population was high (40.4%), but there was no association with REBOA-related complications. Ipsilateral limb loss occurred in two patients with REBOA-related injuries, but both were due to their injuries and not to REBOA-related ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Although vascular complications are not unusual in REBOA placement, there does not appear to be an association with limb loss, dialysis, or mortality if they are addressed promptly. Close coordination between vascular surgeons and trauma surgeons is essential in patients undergoing REBOA placement.

Biomarkers of endothelial glycocalyx damage are associated with microvascular dysfunction in resuscitated septic shock patients.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction plays a central role in organ dysfunction during septic shock. Endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) damage could contribute to impaired microcirculation. The aim was to assess whether several eGC-damaged biomarkers are associated with microvascular dysfunction in resuscitated septic shock patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included resuscitated septic shock patients (N = 31), and a group of healthy individuals (N = 20). The eGC damage biomarkers measured were syndecan-1 (SDC-1), soluble CD44 (CD44s), hyaluronic acid (HYAL) in blood sample; sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in urine sample; and thrombomodulin (TBML) in blood sample as biomarker of endothelial cell damage. Microcirculation was assessed through sublingual videocapillaroscopy using the GlycoCheck™, which estimated the perfused vascular density (PVD); the perfused boundary region (PBR), an inverse parameter of the eGC thickness; and the microvascular health score (MVHS). We defined a low MVHS (<50th percentile in septic patients) as a surrogate for more impaired microvascular function. RESULTS: The SDC-1, CD44s, TBML and GAGs levels were correlated with impaired microvascular parameters (PVD of vessels with diameter < 10 µm, MVHS and flow-adjusted PBR); p < 0.05 for all comparisons, except for GAGs and flow-adjusted PBR. The SDC-1 [78 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) 45-336) vs. 48 ng/mL (IQR 9-85); p = 0.052], CD44s [796ρg/mL (IQR 512-1995) vs. 526ρg/mL (IQR 287-750); p = 0.036], TBML [734ρg/mL (IQR 237-2396) vs. 95ρg/mL (IQR 63-475); p = 0.012] and GAGs levels [0.42 ρg/mg (IQR 0.04-1.40) vs. 0.07 ρg/mg (IQR 0.02-0.20); p = 0.024]; were higher in septic patients with more impaired sublingual microvascular function (low MVHS vs. high MVHS). CONCLUSION: SDC-1, CD44s, TBML and GAGs levels were associated with impaired microvascular function in resuscitated septic shock patients.

Fluid resuscitation with balanced electrolyte solutions results in faster resolution of diabetic ketoacidosis than with 0.9% saline in adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fluid resuscitation during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is most frequently performed with 0.9% saline despite its high chloride and sodium concentration. Balanced Electrolyte Solutions (BES) may prove a more physiological alternative, but convincing evidence is missing. We aimed to compare the efficacy of 0.9% saline to BES in DKA management. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies using predefined keywords (from inception to 27 November 2021). Relevant studies were those in which 0.9% saline (Saline-group) was compared to BES (BES-group) in adults admitted with DKA. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was time to DKA resolution (defined by each study individually), while the main secondary outcomes were changes in laboratory values, duration of insulin infusion, and mortality. We included seven randomized controlled trials and three observational studies with 1006 participants. The primary outcome was reported for 316 patients, and we found that BES resolves DKA faster than 0.9% saline with a mean difference (MD) of -5.36 [95% CI: -10.46, -0.26] hours. Post-resuscitation chloride (MD: -4.26 [-6.97, -1.54] mmoL/L) and sodium (MD: -1.38 [-2.14, -0.62] mmoL/L) levels were significantly lower. In contrast, levels of post-resuscitation bicarbonate (MD: 1.82 [0.75, 2.89] mmoL/L) were significantly elevated in the BES-group compared to the Saline-group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the duration of parenteral insulin administration (MD: 0.16 [-3.03, 3.35] hours) or mortality (OR: -0.67 [0.12, 3.68]). Studies showed some concern or a high risk of bias, and the level of evidence for most outcomes was low. This meta-analysis indicates that the use of BES resolves DKA faster than 0.9% saline. Therefore, DKA guidelines should consider BES instead of 0.9% saline as the first choice during fluid resuscitation.

The employment of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in deployed settings.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has been often used in place of open aortic occlusion for management of hemorrhagic shock in trauma. There is a paucity of data evaluating REBOA usage in military settings. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) for all cases with at least one intervention or assessment available within the first 72 h after injury between 2007 and 2023. We used relevant procedural codes to identify the use of REBOA within the DODTR, and we used descriptive statistics to characterize its use. RESULTS: We identified 17 cases of REBOA placed in combat settings from 2017 to 2019. The majority of these were placed in the operating room (76%) and in civilian patients (70%). A penetrating mechanism caused the injury in 94% of cases with predominantly the abdomen and extremities having serious injuries. All patients subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy after REBOA placement, with moderate numbers of patients having spleen, liver, and small bowel injuries. The majority (82%) of included patients survived to hospital discharge. DISCUSSION: We describe 17 cases of REBOA within the DODTR from 2007 to 2023, adding to the limited documentation of patients undergoing REBOA in military settings. We identified patterns of injury in line with previous studies of patients undergoing REBOA in military settings. In this small sample of military casualties, we observed a high survival rate.

Deploying whole blood to the battlefield-The Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps initial experience during the 2023 war.

BACKGROUND: Military and prehospital medical organizations invest significant resources to advance the treatment of trauma patients aiming to reduce preventable deaths. Focus is on hemorrhage control and volume resuscitation with blood products, with adoption of Remote Damage Control Resuscitation (RDCR) guidelines. The Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (IDF-MC) has been using tranexamic acid and freeze-dried plasma (FDP) as part of its RDCR protocol for more than a decade. In recent years, low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) has been integrated, on IDF evacuation helicopters and expanded to mobile ambulances, complementing FDP use in treating trauma patients in state of profound shock. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During the war that erupted in October 2023, the IDF-MC made a decision to bring LTOWB forward, and to equip every combat brigade level mobile intensive care units with LTOWB, onboard armored vehicles. The goal was to make whole blood available as close as possible to the point of injury and within minutes from time of injury. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We describe the IDF-MCs' efforts to bring LTOWB to the front lines and present four cases in which LTOWB was administered. All patients were young male, with significant blood loss following penetrating injuries. One patient died in the operating room, following hospital arrival and emergency thoracotomy. The others survived. Our initial experience with bringing LTOWB as close as possible to the point of injury during high intensity fighting is encouraging, showing patient benefit along with logistic feasibility. After action reports and data collection will continue.

Survey of policies at US hospitals on the selection of RhD type of low-titer O whole blood for use in trauma resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) use is increasing due to data suggesting improved outcomes and safety. One barrier to use is low availability of RhD-negative LTOWB. This survey examined US hospital policies regarding the selection of RhD type of blood products in bleeding emergencies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A web-based survey of blood bank directors was conducted to determine their hospital's RhD-type selection policies for blood issued for massive bleeding. RESULTS: There was a 61% response rate (101/157) and of those responses, 95 were complete. Respondents indicated that 40% (38/95) use only red blood cells (RBCs) and 60% (57/95) use LTOWB. For hospitals that issue LTOWB (N = 57), 67% are supplied only with RhD-positive, 2% only with RhD-negative, and 32% with both RhD-positive and RhD-negative LTOWB. At sites using LTOWB, RhD-negative LTOWB is used exclusively or preferentially more commonly in adult females of childbearing potential (FCP) (46%) and pediatric FCP (55%) than in men (4%) and boys (24%). RhD-positive LTOWB is used exclusively or preferentially more commonly in men (94%) and boys (54%) than in adult FCP (40%) or pediatric FCP (21%). At sites using LTOWB, it is not permitted for adult FCPs at 12%, pediatric FCP at 21.4%, and boys at 17.1%. CONCLUSION: Hospitals prefer issuing RhD-negative LTOWB for females although they are often ineligible to receive RhD-negative LTOWB due to supply constraints. The risk and benefits of LTOWB compared to the rare occurrence of hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn (HDFN) need further examination in the context of withholding a therapy for females that has the potential for improved outcomes.

Association of freeze-dried plasma with 24-h mortality among trauma patients at risk for hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Blood products form the cornerstone of contemporary hemorrhage control but are limited resources. Freeze-dried plasma (FDP), which contains coagulation factors, is a promising adjunct in hemostatic resuscitation. We explore the association between FDP alone or in combination with other blood products on 24-h mortality. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional prospective observational multicenter study of adult trauma patients in the Western Cape of South Africa. We compare mortality among trauma patients at risk of hemorrhage in three treatment groups: Blood Products only, FDP + Blood Products, and FDP only. We apply inverse probability of treatment weighting and fit a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to assess the hazard of 24-h mortality. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-eight patients were included, and 55 (12.2%) died within 24 h of hospital arrival. Compared to the Blood Products only group, we found no difference in 24-h mortality for the FDP + Blood Product group (p = .40) and a lower hazard of death for the FDP only group (hazard = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-1.00; p = .05). However, sensitivity analyses showed no difference in 24-h mortality across treatments in subgroups with moderate and severe shock, early blood product administration, and accounting for immortal time bias. CONCLUSION: We found insufficient evidence to conclude there is a difference in relative 24-h mortality among trauma patients at risk for hemorrhage who received FDP alone, blood products alone, or blood products with FDP. There may be an adjunctive role for FDP in hemorrhagic shock resuscitation in settings with significantly restricted access to blood products.

Neonatal mortality and video assessment of resuscitation in four district hospitals in Pemba, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess risk factors for neonatal mortality, quality of neonatal resuscitation (NR) on videos and identify potential areas for improvement. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included women in childbirth and their newborns at four district hospitals in Pemba, Tanzania. Videos were analysed for quality-of-care. Questionnaires on quality-of-care indicators were answered by health workers (HW) and women. Risk factors for neonatal mortality were analysed in a binomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: 1440 newborns were enrolled. 34 newborns died within the neonatal period (23.6 per 1000 live births). Ninety neonatal resuscitations were performed, 20 cases on video. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) was inadequate in 15 cases (75%). Half (10/20) did not have PPV initiated within the first minute, and in one case (5.0%), no PPV was performed. PPV was not sustained in 16/20 (80%) newborns. Of the 20 videos analysed, death occurred in 10 newborns: 8 after resuscitation attempts and two within the first 24 h. Most of HW 49/56 (87.5%) had received training in NR. CONCLUSIONS: Video analysis of NR revealed significant deviations from guidelines despite 87.5% of HW being trained in NR. Videos provided direct evidence of gaps in the quality of care and areas for future education, particularly effective PPV. IMPACT: Neonatal mortality in Pemba is 23.6 per 1000 livebirths, with more than 90% occurring in the first 24 h of life. Video assessment of neonatal resuscitation revealed deviations from guidelines and can add to understanding challenges and aid intervention design. The present study using video assessment of neonatal resuscitation is the first one performed at secondary-level hospitals where many of the world's births are conducted. Almost 90% of the health workers had received training in neonatal resuscitation, and the paper can aid intervention design by understanding the actual challenges in neonatal resuscitation.

Educational Strategies in Pediatric Trauma Resuscitation Across Disciplines: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Differences in mechanism, injury pattern, severity, and physiology in this population distinguish pediatric trauma patients from adults. Educational techniques including simulation and didactics may improve pediatric readiness in this setting. We summarize the literature across disciplines, highlighting the curricular approaches, target provider population, educational content, content delivery method, and Kirkpatrick level for pediatric trauma resuscitation education. METHODS: The MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Elsevier), Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature Complete (via EBSCO), Education Database (via ProQuest), and Web of Science Social Science Citation Index and Science Citation Index (via Clarivate) were searched. We reviewed 90 manuscripts describing pediatric trauma resuscitation education programs. When available, target provider population, curricular content, delivery method, and Kirkpatrick level were obtained. RESULTS: Nurses (50%), residents (45%), and attending physicians (43%) were the most common participants. Airway management (25%), shock (25%), and general trauma (25%) were the most frequently taught concepts, and delivery of content was more frequently via simulation (65%) or didactics (52%). Most studies (39%) were Kirkpatrick Level 1. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that diverse strategies exist to promote pediatric readiness. Most training programs are interdisciplinary and use a variety of educational techniques. However, studies infrequently report examining the impact of educational interventions on patient-centered outcomes and lack detail in describing their curriculum. Future educational efforts would benefit from heightened attention to such outcome measures and a rigorous description of their curricula to allow for reproducibility.

Delphi Process for Validation of Fluid Treatment Algorithm for Critically Ill Pediatric Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: While intravenous fluid therapy is essential to re-establishing volume status in children who have experienced trauma, aggressive resuscitation can lead to various complications. There remains a lack of consensus on whether pediatric trauma patients will benefit from a liberal or restrictive crystalloid resuscitation approach and how to optimally identify and transition between fluid phases. METHODS: A panel was comprised of physicians with expertise in pediatric trauma, critical care, and emergency medicine. A three-round Delphi process was conducted via an online survey, with each round being followed by a live video conference. Experts agreed or disagreed with each aspect of the proposed fluid management algorithm on a five-level Likert scale. The group opinion level defined an algorithm parameter's acceptance or rejection with greater than 75% agreement resulting in acceptance and greater than 50% disagreement resulting in rejection. The remaining were discussed and re-presented in the next round. RESULTS: Fourteen experts from five Level 1 pediatric trauma centers representing three subspecialties were included. Responses were received from 13/14 participants (93%). In round 1, 64% of the parameters were accepted, while the remaining 36% were discussed and re-presented. In round 2, 90% of the parameters were accepted. Following round 3, there was 100% acceptance by all the experts on the revised and final version of the algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: We present a validated algorithm for intavenous fluid management in pediatric trauma patients that focuses on the de-escalation of fluids. Focusing on this time point of fluid therapy will help minimize iatrogenic complications of crystalloid fluids within this patient population.

Effectiveness of Mobile Applications for Trauma Care in Combat Casualty Simulations Throughout the Continuum.

INTRODUCTION: The U.S. Military uses handwritten documentation throughout the continuum of combat casualty care to document from point-of-injury, during transport and at facilities that provide damage control resuscitation and surgery. Proven impractical due to lack of durability and legibility in arduous tactical environments, we hypothesized that mobile applications would increase accuracy and completeness of documentation in combat casualty simulations. METHODS: We conducted simulations across this continuum utilizing 10 two-person teams consisting of a Medic and an Emergency or Critical Care Nurse. Participants were randomized to either the paper group or BATDOK and T6 Health Systems mobile application group. Simulations were completed in both the classroom and simulated field environments. All documentation was assessed for speed, completeness, and accuracy. RESULTS: Participant demographics averaged 10.8 ± 5.2 y of military service and 3.9 ± 0.6 h of training on both platforms. Classroom testing showed a significant increase in completeness (84.2 ± 8.1% versus 77.2 ± 6.9%; P = 0.02) and accuracy (77.6 ± 8.1% versus 68.9 ± 7.5%; P = 0.01) for mobile applications versus paper with no significant difference in overall time to completion (P = 0.19). Field testing again showed a significant increase in completeness (91.6 ± 5.8 % versus 70.0 ± 14.1%; P < 0.01) and accuracy (87.7 ± 7.6% versus 64.1 ± 14.4%; P < 0.01) with no significant difference in overall time to completion (P = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: In deployed environments, mobile applications have the potential to improve casualty care documentation completeness and accuracy with minimal additional training. These efforts will assist in meeting an urgent operational need to enable our providers.

The Role of Whole Blood Hemostatic Resuscitation in Bleeding Geriatric Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Whole blood (WB) has recently gained increased popularity as an adjunct to the resuscitation of hemorrhaging civilian trauma patients. We aimed to assess the nationwide outcomes of using WB as an adjunct to component therapy (CT) versus CT alone in resuscitating geriatric trauma patients. METHODS: We performed a 5-y (2017-2021) retrospective analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. We included geriatric (age, ≥65 y) trauma patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock (shock index >1) and requiring at least 4 units of packed red blood cells in 4 h. Patients with severe head injuries (head Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3) and transferred patients were excluded. Patients were stratified into WB-CT versus CT only. Primary outcomes were 6-h, 24-h, and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were major complications. Multivariable regression analysis was performed, adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 1194 patients were identified, of which 141 (12%) received WB. The mean ± standard deviation age was 74 ± 7 y, 67.5% were male, and 83.4% had penetrating injuries. The median [interquartile range] Injury Severity Score was 19 [13-29], with no difference among study groups (P = 0.059). Overall, 6-h, 24-h, and in-hospital mortality were 16%, 23.1%, and 43.6%, respectively. On multivariable regression analysis, WB was independently associated with reduced 24-h (odds ratio, 0.62 [0.41-0.94]; P = 0.024), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.60 [0.40-0.90]; P = 0.013), but not with major complications (odds ratio, 0.78 [0.53-1.15]; P = 0.207). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of WB as an adjunct to CT is associated with improved early and overall mortality in geriatric trauma patients presenting with severe hemorrhage. The findings from this study are clinically important, as this is an essential first step in prioritizing the selection of WB resuscitation for geriatric trauma patients presenting with hemorrhagic shock.

Propensity Score Analysis of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: Zone-1 Versus Zone-3 Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Odds of Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: There are two zones for the placement of a Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in trauma patients: above the mesenteric vessels (Zone-1) or below the renal arteries (Zone-3). Zone-1 REBOA diverts blood away from the visceral organs which leads to a systemic inflammatory response and reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that patients undergoing Zone-1 REBOA placement had a higher odds of mortality. METHODS: The 2017-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing either Zone-1 or Zone-3 REBOA. We excluded all patients with prehospital cardiac arrest. We compared Zone-1 versus Zone-3 REBOA using a 1:2 propensity-score model, matching for age, mechanism, sex, hypotension, tachycardia, blunt solid organ injury grade, pelvic fracture, and injuries to the aorta, iliac artery, iliac vein, and inferior vena cava. RESULTS: We matched 130 Zone-1 REBOA patients to 260 Zone-3 REBOA patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the matched variables (P > 0.05). Compared to Zone-3 REBOA, patients with Zone-1 REBOA who survived ≥48 h had similar rates of acute kidney injury (18.6% versus 10.9%, P = 0.19). Zone-1 REBOA patients had a higher mortality rate (71.4% versus 48.8%, P = 0.002) and mortality odds ratio (OR) (OR 1.85, OR 1.18-2.89, P = 0.007). Zone-1 REBOA remained associated with a higher odds of mortality after controlling for traumatic brain injury and injury severity score (OR 1.86, OR 1.18-2.92, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Zone-3, using a REBOA in Zone-1 is associated with higher odds of mortality. The use of REBOA Zone-1 deployment should be done with caution.

Is REBOA the Last Card to Control a Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a potential tool for the management of massive gastrointestinal bleeding (MGB). This study aims to describe the experience of the use of REBOA as adjunctive therapy in patients with MGB and to evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: Serial cases of patients with hemorrhagic shock secondary to MGB in whom REBOA was placed were collected. Patient demographics, bleeding severity, etiology, management, and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2020, five cases were analyzed. All patients had a severe gastrointestinal bleeding (Glasgow Blatchford Bleeding Score range 12-17; Clinical Rockal Score range 5-9). The etiologies of MGB were perforated gastric or duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, and vascular lesions. Systolic blood pressure increased after REBOA placement and total occlusion time was 25-60 min. REBOA provided temporary hemorrhage control in all cases and allowed additional hemostatic maneuvers to be performed. Three patients survived more than 24 h. All patients died in index hospitalization. The main cause of death was related to hemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular aortic occlusion can work as a bridge to further resuscitation and attempts at hemostasis in patients with MGB. REBOA provides hemodynamic support and may be used simultaneously with other hemostatic maneuvers, facilitating definitive hemorrhage control.