The occurrence of adverse events is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children admitted to a single pediatric intensive care unit.

Healthcare can cause harm. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association between the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and morbidity-mortality in critically ill children. A prospective cohort study was designed. All children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) between August 2016 and July 2017 were followed. An AE was considered any harm associated with a healthcare-related incident. AEs were identified in two steps: first, adverse clinical incidents (ACI) were recognized through direct observation and active surveillance by PICU physicians, and then the patient safety committee evaluated every ACI to define which would be considered an AE. The outcome was hospital morbidity-mortality. There were 467 ACI registered, 249 (53.31%) were considered AEs and the rate was 4.27/100 patient days. From the 842 children included, 142 (16.86%) suffered AEs, 39 (4.63%) experienced morbidity-mortality: 33 (3.92%) died, and 6 (0.71%) had morbidity. Multivariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of AEs was significantly associated with morbidity-mortality, OR 5.70 (CI95% 2.58-12.58, p = 0.001). This association was independent of age and severity of illness score.Conclusion: Experiencing AEs significantly increased the risk of morbidity-mortality in this cohort of PICU children.What is Known:• Many children suffer healthcare-associated harm during pediatric intensive care hospitalization.What is New:• This prospective cohort study shows that experiencing adverse events during pediatric intensive care hospitalization significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality independent of age and severity of illness at admission.

Implementation of a Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Bundle in a Single PICU.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is considered the second most frequent infection in pediatric intensive care, and there is agreement on its association with higher morbidity and increased healthcare costs. The goal of this study was to apply a bundle for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention as a process for quality improvement in the PICU of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina, aiming to decrease baseline ventilator-associated pneumonia rate by 25% every 6 months over a period of 2 years. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental uninterrupted time series. SETTING: PICU of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina. PATIENTS: All mechanical ventilated patients admitted to the unit. INTERVENTION: It consisted of the implementation of an evidence-based ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention bundle adapted to our unit and using the plan-do-study-act cycle as a strategy for quality improvement. The bundle consisted of four main components: head of the bed raised more than 30°, oral hygiene with chlorhexidine, a clean and dry ventilator circuit, and daily interruption of sedation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention team meetings started in March 2012, and the ventilator-associated pneumonia bundle was implemented in November 2012 after it had been developed and made operational. Baseline ventilator-associated pneumonia rate for the 2 years before intervention was 6.3 episodes every 1,000 mechanical ventilation days. ventilator-associated pneumonia rate evolution by semester and during the 2 years was, respectively, 5.7, 3.2, 1.8, and 0.0 episodes every 1,000 mechanical ventilation days. Monthly ventilator-associated pneumonia rate time series summarized in a 51-point control chart showed the presence of special cause variability after intervention was implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation over 2 years of a ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention bundle specifically adapted to our unit using quality improvement tools was associated with a reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia rate of 25% every 6 months and a nil rate in the last semester.

Incidence of morbidity and associated factors in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. / Incidencia de morbilidad y factores asociados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica.

Introduction: The Functional Status Scale (FSS) was developed to measure acquired morbidity in pediatric patients. Objective: To estimate the incidence of acquired morbidity in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the presence of associated factors, and describe functional status after hospital discharge. Population and methods: Prospective cohort. All PICU admissions between August 2016 and July 2017. The FSS was used to measure acquired morbidity during hospitalization and up to 1 year after discharge. A univariate analysis was performed to investigate morbidity-associated factors. Results: A total of 842 patients were included. The incidence of morbidity at the PICU was 3.56 % (30/842) and persisted at 0.7 % for the entire cohort at hospital discharge (6/842). Within 1 year after discharge, the functional status of 3/6 patients improved. The univariate analysis showed an association between acquired morbidity at the PICU and the PIM2 score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.07; p = 0.007), age younger than 1 year (OR: 2.93; 95 % CI: 1.36-6.15; p = 0.004), the use of assisted mechanical ventilation (AMV) (OR: 7.83; 95 % CI: 3.31-18.49; p = 0.0001) and central venous catheter (CVC) (OR: 38.08; 95 % CI: 5.16-280.95; p = 0.0001), and prolonged hospital stays (OR: 9.65; 95 % CI: 4.33-21.49; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The incidence of morbidity was 3.56 % and was associated with an age younger than 1 year, patient severity at the time of admission, the use of AMV and CVC, and prolonged hospital stays.

Introducción. La escala de estado funcional (FSS, por su sigla en inglés) fue desarrollada para medir la morbilidad adquirida en los pacientes pediátricos. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de morbilidad adquirida en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátrica (UCIP), la presencia de factores asociados y describir el estado funcional tras el alta hospitalaria. Población y métodos. Cohorte prospectiva. Todas las admisiones en UCIP entre agosto de 2016 y julio de 2017. Se utilizó FSS para medir la morbilidad adquirida durante la hospitalización y hasta 1 año después del alta. Se realizó un análisis univariado para investigar los factores asociados con morbilidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 842 pacientes. La incidencia de morbilidad en UCIP fue del 3,56 % (30/842) y persistió en el 0,7 % de toda la cohorte al alta hospitalaria (6/842). Antes del año, 3 de los 6 pacientes mejoraron la condición funcional. El análisis univariado mostró asociación entre la morbilidad adquirida en UCIP y el puntaje PIM2 (odds ratio [OR, por su sigla en inglés]: 1,04; intervalo de confianza del 95 % [IC95 %]: 1,01- 1,07; p = 0,007), la edad menor a 1 año (OR: 2,93; IC95 %: 1,36-6,15; p = 0,004), el uso de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) (OR: 7,83; IC95 %: 3,31-18,49; p = 0,0001) y de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) (OR: 38,08; IC95 %: 5,16-280,95; p = 0,0001), y hospitalizaciones prolongadas (OR: 9,65; IC95 %: 4,33-21,49; p = 0,0001). Conclusiones. La incidencia de morbilidad fue del 3,56 % y se asoció con la edad menor a 1 año, la gravedad de los pacientes al momento de la admisión, el uso de ARM y CVC, y las hospitalizaciones prolongadas.

Hospital-acquired hyponatremia in postoperative pediatric patients: prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the incidence and factors associated with hospital-acquired hyponatremia in pediatric surgical patients who received hypotonic saline (sodium 40 mmol/L plus potassium 20 mmol/L) at the rate suggested by the Holliday and Segar's formula for calculations of maintenance fluids. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, cohort study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: : Eighty-one postoperative patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Incidence and factors associated with hyponatremia (sodium < or = 135 mmol/L). Univariate analysis was conducted post surgery at 12 hrs and at 24 hrs. Mean values were compared with independent t test samples. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed in variables with a p <.05, and relative risks were calculated. Eighty-one patients were included in the study. The incidence of hyponatremia at 12 hrs was 17 (21%) of 81 (95% confidence interval, 3.7-38.3); at 24 hrs, it was was 15 (31%) of 48 (95% confidence interval, 11.4-50.6). Univariate analysis at 12 hrs showed that hyponatremic patients had a higher sodium loss (0.62 mmol/kg/hr vs. 0.34 mmol/kg/hr, p = .0001), a more negative sodium balance (0.39 mmol/kg/hr vs. 0.13 mmol/kg/hr, p < .0001), and a higher diuresis (3.08 mL/kg/hr vs. 2.2 mL/kg/hr, p = .0026); relative risks were 11.55 (95% confidence interval, 2.99-44.63; p = .0004) for a sodium loss >0.5 mmol/kg/hr; 10 (95% confidence interval, 2.55-39.15; p = .0009) for a negative sodium balance >0.3 mmol/kg/hr; and 4.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.99-9.08; p = .0002) for a diuresis >3.4 mL/kg/hr. At 24 hrs, hyponatremic patients were in more positive fluid balance (0.65 mL/kg/hr vs. 0.10 mL/kg/hr, p = .0396); relative risk was 3.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-8.77; p = .0201), for a positive fluid balance >0.2 mL/kg/hr. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hyponatremia in this population was high and progressive over time. Negative sodium balance in the first 12 postoperative hours and then a positive fluid balance could be associated with the development of postoperative hyponatremia.

Adequate agreement between venous oxygen saturation in right atrium and pulmonary artery in critically ill children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between venous oxygen saturation in right atrium (Srao2) and pulmonary artery (Svo2) in critically ill pediatric patients. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit from a general university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty critically ill children in whom a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was inserted for catecholamine refractory shock (septic and cardiogenic, n = 18) and postoperative management (liver and cardiac transplant, n = 12). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety measurements of Srao2 and Svo2 were obtained after placement of PAC and every 6 hrs for the first 12 hrs of pediatric intensive care unit admission. The agreement between Srao2 and Svo2 was determined through Bland and Altman methodology, concordance correlation coefficient, and the frequency of differences between Srao2 and Svo2. The frequency of differences between both saturations was evaluated in three categories: +/-1%-5%, +/-6%-9%, and higher than +/-10%. The first category was the threshold to consider both variables interchangeable. Changes of Srao2 related to clinically significant (>5%) increases and drops of Svo2 were analyzed. Srao2 and Svo2 were not significantly different: median (interquartile range) 83% (75%-86%) and 81% (75%-85%), respectively (p = 0.23). The frequency of differences between Srao2 and Svo2 was +/-1%-5%, 71 (79%); +/-6%-9%, 14 (15.5%); and higher than +/-10%, 5 (5.5%). Bland and Altman analysis showed a 2% bias with a 95% limits of agreement of -6.9% to 10.9%. The concordance correlation coefficient was 0.90. Svo2 increased in 11/90 measurements and Srao2 followed it 82% of the times. Svo2 decreased in 7/90 measurements and Srao2 followed it 100% of the times. CONCLUSION: The concordance analysis performed allows to conclude that there is an appropriate agreement between Svo2 and Srao2. This finding may become clinically relevant considering the difficulties associated to the use of PAC in children.

A clinically significant incidence of bleeding in critically ill children receiving therapeutic doses of unfractionated heparin: a prospective cohort study.

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is frequently prescribed for children for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis; however, its safety and efficacy have not been assessed. The aim of this single center, prospective cohort study was to determine the incidence of major bleeding and recurrent thrombosis in children receiving UFH. Major bleeding was defined a priori as: central nervous system or retroperitoneal bleeding, bleeding resulting in UFH being stopped or overt bleeding causing a drop in hemoglobin >20 g/dL in less than 24 h. Major bleeding events occurred in 9/38 children (24%, 95% CI 11-40%) and 2/38 (5%, 95% CI 0-18%) developed thrombosis. In conclusion, there is clinically significant bleeding in children receiving UFH.

Lack of correlation between heparin dose and standard clinical monitoring tests in treatment with unfractionated heparin in critically ill children.

UNLABELLED: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and anti-Xa activity are used for monitoring unfractionated heparin (UFH) therapy in children and may not be optimal. OBJECTIVE: Determine correlations of aPTT, anti-Xa and UFH dose in children. Single centre prospective cohort study in children receiving UFH. The aPTT and anti-Xa results from routine coagulation monitoring were collected. Thirty-nine children (median age 18 days) were enrolled. There was no relationship between aPTT and UFH dose (r2=0.12) or anti-Xa and UFH dose (r2=0.03) or aPTT and anti-Xa (r2=0.22). aPTT and anti-Xa do not accurately monitor UFH therapy in children.

Validation of pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM2) in a single pediatric intensive care unit of Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2) is an up-to-date mortality prediction model in the public domain that has not yet been widely validated. We aimed to evaluate this score in the population of patients admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit in a general university hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients admitted between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2005. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 1,574 patients included in the study. We observed 41 (2.6%) deaths, and PIM2 estimated 48.1 (3.06) deaths. Discrimination assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.92). Calibration across five conventional mortality risk intervals assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed chi5 = 12.2 (p = .0348). The standardized mortality ratio for the whole population was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: PIM2 showed an adequate discrimination between death and survival and a poor calibration assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The standardized mortality ratio and clinical analysis of the Hosmer-Lemeshow table make us consider that PIM2 reasonably predicted the outcome of our patients.

Internal mammary artery injury after central venous catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: We describe an infrequent but potentially lethal complication: an iatrogenic injury of the internal mammary artery after central venous catheterization. DESIGN: Report of cases. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: The first patient we report on is a 3-yr-old girl who was severely neurologically damaged and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for aspiration pneumonia and septic shock. Immediately after vein cannulation on the left internal jugular vein, the patient suffered hypotension and cardiac arrest, secondary to an adequately drained massive hemothorax. Restoration of spontaneous circulation was initially achieved, and the patient was transferred to the angiographic suite. Selective angiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a second cardiac arrest revealed a laceration of the internal mammary artery. Resuscitation was not successful, and the patient died. The second case reported is a 7-yr-old girl admitted for bone marrow transplantation. She was electively taken to the angiographic suite for central venous insertion. An infraclavicular approach of the right subclavian vein was attempted, but radioscopy showed the guidewire inside the pleural space. Soon thereafter, the patient became hypotensive and was in shock. Radioscopy showed a large pleural effusion and a massive hemothorax was drained. Selective angiography demonstrated an injured internal mammary artery was embolized. Hemodynamics improved, and the patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she was extubated 12 hrs later. INTERVENTIONS: None. CONCLUSIONS: Central venous catheter placement in the intrathoracic vein may cause potentially lethal complications in the form of an injury to the internal mammary artery. Hypotension during or immediately after the procedure should be a warning of a serious adverse event, such as massive hemothorax, that may compromise life. Adequate drainage of the pleural cavity may not completely relieve vascular compression if some of the bleeding from an injured internal mammary artery is extrapleural. Early diagnosis and treatment by selective embolization of the injured vessel in interventional radiology is the first therapeutic choice and may be life saving.

Implementation of a checklist to increase adherence to evidence-based practices in a single pediatric intensive care unit. / Implementación de una lista de cotejo para mejorar la adherencia a prácticas basadas en evidencia en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: The use of checklists to increase adherence to evidence-based practices is not yet widespread in pediatric intensive care units. The objective of this study was to achieve 90% compliance with studied practices using an ad hoc checklist. POPULATION AND METHDOS: Time series quasiexperimental study conducted in ventilated children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Studied practices included sedation breaks, plateau pressure ≤ 30 cm H 2O, fraction of inspired oxygen ≤ 60%, maintenance of headboard at > 30°, chlorhexidine mouthwash, weekly ventilator circuit changes, preference for enteral feeding, reduction in the threshold for blood transfusions (hemoglobin: 7 g/dL), daily consideration of spontaneous breathing trials and central venous catheter removal. The checklist was used during ward rounds by the staff physicians in charge of the pediatric intensive care unit as part of an intervention to increase adherence and as a tracking tool. Each form completed on a daily basis was considered an observation. Observations were classified as defective in the case of non-compliance with one or more items. Adherence (the rate of nondefective units of observation) is summarized in the control chart. RESULTS: The study period lasted 420 days. A total of 732 patients were hospitalized; 218 underwent mechanical ventilation; 1201 observations were made, and 1191 were included in the study. The control chart with a 14-month time horizon showed increased adherence, a special cause variation pattern in the last 3 months of the study period, and > 90% compliance over the last 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a checklist increased adherence to studied practices and achieved more than 90% compliance over the last 2 months of the study period.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de listas de cotejo para mejorar la adherencia a prácticas basadas en evidencia en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos no está generalizado. El objetivo del estudio fue, mediante una lista específicamente diseñada, alcanzar el 90% de adherencia a las prácticas estudiadas. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cuasiexperimental tipo serie de tiempo en niños ventilados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Las prácticas estudiadas fueron ventana de sedación, presión plateau ≤ 30 cmH 2O, fracción inspirada de oxígeno ≤ 60%, cabecera a 30 o, higiene bucal con clorhexidina, recambio semanal del circuito del respirador, preferencia de alimentación enteral, disminución del umbral de transfusiones (hemoglobina: 7 g/dl), consideración diaria de prueba de respiración espontánea y de retiro de catéter central. La lista fue utilizada durante el pase de sala, por médicos de planta responsables de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos , como intervención para mejorar la adherencia y herramienta de registro. Se consideró observación a cada formulario completado diariamente. Las observaciones fueron clasificadas como defectuosas si no hubo adherencia a uno o más ítems. La adherencia (proporción de observaciones sin defecto) se resume en el gráfico de control. RESULTADOS: El estudio abarcó 420 días. Se internaron732pacientes; 218 recibieronventilación mecánica; se realizaron 1201 observaciones y 1191 fueron incluidas. El gráfico de control con horizonte temporal de 14 meses mostró un aumento de adherencia, un patrón de variabilidad de causa especial en los últimos 3 meses y adherencia > 90% en los últimos dos. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la lista de cotejo permitió mejorar la adherencia a las prácticas estudiadas y alcanzar más de 90% en los últimos 2 meses.

Fluid balance and length of mechanical ventilation in children admitted to a single Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. / Balance de fluidos y duración de la ventilación mecánica en niños internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Associations between cumulative fluid balance and a prolonged duration of assisted mechanical ventilation have been described in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fluid balance in the first 48 hours of assisted mechanical ventilation initiation was associated with a prolonged duration of this process among children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients in the PICU o, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, between 1/1/2010 and 6/30/2012. Balance was calculated in percentage of body weight; prolonged mechanical ventilation was defined as >7 days, and confounders were registered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-nine patients were mechanically ventilated for over 48 hours; 163 were included in the study. Balance during the first 48 hours of mechanical ventilation was 5.7% ± 5.86; 82 patients (50.3%) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. Age 〈 4 years old (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.38-7.48, p 0.007), respiratory disease (OR 4.94, 95% CI 1.51-16.10, p 0.008), septic shock (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.10-19.65, p 0.036), Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) 〉 10 (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.234.85, p 0.011), and positive balance 〉 13% (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.08-15.02, p 0.038) were associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The multivariate model resulted in an OR 2.58, 95% CI: 1.17-5.58, p= 0.018 for PELOD 〉 10, and an OR 3.7, 95% CI: 0.91-14.94, p= 0.066 for positive balance 〉 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding prolonged mechanical ventilation, the multivariate model showed an independent association with organ dysfunction (PELOD 〉 10) and a trend towards an association with positive balance 〉 13%.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se han descrito asociaciones entre balance de fluido acumulado y mayor estadía en asistencia respiratoria mecánica en adultos. El objetivo fue evaluar si el balance de las primeras 48 horas de iniciada la asistencia respiratoria mecánica se asociaba a su prolongación en niños internados en Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UCIP). MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes de la UCIP de, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre el 1/1/2010 y el 30/6/2012. El balance se calculó en porcentaje del peso corporal; ventilación mecánica prolongada se definió como 〉 7 días y se registraron confundidores. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado. RESULTADOS: 249 pacientes permanecieron ventilados más de 48 horas; se incluyeron 163. El balance de las primeras 48 horas en ventilación mecánica fue 5,7%±5,86; 82 pacientes (50,3%) permanecieron más de 7 días con respirador. La edad 〈 4 años (OR 3,21; IC 95% 1,38-7,48; p 0,007), enfermedad respiratoria (OR 4,94; IC 95% 1,51-16,10; p 0,008), shock séptico (OR 4,66; IC 95% 1,10-19,65; p 0,036), puntaje de disfunción orgánica (PELOD) 〉 10 (OR 2,44; IC 95% 1,23-4,85; p 0,011) y balance positivo 〉 13% (OR 4,02; IC 95% 1,08-15,02; p 0,038) se asociaron a ventilación mecánica prolongada. El modelo multivariado mostró para PELOD 〉 10 un OR 2,58; IC 95%: 1,17-5,58; p 0,018, y para balance positivo 〉 13% un OR 3,7; IC 95%: 0,91-14,94; p 0,066. CONCLUSIONES: En relación a ventilación mecánica prolongada, el modelo multivariado mostró una asociación independiente con disfunción de órganos (PELOD 〉 10) y una tendencia hacia la asociación con balance positivo 〉 13%.

Incidencia de morbilidad y factores asociados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica / Incidence of morbidity and associated factors in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introducción. La escala de estado funcional (FSS, por su sigla en inglés) fue desarrollada para medir la morbilidad adquirida en los pacientes pediátricos. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de morbilidad adquirida en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátrica (UCIP), la presencia de factores asociados y describir el estado funcional tras el alta hospitalaria. Población y métodos. Cohorte prospectiva. Todas las admisiones en UCIP entre agosto de 2016 y julio de 2017. Se utilizó FSS para medir la morbilidad adquirida durante la hospitalización y hasta 1 año después del alta. Se realizó un análisis univariado para investigar los factores asociados con morbilidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 842 pacientes. La incidencia de morbilidad en UCIP fue del 3,56 % (30/842) y persistió en el 0,7 % de toda la cohorte al alta hospitalaria (6/842). Antes del año, 3 de los 6 pacientes mejoraron la condición funcional. El análisis univariado mostró asociación entre la morbilidad adquirida en UCIP y el puntaje PIM2 (odds ratio [OR, por su sigla en inglés]: 1,04; intervalo de confianza del 95 % [IC95 %]: 1,01-1,07; p = 0,007), la edad menor a 1 año (OR: 2,93; IC95 %: 1,36-6,15; p = 0,004), el uso de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) (OR: 7,83; IC95 %: 3,31-18,49; p = 0,0001) y de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) (OR: 38,08; IC95 %: ,16-280,95; p = 0,0001), y hospitalizaciones prolongadas (OR: 9,65; IC95 %: 4,33-21,49; p = 0,0001). Conclusiones. La incidencia de morbilidad fue del 3,56 % y se asoció con la edad menor a 1 año, la gravedad de los pacientes al momento de la admisión, el uso de ARM y CVC, y las hospitalizaciones prolongadas

Introduction. The Functional Status Scale (FSS) was developed to measure acquired morbidity in pediatric patients. Objective. To estimate the incidence of acquired morbidity in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the presence of associated factors, and describe functional status after hospital discharge. Population and methods. Prospective cohort. All PICU admissions between August 2016 and July 2017. The FSS was used to measure acquired morbidity during hospitalization and up to 1 year after discharge. A univariate analysis was performed to investigate morbidity-associated factors. Results. A total of 842 patients were included. The incidence of morbidity at the PICU was 3.56 % (30/842) and persisted at 0.7 % for the entire cohort at hospital discharge (6/842). Within 1 year after discharge, the functional status of 3/6 patients improved. The univariate analysis showed an association between acquired morbidity at the PICU and the PIM2 score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.07; p = 0.007), age younger than 1 year (OR: 2.93; 95 % CI: 1.36-6.15; p = 0.004), the use of assisted mechanical ventilation (AMV) (OR: 7.83; 95 % CI: 3.31-18.49; p = 0.0001) and central venous catheter (CVC) (OR: 38.08; 95 % CI: 5.16-280.95; p = 0.0001), and prolonged hospital stays (OR: 9.65; 95 % CI: 4.33-21.49; p = 0.0001). Conclusions. The incidence of morbidity was 3.56 % and was associated with an age younger than 1 year, patient severity at the time of admission, the use of AMV and CVC, and prolonged hospital stays

[Parents' satisfaction in a single pediatric intensive care unit]. / Satisfacción de los padres de los pacientes en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos.

Aim of study. To validate and apply an instrument to measure parents' degree of satisfaction from patients admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Population and methods. Picker's Pediatric Acute Care questionnaire was applied after translation to Spanish, determination of face and content validity and also reliability. Overall and domain satisfaction scores were calculated. Population was divided in High and Low Levels of satisfaction according to the answer to the question "How would you rate the care received?" Variables associated with High and Low Levels of satisfaction were identified. Results. Face validity, content validity and reliability were adequate (α Cronbach= 0.87). The average overall satisfaction score was 85.7 (95%CI 83.5-87.8). Domain satisfaction scores were: general impression, 84.8 (95%CI 82.3-87.3); accessibility and availability, 88.8 (95%CI 86.4-91.2); consideration and respect, 85.7 (95%CI 83.1-88.3); coordination and integration of care, 84.6 (95%CI 80.9-88.3); information and communication, 85.5 (95%CI 82-89); relationship between parents and health care team, 89.5 (95%CI 86.7-92.3); physical comfort, 91.8 (95%CI 89-94.6) and continuity of care 70.9 (95%CI 64.9-76.9). This last score, significantly lower than previous ones, permitted recognize an area to improve; 89% (89/100) of parents were in High satisfaction group. All of them said that their children received the care needed when needed and 98.2% that their children were treated with dignity and respect and that both, doctors and nurses, were interested in easing pain. Conclusions. The validation of the instrument was adequate. Care received when needed, and treating patients in a dignified and respectful manner are associated with high levels of satisfaction

Introducción. El objetivo fue validar y aplicar un instrumento para medir satisfacción de padres de pacientes internados en Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Población y métodos. Aplicamos el cuestionario Picker's Pediatric Acute Care luego de traducirlo y determinar su validez de construcción, contenido y consistencia interna. Calculamos puntaje de satisfacción general y dominios. La población fue dividida en Alto y Bajo Grados de Satisfacción según la respuesta a la pregunta "¿Cómo calificaría los cuidados recibidos?" Las variables asociadas con estos grupos fueron identificadas. Resultados. Validez de construcción, contenido y consistencia interna fueron adecuados (α de Cronbach= 0,87). El puntaje de satisfacción general fue 85,7 (IC95% 83,5-87,8). Los puntajes por dominios fueron, impresión general, 84,8 (IC95% 82,3-87,3); accesibilidad y disponibilidad, 88,8 (IC95% 86,4-91,2); consideración y respeto, 85,7 (IC95% 83,1-88,3); coordinación e integración de cuidados, 84,6 (IC95% 80,9-88,3); información y comunicación, 85,5 (IC95% 82-89); relación entre padres y equipo de salud, 89,5 (IC95% 86,7-92,3); confort físico, 91,8 (IC95% 89-94,6) y continuidad de cuidados 70,9 (IC95% 64,9-76,9). Este último puntaje, significativamente menor a los anteriores, permitió identificar un aspecto por mejorar. El 89% (89/100) de los padres se incluyó en el Grupo Alto Grado de Satisfacción. El 100% manifestó que sus hijos habían recibido cuidados que necesitaban cuando los necesitaban y 98,2% que sus hijos habían sido tratados con dignidad y respeto, y que tanto a médicos como a enfermeras les interesaba calmar el dolor. Conclusiones. La validación del instrumento fue adecuada. Los cuidados oportunos y el trato digno y respetuoso se asocian con altos niveles de satisfacción.

Implementación de una lista de cotejo para mejorar la adherencia a prácticas basadas en evidencia en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos / Implementation of a checklist to increase adherence to evidence-based practices in a single pediatric intensive care unit

Introducción. El uso de listas de cotejo para mejorar la adherencia a prácticas basadas en evidencia en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos no está generalizado. El objetivo del estudio fue, mediante una lista específicamente diseñada, alcanzar el 90% de adherencia a las prácticas estudiadas. Población y métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental tipo serie de tiempo en niños ventilados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Las prácticas estudiadas fueron ventana de sedación, presión plateau ≤ 30 cmH2O, fracción inspirada de oxígeno ≤ 60%, cabecera a 30º, higiene bucal con clorhexidina, recambio semanal del circuito del respirador, preferencia de alimentación enteral, disminución del umbral de transfusiones (hemoglobina: 7 g/dl), consideración diaria de prueba de respiración espontánea y de retiro de catéter central. La lista fue utilizada durante el pase de sala, por médicos de planta responsables de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos , como intervención para mejorar la adherencia y herramienta de registro. Se consideró observación a cada formulario completado diariamente. Las observaciones fueron clasificadas como defectuosas si no hubo adherencia a uno o más ítems. La adherencia (proporción de observaciones sin defecto) se resume en el gráfico de control. Resultados. El estudio abarcó 420 días. Se internaron732pacientes; 218 recibieronventilación mecánica; se realizaron 1201 observaciones y 1191 fueron incluidas. El gráfico de control con horizonte temporal de 14 meses mostró un aumento de adherencia, un patrón de variabilidad de causa especial en los últimos 3 meses y adherencia > 90% en los últimos dos. Conclusiones. El uso de la lista de cotejo permitió mejorar la adherencia a las prácticas estudiadas y alcanzar más de 90% en los últimos 2 meses.

Introduction. The use of checklists to increase adherence to evidence-based practices is not yet widespread in pediatric intensive care units. The objective of this study was to achieve 90% compliance with studied practices using an ad hoc checklist. Population and methods. Time series quasiexperimental study conducted in ventilated children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Studied practices included sedation breaks, plateau pressure ≤ 30 cm H2O, fraction of inspired oxygen ≤ 60%, maintenance of headboard at > 30°, chlorhexidine mouthwash, weekly ventilator circuit changes, preference for enteral feeding, reduction in the threshold for blood transfusions (hemoglobin: 7 g/dL), daily consideration of spontaneous breathing trials and central venous catheter removal. The checklist was used during ward rounds by the staff physicians in charge of the pediatric intensive care unit as part of an intervention to increase adherence and as a tracking tool. Each form completed on a daily basis was considered an observation. Observations were classified as defective in the case of non-compliance with one or more items. Adherence (the rate of nondefective units of observation) is summarized in the control chart. Results. The study period lasted 420 days. A total of 732 patients were hospitalized; 218 underwent mechanical ventilation; 1201 observations were made, and 1191 were included in the study. The control chart with a 14-month time horizon showed increased adherence, a special cause variation pattern in the last 3 months of the study period, and > 90% compliance over the last 2 months. Conclusions. The implementation of a checklist increased adherence to studied practices and achieved more than 90% compliance over the last 2 months of the study period.

Balance de fluidos y duración de la ventilación mecánica en niños internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica / Fluid balance and length of mechanical ventilation in children admitted to a single Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introducción. Se han descrito asociaciones entre balance de fluido acumulado y mayor estadía en asistencia respiratoria mecánica en adultos. El objetivo fue evaluar si el balance de las primeras 48 horas de iniciada la asistencia respiratoria mecánica se asociaba a su prolongación en niños internados en Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UCIP). Métodos. Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes de la UCIP del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre el 1/1/2010 y el 30/6/2012. El balance se calculó en porcentaje del peso corporal; ventilación mecánica prolongada se definió como > 7 días y se registraron confundidores. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado. Resultados. 249 pacientes permanecieron ventilados más de 48 horas; se incluyeron 163. El balance de las primeras 48 horas en ventilación mecánica fue 5,7%±5,86; 82 pacientes (50,3%) permanecieron más de 7 días con respirador. La edad < 4 años (OR 3,21; IC 95% 1,38-7,48; p 0,007), enfermedad respiratoria (OR 4,94; IC 95% 1,51-16,10; p 0,008), shock séptico (OR 4,66; IC 95% 1,10-19,65; p 0,036), puntaje de disfunción orgánica (PELOD) > 10 (OR 2,44; IC 95% 1,23-4,85; p 0,011) y balance positivo > 13% (OR 4,02; IC 95% 1,08-15,02; p 0,038) se asociaron a ventilación mecánica prolongada. El modelo multivariado mostró para PELOD > 10 un OR 2,58; IC 95%: 1,17-5,58; p 0,018, y para balance positivo > 13% un OR 3,7; IC 95%: 0,91-14,94; p 0,066. Conclusiones. En relación a ventilación mecánica prolongada, el modelo multivariado mostró una asociación independiente con disfunción de órganos (PELOD > 10) y una tendencia hacia la asociación con balance positivo > 13%.

Introduction. Associations between cumulative fluid balance and a prolonged duration of assisted mechanical ventilation have been described in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fluid balance in the first 48 hours of assisted mechanical ventilation initiation was associated with a prolonged duration of this process among children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods. Retrospective cohort of patients in the PICU of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, between 1/1/2010 and 6/30/2012. Balance was calculated in percentage of body weight; prolonged mechanical ventilation was defined as >7 days, and confounders were registered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results. Two hundred and forty-nine patients were mechanically ventilated for over 48 hours; 163 were included in the study. Balance during the first 48 hours of mechanical ventilation was 5.7% ± 5.86; 82 patients (50.3%) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. Age < 4 years old (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.38-7.48, p 0.007), respiratory disease (OR 4.94, 95% CI 1.51-16.10, p 0.008), septic shock (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.10-19.65, p 0.036), Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) > 10 (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.234.85, p 0.011), and positive balance > 13% (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.08-15.02, p 0.038) were associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The multivariate model resulted in an OR 2.58, 95% CI: 1.17-5.58, p= 0.018 for PELOD > 10, and an OR 3.7, 95% CI: 0.91-14.94, p= 0.066 for positive balance > 13%. Conclusions. Regarding prolonged mechanical ventilation, the multivariate model showed an independent association with organ dysfunction (PELOD > 10) and a trend towards an association with positive balance > 13%.

External validation of the paediatric logistic organ dysfunction score.

OBJECTIVE: External validation of the paediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) score in two paediatric intensive care units (PICU) in South America. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study including all PICU admissions from July 2003 to December 2004 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and from January 2004 to December 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The data collected included demographic variables, diagnosis, need for mechanical ventilation, length of PICU stay and mortality, and the 12 variables in the PELOD score. For each PELOD score variable, the worst daily value and the worst value of the whole PICU stay were used for the daily PELOD (dPELOD) and PELOD scores, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1,476 admissions (51.3% from Argentina and 48.7% from Brazil) were analysed. Observed and predicted mortality were, respectively, 4.7% and 6.6%, with a standardized mortality ratio of 0.72. The score showed excellent discrimination capacity, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.93 (0.88-0.98). The dPELOD score on days 1-5 also showed good discrimination capacities, with areas under the ROC curve >0.85. However, PELOD and dPELOD scores showed poor calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (chi-square 72.3, p < 0.001). This poor calibration was explained by a deficiency in the PELOD score where it fails to identify two risk intervals; 3.1-16.2% and 40-80%. CONCLUSIONS: The PELOD score is reproducible, has excellent discrimination, but over-predicts mortality and has poor calibration. Although the lack of calibration may not invalidate the score, the PELOD score is a discontinuous variable and we advise careful consideration when using it as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.