Exploring the Possible Role of Cannabinoids in Managing Post-cardiac Surgery Complications: A Narrative Review of Preclinical Evidence and a Call for Future Research Directions.

ABSTRACT: Open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass often leads to complications including pain, systemic inflammation, and organ damage. Traditionally managed with opioids, these pain relief methods bring potential long-term risks, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. The legalization of cannabis in various regions has reignited interest in cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Historical and ongoing research acknowledges the endocannabinoid system's crucial role in managing physiological processes, suggesting that cannabinoids could offer therapeutic benefits in postsurgical recovery. Specifically, cannabidiol has shown promise in managing pain, moderating immune responses, and mitigating ischemia/reperfusion injury, underscoring its potential in postoperative care. However, the translation of these findings into clinical practice faces challenges, highlighting the need for extensive research to establish effective, safe cannabinoid-based therapies for patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This narrative review advocates for a balanced approach, considering both the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and the complexities of their integration into clinical settings.

Fluid bolus administration in children, who responds and how? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fluid boluses are frequently utilized in children. Despite their frequency of use, there is little objective data regarding the utility of fluid boluses, who they benefit the most, and what the effects are. AIMS: This study aimed to conduct pooled analyses to identify those who may be more likely to respond to fluid boluses as well as characterize clinical changes associated with fluid boluses. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was conducted to identify pediatric studies investigating the response to fluid boluses and clinical changes associated with fluid boluses. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 637 patients were included in the final analyses with a mean age of 650 days ± 821.01 (95% CI 586 to 714) and a mean weight of 10.5 kg ± 7.19 (95% CI 9.94 to 11.1). The mean bolus volume was 12.14 ml/kg ± 4.09 (95% CI 11.8 to 12.5) given over a mean of 19.55 min ± 10.16 (95% CI 18.8 to 20.3). The following baseline characteristics were associated with increased likelihood of response [represented in mean difference (95% CI)]: greater age [207.2 days (140.8 to 273.2)], lower cardiac index [-0.5 ml/min/m2 (-0.9 to -0.3)], and lower stroke volume [-5.1 ml/m2 (-7.9 to -2.3)]. The following clinical parameters significantly changed after a fluid bolus: decreased HR [-5.6 bpm (-9.8 to -1.3)], increased systolic blood pressure [7.7 mmHg (1.0 to 14.4)], increased mean arterial blood pressure [5.5 mmHg (3.1 to 7.8)], increased cardiac index [0.3 ml/min/m2 (0.1 to 0.6)], increased stroke volume [4.3 ml/m2 (3.5 to 5.2)], increased central venous pressure [2.2 mmHg (1.1 to 3.3)], and increased systemic vascular resistance [2.1 woods units/m2 (0.1 to 4.2)]. CONCLUSION: Fluid blouses increase arterial blood pressure or cardiac output by 10% in approximately 56% of pediatric patients. Fluid blouses lead to significant decrease in HR and significant increases in cardiac output, stroke volume, and systemic vascular resistance. Limited published data are available on the effects of fluid blouses on systemic oxygen delivery.

Hemodynamic Response to Calcium Chloride Boluses in Single-Ventricle Patients with Parallel Circulation.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of calcium bolus in response to a hypotensive episode by assessing high-fidelity hemodynamic data obtained from children with single-ventricle physiology with parallel circulation. Single-center, retrospective analysis of hemodynamic data after calcium bolus administrations within the first 2 weeks post-surgery. Time intervals were the baseline (- 60 to - 10 min); the hypotensive episode (- 10 to 0 min); time point zero at the bolus administration; and the response (0 to 60 min). The main responses assessed were the peak increase in mean blood pressure (mBP), duration of the response after the bolus, and markers of oximetric effects. These analyses included 128 boluses in 63 patients. Of the total boluses analyzed, 80% increased the mBP by 5 mmHg or higher with the effect lasting at least 10 min, whereas 10% of the boluses analyzed increased the mBP by 20 mmHg or higher with the effect lasting at least 50 min. The boluses induced a significant increase in arterial oxygen saturation and an upward trend in pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio, without increasing renal or cerebral oxygen extraction ratios. Calcium chloride boluses are an effective rescue medication for hypotensive episodes in children with parallel circulation. They lead to an improvement in mBP, as well as an increase in pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio. More importantly, these boluses do not compromise systemic oxygen delivery.

Alpha-blockade during congenital heart surgery admissions: analysis from national database.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of alpha-blockade on haemodynamics during and following congenital heart surgery are well documented, but data on patient outcomes, mortality, and hospital charges are limited. The purpose of this study was to characterise the use of alpha-blockade during congenital heart surgery admissions and to determine its association with common clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Pediatric Health Information System database. De-identified data for patients under 18 years of age with a cardiac diagnosis who underwent congenital heart surgery were obtained from 2004 to 2015. Patients were subdivided on the basis of receiving alpha-blockade with either phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine during admission or not. Continuous and categorical variables were analysed using Mann−Whitney U-tests and Fisher exact tests, respectively. Characteristics between subgroups were compared using univariate analysis. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the impact of alpha-blockade on ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, billed charges, and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 81,313 admissions, 4309 (5.3%) utilised alpha-blockade. Phentolamine was utilised in 4290 admissions. In univariate analysis, ICU length of stay, total length of stay, inpatient mortality, and billed charges were all significantly higher in the alpha-blockade admissions. However, regression analyses demonstrated that other factors were behind these increased. Alpha-blockade was significantly, independently associated with a 1.5 days reduction in ICU length of stay (p < 0.01) and a 3.5 days reduction in total length of stay (p < 0.01). Alpha-blockade was significantly, independently associated with a reduction in mortality (odds ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.7−0.9). Alpha-blockade was not independently associated with any significant change in billed charges. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-blockade is used in a subset of paediatric cardiac surgeries and is independently associated with significant reductions in ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and mortality without significantly altering billed charges.

Correlation of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Oximetry and Corresponding Venous Oxygen Saturations in Children with Congenital Heart Disease.

Invasive and non-invasive monitoring allow for early detection of hemodynamic compromise, facilitating timely intervention and avoidance of further decline. While venous oximetry is useful for assessing the adequacy of systemic oxygen delivery (DO2), it is most often intermittent, invasive, and costly. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) oximetry allows for the non-invasive estimation of the adequacy of DO2. We assessed the correlation between cerebral NIRS oximetry and superior vena cava (SVC) and jugular venous (JV) oxygen saturations and between renal NIRS oximetry and inferior vena cava (IVC) oxygen saturations. Systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies with data regarding near-infrared spectroscopy and venous saturation. The PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane databases were queried using the following terms in isolation and various combinations: "congenital heart disease," "near infrared spectroscopy," "venous saturation," and "pediatric." Pediatric studies in which simultaneous NIRS oximetry and corresponding venous oxygen saturations were simultaneously collected after cardiac surgery or catheterization were identified. Data were pooled from these studies to analyze the correlation between NIRS oximetry and the corresponding venous oxygen saturations. A total of 16 studies with 613 patients were included in the final analyses. Data were present to compare cerebral and renal NIRS oximetry with corresponding venous oxygen saturation. Cerebral NIRS and SVC and JV oxygen saturations and renal NIRS and IVC oxygen saturations demonstrated strong degrees of correlation (r-value 0.70 for each). However, cerebral NIRS and IVC oxygen saturation had a week degree of correlation (r-value of 0.38). Pooled analyses demonstrate that cerebral NIRS oximetry correlates strongly with SVC or JV oxygen saturation while renal NIRS oximetry correlates strongly with IVC oxygen saturations. A weak correlation was noted between cerebral NIRS oximetry and IVC oxygen saturations.

Impact of Noonan Syndrome on admissions for pediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Noonan Syndrome is the second most common genetic syndrome associated with congenital heart disease. Many patients with Noonan Syndrome will require a cardiac intervention. This study aimed to characterize the difference in cardiac surgery admissions in patients with and without Noonan Syndrome. METHODS: Data regarding hospital admissions was collected using the Kids' Inpatient Database from 1997 to 2012. A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing baseline characteristics, cardiac morphology, cardiac surgery, and other comorbidities between those with and without Noonan Syndrome. Regression analysis was conducted to determine factors related to Noonan Syndrome and risk factors for increased length of hospitalization, need for ECMO, and inpatient mortality using Noonan Syndrome as the independent variable. RESULTS: A total of 46,169 admissions with cardiac surgery under 18 years of age were included in the final analyses. Of these 778 (1.6%) had Noonan Syndrome. Pulmonary stenosis, coronary anomalies, and valvuloplasty without valve replacement were independently associated with Noonan Syndrome. Those with Noonan Syndrome were 90% more likely to have chylothorax. Pediatric cardiac surgery admissions tended to be 4.5 days longer and cost $54,296 more in total charges with Noonan Syndrome. Inpatient mortality is also increased by Noonan Syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Noonan Syndrome is present in a relatively small proportion of pediatric cardiac surgery admissions. Noonan Syndrome is independently associated with increased length and cost of such admissions as well as inpatient mortality.

Acute Effects of Vasopressin Arginine Infusion in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Higher Blood Pressure Does Not Equal Improved Systemic Oxygen Delivery.

The use of vasopressin has been increased in recent years in children after congenital heart surgery. However, there is limited information regarding its effects on cardiac output, systemic oxygen delivery, and myocardial energetics. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of vasopressin infusions on hemodynamics and systemic oxygen delivery in children with congenital heart disease. A retrospective, single-center study of patients with congenital heart disease who received vasopressin infusions in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between January 2019 and May 2020. The measured values collected for study were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation as determined by pulse oximetry, arterial pH, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, serum lactate, serum sodium, and renal and cerebral oximetry based on near-infrared spectroscopy. The calculated values for this study were the difference between arterial and NIRS oximetry, the reno-cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy gradient and the vasoinotrope score. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to compare values of paired continuous variables before and after initiation of the vasopressin infusion. Correlations were assessed using Spearman correlation analyses and stepwise regressions were completed. A total of 26 vasopressin infusions among 20 unique patients were included in the final analyses. Of these 26 vasopressin infusions, 18 were in patients with biventricular circulation and 8 were in patients with functionally univentricular circulation. The median vasopressin infusion dose at initiation was 0.4 (0.1-1) milliunits/kg/min. For the entire cohort 2 h after the initiation of vasopressin, systolic blood pressure increased to 8.4 mmHg, p < 0.01, but no significant correlation was found to markers of systemic oxygen delivery. Similar results were obtained when only those with biventricular circulation were considered. Those with functionally univentricular circulation were not found to have any statistically significant rise in blood pressure. Vasopressin infusions appear to statistically significantly increase systolic blood pressure in children with congenital heart disease who have a biventricular but not functionally univentricular circulation. Even when an increase in systolic blood pressure is present, systemic oxygen delivery did not improve.

Impact of Corticosteroids on Cardiopulmonary Bypass Induced Inflammation in Children: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass in children undergoing cardiac surgery. What is less clear is the impact of corticosteroids on the postoperative course. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was made of prospective randomized blinded placebo-controlled trials of pediatric patients who received corticosteroids or saline placebo before surgery was performed. Ten studies met inclusion criteria for a total of 768 patients. In a prespecified subgroup analysis, studies that either were limited to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery congenital heart surgery mortality categories 1 and 2 or excluded neonates were eliminated and a secondary analysis was conducted, which consisted of seven studies and 555 patients. RESULTS: Corticosteroids were associated with a significant improvement in fluid balance at 24 and 36 hours after surgery, with a mean difference of -15.2 mL/kg (95% confidence interval, 25.3 to -5.1 mL/kg; P < .01) and -5.7 mL/kg (95% confidence interval, -9.8 to -1.6 mL/kg; P < .01), respectively. Corticosteroids had no impact on the incidence of infection or mortality. With the secondary analysis, corticosteroids were associated with a trend toward significance in shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference -0.7 days; 95% confidence interval, -1.7 to 0.1; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids were found to have a favorable impact on postoperative fluid balance and may be associated with shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation. Although corticosteroids had no impact on mortality, they may be beneficial particularly for neonates and patients undergoing highly complex surgery.

Effects of Vasopressin Infusion After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Vasopressin has been used to augment blood pressure; however, cardiovascular effects after cardiac surgery have not been well established. The primary objective of this study was to survey the current literature and quantify the pooled effect of vasopressin on hemodynamic parameters in children after pediatric cardiac surgery. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies characterizing the hemodynamic effects of vasopressin after pediatric cardiac surgery. Studies were assessed and those of satisfactory quality with pre- and post-vasopressin hemodynamics for each patient were included in the final analyses. 6 studies with 160 patients were included for endpoints during the first 2 h of infusions. Patients who received vasopressin infusion had greater mean, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures and lower heart rates at 2 h after initiation. 8 studies with 338 patients were included for the effects at 24 h. Patients who received vasopressin infusion had lower central venous pressures and decreased lactate concentrations 24 h after initiation. A subset analysis for children with functionally univentricular hearts found significant decrease in inotrope score and central venous pressure. A subset analysis for neonates found significant decrease in inotrope score and fluid balance. Vasopressin leads to decrease in heart rate and increase in blood pressure in the first 2 h of initiation. Later effects include decrease in inotrope score, central venous pressure, fluid balance, and in lactate within the first 24 h. Findings vary in neonates and in those with functionally univentricular hearts although beneficial effects are noted in both.

Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Distribution, Service Delivery, and Staffing in the United States in 2018.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the distribution, service delivery, and staffing of pediatric cardiac intensive care in the United States. DESIGN: Based on a 2016 national PICU survey, and verified through online searching and clinician networking, medical centers were identified with a separate cardiac ICU or mixed ICU. These centers were sent a structured web-based survey up to four times, with follow-up by mail and phone for nonresponders. SETTING: Cardiac ICUs were defined as specialized units, specifically for the treatment of children with life-threatening primary cardiac conditions. Mixed ICUs were defined as separate units, specifically for the treatment of children with life-threatening conditions, including primary cardiac disease. PARTICIPANTS: Cardiac ICU or mixed ICU physician medical directors or designees. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One-hundred twenty ICUs were identified: 61 (51%) were mixed ICUs and 59 (49%) were cardiac ICUs. Seventy five percent of institutions at least sometimes used a neonatal ICU prior to surgery. The most common temporary cardiac support beyond extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was a centrifugal pump such as Centrimag. Durable cardiac support devices were far more common in separate cardiac ICUs (84% vs 20%; p < 0.0001). Significantly less availability of electrophysiology, heart failure, and cardiac anesthesia consultation was available in mixed ICUs (p = 0.0003, p < 0.0001, p = 0.042 respectively). ICU attending physicians were in-house day and night 98% of the time in mixed ICUs and 87% of the time in cardiac ICUs. Nurse practitioners were consistent front-line providers in the ICUs caring for children with primary cardiac disease staffing 88% of cardiac ICUs and 56% of mixed ICUs. Mixed ICUs were more commonly staffed with pediatric residents, and critical care fellows were found in more cardiac ICUs (83% vs 77%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Mixed ICUs and cardiac ICUs have statistically different staffing models and available services. More evaluation is needed to understand how this may impact patient outcomes and training programs of physicians and nurses.

Peritoneal dialysis during congenital heart surgery admissions: insights from a large database.

BACKGROUND: The management of fluid overload after congenital heart surgery has been limited to diuretics, fluid restriction, and dialysis. This study was conducted to determine the association between peritoneal dialysis and important clinical outcomes in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients under 18 years of age who underwent congenital heart surgery. The data were obtained over a 16-year period (1997-2012) from the Kids' Inpatient Database. Data analysed consisted of demographics, diagnoses, type of congenital heart surgery, length of stay, cost of hospitalisation, and mortality. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with peritoneal dialysis. RESULTS: A total of 46,176 admissions after congenital heart surgery were included in the study. Of those, 181 (0.4%) utilised peritoneal dialysis. The mean age of the peritoneal dialysis group was 7.6 months compared to 39.6 months in those without peritoneal dialysis. The most common CHDs were atrial septal defect (37%), ventricular septal defect (32.6%), and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (18.8%). Univariate analyses demonstrated significantly greater length of stay, cost of admission, and mortality in those with peritoneal dialysis. Regression analyses demonstrated that peritoneal dialysis was independently associated with significant decrease in cost of admission (-$57,500) and significant increase in mortality (odds ratio 1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal dialysis appears to be used in specific patient subsets and is independently associated with decreased cost of stay, although it is associated with increased mortality. Further studies are needed to describe risks and benefit of peritoneal dialysis in this population.

Sodium nitroprusside versus nicardipine for hypertension management after surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vasoactive medications are commonly administered for afterload reduction and arterial hypertension treatment in patients after cardiac surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the effects of sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine on hemodynamics and cardiac performance in this population. METHODS: A systematic review of published manuscripts was performed to identify studies of patients who received sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine as part of the treatment for arterial hypertension or afterload reduction after cardiac surgery. A meta-analysis was then conducted to determine the effects of sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine on hemodynamics and cardiac performance. The following parameters were captured: blood pressure, heart rate, right atrial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and stroke volume. RESULTS: In total, five studies with 571 patients were pooled for these analyses. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were similar in both groups. The cardiac index was greater with nicardipine while mean pulmonary artery pressure was lower with sodium nitroprusside. CONCLUSION: Nicardipine and sodium nitroprusside have similar abilities in reducing afterload in the postoperative cardiac population. Statistically significant differences were found in pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac index. It may be beneficial to consider nicardipine for afterload reduction in patients with a low cardiac index.

Thyroid Hormone (Triiodothyronine) Therapy in Children After Congenital Heart Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

Thyroid hormone modifies metabolic, immune and cardiovascular functions and has been administered perioperatively to treat a relative reduction of thyroid function in children following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for correction of congenital heart disease. However, it remains unclear whether its use is associated with improved outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the impact of thyroid hormone supplementation on clinical outcomes in children undergoing repair of congenital heart disease using CPB. A systematic review of published trials was conducted to identify studies of children randomized to thyroid hormone supplementation or placebo undergoing congenital heart surgery. A meta-analysis was then conducted to determine the clinical impact of thyroid hormone replacement on cardiac function and postoperative characteristics. The following outcomes were included for the study: duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of postoperative hospital stay, inotrope score, cardiac index at 24 hours postoperatively, and inpatient mortality. A total of 9 studies with 711 patients were included in the analyses. All included studies were prospective and patients were randomized to either thyroid hormone or placebo. There was wide variation in thyroid hormone dosing, ranging from 0.4 µg/kg up to 5 µg/kg over a 24-hour period, and duration of therapy, ranging from a single dose after cessation of CPB to continued thyroid hormone for the duration of the ICU stay. There was a significant difference in the mean inotrope score between the 2 groups of -1.249 (95% confidence interval -1.570 to -0.929, P < 0.001), with the inotrope score being significantly lower in the thyroid group. There was no difference in duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU stay, duration of hospital stay, cardiac index, and mortality between groups. In this meta-analysis, routine thyroid hormone replacement with approximately 1-5 µg/kg administered over 24 hours does not significantly alter the postoperative course in children following CPB. However, given a clinically small but significant difference in respect to lower inotrope score and shorter duration of ICU and hospital stays with higher thyroid replacement additional studies are warranted.

Education and Training in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care: International Perspectives.

Pediatric cardiac intensive care is an evolving and maturing field. There have been advances in education and training in recent years, specifically progress toward standardization of curricula, competencies, and certifications. International partnerships have fostered similar advancements in less resourced countries. For all disciplines and levels of expertise, simulation remains a versatile and effective modality in education. Although there is improved standardization for the training of physicians and nurses, the certification process remains undetermined.

Modified Single-Patch versus Two-Patch Repair for Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a meta-analysis of studies to determine whether the modified single-patch technique offers benefits when compared to the two-patch repair. The postoperative outcomes examined in this study were cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, total hospital length of stay, need for reoperation, need for reoperation for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, need for pacemaker implantation, and mortality during follow-up. METHODS: A review was conducted to identify studies comparing a modified single-patch repair versus two-patch repair. A fixed-effects model was utilized for end points with low heterogeneity and a random-effects model for end points with significant heterogeneity. Meta-regression was also performed to determine the influence of other factors on the variables of interest. RESULTS: A total of 964 unique manuscripts were screened, with 10 being included in the final analyses. There were a total of 724 patients, with 353 (49%) having undergone repair utilizing a modified single-patch repair. Mean age at repair for modified single-patch repair and two-patch repair was 8.81 and 9.03 months, respectively. Significant differences were noted in cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time with mean difference of -28.53 and -22.69 minutes, respectively. In comparison to the two-patch repair, both times were decreased in modified single-patch repair. No significant difference was noted in any other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Modified single-patch repair for atrioventricular septal defects requires less cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time but does not significantly impact the examined postoperative outcomes.

Postoperative Inhaled Nitric Oxide Does Not Decrease Length of Stay in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Admissions.

Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most challenging complications in congenital heart surgery. The purpose of this study was to characterize inhaled nitric oxide administration in children with and without pulmonary hypertension who underwent congenital heart surgery and to describe the effect of nitric oxide administration on admission outcomes. This is a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) and PHIS + databases from 2004 to 2015. Pediatric patients with a congenital heart disease diagnosis were included and divided into groups with pulmonary hypertension that received and not received inhaled nitric oxide and patients without diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension who received and did not receive inhaled nitric oxide. For all admissions, the following were captured: age of admission, gender, year of admission, length of stay, billed charges, inpatient mortality, the presence of specific congenital malformations of the heart, specific cardiac surgeries, and comorbidities. Comparisons between groups were completed using a Mann-Whitney-U test and Fisher's exact test. Outcomes evaluation was completed using univariate and regression analyses. A total of 40,194 pediatric cardiac surgical admissions without pulmonary hypertension were identified. Of these, 726 (1.8%) received inhaled nitric oxide. Regression analyses demonstrated that inhaled nitric oxide was independently associated with increased length of stay, billed charges, and inpatient mortality. A total of 1678 pediatric cardiac surgical admissions with pulmonary hypertension were identified. Of these, 195 (11.6%) received inhaled nitric oxide. Regression analyses demonstrated that inhaled nitric oxide was independently associated with a significant increase in length of stay and billed charges. There was no statistically significant association between inhaled nitric oxide and decrease mortality. Administration of inhaled nitric oxide after pediatric cardiac surgery increases length of stay and billed charges while not providing improved inpatient mortality. In fact, administration of inhaled nitric oxide was associated with increased mortality in those without pulmonary hypertension while not impacting mortality in any way in those with pulmonary hypertension.

Postoperative Pain Management in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Where Are We Heading?

OBJECTIVES: Adequate postoperative pain management is crucial in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery because pain can lead to devastating short- and long-term consequences. This review discusses the limitations of current postoperative pain assessment and management in children after cardiac surgery, the obstacles to providing optimal treatment, and concepts to consider that may overcome these barriers. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE and PubMed. CONCLUSIONS: Effective pain management in infants and young children undergoing cardiac surgery continues to evolve with innovative methods of both assessment and therapy using newer drugs or novel routes of administration. Artificial intelligence- and machine learning-based pain assessment and patient-tailored management in both pain measurement and prevention are already being integrated into the routine of current practice.

Peritoneal Dialysis Vs Diuretics in Children After Congenital Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing congenital heart surgery who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD) vs a diuretic regimen. METHODS: This study conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from the databases' inception through April 24, 2018. Independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. A random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool the outcomes of interest across studies. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies (2 prospective studies, 2 randomized clinical trials, and 4 retrospective studies) with 507 patients were included in this review. A total of 204 (40%) patients underwent PD, whereas the remaining patients underwent fluid removal with diuretics. The analyses demonstrated a significantly shorter time of mechanical ventilation in those patients who underwent PD (mean difference, -1.25 days; 95% confidence interval, -2.18 to -0.33; P = .008) and increased odds of mortality (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 4.56; P = .02) compared with the diuretic group. No differences were identified in terms of incidence of negative fluid balance by postoperative day 1, presence of peritonitis, and intensive care unit length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis did not identify differences between the 2 groups with regard to negative fluid balance after postoperative day 1, incidence of peritonitis, or length of intensive care unit stay. There is a need for large, prospective, multicenter studies to evaluate the benefits and complications associated with PD use further in selected children after congenital heart surgery. Because some of the outcomes were present in only 2 studies, results from the pooled analysis may be underpowered.