Prevalence and functional status of children with complex chronic conditions in Brazilian PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective The proportion of children with complex chronic conditions is increasing in PICUs around the world. We determined the prevalence and functional status of children with complex chronic conditions in Brazilian PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The authors conducted a point prevalence cross-sectional study among fifteen Brazilian PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors enrolled all children admitted to the participating PICUs with complex chronic conditions on three different days, four weeks apart, starting on April 4th, 2020. The authors recorded the patient's characteristics and functional status at admission and discharge days. Results During the 3 study days from March to June 2020, the authors enrolled 248 patients admitted to the 15 PICUs; 148 had CCC (prevalence of 59.7%). Patients had a median of 1 acute diagnosis and 2 chronic diagnoses. The use of resources/devices was extensive. The main mode of respiratory support was conventional mechanical ventilation. Most patients had a peripherally inserted central catheter (63.1%), followed by a central venous line (52.5%), and 33.3% had gastrostomy or/and tracheostomy. The functional status score was significantly better at discharge compared to admission day due to the respiratory status improvement. Conclusions The prevalence of children with CCC admitted to the Brazilian PICUs represented 59.7% of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The functional status of these children improved during hospitalization, mainly due to the respiratory component.

Impact of children with complex chronic conditions on costs in a tertiary referral hospital

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of complex chronic conditions on the use of healthcare resources and hospitalization costs in a pediatric ward of a public tertiary referral university hospital in Brazil. METHODS This is a longitudinal study with retrospective data collection. Overall, three one-year periods, separated by five-year intervals (2006, 2011, and 2016), were evaluated. Hospital costs were calculated in three systematic samples of 100 patients each, consisting of patients with and without complex chronic conditions in proportion to their participation in the studied year. RESULTS Over the studied period, the hospital received 2,372 admissions from 2,172 patients. The proportion of hospitalized patients with complex chronic conditions increased from 13.3% in 2006 to 16.9% in 2016 as a result of a greater proportion of neurologically impaired children, which rose from 6.6% to 11.6% of the total number of patients in the same period. Patients' complexity also progressively increased, which greatly impacted the use of healthcare resources and costs, increasing by 11.6% from 2006 (R$1,300,879.20) to 2011 (R$1,452,359.71) and 9.4% from 2011 to 2016 (R$1,589,457.95). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations of pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions increased from 2006 to 2016 in a Brazilian tertiary referral university hospital, associated with an important impact on hospital costs. Policies to reduce these costs in Brazil are greatly needed.

COVID-19 diagnostic and management protocol for pediatric patients

This review aims to verify the main epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory-related, and therapeutic aspects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill pediatric patients. An extensive review of the medical literature on COVID-19 was performed, mainly focusing on the critical care of pediatric patients, considering expert opinions and recent reports related to this new disease. Experts from a large Brazilian public university analyzed all recently published material to produce a report aiming to standardize the care of critically ill children and adolescents. The report emphasizes on the clinical presentations of the disease and ventilatory support in pediatric patients with COVID-19. It establishes a flowchart to guide health practitioners on triaging critical cases. COVID-19 is essentially an unknown clinical condition for the majority of pediatric intensive care professionals. Guidelines developed by experts can help all practitioners standardize their attitudes and improve the treatment of COVID-19.

Update on the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 in pediatric patients

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), became a pandemic in March 2020, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, COVID-19 in pediatric patients represents 1-5% of all cases, and the risk for developing severe disease and critical illness is much lower in children with COVID-19 than in adults. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a possible complication of COVID-19, has been described as a hyperinflammatory condition with multiorgan involvement similar to that in Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome in children with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review presents an update on the diagnostic methods for COVID-19, including reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, serology tests, and imaging, and summarizes the current recommendations for the management of the disease. Particular emphasis is placed on respiratory support, which includes noninvasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation strategies according to lung compliance and pattern of lung injury. Pharmacological treatment, including pathogen-targeted drugs and host-directed therapies, has been addressed. The diagnostic criteria and management of MIS-C are also summarized.

Implantação e desenvolvimento do Laboratório de Simulação (LabSim) da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP) / Implementation and development of the Simulation Laboratory (SimLab) of Ribeirao Preto Medical School of University of Sao Paulo (RPMS-USP)

RESUMO Introdução: a Simulação é uma técnica de ensino que vem ganhando grande aceitação para o ensino de habilidades e comportamento profissional em diversas áreas. Para contornar as limitações impostas pelo elevado custo dos materiais envolvidos e da necessidade de capacitação específica, as instituições de ensino superior (IES) têm implantado laboratórios específicos. A FMRP-USP completou recentemente a instalação de seu Laboratório de Simulação (LabSim) com os objetivos de: 1) Centralizar, facilitar, capacitar e coordenar as atividades didáticas que envolvam Simulação para os cursos oferecidos pela FMRP-USP; 2) Promover autoaprendizado entre alunos de graduação para consolidação e complementação do conteúdo fornecido em cursos regulares; 3) Desenvolver iniciativas inovadoras de capacitação e pesquisa em Simulação em Saúde. Objetivos: descrever o processo de implantação do LabSim para preservar a história da FMRP-USP; analisar este processo para traçar novas metas para seu desenvolvimento contínuo. Metodologia: o processo de desenvolvimento e fomento do LabSim é descrito em função cronológica, destacando-se as motivações para as decisões tomadas. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, embasado no resgate documental pertinente da FMRP-USP. Resultados: 1) A simulação é uma metodologia de ensino e não o simples uso de tecnologia, sendo necessário o investimento em capacitação de pessoal além da incorporação de tecnologia. 2) A estrutura física é um componente importante para explorar a metodologia em sua totalidade. Deve-se considerar os princípios de Flexibilidade, Aproveitamento de Espaço, Gerenciamento de fluxo, Conectividade e Imersão. Também deve ser considerada a realização de "benchmarking", avaliando as soluções de outros laboratórios para que possam ser contextualizadas à realidade da IES. 3) Deve-se individualizar a aquisição de novos equipamentos com base nas disciplinas que já utilizam a metodologia e a aquisição deve estar vinculada com capacitação. 4) Um dos potenciais dos simuladores atuais é o autoaprendizado, que pode maximizar o tempo de exposição e individualizar o "feedback". Conclusões: o LabSim da FMRP-USP deve ainda concretizar algumas de suas metas como a capacitação docente, o fortalecimento da inclusão de disciplinas da FMRP-USP buscando atuação multidisciplinar de acordo com as normas da Comissão de Graduação, o desenvolvimento de pesquisas na área de simulação e a projeção nacional e internacional do laboratório através de processos de acreditação. No entanto, frente às conquistas expostas, a implantação do LabSim é uma experiência exitosa e se encontra em franca evolução. (AU)

Introduction: simulation is a technique that has gained great acceptance for teaching skills and professional behavior in several areas. To overcome the limitations imposed by the high cost of the materials involved and the need for specific training, higher education institutions have implemented dedicated laboratories. Ribeirao Preto Medical School of University of Sao Paulo (RPMS-USP) has recently installed its Simulation Lab (LabSim) with the following goals: 1) To centralize, facilitate, train and coordinate didactic activities involving Simulation; 2) To promote self-directed learning among undergraduate students; 3) To develop research in Simulation in Healthcare. Objectives: to describe the process of LabSim implementation to preserve the RPMS-USP history; to analyze this process to outline new goals for its continued development. This is a descriptive study, based on revised historical documents. Methodology: the process of LabSim development is described in chronological order, highlighting the motivations for the decisions made. Results: 1) Simulation is a teaching methodology and not the simple use of technology, being necessary the training of personnel besides the incorporation of technology. 2) The physical structure is an important component to explore the methodology in its entirety. One should consider the principles of Flexibility, Space Utilization, Flow Management, Connectivity and Immersion. Consider Benchmarking to evaluate the solutions of other laboratories so you can contextualize them into your reality. 3) Individualize the addition of new simulator according to the disciplines that already use the methodology and link this acquisition with personnel training. 4) The self-learning potential of new simulators can maximize the exposure time and individualize the feedback. Conclusions: the RPMS-USP's LabSim future goals include teacher training, strengthening the inclusion of disciplines, seeking multidisciplinary action in accordance with the standards of the Undergraduate Committee, the development of research in the field of Simulation and the national and international projection of the laboratory through accreditation processes. Nevertheless, based on the evidence provided, the implementation of the LabSim is a very successful and evolving experience.(AU)

Abordagem clínica dos distúrbios doequilíbrio ácido-base / A clinical approach to acid-base disorders

Este texto apresenta uma abordagem clínica dos distúrbios do equilíbrio ácido-base. A interpretaçãoapropriada do estado ácido-base requer o conhecimento do quadro clínico integrado aos resultadoslaboratoriais. O valor do pH determina o distúrbio primário: acidose metabólica ou respiratória, se o pHfor menor que 7,40; alcalose metabólica ou respiratória, se o pH for maior que 7,40. Se o ânion gap formaior que 20 mEq/L, há acidose metabólica, independente dos valores do pH ou da concentraçãoplasmática de bicarbonato. A ausência da resposta compensatória esperada a determinado distúrbioprimário indica a presença de um distúrbio misto.

This paper presents a clinical approach to disorders of acid-base balance. A proper interpretation of theacid-base status requires knowledge of the clinical setting integrated with laboratory results. The pHvalue determines the primary disorder: metabolic or respiratory acidosis, if the pH is less than 7.40;metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, if the pH is greater than 7.40. If the anion gap is greater than 20 mEq/L, a metabolic acidosis is present regardless of the pH value or plasma bicarbonate concentration.Absence of the expected compensatory response to a primary disorder indicates the presence of amixed disorder.

Ressuscitação no trauma / Trauma resuscitation

Este texto aborda a avaliação inicial e o manejo sistematizado da criança vítima de trauma, assim comoas particularidades da ressuscitação no trauma crânio-encefálico.

This paper discusses the initial assessment and systematic management of the pediatric trauma victim,as well as the peculiarities of resuscitation of head injured children.

Choque em crianças / Shock in children

Este texto apresenta uma revisão da definição, classificação, fisiopatologia e tratamento inicial dos diversos tipos de choque na criança. O reconhecimento precoce e o tratamento agressivo do choque em tempo oportuno são essenciais à prevenção da parada cardiorrespiratória e à melhora do desfecho

This paper presents a review of the definition, classification, pathophysiology and initial management of the different types of shock in children. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of shock in a timely manner are essential to the prevention of cardiopulmonary arrest and out come improvement.

Acesso vascular / Vascular access

Este texto aborda as prioridades de acesso vascular de acordo com o contexto clínico, as indicações,contraindicações e complicações dos diversos tipos de acesso vascular, e as técnicas de obtenção doacesso vascular periférico, intraósseo e central.

This paper describes the priorities of vascular access in different clinical situations, the indications,contraindications, and complications of various types of vascular access, and the techniques for obtaining a peripheral venous, intraosseous and central venous access.

Aprotinina não influencia troponina I, NTproBNP e função renal em crianças operadas com circulação extracorpórea / High-dose aprotinin does not affect troponin I, N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptid and renal function in children submitted to surgical correction with extracorporeal circulation

Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso de aprotinina em altas doses hemostáticas pode influenciar as funções miocárdicas, renais e metabólicas em crianças operadas com circulação extracorpórea (CEC). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo randomizado em crianças de 30 dias a 4 anos de idade, submetidas à correção de cardiopatia congênita acianogênica, com CEC e divididas em dois grupos, um denominado Controle (n=9) e o outro, Aprotinina (n=10). Neste, a droga foi administrada antes e durante a CEC. As disfunções miocárdicas e multiorgânicas foram analisadas por marcadores clínicos e bioquímicos. Foram consideradas significantes as diferenças com P<0,05. Resultados: Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto às variáveis demográficas e intra-operatórias, exceto por maior hemodiluição no Grupo Aprotinina. Não houve benefício quanto aos tempos de ventilação pulmonar mecânica, permanência no Centro de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (CTIP) e hospitalar, nem quanto ao uso de inotrópicos e função renal. A relação PaO2/FiO2 (pressão parcial de oxigênio arterial/fração inspirada de oxigênio) apresentou queda significativa com 24h PO, no Grupo Controle. As perdas sanguíneas foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Os marcadores troponina I cardíaca (cTnI), fração MB da creatinofosfoquinase (CKMB), transaminase glutâmico-oxalacética (TGO) e fração amino-terminal do peptídio natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP) não apresentaram diferenças marcantes inter-grupos. A lactatemia e acidose metabólica pós-CEC foi maior no Grupo Aprotinina. Não houve complicações tromboembólicas, neurológicas ou de hipersensibilidade com o uso da aprotinina. Conclusão: A aprotinina em altas doses não influenciou significativamente nos marcadores séricos troponina I e NTproBNP e de função renal, porém foi associado com maior hemodiluição, lactatemia e acidose metabólica.

Objective: To evaluate if the use of hemostatic high-dose aprotinin seems influence to myocardial, renal and metabolic functions in children submitted to surgical correction with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Material and Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted on children aged 30 days to 4 years submitted to correction of acyanogenic congenital heart disease with ECC and divided into two groups: Control (n=9) and Aprotinin (n=10). In the Aprotinin Group the drug was administered before and during ECC and the myocardial and multiorgan dysfunctions were analyzed on the basis of clinical and biochemical markers. Differences were considered to be significant when P<0.05. Results: The groups were similar regarding demographic and intraoperative variables, except for a greater hemodilution in the Aprotinin Group. The drug had no benefit regarding time of mechanical pulmonary ventilation, permanence in the pediatric postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) and length of hospitalization, or regarding the use of inotropic drugs and renal function. The partial arterial oxygen pressure/inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2) was significantly reduced 24h after surgery in the Control Group. Blood loss was similar for both groups. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and the aminoterminal fraction of natriuretic peptide type B (NT-proBNP) did not differ significantly between groups. Post-ECC blood lactate concentration and metabolic acidosis was more intense in the Aprotinin Group. There were no complications with the use of aprotinin. Conclusion: High-dose aprotinin did not significant influence in serum markers troponin I, NT-proBNP and renal function, but did associated with hemodilution, blood lactate concentration and metabolic acidosis more intense.

Do our newly graduated medical doctors have adequate knowledge about neonatal resuscitation?

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Neonatal resuscitation should be part of medical school curriculums. We aimed to evaluate medical school graduates' knowledge of neonatal resuscitation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on the performance of candidates sitting a medical residency exam at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, in 2004. METHODS: There were two questions on neonatal resuscitation. One question in the theory test aimed at evaluating basic knowledge on the initial approach towards newly born infants. The question in the practical exam was designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to perform the initial steps of resuscitation and to establish bag-mask ventilation. RESULTS: Out of 642 candidates from 74 medical schools, 151 (23.5 percent) answered the theory question correctly. Significantly more physicians from public medical schools in the State of São Paulo answered correctly than did those from other schools in Brazil (52.5 percent versus 9.2 percent; p < 0.05). A total of 436 candidates did the practical exam. The grades among graduates from medical schools belonging to the State of São Paulo were significantly higher than among those from other schools (5.9 ± 2.6 versus 4.1 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). The grades for the practical question among candidates who had answered the theory question correctly were significantly higher than those obtained by candidates who had given wrong answers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Medical school graduates' knowledge of neonate resuscitation in the delivery room is quite precarious. Emphasis on neonatal resuscitation training is urgently needed in medical schools.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A reanimação neonatal deveria fazer parte do curriculum médico. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os conhecimentos básicos sobre reanimação neonatal de egressos de faculdades de medicina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal do desempenho dos candidatos que participaram do concurso para residência médica no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo em 2004. MÉTODOS: O exame tinha duas questões: uma teórica, com o objetivo de avaliar o conhecimento dos primeiros passos da recepção e uma prova prática, que pretendia avaliar a habilidade do candidato em executar os primeiros passos da ressuscitação e a ventilação com bolsa e máscara. RESULTADOS: Dos 642 candidatos provenientes de 74 faculdades, 151 (23,5 por cento) acertaram a questão teórica. A taxa de acerto foi significativamente maior entre os egressos das escolas médicas públicas do Estado de São Paulo quando comparadas com as demais escolas do Brasil (52,5 por cento versus 9,2 por cento, p < 0,05). Realizaram a prova prática 436 candidatos. As notas dos egressos das escolas estaduais de São Paulo foram significativamente maiores do que as notas dos egressos das demais faculdades (5,9 ± 2,6 versus 4,1 ± 2,1, p < 0,001). As notas obtidas no exame prático pelos alunos que acertaram a questão teórica foram significativamente maiores do que as notas obtidas pelos alunos que erraram (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento dos egressos das escolas médicas sobre o atendimento ao recém-nascido na sala de parto é muito precário, existindo, portanto, a premente necessidade de que seja dada maior ênfase ao ensino da reanimação neonatal durante a graduação em medicina.