Characteristics and treatment results of refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia in paediatric patients treated in Polish Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group institutions according to the Protocol Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster 2012 and a review of novel treatment possibilities in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia.

Introduction: This study aimed to present the clinical features and results of treatment of patients diagnosed with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in Polish Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group (PPL/LSG) institutions, treated in accordance with the Protocol Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster 2012, as their first-line therapy. Material and methods: The outcome data of 10 patients with refractory AML (median age 9.5 years) and 30 with relapsed AML (median age 12 years) were analysed retrospectively. Re-induction was usually based on idarubicin, fludarabine, and cytarabine along with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) in 5 patients with refractory AML and 7 relapsed AML children. Results: 37.5% (3/8) of refractory AML patients achieved second complete remission second complete remission (CRII). One of ten patients (1/10; 10%) was alive and stayed in complete remission for 34 months after the allo-HSCT. The probability of 3-year event-free survival (pEFS) in this group was 0.125 ±0.11. In the group of relapsed AML patients, the CRII was achieved in 9 patients (34%), and the probability of survival was: pEFS = 0.24 ±0.08; probability overall survival (pOS) = 0.34 ±0.09, with significantly better results achieved in patients who underwent allo-HSCT (pOS = 0.54 ±0.14 vs. 0.08 ±0.08, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The prognosis of refractory AML and the first AML recurrence in children who were first-line treated in PPL/LSG centres according to Protocol Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster 2012 is poor. Failures of re-induction treatment particularly result from difficulties in achieving remission. Allogeneic HSCT improves prognosis in children with refractory and first recurrent AML, under the condition it is performed in complete remission. Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to increase the remission rate and improve the outcomes.

Prognostic significance of IKZF1 deletions and IKZF1plus profile in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated according to the ALL-IC BFM 2009 protocol.

The strongest predictors of outcome in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) are minimal residual disease (MRD) and specific molecular abnormalities. One unfavorable prognostic factor is the presence of IKZF1 gene aberrations, particularly when co-occurring with high MRD level at the end of induction treatment. The present study determines the predictive value of a recently-defined IKZF1-plus (IKZF1plus ) microdeletion profile in 373 children with BCP-ALL treated according to the ALL-intercontinental Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster protocol 2009 protocol. IKZF1-wild type (IKZF1wt ) patients demonstrated lower leukemic burden parameters than those carrying IKZF1 deletion (IKZF1del [n = 26, 7.0%]) or IKZF1plus pattern (n = 34, 9.1%): (i) median blast percentage at diagnosis (78.0% vs. 86.9% vs. 86.0%; p = 0.021); (ii) median MRD level at day 15 of induction protocol (0.3% vs. 2.1% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.011); (iii) poor steroid response (7.6% vs. 26.5% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.010). Minimal residual disease level at day 33 (MRD33) exceeding 10-4 was more frequently observed in both the IKZF1del and IKZF1plus subgroups than in IKZF1wt patients (n = 9 [36.0%] vs. n = 13 [41.9%] vs. n = 70 [24.0%], p = 0.051). IKZF1plus individuals showed a tendency for a lower MRD reduction between day 15 and 33 compared to IKZF1del patients (p = 0.124). IKZF1del and IKZF1plus patients showed decreased relapse-free survival (HR [95%CI] for IKZF1wt as reference = 2.72 [1.21-6.11] and 2.00 [0.87-4.49], respectively, p = 0.023). Both genetic markers including IKZF1del and IKZF1plus microdeletion profile provide additional predictive value of treatment outcome in childhood BCP-ALL and may contribute to more efficient patient stratification; the same is true in MRD guided protocols, which are based on flow cytometric measurements on day 15 of induction protocol.

Comparison of Vie Scope® and Macintosh laryngoscopes for intubation during resuscitation by paramedics wearing personal protective equipment.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is still the gold standard of airway management, but in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, ETI is associated with risks for both the patient and the medical personnel. We hypothesized that the Vie Scope® is more useful for endotracheal intubation of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cardiac arrest patients than the conventional laryngoscope with Macintosh blade when operators are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: Study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial performed by Emergency Medical Services in Poland. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prehospital setting were included. Patients under 18 years old or with criteria predictive of impossible intubation under direct laryngoscopy, were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to Vie Scope® versus direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade. Study groups were compared on success of intubation attempts, time to intubation, glottis visualization and number of optimization maneuvers. RESULTS: We enrolled 90 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients, aged 43-92 years. Compared to the VieScope® laryngoscope, use of the Macintosh laryngoscope required longer times for tracheal intubation with an estimated mean difference of -48 s (95%CI confidence interval [CI], -60.23, -35.77; p < 0.001). Moreover VieScope® improved first attempt success rate, 93.3% vs. 51.1% respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 13.39; 95%CI: 3.62, 49.58; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Vie Scope® laryngoscope in OHCA patients improved the first attempt success rate, and reduced intubation time compared to Macintosh laryngoscope in paramedics wearing PPE for against aerosol generating procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials registration number NCT04365608.

MicroRNA as a Prognostic and Diagnostic Marker in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a biologically and genetically heterogeneous disease with a poor prognosis overall and several subtypes. The neoplastic transformation takes place through the accumulation of numerous genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. There are only a few prognostic factors in comparison to B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which is characterized by a lower variability and more homogeneous course. The microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies exploring the coding and non-coding part of the genome allow us to reveal the complexity of the genomic and transcriptomic background of T-ALL. miRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of cellular functions: cell proliferations, apoptosis, migrations, and many other processes. No miRNA has become a significant prognostic and diagnostic factor in T-ALL to date; therefore, this topic of investigation is extremely important, and T-ALL is the subject of intensive research among scientists. The altered expression of many genes in T-ALL might also be caused by wide miRNA dysregulation. The following review focuses on summarizing and characterizing the microRNAs of pediatric patients with T-ALL diagnosis and their potential future use as predictive factors.

Emergency Medical Teams Interventions due to Cardiovascular Diseases in 2018: Polish Regional Observational Study.

Background and objectives: The goal of this work was to assess the interventions for cardiovascular causes (ICD-10: I) and analyze the time between the request for intervention and the arrival of the Medical Emergency Team realized by the Voivodeship Rescue Service in Katowice in the period between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. Materials and Methods: Analysis of the characteristics of the interventions was completed based on the information contained on the dispatch order cards and medical emergency services. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: Out of 211,548 cases, 26,672 were associated with cardiovascular diseases. It can be observed that the large majority of interventions took place in urban areas (89.98%; 23,998 cases), whereas only 11.02% took place in rural areas (2674 cases). The most common cause for medical interventions being made by the Medical Emergency Team was primary hypertension-11,649 cases. The average arrival time to urban areas was 9 min and 12 s ± 3 min and 54 s, whereas for rural areas it was 11 min and 57 s ± 4 min and 32 s (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It can be observed that the Medical Emergency System in Katowice operates accordingly with the intentions of the legislator. The obtained data also indicates that there is a high societal awareness of the residents about the purpose of the Medical Emergency Team.

Infectious complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency in children: A multicenter nationwide study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this nationwide study was to evaluate the characteristics of bacterial infections (BI), invasive fungal disease (IFD), and viral infections (VI) in pediatric patients with PID after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 114 HSCT recipients were enrolled into the study. At least one infectious complication (IC) was diagnosed in 60 (52.6%) patients aged 0.1-17.7 years, that is, 59.5% with SCID and 49.4% with non-SCID. RESULTS: Among 60 HSCT recipients diagnosed with at least one IC, 188 episodes of infectious complications (EIC) were recorded, that is, 46.8% of BI, 41.5% of VI, and 11.7% of proven/probable IFD. According to PID and HSCT donor type, the incidence of EIC was comparable (P = .679). The localization of infections differed significantly due to PID type (P = .002). After each HSCT donor type, the most common site of infection was GI. Overall, BI caused by Gram-positive strains (59.1%) were prevalent, especially Staphylococcaceae. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were diagnosed in 52.3%, especially ESBL + Enterobacteriaceae. The profile of VI was comparable for SCID and non-SCID patients (P = .839). The incidence of IFD was comparable for each PID and HSCT donor type. Survival after infection was 91.5% and was comparable for PID and HSCT donor type. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of patients diagnosed with IC among pediatric PID-HSCT recipients did not depend on PID type, but rather on HSCT donor type. The localization of IC depended on PID and HSCT donor type. Within bacterial infections, predominated Gram-positive strains and the MDR pathogens were responsible for more than half of EIC.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway Improves Colorectal Surgery Outcomes in Private and Safety-Net Settings.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can decrease length of stay (LOS) and improve colorectal surgery outcomes in private health care; however, their efficacy in the public realm, comprised largely of underserved and uninsured patients, remains uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ERP without social interventions was implemented at a private hospital (PH) and a safety-net hospital (SNH) within a large academic medical center in 2014. Process and outcome metrics from 100 patients in the 18 mo before ERP implementation at each institution were retrospectively compared with a similar group after ERP implementation. Primary outcomes were LOS, 30-d readmission, and reoperation. RESULTS: Post-ERP groups were older than pre-ERP (P = 0.047, 0.034), with no difference in sex or body mass index. Rate of open versus minimally invasive was similar at the SNH (P = 0.067), whereas more post-ERP patients at PH underwent open surgery (P = 0.002). Ninety six percentage of PH patients were funded through private insurance or Medicare, verses 6% at the SNH. LOS at PH decreased from 8.1 to 5.9 d (P = 0.028) and at SNH from 7.0 to 5.1 d (P = 0.004). There was no change in 30-d all-cause readmission (PH P = 0.634; SNH P = 1) or reoperation (PH P = 0.610; SNH P = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: ERP reduced LOS in both private and safety-net settings without addressing social determinants of health. Readmission and reoperation rates were unchanged. As health care moves toward a bundled payment model, ERP can help optimize outcomes and control costs in the public arena.

Comparison of 4 Pediatric Intraosseous Access Devices: A Randomized Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining intravascular access can be challenging or even impossible in several clinical situations. As an alternative, medications and fluids can be administered via the intraosseous (IO) route, which is a well-tolerated and established alternative, especially in the emergency setting. METHODS: Seventy-five novice physicians participated in this randomized simulation study. After a single educational session and 6 months without any clinical application, participants were asked to identify the correct puncture site and obtain IO access using 3 widely used mechanical devices (BIG Pediatric, Arrow EZ-IO, NIO Pediatric) and a manual device (Jamshidi needle) on a pediatric manikin and turkey bone, respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants correctly identified the puncture site and performed IO cannulations. First placement attempt success rate was similar with mechanical devices (NIO Pediatric, 100%; Arrow EZ-IO, 97%; and BIG Pediatric, 90%), whereas was only 43% using the manual Jamshidi device. Also, procedure time was much faster using mechanical devices (ranging between 18 and 23 seconds) compared with the manual Jamshidi device (34 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: Although the efficacy of devices was demonstrated in simulated environment in novice users, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of devices in clinical comparative settings. With more experienced users, the success rate may differ considerably as compared with naive users.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERVENTIONS PERFORMED BY EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS IN POLAND BEFORE AND DURING THE SARS COV-2 PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus was recognized in December 2019 in China. From that moment it has quickly spread around the whole world. It causes COVID-19 disease manifested by breathlessness, coughing and high temperature. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a great challenge for humanity. The aim: To analyze interventions of emergency medical teams during the SAR-CoV-2 pandemic, and to compare obtained data with the same periods in 2018-2019. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study retrospectively analyzed interventions of emergency medical teams in the period from 15.03 to 15.05 in 2018 - 2020. 1,479,530 interventions of emergency medical teams were included in the study. The number of interventions, reasons for calls, and diagnoses made by heads of the emergency medical teams during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were compared to the same period in 2018-2019. RESULTS: Results: Authors observed the decline in the number of interventions performed by emergency medical teams during the pandemic in relation to earlier years by approximately 25%. The big decline concerned interventions that were the reason for calls to public places, such as "traffic accident" and "collapse". In the case of diagnoses made by the head of the emergency medical team, the diagnoses regarding stroke or sudden cardiac arrest remained at the similar level. Others showed a marked decline. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Reduced social activity contributed to a reduced number of interventions by emergency medical teams in public places. The societal fear of the unknown also contributed to the decrease in the number of interventions performed by emergency medical teams. People began to avoid contact with other people.

Impact of early chimerism status on clinical outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The significance of very early chimerism assessment before day + 28, which is considered the moment of engraftment, is still unclear. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical impact of very early chimerism on the clinical outcome after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). METHODS: The study group included 38 boys and 18 girls. Very early chimerism was evaluated on days + 7, + 14, + 21 and + 28 after the transplant. Short tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction (STR PCR) was used to analyse chimerism. RESULTS: Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 84 and 80%, respectively. The OS in the group of 24 patients with complete donor chimerism on day + 14 was 83%, and it did not differ statistically compared to the 32 patients with mixed chimerism on day + 14 (OS was 84%). In our cohort of patients, the matched unrelated donor, male gender of donor, number of transplanted cells above 4.47 × 106 kg and no serotherapy with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) were statistically related to a higher level of donor chimerism. The immunophenotypes of disease, age of patient at time HSCT, recipient sex, stem cell source (peripheral blood/bone marrow) and conditioning regimen had no impact on early chimerism. Acute graft versus host disease grades II-IV was diagnosed in 23 patients who presented with donor chimerism levels above 60% on day 7. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this study provide valuable insight into the analysis of very early chimerism in children with ALL treated with HSCT.

The influence of different intensity of treatment on hormonal markers of gonadal function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors.

Anti-cancer treatment in children can deteriorate gonadal function and affect future fertility. We analyzed the hormonal markers of gonadal function in adolescent leukemia survivors, treated in childhood with different levels of aggressiveness. We analyzed hormone levels in 69 adolescents and young adults, leukemia survivors stratified into standard (SR), intermediate (IR), and high (HR) risk groups, and in 80 healthy controls (38 men) at a similar age. We assessed follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and inhibin B in the whole group, testosterone in males, and E2 and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in females. Males classified into HR group presented, in comparison to control, higher levels of FSH, LH, lower inhibin B, and normal testosterone, whereas in SR and IR group, the hormonal values were comparable to the control. In females, in all risk groups, the levels of FSH, LH, E2, and inhibin B were comparable with the control, but the mean AMH levels were slightly lowered. We did not observe the effect of prophylactic cranial irradiation (12 or 18 Gy) or the time of treatment (before vs. during puberty) on hormone levels. In females, a positive correlation was found between the time interval after the end of treatment and AMH levels. Male leukemia survivors having undergone more intensive chemotherapy show the symptoms of disturbed spermatogenesis and need to be followed-up in the future. Women, irrespective of the risk group, can develop the signs of preterm ovarian insufficiency. They should be informed about the impact of the treatment on gonadal function.

Infection profile in children and adolescents with bone marrow failures treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to analyze the profile of infections in children with BMF following alloHCT. METHODS: Data of 169 consecutive children with inherited and acquired BMF treated with alloHCT between 2012 and 2017 in Polish pediatric transplant departments were analyzed in registry-based retrospective study, with respect to the type of infection, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: At least 1 infection was diagnosed in 107/169 patients (60.4%). In total, 182 infections were diagnosed. The most common were VI (96; 52.7%), followed by BI (71; 39.0%), and FI (15; 8.2%), P < .001. The most common etiological factors of VI were as follows: CMV (38.5%), EBV (22.9%), and BK virus (24%); while of BI were as follows: Staphylococcus spp. (17; 23.9%), Enterococcus faecium (10; 14.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9; 12.7%). No difference was found between the occurrence of infections with respect to donor type, graft source, and conditioning type. GvHD had no impact on the incidence of VI, BI, and FI. Fifteen FI were diagnosed in 12 patients, of which 14 FI were diagnosed in children transplanted for FA. Of total 107 children, 9 died (8.4%), of which 4 (3.7%) due to infections: bacterial sepsis (2) and invasive FI (2). CONCLUSION: Infections in children with BMF following alloHCT remain an important cause of morbidity. Children with FA had high incidence of FI. In our analysis, aGvHD had no impact on the occurrence on infections, although the study was not strong enough to prove such a difference.

Current Trends in Breast Augmentation: Analysis of 2011-2015 Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Tracer Data.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgery performed in the United States. Despite its popularity, there is no consensus on many aspects of the procedure. OBJECTIVES: The authors assessed current trends and changes in breast augmentation from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 11,756 women who underwent breast augmentation based on the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Maintenance of Certification Tracer Database was performed. RESULTS: There were clearly dominant trends in how ABPS-certified plastic surgeons performed breast augmentations. Most surgeries were performed in freestanding outpatient (47.3%) or office operating room (33.7%). The inframammary fold incision was most popular (75.1%), followed by periareolar (17.8%) and transaxillary approaches (4.1%). Implants were more commonly placed in a submuscular pocket (30.6%) compared with dual plane (26.7%) or subglandular (6.7%). Silicone implants (66.8%) were favored over saline (25.1%), with a statistically significant increase in silicone prostheses from 2011 to 2015. Data were "not applicable" or "other" in the remainder of cases. Administration of both preoperative antibiotics (3.8% in 2011, 98.7% in 2015, P < 0.05) and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) prophylaxis (3.8% in 2011, 90.6% in 2015, P < 0.05) dramatically increased during the study period. Overall adverse events (7.4%) and reoperation rates (2.2%) were low. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in standard of care for breast augmentation are reflected by the evolving practice patterns of plastic surgeons. This is best evidenced by the dramatic increase in use of antibiotic and DVT prophylaxis from 2011 to 2015.

Transplant-related mortality and survival in children with malignancies treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A multicenter analysis.

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of TRM in pediatric patients treated for malignant disorders with allogeneic HSCT, according to different risk factors. The treatment outcome was analyzed in 299 pediatric patients treated in pediatric transplant departments from 2006 to 2015. To compare the outcome, patients were analyzed all together and in groups according to the diagnosis, age at transplant, donor type, disease status, stem cell source, and pediatric TRM score. At the end of the observation time, 82 patients were alive, 82 died, of which 40 due to transplant-related reasons. The most frequently observed causes of TRM were toxic complications effecting with organ failure (38%), followed by infections (26%), PTLD (14.3%), and GvHD (16.7%). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of TRM depending on stem cell source (P = .209) and primary diagnosis (P = .301). According to TRM score, TRM was significantly higher in high-risk group (P = .006). High-risk patients had lower survival comparing to low/intermediate group (P = .0001). OS did not differ between ALL, AML, and MDS/JMML groups. The study confirmed the utility of factors included in TRM score stratification in assessing the risk of transplant procedure in pediatric patients transplanted for malignancies.

Development and current use of in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents in Poland: Report of the Polish pediatric study group for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of the Polish society for pediatric oncology and hematology.

The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the development and current use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Poland between 1989-2016. The data for analysis (indication, number of performed HSCT, HSCT type, donor type, and stem cell source, year) have been collected annually using a standardized form. In Poland, between 1989-2016, the number of pediatric transplant beds grew from one to 40 and number and rate of transplants increased annually from 1/year (0.8/10 million) to 186/year (248/10 million). During the analyzed time period 2506 HSCTs were performed, including 1718 (68.6%) allogeneic transplants (allo-HSCT) with142 in 2016 and 788 (31.4%) autologous transplants (auto-HSCT) with 44 in 2016. Among 1718 allo-HSCT, 74% were performed for malignancy (ALL 47.2%, AML 26.2%, MDS 10.8%, CML 8.1%, NHL/HD 6.1%, others 2.5%), and 26% for non-malignant disorders (SAA 41%, congenital immunodeficiencies 35.4%, hereditary bone marrow failure 16%, metabolic disorders 7%). Among 788 auto-HSCTs, 30.8% were done for hematological malignancy (NHL 41.2%, AML 23.9%, HD 17.7%, ALL 15.6%, other 1.5%), while the remaining 69.2% for solid tumors (neuroblastoma 59.8%, Ewing's sarcoma 20.4%, other 19.8%). In Poland, between 1989-2016, the infrastructure indispensable to perform HSCT in every child with indication for this therapeutic procedure was created, and HSCT became an important part of pediatric treatment, especially in pediatric oncology, hematology, and in primary immunodeficiencies.

Cost-effective screening of DNMT3A coding sequence identifies somatic mutation in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), risk assignment schemes preclude reliable prediction of outcome, and thus, new prognostic factors are needed. Mutations in DNMT3A are candidate prognostic and classification markers in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and T-ALL and thus were considered as candidates prognostic markers in pediatric T-ALL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DNMT3A mutational status was investigated in 74 pediatric T-ALL samples collected at diagnosis. We applied high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis and Sanger sequencing to study the hotspot position (R882) within catalytic MTase domain and exons coding for other functional domains of the protein, known to be mutated in the wide spectrum of hematological malignancies. RESULTS: We demonstrate a low frequency of mutations in DNMT3A coding sequence in pediatric T-ALL (1.4%, n = 1/74). We identified missense mutation, p.Ala644Thr, which has not been described previously in pediatric T-ALL, but is recurrent in adults with T-ALL and AML. CONCLUSIONS: Low frequency of DNMT3A mutations in pediatric T-ALL is in striking contrast to adult T-ALL and renders the necessity for the search of other candidate prognostic markers. Combined Sanger sequencing-HRM approach offers a cost-effective option for genotyping DNMT3A coding sequence, with potential clinical application in other hematological malignancies.

Comparison of four different intraosseous access devices during simulated pediatric resuscitation. A randomized crossover manikin trial.

The aim of the study was to compare the success rate, procedure time, and user satisfaction of pediatric NIO™ compared to Pediatric BIG®, EZ-IO®, and Jamshidi intraosseous access devices. This was a randomized, crossover manikin trial with 87 paramedics. The correct location of intraosseous access when using NIO, BIG, EZ-IO, and Jamshidi was varied and was respectively 100, 90, 90, and 90%. The time required to obtain intravascular access (time T1) in the case of NIO, BIG, EZ-IO, and Jamshidi was varied and amounted to 9 s [IQR, 8-12] for NIO, 12 s [IQR, 9-16] for BIG, 13.5 s [IQR, 11-17] for the EZ-IO, and 15 s [IQR, 13-19] for Jamshidi. The paramedics evaluated each device on the subjective ease with which they performed the procedures. The intraosseous device, which proved the easiest to use was NIO, which in the case of CPR received a median rating of 1.5 (IQR, 0.5-1.5) points. CONCLUSION: Our study found that NIO® is superior to BIG®, EZ-IO®, and Jamshidi. NIO® achieved the highest first attempt success rate. NIO® also required the least time to insert and easiest to operate even by novice users. Further study is needed to test our findings in cadavers or human subjects. Based on our findings, NIO® is a promising intraosseous device for use in pediatric resuscitation. What is Known: • Venous access in acutely ill pediatric patients, such as those undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is needed for prompt administration of drugs and fluids. • Intraosseous access is recommended by American Heart Association and European Resuscitation council if vascular access is not readily obtainable to prevent delay in treatment. What is New: • This simulated pediatric resuscitation compared performance of four commercially available pediatric intraosseous devices in a manikin model. • NIO® outperformed BIG®, EZ-IO®, and Jamshidi in first attempt success rates and time of procedure among novice users.

Comparison of Macintosh and Intubrite laryngoscopes for intubation performed by novice physicians in a difficult airway scenario.

INTRODUCTION: In the difficult airway, the intubation skills are critically important. In selected cases, particularly in airway edema, laryngeal or tongue edema, endotracheal intubation can turn out very difficult, and repeated attempts may even worsen the airway edema, causing trauma and bleeding, and finally leading to complete airway obstruction and inability to ventilate the patient. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of endotracheal intubation performed by novice physicians using a standard Macintosh laryngoscope and an Intubrite videolaryngoscope. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, crossover, simulation study and continues our research assessing the effectiveness of selected endotracheal intubation techniques in prehospital settings. All participants were experienced with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope but remained novice to videolaryngoscopy. Instructions on the correct use of the Macintosh and Intubrite laryngoscopes were given before the procedure, and all the 30 novice physicians were allowed to practice at least 10 times before the study on manikin with normal airways. We employed an airway manikin (Trucorp Airsim Bronchi; Trucorp Ltd., Belfast, Northern Ireland) to simulate difficult airway, with was obtained by inflating the tongue with 50mL of air. The participants were asked to perform tracheal intubation using an endotracheal tube with 7.5mm of internal diameter (Portex; Smiths Medical, Hythe, UK) through the vocal cords, applying either a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope with a size 3 blade (MAC; Mercury Medical, Clearwater, FL, USA) or the Intubrite videolaryngoscope, also with a Macintosh No. 3 blade (INT; Intubrite Llc, Vista, CA, USA). In both intubation techniques, a guide stylet (Rusch Inc., Duluth, GA, USA) was introduced into the endotracheal tube in order to obtain a C-shape curve to facilitate tracheal intubation. Each participating physician was randomly assigned to three attempts of tracheal intubation with each device. RESULTS: The effectiveness of the first intubation attempt using MAC and INT was 63.6% and 53.4%, respectively (p=0.023), and the total percentage of intubation was 100% for both methods. The median time to intubation was 29.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 27-35.5) s with MAC, and 229 (IQR, 25.5-37) s with INT. The total of 24 physicians out of all study participants would choose MAC as a device to intubate with in real terms, while only 6 physicians would choose INT. CONCLUSIONS: During the simulation study, the novice physicians were able to perform endotracheal intubation at the same time using both the Macintosh and Intubrite videolaryngoscope. However, the efficacy of the first intubation attempt was higher for MAC. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

C-MAC compared with direct laryngoscopy for intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilization: A manikin trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare C-MAC videolaryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy for intubation in simulated cervical spine immobilization conditions. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective randomized crossover manikin trial. 70 paramedics with <5years of medical experience participated in the study. The paramedics attempted to intubate manikins in 3 airway scenarios: normal airway without cervical immobilization (Scenario A); manual inline cervical immobilization (Scenario B); cervical immobilization using cervical extraction collar (Scenario C). RESULTS: Scenario A: Nearly all participants performed successful intubations with both MAC and C-MAC on the first attempt (95.7% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), with similar intubation times (16.5s MAC vs. 18s C-MAC). Scenario B: The results with C-MAC were significantly better than those with MAC (p<0.05) for the time of intubation (23 s MAC vs. 19 s C-MAC), success of the first intubation attempt (88.6% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), Cormack-Lehane grade, POGO score, severity of dental compression, device difficulty score, and preferred airway device. Scenario C: The results with C-MAC were significantly better than those with MAC (p<0.05) for all the analysed variables: success of the first attempt (51.4% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), overall success rate, intubation time (27 s MAC vs. 20.5 s C-MAC), Cormack-Lehane grade, POGO score, dental compression, device difficulty score and the preferred airway device. CONCLUSION: The C-MAC videolaryngoscope is an excellent alternative to the MAC laryngoscope for intubating manikins with cervical spine immobilization.

A randomized comparison of three chest compression techniques and associated hemodynamic effect during infant CPR: A randomized manikin study.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric cardiac arrest is an uncommon but critical life-threatening event requiring effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation. High-quality cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential, but is poorly performed, even by highly skilled healthcare providers. The recently described two-thumb chest compression technique (nTTT) consists of the two thumbs directed at the angle of 90° to the chest while having the fingers fist-clenched. This technique might facilitate adequate chest-compression depth, chest-compression rate and rate of full chest-pressure relief. METHODS: 42 paramedics from the national Emergency Medical Service of Poland performed three single-rescuer CPR sessions for 10 minutes each. Each session was randomly assigned to the conventional two-thumb (TTHT), the conventional two-finger (TFT) or the nTTT. The manikin used for this study was connected with an arterial blood pressure measurement device and blood measurements were documented on a 10-seconds cycle. RESULTS: The nTTT provided significant higher systolic (82 vs. 30 vs. 41 mmHg). A statistically significant difference was noticed between nTTT and TFT (p<.001), nTTT and TTHT (p<0.001), TFT and TTHT (p=0.003). The median diastolic preassure using nTTT was 16 mmHg compared with 9 mmHg for TFT (p<0.001), and 9.5 mmHg for TTHT (p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure using distinct methods varied and amounted to 40 vs. 22. vs. 26 mmHg (nTTT vs. TFT vs. TTHT, respectively). A statistically significant difference was noticed between nTTT and TFT (p<0.001), nTTT and TTEHT (p<0.001), and TFT and TTHT (p<0.001). The highest median pulse pressure was obtained by the nTTT 67.5 mmHg. Pulse pressure was 31.5 mmHg in the TTHT and 24 mmHg in the TFT. The difference between TFT and TTHT (p=0.025), TFT and nTTT (p<0.001), as well as between TTHT and nTTT (p<0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The new nTTT technique generated higher arterial blood pressures compared to established chest compression techniques using an infant manikin model, suggesting a more effective chest compression. Our results have important clinical implications as nTTT was simple to perform and could be widely taught to both healthcare professionals and bystanders. Whether this technique translates to improved outcomes over existing techniques needs further animal studies and subsequent human trials.