A Tale of 8 Cities: Pediatric Critical Care Redeployment to Adult Care During Wave 1 of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hospital resources including critical care faculty (intensivists) redeployed to provide care to adults in adult ICUs or repurposed PICUs during wave 1 of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the magnitude of pediatric hospital resource redeployment and the experience of pediatric intensivists who redeployed to provide critical care to adults with COVID-19. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted at 9 hospitals in 8 United States cities where pediatric resources were redeployed to provide care to critically ill adults with COVID-19. A survey of redeployed pediatric hospital resources and semistructured interviews of 40 redeployed pediatric intensivists were simultaneously conducted. Quantitative data were summarized as median (interquartile range) values. RESULTS: At study hospitals, there was expansion in adult ICU beds from a baseline median of 100 (86-107) to 205 (108-250). The median proportion (%) of redeployed faculty (88; 66-100), nurses (46; 10-100), respiratory therapists (48; 18-100), invasive ventilators (72; 0-100), and PICU beds (71; 0-100) was substantial. Though driven by a desire to help, faculty were challenged by unfamiliar ICU settings and culture, lack of knowledge of COVID-19 and fear of contracting it, limited supplies, exhaustion, and restricted family visitation. They recommended deliberate preparedness with interprofessional collaboration and cross-training, and establishment of a robust supply chain infrastructure for future public health emergencies and will redeploy again if asked. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric resource redeployment was substantial and pediatric intensivists faced formidable challenges yet would readily redeploy again.

Patterns of Organ Dysfunction in Critically Ill Children Based on PODIUM Criteria.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the incidence, prognostic performance, and generalizability of the Pediatric Organ Dysfunction Information Update Mandate (PODIUM) organ dysfunction criteria using electronic health record (EHR) data. Additionally, we sought to compare the performance of the PODIUM criteria with the organ dysfunction criteria proposed by the 2005 International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference (IPSCC). METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study of critically ill children at 2 medical centers in the United States between 2010 and 2018. We assessed prevalence of organ dysfunction based on the PODIUM and IPSCC criteria for each 24-hour period from admission to 28 days. We studied the prognostic performance of the criteria to discriminate in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 22 427 PICU admissions met inclusion criteria, and in-hospital mortality was 2.3%. The cumulative incidence of each PODIUM organ dysfunction ranged from 15% to 30%, with an in-hospital mortality of 6% to 10% for most organ systems. The number of concurrent PODIUM organ dysfunctions demonstrated good-to-excellent discrimination for in-hospital mortality (area under the curve 0.87-0.93 for day 1 through 28) and compared favorably to the IPSCC criteria (area under the curve 0.84-0.92, P < .001 to P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first evaluation of the PODIUM organ dysfunction criteria in 2 EHR databases. The use of the PODIUM organ dysfunction criteria appears promising for epidemiologic and clinical research studies using EHR data. More studies are needed to evaluate the PODIUM criteria that are not routinely collected in structured format in EHR databases.

Resource Use and Outcomes for Children Hospitalized With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient and hospital characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and charges for children with severe sepsis or septic shock who often require specialized organ-supportive technology to enhance outcomes, availability of which might vary across hospitals. DESIGN: Retrospective study among children hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock, using the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. Multivariate regression methods identified factors associated with mortality, LOS, and charges. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of an estimated 11 972 hospitalizations for pediatric severe sepsis or septic shock, most hospitalizations (85%) were to urban teaching hospitals. Hospitalizations were more frequent among neonates and older adolescents than other age groups. Mortality was 17%, average LOS was 24 days, and average hospital charges were US$314 950. Higher mortality was associated with neonates, cumulative organ dysfunction, more comorbidities, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Longer hospitalization and higher charges were associated with neonates, more comorbidities, higher illness severity, invasive medical technology, and urban hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to mitigate the substantial in-hospital mortality and resource use observed in pediatric severe sepsis or septic shock should be age-specific and focused on the influence of comorbidities and organ dysfunction on outcomes. Future research should elucidate reasons for higher resource use at urban hospitals.

Venogram before long-interval repeat cannulation for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

It is rare for children to receive more than one course of support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and in those who do undergo multiple episodes, the interval is usually days to weeks between events. Little data exists on re-cannulation years after an initial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run, and late repeat cannulation can pose unique challenges. We report the case of a 10-year-old male patient with right jugular vein occlusion due to a previous course of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a neonate, who was successfully supported via central cannulation. This case demonstrates the importance of adequate imaging of target vasculature prior to attempting re-cannulation of a previously used vessel. Establishing a thoughtful strategy for late repeat cannulation is essential to achieve safe access in unusual and challenging situations.

Establishing the Knowledge and Skills Necessary in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine: A Systematic Approach to Practice Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the practice analysis undertaken by a task force convened by the American Board of Pediatrics Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Sub-board to create a comprehensive document to guide learning and assessment within Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. DESIGN: An in-depth practice analysis with a mixed-methods design involving a descriptive review of practice, a modified Delphi process, and a survey. SETTING: Not applicable. SUBJECTS: Seventy-five Pediatric Critical Care Medicine program directors and 2,535 American Board of Pediatrics Pediatric Critical Care Medicine diplomates. INTERVENTIONS: A practice analysis document, which identifies the full breadth of knowledge and skill required for the practice of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, was developed by a task force made up of seven pediatric intensivists and a psychometrician. The document was circulated to all 75 Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship program directors for review and comment and their feedback informed modifications to the draft document. Concurrently, data from creation of the practice analysis draft document were also used to update the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, was developed by a task force made up of seven pediatric intensivists and a psychometrician. The document was circulated to all 75 Pediatrics Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship program directors for review and comment and their feedback informed modifications to the draft document. Concurrently, data from creation of the practice analysis draft document were also used to update the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine content outline, which was sent to all 2,535 American Board of Pediatrics Pediatric Critical Care Medicine diplomates for review during an open-comment period between January 2019 and February 2019, and diplomate feedback was used to make updates to both the content outline and the practice analysis document. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After review and comment by 25 Pediatric Critical Care Medicine program directors (33.3%) and 619 board-certified diplomates (24.4%), a comprehensive practice analysis document was created through a two-stage process. The final practice analysis includes 10 performance domains which parallel previously published Entrustable Professional Activities in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. These performance domains are made up of between three and eight specific tasks, with each task including the critical knowledge and skills that are necessary for successful completion. The final practice analysis document was also used by the American Board of Pediatrics Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Sub-board to update the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine content outline. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach to practice analysis, with stakeholder engagement, is essential for an accurate definition of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine practice in its totality. This collaborative process resulted in a dynamic document useful in guiding curriculum development for training programs, maintenance of certification, and lifetime professional development to enable safe and efficient patient care.

Outcomes and Resource Use Among Overweight and Obese Children With Sepsis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of overweight and obesity on outcomes and resource use among patients with sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics, resource use, and mortality among children 0 to 20 years of age admitted to the C.S. MottChildren's Hospital PICU (University of Michigan) between January 2009 and December 2015, with a diagnostic code for sepsis at admission (based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes) and with weight and height measurements at PICU admission. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 454 participants met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-six were categorized as underweight (body mass index [BMI] percentile <5th) and were excluded, which left a final sample size of 378 participants. Children with a BMI >5th and <85th percentiles for age were categorized as normal weight and those with a BMI >85th percentile as overweight/obese. After descriptive and bivariate analyses, multivariate regression methods were used to assess the independent effect of obesity status on mortality and the use of PICU technology after adjustment for patient age and illness severity at admission. Of the 378 patients studied, 41.3% were overweight/obese. There was no difference in microbiologic etiology of sepsis (P = .36), median PICU length of stay in days (5.4 vs 5.6; P = .61), or PICU mortality (6.4% vs 7.2%; P = .76) by weight status. The use of specialized PICU technology including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.13-6.79) and continuous renal replacement therapy (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.16-18.0) was higher among overweight/obese patients, compared with normal weight patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although PICU mortality and length of stay were similar for obese-overweight patients and normal weight critically ill children with sepsis, there was significantly higher use of specialized organ-supportive technology among obese patients, likely indicating higher occurrence of multiple organ dysfunction.

Transfer hospitalizations for pediatric severe sepsis or septic shock: resource use and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a major cause of child mortality and morbidity. To enhance outcomes, children with severe sepsis or septic shock often require escalated care for organ support, sometimes necessitating interhospital transfer. The association between transfer admission for the care of pediatric severe sepsis or septic shock and in-hospital patient survival and resource use is poorly understood. METHODS: Retrospective study of children 0-20 years old hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock, using the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. After descriptive and bivariate analysis, multivariate regression methods assessed the independent relationship between transfer status and outcomes of in-hospital mortality, duration of hospitalization, and hospital charges, after adjustment for potential confounders including illness severity. RESULTS: Of an estimated 11,922 hospitalizations (with transfer information) for pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock nationally in 2012, 25% were transferred, most often to urban teaching hospitals. Compared to non-transferred children, transferred children were younger, and had a higher frequency of extreme illness severity (84% vs. 75%, p < .01), and of multiple organ dysfunction (32% vs. 24%, p < .01). They also had higher use of invasive medical devices including arterial catheters, invasive mechanical ventilation, and central venous catheters; and of specialized technology, including renal replacement therapy (6.2% vs. 4.6%, p < .01) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (5.7% vs. 1.8%, p < .01). Transferred children had longer hospitalization and accrued higher charges than non-transferred children (p < .01). Crude mortality was higher among transferred than non-transferred children (21.4% vs.15.0%, p < .01), a difference no longer statistically significant after multivariate adjustment for potential confounders (Odds Ratio:1.04, 95% Confidence interval: 0.88-1.24). Similarly, adjusted length of hospital stay and hospital charges were not statistically different by transfer status. CONCLUSION: One in four children with severe sepsis or septic shock required interhospital transfer for specialized care associated with greater use of invasive medical devices and specialized technology. Despite higher crude mortality and resource consumption among transferred children, adjusted mortality and resource use did not differ by transfer status. Further research should identify quality-of-care factors at the receiving hospitals that influence clinical outcomes and resource use.

Interhospital Transfer of Children in Septic Shock: A Clinician Interview Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the factors that influence the decision to transfer children in septic shock from level II to level I pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) care. DESIGN:: Interviews with level II PICU physicians in Michigan and Northwest Ohio. A hypothetical scenario of a 14-year-old boy in septic shock was presented. BASELINE:: 40 mL/kg fluid resuscitation, central venous and peripheral arterial access, and high-dose vasopressor infusions were provided. ESCALATION POINT:: After 2 hours. When the patient is in catecholamine-resistant shock and oliguric, invasive mechanical ventilation is initiated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: All 19 eligible physicians participated. At baseline, respondents would assess measures of perfusion and hemodynamics: blood pressure (BP; 15 [79%]), lactate (12 [63%]), and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2; 10 [53%]). Poor clinical response was signified by low BP (11 [58%]), elevated lactate (9 [47%]), low urine output (8 [42%]), and low ScvO2 (6 [32%]). At the escalation point, 13 of 18 respondents felt there was <50% probability of clinical turnaround without escalating treatment, though only 3 (16%) would call to discuss transfer. Seven (37%) respondents would give more fluid, whereas 8 (42%) would use central venous pressure to guide fluid resuscitation. Ultimately, 15 (79%) respondents would transfer for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or renal replacement therapy if there was no response to escalated care. Four (21%) respondents would not transfer the patient: 1 felt appropriate care could be provided in the level II PICU, 2 felt transfer was unconventional, and 1 was unaware ECMO could be provided in refractory septic shock. CONCLUSIONS:: Level II to level I PICU transfer of children with septic shock is triggered by perceived nonresponse to locally available therapies. Few referring physicians do not transfer children in refractory septic shock. This study provides new insight into decision-making that influences the interhospital transfer of children with septic shock.

In-Hospital Quality-of-Care Measures for Pediatric Sepsis Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sepsis syndrome, comprising sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock, is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity, for which the delivery of time-sensitive care leads to improved survival. We aimed to describe the development and testing of quality measures for in-hospital care of pediatric sepsis syndrome. METHODS: Seven measures of quality of care for children hospitalized with sepsis syndrome were developed by using an iterative process including literature review, development of concepts and candidate measures, and selection of measures for feasibility and importance by 2 panels of experts. The measures were tested for reliability and validity among children 0 to 18 years of age hospitalized with sepsis syndrome from January 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. RESULTS: Of 27 hospitals, 59% had no protocol for the identification and treatment of pediatric sepsis syndrome. Blood culture was performed in only 70% of patients with pediatric sepsis syndrome. Antibiotics were administered within 1 hour of diagnosis in 70% of patients with pediatric severe sepsis or septic shock, and timely fluid resuscitation was performed in 50% of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Documentation of heart rate during fluid resuscitation of children with severe sepsis or septic shock was observed in 18% of cases. Two measures could not be rigorously tested for validity and reliability given the rarity of septic shock and were deemed infeasible. CONCLUSIONS: This multisite study to develop and validate measures of the quality of hospital care of children with sepsis syndrome highlights the existence of important gaps in delivery of care.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome as part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development multiple organ dysfunction syndrome workshop (March 26-27, 2015). DATA SOURCES: Literature review, research data, and expert opinion. STUDY SELECTION: Not applicable. DATA EXTRACTION: Moderated by an experienced expert from the field, issues relevant to the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were presented, discussed, and debated with a focus on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities. DATA SYNTHESIS: Summary of presentations and discussion supported and supplemented by the relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS: A full understanding the epidemiology and outcome of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children is limited by inconsistent definitions and populations studied. Nonetheless, pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is common among PICU patients, occurring in up to 57% depending on the population studied; sepsis remains its leading cause. Pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome leads to considerable short-term morbidity and mortality. Long-term outcomes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children have not been well studied; however, studies of adults and children with other critical illnesses suggest that the risk of long-term adverse sequelae is high. Characterization of the long-term outcomes of pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is crucial to identify opportunities for improved treatment and recovery strategies that will improve the quality of life of critically ill children and their families. The workshop identified important knowledge gaps and research priorities intended to promote the development of standard definitions and the identification of modifiable factors related to its occurrence and outcome.

High School Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young.

Introduction Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is responsible for 5%-10% of all deaths among children 5-19 years-of-age. The incidence of SCD in youth in Michigan (USA) and nationwide is higher in racial/ethnic minorities and in certain geographic areas. School cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) increase survival after cardiac arrest. However, school cardiac emergency preparedness remains variable. Studying population-level factors associated with school cardiac emergency preparedness and incidence of SCD in the young may improve understanding of disparities in the incidence of SCD. Hypothesis/Problem The objective of this pilot study was to determine the association of elements of high school cardiac emergency preparedness, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) distribution and the presence of CERPs with county sociodemographic characteristics and county incidence of SCD in the young. METHODS: Surveys were sent to representatives from all public high schools in 30 randomly selected Michigan counties. Counties with greater than 50% response rate were included (n=19). Association of county-level sociodemographic characteristics with incidence of SCD in the young and existence of CERPs were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Factors related to the presence of AEDs were similar across counties. Schools in counties of lower socioeconomic status (SES; lower-median income, lower per capita income, and higher population below poverty level) were less likely to have a CERP than those with higher SES (all P<.01). Lack of a CERP was associated with a higher incidence of SCD in youth (r=-0.71; P=.001). Overall incidence of SCD in youth was higher in lower SES counties (r=-0.62 in median income and r=0.51 in population below poverty level; both P<.05). CONCLUSION: County SES is associated with the presence of CERPs in schools, suggesting a link between school cardiac emergency preparedness and county financial resources. Additionally, counties of lower SES demonstrated higher incidence of SCD in the young. Statewide and national studies are required to further explore the factors relating to geographic and socioeconomic differences in cardiac emergency preparedness and the incidence of SCD in the young. White MJ , Loccoh EC , Goble MM , Yu S , Odetola FO , Russell MW . High school cardiac emergency response plans and sudden cardiac death in the young. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):269-272.

Should Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Be Offered? An International Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current attitudes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program directors regarding eligibility for ECMO among children with cardiopulmonary failure. STUDY DESIGN: Electronic cross-sectional survey of ECMO program directors at ECMO centers worldwide within the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization directory (October 2015-December 2015). RESULTS: Of 733 eligible respondents, 226 (31%) completed the survey, 65% of whom routinely cared for pediatric patients. There was wide variability in whether respondents would offer ECMO to any of the 5 scenario patients, ranging from 31% who would offer ECMO to a child with trisomy 18 to 76% who would offer ECMO to a child with prolonged cardiac arrest and indeterminate neurologic status. Even physicians practicing the same specialty sometimes held widely divergent opinions, with 50% of pediatric intensivists stating they would offer ECMO to a child with severe developmental delay and 50% stating they would not. Factors such as quality of life and neurologic status influenced decision making and were used to support decisions for and against offering ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO program directors vary widely in whether they would offer ECMO to various children with cardiopulmonary failure. This heterogeneity in physician decision making underscores the need for more evidence that could eventually inform interinstitutional guidelines regarding patient selection for ECMO.

Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure: a clinician interview qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the decision making underlying transfer of children with respiratory failure from level II to level I pediatric intensive care unit care. METHODS: Interviews with 19 eligible level II pediatric intensive care unit physicians about a hypothetical scenario of a 2-year-old girl in respiratory failure: RESULTS: At baseline, indices critical to management were as follows: OI (53%), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (Pao2)/Fio2 (32%), and inflation pressure (16%). Poor clinical response was signified by high OI, inflation pressure, and Fio2, and low Pao2/Fio2. At EP 1, 18 of 19 respondents would initiate high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and 1 would transfer. At EP 2, 15 of 18 respondents would maintain high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, 9 of them calling to discuss transfer. All respondents would transfer if escalated therapies failed to reverse the patient's clinical deterioration. CONCLUSION: Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure is triggered by poor response to escalation of locally available care modalities. This finding provides new insight into decision making underlying interhospital transfer of children with respiratory failure.

Availability of Automated External Defibrillators in Public High Schools.

OBJECTIVES: To assess automated external defibrillator (AED) distribution and cardiac emergency preparedness in Michigan secondary schools and investigate for association with school sociodemographic characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Surveys were sent via electronic mail to representatives from all public high schools in 30 randomly selected Michigan counties, stratified by population. Association of AED-related factors with school sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank sum test and χ(2) test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Of 188 schools, 133 (71%) responded to the survey and all had AEDs. Larger student population was associated with fewer AEDs per 100 students (P < .0001) and fewer staff with AED training per AED (P = .02), compared with smaller schools. Schools with >20% students from racial minority groups had significantly fewer AEDs available per 100 students than schools with less racial diversity (P = .03). Schools with more students eligible for free and reduced lunch were less likely to have a cardiac emergency response plan (P = .02) and demonstrated less frequent AED maintenance (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Although AEDs are available at public high schools across Michigan, the number of AEDs per student varies inversely with minority student population and school size. Unequal distribution of AEDs and lack of cardiac emergency preparedness may contribute to outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest among youth.

Variation in patterns of hospitalization and associated resource use among children with spinal cord injury in the U.S.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children in the U.S. There is paucity of data on the triage of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) to definitive trauma care, and it is unknown if clinical outcomes and resource utilization for children hospitalized with SCI vary according to the settings where trauma care is provided. The study was conducted to describe recent patterns of emergency department (ED) evaluation for paediatric SCI in the U.S., and to characterize outcomes and resource use for children hospitalized at non-trauma centres versus trauma centres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of a national database on injured children 0-20 years evaluated at U.S. EDs and either hospitalized or released, in 2009-2012. In-hospital mortality, duration of stay, and overall charges, were compared according to trauma centre status of the treating hospital. RESULTS: Of an estimated 67 million annual paediatric visits to the ED for trauma evaluation nationally in 2009-2012, 2317 had SCI. Majority (87%) of children evaluated for SCI were under 6 years of age, and boys comprised 73% of the visits. Injuries were caused mainly by motor vehicle accidents, falls, non-transport-related accidents, and firearms. The South census region had the most ED visits and hospitalizations. Majority (92%) of the most severely injured was evaluated at trauma centres, and more visits to trauma centres (81% vs. 18%, p=0.022) resulted in hospitalization. Among an estimated 1570 hospitalizations of children with SCI from the ED nationally, children at trauma centres were more likely to have major injuries (67% vs. 44%, p=0.001), similar mortality, longer average hospital stay, and higher charges, compared with children hospitalized at non-trauma centres. CONCLUSION: Significant demographic and geographical variation exists in national patterns of hospital care for paediatric SCI. Higher severity of patient injury was associated with concomitantly higher hospital resource use at trauma centres.