Thromboelastography profiles in critically ill children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To describe critically ill children's coagulation profile with the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) related to coronavirus. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center, observational study at a tertiary, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in children aged 1 month to 18 years. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen children, with a median age of 5.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.1, 11.75), 56% female, admission Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (PELOD-2) score of 3.5 (IQR 2, 5), and median PICU length of stay 3 days (IQR 1.5, 4), met criteria of MIS-C. All patients received acetylsalicylic acid (80-100 mg/kg) and none received anticoagulation. Sixty-three percent (10/16) of children had out-of-normal range values on thromboelastography (TEG) (44% [7/16] with hypercoagulability and 19% [3/16] with hypocoagulability). Of those with hypercoagulability, 19% (3/16) had rapid clot formation, and 25% (4/16) had increased clot strength. In 69% (11/16) of children, there was impaired fibrinolysis (0% lysis at 30 minutes) on TEG. Seventy-five percent (12/16) of children had out-of-normal range value on standard coagulation assays (37.5% [6/16] with hypocoagulability and 37.5% [6/16] with hypercoagulability). TEG-G (clot strength as measured by TEG) value (ρ -.553, p = .033) and platelet count (ρ -.840, p < .0001) were correlated with admission PELOD-2 score. TEG-G value (ρ -.506, p = .04) and platelet count (ρ -.539, p = .03) were correlated with the duration of intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation abnormalities are frequent in children with MIS-C. TEG parameter and platelet count are correlated with the severity of multiorgan dysfunction and the duration of intensive care stay. Multicenter studies are needed to confirm the clinical implications of these coagulation abnormalities.

Posttraumatic Stress among Pediatric Critical Care Physicians in the United States in Association with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patient Care Experiences.

Posttraumatic stress among pediatric critical care physicians in the United States in association with coronavirus disease 2019 patient care experiences. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and its association with COVID-19 patient care experiences among pediatric critical care physicians. Our study was a cross-sectional study of pediatric critical care physicians in the United States. We measured PTS which included posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (SubPTSD) using validated PTSD Checklist- 5 survey tool. Association of PTS with COVID-19 patient care experiences was analyzed using regression analysis. Prevalence of PTS was noted in 120 among 294 pediatric critical care physicians (41%; 95% CI, 35-47%). The predominant symptoms were that of hyperarousal and feelings of negative cognition and mood. Among our physicians with PTS, 19% had PTSD and 81% had SubPTSD. Demographic and practice characteristics were not significant for increased PTS on regression analysis. Posttraumatic stress was significantly associated with physicians testing positive or taking time off for COVID-19 illness, self-isolation, fear of infecting their loved ones, families scared of being infected, feeling helpless, patients expressing fears of dying, having pre-existing depression, anxiety, or insomnia, working beyond comfort level of training and having thoughts of quitting (p < 0.05). Thoughts of quitting was associated with the highest significant increase in PTS scores (coefficient:11.643; 95% CI:8.551,14.735; P < 0.01) followed by feeling of helplessness (coefficient:11.055; 95% CI: 8.484,13.624; P < 0.01) and need for additional medications for depression, anxiety and insomnia (coefficient: 10.980; 95% CI: 4.970, 16.990; P < 0.01). Posttraumatic stress is high in pediatric critical care physicians and is associated with various COVID-19 patient care experiences. Thoughts of quitting was associated with highest increase in posttraumatic stress score which could have major implications for the workforce in the future. Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder should be recognized, and mental health issues of pediatric critical care physicians addressed.

Abdominal Imaging Findings in Critically Ill Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With COVID-19.

We report findings on abdominal imaging in critically ill children admitted with MIS-C. On sonography, hepatomegaly, nephromegaly, gallbladder wall edema, ascites, intestinal inflammation and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were seen, while CT showed fluid-filled small bowel loops, mural thickening of the terminal ileum, diffuse lymphadenopathy, and moderate ascites.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Thrombosis: Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Presenting with Venous Gangrene in a Child.

A 12-year-old girl with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection presented as phlegmasia cerulea dolens with venous gangrene. Emergent mechanical thrombectomy was complicated by a massive pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest, for which extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapeutic hypothermia were used. Staged ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis was used for treatment of bilateral pulmonary emboli and the extensive lower extremity deep vein thrombosis while the patient received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. We highlight the need for heightened suspicion for occult severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among children presenting with unusual thrombotic complications.

Pediatric Veno-Veno Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Rescue From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide poisoning affects approximately 5000 children per year and can be challenging to diagnose and treat (Pediatr Emerg Med Pract. 2016;13:1-24). It is in the differential diagnosis of a patient presented with altered consciousness. Patients may look quite "pink" and well perfused, but are often in serious distress. We present the first case in the literature of carbon monoxide poisoning treated with the use of veno-veno extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). CASE: We report the case of a 10-year-old patient who had carbon monoxide poisoning (carboxyhemoglobin of 18%). She was treated with hydroxocobalamin at 70 mg/kg and was being prepared to transfer to a facility that offered hyperbaric therapy when she suffered a cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After 11 minutes of resuscitation, she had return of spontaneous circulation and an echocardiogram showed reasonable cardiac function. She was judged too unstable for ambulance transport and the ECMO team was called. Veno-veno ECMO was placed via a single right internal jugular dual-lumen catheter with fluoroscopy in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. There was a rapid improvement in carboxyhemoglobin level, and the ECMO therapy was weaned the next day. The patient eventually made a full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that veno-veno ECMO has been reported for the emergent treatment of carbon monoxide intoxication. If emergency physicians are treating such a patient and cannot administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ECMO represents a valuable alternative that is not commonly thought of in this situation before.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Subhepatic Abscess Presenting as Pylorospasm in a Neonate.

Pylorospasm can present with sonographic findings similar to hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. We present a rare case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus subhepatic abscess causing pylorospasm in a neonate.

Urosepsis and postrenal acute renal failure in a neonate following circumcision with Plastibell device.

Plastibell is one of the three most common devices used for neonatal circumcision in the United States, with a complication rate as low as 1.8%. The Plastibell circumcision device is commonly used under local anesthesia for religious circumcision in male neonates, because of cosmetic reasons and ease of use. Occasionally, instead of falling off, the device may get buried under the skin along the shaft of the penis, thereby obstructing the normal flow of urine. Furthermore, the foreskin of neonates is highly vascularized, and hence, hemorrhage and infection are possible when the skin is cut. Necrosis of penile skin, followed by urethral obstruction and renal failure, is a serious surgical mishap requiring immediate corrective surgery and medical attention. We report a case of fulminant urosepsis, acute renal failure, and pyelonephritis in a 4-day-old male neonate secondary to impaction of a Plastibell circumcision device. Immediate medical management was initiated with fluid resuscitation and mechanical ventilation; thereby correcting life threatening complications. Pediatricians and Emergency Department physicians should be cognizant of the complications from Plastibell circumcision device in order to institute appropriate and timely management in neonates.

Impact of nurse integrated rounds on self-reported comprehension, attitudes, and practices of nurses and resident physicians in a pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of nurse integrated rounds (NIRs) on self-reported comprehension, attitudes, and practices of nurses and resident physicians (RPs) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-reported comprehension, attitude, and practice survey of RPs and nurses was done prior to (T0), 3 months (T3), and 15 months (T15) after initiation of NIRs in our PICU. Responses were graded on Likert-type scale from 1 to 5. The RPs, attending physicians, and nurses also ranked their overall perception of NIRs during these 3 survey time periods. RESULTS: All 3 components of the surveys showed statistically significant improvement (P < .05) from the T0 to T3 and T15 in RPs and nurses. A complete or almost complete reversal of attitude was noted for most questions in the attitude section in both RPs and nurses when T15 was compared to T0. The overall perception that NIRs was good for patient care also showed significant improvement in the survey of nurses and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The NIRs are well accepted by nurses and physicians and are accompanied by self-reported improvements in comprehension, attitudes, and practices of nurses and RPs in the PICU.

Early repair of large infant ventricular septal defect despite respiratory syncytial virus-induced respiratory failure with postrepair chylous pericardial effusion requiring pleuropericardial window: a case report and review of the literature.

The surgical correction of congenital cardiac lesions that are complicated by intercurrent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonitis has traditionally been deferred for at least 6 to 8 weeks. The presumption is that using cardiopulmonary bypass will increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. We present an infant who developed acute respiratory failure related to RSV pneumonitis and required urgent mechanical ventilation. Cardiac evaluation revealed a large nonrestrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD), aortic arch hypoplasia, normally functioning bicuspid aortic valve, and hemodynamic instability associated with markedly increased pulmonary blood flow. Separation from mechanical ventilation was unsuccessful preoperatively. He underwent VSD repair with cardiopulmonary bypass less than 4 weeks after initial RSV infection. He was extubated successfully within 72 hours of VSD repair. Approximately 6 weeks postoperatively, he developed a circumferential chylous pericardial effusion of unclear etiology--an exceedingly rare complication of VSD repair in early infancy in a non-Down syndrome patient. The chylous effusion was initially managed unsuccessfully with Portogen/Monogen and a percutaneously placed pericardial drain. Two weeks later, he underwent creation of a pleuropericardial window with successful resolution of the chylous effusion. It is of interest to pediatricians to be able to correctly time the repair of congenital heart disease lesions after RSV infection to minimize post-bypass pulmonary complications and yet avoid morbidity from undue delays in repair. In addition, chylopericardium can occur in infants after VSD repair, and dietary modification and catheter drainage may not be adequate.

Change in regional (somatic) near-infrared spectroscopy is not a useful indicator of clinically detectable low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy correlation with low cardiac output has not been validated. Our objective was to determine role of splanchnic and/or renal oxygenation monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after surgery for congenital heart defects. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We hypothesized that splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia detected by near-infrared spectroscopy is a marker of low cardiac output after pediatric cardiac surgery. Patients admitted after cardiac surgery to the pediatric intensive care unit over a 10-month period underwent serial splanchnic and renal near-infrared spectroscopy measurements until extubation. Baseline near-infrared spectroscopy values were recorded in the first postoperative hour. A near-infrared spectroscopy event was a priori defined as ≥20% drop in splanchnic and/or renal oxygen saturation from baseline during any hour of the study. Low cardiac output was defined as metabolic acidosis (pH <7.25, lactate >2 mmol/L, or base excess ≤-5), oliguria (urine output <1 mL/kg/hr), or escalation of inotropic support. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using near-infrared spectroscopy event as a diagnostic test for low cardiac output. Twenty children were enrolled: median age was 5 months; median Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category was 3 (1-6); median bypass and cross-clamp times were 120 mins (45-300 mins) and 88 mins (17-157 mins), respectively. Thirty-one episodes of low cardiac output and 273 near-infrared spectroscopy events were observed in 17 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a near-infrared spectroscopy event as an indicator of low cardiac output were 48% (30%-66%) and 67% (64%-70%), respectively. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, neither splanchnic nor renal near-infrared spectroscopy event had a significant area under the curve for prediction of low cardiac output (area under the curve: splanchnic 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.30-0.60], renal 0.51 [95% confidence interval 0.37-0.65]). CONCLUSIONS: Splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy may not be an accurate indicator of low cardiac output after surgery for congenital heart defects.

Ipsilateral lobar emphysema in an infant with a repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of lobar emphysema in an infant who had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that was surgically repaired at birth. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Pediatric critical care unit in a tertiary care hospital. PATIENT: A 9-month-old infant who had massive hyperinflation of the right lung and respiratory failure. INTERVENTIONS: Confirmation of lobar hyperinflation of the right lung with ventilation and perfusion defects and surgical treatment with lobectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Successful treatment of respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Lobar emphysema can be a rare development in patients who had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia at birth. This can result in respiratory failure and needs surgical intervention.