Accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid ferritin for purulent meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ferritin levels in the diagnosis of purulent meningitis (PM). METHOD: We studied 81 children between 28 days and 12 years of age who presented with clinical suspicion of meningitis to the emergency department. CSF ferritin levels were measured and compared between diagnostic groups (PM, aseptic meningitis (AM) and no meningitis). RESULTS: The median age was 24 (IQR 8-69) months. There were 32 patients with AM (39%), 23 with PM (28%) and 26 with no meningitis (32%). Median CSF ferritin was 4.2 ng/mL (IQR 3.0-6.5), 52.9 ng/mL (IQR 30.7-103 ng/mL) and 2.4 ng/mL (IQR 2-4), respectively. CSF ferritin was higher in children with PM compared with AM (p<0.001) or no meningitis (p<0.001). There was no difference between AM and no meningitis. CONCLUSION: CSF ferritin may be a useful biomarker to discriminate PM in children with clinical symptoms of this disease.

Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children With Excess Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Because of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHOD: This retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z-score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. RESULTS: Of 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category. CONCLUSION: Nutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.

Scores TISS-28 versus NEMS to size the nursing team in a pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the workload and size the nursing team using the scales TISS-28 and NEMS in a pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: An observational prospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital from Jan 1st, 2009 to Dec 31st, 2009. All children who remained hospitalized for more than 8 hours were included, with length of stay of 4 hours in case of death. Clinical data were collected and the Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 and the scores TISS-28 and NEMS were determined. The TISS-28 and NEMS were converted into working hours of the nursing team and sizing complied with the parameters of the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council. Pearson's correlation and the Bland-Altman model were used to verify the association and agreement between the instruments. RESULTS: A total of 459 children were included, totaling 3,409 observations. The average values for the TISS-28 and NEMS were 20.8±8 and 25.2±8.7 points, respectively. The nursing workload was 11 hours by TISS-28 and 13.3 hours by NEMS. The estimated number of professionals by TISS-28 and NEMS was 29.6 and 35.8 professionals, respectively. The TISS-28 and NEMS showed adequate correlation and agreement. CONCLUSION: Time spent in nursing activities and team sizing reflected by the NEMS were significantly greater when compared to the TISS-28.

Scores TISS-28 versus NEMS to size the nursing team in a pediatric intensive care unit / Escores TISS-28 versus NEMS para dimensionar a equipe de enfermagem em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the workload and size the nursing team using the scales TISS-28 and NEMS in a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: An observational prospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital from Jan 1st, 2009 to Dec 31st, 2009. All children who remained hospitalized for more than 8 hours were included, with length of stay of 4 hours in case of death. Clinical data were collected and the Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 and the scores TISS-28 and NEMS were determined. The TISS-28 and NEMS were converted into working hours of the nursing team and sizing complied with the parameters of the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council. Pearson's correlation and the Bland-Altman model were used to verify the association and agreement between the instruments. Results: A total of 459 children were included, totaling 3,409 observations. The average values for the TISS-28 and NEMS were 20.8±8 and 25.2±8.7 points, respectively. The nursing workload was 11 hours by TISS-28 and 13.3 hours by NEMS. The estimated number of professionals by TISS-28 and NEMS was 29.6 and 35.8 professionals, respectively. The TISS-28 and NEMS showed adequate correlation and agreement. Conclusion: Time spent in nursing activities and team sizing reflected by the NEMS were significantly greater when compared to the TISS-28.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a carga de trabalho e dimensionar a equipe de enfermagem utilizando as escalas TISS-28 e NEMS em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional com abordagem quantitativa, realizado na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica de um hospital universitário, no período de 1o de janeiro de 2009 a 31 de dezembro de 2009. Foram incluídas todas as crianças que permaneceram internadas por mais de 8 horas, com duração de internação de 4 horas em caso de óbito. Foram coletados os dados clínicos, e determinados o Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 e as escalas TISS-28 e NEMS. O TISS-28 e o NEMS foram convertidos em horas de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem, e o dimensionamento seguiu os parâmetros do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem. A correlação de Pearson e o modelo de Bland-Altman foram utilizados para verificar a associação e a concordância entre os instrumentos. Resultados: Foram incluídas 459 crianças, totalizando 3.409 observações. As médias do TISS-28 e do NEMS foram 20,8±8 e 25,2±8,7 pontos, respectivamente. A carga de trabalho de enfermagem foi de 11 horas pelo TISS-28 e 13,3 horas pelo NEMS. A estimativa do número de profissionais pelo TISS-28 e NEMS foi de 29,6 e 35,8 profissionais, respectivamente. O TISS-28 e o NEMS apresentaram correlação e concordância adequadas. Conclusão: O tempo despendido nas atividades de enfermagem e o dimensionamento da equipe refletido pelo NEMS foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao TISS-28.

Febre em pediatria / Fever in pediatrics

A febre é uma das queixas mais comuns durante os atendimentos pediátricos e deve ser investigada. É importante que seja esclarecida sua etiologia para que, com o conhecimento do nível de gravidade do quadro, se defina se há necessidade de intervenção imediata. Este artigo abordará a sintomatologia da febre, apresentando seu mecanismo; sua clínica e seu manejo.

Fever is one of the most common complaints during pediatric consultations and should be investigated. It is important that its etiology is clarified that with the knowledge of the level of severity of the condition can be determined if there is need for immediate intervention. This article will discuss the symptoms of fever, with its mechanism; its clinical and its management.

Evolução e característica de lactantes com bronquiolite viral aguda submetidos à ventilação mecânica em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica brasileira / Outcome and characteristics of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation in a Brazilian pediatric intensive care

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características e a evolução de lactantes com bronquiolite aguda submetidos à ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido entre março 2004 e setembro 2006 (três invernos consecutivos), recrutando todos os lactantes (menos de 12 meses de idade) com diagnóstico de bronquiolite viral aguda e submetidos à ventilação mecânica em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, brasileira, ligada a uma universidade. Os parâmetros de ventilação mecânica adotados no 1°, 2° 3° e 7° dia e antes da extubação foram avaliados, assim como a evolução (taxa de mortalidade, presença da síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo) e prevalência de complicações. Os grupos foram comparados usando o teste t de Student, o teste U de Mann-Whitney e o teste Qui-Quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 59 lactantes (3,8 ± 2,7 meses de idade, 59 por cento de sexo masculino) com 9,0 ± 9,4 dias em ventilação mecânica. Antes da ventilação mecânica, ventilação não-invasiva foi instituída em 71 por cento dos lactantes. Foi observada anemia em 78 por cento da amostra. Em 51 lactantes (86,5 por cento), o padrão obstrutivo de vias aéreas inferiores foi mantido até extubação intratraqueal, com mortalidade nula e baixa prevalência de pneumotórax (7,8 por cento). A síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo, ocorreu em 8 lactantes (13,5 por cento) com mortalidade mais elevada e alta prevalência de pneumotórax (62,5 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: O declínio na mortalidade em crianças com bronquiolite viral aguda tem sido observado mesmo em regiões não desenvolvidas, com altas taxas de anemia e partos prematuros. A baixa mortalidade está associada à manutenção o padrão obstrutivo de vias aéreas inferiores durante o tempo em ventilação mecânica. O desenvolvimento da síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo está associado a uma mortalidade mais elevada e maior porcentagem de complicações representando o desafia atual para o tratamento de crianças com bronquiolite ...

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and the outcome of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study enrolling all infants (less than 12 months old) admitted with the diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and submitted to mechanical ventilation in an university affiliated Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit between March, 2004 and September, 2006 (3 consecutives winters). The mechanical ventilation parameters' employed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th day and before extubation were evaluated as well as the evolution (mortality rate, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and the prevalence of complications). The groups were compared using the Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine infants were included (3.8 ± 2.7 months old, 59 percent male), with 9.0 ± 9.4 days on mechanical ventilation. Prior mechanical ventilation, non invasive ventilation was instituted in 71 percent of children. Anemia was observed in 78 percent of the sample. In 51 infants (86.5 percent) the lower airway obstructive pattern was maintained up to tracheal extubation with a nil mortality and low prevalence of pneumothorax (7.8 percent). Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 8 infants (13.5 percent), with higher mortality and a higher prevalence of pneumothorax (62.5 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The declining mortality in acute viral bronchiolitis is observed even in non developed regions, involving children with high rates of anemia and premature labor. The low mortality is associated with the maintenance of the lower airway obstructive pattern during the period on mechanical ventilation. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with increased mortality and higher prevalence of complications, representing the actual challenge in the management of children with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

Outcome and characteristics of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation in a Brazilian pediatric intensive care. / Evolução e característica de lactantes com bronquiolite viral aguda submetidos à ventilação mecânica em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica brasileira.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and the outcome of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study enrolling all infants (less than 12 months old) admitted with the diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and submitted to mechanical ventilation in an university affiliated Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit between March, 2004 and September, 2006 (3 consecutives winters). The mechanical ventilation parameters' employed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th day and before extubation were evaluated as well as the evolution (mortality rate, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and the prevalence of complications). The groups were compared using the Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine infants were included (3.8 ± 2.7 months old, 59% male), with 9.0 ± 9.4 days on mechanical ventilation. Prior mechanical ventilation, non invasive ventilation was instituted in 71% of children. Anemia was observed in 78% of the sample. In 51 infants (86.5%) the lower airway obstructive pattern was maintained up to tracheal extubation with a nil mortality and low prevalence of pneumothorax (7.8%). Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 8 infants (13.5%), with higher mortality and a higher prevalence of pneumothorax (62.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The declining mortality in acute viral bronchiolitis is observed even in non developed regions, involving children with high rates of anemia and premature labor. The low mortality is associated with the maintenance of the lower airway obstructive pattern during the period on mechanical ventilation. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with increased mortality and higher prevalence of complications, representing the actual challenge in the management of children with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

Hemodynamic and metabolic effects of vasopressin infusion in children with shock.

OBJECTIVE: Vasopressin is a neuropeptide hormone which has been used clinically for more than 50 years and plays a major role in circulatory homeostasis and in the regulation of serum osmolality. Recent work has emphasized its role in the treatment of septic shock. This paper reviews the physiology of this neurohormone and the available evidence in favor of its use as a vasodilator for children in shock. SOURCES: MEDLINE, using the terms vasopressin, vasodilation, shock and septic shock, plus synonyms and related terms. Classic publications on the topic were also reviewed and selected depending on their relevance to the study objectives. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Vasopressin is synthesized in the neurohypophysis and released in response to a decrease in plasma volume or an increase in serum osmolality. The action of vasopressin is mediated by the activation of oxytocin receptors and of several G protein-coupled receptors, which are classified according to their location and intracellular transmission routes as V1 receptors (or V1b), V2 and V3 receptors (or V1b). The main role of vasopressin is to induce vasoconstriction. However, in certain organs, it can also induce selective vasodilation. Several clinical studies in adults and children have reported that the effects of vasopressin for the treatment of vasodilatory septic shock, due to a variety of causes, are both beneficial and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is restricted. Most studies are retrospective and include a small number of patients. Nevertheless, there is significant experience concerning the use of vasopressin in Pediatrics. Vasopressin has a beneficial clinical effect in children and can be indicated in the treatment of refractory vasodilatory shock, after adequate volume resuscitation and when high doses of other vasopressors are not effective.

Efeitos hemodinâmicos e metabólicos da infusão de vasopressina em crianças com choque: [revisão] / Hemodynamic and metabolic effects of vasopressin infusion in children with shock: [review]

OBJETIVO: A vasopressina é um hormônio neuropeptídico utilizado clinicamente há mais de 50 anos, com papel importante na homeostase circulatória e na regulação da osmolalidade sérica. Seu papel no tratamento do choque vem recebendo ênfase recentemente. Foram revisadas a fisiologia deste neuro-hormônio e as evidências disponíveis para sua utilização no contexto de choque com vasodilatação na criança. FONTES DOS DADOS: MEDLINE, usando os termos vasopressin, vasodilation, shock, septic shock, e sinônimos e termos relacionados, além de publicações clássicas referentes ao tema, sendo escolhidas as mais representativas. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A vasopressina é sintetizada na neuro-hipófise e liberada em resposta à diminuição da volemia ou ao aumento da osmolalidade plasmática. A ação da vasopressina dá-se pela ativação de vários receptores acoplados à proteína G, os quais são classificados, de acordo com sua localização e rotas de transmissão intracelular, em receptores V1 (ou V1b), V2 e V3 (ou V1b) e por receptores de ocitocina. A função central da vasopressina é causar vasoconstrição, embora, em determinados órgãos, possa promover vasodilatação seletiva. Diversos estudos clínicos em adultos e crianças apontam efeitos benéficos e seguros da vasopressina no tratamento do choque com vasodilatação por diversas causas. CONCLUSÃO: As evidências são restritas, os estudos na maioria são retrospectivos e com número reduzido de pacientes, mas já há uma experiência bastante significativa no que diz respeito a seu uso em pediatria. A vasopressina possui um efeito clinico benéfico na criança e pode ser indicada no tratamento do choque refratário com vasodilatação, depois de adequada reposição volêmica e quando altas doses de outros vasopressores não foram eficazes.

OBJECTIVE:Vasopressin is a neuropeptide hormone which has been used clinically for more than 50 years and plays a major role in circulatory homeostasis and in the regulation of serum osmolality. Recent work has emphasized its role in the treatment of septic shock. This paper reviews the physiology of this neurohormone and the available evidence in favor of its use as a vasodilator for children in shock. SOURCES: MEDLINE, using the terms vasopressin, vasodilation, shock and septic shock, plus synonyms and related terms. Classic publications on the topic were also reviewed and selected depending on their relevance to the study objectives. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Vasopressin is synthesized in the neurohypophysis and released in response to a decrease in plasma volume or an increase in serum osmolality. The action of vasopressin is mediated by the activation of oxytocin receptors and of several G protein-coupled receptors, which are classified according to their location and intracellular transmission routes as V1 receptors (or V1b), V2 and V3 receptors (or V1b). The main role of vasopressin is to induce vasoconstriction. However, in certain organs, it can also induce selective vasodilation. Several clinical studies in adults and children have reported that the effects of vasopressin for the treatment of vasodilatory septic shock, due to a variety of causes, are both beneficial and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is restricted. Most studies are retrospective and include a small number of patients. Nevertheless, there is significant experience concerning the use of vasopressin in Pediatrics. Vasopressin has a beneficial clinical effect in children and can be indicated in the treatment of refractory vasodilatory shock, after adequate volume resuscitation and when high doses of other vasopressors are not effective.

Adrenal response in children with septic shock.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the serum cortisol profile and evaluate the adrenal response in children with septic shock, and determine the influence of these factors on the outcome and mortality in this group. METHODS: Between May and November 2003, 22 children with septic shock admitted to two pediatric intensive care units in southern Brazil were followed. Adrenal function was evaluated based on the levels of cortisol measured on the occasion of the diagnosis of septic shock and on the response of serum cortisol 30 min after the administration of intravenous corticotrophin (0.5 microg/1.73m(2)). Adrenal insufficiency was defined as a baseline serum cortisol below 690 nmol/l and/or a cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l. RESULTS: Adrenal insufficiency was detected in 17 patients (77.3%). All patients who died had baseline cortisol higher than 690 nmol/l. A cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l was associated with a 60% mortality (RR = 7.2, 1.03-50.28). Regression analysis showed that the combination of baseline cortisol higher than 690 nmol/l and a cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l were associated with mortality after correction for gender and PRISM. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal insufficiency is a frequent finding in children with septic shock. The low-dose corticotrophin stimulation test seems to be an important tool to distinguish between a normal cortisol response to stress and evidence of adrenal failure. Mortality was significantly higher in children that failed to respond to a corticotrophin stimulation test.

[Comparison of two prognostic scores (PRISM and PIM) at a pediatric intensive care unit]. / Comparação entre dois escores de prognóstico (PRISM e PIM) em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the PRISM (Pediatric Risk of Mortality) and the PIM (Pediatric Index of Mortality) scores at a general pediatric intensive care unit, investigating the relation between observed mortality and survival and predicted mortality and survival. METHODS: A contemporary cohort study undertaken between 1 June 1999 and 31 May 2000 at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital São Lucas pediatric intensive care unit. The inclusion criteria and the PRISM and PIM calculations were performed as set out in the original articles and using the formulae as published. Statistical analysis for model evaluation employed the Flora z test, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic) and Spearman's correlation tests. The study was approved by the institution's Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-eight patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, 77 of whom presented exclusion criteria. Thirty-three (7.83%) of the 421 patients studied died and 388 patients were discharged. Estimated mortality by PRISM was 30.84 (7.22%) with a standardized mortality rate of 1.07 (0.74-1.50), z = -0.45 and by PIM this was 26.13 (6.21%) with a standardized mortality rate of 1.26 (0.87-1.77), z = -1.14. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test gave a chi-square of 9.23 (p = 0.100) for PRISM and 27.986 (p < 0.001) for PIM. The area under the ROC curve was 0.870 (0.810-0.930) for PRISM and 0.845 (0.769-0.920) for PIM. The Spearman test returned r = 0.65 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Analyzing the tests we can observe that, although the PIM test was less well calibrated overall, both PRISM and PIM offer a good capacity for discriminating between survivors and moribund patients. They are tools with comparable performance at the prognostic evaluation of the pediatric patients admitted to our unit.

Comparação entre dois escores de prognóstico (PRISM e PIM) em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica / Comparison of two prognostic scores (PRISM and PIM) at a pediatric intensive care unit

OBJETIVO: Comparar o desempenho do PRISM (Pediatric Risk of Mortality) e o PIM (Pediatric Index of Mortality) em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica geral investigando a relação existente entre a mortalidade e a sobrevivência observadas com a mortalidade e sobrevivência estimadas pelos dois escores. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte contemporâneo realizado entre 1º de junho de 1999 a 31 de maio de 2000 na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica do Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Os critérios de inclusão no estudo e o cálculo do PRISM e do PIM foram feitos conforme preconizado e utilizando as fórmulas de seus artigos originais. Para estatística, utilizou-se o teste z de Flora, teste de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow, área sob a curva típica de um recebedor operador de características (curva ROC) e teste de correlação de Spearman. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê da instituição. RESULTADOS: Internaram na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica 498 pacientes, sendo 77 excluídos. Dos 421 pacientes estudados, 33 (7,83 por cento) foram a óbito. A mortalidade estimada pelo PRISM foi de 30,84 (7,22 por cento), com standardized mortality rate 1,07 (0,74-1,50), z = -0,45. Pelo PIM, foi de 26,13 (6,21 por cento), com standardized mortality rate 1,26 (0,87-1,77), z = -1,14. O teste de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow obteve um qui-quadrado 9,23 (p = 0,100) para o PRISM e 27,986 (p < 0,001) para o PIM. A área abaixo da curva ROC foi 0,870 (0,810-0,930) para o PRISM e 0,845 (0,769-0,920) para o PIM. Teste de Spearman r = 0,65 (p < 0,001). CONCLUSAO: Na análise dos testes podemos constatar que, embora o PIM apresente uma pior calibração no conjunto dos resultados, tanto o PRISM como o PIM apresentaram boa capacidade de discriminar entre sobreviventes e não sobreviventes, constituindo-se em ferramentas de desempenho comparáveis na avaliação prognóstica de pacientes pediátricos admitidos em nossa unidade.

Evolution of the medical practices and modes of death on pediatric intensive care units in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To study the possible change on mode of deaths, medical decision practices, and family participation on decisions for limiting life-sustaining treatments (L-LST) over a period of 13 yrs in three pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) located in southern Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective chart review (1988 and 1998) and on prospective data collection (from May 1999 to May 2000). SETTING: Three PICUs in Porto Alegre, southern Brazilian region. PATIENTS: Children who died in those PICUs during the years of 1988, 1998, and between May 1999 and May 2000. RESULTS: The 3 PICUs admitted 6,233 children during the study period with a mortality rate of 9.2% (575 deaths), and 509 (88.5%) medical charts were evaluated in this study. Full measures for life support (F-CPR) were recognized in 374 (73.5%) children before dying, brain death (BD) was diagnosed in 43 (8.4%), and 92 (18.1%) underwent some limitation of life support treatment (L-LST) There were 140 (27.5%) deaths within the first 24 hrs of admission and 128 of them (91.4%) received F-CPR, whereas just 11 (7.9%) patients underwent L-LST. The average length of stay for the death group submitted to F-CPR was lower (3 days) than the L-LST group (8.5 days; p < .05). The rate of F-CPR before death decreased significantly between 1988 (89.1%) and 1999/2000 (60.8%), whereas the L-LST rose in this period from 6.2% to 31.3%. These changes were not uniform among the three PICUs, with different rates of L-LST (p < .05). The families were involved in the decision-making process for L-LST in 35.9% of the cases, increasing from 12.5% in 1988 to 48.6% in 1999/2000. The L-LST plans were recorded in the medical charts in 76.1% of the deaths, increasing from 50.0% in 1988 to 95.9% in 1999/2000. CONCLUSION: We observed that the modes of deaths in southern Brazilian PICUs changed over the last 13 yrs, with an increment in L-LST. However, this change was not uniform among the studied PICUs and did not reach the levels described in countries of the Northern Hemisphere. Family participation in the L-LST decision-making process has increased over time, but it is still far behind what is observed in other parts of the world.

Terapia inalatória na bronquiolite viral aguda / Inhalatory therapy in viral bronchiolitis

O objetivo deste artigo é revisar a literatura média sobre o tratamento da Bronquiolite viral aguda em lactentes e a eficácia do uso de terapia inalatória. Foi realizados revisão na Medline focada no tratamento da bronquiolite viral aguda, livros textos e dados originais do nosso departamento de emergência. Bronquiolite aguda é uma infecção viral extremamente freqüente em lactentes. Apesar de ter uma baixa morbidade, representa aproximadamente 15 das internações hospitalares em serviços pediátricos. O tratamento permanece sendo de suporte com hidratação e oferta de oxigênio. Vários estudos tem tentado mostrar a eficácia do uso de terapia inalatóris sem sucesso. Nos últimos dez anos, várias terapêuticas têm sido sugeridas para o tratamento da bronquiolite viral aguda. Vários estudos foram realizados tentando comprovar a eficácia das nebulizações no tratamento desta infecção viral. Foi proposto a utilização de soluções hipertônicas, drogas beta adrenérgicas e adrenalina por via inalatória, porém nenhuma desta opção se mostrou comprovadamente eficaz.

[A sixteen-year epidemiological profile of a pediatric intensive care unit, Brazil]. / Perfil epidemiológico de dezesseis anos de uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To review epidemiological data from patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Brazil, and to compare them to medical aspects associated to disease severity and mortality. Also, to profile these patients, including demographic data, disease prevalence, mortality rates and associated factors. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from all patients admitted in a PICU of a university hospital between 1978 and 1994. Data were presented as percentages and compared using Chi-square, and calculating the relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval, p<0.05. RESULTS: Of 13, 101 patients selected, most of them were boys (58.4%), younger than 12 months of age (40.4%), well-nourished (69.5%), and with clinical disease (73.1%). The general mortality rate was 7.4%. Patients aged less than 12 months showed a RR of 1.86 (CI 1.65 - 2.10; p<0.0001), while the RR of malnutrition was 2.98 (CI 2.64 - 3.36; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological survey showed that the mortality is higher in malnourished children younger than 12 months of age. Sepsis was the most main cause of death.

Perfil epidemiológico de dezesseis anos de uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica / A sixteen-year epidemiological profile of a pediatric intensive care unit, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Revisar e descrever os dados epidemiológicos dos pacientes admitidos em uma unidade de terapia pediátrica brasileira (UTIP) e compará-los aos aspectos clínicos associados aos índices de gravidade e mortalidade. Descrever as características desses pacientes, incluindo os dados demográficos, prevalência de doenças, índices de mortalidade e fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente de todos os pacientes admitidos na UTIP de um hospital universitário entre 1978 e 1994. Os dados foram expressos em percentagens e comparados pelo teste qui-quadrado, calculando-se o risco relativo (RR) com um intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento, considerando-se um p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 13.101 pacientes - em sua maioria meninos (58,4 por cento) - com doença clínica (73,1 por cento), menores de 12 meses de idade (40,4 por cento) e eutróficos (69,5 por cento). O índice geral de mortalidade foi de 7,4 por cento. Os pacientes menores de 12 meses de idade mostraram um RR de 1,86 (CI 1,65-2,10; p<0,0001), enquanto que a desnutriçäo mostrou um RR de 2,98 (IC 2,64-3,36; p<0,0001). CONCLUSÖES: O levantamento epidemiológico mostrou que a mortalidade é maior entre desnutridos e menores de 12 meses de idade. A sepse foi a principal causa de morte

Aspiração de mecônio: módulo de auto-instrução / Meconium aspiration syndrome: self-instruction modulus

Módulo de auto-instrução elaborado pela Disciplina de Medicina Intensiva Neonatal do Curso de Pós-Graduação em Pediatria da PUCRS...

Falha na extubação de crianças em ventilação mecânica / Extubation failure in children submitted to mechanical ventilation

Pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência da falha da extubação em pediatria. Avaliamo a prevalência de falhas na extubação em pacientes pediátricos, submetidos a ventilação mecânica em Unidades de Tratamento Intensivo e descrevemos suas causas. Considerou-se como falha na extubação a necessidade de reintubação nas primeiras 24 horas pós-extubação...

Manejo da dor e sedaçäo em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica / Pain and sedation management in the pediatric intensive care unit

Os autores apresentam uma revisäo sobre as drogas mais frequentemente utilizadas como analgésicos e sedativos em UTI pediátrica. Säo abordados alguns aspectos farmacodinâmicos e farmocinéticos destes medicamentos, assim como suas indicaçöes terapêuticas e dosagens. Os autores enfatizam ainda os efeitos adversos dos opióides, o diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome de abstinência. Finalmente, apresentam, baseados em sua experiência, algumas sugestöes de tratamento em diferentes situaçöes clínicas

Tamponamento cardíaco causado por cateter venoso central na infância / Cardiac tamponade caused by central venous catheter in infancy

As complicaçöes da inserçäo ou do uso de cateter venoso central näo säo incomuns; no entanto, o tamponamento cardíaco é uma complicaçäo rara, com mortalidade maior que 80 por cento se medidas terapêuticas agressivas e imediatas näo forem tomadas. Relatamos o caso de um lactente de 3 meses que sofreu tamponamento cardíaco, resultado da perfuraçäo da parede atrial direita por um cateter venoso central, ocorrendo óbito. O tamponamento cardíaco deve ser suspeitado em qualquer caso em uso de cateter venoso central cujas condiçöes clínicas se deteriorem subitamente. O reconhecimento clínico do tamponamento cardíaco, a instituiçäo do tratamento de emergência e as medidas preventivas para evitar esta complicaçäo fatal säo essenciais