[Out-of-hospital care setting in a Febrile Emergency Unit of suspected Covid 19 patients]. / Atención extrahospitalaria en una Unidad Febril de Urgencia de pacientes sospechosos de Covid 19.

INTRODUCTION: In 2019, a new infection was reported in China. This coronavirus was named SARS-COV-2, causative of the 21st-century pandemic, COVID-19. Health systems adopted different strategies to cope with it. OBJECTIVE: to describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in children seen at an Emergency Febril Unit (UFU). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study in patients under 18 years of age tested for SARS-COV-2 between April 1 and June 30, 2020. All epidemiological re cords made at the time of consultation and the result of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of these patients, either by suspicion of COVID-19 or epidemiological isolation criteria, were inclu ded. Patients whose samples had been taken for SARS-COV-2 determination outside the initial time of consultation or whose epidemiological records were incomplete or did not meet the established inclusion criteria were excluded. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made using the PCR technique for SARS-COV-2 in nasopharyngeal secretions obtained by nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate. The following variables were recorded: age, gender, place of residence, history of close contact, history of history of close contacts, travel history and comorbidities, history of institutionalization and PCR result. RESULTS: 1,104 patients were admitted to the UFU and tested due to suspected COVID-19. 152 patients had to be excluded due to insufficient data. Of the 952 patients tested, 22.6% had a detec table result, and 71.2% of them reported close contact with confirmed cases. The mean age was 5.9 years. The 55.4% were male and 99.3% lived in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. 72.8% of the patients tested had symptoms. The time of delay in consultation was 2.17 days. 25% of the children had comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of the UFU facilitated access and optimized the care circuit in response to demand. Children with a history of close contact and those symptomatic showed more frequently a detectable result for SARS-COV-2.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado sobre la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa hipotónica comparada contra una isotónica en pacientes pediátricos críticos / Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized control trial

Introducción. Las soluciones hipotónicas se han vinculado a la producción de hiponatremia iatrogénica. Objetivos. Evaluar las variaciones en el sodio sérico (NaS) tras la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa isotónica (NaCl al 0,9% en dextrosa al 5%) en comparación con una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (NaCl al 0,45% en dextrosa al 5%). Material y métodos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado. Se enrolaron pacientes pediátricos con una estadía esperada en la unidad de cuidados intensivos mayor de 24 horas, NaS normal y líquidos intravenosos > 80% de los líquidos totales de mantenimiento. La concentración sérica de Na se midió antes de colocar la solución de mantenimiento y al reducir la administración de ésta a < 80% del total del aporte. Resultados. Se incorporaron 63 pacientes, que fueron asignados en forma aleatoria a recibir una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (n= 32) o isotónica (n= 31). Las características basales fueron similares en ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la cantidad de solución administrada (grupo hipotónico 865 ± 853 ml; grupo isotónico 778 ± 649 ml, p= 0,654) o el tiempo de infusión (grupo hipotónico: 24 ± 10,8 horas; grupo isotónico: 27,6 ± 12,8 horas, p= 0,231). Se encontró una diferencia en el NaS luego de la administración de las soluciones de mantenimiento (grupo hipotónico: 137,8 ± 4,3 mmol/L; grupo isotónico: 140,0 ± 4,1 mmol/L, p=0,04). Ninguna de las dos soluciones de mantenimiento aumentó el riesgo de hiponatremia (Na < 135 mmol/L) o de hipernatremia (Na > 145 mmol/L). Conclusiones. Ambas soluciones de mantenimiento, en 24 horas de infusión, no aumentaron el riesgo de producir hiponatremia iatrogénica.

Introduction: Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. Objectives. To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fluids (0.9% NaCl/5% dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fluids (0.45% NaCl/5% dextrose). Material and Methods. Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fluids >80% of total maintenance fluids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fluids and when reducing the administration to <80% of total fluids. Results. The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fluids. Baseline characteristics were similar inboth groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fluid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p=0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fluids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ±4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fluids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na <135 mmol/L) or hypernatremia (Na >145 mmol/L). Conclusions. Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.

Impact of a quality improvement intervention on the incidence of unplanned extubations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: An unplanned extubation (UEX) is a frequent and preventable adverse event of mechanical ventilation. OBJECTIVES: To fnd out the causes of unplanned extubation and assess the use of a quality improvement intervention to reduce this event rate. POPULATION: Patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours over the period from May 1st 2010 and April 30th 2011 in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). DESIGN: Uncontrolled, before and after study. A quality improvement intervention was used over the period between November 2010 and April 2011, which included training PICU staff, establishing standards to fx the endotracheal tube and control its fxation. RESULTS: There were 395 patients admitted to the PICU, 262 (66%) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours. A total of 27 patients had 30 UEX events: 22 during the period between May and October 2010, and 8 during the period between November 2010 and April 2011. The most common causes of UEX were incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube (n= 11) and the use of a procedure of care (n= 11). Patients with UEX required additional days on mechanical ventilation: 7 (3-15.5) versus 5 (2-8) days; p= 0.077 and hospitalization: 9.5 (5-19) versus 7 (4-10) days; p= 0.049. During the implementation of the quality improvement intervention, the mean incidence of UEX decreased from 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12-3.49) to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.27-1.44) per 100 days of mechanical ventilation (p= 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The most common causes of UEX were the incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube and the use of a procedure of care. The implementation of a quality improvement intervention reduced the incidence of UEX.

Impact of a quality improvement intervention on the incidence of unplanned extubations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit / Impacto de una intervención de mejora de calidad sobre la incidencia de extubaciones no planeadas en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos

Introduction. An unplanned extubation (UEX) is a frequent and preventable adverse event of mechanical ventilation. Objectives. To fnd out the causes of unplanned extubation and assess the use of a quality improvement intervention to reduce this event rate. Population. Patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours over the period from May 1st 2010 and April 30th 2011 in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Design. Uncontrolled, before and after study. A quality improvement intervention was used over the period between November 2010 and April 2011, which included training PICU staff, establishing standards to fx the endotracheal tube and control its fxation. Results. There were 395 patients admitted to the PICU, 262 (66%) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours. A total of 27 patients had 30 UEX events: 22 during the period between May and October 2010, and 8 during the period between November 2010 and April 2011. The most common causes of UEX were incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube (n= 11) and the use of a procedure of care (n= 11). Patients with UEX required additional days on mechanical ventilation: 7 (3-15.5) versus 5 (2-8) days; p= 0.077 and hospitalization: 9.5 (5-19) versus 7 (4-10) days; p= 0.049. During the implementation of the quality improvement intervention, the mean incidence of UEX decreased from 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12-3.49) to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.27-1.44) per 100 days of mechanical ventilation (p= 0.037). Conclusions. The most common causes of UEX were the incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube and the use of a procedure of care. The implementation of a quality improvement intervention reduced the incidence of UEX.

Introducción. Las extubaciones no planeadas (ENP) son eventos adversos frecuentes y prevenibles de la ventilación mecánica. Objetivos. Conocer las causas de las extubaciones no planeadas y evaluar la utilidad de la aplicación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad para disminuir ese evento. Población. Pacientes con ventilación mecánica invasiva durante más de 12 horas durante el período comprendido entre el 1 de mayo del 2010 y el 30 de abril del 2011 en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Diseño. Estudio antes-después no controlado. Se aplicó una intervención de mejora de calidad en el período noviembre de 2010-abril de 2011 que incluyó capacitación del personal de la UCIP, estandarización de la fjación del tubo endotraqueal y control de la fjación. Resultados. Ingresaron en la UCIP 395 pacientes, 262 (66%) recibieron ventilación mecánica durante más de 12 horas. Presentaron 30 episodios de ENP 27 pacientes: 22 durante el período mayo a octubre de 2010, y 8 durante el período noviembre de 2010-abril de 2011. Las causas más frecuentes fueron la incorrecta fjación del tubo endotraqueal (n= 11) y la realización de un procedimiento de atención y cuidado (n= 11). Los pacientes que la presentaron requirieron más días de ventilación mecánica: 7 (3 a 15,5) contra 5 (2 a 8) días; p= 0,077 y de internación: 9,5 (5 a 19) contra 7 (4 a 10) días; p= 0,049. Durante la intervención de mejora de la calidad la incidencia media de ENP disminuyó de 2,30 (IC 95% 1,12 a 3,49) a 0,86 (IC 95% 0,27 a 1,44) por 100 días de ventilación mecánica (p= 0,037). Conclusiones. Las causas más frecuentes de ENP fueron la incorrecta fjación del tubo endotraqueal y la realización de procedimientos de atención y cuidado. La implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad disminuyó la incidencia de ENP.

Impact of a quality improvement intervention on the incidence of unplanned extubations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit / Impacto de una intervención de mejora de calidad sobre la incidencia de extubaciones no planeadas en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos

Introduction. An unplanned extubation (UEX) is a frequent and preventable adverse event of mechanical ventilation. Objectives. To fnd out the causes of unplanned extubation and assess the use of a quality improvement intervention to reduce this event rate. Population. Patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours over the period from May 1st 2010 and April 30th 2011 in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Design. Uncontrolled, before and after study. A quality improvement intervention was used over the period between November 2010 and April 2011, which included training PICU staff, establishing standards to fx the endotracheal tube and control its fxation. Results. There were 395 patients admitted to the PICU, 262 (66%) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours. A total of 27 patients had 30 UEX events: 22 during the period between May and October 2010, and 8 during the period between November 2010 and April 2011. The most common causes of UEX were incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube (n= 11) and the use of a procedure of care (n= 11). Patients with UEX required additional days on mechanical ventilation: 7 (3-15.5) versus 5 (2-8) days; p= 0.077 and hospitalization: 9.5 (5-19) versus 7 (4-10) days; p= 0.049. During the implementation of the quality improvement intervention, the mean incidence of UEX decreased from 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12-3.49) to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.27-1.44) per 100 days of mechanical ventilation (p= 0.037). Conclusions. The most common causes of UEX were the incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube and the use of a procedure of care. The implementation of a quality improvement intervention reduced the incidence of UEX.(AU)

Introducción. Las extubaciones no planeadas (ENP) son eventos adversos frecuentes y prevenibles de la ventilación mecánica. Objetivos. Conocer las causas de las extubaciones no planeadas y evaluar la utilidad de la aplicación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad para disminuir ese evento. Población. Pacientes con ventilación mecánica invasiva durante más de 12 horas durante el período comprendido entre el 1 de mayo del 2010 y el 30 de abril del 2011 en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Diseño. Estudio antes-después no controlado. Se aplicó una intervención de mejora de calidad en el período noviembre de 2010-abril de 2011 que incluyó capacitación del personal de la UCIP, estandarización de la fjación del tubo endotraqueal y control de la fjación. Resultados. Ingresaron en la UCIP 395 pacientes, 262 (66%) recibieron ventilación mecánica durante más de 12 horas. Presentaron 30 episodios de ENP 27 pacientes: 22 durante el período mayo a octubre de 2010, y 8 durante el período noviembre de 2010-abril de 2011. Las causas más frecuentes fueron la incorrecta fjación del tubo endotraqueal (n= 11) y la realización de un procedimiento de atención y cuidado (n= 11). Los pacientes que la presentaron requirieron más días de ventilación mecánica: 7 (3 a 15,5) contra 5 (2 a 8) días; p= 0,077 y de internación: 9,5 (5 a 19) contra 7 (4 a 10) días; p= 0,049. Durante la intervención de mejora de la calidad la incidencia media de ENP disminuyó de 2,30 (IC 95% 1,12 a 3,49) a 0,86 (IC 95% 0,27 a 1,44) por 100 días de ventilación mecánica (p= 0,037). Conclusiones. Las causas más frecuentes de ENP fueron la incorrecta fjación del tubo endotraqueal y la realización de procedimientos de atención y cuidado. La implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad disminuyó la incidencia de ENP.(AU)

Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. OBJECTIVES: To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fluids (0.9% NaCl/5% dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fluids (0.45% NaCl/5% dextrose). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fluids >80% of total maintenance fluids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fluids and when reducing the administration to <80% of total fluids. RESULTS: The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fluids. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fluid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p= 0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fluids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fluids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.

Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial / Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. OBJECTIVES: To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fluids (0.9

dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fluids (0.45

dextrose). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fluids >80

of total maintenance fluids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fluids and when reducing the administration to <80

of total fluids. RESULTS: The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fluids. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fluid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p= 0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fluids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fluids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado sobre la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa hipotónica comparada contra una isotónica en pacientes pediátricos críticos: a randomized control trial / Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fuids in critically ill pediatric patients

Introducción. Las soluciones hipotónicas se han vinculado a la producción de hiponatremia iatrogénica. Objetivos. Evaluar las variaciones en el sodio sérico (NaS) tras la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa isotónica (NaCl al 0,9% en dextrosa al 5%) en comparación con una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (NaCl al 0,45% en dextrosa al 5%). Material y métodos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado. Se enrolaron pacientes pediátricos con una estadía esperada en la unidad de cuidados intensivos mayor de 24 horas, NaS normal y líquidos intravenosos > 80% de los líquidos totales de mantenimiento. La concentración sérica de Na se midió antes de colocar la solución de mantenimiento y al reducir la administración de ésta a < 80% del total del aporte. Resultados. Se incorporaron 63 pacientes, que fueron asignados en forma aleatoria a recibir una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (n= 32) o isotónica (n= 31). Las características basales fueron similares en ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la cantidad de solución administrada (grupo hipotónico 865 ± 853 ml; grupo isotónico 778 ± 649 ml, p= 0,654) o el tiempo de infusión (grupo hipotónico: 24 ± 10,8 horas; grupo isotónico: 27,6 ± 12,8 horas, p= 0,231). Se encontró una diferencia en el NaS luego de la administración de las soluciones de mantenimiento (grupo hipotónico: 137,8 ± 4,3 mmol/L; grupo isotónico: 140,0 ± 4,1 mmol/L, p= 0,04). Ninguna de las dos soluciones de mantenimiento aumentó el riesgo de hiponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). Conclusiones. Ambas soluciones de mantenimiento, en 24 horas de infusión, no aumentaron el riesgo de producir hiponatremia iatrogénica.

Introduction. Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. Objectives. To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fuids (0.9% NaCl/5% dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fuids (0.45% NaCl/5% dextrose). Material and Methods. Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fuids >80% of total maintenance fuids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fuids and when reducing the administration to <80% of total fuids. Results. The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fuids. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fuid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p= 0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fuids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fuids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). Conclusions. Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado sobre la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa hipotónica comparada contra una isotónica en pacientes pediátricos críticos: a randomized control trial / Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fuids in critically ill pediatric patients

Introducción. Las soluciones hipotónicas se han vinculado a la producción de hiponatremia iatrogénica. Objetivos. Evaluar las variaciones en el sodio sérico (NaS) tras la administración de una solución de mantenimiento intravenosa isotónica (NaCl al 0,9% en dextrosa al 5%) en comparación con una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (NaCl al 0,45% en dextrosa al 5%). Material y métodos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado. Se enrolaron pacientes pediátricos con una estadía esperada en la unidad de cuidados intensivos mayor de 24 horas, NaS normal y líquidos intravenosos > 80% de los líquidos totales de mantenimiento. La concentración sérica de Na se midió antes de colocar la solución de mantenimiento y al reducir la administración de ésta a < 80% del total del aporte. Resultados. Se incorporaron 63 pacientes, que fueron asignados en forma aleatoria a recibir una solución de mantenimiento hipotónica (n= 32) o isotónica (n= 31). Las características basales fueron similares en ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la cantidad de solución administrada (grupo hipotónico 865 ± 853 ml; grupo isotónico 778 ± 649 ml, p= 0,654) o el tiempo de infusión (grupo hipotónico: 24 ± 10,8 horas; grupo isotónico: 27,6 ± 12,8 horas, p= 0,231). Se encontró una diferencia en el NaS luego de la administración de las soluciones de mantenimiento (grupo hipotónico: 137,8 ± 4,3 mmol/L; grupo isotónico: 140,0 ± 4,1 mmol/L, p= 0,04). Ninguna de las dos soluciones de mantenimiento aumentó el riesgo de hiponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). Conclusiones. Ambas soluciones de mantenimiento, en 24 horas de infusión, no aumentaron el riesgo de producir hiponatremia iatrogénica.(AU)

Introduction. Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. Objectives. To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fuids (0.9% NaCl/5% dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fuids (0.45% NaCl/5% dextrose). Material and Methods. Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fuids >80% of total maintenance fuids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fuids and when reducing the administration to <80% of total fuids. Results. The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fuids. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fuid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p= 0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fuids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fuids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). Conclusions. Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.(AU)

Impact of a quality improvement intervention on the incidence of unplanned extubations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. / Impact of a quality improvement intervention on the incidence of unplanned extubations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: An unplanned extubation (UEX) is a frequent and preventable adverse event of mechanical ventilation. OBJECTIVES: To fnd out the causes of unplanned extubation and assess the use of a quality improvement intervention to reduce this event rate. POPULATION: Patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours over the period from May 1st 2010 and April 30th 2011 in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). DESIGN: Uncontrolled, before and after study. A quality improvement intervention was used over the period between November 2010 and April 2011, which included training PICU staff, establishing standards to fx the endotracheal tube and control its fxation. RESULTS: There were 395 patients admitted to the PICU, 262 (66

) were on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours. A total of 27 patients had 30 UEX events: 22 during the period between May and October 2010, and 8 during the period between November 2010 and April 2011. The most common causes of UEX were incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube (n= 11) and the use of a procedure of care (n= 11). Patients with UEX required additional days on mechanical ventilation: 7 (3-15.5) versus 5 (2-8) days; p= 0.077 and hospitalization: 9.5 (5-19) versus 7 (4-10) days; p= 0.049. During the implementation of the quality improvement intervention, the mean incidence of UEX decreased from 2.30 (95

CI: 1.12-3.49) to 0.86 (95

CI: 0.27-1.44) per 100 days of mechanical ventilation (p= 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The most common causes of UEX were the incorrect fxation of the endotracheal tube and the use of a procedure of care. The implementation of a quality improvement intervention reduced the incidence of UEX.

Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial. / Hypotonic versus isotonic maintenance fluids in critically ill pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hypotonic fluids have been associated with the development of iatrogenic hyponatremia. OBJECTIVES: To assess variations in serum sodium (sNa) following the intravenous administration of isotonic maintenance fluids (0.9

NaCl/5

dextrose) compared to hypotonic maintenance fluids (0.45

NaCl/5

dextrose). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatric patients with an expected length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 24 hours were enrolled, with normal serum Na, and IV fluids >80

of total maintenance fluids. Serum Na level was measured before administering maintenance fluids and when reducing the administration to <80

of total fluids. RESULTS: The study included 63 patients who were randomly assigned to receive hypotonic (n= 32) or isotonic (n= 31) maintenance fluids. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences in terms of volume of fluid administered (hypotonic group: 865 ± 853 mL; isotonic group: 778 ± 649 mL; p= 0.654) or infusion duration (hypotonic group: 24 ± 10.8 hours; isotonic group: 27.6 ± 12.8 hours; p= 0.231). A difference was found in the serum Na following the administration of maintenance fluids (hypotonic group: 137.8 ± 4.3 mmol/L; isotonic group: 140.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L, p= 0.04). None of these two maintenance fluids increased the risk of hyponatremia (Na 145 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Neither hypotonic nor isotonic maintenance fluids increased the risk of developing iatrogenic hyponatremia with the 24 hour infusion.