Time Course of Mechanical Ventilation Driving Pressure Levels in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Outcomes in a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study From Colombia, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVES: High driving pressure (DP, ratio of tidal volume (Vt) over respiratory system compliance) is a risk for poor outcomes in patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). We therefore assessed the time course in level of DP (i.e., 24, 48, and 72 hr) after starting mechanical ventilation (MV), and its association with 28-day mortality. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective study conducted between February 2018 and December 2022. SETTING: Twelve tertiary care PICUs in Colombia. PATIENTS: One hundred eighty-four intubated children with moderate to severe PARDS. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the PARDS cohort was 11 (IQR 3-24) months. A total of 129 of 184 patients (70.2%) had a pulmonary etiology leading to PARDS, and 31 of 184 patients (16.8%) died. In the first 24 hours after admission, the plateau pressure in the nonsurvivor group, compared with the survivor group, differed (28.24 [IQR 24.14-32.11] vs. 23.18 [IQR 20.72-27.13] cm H2O, p < 0.01). Of note, children with a Vt less than 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight had lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR [95% CI]) of 28-day mortality (aOR 0.69, [95% CI, 0.55-0.87]; p = 0.02). However, we failed to identify an association between DP level and the oxygenation index (aOR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.21-1.58) at each of time point. In a diagnostic exploratory analysis, we found that DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours was an explanatory variable for mortality, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.74-0.89); there was also increased hazard for death with hazard ratio 2.5 (95% CI, 1.07-5.92). DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours was also associated with longer duration of MV (10 [IQR 7-14] vs. 7 [IQR 5-10] d; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In children with moderate to severe PARDS, a DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours after the initiation of MV is associated with greater odds of 28-day mortality and a longer duration of MV. DP should be considered a variable worth monitoring during protective ventilation for PARDS.

Unveiling the causes of pericardial effusion in a contemporary case series of pericardiocentesis in Latin America.

Pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis have multiple causes that vary among geographical regions and health contexts. This procedure can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic indications. The purpose of this study was to identify the principal causes of pericardial effusions and indications for pericardiocentesis, exploring differences among groups. This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion in a single center in Latin America. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural variables were recorded and analyzed. The primary outcome was to determine the causes of pericardial effusions in these patients and the indication (diagnostic, therapeutic, or both). The results are presented in two groups (inflammatory and noninflammatory) according to the cause of the pericardial effusion. One hundred sixteen patients with pericardial effusion underwent pericardiocentesis. The median age was 58 years (IQR 46.2-70.7), and 50% were male. In the noninflammatory pericardial effusion group, there were 61 cases (53%), among which neoplastic pericardial effusion was the most frequent cause (n = 25, 40.9%). In the inflammatory group, there were 55 cases (47%), and the main cause was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery (n = 31, 56.4%). In conclusion, the principal indication for pericardiocentesis was therapeutic (n = 66, 56.8%). Large pericardial effusion without hemodynamic effect of cardiac tamponade was significantly more frequent in the inflammatory group (p = 0.03). The principal cause of pericardial effusion in patients who underwent pericardiocentesis was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery, followed by neoplastic pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis is mainly a therapeutic procedure.

Access to paediatric cardiac surgery in Colombia: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Globally congenital heart disease mortality is declining, yet the proportion of infant deaths attributable to heart disease rises in Colombia and other middle-sociodemographic countries. We aimed to assess the accessibility of paediatric cardiac surgery (PCS) to children <18 years of age in 2016 in the South American country of Colombia. METHODS: In Bogotá, Colombia, a multi-national team used cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study designs to adapt and evaluate 4 health system indicators at the national level: first, the population with timely geographic access to an institution providing PCS; second, the number of paediatric cardiac surgeons; third, this specialized procedure volume and its national distribution; and fourth, the 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS in Colombia. RESULTS: Geospatial mapping approximates 64% (n = 9 894 356) of the under-18 Colombian population lives within 2-h drivetime of an institution providing PCS. Twenty-eight cardiovascular surgeons report performing PCS, 82% (n = 23) with formal training. In 2016, 1281 PCS procedures were registered, 90% of whom were performed in 6 of the country's 32 departments. National non-risk-adjusted all-cause 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS was 2.73% (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS: Colombia's paediatric population had variable access to cardiac surgery in 2016, largely dependent upon geography. While the country may have the capacity to provide timely, high-quality care to those who need it, our study enables future comparative analyses to measure the impact of health system interventions facilitating healthcare equity for the underserved populations across Colombia and the Latin American region.

Association Between Serum Lactate and Unsatisfactory Outcomes in Critically Ill Children in the Immediate Post-operative Period of Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Serum lactate is a useful biomarker of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients. We evaluated the behavior of serum lactate in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) immediately after liver transplantation and its association with surgical complications, graft dysfunction and 90-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study carried out between November 2009 and December 2019. Multidisciplinary PICU at the University Children's Hospital, Fundación Cardioinfantil-IC, Bogotá, Colombia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients between 1 month and 18 years of age who were in the immediate post-operative period following living-donor or cadaveric liver transplantation were included. A total of 145 patients with a median age of 14 months (IQR 8-60) met the inclusion criteria. Biliary atresia was the main diagnosis in 56.5% of the cases. A serum lactate level > 3.0 mmol/L on admission to the PICU was associated with biliary complications (AUC 0.73 95% CI 0.54-0.93; p = 0.05) and mortality (AUC 0.72 95% CI 0.63-0.8; p = 0.01). A lactate level > 2 mmol/L after 6 h in the PICU was associated with mortality (AUC 0.70 95% CI 0.54-0.83; p = 0.02). Higher lactate levels and lack of clearance were associated with the presence of tardus et parvus waveforms (p = 0.001) on liver Doppler, primary dysfunction (p < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p < 0.001) and neurological complications (p = 0.04). There was an inverse correlation between admission lactate and the volume of fluids administered during surgery (rho = 0.36; p < 0.001). A total procedure time > 350 min, along with a vasopressor score > 7 and elevated lactate, were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In post-operative pediatric liver transplant patients, the level of serum lactate is associated with post-operative surgical complications and mortality.

Immunoglobulin G4-related gastric pseudotumor - An impostor: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric pseudotumors are rare entities whose clinical presentation resembles typical gastric neoplasias, often making them unrecognized unless other causes are considered. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case report of a patient that debuts with dysphagia, with an abdominal computed axial tomography (CAT) scan revealing a mass at the gastro-esophageal junction suggestive of malignant origin, with studies revealing it to be Immunoglobulin G4-related (IgG4). DISCUSSION: The diagnosis and identification of IgG4-related gastric pseudotumors is very complicated, often and most commonly an incidental diagnosis upon histologic analysis, as is the situation in this case. CONCLUSION: Understanding its clinical course and early diagnosis can reduce unwarranted surgical intervention in some patients with IgG4-related disease.

Quality of life in children with infrequent congenital heart defects: cohort study with one-year of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The evidence regarding patient related outcomes in children with infrequent congenital heart defects (I-CHD) is very limited. We sought to measure quality of life (QoL) in children with I-CHD, and secondarily, to describe QoL changes after one-year of follow-up, self-reported by children and through their caregivers' perspective. METHODS: We assembled a cohort of children diagnosed with an I-CHD in a cardiovascular referral center in Colombia, between August 2016 and September 2018. At baseline and at one-year follow-up, a clinical psychology assessment was performed to establish perception of QoL. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 scale was used in both general and cardiac modules for patients and for their caregivers. We used a Mann-Whitney U test to compare scores for general and cardiac modules between patients and caregivers, while a Wilcoxon test was used to compared patients' and caregivers' baseline and follow-up scores. Results are presented as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: To date, QoL evaluation at one-year follow-up has been achieved in 112/157 patients (71%). Self-reported scores in general and cardiac modules were higher than the QoL perceived through their caregivers, both at baseline and after one-year of follow-up. When compared, there was no statistically significant difference in general module scores at baseline between patients (median = 74.4, IQR = 64.1-80.4) and caregivers scores (median = 68.4, IQR = 59.6-83.7), p = 0.296. On the contrary, there was a statistical difference in baseline scores in the cardiac module between patients (median = 79.6, IQR = 69.7-87.4) and caregivers (median = 73.6, IQR = 62.6-84.3), p = 0.019. At one-year of follow-up, scores for the general module between patients (median = 72.8, IQR = 59.2-85.9) and caregivers (median = 69.9, IQR = 58.1-83.7) were not statistically different (p = 0.332). Finally, a significant difference was found for cardiac module scores between patient (median = 75.0, IQR = 67.1-87.1) and caregivers (median = 73.1, IQR = 59.5-83.8), p = 0.034. CONCLUSIONS: QoL in children with I-CHD can be compromised. However, children have a better perception of their QoL when compared with their caregivers' assessments. To provide high-quality care, besides a thorough clinical evaluation, QoL directly elicited by the child should be an essential aspect in the integral management of I-CHD.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud pre y post trasplante hepático, en pacientes de un hospital de alta complejidad / Health- related quality of life evaluation pre and post liver transplant in patients of a high complexity hospital

Resumen El trasplante hepático es la alternativa terapéutica indicada en pacientes con enfermedad hepática terminal para mejorar su sobrevida y calidad de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de pacientes con cirrosis hepática antes y después de trasplante hepático. Se incluyeron 33 personas adultas que estaban en lista de espera para trasplante en la institución, se aplicó una serie de cuestionarios antes y después del trasplante: para evaluar la calidad de vida se utilizaron el LDQOL-1 (específico para enfermedad y trasplante hepático) y SF36 (para población general); para evaluar los síntomas depresivos y ansiosos, se utilizaron el BDI y STAI, respectivamente. Los resultados señalan una mejoría en la CVRS, así como disminución de los síntomas ansiosos y depresivos posterior al trasplante.

Abstract Liver transplantation is the therapeutic intervention of choice in patients with terminal liver disease to improve survival rate and quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) in liver cirrhosis patients before and after liver transplantation. Thirty-three patients in waiting list for transplant in the institution were included; some questionnaires were applied before and after transplantation: to assess HRQOL were used LDQOL-1 (specific for liver disease and transplant) and SF36 (for general population); to assess depressive and anxious symptoms, BDI and STAI were used, respectively. Results showed an improvement in HRQOL and reduction in depressive and anxious symptoms after transplantation.

Esplenectomía abierta versus laparoscópica: experiencia en la Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá-Colombia / Open versus Laparoscopic Splenectomy: Experience at Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá-Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los resultados de los abordajes abiertos y laparoscópicos en esplenectomía de pacientes con patología esplénica de origen hematológico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal, teniendo como fuente de datos el registro institucional de las esplenectomías abiertas y laparoscópicas realizadas en la Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología entre 1996 y 2016. Se evaluaron variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias; se compararon la tasa de complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y la necesidad de re-intervención entre los dos abordajes. Resultados: se evaluó la información de 202 pacientes, 137 (68 %) tuvieron abordaje abierto, el 61% fueron hombres y la mediana de edad fue 39,5 años (P25-P75 27,7-58,0). La principal indicación de cirugía fue púrpura trombocitopénica refractaria a manejo con corticoides. Se identificó mayor tiempo quirúrgico (mediana=129 minutos) y menor sangrado (mediana=100 cc P25-P75 50-200) en el abordaje laparoscópico, versus el abordaje abierto (mediana=60 minutos; mediana=250 cc P25-P75 50-500, respectivamente) (p<0,001). Las complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron similares en ambos grupos (p=0,065), la tasa de conversión en el grupo laparoscópico fue de 26,1 %, asociada a esplenomegalia. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al requerimiento de transfusión, estancia hospitalaria o necesidad de re-intervención entre los grupos. La tasa de complicaciones posoperatorias fue de 10,2 % en el grupo de esplenectomía abierta y 7,6 % en el grupo de laparoscópica. Conclusiones: la esplenectomía laparoscópica, es un procedimiento seguro que presenta beneficios respecto al abordaje abierto en el manejo de enfermedades hematológicas, en términos de sangrado intraoperatorio y es equiparable en identificación de bazos supernumerarios, complicaciones intraoperatorias y tiempo de hospitalización.

SUMMARY Objective: To compare laparoscopic and open splenectomy in patients with hemorrhagic splenic pathology. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, based on an institutional registry of open and laparoscopic splenectomies performed at Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología between 1996 and 2016. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were assessed; the rate of complications, surgical time, hospital length of stay and the need for reoperation were compared between the approaches. Results: Information of 202 patients was assessed. Open approach was performed in 137 patients (68 %), 61% were men and the median age was 39.5 years (P25-P75 27.7-58.0). Thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to management with corticosteroids was the main indication for surgery. A longer surgical time (median=129 minutes) and less bleeding (median=100 cc P25-P75 50-200) for laparoscopic approach versus open approach (median=60 minutes; median=250 cc P25-P75 50-500, respectively) was identified (p<0.001). Intraoperative complications were similar in both groups (p=0,065), the conversion rate in laparoscopic group was 26.1 %, it was secondary to splenomegaly. No statistically significant differences were found in the two groups in the need for transfusion, hospital length of stay or reoperation. The rate of postoperative complications was 10.2 % for open splenectomy and 7.6 % for laparoscopic. Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe procedure that offers benefits in relation to the open approach for the management of hematological diseases in terms of intraoperative bleeding and is comparable in the identification of supernumerary spleens, surgical complications, and hospitalization time.

Identification of clinically relevant phenotypes in patients with Ebstein anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a heterogeneous congenital heart defect (CHD), frequently accompanied by diverse cardiac and extracardiac comorbidities, resulting in a wide range of clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Phenotypic characterization of EA patients has the potential to identify variables that influence prognosis and subgroups with distinct contributing factors. METHODS: A comprehensive cross-sectional phenotypic characterization of 147 EA patients from one of the main referral institutions for CHD in Colombia was carried out. The most prevalent comorbidities and distinct subgroups within the patient cohort were identified through cluster analysis. RESULTS: The most prevalent cardiac comorbidities identified were atrial septal defect (61%), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW; 27%), and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (25%). Cluster analysis showed that patients can be classified into 2 distinct subgroups with defined phenotypes that determine disease severity and survival. Patients in cluster 1 represented a particularly homogeneous subgroup with a milder spectrum of disease, including only patients with WPW and/or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Cluster 2 included patients with more diverse cardiovascular comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest phenotypic characterizations of EA patients reported. The data show that EA is a heterogeneous disease, very frequently associated with cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with WPW and SVT represent a homogeneous subgroup that presents with a less severe spectrum of disease and better survival when adequately managed. This should be considered when searching for genetic causes of EA and in the clinical setting.

¿Puede asociarse el sedentarismo con hallazgos clínicos de alarma de enfermedad crónica en adultos jóvenes?: un análisis en el proyecto CHICAMOCHA / Poderia associar-se o sedentarismo Ós conclusões clínicas de alarme de doenças crónicas em adultos jovens?: análise no projeto CHICAMOCHA / Can sedentarism be associated with alarm clinical findings of chronic diseases in young adults?: an analysis in CHICAMOCHA project

La asociación entre sedentarismo y enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) requiere décadas de exposición. Es posible que esta se manifieste mas tempranamente, por algunos hallazgos clinicos en adultos jóvenes. Objetivo: Probar la hipótesis de que en adultos jóvenes el sedentarismo se asocia con algunos signos o síntomas de alarma para el desarrollo posterior de ECNT. Metodología: Usando la evaluación inicial (años 2000-2003) del proyecto CHICAMOCHA, en 1539 donantes de sangre clinicamente saludables con pruebas de tamización negativas (edad media 36, DE 8,3 años, 66% hombres) se estudió la asociación entre sedentarismo y una serie de hallazgos clinicos. Se definió sedentarismo como reportar actividad física moderada-intensa ≤150 minutos/semana (incluyendo el trabajo). El desenlace primario fue el compuesto de 11 hallazgos (5 síntomas y 6 signos) de alarma encontrados en la valoración médica. La asociación fue estimada usando un modelo regresión logística ajustado por covariables. Resultados: Se encontra que 56.9% (IC95% 54.3 û 59.3) de los participantes eran sedentarios. En el análisis multivariado, el sedentarismo se asoció positivamente con el estado civil soltero y negativamente con estar empleado. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas en el compuesto agregado de 5 sintomas (OR ajustado 1.07, IC95% 0.90 û 1.26), 6 signos (OR ajustado 1.01, IC95% 0.79 û 1.28). Sin embargo, se observó un gradiente positivo no significativo por el número de hallazgos presentes (1 hallazgo OR=0.91, IC95% 0.61 û 1.35), 2 hallazgos (OR=1.20, IC95% 0.84 û 1.73), 3 o más hallazgos (OR=1.31, IC95% 0.91 û 1.89). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de la población estudiada se encontró sedentaria. Aunque este factor no se encontró asociado con signos o síntomas individualmente, se identificó un gradiente no significativo con el número de estos hallazgos, posiblemente relacionado con el tiempo de exposición relativamente breve.

The association between Sedentary Lifestyle (SL) and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) takes decades of exposure. It is possible to be seen at an early stage in young adults due to some clinical findings. Objective: Test the hypothesis that a sedentary lifestyle in young adults is associated with some signs or symptoms of alarm for the further development of NCD. Methodology: Using the initial evaluation (years 2000-2003) of CHICAMOCHA project, it was found that 1539 blood donors were healthy with negative screening test results (mean age 36, SD 8.3 years, 66% male). The association between sedentary lifestyle and a series of clinical findings was studied. Sedentary Lifestyle was defined as moderate-intense physical activity of ≤150 minutes/week (including work). The primary outcome was the composite of 11 findings (5 symptoms and 6 signs) found in the medical assessment. We computed multivariate logistic regression models for both individual and pooled outcomes. Results: SL was found in 56.9% (IC95% 54.3û59.3) participants. In multivariate analysis SL was positively associated with single marital status and negatively associated with being employed. There were no significant associations between SL and the composite of 5 symptoms (Covariate-adjusted pooled OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.90û1.26), or 6 signs (Covariate-adjusted pooled OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.79û1.28). However, a positive non-significant gradient in association with the number of findings (Covariate-adjusted OR for any one clinical finding OR=0.91, 95%CI 0.61û1.35; any two findings OR=1.20, 95%CI 0.84 û 1.73, or 3 or more findings OR=1.31, 95%CI 0.91û1.89) was observed. Conclusions: It was found that more than half of the studied population presented a sedentary lifestyle. Even though this factor was not associated with individual signs and symptoms, a non-significant gradient was found, possibly related to a short exposure that may explain these results.

A associação entre sedentarismo e doenþas crónicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) requer décadas de exposição o. É possivel que esta se manifeste mais cedo, pelo que se tem observado clinicamente em alguns adultos jovens. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que um estilo de vida sedentário em adultos jovens está associada com alguns sinais ou sinais de alerta para o desenvolvimento de doenças não transmissíveis. Metodologia: Usando a avaliação inicial (2000-2003) do projeto CHICAMOCHA, em 1539 doadores de sangue clinicamente saudáveis com testes de rastreio negativos (idade média de 36 anos, 8.3 anos, 66% do sexo masculino), estudou-se a associação entre sedentarismo e uma sÚrie de achados clínicos. O sedentarismo foi definido como atividade física moderada-intensa ≤150 minutos / semana (incluindo trabalho). O desfecho primário foi o composto de 11 resultados (cinco sintomas e 6 sinais) de alarme encontrados na avaliação médica. A associação foi estimada utilizando um modelo de regressão logistica ajustado para co-variáveis. Resultados: Verificou-se que 56.9% (IC 95% 54.3-59.3) dos participantes eram sedentários. Na análise multivariada, o sedentarismo foi positivamente associado com o estado civil de solteiro e negativamente ao fato de estar empregado. Não foram encontradas associações significativas no agregado composto por 5 sintomas (OR ajustado 1,07, IC95% 0,90-1,26), 6 sinais (OR ajustado 1.01, IC95% 0.79 û 1.28). No entanto, é observado, um gradiente positivo, nada significativo pela descoberta presente (1 resultado OR = 0.91, IC 95% 0.61-1.35), 2 resultados (OR = 1.20, IC95% 0.84-1.73), 3 ou mais resultados (OR = 1.31, IC 95% 0.91 é 1.89). Conclusões: Mais da metade da população do estudo foi encontrada sedentária. Embora este fator não foi encontrado associado com sinais ou sintomas individualmente, foi identificado um gradiente não significativo com o número destes achados, possivelmente relacionada com o tempo de exposição relativamente curto.