Predicting High-Risk Fetal Cardiac Disease Anticipated to Need Immediate Postnatal Stabilization and Intervention with Planned Pediatric Cardiac Operating Room Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Distances between delivery and cardiac services can make the care of fetuses with cardiac disease at risk of acute cardiorespiratory instability at birth a challenge. In 2013 we implemented a fetal echocardiography-based algorithm targeting fetuses considered high risk for acute cardiorespiratory instability at ≤2 hours of birth for delivery in our pediatric cardiac operating room of our children's hospital, and, herein, examine our experience. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed maternal and postnatal medical records of all fetuses with cardiac disease encountered January 2013 to March 2022 considered high risk for acute cardiorespiratory instability. Secondary analysis was performed including all fetuses with diagnoses of d-transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum (d-TGA/IVS) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) encountered over the study period. Forty fetuses were considered high risk for acute cardiorespiratory instability: 15 with d-TGA/IVS and 7 with HLHS with restrictive atrial septum, 4 with absent pulmonary valve syndrome, 3 with obstructed anomalous pulmonary veins, 2 with severe Ebstein anomaly, 2 with thoracic/intracardiac tumors, and 7 others. Pediatric cardiac operating room delivery occurred for 33 but not for 7 (5 with d-TGA/IVS, 2 with HLHS with restrictive atrial septum). For high-risk cases, fetal echocardiography had a positive predictive value of 50% for intervention/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/death at ≤2 hours and 70% at ≤24 hours. Of "low-risk" cases, 6/46 with d-TGA/IVS and 0/45 with HLHS required intervention at ≤2 hours. Fetal echocardiography for predicting intervention/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/death at ≤2 hours had a sensitivity of 67%, specificity 93%, and positive and negative predictive values of 80% and 87%, respectively, for d-TGA/IVS, and 100%, 95%, 71%, and 100% for HLHS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal echocardiography can predict the need for urgent intervention in a majority with d-TGA/IVS and HLHS and in half of the entire spectrum of high-risk cardiac disease.

Acute kidney injury and renal recovery following Fontan surgery.

Objectives: Acute kidney injury has been described after Fontan surgery, but the duration and outcomes are unknown. We sought to describe the incidence of and risk factors for acute kidney injury and the phenotype of renal recovery, and evaluate the impact of renal recovery phenotype on outcomes. Methods: All children who underwent a Fontan operation at a single center between 2009 and 2022 were included. Data collected included Fontan characteristics, vasopressor use, all measures of creatinine, and postoperative outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of acute kidney injury and the association between acute kidney injury and outcomes. Results: We enrolled 141 children (45% female). Acute kidney injury occurred in 100 patients (71%). Acute kidney injury duration was transient (<48 hours) in 77 patients (55%), persistent (2-7 days) in 15 patients (11%), more than 7 days in 4 patients (3%), and unknown in 4 patients (3%). Risk factors for acute kidney injury included higher preoperative indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (odds ratio, 3.90; P = .004) and higher postoperative inotrope score on day 0 (odds ratio, 1.13, P = .047). Risk factors for acute kidney injury duration more than 48 hours included absence of a fenestration (odds ratio, 3.43, P = .03) and longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio, 1.22 per 15-minute interval, P = .01). Acute kidney injury duration more than 48 hours was associated with longer length of stay compared with transient acute kidney injury (median 18 days [interquartile range, 9-62] vs 10 days [interquartile range, 8-16], P = .006) and more sternal wound infections (17% vs 4%, P = .049). Conclusions: Acute kidney injury after the Fontan operation is common. The occurrence and duration of acute kidney injury have significant implications for postoperative outcomes.

Infants less than or equal to 2.5 kg have increased mortality and worse motor neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age after Norwood-Sano palliation.

Objectives: In infants with single-ventricle congenital heart disease, prematurity and low weight at the time of the Norwood operation are risk factors for mortality. Reports assessing outcomes (including neurodevelopment) post Norwood palliation in infants ≤2.5 kg are limited. Methods: All infants who underwent a Norwood-Sano procedure between 2004 and 2019 were identified. Infants ≤2.5 kg at the time of the operation (cases) were matched 3:1 with infants >3.0 kg (comparisons) for year of surgery and cardiac diagnosis. Demographic and perioperative characteristics, survival, and functional and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared. Results: Twenty-seven cases (mean ± standard deviation: weight 2.2 ± 0.3 kg and age 15.6 ± 14.1 days at surgery) and 81 comparisons (3.5 ± 0.4 kg and age 10.9 ± 7.9 days at surgery) were identified. Post-Norwood, cases had a longer time to lactate ≤2 mmol/L (33.1 ± 27.5 vs 17.9 ± 12.2 hours, P < .001), longer duration of ventilation (30.5 ± 24.5 vs 18.6 ± 17.5 days, P = .005), greater need for dialysis (48.1% vs 19.8%, P = .007), and greater need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (29.6% vs 12.3%, P = .004). Cases had significantly greater postoperative (in-hospital) (25.9% vs 1.2%, P < .001) and 2-year (59.2% vs 11.1%, P < .001) mortality. Neurodevelopmental assessment showed the following for cases versus comparisons, respectively: cognitive delay (18.2% vs 7.9%, P = .272), language delay (18.2% vs 11.1%, P = .505), and motor delay (27.3% vs 14.3%, P = .013). Conclusions: Infants ≤2.5 kg at Norwood-Sano palliation have significantly increased postoperative morbidity and mortality up to 2-year follow-up. Neurodevelopmental motor outcomes were worse in these infants. Additional studies are warranted to assess the outcome of alternative medical and interventional treatment plans in this patient population.

Standard Versus Restrictive Transfusion Strategy for Pediatric Cardiac ECLS Patients: Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare blood component transfusion before and after the implementation of a restrictive transfusion strategy (RTS) in pediatric cardiac Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) patients. The study included children admitted to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) at the Stollery Children's Hospital who received ECLS between 2012 and 2020. Children on ECLS between 2012 and 2016 were treated with standard transfusion strategy (STS), while those on ECLS between 2016 and 2020 were treated with RTS. During the study, 203 children received ECLS. Daily median (interquartile range [IQR]) packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion volume was significantly lower in the RTS group; 26.0 (14.4-41.5) vs. 41.5 (26.6-64.4) ml/kg/day, p value <0.001. The implementation of a RTS led to a median reduction of PRBC transfusion of 14.5 (95% CI: 6.70-21.0) ml/kg/day. Similarly, the RTS group received less platelets: median (IQR) 8.4 (4.50-15.0) vs. 17.5 (9.40-29.0) ml/kg/day, p value <0.001. The implementation of a RTS resulted in a median reduction of platelet transfusion of 9.2 (95% CI: 5.45-13.1) ml/kg/day. The RTS resulted in less median (IQR) fluid accumulation in the first 48 hours: 56.7 (2.30-121.0) vs. 140.4 (33.8-346.2) ml/kg, p value = 0.001. There were no significant differences in mechanical ventilation days, PCICU/hospital days, or survival. The use of RTS resulted in lower blood transfusion volumes, with similar clinical outcomes.

Bivalirudin in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the current literature surrounding the use of bivalirudin as an alternative anticoagulant for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent single center studies describe that bivalirudin may be associated with decreased blood product transfusion, decreased cost and similar clinical outcomes for pediatric ECMO patients who have failed unfractionated heparin (UFH) anticoagulation. aPTT is the most common test to monitor bivalirudin but has several limitations. Other tests including dilute thrombin time (dTT) and viscoelastic assays are promising but more study is needed. Current evidence suggests that bivalirudin is a well tolerated and effective alternative anticoagulant for pediatric ECMO patients who have failed UFH anticoagulation but prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. SUMMARY: Bivalirudin is a promising alternative anticoagulant for pediatric ECMO patients who have failed UFH. Large prospective, multicenter studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

2021 ELSO Adult and Pediatric Anticoagulation Guidelines.

DISCLAIMER: These guidelines for adult and pediatric anticoagulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients undergoing ECLS / ECMO and describe what are believed to be useful and safe practice for extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMO) but these are not necessarily consensus recommendations. The aim of clinical guidelines are to help clinicians to make informed decisions about their patients. However, adherence to a guideline does not guarantee a successful outcome. Ultimately, healthcare professionals must make their own treatment decisions about care on a case-by-case basis, after consultation with their patients, using their clinical judgment, knowledge and expertise. These guidelines do not take the place of physicians' and other health professionals' judgment in diagnosing and treatment of particular patients. These guidelines are not intended to and should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment must be made by the physician and other health professionals and the patient in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient, and the known variability and biological behavior of the clinical condition. These guidelines reflect the data at the time the guidelines were prepared; the results of subsequent studies or other information may cause revisions to the recommendations in these guidelines to be prudent to reflect new data, but ELSO is under no obligation to provide updates. In no event will ELSO be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through these guidelines.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction Criteria in Critically Ill Children: The PODIUM Consensus Conference.

CONTEXT: Cardiovascular dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill children. OBJECTIVE: We aim to derive an evidence-informed, consensus-based definition of cardiovascular dysfunction in critically ill children. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of PubMed and Embase were conducted from January 1992 to January 2020 using medical subject heading terms and text words to define concepts of cardiovascular dysfunction, pediatric critical illness, and outcomes of interest. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they evaluated critically ill children with cardiovascular dysfunction and assessment and/or scoring tools to screen for cardiovascular dysfunction and assessed mortality, functional status, organ-specific, or other patient-centered outcomes. Studies of adults, premature infants (≤36 weeks gestational age), animals, reviews and/or commentaries, case series (sample size ≤10), and non-English-language studies were excluded. Studies of children with cyanotic congenital heart disease or cardiovascular dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were abstracted from each eligible study into a standard data extraction form, along with risk-of-bias assessment by a task force member. RESULTS: Cardiovascular dysfunction was defined by 9 elements, including 4 which indicate severe cardiovascular dysfunction. Cardiopulmonary arrest (>5 minutes) or mechanical circulatory support independently define severe cardiovascular dysfunction, whereas tachycardia, hypotension, vasoactive-inotropic score, lactate, troponin I, central venous oxygen saturation, and echocardiographic estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction were included in any combination. There was expert agreement (>80%) on the definition. LIMITATIONS: All included studies were observational and many were retrospective. CONCLUSIONS: The Pediatric Organ Dysfunction Information Update Mandate panel propose this evidence-informed definition of cardiovascular dysfunction.

Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support Transport in Western Canada: Experience over 14 years.

This retrospective cohort study describes all children transported on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) by the Stollery Children's Hospital Pediatric Transport team (SCH-PTT) between 2004 and 2018. We compared outcomes and complications between primary (SCH-PTT performed ECLS cannulation) vs. secondary (cannulation performed by referring facility) transports, as well as secondary transports from referring centers with and without an established ECLS cannulation program. SCH-PTT performed 68 ECLS transports during the study period. Median (IQR) transport distance was 298 (298-1,068) kilometers. Mean (SD) times from referral call to ECLS-initiation were: primary transports 7.8 (2.9) vs. 2.5(3.5) hours for secondary transports, p value < 0.001. Complications were common (n = 65, 95%) but solved without leading to adverse outcomes. There were no significant differences in the number of complications between primary and secondary transports. There was no significant difference in survival to ECLS decannulation between primary 9 (90%) and secondary transports 43 (74%), p value = 0.275. ECLS survival was higher for children cannulated by the SCH-PTT or a center with an ECLS cannulation program: 42 (82%) vs. 10 (59%), p value = 0.048. Critically ill children on ECLS can be safely transported by a specialized pediatric ECLS transport team. Secondary transports from a center with an ECLS cannulation program are also safe and have similar results as primary transports.

Prospective Exploratory Experience With Bivalirudin Anticoagulation in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Objective of this study was to determine if bivalirudin resulted in less circuit interventions than unfractionated heparin. A secondary objective was to examine associations between bivalirudin dose and partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and activated clotting time. DESIGN: Prospective observational. SETTING: Medical-surgical and cardiac PICUs. PATIENTS: Neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients who received bivalirudin anticoagulation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs in 18 patients used bivalirudin; 90% were venoarterial. Median (interquartile range) age was 4.5 months (1.6-35 mo). Thirteen patients (72%) had an underlying cardiac diagnosis. Of the 20 runs using bivalirudin, 16 (80%) were initially started on unfractionated heparin and transitioned to bivalirudin due to ongoing circuit thrombosis despite therapeutic anti-Xa levels (n = 13), ongoing circuit thrombosis with unfractionated heparin greater than or equal to 40 U/kg/hr (n = 2), or absence of increase in ACT after bolus of 100 U/kg of unfractionated heparin and escalation of unfractionated heparin infusion (n = 1). Initial bivalirudin dose ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg/hr; no bolus doses were used. Median (range) bivalirudin dose was 0.9 mg/kg/hr (0.15-1.6 mg/kg/hr). Median (interquartile range) time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 226.5 hours (150.5-393.0 hr) including 84 hours (47-335 hr) on bivalirudin. Nonparametric results are as follows: the rate of circuit intervention was significantly lower in patients on bivalirudin than on unfractionated heparin (median [interquartile range]: 0 [0-1] and 1 [1-2], respectively; Wilcoxon p = 0.0126). Bivalirudin dose was correlated to PTT (rs = 0.4760; p < 0.0001), INR (rs = 0.6833; p < 0.0001), and ACT (rs = 0.6161; p < 0.0001). Four patients had a significant bleeding complication on bivalirudin. Survival to hospital discharge was 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Bivalirudin appears to be a viable option for systemic anticoagulation in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients who have failed unfractionated heparin, but questions remain namely its optimal monitoring strategy. This pilot study supports the need for larger prospective studies of bivalirudin in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, particularly focusing on meaningful monitoring variables.

Predictors and outcomes of early post-operative veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following infant cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine predictors of, and outcomes after, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation instituted within 48 h after cardiac surgery (early ECMO) in young infants. METHODS: Patients ≤ 6 weeks old having cardiac surgery from 2003 to 2012 were enrolled prospectively. Patients cannulated pre-operatively, intra-operatively, or ≥ 48 h post-operatively were excluded. Variables at p ≤ 0.1 on univariate regression were entered into multiple logistic regression to predict early ECMO. Early-ECMO cases were matched 1:2 for six demographic variables, and death by age 2 years old (determined using conditional logistic regression; presented as odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI)) and General Adaptive Composite scores at age 2 years (determined using Wilcoxon rank sum) were compared; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 565 eligible patients over the 10-year period, 20 had early ECMO instituted at a mean (standard deviation) of 12.4 (11.4) h post-operatively, 10 of whom had extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Of early-ECMO patients, 8 (40%) were found to have residual anatomic defects requiring intervention with catheterization (n = 1) and/or surgery (n = 7). On multiple regression, the post-operative day 1 highest vasoactive-inotrope score (OR 1.02; 95%CI 1.06,1.08; p < 0.001), highest lactate (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.06,1.35; p = 0.003), and lowest base deficit (OR 0.82; 95%CI 0.71,0.94; p = 0.004), CPB time (OR 1.01; 95%CI 1.00,1.02; p = 0.002), and single-ventricle anatomy (OR 5.35; 95%CI 1.66,17.31; p = 0.005) were associated with early ECMO. Outcomes at 2 years old compared between early-ECMO and matched patients were mortality 11/20 (55%) vs 11/40 (28%) (OR 3.22, 95%CI 0.98,10.63; p = 0.054) and General Adaptive Composite median 65 [interquartile range (IQR) 58, 81.5] in 9 survivors vs 93 [IQR 86.5, 102.5] in 29 survivors (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The identified risk factors for, and outcomes after, having early ECMO may aid decision making in the acute period and confirm that neurodevelopmental follow-up for these children is necessary. The hypothesis that earlier institution of ECMO may improve long-term outcomes requires further study.

Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): a guide for radiologists.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving treatment for pediatric patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. The ECMO circuit oxygenates and sometimes pumps the blood, effectively replacing lung and/or heart function temporarily. ECMO patients are clinically very complex not only because of their underlying, life-threatening pathology, but also because of the many physiological parameters that must be monitored and adjusted to maintain adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Drainage and reinfusion cannulae connecting the patient to the ECMO circuit are visible on radiograph. These cannulae have different functions, different configurations, different radiographic appearances, and different positions that should be familiar to the interpreting pediatric radiologist. The primary complications of ECMO include hemorrhage, thrombosis and ischemia, as well as equipment failure and cannula malpositioning, all of which may be detected on imaging. In this pictorial essay, we discuss the basics of ECMO function and clinical management, ECMO cannula features and configurations, and the many complications of ECMO from an imaging perspective. Our goal is to educate pediatric radiologists about ECMO imaging, equipping them to properly interpret these studies and to become a useful consultant in ECMO patient care.

Cardiac Surgery-Associated Kidney Injury in Children and Renal Oximetry.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is common in children and associates with negative outcomes. Novel interventions to reduce cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury require knowledge of its pathophysiology. States of altered perfusion, oxygen delivery, and energy consumption occur during cardiopulmonary bypass and could protect against or contribute to renal cellular injury and recovery. Near-infrared spectroscopy is noninvasive technology for monitoring regional blood flow and tissue oxygenation. This study evaluated the relationship between renal regional oxygen saturation and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury, using near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass in children. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-center, tertiary care pediatric hospital (Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada). PATIENTS: Children less than or equal to 10 kg undergoing congenital heart disease repair with cardiopulmonary bypass. Heart transplant, preoperative dialysis, sepsis, extracorporeal life support, congenital renal disease, and preoperative nephrotoxins were exclusions. INTERVENTIONS: Renal regional near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcome measure was cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria). Regional oxygen saturation was measured continuously using near-infrared spectroscopy (INVOS 5100C Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter; Medronic, Troy, MI) from time of anesthesia to time of transfer to intensive care. Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury occurred in 65%. Lower baseline (precardiopulmonary bypass) regional oxygen saturation was associated with decreased risk of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (p = 0.01); children with baseline regional oxygen saturation in the highest tertile were 7.14 times more likely to get cardiac surgery- associated acute kidney injury (vs lowest tertile). Area under the curve for ability of baseline regional oxygen saturation to predict cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.60-0.85). Children with lower baseline glomerular filtration rate had lower mean renal regional oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that preoperative oxygen supply/demand balance is an important predictor of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury, suggesting lower preoperative (and intraoperative) renal blood flow may be protective. There is not yet a definite link between remote ischemic preconditioning and prevention of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury; however, renal protective effects of sublethal ischemia should continue to be explored.

Heterotaxy Syndrome and Intestinal Rotation Abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Infants with heterotaxy syndrome (HS) have abnormal lateralization of organs along the right-left body axis. Intestinal rotation abnormalities (IRAs) are a potential source of morbidity and mortality. For this study, our objective was to prospectively observe a cohort of infants with HS and determine the incidence and natural history of IRA. METHODS: Infants ≤6 months of age with HS were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Exclusion criteria were other congenital abnormalities that necessitated abdominal surgery. HS was defined as any arrangement of organs that was not situs solitus or situs inversus along with associated congenital heart disease. The investigation for IRA was at the discretion of each participating center. RESULTS: Infants were recruited from January 2012 to December 2016. Thirty-eight infants from 7 institutions were included; 22 infants had right isomerism and 16 infants had left isomerism. Twenty-nine infants (76%) were evaluated for IRAs; 21 of 29 evaluations (72%) were abnormal. Eight infants were investigated because of symptoms, and 21 infants were evaluated routinely. The median age at symptom presentation was 46 days (range: 5-171 days). Seven infants had a Ladd procedure; 4 were prophylactic, with 3 as part of a combined procedure, and 3 were emergent. No child suffered acute midgut volvulus over a median follow-up of 1.6 years (range: 0.06-4.93 years). CONCLUSIONS: IRAs are common in infants with HS. Infants with symptoms presented by 6 months of age. There was no failure of expectant management resulting in midgut volvulus during a median follow-up of 1.6 years.

Prospective Side by Side Comparison of Outcomes and Complications With a Simple Versus Intensive Anticoagulation Monitoring Strategy in Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support Patients.

OBJECTIVES: A continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin is the most common anticoagulant used for pediatric patients on extracorporeal life support. The objective of this study was to compare extracorporeal life support complications and outcomes between two large-volume pediatric extracorporeal life support centers that use different anticoagulation strategies. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort study. SETTING: The University of Michigan used simple anticoagulation monitoring, whereas the University of Alberta used an intensive anticoagulation monitoring strategy. PATIENTS: Pediatric patients on extracorporeal life support. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome measure was major bleeding per extracorporeal life support run defined as bleeding that was retroperitoneal, pulmonary, or involved the CNS; bleeding greater than 20 mL/kg over 24 hours; or bleeding that required surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes measured were patient thrombosis per run, circuit thrombosis per run, and survival to hospital discharge per patient. Eighty-eight patients (95 runs) less than 18 years old were enrolled at the two centers over 2 years. The two centers enrolled different extracorporeal life support populations; University of Alberta enrolled more postcardiac surgical patients (74% vs 47%; p = 0.005). The indication for extracorporeal life support support also varied by center (p = 0.04). The two centers used similar proportions of VA extracorporeal life support (p = 0.3). Median (interquartile range) unfractionated heparin doses were similar between University of Michigan and University of Alberta, 30 (21-34) U/kg/hr and 26 (22-31) U/kg/hr, p value equals to 0.3, respectively. Median (interquartile range) antifactor Xa was lower in the University of Michigan cohort (0.23 [0.19-0.28] vs 0.41 [0.36-0.46] U/mL; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in major bleeding (15% University of Michigan vs 21% University of Alberta; p = 0.6) or in patient thromboses (18% University of Michigan vs 13% University of Alberta; p = 0.5). There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge (University of Michigan 63% vs University of Alberta 73%; p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Although this prospective cohort study compared different pediatric extracorporeal life support populations, the results did not identify a significant difference in outcomes between simple and intensive anticoagulation monitoring strategies.

Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry International Report 2016.

The purpose of this report is to describe the international growth, outcomes, complications, and technology used in pediatric extracorporeal life support (ECLS) from 2009 to 2015 as reported by participating centers in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). To date, there are 59,969 children who have received ECLS in the ELSO Registry; among those, 21,907 received ECLS since 2009 with an overall survival to hospital discharge rate of 61%. In 2009, 2,409 ECLS cases were performed at 157 centers. By 2015, that number grew to 2,992 cases in 227 centers, reflecting a 24% increase in patients and 55% growth in centers. ECLS delivered to neonates (0-28 days) for respiratory support was the largest subcategory of ECLS among children <18-years old. Overall, 48% of ECLS was delivered for respiratory support and 52% was for cardiac support or extracorporeal life support to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). During the study period, over half of children were supported on ECLS with centrifugal pumps (51%) and polymethylpentene oxygenators (52%). Adverse events including neurologic events were common during ECLS, a fact that underscores the opportunity and need to promote quality improvement work.

Carotid Artery Dissection Following Neck Cannulation for Extracorporeal Life Support.

A term neonate was cannulated for venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) via the right neck for non-postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia. Initial echocardiogram demonstrated an echogenic strand in the transverse arch. Computed tomography angiogram confirmed arterial dissection of the right common carotid artery that extended into the proximal transverse arch. Dissection flap was repaired at the time of ECLS decannulation without cardiopulmonary bypass. Follow-up computed tomography angiogram revealed a segment of narrowing of approximately 50% of the right common carotid artery without false lumen or aneurysm.

Anticoagulation Management and Monitoring during Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support: A Review of Current Issues.

Anticoagulation is an imperfect science and is even more complicated in neonates and young children. The addition of the extracorporeal life support (ECLS) foreign circuit adds an additional layer of complexity. Anticoagulation goals during ECLS are to maintain a clot-free circuit and a hemostatically balanced patient. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the default gold standard anticoagulant as no large studies have been performed on any other anticoagulants. This review will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods to monitor UFH anticoagulation, discuss alternative anticoagulants, and examine bleeding and thrombotic complications during ECLS.