Postintubation Sedation Practices Within Multiple Emergency Departments Across a Large Pediatric Health Care Organization.

OBJECTIVE: Children requiring rapid or standard sequence intubation are at risk of experiencing paralysis without adequate sedation when the duration of neuromuscular blockade exceeds the duration of sedation provided by the induction agent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of appropriately timed postintubation sedation (PIS; defined as the administration of PIS before the clinical effects of the induction agent have dissipated) in patients requiring intubation across multiple emergency department/urgent care sites within a large pediatric health care organization. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to 1 of 6 affiliated pediatric emergency department or urgent care sites who were intubated with an induction agent and neuromuscular blocker between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients were excluded if they were intubated in the setting of status epilepticus or cardiac arrest. Stepwise logistic regression identified factors associated with appropriately timed PIS. RESULTS: A total of 283 patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 8 ± 7.6 years; 56% male). Two hundred thirty-eight patients (83%) received some form of PIS (105 [37%] received appropriately timed PIS and 133 [47%] received delayed PIS), and 45 patients (16%) received no PIS. The median time to receive PIS following administration of the induction agent was 21 minutes (interquartile range, 11-40 minutes). Patients induced with fentanyl were the least likely to receive PIS, whereas patients induced with etomidate were the most likely. However, because of the short duration of etomidate, most patients induced with etomidate failed to receive PIS in a timely manner. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed PIS is common and may result in periods of ongoing paralysis without adequate sedation. Emergency department providers and pharmacists must recognize the brevity of some induction agents and provide more timely PIS.

Decreases in Nephrotoxic Pain Medications Are Not Associated With Increased Opioid Utilization in Critically Ill Children.

OBJECTIVES: Quality improvement initiatives to decrease rates of nephrotoxic medication exposure have reduced rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in noncritically ill children. The objective of our study was to analyze the implementation of a similar program in critically ill children and to measure important balancing measures including opioid and benzodiazepine exposure. DESIGN: Prospective quality improvement study. SETTING: PICU at Children's Hospital Colorado between 2018 and 2020. PATIENTS: All children admitted to PICU. INTERVENTIONS: Quality improvement initiative called Nephrotoxic Injury Negated by Just-In-Time Action (NINJA). MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Eight thousand eight hundred thirty-three PICU patient admissions were included. Mean rates of nephrotoxic medication exposure/1,000 PICU patient days decreased from 46 to 26, whereas rates of nephrotoxic AKI/1,000 PICU patient days did not change. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug dispenses per 1,000 patient days were reduced from 521 to 456. Similarly, opioid and benzodiazepine exposures per 1,000 patient days were reduced from 812 to 524 and 441 to 227, respectively, during the study observation period. CONCLUSIONS: The NINJA intervention was efficaciously implemented in our single-center PICU. Nephrotoxic exposure is a modifiable factor that did not inadvertently increase exposure to opioids and benzodiazepines.

Methylnaltrexone in the Management of Opioid-Associated Urinary Retention in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between methylnaltrexone and urine output (UOP) in critically ill children with opioid-associated urinary retention. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between December 1, 2019, and November 30, 2020, who received methylnaltrexone for opioid-associated oliguria (spontaneous UOP below 1 mL/kg/hr and at least 1 dose of an opioid within the preceding 6 hours). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (median age = 5.5 years, IQR 1.7-16.4; median weight = 19 kg, IQR 9-45) were included. Mean methylnaltrexone dose was 0.15 ± 0.006 mg/kg. A statistically significant increase in UOP from baseline to 6 hours following methylnaltrexone was observed (p = 0.001), but not all patients responded. Fourteen patients (56%) had no UOP following methylnaltrexone administration, while 11 (44%) demonstrated a robust increase (median = 0 mL/kg/hr at baseline [IQR 0-0] to 1.96 mL/kg/hr [IQR 1.08-2.22; p = 0.001]) within 6 hours following methylnaltrexone administration. Younger patients responded better than older patients (responder age = 2.5 years [IQR 0.8-7]) versus 11.4 years [IQR 1.75-17.5] for non-responders) (p = 0.04). Both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SQ) routes were associated with an increase in UOP (IV, p = 0.04; SQ, p = 0.02). The effect persisted for up to 24 hours after administration. Sixty-four percent of patients required urinary catheter placement. Pain scores (averaged 6 hours before and after methylnaltrexone) remained unchanged (p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Methylnaltrexone may increase spontaneous UOP in some children with opioid-associated urinary retention, but urinary catheterization rates remain high.

Peripheral Vasoactive Administration in Critically Ill Children With Shock: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Management of fluid refractory pediatric shock requires prompt administration of vasoactive agents. Although delivery of vasoactive therapy is generally provided via a central venous catheter, their placement can delay drug administration and is associated with complications. We characterize peripheral vasoactive administration in a cohort of critically ill children with shock, evaluate progression to central venous catheter placement, and describe complications associated with extravasation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-center, quaternary PICU (January 2010 to December 2015). PATIENTS: Children (31 d to 18 yr) who received epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared patients based on the initial site of vasoactive infusion: peripheral venous access (PVA) or central venous access (CVA) and, within the PVA group, compared patients based on subsequent placement of a central catheter for vasoactive infusion. We also characterized peripheral extravasations. We evaluated 756 patients: 231 (30.6%) PVA and 525 (69.4%) CVA patients. PVA patients were older, had lower illness severity, and more frequently had vasoactive therapy initiated at night compared with CVA patients. In PVA patients, 124 (53.7%) had a central catheter placed after a median of 140 minutes (interquartile range, 65-247 min) of peripheral treatment. Patients who avoided central catheter placement had lower illness severity. Of the 93 patients with septic shock, 44 (47.3%) did not have a central catheter placed. Extravasations occurred in four of 231 (1.7% [95% CI, 0.03-3.4]) PVA patients, exclusively in the hand. Three patients received pharmacologic intervention, and none had long-term disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, peripheral venous catheters can be used for vasoactive administration. In our series, the upper limit of the 95% CI for extravasation is approximately 1-in-30, meaning that this route may be an appropriate option while evaluating the need for central access, particularly in patients with low illness severity.

Adherence to a Pediatric Continuous Infusion Propofol Policy for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Opportunities for Change and Improvement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence to an institutional continuous infusion propofol policy for sedation in mechanically ventilated patients, investigate the rate of propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS), and explore areas of improvement to enhance policy compliance and safety. METHODS: This was a single center, retrospective chart review of patients admitted to a pediatric or cardiac intensive care unit within a large free-standing quaternary care pediatric hospital who received continuous propofol for non-procedural continuous sedation for at least 6 hours between 2014 and 2019. Propofol exposure (dose and duration), laboratory data, and hemodynamic outcomes of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients (108 admissions and 133 treatment courses) met inclusion criteria. Policy adherence to propofol dosing and duration limitations were 70% (93/133 courses) and 68% (91/133 courses), respectively. Adherence to all elements of laboratory and hemodynamic monitoring was 23%. Hypotension and bradycardia were common among patients during propofol treatment courses. Except for hypertriglyceridemia, no significant difference in specific laboratory values were detected between patients exposed to greater than 66 mcg/kg/min (4 mg/kg/hr), compared with those exposed to less than 66 mcg/kg/min of propofol. Patients receiving therapy for longer than 48 hours had the highest rates of laboratory values associated with PRIS. No patient in the study cohort met full criteria for PRIS. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to elements of an institutional propofol policy was variable. Improvements in policy adherence may be enhanced by updating policy features, leveraging the electronic medical record order-set, and gaining consensus among key stakeholders.

Increased Testing and Health Care Costs for Pediatric Cannabis Exposures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the process of identifying marijuana exposure in a children's hospital emergency department and compare the cost of diagnostic testing and procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients 31 days to 20 years old with a positive marijuana toxicology screen result between November 2009 and December 2014. Primary outcomes included time to provider recognition of marijuana exposure, number of diagnostic tests and procedures performed, and length of hospital stay. Patients were analyzed based on time of exposure recognition (forthcoming compared with not forthcoming of marijuana exposure) and age (children <12 years compared with adolescents >12 years). RESULTS: There were 37 children and 38 adolescents included. Mean time to exposure recognition was 2.3 ± 4.3 hours in children compared with 0.4 ± 0.9 hours in adolescents (P = 0.02). Patients who were not forthcoming of marijuana exposure experienced more than twice as many diagnostic tests or procedures compared with children who were forthcoming of marijuana exposure (mean, 8.91 vs 4 tests, P < 0.0001) and more than a 4-fold higher cost of potentially avoidable diagnostic tests/procedures. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in children (18.34 ± 2.39 hours) compared with adolescents (4.22 ± 0.52 hours; P ≤ 0.0001). Few parents or guardians were able to disclose characteristics of the marijuana product. CONCLUSION: Delay in recognition of marijuana exposure is associated with high resource utilization, unnecessary medical costs, and prolonged length of stay.

Concentrated hypertonic saline in severe pediatric traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Describe outcomes associated with bolus and continuous infusions of hypertonic saline (HTS) in children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective review of children admitted between January 1, 2012 to August 30, 2018 with a diagnosis of severe TBI who received HTS. RESULTS: Forty-five children (age 9.3 ± 5.8 yr; 60% male) met inclusion criteria. One-hundred eighty-nine equiosmolar bolus doses of HTS were administered to 43 patients (3% HTS, n = 84 doses; 6% HTS, n = 38 doses; 12% HTS, n = 67 doses) for episodes of acute intracranial hypertension (pressure above 20 mmHg). Significant reductions in ICP were observed at 30, 60, and 120 min following HTS boluses with the greatest decrease observed in patients receiving 12%. Thirty-four patients received a continuous infusion of HTS. Higher concentrations of HTS were associated with a more favorable fluid balance (p < .001), fewer episodes of pulmonary edema (p = .003), and higher intake of protein and energy (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Equiosmolar bolus doses of concentrated HTS were associated with significant reductions in ICP. Benefits of higher concentrations of continuous HTS may include improved fluid balance, less pulmonary edema, and greater amounts of protein and energy intake.

Pediatric empyemas - Has the pendulum swung too far?

BACKGROUND: The management of childhood empyemas has transformed over the past decade, with current trends favoring chest tube placement and intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy. Although this strategy often avoids the need for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), hospital length of stay can be long. METHODS: To characterize national trends and outcomes associated with empyema management, the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried to identify children (2 months-18 years) treated for an empyema between January 2010 and December 2017. The cohort was divided into those treated with primary VATS and those treated with chest tube and intrapleural fibrinolysis. Number of chest radiographic studies obtained, frequency of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, mechanical ventilation requirements, and length of hospitalization were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 3,365 otherwise healthy children met inclusion criteria. Among them, 523 (16%) were managed with primary VATS and 2,842 (84%) were managed with chest tube and fibrinolytic therapy. Of those who were treated with chest tube and fibrinolysis, 193 (6.8%) subsequently underwent VATS. The percentage of children treated with chest tube and fibrinolysis increased from 65% in 2010 to 95% in 2017 (p<0.001). After adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, payer, and region, children who underwent primary VATS received fewer chest radiographic studies, were less likely to be admitted to the PICU or require mechanical ventilation and had a shorter PICU and hospital length of stay compared to those who were treated with chest tube and fibrinolytic therapy (p<0.001 for all analyses). DISCUSSION: Although national trends favor chest tube and fibrinolysis, primary VATS are associated with a shorter hospital and PICU length of stay and a lower requirement for mechanical ventilation. Future studies should aim to risk stratify children who may suffer from a protracted course with the goal to offer primary VATS to this subset of children and return them to normal life more expeditiously. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Nalbuphine Reduces Opioid-Associated Urinary Retention in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of nalbuphine administration on urine output in critically ill children with opioid-associated urinary retention. DESIGN: Institutional review board approved, single center, retrospective medical chart review. SETTING: Large medical-surgical PICU within a free-standing, tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to the PICU between October 1, 2014, and February 29, 2016, who received IV nalbuphine after meeting criteria for opioid-associated oliguria (defined as urine output below 1 mL/kg/hr and received at least one dose of opioid therapy within the preceding 12 hr). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen patients who received 21 doses of nalbuphine were analyzed. The median age and weight of patients were 6 years (interquartile range, 3-11.5 yr) and 18 kg (interquartile range, 12-35 kg), respectively. Two distinct dosing strategies became evident, specifically 0.05 mg/kg (n = 11 doses) and 0.1 mg/kg (n = 10 doses). Urine output increased significantly from baseline (median, 0 mL/kg/hr; interquartile range, 0-0.53 mL/kg/hr) to 6 hours post nalbuphine administration (median, 1.48 mL/kg/hr; interquartile range, 0-2 mL/kg/hr; p = 0.0002). Patients who received 0.1 mg/kg/dose had a greater urine output response compared with those who received 0.05 mg/kg/dose. Five patients (29%) had a catheter inserted into their bladder after administration of nalbuphine. Pain scores (grouped 6 hr before and after nalbuphine administration and single pain scores documented immediately before and after nalbuphine administration) were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Nalbuphine administration, at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg, improved urine output in a cohort of children with opioid-associated urinary retention. Pain control did not appear influenced by the provision of nalbuphine. Additional studies are needed to determine the influence of nalbuphine on urinary catheter insertion rates and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Low-Dose Epinephrine Boluses for Acute Hypotension in the PICU.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of low-dose bolus epinephrine in critically ill children during an acute hypotensive episode or prearrest condition. DESIGN: Institutional Review Board approved, single-center, retrospective medical chart review. SETTING: Large medical-surgical PICU within a freestanding, tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to the PICU between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2016, who received low-dose (≤ 5 µg/kg) IV bolus epinephrine. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four resuscitation episodes (63 doses; 19 patients) were analyzed. Median age and weight of patients were 9 years (interquartile range, 1-15 yr) and 38.5 kg (interquartile range, 12-54.8 kg). Median Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score was 17 (interquartile range, 10-27). Mean epinephrine dose was 1.3 ± 1.1 µg/kg. Median number of doses per patient was two. If more than one dose was provided, median dosing interval was 6.5 minutes. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were compared at the time of epinephrine administration and 1-4 minutes (median = 1 min) following administration. Heart rate changed from 130 ± 41 to 150 ± 33 beats/min (p < 0.05), and mean arterial blood pressure changed from 51 ± 17 to 75 ± 27 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Variability in mean arterial blood pressure response was observed; nonresponders required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 66% of doses resulted in up to 100% mean arterial blood pressure increase, and 21% of doses resulted in greater than 100% mean arterial blood pressure increase. Doses below 1 µg/kg were associated with a lower mean arterial blood pressure increase than doses between 1 and 5 µg/kg (mean percent change in mean arterial blood pressure = 6.6% vs 60%, respectively). Children less than or equal to 2 years old had the greatest percentage increase in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of low-dose bolus epinephrine during periods of acute hypotension can result in a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. This dosing strategy may provide temporary stabilization while other therapies are added or adjusted, but further research is needed.

Marijuana Misadventures in Children: Exploration of a Dose-Response Relationship and Summary of Clinical Effects and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore a dose-response relationship of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in THC-naïve children after unintentional acute exposure and compare clinical outcomes with non-naïve children. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on children aged 31 days to 20 years who presented to Children's Hospital Colorado for care related to acute THC toxicity. The children were divided into groups based on exposure: group 1 (THC naïve) and group 2 (THC non-naïve). RESULTS: A total of 38 children (age, 3.5 [3] years) met inclusion for group 1 and an equal number of children (age, 15.1 [3.9] years) met the criteria for comparison in group 2. Eight naïve patients had documentation of estimated THC dose ingested (mean [SD], 7.13 [5.8] mg/kg; range, 2.9-19.5 mg/kg). A direct relationship between estimated oral THC dose, level of medical intervention required, and hospital disposition was observed. Lethargy/somnolence was more common in the naïve group (84% vs. 26%, P < 0.0001) whereas problems in cognition, perception, and behavior were more common in the non-naïve group (4% vs 11%, P = 0.01). The duration of clinical effect and length of hospital stay were longer in the naïve group (19.3 vs 5.0 hours, P < 0.0001) and (0.73 vs 0.19 days, P < 0.0001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a direct relationship between the estimated oral THC dose (mg/kg), hospital disposition, and level of medical intervention required. Symptoms and duration of effects after THC exposure varied based on the route of exposure, age of patient, and history of previous THC experience.

Evaluation of prolonged epidural chloroprocaine for postoperative analgesia in infants.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and adverse effects of chloroprocaine for epidural analgesia in young infants for infusion durations greater than 3.5 hours. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort review of the electronic medical record over a 14-month period. SETTING: The level IV neonatal intensive care unit of a 414-bed free-standing children's hospital. PATIENTS: Eighteen infants (mean age, 1.7 ± 1.8 months [0.03-6.3]; mean weight, 3.8 ± 1.3 kg [1.56-6.9]; n = 10 [55%] males) received 1% chloroprocaine for epidural analgesia postoperatively for up to 96-hour duration and met criteria for inclusion. MEASUREMENTS: Dosing requirements, placement of epidural catheter, supplementary analgesic therapy, respiratory support, vital signs, and incidence of adverse events associated with local anesthetics were collected. MAIN RESULTS: Epidural catheter placement was caudal (n = 8), lumbar (n = 6), or thoracic (n = 4). Mean operative time was 2.48 ± 1 hour (1-5). Initial chloroprocaine dose was 1.3 ± 0.5 mL/h (0.4-2.5) (3.5 ± 1 mg/kg per hour [1.4-5]) with a maximum dose of 1.5 ± 0.6 mL/h (0.4-3) (4.2 ± 1.1 mg/kg per hour [2.2-6.1]). Duration of epidural analgesia was 48.3 ± 21.5 hours (10-96). Duration of epidural infusion did not influence dosing requirement, suggesting the absence of drug tachyphylaxis. All patients received intermittent doses of opioid and nonopioid pain medications while receiving chloroprocaine. Two mechanically ventilated patients required continuous infusion of opioids. No adverse events were directly attributed to chloroprocaine use. CONCLUSION: Epidural 1% chloroprocaine, in doses of 0.4-3 mL/h (1.5-6.1 mg/kg per hour), was well tolerated in both mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing infants for up to 96 hours with no identified adverse effects or tachyphylaxis.

Patterns of Off-Label Prescribing in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Prioritizing Future Research.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize off-label prescribing among US pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), determine characteristics associated with off-label use, and identify medications in highest need for additional study. METHODS: Medications prescribed for ≥1% PICU patients (age < 18 years) in 2010 were identified from 39 children's hospitals. Use in a patient younger than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved age for any indication was considered off-label. Hierarchical multivariable modeling was used to identify characteristics associated with off-label use, accounting for center effects. Highest-impact drugs were defined by: 1) high off-label use (off-label use in at least 5% of the PICU cohort), 2) high risk medication, and 3) high priority status by the FDA or Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA). RESULTS: A total of 66,896 patients received ≥1 medication of interest (n = 162) during their PICU stay. A median of 3 (interquartile range, 2-6) unique drugs per patient were used off-label. Those who received ≥1 drug off-label (85% of the cohort) had longer median PICU (2 days vs 1 day) and hospital (6 days vs 3 days) lengths of stay and higher mortality (3.6% vs 0.7%), p < 0.001. Factors independently associated with off-label drug use included: age 1 to 5 years, chronic conditions, acute organ failures, mechanical ventilation, arterial or venous catheters, dialysis, and blood products. Half of prescribed medications (n = 84) had been used off-label: 26 with significant off-label use, 30 high-risk medications, and 47 with high FDA/BPCA priority. The highest impact medications identified were: dexmedetomidine, dopamine, hydromorphone, ketamine, lorazepam, methadone, milrinone, and oxycodone. CONCLUSIONS: Most PICU patients are exposed to off-label medication use, with uncertain evidence. Future medication research in this population should focus on medications with high impact potential.

Supra-therapeutic tacrolimus concentrations associated with concomitant nicardipine in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Tacrolimus is prescribed to prevent allograft rejection in pediatric liver transplant recipients; however, its metabolism through the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system presents a multitude of challenges in regard to drug interactions. Here, we describe four children (ages 1.4-8.7 yr) who acutely developed supra-therapeutic serum tacrolimus trough concentrations, despite standard dosing, while on concomitant nicardipine therapy following liver transplantation. Even though tacrolimus regimens were altered (dosage reductions and held doses), serum tacrolimus concentrations remained elevated. Resolution of high tacrolimus concentrations was achieved only after the discontinuation of nicardipine. Following the termination of nicardipine, all children eventually required dosage increases in their tacrolimus regimens to re-achieve target serum concentrations. We conclude that concomitant use of tacrolimus and nicardipine can result in high tacrolimus concentrations due to the inhibition of cytochrome p450 enzymes responsible for the metabolism of tacrolimus. We encourage clinicians to consider alternative antihypertensive options in children on tacrolimus therapy. If nicardipine therapy is necessary, we recommend a 50% reduction in tacrolimus dose and daily serum concentration monitoring.

Development of recommendations for dosing of commonly prescribed medications in critically ill obese children.

PURPOSE: The development and use of a decision support tool to help formulate recommendations for dosing of commonly prescribed medications in critically ill obese children are described. METHODS: Medications prescribed in 2010 to critically ill infants and children (younger than 18 years) were identified from the Pediatric Health Information System. The most commonly prescribed and therapeutically monitored medications were extracted. Supportive evidence for obesity dosing was identified through a standardized computerized search involving medical subject heading terminology and age filters using PubMed and Ovid. A usefulness scoring system was developed to rate the strength and applicability of the literature to critically ill obese children. A decision supporttool was then created to aid in the formulation of a dosing weight for each medication based on the usefulness score, published pharmacokinetic properties, clinical studies available in the primary literature, and consideration of clinical consequences of underdosing or overdosing. RESULTS: A total of 113 medications were evaluated, and 122 discrete citations, supporting 66 medications, were reviewed. Seventy-two percent of citations had general obesity dosing information, and 13% had pediatric-specific information. The overall mean usefulness score was 5.1±4.7 (median, 7). The decision support tool was incorporated to make final dosing weight recommendations for obese children. Ultimately, total body weight was recommended for 52 medications, adjusted weight for 43 medications, and ideal body weight for 18 medications. CONCLUSION: The inadequacy of obesity dosing information for most medications commonly ordered for children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit led to the development of a decision support tool to aid in formulating dosing recommendations.

Nimodipine for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in 12 children.

INTRODUCTION: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare, but life-threatening neurological emergency. Cerebral vasospasm is a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Nimodipine has been used in adults to reduce the incidence of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage and improve long-term outcomes. There are, however, no data in children. METHODS: Records of children with a confirmed diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage who received nimodipine between January 1, 2005 and August 31, 2013 were reviewed. Dosing of nimodipine and associated hypotensive events were recorded. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, cranial computerized tomography, and angiography were followed as a measure of cerebral vasospasm, rebleeding, and subsequent infarction. RESULTS: Twelve children (average age 11.8 ± 3.3 years, age range 3.5 to 17.3 years) were included. Aneurysm was responsible for the highest percentage (41.7%) of subarachnoid hemorrhage events. The mean dose of oral nimodipine was 1 mg/kg every 4 hours and was associated with a high rate of hypotension requiring intervention or dose modification. Clinical outcomes while on nimodipine therapy varied; evidence of vasospasm was observed in 67%, new infarction in 33%, and rebleeding in 17%. Functional and cognitive deficits were minor in two-thirds and absent in the remaining individuals. All patients survived until hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Oral nimodipine after subarachnoid hemorrhage in children does not eliminate vasospasm, rebleeding, or infarction and is associated with significant hypotension. Nevertheless, clinical outcomes appear favorable relative to the adult population who receive nimodipine. Further study, with dose titration, is warranted.

Comparison of 3 body size descriptors in critically ill obese children and adolescents: implications for medication dosing.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 methods of weight determination for medication dose calculations in obese children and to discuss feasibility for use in routine care. METHODS: This was a patient safety and quality improvement study evaluating patients (2-19 years old) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit during a 13-month period (July 2010-July 2011). Patients identified as obese (≥95th percentile body mass index [BMI] for age), including severely obese (≥99th percentile BMI for age), were included in the weight method comparison portion of this study. Lean body mass estimations, using equations derived by the Peters and Foster methods, were compared to ideal body weight estimates by using the BMI method. Absolute differences between values generated by the 3 methods, intraclass correlation (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1369 patients met initial criteria; 176 met criteria for the dosing weight comparison (age ± SD = 9.28 ± 5 years; actual weight ± SD = 55.5 ± 33.9 kg; 46% female). Sixty were severely obese and 116 were obese. Mean ICC between methods was 0.968 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.959, 0.975). The Peters method estimated higher weights than the Foster or BMI method. Bland-Altman plots illustrated good agreement between methods in children with weight below 50 kg, but decreased agreement above 50 kg, which was influenced by sex. CONCLUSIONS: All methods demonstrated strong correlation and acceptable agreement in children below 50 kg. Systematic biases were identified in children above 50 kg where variance was higher. The BMI method was least complex to calculate and the most feasible method for daily use.