The association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation, endothelium, and glycocalyx disorders in children with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between serum albumin levels and microcirculation changes, glycocalyx degradation, and the clinical outcomes of interest. METHODS: Observational, prospective study in children with sepsis. The primary outcome was the association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation disorders, endothelial activation and glycocalyx degradation using a perfused boundary region (PBR) (abnormal >2.0 µm on sublingual video microscopy) or plasma biomarkers (syndecan-1, angiopoietin-2). RESULTS: A total of 125 patients with sepsis were included. The median age was 2.0 years (IQR 0.5-12.5). Children with hypoalbuminemia had more abnormal microcirculation with a higher PBR (2.16 µm [IQR 2.03-2.47] vs. 1.92 [1.76-2.28]; p = .01) and more 4-6 µm capillaries recruited (60% vs. 40%; p = .04). The low albumin group that had the worst PBR had the most 4-6 µm capillaries recruited (rho 0.29; p < .01), 48% higher Ang-2 (p = .04), worse annexin A5 (p = 0.03) and no syndecan-1 abnormalities (p = .21). Children with hypoalbuminemia and a greater percentage of blood volume in their capillaries needed mechanical ventilation more often (56.3% vs. 43.7%; aOR 2.01 95% CI 1.38-3.10: p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In children with sepsis, an association was found between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation changes, vascular permeability, and greater endothelial glycocalyx degradation.

Cost-Utility of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Respiratory Distress in Preterm Infants in a Middle-Income Country.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increased popularity of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preterm infants with respiratory distress, there is still uncertainty about whether the additional costs of this device justify the clinical benefits provided. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of CPAP in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress. METHODS: Using a decision tree model, we estimated the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with CPAP and supplemental oxygen alone by headbox or low-flow nasal cannula (SO). The model was analyzed probabilistically, and a value of information analysis was conducted to inform the value of conducting further research to reduce current uncertainties in the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of US$5180. RESULTS: The mean incremental cost of CPAP versus SO was US$600. The mean incremental benefit of CPAP versus SO was 0.04 QALY. The expected incremental cost per QALY was estimated at US$13 172. The mean incremental net monetary benefit was US$-324 with a 95% credible interval of US$-536 to US$-201. The overall expected value of perfect information per person affected by the decision was estimated to be US$2346. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SO, the use of CPAP in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress is not cost-effective in Colombia. Evidence should continue to be generated with real-life effectiveness data and economic evaluations in other countries to confirm our findings.

Biomarkers of Glycocalyx Injury and Endothelial Activation are Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Microcirculatory impairment, especially damage to the endothelium and glycocalyx, is often not assessed. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence of the risk of unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with sepsis and elevated glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers. DESIGN: A systematic search was carried out on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar up to December 31, 2021, including studies in adults and children with sepsis which measured glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers within 48 hours of hospital admission. The primary outcome was the risk of mortality from all causes and the secondary outcomes were the risk of developing respiratory failure (RF) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with elevations of these biomarkers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (3,529 patients) were included: 11 evaluated syndecan-1 (n=2,397) and 6 endocan (n=1,132). Syndecan-1 was higher in the group of patients who died than in those who survived [255 ng/mL (IQR: 139-305) vs. 83 ng/mL (IQR:40-111); p=0.014]. Patients with elevated syndecan-1 had a greater risk of death (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.89, 3.10: p<0.001), MODS (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.51, 7.25: p=0.003;), or RF (OR 7.53; 95% CI 1.86-30.45: p=0.005). Endocan was higher in patients who died [3.1 ng/mL (IQR 2.3, 3.7) vs. 1.62 ng/mL (IQR 1.2, 5.7); OR 9.53; 95% CI 3.34, 27.3; p<0.001], who had MODS (OR 8.33; 95% CI 2.07, 33.58; p=0.003) and who had RF (OR 9.66; 95% CI 2.26, 43.95; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients with sepsis and abnormal glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers have a greater risk of developing respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and death. Microcirculatory impairment should be routinely evaluated in patients with sepsis, using biomarkers to stratify risk groups.

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.

Sling de la arteria pulmonar en paciente preescolar con compromiso de la vía aérea / Pulmonary artery sling in preschool patient with airway compromise

Resumen Introducción: El sling de la arteria pulmonar izquierda es una rara malformación congénita del arco aórtico en la que la rama pulmonar izquierda se origina a partir de la arteria pulmonar derecha. Generalmente se sitúa entre la tráquea y el esófago, que frecuentemente la comprimen. Dependiendo del grado de compromiso de la vía aérea, el esófago y las anomalías cardíacas asociadas, las manifestaciones clínicas varían. El tratamiento de esta malformación es quirúrgico; con el paso de los años, este abordaje ha mejorado, y se ha logrado una disminución de la morbilidad y mortalidad en esta condición. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente preescolar con hallazgo de sling de la arteria pulmonar izquierda con compromiso de la vía aérea. Conclusiones: Después de la corrección quirúrgica, se logró una respuesta clínica favorable y una mejoría significativa en la vía aérea, evidenciada en los hallazgos en la fibrobroncoscopia, sin necesidad de intervenciones adicionales.

Abstract Background: Left pulmonary artery sling is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic arch in which this artery originates from the right pulmonary artery and courses over the trachea and the esophagus. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the degree of airway compromise, the esophagus and associated cardiac anomalies. The treatment for this malformation is surgical; over the years, this approach has improved, achieving a decrease in morbidity and mortality in this condition. Case report: A preschool patient with incidental finding of sling of the left pulmonary artery with compromise of the airway is presented. Conclusions: After the surgical procedure, a favorable clinical outcome was observed and a significant improvement in the airway was shown by a fibrobronchoscopy, without any additional intervention.

Pulmonary artery sling in preschool patient with airway compromise.

Background: Left pulmonary artery sling is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic arch in which this artery originates from the right pulmonary artery and courses over the trachea and the esophagus. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the degree of airway compromise, the esophagus and associated cardiac anomalies. The treatment for this malformation is surgical; over the years, this approach has improved, achieving a decrease in morbidity and mortality in this condition. Case report: A preschool patient with incidental finding of sling of the left pulmonary artery with compromise of the airway is presented. Conclusions: After the surgical procedure, a favorable clinical outcome was observed and a significant improvement in the airway was shown by a fibrobronchoscopy, without any additional intervention.

Introducción: El sling de la arteria pulmonar izquierda es una rara malformación congénita del arco aórtico en la que la rama pulmonar izquierda se origina a partir de la arteria pulmonar derecha. Generalmente se sitúa entre la tráquea y el esófago, que frecuentemente la comprimen. Dependiendo del grado de compromiso de la vía aérea, el esófago y las anomalías cardíacas asociadas, las manifestaciones clínicas varían. El tratamiento de esta malformación es quirúrgico; con el paso de los años, este abordaje ha mejorado, y se ha logrado una disminución de la morbilidad y mortalidad en esta condición. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente preescolar con hallazgo de sling de la arteria pulmonar izquierda con compromiso de la vía aérea. Conclusiones: Después de la corrección quirúrgica, se logró una respuesta clínica favorable y una mejoría significativa en la vía aérea, evidenciada en los hallazgos en la fibrobroncoscopia, sin necesidad de intervenciones adicionales.