Handoff improvement and adverse event reduction programme implementation in paediatric intensive care units in Argentina: a stepped-wedge trial.

BACKGROUND: There are only a few studies on handoff quality and adverse events (AEs) rigorously evaluating handoff improvement programmes' effectiveness. None of them have been conducted in low and middle-income countries. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a handoff programme implementation in reducing AE frequency in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). METHODS: Facility-based, cluster-randomised, stepped-wedge trial in six Argentine PICUs in five hospitals, with >20 admissions per month. The study was conducted from July 2018 to May 2019, and all units at least were involved for 3 months in the control period and 4 months in the intervention period. The intervention comprised a Spanish version of the I-PASS handoff bundle consisting of a written and verbal handoff using mnemonics, an introductory workshop with teamwork training, an advertising campaign, simulation exercises, observation and standardised feedback of handoffs. Medical records (MR) were reviewed using trigger tool methodology to identify AEs (primary outcome). Handoff compliance and duration were evaluated by direct observation. RESULTS: We reviewed 1465 MRs: 767 in the control period and 698 in the intervention period. We did not observe differences in the rates of preventable AE per 1000 days of hospitalisation (control 60.4 (37.5-97.4) vs intervention 60.4 (33.2-109.9), p=0.99, risk ratio: 1.0 (0.74-1.34)), and no changes in the categories or AE types. We evaluated 841 handoffs: 396 in the control period and 445 in the intervention period. Compliance with all items in the verbal and written handoffs was significantly higher in the intervention group. We observed no difference in the handoff time in both periods (control 35.7 min (29.6-41.8) vs intervention 34.7 min (26.5-42.1); difference 1.43 min (95% CI -2.63 to 5.49, p=0.49)). The providers' perception of improved communication did not change. CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of the I-PASS bundle, compliance with handoff items improved. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in the AEs' frequency or the perception of enhanced communication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03924570.

Impacto de un programa de reducción de infección asociada a catéter en 9 unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico en Argentina / Impact of a program aimed at reducing catheter-related infections implemented in nine pediatric intensive care units in Argentina

Las infecciones asociadas a catéteres (IAC) conllevan elevada morbimortalidad, con el aumento del uso de recursos hospitalarios. Objetivo. Describir los resultados de un programa para disminuir la tasa de IAC en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina. Población y métodos. Estudio colaborativo multicéntrico, clínico-epidemiológico, cuasi experimental, de intervención antes y después. Se incluyen niños con catéter venoso central internados en 9 unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, conurbano y otras provincias desde junio de 2011 a abril de 2012. Se implementó un paquete de medidas basado en la educación del personal de salud para inserción de catéteres e higiene de manos y uso de listas de verificación con monitoreo de las medidas implementadas. Se compararon el número y la tasa anual de IAC y la tasa de uso de catéter venoso central previa y posterior a la implementación del programa (Stata 8.0). Resultados. El total de IAC preintervención fue de 117 vs. 74 en el pos. La tasa previa fue 8,6/1000 días de uso y la posintervención, de 5,8/1000 días, RR 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,98), p= 0,015. La tasa de uso de catéter venoso central se redujo de 54% a 49%, diferencia no significativa. Conclusiones. El programa logró un descenso significativo de las tasas de IAC. A partir de él, se implementó la vigilancia de las IAC en todas las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos participantes. La educación y la vigilancia continua son necesarias para mantener y mejorar los resultados alcanzados.

Catheter-related infections (CRIs) cause a high level of morbidity and mortality with the increasing use of hospital resources. Objective. To describe the outcomes of a program implemented to reduce the rate of CRIs in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. Population and methods. Collaborative, multi center, clinical-epidemiological, quasiexperimental, before-and-after intervention study. Children who had a central venous catheter during hospitalization in 9 pediatric intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Greater Buenos Aires, and other provinces between June 2011 and April 2012 were included. A bundle of measures based on health care staff training on catheter insertion, hand hygiene, and checklists was put into practice and implemented measures were monitored. The number and annual rate of CRIs and the rate of central venous catheter use before and after the program implementation were compared (Stata 8.0). Results. The total number of CRIs was 117 and 74 before and after the intervention, respectively. The rate of CRIs was 8.6/1000 days of central venous catheter use and 5.8/1000 days before and after the intervention, respectively; RR: 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.98), p= 0.015. The rate of central venous catheter use decreased from 54% to 49%, a non-significant difference. Conclusions. The program achieved a significant reduction in CRI rates. Based on the program, CRI surveillance was implemented in all participating pediatric intensive care units. Training and continuous surveillance are necessary to maintain and improve the outcomes accomplished with the program.

Impact of a program aimed at reducing catheter-related infections implemented in nine pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. / Impacto de un programa de reducción de infección asociada a catéter en 9 unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico en Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-related infections (CRIs) cause a high level of morbidity and mortality with the increasing use of hospital resources. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of a program implemented to reduce the rate of CRIs in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. POPULATION AND METHODS: Collaborative, multi center, clinical-epidemiological, quasiexperimental, before-and-after intervention study. Children who had a central venous catheter during hospitalization in 9 pediatric intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Greater Buenos Aires, and other provinces between June 2011 and April 2012 were included. A bundle of measures based on health care staff training on catheter insertion, hand hygiene, and checklists was put into practice and implemented measures were monitored. The number and annual rate of CRIs and the rate of central venous catheter use before and after the program implementation were compared (Stata 8.0). RESULTS: The total number of CRIs was 117 and 74 before and after the intervention, respectively. The rate of CRIs was 8.6/1000 days of central venous catheter use and 5.8/1000 days before and after the intervention, respectively; RR: 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.98), p= 0.015. The rate of central venous catheter use decreased from 54% to 49%, a non-significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The program achieved a significant reduction in CRI rates. Based on the program, CRI surveillance was implemented in all participating pediatric intensive care units. Training and continuous surveillance are necessary to maintain and improve the outcomes accomplished with the program.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones asociadas a catéteres (IAC) conllevan elevada morbimortalidad, con el aumento del uso de recursos hospitalarios. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados de un programa para disminuir la tasa de IAC en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Estudio colaborativo multicéntrico, clínico-epidemiológico, cuasi experimental, de intervención antes y después. Se incluyen niños con catéter venoso central internados en 9 unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, conurbano y otras provincias desde junio de 2011 a abril de 2012. Se implementó un paquete de medidas basado en la educación del personal de salud para inserción de catéteres e higiene de manos y uso de listas de verificación con monitoreo de las medidas implementadas. Se compararon el número y la tasa anual de IAC y la tasa de uso de catéter venoso central previa y posterior a la implementación del programa (Stata 8.0). RESULTADOS: El total de IAC preintervención fue de 117 vs. 74 en el pos. La tasa previa fue 8,6/1000 días de uso y la posintervención, de 5,8/1000 días, RR 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,98), p= 0,015. La tasa de uso de catéter venoso central se redujo de 54% a 49%, diferencia no significativa. CONCLUSIONES: El programa logró un descenso significativo de las tasas de IAC. A partir de él, se implementó la vigilancia de las IAC en todas las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos participantes. La educación y la vigilancia continua son necesarias para mantener y mejorar los resultados alcanzados.

Premio Salud Investiga 2016 / 2016 Investiga Health Award

La dirección de investigación para la salud (ex comisión nacional salud investiga) tiene dentro de sus objetivos el fomento a investigaciones éticas y de calidad, así como la promoción de la gestión del conocimiento en función de estos fines y en ocasión de cumplir el décimo aniversario de su creación, en 2012 se instituyeron los Premios salud investiga; destinados a distinguir a aquellos profesionales e instituciones que hayan obtenido becas de investigación ôcarrillo û oñativiaö, cuyos resultados hayan constituido un aporte para la toma de decisiones clínicas o sanitarias del nivel local, regional o nacional. En esta edición del total de postulaciones recibidas se preseleccionaron doce postulaciones por cumplir íntegramente con los requisitos solicitados para el concurso, de los cuales seis correspondieron a la categoría de estudio individual y el resto a la categoría multicentrico

Ensayo clínico escalonado para reducción de eventos adversos en terapias intensivas pediátricas / Phased clinical trial to reduce adverse events in pediatric intensive care

INTRODUCCIÓN En el contexto clínico la efectividad de la comunicación es primordial y debe ser considerada como un proceso de interacción. Los errores en la comunicación representaron la tercera causa de eventos centinelas. Una comunicación efectiva y estandarizada anticipa y limita los posibles eventos adversos. OBJETIVO Evaluar el efecto de la implementación de un programa de traspaso sobre la reducción en la frecuencia de errores de la atención medica en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP). Diseño; Ensayo clínico escalonado. Población; Médicos involucrados en traspasos en UCIP de la Argentina. Duración; 01/07/2018 hasta el 31/05/2019. Intervención; Paquete de medidas de estandarización del traspaso de pacientes que consta de; una herramienta escrita, una mnemotecnia oral, una capacitación de trabajo en equipo, un "workshop" introductorio, una campaña publicitaria, simulación para el aprendizaje de un traspaso adecuado, observación y devolución estandarizada de los traspasos.RESULTADOS Se revisaron 1465 historias clínicas, no se observaron diferencias en las tasas de EA prevenibles cada 1000 días de internación (control 60.4 [37.5; 97.4] vs. intervención 60.4 [33.2; 109.9], p=0.3568, RR;1.21 [IC95%;0.80;1.83]), sin cambios en las categorías o tipos de EA. Se evaluaron 847 traspasos. Hubo una mejoría en todos los ítems que evalúan un traspaso adecuado, tanto verbal como escrito. El cumplimiento global de todos los elementos en cada traspaso fue mayor en el grupo intervención (verbal; 18% [4.8-39.5] vs. 0 [0-0], p=0.0101, RR;18.0 [I IC95%;2.0;47.0]; escrito; 22.5% [3.5-51.2] vs. 0 [0- 0], p=0.0167, RR; 22.5 [IC95%;0.0;63.0]). Se observó un mayor tiempo por paciente, para completar un traspaso, en la etapa intervención (7.29 minutes [5.77; 8.81] vs. 5.96 [4.69; 7.23]; p <0.0002, RR;1.33 [IC95%;0.64; 2.02]), y sin cambios en el tiempo total utilizado (control; 35.7 [29.6; 41.8] vs. intervention; 34.7 [26.5; 42.1]; p = 0.4900, RR;1.43 [IC95%;-2.63; 5.49]). Se obtuvieron 82 respuestas en el período control y 87 en el de intervención, de la encuesta de la AHRQ dimensión comunicación. No se verificaron cambios en la percepción de la comunicación en ambos grupos. DISCUSIÓN Se observó una mejora en la calidad de los traspasos, luego de la implementación de una versión en español de I-PASS. No se observaron diferencias en los EA, ni en la percepción de mejora en la comunicación evaluada por una encuesta

[A comparison of two systems for hydration of children with diabetic ketoacidosis. a randomized controlled trial]. / Comparación de dos sistemas de aporte de soluciones hidroelectrolíticas para el manejo de la cetoacidosis diabética: ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorizado en niños.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) requires hourly controls of blood glucose, which define changes in the intravenous glucose and insulin administration. Every change requires preparing a new solution, wasting time and allowing errors. The two bag system (same electrolytes composition, but one with and the other without glucose) allows immediate changes in glucose administration rate, just by changing the solutions drip. OBJECTIVE: To compare the time needed to reach stabilization of patients with DKA using two different hydration systems: the traditional one (1 glucose/electrolyte solution) vs. the alternative one (2 glucose/electrolyte solutions -"two bag system"-). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial, including children aged 1 to 18 years, hospitalized for DKA (glycemia >200 mg/dl, pH <7.3, bicarbonate <15 mmol/L, glycosuria and ketonuria). After initial emergency re-hydration, patients were randomized to one of the 2 hydration systems (traditional or alternative), using it until patient stabilization (glycemia ≤250 mg/dl, pH ≥ 7.3, bicarbonate ≥ 15 mmol/L); the time required to reach stabilization was the outcome variable. RESULTS: After enrolling 12 of the 32 planned subjects (6 in each group) Data Monitoring Committee performed a scheduled interim analysis, finding that the time required to reach stabilization was significantly shorter using the alternative system (9.8±1.16 hs vs. 13.3±2.8 hs; p=0.018). Because of the magnitude of this finding, the Ethics Committee decided to terminate the study.

Introducción: El tratamiento de la cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) requiere controles horarios de glucemia que definen modificaciones en la administración de insulina y glucosa endovenosa. En cada cambio se prepara una nueva solución endovenosa, generando retrasos y, eventualmente, errores. El sistema de dos soluciones hidroelectrolíticas (idéntica composición electrolítica, una con glucosa y otra sin) en paralelo unidas en una vía común al paciente, permite cambios inmediatos en el flujo de glucosa, con la sola modificación de los goteos. Objetivo: Comparar el tiempo requerido para la estabilización de pacientes con CAD, utilizando dos sistemas de hidratación: tradicional (1 solución hidroelectrolítica) vs. alternativo (2 soluciones hidroelectrolíticas ­"two bags"-). Métodos: Ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorizado que incluyó niños de 1 a 18 años, hospitalizados por CAD (glucemia >200 mg/dl, pH <7,3, bicarbonato <15 mmol/L, glucosuria y cetonuria). Luego de la hidratación inicial, los pacientes fueron aleatorizados a uno de 2 sistemas de hidratación (tradicional o alternativo), manteniéndolo hasta la estabilización del paciente (glucemia ≤250 mg/dl, pH ≥7,3, bicarbonato ≥15 mmol/L); el tiempo requerido en alcanzar la estabilización fue la variable de resultado. Resultados: Al incorporar 12 de los 32 sujetos previstos (6 en cada grupo¬) el Comité de Monitoreo de Seguridad efectuó análisis interino preestablecido, encontrando que el tiempo en alcanzar la estabilización fue significativamente menor con el sistema alternativo (9,8±1,16 horas vs. 13,3±2,8 horas; p=0,018). Debido a la magnitud del hallazgo, se consultó al Comité de Ética, decidiendo suspender el estudio. Conclusión: El sistema alternativo ("two-bags") permitió alcanzar la estabilización del paciente con CAD en un tiempo significativamente menor.

Infección grave por Staphylococcus aureus en tres unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Análisis de los casos de neumonía necrotizante / Severe Staphylococcus aureus infection in three pediatric intensive care units. Analysis of cases of necrotizing pneumonia

El Staphylococcus aureus afecta frecuentemente al ser humano. Dentro de las manifestaciones clínicas, la neumonía necrotizante se asocia a una alta mortalidad. Nuestro objetivo es describir la evolución de las infecciones graves por Staphylococcus aureus en tres unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas y analizar los casos de neumonía necrotizante en el período del 01-2011 al 03-2013. Se analizaron 43 pacientes; 76,7% presentaron infección adquirida en la comunidad, y en 31 fue por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina adquirido en la comunidad. El principal motivo de ingreso fue la claudicación respiratoria. Se documentó bacteriemia en el 55,8% de los casos. El 86% de los ingresos requirieron asistencia respiratoria mecánica y 27 pacientes desarrollaron shock séptico. La estadía en la unidad de terapia intensiva fue de 13 (5-25) días, y la mortalidad, del 14%. La neumonía necrotizante estuvo presente en el 51% de los casos. Conclusión. Se identificó una alta proporción de infección adquirida en la comunidad. La neumonía necrotizante se asociócon una peor evolución.

Staphylococcus aureus frequently affects human beings. Among clinical manifestations, necrotizing pneumonia is associated with a high mortality rate. Our objective is to describe the progress of severe Staphylococcus aureus infections in three intensive care units and analyze cases of necrotizing pneumonia in the period ranging from January 2011 to March 2013. Forty- three patients were studied, 76.7% had a community-acquired infection, and 31 had community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The main reason for admission was respiratory failure. Bacteremia was confirmed in 55.8% of cases. Mechanical ventilation was required in 86% of admitted patients, while 27 patients developed septic shock. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 13 (5-25) days, and the mortality rate was 14%. Necrotizing pneumonia was observed in 51% of cases. Conclusion. A high rate of community-acquired infection was identified. Necrotizing pneumonia was associated with a worse clinical course.

Severe Staphylococcus aureus infection in three pediatric intensive care units: analysis of cases of necrotizing pneumonia.

Staphylococcus aureus frequently affects human beings. Among clinical manifestations, necrotizing pneumonia is associated with a high mortality rate. Our objective is to describe the progress of severe Staphylococcus aureus infections in three intensive care units and analyze cases ofnecrotizing pneumonia in the period ranging from January 2011 to March 2013. Forty-three patients were studied, 76.7% had a community-acquired infection, and 31 had community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The main reason for admission was respiratory failure. Bacteremia was confirmed in 55.8% of cases. Mechanical ventilation was required in 86% of admitted patients, while 27 patients developed septic shock. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 13 (5-25) days, and the mortality rate was 14%. Necrotizing pneumonia was observed in 51% of cases. Conclusion. A high rate of community-acquired infection was identified. Necrotizing pneumonia was associated with a worse clinical course.

Severe Staphylococcus aureus infection in three pediatric intensive care units: analysis of cases of necrotizing pneumonia. / Severe Staphylococcus aureus infection in three pediatric intensive care units: analysis of cases of necrotizing pneumonia.

Staphylococcus aureus frequently affects human beings. Among clinical manifestations, necrotizing pneumonia is associated with a high mortality rate. Our objective is to describe the progress of severe Staphylococcus aureus infections in three intensive care units and analyze cases ofnecrotizing pneumonia in the period ranging from January 2011 to March 2013. Forty-three patients were studied, 76.7

had a community-acquired infection, and 31 had community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The main reason for admission was respiratory failure. Bacteremia was confirmed in 55.8

of cases. Mechanical ventilation was required in 86

of admitted patients, while 27 patients developed septic shock. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 13 (5-25) days, and the mortality rate was 14

. Necrotizing pneumonia was observed in 51

of cases. Conclusion. A high rate of community-acquired infection was identified. Necrotizing pneumonia was associated with a worse clinical course.

Levodopa treatment of late onset extrapyramidal movements in a child after high voltage electrocution.

We present the case of a 12-year-old girl with abnormal extrapyramidal movements associated with basal ganglia lesions after electrical injury. After her injury, our patient initially did well and recovered from acute cardiovascular and hemodynamic instability, and the results of her neurological examination, head computed tomography scan, and electroencephalogram were normal on discharge from hospital. Two weeks after discharge, she developed extrapyramidal movements, and head magnetic resonance imaging showed areas of bilateral, symmetrical enhanced associated with signal intensity in the basal ganglia, hypoxic encephalopathy, and cerebral edema that may have occurred secondary to the cardiopulmonary arrest that she suffered immediately after her accident. The symptoms disappeared after low dose levodopa was instituted and have not recurred during the 15 months of treatment. Injury and death from electric current, although rare, are not uncommon and occur mostly as a result of accidental contact with a live wire. This is the first case report documenting the use of levodopa for extrapyramidal movements secondary to high-tension electrocution.

High mortality in patients with influenza A pH1N1 2009 admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit: a predictive model of mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients admitted to pediatric intensive care with influenza A (pH1N1) 2009 in Argentina. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Thirteen pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. SUBJECTS: One hundred and forty-two patients with confirmed or suspected influenza A (H1N1). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We included 142 critically ill patients. The median age was 19 months (range, 2-110 months) with 39% of the patients <24 months of age. Ninety-nine patients (70%) had an underlying disease. Influenza A (pH1N1) 2009 infection was confirmed in 90 patients and the remaining 52 had a positive direct immunofluorescence assay for influenza A. The median length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit was 12 days (range, 2-52 days). One hundred eighteen patients (83%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and 19 patients were treated with noninvasive ventilation; however, seven of the patients receiving noninvasive ventilation later needed mechanical ventilation. Sixty-eight patients died (47%) with the most frequent cause refractory hypoxemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age <24 months (odds ratio, 2.87; 2.35-3.93), asthma (odds ratio, 1.34; 1.20-2.91), and respiratory coinfection with respiratory syncytial virus (odds ratio, 2.92; 1.20-4.10) were associated with higher mortality. As expected, mechanical ventilation and treatment with inotropes were also associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with 2009 pH1N1 influenza was high (47%) in our population. Age <24 months, asthma, respiratory coinfection, need of mechanical ventilation, and treatment with inotropes were predictors of poorer outcome.