A case-control study of Clostridioides difficile symptomatic infections in a pediatric cancer hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze and identify documented infections and possible risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infections in children with cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study, carried out in a pediatric cancer hospital, covering the years 2016-2019. Matching was performed by age and underlying disease, and for each case, the number of controls varied from 1 to 3. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors. RESULTS: We analyzed 63 cases of documented infection by C. difficile and 125 controls. Diarrhea was present in all cases, accompanied by fever higher than 38°C in 52.4% of the patients. Mortality was similar among cases (n=4; 6.3%) and controls (n=6; 4.8%; p=0.7). In all, 71% of patients in the case group and 53% in the control group received broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to the infection. For previous use of vancomycin, the Odds Ratio for C. difficile infection was 5.4 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.3-12.5); for meropenem, 4.41 (95%CI 2.1-9.2); and for cefepime, 2.6 (95%CI 1.3-5.1). For the antineoplastic agents, the Odds Ratio for carboplatin was 2.7 (95%CI 1.2-6.2), melphalan 9.04 (95%CI 1.9-42.3), busulfan 16.7 (95%CI 2.1-134.9), and asparaginase 8.97 (95%CI 1.9-42.9). CONCLUSIONS: C. difficile symptomatic infection in children with cancer was associated with previous hospitalization and the use of common antibiotics in cancer patients, such as vancomycin, meropenem, and cefepime, in the last 3 months. Chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, melphalan, busulfan, and asparaginase, were also risk factors.

The risks of the new morbidities acquired during pediatric onco-critical care and their life-shortening effects

Abstract Objective: The authors investigated the functional status at ICU admission and at hospital discharge, and the impact of dysfunctions on survivors' lifespan. Method: Single-center retrospective cohort. The FSS (Functional Status Scale) was calculated at ICU admission and at hospital discharge. A new morbidity was defined as an increase in FSS ≥ 3. Results: Among 1002 patients, there were 855 survivors. Of these, 194 (22.6%) had died by the end of the study; 45 (5.3%) had a new morbidity. Means in the motor domain at admission and discharge were 1.37 (SD: 0.82) and 1.53 (SD 0.95, p = 0.002). In the feeding domain, the means were 1.19 (SD 0.63) and 1.30 (SD 0.76), p = 0.002; global means were 6.93 (SD 2.45) and 7.2 (SD 2.94), p = 0.007. Acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, the score PRISM IV, age < 5 years, and central nervous system tumors were independent predictors of new morbidity. New morbidity correlated with lower odds of survival after hospital discharge, considering all causes of death (p = 0.014), and was independently predictive of death (Cox hazard ratio = 1.98). In Weibull models, shortening in the life span of 14.2% (p = 0.014) was estimated as a new morbidity. Conclusions: New morbidities are related to age, disease severity at admission, and SNC tumors. New morbidities, in turn, correlate with lower probabilities of survival and shortening of the remaining life span. Physical rehabilitation interventions in this population of children may have the potential to provide an increase in lifespan.

A case-control study of Clostridioides difficile symptomatic infections in a pediatric cancer hospital / Um estudo caso-controle de infecções sintomáticas por Clostridioides difficile em um hospital oncológico pediátrico

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and identify documented infections and possible risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infections in children with cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study, carried out in a pediatric cancer hospital, covering the years 2016-2019. Matching was performed by age and underlying disease, and for each case, the number of controls varied from 1 to 3. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors. Results: We analyzed 63 cases of documented infection by C. difficile and 125 controls. Diarrhea was present in all cases, accompanied by fever higher than 38°C in 52.4% of the patients. Mortality was similar among cases (n=4; 6.3%) and controls (n=6; 4.8%; p=0.7). In all, 71% of patients in the case group and 53% in the control group received broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to the infection. For previous use of vancomycin, the Odds Ratio for C. difficile infection was 5.4 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.3-12.5); for meropenem, 4.41 (95%CI 2.1-9.2); and for cefepime, 2.6 (95%CI 1.3-5.1). For the antineoplastic agents, the Odds Ratio for carboplatin was 2.7 (95%CI 1.2-6.2), melphalan 9.04 (95%CI 1.9-42.3), busulfan 16.7 (95%CI 2.1-134.9), and asparaginase 8.97 (95%CI 1.9-42.9). Conclusions: C. difficile symptomatic infection in children with cancer was associated with previous hospitalization and the use of common antibiotics in cancer patients, such as vancomycin, meropenem, and cefepime, in the last 3 months. Chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, melphalan, busulfan, and asparaginase, were also risk factors.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e identificar infecções documentadas e possíveis fatores de risco para infecções por Clostridioides difficile em crianças com câncer. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo caso-controle em um hospital pediátrico oncológico, que abrangeu os anos de 2016-2019. O pareamento foi realizado por idade e doença de base e, para cada caso, o número de controles variou de um a três. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para avaliar os fatores de risco. Resultados: Analisamos 63 casos de infecção documentados por C. difficile e 125 controles. A diarreia esteve presente em todos os casos, acompanhada de febre acima de 38°C em 52,4% dos pacientes. A mortalidade foi semelhante entre casos (n=4, 6,3%) e controles (n=6, 4,8%; p=0,7). No grupo caso, 71% dos pacientes e, no grupo controle, 53% deles receberam antibióticos de amplo espectro antes da infecção. Para uso prévio de vancomicina, a Odds Ratio para infecção por C. difficile foi de 5,4 (intervalo de confiança [IC95%] 2,3-12,5); para meropenem, 4,41 (IC95% 2,1-9,2) e, para cefepima, 2,6 (IC95% 1,3-5,1). Para os agentes antineoplásicos, a razão de chances para carboplatina foi de 2,7 (IC95% 1,2-6,2), para melfalano de 9,04 (IC95% 1,9-42,3), para bussulfano de 16,7 (IC95% 2,1-134,9) e, para asparaginase, de 8,97 (IC95% 1,9-42,9). Conclusões: A infecção sintomática por C. difficile em crianças com câncer associou-se à internação prévia e ao uso de antibióticos como vancomicina, meropenem e cefepime nos últimos três meses. Os quimioterápicos carboplatina, melfalano, bussulfano e asparaginase também foram fatores de risco.

ALVEOLAR RECRUITMENT MANEUVERS FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME: A FEASIBILITY STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be a devastating condition in children with cancer and alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) can theoretically improve oxygenation and survival. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of ARMs in critically ill children with cancer and ARDS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 31 maneuvers in a series of 12 patients (median age of 8.9 years) with solid tumors (n=4), lymphomas (n=2), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=2), and acute myeloid leukemia (n=4). Patients received positive end-expiratory pressure from 25 up to 40 cmH20, with a delta pressure of 15 cmH2O for 60 seconds. We assessed blood gases pre- and post-maneuvers, as well as ventilation parameters, vital signs, hemoglobin, clinical signs of pulmonary bleeding, and radiological signs of barotrauma. Pre- and post-values were compared by the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Median platelet count was 53,200/mm3. Post-maneuvers, mean arterial pressure decreased more than 20% in two patients, and four needed an increase in vasoactive drugs. Hemoglobin levels remained stable 24 hours after ARMs, and signs of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or subcutaneous emphysema were absent. Fraction of inspired oxygen decreased significantly after ARMs (FiO2; p=0.003). Oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio increased significantly (p=0.0002), and the oxygenation index was reduced (p=0.01), but all these improvements were transient. Recruited patients' 28-day mortality was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: ARMs, although feasible in the context of thrombocytopenia, lead only to transient improvements, and can cause significant hemodynamic instability.

Undernutrition as an Aggravating Risk for Hospital Death in Critically Ill Children with Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Undernourished children with cancer are at major risk for adverse outcomes. We intended to model nutritional status as risk factor for hospital death. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of two cohorts of children admitted in an oncology/hematology intensive care unit. Logistic regression was used for model building. RESULTS: The derivation cohort had 155 patients, with a median age of 104.9 mo., and 36 deaths (23.2%). Twenty-eight children (18.1%) had the z score of the body mass index < -2. A multivariate model with the variables "relapse of oncological disease" (Odds Ratio 3.14, P = 0.025), "surgical case" (OR 0.22, P = 0.002), "intubation/mechanical ventilation" (OR 8.38, P = 0.000) and "body mass index z score < -2" (OR 3.21, P = 0.024) generated a logit with good predictive capacity for "hospital death". In the validation cohort, with 450 patients (median age of 92.7 mo.), the model was able to predict 55.5 of the 58 observed deaths (Standardized Mortality Rate = 1.04, 95% CI 0.80-1.34, P = 0.72), with P = 0.68 in the Hosmer test. The AUC was 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93). CONCLUSION: Undernutrition increases the risk of death, and is a variable that should be included in predictive mortality algorithms.

Alveolar recruitment maneuvers for children with cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a feasibility study / Manobras de recrutamento alveolar em crianças com câncer e síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo: um estudo de viabilidade

ABSTRACT Objective: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be a devastating condition in children with cancer and alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) can theoretically improve oxygenation and survival. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of ARMs in critically ill children with cancer and ARDS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 31 maneuvers in a series of 12 patients (median age of 8.9 years) with solid tumors (n=4), lymphomas (n=2), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=2), and acute myeloid leukemia (n=4). Patients received positive end-expiratory pressure from 25 up to 40 cmH20, with a delta pressure of 15 cmH2O for 60 seconds. We assessed blood gases pre- and post-maneuvers, as well as ventilation parameters, vital signs, hemoglobin, clinical signs of pulmonary bleeding, and radiological signs of barotrauma. Pre- and post-values were compared by the Wilcoxon test. Results: Median platelet count was 53,200/mm3. Post-maneuvers, mean arterial pressure decreased more than 20% in two patients, and four needed an increase in vasoactive drugs. Hemoglobin levels remained stable 24 hours after ARMs, and signs of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or subcutaneous emphysema were absent. Fraction of inspired oxygen decreased significantly after ARMs (FiO2; p=0.003). Oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio increased significantly (p=0.0002), and the oxygenation index was reduced (p=0.01), but all these improvements were transient. Recruited patients' 28-day mortality was 58%. Conclusions: ARMs, although feasible in the context of thrombocytopenia, lead only to transient improvements, and can cause significant hemodynamic instability.

RESUMO Objetivo: A síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA) pode ser uma condição devastadora em crianças com câncer e as manobras de recrutamento alveolar (MRA) podem melhorar a oxigenação e a sobrevida. O objetivo foi avaliar a viabilidade das MRA em crianças gravemente doentes com câncer e SDRA. Métodos: Analisamos retrospectivamente 31 manobras em 12 pacientes (idade mediana de 8,9 anos), com tumores sólidos (n=4), linfomas (n=2) e leucemias linfoide (n=2) e mieloide agudas (n=4). Os pacientes receberam pressão expiratória final positiva de 25 a 40 cmH20, com delta de pressão de 15 cmH2O por 60 segundos. Gasometrias foram analisadas pré e pós-manobras, bem como os parâmetros de ventilação, sinais vitais, hemoglobina, sinais clínicos de sangramento pulmonar e sinais radiológicos de barotrauma. Valores foram comparados com o teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: A contagem mediana de plaquetas era de 53.200/mm3. Após as manobras, em dois pacientes, a pressão arterial média declinou mais de 20%, e quatro necessitaram de aumento de drogas vasoativas. A hemoglobina permaneceu estável 24 horas após a MRA, sem sinais de pneumotórax, pneumomediastino ou enfisema subcutâneo. Houve diminuição significativa nas frações inspiradas de oxigênio (FiO2; p=0,003). A relação pressão arterial de oxigênio (PaO2)/FiO2 aumentou (p=0,002), e o índice de oxigenação caiu (p=0,01), mas essas melhoras foram transitórias. A mortalidade em 28 dias foi de 58%. Conclusões: As MRA, embora viáveis no contexto da trombocitopenia, levam apenas a melhorias transitórias e podem causar instabilidade hemodinâmica significativa.

A pharmacokinetic model for voriconazole in a highly diversified population of children and adolescents with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The wide pharmacokinetic variability of voriconazole leads to uncertainty regarding adequate exposure. OBJECTIVES: To create a pharmacokinetic model that could help to explain the variability. METHODS: Retrospective review of paediatric patients with cancer. Models were built using Pmetrics. RESULTS: We analysed 158 trough measurements in 55 patients; in 41.8%, the serum levels were between 1 and 6 mg/L on initial measurement. After the measurements, dosage adjustments were made in 42 (76.3%) patients, and the percentage of adequate levels rose to 54.5%. Fourteen deaths (25.4%) were attributed to invasive fungal diseases. The mean serum levels were higher in deceased patients (mean ± SD: 3.1 ± 3.2 mg/L vs 2.5 ± 3.6 mg/L in survivors; P = 0.018), but the median doses per kg were higher in survivors. Drug exposure was also higher in deceased patients (mean ± SD of AUC: 19.2 ± 8.1 vs 9.5 ± 19.1 in survivors; P = 0.005). No correlation was found between serum concentrations <1 mg/L and death attributable to fungal disease. Bioavailability was estimated in 50%. The maximum velocity of clearance was reduced in deceased patients. CONCLUSIONS: Extremely ill patients can be poor metabolizers of voriconazole. Therapeutic monitoring promotes only a limited improvement in drug management.

Síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo relacionada à sepse em crianças com câncer: dinâmica respiratória de uma condição devastadora / Sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome in children with cancer: the respiratory dynamics of a devastating condition

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução clínica e os parâmetros respiratórios de crianças com câncer submetidas à ventilação mecânica que apresentavam síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo relacionada à sepse. Métodos: Este estudo longitudinal, prospectivo e observacional de coorte com duração de 2 anos incluiu 29 crianças e adolescentes. Dados clínicos, avaliações de gasometria sanguínea e parâmetros ventilatórios foram coletados em quatro momentos diferentes. As flutuações entre as avaliações e as diferenças entre as médias estimadas foram analisadas por meio de modelos lineares mistos, tendo como parâmetro primário (endpoint) a ocorrência de óbito dentro de 28 dias após o início da síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Resultados: Ocorreram 17 óbitos dentro de 28 dias após o início da síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, e outros 7 entre 29 e 60 dias. Apenas cinco pacientes sobreviveram por mais de 60 dias. Nove (31%) pacientes faleceram como consequência direta de hipoxemia refratária, e os demais em razão de falência de múltiplos órgãos e choque refratário a catecolaminas. Em 66% das avaliações, o volume corrente demandado para obter saturação de oxigênio igual ou acima de 90% foi superior a 7mL/kg. As médias estimadas de complacência dinâmica foram baixas e similares para sobreviventes e não sobreviventes, porém com inclinação negativa da reta entre a primeira e última avaliações, acompanhada por uma inclinação negativa da reta para volume corrente nos não sobreviventes. Os não sobreviventes tiveram significantemente mais hipoxemia, com relações PaO2/FiO2 que demonstravam médias mais baixas e inclinação negativa da reta nas quatro avaliações. As pressões pico, expiratória e média das vias aéreas demonstraram inclinações positivas na reta para os não sobreviventes, que também apresentaram mais acidose metabólica. Conclusões: Na maioria de nossas crianças com câncer, a sepse e a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo evoluíram com deterioração dos índices ventilatórios e progressiva disfunção de órgãos, o que tornou esta tríade praticamente fatal em crianças.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical course and respiratory parameters of mechanically ventilated children with cancer suffering from sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: This 2-year prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study enrolled 29 children and adolescents. Clinical data, measurements of blood gases and ventilation parameters were collected at four different time points. Fluctuations between measurements as well as differences in estimated means were analyzed by linear mixed models in which death within 28 days from the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome was the primary endpoint. Results: There were 17 deaths within 28 days of acute respiratory distress syndrome onset and another 7 between 29 - 60 days. Only 5 patients survived for more than 60 days. Nine (31%) patients died as a direct consequence of refractory hypoxemia, and the others died of multiple organ failure and catecholamine-refractory shock. In 66% of the measurements, the tidal volume required to obtain oxygen saturation equal to or above 90% was greater than 7mL/kg. The estimated means of dynamic compliance were low and were similar for survivors and non-survivors but with a negative slope between the first and final measurements, accompanied by a negative slope of the tidal volume for non-survivors. Non-survivors were significantly more hypoxemic, with PaO2/FiO2 ratios showing lower estimated means and a negative slope along the four measurements. Peak, expiratory and mean airway pressures showed positive slopes in the non-survivors, who also had more metabolic acidosis. Conclusions: In most of our children with cancer, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome progressed with deteriorating ventilation indexes and escalating organic dysfunction, making this triad nearly fatal in children.

Sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome in children with cancer: the respiratory dynamics of a devastating condition. / Síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo relacionada à sepse em crianças com câncer: dinâmica respiratória de uma condição devastadora.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the clinical course and respiratory parameters of mechanically ventilated children with cancer suffering from sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS:: This 2-year prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study enrolled 29 children and adolescents. Clinical data, measurements of blood gases and ventilation parameters were collected at four different time points. Fluctuations between measurements as well as differences in estimated means were analyzed by linear mixed models in which death within 28 days from the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome was the primary endpoint. RESULTS:: There were 17 deaths within 28 days of acute respiratory distress syndrome onset and another 7 between 29 - 60 days. Only 5 patients survived for more than 60 days. Nine (31%) patients died as a direct consequence of refractory hypoxemia, and the others died of multiple organ failure and catecholamine-refractory shock. In 66% of the measurements, the tidal volume required to obtain oxygen saturation equal to or above 90% was greater than 7mL/kg. The estimated means of dynamic compliance were low and were similar for survivors and non-survivors but with a negative slope between the first and final measurements, accompanied by a negative slope of the tidal volume for non-survivors. Non-survivors were significantly more hypoxemic, with PaO2/FiO2 ratios showing lower estimated means and a negative slope along the four measurements. Peak, expiratory and mean airway pressures showed positive slopes in the non-survivors, who also had more metabolic acidosis. CONCLUSIONS:: In most of our children with cancer, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome progressed with deteriorating ventilation indexes and escalating organic dysfunction, making this triad nearly fatal in children.

Vancomycin serum concentrations in pediatric oncologic/hematologic intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND: Usual treatment regimens with vancomycin often fail to provide adequate serum levels in patients with severe infections. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of vancomycin trough serum measurements. The following parameters were calculated by Bayesian analysis: vancomycin clearance, distribution volume, and peak estimated concentrations. The area under the concentration curve (AUC) (total daily dose/24 h clearance of vancomycin) was used to determine the effectiveness of treatment through the ratio of AUC/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) above 400, using MIC=1 µg/mL, based on isolates of Staphylococci in cultures. RESULTS: Sixty-one vancomycin trough measurements were analyzed in 31 patients. AUC/MIC>400 was obtained in 34 out of 61 dosages (55.7%), but the mean vancomycin dose required to achieve these levels was 81 mg/kg/day. In cases where the usual doses were administered (40-60 mg/kg/day), AUC/MIC>400 was obtained in nine out of 18 dosages (50%), in 13 patients. Trough serum concentrations above 15 mg/L presented a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 71% for AUC/MIC>400. CONCLUSION: Higher than usual vancomycin doses may be required to treat staphylococcal infections in children with oncologic/hematologic diseases. Since the best known predictor of efficacy is the AUC/MIC ratio, serum trough concentrations must be analyzed in conjunction with MICs of prevalent Staphylococci and pharmacokinetic tools such as Bayesian analysis.

Vancomycin serum concentrations in pediatric oncologic/hematologic intensive care patients

BACKGROUND: Usual treatment regimens with vancomycin often fail to provide adequate serum levels in patients with severe infections. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of vancomycin trough serum measurements. The following parameters were calculated by Bayesian analysis: vancomycin clearance, distribution volume, and peak estimated concentrations. The area under the concentration curve (AUC) (total daily dose/24 h clearance of vancomycin) was used to determine the effectiveness of treatment through the ratio of AUC/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) above 400, using MIC = 1 µg/mL, based on isolates of Staphylococci in cultures. RESULTS: Sixty-one vancomycin trough measurements were analyzed in 31 patients. AUC/MIC > 400 was obtained in 34 out of 61 dosages (55.7%), but the mean vancomycin dose required to achieve these levels was 81 mg/kg/day. In cases where the usual doses were administered (40-60 mg/kg/day), AUC/MIC > 400 was obtained in nine out of 18 dosages (50%), in 13 patients. Trough serum concentrations above 15 mg/L presented a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 71% for AUC/MIC > 400. CONCLUSION: Higher than usual vancomycin doses may be required to treat staphylococcal infections in children with oncologic/hematologic diseases. Since the best known predictor of efficacy is the AUC/MIC ratio, serum trough concentrations must be analyzed in conjunction with MICs of prevalent Staphylococci and pharmacokinetic tools such as Bayesian analysis.

Prática de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica / Red blood cell transfusion practice in a pediatric intensive care unit

Objectives: To describe a population of children that received red blood cell transfusions. Methods: A retrospective observational study carried out at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Instituto da Criança of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina of Universidade de São Paulo in 2004, with children that received red blood cell transfusions. Results: Transfusion of red blood cells was performed in 50% of thepatients hospitalized. Median age was 18 months, and the primary motive for admission was respiratory insufficiency (35%). Underlying disease was present in 84% of the cases and multiple organ and system dysfunction in 46.2%. The median value of pretransfusion hemoglobin concentration was 7.8 g/dL. Transfused patients were undergoing some form of therapeutic procedure in 82% of the cases. Conclusions:Red blood cell transfusions are performed at all ages. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit rate are the primary data used to indicate these transfusions. The values of arterial serum lactate and SvO2 were seldom used. Most patients transfused were submitted to some form of therapeutic procedure, and in many cases, transfusions were carried out in patients with multiple organ and system dysfunctions.

Objetivo: Descrever a população de crianças que recebeu transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional, realizado no Centro de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrico do Instituto da Criança do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, em 2004, com crianças que receberam transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos. Resultados: A transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos foi realizada em 50% dos pacientes internados. A idade mediana foi de 18 meses e o principal motivo de internação foi insuficiência respiratória (35% dos casos). Doença de base estava presente em 84% dos casos e disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e sistemas em 46,2% dos casos. A mediana da concentração de hemoglobina pré-transfusional foi de 7,8 g/dL. Os pacientes transfundidos estavam sendo submetidos a algum procedimento terapêutico em 82% dos casos. Conclusão: São realizadas transfusões de glóbulos vermelhos em todas as idades. A concentração de hemoglobina e a taxa de hematócrito são os principais dados utilizados para a indicação dessas transfusões. O lactato sérico arterial e a SvO2 foram pouco utilizados. A maioria dos pacientes transfundidos foi submetida a algum procedimento terapêutico e, em muitos casos, foram realizadas transfusões em pacientes que apresentam disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e sistemas.

Noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in children: a systematic review / Ventilação não invasiva em crianças com insuficiência respiratória aguda: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: To evaluate the use of the non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of children with acute respiratory failure. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted in MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases and references of articles. Blood oxygenation, ventilation and survival were the outcomes evaluated. Results: Until May 2010, 120 publications related to non-invasive ventilation were found. Only 19 of them were clinical trials focused on the use of non-invasive ventilation in children. There are already prospective clinical trials and cohort studies to support a quality of evidence level II concerning the use of non-invasive ventilation in children. Conclusions: There is moderate evidence to support the non-invasive ventilation use in children, with a B-II grade of recommendation.

Objetivo: Avaliar o papel da ventilação não invasiva no tratamento de crianças com insuficiência respiratória aguda. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura sobre ventilação não invasiva nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE e Cochrane, além de referências de artigos. Os desfechos avaliados foram resposta sobre a oxigenação e ventilação sanguínea, e a sobrevida dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram encontrados 120 estudos sobre ventilação não invasiva até Maio de 2010. Destes, apenas 19 eram sobre ventilação não invasiva em crianças. Já há ensaios clínicos prospectivos e de coorte, levando a uma qualidade de evidência nível II sobre o uso de ventilação não invasiva em crianças. Conclusão: Já há evidência científica para recomendar o uso da ventilação não invasiva, com um grau de recomendação B-II.

Noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in children - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of noninvasive ventilation in the treatment of children with acute respiratory failure. METHODS: A systematic review of literature on noninvasive ventilation in MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, besides references in articles. The outcomes evaluated were responses in blood oxygenation and ventilation, and patient survival. RESULTS: A total of 120 studies on noninvasive ventilation were found as of May, 2010. Of these, only 19 were about noninvasive ventilation in children. On the other hand, there are prospective and cohort clinical trials leading to a level II quality of evidence concerning the use of noninvasive ventilation in children. CONCLUSION: There is scientific evidence for proposing the use of noninvasive ventilation, with a B-II degree of recommendation.

Red blood cell transfusion practice in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a population of children that received red blood cell transfusions. METHODS: A retrospective observational study carried out at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Instituto da Criança of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina of Universidade de São Paulo in 2004, with children that received red blood cell transfusions. RESULTS: Transfusion of red blood cells was performed in 50% of the patients hospitalized. Median age was 18 months, and the primary motive for admission was respiratory insufficiency (35%). Underlying disease was present in 84% of the cases and multiple organ and system dysfunction in 46.2%. The median value of pretransfusion hemoglobin concentration was 7.8 g/dL. Transfused patients were undergoing some form of therapeutic procedure in 82% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Red blood cell transfusions are performed at all ages. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit rate are the primary data used to indicate these transfusions. The values of arterial serum lactate and SvO2were seldom used. Most patients transfused were submitted to some form of therapeutic procedure, and in many cases, transfusions were carried out in patients with multiple organ and system dysfunctions.

How is mechanical ventilation employed in a pediatric intensive care unit in Brazil?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between mechanical ventilation and mortality and the practice of mechanical ventilation applied in children admitted to a high-complexity pediatric intensive care unit in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted to a Brazilian high-complexity PICU who were placed on mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more, between October 1(st), 2005 and March 31(st), 2006. RESULTS: Of the 241 patients admitted, 86 (35.7%) received mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more. Of these, 49 met inclusion criteria and were thus eligible to participate in the study. Of the 49 patients studied, 45 had chronic functional status. The median age of participants was 32 months and the median length of mechanical ventilation use was 6.5 days. The major indication for mechanical ventilation was acute respiratory failure, usually associated with severe sepsis / septic shock. Pressure ventilation modes were the standard ones. An overall 10.37% incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was found, in addition to tidal volumes > 8 ml/kg, as well as normo- or hypocapnia. A total of 17 children died. Risk factors for mortality within 28 days of admission were initial inspiratory pressure, pH, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, oxygenation index and also oxygenation index at 48 hours of mechanical ventilation. Initial inspiratory pressure was also a predictor of mechanical ventilation for periods longer than 7 days. CONCLUSION: Of the admitted children, 35.7% received mechanical ventilation for 24 h or more. Pressure ventilation modes were standard. Of the children studied, 91% had chronic functional status. There was a high incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, but a lung-protective strategy was not fully implemented. Inspiratory pressure at the beginning of mechanical ventilation was a predictor of mortality within 28 days and of a longer course of mechanical ventilation.

How is mechanical ventilation employed in a pediatric intensive care unit in Brazil?

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the relationship between mechanical ventilation and mortality and the practice of mechanical ventilation applied in children admitted to a high-complexity pediatric intensive care unit in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted to a Brazilian high-complexity PICU who were placed on mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more, between October 1st, 2005 and March 31st, 2006. RESULTS: Of the 241 patients admitted, 86 (35.7 percent) received mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more. Of these, 49 met inclusion criteria and were thus eligible to participate in the study. Of the 49 patients studied, 45 had chronic functional status. The median age of participants was 32 months and the median length of mechanical ventilation use was 6.5 days. The major indication for mechanical ventilation was acute respiratory failure, usually associated with severe sepsis / septic shock. Pressure ventilation modes were the standard ones. An overall 10.37 percent incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was found, in addition to tidal volumes > 8 ml/kg, as well as normo- or hypocapnia. A total of 17 children died. Risk factors for mortality within 28 days of admission were initial inspiratory pressure, pH, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, oxygenation index and also oxygenation index at 48 hours of mechanical ventilation. Initial inspiratory pressure was also a predictor of mechanical ventilation for periods longer than 7 days. CONCLUSION: Of the admitted children, 35.7 percent received mechanical ventilation for 24 h or more. Pressure ventilation modes were standard. Of the children studied, 91 percent had chronic functional status. There was a high incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, but a lung-protective strategy was not fully implemented. Inspiratory pressure at the beginning of mechanical ventilation was a predictor of mortality within 28 days and of a longer...

Cefepime restriction improves gram-negative overall resistance patterns in neonatal intensive care unit

Antibiotic restriction can be useful in maintaining bacterial susceptibility. The objective of this study was verify if restriction of cefepime, the most frequently used cephalosporin in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), would ameliorate broad-spectrum susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates. Nine hundred and ninety-five premature and term newborns were divided into 3 cohorts, according to the prevalence of cefepime use in the unit: Group 1 (n=396) comprised patients admitted from January 2002 to December 2003, period in which cefepime was the most used broad-spectrum antibiotic. Patients in Group 2 (n=349) were admitted when piperacillin/tazobactam replaced cefepime (January to December 2004) and in Group 3 (n=250) when cefepime was reintroduced (January to September 2005). Meropenem was the alternative third-line antibiotic for all groups. Multiresistance was defined as resistance to 2 or more unrelated antibiotics, including necessarily a third or fourth generation cephalosporin, piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem. Statistics involved Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and logrank tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis. Groups were comparable in length of stay, time of mechanical ventilation, gestational age and birth weight. Ninety-eight Gram-negative isolates were analyzed. Patients were more likely to remain free of multiresistant isolates by Kaplan-Meier analysis in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 (p=0.017) and Group 3 (p=0.003). There was also a significant difference in meropenem resistance rates. Cefepime has a greater propensity to select multiresistant Gram-negative pathogens than piperacillin/tazobactam and should not be used extensively in neonatal intensive care.