Monitoring of the microcirculation in children undergoing major abdominal and thoracic surgery: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of the macrocirculation during surgery provides limited information on the quality of organ perfusion. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the feasibility of perioperative microcirculatory measurements in children. METHODS: Sublingual microvessels were visualized by handheld videomicroscopy in 11 children (19 mo - 10 yrs) undergoing surgery > 120 min at four time points: T0) after induction of anesthesia; T1) before end of anesthesia, T2) 6 h post surgery and T3) 24 h post surgery. RESULTS: Measurements were feasible in all children at T0 and T1. At T2 and T3, imaging was restricted to 6 and 4 infants, respectively, due to respiratory compromise and missing cooperation. The capillary density was reduced at T1 compared to T0 (8.1 mm/mm2 [4.0-17.0] vs. 10.6 mm/mm2 [5.1-19.3]; p = 0.01), and inversely related to norepinephrine dose (Pearson r = -0.65; p = 0.04). Microvascular flow and serum glycocalyx makers Syndecan-1 and Hyaluronan increased significantly from T0 to T1. CONCLUSION: Perioperative microcirculatory monitoring in children requires a high amount of personal and logistic resources still limiting its routine use. Major surgery is associated with microvascular alterations and glycocalyx perturbation. The possible consequences on patient outcome need further evaluation. Efforts should concentrate on the development of next generation devices designed to facilitate microcirculatory monitoring in children.

Prematurity is a critical risk factor for respiratory failure after early inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the earliest timing of inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia with minimized risk for respiratory complications during postoperative course. Methods: We performed a monocentric analysis of patient records of premature and full-term infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair between 2009 and 2016. In addition to demographic and medical parameters, preexisting conditions and the perioperative course were recorded. Results: The study included 499 infants (preterm n = 285; full term n = 214). The number of subsequently ventilated patients was particularly high among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, up to 45.3% (p < 0.001). Less than 10% of subsequent ventilation occurred in preterm infants after 45 weeks of postmenstrual age at the time of surgery or in patients with a body weight of more than 4,100 g. Preterm infants with a bronchopulmonary dysplasia had an increased risk of apneas (p < 0.05). Only 10% of the preterm babies with postoperative apneas weighed more than 3,600 g at the time of surgery or were older than 44 weeks of postmenstrual age. Conclusion: Our data indicate that after the 45th week of postmenstrual age and a weight above 4,100 g, the risk for respiratory failure after general anesthesia seems to be significantly decreased in preterm infants.

[COVID-19 in obstetric anesthesia : Prospective surveillance of peripartum infections with SARS-CoV-2 and peripartum course of disease in affected women]. / COVID-19 in der geburtshilflichen Anästhesie : Prospektive Erfassung von SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt sowie des peripartalen Verlaufs SARS-CoV-2-positiver Schwangerer.

BACKGROUND: In the current pandemic regarding the infection with the SARS-CoV-2-virus and COVID-19 as the disease, concerns about pregnant women, effects on childbirth and the health of the newborn remain high. Initially, due to the early manifestation of the disease in younger patients, high numbers of COVID-19 patients in women needing peripartum care were expected. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide a general overview over the beginning of the pandemic as well as the second wave of infections in Germany and Switzerland, regarding SARS-CoV­2 positive pregnant women hospitalized for childbirth. We therefore launched a registry to gain timely information over the dynamic situation during the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of the COVID-19-related Obstetric Anesthesia Longitudinal Assessment (COALA) registry, centers reported weekly birth rates, numbers of suspected SARS-CoV­2 cases, as well as the numbers of confirmed cases between 16 March and 3 May 2020. Data acquisition was continued from 18 October 2020 till 28 February 2021. The data were analyzed regarding distribution of SARS-CoV­2 positive pregnant women hospitalized for childbirth between centers, calendar weeks and birth rates as well as maternal characteristics, course of disease and outcomes of SARS-CoV­2 positive pregnant women. RESULTS: A total of 9 German centers reported 2270 deliveries over 7 weeks during the first wave of infections including 3 SARS-CoV­2 positive cases and 9 suspected cases. During the second survey period, 6 centers from Germany and Switzerland reported 41 positive cases out of 4897 deliveries. One woman presented with a severe and ultimately fatal course of the disease, while another one needed prolonged ECMO treatment. Of the women 28 presented with asymptomatic infections and 6 neonates were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit for further treatment. There was one case of neonatal SARS-CoV­2 infection. CONCLUSION: The number of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV­2 was at a very low level at the time of delivery, with only sporadic suspected or confirmed cases. Due to the lack of comprehensive testing in the first survey period, however, a certain number of asymptomatic cases are to be assumed. Of the cases 68% presented as asymptomatic or as mild courses of disease but the data showed that even in young healthy patients without the presence of typical risk factors, serious progression can occur. These outcomes should raise awareness for anesthesiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians and intensive care physicians to identify severe cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women during childbirth and to take the necessary precautions to ensure the best treatment of mother and neonate. The prospective acquisition of data allowed a timely assessment of the highly dynamic situation and gain knowledge regarding this vulnerable group of patients.

Impact of clear fluid fasting on pulmonary aspiration in children undergoing general anesthesia: Results of the German prospective multicenter observational (NiKs) study.

BACKGROUND: A preliminary national audit of real fasting times including 3324 children showed that the fasting times for clear fluids and light meals were frequently shorter than recommended in current guidelines, but the sample size was too small for subgroup analyses. AIMS: Therefore, the primary aim of this extended study with more participating centers and a larger sample size was to determine whether shortened fasting times for clear fluids or light meals have an impact on the incidence of regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia in children. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of age, emergent status, ASA classification, induction method, airway management or surgical procedure. METHODS: After the Ethics Committee's approval, at least more than 10 000 children in total were planned to be enrolled for this analysis. Patient demographics, real fasting times, anesthetic and surgical procedures, and occurrence of target adverse events defined as regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration were documented using a standardized case report form. RESULTS: At fifteen pediatric centers, 12 093 children scheduled for surgery or interventional procedures were included between October 2018 and December 2019. Fasting times were shorter than recommended in current guidelines for large meals in 2.5%, for light meals in 22.4%, for formula milk in 5.3%, for breastmilk in 10.9%, and for clear fluids in 39.2%. Thirty-one cases (0.26%) of regurgitation, ten cases (0.08%) of suspected pulmonary aspiration, and four cases (0.03%) of confirmed pulmonary aspiration were reported, and all of them recovered quickly without any consequences. Fasting times for clear fluids shortened from 2 hours to 1 hour did not affect the incidence of adverse events (upper limit 95% CI 0.08%). The sample size of the cohort with fasting times for light meals shorter than 6 hours was too small for a subgroup analysis. An age between one and 3 years (odds ratio 2.7,95% CI 1.3 to 5.8%; P < .01) and emergent procedures (odds ratio 2.8,95% CI 1.4 to 5.7;P < .01) increased the incidence of adverse events, whereas ASA classification, induction method, or surgical procedure had no influence. The clear fluid fasting times were shortest under 6/4/0 as compared to 6/4/1 and 6/4/2 fasting regimens, all with an incidence of 0.3% for adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a clear fluid fasting time shortened from 2 hours to 1 hour does not affect the incidence of regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration, that an age between one and 3 years and emergent status increase the incidence of regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration, and that pulmonary aspiration followed by postoperative respiratory distress is rare and usually shows a quick recovery.

Team performance during postsurgical patient handovers in paediatric care.

Postsurgical handover of paediatric patients from operating rooms to intensive care units is a critical moment. This process is susceptible to errors and inefficiencies particularly if poor teamwork in this multidisciplinary and ad hoc collaboration occurs. Through combining provider- and observer-rated team performance, we aimed to determine agreement levels on team performance and associations with mental demands, disruptions, and stress. An observational and multisource study of provider and concomitant expert-observer ratings was established. In an Academic Paediatric Hospital, we conducted standardized observations of postsurgical handovers to PICU. We applied established observational and self-reported teamwork tools. Nested fixed and mixed models were established to estimate agreement within teams, between providers' and observer's ratings, as well as for estimations between team performance and mental demands, disruptions, and stress outcomes. Thirty-one postsurgical patient handovers were included with overall 109 ratings of involved providers. Provider-perceived team performance was rated high. Within the receiving sub-team, situation awareness was perceived lower compared to the handoff sub-team [F(df = 1) = 4.41, p = .04]. Inter-provider agreement on handover team performance was low for the overall team yet higher within handover sub-teams. We observed that high level of distractions during the handover was associated with inferior team performance rated by observers (B = - 0.72, 95% CI = - 1.44, - 0.01).Conclusion: We observed substantial disagreements on how involved professionals as well as observers rated teamwork during patient transfers. Investigations into paediatric teamwork and particular team-based handovers should carefully consider if concurrent provider and observer assessments are a valid and reliable way to evaluate teamwork in paediatric care. Common handover language should be established and mandatory before jointly evaluating this process. Our findings advocate also that handovers should be performed under low levels of distractions.What is Known:• Efficient teamwork during transfers of critically ill children is fundamental to quality and safety of handover practice.• Postoperative handovers are often performed by ad hoc teams of caregivers with multiple backgrounds and are prone to suboptimal team performance, communication, and information transfer.What is New:• Our provider and expert evaluations of team performance during OR-PICU handovers showed poor agreement for team performance. Our findings challenge previous results drawing upon single source assessments and inform future studies to carefully consider what approach of team performance assessments is required.• We further demonstrate that high levels of disruptions are associated with poor team performance during patient handovers and that efforts to ensure undisrupted handover practices in clinical care are necessary.

[Emergence delirium in children - prophylaxis and treatment]. / Emergence Delir - Prophylaxe und Therapie.

Emergence Delirium in children after general anesthesia is a common and self limitating event. Although it might be seen as being harmless it can cause other serious complications and might leave both parents and other caregivers with a negative impression behind. Although the cause may still not be clear, potential predictors can be named: preschool age, the use of fast acting volatile anesthestics, higher preoperative anxiety levels and postoperative pain.A child-focused approach to reduce preoperative anxiety focusing on distraction methods rather than pharmacological sedation may be the key as well as sufficient postoperative pain control and the use of total intravenous anesthesia. Parenteal presence during induction of anaesthesia (PPIA) may be beneficial to reduce preoperative anxiety levels, but has failed to prove a better outcome regarding ED.The use of age adopted scores/scales to diagnose ED and Pain are mandatory.In the case of an ED event it is most important to protect the child from self injury and the loss of the iv-line. Postoperative pian needs to be ruled out before treating ED. Most cases can be treated by interrupting the situation and putting the child "back to sleep". Short acting drugs as Propofol have been used successfully due to its pharmacodynamics and short acting profile. Alternatively alpha-agonists or ketamin may be preferred by other authors. If potential predictors and a positive history are present, prophylactic treatment should be considered. A TIVA or the use of alpha-2-agonists have proven to be successful in reducing the risk of an ED. Midazolam may reduce preoperative anxiety but not the incidence of ED and should therefore be used carefully and is not a good choice in PACU for the treatment of ED.Parents who witnessed ED in their children should be guided and followed up. Explaining this phenomenon to parents beforehand should be part of the pre anaesthesia clinic talk and written consent.Standard protocols should be in place for treatment in the postoperative period.

Validation of a new method based on ultrasound velocity dilution to measure cardiac output in paediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To validate a novel method of ultrasound dilution (COstatus(®); Transonic Systems, Ithaca, NY) for measuring cardiac output in paediatric patients after biventricular repair of congenital heart disease. METHODS: Children undergoing biventricular repair of congenital heart disease were prospectively identified. Patients with significant intracardiac shunts were excluded. Postoperative cardiac output was measured by ultrasound dilution (COud) and concurrently calculated by the Fick equation (COrms) using measured oxygen consumption by respiratory mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were studied generating 66 individual data sets. Subjects had a median (interquartile range) age of 147 days (11, 216), weight of 4.98 kg (3.78, 6.90) and body surface area of 0.28 m(2) (0.22, 0.34). Of the patients, 66% had peripheral arterial catheters and 34% had femoral cannulation; peripheral arterial lines accounted for 6/8 of unsuccessful studies due to inability to generate sufficient flow. The site of the central venous cannula did not impact the feasibility of completing the study. A mean bias of 0.00 L/min [2 standard deviation (SD) ± 0.76 L/min] between COud and COrms was found with a percentage error of 97%. When comparing cardiac index, bias increased to 0.13 L/min/m(2) (2SD ± 2.16 L/min/m(2)). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac output by ultrasound dilution showed low bias with wide limits of agreement when compared to measurement derived by the Fick equation. Although measurements through central and peripheral arterial lines were completed with minimal difficulties in the majority of patients, the application of COstatus(®) in neonates with low body surface area may be limited.

Use of a pulsatile ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart EXCOR) and an interventional lung assist device (Novalung) in an animal model.

Pulsatile ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used in pediatric patients mainly as a bridge to heart transplantation. If severe respiratory failure occurs, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is currently the treatment of choice. ECMO has the potential for severe complications. Interventional lung assist (iLA) devices, e.g., the Novalung, are used in patients with isolated lung failure. This study aimed to show the feasibility of the combined use of the EXCOR VAD (10 ml and 30 ml blood pumps) and the Novalung. There were two separate experiments within this study. First, a bench test was carried out to analyze pressure and flow through both devices. Second, 10 kg and 30 kg pigs received support with the VAD and iLA in series. Pressures and flow were measured systemically before and after the iLA. Flow was unaffected by the iLA. The mean arterial pressure was reduced (mean of 13 mm Hg) by the iLA. There were no obvious difficulties observed within the interaction of VAD and iLA. The combined use of both devices is feasible and able to provide sufficient perfusion pressures. Oxygenation and CO2 clearance was effectively supported by the iLA. Patients with myocardial and respiratory failure may benefit from this setup.