Bihemispheric Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring's Functionality in Suspected Cerebral Edema Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Therapeutic 3% Hyperosmolar Therapy in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Suspected cerebral edema diabetic ketoacidosis (SCEDKA) is more common than perceived with symptoms including altered mentation, headache with vomiting, depressed Glasgow coma scale (GCS), abnormal motor or verbal responses, combativeness, and neurological depression. Suspected cerebral edema diabetic ketoacidosis has been associated with initial diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) presentation and at start of DKA therapy.Cerebral oximetry (bihemispheric regional cerebral oxygen saturation [rcSO2] and cerebral blood volume index [CBVI]) can detect increased intracranial pressure (ICP)-induced altered bihemispheric cerebral physiology (rcSO2) (Crit Care Med 2006;34:2217-2223, J Pediatr 2013;163: 1111-1116, Curr Med Chem 2009;16:94-112, Diabetologia 1985;28:739-742, Pediatr Crit Care Med 2013;14:694-700). In pediatrics, rcSO2 of less than 60% or rcSO2 of greater than 85% reflects increased ICP and cerebral edema (Crit Care Med 2006;34:2217-2223, J Pediatr 2013;163: 1111-1116, Curr Med Chem 2009;16:94-112, Diabetologia 1985;28:739-742, Pediatr Crit Care Med 2013;14:694-700). Cerebral oximetry can detect increased ICP-induced altered bihemispheric cerebral physiology (rcSO2, CBVI) and cerebral physiological changes (rcSO2, CBVI changes) during therapeutic mechanical cerebral spinal fluid removal to decrease increased ICP (Crit Care Med 2006;34:2217-2223, J Pediatr 2013;163: 1111-1116, Curr Med Chem 2009;16:94-112, Diabetologia 1985;28:739-742, Pediatr Crit Care Med 2013;14:694-700).In the pediatric intensive care units, SCEDKA patients with nonbihemispheric cerebral oximetry showed an initial rcSO2 of greater than 90%. Bihemispheric rcSO2 with CBVI in SCEDKA patients has the potential to detect the abnormal cerebral physiology and disruptive autoregulation while detecting 3% hypertonic saline solution (HTS) effects on the SCEDKA altered cerebral physiology (rcSO2). PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to analyze and compare 3% HTS effect on bihemispheric rcSO2 readings, neurological and biochemical parameters in SCEDKA with 3% HTS infusion to non-SCEDKA patients in pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS: An observational retrospective comparative analysis study of bihemispheric rcSO2 readings, neurological and biochemical parameters in 2 groups of PED DKA patients were performed: PED DKA patients with SCEDKA +3% HTS infusions versus non-SCEDKA without 3% HTS infusions. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2013, of the 1899 PED DKA patients, 60 SCEDKA patients received 3% HTS (5 mL/kg via peripheral intravenous) infusion (median age of 5 years [range, 3.7-7 years]), with 42 new DKA insulin dependent diabetes mellitus onset. Suspected cerebral edema diabetic ketoacidosis patients had GCS of 11 (range, 11-12), with consistent SCEDKA signs and symptoms (severe headaches with vomiting, confusion, blurred vision, altered speech, lethargy, and combativeness). Suspected cerebral edema diabetic ketoacidosis patients' initial (0-5 minutes) left rcSO2 readings were 91.4% (range, 88.4%-94.1%) and right was 90.3% (range, 88.6%-94.1%) compared with non-SCEDKA patients' left rcSO2 readings of 73.2% (range, 69.7%-77.8%) and right of 73.2% (range, 67.6%-77%) (P < 0.0001). The rcSO2 monitoring time before 3% HTS infusion was 54.9 minutes (range, 48.3-66.8 minutes) with 3% HTS time effect change: pre-3% HTS (54.9 minutes [range, 48.3-66.8 minutes]). Before 3% HTS infusion, the left rcSO2 readings were 90.0% (range, 89%-95%) and right was 91% (range, 86%-95%). The 30 to 45 minutes post-3% HTS showed that left was 64% (range, 62%-69%) and right was 65.4% (range, 63%-70%) (P < 0.0001). rcSO2 Δ change for post-3% HTS (0-20 minutes) to pre-3% HTS was as follows: left, -26.58 (-29.5 to -23.7) (P < 0.0001); right, -25.2 (-27.7 to -22.6) (P < 0.0001). Post-3% HTS GCS (14,15) and biochemistry compared with pre-3% HTS infusions all improved (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In PED SCEDKA patients, the pre-3% HTS bihemispheric rcSO2 readings were greater than 90% and had lower GCS than non-SCEDKA patients. The post-3% HTS infusion rcSO2 readings showed within minutes a substantial reduction compared with non-SCEDKA patients, with no complications. Changes in rcSO2 readings after 3% HTS correlated with improved SCEDKA indicators (improved mental status, headache, and GCS) without any complications. We showed that cerebral oximetry in PED SCEDKA patients has shown an initial bihemispheric of greater than 90% readings signifying abnormal bihemispheric cerebral physiology. We also showed the cerebral oximetry's functionality in detecting 3% HTS therapeutic effects on SCEDKA's abnormal cerebral physiology and the beneficial therapeutic effects of 3% HTS infusion in SCEDKA patients. Using cerebral oximetry in pediatric DKA patients' initial cerebral assessment could have a significant impact in detecting SCEDKA patients. Further SCEDKA research using cerebral oximetry should be considered.

Hypothermia as an Outcome Predictor Tool in Pediatric Trauma: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothermia is an independent risk factor for mortality in adult trauma patients. Two small studies have shown similar results in pediatric trauma patients. Temperature is not included in any pediatric trauma assessment scores. This study sought to compare mortality and various descriptive outcomes between pediatric hypothermic and normothermic trauma patients. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Trauma Database from 2009 to 2012. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were stratified by presence of isolated head injury, head injury with multiple trauma, and absence of head injury. These groups were then subdivided into hypothermic (temperature ≤36°C) and normothermic groups. We used propensity score matching to 1:1 match hypothermic and normothermic patients. Mortality, neurosurgical interventions, endotracheal intubation, blood transfusion, length of stay, laparotomy, thoracotomy, conversion of cardiac rhythm, and time receiving mechanical ventilation were evaluated. RESULTS: Data from 3,011,482 patients were obtained. There were 414,562 patients who met the inclusion criteria. In all patients meeting inclusion criteria, hypothermia was a significant risk factor in all outcomes measured. Following stratification and 1:1 matching, in all groups, hypothermia was associated with increased mortality (P < 0.0001), increased rate of endotracheal intubation (P < 0.0002), increased need for blood transfusion (P < 0.0025), and conversion of cardiac rhythm (P < 0.0027). CONCLUSION: Hypothermia has been shown to be a significant prognostic indicator in the pediatric trauma patient with further potential application. Future studies are indicated to evaluate the incorporation of hypothermia into the Pediatric Trauma Score not only to help predict injury severity and mortality but also to improve appropriate and expeditious patient transfer to pediatric trauma centers and potentially facilitate earlier intervention.

Assessing the Impact of 3% Hypertonic Saline Hyperosmolar Therapy on Intubated Children With Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury by Cerebral Oximetry in a Pediatric Emergency Setting.

BACKGROUND: Intubated pediatric patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a diagnostic challenge for early detection of altered cerebral physiology instigated by trauma-induced increased intracranial pressure (ICP) while preventing secondary neuronal damage (secondary insult detection) and assessing the effects of increased ICP therapeutic interventions (3% hypertonic saline [HTS]). Invasive brain tissue oxygen monitoring is guiding new intensive care unit TBI management but is not pediatric emergency department (PED) readily accessible. Objective measurements on pediatric isolated TBI-altered bihemispheric cerebral physiology and treatment effects of 3% HTS are currently lacking. Cerebral oximetry can assess increased ICP-induced abnormal bihemispheric cerebral physiology by measuring regional tissue oxygenation (rcSO2) and cerebral blood volume index (CBVI) and the mechanical cerebrospinal fluid removal effects on the increased ICP-induced abnormal bihemispheric cerebral physiology.In the PED intubated patients with isolated TBI, assessing the 3% HTS therapeutic response is solely by vital signs and limited clinical assessment skills. Objective measurements of the 3% HTS hyperosmolar effects on the PED isolated TBI patients' altered bihemispheric cerebral physiology are lacking. We believe that bihemispheric rcSO2 and CBVI could elucidate similar data on 3% HTS impact and influence in the intubated isolated TBI patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of 3% HTS on bihemispheric rcSO2 and CBVI in intubated patients with isolated TBI. METHODS: An observational, retrospective analysis of bihemispheric rcSO2 and CBVI readings in intubated pediatric patients with isolated TBI receiving 3% HTS infusions, was performed. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2017, 207 intubated patients with isolated TBI received 3% HTS infusions (median age, 2.9 [1.1-6.9 years]; preintubation Glasgow Coma Scale score, 7 [6-8]). The results were as follows: initial pre-3% HTS, 43% (39.5% to 47.5%; left) and 38% (35% to 42%; right) for rcSO2 < 60%, and 8 (-28 to 21; left) and -15 (-34 to 22; right) for CBVI; post-3% HTS, 68.5% (59.3% to 76%, P < 0.0001; left) and 62.5% (56.0% to 74.8%, P < 0.0001; right) for rcSO2 < 60%, and 12 (-7 to 24, P = 0.04; left) and 14 (-21 to 22, P < 0.0001; right) for CBVI; initial pre-3% HTS, 90% (83% to 91%; left) and 87% (82% to 92%; right) for rcSO2 > 80%, and 16.5 (6 to 33, P < 0.0001; left) and 16.8 (-2.5 to 27.5, P = 0.005; right) for CBVI; and post-3% HTS, 69% (62% to 72.5%, P < 0.0001; left) and 63% (59% to 72%, P < 0.0001; right) for rcSO2 > 80%, and 16.5 (6 to 33, P < 0.0001; left) and 16.8 (-2.5 to 27.5, P = 0.005; right) for CBVI. The following results for cerebral pathology pre-3% HTS were as follows: epidural: 85% (58% to 88.5%) for left rcSO2 and -9.25 (-34 to 19) for left CBVI, and 85.5% (57.5% to 89%) for right rcSO2 and -12.5 (-21 to 27) for CBVI; subdural: 45% (38% to 54%) for left rcSO2 and -9.5 (-25 to 19) for left CBVI, and 40% (33% to 49%) for right rcSO2 and -15 (-30.5 to 5) for CBVI. The following results for cerebral pathology post-3% HTS were as follows: epidural: 66% (58% to 69%, P = 0.03) for left rcSO2 and 15 (-1 to 21, P = 0.0004) for left CBVI, and 63% (52% to 72%, P = 0.009) for right rcSO2, and 15.5 (-22 to 24, P = 0.02) for CBVI; subdural: 63% (56% to 72%, P < 0.0001) for left rcSO2 and 9 (-20 to 22, P < 0.0001) for left CBVI, and 62.5% (48% to 73%, P < 0.0001) for right rcSO2, and 3 (-26 to 22, P < 0.0001) for CBVI. Overall, heart rate showed no significant change. Three percent HTS effect on interhemispheric rcSO2 difference >10 showed rcSO2 < 60%, and subdural hematomas had the greatest reduction (P < 0.001). The greatest positive changes occurred in bihemispheric or one-hemispheric rcSO2 < 60% with an interhemispheric discordance rcSO2 > 10 and required the greatest number of 3% HTS infusions. For 3% HTS 15% rcSO2 change time effect, all patients achieved positive change with subdural hematomas and hemispheric rcSO2 readings <60% with the shortest achievement time of 1.2 minutes (0.59-1.75; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In intubated pediatric patients with isolated TBI who received 3% HTS infusions, bihemispheric rcSO2 and CBVI readings immediately detected and trended the 3% HTS effects on the trauma-induced cerebral pathophysiology. The 3% HTS infusion produced a significant improvement in rcSO2 and CBVI readings and a reduction in interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance differences. In patients with bihemispheric or one-hemispheric rcSO2 readings <60% with or without an interhemispheric discordance, rcSO2 > 10 demonstrated the greatest significant positive delta change and required the greatest numbers of 3% HTS infusions. Overall, 3% HTS produced a significant positive 15% change within 2.1 minutes of infusion, whereas heart rate showed no significant change. During trauma neuroresuscitation, especially in intubated isolated TBI patients requiring 3% HTS, cerebral oximetry has shown its functionality as a rapid adjunct neurological, therapeutic assessment tool and should be considered in the initial emergency department pediatric trauma neurological assessment and neuroresuscitation regimen.

Predicting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Renal Replacement Therapy in Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli-infected Children.

BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are leading causes of pediatric acute renal failure. Identifying hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) risk factors is needed to guide care. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, historical cohort study to identify features associated with development of HUS (primary outcome) and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) (secondary outcome) in STEC-infected children without HUS at initial presentation. Children aged <18 years who submitted STEC-positive specimens between January 2011 and December 2015 at a participating study institution were eligible. RESULTS: Of 927 STEC-infected children, 41 (4.4%) had HUS at presentation; of the remaining 886, 126 (14.2%) developed HUS. Predictors (all shown as odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) of HUS included younger age (0.77 [.69-.85] per year), leukocyte count ≥13.0 × 103/µL (2.54 [1.42-4.54]), higher hematocrit (1.83 [1.21-2.77] per 5% increase) and serum creatinine (10.82 [1.49-78.69] per 1 mg/dL increase), platelet count <250 × 103/µL (1.92 [1.02-3.60]), lower serum sodium (1.12 [1.02-1.23 per 1 mmol/L decrease), and intravenous fluid administration initiated ≥4 days following diarrhea onset (2.50 [1.14-5.46]). A longer interval from diarrhea onset to index visit was associated with reduced HUS risk (OR, 0.70 [95% CI, .54-.90]). RRT predictors (all shown as OR [95% CI]) included female sex (2.27 [1.14-4.50]), younger age (0.83 [.74-.92] per year), lower serum sodium (1.15 [1.04-1.27] per mmol/L decrease), higher leukocyte count ≥13.0 × 103/µL (2.35 [1.17-4.72]) and creatinine (7.75 [1.20-50.16] per 1 mg/dL increase) concentrations, and initial intravenous fluid administration ≥4 days following diarrhea onset (2.71 [1.18-6.21]). CONCLUSIONS: The complex nature of STEC infection renders predicting its course a challenge. Risk factors we identified highlight the importance of avoiding dehydration and performing close clinical and laboratory monitoring.

Management of Croup in the Emergency Department: The Role of Multidose Nebulized Epinephrine.

OBJECTIVES: Croup occasionally requires medical intervention for respiratory distress. Mainstays of treatment are corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine. Diagnosis and assessment of severity remain clinical. Safety of discharge from an emergency department (ED) after treatment with corticosteroids and 1 nebulized epinephrine has been established. No evidence exists regarding risk associated with discharge after multidose nebulized epinephrine. Many patients requiring multidose nebulized epinephrine are reflexively admitted. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the current management of croup, specifically patients requiring multidose nebulized epinephrine. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System was used to extract information on patients diagnosed with croup age 0 to 11 years, evaluated in pediatric EDs from 2004 to 2014, who received corticosteroids and at least 1 nebulized epinephrine. We retrospectively assessed patients requiring multidose nebulized epinephrine, evaluating risk of return for additional care associated with discharges and reviewing admissions for markers of disease severity. RESULTS: A total of 95,403 patients were identified. Those requiring corticosteroids and multidose nebulized epinephrine (N = 8084) were less likely to return for further care if discharged from the ED (5.4% return single dose, 0.8% return multidose: P < 0.0001) and were admitted at a higher rate (10.7% admission single dose, 70.5% admission multidose: P < 0.0001). Of those admitted, only 31.7% received more than 2 treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Patients requiring single-dose nebulized epinephrine are managed differently than those requiring multidose nebulized epinephrine. There is likely a role for multidose nebulized epinephrine in the outpatient management of croup. A prospective study is needed.

Hemispheric Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring During Pediatric Seizure Activity in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Sustained neuronal activity during seizures causes cellular perturbations, alterations in cerebral physiology, and potentially neurological injury, a neurological emergency. With variable clinical manifestations of seizures, frequent failure of seizure recognition by providers in pediatric and developmentally challenged patients can increase seizure complications. Neuroresuscitation should include rapid cerebral physiology assessment for increased seizure recognition and optimal neurological outcomes. In neurological emergencies, cerebral oximetry has demonstrated its utility in altered cerebral physiology and a standard combat neurological assessment tool. During adult seizures, cerebral oximetry (regional cerebral oxygen saturation [rcSO2]) has been shown as a useful neurological assessment tool, but research is lacking in pediatric emergency department (PED) seizure patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify trends in rcSO2 readings for patients presenting to the PED with seizure activity and in the postseizure state in order to evaluate usefulness of rcSO2 as a neurological assessment tool in pediatric seizure patients. METHODS: This was a PED observational case series comparing hemispheric rcSO2 readings in first-time clinically evident generalized and focal seizure patients to first-time postseizure patients with no PED seizures. RESULTS: Generalized or focal seizure (n = 185) hemispheric rcSO2 revealed significant differences compared with nonseizure and controls' rcSO2 readings (n = 115) (P < 0.0001). Generalized and focal seizure rcSO2's were either less than 60% or greater than 80% compared with nonseizure rcSO2 (P < 0.0001). Ipsilateral focal seizure rcSO2 correlated to seizure side (P < 0.0001) and was less than the contralateral rcSO2 (P < 0.0001), with interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance greater than 16 (P < 0.0001). Seizure to preseizure rcSO2 discordance was as follows: generalized 15.2, focal: left 19.8, right 20.3 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Hemispheric during-seizure rcSO2 readings significantly correlated with generalized and focal seizures and reflected altered cerebral physiology. Ipsilateral focal seizure rcSO2 readings correlated to the focal side with wide interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance. All postseizure rcSO2 readings returned to preseizure readings, showing altered cerebral physiology resolution. Overall, in generalized or focal seizure, rcSO2 readings were less than 60% or greater than 80%, and in focal seizure, interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance was greater than 10. During seizures, hemispheric rcSO2 readings demonstrated its potential pediatric seizure utility. Utilizing rcSO2 readings related to seizure activity could expedite pediatric and developmentally challenged patients' seizure recognition, cerebral assessment, and interventions especially in pharmacoresistant seizures.

An Update on Pediatric Stroke Protocol.

Pediatric stroke is relatively rare, with approximately 1000 childhood strokes in the United States per year. However, the occurrence of stroke in children leads to significant morbidity and mortality, warranting the development proven screening tools, protocols, and treatment options. Because significant delays in seeking medical attention can occur, time to recognition of pediatric stroke in the emergency department is uniquely challenging and critical. Once recognized, a trained multidisciplinary team with a multifaceted approach is needed to provide the best possible outcome for the patient. Key elements of the pediatric stroke protocol should include recognition tools, stroke alert mechanism, stroke order sets, timely imaging, laboratory evaluation, and treatment options. Substantial advancements have been made in the field of pediatric stroke protocols mainly due to formation of international consortiums and clinical trial. Despite significant progress, treatment options remain controversial.

An Update on End-Tidal CO2 Monitoring.

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring is not a new modality in the pediatric emergency department (PED) and emergency department. It is the standard of care during certain procedures such as intubations and sedations and can be used in variety of clinical situations. However, ETCO2 may be underused in the PED setting. The implementation of ETCO2 monitoring may be accomplished many ways, but a foundation of capnography principles specifically in ventilation, cardiac output, and current literature regarding its application is essential to successful implementation. It is the intention of this article to briefly review the principles of ETCO2 monitoring and its clinical applications in the PED setting.

Cerebral oximetry with blood volume index and capnography in intubated and hyperventilated patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia leads to cerebral vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion. Intubated patients are often inadvertently hyperventilated during resuscitations, causing theoretical risk for ischemic brain injury. Current emergency department monitoring systems do not detect these changes. The purpose of this study was to determine if cerebral oximetry (rcSo2) with blood volume index (CBVI) would detect hypocapnia-induced cerebral tissue hypoxia and hypoperfusion. METHODS: Patients requiring mechanical ventilation underwent end-tidal CO2 (ETco2), rcSo2, and CBVI monitoring. Baseline data was analyzed and then the effect of varying ETco2 on rcSo2 and CBVI readings was analyzed. Median rcSo2 and CBVI values were compared when above and below the ETco2 30 mmHg threshold. Subgroup analysis and descriptive statistics were also calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with neurologic emergencies and potential increased intracranial pressure were included. Age ranged from 6 days to 15 years (mean age, 3.1 years; SD, 3.9 years; median age, 1.5 years: 0.46-4.94 years). Diagnoses included bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, and seizures. ETco2 crossed 30 mm Hg 80 times. Median left and right rcSO2 when ETCO2 was below 30 mmhg was 40.98 (35.3, 45.04) and 39.84 (34.64, 41) respectively. Median left and right CBVI when ETCO2 was below 30 mmhg was -24.86 (-29.92, -19.71) and -22.74 (-27.23, - 13.55) respectively. Median left and right CBVI when ETCO2 was below 30 mmHg was -24.86 (-29.92, -19.71) and -22.74 (-27.23, -13.55) respectively. Median left and right rcSO2 when ETCO2 was above 30 mmHg was 63.53 (61.41, 66.92) and 63.95 (60.23, 67.58) respectively. Median left and right CBVI when ETCO2 was above 30 mmHg was 12.26 (0.97, 20.16) and 8.11 (-0.2, 21.09) respectively. Median duration ETco2 was below 30 mmHg was 17.9 minutes (11.4, 26.59). Each time ETco2 fell below the threshold, there was a significant decrease in rcSo2 and CBVI consistent with decreased cerebral blood flow. While left and right rcSO2 and CBVI decreased quickly once ETCO2​ was below 30 mmHg, increase once ETCO2​ was above 30 mmHg was much slower. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study has demonstrated the ability of rcSo2 with CBVI to noninvasively detect the real-time effects of excessive hyperventilation producing ETco2 < 30 mmHg on cerebral physiology in an emergency department. We have demonstrated in patients with suspected increased intracranial pressure that ETco2 < 30 mmHg causes a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow and regional tissue oxygenation.

Pediatric Acute Stroke Protocol Activation in a Children's Hospital Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pediatric acute stroke teams are a new phenomenon. We sought to characterize the final diagnoses of children with brain attacks in the emergency department where the pediatric acute stroke protocol was activated and to describe the time to neurological evaluation and neuroimaging. METHODS: Clinical and demographic information was obtained from a quality improvement database and medical records for consecutive patients (age, ≤20 years) presenting to a single institution's pediatric emergency department where the acute stroke protocol was activated between April 2011 and October 2014. Stroke protocol activation means that a neurology resident evaluates the child within 15 minutes, and urgent magnetic resonance imaging is available. RESULTS: There were 124 stroke alerts (age, 11.2±5.2 years; 63 boys/61 girls); 30 were confirmed strokes and 2 children had a transient ischemic attack. Forty-six of 124 (37%) cases were healthy children without any significant medical history. Nonstroke neurological emergencies were found in 17 children (14%); the majority were meningitis/encephalitis (n=5) or intracranial neoplasm (n=4). Other common final diagnoses were complex migraine (17%) and seizure (15%). All children except 1 had urgent neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was the first study in 76%. The median time from emergency department arrival to magnetic resonance imaging was 94 minutes (interquartile range, 49-151 minutes); the median time to computed tomography was 59 minutes (interquartile range, 40-112 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Of pediatric brain attacks, 24% were stroke, 2% were transient ischemic attack, and 14% were other neurological emergencies. Together, 40% had a stroke or other neurological emergency, underscoring the need for prompt evaluation and management of children with brain attacks.

Cerebral oximetry with cerebral blood volume index in detecting pediatric stroke in a pediatric ED.

BACKGROUND: Despite pediatric stroke awareness and pediatric stroke activation systems, recognition and imaging delays along with activation inconsistency still occur. Reliable objective pediatric stroke detection tools are needed to improve detection and activations. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcso2) with cerebral blood volume index (CBVI) can detect abnormal cerebral physiology. OBJECTIVE: To determine cerebral oximetry in detecting strokes in stroke alert and overall stroke patients. METHOD: Left rcso2, right rcso2, and rcso2 side differences for stroke, location, and types were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with stroke alert (n = 25) and overall strokes (n = 52), rcso2 and CBVI were less than those in nonstrokes (n = 133; P < .0001). Rcso2 side differences in stroke alert and overall strokes were greater than in nonstrokes (P < .0001). Lower rcso2 and CBVI correlated with both groups' stroke location, left (P < .0001) and right rcso2 (P = .004). Rcso2 differences greater than 10 had a 100% positive predictive value for stroke. Both groups' rcso2 and CBVI side differences were consistent for stroke location and type (P < .0001). For both groups, left rcso2 and CBVI were greater than those of the right (P < .0001). Hemorrhagic strokes had lower bilateral rcso2 and CBVI than did ischemic strokes (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oximetry and CBVI detected abnormal cerebral physiology, stroke location, and type (hemorrhagic or ischemic). Rcso2 side differences greater than 10 or rcso2 readings less than 50% had a 100% positive predictive value for stroke. Cerebral oximetry has shown potential as a detection tool for stroke location and type in a pediatric stroke alert and nonalert stroke patients. Using cerebral oximetry by the nonneurologist, we found that the patient's rcso2 side difference greater than 10 or one or both sides having less than 50% rcso2 readings suggests abnormal hemispheric pathology and expedites the patient's diagnosis, neuroresuscitation, and radiologic imaging.

Newborn Screening: What Does the Emergency Physician Need to Know?

Newborn screening programs were established in the United States in the early 1960s. Newborn screening programs were then developed by states and have continued to be the responsibility of the state. All states require a newborn screening, but what is required of these programs and screening panels has differed greatly by state. Historically, the most commonly screened disorders are the following: congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, sickle cell disease and associated hemoglobinopathies, biotinidase deficiency, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, and homocystinuria. However, under new guidelines in 2006 and with new advances in technology, the scope of newborn screening programs has expanded to include at a minimum 9 organic acidurias, 5 fatty acid oxidation disorders, 3 hemoglobinopathies, and 6 other conditions. This CME article reviews the logistics of newborn screening and explores the effect of new technology and recent policy on state screens and what that means for providers. This article also highlights several of the disorders most relevant to emergency room physicians and discusses future considerations of newborn screening.

Innovative Application of Cerebral rSO2 Monitoring During Shunt Tap in Pediatric Ventricular Malfunctioning Shunts.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability and potential application of cerebral regional tissue oxygenation (rSO2) monitoring in malfunctioning ventricular shunts during tap. METHODS: This is a prospective case series using convenience sample in subjects with confirmed malfunctioning shunt who had left and right cerebral rSO2 monitoring every 5 seconds before, during, and 1 hour after shunt tap. RESULTS: Ninety-four subjects had cerebral rSO2 monitoring. Sixty-three subjects had proximal malfunctions, and 31 subjects had distal shunt malfunctions. The intrasubject's cerebral rSO2 trend and variability at pretap, during, and posttap times were highly correlated. Overall, the average rSO2 is lower in pretap as compared with posttap. Left cerebral rSO2 had lower means and larger SD as compared with right cerebral rSO2. Left pretap and posttap cerebral rSO2 variability was significantly associated with the location of shunt malfunction regardless of pretap, during, or posttap periods (P < 0.001), whereas right rSO2 variability was not predictive for malfunction location. Left cerebral rSO2 variability showed utility for identifying the location of malfunction with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve equal to 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable cerebral rSO2 readings before, during, and after shunt tap were demonstrated. Left cerebral rSO2 changes from before to after shunt tap were more predictive for shunt malfunction location than right cerebral rSO2 changes. Observing cerebral rSO2 changes in relationship to shunt tap represents a potential surrogate in measuring cerebral pressures and blood flow changes after cerebral spinal fluid drainage. Significantly greater cerebral rSO2 changes occur for distal malfunction versus proximal malfunction after shunt tap, indicating its potential as an adjunct tool for detecting shunt malfunction type.

Cerebral oximetry and cerebral blood flow monitoring in 2 pediatric survivors with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

In pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA), cardiovascular monitoring tools have improved resuscitative endeavors and cardiovascular outcomes but with still poor neurologic outcomes. Regarding cardiac arrest in patients with congenital heart disease during surgery, the application of cerebral oximetry with blood volume index (BVI) during the resuscitation has shown significant results and prognostic significance. We present 2 POHCA patients who had cerebral oximetry with BVI monitoring during their arrest and postarrest phase in the emergency department and its potential prognostic aspect.Basic procedures include left and right cerebral oximetry with BVI monitoring at every 5-second interval during cardiac arrest, resuscitation, and postarrest in 2 POHCA patients in the pediatric emergency department.Regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSo2) with BVI readings in these 2 POHCA survivors demonstrated interesting cerebral physiology, blood flow, and potential prognostic outcome. In 1 patient, the reference range of cerebral rSo2 with positive blood flow during arrest and postarrest phases consistently occurred. This neurologic monitoring had its significance when the resuscitation effectiveness was used and end-tidal CO2 changes were lost. The other patient's cerebral rSo2 with simultaneous BVI readings and trending showed the effectiveness of the emergency medical services (EMS) resuscitation.Cerebral oximetry with cerebral blood flow index monitoring in these POHCA survivors demonstrates compelling periarrest and postarrest cerebral physiology information and prognostication. Cerebral oximetry with cerebral BVI monitoring during these arrest phases has potential as a neurologic monitor for the resuscitative intervention's effectiveness and its possible neurologic prognostic application in the pediatric OCHA patients.

Cerebral oximetry with blood volume index in asystolic pediatric cerebrospinal fluid malfunctioning shunt patients.

Pediatric cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunctions can present with varying complaints. The primary cause is elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Malfunctioning sites are the proximal or distal sites[1-4]. A rare presenting complaint is cardiac arrest. Immediate ICP reduction is the only reversible option for this type of cardiac arrest.

Cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring in pediatric altered mental status patients.

OBJECTIVES: A pilot study assessing the potential utility of cerebral oximetry (local cerebral oxygen saturation [rcSO2]) in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with altered mental status (AMS) and no history of trauma. METHODS: Patients who presented to a tertiary pediatric ED with AMS were monitored with left and right cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy probes and the first 30 minutes of rcSO2 data was analyzed. Patients with a history of trauma were excluded. Patients with an abnormal head computed tomography (CT) (n = 146) were compared with those with a negative head CT (n = 45). RESULTS: Mean rcSO2 values were consistent during each time period studied (5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes). In this study population, rcSO2 less than 50% or greater than 80% and increased absolute difference between the left and right rcSO2 measurements were associated with an abnormal CT scan. A difference of 12.2% between the left and right rcSO2 values had a 100% positive predictive value for an abnormal head CT among our patients. Cumulative graphical plots of rcSO2 trends showed that values <50% were associated with subdural hematomas (SDH) and values >80% were associated with epidural hematomas (EDH). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that cerebral oximetry can noninvasively detect altered cerebral physiology among a selected patient population. The difference between the left and right rcSO2 readings most reliably identified those subjects with altered cerebral physiology. In the future, rcSO2 monitoring has the potential to be used as a screening tool to identify, localize, and characterize intracranial injuries among children with AMS without a history of trauma.

Noninvasive bedside assessment of acute asthma severity using single-breath counting.

OBJECTIVE: The single-breath counting (SBC) method for assessment of asthma exacerbation severity has been evaluated in adults during exacerbations and in pediatric patients during routine settings. Single-breath counting has not been evaluated in children during exacerbations. We sought to assess criterion validity and responsiveness of SBC with percent-predicted FEV1 (%FEV1) and the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM), a validated acute asthma severity score. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled subjects aged 7 to 17 years with acute asthma exacerbations. Single-breath counting, %FEV1, and PRAM were obtained before treatment and 2 hours after initiating therapy. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations of pretreatment SBC with %FEV1 and PRAM (criterion validity) and 2-hour change of these measures (responsiveness). With a 2-sided α of 0.05, SBC SD of 8.5, and 90% power to detect an adjusted R of greater than 0.36 for SBC with each outcome measure, a minimum sample of 20 participants was necessary. RESULTS: From June to November 2011, 51 participants were enrolled, with median (interquartile range) age of 8.46 years (6.92-11.4 years); male sex, n = 40 (78%); and African American race, n = 33 (64%). Before treatment, 42 (92%) were able to successfully perform SBC, and 24 (51%) %FEV1. Median pretreatment SBC obtained was 16 (10-24); %FEV1, 50 (26-71); and PRAM, 5 (1-5). CONCLUSIONS: Single-breath counting demonstrates modest criterion validity for predicting the pretreatment PRAM score and a trend for predicting %FEV1. Single-breath counting does not appear to be responsive to change of these measures in response to treatment and has limited validity as a measure of acute asthma severity.

A 10-month-old with Lemierre syndrome complicated by purulent pericarditis.

Lemierre syndrome is a potentially life-threatening septic thrombophlebitis associated with a neck infection. We present a case of a 10-month-old female infant with Lemierre syndrome complicated by thrombotic strokes and purulent pericarditis. A healthy 10-month-old female infant presented to the pediatric emergency department of our tertiary care center complaining of 5 days of fever to 105°F and 1 day of neck stiffness and decreased oral intake. In the pediatric emergency department, she developed septic shock, requiring vasopressor support, endotracheal intubation, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. A computed tomographic scan demonstrated a neck abscess associated with a right internal jugular thrombus and septic emboli to her lungs and brain. This constellation was consistent with Lemierre syndrome. Further studies demonstrated the thrombus extended into her left ventricular outflow tract. She was emergently taken to the operating room for incision and drainage of her neck abscess, started on anticoagulation with heparin, and eventually transitioned to enoxaparin. Her hospital course was complicated by a middle cerebral artery distribution infarction and subsequent hemorrhagic conversion with generalized tonic clonic seizures managed by levetiracetam. Ten days into her hospital stay, she developed pericardial tamponade, and cardiac surgery performed a pericardial window for loculated, purulent pericardial effusion. Initial blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and the patient was treated with 6 weeks of nafcillin. She has recovered with minimal permanent sequelae. This is one of the youngest cases of Lemierre syndrome documented. To our knowledge, it is also the first case complicated by purulent pericarditis reported in the literature.

Cerebral regional oxygen saturation monitoring in pediatric malfunctioning shunt patients.

BACKGROUND: Shunt malfunction produces increased intracranial pressure causing decreased cerebral regional perfusion and tissue O(2)sat. Cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) by near-infrared spectroscopy represents tissue perfusion and oxygen saturation. Cerebral rSO(2) is used to detect cerebral ischemia in pediatric clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the reliability of cerebral rSO(2) in pediatric malfunctioning shunt. METHODS: A prospective observational study of pediatric patients presented to the pediatric emergency department was conducted. Confirmed malfunctioning shunt subjects had cerebral rSO(2) monitoring. RESULTS: A total of 131 malfunctioning shunt subjects had cerebral rSO(2) monitoring. Patient's central trend and intrasubject variability of cerebral rSO(2) readings for left and right probe and malfunction sites (n = 131) are as follows: Intrasubject left and right rSO(2) Pearson correlation was -0.46 to 0.98 (mean ± SD, 0.35 ± 0.34; median, 0.34; interquartile range, 0.06-0.61). The correlation coefficients of 99 subjects between left and right rSO(2) was significantly different (P < .001), suggesting that intrasubjects' left and right rSO(2) are highly correlated. Sample mean difference between left and right rSO(2) were -1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.8 to -1.6; P < .001) supporting overall left lower than right. Intraclass correlation for left rSO(2) was 87.4% (95% CI, 87.2%-87.6%), and that for right rSO(2) was 83.8% (95% CI, 83.8%-84%), showing intersubject differences accounting for the variation, and relative to intersubject variation, intrasubjects readings are consistent. Intrasubjects, left and right rSO(2) highly correlate and are asymmetrical. Left and right rSO(2) are consistent in intrasubject with large rSO(2) variations in trend and variability across subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates reliable cerebral rSO(2) readings in subjects with malfunctioning shunts, with asymmetrical cerebral rSO(2) hemispheric dynamics within subjects.

Intravenous hypertonic saline use in the pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the use, dosing, and administration of intravenous hypertonic saline (IHS) use in a pediatric emergency department. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients 0 to 18 years receiving IHS as part of their management in a pediatric ED with an annual volume of more than 50,000 visits. RESULTS: Over 4 years, 56 patients received IHS as part of their management in the emergency department. Clinical scenarios for IHS administration included traumatic brain injury with concern for increased intracranial pressure in 19 patients (34%), diabetic ketoacidosis with altered mental status in 18 (32%), hyponatremia without seizure activity in 6 (10.7%), hyponatremic seizure in 3 (5.4%), and altered mental status secondary to a nontraumatic, non-diabetic ketoacidosis cause in 10 (17.9%). The median age of the patients was 11.3 years (interquartile range, 6-13.9 years) receiving a median dose of 4.1 mL/kg (interquartile range, 3.08-5 mL/kg) of IHS. The median time for administration of the IHS was 17 minutes, with 87% of doses given via peripheral intravenous catheters. Approximately one fourth (26.8%) of patients received their dose in 10 minutes or less, with 7.2% of patients receiving a bolus of IHS in 3 minutes or less. We found no evidence of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous hypertonic saline use is increasing within the pediatric emergency department. Within this institution, it is most frequently used at a dosing range of 3 to 5 mL/kg and does not require central venous access for rapid infusion.