Recommendations for mechanical ventilation of critically ill children from the Paediatric Mechanical Ventilation Consensus Conference (PEMVECC)

Value of combining lung ultrasound score with oxygenation and functional indices in determining weaning timing for critically ill pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the predictive effectiveness of bedside lung ultrasound score (LUS) in conjunction with rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) and oxygenation index (P/F ratio) for weaning pediatric patients from mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Eighty-two critically ill pediatric patients, who were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and underwent mechanical ventilation from January 2023 to April 2024, were enrolled in this study. Prior to weaning, all patients underwent bedside LUS, with concurrent measurements of their RSBI and P/F ratio. Patients were followed up for weaning outcomes and categorized into successful and failed weaning groups based on these outcomes. Differences in clinical baseline data, LUS scores, RSBI and P/F ratios between the two groups were compared. The predictive value of LUS scores, RSBI and P/F ratios for weaning outcomes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Out of the 82 subjects, 73 (89.02%) successfully weaned, while 9 (10.98%) failed. No statistically significant differences were observed in age, gender, BMI, and respiratory failure-related comorbidities between the successful and failed weaning groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the successful weaning group, the failed weaning group exhibited longer hospital and intubation durations, higher LUS and RSBI, and lower P/F ratios, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). An LUS score ≥ 15.5 was identified as the optimal cutoff for predicting weaning failure, with superior predictive power compared to RSBI and P/F ratios. The combined use of LUS, RSBI and P/F ratios for predicting weaning outcomes yielded a larger area under the curve, indicating higher predictive efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The LUS demonstrates a high predictive value for the weaning outcomes of pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation.

Comparison of carbon dioxide control during pressure controlled versus pressure-regulated volume controlled ventilation in children (CoCO2): protocol for a pilot digital randomised controlled trial in a quaternary paediatric intensive care unit

INTRODUCTION

Digital trials are a promising strategy to increase the evidence base for common interventions and may convey considerable efficiency benefits in trial conduct. Although paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are rich in routine electronic data, highly pragmatic digital trials in this field remain scarce. There are unmet evidence needs for optimal mechanical ventilation modes in paediatric intensive care. We aim to test the feasibility of a digital PICU trial comparing two modes of invasive mechanical ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) control as the outcome measure.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Single-centre, open-labelled, randomised controlled pilot trial with two parallel treatment arms comparing pressure control versus pressure-regulated volume control. Patients are eligible if aged <18 years, weighing >2 kg, have an arterial line and require >60 min of mechanical ventilation during PICU hospitalisation at the University Children's Hospital Zurich. Exclusion criteria include cardiac shunt lesions, pulmonary hypertension under treatment and intracranial hypertension. CO2 is measured using three methods: end-tidal (continuous), transcutaneous (continuous) and blood gas analyses (intermittent). Baseline, intervention and outcome data are collected electronically from the patients' routine electronic health records. The primary feasibility outcome is adherence to the assigned ventilation mode, while the primary physiological outcome is the proportion of time spent within the target range of CO2 (end-tidal, normocarbia defined as CO2 ≥ 4.5 and ≤ 6 kPa). Both primary outcomes are captured digitally every minute from randomisation until censoring (at 48 hours after randomisation, extubation, discharge or death, whichever comes first). Analysis will occur on an intention-to-treat basis. We aim to enrol 60 patients in total. Recruitment started in January 2024 and continued for 9 months.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received ethical approval from the Cantonal Ethics Commission of Zurich (identification number: 2022-00829). Study results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and other media like podcasts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05843123.

The prehospital paediatric emergency care burden managed by a public ambulance service in the Western Cape, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Paediatric mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries account for over 80% of the global burden. In South Africa, one in every 33 children will not reach the age of five. Despite the high mortality rate, there is a paucity of data describing the prehospital paediatric under-five emergency care burden in South Africa. Such data are essential to inform the development of local prehospital emergency care guidelines and targeted prevention strategies.

AIM

This study describes the prehospital paediatric under-five emergency care burden managed by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness (WCGHW) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Africa.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the prehospital records was conducted, extracting epidemiological and clinical data from the WCGHW EMS patient record database. The review included all paediatric cases under-five, managed between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023, in the Western Cape of South Africa.

RESULTS

In the 87 457 cases, there was a similar distribution between the primary cases (50.7%) and interfacility transfers (49.3%). Most activations emanated from rural areas (47 980, 54.9%), with respiratory emergencies (30 934, 35.4%), non-cardiac pain (11 381, 13.0%) and trauma (10 831,12.4%) being the most common presenting complaints. Most cases were prioritised as priority 2 (46 034, 52.6%), with most of these being older children between one and five years old (29 008, 63.0). Low acuity cases accounted for 67.2% (58 818) of the sample, with the highest mortality occurring between 29 days and 12 months (190, 52.9.%). Most patients spent less than one hour in the prehospital setting (64 431, 73.7%), with advanced airway management (748, 43.1%) being the most common airway intervention.

CONCLUSION

This first description of the prehospital paediatric under-five emergency care burden managed by the WCGHW EMS reveals a unique burden, particularly regarding the high interfacility transfer rates. As illustrated in graphical abstract, these findings underscore critical considerations for healthcare planners and the prehospital training environment. Future research among this population should focus on characterising the reasons for the high interfacility transfer rates through assessments of healthcare access, EMS care quality and post-EMS follow-up.

Optimizing perioperative lung protection strategies for reducing postoperative respiratory complications in pediatric patients: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Despite significant advancements in the safe delivery of anesthesia and improvements in surgical techniques, postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) remain a serious concern. PRCs can lead to increased length of hospital stay, worsened patient outcomes, and higher hospital and postoperative costs. Perioperative lung injury and PRCs are more common in children than in adults owing to children's unique physiology and anatomical characteristics. Studies have shown that lung-protective ventilation (LPV) strategies can improve lung function and minimize the risk of PRCs in adults. However, individualized LPV in children remains underexplored. This narrative review provides an overview of the various perioperative pulmonary protection strategies and their effect on pediatric PRCs.

Methods

We searched PubMed for articles published from 2000 to 2024, setting our inclusion criteria to include studies that involved pediatric patients, addressed LPV strategies, and reported data on PRCs. Non-English language studies, case reports, editorials, conference abstracts, and non-full text published literatures were excluded. We utilized the following keyword strategy: (((lung protective ventilation) OR (PEEP)) OR (recruitment maneuver)) OR (low tidal volume) AND (2000:2024[pdat])) AND (pediatric) filters. In total, 1,106 articles were retrieved, with only 23 being deemed relevant to the review. Data extraction and analysis were conducted by two independent researchers to ensure accuracy and consistency. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Key Content and Findings

The key content are an overview of risk factors for PRCs in children including the patients themselves, anesthesia, and surgery, as well as the effectiveness of LPV strategies in pediatric surgery, including low tidal volume (TV), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), ultrasound-guided pulmonary recruitment maneuver (RM), low fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV), as well as fluids, pain, and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). We found that age, mechanical ventilation with general anesthesia, and thoracic surgery increased the risk of PRCs in children. The application of LPV strategies in pediatric surgery had positive effect, including low TV combined with titrated PEEP, age- and physiologically appropriate FiO2, ultrasound-guided RM, target directed fluid infusion, adequate analgesia, and the use of HFNC in special circumstances. However, we also found that the application of LPV has certain potential risks and therefore needs to be implemented according to the patient's actual age and physical condition.

Conclusions

Perioperative LPV strategies show potential benefits in reducing lung injury and PRCs in pediatric patients. These strategies, including low TV, appropriate individualized PEEP, lung RM, and avoidance of high FiO2, appear to be effective methods for protecting lung function in pediatric patients. Additionally, perioperative fluid management and effective pain control are crucial for lung protection. The emerging use of HFNC therapy shows promise, but further research is needed to fully understand its benefits.

Cost-effectiveness of high flow nasal cannula therapy versus continuous positive airway pressure for non-invasive respiratory support in paediatric critical care

BACKGROUND

High flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are two widely used modes of non-invasive respiratory support in paediatric critical care units. The FIRST-ABC randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of HFNC compared with CPAP in two distinct critical care populations: acutely ill children ('step-up' RCT) and extubated children ('step-down' RCT). Clinical effectiveness findings (time to liberation from all forms of respiratory support) showed that HFNC was non-inferior to CPAP in the step-up RCT, but failed to meet non-inferiority criteria in the step-down RCT. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of HFNC versus CPAP.

METHODS

All-cause mortality, health-related Quality of Life (HrQoL), and costs up to six months were reported using FIRST-ABC RCTs data. HrQoL was measured with the age-appropriate Paediatric Quality of Life Generic Core Scales questionnaire and mapped onto the Child Health Utility 9D index score at six months. Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were estimated by combining HrQoL with mortality. Costs at six months were calculated by measuring and valuing healthcare resources used in paediatric critical care units, general medical wards and wider health service. The cost-effectiveness analysis used regression methods to report the cost-effectiveness of HFNC versus CPAP at six months and summarised the uncertainties around the incremental cost-effectiveness results.

RESULTS

In both RCTs, the incremental QALYs at six months were similar between the randomised groups. The estimated incremental cost at six months was - £4565 (95% CI - £11,499 to £2368) and - £5702 (95% CI - £11,328 to - £75) for step-down and step-up RCT, respectively. The incremental net benefits of HFNC versus CPAP in step-down RCT and step-up RCT were £4388 (95% CI - £2551 to £11,327) and £5628 (95% CI - £8 to £11,264) respectively. The cost-effectiveness results were surrounded by considerable uncertainties. The results were similar across most pre-specified subgroups, and the base case results were robust to alternative assumptions.

CONCLUSIONS

HFNC compared to CPAP as non-invasive respiratory support for critically-ill children in paediatric critical care units reduces mean costs and is relatively cost-effective overall and for key subgroups, although there is considerable statistical uncertainty surrounding this result.

Impact of the transpulmonary pressure on right ventricle impairment incidence during acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pilot study in adults and children

BACKGROUND

Right ventricle impairment (RVI) is common during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults and children, possibly mediated by the level of transpulmonary pressure (PL). We sought to investigate the impact of the level of PL on ARDS-associated right ventricle impairment (RVI).

METHODS

Adults and children (> 72 h of life) were included in this two centers prospective study if they were ventilated for a new-onset ARDS or pediatric ARDS, without spontaneous breathing and contra-indication to esophageal catheter. Serial measures of static lung, chest wall, and respiratory mechanics were coupled to critical care echocardiography (CCE) for 3 days. Mixed-effect logistic regression models tested the impact of lung stress (ΔPL) along with age, lung injury severity, and carbon dioxide partial pressure, on RVI using two definitions: acute cor pulmonale (ACP), and RV dysfunction (RVD). ACP was defined as a dilated RV with septal dyskinesia; RVD was defined as a composite criterion using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, S wave velocity, and fractional area change.

RESULTS

46 patients were included (16 children, 30 adults) with 106 CCE (median of 2 CCE/patient). At day one, 19% of adults and 4/7 children > 1 year exhibited ACP, while 59% of adults and 44% of children exhibited RVD. In the entire population, ACP was present on 17/75 (23%) CCE. ACP was associated with an increased lung stress (mean ΔPL of 16.2 ± 6.6 cmH2O in ACP vs 11.3 ± 3.6 cmH2O, adjusted OR of 1.33, CI95% [1.11-1.59], p = 0.002) and being a child. RVD was present in 59/102 (58%) CCE and associated with lung stress. In children > 1 year, PEEP was significantly lower in case of ACP (9.3 [8.6; 10.0] cmH2O in ACP vs 15.0 [11.9; 16.3] cmH2O, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Lung stress was associated with RVI in adults and children with ARDS, children being particularly susceptible to RVI. Trial registration Clinical trials identifier: NCT0418467.

Closed-loop oxygen usage during invasive mechanical ventilation of pediatric patients (CLOUDIMPP): a randomized controlled cross-over study

Background

The aim of this study is the evaluation of a closed-loop oxygen control system in pediatric patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Methods

Cross-over, multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial. Patients between the ages of 1 month and 18 years who were undergoing IMV therapy for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) were assigned at random to either begin with a 2-hour period of closed-loop oxygen control or manual oxygen titrations. By using closed-loop oxygen control, the patients' SpO2 levels were maintained within a predetermined target range by the automated adjustment of the FiO2. During the manual oxygen titration phase of the trial, healthcare professionals at the bedside made manual changes to the FiO2, while maintaining the same target range for SpO2. Following either period, the patient transitioned to the alternative therapy. The outcomes were the percentage of time spent in predefined SpO2 ranges ±2% (primary), FiO2, total oxygen use, and the number of manual adjustments.

Findings

The median age of included 33 patients was 17 (13-55.5) months. In contrast to manual oxygen titrations, patients spent a greater proportion of time within a predefined optimal SpO2 range when the closed-loop oxygen controller was enabled (95.7% [IQR 92.1-100%] vs. 65.6% [IQR 41.6-82.5%]), mean difference 33.4% [95%-CI 24.5-42%]; P < 0.001). Median FiO2 was lower (32.1% [IQR 23.9-54.1%] vs. 40.6% [IQR 31.1-62.8%]; P < 0.001) similar to total oxygen use (19.8 L/h [IQR 4.6-64.8] vs. 39.4 L/h [IQR 16.8-79]; P < 0.001); however, median SpO2/FiO2 was higher (329.4 [IQR 180-411.1] vs. 246.7 [IQR 151.1-320.5]; P < 0.001) with closed-loop oxygen control. With closed-loop oxygen control, the median number of manual adjustments reduced (0.0 [IQR 0.0-0.0] vs. 1 [IQR 0.0-2.2]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Closed-loop oxygen control enhances oxygen therapy in pediatric patients undergoing IMV for AHRF, potentially leading to more efficient utilization of oxygen. This technology also decreases the necessity for manual adjustments, which could reduce the workloads of healthcare providers.

Clinical Trial Registration

This research has been submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05714527).

Development of a Novel Infant Volumetric Capnography Simulator: Making the Invisible Visible Improves Understanding and Safety

INTRODUCTION

Volumetric capnography depicts volumetric capnograms [ie, the plot of expired carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) over the tidal volume]. This bench study aimed to determine the reliability, accuracy, and precision of a novel infant simulator for volumetric capnography. This simulator would be clinically valuable for teaching purposes because it reflects the entire cardiopulmonary physiology within 1 breath.

METHODS

An infant lung simulator was fed with CO 2 supplied by a mass flow controller (VCO 2-IN ) and ventilated using standard settings. A volumetric capnograph was placed between the endotracheal tube and the ventilatory circuit. We simulated ventilated babies of different body weights (2, 2.5, 3, and 5 kg) with a VCO 2 ranging from 12 to 30 mL/min. The correlation coefficient ( r2 ), bias, coefficient of variation (CV = SD/ x × 100), and precision (2 × CV) between the VCO 2-IN and the elimination of CO 2 recorded by the capnograph (VCO 2-OUT ) were calculated. The quality of the capnogram's waveforms was compared with real ones belonging to anesthetized infants using an 8-point scoring system, where 6 points or greater meant that the simulated capnogram showed good, 5 to 3 points acceptable, and less than 3 points an unacceptable shape.

RESULTS

The correlation between VCO 2-IN and VCO 2-OUT was r2 = 0.9953 ( P < 0.001), with a bias of 0.16 (95% confidence intervals from 0.12 to 0.20) mL/min. The CV was 5% or less and the precision was 10% or less. All simulated capnograms showed similar shapes compared with real babies, scoring 6 points for 3 kg and 6.5 points for 2-, 2.5-, and 5-kg babies.

CONCLUSIONS

The simulator of volumetric capnograms was reliable, accurate, and precise for simulating the CO 2 kinetics of ventilated infants.

Management of neurological problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation

INTRODUCTION

Home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) has become a crucial long-term respiratory support for children with neurological disorders, but requires advanced technological skills and 24-h care. The increasing global population of children on HIMV is attributed to advancements in intensive care and improved survival rates.

METHOD

The manuscript will review the most common neurological problems encountered in children on HIMV.

CONCLUSION

The manuscript emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of managing these patients, involving pediatric pulmonologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatric intensivists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, psychologists, and caregivers. The manuscript outlines the challenges posed by neurological disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders, which may result in respiratory muscle weakness and impaired ventilation. The importance of individualized assessments, appropriate ventilator mode and equipment selection, training of caregivers, airway clearance techniques, nutritional support, regular follow-up visits, psychological and educational support, and addressing specific neurological issues such as involuntary movement disorders, prolonged seizures, sleep disorders, pain, sialorrhea, and immobilization-related complications are discussed. The treatment options for these specific challenges are outlined. This review highlights the complex nature of managing children with neurological disorders on HIMV and the importance of a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals and caregivers to optimize care and improve the quality of life for these children.

[Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure. Clinical Practice Guidelines - on behalf of the German Society of Pneumology and Ventilatory Medicine]

The guideline update outlines the advantages as well as the limitations of NIV in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in daily clinical practice and in different indications.Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has a high value in therapy of hypercapnic acute respiratory failure, as it significantly reduces the length of ICU stay and hospitalization as well as mortality.Patients with cardiopulmonary edema and acute respiratory failure should be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oxygen in addition to necessary cardiological interventions. This should be done already prehospital and in the emergency department.In case of other forms of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure with only mild or moderately disturbed gas exchange (PaO2/FiO2 > 150 mmHg) there is no significant advantage or disadvantage compared to high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO). In severe forms of ARDS NIV is associated with high rates of treatment failure and mortality, especially in cases with NIV-failure and delayed intubation.NIV should be used for preoxygenation before intubation. In patients at risk, NIV is recommended to reduce extubation failure. In the weaning process from invasive ventilation NIV essentially reduces the risk of reintubation in hypercapnic patients. NIV is regarded useful within palliative care for reduction of dyspnea and improving quality of life, but here in concurrence to HFNO, which is regarded as more comfortable. Meanwhile NIV is also recommended in prehospital setting, especially in hypercapnic respiratory failure and pulmonary edema.With appropriate monitoring in an intensive care unit NIV can also be successfully applied in pediatric patients with acute respiratory insufficiency.

Chest Physiotherapy for Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to appraise and summarize the effects of chest physiotherapy in mechanically ventilated children. A systematic review was completed by searching Medline, Embase, Cinahl Plus, PEDro, and Web of Science from inception to February 9, 2021. Studies investigating chest physiotherapy for mechanically ventilated children (0-18 years), in a pediatric intensive care unit were included. Chest physiotherapy was defined as any intervention performed by a qualified physiotherapist. Measurements of effectiveness and safety were included. Exclusion criteria included preterm infants, children requiring noninvasive ventilation, and those in a nonacute setting. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria: two randomized controlled trials, three randomized crossover trials, and eight observational studies. The Cochrane risk of bias and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools were used for quality assessment. Oxygen saturations decreased after physiotherapy involving manual hyperinflations (MHI) and chest wall vibrations (CWV). Although statistically significant, these results were not of clinical importance. In contrast, oxygen saturations improved after the expiratory flow increase technique; however, this was not clinically significant. An increase in expiratory tidal volume was demonstrated 30 minutes after MHI and CWV. There was no sustained change in tidal volume following a physiotherapy-led recruitment maneuver. Respiratory compliance and dead-space increased immediately after MHI and CWV. Atelectasis scores improved following intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, and MHI and CWV. Evidence to support chest physiotherapy in ventilated children remains inconclusive. There are few high-quality studies, with heterogeneity in interventions and populations. Future studies are required to investigate multiple physiotherapy interventions and the impact on long-term outcomes.

Lung behavior during a staircase high-frequency oscillatory ventilation recruitment maneuver

BACKGROUND

Lung volume optimization maneuvers (LVOM) are necessary to make physiologic use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), but lung behavior during such maneuvers has not been studied to determine lung volume changes after initiation of HFOV, to quantify recruitment versus derecruitment during the LVOM and to calculate the time to stabilization after a pressure change.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data in subjects < 18 years on HFOV. Uncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) tracings were used to quantify lung recruitment and derecruitment during the LVOM inflation and deflation. The time constant was calculated according to the Niemann model.

RESULTS

RIP data of 51 subjects (median age 3.5 [1.7-13.3] months) with moderate-to-severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) in 85.4% were analyzed. Lung recruitment and derecruitment occurred during the LVOM inflation phase upon start of HFOV and between and within pressure changes. At 90% of maximum inflation pressure, lung derecruitment already started during the deflation phase. Time to stable lung volume (time constant) could only be calculated in 26.2% of all pressure changes during the inflation and in 21.4% during the deflation phase, independent of continuous distending pressure (CDP). Inability to calculate the time constant was due to lack of stabilization of the RIP signal or no change in any direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant heterogeneity in lung behavior during a staircase incremental-decremental LVOM occurred, underscoring the need for higher initial inflation pressures when transitioning from conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and a longer time between pressure changes to allow for equilibration.

Factors associated to mortality in children with critical COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a resource-poor setting

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is usually asymptomatic/mild. However, some patients may develop critical forms. We aimed to describe characteristics and evaluate the factors associated to in-hospital mortality of patients with critical COVID-19/MIS-C in the Amazonian region. This multicenter prospective cohort included critically ill children (1 mo-18 years old), with confirmed COVID-19/MIS-C admitted to 3 tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in the Brazilian Amazon, between April/2020 and May/2023. The main outcome was in-hospital mortality and were evaluated using a multivariable Cox proportional regression. We adjusted the model for pediatric risk of mortality score version IV (PRISMIV) score and age/comorbidity. 266 patients were assessed with 187 in the severe COVID-19 group, 79 included in the MIS-C group. In the severe COVID-19 group 108 (57.8%) were male, median age was 23 months, 95 (50.8%) were up to 2 years of age. Forty-two (22.5%) patients in this group died during follow-up in a median time of 11 days (IQR, 2-28). In the MIS-C group, 56 (70.9%) were male, median age was 23 months and median follow-up was 162 days (range, 3-202). Death occurred in 17 (21.5%) patients with a median death time of 7 (IQR, 4-13) days. The mortality was associated with higher levels of Vasoactive Inotropic-Score (VIS), presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), higher levels of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, (ESR) and thrombocytopenia. Critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 and MIS-C from the Brazilian Amazon showed a high mortality rate, within 12 days of hospitalization.

Calculating intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure from end-expiratory flow in mechanically ventilated children-A study in physical models of the pediatric respiratory system

RATIONALE

The high resistance of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) exposes mechanically ventilated children to a particular risk of developing intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP). To date, determining iPEEP at the bedside requires the execution of special maneuvers, interruption of ventilation, or additional invasive measurements. Outside such interventions, iPEEP may be unrecognized.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new approach for continuous calculation of iPEEP based on routinely measured end-expiratory flow and ETT resistance.

METHODS

First, the resistance of pediatric ETTs with inner diameter from 2.0 to 4.5 mm were empirically determined. Second, during simulated ventilation, iPEEP was either calculated from the measured end-expiratory flow and ETT's resistance (iPEEPcalc ) or determined with a hold-maneuver available at the ventilator (iPEEPhold ). Both estimates were compared with the end-expiratory pressure measured at the ETT's tip (iPEEPdirect ) by means of absolute deviations.

RESULTS

End-expiratory flow and iPEEP increased with decreasing ETT inner diameter and with higher respiratory rates. iPEEPcalc and iPEEPhold were comparable and indicated good correspondence with iPEEPdirect . The largest absolute mean deviation was 1.0 cm H2 O for iPEEPcalc and 1.1 cm H2 O for iPEEPhold .

CONCLUSION

We conclude that iPEEP can be determined from routinely measured variables and predetermined ETT resistance, which has to be confirmed in the clinical settings. As long as this algorithm is not available in pediatric ICU ventilators, nomograms are provided for estimating the prevailing iPEEP from end-expiratory flow.

Critical care of severe bronchiolitis during shortage of ICU resources

Large seasonal outbreaks of bronchiolitis put pressure on healthcare systems and particularly on intensive care units (ICUs). ICU admission is necessary to provide respiratory support to the severest cases, otherwise bronchiolitis can result in substantial mortality. ICU resources are often insufficient and there is scant evidence to guide the ICU clinical management. Most available studies do not cover the ICU-admitted cases and do not consider the associated public health issues. We review this topic through a multidisciplinary approach from both the clinical and public health perspectives, with an analysis based on pathophysiology and cost-effectiveness. We suggest ways to optimise respiratory care, minimise ICU stay, "protect" ICU beds and, whenever possible, make them available for other critically ill children. We also provide guidance on how to prepare ICUs to work under stressful conditions due to outbreaks and to reduce the risk of nosocomial cross-contamination, particularly in ICUs caring for high-risk children.

Funding

None.

Development of personalized non-invasive ventilation masks for critically ill children: a bench study

BACKGROUND

Obtaining a properly fitting non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask to treat acute respiratory failure is a major challenge, especially in young children and patients with craniofacial abnormalities. Personalization of NIV masks holds promise to improve pediatric NIV efficiency. As current customization methods are relatively time consuming, this study aimed to test the air leak and surface pressure performance of personalized oronasal face masks using 3D printed soft materials. Personalized masks of three different biocompatible materials (silicone and photopolymer resin) were developed and tested on three head models of young children with abnormal facial features during preclinical bench simulation of pediatric NIV. Air leak percentages and facial surface pressures were measured and compared for each mask.

RESULTS

Personalized NIV masks could be successfully produced in under 12 h in a semi-automated 3D production process. During NIV simulation, overall air leak performance and applied surface pressures were acceptable, with leak percentages under 30% and average surface pressure values mostly remaining under normal capillary pressure. There was a small advantage of the masks produced with soft photopolymer resin material.

CONCLUSION

This first, proof-of-concept bench study simulating NIV in children with abnormal facial features, showed that it is possible to obtain biocompatible, personalized oronasal masks with acceptable air leak and facial surface pressure performance using a relatively short, and semi-automated production process. Further research into the clinical value and possibilities for application of personalized NIV masks in critically ill children is needed.

The neurological wake-up test in severe pediatric traumatic brain injury: a long term, single-center experience

Objectives

To describe the use and outcomes of the neurological wake-up test (NWT) in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury (pTBI).

Design

Retrospective single-center observational cohort study.

Setting

Medical-surgical tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a university medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center.

Patients

Children younger than 18 years with severe TBI [i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of ≤8] admitted between January 2010 and December 2020. Subjects with non-traumatic brain injury were excluded.

Measurements and main results

Of 168 TBI patients admitted, 36 (21%) met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 8.5 years [2 months to 16 years], 5 patients were younger than 6 months. Median initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Motor Scale (GMS) was 6 [3-8] and 3 [1-5]. NWTs were initiated in 14 (39%) patients, with 7 (50%) labelled as successful. Fall from a height was the underlying injury mechanism in those seven. NWT-failure occurred in patients admitted after traffic accidents. Sedation use in both NWT-subgroups (successful vs. failure) was comparable. Cause of NWT-failure was non-arousal (71%) or severe agitation (29%). Subjects with NWT failure subsequently had radiological examination (29%), repeat NWT (43%), continuous interruption of sedation (14%) or intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring (14%). The primary reason for not doing NWTs was intracranial hypertension in 59%. Compared to the NWT-group, the non-NWT group had a higher PRISM III score (18.9 vs. 10.6), lower GCS/GMS at discharge, more associated trauma, and circulatory support. Nine patients (25%) died during their PICU admission, none of them had an NWT.

Conclusion

We observed limited use of NWTs in pediatric severe TBI. Patients who failed the NWT were indistinguishable from those without NWT. Both groups were more severely affected compared to the NWT successes. Therefore, our results may indicate that only a select group of severe pTBI patients qualify for the NWT.

Weaning from noninvasive respiratory support in children in acute settings: Expert consensus statement using modified Delphi methodology

OBJECTIVE

To reach a consensus on the definition and modalities of weaning from noninvasive ventilation in acute settings.

DESIGN

A modified Delphi survey using closed and open-ended questions.

SETTING

Three rounds of consensus determination were sent via electronic mail survey to 33 experts. The survey questionnaire had four sections: definition of weaning, definition of weaning failure, criteria to initiate weaning, and modalities of weaning. Questions where agreement had been reached on round 1 were no longer part of the survey in rounds 2 and 3.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-five international experts from 10 countries.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Overall, this survey generated positive consensus from experts for 19/35 statements (9 with strong agreement and 10 with weak agreement) about weaning from noninvasive respiratory support. No negative consensus could be identified.

CONCLUSION

The clinical practice statements issued address important aspects of definition of weaning, definition of weaning failure, criteria to initiate weaning, and modalities of weaning in acute settings.

Conservative versus liberal oxygenation targets in critically ill children (Oxy-PICU): a UK multicentre, open, parallel-group, randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal target for systemic oxygenation in critically ill children is unknown. Liberal oxygenation is widely practiced, but has been associated with harm in paediatric patients. We aimed to evaluate whether conservative oxygenation would reduce duration of organ support or incidence of death compared to standard care.

METHODS

Oxy-PICU was a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in 15 UK paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Children admitted as an emergency, who were older than 38 weeks corrected gestational age and younger than 16 years receiving invasive ventilation and supplemental oxygen were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio via a concealed, central, web-based randomisation system to conservative peripheral oxygen saturations ([SpO2] 88-92%) or liberal (SpO2 >94%) targets. The primary outcome was the duration of organ support at 30 days following random allocation, a rank-based endpoint with death either on or before day 30 as the worst outcome (a score equating to 31 days of organ support), with survivors assigned a score between 1 and 30 depending on the number of calendar days of organ support received. The primary effect estimate was the probabilistic index, a value greater than 0·5 indicating more than 50% probability that conservative oxygenation is superior to liberal oxygenation for a randomly selected patient. All participants in whom consent was available were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The completed study was registered with the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN92103439).

FINDINGS

Between Sept 1, 2020, and May 15, 2022, 2040 children were randomly allocated to conservative or liberal oxygenation groups. Consent was available for 1872 (92%) of 2040 children. The conservative oxygenation group comprised 939 children (528 [57%] of 927 were female and 399 [43%] of 927 were male) and the liberal oxygenation group included 933 children (511 [56%] of 920 were female and 409 [45%] of 920 were male). Duration of organ support or death in the first 30 days was significantly lower in the conservative oxygenation group (probabilistic index 0·53, 95% CI 0·50-0·55; p=0·04 Wilcoxon rank-sum test, adjusted odds ratio 0·84 [95% CI 0·72-0·99]). Prespecified adverse events were reported in 24 (3%) of 939 patients in the conservative oxygenation group and 36 (4%) of 933 patients in the liberal oxygenation group.

INTERPRETATION

Among invasively ventilated children who were admitted as an emergency to a PICU receiving supplemental oxygen, a conservative oxygenation target resulted in a small, but significant, greater probability of a better outcome in terms of duration of organ support at 30 days or death when compared with a liberal oxygenation target. Widespread adoption of a conservative oxygenation saturation target (SpO2 88-92%) could help improve outcomes and reduce costs for the sickest children admitted to PICUs.

FUNDING

UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Reviving Hope: A Comprehensive Review of Post-resuscitation Care in Pediatric ICUs After Cardiac Arrest

This comprehensive review thoroughly examines post-resuscitation care in pediatric ICUs (PICUs) following cardiac arrest. The analysis encompasses adherence to resuscitation guidelines, advances in therapeutic interventions, and the nuanced management of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory considerations during the immediate post-resuscitation phase. Delving into the complexities of long-term outcomes, cognitive and developmental considerations, and rehabilitation strategies, the review emphasizes the importance of family-centered care for pediatric survivors. A call to action is presented, urging continuous education, research initiatives, and quality improvement efforts alongside strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration and advocacy for public awareness. Through implementing these principles, healthcare providers and systems can collectively contribute to ongoing advancements in pediatric post-resuscitation care, ultimately improving outcomes and fostering a culture of excellence in pediatric critical care.

Surfactant status assessment and personalized therapy for surfactant deficiency or dysfunction

Surfactant is a pivotal neonatal drug used both for respiratory distress syndrome due to surfactant deficiency and for more complex surfactant dysfunctions (such as in case of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome). Despite its importance, indications for surfactant therapy are often based on oversimplified criteria. Lung biology and modern monitoring provide several diagnostic tools to assess the patient surfactant status and they can be used for a personalized surfactant therapy. This is desirable to improve the efficacy of surfactant treatment and reduce associated costs and side effects. In this review we will discuss these diagnostic tools from a pathophysiological and multi-disciplinary perspective, focusing on the quantitative or qualitative surfactant assays, lung mechanics or aeration measurements, and gas exchange metrics. Their biological and technical characteristics are described with practical information for clinicians. Finally, available evidence-based data are reviewed, and the diagnostic accuracy of the different tools is compared. Lung ultrasound seems the most suitable tool for assessing the surfactant status, while some other promising tests require further research and/or development.

Associations With Severe Desaturation Events Among Children Receiving Noninvasive Respiratory Support at Time of Intubation

BACKGROUND

Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure associated with adverse events, including severe desaturation. Many patients receive noninvasive respiratory support to reduce the need for intubation. There are minimal data about the association between noninvasive respiratory support and the risk of a severe desaturation event during intubation. We aim to differentiate patients based on the level of noninvasive respiratory support, analyze the severe desaturation event by groups, and identify modifiable risk factors.

METHODS

Oral intubations, excluding tube exchanges or re-intubation after unplanned extubation, from October 2018 through July 2020, at the study site were reviewed. A severe desaturation event was defined as [Formula: see text] < 70% or a >15% decrease from baseline in cyanotic heart disease. We analyzed outcomes by 4 groups: room air/nasal cannula (≤0.5 L/kg/min), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) (0.5-2 L/kg/min), high HFNC (≥2 L/kg/min), and noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

RESULTS

Of 243 subjects who were intubated, 31% were receiving room air/nasal cannula, 25% were receiving HFNC, 18% were receiving high HFNC, and 26% were receiving NIV. Twelve percent of all the subjects had a severe desaturation event. In a univariate analysis, the incidence of a severe desaturation event was similar among all levels of respiratory support (P = .14). A severe desaturation event was more likely in those subjects who were receiving [Formula: see text] ≥ 0.6 at the time of the decision to intubate (19.6%) versus [Formula: see text] < 0.6 (8.1%) (P = .02). The duration of noninvasive respiratory support was longer (5 vs 1 h; P = .02) among those with a severe desaturation event. In a regression analysis, when adjusting for ≥2 intubation attempts pre-intubation, NIV use was independently associated with increased odds of severe desaturation events (odds ratio 3.14, CI 1.08-10.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our study suggest that [Formula: see text] > 0.60, the duration of noninvasive respiratory support, and exposure to NIV before an intubation are risk factors of severe desaturation events during intubation.

Pediatric unplanned extubation risk score: A predictive model for risk assessment

BACKGROUND

Unplanned extubation is one of the most common preventable adverse events associated with invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE

This research study aimed to develop a predictive model to identify the risk of unplanned extubation in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODS

This single-center, observational study was conducted at the PICU of the Hospital de Clínicas. Patients were included based on the following criteria: aged between 28 days and 14 years, intubated, and using invasive mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Over 2 years, 2,153 observations were made using the Pediatric Unplanned Extubation Risk Score predictive model. Unplanned extubation occurred in 73 of 2,153 observations. A total of 286 children participated in the application of the Risk Score. This predictive model was created to categorize the following significant risk factors: 1) inadequate placement and fixation of the endotracheal tube (odds ratio 2.00 [95%CI,1.16-3.36]), 2) Insufficient level of sedation (odds ratio 3.00 [95%CI,1.57-4.37]), 3) age ≤ 12 months (odds ratio 1.27 [95%CI,1.14-1.41]), 4) presence of airway hypersecretion (odds ratio 11.00 [95%CI,2,58-45.26]) inadequate family orientation and/or nurse to patient ratio (odds ratio 5.00 [95%CI,2.64-7.99]), and 6) weaning period from mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 3.00 [95%CI,1.67-4.79]) and 5 risk enhancement factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoring system demonstrated effective sensitivity for estimating the risk of UE with the observation of six aspects, which overlap as an isolated risk factor or are associated with a risk enhancement factors.

Comparative Effectiveness of Dual- Versus Mono-Sedative Therapy on Opioid Administration, Sedative Administration, and Sedation Level in Mechanically Ventilated, Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVE

We estimated the effect of early initiation of dual therapy vs monotherapy on drug administration and related outcomes in mechanically ventilated, critically ill children.

METHODS

We used the electronic medical record at a single tertiary medical center to conduct an active comparator, new user cohort study. We included children <18 years of age who were exposed to a sedative or analgesic within 6 hours of intubation. We used stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for confounding at baseline. We estimated the average effect of initial dual therapy vs monotherapy on outcomes including cumulative opioid, benzodiazepine, and dexmedetomidine dosing; sedation scores; time to double the opioid or benzodiazepine infusion rate; initiation of neuromuscular blockade within the first 7 days of follow-up; time to extubation; and 7-day all-cause in-hospital death.

RESULTS

The cohort included 640 patients. Children receiving dual therapy received 0.03 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.02-0.04) more dexmedetomidine over the first 7 days after initiation of mechanical ventilation than did monotherapy patients. Dual therapy patients had similar sedation scores, time to double therapy, initiation of neuromuscular blockade, and time to extubation as monotherapy patients. Dual therapy patients had a lower incidence of death.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, initial dual therapy compared with monotherapy does not reduce overall drug administration during mechanical ventilation. The identified effect of dual therapy on mortality deserves further investigation.

Plateau Pressure and Driving Pressure in Volume- and Pressure-Controlled Ventilation: Comparison of Frictional and Viscoelastic Resistive Components in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To examine frictional, viscoelastic, and elastic resistive components, as well threshold pressures, during volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Seven-bed PICU, Hospital El Carmen de Maipú, Chile.

PATIENTS

Eighteen mechanically ventilated patients less than or equal to 15 years old undergoing neuromuscular blockade as part of management for ARDS.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

All patients were in VCV mode during measurement of pulmonary mechanics, including: the first pressure drop (P1) upon reaching zero flow during the inspiratory hold, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), plateau pressure (P PLAT ), and total positive end-expiratory pressure (tPEEP). We calculated the components of the working pressure, as defined by the following: frictional resistive = PIP-P1; viscoelastic resistive = P1-P PLAT ; purely elastic = driving pressure (ΔP) = P PLAT -tPEEP; and threshold = intrinsic PEEP. The procedures and calculations were repeated on PCV, keeping the same tidal volume and inspiratory time. Measurements in VCV were considered the gold standard. We performed Spearman correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) for patient age was 5 months (2-17 mo). Tidal volume was 5.7 mL/kg (5.3-6.1 mL/kg), PIP cm H 2 O 26 (23-27 cm H 2 O), P1 23 cm H 2 O (21-26 cm H 2 O), P PLAT 19 cm H 2 O (17-22 cm H 2 O), tPEEP 9 cm H 2 O (8-9 cm H 2 O), and ΔP 11 cm H 2 O (9-13 cm H 2 O) in VCV mode at baseline. There was a robust correlation (rho > 0.8) and agreement between frictional resistive, elastic, and threshold components of working pressure in both modes but not for the viscoelastic resistive component. The purely frictional resistive component was negligible. Median peak inspiratory flow with decelerating-flow was 21 (IQR, 15-26) and squared-shaped flow was 7 L/min (IQR, 6-10 L/min) ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

P PLAT , ΔP, and tPEEP can guide clinical decisions independent of the ventilatory mode. The modest purely frictional resistive component emphasizes the relevance of maintaining the same safety limits, regardless of the selected ventilatory mode. Therefore, peak inspiratory flow should be studied as a mechanism of ventilator-induced lung injury in pediatric ARDS.

Long-term non-invasive ventilation in children: Transition from hospital to home

Long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an accepted therapy for sleep-related respiratory disorders and respiratory insufficiency or failure. Increase in the use of long-term NIV may, in part, be driven by an increase in the number of children surviving critical illness with comorbidities. As a result, some children start on long-term NIV as part of transitioning from hospital to home. NIV may be used in acute illness to avoid intubation, facilitate extubation or support tracheostomy decannulation, and to avoid the need for a tracheostomy for long-term invasive ventilation. The decision about whether long-term NIV is appropriate for an individual child and their family needs to be made with care. Preparing for transition from the hospital to home involves understanding how NIV equipment is obtained and set-up, education and training for parents/caregivers, and arranging a plan for clinical follow-up. While planning for these transitions is challenging, the goals of a shorter time in hospital and a child living well at home with their family are important.

Pilot study of an interprofessional pediatric mechanical ventilation educational initiative in two intensive care units

INTRODUCTION

Inappropriate ventilator settings, non-adherence to a lung-protective ventilation strategy, and inadequate patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation can potentially expose critically ill children to additional risks. We set out to improve team theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding pediatric mechanical ventilation and to increase compliance with treatment goals.

METHODS

An educational initiative was conducted from August 2019 to July 2021 in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit of the University Children's Hospital, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. We tested baseline theoretical knowledge using a multiple choice theory test (TT) and practical skills using a practical skill test (PST), consisting of four sequential Objective Structured Clinical Examinations of physicians and nurses. We then implemented an educational bundle that included video self-training, checklists, pocket cards, and reevaluated team performance. Ventilators and monitor settings were randomly checked in all ventilated patients. We used a process control chart and a mixed-effects model to analyze the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 47 nurses and 20 physicians underwent assessment both before and after the implementation of the initiative using TT. Additionally, 34 nurses and 20 physicians were evaluated using the PST component of the initiative. The findings revealed a significant improvement in staff performance for both TT and PST (TT: 80% [confidence interval (CI): 77.2-82.9] vs. 86% [CI: 83.1-88.0]; PST: 73% [CI: 69.7-75.5] vs. 95% [CI: 93.8-97.1]). Additionally, there was a notable increase in self-confidence among participants, and compliance with mechanical ventilation treatment goals also saw a substantial rise, increasing from 87.8% to 94.5%.

DISCUSSION

Implementing a pediatric mechanical ventilation education bundle improved theoretical knowledge and practical skills among interprofessional pediatric intensive care staff and increased treatment goal compliance in ventilated children.

A data-driven model for early prediction of need for invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit patients

RATIONALE

Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening clinical outcome in critically ill pediatric patients. In severe cases, patients can require mechanical ventilation (MV) for survival. Early recognition of these patients can potentially help clinicians alter the clinical course and lead to improved outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To build a data-driven model for early prediction of the need for mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.

METHODS

The study consists of a single-center retrospective observational study on a cohort of 13,651 PICU patients admitted between 1/01/2010 and 5/15/2018 with a prevalence of 8.06% for MV due to respiratory failure. XGBoost (extreme gradient boosting) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) using medication history were used to develop a prediction model that could yield a time-varying "risk-score"-a continuous probability of whether a patient will receive MV-and an ideal global threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The early prediction point (EPP) was the first time the risk-score surpassed the optimal threshold, and the interval between the EPP and the start of the MV was the early warning period (EWT). Spectral clustering identified patient groups based on risk-score trajectories after EPP.

RESULTS

A clinical and medication history-based model achieved a 0.89 area under the ROC curve (AUROC), 0.6 sensitivity, 0.95 specificity, 0.55 positive predictive value (PPV), and 0.95 negative predictive value (NPV). Early warning time (EWT) median [inter-quartile range] of this model was 9.9[4.2-69.2] hours. Clustering risk-score trajectories within a six-hour window after the early prediction point (EPP) established three patient groups, with the highest risk group's PPV being 0.92.

CONCLUSIONS

This study uses a unique method to extract and apply medication history information, such as time-varying variables, to identify patients who may need mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and provide an early warning period to avert it.

Epidemiology and risk factors for thrombosis in children and newborns: systematic evaluation and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis is a serious condition in children and neonates. However, the risk factors for thrombosis have not been conclusively determined. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for thrombosis in children and neonates in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) through a meta-analysis to better guide clinical treatment.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WOS, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP) was conducted to retrieve studies from creation on 23 May 2022. Data on the year of publication, study design, country of origin, number of patients/controls, ethnicity, and type of thrombus were extracted. The publication bias and heterogeneity between studies were assessed, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of thrombosis in children was 2% per year (95% CI 1%-2%, P < 0.01). Infection and sepsis (OR = 1.95, P < 0.01), CVC (OR = 3.66, [95%CL 1.78-7.51], P < 0.01), mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.1, [95%CL1.47-3.01], P < 0.01), surgery (OR = 2.25, [95%CL1.2-4.22], P < 0.01), respiratory distress (OR = 1.39, [95%CL0.42-4.63], P < 0.01), ethnicities (OR = 0.88, [95%CL 0.79-0.98], P = 0.78), gestational age (OR = 1.5, [95%CL1.34-1.68], P = 0.65)were identified as risk factors for thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that CVC, Surgery, mechanical ventilation, Infection/sepsis, gestational age, Respiratory distress, and different ethnicities are risk factors for thrombosis in children and neonates in ICU. These findings may help clinicians to identify high-risk patients and develop appropriate prevention strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD 42022333449).

Pediatric Sepsis: a Summary of Current Definitions and Management Recommendations

Purpose of Review

Pediatric sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. This review will summarize the main aspects of the definition, the current evidence base for interventions discuss some controversial themes and point towards possible areas of improvement.

Recent Findings

Controversy remains regarding the accurate definition, resuscitation fluid volume and type, choice of vasoactive/inotropic agents, and antibiotic depending upon specific infection risks. Many adjunctive therapies have been suggested with theoretical benefits, although definitive recommendations are not yet supported by data. We describe best practice recommendations based on international guidelines, a review of primary literature, and a discussion of ongoing clinical trials and the nuances of therapeutic choices.

Summary

Early diagnosis and timely intervention with antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and vasoactive medications are the most important interventions in sepsis. The implementation of protocols, resource-adjusted sepsis bundles, and advanced technologies will have an impact on reducing sepsis mortality.

Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome in a Moroccan intensive care unit: a retrospective observational study of 23 cases

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition despite medical development. Unlike adult, ARDS, in pediatric population, has been recently defined in the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC), 2015. We conduct a retrospective descriptive study, in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Hassan II University Hospital during a period of 2 years (2019 to 2021) in which we included 23 pediatric cases of ARDS defined using 2012 Berlin criteria. They represent 2.7% of all patients admitted in our unit (23 patients of 850 admissions), with a male predominance 17 males/6 females, the median of age was 4.6 years-old (2 months to 14 years-old). Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) cases were stratified as mild in 13% (n=3), moderate in 52% (n=12), and severe in 35% (n=8). The etiologies were of pulmonary origin (pneumonia, aspiration, pulmonary contusion, and foreign body) in 79% of cases (n=18), and extra-pulmonary origin (sepsis, burn and major trauma) in 21% (n=5). The management was based on lung protective invasive mechanical ventilation (95%, n=22), Prone positioning was applied (26%, n=6), inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was used in (35%, n=8), recruitment maneuvers (56%, n=13), neuromuscular blockade (NMB) (74%, n=17) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 1 case. The outcome was favorable in 65% (n=15) with a mean PICU-stay of 20 days (SD=16 days). Overall mortality rate was 35% (n=8), and 100% (n=5) in case of extrapulmonary (indirect) etiologies. It was proportional to the disease severity, 50% (4 of 8 cases), 33% (4 of 12 cases), and no death respectively in severe, moderate, and mild PARDS. PARDS in our context is a serious problem as it is more frequent in children < 5 years, a population considered as fragile, with a high mortality rate especially in indirect lung etiologies of PARDS.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to fetus or neonate: What to know and what to do?

SARS-CoV-2 can be vertically transmitted from the mother to the fetus and the neonate. This transmission route is rare compared to the environmental or horizontal spread and therefore, the risk can be deemed inconsequential by some medical providers. However, severe, although just as rare, feto-neonatal consequences are possible: fetal demise, severe/critical neonatal COVID-19 and multi-inflammatory syndrome (MIS-N) have been described. Therefore, it is important for the clinicians to know the mechanism of vertical transmission, how to recognize this, and how to deal with neonatal COVID-19 and MIS-N. Our knowledge about this field has significantly increased in the last three years. This is a summary of the pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics of vertical SARS-CoV-2 transmission that clinicians apply in their clinical practice.

Tests and Indices Predicting Extubation Failure in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is lack of consensus on what constitutes best practice when assessing extubation readiness in children. This systematic review aims to synthesize data from existing literature on pre-extubation assessments and evaluate their diagnostic accuracies in predicting extubation failure (EF) in children.

METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane was performed from inception of each database to 15 July 2021. Randomized controlled trials or observational studies that studied the association between pre-extubation assessments and extubation outcome in the pediatric intensive care unit population were included. Meta-analysis was performed for studies that report diagnostic tests results of a combination of parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 41 of 11,663 publications screened were included (total patients, n = 8111). Definition of EF across studies was heterogeneous. Fifty-five unique pre-extubation assessments were identified. Parameters most studied were: respiratory rate (RR) (13/41, n = 1945), partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (10/41, n = 1379), tidal volume (13/41, n = 1945), rapid shallow breathing index (RBSI) (9/41, n = 1400), and spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) (13/41, n = 5652). Meta-analysis shows that RSBI, compliance rate oxygenation pressure (CROP) index, and SBT had sensitivities ranging from 0.14 to 0.57. CROP index had the highest sensitivity [0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.73] and area under curve (AUC, 0.98). SBT had the highest specificity (0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-extubation assessments studied thus far remain poor predictors of EF. CROP index, having the highest AUC, should be further explored as a predictor of EF. Standardizing the EF definition will allow better comparison of pre-extubation assessments.

Doing more with less: The use of non-invasive ventilatory support in a resource-limited setting

OBJECTIVES

Bubble CPAP (bCPAP), a non-invasive ventilation modality, has emerged as an intervention that is able to reduce pneumonia-related mortality in children in low resourced settings. Our study primarily aimed to describe a cohort of children who were started on CPAP in the Medical Emergency Unit (MEU) of Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital 2016-2018.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a randomly selected sample of paper-based folders was conducted. Children started on bCPAP at MEU were eligible for inclusion. Demographic and clinical data, management, and outcomes regarding admission to PICU, need for invasive ventilation and mortality were documented. Descriptive statistical data were generated for all relevant variables. Percentages depicted frequencies of categorical data while medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) were used to summarise continuous data.

RESULTS

Of 500 children started on bCPAP, 266 (53%) were male; their median age was 3.7 (IQR 1.7-11.3) months and 169 (34%) were moderately to severely underweight-for-age. There were 12 (2%) HIV-infected children; 403 (81%) had received appropriate immunisations for their age; and 119 (24%) were exposed to tobacco smoke at home. The five most common primary reasons for admission were acute respiratory illness, acute gastroenteritis, congestive cardiac failure, sepsis and seizures. Most children, 409 (82%), had no underlying medical condition. Most children, 411 (82%), were managed in high care areas of the general medical wards while 126 (25%) went to PICU. The median time on CPAP was 1.7 (IQR 0.9-2.8) days. The median hospitalisation time was 6 (IQR 4-9) days. Overall, 38 (8%) children required invasive ventilatory support. Overall, 12 (2%) children with a median age of 7.5 (IQR 0.7-14.5) months died, six of whom had an underlying medical condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-five percent of children initiated on bCPAP did not require PICU admission. This form of non-invasive ventilatory support should be considered more widely in the context of limited access to paediatric intensive care units in other African settings.

Understanding clinical and biological heterogeneity to advance precision medicine in paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome

Paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that is associated with high rates of mortality and long-term morbidity. Factors that distinguish PARDS from adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) include changes in developmental stage and lung maturation with age, precipitating factors, and comorbidities. No specific treatment is available for PARDS and management is largely supportive, but methods to identify patients who would benefit from specific ventilation strategies or ancillary treatments, such as prone positioning, are needed. Understanding of the clinical and biological heterogeneity of PARDS, and of differences in clinical features and clinical course, pathobiology, response to treatment, and outcomes between PARDS and adult ARDS, will be key to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies and a precision medicine approach to care. Studies in which clinical, biomarker, and transcriptomic data, as well as informatics, are used to unpack the biological and phenotypic heterogeneity of PARDS, and implementation of methods to better identify patients with PARDS, including methods to rapidly identify subphenotypes and endotypes at the point of care, will drive progress on the path to precision medicine.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: From the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and assimilate literature on children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) with the goal of developing an update to the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference recommendations and statements about clinical practice and research.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches of MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost).

STUDY SELECTION

The search used a medical subject heading terms and text words to capture studies of ECMO in PARDS or acute respiratory failure. Studies using animal models and case reports were excluded from our review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Title/abstract review, full-text review, and data extraction using a standardized data collection form.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to identify and summarize evidence and develop recommendations. There were 18 studies identified for full-text extraction. When pediatric data was lacking, adult and neonatal data from randomized clinical trials and observational studies were considered. Six clinical recommendations were generated related to ECMO indications, initiation, and management in PARDS. There were three good practice statements generated related to ECMO indications, initiation, and follow-up in PARDS. Two policy statements were generated involving the impact of ECMO team organization and training in PARDS. Last, there was one research statement.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a systematic literature review, we propose clinical management, good practice and policy statements within the domains of ECMO indications, initiation, team organization, team training, management, and follow-up as they relate to PARDS.

Clinical outcomes according to timing to invasive ventilation due to noninvasive ventilation failure in children

OBJECTIVE

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure it has been associated to worst clinical outcomes due to a delay in intubation and initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). There is a lack of evidence in pediatric patients regarding this topic. The objective was to deter-mine the association between duration of IMV and length of stay, with duration of NIV prior tointubation/IMV in pediatric patients.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study since January 2015 to October 2019.

SETTING

A pediatric intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Children under 15 years with acute respiratory failure who failed to noninvasive ventilation.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Demographic variables, pediatric index of mortality (PIM2), pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) diagnosis, IMV and NIV duration, PICU LOS were registered and intrahospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients with a median (IQR) age of 7 (3-14) months were included. The main diagnosis was pneumonia (89.9%). PARDS was diagnosed in 37.6% of the sample. No association was found between NIV duration and duration of IMV after Kaplan-Meier analysis (Log rank P = .479). There was no significant difference between PICU LOS (P = .253) or hospital LOS (P = 0.669), when categorized by NIV duration before intubation. PARDS diagnosis was associated to an increased length of invasive ventilation (HR: 0.64 [95% IC: 0.42-0.99]).

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between NIV duration prior to intubation and duration of invasive ventilation in critical pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure.

Ebola outbreak in Guinea, 2021: Clinical care of patients with Ebola virus disease

Background

Experience from the Zaire Ebolavirus epidemic in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2018-2020) demonstrates that early initiation of essential critical care and administration of Zaire Ebolavirus specific monoclonal antibodies may be associated with improved outcomes among patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD).

Objectives

This series describes 13 EVD patients and 276 patients with suspected EVD treated during a Zaire Ebolavirus outbreak in Guinea in 2021.

Method

Patients with confirmed or suspected EVD were treated in two Ebola treatment centres (ETC) in the region of N'zérékoré. Data were reviewed from all patients with suspected or confirmed EVD hospitalised in these two ETCs during the outbreak (14 February 2021 - 19 June 2021). Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies, were available 2 weeks after onset of the outbreak.

Results

Nine of the 13 EVD patients (age range: 22-70 years) survived. The four EVD patients who died, including one pregnant woman, presented with multi-organ dysfunction and died within 48 h of admission. All eight patients who received Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies survived. Four of the 13 EVD patients were health workers. Improvement of ETC design facilitated implementation of WHO-recommended 'optimized supportive care for EVD'. In this context, pragmatic clinical training was integrated in routine ETC activities. Initial clinical manifestations of 13 confirmed EVD patients were similar to those of 276 patients with suspected, but subsequently non confirmed EVD. These patients suffered from other acute infections (e.g. malaria in 183 of 276 patients; 66%). Five of the 276 patients with suspected EVD died. One of these five patients had Lassa virus disease and a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) co-infection.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary outbreak response teams can rapidly optimise ETC design. Trained clinical teams can provide WHO-recommended optimised supportive care, including safe administration of Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies. Pragmatic training in essential critical care can be integrated in routine ETC activities.

Contribution

This article describes clinical realities associated with implementation of WHO-recommended standards of 'optimized supportive care' and administration of Ebola virus specific treatments. In this context, the importance of essential design principles of ETCs is underlined, which allow continuous visual contact and verbal interaction of health workers and families with their patients. Elements that may contribute to further quality of care improvements for patients with confirmed or suspected EVD are discussed.

Clinical practice guidelines: management of severe bronchiolitis in infants under 12 months old admitted to a pediatric critical care unit

PURPOSE

We present guidelines for the management of infants under 12 months of age with severe bronchiolitis with the aim of creating a series of pragmatic recommendations for a patient subgroup that is poorly individualized in national and international guidelines.

METHODS

Twenty-five French-speaking experts, all members of the Groupe Francophone de Réanimation et Urgence Pédiatriques (French-speaking group of paediatric intensive and emergency care; GFRUP) (Algeria, Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland), collaborated from 2021 to 2022 through teleconferences and face-to-face meetings. The guidelines cover five areas: (1) criteria for admission to a pediatric critical care unit, (2) environment and monitoring, (3) feeding and hydration, (4) ventilatory support and (5) adjuvant therapies. The questions were written in the Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome (PICO) format. An extensive Anglophone and Francophone literature search indexed in the MEDLINE database via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Embase was performed using pre-established keywords. The texts were analyzed and classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. When this method did not apply, an expert opinion was given. Each of these recommendations was voted on by all the experts according to the Delphi methodology.

RESULTS

This group proposes 40 recommendations. The GRADE methodology could be applied for 17 of them (3 strong, 14 conditional) and an expert opinion was given for the remaining 23. All received strong approval during the first round of voting.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines cover the different aspects in the management of severe bronchiolitis in infants admitted to pediatric critical care units. Compared to the different ways to manage patients with severe bronchiolitis described in the literature, our original work proposes an overall less invasive approach in terms of monitoring and treatment.

No association between thickening fraction of the diaphragm and extubation success in ventilated children

Introduction

In mechanically ventilated adults, thickening fraction of diaphragm (dTF) measured by ultrasound is used to predict extubation success. Whether dTF can also predict extubation success in children is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the association between dTF and extubation success in children. Second, to assess diaphragm thickness during ventilation and the correlation between dTF, diaphragm thickness (Tdi), age and body surface.

Method

Prospective observational cohort study in children aged 0-18 years old with expected invasive ventilation for >48 h. Ultrasound was performed on day 1 after intubation (baseline), day 4, day 7, day 10, at pre-extubation, and within 24 h after extubation. Primary outcome was the association between dTF pre-extubation and extubation success. Secondary outcome measures were Tdi end-inspiratory and Tdi end-expiratory and atrophy defined as <10% decrease of Tdi end-expiratory versus baseline at pre-extubation. Correlations were calculated with Spearman correlation coefficients. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with intraclass correlation (ICC).

Results

Fifty-three patients, with median age 3.0 months (IQR 0.1-66.0) and median duration of invasive ventilation of 114.0 h (IQR 55.5-193.5), were enrolled. Median dTF before extubation with Pressure Support 10 above 5 cmH₂O was 15.2% (IQR 9.7-19.3). Extubation failure occurred in six children, three of whom were re-intubated and three then received non-invasive ventilation. There was no significant association between dTF and extubation success; OR 0.33 (95% CI; 0.06-1.86). Diaphragmatic atrophy was observed in 17/53 cases, in three of extubation failure occurred. Children in the extubation failure group were younger: 2.0 months (IQR 0.81-183.0) vs. 3.0 months (IQR 0.10-48.0); p = 0.045. At baseline, pre-extubation and post-extubation there was no significant correlation between age and BSA on the one hand and dTF, Tdi- insp and Tdi-exp on the other hand. The ICC representing the level of inter-rater reliability between the two examiners performing the ultrasounds was 0.994 (95% CI 0.970-0.999). The ICC of the inter-rater reliability between the raters in 36 paired assessments was 0.983 (95% CI 0.974-0.990).

Conclusion

There was no significant association between thickening fraction of the diaphragm and extubation success in ventilated children.

Comparison of the effects of different mechanical ventilation modes on the incidence of ventilation-associated pneumonia: a case study of patients undergoing thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of different mechanical ventilation modes on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

METHODS

From June 2019 to December 2021, the clinical data of 96 patients undergoing thoracic surgery in Cangzhou Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 44 patients who underwent constant flow mode were included in the control group (CG), and 52 patients who underwent auto flow mode were included in the observation group (OG). The respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, blood gas analysis and serum levels of lung injury markers at different time points were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of VAP was analyzed.

RESULTS

At 1 hour and 4 hours of ventilation, the peak airway pressure (Ppeak), Pmean mean airway pressure (Pmean) and airway resistance (Raw) of the OG were lower than those of the CG, and the dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) was higher than that of the CG (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), PH, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) between the OG and CG at 1 hour and 4 hours of ventilation respectively (P>0.05). The serum levels of pulmonary surfactant associated protein A (SP-A), human Clara cell protein (CC16) and serum ferritin (SF) in the OG were lower than those in the CG (P<0.05). The incidence of VAP in the OG (3.85%) was lower than that in the CG (15.91%) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In mechanical ventilation, auto flow mode can reduce the incidence of VAP, improve respiratory mechanics, and reduce lung injury in patients undergoing thoracic surgery, but has no significant effect on hemodynamics and blood gas analysis.

The predictive value of lung ultrasound combined with central venous oxygen saturation variations in the outcome of ventilator weaning in patients after thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of lung ultrasound score (LUS) combined with central venous oxygen saturation variations (ΔScvO2) in the outcome of ventilator weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

METHODS

The clinical data of 60 patients who received tracheal intubation ventilator-assisted breathing after thoracic surgery were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into successful (n = 35) and failed (n = 25) groups according to the postoperative weaning outcomes. The factors influencing the failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery were compared and analyzed, and the values of LUS, ΔScvO2 as well as the combination of both were calculated to predict the failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

RESULTS

The results of logistic regression analysis showed that LUS, ΔScvO2, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) may be risk factors influencing weaning failure in patients after thoracic surgery (OR = 1.844, 4.006, 1.271, P < 0.001 for all), while diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) may be protective factors (OR = 0.852, 0.674, P = 0.002 for all). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that area under the curves (AUCs) of LUS, ΔScvO2, and the combination of the two was 0.865 (95% CI: 0.766-0.964), 0.874 (95% CI: 0.781-0.967), and 0.925 (95% CI: 0.860-0.990), respectively, in predicting failure of weaning in patients after thoracic surgery.

CONCLUSION

LUS and ΔScvO2 were closely related to chest ultrasound index and arterial blood gas index in patients after thoracic surgery, both of which may be risk factors for weaning failure in patients after thoracic surgery, and their combination can effectively predict the occurrence of weaning failure.

The Essentials about Neonatal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Coronavirus Disease: A Narrative Review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can occur in neonates as the virus can be transmitted both horizontally (from the environment) and vertically (during the pregnancy or at the delivery). Compared to the adult outbreak, neonatal infections do not represent a public health problem. Nonetheless, severe and life-threatening cases may rarely occur and both obstetricians and neonatologists should have a good knowledge of perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and related consequences. A high suspicion index must be applied and ruling out neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection must become a part of the routine clinical workout. Moreover, neonates may be affected by the multisystem inflammatory syndrome, due to a dysregulated host response in the absence of any SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a narrative review to summarize here the available literature describing the essentials that should be known by every neonatologist and obstetrician, starting from what has been discovered in 2020 and adding what has been learned in the following years. The paper describes the mechanisms of transmission, clinical features, diagnostic tools, and criteria, as well as possible treatment and prevention strategies. The goal is to provide the practical points to be remembered at the bedside while caring for a pregnant woman or a neonate with suspected or proven coronavirus disease 2019 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome. KEY POINTS: · SARS-CoV-2 neonatal infections occur both vertically (30%) and horizontally (70%).. · Approximately, half of patients do not have clinical manifestations; clinical and laboratory signs are similar to those of adults but usually milder.. · Remdesivir and steroids can be used as a treatment..

Commentary on the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children Trials on Noninvasive Respiratory Support: Taking a Closer Look

Noninvasive respiratory support modalities such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are used frequently in pediatric critical care to support acutely ill children with respiratory failure (step-up management) and children following extubation (step-down management). Although there are several observational studies and database analyses comparing the efficacy of HFNC and CPAP, and a few small randomized clinical trials (RCTs), until recently, there were no large RCTs comparing the two modalities in a mixed group of critically ill children. In the first half of 2022, results from the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC) trials were published; these comprised a master protocol of two trials: one in acutely ill children (step-up RCT) and one in extubated children (step-down RCT). Each of these pragmatic trials randomized 600 children to either HFNC or CPAP when the treating clinician decided that noninvasive respiratory support beyond standard oxygen therapy was required. The primary outcome was time to liberation from all forms of respiratory support (invasive and noninvasive), excluding supplemental oxygen. The FIRST-ABC trials represent a significant advance in the field of noninvasive respiratory support, which has traditionally been evidence-poor and associated with considerable variability in clinical practice. In this article, we provide an overview of how the FIRST-ABC trials were conceived and conducted, our view on the results, and how the trial findings have changed our clinical practice.

Commentary on High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Practices After the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children Trials

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are commonly used to treat children admitted to the PICU who require more respiratory support than simple oxygen therapy. Much has been published on these two treatment modalities over the past decade, both in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM ) and elsewhere. The majority of these studies are observational analyses of clinical, administrative, or quality improvement datasets and, therefore, are only able to establish associations between exposure to treatment and outcomes, not causation. None of the initial randomized clinical trials comparing HFNC and CPAP were definitive due to their relatively small sample sizes with insufficient power for meaningful clinical outcomes (e.g., escalation to bilevel noninvasive ventilation or intubation, duration of PICU-level respiratory support, mortality) and often yielded ambiguous findings or conflicting results. The recent publication of the First-Line Support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC) trials represented a major step toward understanding the role of CPAP and HFNC use in critically ill children. These large, pragmatic, randomized clinical trials examined the efficacy of CPAP and HFNC either for "step up" (i.e., escalation in respiratory support) during acute respiratory deterioration or for "step down" (i.e., postextubation need for respiratory support) management. This narrative review examines the body of evidence on HFNC published in PCCM , contextualizes the findings of randomized clinical trials of CPAP and HFNC up to and including the FIRST-ABC trials, provides guidance to PICU clinicians on how to implement the literature in current practice, and discusses remaining knowledge gaps and future research priorities.

Comparing ventilation modes by electrical impedance segmentography in ventilated children

Electrical impedance segmentography offers a new radiation-free possibility of continuous bedside ventilation monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of this bedside tool by comparing synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) in critically-ill children. In this prospective randomized case-control crossover trial in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary center, including eight mechanically-ventilated children, four sequences of two different ventilation modes were consecutively applied. All children were randomized into two groups; starting on NAVA or SIMV. During ventilation, electric impedance segmentography measurements were recorded. The relative difference of vertical impedance between both ventilatory modes was measured (median 0.52, IQR 0-0.87). These differences in left apical lung segments were present during the first (median 0.58, IQR 0-0.89, p = 0.04) and second crossover (median 0.50, IQR 0-0.88, p = 0.05) as well as across total impedance (0.52 IQR 0-0.87; p = 0.002). During NAVA children showed a shift of impedance towards caudal lung segments, compared to SIMV. Electrical impedance segmentography enables dynamic monitoring of transthoracic impedance. The immediate benefit of personalized ventilatory strategies can be seen when using this simple-to-apply bedside tool for measuring lung impedance.

Clinical Challenges in Pediatric Ventilation Liberation: A Meta-Narrative Review

OBJECTIVES

To map the evidence for ventilation liberation practices in pediatric respiratory failure using the Realist And MEta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards publication standards.

DATA SOURCES

CINAHL, MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE. Trial registers included the following: ClinicalTrials.gov, European Union clinical trials register, International Standardized Randomized Controlled Trial Number register.

STUDY SELECTION

Abstracts were screened followed by review of full text. Articles published in English language incorporating a heterogeneous population of both infants and older children were assessed.

DATA EXTRACTION

None.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Weaning can be considered as the process by which positive pressure is decreased and the patient becomes increasingly responsible for generating the energy necessary for effective gas exchange. With the growing use of noninvasive respiratory support, extubation can lie in the middle of the weaning process if some additional positive pressure is used after extubation, while for some extubation may constitute the end of weaning. Testing for extubation readiness is a key component of the weaning process as it allows the critical care practitioner to assess the capability and endurance of the patient's respiratory system to resume unassisted ventilation. Spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) are often seen as extubation readiness testing (ERT), but the SBT is used to determine if the patient can maintain adequate spontaneous ventilation with minimal ventilatory support, whereas ERT implies the patient is ready for extubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature suggests using a structured approach that includes a daily assessment of patient's readiness to extubate may reduce total ventilation time. Increasing evidence indicates that such daily assessments needs to include SBTs without added pressure support. Measures of elevated load as well as measures of impaired respiratory muscle capacity are independently associated with extubation failure in children, indicating that these should also be assessed as part of ERT.

The use of neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)

OBJECTIVES

Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can have complex respiratory problems which are worsened by ventilatory induced lung injury. Neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) is a potentially promising ventilation mode for this population, as it can result in improved patient-ventilator interactions and provision of adequate gas exchange at lower airway pressures.

CONTENT

A literature review was undertaken to provide an overview of NAVA and examine its role in the management of infants with CDH.

SUMMARY

NAVA in neonates has been used in CDH infants who were stable on ventilatory support or being weaned from mechanical ventilation and was associated with a reduction in the level of respiratory support.

OUTLOOK

There is, however, limited evidence regarding the efficacy of NAVA in infants with CDH, with only short-term benefits being investigated. A prospective, multicentre study with long term follow-up is required to appropriately assess NAVA in this population.

Chest physiotherapy for mechanically ventilated children: a survey of current UK practice

OBJECTIVES

Chest physiotherapy is a treatment option for mechanically ventilated children. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding its value and informal discussions suggest variation in practice. This study describes chest physiotherapy practices for mechanically ventilated children in the UK and explores clinical decision making related to its delivery.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study, using an anonymous, electronic survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Qualified physiotherapists working in UK NHS paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

RESULTS

The response rate was 61% (72/118), this included physiotherapists from 26/27 (96%) PICUs. All participants reported using manual hyperinflations and position changes 'always' or 'often'. Variation in practice was evident for some techniques, including Metaneb® and percussion. DNase (99%, 71/72) and hypertonic saline (90%, 65/72) were the most frequently used mucoactives: 91% (59/65) of physiotherapists reported only nebulising hypertonic saline and 69% (49/71) use both nebulised and instilled DNase. Use and delivery of N-acetylcysteine was inconsistent (nebulised only 55%, 26/47; instilled only 15%, 7/47; both 30%, 14/47). Chest physiotherapy was most commonly delivered with a nurse (67%, 48/72). Clinical decision making processes were comparable between physiotherapists and encompassed three main elements: individual patient assessment, involvement of the multidisciplinary team, and risk versus benefit analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A range of chest physiotherapy treatments and adjuncts were used with ventilated children. Variation was apparent and may be due to individual preferences of those training staff or local policies. Pragmatic, interventional studies are required to determine best practice. Further exploration is necessary to understand the variation in practice and intricacies of decision making.