Respiratory variation in peak aortic velocity accurately predicts fluid responsiveness in children undergoing neurosurgery under general anesthesia

Assessment of fluid responsiveness in children using respiratory variations in descending aortic flow

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of respiratory variations in descending aortic flow, measured with two-dimensional echo at the suprasternal notch (ΔVpeak dAo), to predict fluid responsiveness in anesthetized mechanically ventilated children. In addition, variations in peak descending aortic flow measured with apical transthoracic echo (ΔVpeak LVOT) were examined for the same properties.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients under general anesthesia were investigated in this prospective observational study. Cardiac output, ΔVpeak dAo, and ΔVpeak LVOT were measured at stable conditions after anesthesia induction. The measurements were repeated after a 10 mL kg-1 fluid bolus. Patients were classified as responders if stroke volume index increased by >15% after fluid bolus. The ability of each parameter to predict fluid responsiveness was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were analyzed, mean age and weight 43 months and 16 kg, respectively. Twelve responders and 15 non-responders were identified. ΔVpeak dAo was significantly higher in the responder group (14%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12%-17%) compared to the non-responder group (11%, 95% CI: 9%-13%) (p = .04) at baseline. Area under the ROC curve for ΔVpeak dAo and ΔVpeak LVOT was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.52-0.89, p = .02) and 0.56 (0.34-0.78, p = .3), respectively. A baseline level of ΔVpeak dAo of >14% predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 58% (95% CI: 28%-85%) and specificity of 73% (95% CI: 45%-92%).

CONCLUSION

In mechanically ventilated children, ΔVpeak dAo identified fluid responders with moderate diagnostic power in the current study. ΔVpeak LVOT failed to predict fluid responders in the current study.

Aortic Peak Flow Velocity As a Predictor of Fluid Responsiveness in Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the accuracy of the respiratory variations in aortic peak flow velocity (delta Vpeak) in predicting fluid responsiveness and the moderators of that accuracy.

DATA SOURCES

We performed searches for studies that used delta Vpeak as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to June 20, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Fifteen studies ( n = 452) were included in this meta-analysis. The diagnostic test data of the included studies were synthesized as pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic of delta Vpeak.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The delta Vpeak cutoff values applied in these studies had a median of 12.3% (interquartile range, 11.50-13.25%). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of delta Vpeak were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71-0.87) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.87), respectively. The DOR of delta Vpeak was 23.41 (95% CI, 11.61-47.20). The AUC of delta Vpeak was 0.87. Subgroup analyses revealed that the accuracy of delta Vpeak was not moderated by ventilator settings, measures of delta Vpeak, gold standard index, the cutoff gold standard value of responders, type and volume of fluid, duration of fluid challenge, use of vasoactive drugs, general anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass.

CONCLUSIONS

By using the cutoff of approximately 12.3%, the delta Vpeak appears to have good accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. The moderators of delta Vpeak predictability are not found.

Point-of-care ultrasonography to predict fluid responsiveness in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is proposed as a valuable method for hemodynamic monitoring and several ultrasound-based predictors of fluid responsiveness have been studied. The main objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of these predictors in children.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant publications through July 2022. Pediatric studies reporting accuracy estimates of ultrasonographic predictors of fluid responsiveness were included since they had used a standard definition of fluid responsiveness and had performed an adequate fluid challenge.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies involving 1028 fluid boluses were included, and 12 predictors were identified. A positive response to fluid infusion was observed in 59.7% of cases. The vast majority of participants were mechanically ventilated (93.4%). The respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity (∆Vpeak) was the most studied predictor, followed by the respiratory variation in inferior vena cava diameter (∆IVC). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of ∆Vpeak were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76-0.90) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.87), respectively, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC) was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.92). The ∆IVC presented a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62-0.90) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.51-0.84), respectively, and an AUSROC of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.78-0.85). Significant heterogeneity in accuracy estimates across studies was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS has the potential to accurately predict fluid responsiveness in children. However, only ∆Vpeak was found to be a reliable predictor. There is a lack of evidence supporting the use of POCUS to guide fluid therapy in spontaneously breathing children.

Fluid bolus administration in children, who responds and how? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fluid boluses are frequently utilized in children. Despite their frequency of use, there is little objective data regarding the utility of fluid boluses, who they benefit the most, and what the effects are.

AIMS

This study aimed to conduct pooled analyses to identify those who may be more likely to respond to fluid boluses as well as characterize clinical changes associated with fluid boluses.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was conducted to identify pediatric studies investigating the response to fluid boluses and clinical changes associated with fluid boluses.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 637 patients were included in the final analyses with a mean age of 650 days ± 821.01 (95% CI 586 to 714) and a mean weight of 10.5 kg ± 7.19 (95% CI 9.94 to 11.1). The mean bolus volume was 12.14 ml/kg ± 4.09 (95% CI 11.8 to 12.5) given over a mean of 19.55 min ± 10.16 (95% CI 18.8 to 20.3). The following baseline characteristics were associated with increased likelihood of response [represented in mean difference (95% CI)]: greater age [207.2 days (140.8 to 273.2)], lower cardiac index [-0.5 ml/min/m² (-0.9 to -0.3)], and lower stroke volume [-5.1 ml/m² (-7.9 to -2.3)]. The following clinical parameters significantly changed after a fluid bolus: decreased HR [-5.6 bpm (-9.8 to -1.3)], increased systolic blood pressure [7.7 mmHg (1.0 to 14.4)], increased mean arterial blood pressure [5.5 mmHg (3.1 to 7.8)], increased cardiac index [0.3 ml/min/m² (0.1 to 0.6)], increased stroke volume [4.3 ml/m² (3.5 to 5.2)], increased central venous pressure [2.2 mmHg (1.1 to 3.3)], and increased systemic vascular resistance [2.1 woods units/m² (0.1 to 4.2)].

CONCLUSION

Fluid blouses increase arterial blood pressure or cardiac output by 10% in approximately 56% of pediatric patients. Fluid blouses lead to significant decrease in HR and significant increases in cardiac output, stroke volume, and systemic vascular resistance. Limited published data are available on the effects of fluid blouses on systemic oxygen delivery.

Dynamic parameters for fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Fluid administration is the initial step of treatment of unstable pediatric patients. Evaluation of fluid responsiveness is crucial in mechanically ventilated children to avoid fluid overload, which increases mortality. We aim to review and compare the diagnostic performance of dynamically hemodynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.

DESIGN

A systematic review was performed using four electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Central, for published articles from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. Studies were included if they described diagnostic performance of dynamic parameters after fluid challenge was performed in mechanically ventilated children.

SETTINGS

Pediatric intensive and cardiac intensive care unit, and operative room.

PATIENTS

Children aged 1 month to 18 years old who were under mechanical ventilation and required an intravenous fluid challenge.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review, which included 1,005 participants and 1,138 fluid challenges. Respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity was reliable among dynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. All studies of respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.71 to 1.00, and the cutoff value for determining fluid responsiveness ranged from 7% to 20%. Dynamic parameters based on arterial blood pressure (pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation) were also used in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. The plethysmography variability index was used in children undergoing neurological and general surgery, including the pediatric intensive care patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity exhibited a promising diagnostic performance across all populations in predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. High sensitivity is advantageous in non-cardiac surgical patients and the pediatric intensive care unit because early fluid resuscitation improves survival in these patients. Furthermore, high specificity is beneficial in congenital heart surgery because fluid overload is particularly detrimental in this group of patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=206400.

Dynamic variables predict fluid responsiveness in pre-school and school children undergoing neurosurgery: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The evidence that plethysmographic variability index (PVI), pulse pressure variation (PPV), FloTrac/Vigileo-derived stroke volume variation (SVV), and Ea_dyn (dynamic arterial elastance) predict fluid responsiveness in children is limited by conflicting results. We aim to evaluate their accuracy and reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after induction in children aged 4-9 years undergoing major neurosurgery.

METHODS

Children aged 4-9 years undergoing intracranial epileptic foci excision were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, fluid loading with 10 mL/kg of Ringer's solution over 10 min was administered before surgical incision. PVI, PPV, SVV, and Ea_dyn were measured before and within 5 min after fluid loading. Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity (∆Vpeak) >15% at baseline, measured using transthoracic echocardiography, identified fluid "responders". The abilities of dynamic variables to predict an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of >10% following fluid loading were also assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen (31.8%) of forty-four patients were responders defined by a baseline ∆Vpeak >15%. Before fluid loading, only the PVI value was significantly different between R and NR (P=0.017). Baseline PVI showed fair diagnostic accuracy for fluid responsiveness, with an area under the curve (AUROC) of 0.735 and the cutoff value of 13%. The R group showed a significantly greater absolute change in PPV and SVV after fluid loading from baseline compared with the NR group (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). The absolute change in the PPV and SVV values from baseline was greater in R than those in NR (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). Twenty (45.5%) showed a MAP increase of >10% following fluid loading and were defined as responders. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV showed fair predictive values for a MAP increase of >10% (AUROC =0.758 and 0.715, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PVI at baseline showed fair reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after anesthesia induction in mechanically ventilated children aged 4-9 years undergoing neurosurgery. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV were fairly predictive for an increase in MAP following fluid loading.

Hemodynamic monitoring and management of pediatric septic shock

Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Furthermore, refractory septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome are the most critical groups which account for a high mortality rate in pediatric sepsis, and their clinical course often deteriorates rapidly. Resuscitation based on hemodynamics can provide objective values for identifying the severity of sepsis and monitoring the treatment response. Hemodynamics in sepsis can be divided into two groups: basic and advanced hemodynamic parameters. Previous therapeutic guidance of early-goal directed therapy (EGDT), which resuscitated based on the basic hemodynamics (central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2)) has lost its advantage compared with “usual care”. Optimization of advanced hemodynamics, such as cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, has now been endorsed as better therapeutic guidance for sepsis. Despite this, there are still some important hemodynamics associated with prognosis. In this article, we summarize the common techniques for hemodynamic monitoring, list important hemodynamic parameters related to outcomes, and update evidence-based therapeutic recommendations for optimizing resuscitation in pediatric septic shock.

Prediction of fluid responsiveness using lung recruitment manoeuvre in paediatric patients receiving lung-protective ventilation: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Pressure-based dynamic variables are poor predictors of fluid responsiveness in children, and their predictability is expected to reduce further during lung-protective ventilation with a low tidal volume.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesised that lung recruitment manoeuvre (LRM)-induced changes in dynamic variables improve their ability to predict fluid responsiveness in children.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care children's hospital, single-centre study performed from June 2017 to May 2019.

PATIENTS

We included patients less than 7 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery. Neonates and patients with pulmonary hypertension, significant dysrhythmia, ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30% or pulmonary disease were excluded.

INTERVENTION

All patients were provided with lung-protective volume-controlled ventilation (tidal volume 6 ml kg-1, positive end-expiratory pressure 6 cmH2O). A LRM was applied with a continuous inspiratory pressure of 25 cmH2O for 20 s.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The ability of dynamic variables to predict fluid responsiveness was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [area under the curve (AUC)]. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in the cardiac index by more than 15% with crystalloid administration (10 ml kg-1).

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 19 were responders. The baseline pleth variability index (PVI) (AUC 0.794, 95% confidence interval 0.608 to 0.919, P < 0.001) and LRM-induced PVI (AUC 0.711, 95% confidence interval 0.517 to 0.861, P = 0.026) could predict fluid responsiveness. The respiratory variation of pulse oximetry photoplethysmographic waveform and pulse pressure variation did not predict fluid responsiveness regardless of the LRM.

CONCLUSION

The PVI is effective in predicting fluid responsiveness in paediatric patients with lung-protective ventilation regardless of a LRM. However, the LRM did not improve the ability of the other dynamic variables to predict fluid responsiveness in these patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03184961.

Respiratory Variations in Peak Peripheral Artery Velocities and Waveforms for Rapid Assessment of Fluid Responsiveness in Traumatic Shock Patients

Background

This study aimed to assess the correlation between the variability of the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory blood flow waveform and fluid responsiveness (FR) in traumatic shock patients who underwent mechanical ventilation by evaluating peripheral arterial blood flow parameters.

Material/Methods

A cohort of 60 patients with traumatic shock requiring mechanical ventilation-controlled breathing received ultrasound examinations to assess the velocity of carotid artery (CA), femoral artery (FA) and brachial artery (BA). A rehydration test was performed in which of 250 mL of 0.9% saline was administered within 30 min between the first and second measurement of cardiac output by echocardiography. Then, all patients were divided into 2 groups, a responsive group (FR+) and a non-responsive group (FR−). The velocity of end-inspiratory and end-expiratory peripheral arterial blood flow of all patients was ultrasonically measured, and the variability were measured between end-inspiratory and end-expiratory.

Results

The changes in the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory carotid artery blood flow velocity waveforms of the FR+ groups were significantly different from those of the FR− group (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference in ΔVmax (CA), ΔVmax (BA), and ΔVmax (FA) between these 2 groups was found (all P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that ΔVmax (CA) and ΔVmax (BA) were more sensitive values to predict FR compared to ΔVmax (FA). The sensitivity of ΔVmax (CA), ΔVmax (FA), and ΔVmax (BA) was 70.0%, 86.7%, and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

The study showed that periodic velocity waveform changes in the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory peripheral arterial blood flow can be used for quick assessment of fluid responsiveness.

Role of TFA-1 adhesive forehead sensors in predicting fluid responsiveness in anaesthetised children: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The TFA-1 adhesive forehead sensor is a newly developed pulse oximeter for the measurement of the plethysmographic variability index (PVI) at the forehead, and for the rapid detection of changes in oxygen saturation during low perfusion.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the ability of the TFA-1 sensor to predict fluid responsiveness in children under general anaesthesia.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary care children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-seven children aged 1 to 5 years under general anaesthesia and requiring invasive arterial pressure monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The baseline PVI of TFA-1 and finger sensors, respiratory variation of aorta blood flow peak velocity (ΔVpeak) and stroke volume index (SVI) obtained using transthoracic echocardiography were assessed. After fluid loading of 10 ml kg crystalloids over 10 min, SVI was reassessed. Responders were defined as those with an increase in SVI greater than 15% from the baseline. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of the PVI of TFA-1 and finger sensors and ΔVpeak for fluid responsiveness.

RESULTS

Seventeen (56.6%) patients responded to volume expansion. Before fluid loading, the PVI of TFA-1 and finger sensors and ΔVpeak (mean ± SD) of the responders were 11.2 ± 4.4, 11.4 ± 5.1 and 14.8 ± 3.9%, respectively, and those of the nonresponders were 7.4 ± 3.9, 8.1 ± 3.6 and 11.0 ± 3.3%, respectively. ROC curve analysis indicated that the PVI of TFA-1 and finger sensors and ΔVpeak could predict fluid responsiveness. The areas under the curve were 0.8 [P = 0.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 0.91], 0.7 (P = 0.02; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.87) and 0.8 (P = 0.00; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91), respectively. The cut-off values for the PVI of TFA-1 and finger sensors and ΔVpeak were 6.0, 9.0 and 10.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The PVI of TFA-1 forehead sensor is a good alternative, but is not superior to the finger sensor and ΔVpeak in evaluating fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children under general anaesthesia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03132480.

Surrogate indices of aortic peak systolic velocity variation to monitor fluid responsiveness in pediatric non-cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study

Aortic peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakAo) is a reliable dynamic indicator of preload in mechanically ventilated children. However, easily measurable alternative parameters like carotid peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakCa) and suprasternal peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakSs) are not well evaluated in children. The aim of the study was to find correlation between ΔV_peakCa and ΔV_peakSs to ΔV_peakAo, as potential surrogate markers of fluid responsiveness. 52 children, 1-12 years old, undergoing major non-cardiac surgeries under general endotracheal anaesthesia were recruited for this single-centre prospective observational study. ΔV_peakAo, ΔV_peakCa and ΔV_peakSs were measured by pulsed wave Doppler in appropriate windows, measuring maximum and minimum peak flow velocity over a single respiratory cycle. Calculated parameters were compared by a repeated measures study design. Correlation coefficients were 0.82 between ΔV_peakAo and ΔV_peakSs and 0.73 between ΔV_peakAo and ΔV_peakCa. Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal bias of 1.86 percentage points with limits of agreement of 11.21 to - 7.49 (ΔV_peakAo and ΔV_peakSs) and 3.93 percentage points with limits of agreement of 14.04 to - 6.18 (ΔV_peakAo and ΔV_peakCa). ΔV_peakSs and ΔV_peakCa also showed good discrimination to predict ΔV_peakAo (lying in previously validated fluid responsive zones) with sensitivities and specificities of 82.25% and 85% with cut-off of 11% for ΔV_peakSs, and 88.52% and 70% with cut-off of 8.6% for ΔV_peakCa. Carotid peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakCa) and suprasternal peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakCa) can be potential surrogate markers for Aortic peak systolic velocity variation (ΔV_peakAo) in assessing fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.Study registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT03155555.

Value of respiratory variation of aortic peak velocity in predicting children receiving mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Accurate volume assessment is crucial in children under fluid therapy. Over the last decade, respiratory variation of aortic peak velocity (△VPeak) has been applied in intensive care unit and surgeries to help clinicians guide fluid management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to test diagnostic performance of △VPeak in predicting fluid responsiveness of ventilated children and to explore the potential factors that influence the accuracy of △VPeak.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane from inception to April 2019 that evaluated association between △VPeak and fluid responsiveness after fluid challenge in children receiving mechanical ventilation. Data synthesis was performed within the bivariate mixed-effects regression model modified for synthesis of diagnostic test data.

Results

Eleven studies with a total of 302 pediatric patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of △VPeak was 0.89 (95%CI = 0.77 to 0.95) and 0.85 (95%CI = 0.77 to 0.91), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of △VPeak was 48 (95%CI = 15 to 155). SROC yielded an area under the curve of 0.91 (95%CI = 0.88–0.93). The △VPeak cutoff value was nearly conically symmetrical distribution and varied from 7 to 20%. After excluding several extreme studies, most data were centered between 12 and 13%. The medium and mean cutoff values of △VPeak were 12.2% and 12.7%, respectively. In subgroup analysis, compared to total data analysis, △VPeak performed weaker in the younger children group (mean ages < 25 months), with lower area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC) of 0.80 (0.76 to 0.83), but stronger in the older children group (mean ages > 25 months), with AUSROC of 0.96 (0.94 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Overall, △VPeak has a good ability in predicting fluid responsiveness of children receiving mechanical ventilation, but this ability decreases in younger children (mean age < 25 months). The optimal threshold of △VPeak to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated children is reliable between 12 and 13%.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO no. CRD42019129361.

Fluid responsiveness in the pediatric population

It is challenging to predict fluid responsiveness, that is, whether the cardiac index or stroke volume index would be increased by fluid administration, in the pediatric population. Previous studies on fluid responsiveness have assessed several variables derived from pressure wave measurements, plethysmography (pulse oximeter plethysmograph amplitude variation), ultrasonography, bioreactance data, and various combined methods. However, only the respiratory variation of aortic blood flow peak velocity has consistently shown a predictive ability in pediatric patients. For the prediction of fluid responsiveness in children, flow- or volume-dependent, noninvasive variables are more promising than pressure-dependent, invasive variables. This article reviews various potential variables for the prediction of fluid responsiveness in the pediatric population. Differences in anatomic and physiologic characteristics between the pediatric and adult populations are covered. In addition, some important considerations are discussed for future studies on fluid responsiveness in the pediatric population.

End-expiratory occlusion test predicts fluid responsiveness in cardiac surgical patients in the operating theatre

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a 20-second end-expiratory occlusion (EEO) test can predict fluid responsiveness in cardiac surgery patients in the operating theatre.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 75 mechanically ventilated patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Hemodynamic data coupled with transesophageal echocardiography monitoring of the velocity time integral (VTI) and the peak velocity (Vmax) at the left ventricular outflow tract were collected at each step (baseline 1, EEO, baseline 2 and fluid challenge). Patients were divided into fluid responders (increase in VTI ≥15%) and non-responders (increase in VTI <15%) after a fluid challenge (6 mL 0.9% saline per kg, given in 10 minutes).

RESULTS

Fluid challenge significantly increased the VTI by more than 15% in 36 (48%) patients (responders). An increase in VTI greater than 5% during the EEO test predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 93%. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of ΔVTI-EEO was 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-0.97]. ΔVmax-EEO was poorly predictive of fluid responsiveness, with an AUC of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.63-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in VTI induced by a 20-second EEO can reliably predict fluid responsiveness in cardiac surgical patients in the operating theatre, whereas the changes in Vmax cannot.

Journal of clinical monitoring and computing end of year summary 2018: hemodynamic monitoring and management

Hemodynamic management is a mainstay of patient care in the operating room and intensive care unit (ICU). In order to optimize patient treatment, researchers investigate monitoring technologies, cardiovascular (patho-) physiology, and hemodynamic treatment strategies. The Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing (JCMC) is a well-established and recognized platform for publishing research in this field. In this review, we highlight recent advancements and summarize selected papers published in the JCMC in 2018 related to hemodynamic monitoring and management.

Confidence level of pediatric trainees in management of shock states

AIM

To assess overall confidence level of trainees in assessing and treating shock, we sought to improve awareness of recurrent biases in clinical decision-making to help address appropriate educational interventions.

METHODS

Pediatric trainees on a national listserv were offered the opportunity to complete an electronic survey anonymously. Four commonly occurring clinical scenarios were presented, and respondents were asked to choose whether or not they would give fluid, rank factors utilized in decision-making, and comment on confidence level in their decision.

RESULTS

Pediatric trainees have a very low confidence level for assessment and treatment of shock. Highest confidence level is for initial assessment and treatment of shock involving American College of Critical Care Medicine/Pediatric Advanced Life Support recommendations. Children with preexisting cardiac comorbidities are at high risk of under-resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric trainees nationwide have low confidence in managing various shock states, and would benefit from guidance and teaching around certain common clinical situations.