Long-term health-related quality of life in survivors of meningococcal septic shock in childhood and their parents

Family Outcomes After the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Intensivists are increasingly attuned to the postdischarge outcomes experienced by families because patient recovery and family outcomes are interdependent after childhood critical illness. In this scoping review of international contemporary literature, we describe the evidence of family effects and functioning postpediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as well as outcome measures used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the literature.

METHODS

We reviewed all articles published between 1970 and 2017 in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), or the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry. Our search used a combination of terms for the concept of "critical care/illness" combined with additional terms for the prespecified domains of social, cognitive, emotional, physical, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and family functioning.

RESULTS

We identified 71 articles reporting on the postPICU experience of more than 2400 parents and 3600 families of PICU survivors in 8 countries. These articles used 101 different metrics to assess the various aspects of family outcomes; 34 articles also included open-ended interviews. Overall, most families experienced significant disruption in at least five out of six of our family outcomes subdomains, with themes of decline in mental health, physical health, family cohesion, and family finances identified. Almost all articles represented relatively small, single-center, or disease-specific observational studies. There was a disproportionate representation of families of higher socioeconomic status (SES) and Caucasian race, and there was much more data about mothers compared to fathers. There was also very limited information regarding outcomes for siblings and extended family members after a child's PICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant opportunities remain for research exploring family functioning after PICU discharge. We recommend that future work include more diverse populations with respect to the critically ill child as well as family characteristics, include more intervention studies, and enrich existing knowledge about outcomes for siblings and extended family.

Physical Functioning After Admission to the PICU: A Scoping Review

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Objectives:

To conduct a scoping review to 1) describe findings and determinants of physical functioning in children during and/or after PICU stay, 2) identify which domains of physical functioning are measured, 3) and synthesize the clinical and research knowledge gaps.

Data Sources:

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Library databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Study Selection:

Two investigators independently screened and included studies against predetermined criteria.

Data Extraction:

One investigator extracted data with review by a second investigator. A narrative analyses approach was used.

Data Synthesis:

A total of 2,610 articles were identified, leaving 68 studies for inclusion. Post-PICU/hospital discharge scores show that PICU survivors report difficulties in physical functioning during and years after PICU stay. Although sustained improvements in the long-term have been reported, most of the reported levels were lower compared with the reference and baseline values. Decreased physical functioning was associated with longer hospital stay and presence of comorbidities. A diversity of instruments was used in which mobility and self-care were mostly addressed.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results show that children perceive moderate to severe difficulties in physical functioning during and years after PICU stay. Longitudinal assessments during and after PICU stay should be incorporated, especially for children with a higher risk for poor functional outcomes. There is need for consensus on the most suitable methods to assess physical functioning in children admitted to the PICU.

A parent-reported standardised checklist is not sensitive to screen for motor problems at school age following neonatal critical illness

AIM

As nowadays more children survive neonatal critical illness, evaluation of long-term morbidities becomes more important. We determined whether the parent-reported Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) Checklist is a proper tool to screen for motor problems in school-aged children born with severe anatomical anomalies and/or treated with neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

METHODS

We analysed data of 190/253 children (60.0% male) participating in our multidisciplinary follow-up programme who were routinely assessed at the ages of five, eight and/or 12 years. Parents completed the Checklist prior to assessment of the child's actual motor performance by a physical therapist using the MABC-2 Test. The sensitivity and specificity of the Checklist with a cut-off point of the 16th percentile were determined.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the MABC-2 Checklist was 57.1%, which implies that 42.9% of the children at risk for motor problems were not identified. The specificity was 79.1%.

CONCLUSION

The low sensitivity of the MABC-2 Checklist suggests that this instrument does not suffice to screen for motor problems in children who survived neonatal critical illness. Yet, it may help to gain insight in parental perceptions of the child's motor performance and to provide tailored advice on lifestyle.

Long-term Quality of Life in Adult Patients Surviving Purpura Fulminans: An Exposed-Unexposed Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of patients surviving the acute phase of purpura fulminans (PF) has not been evaluated.

METHODS

This was a French multicenter exposed-unexposed cohort study enrolling patients admitted in 55 intensive care units (ICUs) for PF from 2010 to 2016. Adult patients surviving the acute phase of PF (exposed group) were matched 1:1 for age, sex, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II with septic shock survivors (unexposed group). HR-QOL was assessed during a phone interview using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) scales. The primary outcome measure was the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven survivors of PF and 37 of septic shock were phone-interviewed at 55 (interquartile range [IQR], 35-83) months and 44 (IQR, 35-72) months, respectively, of ICU discharge (P = .23). The PCS of the SF-36 was not significantly different between exposed and unexposed patients (median, 47 [IQR, 36-53] vs 54 [IQR, 36-57]; P = .18). There was also no significant difference between groups regarding the mental component summary of the SF-36, and the HAD, IES-R, ADL and IADL scales. Among the 37 exposed patients, those who required limb amputation (n = 12/37 [32%]) exhibited lower PCS (34 [IQR, 24-38] vs 52 [IQR, 42-56]; P = .001) and IADL scores (7 [IQR, 4-8] vs 8 [IQR, 7-8]; P = .021) compared with nonamputated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term HR-QOL does not differ between patients surviving PF and those surviving septic shock unrelated to PF. Amputated patients have an impaired physical HR-QOL but a preserved mental health.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT03216577.

Post-Intensive-Care Syndrome for the Pediatric Neurologist

The number of children who survive critical illness has steadily increased. However, lower mortality rates have resulted in a proportional increase in post-intensive-care morbidity. Critical illness in childhood affects a child's development, cognition, and family functioning. The constellation of physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms that begin in the intensive care unit and continue after discharge has recently been termed post-intensive-care syndrome. A conceptual model of the post-intensive-care syndrome experienced by children who survive critical illness, their siblings, and parents has been coined post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. Owing to their prolonged hospitalizations, the use of sedative medications, and the nature of their illness, children with primary neurological injury are among those at the highest risk for post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. The pediatric neurologist participates in the care of children with acute brain injury throughout their hospitalization and remains involved after the patient leaves the hospital. Hence it is important for pediatric neurologists to become versed in the early recognition and management of post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics and its risk factors. We also discuss our experience establishing Pediatric Neurocritical Care Recovery Programs at two large academic centers. Last, we provide a battery of validated tests to identify and manage the different aspects of post-intensive-care syndrome in pediatrics, which have been successfully implemented at our institutions. Dissemination of this "road map" may assist others interested in establishing recovery programs, therefore mitigating the burden of post-intensive-care morbidity in children.

Health-related quality of life of children and their parents 2 years after critical illness: pre-planned follow-up of the PEPaNIC international, randomized, controlled trial

Background

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors are at risk for prolonged morbidities interfering with daily life. The current study examined parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in former critically ill children and parents themselves and aimed to determine whether withholding parenteral nutrition (PN) in the first week of critical illness affected children’s and parents’ HRQoL 2 years later.

Methods

Children who participated in the pediatric early versus late parenteral nutrition in critical illness (PEPaNIC) trial and who were testable 2 years later (n = 1158) were included. Their HRQoL outcomes were compared with 405 matched healthy controls. At PICU admission, children had been randomly assigned to early-PN or late-PN. In the early-PN group, PN was initiated within 24 h after PICU admission. In the late-PN group, PN was withheld for up to 1 week in the PICU. Parents completed the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQOL; age 2–3 years) or the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50; age 4–18 years). Besides, they completed the Health Utility Index (HUI) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) regarding their child’s and their own HRQoL, respectively.

Results

For the total age group of 786 post-PICU survivors, parents reported lower scores for almost all HRQoL scales compared to healthy children. Age-specifically, younger critically ill children (2.5 to 3 years old) scored worse for growth and development and older children (4–18 years old) scored worse for role functioning and mental health. Parents’ own mental and physical HRQoL was comparable to that of healthy control parents. No HRQoL differences were found between children in the late-PN and those in the early-PN group.

Conclusions

Parent-reported HRQoL of children 2 years after critical illness was impaired compared with healthy controls. In relation to their child’s HRQoL, parents reported impairments in emotions, personal time, and family activities; however, their own HRQoL was not impaired. Withholding PN in the first week during critical illness had no impact on longer-term HRQoL of the child.

Trial registration

Clinical trials, NCT01536275. Registered 22 February 2012

Health-related quality of life of children and their parents 6 months after children's critical illness

Purpose

This study aimed to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and their parents, 6 months after the child’s admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Associations between parents’ reports regarding HRQoL of their child and of themselves were investigated, as well as associations between children’s baseline variables and their parent-reported HRQoL outcomes.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected in a group of children who participated in the PEPaNIC trial. Six months after discharge from the PICU, parents of critically ill children completed the Infant–Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQOL, for age 0–3 years) or the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50, for age 4–18 years), which are parallel questionnaires. Parents completed the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) regarding their own HRQoL. Results were compared with normative data.

Results

At 6 months’ follow-up, 86 children of the 1343 (6%) had died which resulted in 1257 eligible children. Parents of 576 surviving children (46%) completed the questionnaires. Children of responding parents had less often an acute reason for admission and differed in diagnosis compared with children of non-responders. PICU children scored lower on most ITQOL (n = 390) scales and CHQ-PF50 (n = 186) scales compared with normative data. Parents reported (n = 570) higher scores on the physical (p < 0.001) and lower scores on the mental SF-12 scale (p < 0.001) compared with normative data. Parents̕ mental HRQoL correlated with HRQoL they reported for their child (Pearson Correlations range 0.25–0.57, p < 0.001–0.002). Shorter length of stay, lower risk of mortality, younger age, and cardiac diagnosis were associated with higher parent-reported HRQoL outcomes for the child.

Conclusions

Six months after PICU discharge, critically ill children have lower HRQoL compared with normative data. The mental component of HRQoL is impaired in parents and is associated with lower overall parent-reported HRQoL of their child.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11136-019-02347-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Parent Medical Traumatic Stress and Associated Family Outcomes After Pediatric Critical Illness: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To critically review, analyze, and synthesize the literature on parent medical traumatic stress from a child's critical illness requiring PICU admission and its association with outcomes of parent mental and physical health, and family functioning.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsychInfo.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers identified peer-reviewed published articles with the following criteria: 1) published between January 1, 1980, and August 1, 2018; 2) published in English; 3) study population of parents of children with a PICU admission; and 4) quantitative studies examining factors associated with outcomes of parent mental health, parent physical health, or family functioning.

DATA EXTRACTION

Literature search yielded 2,476 articles, of which 23 studies met inclusion criteria. Study data extracted included study characteristics, descriptive statistics of parent outcomes after critical illness, and variables associated with parent and family outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Studies examined numerous variables associated with parent and family outcomes and used multiple survey measures. These variables were categorized according to their phase in the Integrative Trajectory Model of Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress, which included peri-trauma, acute medical care, and ongoing care or discharge from care. The majority of objective elements of a child's illness, such as severity of illness and length of hospitalization, did not have a clear relationship with parent and family outcomes. However, familial preexisting factors, a parent's subjective experience in the PICU, and family life stressors after discharge were often associated with parent and family outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic literature review suggests that parent and family outcomes after pediatric critical illness are impacted by familial preexisting factors, a parent's subjective experience in the PICU, and family life stressors after discharge. Developing parent interventions focused on modifying the parent's subjective experience in the PICU could be an effective approach to improve parent outcomes.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: Educational Interventions for Parents of Hospitalized Children

BACKGROUND

Targeted education to help parents and caregivers recognize the signs and symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome may increase their awareness and willingness to seek support during their child's admission. The optimal strategy for this education has not been established.

METHODS

A pilot study to test 3 educational strategies for caregivers of pediatric intensive care unit patients. The 3 strategies were compared using the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model framework for effectiveness of the education, the effect of each educational intervention on the intensive care unit nursing environment, and costs. Nursing responses were scored on a 3-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

A total of 62 caregivers randomly received 1 of 3 educational strategies: brochures (n = 22), scripted conversation (n = 20), or a 3-minute video (n = 20). All 3 strategies were associated with a notable improvement in understanding of post-intensive care syndrome, with no single strategy being superior. Nineteen bedside nurses completed a survey on how daily workflow was affected and education was perceived. The survey indicated that all 3 interventions minimally disrupted workflow and all were recognized as useful. Final analysis indicated that brochures have the greatest likelihood of successful and sustainable implementation in the study hospital.

CONCLUSION

Simple, low-cost education can improve caregivers' knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome and can be well supported by nursing staff. To ensure sustainable implementation, the characteristics of the unit should be considered when selecting an educational program.

The Burden of Pediatric Neurocritical Care in the United States

BACKGROUND

Disorders requiring pediatric neurocritical care (PNCC) affect thousands of children annually. We aimed to quantify the burden of PNCC through generation of national estimates of disease incidence, utilization of critical care interventions (CCI), and hospital outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the Kids Inpatient Database over three years to evaluate pediatric traumatic brain injury, neuro-infection or inflammatory diseases, status epilepticus, stroke, hypoxic ischemic injury after cardiac arrest, and spinal cord injury. We evaluated use of CCI, death, length of stay, hospital charges, and poor functional outcome defined as receipt of tracheostomy or gastrostomy or discharge to a medical care facility.

RESULTS

At least one CCI was recorded in 67,058 (23%) children with a primary neurological diagnosis, and considered a PNCC admission. Over half of PNCC admissions had at least one chronic condition, and 23% were treated in children's hospitals. Mechanical ventilation was the most common CCI, but utilization of CCIs varied significantly by diagnosis. Among PNCC admissions, 8110 (12%) children died during hospitalization and 14,067 (21%) children had poor functional outcomes. PNCC admissions cumulatively accounted for over 1.5 million hospital days and over $4 billion in hospital costs in the study years. Most PNCC admissions, across all diagnoses, had prolonged hospitalizations (more than one week) with an average cost of $39.9 thousand per admission.

CONCLUSIONS

This large, nationally representative study shows PNCC diseases are a significant public health burden with substantial risk to children's health. More research is needed to improve outcomes in these vulnerable children.

Systematic Review of Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Sequelae and Quality of Life Impact on Patients and Their Caregivers

Introduction

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD, septicaemia and/or meningitis) has a severe acute and long-term burden: 5–10% of patients die within 48 h, and long-term sequelae have been reported in 10–20% of survivors. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly but inconsistently assessed.

Methods

A systematic literature review on Neisseria meningitidis IMD sequelae and HRQoL in survivors of all ages and their caregivers, including family, was conducted for high-income countries from 2001 to 2016 (in Medline and Embase, following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines).

Results

A total of 31 studies, mostly of childhood IMD cases, were included. A broad range of physical, neurological and psychological IMD sequelae were identified. The literature has evolved, with more types of sequelae reported in more recent studies; however, meningococcal disease-specific and sequelae-specific HRQoL data are lacking, and existing studies used a wide variety of instruments. Physical sequelae included: amputations (up to 8% of children, 3% adolescents/adults) and skin scars (up to 55% of children, 18% adolescents, 2% adults). Neurologic sequelae included: hearing loss (up to 19% of infants, 13% children, 12% adolescents, 8% adults). Psychological sequelae included: anxiety, learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties. IMD negatively affects HRQoL in patients and also in their family and close caregiver network, both in the short- and long-term. Even IMD survivors without sequelae experienced an adverse impact on HRQoL after many years, affecting self-esteem, physical, mental and psychosocial health, and HRQoL was worse in those with cognitive and behavioural sequelae.

Conclusion

A high proportion of IMD survivors are affected by a broad range of sequelae and reduced HRQoL that persists years after infection. Childhood IMD survivors had more sequelae and more severe sequelae compared with adult survivors. HRQoL was affected in patients and also in their families, caregivers and surrounding network over the long term. More research is needed to resolve data gaps and to standardise HRQoL assessment.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (Rixensart, Belgium).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40121-018-0213-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Giving voice to the child perspective: psychometrics and relative precision findings for the Child Health Questionnaire self-report short form (CHQ-CF45)

PURPOSE

To derive and evaluate a shorter self-report Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) legacy measure for use in research and clinical trials/care.

METHODS

Stepwise regression, factor analysis, and item scaling principles were used to derive and guide item selection, using data from a large general sample in the Netherlands (n = 933). Feasibility was assessed in a school sample (n = 114) and item internal consistency, discriminant validity, floor, and ceiling effects were evaluated using an external larger validation sample in the US (n = 1468). Reliabilities were estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Relative precision (RP), the ability to distinguish between clinical subgroups, was computed by comparing the proportion of variance explained by the short-form scales vs. respective full-length scales.

RESULTS

The CHQ-CF was reduced from 87 to 45 items. The median alpha coefficient was 0.89. Ninety-seven to 100% scaling successes for item discriminant validity were observed. Floor effects were not observed; some ceiling effects were detected. RP estimates ranged from 0.73 to 1.37.

CONCLUSION

The CHQ-SF45 is reliable and valid and exceeds item level scaling criteria.

Long-term Sequelae of Pediatric Neurocritical Care: The Parent Perspective

Critical neurologic disease and injury affect thousands of children annually with survivors suffering high rates of chronic morbidities related directly to the illness and to critical care hospitalization. Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) in patients and families encompasses a variety of morbidities including physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological impairments following critical care. We conducted a focus group study with parents of children surviving pediatric neurocritical care (PNCC) for traumatic brain injury, stroke, meningitis, or encephalitis to determine outcomes important to patients and families, identify barriers to care, and identify potential interventions to improve outcomes. Sixteen parents participated in four groups across Oregon. Three global themes were identified: (1) PNCC is an intense emotional experience for the whole family; (2) PNCC survivorship is a chronic illness; and (3) PNCC has a significant psychological and social impact. Survivors and their families suffer physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social impairments for many years after discharge. Parents in this study highlighted the emotional and psychological distress in survivors and families after PNCC, in contrast to most PNCC research focusing on physical outcomes. Several barriers to care were identified with potential implications on survivor outcomes, including limited pediatric resources in rural settings, perceived lack of awareness of PICS among medical providers, and the substantial financial burden on families. Parents desire improved education surrounding PICS morbidities for families and medical providers, improved communication with primary care providers after discharge, access to educational materials for patients and families, direction to mental health providers, and family support groups to assist them in dealing with morbidities and accessing appropriate resources. Clinicians and researchers should consider the parent perspectives reported here when caring for and evaluating outcomes for children requiring PNCC.

If You Build It, They Will Come: Initial Experience with a Multi-Disciplinary Pediatric Neurocritical Care Follow-Up Clinic

Pediatric Neurocritical Care diagnoses account for a large proportion of intensive care admissions. Critical care survivors suffer high rates of long-term morbidity, including physical disability, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial dysfunction. To address these morbidities in Pediatric Neurocritical Care survivors, collaboration between Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Critical Care created a multidisciplinary follow-up clinic providing specialized evaluations after discharge. Clinic referrals apply to all Pediatric Neurocritical Care patients regardless of admission severity of illness. Here, we report an initial case series, which revealed a population that is heterogenous in age, ranging from 1 month to 18 years, and in diagnoses. Traumatic brain injuries of varying severity as well as neuroinfectious and inflammatory diseases accounted for the majority of referrals. Most patients (87%) seen in the clinic had morbidities identified, requiring ongoing evaluation and expansion of the clinic. Cognitive and psychological disturbance were seen in over half of patients at the initial clinic follow-up. Sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, headache or chronic pain, and vision or hearing concerns were also common at initial follow-up. Data from this initial population of clinic patients reiterates the need for specialized follow-up care, but also highlights the difficulties related to providing this comprehensive care and evaluating interventions to improve outcomes.

Readmission and Late Mortality After Critical Illness in Childhood

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the ongoing mortality risk and healthcare utilization among U.S. children after discharge from a hospitalization involving ICU care. We sought to understand risks for hospital readmission and trends in mortality during the year following ICU discharge.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

This study was performed using administrative claims data from 2006-2013 obtained from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Database.

SUBJECTS

We included all children in the dataset admitted to a U.S. ICU less than or equal to 18 years old.

INTERVENTIONS

The primary outcome was nonelective readmission in the year following discharge. Risk of rehospitalization was determined using a Cox proportional hazards model.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We identified 109,130 children with at least one ICU admission in the dataset. Over three quarters of the index ICU admissions (78.6%) had an ICU length of stay less than or equal to 3 days, and the overall index hospitalization mortality rate was 1.4%. In multivariate analysis, risk of nonelective readmission for children without cancer was higher with longer index ICU admission length of stay, younger age, and several chronic and acute conditions. By the end of the 1-year observation period, 36.0% of children with an index ICU length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days had been readmitted, compared with only 13.9% of children who had an index ICU length of stay equals to 1 day. Mortality in the year after ICU discharge was low overall (106 deaths per 10,000 person-years of observation) but was high among children with an initial index ICU admission length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days (599 deaths per 10,000 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission after ICU care is common. Further research is needed to investigate the potentially modifiable factors affecting likelihood of readmissions after discharge from the ICU. Although late mortality was relatively uncommon overall, it was 10-fold higher in the year after ICU discharge than in the general U.S. pediatric population.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome as part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development multiple organ dysfunction syndrome workshop (March 26-27, 2015).

DATA SOURCES

Literature review, research data, and expert opinion.

STUDY SELECTION

Not applicable.

DATA EXTRACTION

Moderated by an experienced expert from the field, issues relevant to the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were presented, discussed, and debated with a focus on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Summary of presentations and discussion supported and supplemented by the relevant literature.

CONCLUSIONS

A full understanding the epidemiology and outcome of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children is limited by inconsistent definitions and populations studied. Nonetheless, pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is common among PICU patients, occurring in up to 57% depending on the population studied; sepsis remains its leading cause. Pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome leads to considerable short-term morbidity and mortality. Long-term outcomes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children have not been well studied; however, studies of adults and children with other critical illnesses suggest that the risk of long-term adverse sequelae is high. Characterization of the long-term outcomes of pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is crucial to identify opportunities for improved treatment and recovery strategies that will improve the quality of life of critically ill children and their families. The workshop identified important knowledge gaps and research priorities intended to promote the development of standard definitions and the identification of modifiable factors related to its occurrence and outcome.

The Health Burden of Invasive Meningococcal Disease: A Systematic Review

OF KEY POINTS

Although relatively rare, invasive meningococcal disease continues to be a health concern, especially in young children. This systematic review clearly delineates both the near- and long-term morbidities that can occur after, and persist beyond, the period of acute illness.

BACKGROUND

Although rare, invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) continues to be a health concern in high-income countries because of its severe morbidity and relatively high case fatality rate, especially in young children. However, studies measuring sequelae of IMD across the spectrum of invasive syndromes have not been systematically reviewed. We conducted a systematic review of sequelae attributable to IMD and quality of life (QoL) in IMD survivors in high-income countries.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and HealthSTAR for primary studies that assessed sequelae or QoL in individuals of any age with and without IMD. Two independent reviewers screened articles, abstracted data, and performed quality appraisal. The findings were summarized qualitatively.

RESULTS

Of 1884 citations screened, 17 studies were included. The most commonly assessed sequelae were hearing impairment, cognitive impairment, and psychological problems. In general, children with IMD had a greater incidence of hearing loss and psychological disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, its effects on intelligence in children remain unclear. No statistical differences in overall cognitive function in adults were reported. The odds of death were significantly increased with IMD at hospital discharge and up to 30 years after disease. Lower overall QoL was observed in those who had IMD versus controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review delineate both the short- and long-term morbidities that can occur after, and persist beyond, the period of acute illness. A better understanding of the full spectrum of IMD sequelae is critical for assessing the burden of IMD and supporting healthcare planning and decision making in light of new vaccines.

Transforming PICU Culture to Facilitate Early Rehabilitation

Children who survive a critical illness are at risk of developing significant, long-lasting morbidities that may include neuromuscular weakness, cognitive impairments, and new mental health disorders. These morbidities, collectively known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), may lead to functional impairments, difficulty in school and social settings, and reduced quality of life. Interventions aimed at rehabilitation such as early mobilization, sedation minimization and prevention of ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, and posttraumatic stress disorder may lead to improved clinical outcomes and functional recovery in critically ill children. Acute rehabilitation is challenging to implement in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and a culture change is needed to effect widespread transformation in this setting. Our objectives in this article are to review the evidence on PICS in children and strategies for affecting culture change to facilitate early rehabilitation in the PICU.

Cardiac Arrest in Children: Long-Term Health Status and Health-Related Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term health status and health-related quality of life in survivors of cardiac arrest in childhood and their parents. In addition, to identify predictors of health status and health-related quality of life.

DESIGN

This medical follow-up study involved consecutive children surviving cardiac arrest between January 2002 and December 2011, who had been admitted to the ICU. Health status was assessed with a medical interview, physical examination, and the Health Utilities Index. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the Child Health Questionnaires and Short-Form 36.

SETTING

A tertiary care university children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Of the eligible 107 children, 57 (53%) filled out online questionnaires and 47 visited the outpatient clinic (median age, 8.7 yr; median follow-up interval, 5.6 yr).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the participants, 60% had an in-hospital cardiac arrest, 90% a nonshockable rhythm, and 50% a respiratory etiology of arrest. Mortality rate after hospital discharge was 10%. On health status, we found that 13% had long-term neurologic deficits, 34% chronic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headache), 19% at least one sign suggestive of chronic kidney injury, and 15% needed special education. Health Utilities Index scores were significantly decreased on most utility scores and the overall Health Utilities Index mark 3 score. Compared with Dutch normative data, parent-reported health-related quality of life of cardiac arrest survivors was significantly worse on general health perception, physical role functioning, parental impact, and overall physical summary. On patient reports, no significant differences with normative data were found. Parents reported better family cohesion and better health-related quality of life for themselves on most scales. Patients' health status, general health perceptions, and physical summary scores were significantly associated with cardiac arrest-related preexisting condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the impact of cardiac arrest, the overall outcome after cardiac arrest in childhood is reasonably good. Prospective long-term outcome research in large homogeneous groups is needed.

Analgesia-sedation in PICU and neurological outcome: a secondary analysis of long-term neuropsychological follow-up in meningococcal septic shock survivors*

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether analgesic and sedative drug use during PICU treatment is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in children who survived meningococcal septic shock.

DESIGN

This study concerned a secondary analysis of data from medical and psychological follow-up of a cross-sectional cohort of all consecutive surviving patients with septic shock and purpura requiring intensive care treatment between 1988 and 2001 at the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital. At least 4 years after PICU admission, these children showed impairments on several domains of neuropsychological functioning. In the present study, type, number, and dose of sedatives and analgesics were retrospectively evaluated.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

PATIENTS

Seventy-seven meningococcal septic shock survivors (median age, 2.1 yr).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Forty-five patients (58%) received one or more analgesic and/or sedative drugs during PICU admission, most commonly benzodiazepines (n = 39; 51%), followed by opioids (n = 23; 30%). In total, 12 different kinds of analgesic or sedative drugs were given. The use and dose of opioids were significantly associated with poor test outcome on full-scale intelligence quotient (p = 0.02; Z = -2.28), verbal intelligence quotient (p = 0.02; Z = -2.32), verbal intelligence quotient subtests (verbal comprehension [p = 0.01; Z = -2.56] and vocabulary [p = 0.01; Z = -2.45]), and visual attention/executive functioning (Trial Making Test part B) (p = 0.03; Z = -2.17). In multivariate analysis adjusting for patient and disease characteristics, the use of opioids remained significant on most neuropsychological tests.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of opioids during PICU admission was significantly associated with long-term adverse neuropsychological outcome independent of severity of illness scores in meningococcal septic shock survivors.

Social-adaptive and psychological functioning of patients affected by Fabry disease

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A. In addition to the debilitating physical symptoms of FD, there are also under-recognized and poorly characterized psychiatric features. As a first step toward characterizing psychiatric features of FD, we administered the Achenbach adult self report questionnaire to 30 FD patients and the Achenbach adult behavior checklist questionnaire to 28 partners/parents/friends of FD patients. Data from at least one of the questionnaires were available on 33 subjects. Analysis focused on social-adaptive functioning in various aspects of daily life and on criteria related to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders IV (DSM-IV). Adaptive functioning scale values, which primarily measure social and relationship functioning and occupational success, showed that eight FD patients (six female and two male) had mean adaptive functioning deficits as compared to population norms. Greater rates of depression (P < 0.01), anxiety (P = 0.05), depression and anxiety (P = 0.03), antisocial personality (P < 0.001), attention-deficit/hyperactivity (AD/H; P < 0.01), hyperactivity-impulsivity (P < 0.01), and aggressive behavior (P = 0.03) were associated with poorer adaptive functioning. Decreased social-adaptive functioning in this study was not statistically significantly associated to disease severity, pain, or level of vitality. This study shows for the first time that FD patients, particularly women, are affected by decreased social-adaptive functioning. Comprehensive treatment plans for FD should consider assessments and interventions to evaluate and improve social, occupational, and psychological functioning. Attention to the behavioral aspects of FD could lead to improved treatment outcome and improved quality of life. Individuals affected by Fabry disease exhibited social-adaptive functioning deficits that were significantly correlated with anxiety, depression, antisocial behavior, and AD/H problems in a sampling of our male and female patients aged between 18 years and 59 years.

Surviving meningococcal septic shock in childhood: long-term overall outcome and the effect on health-related quality of life

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between long-term physical and psychological outcome variables in patients who survived meningococcal septic shock (MSS) in childhood.

Methods

The study population was made up of all MSS patients requiring intensive care treatment between 1988 and 2001.

Results

A total of 120 patients visited the follow-up clinic (age at paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission 3.1 years; follow-up interval 9.8 years; age at follow-up 14.5 years (all medians)). Four major outcomes were considered: 1) major physical sequelae (defined as major scars and/or orthopaedic sequelae) (29/120), 2) mild neurological impairments (39/120), 3) problem behaviour (defined as a total score above the 90^th percentile of the reference groups on questionnaires to screen for psychopathology) (16/114) and 4) total intelligence quotient < 85 (18/115). No differences were found between patients with major physical sequelae and patients without major physical sequelae as to the presence of problem behaviour or total IQ < 85. Also, no differences were found between patients with mild neurological impairments and patients without as to the presence of problem behaviour or total IQ < 85. Finally, no differences were found between patients with major physical sequelae and patients without as to the presence of mild neurological sequelae. Less favourable scores on behavioural and emotional problems were significantly associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). HR-QoL scores were to a lesser amount predicted by severity of illness at time of PICU admission or by adverse physical outcome.

Conclusions

Long-term adverse physical and psychological outcomes in survivors of MSS did not seem to be associated. Poorer HR-QoL was mainly predicted by problem behaviour.

Course and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder in parents after pediatric intensive care treatment of their child

OBJECTIVE

To study posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents after unexpected pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) treatment of their child and to identify risk factors for its development.

METHOD

Parents completed PTSD questionnaires 3 and 9 months (N = 190) after PICU treatment. Risk factors included pretrauma data, medical data, social demographics and posttraumatic stress responses at 3 months.

RESULTS

In total, 30.3% of parents met criteria for subclinical PTSD and 12.6% for clinical PTSD at 3 months. Clinical PTSD prevalence rates did not change over time. At 9 months, 10.5% of parents still met criteria for PTSD. Number of earlier stressful life events, earlier psychosocial care and posttraumatic stress responses at 3 months predicted persistent subclinical and clinical PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

PICU admission is a stressful event associated with persistent parental PTSD. Assessment of risk factors can facilitate detection of persistent PTSD for early intervention.

An explorative study on quality of life and psychological and cognitive function in pediatric survivors of septic shock

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate self-reported health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function in pediatric septic shock survivors.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A 14-bed tertiary pediatric intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Children aged >or=8 yrs at the time of the follow-up who were admitted between 1995 and 2004 for septic shock. Inotropic and or vasoconstrictive agents were administered to these patients for >or=24 hrs.

INTERVENTION

Health-related quality of life was assessed with the KIDSCREEN-52, anxiety with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, depression with the Children's Depression Inventory, and cognitive function with the cognitive scale of the TNO-AZL Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire Child Form.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty of 82 eligible pediatric septic shock survivors were evaluated. The median age of the children at pediatric intensive care unit admission was 4.2 yrs (range, 0.0-17.0 yrs); the median age at follow-up was 10.7 yrs (range, 8.0-20.4 yrs). Health-related quality of life and anxiety scores were comparable to the age-related Dutch norm population. Depression scores were significantly better than the norm population, whereas cognitive function was significantly lower than the norm population. We found that 44% of the children had cognitive scores <25% of the norm population. Young age at the time of pediatric intensive care unit admission was predictive of cognitive problems, and cognitive problems were associated with lower emotional function.

CONCLUSIONS

In this group of septic shock survivors, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression are equal to or slightly better than the age-related Dutch norm population. Cognitive function is decreased, especially in children admitted at younger ages. Follow-up studies with adequate neuropsychological testing are warranted to evaluate the association between septic shock, cognitive function, and risk factors for cognitive problems.

PedsQL relates to function and behavior in very low and normal birth weight 2- and 3-year-olds from a regional cohort

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare PedsQL scores in young children who were very low (< or =1,500 g) or normal birth weight (>2,500 g) and to examine the relationship of the PedsQL score to behavioral and functional scores.

METHODS

The PedsQL, Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist and the PEDI functional scales were telephone administered to parents of a regional cohort of 672 very low birth weight and 455 normal birth weight children, 2- and 3-years old. PedsQL scales were regressed on behavior, function and health conditions.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) overall PedsQL score was 91 (8.4) for normal birth weight and 87 (12) for very low birth weight children, and changed little when standardized to the race/ethnicity and maternal education of corresponding Wisconsin births. Mobility function and the CBCL explained 58% of the variance in PedsQL, but the relationship was curvilinear.

CONCLUSION

The PedsQL is sensitive to health problems of very low birth weight in young children. The PedsQL is quite strongly related to mobility and behavior problems, but scales these differently than do standard instruments. Parents either do not think of subtle issues with child function and behavior without specific prompting or do not perceive them as problems affecting quality of life.

Surviving pediatric intensive care: physical outcome after 3 months

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence and nature of physical and neurocognitive sequelae in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors.

Design and setting

Prospective follow-up study 3 months after discharge from a 14-bed tertiary PICU in The Netherlands.

Patients and participants

The families of 250 previously healthy children unexpectedly admitted to the PICU were invited to visit the outpatient follow-up clinic for structured medical examination of the child 3 months after discharge; 186 patients were evaluated.

Measurements and results

Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) and Pediatric Overall Performance Category (POPC) values were determined at PICU discharge, at the outpatient follow-up clinic, and retrospectively before admission to the PICU. We found that 69% of children had physical sequelae. In 30% of cases these were caused by a previously unknown illness and in 39% by acquired morbidity. In 8% of the children the acquired morbidity was related to complications from PICU procedures. Three months after discharge 77% of the children had normal PCPC scores and 31% had normal POPC scores.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PICU survival may be associated with substantial physical sequelae. Structured follow-up research, preferably by multicenter studies, is warranted in PICU survivors.