High-frequency pressure-control ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pneumothorax in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 Infection

Data on patient-related factors associated with pneumothorax among critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is limited. Reports of spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggest that the COVID-19 infection could itself cause pneumothorax in addition to the ventilator-induced trauma among mechanically ventilated patients. Here, we report a case series of five mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 infection who developed pneumothorax. Consecutive cases of intubated patients in the intensive care unit with the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and pneumothorax were included. Data on their demographics, preexisting risk factors, laboratory workup, imaging findings, treatment, and survival were collected retrospectively between March and July 2020. Four out of five patients (4/5; 80%) had a bilateral pneumothorax, while one had a unilateral pneumothorax. Of the four patients with bilateral pneumothorax, three (3/4; 75%) had secondary bacterial pneumonia, two had pneumomediastinum and massive subcutaneous emphysema, and one of these two had an additional pneumoperitoneum. A surgical chest tube or pigtail catheter was placed for the management of pneumothorax. Three out of five patients with pneumothorax died (3/5; 60%), and all of them had bilateral involvement. The data from these cases suggest that pneumothorax is a potentially fatal complication of COVID-19 infection. Large prospective studies are needed to study the incidence of pneumothorax and its sequelae in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Recognizing Risks and Optimizing Perioperative Care to Reduce Respiratory Complications in the Pediatric Patient

There have been significant advancements in the safe delivery of anesthesia as well as improvements in surgical technique; however, the perioperative period can still be high risk for the pediatric patient. Perioperative respiratory complications (PRCs) are some of the most common critical events that can occur in pediatric surgical patients and they can lead to increased length of hospitalization, worsened patient outcomes, and higher hospital and postoperative costs. It is important to determine the various factors that put pediatric patients at increased risk of PRCs. This will allow for more detailed and accurate informed consent, optimized perioperative management strategy, improved allocation of clinical resources, and, hopefully, better patient experience. There are only a few risk prediction models/scoring tools developed for and validated in the pediatric patient population, but they have been useful in helping identify the key factors associated with a high likelihood of developing PRCs. Some of these factors are patient factors, while others are procedure-related factors. Some of these factors may be modified such that the patient’s clinical status is optimized preoperatively to decrease the risk of PRCs occurring perioperatively. Fore knowledge of the factors that are not able to be modified can help guide allocation of perioperative clinical resources such that the negative impact of these non-modifiable factors is buffered. Additional training in pediatric anesthesia or focused expertise in pediatric airway management, vascular access and management of massive hemorrhage should be considered for the perioperative management of the less than 3 age group. Intraoperative ventilation strategy plays a key role in determining respiratory outcomes for both adult and pediatric surgical patients. Key components of lung protective mechanical ventilation strategy such as low tidal volume and moderate PEEP used in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in pediatric intensive care units have been adopted in pediatric operating rooms. Adequate post-operative analgesia that balances pain control with appropriate mental status and respiratory drive is important in reducing PRCs.

Pneumonia due to aspiration of povidine iodine after preoperative disinfection of the oral cavity

INTRODUCTION

Povidone-iodine (PI) is thought to be an effective disinfectant and safe for many surgeons. Aspiration pneumonia is usually caused by gastric contents, but if PI solution will be aspirated, pneumonia or other complications may occur.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of pneumonia to aspiration of PI solution in a 91-year-old man patient who underwent oral-maxillofacial surgery. When surgeons used PI solution for disinfection into the oral cavity, the solution seems to be sinking gradually. The patient showed severe respiratory distress and developed hypoxia. There were much frothy fluids into a tracheal tube. We suctioned through the endotracheal tube and performed bronchoscopy, that revealed a redness which appeared associated to a chemical injury on the left trachea and bronchus. His condition was complicated by ARDS and DIC. Periodical bronchial suction and guideline-based treatments of ARDS were carried in ICU. He recovered without severe complication.

CONCLUSION

Although PI solution for an oral disinfection is used routinely, all operators need to be aware of the risk for PI aspiration.

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

Purpose

Much of the common practice in paediatric mechanical ventilation is based on personal experiences and what paediatric critical care practitioners have adopted from adult and neonatal experience. This presents a barrier to planning and interpretation of clinical trials on the use of specific and targeted interventions. We aim to establish a European consensus guideline on mechanical ventilation of critically children.

Methods

The European Society for Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care initiated a consensus conference of international European experts in paediatric mechanical ventilation to provide recommendations using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles, appropriateness method. An electronic literature search in PubMed and EMBASE was performed using a combination of medical subject heading terms and text words related to mechanical ventilation and disease-specific terms.

Results

The Paediatric Mechanical Ventilation Consensus Conference (PEMVECC) consisted of a panel of 15 experts who developed and voted on 152 recommendations related to the following topics: (1) general recommendations, (2) monitoring, (3) targets of oxygenation and ventilation, (4) supportive measures, (5) weaning and extubation readiness, (6) normal lungs, (7) obstructive diseases, (8) restrictive diseases, (9) mixed diseases, (10) chronically ventilated patients, (11) cardiac patients and (12) lung hypoplasia syndromes. There were 142 (93.4%) recommendations with “strong agreement”. The final iteration of the recommendations had none with equipoise or disagreement.

Conclusions

These recommendations should help to harmonise the approach to paediatric mechanical ventilation and can be proposed as a standard-of-care applicable in daily clinical practice and clinical research.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00134-017-4920-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The outcomes of children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: proceedings from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVE

To provide additional details and evidence behind the recommendations for outcomes assessment of patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference.

DESIGN

Consensus conference of experts in pediatric acute lung injury.

METHODS

A panel of 27 experts met over the course of 2 years to develop a taxonomy to define pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and to make recommendations regarding treatment and research priorities. The outcomes subgroup comprised four experts. When published data were lacking, a modified Delphi approach emphasizing strong professional agreement was used.

RESULTS

The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference experts developed and voted on a total of 151 recommendations addressing the topics related to pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome, seven of which related to outcomes after pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. All seven recommendations had strong agreement. Children with acute respiratory distress syndrome continue to have a high mortality, specifically, in relation to certain comorbidities and etiologies related to pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Comorbid conditions, such as an immunocompromised state, increase the risk of mortality even further. Likewise, certain etiologies, such as non-pulmonary sepsis, also place children at a higher risk of mortality. Significant long-term effects were reported in adult survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome: diminished lung function and exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life, and diminished neurocognitive function. Little knowledge of long-term outcomes exists in children who survive pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Characterization of the longer term consequences of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome in children is vital to help identify opportunities for improved therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies that will lessen the long-term burden of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and improve the quality of life in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The Consensus Conference developed pediatric-specific recommendations for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome regarding outcome measures and future research priorities. These recommendations are intended to promote optimization and consistency of care for children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and identify areas of uncertainty requiring further investigation.

Clinical Applications of Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation: A Mini-Review

The clinical usage of extracorporeal membranous oxygenation began more than 40 years ago. Although the indications for its use have expanded over the years, it has been challenging to conduct randomized controlled trials to prove that extracorporeal membranous oxygenation is more effective than traditional approaches. Through a review of retrospective reports and data from registries, we attempted to evaluate the appropriateness of its application for acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, and sepsis. Our investigation revealed that using extracorporeal membranous oxygenation when readily available is appropriate for all patients with cardiopulmonary resuscitation or postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, and for selected patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome or sepsis.

KEY WORDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation; Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock; Sepsis.

Pneumonia due to aspiration of povidine iodine after induction of general anesthesia -A case report-

Aspiration pneumonia is usually caused by aspiration of gastric contents during anesthesia. It causes severe pulmonary complications. Povidone iodine was used widely as an oral antiseptic. Although povidone iodine is thought to be a safe and effective antiseptic, severe complications from its aspiration may occur. We present a case of pneumonia secondary to aspiration of povidone iodine in a 16 year old female patient who underwent orofacial surgery. Aspiration pneumonia must be treated immediately. Mechanical ventilation with PEEP and periodical bronchial toilet with fiberoptic bronchoscopy were carried in the operating room and ICU. Bronchodilators, antibiotics, steroids and diuretics were also used to treat pneumonia. The patient was treated successfully without any complication.

Pulmonary artery catheters

BACKGROUND

After its introduction in 1970, the use of the pulmonary artery catheter became a central part of the management of critically ill patients in adult and pediatric intensive care units. However, because it was introduced as a class II device, efficacy for its safety and clinical benefit did not exist during the early years of use. This review describes the pulmonary artery catheter and reviews the literature supporting its use.

METHODOLOGY

A search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database was made to find literature about pulmonary artery catheter use. Literature for both adult and pediatric patients was reviewed. Guidelines published by the Society for Critical Care Medicine and the American Heart Association were reviewed, including further review of references cited.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The evidence supporting the use of the pulmonary artery catheter is mostly limited to level IV (nonrandomized, historical controls, and expert opinion) and level V (case series, uncontrolled studies, and expert opinion). A higher level of evidence supports the use of the pulmonary artery catheter in selected pediatric patients, especially those with pulmonary arterial hypertension and shock refractory to standard fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents. There are no data to suggest that use of the pulmonary artery catheter increases mortality in children.

Pulmonary contusions and critical care management in thoracic trauma

Many victims of thoracic trauma require ICU care and mechanical ventilatory support. Pressure and volume-limited modes assist in the prevention of ventilator-associated lung injury. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a significant cause of posttraumatic morbidity and mortality. Minimizing ventilator days, secretion control, early nutritional support, and patient positioning are methods to reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Acute lung injury in pediatric intensive care in Australia and New Zealand: a prospective, multicenter, observational study

OBJECTIVE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is poorly defined in children. The objective of this prospective study was to clarify the incidence, demographics, management strategies, outcome, and mortality predictors of ALI in children in Australia and New Zealand.

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective study during a 12-month period.

SETTING

Intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

All children admitted to intensive care and requiring mechanical ventilation were screened daily for development of ALI based on American-European Consensus Conference guidelines. Identified patients were followed for 28 days or until death or discharge.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were 117 cases of ALI during the study period, giving a population incidence of 2.95/100,000 <16 yrs. ALI accounted for 2.2% of pediatric intensive care unit admissions. Mortality was 35% for ALI, and this accounted for 30% of all pediatric intensive care unit deaths during the study period. Significant preadmission risk factors for mortality were chronic disease, older age, and immunosuppression. Predictors of mortality during admission were ventilatory requirements (peak inspiratory pressures, mean airway pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure) and indexes of respiratory severity on day 1 (Pao2/Fio2 ratio and oxygenation index). Higher maximum and median tidal volumes were associated with reduced mortality, even when corrected for severity of lung disease. Development of single and multiple organ failure was significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

ALI in children is uncommon but has a high mortality rate. Risk factors for mortality are easily identified. Ventilatory variables and indexes of lung severity were significantly associated with mortality.

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS): the mechanism, present strategies and future perspectives of therapies

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), which manifests as non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, respiratory distress and hypoxemia, could be resulted from various processes that directly or indirectly injure the lung. Extensive investigations in experimental models and humans with ALI/ARDS have revealed many molecular mechanisms that offer therapeutic opportunities for cell or gene therapy. Herein the present strategies and future perspectives of the treatment for ALI/ARDS, include the ventilatory, pharmacological, as well as cell therapies.

Severe respiratory failure: advanced treatment options

BACKGROUND

Severe respiratory failure (including acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome) continues to be associated with significant mortality and morbidity in patients of all ages.

OBJECTIVE

To review the laboratory and clinical data in support of and future directions for the advanced treatment of severe respiratory failure.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE/PubMed search of all relevant primary and review articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Our understanding of lung pathophysiology and the role of ventilator-induced lung injury through basic science investigation has led to advances in lung protective strategies for the mechanical ventilation support of patients with severe respiratory failure. Specific modalities reviewed include low-tidal volume ventilation, permissive hypercapnia, the open lung approach, recruitment maneuvers, airway pressure release ventilation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, prone positioning, and extracorporeal life support. The pharmacologic strategies (including corticosteroids, surfactant, and nitric oxide) investigated for the treatment of severe respiratory failure are also reviewed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with severe respiratory failure, an incremental approach to the management of severe hypoxemia requires implementation of the strategies reviewed, with knowledge of the evidence base to support these strategies.

A history of pediatric critical care medicine

Critical care medicine developed out of other subspecialties' need to provide care for their most critically ill patients. Advanced technologies, the understanding of the pathophysiology of critical illness, and the development of the multidisciplinary team have made this care possible. Pediatric critical care medicine emerged in the 1960s and has expanded dramatically since then. The field has made major advances in the areas of lung injury, sepsis, traumatic brain injury, and postoperative care. We review here the evolution of modern pediatric critical care medicine from its roots in general pediatric and cardiac surgery, adult respiratory care medicine, neonatology, and pediatric anesthesiology to its current state as a unique discipline.

Oxygenation index predicts outcome in children with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

To define outcome and time dependence of predictors of outcome in pediatric acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, 131 patients (age range, 1 month to 18 years) were prospectively followed. Parametric models were used to describe time-related events, and competing risks analysis was performed for mortality estimates. Multiple logistic analysis was applied to describe time-related predictors of ventilation time and mortality. Overall mortality was 27%. Peak oxygenation index (OI) measured at any time point (p < 0.001, 91% reliability in bootstrapping, after inverse transformation) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality, or PRISM, score within the first 12 hours of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001, 63% reliability in bootstrapping, after square transformation) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Peak OI, younger age, and need for renal replacement therapy were significantly associated with a longer time to extubation. Although OI was less reliable as outcome predictor within the first 12 hours of intubation, it still predicted duration of mechanical ventilation. No clear-cut threshold of OI was identified that could accurately predict mortality. Survival was characterized by a peak rate of extubations at approximately 1 week, with a more gradual decline thereafter, whereas death appeared as a constant risk over time, which exceeded chances of survival at approximately 4 weeks. Severity of oxygenation failure at any point in time during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure correlates with duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality. This is best reflected by the OI, which shows a direct correlation to outcome in a time-independent manner.

Distribution dynamics of perfluorocarbon delivery to the lungs: an intact rabbit model

Motivated by the goal of understanding how to most homogeneously fill the lungs with perfluorocarbon for liquid ventilation, we investigate the transport of liquid instilled into the lungs using an intact rabbit model. Perfluorocarbon is instilled into the trachea of the ventilated animal. Radiographic images of the perfluorocarbon distribution are obtained at a rate of 30 frames/s during the filling process. Image analysis is used to quantify the liquid distribution (center of mass, spatial standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and indicators of homogeneity) as time progresses. We compare the distribution dynamics in supine animals to those in upright animals for three constant infusion rates of perfluorocarbon: 15, 40, and 60 ml/min. It is found that formation of liquid plugs in large airways, which is affected by posture and infusion rate, can result in a more homogeneous liquid distribution than gravity drainage alone. The supine posture resulted in more homogeneous filling of the lungs than did upright posture, in which the lungs tend to fill in the inferior regions first. Faster instillation of perfluorocarbon results in liquid plugs forming in large airways and, consequently, more uniform distribution of perfluorocarbon than slower instillation rates in the upright animals.

Support of respiratory failure in the pediatric surgical patient

Severe respiratory failure in newborn and pediatric patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Basic science laboratory investigation has led to advances in the understanding of ventilator-induced lung injury and in optimizing the supportive use of conventional ventilation strategies. Over the past few years, progress has been made in alternative therapies for supporting children and adults with severe respiratory failure. This review will focus on recent laboratory and clinical data regarding the techniques of lung protective ventilator strategies, inhaled nitric oxide, liquid ventilation, and extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMO). Some of these modalities are commonplace, while others may have much to offer the pediatric clinician if their benefit is clearly demonstrated in future clinical trials.

Critical care of the severely injured child

It is the responsibility of the surgeon committed to care of these critically injured patients to understand the nature of injuries being treated, and to orchestrate this treatment in a manner that maximizes recovery, avoids unnecessary morbidity, and assures the injured child the best quality of life humanly possible.

Reduction in case fatality rate from meningococcal disease associated with improved healthcare delivery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The case fatality rate from meningococcal disease (MD) has remained relatively unchanged in the post antibiotic era, with 20-50% of patients who develop shock still dying. In 1992 a new paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) specialising in MD was opened. Educational information was disseminated to local hospitals, and a specialist transport service was established which delivered mobile intensive care. The influence of these changes on mortality of children with MD was investigated.

METHODS

A total of 331 consecutive children with meningococcal disease admitted to the PICU between 1992 and 1997 were studied. Severity of the disease on admission was assessed using the paediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score. Logistic regression analysis was used to correct for clinical severity, age, and sex; death was the outcome, and year of admission, a temporal trend variable, was the primary exposure.

RESULTS

The case fatality rate fell year on year (from 23% in 1992/93 to 2% in 1997) despite disease severity remaining largely unchanged. After adjustment for age, sex, and disease severity, the overall estimate for improvement in the odds of death was 59% per year (odds ratio for the yearly trend 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant improvement in outcome for children admitted with MD to a PICU has occurred in association with improvements in initial management of patients with MD at referring hospitals, use of a mobile intensive care service, and centralisation of care in a specialist unit.

A rat lung model of instilled liquid transport in the pulmonary airways

When a liquid is instilled in the pulmonary airways during medical therapy, the method of instillation affects the liquid distribution throughout the lung. To investigate the fluid transport dynamics, exogenous surfactant (Survanta) mixed with a radiopaque tracer is instilled into tracheae of vertical, excised rat lungs (ventilation 40 breaths/min, 4 ml tidal volume). Two methods are compared: For case A, the liquid drains by gravity into the upper airways followed by inspiration; for case B, the liquid initially forms a plug in the trachea, followed by inspiration. Experiments are continuously recorded using a microfocal X-ray source and an image-intensifier, charge-coupled device image train. Video images recorded at 30 images/s are digitized and analyzed. Transport dynamics during the first few breaths are quantified statistically and follow trends for liquid plug propagation theory. A plug of liquid driven by forced air can reach alveolar regions within the first few breaths. Homogeneity of distribution measured at end inspiration for several breaths demonstrates that case B is twice as homogeneous as case A. The formation of a liquid plug in the trachea, before inspiration, is important in creating a more uniform liquid distribution throughout the lungs.

A case of pneumomediastinum in paediatric ARDS: to oscillate or not?

An 18-month-old was transferred (intubated and ventilated) to our hospital with staphylococcal tracheitis, which progressed to a necrotizing pneumonitis, complicated by surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Maximum conventional ventilation on a Servo 300 failed. Treatment with high frequency oscillatory ventilation (for 10 days) with a permissive hypercarbia and hypoxaemia strategy to limit mean airway pressure facilitated recovery in our patient.

Acute lung injury: outcomes and new therapies

Mortality rates in ARDS are improving, with several recent studies reporting mortality in the order of 20-40% rather than the early descriptions of this disease in which a mortality of 40-60% or higher was frequently cited. The ability to accurately predict outcomes plays an important role in the assessment of the impact of new therapies. Traditionally clinicians have relied on simple respiratory indices to assess mortality risk; however, the predictive ability of such indices, particularly early in the course of the disease, is somewhat limited. Adult data suggest that improved prediction not only of the outcome of established ARDS but also of the development of ARDS in at-risk patients may be obtained by measuring the concentrations of inflammatory mediators and/or surfactant-associated proteins in plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. A bewildering array of therapies for ARDS is available; in many cases the benefits are uncertain. Treatments of proven value in adults include using PEEP beyond the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve and limiting tidal volumes to 6 ml/kg. Nitric oxide appears to offer no benefit to outcomes, although it does improve oxygenation in some patients. Surfactant is still undergoing assessment in randomised controlled trials; however, the use of aerosolised surfactant has been recently shown to be ineffective in adult patients with ARDS. Perfluorocarbon-assisted gas exchange (PAGE) or partial liquid ventilation is similarly still being assessed in randomised controlled trials in adults.

End-of-life care in the pediatric intensive care unit after the forgoing of life-sustaining treatment

OBJECTIVE

To describe the attitudes and practice of clinicians in providing sedation and analgesia to dying patients as life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series of 53 consecutive patients who died after the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit at three teaching hospitals in Boston. Data on the reasons why medications were given were obtained from a self-administered anonymous questionnaire completed by the critical care physician and nurse for each case. Data on what medications were given were obtained from a review of the medical record.

RESULTS

Sedatives and/or analgesics were administered to 47 (89%) patients who died after the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Patients who were comatose were less likely to receive these medications. Physicians and nurses cited treatment of pain, anxiety, and air hunger as the most common reasons, and hastening death as the least common reason, for administration of these medications. Hastening death was viewed as an "acceptable, unintended side effect" of terminal care by 91% of physician-nurse matched pairs. The mean dose of sedatives and analgesics administered nearly doubled as life-support was withdrawn, and the degree of escalation in dose did not correlate with clinician's views on hastening death.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians frequently escalate the dose of sedatives or analgesics to dying patients as life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn, citing patient-centered reasons as their principle justification. Hastening death is seen as an unintended consequence of appropriate care. A large majority of physicians and nurses agreed with patient management and were satisfied with the care provided. Care of the dying patient after the forgoing of life-sustaining treatment remains underanalyzed and needs more rigorous examination by the critical care community.

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis as a method to treat severe anasarca in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method of rapid fluid removal in children with anasarca and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to sepsis or the systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

DESIGN

Consecutive case series.

SETTING

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Six patients with ARDS secondary to sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome, who had persistent anasarca complicating their respiratory course despite intravenous diuretic therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) was instituted after percutaneously inserting two Tenckhoff dialysis catheters into the peritoneal cavity of each patient and tunneling them through the subcutaneous tissue to exit from opposite lower abdominal quadrants. A dialysis solution with 2.5% dextrose was administered continuously via one of the catheters at a rate ranging from 10-30 mL/kg/hr, and concomitantly drained via the other catheter. The concentration of the dialysis solution and rate of inflow were adjusted as needed to achieve the desired peritoneal outflow rate. CFPD was discontinued when adequate weight loss had occurred and the patient's daily urine output exceeded their daily fluid intake. The patient's overall fluid balance and change in weight were recorded daily. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, and oxygenation index were also calculated daily.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Six patients with ARDS, mean age 18.7+/-37.0 months were mechanically ventilated for 8.0+/-4.0 days before CFPD, during which time average body weight increased to 63%+/-22% above admission body weight, despite the use of intravenous diuretic therapy. They underwent CFPD for 126.7+/-60.0 hrs, during which time their body weight decreased to 30%+/-12% above admission weight (p<.05). During dialysis, the dialysis outflow rate exceeded the inflow rate by 4.2+/-0.9 mL/kg/hr. When compared with values calculated immediately before starting CFPD, post-CFPD PaO2/FiO2 increased from 97.0+/-32.0 to 215.0+/-40.4 mm Hg (12.9+/-4.3 to 28.7+/-5.4 kPa) (p<.05), post-CFPD alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient decreased from 390.7+/-85.8 to 206.7+/-72.8 mm Hg (52.1+/-11.4 to 27.6+/-9.7 kPa) (p<.05), and post-CFPD the oxygenation index decreased from 29.6+/-9.8 to 11.8+/-5.6 (p<.05). There were no complications associated with dialysis catheter insertion or CFPD therapy. Four patients survived. Two patients had an irreversible course of infections and septic shock and died.

CONCLUSION

Severe anasarca in the course of ARDS can be effectively treated in pediatric patients with continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, resulting in a significant improvement in respiratory status.

Advances in ventilatory support of the pediatric surgical patient

Severe respiratory failure in newborn and pediatric patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Basic science laboratory investigation has led to advances both in our understanding of ventilator-induced lung injury and in optimizing the supportive use of conventional ventilation strategies. Over the past few years, progress has been made in alternative therapies for ventilating both children and adults with severe respiratory failure. This review focuses on recent laboratory and clinical data detailing the techniques of permissive hypercapnia, high frequency oscillatory ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, intratracheal pulmonary ventilation, and liquid ventilation. Some of these modalities are becoming commonplace, and others may have much to offer the clinician if their benefit is clearly demonstrated in future clinical trials.