Early goal-directed therapy in pediatric septic shock: comparison of outcomes "with" and "without" intermittent superior venacaval oxygen saturation monitoring: a prospective cohort study*

Central Venous Oxygen Saturation in Children With Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Central venous saturation (ScvO2) can guide resuscitation of children with septic shock. The normal range of ScvO2 is typically considered as 0.70-0.80, but has not been established in children with cancer. Children with cancer are particularly prone to develop sepsis due to their immunosuppressive therapy, and usually have a permanent central venous catheter, making ScvO2 readily available. We aimed to investigate normal values of ScvO2 in clinically stable children with cancer, and the association between ScvO2, hemoglobin, and lactate.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective clinical study at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary pediatric hematology/oncology unit. Blood samples were collected from stable children aged 0-17.9 years who were treated for cancer between January 1 and November 30, 2019, during their routine outpatient clinic visits.

RESULTS

A total of 183 blood samples were collected from 68 patients (24 girls and 44 boys). The predicted mean level of ScvO2 with a 95% confidence interval was 0.67 (0.56-0.78). The ScvO2 value was below the expected lower normal limit of 0.70 in 126 (69%) of the samples and in 48 patients (71%) at least once. ScvO2 was significantly associated with hemoglobin (β1 = 0.012 per g/L hemoglobin, P < 0.001), but not with age, sex, underlying diagnosis, or lactate.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that a substantial portion of clinically stable childhood cancer patients exhibited ScvO2 levels below the typical reference value of 0.70, suggesting that these children may have inherently lower baseline ScvO2 levels. This should be kept in mind when evaluating children with cancer for septic shock, emphasizing the importance of tailored assessments in this population. Further understanding of baseline ScvO2 abnormalities may be helpful if ScvO2 is used to guide resuscitation.

Diastolic blood pressure impact on pediatric refractory septic shock outcomes

BACKGROUND

Septic shock is the progression of sepsis, defined as cardiovascular dysfunction during systemic infection, and it has a mortality rate of 40 %-80 %. Loss of vascular tone is an important pathophysiological feature of septic shock. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was reported to be associated with vascular tone. This study aimed to identify the associations of several hemodynamic indices, especially DBP, with outcome in pediatric septic shock to allow for timely interventions.

METHODS

Children with persistent catecholamine-resistant shock had a pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO®) system implanted for invasive hemodynamic monitoring and were enrolled in the current study. Serial cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and DBP were recorded during the first 24 h following PiCCO® initiation. All hemodynamic parameters associated with 28-day mortality were further analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-three children with persistent catecholamine-resistant shock were enrolled. The median age was 12 years and the youngest children were 5 years old. Univariate analysis noted that SVRI, SBP, MAP, and DBP were significantly higher, and shock index was significant lower, in survivors compared with non-survivors (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only SVRI and DBP remained independent predictors of 28-day mortality. DBP had the best correlation with SVRI (r = 0.718, n = 219, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of SVRI and DBP for predicting 28-day mortality during the first 24 h of persistent catecholamine-resistant shock were >0.75, indicating a good prediction for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

DBP correlated well with SVRI and it can serve as a predictor for mortality in pediatric septic shock. Furthermore, DBP was a superior discriminator of mortality when compared with SBP and MAP. A lower DBP was an independent hemodynamic factor associated with 28-day mortality.

Use of transcriptomics for diagnosis of infections and sepsis in children: A narrative review

AIM

The aim of this review was to summarise the most recent evidence about the use of omics-based techniques as an instrument for a more rapid and accurate characterisation of respiratory tract infections, neurological infections and sepsis in paediatrics.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review using PubMed and a set of inclusion criteria: English language articles, clinical trials, meta-analysis and reviews including only paediatric population inherited to this topic in the last 15 years.

RESULTS

The examined studies suggest that host gene expression signatures are an effective method to characterise the different types of infections, to distinguish infection from colonisation and, in some cases, to assess the severity of the disease in children.

CONCLUSIONS

'Omics-based techniques' may help to define the aetiology of infections in paediatrics, representing a useful tool to choose the most appropriate therapies and limit antibiotic resistance.

Cardiac output monitoring in children: a review

Cardiac output monitoring enables physiology-directed management of critically ill children and aids in the early detection of clinical deterioration. Multiple invasive techniques have been developed and have demonstrated ability to improve clinical outcomes. However, all require invasive arterial or venous catheters, with associated risks of infection, thrombosis and vascular injury. Non-invasive monitoring of cardiac output and fluid responsiveness in infants and children is an active area of interest and several proven techniques are available. Novel non-invasive cardiac output monitors offer a promising alternative to echocardiography and have proven their ability to influence clinical practice. Assessment of perfusion remains a challenge; however, technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy and photoplethysmography may prove valuable clinical adjuncts in the future.

Management of septic shock by pediatric residents: An area for quality improvement

BACKGROUND

Compliance with sepsis guidelines has been shown to be linked to better outcomes in patients with septic shock; however, adherence to these guidelines is not consistent among pediatric healthcare providers. In Tunisia, the management of children with septic shock is initiated by the pediatric resident on call.

METHODS

This study assessed the compliance of Tunisian pediatric residents with the 2020 "Surviving Sepsis Campaign" guidelines and identified factors that could improve compliance. We conducted a cross-sectional national study based on an online survey (SurveyMonkey) presenting a clinical pediatric case of septic shock. The survey was sent to the 200 residents registered in the Tunisian pediatric residency program.

RESULTS

The response rate was 72%, with 144 residents replying to the survey. Up to 72.9% of the residents had good compliance with the 1-h bundle: obtaining blood cultures prior to antibiotics, early administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, IV fluid expansion, and vasopressor for fluid-refractory septic shock. Factors independently associated with good compliance were a pediatric intensive care unit rotation (odds ratio [OR]: 5.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-18.58; p = 0.012), availability of a written protocol (OR: 9.09, 95% CI: 2.67-30.97; p<0.001), an on-call senior supervisor on site (OR: 6.76, 95% CI: 2.24-20.40; p = 0.001), and European Pediatric Advanced Life Support (EPALS) certification (OR: 13.47, 95% CI: 3.05-59.31; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These factors could be considered in the process of a quality improvement strategy that ultimately better promotes performance in pediatric sepsis management and may improve patient outcomes.

Inferior and Superior Vena Cava Saturation Monitoring After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Superior vena cava oxygen saturation (SVC O 2 ) monitoring is well described for early detection of hemodynamic deterioration after neonatal cardiac surgery but inferior vena cava vein oxygen saturation (IVC O 2 ) monitoring data are limited.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of 118 neonates with congenital heart disease (52 single ventricle) from February 2008 to January 2014.

SETTING

Pediatric cardiac ICU.

PATIENTS

Neonates (< 30 d) with concurrent admission IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 measurements after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary aim was to correlate admission IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 . Secondary aims included: correlate flank or cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy with IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 , respectively, and exploratory analysis to evaluate associations between oximetry data and a composite adverse outcome defined as any of the following: increasing serum lactate or vasoactive support at 2 hours post-admission, cardiac arrest, or mortality. Admission IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 correlated ( r = 0.54; p < 0.001). However, IVC O 2 measurements were significantly lower than paired SVC O 2 (mean difference, -6%; 95% CI, -8% to -4%; p < 0.001) with wide variability in sample agreement. Logistic regression showed that each 12% decrease in IVC O 2 was associated with a 12-fold greater odds of the composite adverse outcome (odds ratio [OR], 12; 95% CI, 3.9-34; p < 0.001). We failed to find an association between SVC O 2 and increased odds of the composite adverse outcome (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.99-3.3; p = 0.053). In an exploratory analysis, the area under the receiver operating curve for IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 , and the composite adverse outcome, was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.77-0.92) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.52-0.73), respectively. Admission IVC O 2 had strong correlation with concurrent flank near-infrared spectroscopy value ( r = 0.74; p < 0.001). SVC O 2 had a weak association with cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy ( r = 0.22; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In postoperative neonates, admission IVC O 2 and SVC O 2 correlate. Lower admission IVC O 2 may identify a cohort of postsurgical neonates at risk for low cardiac output and associated morbidity.

Inadequate Oxygen Delivery Dose and Major Adverse Events in Critically Ill Children With Sepsis

BACKGROUND

The inadequate oxygen delivery (IDo2) index is used to estimate the probability that a patient is experiencing inadequate systemic delivery of oxygen. Its utility in the care of critically ill children with sepsis is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between IDo2 dose and major adverse events, illness severity metrics, and outcomes among critically ill children with sepsis.

METHODS

Clinical and IDo2 data were retrospectively collected from the records of 102 critically ill children with sepsis, weighing >2 kg, without preexisting cardiac dysfunction. Descriptive, nonparametric, odds ratio, and correlational statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Inadequate oxygen delivery doses were significantly higher in patients who experienced major adverse events (n = 13) than in those who did not (n = 89) during the time intervals of 0 to 12 hours (P < .001), 12 to 24 hours (P = .01), 0 to 24 hours (P < .001), 0 to 36 hours (P < .001), and 0 to 48 hours (P < .001). Patients with an IDo2 dose at 0 to 12 hours at or above the 80th percentile had the highest odds of a major adverse event (odds ratio, 23.6; 95% CI, 5.6-99.4). Significant correlations were observed between IDo2 dose at 0 to 12 hours and day 2 maximum vasoactive inotropic score (ρ = 0.27, P = .006), day 1 Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD-2) score (ρ = 0.41, P < .001), day 2 PELOD-2 score (ρ = 0.44, P < .001), intensive care unit length of stay (ρ = 0.35, P < .001), days receiving invasive ventilation (ρ = 0.42, P < .001), and age (ρ = -0.47, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine IDo2 monitoring may identify critically ill children with sepsis who are at the highest risk of adverse events and poor outcomes.

Cutoff Values of Hemodynamic Parameters in Pediatric Refractory Septic Shock

Background: Refractory septic shock can cause severe morbidities and mortalities in children. Resuscitation based on hemodynamics is important in children with critical illness. Thus, this study aimed to identify the hemodynamics of refractory septic shock associated with poor prognosis at an early stage to allow for timely interventions. Methods: We evaluated children with refractory septic shock admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and monitored their hemodynamics using a pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system. The serial cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), and vasoactive−inotropic score (VIS) were recorded during the first 72 h after PICU admission. Results: Thirty-three children with refractory septic shock were enrolled. The SVRI and VIS were both associated with fatality from septic shock. The non-survivors had lower serial SVRI and higher VIS (both p < 0.05). Based on the area under the ROC curve, the SVRI was the predictor during the early resuscitative stage (first 36 h) in pediatric refractory septic shock. Conclusions: Both SVRI and VIS are predictors of mortality in children with refractory septic shock, and the SVRI is the powerful predictor of mortality in the early resuscitative stage. A low serial SVRI may allow for the early awareness of disease severity and strategies for adjusting vasoactive−inotropic agents to increase the SVRI.

Non-invasively Measured Venous Oxygen Saturation as Early Marker of Impaired Oxygen Delivery in Preterm Neonates

INTRODUCTION

Adequate oxygen supply for preterm neonates may be defined through non-invasive measurement of venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) and fractional oxygen extraction using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We investigated whether there was a difference in peripheral muscle SvO₂ (pSvO₂) and peripheral fractional oxygen extraction (pFOE) in preterm neonates with early inflammation/infection compared to healthy subjects during the first 72 h after birth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed secondary outcome parameters of prospective observational studies, including preterm neonates at risk of infection in whom peripheral NIRS measurements were performed in combination with venous occlusions. Early neonatal inflammation/infection was diagnosed by clinical signs and laboratory parameters. Peripheral muscle tissue oxygenation index (pTOI) was measured using either NIRO 300 or NIRO 200-NX (both Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan) on the patients' lower legs. Using 20-s venous occlusions, pSvO₂ and pFOE were calculated incorporating simultaneous measurements of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

RESULTS

We analyzed measurements from 226 preterm neonates (median gestational age 33.9 weeks), 64 (28.3%) of whom were diagnosed with early neonatal inflammation/infection. During the first 24 h after birth, pSvO₂ (66.9% [62.6-69.2] vs. 69.4% [64.6-72.0]; p = 0.04) and pTOI (68.6% [65.3-71.9] vs. 71.7% [67.3-75.1]; p = 0.02) were lower in those neonates with inflammation/infection, while there was no such difference for measurements between 24-48 and 48-72 h.

DISCUSSION

NIRS measurement of pSvO₂ and pFOE is feasible and may be utilized for early detection of impaired peripheral oxygen delivery. As pTOI was also significantly lower, this parameter may serve as substitute for diminished regional oxygen supply.

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.

Comparison of Intermittent versus Continuous Superior Venal Caval Oxygen Saturation Monitoring in Early Goal Directed Therapy in Septic Shock: A Systematic Review

Early goal directed therapy (EGDT) is a bundle of care (monitoring ScvO2 and lactate along with clinical parameters and instituting therapy) that has shown to improve outcomes in patients with septic shock. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies to compare intermittent versus continuous monitoring of ScvO2. We did major database searches till August 2020. Hospitalized children (>2 months age) and adults with septic shock were included. The intervention was “intermittent ScvO2 monitoring,” and the comparator was “continuous ScvO2 monitoring.” The primary outcome is “all-cause mortality.” Of 564 citations, 3 studies (n = 541) including both children and adults were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in the “overall/all-cause mortality” (two randomized controlled trials; 258 participants) between the “intermittent” and “continuous” ScvO2 monitoring groups (relative risk [RR]: 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8–1.24). However, a single observational study (283 participants) showed a significant increase in mortality in the intermittent group (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03–2.05). The GRADE evidence generated for “overall/all-cause mortality” was of “moderate certainty.” To conclude, the present meta-analysis did not find any significant difference between “intermittent” and “continuous” ScvO2 monitoring in patients with septic shock.

Delayed Administration of Antibiotics Beyond the First Hour of Recognition Is Associated with Increased Mortality Rates in Children with Sepsis/Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of mortality and other clinical outcomes in children with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock who received antibiotics within the first hour of recognition (early antibiotics group) with those who received antibiotics after the first hour (delayed antibiotics group).

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled children <17 years of age presenting to the pediatric emergency and diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock without prior antibiotic therapy. Primary outcome was mortality and the secondary outcomes were day 1 Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score, ventilator-free days, and hospital-free days. These outcomes were compared between the early and the delayed antibiotic groups. The reference point for defining early and delayed antibiotic groups was time 0, which was measured from the time the patient was diagnosed to have sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock to the time of administration of the first dose of antibiotics.

RESULTS

About three-fourths (77%) of the 441 children enrolled had septic shock. A total of 241 (55%) and 200 (45%) children were in the delayed and early antibiotic groups, respectively. Children in the delayed group had significantly higher odds of mortality than those in the early group (29% vs 20%; aOR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.14-2.92; P = .01). The time to shock reversal was significantly shorter, and the ventilator-free days and hospital-free days were significantly greater, in the early antibiotic group. There was no difference between the groups with regard to any of the other clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed administration of antibiotics beyond 1 hour of recognition was associated with higher mortality rates in children with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Antibiotics should be administered within the first hour, along with other resuscitative measures, in these children.

Septic shock in pediatrics: the state-of-the-art

OBJECTIVE

Review the main aspects of the definition, diagnosis, and management of pediatric patients with sepsis and septic shock.

SOURCE OF DATA

A search was carried out in the MEDLINE and Embase databases. The articles were chosen according to the authors' interest, prioritizing those published in the last five years.

SYNTHESIS OF DATA

Sepsis remains a major cause of mortality in pediatric patients. The variability of clinical presentations makes it difficult to attain a precise definition in pediatrics. Airway stabilization with adequate oxygenation and ventilation if necessary, initial volume resuscitation, antibiotic administration, and cardiovascular support are the basis of sepsis treatment. In resource-poor settings, attention should be paid to the risks of fluid overload when administrating fluids. Administration of vasoactive drugs such as epinephrine or norepinephrine is necessary in the absence of volume response within the first hour. Follow-up of shock treatment should adhere to targets such as restoring vital and clinical signs of shock and controlling the focus of infection. A multimodal evaluation with bedside ultrasound for management after the first hours is recommended. In refractory shock, attention should be given to situations such as cardiac tamponade, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, abdominal catastrophe, and focus of uncontrolled infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of protocols and advanced technologies have reduced sepsis mortality. In resource-poor settings, good practices such as early sepsis identification, antibiotic administration, and careful fluid infusion are the cornerstones of sepsis management.

Surviving sepsis campaign international guidelines for the management of septic shock and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction in children

OBJECTIVES

To develop evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for children (including infants, school-aged children, and adolescents) with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction.

DESIGN

A panel of 49 international experts, representing 12 international organizations, as well as three methodologists and three public members was convened. Panel members assembled at key international meetings (for those panel members attending the conference), and a stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in November 2018. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the chairs, co-chairs, methodologists, and group heads, as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development process.

METHODS

The panel consisted of six subgroups: recognition and management of infection, hemodynamics and resuscitation, ventilation, endocrine and metabolic therapies, adjunctive therapies, and research priorities. We conducted a systematic review for each Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes question to identify the best available evidence, statistically summarized the evidence, and then assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence-to-decision framework to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or as a best practice statement. In addition, "in our practice" statements were included when evidence was inconclusive to issue a recommendation, but the panel felt that some guidance based on practice patterns may be appropriate.

RESULTS

The panel provided 77 statements on the management and resuscitation of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. Overall, six were strong recommendations, 49 were weak recommendations, and nine were best-practice statements. For 13 questions, no recommendations could be made; but, for 10 of these, "in our practice" statements were provided. In addition, 52 research priorities were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A large cohort of international experts was able to achieve consensus regarding many recommendations for the best care of children with sepsis, acknowledging that most aspects of care had relatively low quality of evidence resulting in the frequent issuance of weak recommendations. Despite this challenge, these recommendations regarding the management of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction provide a foundation for consistent care to improve outcomes and inform future research.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children

OBJECTIVES

To develop evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for children (including infants, school-aged children, and adolescents) with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction.

DESIGN

A panel of 49 international experts, representing 12 international organizations, as well as three methodologists and three public members was convened. Panel members assembled at key international meetings (for those panel members attending the conference), and a stand-alone meeting was held for all panel members in November 2018. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the chairs, co-chairs, methodologists, and group heads, as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development process.

METHODS

The panel consisted of six subgroups: recognition and management of infection, hemodynamics and resuscitation, ventilation, endocrine and metabolic therapies, adjunctive therapies, and research priorities. We conducted a systematic review for each Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes question to identify the best available evidence, statistically summarized the evidence, and then assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence-to-decision framework to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or as a best practice statement. In addition, "in our practice" statements were included when evidence was inconclusive to issue a recommendation, but the panel felt that some guidance based on practice patterns may be appropriate.

RESULTS

The panel provided 77 statements on the management and resuscitation of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. Overall, six were strong recommendations, 52 were weak recommendations, and nine were best-practice statements. For 13 questions, no recommendations could be made; but, for 10 of these, "in our practice" statements were provided. In addition, 49 research priorities were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A large cohort of international experts was able to achieve consensus regarding many recommendations for the best care of children with sepsis, acknowledging that most aspects of care had relatively low quality of evidence resulting in the frequent issuance of weak recommendations. Despite this challenge, these recommendations regarding the management of children with septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction provide a foundation for consistent care to improve outcomes and inform future research.

'Intermittent' versus 'continuous' ScvO2 monitoring in children with septic shock: a randomised, non-inferiority trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of 'intermittent' central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) monitoring with 'continuous' ScvO₂ monitoring on shock resolution and mortality in children with septic shock.

METHODS

Primary outcome was the achievement of therapeutic goals or shock resolution in the first 6 h. We randomly assigned children < 17 years' age with septic shock to 'intermittent ScvO₂' or 'continuous ScvO₂' groups. All children were subjected to subclavian/internal jugular line insertion and managed as per Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines. To guide resuscitation, we used ScvO₂ estimated at other clinical and laboratory parameters were monitored similarly in both groups.

RESULTS

We enrolled 75 and 77 children [median (IQR) age: 6 (1.5-10) years] in the 'intermittent' and 'continuous' groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. When compared to the 'continuous' group, fewer children in the 'intermittent' group achieved shock resolution within first 6 h [19% vs. 36%; relative risk (RR) 0.51; 95% CI 0.29-0.89; risk difference - 18.0%; 95% CI - 32.0 to - 4.0]. The lower bound of confidence interval, however, crossed the pre-specified non-inferiority margin. There was no difference in the proportion of children attaining shock resolution within 24 h (63% vs. 69%; RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.68-1.08) or risk of mortality between the groups (47% vs. 43%; RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.74-1.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Given that a greater proportion of children attained therapeutic end points in the first 6 h, continuous monitoring of ScvO₂ should preferably be used to titrate therapy in the first few hours in children with septic shock. In the absence of such facility, intermittent monitoring of ScvO₂ can be used to titrate therapy in these children, given the lack of difference in the proportion of patients achieving shock resolution at 24 h or in risk of mortality between the intermittent and continuous groups.

Actualités sur le sepsis et le choc septique de l’enfant

L’incidence du sepsis de l’enfant augmente en réanimation pédiatrique. La définition du sepsis et du choc septique de l’enfant est amenée à évoluer à l’instar de celle du choc septique de l’adulte pour détecter les patients nécessitant une prise en charge urgente et spécialisée. La prise en charge d’un patient septique repose sur une oxygénothérapie, une expansion volémique au sérum salé isotonique, une antibiothérapie et un transfert dans un service de réanimation ou de surveillance continue pédiatrique. Le taux et la cinétique d’élimination du lactate plasmatique est un bon critère diagnostic et pronostic qui permet de guider la prise en charge. La présence de plusieurs défaillances d’organes ou une défaillance circulatoire aiguë signe le diagnostic de sepsis encore dit sévère, et leur persistance et/ou la non-correction de l’hypotension artérielle malgré un remplissage vasculaire d’au moins 40 ml/kg définit le choc septique chez l’enfant. Dans ce cas, la correction rapide de l’hypotension artérielle persistante repose sur la noradrénaline initiée sur une voie intraveineuse périphérique dans l’attente d’un accès veineux central. L’échographie cardiaque est un examen clé de l’évaluation hémodynamique du patient, pour guider la poursuite de l’expansion volémique ou détecter une cardiomyopathie septique. Des thérapeutiques additionnelles ont été proposées pour prendre en charge certains patients avec des défaillances d’organes particulières. L’immunomonitorage et la modulation sont un ensemble de techniques qui permettent la recherche et le traitement de certaines complications. La Surviving Sepsis Campaign a permis d’améliorer la prise en charge de ces patients par l’implémentation d’algorithmes de détection et de prise en charge du sepsis de l’enfant. Une révision pédiatrique de cette campagne est attendue prochainement.

Effect of Severe Vitamin D Deficiency at Admission on Shock Reversal in Children With Septic Shock: A Prospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the association of severe vitamin D deficiency with clinically important outcomes in children with septic shock.

METHODS:

We enrolled children ≤17 years with septic shock prospectively over a period of 6 months. We estimated 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels at admission and 72 hours. Severe deficiency was defined as serum 25 (OH) <10 ng/mL. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate association with clinically important outcomes.

RESULTS:

Forty-three children were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was 72% and 69% at admission and 72 hours, respectively. On univariate analysis, severe vitamin D deficiency at admission was associated with lower rates of shock reversal, 74% (23) versus 25% (3); relative risk (95% confidence interval [CI]): 2.9 (1.09-8.08), at 24 hours and greater need for fluid boluses (75 vs 59 mL/kg). On multivariate analysis, nonresolution of shock at 24 hours was significantly associated with severe vitamin D deficiency after adjusting for other key baseline and clinical variables, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 12 (2.01-87.01); 0.01.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency is high in children with septic shock admitted to pediatric intensive care unit. Severe vitamin D deficiency at admission seems to be associated with lower rates of shock reversal at 24 hours of ICU stay. Our study provides preliminary data for planning interventional studies in children with septic shock and severe vitamin D deficiency.

Global Case-Fatality Rates in Pediatric Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The global patterns and distribution of case-fatality rates (CFRs) in pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock remain poorly described.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of children with severe sepsis and septic shock to elucidate the patterns of CFRs in developing and developed countries over time. We also described factors associated with CFRs.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane Central systematically for randomized clinical trials and prospective observational studies from earliest publication until January 2017, using the keywords "pediatric," "sepsis," "septic shock," and "mortality."

STUDY SELECTION

Studies involving children with severe sepsis and septic shock that reported CFRs were included. Retrospective studies and studies including only neonates were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

We conducted our systematic review and meta-analysis in close accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled case-fatality estimates were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. The associations of study period, study design, sepsis severity, age, and continents in which studies occurred were assessed with meta-regression.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Meta-analyses to provide pooled estimates of CFR of pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock over time.

RESULTS

Ninety-four studies that included 7561 patients were included. Pooled CFRs were higher in developing countries (31.7% [95% CI, 27.3%-36.4%]) than in developed countries (19.3% [95% CI, 16.4%-22.7%]; P < .001). Meta-analysis of CFRs also showed significant heterogeneity across studies. Continents that include mainly developing countries reported higher CFRs (adjusted odds ratios: Africa, 7.89 [95% CI, 6.02-10.32]; P < .001; Asia, 3.81 [95% CI, 3.60-4.03]; P < .001; South America, 2.91 [95% CI, 2.71-3.12]; P < .001) than North America. Septic shock was associated with higher CFRs than severe sepsis (adjusted odds ratios, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.41-1.54]). Younger age was also a risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94-0.96] per year of increase in age). Earlier study eras were associated with higher CFRs (adjusted odds ratios for 1991-2000, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.13-1.37]; P < .001) compared with 2011 to 2016. Time-trend analysis showed higher CFRs over time in developing countries than developed countries.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Despite the declining trend of pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock CFRs, the disparity between developing and developed countries persists. Further characterizations of vulnerable populations and collaborations between developed and developing countries are warranted to reduce the burden of pediatric sepsis globally.

Assessment of early goal-directed therapy guideline adherence: Balancing clinical importance and feasibility

BACKGROUND

Assessing adherence to Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) is challenging and might account for the negative findings and generalisability of the major trials to a real-life setting. This study was aimed (1) to extract key components of pediatric EGDT guidelines potentially becoming adherence criteria; (2) to classify adherence criteria into complete, clinically important, and feasible; and (3) to compare percent adherence to selected guidelines using the three approaches.

METHODS

This study started with review of existing evidence to extract key components of pediatric EGDT guidelines. Modified Delphi method was then conducted in two rounds among national experts to identify feasible and/or clinically important criteria. Data from the national prospective multicenter study "Clinical Effectiveness of the Utilization of Bundled Care for Severe Sepsis and Septicemia Children" at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) during 1 June 2012 and 28 February 2014 was used to compare percentage of adherence across the three approaches.

RESULTS

Of 28 components extracted from the review, 10 were identified by the national experts through the Modified Delphi as feasible whereas 8 were identified as clinically important. Thirty-one severe sepsis patients (48.39% male, median age 3.4 years) were reviewed. Sepsis mortality was 9.7%, a significant reduction from 19% and 42% in 2010 and 2007, respectively. Based on the complete adherence criteria, the percent adherence varied from 60.71% to 89.29% (overall mean 76.84%), with lower adherence in the dead than the survived cases (73.81% vs 77.17%; p = 0.55). The percent adherence varied by criteria used: 69.35%, 76.84%, and 84.52% for clinical importance, complete, and feasibility criteria, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adherence determination based on selected clinical importance alone might result in an incorrectly estimated clinical benefit of EGDT guidelines, especially in a resource-limited setting. Both clinical importance and feasibility should be integrated into the development of adherence assessment criteria.

Comparison of International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference Versus Sepsis-3 Definitions for Children Presenting With Septic Shock to a Tertiary Care Center in India: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the proportion of children fulfilling "Sepsis-3" definition and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definition among children diagnosed to have septic shock and compare the mortality risk between the two groups.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital from 2014 to 2017.

PATIENTS

Children (≤ 17 yr old) with a diagnosis of septic shock at admission or during PICU stay.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We applied both International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference and the new "Sepsis-3" definition (sepsis with hypotension requiring vasopressors and a lactate value of ≥ 2 mmol/L) to identify cases of septic shock by these definitions. Key outcomes such as mortality, proportion attaining shock reversal at 24 hours and organ dysfunction were compared between those fulfilling "Sepsis-3" definitions ("Sepsis-3" group) and those fulfilling "International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" definition ("International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group). A total of 216 patients fulfilled International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions of septic shock. Of these, only 104 (48%; 95% CI, 42-55) fulfilled "Sepsis-3" definition. Children fulfilling "Sepsis-3 plus International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions" ("Sepsis-3 and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group) had lower proportion with shock resolution (61% vs 82%; relative risk, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88) and higher risk of multiple organ dysfunction (85% vs 68%; 1.24; 1.07-1.45) at 24 hours. The mortality was 48.5% in "Sepsis-3 and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group as compared with 37.5% in the "International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference only" group (relative risk, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.94-1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of children with septic shock identified by International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions were observed to fulfill the criteria for shock as per "Sepsis-3" definitions. Lack of difference in the risk of mortality between children who fulfilled "Sepsis-3" definition and those who did not fulfill the definition raises questions on the appropriateness of using this definition for diagnosis of septic shock in children.

Critical Care Management: Sepsis and Disseminated and Local Infections

Local and systemic infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised children, including but not limited to patients with hematologic and solid malignancies, congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, or hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplantation patients. Progression to septic shock can be rapid and profound and thus requires specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. This chapter will discuss the diagnosis and the initial hemodynamic management strategies of septic shock in immunocompromised children, including strategies to improve oxygen delivery, reduce metabolic demand, and monitor hemodynamic response to resuscitation. This chapter also discusses strategies to reverse septic shock pathobiology, including the use of both empiric and targeted anti-infective strategies and pharmacologic and cell therapy-based immunomodulation. Specific consideration is also paid to the management of high-risk subpopulations and the care of septic shock patients with resolving injury.

Interventions for Pediatric Sepsis and Their Impact on Outcomes: A Brief Review

In the current era, pediatric sepsis remains a public health problem of significant prevalence and impact. With mortality rates practically unchanged over the years, this review hopes to briefly summarize the epidemiology and the current interventions for pediatric sepsis and point towards possible areas of improvement. Most pediatric studies of sepsis are either small, retrospective or observational. Given information technology spreading across country, and a stronger presence of clinical networks, development of multicenter prospective studies over the next decade should enable better treatments for pediatric sepsis, and improved outcomes.

Continuum of care in pediatric sepsis: a prototypical acute care delivery model

Sepsis is a burdensome public health problem and a leading cause of infant and child morbidity and mortality across the world. Few proven therapies exist to treat septic shock and the mainstay of management remains judicious fluid resuscitation and timely antibiotics. In its most recent iteration, the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines on hemodynamic support in pediatric septic shock recommends an institutional approach to the management of septic shock rather than one aimed at the individual practitioner. The acute care delivery model has been proposed as a way to guide quality improvement in emergency care and to improve care delivery. In this review, we summarize current recommendations in the management of pediatric patients with septic shock, and highlight opportunities to provide seamless care by application of the acute care model.

Protocolized care for early shock resuscitation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Protocolized care for early shock resuscitation (PCESR) has been intensely examined over the last decade. The purpose is to review the pathophysiologic basis, historical origin, clinical applications, components and outcome implications of PCESR.

RECENT FINDINGS

PCESR is a multifaceted systems-based approach that includes early detection of high-risk patients and interventions to rapidly reverse hemodynamic perturbations that result in global or regional tissue hypoxia. It has been applied to perioperative surgery, trauma, cardiology (heart failure and acute myocardial infarction), pulmonary embolus, cardiac arrest, undifferentiated shock, postoperative cardiac surgery and pediatric septic shock. When this approach is used for adult septic shock, in particular, it is associated with a mortality reduction from 46.5 to less than 30% over the last 2 decades. Challenges to these findings are seen when repeated trials contain enrollment, diagnostic and therapeutic methodological differences.

SUMMARY

PCESR is more than a hemodynamic optimization procedure. It also provides an educational framework for the less experienced and objective recognition of clinical improvement or deterioration. It further minimizes practices' variation and provides objective measures that can be audited, evaluated and amendable to continuous quality improvement. As a result, morbidity and mortality are improved.

Pediatric Sepsis Update: How Are Children Different?

BACKGROUND

Although there are some commonalities between pediatric and adult sepsis, there are important differences in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic approaches. The recognition and diagnosis of sepsis is a significant challenge in pediatric patients as vital sign aberrations and examination findings are often subtle as compared to those observed in adults. Gaps in knowledge that have been studied in depth in adult sepsis are still being investigated in pediatric patients such as best practices in ventilation, invasive monitoring, and resuscitation.

DISCUSSION

In this review, we address key differences in the etiology, presentation, resuscitation, and outcomes of sepsis in children compared with adults.

The Utilization of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Care Bundles in the Treatment of Pediatric Patients with Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock in a Resource-Limited Environment: A Prospective Multicenter Trial

Background:

Sepsis is a common condition affecting the lives of infants and children worldwide. Although implementation of the surviving sepsis campaign (SSC) care bundles was once believed to be effective in reducing sepsis mortality rates, the approach has recently been questioned.

Methods:

The study was a prospective, interventional, multicenter trial. Infants and children aged 1 month to 15 years in seven different large academic centers in Thailand who had been diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock. They were given treatment based on the SSC care bundles.

Results:

A total of 519 children with severe sepsis or septic shock were enrolled in the study. Among these, 188 were assigned to the intervention group and 331 were recruited to the historical case–control group. There were no significant differences in the baseline clinical characteristics. The intervention group was administered a significantly higher fluid bolus than was the control group (28.3 ± 17.2 cc/kg vs. 17.7 ± 10.6 cc/kg; P = 0.02) with early vasopressor used (1.5 ± 0.7 h) compared to control group (7.4 ± 2.4 h, P < 0.05). More importantly, our sepsis mortality reduced significantly from 37% ± 20.7% during the preintervention period to 19.4% ± 14.3% during the postintervention period (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in sepsis mortality after the implementation of the SSC care bundles. Early diagnosis of the disease, optimum hemodynamic resuscitation, and timely antibiotic administration are the key elements of sepsis management.

Neonatal Hemodynamics: From Developmental Physiology to Comprehensive Monitoring

Maintenance of neonatal circulatory homeostasis is a real challenge, due to the complex physiology during postnatal transition and the inherent immaturity of the cardiovascular system and other relevant organs. It is known that abnormal cardiovascular function during the neonatal period is associated with increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality. Understanding the functional and structural characteristics of the neonatal circulation is, therefore, essential, as therapeutic hemodynamic interventions should be based on the assumed underlying (patho)physiology. The clinical assessment of systemic blood flow (SBF) by indirect parameters, such as blood pressure, capillary refill time, heart rate, urine output, and central-peripheral temperature difference is inaccurate. As blood pressure is no surrogate for SBF, information on cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance should be obtained in combination with an evaluation of end organ perfusion. Accurate and reliable hemodynamic monitoring systems are required to detect inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation at an early stage before this result in irreversible damage. Also, the hemodynamic response to the initiated treatment should be re-evaluated regularly as changes in cardiovascular function can occur quickly. New insights in the understanding of neonatal cardiovascular physiology are reviewed and several methods for current and future neonatal hemodynamic monitoring are discussed.

Fluid Bolus Over 15-20 Versus 5-10 Minutes Each in the First Hour of Resuscitation in Children With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of administration of 40-60 mL/kg of fluids as fluid boluses in aliquots of 20 mL/kg each over 15-20 minutes with that over 5-10 minutes each on the composite outcome of need for mechanical ventilation and/or impaired oxygenation-increase in oxygenation index by 5 from baseline in the initial 6 and 24 hours in children with septic shock.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Pediatric emergency and ICU of a tertiary care institute.

PATIENTS

Children (< 18 yr old) with septic shock.

INTERVENTIONS

We randomly assigned participants to 15-20 minutes bolus (study group) or 5-10 minutes bolus groups (control group).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We assessed the composite outcomes in the initial 6 and 24 hours after fluid resuscitation in both groups. We performed logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with need for ventilation in the first hour. Data were analyzed using Stata 11.5. Of the 96 children, 45 were randomly assigned to "15-20 minutes group" and 51 to "5-10 minutes group." Key baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. When compared with 5-10 minutes group, fewer children in 15-20 minutes group needed mechanical ventilation or had an increase in oxygenation index in the first 6 hours (36% vs 57%; relative risk, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.99) and 24 hours (43% vs 68%; relative risk, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.93) after fluid resuscitation. We did not find any difference in secondary outcomes such as death (1.2; 0.70-2.03), length of stay (mean difference: 0.52; -1.72 to 2.7), or resolution of shock (0.98; 0.63-1.53).

CONCLUSION

Children receiving fluid boluses over 5-10 minutes each had a higher risk of intubation than those receiving boluses over 15-20 minutes each. Notwithstanding the lack of difference in risk of mortality and the possibility that a lower threshold of intubation and mechanical ventilation was used in the presence of fluid overload, our results raise concerns on the current recommendation of administering boluses over 5-10 minutes each in children with septic shock.

[Changes in blood oxygen metabolism indices and their clinical significance in children with septic shock]

The key to the treatment of septic shock is to provide adequate oxygen supply and improve tissue perfusion. Lactate and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) are commonly used as the indices of oxygen metabolism, but tissue hypoxia may still exist even when lactate and ScvO₂ are within the normal range. Arteriovenous difference in carbon dioxide partial pressure (CO₂ gap) can accurately reflect oxygen delivery when ScvO₂ is in the normal range. This article reviews the advantages and shortages of lactate, lactate clearance rate, ScvO₂, and CO₂ gap in evaluating tissue hypoxia, in order to provide a reference for treatment and severity evaluation of septic shock.

American College of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Parameters for Hemodynamic Support of Pediatric and Neonatal Septic Shock

OBJECTIVES

The American College of Critical Care Medicine provided 2002 and 2007 guidelines for hemodynamic support of newborn and pediatric septic shock. Provide the 2014 update of the 2007 American College of Critical Care Medicine "Clinical Guidelines for Hemodynamic Support of Neonates and Children with Septic Shock."

DESIGN

Society of Critical Care Medicine members were identified from general solicitation at Society of Critical Care Medicine Educational and Scientific Symposia (2006-2014). The PubMed/Medline/Embase literature (2006-14) was searched by the Society of Critical Care Medicine librarian using the keywords: sepsis, septicemia, septic shock, endotoxemia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and American College of Critical Care Medicine guidelines in the newborn and pediatric age groups.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The 2002 and 2007 guidelines were widely disseminated, translated into Spanish and Portuguese, and incorporated into Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Heart Association/Pediatric Advanced Life Support sanctioned recommendations. The review of new literature highlights two tertiary pediatric centers that implemented quality improvement initiatives to improve early septic shock recognition and first-hour compliance to these guidelines. Improved compliance reduced hospital mortality from 4% to 2%. Analysis of Global Sepsis Initiative data in resource rich developed and developing nations further showed improved hospital mortality with compliance to first-hour and stabilization guideline recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The major new recommendation in the 2014 update is consideration of institution-specific use of 1) a "recognition bundle" containing a trigger tool for rapid identification of patients with septic shock, 2) a "resuscitation and stabilization bundle" to help adherence to best practice principles, and 3) a "performance bundle" to identify and overcome perceived barriers to the pursuit of best practice principles.

Update on pediatric sepsis: a review

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality among children worldwide. Unfortunately, however, reliable evidence was insufficient in pediatric sepsis and many aspects in clinical practice actually depend on expert consensus and some evidence in adult sepsis. More recent findings have given us deep insights into pediatric sepsis since the publication of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines 2012.

MAIN TEXT

New knowledge was added regarding the hemodynamic management and the timely use of antimicrobials. Quality improvement initiatives of pediatric "sepsis bundles" were reported to be successful in clinical outcomes by several centers. Moreover, a recently published global epidemiologic study (the SPROUT study) did not only reveal the demographics, therapeutic interventions, and prognostic outcomes but also elucidated the inappropriateness of the current definition of pediatric sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

With these updated knowledge, the management of pediatric sepsis would be expected to make further progress. In addition, it is meaningful that the fundamental data on which future research should be based were established through the SPROUT study.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Host Gene Expression Signature That Discriminates Clinical Severe Sepsis Syndrome and Infection-Negative Systemic Inflammation Among Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVES

SeptiCyte Lab (Immunexpress, Seattle, WA), a molecular signature measuring the relative expression levels of four host messenger RNAs, was developed to discriminate critically ill adults with infection-positive versus infection-negative systemic inflammation. The objective was to assess the performance of Septicyte Lab in critically ill pediatric patients.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Pediatric and Cardiac ICUs, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA.

PATIENTS

A cohort of 40 children with clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome and 30 children immediately postcardiopulmonary bypass surgery was recruited. The clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome children had confirmed or highly suspected infection (microbial culture orders, antimicrobial prescription), two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (including temperature and leukocyte criteria), and at least cardiovascular ± pulmonary organ dysfunction.

INTERVENTIONS

None (observational study only).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Next-generation RNA sequencing was conducted on PAXgene blood RNA samples, successfully for 35 of 40 (87.5%) of the clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome patients and 29 of 30 (96.7%) of the postcardiopulmonary bypass patients. Forty patient samples (~ 60% of cohort) were reanalyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, to check for concordance with next-generation sequencing results. Postcardiopulmonary bypass versus clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome descriptors included the following: age, 7.3 ± 5.5 versus 9.0 ± 6.6 years; gender, 41% versus 49% male; Pediatric Risk of Mortality, version III, 7.0 ± 4.6 versus 8.7 ± 6.4; Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction, version II, 5.1 ± 2.2 versus 4.8 ± 2.8. SeptiCyte Lab strongly differentiated postcardiopulmonary bypass and clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome patients by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with an area-under-curve value of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.96-1.00). Equivalent performance was found using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. There was no significant correlation between the score produced by the SeptiCyte Lab test and measures of illness severity, immune compromise, or microbial culture status.

CONCLUSIONS

SeptiCyte Lab is able to discriminate clearly between clinically well-defined and homogeneous postcardiopulmonary bypass and clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome groups in children. A broader investigation among children with more heterogeneous inflammation-associated diagnoses and care settings is warranted.

Vitamin D deficiency and length of pediatric intensive care unit stay: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Due to the limited data available in the pediatric population and lack of interventional studies to show that administration of vitamin D indeed improves clinical outcomes, opinion is still divided as to whether it is just an innocent bystander or a marker of severe disease. Our objective was therefore to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and to examine its association with duration of ICU stay and other key clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled children aged 1 month-17 years admitted to the ICU over a period of 8 months (n = 101). The primary objectives were to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25 (OH) <20 ng/mL) at 'admission' and to examine its association with length of ICU stay.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 74 % (95 % CI: 65-88). The median (IQR) duration of ICU stay was significantly longer in 'vitamin D deficient' children (7 days; 2-12) than in those with 'no vitamin D deficiency' (3 days; 2-5; p = 0.006). On multivariable analysis, the association between length of ICU stay and vitamin D deficiency remained significant, even after adjusting for key baseline variables, diagnosis, illness severity (PIM-2), PELOD, and need for fluid boluses, ventilation, inotropes and mortality [adjusted mean difference (95 % CI): 3.5 days (0.50-6.53); p = 0.024].

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill children in our study population. Vitamin D deficient children had a longer duration of ICU stay as compared to others.

Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Dopamine and Epinephrine in Pediatric Fluid-Refractory Hypotensive Septic Shock

OBJECTIVE

We compared efficacy of dopamine and epinephrine as first-line vasoactive therapy in achieving resolution of shock in fluid-refractory hypotensive cold septic shock.

DESIGN

Double-blind, pilot, randomized controlled study.

SETTING

Pediatric emergency and ICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Consecutive children 3 months to 12 years old, with fluid-refractory hypotensive septic shock, were enrolled between July 2013 and December 2014.

INTERVENTION

Enrolled children were randomized to receive either dopamine (in incremental doses, 10 to 15 to 20 μg/kg/min) or epinephrine (0.1 to 0.2 to 0.3 μg/kg/min) till end points of resolution of shock were achieved. After reaching maximum doses of test drugs, open-label vasoactive was started as per discretion of treating team. Primary outcome was resolution of shock within first hour of resuscitation. The study was registered (CTRI/2014/02/004393) and was approved by institute ethics committee.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We enrolled 29 children in epinephrine group and 31 in dopamine group. Resolution of shock within first hour was achieved in greater proportion of children receiving epinephrine (n = 12; 41%) than dopamine (n = 4; 13%) (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-17.2; p = 0.019); the trend persisted even at 6 hours (48.3% vs 29%; p = 0.184). Children in epinephrine group had lower Sequential Organ Function Assessment score on day 3 (8 vs 12; p = 0.05) and more organ failure-free days (24 vs 20 d; p = 0.022). No significant difference in adverse events (16.1% vs 13.8%; p = 0.80) and mortality (58.1% vs 48.3%; p = 0.605) was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Epinephrine is more effective than dopamine in achieving resolution of fluid-refractory hypotensive cold shock within the first hour of resuscitation and improving organ functions.

Effect of early goal directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and/or septic shock

BACKGROUND

Many investigators have reproduced the mortality reduction shown in the original trial of early goal directed therapy (EGDT) in patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock. Three large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found neutral results when compared to usual care and a modified form of EGDT. Some have interpreted these studies as a reason to question the efficacy of EGDT.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the effect of EGDT in the treatment of severe sepsis and/or septic shock in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs and prospective studies were performed, which extracted studies from PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Wanfang Database. The mortality trend in the control group from included studies was analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs and twelve prospective studies enrolling 3502 EGDT and 3791 usual care participants were included in the analysis. EGDT was found to reduce overall mortality compared to usual care groups. This reduction in mortality was apparent in prospective and randomized control trials conducted before 2010. Over this time period there was a reduction in mortality in patients receiving usual care.

LIMITATIONS

This conclusion was limited by the small size of some selected studies and complicated by the long range of time during the conduction of these studies. These studies were further biased because of the lack of blinding and the crossover of care between the EGDT and usual care groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EGDT significantly reduced mortality in patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock over 15 years since its publication. Recent studies examining usual care with EGDT have similar mortality benefit because of the diminished treatment effect. This treatment effect is diminished for multiple reasons. With progress in the management of this disease the benefit of EGDT on overall mortality has become comparable with the usual care for sepsis patients. This is because many of the components of EGDT have been incorporated into usual care protocols. As a result, the conclusion that EGDT is ineffective cannot be made. A more rigorous RCT which adjusts for the factors that narrows the treatment effect between groups is required. Given the current state of sepsis care and equipoise that exist, this would be difficult.

Hemodynamic coherence in critically ill pediatric patients

Differences in physiology and pathophysiology make the treatment of developing, critically ill children particularly challenging as compared to that of adults. Significant differences in the cardiovascular system of neonates and children in size, weight, body proportions, and metabolism should be considered. Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for early warning of pending deterioration and to guide therapy. Current monitoring is limited to the macrocirculation, but an adequately functioning macrocirculation does not guarantee a well-functioning microcirculation. Research in children revealed loss of hemodynamic coherence, i.e., microcirculatory alterations despite normal systemic hemodynamics. Implementing the framework of hemodynamic coherence in microcirculatory monitoring in children can aid physicians in titrating therapy on both macrocirculatory and microcirculatory effects to assure optimal oxygen delivery. Monitoring the microcirculation at the bedside requires further technical development. Although more research is necessary to validate the concept of hemodynamic coherence in children, the possibilities of applying this concept in children seem promising.

Hemodynamic Monitoring

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we discuss hemodynamic monitoring modalities, including their application, the interpretation of data, limitations, and impact on outcomes.

DATA SOURCE

MEDLINE, PubMed.

CONCLUSIONS

One of the tenets of critical care medicine is to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. This assessment must be timely and accurate to optimize outcomes. The clinical assessment of cardiac function, cardiac output, and tissue oxygenation based on the physical examination and standard hemodynamic variables, although an indispensable part of this exercise, has significant limitations. The use of adjunctive hemodynamic monitoring modalities provides a much more objective, accurate, and timely assessment of the patient's hemodynamic profile and is invaluable for assessing the patient's clinical status, clinical trajectory, and response to interventions.

Lactate Clearance and Normalization and Prolonged Organ Dysfunction in Pediatric Sepsis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether lactate clearance and normalization during emergency care of pediatric sepsis is associated with lower rates of persistent organ dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study of 77 children <18 years of age in the emergency department with infection and acute organ dysfunction per consensus definitions. In consented patients, lactate was measured 2 and/or 4 hours after an initial lactate; persistent organ dysfunction was assessed through laboratory and physician evaluation at 48 hours. A decrease of ≥ 10% from initial to final level was considered lactate clearance; a final level < 2 mmol/L was considered lactate normalization. Relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs, adjusted in a log-binomial model, was used to evaluate associations between lactate clearance/normalization and organ dysfunction.

RESULTS

Lactate normalized in 62 (81%) patients and cleared in 70 (91%). The primary outcome, persistent 48-hour organ dysfunction, was present in 32 (42%). Lactate normalization was associated with decreased risk of persistent organ dysfunction (RR 0.46, 0.29-0.73; adjusted RR 0.47, 0.29-0.78); lactate clearance was not (RR 0.70, 0.35-1.41; adjusted RR 0.75, 0.38-1.50). The association between lactate normalization and decreased risk of persistent organ dysfunction was retained in the subgroups with initial lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L and hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with sepsis and organ dysfunction, lactate normalization within 4 hours was associated with decreased persistent organ dysfunction. Serial lactate level measurement may provide a useful prognostic tool during the first hours of resuscitation in pediatric sepsis.

Timing of antibiotics, volume, and vasoactive infusions in children with sepsis admitted to intensive care

INTRODUCTION

Early administration of antibiotics for sepsis, and of fluid boluses and vasoactive agents for septic shock, is recommended. Evidence for this in children is limited.

METHODS

The Alberta Sepsis Network prospectively enrolled eligible children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with sepsis from 04/2012-10/2014. Demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes variables were prospectively entered into the ASN database after deferred consent. Timing of interventions were determined by retrospective chart review using a study manual and case-report-form. We aimed to determine the association of intervention timing and outcome in children with sepsis. Univariate (t-test and Fisher's Exact) and multiple linear regression statistics evaluated predictors of outcomes of PICU length of stay (LOS) and ventilation days.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine children, age median 60 (IQR 22-133) months, 40 (51%) female, 39 (49%) with severe underlying co-morbidity, 44 (56%) with septic shock, and median PRISM-III 10.5 [IQR 6.0-17.0] were enrolled. Most patients presented in an ED: 36 (46%) at an outlying hospital ED, and 21 (27%) at the Children's Hospital ED. Most infections were pneumonia with/without empyema (42, 53%), meningitis (11, 14%), or bacteremia (10, 13%). The time from presentation to acceptable antibiotic administration was a median of 115.0 [IQR 59.0-323.0] minutes; 20 (25%) of patients received their antibiotics in the first hour from presentation. Independent predictors of PICU LOS were PRISM-III, and severe underlying co-morbidity, but not time to antibiotics. In the septic shock subgroup, the volume of fluid boluses given in the first 2 hours was independently associated with longer PICU LOS (effect size 0.22 days; 95% CI 0.5, 0.38; per ml/kg). Independent predictors of ventilator days were PRISM-III score and severe underlying co-morbidity. In the septic shock subgroup, volume of fluid boluses in the first 2 hours was independently associated with more ventilator days (effect size 0.09 days; 95% CI 0.02, 0.15; per ml/kg).

CONCLUSION

Higher volume of early fluid boluses in children with sepsis and septic shock was independently associated with longer PICU LOS and ventilator days. More study on the benefits and harms of fluid bolus therapy in children are needed.