Survey on stated transfusion practices in PICUs*

A survey on perioperative red blood cell transfusion trigger strategies for pediatric patients in the Nordic countries

BACKGROUND

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) to rapidly increase hemoglobin levels have been associated with increased risks and worse outcomes in critically ill children. The international TAXI consensus from 2018 (pediatric critical care transfusion and anemia expertise initiative) recommended restrictive RBC transfusion strategies in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate physicians perioperative RBC transfusion trigger strategies for pediatric patients in the Nordic countries and to investigate what factors influence the decision to transfuse this group of patients.

METHODS

An electronic web-based survey designed by the TransfUsion triggers in Pediatric perioperAtive Care (TUPAC) initiative including six different clinical scenarios was sent to anesthesiologist treating pediatric patients at university hospitals in the Nordic countries on February 1, 2023 and closed May 1, 2023.

RESULTS

The study had a response rate of 67.7% (180 responders out of 266 contacted). Median hemoglobin thresholds triggering RBC transfusions were 7.0 [IQR, 7.0-7.3] g/dL in a stable young child (1-year-old), 7.0 [IQR, 7.0-7.0] g/dL in the stable older child (5-year-old), 8.5 [IQR, 8.0-9.0] g/dL in the older child with cardiac disease, 9.0 [IQR, 8.0-10.0] g/dL the older child with traumatic brain injury, 8.0 [IQR, 7.3-9.0] g/dL in stabilized older child with septic shock and 8.0 [IQR, 7.0-9.0] g/dL in the older child with active but non-life-threatening bleeding. Apart from specific hemoglobin level, RBC transfusions were mostly triggered by high lactate level (74.2%), increasing heart rate (68.0%), prolonged capillary refill time (48.3%), and lowered blood pressure (47.8%). No statistical difference was found between the Nordic countries, work experience, or enrollment in a pediatric anesthesia fellowship program regarding RBC transfusion strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesiologists in the Nordic countries report restrictive perioperative RBC transfusion strategies for children that are mostly in agreement with the international TAXI recommendations. However, RBC transfusions strategies were modified to be guided by more liberal trigger levels when pediatric patients presented with severe comorbidity such as severe sepsis, septic shock, and non-life-threatening bleeding.

Iron Deficiency in Anemic Children Surviving Critical Illness: Post Hoc Analysis of a Single-Center Prospective Cohort in Canada, 2019-2022

OBJECTIVES

Many children leave the PICU with anemia. The mechanisms of post-PICU anemia are poorly investigated, and treatment of anemia, other than blood, is rarely started during PICU. We aimed to characterize the contributions of iron depletion (ID) and/or inflammation in the development of post-PICU anemia and to explore the utility of hepcidin (a novel iron marker) at detecting ID during inflammation.

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study (November 2019 to September 2022).

SETTING

PICU, quaternary center, Canada.

PATIENTS

Children admitted to PICU with greater than or equal to 48 hours of invasive or greater than or equal to 96 hours of noninvasive ventilation. We excluded patients with preexisting conditions causing anemia or those admitted after cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Hematological and iron profiles were performed at PICU discharge on 56 participants of which 37 (37/56) were diagnosed with anemia. Thirty-three children (33/56; 59%) were younger than 2 years. Median Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score was 11 (interquartile range, 6-16). Twenty-four of the 37 anemic patients had repeat bloodwork 2 months post-PICU. Of those, four (4/24; 16%) remained anemic. Hematologic profiles were categorized as: anemia of inflammation (AI), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), IDA with inflammation, and ID (low iron stores without anemia). Seven (7/47; 15%) had AI at discharge, and one had persistent AI post-PICU. Three patients (3/47; 6%) had IDA at discharge; of which one was lost to follow-up and the other two were no longer anemic but had ID post-PICU. Eleven additional patients developed ID post-PICU. In the exploratory analysis, we identified a diagnostic cutoff value for ID during inflammation from the receiver operating characteristic curve for hepcidin of 31.9 pg/mL. This cutoff would increase the detection of ID at discharge from 6% to 34%.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of ID in children post-PICU is high and better management strategies are required. Hepcidin may increase the diagnostic yield of ID in patients with inflammation.

Prevalence and determinants of anemia at discharge in pediatric intensive care survivors

BACKGROUND

Restrictive transfusion practices are increasingly being followed in pediatric intensive care units (PICU); consequently, more patients are discharged anemic from PICU. Given the possible impact of anemia on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, we aim to describe the epidemiology of anemia at PICU discharge in a mixed (pediatric and cardiac) cohort of PICU survivors and to characterize risk factors for anemia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in the PICU of a multidisciplinary tertiary-care university-affiliated center. All consecutive PICU survivors for whom a hemoglobin level was available at PICU discharge were included. Baseline characteristics and hemoglobin levels were extracted from an electronic medical records database.

RESULTS

From January 2013 to January 2018, 4750 patients were admitted to the PICU (97.1% survival); discharge hemoglobin levels were available for 4124 patients. Overall, 50.9% (n = 2100) were anemic at PICU discharge. Anemia at PICU discharge was also common in the cardiac surgery population (53.3%), mainly in acyanotic patients; only 24.6% of cyanotic patients were anemic according to standard definitions of anemia. Cardiac surgery patients were transfused more often and at higher hemoglobin levels than medical and non-cardiac surgery patients. Anemia at admission was the strongest predictor of anemia at discharge (odds ratios (OR): 6.51, 95% confidence interval (CI:5.40;7.85)).

DISCUSSION

Half of PICU survivors are anemic at discharge. Further studies are required to determine the course of anemia after discharge and to ascertain whether anemia is associated with adverse long-term outcomes.

The Impact of Restrictive Transfusion Practices on Hemodynamically Stable Critically Ill Children Without Heart Disease: A Secondary Analysis of the Age of Blood in Children in the PICU Trial

OBJECTIVES

Guidelines recommend against RBC transfusion in hemodynamically stable (HDS) children without cardiac disease, if hemoglobin is greater than or equal to 7 g/dL. We sought to assess the clinical and economic impact of compliance with RBC transfusion guidelines.

DESIGN

A nonprespecified secondary analysis of noncardiac, HDS patients in the randomized trial Age of Blood in Children (NCT01977547) in PICUs. Costs analyzed included ICU stay and physician fees. Stabilized inverse propensity for treatment weighting was used to create a cohort balanced with respect to potential confounding variables. Weighted regression models were fit to evaluate outcomes based on guideline compliance.

SETTING

Fifty international tertiary care centers.

PATIENTS

Critically ill children 3 days to 16 years old transfused RBCs at less than or equal to 7 days of ICU admission. Six-hundred eighty-seven subjects who met eligibility criteria were included in the analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Initial RBC transfusions administered when hemoglobin was less than 7 g/dL were considered "compliant" or "non-compliant" if hemoglobin was greater than or equal to 7 g/dL.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Frequency of new or progressive multiple organ system dysfunction (NPMODS), ICU survival, and associated costs. The hypothesis was formulated after data collection but exposure groups were masked until completion of planned analyses. Forty-nine percent of patients (338/687) received a noncompliant initial transfusion. Weighted cohorts were balanced with respect to confounding variables (absolute standardized differences < 0.1). No differences were noted in NPMODS frequency (relative risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.61-1.22; p = 0.4). Patients receiving compliant transfusions had more ICU-free days (mean difference, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.57-2.88; p = 0.003). Compliance reduced mean costs in ICU by $38,845 U.S. dollars per patient (95% CI, $65,048-$12,641).

CONCLUSIONS

Deferring transfusion until hemoglobin is less than 7 g/dL is not associated with increased organ dysfunction in this population but is independently associated with increased likelihood of live ICU discharge and lower ICU costs.

Transfusion therapy of neonatal and paediatric patients: They are not just little adults

Patient blood management (PBM) strategies are needed in the neonate and paediatric population, given that haemoglobin thresholds used are often higher than recommended by evidence, with exposure of children to potential complications without meaningful benefit. A literature review was performed on the following topics: evidence-based transfusions of blood components and pharmaceutical agents. Other topics reviewed included perioperative coagulation assessment and perioperative PBM. The Transfusion and Anaemia Expertise Initiative (TAXI) consortium published a consensus statement addressing haemoglobin (Hb) transfusion threshold in multiple subsets of patients. A multicentre trial (PlaNeT-2) reported a higher risk of bleeding and death or serious new bleeding among infants who received platelet transfusion at a higher (50 000/μl) compared to a lower (25 000/μl) threshold. Recent data support the use of a restrictive transfusion threshold of 25 000/μl for prophylactic platelet transfusions in preterm neonates. The TAXI-CAB consortium mentioned that in critically ill paediatric patients undergoing invasive procedures outside of the operating room, platelet transfusion might be considered when the platelet count is less than or equal to 20 000/μl and there is no benefit of platelet transfusion when the platelet count is more than 50 000/μl. There are limited controlled studies in paediatric and neonatal population regarding plasma transfusion. Blood conservation strategies to minimise allogenic blood exposure are essential to positive patient outcomes neonatal and paediatric transfusion practices have changed significantly in recent years since randomised controlled trials were published to guide practice. Additional studies are needed in order to provide practice change recommendations.

No Difference in the Incidence of Complications in Pediatric Patients with Moderate Anemia 30 Days after Pediatric Hip Surgery with and without Blood Transfusion

This study investigated the association between postoperative blood transfusion and the incidence of postoperative complications 30 days after pediatric hip surgery as well as factors significantly associated with 30-day postoperative complications. Patients were divided into two groups: those with postoperative complications and those with no complications. Postoperative hematocrit (Hct) was categorized as <25%, 25–30%, and >30%. Comparison was made between all postoperative complications at the 30-day follow-up that were influenced by anemia in patients who received transfusion and those who did not. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with postoperative complications. The overall 30-day postoperative complication rate for all patients was 17% (24/138). No significant difference between the transfusion and the non-transfusion patients was found. Preoperative hematocrit (Hct) was significantly lower in the complications group (p = 0.030), and both length of stay and 30-day readmission were significantly higher in patients with complications (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed female gender (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.18–10.36; p = 0.026) and length of hospital stay (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08–1.41; p = 0.004) to be factors independently associated with 30-day postoperative complications. However, no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications at 30 days following pediatric hip dysplasia surgery was found between patients who received blood transfusion to maintain a Hct level ≥25% and those not receiving transfusion.

What Laboratory Tests and Physiologic Triggers Should Guide the Decision to Administer a Platelet or Plasma Transfusion in Critically Ill Children and What Product Attributes Are Optimal to Guide Specific Product Selection? From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To present consensus statements and supporting literature for plasma and platelet product variables and related laboratory testing for transfusions in general critically ill children from the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding.

DESIGN

Systematic review and consensus conference of international, multidisciplinary experts in platelet and plasma transfusion management of critically ill children.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENTS

Critically ill pediatric patients at risk of bleeding and receiving plasma and/or platelet transfusions.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A panel of 10 experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for laboratory testing and blood product attributes for platelet and plasma transfusions. These statements were reviewed and ratified by the 29 Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative - Control/Avoidance of Bleeding experts. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception to December 2020. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed five expert consensus statements and two recommendations in answer to two questions: what laboratory tests and physiologic triggers should guide the decision to administer a platelet or plasma transfusion in critically ill children; and what product attributes are optimal to guide specific product selection?

CONCLUSIONS

The Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding program provides some guidance and expert consensus for the laboratory and blood product attributes used for decision-making for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill pediatric patients.

Outcomes Associated With Early RBC Transfusion in Pediatric Severe Sepsis: A Propensity-Adjusted Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the epidemiology of and outcomes related to red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in septic children across multiple centers. We performed propensity-adjusted secondary analyses of the Biomarker Phenotyping of Pediatric Sepsis and Multiple Organ Failure (PHENOMS) study to test the hypothesis that early RBC transfusion is associated with fewer organ failure-free days in pediatric severe sepsis.

METHODS

Four hundred one children were enrolled in the parent study. Children were excluded from these analyses if they received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 22) or died (n = 1) before sepsis day 2. Propensity-adjusted analyses compared children who received RBC transfusion on or before sepsis day 2 (early RBC transfusion) with those who did not. Logistic regression was used to model the propensity to receive early RBC transfusion. A weighted cohort was constructed using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights. Variables in the weighted cohort with absolute standardized differences >0.15 were added to final multivariable models.

RESULTS

Fifty percent of children received at least one RBC transfusion. The majority (68%) of first transfusions were on or before sepsis day 2. Early RBC transfusion was not independently associated with organ failure-free (-0.34 [95%CI: -2, 1.3] days) or PICU-free days (-0.63 [-2.3, 1.1]), but was associated with the secondary outcome of higher mortality (aOR 2.9 [1.1, 7.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

RBC transfusion is common in pediatric severe sepsis and may be associated with adverse outcomes. Future studies are needed to clarify these associations, to understand patient-specific transfusion risks, and to develop more precise transfusion strategies.

Anemia after Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery

The postoperative course of infants following congenital heart surgery is associated with significant blood loss and anemia. Optimal transfusion thresholds for cardiac surgery patients while in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) remain a subject of debate. The goal of this study is to describe the epidemiology of anemia and the transfusion practices during the PICU stay of infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. A retrospective cohort study was performed in a PICU of a tertiary university-affiliated center. Infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CDH) before 6 weeks of age between February 2013 and June 2019 and who were subsequently admitted to the PICU were included. We identified 119 eligible patients. Mean age at surgery was 11 ± 7 days. Most common cardiac diagnoses were d-Transposition of the Great Arteries (55%), coarctation of the aorta (12.6%), and tetralogy of Fallot (11.8%). Mean hemoglobin level was 14.3 g/dL prior to surgery versus 12.1 g/dL at the PICU admission. Hemoglobin prior to surgery was systematically higher than hemoglobin at the PICU entry, except in infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The average hemoglobin at PICU discharge was 11.7 ± 1.9 g/dL. Thirty-three (27.7%) patients were anemic at PICU discharge. Fifty-eight percent of patients received at least one red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during PICU stay. This study is the first to describe the epidemiology of anemia at PICU discharge in infants following cardiac surgery. Blood management of this distinctive and vulnerable population requires further investigation as anemia is a known risk factor for adverse neurodevelopment delays in otherwise healthy young children.

Factors Influencing Implementation of Blood Transfusion Recommendations in Pediatric Critical Care Units

Purpose: Risks of red blood cell transfusion may outweigh benefits for many patients in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). The Transfusion and Anemia eXpertise Initiative (TAXI) recommendations seek to limit unnecessary and potentially harmful transfusions, but use has been variable. We sought to identify barriers and facilitators to using the TAXI recommendations to inform implementation efforts. Materials and Methods: The integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (iPARIHS) framework guided semi-structured interviews conducted in 8 U.S. ICUs; 50 providers in multiple ICU roles completed interviews. Adapted Framework analysis, a form of content analysis, used the iPARIHS innovation, recipient, context and facilitation constructs and subconstructs to categorize data and identify patterns as well as unique informative statements. Results: Providers perceived that the TAXI recommendations would reduce transfusion rates and practice variability, but adoption faced challenges posed by attitudes around transfusion and care in busy and complex units. Development of widespread buy-in and inclusion in implementation, integration into workflow, designating committed champions, and monitoring outcomes data were expected to enhance implementation. Conclusions: Targeted activities to create buy-in, educate, and plan for use are necessary for TAXI implementation. Recognition of contextual challenges posed by the PICU environment and an approach that adjusts for barriers may optimize adoption.

7 Is the New 8: Improving Adherence to Restrictive PRBC Transfusions in the Pediatric ICU

Up to 30%-40% of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have anemia, and approximately 15% receive packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. Current literature supports a pRBC transfusion threshold of hemoglobin less than or equal to seven for most PICU patients. Our objective was to determine pRBC transfusion rates, assess compliance with transfusion guidelines, understand patient-level variables that affect transfusion practices, and use cross-industry innovation to implement a practice strategy. This was a pre-post study of pediatric patients admitted to our PICU. We collected baseline data on pRBC transfusion practices. Next, we organized an innovation platform, which generated multi-industry ideas and produced an awareness campaign to effect pRBC ordering behavior. Innovative educational interventions were implemented, and postintervention transfusion practices were monitored. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models. A p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. At baseline, 41% of pRBC transfusions met restrictive transfusion guidelines with a pretransfusion hemoglobin less than or equal to 7 g/dl. In the postintervention period, 53% of transfusions met restrictive transfusion guidelines (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.21-2.28). Implementation of a behavioral campaign using multi-industry innovation led to improved adherence to pRBC transfusion guidelines in a tertiary care PICU.

Variability of Care of Infants With Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Viral bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common childhood disease accounting for many hospitalizations worldwide. Some infants may clinically deteriorate, requiring admission to an intensive care unit. We aimed to describe diagnostic and therapeutic measures of bronchiolitis in Israeli pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and evaluate intercenter variability of care.

METHODS

Medical records of all RSV-infected infants admitted to 5 Israeli PICUs over 4 RSV seasons were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Data on 276 infants with RSV-positive bronchiolitis, admitted to the participating PICUs were analyzed. Most of the infants were males with a mean admission age of 4.7 months. Approximately half of the infants had pre-existing conditions such as prematurity, cardiac disease or chronic lung disease. Respiratory distress was the most common symptom at presentation followed by hypoxemia and fever. There was significant variation in the methods used for RSV diagnosis, medical management and respiratory support of the infants. Furthermore, utilization of inhalational therapy and transfusion of blood products differed significantly between the centers. Although a bacterial pathogen was isolated in only 13.4% of the infants, 82.6% of the cohort was treated with antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variation was found between the different PICUs regarding RSV bronchiolitis diagnosis, medical management and respiratory support, which may not be accounted for by the differences in baseline and clinical characteristics of the infants. Some of these differences may be explained by uneven resource allocations. This diversity and the documented routine use of medications with weak evidence of efficacy calls for national guidelines for bronchiolitis management.

Transfusion support: Considerations in pediatric populations

Over 400,000 units of blood and blood products are transfused to pediatric patients annually, yet only sparse high-quality data exist to guide the preparation and administration of blood products in this population. The direct application of data from studies in adult patients should be undertaken with caution, as there are dissimilarities in the pathology and physiology between adult and pediatric patients. We provide an overview of available evidence in the field of pediatric transfusion medicine, summarizing indications for blood product transfusion, thresholds for transfusion and indications for blood product modifications.

Transfusion in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Transfusion is a frequent treatment in pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) although evidence to support transfusion decision-making is lacking. The purpose of this review is to review the current state of knowledge on the issue of transfusion in children with PARDS and to detail the possible beneficial effects and potential deleterious impacts of transfusion in this patient population. Based on the current literature and recent guidelines, a restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategy (avoidance of transfusion when the haemoglobin level is above 7 g/dL) is indicated in stable patients without severe PARDS, as these were excluded from the large trials. In children with severe PARDS, further research is needed to determine if factors other than the haemoglobin level might guide RBC transfusion decision-making by better characterizing the presence of low oxygen delivery (DO₂). Additionally, appropriate indications for prophylactic transfusion of hemostatic products (plasma or platelets) in children with PARDS are lacking.

Bleeding Scales Applicable to Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To summarize current bleeding scales and their validation to assess applicability to bleeding in critically ill children.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted electronic searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Core Collection databases from database inception to 2017.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies contained a bleeding score, bleeding measurement tool, or clinical measurement of hemorrhage.

DATA EXTRACTION

We identified 2,097 unique citations; 20 full-text articles were included in the final review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the 18 studies that included subjects (two others were expert consensus definitions), seven (39%) were pediatric-only, seven (39%) were adult-only, and four (22%) included both adults and children. Nine (50%) occurred with inpatients (two studies in critical care units), seven (39%) involved outpatients and two (11%) included both inpatients and outpatients. Thirty-nine percent of the scales were developed for those with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and only two (12%) described critically ill patients. The majority (80%) included need for treatment (either RBC transfusion or surgical intervention). The majority (65%) did not report measures of reliability or validation to clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of validated bleeding scales to adequately assess bleeding and outcomes in critically ill children. Validated scales of bleeding are necessary and urgently needed.

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.

Consensus Recommendations for RBC Transfusion Practice in Critically Ill Children From the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative

OBJECTIVES

To date, there are no published guidelines to direct RBC transfusion decision-making specifically for critically ill children. We present the recommendations from the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative.

DESIGN

Consensus conference series of multidisciplinary, international experts in RBC transfusion management of critically ill children.

SETTING

Not applicable.

INTERVENTION

None.

SUBJECTS

Children with, or children at risk for, critical illness who receive or are at risk for receiving a RBC transfusion.

METHODS

A panel of 38 content and four methodology experts met over the course of 2 years to develop evidence-based, and when evidence lacking, expert consensus-based recommendations regarding decision-making for RBC transfusion management and research priorities for transfusion in critically ill children. The experts focused on nine specific populations of critically ill children: general, respiratory failure, nonhemorrhagic shock, nonlife-threatening bleeding or hemorrhagic shock, acute brain injury, acquired/congenital heart disease, sickle cell/oncology/transplant, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/ventricular assist/ renal replacement support, and alternative processing. Data to formulate evidence-based and expert consensus recommendations were selected based on searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from 1980 to May 2017. Agreement was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative consensus conference developed and reached consensus on a total of 102 recommendations (57 clinical [20 evidence based, 37 expert consensus], 45 research recommendations). All final recommendations met agreement, defined a priori as greater than 80%. A decision tree to aid clinicians was created based on the clinical recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative recommendations provide important clinical guidance and applicable tools to avoid unnecessary RBC transfusions. Research recommendations identify areas of focus for future investigation to improve outcomes and safety for RBC transfusion.

Recommendations on RBC Transfusions for Critically Ill Children With Nonhemorrhagic Shock From the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative

OBJECTIVES

To present the recommendations and supporting literature for RBC transfusions in critically ill children with nonhemorrhagic shock developed by the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative.

DESIGN

Consensus conference series of international, multidisciplinary experts in RBC transfusion management of critically ill children.

METHODS

The panel of 38 experts developed evidence-based, and when evidence was lacking, expert-based clinical recommendations as well as research priorities for RBC transfusions in critically ill children. The nonhemorrhagic shock subgroup included five experts. Electronic searches were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to May 2017. Agreement was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.

RESULTS

Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative Consensus Conference experts developed and voted on a total of four clinical and four research recommendations focused on RBC transfusion in the critically ill child with nonhemorrhagic shock. All recommendations reached agreement (> 80%). Of the four clinical recommendations, three were based on consensus panel expertise, whereas one was based on weak pediatric evidence. In hemodynamically stabilized critically ill children with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock, we recommend not administering a RBC transfusion if the hemoglobin concentration is greater than or equal to 7 g/dL. Future studies are needed to determine optimum transfusion thresholds for critically ill children with nonhemorrhagic shock undergoing acute resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative Consensus Conference developed pediatric-specific clinical and research recommendations regarding RBC transfusion in the critically ill child with nonhemorrhagic shock. Although agreement among experts was strong, available pediatric evidence was scant-revealing significant gaps in the existing literature.

Recommendations on RBC Transfusion in General Critically Ill Children Based on Hemoglobin and/or Physiologic Thresholds From the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative

OBJECTIVES

To present the consensus recommendations and supporting literature for RBC transfusions in general critically ill children from the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative.

DESIGN

Consensus conference series of international, multidisciplinary experts in RBC transfusion management of critically ill children.

METHODS

The panel of 38 experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based recommendations and research priorities regarding RBC transfusions in critically ill children. The subgroup on RBC transfusion in general critically ill children included six experts. Electronic searches were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to May 30, 2017, using a combination of keywords to define concepts of RBC transfusion and critically ill children. Recommendation consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. The results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.

RESULTS

Three adjudicators reviewed 4,399 abstracts; 71 papers were read, and 17 were retained. Three papers were added manually. The general Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative subgroup developed, and all Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative members voted on two good practice statements, six recommendations, and 11 research questions; in all instances, agreement was reached (> 80%). The good practice statements suggest a framework for RBC transfusion in PICU patients. The good practice statements and recommendations focus on hemoglobin as a threshold and/or target. The research questions focus on hemoglobin and physiologic thresholds for RBC transfusion, alternatives, and risk/benefit ratio of transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative developed pediatric-specific good practice statements and recommendations regarding RBC transfusion management in the general PICU population, as well as recommendations to guide future research priorities. Clinical recommendations emphasized relevant hemoglobin thresholds, and research recommendations emphasized a need for further understanding of physiologic thresholds, alternatives to RBC transfusion, and hemoglobin thresholds in populations with limited pediatric literature.

Treatment of severe bronchiolitis: A survey of Canadian pediatric intensivists

OBJECTIVE

To describe management practices and the factors guiding admission and treatment decisions for viral bronchiolitis across Canadian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Canadian PICUs.

SUBJECTS

Pediatric intensivists.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A survey using two case scenarios (non-intubated vs intubated patients) was developed using focus groups and a literature review. We analyzed our results using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Our response rate was 55% (57/103). Regarding bronchiolitis management, 75% (42/56) of respondents would use inhaled therapies, with nebulized epinephrine (33/56, 59%) and salbutamol (20/56, 36%) being the most common. Antibiotic use within the first hour of admission to PICU almost doubled in frequency (36% vs 71%) in patients who required mechanical ventilation (p 0.0004). High flow nasal cannula (HFNC; 32/56, 57%) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 16/56, 29%) were the preferred modes of non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

CONCLUSION

The management of severe viral bronchiolitis is similar across Canadian PICUs. The use of NIV, inhaled treatments, and antibiotics is frequent, which differs from the recommendations made by published guidelines. Canadian pediatric intensivists use homogeneous PICU admission criteria based on patients' characteristics and severity of the clinical picture. Clinical practice guidelines for children with viral bronchiolitis should address the management of patients with severe clinical disease.

Hemoglobin Levels Across the Pediatric Critical Care Spectrum: A Point Prevalence Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevailing hemoglobin levels in PICU patients, and any potential correlates.

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of prospective multicenter observational data.

SETTINGS

Fifty-nine PICUs in seven countries.

PATIENTS

PICU patients on four specific days in 2012.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients' hemoglobin and other clinical and institutional data. Two thousand three hundred eighty-nine patients with median age of 1.9 years (interquartile range, 0.3-9.8 yr), weight 11.5 kg (interquartile range, 5.4-29.6 kg), and preceding PICU stay of 4.0 days (interquartile range, 1.0-13.0 d). Their median hemoglobin was 11.0 g/dL (interquartile range, 9.6-12.5 g/dL). The prevalence of transfusion in the 24 hours preceding data collection was 14.2%. Neonates had the highest hemoglobin at 13.1 g/dL (interquartile range, 11.2-15.0 g/dL) compared with other age groups (p < 0.001). The percentage of 31.3 of the patients had hemoglobin of greater than or equal to 12 g/dL, and 1.1% had hemoglobin of less than 7 g/dL. Blacks had lower median hemoglobin (10.5; interquartile range, 9.3-12.1 g/dL) compared with whites (median, 11.1; interquartile range, 9.0-12.6; p < 0.001). Patients in Spain and Portugal had the highest median hemoglobin (11.4; interquartile range, 10.0-12.6) compared with other regions outside of the United States (p < 0.001), and the highest proportion (31.3%) of transfused patients compared with all regions (p < 0.001). Patients in cardiac PICUs had higher median hemoglobin than those in mixed PICUs or noncardiac PICUs (12.3, 11.0, and 10.6 g/dL, respectively; p < 0.001). Cyanotic heart disease patients had the highest median hemoglobin (12.6 g/dL; interquartile range, 11.1-14.5). Multivariable regression analysis within diagnosis groups revealed that hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with the geographic location and history of complex cardiac disease in most of the models. In children with cancer, none of the variables tested correlated with patients' hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' hemoglobin levels correlated with demographics like age, race, geographic location, and cardiac disease, but none found in cancer patients. Future investigations should account for the effects of these variables.

Determinants of Antibiotic Tailoring in Pediatric Intensive Care: A National Survey

OBJECTIVES

To describe the criteria that currently guide empiric antibiotic treatment in children admitted to Canadian PICUs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Canadian PICUs.

SUBJECTS

Pediatric intensivists and pediatric infectious diseases specialists.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We used focus groups and literature review to design the survey questions and its four clinical scenarios (sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and intra-abdominal infections). We analyzed our results using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression. Our response rate was 60% for pediatric intensivists (62/103) and 36% for pediatric infectious diseases specialists (37/103). Variables related to patient characteristics, disease severity, pathogens, and clinical, laboratory, and radiologic infection markers were associated with longer courses of antibiotics, with median increment ranging from 1.75 to 7.75 days. The presence of positive viral polymerase chain reaction result was the only variable constantly associated with a reduction in antibiotic use (median decrease from, -3.25 to -8.25 d). Importantly, 67-92% of respondents would still use a full course of antibiotics despite positive viral polymerase chain reaction result and marked clinical improvement for patients with suspected sepsis, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infection. Clinical experience was associated with shorter courses of antibiotics for meningitis and sepsis (-1.3 d [95% CI, -2.4 to -0.2] and -1.8 d [95% CI, -2.8 to -0.7] per 10 extra years of clinical experience, respectively). Finally, site and specialty also influenced antibiotic practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions about antibiotic management for PICU patients are complex and involve the assessment of several different variables. With the exception of a positive viral polymerase chain reaction, our findings suggest that physicians rarely consider reducing the duration of antibiotics despite clinical improvement. In contrast, they will prolong the duration when faced with a nonreassuring characteristic. The development of objective and evidence-based criteria to guide antibiotic therapy in critically ill children is crucial to ensure the rational use of these agents in PICUs.

Retrospective study of imported falciparum malaria in French paediatric intensive care units

OBJECTIVE

The World Health Organization (WHO) severity criteria for paediatric Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria are based on studies in countries of endemic malaria. The relevance of these criteria for other countries remains unclear. We assessed the relevance of these criteria in an industrialised country.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Eight French university hospitals, from 2006 to 2012.

PATIENTS

Children with Pf malaria admitted to paediatric intensive care units (cases: n=55) or paediatric emergency departments (controls: n=110).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Descriptive analysis of WHO severity criteria and major interventions (mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, fluid challenge, treatment of cerebral oedema, renal replacement therapy). Thresholds were set by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

RESULTS

Altered consciousness (71% vs 5%), shock (24% vs 1%), renal failure (20% vs 1%), anaemia <50 g/L (7% vs 2%), acidosis (38% vs 0%), bilirubin level >50 µmol/L (25% vs 8%) and parasitaemia >10% (30% vs 8%) were more frequent in cases (p<0.01). All these criteria were associated with major interventions (p<0.001). Respiratory distress (six cases), and hypoglycaemia (two cases) were infrequent. Thrombocytopenia <50 000/mm³ (46% vs 7%) and anaemia (haemoglobin concentration <70 g/L (41% vs 13%)) were more frequent in cases (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The WHO severity criteria for paediatric Pf malaria are relevant for countries without endemic malaria. The infrequent but severe complications also provide a timely reminder of the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition worldwide. In non-endemic countries haemoglobin <70 g/L and platelet count <50 000/mm³ could be used as additional criteria to identify children needing high level of care.

Hematocrit Levels, Blood Testing, and Blood Transfusion in Infants After Heart Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether judicious blood testing impacts timing or amount of packed RBC transfusions in infants after heart surgery.

DESIGN

A retrospective study comparing before and after initiation of a quality improvement process.

SETTING

A university-affiliated cardiac ICU at a tertiary care children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Infants less than 1 year old with Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4, 5, 6, or d-transposition of great arteries (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 3) consecutively treated during 2010 through 2013.

INTERVENTION

A quality improvement process implemented in 2011 to decrease routine laboratory testing after surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-two infants preintervention and 214 postintervention had similar age, weight, proportion of cyanotic lesions, and surgical complexity. Infants with single versus biventricular physiology were compared separately. The number of laboratory tests per patient adjusted for cardiac ICU length of stay (laboratory tests/patient/day) was significantly lower in postintervention populations for single and biventricular groups (9 vs 15 and 10 vs 15, respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of single ventricle patients transfused post- and preintervention was not statistically different (72% vs 90%; p = 0.130). Transfusion in the biventricular groups was the same over time (65% vs 65%). Time to first transfusion was significantly longer in the postintervention single ventricle group (4 vs 1 d; p < 0.001), and was not statistically different in the biventricular patients (4 vs 7 d; p = 0.058). The median hematocrit level at first transfusion was significantly lower (37% vs 40%; p = 0.004) postintervention in the cyanotic population, but did not differ in the biventricular group (31% vs 31%; p = 0.840).

CONCLUSION

In infants after heart surgery, blood testing targeted to individual needs significantly decreased the number of blood tests, but did not significantly decrease postoperative blood transfusion.

Determinants of red blood cell transfusion in pediatric trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

There are no well-designed prospective studies evaluating transfusion practices in pediatric trauma. We sought to describe red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in trauma patients who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study is a post-hoc analysis of a prospective, 6-month observational study in 30 PICUs. We studied a total of 580 patients aged less than 18 years who had been admitted to a PICU for more than 48 hours, including 95 who were trauma patients.

RESULTS

Trauma patients more frequently received transfusion before PICU admission (p < 0.001), were older (p < 0.0001), and more frequently were mechanically ventilated (p = 0.05). In the PICU, trauma patients received more transfusions (55% vs. 37%; p < 0.001), although admission hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups (p = 0.86). The mean (± standard deviation) pretransfusion hemoglobin level in the PICU was 9.0 ± 2.4 g/dL for trauma patients compared with 8.3 ± 2.4 g/dL for nontrauma patients (p = 0.09). Among the trauma patients, transfusion was associated with younger age, higher Pediatric Logistic Organ Regression scores, mechanical ventilation, bleeding, and transfusion before PICU admission. Multivariate regression demonstrated that receiving an RBC transfusion before admission was strongly associated with receiving a blood transfusion in the PICU (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Trauma patients are at high risk for receiving an RBC transfusion both before and during their PICU stay, despite a similar transfusion threshold compared with nontrauma patients. Transfusion before PICU admission is a strong determinant, suggesting ongoing bleeding that will require re-transfusion. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a restrictive transfusion strategy can safely be considered in these patients.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Postoperative Care of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Survey on Stated Practice

The optimal red blood cell transfusion threshold for postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients is unknown. This study describes the stated red blood cell transfusion practice of physicians who treat postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients in intensive care units. A scenario-based survey was sent to physicians involved in postoperative intensive care of pediatric cardiac surgery patients in all Canadian centers that perform such surgery. Respondents reported their red blood cell transfusion practice in four postoperative scenarios: acyanotic or cyanotic cardiac lesion, in a neonate or an infant. In part A of each scenario, the patient was critically ill, but stabilized; in part B, the patient became unstable. Response rate was 58 % (71 of 123), with 45 respondents indicating direct involvement in postoperative intensive care. There was a wide variability in stated transfusion threshold, ranging from <7.0-14.0 g/dL for stabilized cases. There was no significant difference between neonates and infants in stated transfusion threshold. The mean hemoglobin level below which respondents would transfuse a stabilized patient was 9 g/dL for acyanotic and 11.2 g/dL for cyanotic patients, a statistically significant difference (2.2 ± 0.9 g/dL, p < 0.001). All clinical determinants of instability significantly increased transfusion threshold. Hemodynamic instability increased transfusion threshold by 2.3 ± 1.3 g/dL in acyanotic patients and by 1.3 ± 1.1 g/dL in cyanotic patients. Cyanotic lesion and clinical instability, but not patient age, increased stated red blood cell transfusion threshold. Significant variation in reported red blood cell transfusion practice exists among physicians treating pediatric patients in intensive care following cardiac surgery.

Pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: current management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nonoperative management of pediatric blunt abdominal injury has changed significantly in the last few years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Improved resource utilization in the diagnosis of pediatric abdominal injury has been described. Hemodynamic status, rather than grade of injury, now guides care. Stable patients spend less time in the hospital, return to school upon discharge, and are allowed lower hemoglobin levels prior to transfusion. ICUs are reserved for those with recent or ongoing bleeding, previously unstable patients, or children with concomitant injuries necessitating ICU. Risk factors for failure and evidence for adjuncts to nonoperative management are emerging. Operative management of certain pancreatic injuries may have more favorable outcomes than nonoperative management.

SUMMARY

Sufficient evidence has become available to radically change the management of pediatric abdominal injury, which is being incorporated into new evidence-based management algorithms.

Red blood cell transfusion decision making in critically ill children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the tradeoff between permissive anemia and administering red blood cell transfusion to children in pediatric ICUs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Postsurgical mortality in adults increases abruptly if their nadir hemoglobin level falls below 5 g/dl. Patients with sepsis, even those in septic shock, and patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding do not require red blood cell (RBC) transfusion if their hemoglobin level is above 7 g/dl.

SUMMARY

Anemia is common in critically ill children and is well tolerated most of the time. RBC transfusion is required in cases of hemorrhagic shock and in children with a hemoglobin level below 5 g/dl. Children with sepsis, including septic shock, those with a severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding and all stable critically ill children, including noncyanotic cardiac children older than 28 days, do not require an RBC transfusion if their hemoglobin level is above 7 g/dl. Transfusion threshold in children with univentricular physiology and in critically ill children with a hemoglobin level between 5 and 7 g/dl remains to be determined.