Current medication practice and tracheal intubation safety outcomes from a prospective multicenter observational cohort study

First-Pass Success of Intubations Using Video Versus Direct Laryngoscopy in Children With Limited Neck Mobility

OBJECTIVE

It is not clear whether video laryngoscopy (VL) is associated with a higher first-pass success rate in pediatric patients with limited neck mobility when compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL). We sought to determine the association between the laryngoscopy method and first-pass success.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we examined intubation data extracted from 2 prospectively collected, multicenter, airway management safety databases (National Emergency Airway Registry and the National Emergency Airway Registry for children), obtained during the years 2013-2018 in the emergency department. Intubations were included if patients were aged younger than 18 and had limited neck mobility. We compared first-pass success rates for ED intubations that were performed using VL versus DL. We built a structural causal model to account for potential confounders such as age, disease category (medical or trauma condition), other difficult airway characteristics, use of sedatives/paralytics, and laryngoscopist training level. We also analyzed adverse events as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

Of 34,239 intubations (19,071 in the National Emergency Airway Registry and 15,168 in the National Emergency Airway Registry for children), a total of 341 intubations (1.0%) met inclusion criteria; 168 were performed via VL and 173 were performed via DL. The median age of patients was 124 months (interquartile range, 48-204). There was no difference in first-pass success between VL and DL (79.8% vs 75.7%, P = 0.44). Video laryngoscopy was not associated with higher first-pass success (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.84-1.47, with DL as a comparator) when a structural causal model was used to account for confounders. There was no difference in the adverse events between VL and DL groups (13.7% vs 8.7%, P = 0.19).

CONCLUSION

In children with limited neck mobility receiving tracheal intubation in the ED, neither VL nor DL was associated with a higher first-pass success rate.

Ketamine Use in the Intubation of Critically Ill Children with Neurological Indications: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Ketamine has traditionally been avoided for tracheal intubations (TIs) in patients with acute neurological conditions. We evaluate its current usage pattern in these patients and any associated adverse events.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of critically ill children undergoing TI for neurological indications in 53 international pediatric intensive care units and emergency departments. We screened all intubations from 2014 to 2020 entered into the multicenter National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) registry database. Patients were included if they were under the age of 18 years and underwent TI for a primary neurological indication. Usage patterns and reported periprocedural composite adverse outcomes (hypoxemia < 80%, hypotension/hypertension, cardiac arrest, and dysrhythmia) were noted.

RESULTS

Of 21,562 TIs, 2,073 (9.6%) were performed for a primary neurological indication, including 190 for traumatic brain injury/trauma. Patients received ketamine in 495 TIs (23.9%), which increased from 10% in 2014 to 41% in 2020 (p < 0.001). Ketamine use was associated with a coindication of respiratory failure, difficult airway history, and use of vagolytic agents, apneic oxygenation, and video laryngoscopy. Composite adverse outcomes were reported in 289 (13.9%) Tis and were more common in the ketamine group (17.0% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.026). After adjusting for location, patient age and codiagnoses, the presence of respiratory failure and shock, difficult airway history, provider demographics, intubating device, and the use of apneic oxygenation, vagolytic agents, and neuromuscular blockade, ketamine use was not significantly associated with increased composite adverse outcomes (adjusted odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval CI 0.99-1.81, p = 0.057). This paucity of association remained even when only neurotrauma intubations were considered (10.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.528).

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective cohort study did not demonstrate an association between procedural ketamine use and increased risk of peri-intubation hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability in patients intubated for neurological indications.

The Effect of Ketamine Versus Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation on Maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of induction agents for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has been associated with hypotension in critically ill patients. Choice of induction agent may be important and the most commonly used agents are etomidate and ketamine.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of a single dose of ketamine vs. etomidate for RSI on maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and incidence of hypotension.

METHODS

This single-center, randomized, parallel-group trial compared the use of ketamine and etomidate for RSI in critically ill adult patients in the emergency department. The study was performed under Exception from Informed Consent. The primary outcome was the maximum SOFA score within 3 days of hospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients were enrolled in the trial, 70 in the ketamine group and 73 in the etomidate group. Maximum median SOFA score for the ketamine group was 6.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-9) vs. 7 (IQR 5-9) for etomidate with no significant difference (-0.2; 95% CI -1.4 to 1.1; p = 0.79). The incidence of post-intubation hypotension was 28% in the ketamine group vs. 26% in the etomidate group (difference 2%; 95% CI -13% to 17%). There were no significant differences in intensive care unit outcomes. Thirty-day mortality rate for the ketamine group was 11% (8 deaths) and for the etomidate group was 21% (15 deaths), which was not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in maximum SOFA score or post-intubation hypotension between critically ill adults receiving ketamine vs. etomidate for RSI.

Ketamine Clinical Use on the Pediatric Critically Ill Infant: A Global Bibliometric and Critical Review of Literature

The developing central nervous system is vulnerable to several stimuli, especially psychotropic drugs. Sedation procedures during the developmental period are frequent in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), in which the use of the sedative agent is still a challenge for the PICU team. Ketamine has been indicated for sedation in critically ill children with hemodynamic and ventilatory instabilities, but the possible neurobehavioral consequences related to this use are still uncertain. Here, we performed a bibliometric analysis with conventional metrics and a critical review of clinical findings to reveal a gap in the literature that deserves further investigation. We revealed that only 56 articles corresponded to the inclusion criteria of the study. The United States of America emerges as the main country within the scope of this review. In addition, professional clinical societies play a key role in the publications of scientific clinical findings through the specialist journals, which encourages the sharing of research work. The co-occurrence of keywords evidenced that the terms "sedation", "ketamine", and "pediatric" were the most frequent. Case series and review articles were the most prevalent study design. In the critical evaluation, the scarce studies highlight the need of use and post-use monitoring, which reinforces the importance of additional robust clinical studies to characterize the possible adverse effects resulting from ketamine anesthetic protocol in critically ill children.

One binge-type cycle of alcohol plus ketamine exposure induces emotional-like disorders associated with oxidative damage in adolescent female rats

Drug abuse is a global public health problem among adolescents, with alcohol often used in association with other psychotropic drugs, such as ketamine. Considering the scarcity of evidence, this study aimed to investigate emotional behavioral effects induced by ethanol plus ketamine co-abuse, as well as oxidative biochemistry, and neurotrophic mediator in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the early withdrawal of adolescent female rats. Animals were divided into control, ethanol, ketamine, and ethanol plus ketamine groups. The protocol administration was performed for 3 consecutive days (binge-like pattern). Behavioral assays of open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim test were performed. After that, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were collected to evaluate oxidative biochemistry (reactive oxygen species-ROS; Antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals-ACAP; and lipid peroxidation). We found that isolated or combined ethanol and ketamine exposure displayed anxiety- and depressive-like profile, in a non-synergistically manner during early withdrawal. However, oxidative damage was aggravated in the co-administered animals than in isolated exposed subjects. We concluded that ethanol plus ketamine co-abuse may intensify oxidative damage in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in the early withdrawal of adolescent female rats, which was not reflected in the emotional behavioral phenotype. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current investigation are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Effect of apneic oxygenation with intubation to reduce severe desaturation and adverse tracheal intubation-associated events in critically ill children

BACKGROUND

Determine if apneic oxygenation (AO) delivered via nasal cannula during the apneic phase of tracheal intubation (TI), reduces adverse TI-associated events (TIAEs) in children.

METHODS

AO was implemented across 14 pediatric intensive care units as a quality improvement intervention during 2016-2020. Implementation consisted of an intubation safety checklist, leadership endorsement, local champion, and data feedback to frontline clinicians. Standardized oxygen flow via nasal cannula for AO was as follows: 5 L/min for infants (< 1 year), 10 L/min for young children (1-7 years), and 15 L/min for older children (≥ 8 years). Outcomes were the occurrence of adverse TIAEs (primary) and hypoxemia (SpO₂ < 80%, secondary).

RESULTS

Of 6549 TIs during the study period, 2554 (39.0%) occurred during the pre-implementation phase and 3995 (61.0%) during post-implementation phase. AO utilization increased from 23 to 68%, p < 0.001. AO was utilized less often when intubating infants, those with a primary cardiac diagnosis or difficult airway features, and patient intubated due to respiratory or neurological failure or shock. Conversely, AO was used more often in TIs done for procedures and those assisted by video laryngoscopy. AO utilization was associated with a lower incidence of adverse TIAEs (AO 10.5% vs. without AO 13.5%, p < 0.001), aOR 0.75 (95% CI 0.58-0.98, p = 0.03) after adjusting for site clustering (primary analysis). However, after further adjusting for patient and provider characteristics (secondary analysis), AO utilization was not independently associated with the occurrence of adverse TIAEs: aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72-1.12, p = 0.33 and the occurrence of hypoxemia was not different: AO 14.2% versus without AO 15.2%, p = 0.43.

CONCLUSION

While AO use was associated with a lower occurrence of adverse TIAEs in children who required TI in the pediatric ICU after accounting for site-level clustering, this result may be explained by differences in patient, provider, and practice factors. Trial Registration Trial not registered.

Mitigation and Outcomes of Difficult Bag-Mask Ventilation in Critically Ill Children

Difficult bag-mask ventilation (BMV) occurs in 10% of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) tracheal intubations (TI). The reasons clinicians identify difficult BMV in the PICU and the interventions used to mitigate that difficulty have not been well-studied. This is a prospective, observational, single-center study. A patient-specific data form was sent to PICU physicians supervising TIs from November 2019 through December 2020 to identify the presence of difficult BMV, attempted interventions used, and perceptions about intervention success. The dataset was linked and merged with the local TI quality database to assess safety outcomes. Among 305 TIs with response (87% response rate), 267 (88%) clinicians performed BMV during TI. Difficult BMV was reported in 28 of 267 patients (10%). Commonly reported reasons for difficult BMV included: facial structure (50%), high inspiratory pressure (36%), and improper mask fit (21%). Common interventions were jaw thrust (96%) and an airway adjunct (oral airway 50%, nasal airway 7%, and supraglottic airway 11%), with ventilation improvement in 44% and 73%, respectively. Most difficult BMV was identified before neuromuscular blockade (NMB) administration (96%) and 67% (18/27) resolved after NMB administration. The overall success in improving ventilation was 27/28 (96%). TI adverse outcomes (hemodynamic events, emesis, and/or hypoxemia <80%) are associated with the presence of difficult BMV (10/28, 36%) versus non-difficult BMV (20/239, 8%, p< 0.001). Difficult BMV is common in critically ill children and is associated with increased TI adverse outcomes. Airway adjunct placement and NMB use are often effective in improving ventilation.

Malignant Hyperthermia in PICU—From Diagnosis to Treatment in the Light of Up-to-Date Knowledge

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, hereditary, life-threatening disease triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. Rarely, MH can occur after non-pharmacological triggers too. MH was detected more often in children and young adults, which makes this topic very important for every pediatric specialist, both anesthesiologists and intensivists. MH crisis is a life-threatening severe hypermetabolic whole-body reaction. Triggers of MH are used in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as well, volatile anesthetics in difficult sedation, status asthmaticus or epilepticus, and succinylcholine still sometimes in airway management. Recrudescence or delayed onset of MH crisis hours after anesthesia was previously described. MH can also be a cause of rhabdomyolysis and hyperpyrexia in the PICU. In addition, patients with neuromuscular diseases are often admitted to PICU and they might be at risk for MH. The most typical symptoms of MH are hypercapnia, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. Thinking of the MH as the possible cause of deterioration of a patient’s clinical condition is the key to early diagnosis and treatment. The sooner the correct treatment is commenced, the better patient´s outcome. This narrative review article aims to summarize current knowledge and guidelines about recognition, treatment, and further management of MH in PICU.

The Association of Teamwork and Adverse Tracheal Intubation–Associated Events in Advanced Airway Management in the PICU

Tracheal intubation (TI) in critically ill children is a life-saving but high-risk procedure that involves multiple team members with diverse clinical skills. We aim to examine the association between the provider-reported teamwork rating and the occurrence of adverse TI-associated events (TIAEs). A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 45 pediatric intensive care units in the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) database from January 2013 to March 2018 was performed. A composite teamwork score was generated using the average of each of five (7-point Likert scale) domains in the teamwork assessment tool. Poor teamwork was defined as an average score of 4 or lower. Team provider stress data were also recorded with each intubation. A total of 12,536 TIs were reported from 2013 to 2018. Approximately 4.1% (n = 520) rated a poor teamwork score. TIs indicated for shock were more commonly associated with a poor teamwork score, while those indicated for procedures and those utilizing neuromuscular blockade were less commonly associated with a poor teamwork score. TIs with poor teamwork were associated with a higher occurrence of adverse TIAE (24.4% vs 14.4%, p < 0.001), severe TIAE (13.7% vs 5.9%, p < 0.001), and peri-intubation hypoxemia < 80% (26.4% vs 17.9%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for indication, provider type, and neuromuscular blockade use, poor teamwork was associated with higher odds of adverse TIAEs (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–2.34), severe TIAEs (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.47–3.37), and hypoxemia (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.25–2.03). TIs with poor teamwork were independently associated with a higher occurrence of TIAEs, severe TIAEs, and hypoxemia.

Hospital Charges Associated With Critical Bronchiolitis From 2009 to 2019

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the contribution of PICU care to increasing hospital charges for patients with bronchiolitis over a 10-year study period.

DESIGN

In this retrospective multicenter study, changes in annual hospital charges (adjusted for inflation) were analyzed using linear regression for subjects admitted to the PICU with invasive mechanical ventilation (PICU + IMV) and without IMV (PICU - IMV), and for children not requiring PICU care.

SETTING

Free-standing children's hospitals contributing to the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.

SUBJECTS

Children less than 2 years with bronchiolitis discharged from a PHIS hospital between July 2009 and June 2019. Subjects were categorized as high risk if they were born prematurely or had a chronic complex condition.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

PICU patients were 26.5% of the 283,006 included subjects but accrued 66% of the total $14.83 billion in charges. Annual charges increased from $1.01 billion in 2009-2010 to $2.07 billion in 2018-2019, and PICU patients accounted for 83% of this increase. PICU + IMV patients were 22% of all PICU patients and accrued 64% of all PICU charges, but PICU - IMV patients without a high-risk condition had the highest relative increase in annual charges, increasing from $76.7 million in 2009-2010 to $377.9 million in 2018-2019 (374% increase, ptrend < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter cohort study of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis, PICU patients, especially low-risk children without the need for IMV, were the highest driver of increased hospital charges over a 10-year study period.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Reversal Agents Among Hospitalized Children: A Cerner Database Study

Background: Sugammadex (Bridion) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2015 for the reversal of neuromuscular block (NMB) induced by rocuronium and vecuronium bromide in adults undergoing surgery and approved for use in both adults and children in the European Union in 2008. Sugammadex use in children has been reported in the United States, but to what extent is not clear. Aims: The aim was to describe the utilization pattern of NMB agents and factors associated with the use of reversal agents (neostigmine and sugammadex) in US children. Methods: Cross-sectional study of children with exposure to NMB agents between 2015 and 2017 in the Cerner Health Facts^® database, which is an electronic health record (EHR) database across 600 facilities in the United States. Logistic regression estimated factors associated with the use of sugammadex vs neostigmine. Results: A total of 27 094 pediatric clinical encounters were exposed to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), in which 21 845 were exposed to rocuronium (76%), vecuronium (18%), or both (6%). Among children with exposure to rocuronium and vecuronium, the use of sugammadex was 1.7% in 2016 and 7.6% in 2017. The multivariable logistic model suggested that children who were older (age 12-17 years vs 0-1 year; odds ratio [OR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.83), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and other ethnicities (vs non-Hispanic or Latino; OR 2.03 and 1.56; 95% CI, 1.55-2.67 and 1.15-2.13, respectively), in teaching facilities (OR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00-1.59), or admitted through emergency departments (OR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.06-2.58) were independently more likely to receive sugammadex than neostigmine after controlling for other covariates. Conclusions: In Cerner Health Facts database 2015 to 2017, among children, rocuronium was more commonly used than vecuronium, and sugammadex use was observed since 2016. Sugammadex and neostigmine users varied by demographic, clinical, and site-level characteristics.

The association of ketamine induction with blood pressure changes in paramedic rapid sequence intubation of out-of-hospital traumatic brain injury

INTRODUCTION

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is used to secure the airway of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with ketamine frequently used for induction. Studies show that ketamine-induction RSI might cause lower blood pressures when compared to etomidate. It is not clear if the results from that research can be extrapolated to systems that use different dosing regimens for ketamine RSI. Ambulance Victoria authorized the use of 1.5 mg/kg ketamine in January 2015 for head injury RSI induction by road-based paramedics. This study aims to examine whether systolic blood pressure changed when ketamine was introduced for prehospital head injury RSI.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of out-of-hospital suspected TBI that received RSI by paramedics. Our analysis employs an interrupted time-series analysis (ITSA), which is a quasi-experimental method that tested whether hypotension and systolic blood pressures changed after the switch to ketamine induction in 2015. This ITSA utilized an ordinary least squares regression on complete observations using Newey-West standard errors.

RESULTS

During the study period, paramedics performed RSI in 8,613 patients, and 1,759 (20.4%) had a TBI. Ketamine usage increased by 52.7% in January 2015 (p < 0.001) after road-based paramedics were authorized to use ketamine induction. This analysis found significant 5% increase in post-RSI hypotension (p = 0.046) after the introduction of ketamine, and thereafter the incidence of post-RSI hypotension increased steadily by 0.5% every 3 months (p = 0.004). Concurrently, changes in systolic blood pressure, as measured by the interval just before induction to the last measured on scene, show an average decrease of 7.8 mm Hg (p = 0.04) at the start of 2015 with the ketamine rollout.

CONCLUSIONS

This ITSA shows that postinduction hypotension and also decreases in systolic blood pressures became evident after the introduction of ketamine. Further research to investigate the association between ketamine induction and survival is needed.

Difficult Bag-Mask Ventilation in Critically Ill Children Is Independently Associated With Adverse Events

OBJECTIVES

Bag-mask ventilation is commonly used prior to tracheal intubation; however, the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical implications of difficult bag-mask ventilation among critically ill children are not well studied. This study aims to describe prevalence and risk factors for pediatric difficult bag-mask ventilation as well as its association with adverse tracheal intubation-associated events and oxygen desaturation in PICU patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective review of prospectively collected observational data from a multicenter tracheal intubation database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children) from January 2013 to December 2018.

SETTING

Forty-six international PICUs.

PATIENTS

Children receiving bag-mask ventilation as a part of tracheal intubation in a PICU.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome is the occurrence of either specific tracheal intubation-associated events (hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events, emesis with/without aspiration) and/or oxygen desaturation (< 80%). Factors associated with perceived difficult bag-mask ventilation were found using univariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression identified an independent association between bag-mask ventilation difficulty and the primary outcome. Difficult bag-mask ventilation is reported in 9.5% (n = 1,501) of 15,810 patients undergoing tracheal intubation with bag-mask ventilation during the study period. Difficult bag-mask ventilation is more commonly reported with increasing age, those with a primary respiratory diagnosis/indication for tracheal intubation, presence of difficult airway features, more experienced provider level, and tracheal intubations without use of neuromuscular blockade (p < 0.001). Specific tracheal intubation-associated events or oxygen desaturation events occurred in 40.2% of patients with reported difficult bag-mask ventilation versus 19.8% in patients without perceived difficult bag-mask ventilation (p < 0.001). The presence of difficult bag-mask ventilation is independently associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome: odds ratio, 2.28 (95% CI, 2.03-2.57; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Difficult bag-mask ventilation is reported in approximately one in 10 PICU patients undergoing tracheal intubation. Given its association with adverse procedure-related events and oxygen desaturation, future study is warranted to improve preprocedural planning and real-time management strategies.

Etomidate Use Is Associated With Less Hypotension Than Ketamine for Emergency Department Sepsis Intubations: A NEAR Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were 1) to describe the current use of etomidate and other induction agents in patients with sepsis and 2) to compare adverse events between etomidate and ketamine in sepsis.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of the prospective National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR) data set. Descriptive statistics were used to report the distribution of induction agents used in patients with sepsis. Adverse events were compared using bivariate analysis, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted using a propensity score-adjusted analysis of etomidate versus ketamine.

RESULTS

A total of 531 patients were intubated for sepsis, and the majority (71%) were intubated with etomidate as the initial induction agent. Etomidate was less frequently used in sepsis patients than nonsepsis patients (71% vs. 85%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4 to 0.5). Sepsis patients had a greater risk of adverse events, and vasopressor therapy was required for 25% of patients after intubation. Postprocedure hypotension was higher between those intubated for sepsis with ketamine versus etomidate (74% vs. 50%, OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.9 to 4.5). After confounding by indication in the propensity score-adjusted analysis was accounted for, ketamine was associated with more postprocedure hypotension (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 6.7). No difference in emergency department deaths was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Etomidate is used less frequently in sepsis patients than nonsepsis patients, with ketamine being the most frequently used alternative. Ketamine was associated with more postprocedural hypotension than etomidate. Future clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal induction agent in patients with sepsis.

Normal and difficult airways in children: "What's New"-Current evidence

BACKGROUND

Pediatric difficult airway is one of the most challenging clinical situations. We will review new concepts and evidence in pediatric normal and difficult airway management in the operating room, intensive care unit, Emergency Department, and neonatal intensive care unit.

METHODS

Expert review of the recent literature.

RESULTS

Cognitive factors, teamwork, and communication play a major role in managing pediatric difficult airway. Earlier studies evaluated videolaryngoscopes in a monolithic way yielding inconclusive results regarding their effectiveness. There are, however, substantial differences among videolaryngoscopes particularly angulated vs. nonangulated blades which have different learning and use characteristics. Each airway device has strengths and weaknesses, and combining these devices to leverage both strengths will likely yield success. In the pediatric intensive care unit, emergency department and neonatal intensive care units, adverse tracheal intubation-associated events and hypoxemia are commonly reported. Specific patient, clinician, and practice factors are associated with these occurrences. In both the operating room and other clinical areas, use of passive oxygenation will provide additional laryngoscopy time. The use of neuromuscular blockade was thought to be contraindicated in difficult airway patients. Newer evidence from observational studies showed that controlled ventilation with or without neuromuscular blockade is associated with fewer adverse events in the operating room. Similarly, a multicenter neonatal intensive care unit study showed fewer adverse events in infants who received neuromuscular blockade. Neuromuscular blockade should be avoided in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis, head and neck radiation, airway masses, and external airway compression for anticipated worsening airway collapse with neuromuscular blocker administration.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians caring for children with difficult airways should consider new cognitive paradigms and concepts, leverage the strengths of multiple devices, and consider the role of alternate anesthetic approaches such as controlled ventilation and use of neuromuscular blocking drugs in select situations. Anesthesiologists can partner with intensive care and emergency department and neonatology clinicians to improve the safety of airway management in all clinical settings.

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.

Does the addition of fentanyl to ketamine improve haemodynamics, intubating conditions or mortality in emergency department intubation: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ketamine is an induction agent frequently used for general anaesthesia in emergency medicine. Generally regarded as haemodynamically stable, it can cause hypertension and tachycardia and may cause or worsen shock. The effects of ketamine may be improved by the addition of fentanyl to the induction regime. We conducted a systematic review to identify evidence with regard to the effect of adding fentanyl to an induction regime of ketamine and a paralysing agent on post-induction haemodynamics, intubating conditions and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a search of the Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PROQUEST, OpenGrey and clinical trial registries. Prominent authors were contacted in order to identify additional literature pertinent to the research question. Studies were included if they pertained to intubation of adult patients in the prehospital or emergency department environments and included an induction regime of ketamine and a paralysing agent, with at least one outcome measure of haemodynamics, intubating conditions or mortality. Search results were reviewed by two investigators independently, adjudicated by a third investigator where disagreement occurred.

RESULTS

One observational study was identified that partially answered the research question.

DISCUSSION

Only one observational study was identified that partially answered the research question. This paper demonstrated that the use of fentanyl as a pretreatment increases the incidence of post-induction hypotension, a phenomenon that was seen with propofol, midazolam and ketamine. The difference in hypotension between these agents was not statistically significant. The impact of this on patient-orientated outcomes is unclear.

Succinylcholine Use and Dantrolene Availability for Malignant Hyperthermia Treatment: Database Analyses and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Although dantrolene effectively treats malignant hyperthermia (MH), discrepant recommendations exist concerning dantrolene availability. Whereas Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States guidelines state dantrolene must be available within 10 min of the decision to treat MH wherever volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine are administered, a Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia protocol permits Class B ambulatory facilities to stock succinylcholine for airway rescue without dantrolene. The authors investigated (1) succinylcholine use rates, including for airway rescue, in anesthetizing/sedating locations; (2) whether succinylcholine without volatile anesthetics triggers MH warranting dantrolene; and (3) the relationship between dantrolene administration and MH morbidity/mortality.

METHODS

The authors performed focused analyses of the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (2005 through 2016), North American MH Registry (2013 through 2016), and Anesthesia Closed Claims Project (1970 through 2014) databases, as well as a systematic literature review (1987 through 2017). The authors used difficult mask ventilation (grades III and IV) as a surrogate for airway rescue. MH experts judged dantrolene treatment. For MH morbidity/mortality analyses, the authors included U.S. and Canadian cases that were fulminant or scored 20 or higher on the clinical grading scale and in which volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine were given.

RESULTS

Among 6,368,356 queried outcomes cases, 246,904 (3.9%) received succinylcholine without volatile agents. Succinylcholine was used in 46% (n = 710) of grade IV mask ventilation cases (median dose, 100 mg, 1.2 mg/kg). Succinylcholine without volatile anesthetics triggered 24 MH cases, 13 requiring dantrolene. Among 310 anesthetic-triggered MH cases, morbidity was 20 to 37%. Treatment delay increased complications every 10 min, reaching 100% with a 50-min delay. Overall mortality was 1 to 10%; 15 U.S. patients died, including 4 after anesthetics in freestanding facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers use succinylcholine commonly, including during difficult mask ventilation. Succinylcholine administered without volatile anesthetics may trigger MH events requiring dantrolene. Delayed dantrolene treatment increases the likelihood of MH complications. The data reported herein support stocking dantrolene wherever succinylcholine or volatile anesthetics may be used.

Emergency Intubations in a High-Volume Pediatric Emergency Department

INTRODUCTION

Resuscitation of critically ill children can be chaotic, and emergency airway management is often fraught with difficulties. This study aimed to characterize the Singaporean landscape of tracheal intubation in a pediatric emergency unit, placing emphasis on safety outcomes, procedural process of care, and provider training.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all cases presented to the KK Women's and Children's Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013 with intubation carried out within the pediatric emergency unit was done. Medical records were accessed for data collection, and the information was subsequently used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 207 intubations were carried out in the pediatric emergency unit. The median age was 4 years (interquartile range, 11 months to 8 years). Oral tracheal intubation with the combination of sedation and paralysis was the main approach. Atropine was used for pretreatment in 156 cases (75.4%). Midazolam was the most commonly used induction agent, and succinylcholine was the most commonly used the paralytic agent. Intubation was achieved on the first attempt in 175 cases (84.5%). Postintubation sedation was initiated in 94 cases (45.4%). Postintubation paralysis was initiated in 50 cases (24.2%). Postintubation analgesia was initiated in 13 cases (6.3%). Twenty emergency intubations (9.7%) were associated with at least 1 tracheal intubation adverse event, with 7 cases (3.4%) having severe tracheal intubation adverse events. In 1 case (0.5%), the patient died within the pediatric emergency unit, and 27 patients (13.0%) did not survive to discharge from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

All tracheal intubations performed were successful. Variance still exists in tracheal intubation practice. Further elucidation of patient, practice, and provider factors will aid development of a bundle quality improvement intervention directed at addressing these factors.

[Systematic analysis of airway registries in emergency medicine]

BACKGROUND

A myriad of publications have contributed to an evidence-based approach to airway management in emergency services and admissions in recent years; however, it remains unclear which international registries on airway management in emergency medicine currently exist and how they are characterized concerning inclusion criteria, patient characteristics and definition of complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature research was carried out in PubMed with respect to publications from 2007-2017. All publications from airway registries collecting data on prehospital or emergency department (ED) airway management were included. Publications from pediatric intensive care units (PICU) were also included as long as they were the primary place of pediatric emergency care.

RESULTS

A total of eleven emergency airway registries (EAR) were identified that were primarily concerned with airway management. Furthermore, reported data on emergency airway management were extracted from different, national resuscitation registries. There was only one multinational EAR which exclusively collects data on pediatric emergency airway management (NEAR4KIDS, National Emergency Airway Registry for Kids). Additionally, all emergency department airway registries identified include data on pediatric emergency airway management to varying degrees (0.2-10.5%). Published observation periods were also highly variable with a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 156 months. The ANZEDAR (Australia and New Zealand Emergency Airway Registry) is currently the largest EAR with data from 43 participating institutions in 2 different countries, while the NEAR III (National Emergency Airway Registry) includes data on 21,374 emergency intubations over a 10-year period and thus has the largest number of emergency interventions. Reported rapid sequence induction (RSI) rates in the registries are between 27.5% and 100%. First-pass success rates vary between 69% and 89%, while the reported use of video laryngoscopy is 0-73%.

CONCLUSION

This study identified eleven EARs that sometimes widely differed concerning inclusion periods, inclusion criteria, definition of complications and application of newer methods of emergency airway management. Thus, comparability of the reported results and first-pass success rates is only possible to a limited extent. The authors therefore advocate the initiation of an airway registry in emergency medicine in German-speaking countries.

Safety of tracheal intubation in the presence of cardiac disease in paediatric ICUs

IntroductionChildren with CHD and acquired heart disease have unique, high-risk physiology. They may have a higher risk of adverse tracheal-intubation-associated events, as compared with children with non-cardiac disease.Materials and methodsWe sought to evaluate the occurrence of adverse tracheal-intubation-associated events in children with cardiac disease compared to children with non-cardiac disease. A retrospective analysis of tracheal intubations from 38 international paediatric ICUs was performed using the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) quality improvement registry. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any tracheal-intubation-associated event. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of severe tracheal-intubation-associated events, multiple intubation attempts, and oxygen desaturation.

RESULTS

A total of 8851 intubations were reported between July, 2012 and March, 2016. Cardiac patients were younger, more likely to have haemodynamic instability, and less likely to have respiratory failure as an indication. The overall frequency of tracheal-intubation-associated events was not different (cardiac: 17% versus non-cardiac: 16%, p=0.13), nor was the rate of severe tracheal-intubation-associated events (cardiac: 7% versus non-cardiac: 6%, p=0.11). Tracheal-intubation-associated cardiac arrest occurred more often in cardiac patients (2.80 versus 1.28%; p<0.001), even after adjusting for patient and provider differences (adjusted odds ratio 1.79; p=0.03). Multiple intubation attempts occurred less often in cardiac patients (p=0.04), and oxygen desaturations occurred more often, even after excluding patients with cyanotic heart disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall incidence of adverse tracheal-intubation-associated events in cardiac patients was not different from that in non-cardiac patients. However, the presence of a cardiac diagnosis was associated with a higher occurrence of both tracheal-intubation-associated cardiac arrest and oxygen desaturation.

Cricoid Pressure During Induction for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Children: A Report From National Emergency Airway Registry for Children

OBJECTIVES

Cricoid pressure is often used to prevent regurgitation during induction and mask ventilation prior to high-risk tracheal intubation in critically ill children. Clinical data in children showing benefit are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the association between cricoid pressure use and the occurrence of regurgitation during tracheal intubation for critically ill children in PICU.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of a multicenter pediatric airway quality improvement registry.

SETTINGS

Thirty-five PICUs within general and children's hospitals (29 in the United States, three in Canada, one in Japan, one in Singapore, and one in New Zealand).

PATIENTS

Children (< 18 yr) with initial tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy in PICUs between July 2010 and December 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cricoid pressure use and the occurrence of regurgitation while adjusting for underlying differences in patient and clinical care factors. Of 7,825 events, cricoid pressure was used in 1,819 (23%). Regurgitation was reported in 106 of 7,825 (1.4%) and clinical aspiration in 51 of 7,825 (0.7%). Regurgitation was reported in 35 of 1,819 (1.9%) with cricoid pressure, and 71 of 6,006 (1.2%) without cricoid pressure (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.09-2.47; p = 0.018). On multivariable analysis, cricoid pressure was not associated with the occurrence of regurgitation after adjusting for patient, practice, and known regurgitation risk factors (adjusted odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.99-2.47; p = 0.054). A sensitivity analysis in propensity score-matched cohorts showed cricoid pressure was associated with a higher regurgitation rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Cricoid pressure during induction and mask ventilation before tracheal intubation in the current ICU practice was not associated with a lower regurgitation rate after adjusting for previously reported confounders. Further studies are needed to determine whether cricoid pressure for specific indication with proper maneuver would be effective in reducing regurgitation events.

Downward Trend in Pediatric Resident Laryngoscopy Participation in PICUs

OBJECTIVES

As of July 2013, pediatric resident trainee guidelines in the United States no longer require proficiency in nonneonatal tracheal intubation. We hypothesized that laryngoscopy by pediatric residents has decreased over time, with a more pronounced decrease after this guideline change.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty-five PICUs at various children's hospitals across the United States.

PATIENTS

Tracheal intubations performed in PICUs from July 2010 to June 2016 in the multicenter tracheal intubation database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children).

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Prospective cohort study in which all primary tracheal intubations occurring in the United States from July 2010 to June 2016 in the multicenter tracheal intubation database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children) were analyzed. Participating PICU leaders were also asked to describe their local airway management training for residents. Resident participation trends over time, stratified by presence of a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship and airway training curriculum for residents, were described. A total of 9,203 tracheal intubations from 25 PICUs were reported. Pediatric residents participated in 16% of tracheal intubations as first laryngoscopists: 14% in PICUs with a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship and 34% in PICUs without one (p < 0.001). Resident participation decreased significantly over time (3.4% per year; p < 0.001). The decrease was significant in ICUs with a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship (p < 0.001) but not in ICUs without one (p = 0.73). After adjusting for site-level clustering, patient characteristics, and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship presence, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guideline change was not associated with lower participation by residents (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.59-1.24; p = 0.43). The downward trend of resident participation was similar regardless of the presence of an airway curriculum for residents.

CONCLUSION

Laryngoscopy by pediatric residents has substantially decreased over time. This downward trend was not associated with the 2013 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education change in residency requirements.

Effect of Location on Tracheal Intubation Safety in Cardiac Disease-Are Cardiac ICUs Safer?

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate differences in tracheal intubation-associated events and process variances (i.e., multiple intubation attempts and oxygen desaturation) between pediatric cardiac ICUs and noncardiac PICUs in children with underlying cardiac disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using a multicenter tracheal intubation quality improvement database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children).

SETTING

Thirty-six PICUs (five cardiac ICUs, 31 noncardiac ICUs) from July 2012 to March 2016.

PATIENTS

Children with medical or surgical cardiac disease who underwent intubation in an ICU.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Our primary outcome was the rate of any adverse tracheal intubation-associated event. Secondary outcomes were severe tracheal intubation-associated events, multiple tracheal intubation attempt rates, and oxygen desaturation. There were 1,502 tracheal intubations in children with underlying cardiac disease (751 in cardiac ICUs, 751 in noncardiac ICUs) reported. Cardiac ICUs and noncardiac ICUs had similar proportions of patients with surgical cardiac disease. Patients undergoing intubation in cardiac ICUs were younger (median age, 1 mo [interquartile range, 0-6 mo]) compared with noncardiac ICUs (median 3 mo [interquartile range, 1-11 mo]; p < 0.001). Tracheal intubation-associated event rates were not different between cardiac ICUs and noncardiac ICUs (16% vs 19%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.54-1.02; p = 0.069). However, in a sensitivity analysis comparing cardiac ICUs with mixed ICUs (i.e., ICUs caring for children with either general pediatric or cardiac diseases), cardiac ICUs had decreased odds of adverse events (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.97; p = 0.033). Rates of severe tracheal intubation-associated events and multiple attempts were similar. Desaturations occurred more often during intubation in cardiac ICUs (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.04-1.15; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with underlying cardiac disease, rates of adverse tracheal intubation-associated events were not lower in cardiac ICUs as compared to noncardiac ICUs, even after adjusting for differences in patient characteristics and care models.

Clinical Impact of External Laryngeal Manipulation During Laryngoscopy on Tracheal Intubation Success in Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVES

External laryngeal manipulation is a commonly used maneuver to improve visualization of the glottis during tracheal intubation in children. However, the effectiveness to improve tracheal intubation attempt success rate in the nonanesthesia setting is not clear. The study objective was to evaluate the association between external laryngeal manipulation use and initial tracheal intubation attempt success in PICUs.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study using a multicenter emergency airway quality improvement registry.

SETTING

Thirty-five PICUs within general and children's hospitals (29 in the United States, three in Canada, one in Japan, one in Singapore, and one in New Zealand).

PATIENTS

Critically ill children (< 18 years) undergoing initial tracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy in PICUs between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to evaluate the association between external laryngeal manipulation and initial attempt success while adjusting for underlying differences in patient and clinical care factors: age, obesity, tracheal intubation indications, difficult airway features, provider training level, and neuromuscular blockade use. External laryngeal manipulation was defined as any external force to the neck during laryngoscopy. Of the 7,825 tracheal intubations, the initial tracheal intubation attempt was successful in 1,935/3,274 intubations (59%) with external laryngeal manipulation and 3,086/4,551 (68%) without external laryngeal manipulation (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62-0.75; p < 0.001). In propensity score-matched analysis, external laryngeal manipulation remained associated with lower initial tracheal intubation attempt success (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

External laryngeal manipulation during direct laryngoscopy was associated with lower initial tracheal intubation attempt success in critically ill children, even after adjusting for underlying differences in patient factors and provider levels. The indiscriminate use of external laryngeal manipulation cannot be recommended.

End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Use for Tracheal Intubation: Analysis From the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) Registry

OBJECTIVE

Waveform capnography use has been incorporated into guidelines for the confirmation of tracheal intubation. We aim to describe the trend in waveform capnography use in emergency departments and PICUs and assess the association between waveform capnography use and adverse tracheal intubation-associated events.

DESIGN

A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Thirty-four hospitals (34 ICUs and nine emergency departments) in the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children quality improvement initiative.

PATIENTS

Primary tracheal intubation in children younger than 18 years.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patient, provider, and practice data for tracheal intubation procedure including a type of end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement, as well as the procedural safety outcomes, were prospectively collected. The use of waveform capnography versus colorimetry was evaluated in association with esophageal intubation with delayed recognition, cardiac arrest, and oxygen desaturation less than 80%. During January 2011 and December 2015, 9,639 tracheal intubations were reported. Waveform capnography use increased over time (39% in 2010 to 53% in 2015; p < 0.001), whereas colorimetry use decreased (< 0.001). There was significant variability in waveform capnography use across institutions (median 49%; interquartile range, 25-85%; p < 0.001). Capnography was used more often in emergency departments as compared with ICUs (66% vs. 49%; p < 0.001). The rate of esophageal intubation with delayed recognition was similar with waveform capnography versus colorimetry (0.39% vs. 0.46%; p = 0.62). The rate of cardiac arrest was also similar (p = 0.49). Oxygen desaturation occurred less frequently when capnography was used (17% vs. 19%; p = 0.03); however, this was not significant after adjusting for patient and provider characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variations existed in capnography use across institutions, with the use increasing over time in both emergency departments and ICUs. The use of capnography during intubation was not associated with esophageal intubation with delayed recognition or the occurrence of cardiac arrest.

Frequency of Desaturation and Association With Hemodynamic Adverse Events During Tracheal Intubations in PICUs

OBJECTIVES

Oxygen desaturation during tracheal intubation is known to be associated with adverse ICU outcomes in critically ill children. We aimed to determine the occurrence and severity of desaturation during tracheal intubations and the association with adverse hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study as a part of the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children Network's quality improvement project from January 2012 to December 2014.

SETTING

International PICUs.

PATIENTS

Critically ill children younger than 18 years undergoing primary tracheal intubations in the ICUs.

INTERVENTIONS

tracheal intubation processes of care and outcomes were prospectively collected using standardized operational definitions. We defined moderate desaturation as oxygen saturation less than 80% and severe desaturation as oxygen saturation less than 70% during tracheal intubation procedures in children with initial oxygen saturation greater than 90% after preoxygenation. Adverse hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated event was defined as cardiac arrests, hypo or hypertension requiring intervention, and dysrhythmia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 5,498 primary tracheal intubations from 31 ICUs were reported. Moderate desaturation was observed in 19.3% associated with adverse hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events (9.8% among children with moderate desaturation vs 4.4% without desaturation; p < 0.001). Severe desaturation was observed in 12.9% of tracheal intubations, also significantly associated with hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events. After adjusting for patient, provider, and practice factors, the occurrence of moderate desaturation was independently associated with hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events: adjusted odds ratio 1.83 (95% CI, 1.34-2.51; p < 0.001). The occurrence of severe desaturation was also independently associated with hemodynamic tracheal intubation-associated events: adjusted odds ratio 2.16 (95% CI, 1.54-3.04; p < 0.001). Number of tracheal intubation attempts was also significantly associated with the frequency of moderate and severe desaturations (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large tracheal intubation quality improvement database, we found moderate and severe desaturation are reported among 19% and 13% of all tracheal intubation encounters. Moderate and severe desaturations were independently associated with the occurrence of adverse hemodynamic events. Future quality improvement interventions may focus to reduce desaturation events.

Promoters and Barriers to Implementation of Tracheal Intubation Airway Safety Bundle: A Mixed-Method Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To describe promoters and barriers to implementation of an airway safety quality improvement bundle from the perspective of interdisciplinary frontline clinicians and ICU quality improvement leaders.

DESIGN

Mixed methods.

SETTING

Thirteen PICUs of the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children network.

INTERVENTION

Remote or on-site focus groups with interdisciplinary ICU staff. Two semistructured interviews with ICU quality improvement leaders with quantitative and qualitative data-based feedbacks.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bundle implementation success (compliance) was defined as greater than or equal to 80% use for tracheal intubations for 3 consecutive months. ICUs were classified as early or late adopters. Focus group discussions concentrated on safety concerns and promoters and barriers to bundle implementation. Initial semistructured quality improvement leader interviews assessed implementation tactics and provided recommendations. Follow-up interviews assessed degree of acceptance and changes made after initial interview. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and contrasted by early versus late adopters. Median duration to achieve success was 502 days (interquartile range, 182-781). Five sites were early (median, 153 d; interquartile range, 146-267) and eight sites were late adopters (median, 783 d; interquartile range, 773-845). Focus groups identified common "promoter" themes-interdisciplinary approach, influential champions, and quality improvement bundle customization-and "barrier" themes-time constraints, competing paperwork and quality improvement activities, and poor engagement. Semistructured interviews with quality improvement leaders identified effective and ineffective tactics implemented by early and late adopters. Effective tactics included interdisciplinary quality improvement team involvement (early adopter: 5/5, 100% vs late adopter: 3/8, 38%; p = 0.08); ineffective tactics included physician-only rollouts, lack of interdisciplinary education, lack of data feedback to frontline clinicians, and misconception of bundle as research instead of quality improvement intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an airway safety quality improvement bundle with high compliance takes a long time across diverse ICUs. Both early and late adopters identified similar promoter and barrier themes. Early adopter sites customized the quality improvement bundle and had an interdisciplinary quality improvement team approach.

Pediatric In-Hospital Acute Respiratory Compromise: A Report From the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation Registry

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this study were to describe in-hospital acute respiratory compromise among children (< 18 yr old), and its association with cardiac arrest and in-hospital mortality.

DESIGN

Observational study using prospectively collected data.

SETTING

U.S. hospitals reporting data to the "Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation" registry.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients (< 18 yr old) with acute respiratory compromise. Acute respiratory compromise was defined as absent, agonal, or inadequate respiration that required emergency assisted ventilation and elicited a hospital-wide or unit-based emergency response.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Cardiac arrest during the event was a secondary outcome. To assess the association between patient, event, and hospital characteristics and the outcomes, we created multivariable logistic regressions models accounting for within-hospital clustering. One thousand nine hundred fifty-two patients from 151 hospitals were included. Forty percent of the events occurred on the wards, 19% in the emergency department, 25% in the ICU, and 16% in other locations. Two hundred eighty patients (14.6%) died before hospital discharge. Preexisting hypotension (odds ratio, 3.26 [95% CI, 1.89-5.62]; p < 0.001) and septicemia (odds ratio, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.52-3.97]; p < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality. The acute respiratory compromise event was temporally associated with a cardiac arrest in 182 patients (9.3%), among whom 46.2% died. One thousand two hundred eight patients (62%) required tracheal intubation during the event. In-hospital mortality among patients requiring tracheal intubation during the event was 18.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, multicenter study of acute respiratory compromise, 40% occurred in ward settings, 9.3% had an associated cardiac arrest, and overall in-hospital mortality was 14.6%. Preevent hypotension and septicemia were associated with increased mortality rate.

Airway emergencies presenting to the paediatric emergency department requiring advanced management techniques

BACKGROUND

Airway emergencies presenting to the emergency department (ED) are usually managed with conventional equipment and techniques. The patient group managed urgently in the operating room (OR) has not been described.

AIMS

This study aims to describe a case series of children presenting to the ED with airway emergencies managed urgently in the OR, particularly the anaesthetic equipment and techniques used and airway findings.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study undertaken at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. All patients presenting to the ED between 1 January 2012 and 30 July 2015 (42 months) with an airway emergency who were subsequently managed in the OR were included. Patient characteristics, anaesthetic equipment and technique and airway findings were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two airway emergencies in 21 patients were included over the study period, on average one every 2 months. Median age was 18 months and 43% were male. Inhalational induction was used in 77.3%, combined inhalational and intravenous induction in 9.1%, and intravenous induction alone in 13.6%. The most commonly used inhalational induction agent was sevoflurane, and the most commonly used intravenous induction agents were ketamine and propofol. Ten airway emergencies did not require intubation, seven for removal of inhaled foreign body, two with progressive tracheal stenosis requiring emergent dilatation and one examination under anaesthesia to rule out inhaled foreign body. Of the 12 airway emergencies that required immediate intubation, direct laryngoscopy was used in 9 and fibre-optic intubating bronchoscopy in 3. For intubations performed by direct laryngoscopy, one was difficult (Cormack and Lehane grade 3). First pass success was 83.3%. Adverse events occurred in 3/22 (13.6%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Advanced airway techniques, including inhalational induction and intubation via fibre-optic intubating bronchoscope, are rarely but predictably required in the management of patients presenting to the ED. Institutions caring for children should prepare in advance where such patients should be managed, by whom, and provide equipment and training for their care.

The number of tracheal intubation attempts matters! A prospective multi-institutional pediatric observational study

BACKGROUND

The impact of multiple tracheal intubation (TI) attempts on outcomes in critically ill children with acute respiratory failure is not known. The objective of our study is to determine the association between number of TI attempts and severe desaturation (SpO2 < 70 %) and adverse TI associated events (TIAEs).

METHODS

We performed an analysis of a prospective multicenter TI database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children: NEAR4KIDS). Primary exposure variable was number of TI attempts trichotomized as one, two, or ≥3 attempts. Estimates were adjusted for history of difficult airway, upper airway obstruction, and age. We included all children with initial TI performed with direct laryngoscopy for acute respiratory failure between 7/2010-3/2013. Our main outcome measures were desaturation (<80 % during TI attempt), severe desaturation (<70 %), adverse and severe TIAEs (e.g., cardiac arrest, hypotension requiring treatment).

RESULTS

Of 3382 TIs, 2080(65 %) were for acute respiratory failure. First attempt success was achieved in 1256/2080(60 %), second attempt in 503/2080(24 %), and ≥3 attempts in 321/2080(15 %). Higher number of attempts was associated with younger age, history of difficult airway, signs of upper airway obstruction, and first provider training level. The proportion of TIs with desaturation increased with increasing number of attempts (1 attempt:16 %, 2 attempts:36 %, ≥3 attempts:56 %, p < 0.001; adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 2.9[95 % CI:2.3-3.7]; ≥3 attempts: 6.5[95 % CI: 5.0-8.5], adjusted for patient factors). Proportion of TIs with severe desaturation also increased with increasing number of attempts (1 attempt:12 %, 2 attempts:30 %, ≥3 attempts:44 %, p < 0.001); adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 3.1[95 % CI:2.4-4.0]; ≥3 attempts: 5.7[95 % CI: 4.3-7.5] ). TIAE rates increased from 10 to 29 to 38 % with increasing number of attempts (p < 0.001); adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 3.7[95 % CI:2.9-4.9] ; ≥3 attempts: 5.5[95 % CI: 4.1-7.4]. Severe TIAE rates went from 5 to 8 to 9 % (p = 0.008); adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 1.6 [95 % CI:1.1-2.4]; ≥3 attempts: 1.8[95 % CI:1.1-2.8].

CONCLUSIONS

Number of TI attempts was associated with desaturations and increased occurrence of TIAEs in critically ill children with acute respiratory failure. Thoughtful attention to initial provider as well as optimal setting/preparation is important to maximize the chance for first attempt success and to avoid desaturation.