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Siegel B, Taylor LS, Alizadeh F, Barreto JA, Daniel D, Alexander PMA, Lipsitz S, Moynihan K. Formal Ethics Consultation in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort of a Quaternary Pediatric Hospital. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:301-311. [PMID: 38193777 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine characteristics associated with formal ethics consultation (EC) referral in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cases, and document ethical issues presented. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using mixed methods. SETTING Single-center quaternary pediatric hospital. PATIENTS Patients supported on ECMO (January 2012 to December 2021). INTERVENTIONS We compared clinical variables among ECMO patients according to the presence of EC. We defined optimal cutoffs for EC based on run duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), and sum of procedures or complications. To identify independent explanatory variables for EC, we used a forward stepwise selection multivariable logistic regression model. EC records were thematically characterized into ethical issues. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 601 ECMO patients and 225 patients with EC in 10 years, 27 ECMO patients received EC (4.5% of ECMO patients, 12% of all ECs). On univariate analysis, use of EC vs. not was associated with multiple ECMO runs, more complications/procedures, longer ICU LOS and ECMO duration, cardiac admissions, decannulation outcome, and higher mortality. Cutoffs for EC were ICU LOS >52 days, run duration >160 hours, and >6 complications/procedures. Independent associations with EC included these three cutoffs and older age. The model showed good discrimination (area under the curve 0.88 [0.83, 0.93]) and fit. The most common primary ethical issues were related to end-of-life, ECMO discontinuation, and treatment decision-making. Moral distress was cited in 22 of 27 cases (82%). CONCLUSION EC was used in 4.5% of our pediatric ECMO cases, with most ethical issues related to end-of-life care or ECMO discontinuation. Older age, longer ICU LOS, prolonged runs, and multiple procedures/complications were associated with greater odds for EC requests. These data highlight our single-center experience of ECMO-associated ethical dilemmas. Historical referral patterns may guide a supported decision-making framework. Future work will need to include quality improvement projects for timely EC, with evaluation of impacts on relevant endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Siegel
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Lisa S Taylor
- Office of Ethics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Faraz Alizadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica A Barreto
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Dennis Daniel
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Peta M A Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart Lipsitz
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Katie Moynihan
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Tasker RC. Editor's Choice Articles for April. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:285-287. [PMID: 38573038 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Tasker
- orcid.org/0000-0003-3647-8113
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Selwyn College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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McCabe BC, Morrison WE, Morgan RW, Himebauch AS. Admission Functional Status is Associated With Intensivists Perception of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Candidacy for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:354-361. [PMID: 38099731 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the association between admission Functional Status Scale (FSS) category and perceived extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) candidacy for pediatric acute respiratory failure. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING Single-center, quaternary, and ECMO referral academic children's hospital between March 2021 and January 2022. SUBJECTS Pediatric intensivists directly caring for patients admitted with acute respiratory failure secondary to shock or respiratory disease. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Pediatric intensivists were surveyed about current patients within 72 hours of initiation or escalation of invasive mechanical ventilation on whether they would offer ECMO should their patient deteriorate. Baseline functional status was assessed using trichotomized admission FSS: 1) normal/mild dysfunction (6-9), 2) moderate dysfunction (10-15), and 3) severe dysfunction (> 16). Multivariable logistic regression clustered by physician was used to assess the association between admission FSS category with perceived ECMO candidacy. Thirty-seven intensivists participated with 76% (137/180) of survey responses by those with less than 10 years of experience. 81% of patients (146/180) were perceived as ECMO candidates and 19% of patients (34/180) were noncandidates. Noncandidates had worse admission FSS scores than candidates (15.5 vs. 9, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, admission FSS category of severe dysfunction had lower odds of perceived ECMO candidacy compared with normal to mild dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] 0.18 [95% CI, 0.06-0.56], p < 0.003). Patients with an abnormal communication subscore domain had the lowest odds of being considered a candidate (unadjusted OR 0.44 [95% CI, 0.29-0.68], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In this prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study, admission FSS category indicating worse baseline functional status impacted pediatric intensivists' perceptions of ECMO candidacy for patients with acute respiratory failure. Abnormal FSS subscores in the neurocognitive domains were the most important considerations. Future studies should better seek to define the decision-making priorities of both parents and medical specialists for the utilization of ECMO in children with acute respiratory failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna C McCabe
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Wynne E Morrison
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ryan W Morgan
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Adam S Himebauch
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- ECMO Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Moynihan KM, Taylor LS, Siegel B, Nassar N, Lelkes E, Morrison W. "Death as the One Great Certainty": ethical implications of children with irreversible cardiorespiratory failure and dependence on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1325207. [PMID: 38274466 PMCID: PMC10808631 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1325207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advances in medical technology have led to both clinical and philosophical challenges in defining death. Highly publicized cases have occurred when families or communities challenge a determination of death by the irreversible cessation of neurologic function (brain death). Parallels can be drawn in cases where an irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary function exists, in which cases patients are supported by extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Analysis Two cases and an ethical analysis are presented which compare and contrast contested neurologic determinations of death and refusal to accept the irreversibility of an imminent death by cardiopulmonary standards. Ambiguities in the Uniform Determination of Death Act are highlighted, as it can be clear, when supported by ECMO, that a patient could have suffered the irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary function yet still be alive (e.g., responsive and interactive). Parallel challenges with communication with families around the limits of medical technology are discussed. Discussion Cases that lead to conflict around the removal of technology considered not clinically beneficial are likely to increase. Reframing our goals when death is inevitable is important for both families and the medical team. Building relationships and trust between all parties will help families and teams navigate these situations. All parties may require support for moral distress. Suggested approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Moynihan
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa S. Taylor
- Office of Ethics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan Siegel
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Clinical and Population Translational Health, Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Efrat Lelkes
- Department of Pediatrics, MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, ME, United States
| | - Wynne Morrison
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Divisions of Critical Care and Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Alizadeh F, Gauvreau K, Mayourian J, Brown E, Barreto JA, Blossom J, Bucholz E, Newburger JW, Kheir J, Vitali S, Thiagarajan RR, Moynihan K. Social Drivers of Health and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061305. [PMID: 37933403 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relationships between social drivers of health (SDoH) and pediatric health outcomes are highly complex with substantial inconsistencies in studies examining SDoH and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) outcomes. To add to this literature with emerging novel SDoH measures, and to address calls for institutional accountability, we examined associations between SDoH and pediatric ECMO outcomes. METHODS This single-center retrospective cohort study included children (<18 years) supported on ECMO (2012-2021). SDoH included Child Opportunity Index (COI), race, ethnicity, payer, interpreter requirement, urbanicity, and travel-time to hospital. COI is a multidimensional estimation of SDoH incorporating traditional (eg, income) and novel (eg, healthy food access) neighborhood attributes ([range 0-100] higher indicates healthier child development). Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, ECMO run duration, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS 540 children on ECMO (96%) had a calculable COI. In-hospital mortality was 44% with median run duration of 125 hours and ICU LOS 29 days. Overall, 334 (62%) had cardiac disease, 92 (17%) neonatal respiratory failure, 93 (17%) pediatric respiratory failure, and 21 (4%) sepsis. Median COI was 64 (interquartile range 32-81), 323 (60%) had public insurance, 174 (34%) were from underrepresented racial groups, 57 (11%) required interpreters, 270 (54%) had urban residence, and median travel-time was 89 minutes. SDoH including COI were not statistically associated with outcomes in univariate or multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS We observed no significant difference in pediatric ECMO outcomes according to SDoH. Further research is warranted to better understand drivers of inequitable health outcomes in children, and potential protective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeff Blossom
- Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - John Kheir
- Departments of Cardiology
- Departments of Pediatrics
| | - Sally Vitali
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Katie Moynihan
- Departments of Cardiology
- Departments of Pediatrics
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Beni CE, Rice-Townsend SE, Esangbedo ID, Jancelewicz T, Vogel AM, Newton C, Boomer L, Rothstein DH. Outcome of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pediatric Patients Without Congenital Cardiac Disease: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Study. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:927-936. [PMID: 37477526 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in pediatric patients without congenital heart disease (CHD) and identify associations with in-hospital mortality, with a specific focus on initial arrest rhythm. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using data from pediatric patients enrolled in Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. SETTING International, multicenter. PATIENTS We included ECPR patients under 18 years old, and excluded those with CHD. Subgroup analysis of patients with initial arrest rhythm. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We identified 567 patients: neonates (12%), infants (27%), children between 1 and 5 years old (25%), and children over 5 years old (36%). The patient cohort included 51% males, 43% of White race, and 89% not obese. Most suffered respiratory disease (26%), followed by acquired cardiac disease (25%) and sepsis (12%). In-hospital mortality was 59%. We found that obesity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.21-4.31) and traumatic injury (aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.55-30.88) were associated with greater odds of in-hospital mortality. We also identified lower odds of death associated with White race (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.91), ventricular tachycardia (VT) as an initial arrest rhythm (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.78), return of spontaneous circulation before cannulation (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.9), and acquired cardiac disease (aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29-0.64). Respiratory disease was associated with greater odds of severe neurologic complications (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06-2.54). CONCLUSIONS In children without CHD undergoing ECPR, we found greater odds of in-hospital mortality were associated with either obesity or trauma. The ELSO dataset also showed that other variables were associated with lesser odds of mortality, including VT as an initial arrest rhythm. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these survival differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ivie D Esangbedo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiac Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Tim Jancelewicz
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Adam M Vogel
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Christopher Newton
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
| | - Laura Boomer
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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Kirsch RE. The Divergence of Technical and Human Teleology. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:38-41. [PMID: 37220378 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2201213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Then and Now; Broadening Indications and Availability. Crit Care Clin 2023; 39:255-275. [PMID: 36898772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support technology provided to children to support respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation after failure of conventional management. Over the decades, ECMO has expanded in use, advanced in technology, shifted from experimental to a standard of care, and evidence supporting its use has increased. The expanded ECMO indications and medical complexity of children have also necessitated focused studies in the ethical domain such as decisional authority, resource allocation, and equitable access.
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Logan GE, Miller K, Kohler ME, Loi M, Maddux AB. Outcomes of Critically Ill Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Cytokine Release Syndrome Due to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy: US, Multicenter PICU, Cohort Database Study. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2022; 23:e595-e600. [PMID: 36194016 PMCID: PMC9722524 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a potentially lethal toxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Outcomes after critical illness due to severe CRS are poorly described. Our aim was to characterize critical illness outcomes across a multicenter cohort of PICU patients with ALL and CRS. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING Twenty-one PICUs contributing data to Virtual Pediatric Systems, LLC (January 2020-December 2021). PATIENTS PICU patients with ALL or unclassified leukemia and CRS. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We identified 55 patients; 34 (62%) were 12 years or older, 48 (87%) were admitted from a hospital inpatient ward, and 23 (42%) received advanced organ failure support or monitoring. Fifty-one survived to PICU discharge (93%) including 19 of 23 (83%) who received advanced organ failure support or monitoring defined as receipt of noninvasive or invasive ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, or placement of a tracheostomy, arterial catheter, hemodialysis catheter, or intracranial catheter. Twelve patients (22%) received invasive ventilation, nine of whom survived to PICU discharge. Two of four patients who received continuous renal replacement therapy and one of three patients who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation survived to PICU discharge. Lengths of PICU stay were median 3.0 days (interquartile range, 1.4-7.8 d) among PICU survivors, 7.8 (5.4-11.1) among those receiving advanced organ failure support or monitoring, and 7.2 days (interquartile range, 2.9-14.7 d) among nonsurvivors. Of the 51 patients who survived to PICU discharge, 48 (94%) survived the hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS PICU patients with CRS frequently received a high level of support, and the majority survived their PICU stay and hospitalization. Additional multicenter investigations of severe CRS are necessary to inform evidence-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Logan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Kristen Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - M. Eric Kohler
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Michele Loi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Aline B. Maddux
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Editor's Choice Articles for November. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2022; 23:857-859. [PMID: 36326456 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Discretion Over Discrimination: Toward Good Decisions for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use in Patients With Neurological Comorbidities. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2022; 23:943-946. [PMID: 36326459 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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