ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2018: Management of children and adolescents with diabetes requiring surgery

Development and psychometric evaluation of the type 1 diabetes mellitus self-management scale for parents

BACKGROUND/AIM

Diabetes has become a global epidemic, necessitating effective self-management strategies. This is particularly crucial for parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they must make numerous daily decisions and perform complex care activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive diabetes self-management scale specifically for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. This scale aims to holistically address behaviors impacting diabetes self-management and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A methodological, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 190 parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The scale items were reviewed by five experts to ensure they adequately covered the parents' evaluation of their children's diabetes self-management. Following this, a Turkish language expert assessed the draft scale for language accuracy, comprehensibility, and grammar. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (numbers and percentages), Cronbach's α reliability coefficient, factor analysis, and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was 0.893, and the Cronbach's alpha for the subscales was between 0.757 and 0.845. The item-total score correlations ranged between 0.408 and 0.660 (p < .05). The exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale explained 61.427% of the total variance, and the factor loadings of items ranged from 0.574 to 0.859. The confirmatory factor analysis also showed that the factor loadings of the scale items ranged from 0.574 to 0.859.

CONCLUSION

The validity and reliability analyses revealed that the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish culture.

State of the Art in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Narrative Review about the Use of Preoperative Time

This review delves into the challenge of pediatric anesthesia, underscoring the necessity for tailored perioperative approaches due to children's distinctive anatomical and physiological characteristics. Because of the vulnerability of pediatric patients to critical incidents during anesthesia, provider skills are of primary importance. Yet, almost equal importance must be granted to the adoption of a careful preanesthetic mindset toward patients and their families that recognizes the interwoven relationship between children and parents. In this paper, the preoperative evaluation process is thoroughly examined, from the first interaction with the child to the operating day. This evaluation process includes a detailed exploration of the medical history of the patient, physical examination, optimization of preoperative therapy, and adherence to updated fasting management guidelines. This process extends to considering pharmacological or drug-free premedication, focusing on the importance of preanesthesia re-evaluation. Structural resources play a critical role in pediatric anesthesia; components of this role include emphasizing the creation of child-friendly environments and ensuring appropriate support facilities. The results of this paper support the need for standardized protocols and guidelines and encourage the centralization of practices to enhance clinical efficacy.

The Use of a Hybrid Closed-Loop System for Glycemic Control in Two Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Minor Surgery

Technological progress in the treatment of type 1 diabetes requires doctors to use modern methods of insulin therapy in all areas of medicine that patients may come into contact with, including surgical interventions. The current guidelines indicate the possibility of using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in minor surgical procedures, but there are few reported cases of using a hybrid closed-loop system in perioperative insulin therapy. This case presentation focuses on two children with type 1 diabetes who were treated with an advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) system during a minor surgical procedure. In the periprocedural period, the recommended mean glycemia and the time in range were maintained.

Type 1 and other types of diabetes mellitus in the perioperative period. What the anaesthetist should know

Diabetes mellitus is often treated as a uniform disease in the perioperative period. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly encountered, and only a minority of surgical patients have been diagnosed with another type of diabetes. Patients with a specific type of diabetes can be particularly prone to perioperative glycaemic dysregulation. In addition, certain type-related features and pitfalls should be taken into account in the operating theatre. In this narrative review, we discuss characteristics of types of diabetes other than type 2 diabetes relevant to the anaesthetist, based on available literature and data from our clinic.

[Essen transition model for neuromuscular diseases]

BACKGROUND

Advances in healthcare systems with new therapeutic options improve the life expectancy of patients with neuromuscular diseases. With this, a shift in the phenotype of the diseases from the neuromuscular system towards other organs is more frequently observed, requiring closer interdisciplinary cooperation in caring for these young adults. Therefore, the transition to the adult caring system is nowadays a multilayered transfer with the need for complex care of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

How can the transitional process be efficiently structured to combine the therapeutic effort of each specialist discipline involved and improve the healthcare process and quality of life in young adults with neuromuscular diseases?

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The Departments of Neuropediatrics and Neurology of the University Medicine Essen established the Essen transition model for a structured transitional process. A concept of care was developed for the late onset Pompe's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and juvenile myasthenia gravis representatively for neuromuscular diseases. It consists of four components: 1) In a standardized operational procedure (SOP), general processes, clinical diagnostic steps and guidance of treatment between the two departments are harmonized and specified. 2) The young adults and their relatives are seen in a joint consultation of both disciplines allowing a comprehensive handover for healthcare professionals. 3) In a quarterly meeting, transition conference representatives from the different specialized disciplines from pediatric and adult medicine get together for a case-related interdisciplinary exchange. 4) An interdepartmental transitional database was created to integrate all diagnostic results and parameters as a common information platform and data basis.

CONCLUSION

The Essen transition model aims to close a gap in the transition of patients with neuromuscular diseases and improve healthcare in these patients with their complex needs.

Challenges of Caregivers Regarding Homecare to Type 1 Diabetic Children in Vhembe District, South Africa: A Qualitative Study Report

Background: Worldwide, type 1 diabetes mellitus disease is a devastating health condition for both the diagnosed children and caregivers taking care of them. These challenges were drastically affecting caregivers in rendering the required homecare service for their patients. Caring for a child with diabetes mellitus often hurts the caregivers and other family members. Aim: This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by caregivers during the provision of care to type 1 diabetic children. Setting: The study was conducted in selected health facility of Vhembe District, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative design that was both descriptive and exploratory was used. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the caregivers who were taking care of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus at their homes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants from the Vhembe district of Limpopo province. Results: Caregivers experienced various challenges related to re-admission, poor understanding of medication, low level of literacy, committed mistakes, poor adherence, and fear of giving an injection. Conclusion: It is imperative to educate the caregivers on the care of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus for them to be competent and knowledgeable in assisting their diabetic children at home.

Structural Changes in Primary Teeth of Diabetic Children: Composition and Ultrastructure Analysis

Diabetes affects the developing enamel by altering the mineralization process, which can have a detrimental effect on oral health. The objectives of this study were to examine the ultrastructure and composition of surface enamel in primary teeth of diabetic children and its clinical implications. Hundred extracted primary teeth from diabetic children (Test group: n = 50) and healthy children (Control group: n = 50), between 6 and 12 years of age, were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to qualitatively examine the enamel surface. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was performed to investigate the mass percentage of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) in the surface enamel. Ultrastructural aberrations of surface enamel were observed in the test group teeth. Additionally, prism perforations were seen at the junction of rod and inter-rod enamel and the prisms were loosely packed. An even aprismatic layer of surface enamel was evident in the control group teeth. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) of Ca and P mass percentage between the test and control group teeth. The mean mass percentage rates of Ca and P were 33.75% and 16.76%, respectively. A poor surface characteristic and elemental composition of the enamel surface of primary teeth is observed in diabetic children. Therefore, appropriate caries preventive measures are mandatory to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth in these patients.

The Evolution of Insulin Administration in Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin has been utilized in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 100 years. While there is still no cure for T1D, insulin administration has undergone a remarkable evolution which has contributed to improvements in quality of life and life expectancy in individuals with T1D. The advent of faster-acting and longer-acting insulins allowed for the implementation of insulin regimens more closely resembling normal insulin physiology. These improvements afforded better glycemic control, which is crucial for limiting microvascular complications and improving T1D outcomes. Suspension of insulin delivery in response to actual and forecasted hypoglycemia has improved quality of life and mitigated hypoglycemia without compromising glycemic control. Advances in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pumps, efforts to model glucose and insulin kinetics, and the application of control theory to T1D have made the automation of insulin delivery a reality. This review will summarize the past, present, and future of insulin administration in T1D.

Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Facilitate Perioperative Glycemic Management: A Case Report

Perioperative glycemic management remains an important variable in a host of postoperative outcomes, including wound infection, reoperation, and death. Patients with diabetes mellitus are increasingly utilizing continuous glucose monitors to assist with glycemic management; the ability to harness the intensive monitoring capabilities of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology perioperatively presents a promising opportunity to improve patient outcomes. Here, we assessed the accuracy of CGM compared to capillary point-of-care and arterial blood analysis in 2 cases where CGM was utilized as an adjunct method of perioperative glucose monitoring.

Hybrid Closed-Loop System Achieves Optimal Perioperative Glycemia in a Boy With Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Report

The goal in type 1 diabetes (T1D) therapy is to maintain optimal glycemic control under any circumstance. Diabetes technology is in continuous development to achieve this goal. The most advanced Food and Drug Administration- and European Medicines Agency-approved devices are hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems, which deliver insulin subcutaneously in response to glucose levels according to an automated algorithm. T1D is frequently encountered in the perioperative period. The latest international guidelines for the management of children with diabetes undergoing surgery include specific adjustments to the patient's insulin therapy, hourly blood glucose monitoring, and intravenous (IV) insulin infusion. However, these guidelines were published while the HCL systems were still marginal. We present a case of a 9-year-old boy with long-standing T1D, under HCL system therapy for the last 9 months, and needing surgery for an appendectomy. We agreed with the family, the surgical team, and the anesthesiologists to continue HCL insulin infusion, without further adjustments, hourly blood glucose checks or IV insulin, while monitoring closely. The HCL system was able to keep glycemia within range for the total duration of the overnight fast, the surgery, and the initial recovery, without any external intervention or correction bolus. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported pediatric case to undergo major surgery using a HCL system, and the results were absolutely satisfactory for the patient, his family, and the medical team. We believe that technology is ripe enough to advocate for a "take your pump to surgery" message, minimizing the impact and our interventions. The medical team may discuss this possibility with the family and patients.

The challenges of diagnosing diabetes in childhood

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, whereby type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) alone involves nearly 15 million patients. Although T1DM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are the most common types, there are other forms of diabetes which may remain often under-diagnosed, or that can be misdiagnosed as being T1DM or T2DM. After an initial diagnostic step, the differential diagnosis among T1DM, T2DM, Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) and others forms has important implication for both therapeutic and behavioral decisions. Although the criteria used for diagnosing diabetes mellitus are well defined by the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), no clear indications are provided on the optimal approach to be followed for classifying diabetes, especially in children. In this circumstance, both routine and genetic blood test may play a pivotal role. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide, through a narrative literature review, some elements that may aid accurate diagnosis and classification of diabetes in children and young people.

[Anesthesiological perspectives on perioperative management in continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII): stop or continue?]

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative handling of insulin pumps (CSII) is inconsistent. The aims of this study were a literature search addressing this clinical question, analysis of data found and a proposal for perioperative management recommendations for clinical practice.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Clinical Research Network.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 11 publications on CSII in perioperative medicine were identified. According to the evidence CSII guarantees perioperative glycemic stability under certain clinical situations. The use of CSII could be continued in patients undergoing elective non-cardiac minor surgery with fasting for up to one meal only. International guidelines on surgery in diabetes do not address the use of perioperative CSII. There is no nationwide register data for CSII, the use of which could be around 18%. Based on the search results, a hospital internal protocol for perioperative management with CSII and patient information material were designed.

CONCLUSION

Growing evidence for improved patient outcome with perioperative CSII usage warrants interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge and experiences on intensified insulin therapy and patient empowerment.

Care of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia in the Inpatient Setting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Children and adolescents with acute hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus frequently have acute, potentially life-threatening presentations which require high-acuity care in an inpatient and often intensive care setting. This review discusses the evaluation and care of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus in hospitalized children in both critical and non-critical care settings, highlighting important differences in their care relative to adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetic ketoacidosis remains highly prevalent at diagnosis among children with type 1 diabetes, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is increasingly prevalent among children with type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials have investigated the potential benefits of various types of intravenous fluids and their rates of administration as well as the risks and benefits of intensive glucose control in critically ill children. The Endocrine Society has developed guidelines focused on managing hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, outlining important aspects of care shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. In the non-critical illness setting, intensive therapy on newly diagnosed diabetes is increasingly recommended at the outset. With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents, recent studies addressing acute diabetes emergencies help inform best practices for care of hospitalized children with hyperglycemia and diabetes.

Review of Leipzig protocol for intravenous insulin infusion in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes during intercurrent illness and surgery

OBJECTIVE

Continuous intravenous (IV) insulin infusion therapy minimizes blood glucose (BG) fluctuations and prevents metabolic deterioration in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during intercurrent illness and surgery. However, data on the adequate fluid and insulin substitution in this situation is rare. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of IV insulin therapy according to our local protocol.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 124 cases of hospitalization with IV insulin therapy because of intercurrent illness (n = 78) or minor surgery (n = 46) in 62 patients with T1D (mean age: 9.6 ± 5.4 years). The patients received a glucose-electrolyte infusion and short-acting insulin (normal insulin). Infusion rate was adapted according to the BG measured hourly. Glycemic control was analyzed in subgroups subdivided by age, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and reason for hospitalization.

RESULTS

Mean infusion time was 22 hours (range 1.5-147 hours). In 65% of the infusion time, patients' BG was within the target range (4-8 mmol/L). Critical events (BG <3 or > 15 mmol/L) were found in 6% of the infusion time. Comparison of glycemic control in subgroups for HbA1c and the reason for hospitalization revealed no significant differences. However, patients aged <12 years exhibited significant more critical events, primarily hypoglycemia compared to adolescents (hypoglycemia/case 2.4 ± 2.7 vs 0.9 ± 2.0; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our protocol for IV insulin therapy proved to be appropriate for adequate glycemic control in pediatric patients with T1D during intercurrent illness and surgery. However, the regime seems to be more suitable in adolescents. We adapted our protocol in younger patients with reduction of the insulin dose.