Hypoglycemia in critically ill children

Balanced electrolyte solution with 1% glucose as intraoperative maintenance fluid in infants: a prospective study of glucose, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Optimal composition and infusion rates of intravenous maintenance fluids for children undergoing surgery are not well defined. Avoidance of hypoglycaemia, ketosis, and hyponatraemia is important, and current guidelines recommend isotonic fluids containing 1.0-2.5% glucose. However, evidence for its safe use in infants is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate whether normoglycaemia is maintained in infants using a balanced electrolyte maintenance infusion with 1% glucose.

METHODS

Infants 1-12 months of age undergoing surgery were included in this prospective two-centre study. Intravenous maintenance fluid was given with infusion rates of 4-8 ml kg-1 h-1. Blood gas and ketone body analysis were performed at induction and at the end of anaesthesia. Plasma glucose concentration was monitored intraoperatively.

RESULTS

For the 365 infants included in this study, the median infusion rate of maintenance fluid was 3.97 (interquartile range 3.21-5.35) ml kg-1 h-1. Mean plasma glucose concentration increased from 5.3 mM at induction to 6.1 mM at the end of anaesthesia (mean difference 0.8 mM; 95% confidence interval 0.6-0.9, P<0.001). No cases of hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mM) occurred. Mean sodium concentration remained stable during anaesthesia. Chloride and ketone body concentration increased and base excess decreased, but these were within the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants undergoing surgery, maintenance infusion with a balanced electrolyte solution containing 1% glucose, at rates similar to those proposed by Holliday and Segar is a safe alternative with regards to homeostasis of glucose, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12619000833167.

The association of hypoglycemia with outcome of critically ill children in relation to nutritional and blood glucose control strategies

BACKGROUND

Withholding parenteral nutrition (PN) until one week after PICU admission facilitated recovery from critical illness and protected against emotional and behavioral problems 4 years later. However, the intervention increased the risk of hypoglycemia, which may have counteracted part of the benefit. Previously, hypoglycemia occurring under tight glucose control in critically ill children receiving early PN did not associate with long-term harm. We investigated whether hypoglycemia in PICU differentially associates with outcome in the context of withholding early PN, and whether any potential association with outcome may depend on the applied glucose control protocol.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of the multicenter PEPaNIC RCT, we studied whether hypoglycemia in PICU associated with mortality (N = 1440) and 4-years neurodevelopmental outcome (N = 674) through univariable comparison and multivariable regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders. In patients with available blood samples (N = 556), multivariable models were additionally adjusted for baseline serum NSE and S100B concentrations as biomarkers of neuronal, respectively, astrocytic damage. To study whether an association of hypoglycemia with outcome may be affected by the nutritional strategy or center-specific glucose control protocol, we further adjusted the models for the interaction between hypoglycemia and the randomized nutritional strategy, respectively, treatment center. In sensitivity analyses, we studied whether any association with outcome was different in patients with iatrogenic or spontaneous/recurrent hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

Hypoglycemia univariably associated with higher mortality in PICU, at 90 days and 4 years after randomization, but not when adjusted for risk factors. After 4 years, critically ill children with hypoglycemia scored significantly worse for certain parent/caregiver-reported executive functions (working memory, planning and organization, metacognition) than patients without hypoglycemia, also when adjusted for risk factors including baseline NSE and S100B. Further adjustment for the interaction of hypoglycemia with the randomized intervention or treatment center revealed a potential interaction, whereby tight glucose control and withholding early PN may be protective. Impaired executive functions were most pronounced in patients with spontaneous or recurrent hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Critically ill children exposed to hypoglycemia in PICU were at higher risk of impaired executive functions after 4 years, especially in cases of spontaneous/recurrent hypoglycemia.

Reference Ranges of Glycemic Variability in Infants after Surgery—A Prospective Cohort Study

We aimed to define reference ranges of glycemic variability indices derived from continuous glucose monitoring data for non-diabetic infants during post-operative intensive care treatment after cardiac surgery procedures. We performed a prospective cohort intervention study in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Non-diabetic infants aged 0–12 months after corrective cardiovascular surgery procedures were fitted upon arrival to the PICU with a continuous glucose monitoring system (iPro2, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Thirteen glycemic variability indices were calculated for each patient. Complete recordings of 65 patients were collected on the first postoperative day. During the first three postsurgical days 5%, 24% and 43% of patients experienced at least one hypoglycemia episode, and 40%, 10% and 15%—hyperglycemia episode, respectively, in each day. Due to significant differences between the first postoperative day (mean glycemia 130 ± 31 mg/dL) and the second and third day (105 ± 18 mg/dL, 101 ± 22.2 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), we proposed two separate reference ranges—for the acute and steady state patients. Thus, for individual glucose measurements, we proposed a reference range between 85 and 229 mg/dL and 69 and 149 mg/dL. For the mean daily glucose level, ranges between 122 and 137 mg/dL and 95 and 110 mg/dL were proposed. In conclusion, rt-CGM revealed a very high likelihood of hyperglycemia in the first postsurgical day. The widespread use of CGM systems in a pediatric ICU setting should be considered as a safeguard against dysglycemic episodes; however, reference ranges for those patients should be different to those used in diabetes care.

Standardized hospital management of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis reduces frequency of low blood glucose episodes

OBJECTIVE

In patients treated for DKA, decrease the rate of visits experiencing one or more BG < 80 mg/dl by 10% within 24 months.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Plan-do-study-act cycles tested interventions linked to key drivers including: standardized DKA guidelines incorporating a two-bag fluid system, efficient ordering process, and care team education. Inclusion criterion: treatment for DKA with a bicarbonate value (HCO₃ ) <15 mEq/L.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

the percent of patient visits experiencing a BG < 80 mg/dl while undergoing treatment for DKA. Process measures included: order panel and order set utilization rates. Balancing measures included: emergency department and hospital lengths of stay, time to acidosis resolution (time to HCO₃  ≥ 17 mEq/L), and admission rates. Outcomes were analyzed using statistical process control charts.

RESULTS

From January 2017 through May 2021, our institution treated 288 different patients during 557 visits for suspected DKA. Following our interventions, the overall percent of patient visits for DKA with a BG < 80 mg/dl improved from 32% to 5%. The team did see small improvements in emergency department and hospital lengths of stay; otherwise, there was no significant change in our balancing measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of quality improvement methodology and standardized DKA management resulted in a significant reduction of BG < 80 mg/dl in patients treated for DKA.

Hypoglycemia in a Pediatric Emergency Department: Single-Center Experience on 402 Children

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish the rate, etiology, and short-term outcome of hypoglycemia in infants and children accessing an emergency department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

METHODS

The study was retrospectively conducted on the clinical records of children with hypoglycemia aged 15 days to 17 years who were admitted consecutively to the emergency department during a 6-year period for various clinical conditions. Hypoglycemia was defined as a venous plasma glucose level lower than 45 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Hypoglycemia was detected in 402 patients (female-to-male ratio, 1.26; mean age, 2.6 ± 1.8 years), with a rate of 0.99 per 1000 children. Plasma glucose levels ranged from 3 to 45 (mean, 37.48 ± 7.44) mg/dL. Hypoglycemia was associated with gastroenteritis or other infectious diseases causing protracted fasting in 86.32% of cases, whereas hypoglycemia related to a different etiology (HDE) was observed in 13.68% of hypoglycemic children. Most HDE patients had a final diagnosis of ketotic hypoglycemia, whereas metabolic defects were a rare (1.49%) but nonnegligible etiologic cause. A severe triage code was more frequent in the HDE group (P < 0.001). Factors significantly and independently associated with HDE were impaired level of consciousness, assessed with the AVPU scale (A, alert; V, responding to verbal; P, responding to pain; U, unresponsive; adjusted odds ratio, 2.50; P = 0.025) and clinical onset within 12 hours (adjusted odds ratio, 3.98; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a nonnegligible number of critically ill children, hypoglycemia can be detected. In a minority of cases, hypoglycemia was due to metabolic disorders that should be suspected on the basis of the severity of hypoglycemia, and the recent onset and the presence of neuroglycopenic symptoms.

Effect on mortality of increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for initiating hypoglycaemia treatment in severely sick children aged 1 month to 5 years in Malawi (SugarFACT): a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Low blood glucose concentrations are common in sick children who present to hospital in low-resource settings and are associated with increased mortality. The cutoff blood glucose concentration for the diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycaemia currently recommended by WHO (2·5 mmol/L) is not evidence-based. We aimed to assess whether increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for hypoglycaemia treatment in severely ill children at presentation to hospital improves mortality outcomes.

METHODS

We did a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial at two referral hospitals in Malawi. Severely ill children aged 1 month to 5 years presenting to the emergency department with a capillary blood glucose concentration of between 2·5 mmol/L (3·0 mmol/L in severely malnourished children) and 5·0 mmol/L were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-generated randomisation sequence, stratified by study site and severe malnutrition, to receive either an immediate intravenous bolus of 10% dextrose at 5 mL/kg followed by a 24-h maintenance infusion of 10% dextrose at 100 mL/kg for the first 10 kg of bodyweight, 50 mL/kg for the next 10 kg, and 20 mL/kg for each subsequent kg of bodyweight (intervention group) or observation for a minimum of 60 min and standard care (control group). Participants and study personnel were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, assessed on an intention-to-treat basis. Safety was also assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02989675.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 5, 2016, and Jan 22, 2019, 10 947 children were screened, of whom 332 were randomly assigned, and 322 were included in the final analysis (n=162 in the control group and n=160 in the intervention group). The study was terminated after an interim analysis at 24% enrolment indicated futility. The median age of participants was 2·3 years (IQR 1·4-3·2), 65 (45%) were female, and the baseline characteristics of participants were similar between the two groups. The number of in-hospital deaths from any cause was 26 (16%) in the control group and 24 (15%) in the intervention group, with an absolute mortality difference of 1·0% (95% CI -6·9 to 9·0). Serious adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and death, were reported in 47 (29%) children in the control group and 39 (24%) children in the intervention group.

INTERPRETATION

Increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for hypoglycaemia treatment in severely sick children in Malawi from 2·5 mmol/L to 5·0 mmol/L did not reduce all-cause in-hospital mortality. Our findings do not support changing the cutoff for dextrose administration, and further research on the optimal management of severely ill children who present to the emergency department with low blood glucose concentrations is warranted.

FUNDING

Swedish Research Council and Stockholm Country Council.

The predictive value of synovial glucose level in septic arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the joint fluid glucose level to detect septic arthritis. Thirty joints in 30 patients with suspected septic arthritis were evaluated. When glucose level was less than 40 mg/dl, we performed arthrotomy. Eleven patients had joint fluid glucose levels less than 40 mg/dl. All 11 (100%) had positive joint fluid cultures. Conversely, 19 patients had synovial glucose levels of at least 40 mg/dl. Six (31.6%) of these had positive joint fluid cultures. The remaining 13 were diagnosed with transient synovitis. Patients with joint fluid glucose levels less than 40 mg/dl should be suspected septic arthritis.

Short-Term Adverse Outcomes Associated With Hypoglycemia in Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies report worse short-term outcomes with hypoglycemia in critically ill children. These studies relied on intermittent blood glucose measurements, which may have introduced detection bias. We analyzed data from the Heart And Lung Failure-Pediatric INsulin Titration trial to determine the association of hypoglycemia with adverse short-term outcomes in critically ill children.

DESIGN

Nested case-control study.

SETTING

Thirty-five PICUs. A computerized algorithm that guided the timing of blood glucose measurements and titration of insulin infusion, continuous glucose monitors, and standardized glucose infusion rates were used to minimize hypoglycemia.

PATIENTS

Nondiabetic children with cardiovascular and/or respiratory failure and hyperglycemia. Cases were children with any hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 60 mg/dL), whereas controls were children without hypoglycemia. Each case was matched with up to four unique controls according to age group, study day, and severity of illness.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 112 (16.0%) of 698 children who received the Heart And Lung Failure-Pediatric INsulin Titration protocol developed hypoglycemia, including 25 (3.6%) who developed severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dL). Of these, 110 cases were matched to 427 controls. Hypoglycemia was associated with fewer ICU-free days (median, 15.3 vs 20.2 d; p = 0.04) and fewer hospital-free days (0 vs 7 d; p = 0.01) through day 28. Ventilator-free days through day 28 and mortality at 28 and 90 days did not differ between groups. More children with insulin-induced versus noninsulin-induced hypoglycemia had zero ICU-free days (35.8% vs 20.9%; p = 0.008). Outcomes did not differ between children with severe versus nonsevere hypoglycemia or those with recurrent versus isolated hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

When a computerized algorithm, continuous glucose monitors and standardized glucose infusion rates were used to manage hyperglycemia in critically ill children with cardiovascular and/or respiratory failure, severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dL) was uncommon, but any hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 60 mg/dL) remained common and was associated with worse short-term outcomes.

Neonatal Hypoglycemia: Risk Factors and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Severe neonatal hypoglycemia (HG) leads to neurologic damage, mental retardation, epilepsy, personality disorders, impaired cardiac performance and muscle weakness. We aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of children with hypoglycemia in a random population of newborns.

PATIENTS, METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated 84 patients (M:F=35:48) born at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Skopje (hospitalized in the NICU) who were found to have hypoglycemia. In total 89.25% of the babies were premature. The mean birth weight was 1795.95 +/596.08 grams, the mean birth length was 41.92+/- 4.62 cm, while the mean gestational age was 33.05±3.19 weeks. 32 children (38.08%) were very low birth weight (<1500g), 38 (45.22%) were low birth weight (1500-2500g), while there were 8 children (9.52%) appropriate for age BW and no high BW for age patients (>4000 g). HG duration was 2.42+/-2.41 hours. In the group as a whole, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was found in 3 children (3.57%), infections in 22 (26.18%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in 9 patients (10.62%), intracranial haemorrhage in 2 patients (2.38%). There were no inborn errors of metabolism. There were two deaths (2.38%).

CONCLUSION

Neonatal HG is a significant factor in the overall neonatal mortality. HG can also cause severe invalidity. We found that infections, LBW and low gestational age were most commonly associated with neonatal HG. However the Spearman test showed weak direct correlation, without statistical significance. Neonatal HG requires complex and team interaction of prenatal and postnatal approaches to reduce the incidence of seizures, their consequences and the overall mortality. Special consideration is to be taken in measures that avoid neonatal infections, HIE, LBW and low gestational age. Further studies on a larger population are needed to fully understand and prevent the phenomenon of HG in newborns.

Follow-up study of neurodevelopment in 2-year-old infants who had suffered from neonatal hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoglycemia is tightly related to adverse neurodevelopmental and brain injury outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 195 infants who were born from diabetic mothers with a low blood glucose level (< 2.6 mM) within 0.5 h after birth were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Of these, 157 infants who had neonatal hypoglycemia (group A) were followed up, and this group was further divided into A1 [blood glucose concentration (BGC) < 2.6 mM at < 2 h after birth], A2 (BGC < 2.6 mM at 2-24 h after birth), and A3 (BGC < 2.6 mM at > 24 h after birth). A total of 144 infants whose mothers had no high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus were followed up as the control group during the same period. The neurodevelopment of the infants was evaluated by the Gesell scoring method.

RESULTS

The adaptability in the A2 and A3 subgroups was significantly lower than that in the control group (73.9 ± 6.6 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2; 71.5 ± 8.9 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2, respectively). There were significantly more mothers who used insulin during the perinatal period in A3 than in A1 and A2 (31% vs. 2%; 31% vs. 7.9%, respectively). The mothers of babies in subgroups A2 and A3 gained more weight than those of the control group (15.3 ± 1.9 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg; 14.8 ± 2.6 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Long and repeated neonatal hypoglycemia caused poor adaptability. The babies of mothers who used insulin or had a high weight gain during pregnancy were associated with severe or persistent neonatal hypoglycemia.

A nationwide survey of norovirus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy in Japan

BACKGROUND

Norovirus is a major pathogen of gastroenteritis and is known to cause encephalitis/encephalopathy. The aim of this national survey was to clarify the clinical features of norovirus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy (NoVE) among children in Japan.

METHODS

A nationwide survey of children with NoVE was conducted using a structured research form. The initial survey asked pediatricians about children with NoVE treated between January 2011 and March 2016. The second survey obtained patient information from two sources: hospitals that responded to the initial survey and those identified as having treated cases from a literature search.

RESULTS

Clinical information was available for 29 children. Their median age was 2 y 8 m. The outcome was good in 13 patients and poor in 15. The interval between the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and that of encephalitis/encephalopathy was significantly shorter in those with a poor outcome. At the onset of an elevated serum creatinine level and an abnormal blood glucose level were correlated with a poor outcome. Regarding the subtypes of encephalitis/encephalopathy, acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion and hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome were frequent.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of children with NoVE was poor. Early onset of neurological symptoms, an elevated serum creatinine level, and an abnormal blood glucose level were associated with a poor outcome. No effective treatment was identified and this should be the subject of future studies.

'We just dilute sugar and give' health workers' reports of management of paediatric hypoglycaemia in a referral hospital in Malawi

Background: Acutely sick children in resource-constrained settings who present with hypoglycaemia have poor outcomes. Studies have questioned the current hypoglycaemia treatment cut-off level of 2.5 mmol/l. Improved knowledge about health workers’ attitudes towards and management of hypoglycaemia is needed to understand the potential effects of a raised cut-off level.

Objective: This research explored health workers’ perceptions about managing acutely ill children with hypoglycaemia in a Malawian referral hospital. A secondary objective was to explore health workers’ opinions about a potential increase in the hypoglycaemia cut-off level.

Methods: We used a qualitative design with semi-structured individual interviews performed with health workers in the Paediatric Accident and Emergency Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi, in October 2016. Data were analysed using latent content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Malawi, College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee P.01/16/1852.

Results: Four themes were formed that described the responses. The first, ‘Critical and difficult cases need easy treatment’, showed that health workers perceived hypoglycaemia as a severe condition that was easily manageable. The second, ‘Health system issues’, revealed challenges relating to staffing and resource availability. The third, ‘From parental reluctance to demand’, described a change in parents’ attitudes regarding intravenous treatments. The fourth, ‘Positive about the change but need more information’, exposed health workers’ concerns about potential risks of a raised cut-off level for hypoglycaemia treatment, as well as benefits for the patients.

Conclusions: Health workers perceived hypoglycaemia as a severe condition that is easy to manage when the required equipment and supplies are available. Due to the common lack of test equipment and dextrose supplies, health workers have adopted alternative strategies to diagnose and manage hypoglycaemia. A change to the hypoglycaemia treatment cut-off level raised concerns about potential risks, but was also thought to be of benefit for some patients.

Functional Recovery in Critically Ill Children, the "WeeCover" Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate functional outcomes and evaluate predictors of an unfavorable functional outcome in children following a critical illness.

DESIGN

Prospective observational longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Two tertiary care, Canadian PICUs: McMaster Children's Hospital and London Health Sciences.

PATIENTS

Children 12 months to 17 years old, admitted to PICU for at least 48 hours with one or more organ dysfunction, were eligible. Patients not expected to survive, direct transfers from neonatal ICU and patients in whom long-term follow-up would not be able to be conducted, were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was functional outcome up to 6 months post PICU discharge, measured using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disabilities Inventory Computer Adaptive Test. Secondary outcomes included predictors of unfavorable functional outcome, caregiver stress, health-related quality-of-life, and clinical outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and PICU-acquired complications. One hundred eighty-two patients were enrolled; 78 children (43.6%) had functional limitations at baseline and 143 (81.5%) experienced functional deterioration following critical illness. Ninety-two (67.1%) demonstrated some functional recovery by 6 months. Higher baseline function and a neurologic insult at PICU admission were the most significant predictors of functional deterioration. Higher baseline function and increasing age were associated with slower functional recovery. Different factors affect the domains of functioning differently. Preexisting comorbidities and iatrogenic PICU-acquired morbidities were associated with persistent requirement for caregiver support (responsibility function) at 6 months. The degree of functional deterioration after critical illness was a significant predictor of increased hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new information regarding functional outcomes and the factors that influence meaningful aspects of functioning in critically ill children. Identifying patients at greatest risk and modifiable targets for improvement in PICU care guides us in developing strategies to improve functional outcomes and tailor to the rehabilitation needs of these patients and their families.

Hypoglycaemia in the Newborn

AIM

Severe neonatal hypoglycaemia (HG) leads to neurologic damage, mental retardation, epilepsy, impaired cardiac performance and muscle weakness. The aim was to assess the frequency and severity of HG in a population of newborns.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated 739 patients with neonatal hypoglycaemia (HG) (M:F=370:369) born at the University Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetritics in Skopje in the period 2014-2016 and treated at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 1416 babies were treated in the same period in NICU, and HG was observed in 52.18%. The birth weight was dominated by children with low birth weight: very low birth weight (VLBW)(<1500g) 253 children, (34,23%), low birth weight (1500-2500g) 402 (54.39%), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) 78(10.55%), and high birth weight (>4000g) 6 babies (0.81%). The gestational age was also dominated by children with low gestational age: gestational week (GW) 20-25 four children (0.54%), 26-30 GW 133 babies (17.99%), 31-35 GW472 (63.87%), and 36-40 GW130 neonates (17.59 %). 241 mothers (32.61%) have had an infection during pregnancy, 82 preeclampsia or eclampsia (11.09%), 20 diabetes mellitus (2.70%), 78 placental situations (placenta previa, abruption) (10.55%). In this study 47 babies (6.35%) with HG and co-morbidities died. There was a significant positive correlation between HG birth weight (p<0.01), gestational age (p<0.05), and the lowest Apgar score (p<0.01). Neonatal deaths were significantly correlated with GA (р>0,01), co-morbidities of the mothers (р>0,05) but not with the birth weight (р>0,05). In contrast, a significant positive correlation was found between convulsions and body weight (р<0.05). The lowest Apgar score was positively correlated with the gestational age (0.01), but not with the birth weight (0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight, low gestational age, maternal risk factors, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and neonatal infections are associated with HG and are a significant factor in overall neonatal mortality. Those results indicate that diminishing the frequency of the neonatal HG and the rates of neonatal mortality requires complex interaction of prenatal and postnatal interventions.

Relationship between Glycemic Levels and Treatment Outcome among Critically Ill Children admitted into Emergency Room in Enugu

Background

Critically ill children are those in need of immediate attention on arrival to an emergency room. The importance of glycemic level measurement as well as maintaining the patency of the airway, effective breathing and circulation cannot be overemphasied. It has been highlighted that the peak hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia predict poor prognosis, longer lengths of hospital stay and higher mortality. The study aims to assess the relationship between glycemic level and treatment outcomes as well as length of hospital stay.

Methods

Analytical cross sectional method was used to study critically ill children aged ≥1 month to ≤10 years admitted into the Children Emergency Room of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Their admission blood glucose was done. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information including sociodemographics, duration of hospitalization and outcome of treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Chi square, logistic regressions and Kruskal Wallis tests were done as appropriate.

Results

A total of 300 patients were recruited. One hundred and seventeen (39%) had hyperglycemia, 62 (20.7%) patients had hypoglycaemia and 121 (40.3%) had euglycemia. Two hundred and fifty two (84%) were discharged while 48 (16%) died. There was significant association between glycemic levels and treatment outcome (p = < 0.001). Among the 48 who died, 12 (25.0%) had euglycemia, 21 (43.75%) had hypoglycaemia while 15 (31.25%) had hyperglycemia. On multivariate analysis, there was statistically significant association between hypoglycaemia and mortality (p = < 0.001). Unadjusted, those children with hypoglycaemia at presentation were about 4.7 times (UOR = 0.21, 95% Cl: 0.08–0.38) and adjusted, about 5 times (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09–0.47) less likely to survive compared with those with euglycemia. Although not statistically significant, those with hyperglycemia were about 1.3 times less likely to survive compared with euglycemic children, adjusted and unadjusted (UOR = 0.75, 95% Cl: 0.33–1.68).

Conclusion

While both hypo- and hyperglycemia are associated with mortality, hypoglycaemia had a greater effect than hyperglycemia. Glycemic levels significantly affects treatment outcome.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0879-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Blood Glucose Variability and Outcomes in Critically Ill Children

OBJECTIVES

To find the incidence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose [BG] ≥150 mg/dl), hypoglycemia (BG ≤60 mg/dl), and variability (presence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) in critically ill children in the 1^st week of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and their association with mortality, length of ICU stay, and organ dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The design was a retrospective observational cohort study. Consecutive children ≤18 years of age admitted from March 2003 to April 2012 in a combined adult and pediatric closed ICU. Relevant data were collected from chart review and hospital database.

RESULTS

Out of 258 patients included, isolated hyperglycemia was seen in 139 (53.9%) and was unrelated to mortality and morbidity. Isolated variability in BG was noted in 76 (29.5%) patients and hypoglycemia was seen in 9 (3.5%) patients. BG variability was independently associated with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome on multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-31.1). Those with BG variability had longer ICU stay (11 days vs. 4 days, on log-rank test, P = 0.001). Insulin use was associated with the occurrence of variability (adjusted OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.8-7.0).

CONCLUSION

Glucose disorders were frequently observed in critically ill children. BG variability was associated with multiorgan dysfunction and increased ICU stay.

[Evaluation of the measurement of capillary glucose concentration versus plasma glucose in the newborn]

BACKGROUND

The reliability of blood glucose monitoring in neonatology is not always confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of blood glucose measurements made with three different devices in newborns.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was prospective, conducted in a medical and neonatal intensive care department over a period of 4 months. Capillary glucose level was measured with three different glucometers and compared with venous glucose level determined using the hexokinase method. An ANOVA and Scheffe test were used for the correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Three hundred and nine infants were included, with a mean age of 55h and a mean term of 39 weeks of gestation. Mean blood glucose in the laboratory was 0.62±0.15g/L, 0.71±0.17g/L for Accu-Chek(®) Active, 0.80±0.17g/L for Accu-Chek(®) Performa, and 0.83±0.12g/L for Bionime. An ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the measurements made by glucometers compared to the reference blood glucose levels, and the Scheffé method showed that glucometers overestimated the real plasma glucose levels.

CONCLUSION

None of the devices used in this study was satisfactory. However, an estimation of blood glucose taking into consideration this numerical overestimation would allow early detection of hypoglycemia.

High Mortality Risk in Hypoglycemic and Dysglycemic Children Admitted at a Referral Hospital in a Non Malaria Tropical Setting of a Low Income Country

INTRODUCTION

Hypoglycemia is a recognized feature of severe malaria but its diagnosis and management remain problematic in resource-limited settings. There is limited data on the burden and prognosis associated with glycemia dysregulation in non-neonate children in non-malaria areas. We prospectively assessed the abnormal blood glucose prevalence and the outcome and risk factors of deaths in critically ill children admitted to a national referral hospital in Laos.

METHODS

Consecutive children (1 month-15 years) admitted to the pediatric ward of Mahosot hospital, were categorized using the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI). Blood glucose was assessed once on admission through a finger prick using a bedside glucometer. Glycemia levels: hypoglycemia: < 2.2 mmol/L (< 40 mg⁄ dl), low glycemia: 2.2-4.4 mmol/L (40-79 mg⁄ dl), euglycemia: 4.4-8.3 mmol/L (80-149 mg⁄ dl), and hyperglycemia: > 8.3 mmol/L (≥150 mg⁄ dl), were related to the IMCI algorithm and case fatality using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 350 children, 62.2% (n = 218) were severely ill and 49.1% (n = 172) had at least one IMCI danger sign. A total of 15 (4.2%, 95%CI: 2.4-6.9) had hypoglycemia, 99 (28.2%, 95%CI: 23.6-33.3) low glycemia, 201 (57.4%, 95% CI: 52.0-62.6) euglycemia and 35 (10.0%, 95% CI: 7.0-13.6) hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia was associated with longer fasting (p = 0.001) and limited treatment before admission (p = 0.09). Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were associated with hypoxemia (SaO2) (p = 0.001). A total of 21 (6.0%) of the children died: 66.6% with hypoglycemic, 6.0% with low glycemic, 5.7% with hyperglycemic and 1.4% with euglycemic groups. A total of 9 (2.5%) deaths occurred during the first 24 hours of admission and 5 (1.7%) within 3 days of hospital discharge. Compared to euglycemic children, hypoglycemic and low glycemic children had a higher rate of early death (20%, p<0.001 and 5%, p = 0.008; respectively). They also had a higher risk of death (OR: 132; 95%CI: 29.0-596.5; p = 0.001; and OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 1.1-15.6; p = 0.02; respectively). In multivariate analyses, hypoglycemia (OR: 197; 95%CI: 33-1173.9), hypoxemia (OR: 5.3; 95%CI: 1.4-20), presence of hepatomegaly (OR: 8.7; 95%CI: 2.0-37.6) and having an illiterate mother (OR: 25.9; 95%CI: 4.2-160.6) were associated with increased risk of death.

CONCLUSION

Hypoglycemia is linked with a high risk of mortality for children in non malaria tropical settings. Blood sugar should be monitored and treatment provided for sick children, especially with danger signs and prolonged fasting. Further evaluations of intervention using thresholds including low glycemia is recommended in resource-limited settings. Research is also needed to determine the significance, prognosis and care of hyperglycemia.

Hypoglycemia and Risk Factors for Death in 13 Years of Pediatric Admissions in Mozambique

Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening complication of several diseases in childhood. We describe the prevalence and incidence of hypoglycemia among admitted Mozambican children, establishing its associated risk factors. We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 13 years collected through an ongoing systematic morbidity surveillance in Manhiça District Hospital in rural Mozambique. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for hypoglycemia and death. Minimum community-based incidence rates (MCBIRs) for hypoglycemia were calculated using data from the demographic surveillance system. Of 49,089 children < 15 years hospitalized in Manhiça District Hospital, 45,573 (92.8%) had a glycemia assessment on admission. A total of 1,478 children (3.2%) presented hypoglycemia (< 3 mmol/L), of which about two-thirds (972) were with levels < 2.5 mmol/L. Independent risk factors for hypoglycemia on admission and death among hypoglycemic children included prostration, unconsciousness, edema, malnutrition, and bacteremia. Hypoglycemic children were significantly more likely to die (odds ratio [OR] = 7.11; P < 0.001), with an associated case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.3% (245/1,267). Overall MCBIR of hypoglycemia was 1.57 episodes/1,000 child years at risk (CYAR), significantly decreasing throughout the study period. Newborns showed the highest incidences (9.47 episodes/1,000 CYAR, P < 0.001). Hypoglycemia remains a hazardous condition for African children. Symptoms and signs associated to hypoglycemia should trigger the verification of glycemia and the implementation of life-saving corrective measures.

U-shaped relationship between early blood glucose and mortality in critically ill children

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study are to evaluate the relationship between early blood glucose concentrations and mortality and to define a 'safe range' of blood glucose concentrations during the first 24 h after pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission with the lowest risk of mortality. We further determine whether associations exist between PICU mortality and early hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia occurring within 24 h of PICU admission, even after adjusting for illness severity assessed by the pediatric risk of mortality III (PRISM III) score.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to PICU between July 2008 and June 2011 in a tertiary teaching hospital. Both the initial admission glucose values and the mean glucose values over the first 24 h after PICU admission were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 1349 children with at least one blood glucose value taken during the first 24 h after admission, 129 died during PICU stay. When analyzing both the initial admission and mean glucose values during the first 24 h after admission, the mortality rate was compared among children with glucose concentrations ≤ 65, 65-90, 90-110, 110-140, 140-200, and >200 mg/dL (≤ 3.6, 3.6-5.0, 5.0-6.1, 6.1-7.8, 7.8-11.1, and >11.1 mmol/L). Children with glucose concentrations ≤ 65 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) and >200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) had significantly higher mortality rates, indicating a U-shaped relationship between glucose concentrations and mortality. Blood glucose concentrations of 110-140 mg/dL (6.1-7.8 mmol/L), followed by 90-110 mg/dL (5.0-6.1 mmol/L), were associated with the lowest risk of mortality, suggesting that a 'safe range' for blood glucose concentrations during the first 24 h after admission in critically ill children exists between 90 and 140 mg/dL (5.0 and 7.8 mmol/L). The odds ratios of early hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L]) and hypoglycemia (≤ 65 mg/dL [3.6 mmol/L]) being associated with increased risk of mortality were 4.13 and 15.13, respectively, compared to those with mean glucose concentrations of 110-140 mg/dL (6.1-7.8 mmol/L) (p <0.001). The association remained significant after adjusting for PRISM III scores (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a U-shaped relationship between early blood glucose concentrations and PICU mortality in critically ill children. Both early hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia were associated with mortality, even after adjusting for illness severity.

Recommendations for self-monitoring in pediatric diabetes: a consensus statement by the ISPED

A panel of experts of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology comprehensively discussed and approved the Italian recommendations regarding self-monitoring of blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring and other measures of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. After an extensive review of the literature, we took these issues into account: self-monitoring blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring, glycemic variability, glycosuria, ketonuria, ketonemia, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine and glycated albumin, logbook, data downloading, lancing devices, carbohydrate counting, and glycemic measurements at school. We concluded that clinical guidelines on self-management should be developed in every country with faithful adaptation to local languages and taking into account specific contexts and local peculiarities, without any substantial modifications to the international recommendations. We believe that the National Health Service should provide all necessary resources to ensure self-monitoring of blood glucose and possibly continuous glucose monitoring of all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, according to the standards of care provided by these recommendations and internationally.

Retrospective outcomes of glucose control in critically ill children

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is a significant problem for critically ill children. Treatment for hyperglycemia remains controversial. This study explores the effect of controlling blood glucose (BG) in hyperglycemic critically ill children.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of nondiabetic critically ill children (defined as requiring mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressors) with BG persistently ≥ 150 mg/dl and treated with insulin (treatment group) were compared with a historical cohort of similar children who did not receive interventions to control hyperglycemia (baseline group).

RESULTS

There were 130 children in the treatment group and 137 children in the baseline group. Mean BG in the treatment group was 140 ± 24 mg/dl compared with 179 ± 47 mg/dl in the baseline group (p < .001). After adjusting for patient characteristics, cointerventions, and glucose metrics, patients in the treatment group had 2.5 fewer intensive care unit (ICU)-free days (i.e., number of days alive and discharged from ICU within 28 days after inclusion) than the baseline group (p = .023). Glucose control was not independently associated with duration of ICU stay, ventilator-free days, vasopressor-free days, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood glucose control appears associated with worse outcomes in critically ill children. Our data combined with conflicting results in adults leads us to strongly advocate for the conduct of randomized trials on glucose control in critically ill children.

Control of serum glucose concentration in critical illness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hyperglycemia is a significant problem for children in the ICU. Use of tight glycemic control (TGC) to manage hyperglycemia remains controversial, especially given the potential risk of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. This review will address the latest evidence regarding TGC in critically ill children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving primarily postoperative cardiac surgery patients demonstrated the feasibility and safety of TGC in pediatric patients. The trials, however, had discrepant results with regards to the benefit of TGC. There is also uncertainty about the generalizability of these results to nonpostoperative cardiac patients. There is only one published study addressing the long-term safety of TGC in children. In this study, hypoglycemia was not associated with adverse effects on neurocognitive development. In contrast, articles from adult studies demonstrate increased risk of death with hypoglycemia.

SUMMARY

Although the clinical benefit of TGC in critically ill children is still unclear, TGC can be done safely in this population.

Clinical equipoise regarding glycemic control: a survey of pediatric intensivist perceptions

OBJECTIVES

To assess the willingness of pediatric intensivists to conduct a pediatric trial of blood glucose control, and to determine if self-reported practices were influenced by adult-specific data over the past 4 yrs. This was a follow-up to our previous 2005 survey.

DESIGN

Electronic survey comprising a 30-item questionnaire.

SETTING

North American PICUs that were members of, or connected to, the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Network (n = 96 targeted institutions).

PARTICIPANTS

North American pediatric intensivists (n = 209).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

METHODS

We conducted a survey of North American PICUs using a Web-based questionnaire. Invitations were sent to 96 institutions in 37 states/provinces.

RESULTS

Response rate was 68% (141/209). The median definitions of hyperglycemia (150 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (≤60 mg/dL) were similar to our 2005 survey results. Self-reported practice patterns remain variable. Although 75% of clinician respondents denied a change in clinical practice based on the published literature, the preferred blood glucose target range increased from 80-110 mg/dL in 2005 to 90-140 mg/dL in 2009. Intensivists who preferred a blood glucose target of 80-110 mg/dL decreased from 43% to 6% (p < 0.001). Many respondents (45%) indicated that the acceptable severe hypoglycemia rate (% patients) for a protocol was ≤2.5%. The majority (93%) indicated they would be willing to enroll patients in a pediatric trial of blood glucose control.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric intensivists report that they control blood glucose with insulin in critically ill children and do not necessarily adopt adult-specific data or a single uniform blood glucose target. The published evidence does not adequately address PICU clinicians concerns. Unanswered questions and persistent variation in practice suggest a need for a multicenter clinical trial of blood glucose control in critically ill children.

Continuous glucose monitoring: a valuable monitoring tool for management of hypoglycemia during chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) maintenance therapy (MT) has been occasionally associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia (SH), attributed to purine analog (mercaptopurine [6-MP]). This hypoglycemia has been hypothesized to affect substrate utilization of gluconeogenic precursor alanine in the liver.

CASE REPORT

An overweight 5-year-old boy with ALL was evaluated for SH (lethargy and vomiting) that occurred 8-10 h after fasting while receiving daily 6-MP. Hypoglycemic episodes (>20 episodes per month) occurred predominantly around midmorning but not during the 5-day dexamethasone pulse. The adrenocorticotropic hormone test yielded a normal cortisol response, which ruled out pituitary adrenal suppression. A 12-h overnight fasting glucose was 49 mg/dL, with suppressed insulin response <2 IU/mL, low C-peptide of 0.5 ng/mL, high insulin-like growth factor-binding protein >160 ng/mL, high free fatty acid of 2.64 mmol/L, and negative glucagon stimulation test (change in blood glucose [BG] <5 mg/dL). These results ruled out hyperinsulinism. The patient was placed on cornstarch therapy 5 h prior to dosing with 6-MP. This treatment reduced the SH events to fewer than two episodes per month. To study the efficacy of cornstarch, the patient was fitted with the iPro™ professional continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) with a preset low alarm at 70 mg/dL, which was worn for a period of 5 days while the patient was on cornstarch. With 1,000 sensor reading the BG range was 65-158 mg/dL, and the percentage mean absolute difference between sensor and finger-stick BG readings (the parent monitored his BG four times a day) was 9.4%. There were no hypoglycemic episodes detected by the CGMS while the patient was on cornstarch. After the cessation of chemotherapy, a 15-h fasting study was performed, and the CGMS was placed. Results showed resolution of hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The CGMS helped us devise an effective management plan for our patient. CGMS proved useful as an adjunct to characterize the pattern of hypoglycemia and to validate the benefit of cornstarch in hypoglycemia associated with 6-MP treatment of ALL.

Tight glycemic control versus standard care after pediatric cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

In some studies, tight glycemic control with insulin improved outcomes in adults undergoing cardiac surgery, but these benefits are unproven in critically ill children at risk for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. We tested the hypothesis that tight glycemic control reduces morbidity after pediatric cardiac surgery.

METHODS

In this two-center, prospective, randomized trial, we enrolled 980 children, 0 to 36 months of age, undergoing surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were randomly assigned to either tight glycemic control (with the use of an insulin-dosing algorithm targeting a blood glucose level of 80 to 110 mg per deciliter [4.4 to 6.1 mmol per liter]) or standard care in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Continuous glucose monitoring was used to guide the frequency of blood glucose measurement and to detect impending hypoglycemia. The primary outcome was the rate of health care-associated infections in the cardiac ICU. Secondary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, organ failure, and hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

A total of 444 of the 490 children assigned to tight glycemic control (91%) received insulin versus 9 of 490 children assigned to standard care (2%). Although normoglycemia was achieved earlier with tight glycemic control than with standard care (6 hours vs. 16 hours, P<0.001) and was maintained for a greater proportion of the critical illness period (50% vs. 33%, P<0.001), tight glycemic control was not associated with a significantly decreased rate of health care-associated infections (8.6 vs. 9.9 per 1000 patient-days, P=0.67). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, and tight glycemic control did not benefit high-risk subgroups. Only 3% of the patients assigned to tight glycemic control had severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose <40 mg per deciliter [2.2 mmol per liter]).

CONCLUSIONS

Tight glycemic control can be achieved with a low hypoglycemia rate after cardiac surgery in children, but it does not significantly change the infection rate, mortality, length of stay, or measures of organ failure, as compared with standard care. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; SPECS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00443599.).