Alternative anticoagulation during cardiovascular procedures in pediatric patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) that require anticoagulation for cardiovascular procedures represent a challenging and high-risk group. Bivalirudin and argatroban have been successfully used as alternative anticoagulants in adult patients with HIT. There have been few experiences published involving the pediatric population and controversy exists regarding the properties and optimal dosing of these drugs. This report describes the experience of managing two pediatric patients with HIT that underwent cardiovascular procedures requiring anticoagulation. Bivalirudin was used in both cases for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass, while argatroban was used without complications during cardiac catheterization. A description of perfusion and anticoagulation protocols is included.

Dexmedetomidine/ketamine for diagnostic cardiac catheterization in a child with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension

The use of a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine to provide procedural sedation in a 12-year old boy with a diagnosis of idopathic pulmonary hypertension and a behavioral disorder, undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization, is presented. Following a loading dose of ketamine one mg/kg and dexmedetomidine one mcg/kg, an infusion of dexmedetomidine at one mcg/kg/hr was used with the patient breathing spontaneously. Stable hemodynamics were observed throughout the procedure and pulmonary vascular resistance was measured under three conditions. The dexmedetomidine infusion was continued for two hours post-catheterization, facilitating a smooth emergence.

Continuous incisional infusion of local anesthetic in pediatric patients following open heart surgery

AIM

To determine the efficacy and safety of a continuous subcutaneous local anesthetic (LA) infusion in pediatric patients following open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND

The use of a continuous LA infusion has been shown to be beneficial following adult cardiac surgery. To date there are no studies in the pediatric population.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Using a prospective, randomized, and double blind design, we compared LA, either 0.25% levobupivacaine or bupivacaine (Treatment Group) to saline (Placebo Group) delivered subcutaneously via a continuous infusion for 72 h after open heart surgery in 72 patients. Requirements for postoperative analgesics and pain scores were recorded for 72 h and plasma levels of local anesthetic were measured. Secondary outcomes measures included time to first oral intake, time to first bowel movement, time to urinary catheter removal, length of stay, requirements for antiemetics and additional sedation.

RESULTS

Total morphine requirements over the first 24 h were less in the Treatment Group than the Placebo Group (0.05 mg x kg(-1) vs 0.2 mg x kg(-1), P = 0.007); this was true for all patient groups except those patients weighing less than 6.3 kg. The number of patients requiring no morphine was greater in the Treatment Group (7/35 vs 1/37, P = 0.02). The Treatment Group also received less midazolam, lorazepam, and ketorolac than the Placebo Group over 72 h due to the reduced clinical need for these agents in patients weighing less than 31 kg. There were no differences in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A continuous incisional infusion of LA reduced postoperative analgesic requirement and sedative use in pediatric patients undergoing a median sternotomy incision. Dosed at a maximum rate of 0.4 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), a continuous incisional infusion of LA is effective and safe for up to 72 h, with plasma levels of local anesthetic well below the toxic threshold.

Initial experience with dexmedetomidine for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization in children

BACKGROUND

Children undergoing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization require deep sedation or general anesthesia (GA). Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has sedative, analgesic and anxiolytic properties without respiratory depression. These characteristics make it potentially suitable as a sedative agent during diagnostic procedures in children. We report our experience using dexmedetomidine in 20 children aged 3 months to 10 years undergoing cardiac catheterization.

METHODS

Following a midazolam premedication, intravenous access was secured facilitated by the inhalation of sevoflurane in oxygen. A loading dose of 1 microg x kg(-1) dexmedetomidine was administered over 10 min followed by an initial infusion rate of 1 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Nasal cannulae were applied, allowing endtidal CO2 monitoring with the patients breathing spontaneously. Hemodynamic parameters, Bispectral Index Score (BIS) and sedation score were measured every 5 min. Patient movement or evidence of inadequate sedation were treated with propofol (1 mg x kg(-1)). The dexmedetomidine infusion rate was titrated to the level of sedation to a maximum of 2 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) to maintain a sedation score of 4-5 and a BIS value <80.

RESULTS

Five patients (25%) had some movement on local infiltration or groin vessel access. This did not necessitate restraint or result in difficulty securing vascular access. No patients failed sedation that required the addition of another sedative agent or conversion to GA; eight patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine alone; however, 12 (60%) patients did receive a propofol bolus at some time during the procedure due to movement, increasing BIS value or in anticipation of stimulation. There were no incidences of airway obstruction or respiratory depression. In all cases the heart rate and blood pressure remained within 20% of baseline. No patient required treatment for profound bradycardia or hypotension. The average infusion rate for dexmedetomidine following the loading dose was 1.15 (+/-0.29)microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) (range 0.6-2.0 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS

This initial experience showed dexmedetomidine, with or without the addition of propofol, may be a suitable alternative for sedation in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Oral symptoms as a chief sign of acute monoblastic leukemia: report of case

The importance of the identification of acute gingival hypertrophy in the subsequent recognition of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia is emphasized. Dental and medical personnel are urged to be alert to oral signs and symptoms that may be characteristic of serious systemic diseases.