The OPTN Deceased Donor Potential Study: Implications for Policy and Practice

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Deceased Donor Potential Study, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, characterized the current pool of potential deceased donors and estimated changes through 2020. The goal was to inform policy development and suggest practice changes designed to increase the number of donors and organ transplants. Donor estimates used filtering methodologies applied to datasets from the OPTN, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and used these estimates with the number of actual donors to estimate the potential donor pool through 2020. Projected growth of the donor pool was 0.5% per year through 2020. Potential donor estimates suggested unrealized donor potential across all demographic groups, with the most significant unrealized potential (70%) in the 50-75-year-old age group and potential Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) donors. Actual transplants that may be realized from potential donors in these categories are constrained by confounding medical comorbidities not identified in administrative databases and by limiting utilization practices for organs from DCD donors. Policy, regulatory, and practice changes encouraging organ procurement and transplantation of a broader population of potential donors may be required to increase transplant numbers in the United States.

Solid organ transplantation from hepatitis B virus-positive donors: consensus guidelines for recipient management

Use of organs from donors testing positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) may safely expand the donor pool. The American Society of Transplantation convened a multidisciplinary expert panel that reviewed the existing literature and developed consensus recommendations for recipient management following the use of organs from HBV positive donors. Transmission risk is highest with liver donors and significantly lower with non-liver (kidney and thoracic) donors. Antiviral prophylaxis significantly reduces the rate of transmission to liver recipients from isolated HBV core antibody positive (anti-HBc+) donors. Organs from anti-HBc+ donors should be considered for all adult transplant candidates after an individualized assessment of the risks and benefits and appropriate patient consent. Indefinite antiviral prophylaxis is recommended in liver recipients with no immunity or vaccine immunity but not in liver recipients with natural immunity. Antiviral prophylaxis may be considered for up to 1 year in susceptible non-liver recipients but is not recommended in immune non-liver recipients. Although no longer the treatment of choice in patients with chronic HBV, lamivudine remains the most cost-effective choice for prophylaxis in this setting. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin is not recommended.

Diagnosis and management of tuberculosis in transplant donors: a donor-derived infections consensus conference report

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a ubiquitous organism that infects one-third of the world's population. In previous decades, access to organ transplantation was restricted to academic medical centers in more developed, low tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries. Globalization, changing immigration patterns, and the expansion of sophisticated medical procedures to medium and high TB incidence countries have made tuberculosis an increasingly important posttransplant infectious disease. Tuberculosis is now one of the most common bacterial causes of solid-organ transplant donor-derived infection reported in transplant recipients in the United States. Recognition of latent or undiagnosed active TB in the potential organ donor is critical to prevent emergence of disease in the recipient posttransplant. Donor-derived tuberculosis after transplantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which can best be prevented through careful screening and targeted treatment. To address this growing challenge and provide recommendations, an expert international working group was assembled including specialists in transplant infectious diseases, transplant surgery, organ procurement and TB epidemiology, diagnostics and management. This working group reviewed the currently available data to formulate consensus recommendations for screening and management of TB in organ donors.

Development of donor yield models

Increasing donor yield, or the number of organs transplanted per donor, has been a focus of the transplant community in recent years. However, an exclusive focus on observed yield, unadjusted for the donor characteristics, ignores important differences between donors and donor case mixes in donation service areas (DSAs). We analyzed deceased donor registry data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients from January 2006 to December 2009 (N = 32 116 donors). Overall yields and kidney yields were modeled using ordinal logistic regression, and logistic regression was used to model heart, lung, pancreas and liver yields. Donor characteristics, including demographics, historical information and positive serology were related to overall and organ-specific yield. This study shows the potential value of the yield models as evaluation metrics and as tools that can inform DSA-wide practices in donor management and can improve organ utilization.

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) of organ donors: is the 'best' test the right test? A consensus conference report

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, HBV and HCV shortens the time between infection and detection by available testing. A group of experts was selected to develop recommendations for the use of NAT in the HIV/HBV/HCV screening of potential organ donors. The rapid turnaround times needed for donor testing and the risk of death while awaiting transplantation make organ donor screening different from screening blood-or tissue donors. In donors with no identified risk factors, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine NAT, as the benefits of NAT may not outweigh the disadvantages of NAT especially when false-positive results can lead to loss of donor organs. For donors with identified behavioral risk factors, NAT should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission and increase organ utilization. Informed consent balancing the risks of donor-derived infection against the risk of remaining on the waiting list should be obtained at the time of candidate listing and again at the time of organ offer. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to recommend universal prospective screening of organ donors for HIV, HCV and HBV using current NAT platforms. Further study of viral screening modalities may reduce disease transmission risk without excessive donor loss.

Organ donation and utilization in the United States: 1998-2007

Organ transplantation remains the only life-saving therapy for many patients with organ failure. Despite the work of the Organ Donation and Transplant Collaboratives, and the marked increases in deceased donors early in the effort, deceased donors only rose by 67 from 2006 and the number of living donors declined during the same time period. There continue to be increases in the use of organs from donors after cardiac death (DCD) and expanded criteria donors (ECD). This year has seen a major change in the way organs are offered with increased patient safety measures in those organ offers made by OPOs using DonorNet. Unfortunately, the goals of 75% conversion rates, 3.75 organs transplanted per donor, 10% of all donors from DCD sources and 20% growth of transplant center volume have yet to be reached across all donation service areas (DSAs) and transplant centers; however, there are DSAs that have not only met, but exceeded, these goals. Changes in organ preservation techniques took place this year, partly due to expanding organ acceptance criteria and increasing numbers of ECDs and DCDs. Finally, the national transplant environment has changed in response to increased regulatory oversight and new requirements for donation and transplant provider organizations.

Why doctors use or do not use ethics consultation

BACKGROUND

Ethics consultation is used regularly by some doctors, whereas others are reluctant to use these services.

AIM

To determine factors that may influence doctors to request or not request ethics consultation.

METHODS

A survey questionnaire was distributed to doctors on staff at the University Community Hospital in Tampa, Florida, USA. The responses to the questions on the survey were arranged in a Likert Scale, from strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat agree to strongly agree. Data were analysed with the Wilcoxon test for group comparisons, the chi2 test to compare proportions and a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 186 surveys distributed, 121 were returned, giving a 65% response rate. Demographic data were similar between the groups saying yes (I do/would use ethics consultation when indicated) and no (I do not/would not use ethics consultation when indicated). No statistically significant differences were observed between the user and non-user groups in terms of opinions about ethics consultants having extensive training in ethics or participating in ethics educational opportunities. On the issue "Ethics committee members or consultants cannot grasp the full picture from the outside", the non-users were neutral, whereas the users somewhat disagreed (p=0.012). Even more significant was the difference between surgeons and non-surgeons, where, by logistic regression analysis, surgeons who believed that ethics consultants could not grasp the full picture from the outside were highly likely to not use (p=0.0004). Non-users of ethics consultations thought that it was their responsibility to resolve issues with the patient or family (72.2% agree, p<0.05). Users of ethics consultation believed in shared decision making or the importance of alternate points of view (90.8% agree, p<0.05).

IMPLICATIONS

Ethics consultations are used by doctors who believe in shared decision making. Doctors who did not use ethics consultation tended to think that it was their responsibility to resolve issues with patients and families and that they were already proficient in ethics.

Organ donation and utilization, 1995-2004: entering the collaborative era

Continued progress in organ donation will help enable transplantation to alleviate the increasing incidence of end-stage organ disease. This article discusses the implementation and effect of the federally initiated Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative; it then reviews organ donation data, living and deceased, from 1995 to 2004. It is the first annual report of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to include national data following initiation of the collaborative in 2003. Prior to that, annual growth in deceased donation was 2%-4%; in 2004, after initiation of the collaborative, deceased donation increased 11%. Identification and dissemination of best practices for organ donation have emphasized new strategies for improved consent, including revised approaches to minority participation, timing of requests and team design. The number of organs recovered from donation after cardiac death (DCD) grew from 64 in 1995 to 391 in 2004. While efforts are ongoing to develop methodologies for identifying expanded criteria donors (ECD) for organs other than kidney, it is clear DCD and ECD raise questions regarding cost and recovery. The number of living donor organs increased from 3493 in 1995 to 7002 in 2004; data show trends toward more living unrelated donors and those providing non-directed donations.

Drowning. Rescue, resuscitation, and reanimation

Several myths about drowning have developed over the years. This article has attempted to dispel some of these myths, as follows: 1. Drowning victims are unable to call or wave for help. 2. "Dry drownings" probably do not exist; if there is no water in the lungs at autopsy, the victim probably was not alive when he or she entered the water. 3. Do not use furosemide to treat the pulmonary edema of drowning; victims may need volume. 4. Seawater drowning does not cause hypovolemia, and freshwater drowning does not cause hypervolemia, hemolysis, or hyperkalemia. 5. Drowning victims swallow much more water than they inhale, resulting in a high risk for vomiting spontaneously or on resuscitation. No discussion of drowning would be complete without mentioning the importance of prevention. Proper pool fencing and water safety training at a young age are instrumental in reducing the risk for drowning. Not leaving an infant or young child unattended in or near water can prevent many of these deaths, especially bathtub drownings. Also crucial is the use of personal flotation devices whenever boating. Proper training in water safety is crucial for participation in water recreation and sporting activities, including SCUBA diving. The incidence of pediatric drowning deaths in the United States has decreased steadily over the past decade, perhaps as a result of increased awareness and attention to drowning-prevention measures (Box 1).

Point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing technology rapidly is changing the way physicians practice medicine by facilitating the availability of biochemical parameters immediately or almost immediately. The constant evolution and developments in [figure: see text] microchemistry and computer technology will make this area a dynamic part of medicine with the constant emergence of improved and newer technologies. Clinicians must not forget, however, that the best analyzer and monitor is the physician, nurse, or other health care worker in direct contact with the patient, constantly reassessing, re-examining, and integrating all of the physiologic and biochemical data in the context of the history and physical examination. If POC testing is implemented, its goal should be to improve and assist in patient care.

Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt and appropriate intervention. Maintenance of adequate vital function with attention to airway, breathing, and circulation; prevention of systemic complications; and rapid termination of seizures must be coupled with investigating and treating any underlying cause. In most patients with SE, the use of adequate dosages of first-line antiepileptic agents allows for the successful and rapid termination of SE and avoidance of potential neurologic complications. Refractory SE requires more aggressive treatment, often the use of intravenous anesthetic agents and intense monitoring, and therefore must be managed in a pediatric intensive care unit with a multidisciplinary approach. Large, controlled, multicenter, comparative studies are needed urgently to clarify better the optimal management of these patients.

Evaluating the frequency rate of hypomagnesemia in critically ill pediatric patients by using multiple regression analysis and a computer-based neural network

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency rate of hypomagnesemia in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), and to identify subsets of patients (grouped by disease) who are at greatest risk of hypomagnesemia. We also compared a neural network model with multiple regression analysis to identify independent variables that would correlate with hypomagnesemia and to predict serum magnesium values in critically ill pediatric patients overall.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter study.

SETTING

Tertiary level medical/surgical pediatric ICUs.

PATIENTS

Data were obtained at admission to the pediatric ICU for 463 patients from newborn to 18 yrs old who were admitted with a variety of surgical and nonsurgical conditions.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Total serum magnesium values were obtained within the first 24 hrs after admission in 463 pediatric patients admitted to four pediatric ICUs. Hypomagnesemia (defined as total serum magnesium <0.75 mmol/L) was found in 51 (11%) of the 463 patients, with the highest frequency rate (72%) and lowest mean serum magnesium level (0.66 +/- 0.17 mmol/L) in patients admitted after surgery with extensive osseous involvement (spinal fusion and craniofacial reconstruction). To determine whether hypomagnesemia could be predicted on the basis of other laboratory and clinical criteria, multiple regression analysis was performed and showed age, weight, and albumin levels weakly associated (r2 = .14, p < .001) with magnesium levels within the different diagnostic groups. These data were used to produce a mathematical model able to predict magnesium levels within 5% of the actual values in 23% of patients. A neural network was also created to compare its predictive capabilities to those of the multiple regression model. Once trained on a random subset (85%) of the patient population, the neural network was able to predict magnesium levels to within 5% of actual values for 88% of the remaining 15% of patients, comparing favorably with the predictions derived from the multiple regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomagnesemia is not uncommon (11%) in critically ill pediatric patients, but is very common (72%) in patients admitted after surgery for spinal fusion or craniofacial reconstruction. Patients who undergo surgery for correction of scoliosis and craniofacial anomalies should have serum magnesium levels monitored closely after surgery. In other patients, a neural network or multiple regression model could help predict which patients would be at risk of developing hypomagnesemia, thereby focusing testing on patients likely to benefit from such testing.

Whatever happened to Reye's syndrome? Did it ever really exist?

OBJECTIVE

Reye's syndrome (RS) appeared suddenly in the 1950s and disappeared almost as quickly in the late 1980s. A number of metabolic disorders were discovered in the 1980s that could completely mimic RS. This study was undertaken to reassess the original diagnosis of RS in light of newly described metabolic disorders.

INTERVENTION

The medical records of 26 patients who had survived RS and were originally studied in Australia in the 1980s were reexamined 10 yrs later, and families were interviewed to ascertain if the diagnosis had changed. The 49 original patients with RS from Australia were also reanalyzed using more precise diagnostic criteria for RS to ascertain how many of the patients would continue to fit the more precise diagnosis of RS.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 26 original patients with RS who had survived, 18 (69%) were subsequently diagnosed as having other diseases, most commonly inborn errors of metabolism. The most commonly diagnosed metabolic disorder was medium-chain acyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase deficiency. Of the 18 patients rediagnosed with diseases other than RS, 15 (83%) are now known to have metabolic disorders. By using more precise diagnostic criteria for RS, none of the original 49 patients with RS could be diagnosed as having certain RS. Only six patients had probable RS, two patients had possible RS, 23 patients had unlikely RS, and 18 patients were excluded as RS cases.

CONCLUSION

With better diagnostic techniques and criteria, most patients originally diagnosed with RS are now known to have metabolic disorders. The disappearance of RS was probably related to the discovery and ability to diagnose inborn errors of metabolism that mimicked RS clinically, biochemically, and pathologically.

Texas non-donor-hospital project: a program to increase organ donation in community and rural hospitals

Identifying and recovering donors from community and rural hospitals present a challenge to organ procurement organizations. A study of non-donor hospitals in the United States was undertaken at Johns Hopkins University, which identified 31 hospitals (in one service area) with the facilities to accommodate organ donation, though an organ donor had not been produced in 3 years. The purpose of this study was to determine whether donors could be produced from these hospitals. A large, geographically dispersed OPO initiated a program consisting of (1) in-house coordinators, and (2) routine notification of all hospital deaths. Following implementation of this program, organ donation increased 387% among the targeted 25 hospitals. The number of hospitals producing at least 1 organ donor increased 133%. The number of organs recovered in the project increased 449%. In-house coordinators, by identifying potential donors and facilitating an organ donor awareness program, can increase the number of organ donors in hospitals with low, but real, donor potential.

Effect of measurement error on calculated variables of oxygen transport

The effect of measurement error in pH, PCO2, and PO2 on mathematically derived variables of oxygen transport in patients was delineated by comparing calculated oxygen saturations from a blood-gas machine with measured saturations from a CO-oximeter and further by modeling the error in a computer simulation. Twenty-one critically ill patients aged 30-84 yr were studied. A total of 80 arterial and 80 mixed venous blood gas samples were collected. The intraclass correlation results between measured and calculated arterial (SaO2) and mixed venous (Sv-O2) oxygen saturations were 0.59 and 0.68, respectively. The product-moment correlation for SaO2 was 0.75 and for Sv-O2 was 0.77. The percent error in calculating and measuring oxygen saturation was found to be greater at low PO2 values, whereas percent error of calculating oxygen consumption increased as the PO2 increased. Measurement repeatability at high PO2 is better than at low PO2 for both measured and calculated methods. We conclude from this comparison that measured and calculated SaO2 and Sv-O2 values are not interchangeable. Each can introduce substantial error in calculating oxygen consumption through error propagation and error amplification.

Physician burnout in pediatric critical care medicine

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, burnout among pediatric intensivists across a variety of practice settings.

DESIGN

A population-based survey, using a mailed questionnaire that included a previously validated Burnout Scale.

SETTING

Private and academic pediatric critical care practices.

PARTICIPANTS

Respondents from among all members of the Pediatric Section of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and all physicians certified in pediatric critical care medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The questionnaire consisted of demographic items, variables noted in the literature as being associated with burnout (e.g., the individual's perception of how others valued their work, and the use of preventive measures such as regular exercise to relieve stress), and a validated Burnout Scale. The questionnaire also included questions pertaining to past training, practice of other primary specialties or subspecialties, practice settings, admission responsibilities, actual and preferred practice activities, total work effort, academic activities, and causes of stress at work. The Burnout Scale of Pines and Aronson is a self-diagnosis instrument, consisting of 21 questions using a 7-point frequency scale. The total Burnout Score represents an average of the scores for the individual components. Scores of < or = 3 in our study were classified as "not burned out." Scores of > 3 and < or = 4 were classified as "at risk." Scores of > 4 were classified as "burned out." A total of 883 questionnaires were mailed; 474 (56%) were respondent returns and 35 questionnaires could not be delivered. Primary analyses focused on the 389 respondent attending physicians presently practicing pediatric critical care medicine at the time of the survey. The average Burnout Score of these attending physicians was 3.1 +/- 0.8; 36% were classified as being at risk for burnout, and 14% were classified as burned out. There was no association between burnout status and the following work conditions: having fellows; having protected time for research and publications; frequency of being called at home; frequency of returning to the hospital when called at home; or call schedule. Respondents classified as burned out were significantly more likely than respondents who were classified as not burned out to feel that their work was not valued by others. Burned out respondents were less likely than respondents who were not burned out to give the following description: feeling very successful; feeling that their peers viewed them as very successful; feeling satisfied in their professional life; and routinely exercising or having some other outside interest.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a high degree of burnout exists in pediatric critical care medicine, with 50% of pediatric intensivists at risk or burned out. Overall, there was no association between Burnout Scores and training, practice specialties, or practice settings, nor was there an association with aspects of practice that are physically taxing. However, perceptions about the value of their work and feelings of success and satisfaction were highly associated with those respondents classified as burned out. Routine exercise (a strategy used by some for stress reduction) was associated with lower Burnout Scores. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the trends that we have reported and to identify causal factors.

Emergency alternatives to intravenous access. Intraosseous, intratracheal, sublingual, and other-site drug administration

Difficulties and delays in establishing intravenous access are not uncommon in emergency situations in pediatrics. Alternatives to venous cannulation exist, including intraosseous access, intratracheal drug administration, sublingual and intralingual injection, the intrapenile route, and intracardiac injection. Each of these emergency alternatives to intravenous access is discussed from the historical, technical, utilitarian, and risk-benefit aspects. It is concluded that the intraosseous effective alternative to intravenous access in emergency situations.

Extracorporeal endotoxin removal in a canine model of septic shock

The authors induced endotoxic shock in an animal model and attempted to treat this state by direct hemoperfusion over a modified anion sorbent column. It has been shown that the reversal of septic shock correlates with the efficiency of extracorporeal endotoxin removal. In this experiment, there were five control animals (sham) and five test animals (hemoperfusion over sorbent column). The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by survival at 24 hr, changes in mean arterial pressure, blood-acid base balance, and plasma endotoxin levels. There was 0% survival in the control group and 100% survival in the test group. The control dogs never recovered from shock or metabolic acidosis, but the test animals were at their initial values for these parameters by 6 hr. The endotoxin levels measured at 6 hr were higher in the control group (265 +/- 88 ng/ml) as compared with the test group (7.0 +/- 6.2 ng/ml). Direct hemoperfusion over a modified sorbent column effectively removed endotoxin and reversed the course of fatal septic shock.

Practical reduction of transplantation costs. Use of commercial transportation instead of charter aircraft for sharing pancreas grafts

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate cost savings in pancreas transplantation through use of commercial organ transportation.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Independent Organ Procurement Organization, Denver, Colo.

SUBJECTS

Forty-three consecutive pancreas grafts recovered by Colorado transplantation surgeons and transported via charter aircraft (53.4%) or commercial airlines (46.6%) to transplantation centers outside Colorado.

MEASUREMENTS

Actuarial graft survival at 1 year was calculated. Transportation costs were also obtained.

MAIN RESULTS

Transportation of organs via charter aircraft cost an average of $3658.37 compared with an average of $102.40 for commercial airline transportation (average cost difference, $3555.97). Graft survival was 73.9% for chartered grafts vs 80.0% for commercially shipped grafts. Mean preservation times were 13 hours 54 minutes for chartered grafts vs 17 hours 50 minutes for commercial transportation.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated a significant cost savings when pancreas grafts were transported via commercial airlines instead of chartered aircraft. These cost savings were obtained without negative sequelae in clinical outcome, encouraging widespread use of commercial airlines for transporting shared pancreas grafts.

The pathophysiologic changes following bile aspiration in a porcine lung model

Aspiration of bile is an underpublicized aspiration syndrome. Using a porcine lung model, the physiologic response and the histopathology of lung tissue were evaluated after the intratracheal instillation of sublethal doses of bile. Twenty-one domestic swine (11 to 19 kg) were the studied population. Three groups of five swine were evaluated: a control group received intratracheal physiologic saline (pH 7.45); study group 1 received strained gastric contents (pH 2.24); and study group 2 received strained bile (pH 7.19). All animals received the solutions at 0.5 ml/kg intratracheally. Lungs of six additional animals were studied (two gastric, two bile, and two physiologic saline) after aspiration by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A seventh untreated animal was used as the SEM control. The physiologic data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures. The SEM and histopathologic results were graded by an observer blinded to the groups and were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe tests. The group with bile aspiration was consistently characterized by significant deterioration of PaO2, the alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient, shunt fraction, and static compliance (p < 0.01); and the light histopathologic and SEM findings demonstrated pathologic changes in the bile-exposed lung (p < 0.05) greater than the gastric- or saline-exposed lungs. It is concluded that bile aspiration produces a severe chemical pneumonitis leading to noncardiac pulmonary edema.

Experimental study of extracorporeal perfusion for septic shock

The authors evaluated the efficacy of treatment by extracorporeal perfusion on experimental canine septic shock. Canine septic shock was produced by intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin and treated by three techniques: no treatment (Sham), hemoperfusion over Polymyxin B immobilized fiber (PMX), and plasma perfusion over anion exchange resin (Resin). The 24 hr survival rates of the Sham, PMX, and Resin groups were 0%, 80%, and 40%, respectively. In the PMX group, blood pressure was significantly better over 6 hr than that recorded in the Sham group. In the PMX group, phagocytic function evaluated by neutrophil function, opsonic index, and complement were better than that of the Sham group. In addition, blood endotoxin levels in the PMX group were significantly lower, resulting in a significant suppression of TNF release. In the Resin group, some parameters were significantly better than those of the Sham group, but the efficacy of this treatment was less than that of the PMX treatment. Hemoperfusion over Polymyxin B immobilized fibers can detoxify circulatory endotoxin, resulting in improvement of systemic and organic disorders caused by sepsis.

Forgoing life-supporting or death-prolonging therapy: a policy statement

Avoiding death is not always the preeminent goal of health care, and decisions about the use of life-supporting treatment may either hasten or forestall death. What are the health care professional's responsibilities regarding the use of life-supporting therapy? This report offers general and specific guidelines for termination of life-supporting treatment.

Pediatric euthanasia

Pediatric euthanasia is currently practiced in the Netherlands on newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, although exact numbers are not known. Euthanasia in the Netherlands is generally assumed to be active and voluntary, but some cases of pediatric euthanasia would have to be characterized as nonvoluntary. Much of the motivation behind the euthanasia movement and the performance of pediatric euthanasia in the Netherlands is a genuine, compassionate desire to alleviate pain and suffering. In this study, we review the Dutch experience, with particular attention to the current practice of euthanasia on newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. We discuss pediatric euthanasia from an ethical point of view. We assert that more effective pain control, better symptom management, and psychosocial support of the dying and their families would alleviate the perception of suffering, and reduce the perceived need to resort to euthanasia.

DNR or CPR--the choice is ours

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in the terminal care of critically ill patients before and after the institution of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order policies, and policies on the care of the hopelessly ill.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review that comprises the following groups: 82 consecutive deaths from 1981 to 1982, representing our older practice pattern of frequent utilization of terminal resuscitative efforts (group A); 37 consecutive deaths between June and December 1987, the 6-month period immediately preceding the adoption of the DNR policy (group B); and 61 consecutive deaths in calendar year 1988 after the DNR policy went into effect (group C).

SETTING

Surgical ICU of a large tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Consecutive patients who died during the study periods before and after the implementation of a DNR policy.

INTERVENTIONS

The implementation of hospital-wide policies on DNR orders and care of the hopelessly ill patient.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the three groups for age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, Mortality Risk Ratio scores, or lengths of ICU stay. There was a significant (p less than .0001) decrease in the frequency of terminal resuscitative efforts, as evidenced by a decrease from 52% in group A to 3% in group C. The preterminal identification and acceptance of imminent death increased over the study period with an increase (p less than .0001) in the application of DNR orders from 46% in group A to 98% in group C. The ability to withdraw support increased (p less than .0001) from 23% in group A to 73% in group C.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that our data exemplify how our ICU has been able to identify hopelessly ill patients, and how it has implemented specific levels of care that take into account not only medical prognostication, but also the wishes of the patients and their families, while maintaining an atmosphere of comfort and dignity. We demonstrated an important change in the philosophy of care for hopelessly ill patients, which was associated with the institution of DNR policies.

The effects of pharmaceutical firm enticements on physician prescribing patterns. There's no such thing as a free lunch

We examined the impact on physician prescribing patterns of pharmaceutical firms offering all-expenses-paid trips to popular sunbelt vacation sites to attend symposia sponsored by a pharmaceutical company. The impact was assessed by tracking the pharmacy inventory usage reports for two drugs before and after the symposia. Both drugs were available only as intravenous preparations and could be used only on hospitalized patients. The usage patterns were tracked for 22 months preceding each symposium and for 17 months after each symposium. Ten physicians invited to each symposium were interviewed about the likelihood that such an enticement would affect their prescribing patterns. A significant increase in the prescribing pattern of both drugs occurred following the symposia. The usage of drug A increased from a mean of 81 +/- 44 units before the symposium to a mean of 272 +/- 117 after the symposium (p less than 0.001). The usage of drug B changed from 34 +/- 30 units before the symposium to 87 +/- 24 units (p less than 0.001) after the symposium. These changed prescribing patterns were also significantly different from the national usage patterns of the two drugs by hospitals with more than 500 beds and major medical centers over the same period of time. These alterations in prescribing patterns occurred even though the majority of physicians who attended the symposia believed that such enticements would not alter their prescribing patterns.

Endobronchial and parenchymal juvenile laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis. Effect of photodynamic therapy

Juvenile laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis (JLTBP) is a recurrent, prolonged disease usually confined to the upper airway. Rarely, tracheobronchial tree or lung parenchymal involvement occurs. The various therapeutic interventions are often unsuccessful once extralaryngeal involvement becomes apparent. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successful in eradicating JLTBP in a few case reports. We present a case of extensive JLTBP with parenchymal involvement treated with multiple courses of PDT. We demonstrated temporary regression of endobronchial papillomas, but no change in parenchymal lesions. Recurrent endobronchial disease was most likely related to reinfection from parenchymal lesions inaccessible to PDT.

Medical and social factors as predictors of outcome in infant tracheostomy

We examined the relative impact of infant tracheostomy in comparison to associated medical and social factors, on developmental outcome as part of a cross-sectional follow-up of 32 children. These children had no mental retardation, physical handicap, or severe neurological problems, but had a history of long-term tracheostomy in infancy, ranging from 3 to 146 months duration. Medical factors evaluated included prematurity, neurological status, severity of illness, and number of weeks hospitalized. Social factors included parental education and occupation. Outcome measures included IQ, language quotient, growth parameters, and behavioral competence. Correlation analyses, stepwise multiple regression analyses, and t-tests were used. Early medical illnesses were significant predictors of cognitive, language, and growth outcome. Severity of medical complications at birth and the presence of any neurological problem predicted 49% of the variance in IQ at follow-up. Social class was the only variable to predict behavioral outcome, accounting for 28% of the variance. For children without confounding medical conditions, tracheostomy had a negative impact on overall language and auditory comprehension. Once children with confounding medical risk factors were removed from the sample, children with history of infant tracheostomy exhibited significantly lower overall mean language scores (106 versus 120), and lower mean language comprehension scores (104 versus 119) than a matched comparison group.

Upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar lymphadenopathy in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Head and neck manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are common and include diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy, cutaneous and mucosal Kaposi's sarcoma, mucosal herpes simplex infection, upper aerodigestivetractcandidiasis, and parotidlymphadenopathy and cysts. Recurrent otitis media and chronic sinusitis have been noted in the pediatric HIV population. We describe a patient with HIV-associated tonsillar and adenoid lymphadenopathy and upper airway obstruction. Pathologic analysis of the tonsillar tissue revealed severe lymphofollicular hyperplasia similar to that of other lymphoid tissue in HIV infection. The importance of symptomatic treatment of the airway obstruction is stressed.

Reye's syndrome: a case control study of medication use and associated viruses in Australia

The records of 49 cases of Reye's syndrome at three pediatric hospitals in Australia are compared with 94 controls. The diagnosis of Reye's syndrome was confirmed pathologically in 42 of 49 cases (86%). Aspirin or salicylate ingestion occurred in only 4 (8%), and paracetamol (acetaminophen) ingestion in 12 (24%) (P greater than 0.05 by chi-square analysis). Of the controls, 3 (3%) had taken aspirin and 39 (41%) had taken paracetamol. Associated viruses included paramyxoviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, adenoviruses, and occasional varicella-zoster (herpesvirus). No influenza A or B viruses were recovered from any patient. This case control study of Reye's syndrome in Australia confirmed a lack of association between aspirin ingestion and the development of Reye's syndrome.

Endotracheal epinephrine is unreliable

When intravenous access cannot be obtained in an emergency, the endotracheal route of emergency drug administration can be used for epinephrine, atropine, and lidocaine. Optimal drug dosages for endotracheal administration as well as the amount and type of diluent are presently unknown. We compared central intravenous, peripheral intravenous, intraosseous, and intratracheal administration of epinephrine 1:10,000 in both normotensive and hemorrhagic shock dogs. The shock model consisted of 50% blood volume depletion over 15 min. Epinephrine was administered in a dose of 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 cc/kg) by the intraosseous route, central, and peripheral intravenous routes followed by a 5 cc normal saline flush. Intratracheal administration consisted of epinephrine 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg diluted 1:1 and 1:2 with normal saline or sterile water and administered deep into the tracheo-bronchial tree using a 30-cm catheter. The effect of epinephrine was assessed by the response of the arterial blood pressure. Epinephrine was equally effective by the intraosseous, central intravenous, and peripheral intravenous routes in terms of time to onset of action, time to peak effect, and magnitude of effect on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures in both the shock and non-shock animals. The duration of effect was significantly longer (P less than 0.02) for the intraosseous route of administration. The endotracheal route of administration was unreliable and not reproducible in either the normotensive or shock animals. In 8/12 episodes in normotensive animals, including 5 trials with double doses of 0.02 mg/kg and dilutions of 1:1 and 1:2, and in 4/9 studies with shock animals including three with double doses, there was no discernable response of systolic or diastolic blood pressure.