Pediatrics
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We report on 6 infants who underwent elective surgery and developed postoperative encephalopathy, which had features most consistent with intraoperative cerebral hypoperfusion. All infants were <48 weeks' postmenstrual age and underwent procedures lasting 120 to 185 minutes. Intraoperative records revealed that most of the measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) values were <60 mm Hg (the threshold for hypotension in awake infants according to the Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines) but that only 11% of the measured SBP values were <1 SD of the mean definition of hypotension (<45 mm Hg) as reported in a survey of members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia in 2009. ⋯ Follow-up of these infants found that 1 died, 1 had profound developmental delays, 1 had minor motor delays, 2 were normal, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Although the precise cause of encephalopathy cannot be determined, it is important to consider the role that SBP hypotension (as well as hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, hyperoxia, and hypocapnia) plays during general anesthesia in young infants in the development of infantile postoperative encephalopathy. Our observations highlight the lack of evidence-based recommendations for the lower limits of adequate SBP and end-tidal carbon dioxide in anesthetized infants.
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Observational Study
Feasibility of critical congenital heart disease newborn screening at moderate altitude.
Consensus guidelines have recommended newborn pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). Given that newborn oxygen saturations are generally lower at higher altitudes, the American Academy of Pediatrics and others recommend additional evaluation of the screening algorithm at altitude. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of newborn pulse-oximetry CCHD screening at moderate altitude (Aurora, CO; 1694 m). We hypothesized the overall failure rate would be significantly higher compared with published controls. ⋯ Pulse oximetry screening failure rates at moderate altitude are significantly higher than at sea level. Larger studies with alternative algorithms are warranted at moderate altitudes.
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Review Meta Analysis
Dexamethasone for acute asthma exacerbations in children: a meta-analysis.
Dexamethasone has been proposed as an equivalent therapy to prednisone/prednisolone for acute asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients. Although multiple small trials exist, clear consensus data are lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether intramuscular or oral dexamethasone is equivalent or superior to a 5-day course of oral prednisone or prednisolone. The primary outcome of interest was return visits or hospital readmissions. ⋯ Practitioners should consider single or 2-dose regimens of dexamethasone as a viable alternative to a 5-day course of prednisone/prednisolone.
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Procedural pain assessment and management have been extensively studied through multiple research studies over the past decade. Results of this research have been included in numerous pediatric pain practice guidelines. ⋯ Despite the increasing availability of clinical practice guidelines for procedural pain in children, the majority are of average quality. More transparency and comprehensive reporting are needed for the guideline development process.
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Comparative Study
Variation in congenital heart surgery costs across hospitals.
A better understanding of costs associated with common and resource-intense conditions such as congenital heart disease has become increasingly important as children's hospitals face growing pressure to both improve quality and reduce costs. We linked clinical information from a large registry with resource utilization data from an administrative data set to describe costs for common congenital cardiac operations and assess variation across hospitals. ⋯ This study establishes benchmarks for hospital costs for common congenital heart operations and demonstrates wide variability across hospitals related in part to differences in LOS and complication rates. These data may be useful in designing initiatives aimed at both improving quality of care and reducing cost.