Pediatr Crit Care Me
-
Pediatr Crit Care Me · Oct 2014
Observational StudyA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Corticotropin Receptor Gene Is Associated With a Blunted Cortisol Response During Pediatric Critical Illness.
The cortisol response during critical illness varies widely among patients. Our objective was to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes regulating cortisol synthesis, metabolism, and activity to determine if genetic differences were associated with variability in the cortisol response among critically ill children. ⋯ The A allele at rs1941088 in the MC2R gene, which encodes the adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin, ACTH) receptor, is associated with a low cortisol response in critically ill children. These data provide evidence for a genetic basis for a portion of the variability in cortisol production during critical illness. Independent replication of these findings will be important and could facilitate development of personalized treatment for patients with a low cortisol response to severe illness.
-
Pediatr Crit Care Me · Oct 2014
Predictors of acute symptomatic seizures after intracranial hemorrhage in infants*.
To determine the prevalence of acute symptomatic seizures in infants with supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage, to identify potential risk factors, and to determine the effect of acute seizures on long-term morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Despite seizure prophylaxis, infants with supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage are at high risk for acute symptomatic seizures. This is regardless of the etiology of hemorrhage. Younger patients, women, patients with parenchymal injury, and patients presenting with seizure are most likely to develop acute seizures. Although the benefits of seizure prophylaxis have not been studied in this specific population, these results suggest that it is an important component of acute care following intracranial hemorrhage.
-
Pediatr Crit Care Me · Oct 2014
Observational StudyLong-Term Dexmedetomidine Use and Safety Profile Among Critically Ill Children and Neonates.
To determine whether long-term dexmedetomidine dosing is associated with lower opioid and benzodiazepine use without risk of significant hemodynamic changes and/or withdrawal. ⋯ Hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine did not limit long-term use in this diverse population. After the addition of dexmedetomidine, opioid and benzodiazepine doses did not significantly escalate, and patients were more comfortable as evidenced by decreasing comfort scores. Withdrawal from dexmedetomidine may be an issue and manifests as agitation, tremors, and decreased sleep.
-
Pediatr Crit Care Me · Oct 2014
Fatalities Above 30,000 Feet: Characterizing Pediatric Deaths on Commercial Airline Flights Worldwide.
We conducted this study to characterize in-flight pediatric fatalities onboard commercial airline flights worldwide and identify patterns that would have been unnoticed through single case analysis of these relative rare events. ⋯ Pediatric in-flight fatalities are rare, but death occurs most commonly in infants and in subjects with a preexisting medical condition. The number of fatalities involving seemingly previously healthy children under the age of 2 years (lap infants) is intriguing and could indicate a vulnerable population at increased risk of death related to in-flight environmental factors, sleeping arrangements, or yet another unrecognized factor.