Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Here, we characterize the frequency, mechanisms, clinical impact, and potential treatment options for several arrhythmias commonly encountered in pediatric cardiac critical care. ⋯ Arrhythmias among children in the cardiac critical care setting are common and clinically important, associated independently with prolonged mechanical ventilation, critical care unit stay, and an increase in mortality. The precise characterization of an arrhythmia may provide clues as to an underlying mechanism as well as serve to guide treatment. Arrhythmia therapy, pharmacologic or otherwise, is directed toward addressing the underlying mechanism, and as such may be applicable to the treatment of more than one specific rhythm disturbance. Decisions concerning therapy must call into consideration an arrhythmia's underlying etiology, mechanism, and associated hemodynamic embarrassment, along with the potential for adverse effects of treatment.
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The objective of this article is to review the particular tendencies as well as specific concerns of bleeding and clotting in children with critical cardiac disease. ⋯ Children with critical heart disease are at particular risk for bleeding and clotting secondary to intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. We hope that this review will aid the clinician in managing the unique challenges of bleeding and clotting in this patient population, and serve as a springboard for much needed research in this area.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Aug 2016
Comparative StudyComparison of Intraoperative Aminophylline Versus Furosemide in Treatment of Oliguria During Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.
To determine if intraoperative aminophylline was superior to furosemide to prevent or attenuate postoperative cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury. ⋯ The intraoperative use of aminophylline was more effective than furosemide in reversal of oliguria in the early postoperative period. There were less renal replacement therapy-requiring acute kidney injury in children in the aminophylline group. Future prospective studies of intraoperative aminophylline to prevent cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury may be warranted.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Aug 2016
Decreasing IV Potassium in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care: Quality Improvement Project.
IV potassium supplementation is commonly used in the pediatric cardiovascular ICU. However, concentrated IV potassium chloride doses can lead to life-threatening complications. We report results of a quality improvement project aimed at decreasing concentrated IV potassium chloride exposure. ⋯ Protocolized potassium management in pediatric cardiac intensive care patients decreased concentrated IV potassium chloride exposure and incidence of hyperkalemia. Lower potassium treatment threshold for IV potassium chloride was not associated with increased arrhythmias.