Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2015
Methodology of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference.
This article describes the methodology used for the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference. ⋯ The methodology described involved experts from around the world and the use of modern information technology. This resulted in recommendations for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome management, the identification of current research gaps, and future priorities.
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The unique characteristics of pulmonary circulation and alveolar-epithelial capillary-endothelial barrier allow for maintenance of the air-filled, fluid-free status of the alveoli essential for facilitating gas exchange, maintaining alveolar stability, and defending the lung against inhaled pathogens. The hallmark of pathophysiology in acute respiratory distress syndrome is the loss of the alveolar capillary permeability barrier and the presence of protein-rich edema fluid in the alveoli. This alteration in permeability and accumulation of fluid in the alveoli accompanies damage to the lung epithelium and vascular endothelium along with dysregulated inflammation and inappropriate activity of leukocytes and platelets. ⋯ The lack of studies in children is particularly problematic because the lungs and immune system are still developing during childhood and consequently the pathophysiology of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome may differ in significant ways from that seen in acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults. This article describes what is known of the pathophysiologic processes of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome as we know it today while also presenting the much greater body of evidence on these processes as elucidated by adult and animal studies. It is also our expressed intent to generate enthusiasm for larger and more in-depth investigations of the mechanisms of disease and repair specific to children in the years to come.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2015
Diagnostic Errors in a PICU: Insights From the Morbidity and Mortality Conference.
To describe diagnostic errors identified among patients discussed at a PICU morbidity and mortality conference in terms of Goldman classification, medical category, severity, preventability, contributing factors, and occurrence in the diagnostic process. ⋯ Diagnostic errors in the PICU are not uncommon and potentially cause patient harm. Most appear to be preventable by targeting both cognitive- and system-related contributing factors. Prospective studies are needed to further determine how and why diagnostic errors occur in the PICU and what interventions would likely be effective for prevention.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2015
Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Reduces Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation in Infants After Open Heart Surgery.
The inclusion of dexmedetomidine in the operative and postoperative management of infants with congenital heart defects has lessened the need for opioids that may cause respiratory depression. Our objective was to show that a dexmedetomidine bolus at or about the time of sternal closure is associated with a decrease in the use of mechanical ventilation in the immediate postoperative period. ⋯ The use of dexmedetomidine bolus in the operating room at the time of sternal closure in infants undergoing open heart surgery is associated with reduced need for mechanical ventilation in the immediate postoperative period.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2015
Timing of Death in Children Referred for Intensive Care With Severe Sepsis: Implications for Interventional Studies.
Early deaths in pediatric sepsis may limit the impact of therapies that can only be provided on PICUs. By introducing selection and survivorship biases, these very early deaths may also undermine the results of trials that employ standard consent procedures. We hypothesized that: 1) the majority of deaths in children with severe sepsis occur very early, within 24 hours of referral to PICU; and 2) a significant proportion of deaths occur before PICU admission. ⋯ This majority of deaths among children referred for pediatric intensive care with for severe sepsis occur within 24 hours. This has important implications for future clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving sepsis outcomes.