Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2012
An investigation into the prevalence and outcome of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with viral respiratory tract infections in Cape Town, South Africa.
To describe the prevalence and outcome of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with viral respiratory tract infections. ⋯ Viral respiratory tract infection is common in this pediatric intensive care unit associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which may relate to the high burden of comorbidity and HIV.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2012
The morbidity and mortality of patients with fungal infections before and during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.
To evaluate the prevalence of fungal infections (both pre-cannulation and post-cannulation) while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and the associated morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Fungal infection before or during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increases the odds of mortality and the magnitude of this effect is dependent upon age-group and timing of infection. This increased mortality was not the result of increased patient or mechanical complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. For patients with fungal infections pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 82%-89% demonstrated presumed clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Although the risk of mortality increased with fungal infections, it does not appear that fungal infection before or during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a contraindication to initiation or continuation of support.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2012
Comparative StudyCentral venous catheter-associated complications in infants with single ventricle: comparison of umbilical and femoral venous access routes.
Among infants with single-ventricle heart disease who require surgical palliation, central venous access is routinely obtained via the umbilical or femoral veins. Both routes are associated with potential complications, including thrombosis. We sought to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with umbilical venous catheter vs. femoral central venous catheter placement at the time of initial central venous access in this high-risk patient population. ⋯ In this population, initial placement of an umbilical venous catheter rather than a femoral venous catheter resulted in significantly lower risks of catheter thrombosis and iliofemoral vein occlusion. For femoral venous catheters, the prevalence of thrombosis, but not of iliofemoral vein occlusion, is proportional to the duration of catheterization.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2012
Comparative StudyParental involvement and kangaroo care in European neonatal intensive care units: a policy survey in eight countries.
To compare, in a large representative sample of European neonatal intensive care units, the policies and practices regarding parental involvement and holding babies in the kangaroo care position as well as differences in the tasks mothers and fathers are allowed to carry out. ⋯ This study showed that, although the majority of units in all countries reported a policy of encouraging both parents to take part in the care of their babies, the intensity and ways of involvement as well as the role played by mothers and fathers varied within and between countries.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2012
Role of immunoglobulin supplementation for secondary immunodeficiency associated with chylothorax after pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
To evaluate whether intravenous immunoglobulin was linked to a reduction in sepsis in patients with prolonged chylothoraces postpediatric cardiothoracic surgery. ⋯ Patients with prolonged, large-volume chyle loss had greater secondary immunodeficiency. Although the sample size was small and therefore able to detect only a large treatment effect from intravenous immunoglobulin, infectious outcomes were equal between the two groups.