Jonathan P. Duff

Part 6: Pediatric basic life support and pediatric advanced life support. 2015 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations

The Pediatric Task Force reviewed all questions submitted by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) member councils in 2010, reviewed all council training materials and resuscitation guidelines and algorithms, and conferred on recent areas of interest and controversy. We identified a few areas where there were key differences in council-specific guidelines based on historical recommendations, such as the A-B-C (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) versus C-A-B (Circulation, Airway, Breathing) sequence of provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initial back blows versus abdominal thrusts for foreign-body airway obstruction, an upper limit for recommended chest compression rate, and initial defibrillation dose for shockable rhythms (2 versus 4 J/kg). We produced a working list of prioritized questions and topics, which was adjusted with the advent of new research evidence. This led to a prioritized palate of 21 PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions for ILCOR task force focus. The 2015 process was supported by information specialists who performed in-depth systematic searches, liaising with pediatric content experts so that the most appropriate terms and outcomes and the most relevant publications were identified. Relevant adult literature was considered (extrapolated) in those PICO questions that overlapped with other task forces, or when there were insufficient pediatric data. In rare circumstances (in the absence of sufficient human data), appropriate animal studies were incorporated into reviews of the literature. However, these data were considered only when higher levels of evidence were not available and the topic was deemed critical. When formulating the PICO questions, the task force felt it important to evaluate patient outcomes that extend beyond return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). In recognition that the measures must have meaning, not only to clinicians but also to parents and caregivers, longer-term outcomes at 30 …

Examining Pediatric Resuscitation Education Using Simulation and Scripted Debriefing: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

IMPORTANCE Resuscitation training programs use simulation and debriefing as an educational modality with limited standardization of debriefing format and content. Our study attempted to address this issue by using a debriefing script to standardize debriefings. OBJECTIVE To determine whether use of a scripted debriefing by novice instructors and/or simulator physical realism affects knowledge and performance in simulated cardiopulmonary arrests. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, factorial study design. SETTING The study was conducted from 2008 to 2011 at 14 Examining Pediatric Resuscitation Education Using Simulation and Scripted Debriefing (EXPRESS) network simulation programs. Interprofessional health care teams participated in 2 simulated cardiopulmonary arrests, before and after debriefing. PARTICIPANTS We randomized 97 participants (23 teams) to nonscripted low-realism; 93 participants (22 teams) to scripted low-realism; 103 participants (23 teams) to nonscripted high-realism; and 94 participants (22 teams) to scripted high-realism groups. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 arms: permutations of scripted vs nonscripted debriefing and high-realism vs low-realism simulators. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Percentage difference (0%-100%) in multiple choice question (MCQ) test (individual scores), Behavioral Assessment Tool (BAT) (team leader performance), and the Clinical Performance Tool (CPT) (team performance) scores postintervention vs preintervention comparison (PPC). RESULTS There was no significant difference at baseline in nonscripted vs scripted groups for MCQ (P = .87), BAT (P = .99), and CPT (P = .95) scores. Scripted debriefing showed greater improvement in knowledge (mean [95% CI] MCQ-PPC, 5.3% [4.1%-6.5%] vs 3.6% [2.3%-4.7%]; P = .04) and team leader behavioral performance (median [interquartile range (IQR)] BAT-PPC, 16% [7.4%-28.5%] vs 8% [0.2%-31.6%]; P = .03). Their improvement in clinical performance during simulated cardiopulmonary arrests was not significantly different (median [IQR] CPT-PPC, 7.9% [4.8%-15.1%] vs 6.7% [2.8%-12.7%], P = .18). Level of physical realism of the simulator had no independent effect on these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The use of a standardized script by novice instructors to facilitate team debriefings improves acquisition of knowledge and team leader behavioral performance during subsequent simulated cardiopulmonary arrests. Implementation of debriefing scripts in resuscitation courses may help to improve learning outcomes and standardize delivery of debriefing, particularly for novice instructors.

Part 11: Pediatric Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

This 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) section on pediatric basic life support (BLS) differs substantially from previous versions of the AHA Guidelines.1 This publication updates the 2010 AHA Guidelines on pediatric BLS for several key questions related to pediatric CPR. The Pediatric ILCOR Task Force reviewed the topics covered in the 2010 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations and the 2010 council-specific guidelines for CPR and ECC (including those published by the AHA) and formulated 3 priority questions to address for the 2015 systematic reviews. In the online version of this document, live links are provided so the reader can connect directly to those systematic reviews on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Review System (SEERS) website. These links are indicated by a superscript combination of letters and numbers (eg, Peds 709). We encourage readers to use the links and review the evidence and appendices. A rigorous systematic review process was undertaken to review the relevant literature to answer those questions, resulting in the 2015 International Consensus on CPR and ECC Science With Treatment Recommendations , “Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.”2,3 This 2015 Guidelines Update covers only those topics reviewed as part of the 2015 systematic review process. Other recommendations published in the 2010 AHA Guidelines remain the official recommendations of the AHA ECC scientists (see Appendix). When making AHA treatment recommendations, we used the AHA Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence (LOE) systems. This update uses the newest AHA Class of Recommendation and LOE classification system, which contains modifications of the Class III recommendation and introduces LOE B-R (randomized studies) and B-NR (nonrandomized studies) as …

Part 6: Pediatric basic life support and pediatric advanced life support

The Pediatric Task Force reviewed all questions submitted by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) member councils in 2010, reviewed all council training materials and resuscitation guidelines and algorithms, and conferred on recent areas of interest and controversy. We identified a few areas where there were key differences in council-specific guidelines based on historical recommendations, such as the A-B-C (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) versus C-A-B (Circulation, Airway, Breathing) sequence of provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initial back blows versus abdominal thrusts for foreign-body airway obstruction, an upper limit for recommended chest compression rate, and initial defibrillation dose for shockable rhythms (2 versus 4 J/kg). We produced a working list of prioritized questions and topics, which was adjusted with the advent of new research evidence. This led to a prioritized palate of 21 PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions for ILCOR task force focus. The 2015 process was supported by information specialists who performed in-depth systematic searches, liaising with pediatric content experts so that the most appropriate terms and outcomes and the most relevant publications were identified. Relevant adult literature was considered (extrapolated) in those PICO questions that overlapped with other task forces, or when there were insufficient pediatric data. In rare circumstances (in the absence of sufficient human data), appropriate animal studies were incorporated into reviews of the literature. However, these data were considered only when higher levels of evidence were not available and the topic was deemed critical. When formulating the PICO questions, the task force felt it important to evaluate patient outcomes that extend beyond return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). In recognition that the measures must have meaning, not only to clinicians but also to parents and caregivers, longer-term outcomes at 30 …

A survey of American neurologists about brain death: understanding the conceptual basis and diagnostic tests for brain death

BackgroundNeurologists often diagnose brain death (BD) and explain BD to families in the intensive care unit. This study was designed to determine whether neurologists agree with the standard concept of death (irreversible loss of integrative unity of the organism) and understand the state of the brain when BD is diagnosed.MethodsA previously validated survey was mailed to a random sample of 500 board-certified neurologists in the United States. Main outcomes were: responses indicating the concept of death that BD fulfills and the empirical state of the brain that would rule out BD.ResultsAfter the second mailing, 218 (44%) surveys were returned. Few (n = 52, 27%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 21%, 34%) responded that BD is death because the organism has lost integrative unity. The most common justification was a higher brain concept (n = 93, 48%; 95% CI, 41%, 55%), suggesting that irreversible loss of consciousness is death. Contrary to the recent Presidents Council on Bioethics, few (n = 22, 12%; 95% CI, 8%, 17%) responded that the irreversible lack of vital work of an organism is a concept of death that the BD criterion may satisfy. Many responded that certain brain functions remaining are not compatible with a diagnosis of BD, including EEG activity, evoked potential activity, and hypothalamic neuroendocrine function. Many also responded that brain blood flow and lack of brainstem destruction are not compatible with a diagnosis of BD.ConclusionsAmerican neurologists do not have a consistent rationale for accepting BD as death, nor a clear understanding of diagnostic tests for BD.

The Apnea Test: Rationale, Confounders, and Criticism

The apnea test is recommended for the diagnosis of brain death. There are several reasons this test should be reconsidered. Confounding factors for performing the test are vaguely and poorly specified. The following 2 confounders are usually present and not considered: potentially reversible high cervical spinal cord injury and central endocrine failure of adrenal and thyroid axes. There are case reports of breathing at a higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide threshold and cases of recovery of breathing after brain death is diagnosed. The test is dangerous for an injured brain in the setting of high intracranial pressure. It can convert viable penumbral brain tissue to irreversibly nonfunctioning tissue via a transient increase in intracranial pressure and no-reflow phenomena. Hyperoxia during the apnea test can further suppress the function of medullary respiratory rhythm centers. Finally, the philosophical rationale for the need to show lack of spontaneous breathing in brain death is lacking.

Diagnostic accuracy of delirium diagnosis in pediatric intensive care: a systematic review

IntroductionDelirium is common in adult intensive care, with validated tools for measurement, known risk factors and adverse neurocognitive outcomes. We aimed to determine what is known about pediatric delirium in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).MethodsWe conducted a systematic search for and review of studies of the accuracy of delirium diagnosis in children in the PICU. Secondary aims were to determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with pediatric delirium. We created screening and data collection tools based on published recommendations.ResultsAfter screening 145 titles and abstracts, followed by 35 full-text publications and reference lists of included publications, 9 reports of 5 studies were included. Each of the five included studies was on a single index test: (1) the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAED; for ages 1 to 17 years), (2) the Pediatric Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (p-CAM-ICU; for ages ≥5 years), (3) the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAP-D; a modification of the PAED designed to detect hypoactive delirium), (4) the revised Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAP-D(R)) and (5) clinical suspicion. We found that all five studies had a high risk of bias on at least one domain in the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Sample size, sensitivity, specificity, and effectiveness (correct classification divided by total tests done) were: PAED 144, 91%, 98%, <91% (>16% of scores required imputation for missing data); p-CAM 68, 78%, 98%, 96%; CAP-D 50, 91%, 100%, 89%; CAP-D (R) 111, and of assessments 94%, 79%, <82% (it is not clear if any assessments were not included); and clinical suspicion 877, N/A (only positive predictive value calculable, 66%). Prevalence of delirium was 17%, 13%, 28%, 21%, and 5% respectively. Only the clinical suspicion study researchers statistically determined any risk factors for delirium (pediatric risk of mortality, pediatric index of mortality, ventilation, age) or outcomes of delirium (length of stay and mortality).ConclusionHigh-quality research to determine the accuracy of delirium screening tools in the PICU are required before prevalence, risk factors and outcomes can be determined and before a routine screening tool can be recommended. Direct comparisons of the p-CAM-ICU and CAP-D(R) should be performed.

Variability in quality of chest compressions provided during simulated cardiac arrest across nine pediatric institutions.

AIM The variability in quality of CPR provided during cardiac arrest across pediatric institutions is unknown. We aimed to describe the degree of variability in the quality of CPR across 9 pediatric institutions, and determine if variability across sites would be affected by Just-in-Time CPR training and/or visual feedback during simulated cardiac arrest. METHODS We conducted secondary analyses of data collected from a prospective, multi-center trial. Participants were equally randomized to either: (1) No intervention; (2) Real-time CPR visual feedback during cardiac arrest or (3) Just-in-Time CPR training. We report the variability in median chest compression depth and rate across institutions, and the variability in the proportion of 30-s epochs of CPR meeting 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for depth and rate. RESULTS We analyzed data from 528 epochs in the no intervention group, 552 epochs in the visual feedback group, and 525 epochs in the JIT training group. In the no intervention group, compression depth (median range 22.2-39.2mm) and rate (median range 116.0-147.6 min(-1)) demonstrated significant variability between study sites (p<0.001). The proportion of compressions with adequate depth (0-11.5%) and rate (0-60.5%) also varied significantly across sites (p<0.001). The variability in compression depth and rate persisted despite use of real-time visual feedback or JIT training (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The quality of CPR across multiple pediatric institutions is variable. Variability in CPR quality across institutions persists even with the implementation of a Just-in-Time training session and visual feedback for CPR quality during simulated cardiac arrest.

Does teaching crisis resource management skills improve resuscitation performance in pediatric residents

Objective: The effect of teaching crisis resource management skills on the resuscitation performance of pediatric residents is unknown. The primary objective of this pilot study was to determine if teaching crisis resource management to residents leads to improved clinical and crisis resource management performance in simulated pediatric resuscitation scenarios. Design: A prospective, randomized control pilot study. Setting: Simulation facility at tertiary pediatric hospital. Subjects: Junior pediatric residents. Interventions: Junior pediatric residents were randomized to 1 hour of crisis resource management instruction or no additional training. Measurements and Main Results: Time to predetermined resuscitation tasks was noted in simulated resuscitation scenarios immediately after intervention and again 3 months post intervention. Crisis resource management skills were evaluated using the Ottawa Global Rating Scale. Fifteen junior residents participated in the study, of which seven in the intervention group. The intervention crisis resource management group placed monitor leads 24.6 seconds earlier (p = 0.02), placed an IV 47.1 seconds sooner (p = 0.04), called for help 50.4 seconds faster (p = 0.03), and checked for a pulse after noticing a rhythm change 84.9 seconds quicker (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in time to initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p = 0.264). The intervention group had overall crisis resource management performance scores 1.15 points higher (Ottawa Global Rating Scale [out of 7]) (p = 0.02). Three months later, these differences between the groups persisted. Conclusions: A 1-hour crisis resource management teaching session improved time to critical initial steps of pediatric resuscitation and crisis resource management performance as measured by the Ottawa Global Rating Scale. The control group did not develop these crisis resource management skills over 3 months of standard training indicating that obtaining these skills requires specific education. Larger studies of crisis resource education are required.

Peripheral target contact regulates Ca2+ channels in the cell bodies of bullfrog sympathetic ganglion B-neurons

Tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry demonstrated that a single injection of 120 mg/kg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) reversibly disconnected bullfrog sympathetic ganglia from their peripheral targets. This was correlated with a decrease in sympathetic outflow to the eyes and a reversible decrease in pupil diameter. 6-OHDA did not damage the cell bodies of ganglionic neurons. Calcium channel current in ganglionic B-neurons, (measured at -10 mV; holding potential -60 mnV; Ba2+ as charge carrier; IBa) was reduced. It reached a minimum of about 40% of control amplitude 7-14 days after 6-OHDA injection and recovered to 73% of control amplitude after 63 days. 6-OHDA induced loss and recovery of functional sympathetic innervation of peripheral target tissues, as determined by measurement of pupil diameter, occurred at a similar rate. Thus, pupil diameter attained mininum values 7-14 days after 6-OHDA treatment and recovered to 81% of control after 63 days. The properties of Ca2+ channels in sympathetic neurons are, therefore, determined by continuity of contact with peripheral target. 6-OHDA also decreased the peak amplitude and duration of the afterhyperpolarization (a.h.p) that follows the action potential (a.p.). The rate of recovery of a.h.p duration was more rapid than the rate of recovery of peak a.h.p. amplitude. This may reflect known differences in properties of two types of Ca2+-sensitive K currents. IC and IAHP, IC, which is responsible for the peak amplitude of the a.h.p has a low affinity for Ca2+, whereas IAHP, which determines a.h.p. duration, has higher Ca2+ affinity.