Richard T. Fiser

2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of pediatric and neonatal patients: Pediatric advanced life support

This publication presents the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of the pediatric patient and the 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics/AHA guidelines for CPR and ECC of the neonate. The guidelines are based on the evidence evaluation from the 2005 International Consensus Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations, hosted by the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, January 23–30, 2005. The “2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care” contain recommendations designed to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest and acute life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems. The evidence evaluation process that was the basis for these guidelines was accomplished in collaboration with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The ILCOR process is described in more detail in the “International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations.” The recommendations in the “2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care” confirm the safety and effectiveness of many approaches, acknowledge that other approaches may not be optimal, and recommend new treatments that have undergone evidence evaluation. These new recommendations do not imply that care involving the use of earlier guidelines is unsafe. In addition, it is important to note that these guidelines will not apply to all rescuers and all victims in all situations. The leader of a resuscitation attempt may need to adapt application of the guidelines to unique circumstances. The following are the major pediatric advanced life support changes in the 2005 guidelines: There is further caution about the use of endotracheal tubes. Laryngeal mask airways are acceptable when used by experienced providers. Cuffed endotracheal tubes may be used in infants (except newborns) and children in in-hospital settings provided that cuff inflation pressure is kept <20 cm H2O. Confirmation of tube placement requires clinical assessment and assessment of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2); esophageal detector devices may be considered for use in children weighing >20 kg who have a perfusing rhythm. Correct placement must be verified when the tube is inserted, during transport, and whenever the patient is moved. During CPR with an advanced airway in place, rescuers will no longer perform “cycles” of CPR. Instead, the rescuer performing chest compressions will perform them continuously at a rate of 100/minute without pauses for ventilation. The rescuer providing ventilation will deliver 8 to 10 breaths per minute (1 breath approximately every 6–8 seconds). Timing of 1 shock, CPR, and drug administration during pulseless arrest has changed and now is identical to that for advanced cardiac life support. Routine use of high-dose epinephrine is not recommended. Lidocaine is de-emphasized, but it can be used for treatment of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia if amiodarone is not available. Induced hypothermia (32–34°C for 12–24 hours) may be considered if the child remains comatose after resuscitation. Indications for the use of inodilators are mentioned in the postresuscitation section. Termination of resuscitative efforts is discussed. It is noted that intact survival has been reported following prolonged resuscitation and absence of spontaneous circulation despite 2 doses of epinephrine. The following are the major neonatal resuscitation changes in the 2005 guidelines: Supplementary oxygen is recommended whenever positive-pressure ventilation is indicated for resuscitation; free-flow oxygen should be administered to infants who are breathing but have central cyanosis. Although the standard approach to resuscitation is to use 100% oxygen, it is reasonable to begin resuscitation with an oxygen concentration of less than 100% or to start with no supplementary oxygen (ie, start with room air). If the clinician begins resuscitation with room air, it is recommended that supplementary oxygen be available to use if there is no appreciable improvement within 90 seconds after birth. In situations where supplementary oxygen is not readily available, positive-pressure ventilation should be administered with room air. Current recommendations no longer advise routine intrapartum oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning for infants born to mothers with meconium staining of amniotic fluid. Endotracheal suctioning for infants who are not vigorous should be performed immediately after birth. A self-inflating bag, a flow-inflating bag, or a T-piece (a valved mechanical device designed to regulate pressure and limit flow) can be used to ventilate a newborn. An increase in heart rate is the primary sign of improved ventilation during resuscitation. Exhaled CO2 detection is the recommended primary technique to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement when a prompt increase in heart rate does not occur after intubation. The recommended intravenous (IV) epinephrine dose is 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg per dose. Higher IV doses are not recommended, and IV administration is the preferred route. Although access is being obtained, administration of a higher dose (up to 0.1 mg/kg) through the endotracheal tube may be considered. It is possible to identify conditions associated with high mortality and poor outcome in which withholding resuscitative efforts may be considered reasonable, particularly when there has been the opportunity for parental agreement. The following guidelines must be interpreted according to current regional outcomes: When gestation, birth weight, or congenital anomalies are associated with almost certain early death and when unacceptably high morbidity is likely among the rare survivors, resuscitation is not indicated. Examples are provided in the guidelines. In conditions associated with a high rate of survival and acceptable morbidity, resuscitation is nearly always indicated. In conditions associated with uncertain prognosis in which survival is borderline, the morbidity rate is relatively high, and the anticipated burden to the child is high, parental desires concerning initiation of resuscitation should be supported. Infants without signs of life (no heartbeat and no respiratory effort) after 10 minutes of resuscitation show either a high mortality rate or severe neurodevelopmental disability. After 10 minutes of continuous and adequate resuscitative efforts, discontinuation of resuscitation may be justified if there are no signs of life.

Changes in outcomes (1996-2004) for pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation

Objective: To assess the following hypotheses regarding mechanically ventilated pediatric oncology patients, including those receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and those not receiving HSCT: 1) outcomes are more favorable for nontransplant oncology patients than for those requiring HSCT; 2) outcomes have improved for both populations over time; and 3) there are factors available during the time of mechanical ventilation that identify patients with a higher likelihood of dying. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Free-standing, tertiary care, pediatric hematology oncology hospital. Patients: All patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation with a diagnosis of cancer or following HSCT from January 1996 to December 2004. Interventions: Bivariate and multivariate analysis. Dates of admission were grouped into time periods for analysis: 1996–1998, 1999–2001, and 2002–2004. Measurements and Main Results: There were 401 courses of mechanical ventilation (329 patients) analyzed. Forty-five percent of HSCT admissions (92 of 206) vs. 75% of non-HSCT oncology admissions (146 of 195) were extubated and discharged from the pediatric intensive care unit (p < .0001). Twenty-five percent of HSCT vs. 60% of non-HSCT admissions survived 6 months (p < .0001). Among admissions with an abnormal chest radiograph and a Pao2/Fio2 ratio <200, pediatric intensive care unit survival increased for each successive time period, with 45% of HSCT and 83% of non-HSCT admissions surviving during 2002–2004. In multivariate analysis of all study patients, Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores on the day of intubation, allogeneic HSCT, cardiovascular failure, hepatic failure, neurologic failure, a previous course of mechanical ventilation within 6 months, and the time period intubated were associated with mortality. With the exception of time period, these same variables were associated with mortality in multivariate analysis of only HSCT patients. Conclusions: HSCT patients who require mechanical ventilation have worse outcomes than non-HSCT oncology patients. Outcomes for both groups have improved over time. Allogeneic transplant, higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores, need for repeated mechanical ventilation, and concomitant organ system dysfunction are risk factors for death.

Outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) following refractory pediatric cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit

AIM To describe our experience using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in resuscitating children with refractory cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to describe hospital survival and neurologic outcomes after ECPR. METHODS A retrospective chart review of a consecutive case series of patients requiring ECPR from 2001 to 2006 at Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Data from medical records was abstracted and reviewed. Primary study outcomes were survival to hospital discharge and neurological outcome at hospital discharge. RESULTS During the 6-year study period, ECPR was deployed 34 times in 32 patients. 24 deployments (73%) resulted in survival to hospital discharge. Twenty-eight deployments (82%) were for underlying cardiac disease, 3 for neonatal non-cardiac (NICU) patients and 3 for paediatric non-cardiac (PICU) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only serum ALT (p-value=0.043; OR, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.014-2.527) was significantly associated with risk of death prior to hospital discharge. Blood lactate at 24h post-ECPR showed a trend towards significance (p-value=0.059; OR, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.991-1.627). The Hosmer-Lemeshow tests (p-value=0.178) suggested a good fit for the model. Neurological evaluation of the survivors revealed that there was no change in PCPC scores from a baseline of 1-2 in 18/24 (75%) survivors. CONCLUSIONS ECPR can be used successfully to resuscitate children following refractory cardiac arrest in the ICU, and grossly intact neurologic outcomes can be achieved in a majority of cases.

Tibial length following intraosseous infusion: a prospective, radiographic analysis.

Intraosseous infusion is a well accepted means of obtaining emergency intravascular access in children. Despite the low incidence of serious complications from intraosseous infusions, the potential exists for growth plate injury and subsequent growth disturbance following intraosseous infusion. We conducted a prospective, blinded observational study of 10 subjects to evaluate tibial length discrepancy radiographically one year or more following intraosseous infusion. We found no significant difference in mean tibial length between the legs that had intraosseous infusions and the opposite legs, which served as controls. We conclude that intraosseous infusion does not appear to produce subsequent leg length discrepancy one year after infusion.

Single-institution experience with interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport: A descriptive study.

Objective: Patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not available in all medical centers. We report our institutions nearly 20-yr experience with interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Quaternary care childrens hospital. Patients: All patients undergoing interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport by the Arkansas Childrens Hospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation team. Interventions: Data (age, weight, diagnosis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course, hospital course, mode of transport, and outcome) were obtained and compared with the most recent Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry report. Results: Interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport was provided to 112 patients from 1990 to 2008. Eight were transferred between outside facilities (TAXI group); 104 were transported to our hospital (RETURN group). Transport was by helicopter (75%), ground (12.5%), and fixed wing (12.5%). No patient died during transport. Indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in RETURN patients were cardiac failure in 46% (48 of 104), neonatal respiratory failure in 34% (35 of 104), and other respiratory failure in 20% (21 of 104). Overall survival from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the RETURN group was 71% (74 of 104); overall survival to discharge was 58% (61 of 104). Patients with cardiac failure had a 46% (22 of 48) rate of survival to discharge. Neonates with respiratory failure had an 80% (28 of 35) rate of survival to discharge. Other patients with respiratory failure had a 62% (13 of 21) rate of survival to discharge. None of these survival rates were statistically different from survival rates for in-house extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients or for survival rates reported in the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry (p > .1 for all comparisons). Conclusions: Outcomes of patients transported by an experienced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation team to a busy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation center are very comparable to outcomes of nontransported extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients as reported in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. As has been previously reported, interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport is feasible and can be accomplished safely. Other experienced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers may want to consider developing interhospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transport capabilities to better serve patients in different geographic regions.

Hemolysis during cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case-control comparison of roller pumps and centrifugal pumps in a pediatric population.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy, which has been used for the support of children with a broad range of diseases. Two pumps of differing mechanisms have been used to generate the extracorporeal flow: roller-head pumps and centrifugal pumps. Seven patients supported during ECMO with Levitronix Centrimag (Centrimag group [CG]) were matched to 14 patients supported with Stockert-Shiley SIII (Stockert-Shiley group [SSG]) at a single institution from July 2007 to July 2009. We hypothesized that hemolysis as measured by plasma-free hemoglobin (PFH) is elevated in the SSG versus the CG during cardiac ECMO. Categorical data were analyzed using Fishers exact test. Plasma-free hemoglobin differences between groups were analyzed using both Wilcoxon rank sum and beta regression. Overall, SSG patients had two times the odds of having a higher PFH than CG patients adjusting for repeated measures (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.15–3.34], p < 0.014). Differences between circuit failure in the first 168 hours did not reach statistical significance (1/7 CG vs. 7/14 SSG; p = 0.174). In this population of cardiac patients requiring ECMO support, more hemolysis occurred in the SSG, a roller-head pump supported group, when compared with the CG, a centrifugal pump supported group. Differences in circuit life did not reach statistical significance. This pilot study contrasts with past studies, which have demonstrated more hemolysis occurring with centrifugal pumps when compared with roller-head pumps.

Interhospital transport of children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for cardiac dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE Many centers are able to emergently deploy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as support in children with refractory hemodynamic instability, but may be limited in their ability to provide prolonged circulatory support or cardiac transplantation. Such patients may require interhospital transport while on ECMO (cardiac mobile [CM]-ECMO) for additional hemodynamic support or therapy. There are only three centers in the United States that routinely perform CM-ECMO. Our center has a 20-year experience in carrying out such transports. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to review our experience with pediatric cardiac patients undergoing CM-ECMO and (2) identify risk factors for a composite outcome (defined as either cardiac transplantation or death) among children undergoing CM-ECMO. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING Cardiovascular intensive care and pediatric transport system. PATIENTS Children (n = 37) from 0-18 years undergoing CM-ECMO transports (n = 38) between January 1990 and September 2005. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 38 CM-ECMO transports were performed for congenital heart disease (n = 22), cardiomyopathy (n = 11), and sepsis with myocardial dysfunction (n = 4). There were 18 survivors to hospital discharge. Twenty-two patients were transported a distance of more than 300 miles from our institution. Ten patients were previously cannulated and on ECMO prior to transport. Thirty-five patients were transported by air and two by ground. Six patients underwent cardiac transplantation, all of whom survived to discharge. After adjusting for other covariates post-CM-ECMO renal support was the only variable associated with the composite outcome of death/need for cardiac transplant (odds ratio = 13.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.60--108.90; P = 0.003). There were two minor complications (equipment failure/dysfunction) and no major complications or deaths during transport. CONCLUSIONS Air and ground CM-ECMO transport of pediatric patients with refractory myocardial dysfunction is safe and effective. In our study cohort, the need for post-CM-ECMO renal support was associated with the composite outcome of death/need for cardiac transplant.

Enhanced monitoring improves pediatric transport outcomes: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The “golden-hour” concept has led to emphasis on speed of patient delivery during pediatric interfacility transport. Timely intervention, in addition to enhanced monitoring during transport, is the key to improved outcomes in critically ill patients. Taking the ICU to the patient may be more beneficial than rapid delivery to a tertiary care center. METHODS: The Improved Monitoring During Pediatric Interfacility Transport trial was the first randomized controlled trial in the out-of-hospital pediatric transport environment. It was designed to determine the impact of improved blood pressure monitoring during pediatric interfacility transport and the effect on clinical outcomes in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and moderate-to-severe head trauma. Patients in the control group had their blood pressure monitored intermittently with an oscillometric device; those in the intervention group had their blood pressure monitored every 12 to 15 cardiac contractions with a near-continuous, noninvasive device. RESULTS: Between May 2006 and June 2007, 1995, consecutive transport patients were screened, and 94 were enrolled (48 control, 46 intervention). Patients in the intervention group received more intravenous fluid (19.8 ± 22.2 vs 9.9 ± 9.9 mL/kg; P = .01), had a shorter hospital stay (6.8 ± 7.8 vs 10.9 ± 13.4 days; P = .04), and had less organ dysfunction (18 of 206 vs 32 of 202 PICU days; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Improved monitoring during pediatric transport has the potential to improve outcomes of critically ill children. Clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials, can be accomplished during pediatric transport. Future studies should evaluate optimal equipment, protocols, procedures, and interventions during pediatric transport, aimed at improving the clinical and functional outcomes of critically ill patients.

Antithrombin III supplementation on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: impact on heparin dose and circuit life.

Antithrombin III (ATIII) is used during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) based on physiologic rationale and studies during cardiopulmonary bypass. In February 2008, our institution began using ATIII as replacement for low ATIII activity (<70%) in patients supported with ECMO. We hypothesized that ATIII supplementation would reduce heparin infusion rates, increase unfractionated heparin anti-Xa levels, and prolong ECMO circuit life. Data from 40 consecutive patients (45 deployments) requiring ECMO support for >72 hours with venoarterial ECMO from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2008, were collected. Antithrombin III concentrate was administered for ATIII activity <70% at the discretion of the attending physician. The primary outcome was whether the heparin infusion rate was reduced by 10% or more as a result of ATIII administration. No difference in heparin infusion rate (p = 0.245) as a result of ATIII administration was observed. Anti-Xa levels were lower before ATIII administration (p< 0.001) and were increased after ATIII administration (p < 0.001). There was an increased frequency of circuit failure in ATIII treatment group compared with nontreatment group (p = 0.018). Neither heparin responsiveness nor circuit life was enhanced by daily ATIII supplementation for activity <70%. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of antithrombin replacement.

Unfractionated heparin activity measured by anti-factor Xa levels is associated with the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit/membrane oxygenator change: a retrospective pediatric study.

Objective: Investigate whether anti-Factor Xa levels are associated with the need for change of circuit/membrane oxygenator secondary to thrombus formation in pediatric patients. Design and Settings: Retrospective single institution study. Patients: Retrospective record review of 62 pediatric patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2009 to 2011. Interventions: Data on standard demographic characteristics, indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, activated clotting time measurements, anti-Factor Xa measurements, and heparin infusion rate were collected. Generalized linear models were used to associate anti-Factor Xa concentrations and need for change of either entire circuit/membrane oxygenator secondary to thrombus formation. Measurements and Main Results: Sixty-two patients met study inclusion criteria. No-circuit change was required in 45 of 62 patients. Of 62 patients, 17 required change of circuit/membrane oxygenator due to thrombus formation. Multivariate analysis of daily anti-Factor Xa measurements throughout duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support estimated a mean anti-Factor Xa concentration of 0.20 IU/mL (95% CI, 0.16, 0.24) in no-complete-circuit group that was significantly higher than the estimated concentration of 0.13 IU/mL (95% CI, 0.12, 0.14) in complete-circuit group (p = 0.001). A 0.01 IU/mL decrease in anti-Factor Xa increased odds of need for circuit/membrane oxygenator change by 5% (odds ratio = 1.105; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.10; p = 0.044). Based on the observed anti-Factor Xa concentrations, complete-circuit group had 41% increased odds for requiring circuit/membrane oxygenator change compared with no-complete-circuit group (odds ratio = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.96; p = 0.044). Mean daily activated clotting time measurement (p = 0.192) was not different between groups, but mean daily heparin infusion rate (p < 0.001) was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Higher anti-Factor Xa concentrations were associated with freedom from circuit/membrane oxygenator change due to thrombus formation in pediatric patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Activated clotting time measurements did not differ significantly between groups with or without circuit/membrane oxygenator change. This is the first study to link anti-Factor Xa concentrations with a clinically relevant measure of thrombosis in pediatric patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Further prospective study is warranted.