Effect of early vs. late tracheostomy on clinical outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Patients with COVID-19 infection can present with thrombosis in the setting of inflammation (thromboinflammation), presumably from endothelial dysfunction, or "endotheliopathy". Yu et al demonstrated in vitro that the spike protein subunit of SARS-COV2 acts as a potent activator of the alternative complement pathway (AP), one of three complement pathways within the innate immune system. Satyam et alreported the deposition of complement components on lung tissue of patients who succumbed to COVID-19, consistent with activation of classical and alternate pathways. These studies suggest complement dysregulation potentially causing endotheliopathy in COVID-19 patients. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial glycoprotein that plays two crucial roles in maintaining a healthy endothelium - as a natural anticoagulant and a negative regulator of complement. TM shed into the circulation due to endothelial injury can be measured in the plasma as soluble TM (sTM). Goshua et al showed elevated sTM in an adult cohort of patients with COVID-19. However, it is yet to be demonstrated if there is any correlation between endothelial injury and AP activation in COVID-19, or if either play a role in clinical outcome in the pediatric population. Objective: To 1) assess endothelial injury and AP activation in a cohort of critically ill pediatric patients with COVID-19 by measuring sTM and Ba (an AP activation product); 2) determine the correlation between endothelial injury and AP activation; and 3) analyze the utility of sTM and Ba in predicting pediatric clinical outcomes. Methods: We collected plasma samples of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 between Dec 2, 2020 and Jan 22, 2021 at Texas Children's Hospital. For controls, we collected plasma samples from pediatric patients undergoing preoperative clearance, all at their baseline state of health. sTM levels and Ba levels were measured in plasma samples using commercially available TM and Ba ELISA kits. sTM greater than 7.6 ng/ml (based on the assay range in adults) and Ba greater than 1080 ng/ml (based on data from adult healthy controls) were considered elevated. Data regarding demographics, length of ICU stay, clinical indicators of end organ damage- mechanical ventilation, dialysis, use of vasopressors, ECMO, mortality were obtained retrospectively via chart review. Inclusion criteria included all patients with a positive SARS-COV2 PCR admitted to the ICU. Exclusion criteria was age greater than 21 years, pregnant female, patients with known inflammatory or complement-mediated disorders. Statistical analysis: For sTM and Ba levels between control and COVID-19 patients, mean +/- standard deviation was calculated and significance determined with an unpaired t-test. Fischer exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson product-moment correlation tests were used for statistical analysis of clinical outcomes as appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 38 control patients and 33 COVID-19 patients were enrolled. Ba and sTM levels were both significantly higher in the COVID-19 pediatric patients compared to the controls (Fig. 1). Within the COVID-19 patient cohort, 61% (n=20) had elevated sTM and 42% (n=14) had elevated Ba levels. There was a moderately positive correlation between sTM and plasma Ba levels in the COVID-19 cohort (Fig. 2). Within the COVID-19 patients' cohort, though higher Ba levels were not associated with an increased rate of intubation, they were associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (p=.039) for those intubated (Table 1). Elevated sTM was associated with increased vasopressor use (p=.011). Although other clinical outcome variables did not reach statistical significance likely owing to small numbers, overall trend indicated worse outcomes in patients with elevated sTM. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that SARS-COV-2 activates AP and causes endothelial injury in children. The positive correlation between sTM and Ba suggest interplay between inflammation, coagulation and endotheliopathy supporting thromboinflammation in COVID-19. Higher sTM and Ba levels indicated worse clinical outcomes in children, but larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Sartain: Alexon Pharamaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Response Time in the Transport of Critically Ill Pediatric Patients to a Tertiary Critical Care Unit

10.1542/peds.140.1_meetingabstract.144 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Sindy Villacres ◽

Chhavi Katyal

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Response Time ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critical Care Unit ◽

Pediatric Patients

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Effect of timing of intubation on clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized cohort studies

Critical Care ◽

10.1186/s13054-021-03540-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eleni Papoutsi ◽

Vassilis G. Giannakoulis ◽

Eleni Xourgia ◽

Christina Routsi ◽

Anastasia Kotanidou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Icu Admission ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Detectable Difference

Abstract Background Although several international guidelines recommend early over late intubation of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), this issue is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect (if any) of timing of intubation on clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 by carrying out a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched, while references and preprint servers were explored, for relevant articles up to December 26, 2020, to identify studies which reported on mortality and/or morbidity of patients with COVID-19 undergoing early versus late intubation. “Early” was defined as intubation within 24 h from intensive care unit (ICU) admission, while “late” as intubation at any time after 24 h of ICU admission. All-cause mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) were the primary outcomes of the meta-analysis. Pooled risk ratio (RR), pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. The meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020222147). Results A total of 12 studies, involving 8944 critically ill patients with COVID-19, were included. There was no statistically detectable difference on all-cause mortality between patients undergoing early versus late intubation (3981 deaths; 45.4% versus 39.1%; RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.99–1.15, p = 0.08). This was also the case for duration of MV (1892 patients; MD − 0.58 days, 95% CI − 3.06 to 1.89 days, p = 0.65). In a sensitivity analysis using an alternate definition of early/late intubation, intubation without versus with a prior trial of high-flow nasal cannula or noninvasive mechanical ventilation was still not associated with a statistically detectable difference on all-cause mortality (1128 deaths; 48.9% versus 42.5%; RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.99–1.25, p = 0.08). Conclusions The synthesized evidence suggests that timing of intubation may have no effect on mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients with COVID-19. These results might justify a wait-and-see approach, which may lead to fewer intubations. Relevant guidelines may therefore need to be updated.

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Scoping review of augmented renal clearance in critically ill pediatric patients

Pharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy ◽

10.1002/phar.2617 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Denise H. Rhoney ◽

Samuel A. Metzger ◽

Nicholas R. Nelson

Keyword(s):

Renal Clearance ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Augmented Renal Clearance

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688 Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and COVID-19-Related Adverse Clinical Outcomes

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.686 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A269-A269

Author(s):

Vaishal Shah ◽

Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer ◽

Lu Wang ◽

Lara Jehi ◽

Cynthia Pena Obrea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Control Design ◽

Supplemental Oxygen ◽

Case Control ◽

World Health ◽

Invasive Ventilation ◽

High Flow Oxygen

Abstract Introduction The relationship of OSA and human coronavirus (COVID-19) in the pediatric population is unknown. We postulate that OSA is associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in children. Methods A retrospective review of 120 consecutive patients (<18 years) with prior polysomnogram (PSG) and COVID-19 testing from the Cleveland Clinic COVID-19 registry was conducted. Using a case control design of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pediatric patients, we examined COVID-19 and pre-existing OSA (dichotomized AHI≥1) using logistic (OR,95%CI) regression and as continuous measures: AHI, oxygen(SpO2) nadir, %time SpO2<90%) using linear regression(beta+/-SE). In those positive for SARS-CoV-2(cases only), we assessed the association of OSA and World Health Organization(WHO) COVID-19 clinical outcome composite score (hospitalization, requiring supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen, invasive ventilation/ECMO or death) using Wilcoxon rank sum test for ordinal data. Results Cases (n=36) were 11.8±4.4 years, 61% male, 27.8% black and 88.9% with OSA, while 85.7% of controls (n=84) had OSA. OSA was not associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 positivity: OR=1.33(0.40, 4.45,p=0.64). No significant difference between cases and controls for mean AHI 3.7(1.5,6.0) vs 3.5(1.5,7.1),p=0.91,SpO2 nadir 88.6±5.4 vs 89.1±4.4,p=0.58,%time SpO2<90% 0.05[0.00,1.00) vs 0.10 (0.00,1.00, p=0.65) respectively was noted. WHO-7 COVID-19 clinical outcome did not meet statistical significance in relation to OSA due to the low event frequency (p=0.49). Of note, those with OSA vs without OSA had a higher WHO-7 outcome score of 2 vs 0 and prevalence of hospitalization: 12.5 vs 0% respectively. Of hospitalized patients, the following was observed: 23% had moderate/severe OSA vs 4.3% mild OSA, 50% required supplemental oxygen and 25% required intubation/invasive ventilation. No deaths or readmissions were reported. High risk conditions included: 75% obesity, 50% asthma, 25% sickle cell disease and 25% hypoplastic left heart. Conclusion In this first report of which we are aware focused on COVID-19 in pediatric OSA, we use a case control design leveraging COVID-19 and sleep laboratory registries. Albeit not statistically significant, pediatric patients with OSA had a higher percentage of worse clinical outcomes. Larger network studies are needed to clarify whether poorer COVID-19 outcomes may be attributable to OSA or modulated via high risk health conditions. Support (if any):

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Evaluation of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients Prescribed Melatonin or Ramelteon

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/10600280211002054 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 106002802110020

Author(s):

Natasha Romero ◽

Kevin M. Dube ◽

Kenneth E. Lupi ◽

Jeremy R. DeGrado

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Receptor Agonist ◽

Hospital Length ◽

Hospital Length Of Stay ◽

Melatonin Receptor ◽

Observational Cohort ◽

Impaired Sleep ◽

Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Background: An impaired sleep-wake cycle may be one factor that affects the development of delirium in critically ill patients. Several small studies suggest that exogenous melatonin or ramelteon may decrease the incidence and/or duration of delirium. Objective: To compare the effect of prophylactic administration of melatonin, ramelteon, or no melatonin receptor agonist on the development of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of nondelirious patients in the ICU who received melatonin, ramelteon, or no melatonin receptor agonist. The primary end point was the incidence of delirium. Secondary end points included assessments of daily level of sedation and daily utilization of antipsychotic, sedative, and opioid agents. Results: No difference was observed in the incidence of delirium among the melatonin, ramelteon, and placebo cohorts (18.7% vs 14.3% vs 13.8%; P = 0.77). A difference was observed in the rate of agitation and sedation among the 3 groups, with the greatest observed in the melatonin cohort. Additionally, there was a difference in the use of propofol, dexmedetomidine, and opioids. Overall, there was no difference in clinical outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU or hospital length of stay. Conclusion and Relevance: Therapy with melatonin, ramelteon, and no melatonin receptor agonist resulted in similar rates of delirium in a mixed ICU population. Despite significant differences in agitation, sedation, and medication utilization, there was no differences in the clinical outcomes evaluated.

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