Acute fetal cardiovascular adaptation to artificial placenta in sheep model.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the acute cardiovascular adaptation of the fetus after connection to an artificial placenta (AP) in a sheep model, using ultrasound and invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic assessment. METHODS: This was an experimental study of 12 fetal sheep that were transferred to an AP system, consisting of a pumpless circuit with umbilical cord connection, at 109-117 days' gestation. The study was designed to collect in-utero and postcannulation measurements in all the animals. The first six consecutive fetuses were fitted with intravascular catheters and perivascular probes to obtain invasive physiological data, including arterial and venous intravascular pressures and perivascular blood flows, with measurements taken in utero and at 5 and 30 min after cannulation. These experiments were designed with a survival goal of 1-3 h. The second set of six fetuses were not fitted with catheters, and experiments were aimed at 3-24 h of survival. Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac anatomy and function, as well as measurements of blood flow and pre- and postmembrane pressures recorded by circuit sensors in the AP system, were available for most of the fetuses. These data were acquired in utero and at 30 and 180 min after cannulation. RESULTS: Compared with in-utero conditions, the pulsatility index at 30 and 180 min after connection to the AP system was reduced in the umbilical artery (median, 1.36 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.06-1.50) vs 0.38 (IQR, 0.31-0.50) vs 0.36 (IQR, 0.29-0.41); P < 0.001 for extreme timepoints) and the ductus venosus (median, 0.50 (IQR, 0.41-0.67) vs 0.29 (IQR, 0.22-0.33) vs 0.36 (IQR, 0.22-0.41); P = 0.011 for extreme timepoints), whereas umbilical venous peak velocity increased (median, 20 cm/s (IQR, 18-22 cm/s) vs 39 cm/s (IQR, 31-43 cm/s) vs 43 cm/s (IQR, 34-54 cm/s); P < 0.001 for extreme timepoints) and flow became more pulsatile. Intravascular monitoring showed that arterial and venous pressures increased transiently after connection, with median values for mean arterial pressure at baseline, 5 min and 30 min of 43 mmHg (IQR, 35-54 mmHg), 72 mmHg (IQR, 61-77 mmHg) and 58 mmHg (IQR, 50-64 mmHg), respectively (P = 0.02 for baseline vs 5 min). Echocardiography showed a similar transient elevation of fetal heart rate at 30 and 180 min after connection compared with in utero (median, 145 bpm (IQR, 142-156 bpm) vs 188 bpm (IQR, 171-209 bpm) vs 175 bpm (IQR, 165-190 bpm); P = 0.001 for extreme timepoints). Fetal cardiac structure and function were mainly preserved; median values for right fractional area change were 36% (IQR, 34-41%) in utero, 38% (IQR, 30-40%) at 30 min and 37% (IQR, 33-40%) at 180 min (P = 0.807 for extreme timepoints). CONCLUSIONS: Connection to an AP system resulted in a transient fetal hemodynamic response that tended to normalize over hours. In this short-term evaluation, cardiac structure and function were preserved. However, the system resulted in non-physiologically elevated venous pressure and pulsatile flow, which should be corrected to avoid later impairment of cardiac function. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Lung ultrasound protocol decreases radiation in newborn population without side effects: A quality improvement project / La implementación de un protocolo de ecografía pulmonar disminuye la radiación sin efectos secundarios: proyecto de mejora cualitativa

Objective To reduce radiation exposure in newborns admitted due respiratory distress based on the implementation of lung ultrasound (LUS). Design Quality improvement (QI), prospective, before-after, pilot study. Setting Third level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) level with 25-bed and 1800 deliveries/year. Patients Inclusion criteria were neonates admitted with respiratory distress. Interventions After a theoretical and practical LUS training a new protocol was approved and introduced to the unit were LUS was the first-line image. To study the effect of the intervention we compare two 6-month periods: group 1, with the previous chest X-ray (CXR)-protocol (CXR as the first diagnostic technique) vs. group 2, once LUS-protocol had been implemented. Main variables of interest The main QI measures were the total exposure to radiation. Secondary QI were to evaluate if the LUS protocol modified the clinical evolution as well as the frequency of complications. Results 122 patients were included. The number of CXR was inferior in group 2 (group 1: 2 CXR (IQR 1–3) vs. Group 2: 0 (IQR 0–1), p<0.001), as well as had lower median radiation per baby which received at least one CXR: 56 iGy (IQR 32–90) vs. 30 iGy (IQR 30–32), p<0.001. Respiratory support was similar in both groups, with lower duration of non-invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen duration the second group (p<0.05). No differences regarding respiratory development complications, length of stay and mortality were found. Conclusions The introduction of LUS protocol in unit decreases the exposure radiation in infants without side effects (AU)

Objetivo Reducir la exposición a la radiación en neonatos ingresados por distrés respiratorio mediante implementación de la ecografía pulmonar (EP). Diseño Estudio piloto, prospectivo, anterior-posterior, mejoría de la calidad. Ámbito Unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal (UCIN) de tercer nivel con 25 camas y 1800 partos/anuales. Pacientes Criterio de inclusión neonatos con distrés respiratorio. Intervenciones Después de una formación teórico-práctica en EP un nuevo protocolo fue implementado y aprobado siendo la EP la primera técnica de imagen. Para estudiar el efecto de la intervención comparamos dos períodos de 6 meses: grupo 1, con el protocolo de radiografía de tórax (RTX) (RTX primera técnica diagnóstica) vs. grupo 2, una vez implementado el protocolo de EP. Variables de interés La principal variable de interés fue la exposición total a la radiación. Las secundarias fueron la evolución clínica y la frecuencia de complicaciones. Resultados Se incluyeron 122 pacientes. El número de RTX fue inferior en el grupo 2 (grupo 1: 2 RTX [RIQ 1-3] vs. grupo 2: 0 [RIQ 0-1], p<0,001), con una menor dosis de radiación media por cada paciente que recibió al menos una RTX: 56 iGy (RIQ 32-90) vs. 30 iGy (RIQ 30-32), p<0,001. El soporte respiratorio fue similar en ambos grupos, con menor duración de la ventilación no invasiva y oxigenoterapia en el segundo grupo (p< 0,05). No hubo diferencias en el desarrollo de complicaciones respiratorias, días de ingreso o mortalidad. Conclusiones La introducción de un protocolo de EP en una unidad disminuye la exposición a la radiación sin efectos secundarios (AU)

Lung ultrasound protocol decreases radiation in newborn population without side effects: A quality improvement project.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce radiation exposure in newborns admitted due respiratory distress based on the implementation of lung ultrasound (LUS). DESIGN: Quality improvement (QI), prospective, before-after, pilot study. SETTING: Third level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) level with 25-bed and 1800 deliveries/year. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria were neonates admitted with respiratory distress. INTERVENTIONS: After a theoretical and practical LUS training a new protocol was approved and introduced to the unit were LUS was the first-line image. To study the effect of the intervention we compare two 6-month periods: group 1, with the previous chest X-ray (CXR)-protocol (CXR as the first diagnostic technique) vs. group 2, once LUS-protocol had been implemented. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The main QI measures were the total exposure to radiation. Secondary QI were to evaluate if the LUS protocol modified the clinical evolution as well as the frequency of complications. RESULTS: 122 patients were included. The number of CXR was inferior in group 2 (group 1: 2 CXR (IQR 1-3) vs. Group 2: 0 (IQR 0-1), p<0.001), as well as had lower median radiation per baby which received at least one CXR: 56 iGy (IQR 32-90) vs. 30 iGy (IQR 30-32), p<0.001. Respiratory support was similar in both groups, with lower duration of non-invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen duration the second group (p<0.05). No differences regarding respiratory development complications, length of stay and mortality were found. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of LUS protocol in unit decreases the exposure radiation in infants without side effects.

LUCAS (lung ultrasonography in cardiac surgery) score to monitor pulmonary edema after congenital cardiac surgery in children.

AIM: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) generates a systemic capillary leak syndrome with pulmonary edema. Lung ultrasound (LUS) could be useful to monitor it. Primary objective was to compare sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of chest X-ray and LUS to detect pulmonary edema using a new score (LUCAS). Secondary objectives were to evaluate correlation between LUCAS score and respiratory and inotropic support. METHODS: Prospective intervention study including patients <2 months admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after CPB. LUS was performed with a lineal probe, screening 3 points in each lung (parasternal, anterolateral and posterior area), pre and post-CPB. Pulmonary edema was evaluated clinically, through LUCAS score and with X-ray. RESULTS: 17 patients were included. LUS achieved higher sensitivity than X-ray to detect pulmonary edema (91.7 versus 44.0%) and greater predictive negative value (88.2 versus 53.3%). There was correlation between higher LUCAS score prior to surgery and longer mechanical ventilation. High values of LUCAS score after surgery correlated with longer CPB time, inotropic support, and FiO2 need. CONCLUSION: LUS detected pulmonary edema better than chest X-ray, with greater sensitivity and negative predictive value. LUCAS score was useful to predict more inotropic support and longer mechanical ventilation.Key notesCardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery, generates a systemic capillary leak syndrome with pulmonary edema.In this prospective study performed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, lung ultrasound detected pulmonary edema better than X-ray, with greater sensitivity and negative predictive value.LUCAS score was useful to predict more inotropic support and longer mechanical ventilation.

Delivery room ultrasound study to assess heart rate in newborns: DELIROUS study.

During neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room, heart rate guides clinical intervention, and although different methods have been evaluated as auscultation, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography, they have various limitations. This was a prospective observational study which aim was to evaluate the accuracy and speed of ultrasound for measuring neonatal heart rate compared with stethoscope, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography. Simultaneous determinations of heart rate using stethoscope, ultrasound, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography were performed. Fifty term newborns were included. There were no differences according to the turn on time of the ultrasound, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography (p = 0.666), but the placement time and the detection time from birth were shorter for ultrasound (p < 0.001). A stronger positive correlation was detected between ultrasound and electrocardiography at 90 (Rho = 0.926), and 120 s (Rho = 0.920) with p < 0.001. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of - 2.23 (p = 0.129) between ultrasound and electrocardiography at 90 s, and a bias of 0.44 (p = 0.092) at 120 s. Instead, the bias between auscultation and electrocardiography at 90 s was - 6.71 (p = 0.131), and at 120 s was of - 4.67 (p = 0.793).Conclusions: Ultrasound is a fast method to detect heart rate in the delivery room and has a good correlation with stethoscope and electrocardiography. What is Known: • During neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room, heart rate guides clinical intervention, and although different methods have been evaluated, they have various limitations. What is New: • Heart rate ultrasound is a good and fast method to detect HR in the delivery room with a good correlation with electrocardiography and stethoscope.

Early surfactant replacement guided by lung ultrasound in preterm newborns with RDS: the ULTRASURF randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate whether using lung ultrasound (LUS) scores in premature newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) allows for earlier surfactant therapy (within the first 3 h of life) than using FiO2 criteria. This was a randomised, non-blinded clinical trial conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit. The inclusion criteria were newborns with a gestational age of ≤ 32 weeks and RDS. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: the ultrasound group, administered surfactant based on LUS score and/or FiO2 threshold, and the control group, guided by FiO2 only. Fifty-six patients were included. The ultrasound group received surfactant earlier (1 h of life vs. 6 h, p < 0.001), with lower FiO2 (25% vs. 30%, p = 0.016) and lower CO2 (48 vs. 54, p = 0.011). After surfactant treatment, newborns in the ultrasound group presented a greater SpO2 (p = 0.001) and SpO2/FiO2 ratio (p = 0.012).Conclusions: LUS score allowed an earlier surfactant therapy, reduced oxygen exposure early in life and a better oxygenation after the treatment. This early surfactant replacement may lead to reduced oxygen exposure. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound scores predict the need for surfactant therapy in premature newborns. What is New: • This study shows that using lung ultrasound scores improves the timeliness of surfactant replacement compared with using FiO2 alone.

Refractory Cardiogenic Shock due to Enterovirus Myocarditis: Experience at one Institution / Shock cardiogenico refractario secundario a miocarditis por enterovirus: experiencia en una institución

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Papel de las exploraciones complementarias y de la monitorización domiciliaria en los pacientes de riesgo de episodio aparentemente letal, apneas y síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante / The role of complementary examinations and home monitoring in patients at risk from apparent life threatening event, apneas and sudden infant death syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los monitores de apneas detectan anomalías en la frecuencia cardíaca y respiratoria, sin utilidad demostrada para el diagnóstico de alteraciones respiratorias relacionadas con el sueño en los niños como se pensaba en su origen. OBJETIVO: Describir el tipo de pacientes que se monitorizan, durante cuánto tiempo y la evolución de los mismos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los pacientes con monitorización cardiorrespiratoria domiciliaria controlados, desde octubre del 2008 hasta septiembre del 2012, en consultas externas de un hospital materno-infantil de tercer nivel. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio fueron incluidos 88 pacientes, el 58% de ellos de sexo masculino, con una mediana de edad de 15,5 días y durante un periodo de 4,7 meses. El motivo de monitorización fue en un 20,5% por antecedente de muerte súbita, sin encontrar patología subyacente; un 25% por apnea de la prematuridad; un 20,5% por episodio aparentemente letal, y un 14.8% por atragantamiento. Otras causas suponen el 19,3% (apnea/hipopnea, desaturaciones y respiración periódica). De estos 3 últimos grupos, en el 50% se registraron eventos patológicos: reflujo patológico (9), apneas de la prematuridad (2), causa neurológica (3) y apneas de causa desconocida (10). CONCLUSIONES: La sospecha de apnea del lactante es un motivo de consulta que crea gran preocupación tanto a la familia como al pediatra. La monitorización domiciliaria es útil en la detección de alteraciones en la frecuencia cardíaca y respiratoria pero es necesario limitar sus indicaciones y realizar un buen seguimiento de estos pacientes, evitando el abuso de otras pruebas complementarias o tratamientos

INTRODUCTION: Home apnea monitors detect abnormalities in cardiac and respiratory frequency, but their use in the diagnosis of respiratory -related sleep disturbances in children has not been demonstrated, as was originally thought. OBJECTIVE: To describe the type of patients being monitored, for how long and their outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on patients with controlled home cardiorespiratory monitoring from October 2008 to September 2012 in the Outpatient department of a Maternity tertiary hospital. RESULTS: During the study period 88 patients were included, 58% of them were male, with a median age of 15.5 days, and followed up for a period of 4.7 months. The reason for monitoring was due to a history of sudden death without finding underlying pathology in 20.5%, 25% due to apnea of prematurity, 20.5% due to apparent life-threatening event, and 14.8% due to choking. Other causes accounted for 19.3% (apnea/hypopnea, desaturation and periodic breathing). Of these last three groups, pathological events were observed in 50% of them: reflux disease (9), apnea of prematurity (2), neurological causes (3), and apnea of unknown cause (10). CONCLUSIONS: Suspected infant apnea is a cause for consultation that creates a great deal of concern to the family and the pediatrician. Home monitoring is useful in detecting changes in cardiac and respiratory frequency, but is necessary to limit its indications and ensure proper monitoring of these patients, avoiding the abuse of other tests or treatments

[The role of complementary examinations and home monitoring in patient at risk from apparent life threatening event, apneas and sudden infant death syndrome]. / Papel de las exploraciones complementarias y de la monitorización domiciliaria en los pacientes de riesgo de episodio aparentemente letal, apneas y síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante.

INTRODUCTION: Home apnea monitors detect abnormalities in cardiac and respiratory frequency, but their use in the diagnosis of respiratory -related sleep disturbances in children has not been demonstrated, as was originally thought. OBJECTIVE: To describe the type of patients being monitored, for how long and their outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on patients with controlled home cardiorespiratory monitoring from October 2008 to September 2012 in the Outpatient department of a Maternity tertiary hospital. RESULTS: During the study period 88 patients were included, 58% of them were male, with a median age of 15.5 days, and followed up for a period of 4.7 months. The reason for monitoring was in a 20.5% due to a history of sudden death without finding underlying pathology in 20.5%, 25% due to apnea of prematurity, 20.5% due to apparent life-threatening event, and 14.8% due to choking. Other causes accounted for 19.3% (apnea/hypopnea, desaturation and periodic breathing). Of these last three groups, pathological events were observed in 50% of them: reflux disease (9), apnea of prematurity (2), neurological causes (3), and apnea of unknown cause (10). CONCLUSIONS: Suspected infant apnea is a cause for consultation that creates a great deal of concern to the family and the pediatrician. Home monitoring is useful in detecting changes in cardiac and respiratory frequency, but is necessary to limit its indications and ensure proper monitoring of these patients, avoiding the abuse of other tests or treatments.