High-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric asthma exacerbation: two-year prospective observational study in intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common cause of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We described and analyzed the therapies applied to children admitted to a tertiary PICU because of asthma. Later, we evaluated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in these patients and compared their evolution and complications with those who received non-invasive ventilation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study (October 2017-October 2019). Collected data: epidemiological, clinical, respiratory support therapy needed, complementary tests, and PICU and hospital stay. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) only HFNC; (2) HFNC and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV); and (3) only NIMV. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were included (39 female). The median age was 2 years and 1 month. The median pulmonary score was 5. The median PICU stay was 3 days, and the hospital stay was 6 days. Children with HNFC only (56/76) had fewer PICU days (p = 0.025) and did not require NIMV (6/76). Children with HFNC had a higher oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ratio (p = 0.025) and lower PCO2 (p = 0.032). In the group receiving both therapies (14/76), NIMV was used first in all cases. No epidemiologic or clinical differences were found among groups. CONCLUSION: HFNC was a safe approach that did not increase the number of PICU or hospital days. On admission, normal initial blood gases and the absence of high oxygen requirements were useful in selecting responders to HFNC. Further randomized and multicenter clinical trials are needed to verify these data.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El asma es una causa frecuente de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). En este, cuadro el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) se ha visto extendido. En este trabajo se describe el tratamiento global en la UCIP ante el ingreso por asma en un hospital monográfico pediátrico y se evalúa la respuesta al uso de la CNAF, comparando la evolución de los pacientes con aquellos que recibieron ventilación no invasiva (VNI). MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional prospectivo (de octubre del 2017 a octubre del 2019). Se describieron epidemiología, clínica, tratamiento y soporte respiratorio. Para la comparación se crearon tres grupos de pacientes: 1) solo CNAF; 2) CNAF y VNI; y 3) solo VNI. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 76 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de dos años y un mes; la mediana de índice pulmonar fue 5. La mediana de ingreso en UCIP fue de tres días y de ingreso hospitalario, seis días. Los niños con solo CNAF (56/76) mostraron menos días de UCIP (p = 0.025) y no requirieron VNI (6/76). También mostraron mayor SatO2/FiO2 (saturación de oxígeno/fracción de oxígeno inspirado) (p = 0.025) y menor nivel de PCO2 (presión parcial de CO2) (p = 0.032). La VNI se utilizó primero siempre en el grupo que recibió ambas modalidades (14/76). No se encontraron diferencias epidemiológicas o clínicas entre grupos. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, el uso de CNAF no aumentó los días de ingreso en la UCIP ni de hospital. Tampoco requirió cambio a VNI. Al ingreso, una gasometría normal y bajo requerimiento de oxígeno permitieron seleccionar a los pacientes respondedores. Se necesitan más ensayos multicéntricos clínicos aleatorizados para verificar estos datos.

Shock and Myocardial Injury in Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What We Know. Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to myocardial injury and shock in children, likely the result of a severe inflammatory state, and can mimic Kawasaki disease. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of shock and myocardial injury in children with confirmed or suspeted COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain, including clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, disease course, and outcome. An extensive literature review is provided. METHODS: Retrospective case series including all children (age 1 month-18 years) admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in Madrid, Spain, between March 15 and April 30, 2020 with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and shock. RESULTS: Twelve previously healthy patients with shock, age 5 to 14 years, were included. All required volume resuscitation and 75% required vasoactive/inotropic support. Distributive shock was present on admission in 67% (n = 8), and 4 patients (33%) showed features of cardiogenic shock. Myocardial injury was diagnosed in 67% (n = 8) and ventricular dysfunction in 33% (n = 4). The most common symptoms on presentation were fever (100%), anorexia (100%), diarrhea (75%), and vomiting (75%). Five patients showed signs of Kawasaki disease but none met the criteria for the classic form. Laboratory findings revealed lymphopenia (83%), thrombocytopenia (83%), and increased inflammatory markers (100%). Respiratory status was not significantly impacted. Chest X-ray showed bilateral alveolar infiltrates in 7 (58%) and bilateral pneumonia in 3 (25%). COVID-19 was confirmed in 11 cases (92%). All received empirical therapy against COVID-19, thromboprophylaxis and immunomodulation. Median stay in the PICU and inpatient ward was 4.5 and 10 days, respectively. No patients died. CONCLUSION: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19 can mimic Kawasaki disease and lead to a combination of distributive and cardiogenic shock, probably secondary to a hyperinflammatory state that remains to be precisely defined. Treatment strategies include hemodynamic support, empirical therapies against COVID-19, thromboprophylaxis, and immunomodulation.