Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to organ donation: a case report.

Hemodynamic instability is a frequent complication in potential organ donors. Despite maximal medical therapy, it can lead to cardiac arrest with consequent loss of organs. In this study we present the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circulation (ECMO) as a bridge to organ procurement in a potential donor with hemodynamic instability. A 14-year-old girl who drowned in a pool experienced cardiorespiratory arrest with prolonged resuscitation. In the intensive care unit (ICU), she displayed hemodynamic instability requiring high doses of inotropis agents. After 60 hours for ICU admission clinical diagnosis of brain death, was established and consent for organ donation obtained. During the observation period, the hemodynamic instability worsened, requiring ECMO which was continued during transport to the operating room and during organ retrieval, totaling 3 hours. We retrieved liver, kidneys, heart valves and cornea. Liver and kidney transplantations were successfully performed in 3 recipients, all of whom displayed appropriate organ functions after 15 months. In conclusion, ECMO support of potential donors can be used to prevent cardiac arrest, preserve organs, and thus increase the number of potential donors.

Intraoperative intravenous administration of rFVIIa and hematoma volume after early surgery for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a randomized prospective phase II study.

BACKGROUND: Surgery of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially if performed early, can be complicated by rebleeding, a condition that can worsen the outcome. We evaluated the effect of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) on postoperative rebleeding. METHODS: In this randomized, open-label, single-blinded study, 21 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan were treated with intravenous rFVIIa (100 mcg/Kg b.w., N=13) or placebo (N=8). Hematoma volume was assessed using CT scan immediately, 18-30 hours, and 5-7 days after hematoma evacuation. The primary endpoint was a hematoma volume at 18-30 hours after surgery. All CT scans were evaluated at one center by the same investigator who was unaware of the treatment. Hematoma volume was measured using dedicated software. RESULTS: At baseline, the hematoma volume was 59.2±27.4 and 71.5±32.1 mL in the rFVIIa and placebo group, respectively. Hematoma evacuation resulted in significantly smaller ICH volumes that were similar in the rFVIIa and placebo group at 18-30 hours after surgery (15.9±14.2 mL and 18±15.1 mL, respectively; mean difference 2.1 mL, 95% confidence interval -12.1 to 16.2, P=0.76 (0.03 mL after adjustment for baseline value)). The frequencies of deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, troponin I elevation and cerebral ischemia were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, intraoperative, intravenous rFVIIa administration did not modify hematoma volume after early ICH surgery. However, the 95% CI was wide, which indicates considerable uncertainty. Therefore, our results do not disprove the potential benefit of rFVIIa administration, which could be shown in a larger study.

Pulmonary atelectasis during paediatric anaesthesia: CT scan evaluation and effect of positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP).

The case series consisted of ten children, ranged in age from one to three years (median 1.8 yrs), and in body weight from 10.2 to 13.5 kg (median 11.7 kg), in ASA class 1 or 2, all without lung disease. Having undergone general anaesthesia for cranial or abdominal CT scans, the patients were studied for pulmonary morphology. The first pulmonary CT scan was taken five min after induction of general inhalational anaesthesia; preoxygenation was avoided and an intraoperative FiO2

Location of central venous catheters in children by endocavitary ECG: A new technique.

A new technique to establish the position of a central venous catheter (CVC) by endocavitary ECGraphy is described. The principle is based on the fact that the catheter itself may be considered as an electrical conductor by means of its liquid content (saline solution), therefore acting as an exploring electrode. The intrinsic deflection of the P wave shows the proper position of the CVC tip at the sinus node level. The technique has been successfully utilised in 52 children needing antineoplastic chemotherapy and/or total parenteral nutrition, thus avoiding chest X-ray control, which is troublesome and potentially harmful in neonates and infants.