Incidence, Trends, and Outcomes of Cerebral Edema Among Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data regarding the incidence, trends, and outcomes of cerebral edema among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). METHODS: NIS database was used from year 2002 to 2012. Cases with primary diagnosis of DKA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) code 250.1 x. Cerebral edema patients were identified using ICD-9 CM code 348.5. We compared the baseline characteristics of both groups to estimate differences using the χ(2) test, Student's t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and survey regression depending on the distributions of variables. For trend analysis, the χ(2) test of trend for proportions was used using the Cochrane Armitage test via the "trend" command in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Multivariate odds ratios were calculated. P value for <0.05 was considered as significant for all analysis. RESULTS: In all, 205 (weighted n = 974) cases of cerebral edema were identified among 52 049 (weighted n = 246 925) DKA patients, which estimates the incidence of cerebral edema at 0.39%. Trends of incidence of developing cerebral edema increased almost 2 times, from 0.34 in 2002 to 0.64 in 2012 (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that both length of stay (LOS; 3 vs 2; P < 0.001) and cost of hospitalization ($10 530 vs $3953; P < 0.001) were statistically higher among those who developed cerebral edema. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that over the study period, trend in incidence of cerebral edema among DKA patients has increased. Patients with cerebral edema were found to have longer LOS and higher cost of hospitalization.

The first association of a primary amebic meningoencephalitis death with culturable Naegleria fowleri in tap water from a US treated public drinking water system.

BACKGROUND: Naegleria fowleri is a climate-sensitive, thermophilic ameba found in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost universally fatal, occurs when N. fowleri-containing water enters the nose, typically during swimming, and migrates to the brain via the olfactory nerve. In August 2013, a 4-year-old boy died of meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in a Louisiana hospital. METHODS: Clinical and environmental testing and a case investigation were initiated to determine the cause of death and to identify potential exposures. RESULTS: Based on testing of cerebrospinal fluid and brain specimens, the child was diagnosed with PAM. His only reported water exposure was tap water; in particular, tap water that was used to supply water to a lawn water slide on which the child had played extensively prior to becoming ill. Water samples were collected from both the home and the water distribution system that supplied the home and tested; N. fowleri was identified in water samples from both the home and the water distribution system. CONCLUSIONS: This case is the first reported PAM death associated with culturable N. fowleri in tap water from a US treated drinking water system. This case occurred in the context of an expanding geographic range for PAM beyond southern states, with recent case reports from Minnesota, Kansas, and Indiana. This case also highlights the role of adequate disinfection throughout drinking water distribution systems and the importance of maintaining vigilance when operating drinking water systems using source waters with elevated temperatures.

Posttraumatic superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis in a 2 years old.

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT) usually results from inflammatory, infectious, or malignant causes. This case describes a 2-year-old boy with severe prolapsing chemosis and proptosis due to thrombosis of the right superior ophthalmic vein resulting from midfacial and right orbital fractures 1 week after the initial trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging and internal carotid artery angiogram are essential in the diagnosis of SOVT. The literature on issues surrounding this case was reviewed with emphasis on the diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnoses, and management of posttraumatic SOVT.

Dexmedetomidine to treat lisdexamfetamine overdose and serotonin toxidrome in a 6-year-old girl.

A 6-year-old girl displayed symptoms of serotonin syndrome after accidental ingestion of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate). Dexmedetomidine was administered because of persistent neuromuscular hyperactivity and severe agitation despite initial therapy with benzodiazepines. Some children show a paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines, and dexmedetomidine has a possible role in the treatment of serotonin syndrome.

Intensive care unit course of infants and children after cranial vault reconstruction for craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis (CSS) results from the premature closure of one or more cranial sutures, leading to deformed calvaria at birth. It is a common finding in children with an incidence of one in 2000 births. Surgery is required in order to release the synostotic constraint and promote normal calvaria growth. Cranial vault remodeling is the surgical approach to CSS repair at our institution and it involves excision of the frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. The purpose of this article is to describe the post-operative course of infants and children admitted to our PICU after undergoing cranial vault remodeling for primary CSS. FINDINGS: Complete data was available for analyses in only 82 patients, 44 males (M) and 38 females (F); M: F ratio was 1:1.2. Patients (pts) age in months (mo) ranged from 2 mo to 132 mo, mean 18.2 ±-24.9 mo and weights (wt) ranged from 4.7 kg to 31.4 kg, mean 10.24 ± 5.5 Kg.. Duration of surgery (DOS) ranged from 70 minutes to 573 minutes mean 331.6 ± 89.0 minutes. No significant correlation exist between duration of surgery, suture category, patient's age or use of blood products (P > 0.05). IOP blood loss was higher in older pts (P < 0.05) and it correlates with body temperature in the PICU (P < .0001). Post-op use of FFP correlated with intra-operative PRBC transfusion (P < 0.0001). More PRBC was transfused within 12 hrs-24 hrs in PICU compared to other time periods (P < 0.05). LOS in PICU was < 3 days in 68% and > 3 days in 32%. Pts with fever had prolonged LOS (P < 0. 05); re-intubation rate was 2.4% and MVD were 1.83 days. Repeat operation for poor cosmetic results occurred in 9.7% of pts. CONCLUSIONS: Post-op morbidities from increased use of blood products can be minimized if cranial vault remodeling is done at a younger age in patients with primary CSS. PICU length of stay is determined in part by post-op pyrexia and it can be reduced if extensive evaluations of post-op fever are avoided.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in pediatric status asthmaticus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in children with status asthmaticus. DESIGN: Brief report. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit in two tertiary institutions. SUBJECTS: Children with severe acute asthma and hypercarbic respiratory failure. INTERVENTIONS: Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation using a bilevel positive-pressure (BIPAP) device. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three children, ages 9, 11, and 15 yrs, were treated for hypercarbic respiratory failure caused by status asthmaticus by using BIPAP. The duration of pediatric intensive care unit admission was 48 hrs, and the duration of therapy ranged from 12 to 17 hrs. Inspiratory positive airway pressure ranged from 10 to 14 cm H(2)O (0.98-1.37 kPa), with a mean of 12 cm H(2)O (1.18 kPa). Expiratory positive airway pressure ranged from 4 to 5 cm H(2)O (0.39-0.49 kPa), with a mean of 5 cm H(2)O (0.49 kPa). Pulse oximetry was monitored continuously until resolution of symptoms. The mean values for respiratory rate, pH, and CO(2) tension were compared at initiation, 3-4 hrs, and >12 hrs after beginning BIPAP. BIPAP treatment resulted in improved ventilatory status as shown by an increase in pH from a mean of 7.26 on admission to 7.38 after 3-4 hrs and after 12 hrs, respectively. However, respiratory rate showed a steady decrease from a mean of 31.7 breaths/min on admission to 24 breaths/min at 3-4 hrs and 19 breaths/min at >12 hrs of BIPAP therapy. CO(2) tension (Pco(2)) decreased from a mean value of 54.6 mm Hg (7.28 kPa) on admission to 36.4 mm Hg (4.85 kPa) at 3-4 hrs of treatment; the mean Pco(2) after >12 hrs of treatment was 39.8 mm Hg (5.31 kPa). CONCLUSION: In three children with status asthmaticus, BIPAP seemed to improve ventilation and gas exchange, culminating in resolution of hypercarbic respiratory failure. A prospective, randomized, and controlled study is required to determine its role in pediatric status asthmaticus.