A comparison of three dose timings of methylprednisolone in infant cardiopulmonary bypass.

Although commonly used in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) optimal dose and timing of steroid administration is unclear. We hypothesized that early administration of a commonly used dose of methylprednisolone given the evening before surgery (ultra-early) would be more effective in decreasing CPB-related inflammatory response than when given at induction of anesthesia (early) or in pump prime (standard). This was a triple-arm, parallel, active control, superiority RCT including 54 infants <2 years old who were randomised to receive 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone at one of the 3 time points. Outcomes included alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (AaDO2) during, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-CPB, IL-6, IL-8 and reduced (GSH) to oxidized (GSSG) glutathione ratio (pre-ultrafiltration on CPB, end-CPB and 24 hours), PICU length of stay (LOS) and ventilator days. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a random effects regression model. The ultra-early group had higher Risk Adjusted Congenital Heart Surgery Score, lower age and longer CPB times than the other groups. No significant differences in AaDO2, IL-8, PICU LOS and ventilator days were observed between groups. Compared to the ultra-early group, the overall rise in IL-6 in the early and standard groups was lower, -27.8 pg/ml (95% CI -52.7,-2.9) and -35.3 pg/ml (95% CI -64.3,-6.34), respectively. GSH:GSSG was significantly lower in the standard group (-35.9; 95% CI -63.31,-8.5) at 24 hours post-CPB. Ultra-early administration of methylprednisolone does not improve AaDO2 post-CPB, nor diminish cytokine release. Lower GSH:GSSG in the standard group suggests less oxidative stress. However despite statistical adjustments conclusions are limited by the unbalanced randomisation of the groups.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

The aim of this paper is to review the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonates with severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The difficulties in identifying patients with fatal lung hypoplasia are highlighted and the role of adjunctive therapies on ECMO (surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, high-frequency ventilation and liquid lung distension) as well as the timing of surgical repair is discussed. Survivors of severe CDH who have been supported on ECMO have significant late mortality and morbidity. There remains a need for a randomized controlled trial of the role of ECMO in neonates with severe CDH.