Sedaghatian spondylometaphyseal dysplasia in two siblings.

Sedaghatian type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SSMD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia with only 24 reported cases to date. Despite the limited literature available, evidence suggests this is a multi-system disorder, with neurological and cardiovascular abnormalities reported in addition to the skeletal features. We report a new family with two affected siblings and detailed phenotypic description of the affected proband. Diagnosis in the neonatal period led to retrospective genetic diagnosis of a previous affected pregnancy that was terminated due to severe ventriculomegaly. We suggest that a diagnosis of SSMD should be considered when shortened long bones are found in combination with significant brain abnormalities.

Peripheral and Central/Intraosseous Vasoactive Infusions During and After Pediatric Critical Care Transport: Retrospective Cohort Study of Extravasation Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of adverse events related to vasoactive drug infusions administered via a peripheral venous catheter versus a central venous or intraosseous catheter. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: A pediatric critical care transport team, and the PICUs and regional hospitals within the North Thames and East Anglia regions of the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Children (up to 18 yr old) transported by the Children's Acute Transport Service receiving an infusion of a vasoactive drug (epinephrine, dobutamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The medical records of all children transported between April 2017 and May 2020 receiving a vasoactive drug infusion were reviewed and cross-referenced with the service critical incident database. The outcome measure was anatomic catheter-related adverse events (including extravasation) reported during transport or in the first 24 hours on the PICU. During the study period, the service undertook 3,836 transports. Vasoactive drugs were administered during 558 patient transports (14.5%). During 198 of 558 transports (35.5%), vasoactive drugs were administered via a peripheral venous catheter, with seven of 198 (3.5%) adverse events. One extravasation event resulted in tissue necrosis. The median time to injury after the infusion was commenced was 60 minutes (interquartile range, 30-60 min). During 360 of 558 transports (64.5%), vasoactive infusions were administered by central venous or intraosseous catheter, with nine of 360 (2.5%) adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: During pediatric critical care transport, we did not find a difference in prevalence of adverse events following the administration of vasoactive drugs via peripheral venous catheters or via central venous and intraosseous catheters.

Sepsis in children: state-of-the-art treatment.

Sepsis is a common, complex condition that requires early recognition and aggressive management to improve outcomes. There has been significant improvement in the management of sepsis and septic shock in the last decade; however, it continues to be a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and burden on healthcare services globally. Several guidelines with evidence-based recommendations for the management of children with septic shock and associated organ dysfunction have been produced with the objective of helping clinicians in various settings to provide standardised high-quality care. This article aims to increase awareness among all clinicians, including those working in emergency departments, general paediatric wards and primary care physicians, about the management of sepsis in children.

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation for Acute Viral Bronchiolitis: Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of PICU admission and a major contributor to resource utilization during the winter season. Management in mechanically ventilated patients with bronchiolitis is not standardized. We aimed to assess whether variations exist in management between the centers and then to assess if differences in PICU outcomes are found. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Three tertiary PICUs (Centers A, B, and C) in London, United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Patients under 1 year of age (n = 462) who received invasive mechanical ventilation for acute viral bronchiolitis from 2012-2016. INTERVENTIONS: None. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data collected include all sedative agents administered, 48 hour cumulative fluid balance and location of endotracheal tube (oral or nasal). Primary outcome was duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. A generalized linear model was used to test for differences in duration of invasive mechanical ventilation between centers after adjustment for confounders: corrected gestational age, oxygen saturation index, bacterial coinfection, prematurity, respiratory syncytial virus status, risk of mortality score and comorbidity. Baseline characteristics were similar, other than a higher risk of mortality score at center A and higher admission oxygen saturation index at center C. Center A was associated with utilization of the most benzodiazepine and opiate sedation, the fewest nasal endotracheal tubes, and the highest mean cumulative fluid balance at 48 hours.Center A had an adjusted mean duration of invasive mechanical ventilation that was 44% longer than center C (95% CI, 25-66%; p < 0.001).The majority of confounders had an association with the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation; all were biologically plausible. Corrected gestational age was negatively associated with the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation for preterm infants less than 32 weeks, but not for term or 32-37 week infants (interaction effect). This meant that at a corrected age of 0 months, a less than 32-week infant had a mean duration that was 55% greater than a term infant: this effect had disappeared by 8 months old. CONCLUSIONS: Between-center variations exist in both practices and outcomes. The relationship between these two findings could be further tested through implementation science with "optimal care bundles."