Procedural Sedation Outside the Operating Room and Potential Neurotoxicity: Analysis of an At-Risk Pediatric Population

Gut Microbiota Influences Developmental Anesthetic Neurotoxicity in Neonatal Rats

BACKGROUND

Anesthetic exposure during childhood is significantly associated with impairment of neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, the causal relationship and detailed mechanism of developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity remain unclear. Gut microbiota produces various metabolites and influences the brain function and development of the host. This relationship is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Gut microbiota may influence developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity caused by sevoflurane exposure. This study investigated the effect of changes in the composition of gut microbiota after fecal microbiota transplantation on spatial learning disability caused by developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity in neonatal rats.

METHODS

Neonatal rats were allocated into the Control (n = 10) and Sevo (n = 10) groups in Experiment 1 and the Sevo (n = 20) and Sevo+FMT (n = 20) groups in Experiment 2, according to the randomly allocated mothers' group. The rats in Sevo and Sevo+FMT groups were exposed to 2.1% sevoflurane for 2 hours on postnatal days 7 to 13. Neonatal rats in the Sevo+FMT group received fecal microbiota transplantation immediately after sevoflurane exposure on postnatal days 7 to 13. The samples for fecal microbiota transplantation were obtained from nonanesthetized healthy adult rats. Behavioral tests, including Open field, Y-maze, Morris water maze, and reversal Morris water maze tests, were performed to evaluate spatial learning ability on postnatal days 26 to 39.

RESULTS

Experiment 1 revealed that sevoflurane exposure significantly altered the gut microbiota composition. The relative abundance of Roseburia (effect value: 1.01) and Bacteroides genus (effect value: 1.03) increased significantly after sevoflurane exposure, whereas that of Lactobacillus (effect value: -1.20) decreased significantly. Experiment 2 revealed that fecal microbiota transplantation improved latency to target (mean ± SEM; Sevo group: 9.7 ± 8.2 seconds vs, Sevo+FMT group: 2.7 ± 2.4 seconds, d=1.16, 95% confidence interval: -12.7 to -1.3 seconds, P = .019) and target zone crossing times (Sevo group: 2.4 ± 1.6 vs, Sevo+FMT group: 5.4 ± 1.4, d=1.99, 95% confidence interval: 2.0-5.0, P < .001) in the reversal Morris water maze test. Microbiota analysis revealed that the α-diversity of gut microbiota increased after fecal microbiota transplantation. Similarly, the relative abundance of the Firmicutes phylum (effect value: 1.44), Ruminococcus genus (effect value: 1.69), and butyrate-producing bacteria increased after fecal microbiota transplantation. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation increased the fecal concentration of butyrate and induced histone acetylation and the mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus, thereby suppressing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The alternation of gut microbiota after fecal microbiota transplantation influenced spatial learning ability in neonatal rats with developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity. Modulation of the gut microbiota may be an effective prophylaxis for developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity in children.

Virtual Reality Training for Pediatric Sedation Challenges: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Teaching the management of pediatric sedation-related airway concerns is challenging due to the time-sensitive interventions required and their infrequent occurrence. Recognizing this educational gap in the sedation experience, virtual reality (VR) was utilized to prepare learners and provide an immersive training experience in a controlled environment. Methods We describe simulation-based training using a VR environment, Enduvo Inc., an innovative software for medical trainees. This two-hour course creates a problem-based learning experience, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and develop a framework for managing these stressful and less commonly encountered situations. Results From 2019 to 2022, 35 learners participated in the sedation course. After completing the VR modules, all learners completed a blinded survey on their experience and preparation for sedation-related situations. Based on our initial data, self-reported confidence and preparedness in handling complex situations during pediatric sedation rated high, with an overall response rate of 100%. Learners reported improved confidence and self-preparedness after completing the modules. Conclusion VR for pediatric sedation training creates a distinctive learning environment due to its immersive nature and has been well-received. VR could be an effective method for educating residents and physicians in this specialized field.

FDG-PET/MRI in the presurgical evaluation of pediatric epilepsy

In patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, difficulties in identifying the epileptogenic zone are well known to correlate with poorer clinical outcomes post-surgery. The integration of PET and MRI in the presurgical assessment of pediatric patients likely improves diagnostic precision by confirming or widening treatment targets. PET and MRI together offer superior insights compared to either modality alone. For instance, PET highlights abnormal glucose metabolism, while MRI precisely localizes structural anomalies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the epileptogenic zone. Furthermore, both methodologies, whether utilized through simultaneous PET/MRI scanning or the co-registration of separately acquired PET and MRI data, present unique advantages, having complementary roles in lesional and non-lesional cases. Simultaneous FDG-PET/MRI provides precise co-registration of functional (PET) and structural (MR) imaging in a convenient one-stop-shop approach, which minimizes sedation time and reduces radiation exposure in children. Commercially available fusion software that allows retrospective co-registration of separately acquired PET and MRI images is a commonly used alternative. This review provides an overview and illustrative cases that highlight the role of combining 18F-FDG-PET and MRI imaging and shares the authors' decade-long experience utilizing simultaneous PET/MRI in the presurgical evaluation of pediatric epilepsy.

Management of esophageal button battery ingestions: resource utilization and outcomes

PURPOSE

Institutions are adopting the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guidelines for pediatric esophageal button battery ingestion (EBBI). Our objective was to evaluate the guidelines' impact on in-hospital resource utilization and short-term clinical outcomes in hemodynamically stable patients after endoscopic battery removal.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of all EBBI admissions from 2010 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on adoption of national guidelines: pre-guideline (2010-2015) and post-guideline (2016-2020).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were studied (pre-guideline n = 23; post-guideline n = 42). Compared with pre-guideline, post-guideline use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) increased (2/23 [8.7%]; 30/42 [71.4%]; p < 0.001). Post-guideline increases resulted for median days (IQR) receiving antibiotics (0 [0, 4]; 6 [3, 8]; p = 0.01), total pediatric intensive care unit admission (0 [0, 1]; 3 [0, 6]; p < 0.001), and total hospital length of stay (5 [2, 11]; 11.5 [4, 17]; p = 0.02). Two patients in the post-guideline group had delayed presentations despite normal imaging: one with TEF and one with aorto-esophageal fistula. All survived to discharge.

CONCLUSION

In EBBI cases managed using the consensus based NASPHAGN guidelines, we report increased resource utilization without improved patient outcomes. Further research should evaluate post-guideline costs and resource utilization.

Eutectic Mixture of Lidocaine and Prilocaine Decreases Movement and Propofol Requirements for Pediatric Lumbar Puncture During Deep Sedation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double Blind Trial

Deep sedation/general anesthesia is commonly used in pediatric oncology patients undergoing lumbar puncture (LP). Propofol is often used for sedation, with or without a narcotic. We hypothesized that eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) would allow for lower cumulative doses of propofol and less movement. We performed a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial in children undergoing sedation for LP. Standard initial weight-based doses of propofol and fentanyl were administered, with either EMLA cream or a placebo cream applied topically. The primary outcome was the total dose of propofol administered to each patient. We also tracked patient movement and complications. Twenty-seven patients underwent 152 LPs. Patients randomized to EMLA cream (n=75) were significantly more likely to receive a lower dose of propofol (2.94 mg/kg, SE=0.25, vs. 3.22 mg/kg, SE=0.19; P=0.036) and to not require additional propofol doses (probability 0.49, SE=0.08 vs. 0.69, SE=0.06; P=0.001) compared with patients randomized to placebo cream (n=77). In addition, patients with EMLA cream were significantly less likely to demonstrate minor or major movement. EMLA cream results in less movement and less propofol administration in pediatric oncology patients undergoing sedation for LP.

Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce sedation/general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used in paediatrics and requires the child/adolescent to remain still for 45 min or more. The long and narrow scanner gantry makes loud noises and may cause anxiety. To complete the procedure, children and adolescents are often sedated or receive general anaesthesia. Our primary aim is to determine whether nonpharmacological interventions designed to mentally prepare, support or distract children, and adolescents are effective in reducing the need for sedation and general anaesthesia.

METHODS

We will conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis by searching the following electronic databases: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and CENTRAL, as well as databases for ongoing trials. Eligibility criteria are based on the participants, intervention, comparator and outcome (PICO) framework. We will include intervention studies with comparator group(s) with no restriction on date. Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts, and three reviewers will assess the full texts of potentially relevant studies. Data will be extracted, and the methodological quality will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tools. If the data allow, we will perform a meta-analysis using a random effects model on the primary outcome, sedation/general anaesthesia. A narrative synthesis will supplement the statistical analysis. Quality of evidence for the primary outcome will be assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) approach.

DISCUSSION

Our findings will provide directions for future research and may guide clinicians in terms of which type(s) of intervention(s) to implement to reduce the use of sedation/general anaesthesia during paediatric magnetic resonance imaging.

Increasing and disparate use of neuroimaging for adults and children with non-traumatic headaches in the US emergency departments: Opportunities for improvement

BACKGROUND

Optimization of neuroimaging practices for headache is considered a national priority; however, nationwide patterns and predictors of neuroimaging use for headache in the US emergency departments (EDs) are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze temporal neuroimaging utilization trends for adults and children with non-traumatic headache in the US EDs and identify factors predictive of neuroimaging use in this patient population.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database for administrative encounter-level data analysis of a nationwide group of adult and pediatric patients with primary diagnosis of headache (ICD-9CM codes 784.0x, 339.xx, 346.xx) visited the US EDs between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2014. Temporal trends and independent predictors of neuroimaging use (e.g., patient and hospital characteristics, primary payment sources) were determined.

RESULTS

In 2006-2014, a weighted group of 18,146,302 patients with a primary diagnosis of non-traumatic headache visited US EDs. Advanced neuroimaging utilization increased from 18.6% (n = 350,777) to 34.8% (n = 756,895) in the total group, from 18.8% (n = 314,646) to 36.5% (n = 698,080) in the adult subgroup (+94.1%), and from 16.9% (n = 36,131) to 22.0% (n = 58,815) (+30.2%) in the pediatric subgroup (+87.0%) between 2006 and 2014. The strongest predictors of higher neuroimaging utilization were hospital location in the Northeast (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.67-3.76) or South (OR 2.42, 95% CI 2.03-2.88) regions. Lower utilization of imaging was associated with weekend ED visits (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.92-0.93), female gender (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.81-0.83), and Medicare, Medicaid, or self-pay (vs. private insurance) encounters.

CONCLUSION

Neuroimaging utilization in patients with headache in US EDs nearly doubled in 2006-2014, and was used in 34.8% of all ED encounters in 2014. Utilization was higher and increased at faster rates for adults than children. In US EDs, imaging for headache is preferentially performed on commercially insured and male patients, at urban hospitals, in certain geographic regions, and on weekdays, raising concerns regarding disparate imaging use.

Engaging patients and families in pediatric radiology

While patient and family-centered care (PFCC) is currently a hot topic in medicine, it has long been a specific focus of pediatrics. The concept of PFCC includes a change in culture where physicians and patients move away from paternalism and instead view patients and families as partners in care. Although there are many ways in which adult-focused radiologists can learn from pediatric radiologists as leaders in PFCC, there remain many opportunities for improvement for all radiologists.