Characteristics of postintensive care syndrome in survivors of pediatric critical illness: A systematic review

The Cognitive Status Scale: A Preliminary Investigation of Psychometric Properties in a Clinically Referred Pediatric Critical Care Sample

BACKGROUND

Cognitive morbidities persist after pediatric critical care. However, a significant gap exists related to measuring cognitive outcomes in this patient population due to heterogeneity in presentations and objective measures. This study's purpose was to develop a psychometrically sound coding system to summarize clinically generated and performance-based neuropsychological outcomes to be used for research.

METHODS

The work was conducted in two stages: (1) Cognitive Status Scale (CSS) development and (2) a retrospective pilot test in a clinically referred sample of post-critical-care youth aged 6-19 years (N = 110) to explore preliminary psychometric properties of the CSS.

RESULTS

Principal components analysis supported the CSS structure (capturing 59% of the total explained variance). Internal consistency (α = 0.82) and interrater reliability (r = 0.92) were good. Within the full sample, criterion-related validity was demonstrated as the CSS total composite score from long-term evaluation and was significantly correlated with abbreviated performance-based cognitive outcomes from the acute recovery phase (Neurocognitive Index, r = 0.74). Divergent validity was shown via significant differences on the CSS total composite score between known clinical groups (≥ 3 Functional Status Scale [FFS] change = 30.23 vs. ≤ 2 FFS change = 50.94, t = 4.10, p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.91) and across CSS clinical indicators (F3,106 = 8.4495, p =  < 0.001, η2 = 0.194). Bivariate correlations showed a significant association in the expected direction between the CSS total composite score and the Functional Status Scale total score (r =  - 0.44, p ≤ 0.001), as well as a significant association in the expected direction between the CSS total composite score and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition General Executive Composite (r =  - 0.29, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary evidence shows the CSS to be a reliable and valid measure for summarizing a clinically administered battery of cognitive assessments. Easy-to-generate metrics of performance-based cognition are essential to progress the state of the science germane to cognitive outcomes post pediatric critical care.

Patient follow-up after discharge from the paediatric intensive care unit: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Most children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) now survive because of improvements in care. Many studies have identified the psychological, functional, cognitive and social impact of PICU admission on a child and their family. However, expert recommendations on follow-up are lacking.

AIM

To identify the strategies of clinical follow-up after PICU discharge performed from 2001 to 2021.

STUDY DESIGN

This scoping review was undertaken between January and April 2021 using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL. The search strategy consisted of a combination of keywords, including PICU, post-PICU discharge and follow-up in articles published between 2001 and 2021. The results are reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and fifty-two articles were identified and 68 were analysed. Median age was 4.5 years and the two main reasons for PICU admission were cardiorespiratory failure and sepsis. Median length of PICU stay was 8 days. Most follow-up was carried out by research units (88%), while 6% of studies reported follow-up by a multidisciplinary PICU team. The most common follow-up schedule included an assessment at PICU discharge, and then at 3, 6 and 12 months. Follow-up for >1 year was reported in 20% of studies. One third of studies focused on follow-up quality of life and neurological outcomes. Parental emotional impact was assessed in 7% of studies.

CONCLUSION

Follow-up after PICU discharge was highly heterogeneous regarding timing, health care professionals involved and assessment methods. There is an urgent need for standardization and coordination of PICU follow-up because of the increasing number of patients impacted by a PICU stay.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Although most patients admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) now survive; they may develop paediatric post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-P). To our knowledge, there are currently no clinical guidelines regarding follow-up after PICU discharge. This review summarizes current approaches to follow-up after PICU discharge, including how it is carried out, who is involved and what the main aims of assessment are.

Mental Health Care for Children with Heart Disease and Their Families: Practical Approaches and Considerations for the Pediatric and Pediatric Cardiology Clinician

Mental health conditions are a common comorbidity among children living with heart disease. Children with congenital heart disease are more likely to have a mental health condition than their unaffected peers or peers with other chronic illnesses, and mental health risk persists across their lifetime. While poorer mental health in adults with congenital heart disease is associated with worse overall health outcomes, the association between mental health and cardiac outcomes for children with heart disease remains unknown. Despite this, it is suspected that mental health conditions go undiagnosed in children with heart disease and that many affected children and adolescents do not receive optimal mental health care. In this article, we review mental health in congenital heart disease across the lifespan, across domains of care, and across diagnoses. Further directions to support mental health care for children and adolescents with heart disease include practical screening and access to timely referral and mental health resources.

Caregiver Perspectives on Provider Continuity During Prolonged PICU Hospitalizations: A Single-Center Qualitative Study, 2021-2022

OBJECTIVES

To improve continuity of care, some PICUs assign a continuity attending (CA) physician for children with prolonged hospitalizations. Little is known about how this intervention impacts familial caregivers' experiences. The objective of this study was to provide in-depth descriptions of family perspectives about continuity of care during prolonged PICU hospitalizations for children with and without a PICU CA.

DESIGN

Qualitative semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

Single center cohort, from October 2021 to December 2022, at an academic PICU in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Familial caregivers (n = 39) of critically ill children hospitalized in the PICU for greater than or equal to 14 days were purposively sampled, stratified by group: 18 with a PICU CA and 21 without a PICU CA.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed in the context of the continuity of care model using a realist thematic approach. Familial caregivers described six themes related to relational, informational, and management continuity: 1) familiar providers who demonstrate empathy for the child improve family members' comfort and trust (Relational); 2) providers who know and use a child's baseline health status to inform clinical decision-making alleviate family members' stress (Relational, Management); 3) information loss during care team transitions frustrates families (Informational, Management); 4) known providers enhance caregiver communication (Informational); 5) familiar providers who value a family's expertise about their child's care (Relational, Management); and 6) take responsibility for the child's long-term care plan (Management) decrease parental stress.

CONCLUSIONS

As PICU patient medical complexity and length of stay increase, familial caregivers' needs transition from understanding day-to-day management to navigating care team transitions and partnering with providers to develop long-term care plans. Targeted interventions to increase provider continuity that consider relational, informational, and management continuity are needed to optimize patient outcomes and family experiences.

Neurodevelopmental outcome and quality of life in children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit: A single-centre Australian cohort study

BACKGROUND

The development of new morbidities has become increasingly identified in paediatric critical care medicine. To date, there has been limited research of long-term outcomes following paediatric critical illness in Australia.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to quantify neurodevelopmental impairments in children following paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) discharge and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

A single-centre ambidirectional cohort study at an Australian hospital. Parents of children admitted to the PICU between 2015 and 2017 were invited to participate. Neurodevelopmental outcome and HRQoL was prospectively evaluated, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (<5 years), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (≥5 years), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 230 parents of critically ill children participated. Children were 1.9 years old (median, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.2, 7.5), male (59.6%), and ventilated (49.1%) at PICU admission. The median time to follow-up was 24.4 months (IQR: 16.3, 36.7). Parent respondents were more likely to be female (85.5%), White (88.3%), and partnered (81.1%). The incidence of overall neurodevelopmental impairment was 30% (33% in children aged <5 years; 24% in children aged ≥5 years). The incidence of poor HRQoL was 37.9%. History of developmental delay was independently associated with overall neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.21, 95% confidence interval: 2.05, 8.63) and poor HRQoL (aOR: 7.29, 95% confidence interval: 3.26, 16.27). Two or more PICU admissions (aOR: 4.10, IQR: 1.82, 9.26) was also associated with poor HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first contemporary view of PICU long-term outcomes conducted in Australia and significantly informs ongoing research in this area. Approximately one-third of PICU survivors demonstrate neurodevelopmental impairment and reduced quality of life. Multiple domains of post-intensive care syndrome-paediatrics must be considered to have a comprehensive understanding of child outcomes. Assessment of baseline/premorbid functioning is also essential in order to understand the true impact of illness and PICU admission.

Post-intensive-care morbidity among pediatric patients in Thailand: prevalence, risk factors, and the importance of the post-intensive-care clinic

BACKGROUND

Long-term survival data for critically ill children discharged to post-intensive care clinics are scarce, especially in Asia. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of post-intensive-care morbidity among pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors at 1 month and 1 year after hospital discharge and to identify the associated risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all children aged 1 month to 15 years who were admitted to the PICU for >48 hours from July 2019 to July 2022 and visited a post-intensive-care clinic 1 month and 1 year after hospital discharge. Post-intensive care morbidity was defined using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC). Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 111 children visited the clinic at 1 month, and 100 of these children visited the clinic at 1 year. Only 39 of 111 children (35.2%) had normal PCPC assessments at 1 month, while 54 of 100 (54.0%) were normal at 1 year. Baseline developmental delays were significantly associated with any degree of disability and at least moderate disability at both time points. Mechanical ventilation for >7 days was associated with at least moderate disability at both time points, while PICU stay >7 days was significantly associated with moderate disability at 1 month and any degree of disability at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial percentage of PICU survivors had persistent disabilities even 1 year after critical illness. A structured multidisciplinary post-intensive-care follow-up plan is warranted to provide optimal care for such children.

Validation of the Survey of Sleep Quality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (SSqPICU)

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Observational data suggest pediatric intensive care unit-related sleep and circadian disruption (PICU-SCD) affects many critically ill children. Multicenter trials exploring PICU-SCD have been impractical because measuring sleep in this setting is challenging. This study validates a questionnaire for caregivers to describe children's sleep in the PICU.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, case-control study enrolled caregivers of children in 4 PICUs or in a hospital-based sleep laboratory (controls). Survey items were compiled from validated adult ICU and pediatric in- and outpatient sleep questionnaires. Control responses were compared to polysomnography to determine accuracy. A score was calculated by summing the level of disruption of sleep timing, duration, efficiency, quality, and daytime sleepiness and irritability.

RESULTS

In responses from 152 PICU and 61 sleep laboratory caregivers, sleep survey items had acceptable internal reliability (α = 0.75) and reproducibility on retest surveys (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.600). Caregivers could not assess sleep of sedated children. Factor analysis identified 3 subscales of PICU-SCD. Control parents had good agreement with polysomnography sleep onset time (κ = 0.823) and sleep onset latency (κ = 0.707). There was a strong correlation between sleep scores derived by parental reporting to those by polysomnography (r = .844, P < .001). Scores had a linear association with caregiver-reported child sleep quality. There were no site-specific differences in sleep quality. Nearly all respondents found the survey easy to understand and of appropriate length.

CONCLUSIONS

The Survey of Sleep Quality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provides a reliable, accurate description of inpatient sleep disruption in nonsedated children, generalizable across PICUs. It offers practical means to quantify PICU-SCD daily in future investigations.

CITATION

Hassinger AB, Mody K, Gomez R, et al. Validation of the Survey of Sleep Quality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (SSqPICU). J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(8):1251-1258.

Severe Pediatric Neurological Manifestations With SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C Hospitalization and New Morbidity

Importance

Neurological manifestations during acute SARS-CoV-2-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are common in hospitalized patients younger than 18 years and may increase risk of new neurocognitive or functional morbidity.

Objective

To assess the association of severe neurological manifestations during a SARS-CoV-2-related hospital admission with new neurocognitive or functional morbidities at discharge.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study from 46 centers in 10 countries included patients younger than 18 years who were hospitalized for acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C between January 2, 2020, and July 31, 2021.

Exposure

Severe neurological manifestations, which included acute encephalopathy, seizures or status epilepticus, meningitis or encephalitis, sympathetic storming or dysautonomia, cardiac arrest, coma, delirium, and stroke.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was new neurocognitive (based on the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale) and/or functional (based on the Functional Status Scale) morbidity at hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of severe neurological manifestations with new morbidity in each SARS-CoV-2-related condition.

Results

Overall, 3568 patients younger than 18 years (median age, 8 years [IQR, 1-14 years]; 54.3% male) were included in this study. Most (2980 [83.5%]) had acute SARS-CoV-2; the remainder (588 [16.5%]) had MIS-C. Among the patients with acute SARS-CoV-2, 536 (18.0%) had a severe neurological manifestation during hospitalization, as did 146 patients with MIS-C (24.8%). Among survivors with acute SARS-CoV-2, those with severe neurological manifestations were more likely to have new neurocognitive or functional morbidity at hospital discharge compared with those without severe neurological manifestations (27.7% [n = 142] vs 14.6% [n = 356]; P < .001). For survivors with MIS-C, 28.0% (n = 39) with severe neurological manifestations had new neurocognitive and/or functional morbidity at hospital discharge compared with 15.5% (n = 68) of those without severe neurological manifestations (P = .002). When adjusting for risk factors in those with severe neurological manifestations, both patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 (odds ratio, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.27-2.70]; P = .001) and those with MIS-C (odds ratio, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.22-3.89]; P = .009) had higher odds of having new neurocognitive and/or functional morbidity at hospital discharge.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study suggest that children and adolescents with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C and severe neurological manifestations may be at high risk for long-term impairment and may benefit from screening and early intervention to assist recovery.

Healthcare Burden and Resource Utilization After Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis of the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Study

OBJECTIVES

To describe family healthcare burden and health resource utilization in pediatric survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at 3 and 9 months.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a prospective multisite cohort study.

SETTING

Eight academic PICUs in the United States (2019-2020).

PATIENTS

Critically ill children with ARDS and follow-up survey data collected at 3 and/or 9 months after the event.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

METHODS AND MEASUREMENT

We evaluated family healthcare burden, a measure of healthcare provided by families at home, and child health resource use including medication use and emergency department (ED) and hospital readmissions during the initial 3- and 9-month post-ARDS using proxy-report. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated patient characteristics associated with family healthcare burden at 3 months.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 109 eligible patients, 74 (68%) and 63 patients (58%) had follow-up at 3- and 9-month post-ARDS. At 3 months, 46 families (62%) reported healthcare burden including (22%) with unmet care coordination needs. At 9 months, 33 families (52%) reported healthcare burden including 10 families (16%) with unmet care coordination needs. At month 3, 61 patients (82%) required prescription medications, 13 patients (18%) had ED visits and 16 patients (22%) required hospital readmission. At month 9, 41 patients (65%) required prescription medications, 19 patients (30%) had ED visits, and 16 (25%) required hospital readmission were reported. Medication use was associated with family healthcare burden at both 3 and 9 months. In a multivariable analysis, preillness functional status and chronic conditions were associated with healthcare burden at month 3 but illness characteristics were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric ARDS survivors report high rates of healthcare burden and health resource utilization at 3- and 9-month post-ARDS. Future studies should assess the impact of improved care coordination to simplify care (e.g., medication management) and improve family burden.

Stress Symptoms Among Children and Their Parents After ICU Hospitalization

Objective: Child survival after intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization has increased, yet many children experience acute stress that may precipitate mental/behavioral health comorbidities. Parents report stress after their child's hospitalization. Little is known about the individual and family characteristics that may moderate intergenerational relationships of acute stress. Design: Following ICU admission at a large academic medical center, a prospective cross-sectional cohort study assessed the associations between intergenerational characteristics and acute stress among children and families. Patients: Parent-child dyads (N = 88) were recruited from the pediatric ICU and pediatric cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) following ICU discharge. Eligible children were between 8 and 18 years old with ICU stays longer than 24 hours. Children with developmental delays were excluded. Caregivers were proficient in English or Spanish. Surveys were collected before hospital discharge. Measurements/Main Results: The primary outcome was "child stress" defined as a score≥17, measured by the Children's Revised Impact of Events Scale (CRIES-8). "Parent stress" was defined as an elevated composite score on the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire. We used validated scales to assess the child's clinical and family social characteristics. Acute stress was identified in 34 (39.8%) children and 50 (56.8%) parents. In multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for social characteristics, parent stress was associated with increased risk of child stress (adjusted odds ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 0.69, 4.46, p < .01). In unadjusted analyses, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with greater child stress. In adjusted analyses, race, income, ICU length of stay, and language were not associated with child stress and did not moderate the parent-child stress relationship. Conclusions: Parent stress is closely correlated with child stress during ICU hospitalization. Hispanic ethnicity may be associated with increased risk for child stress, but further studies are required to define the roles of other social and clinical measures.

Outcomes of patients supported by mechanical ventilation and their families two months after discharge from pediatric intensive care unit

Introduction

The outcomes of children undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) remain poorly characterized and increasing knowledge in this area may lead to strategies that improve care. In this study, we reported the outcomes of children receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and/or non-invasive ventilation (NIV), 2 months after PICU discharge.

Methods

This is a post-hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study of PICU children followed at the PICU follow-up clinic at CHU Sainte-Justine. Eligible children were admitted to the PICU with ≥2 days of IMV or ≥4 days of NIV. Two months after PICU discharge, patients and families were evaluated by physicians and filled out questionnaires assessing Quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™), development milestones (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), and parental anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

Results

One hundred and fifty patients were included from October 2018 to December 2021; 106 patients received IMV (±NIV), and 44 patients received NIV exclusively. Admission diagnoses differed between groups, with 30.2% of patients in the IMV group admitted for a respiratory illness vs. 79.5% in the NIV group. For the entire cohort, QoL scores were 78.1% for the physical domain and 80.1% for the psychological domain, and were similar between groups. Children with a respiratory illness exhibited similar symptoms at follow-up whether they were supported by IMV vs. NIV. For developmental outcomes, only 22.2% of pre-school children had normal scores in all ASQ domains. In the entire cohort, symptoms of anxiety were reported in 29.9% and depression in 24.6 of patients.

Conclusions

PICU survivors undergoing mechanical ventilation, and their families, experienced significant morbidities 2 months after their critical illness, whether they received IMV or NIV. Children with respiratory illness exhibited a higher prevalence of persistent respiratory difficulties post PICU, whether they underwent IMV or NIV. Patients' quality of life and parental symptoms of anxiety and depression did not differ according to the type of respiratory support. These findings justify the inclusion of patients receiving NIV in the PICU in follow-up assessments as well as those receiving IMV.

Post-intensive care syndrome: Recent advances and future directions

Post-intensive care syndrome comprises physical, cognitive, and mental impairments in patients treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). It occurs either during the ICU stay or following ICU discharge and is related to the patients' long-term prognosis. The same concept also applies to pediatric patients, and it can greatly affect the mental status of family members. In the 10 years since post-intensive care syndrome was first proposed, research has greatly expanded. Here, we summarize the recent evidence on post-intensive care syndrome regarding its pathophysiology, epidemiology, assessment, risk factors, prevention, and treatments. We highlight new topics, future directions, and strategies to overcome post-intensive care syndrome among people treated in an ICU. Clinical and basic research are still needed to elucidate the mechanistic insights and to discover therapeutic targets and new interventions for post-intensive care syndrome.

Physical rehabilitation in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units: a multicenter point prevalence study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the physical rehabilitation of critically ill children in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units.

METHODS

A 2-day, cross-sectional, multicenter point prevalence study comprising 27 pediatric intensive care units (out of 738) was conducted in Brazil in April and June 2019. This Brazilian study was part of a large multinational study called Prevalence of Acute Rehabilitation for Kids in the PICU (PARK-PICU). The primary outcome was the prevalence of mobility provided by physical therapy or occupational therapy. Clinical data on patient mobility, potential mobility safety events, and mobilization barriers were prospectively collected in patients admitted for ≥ 72 hours.

RESULTS

Children under the age of 3 years comprised 68% of the patient population. The prevalence of therapist-provided mobility was 74%, or 277 out of the 375 patient-days. Out-of-bed mobility was most positively associated with family presence (adjusted odds ratios 3.31;95%CI 1.70 - 6.43) and most negatively associated with arterial lines (adjusted odds ratios 0.16; 95%CI 0.05 - 0.57). Barriers to mobilization were reported on 27% of patient-days, the most common being lack of physician order (n = 18). Potential safety events occurred in 3% of all mobilization events.

CONCLUSION

Therapist-provided mobility in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units is frequent. Family presence was high and positively associated with out-of-bed mobility. The presence of physiotherapists 24 hours a day in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units may have a substantial impact on the mobilization of critically ill children.

Thigh ultrasound monitoring identifies muscle atrophy in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients

Over the last decade, ultrasonography has taken on an increasingly important role in the daily management of critically patients and has recently been proposed as a means of measuring muscle volume and architecture. This study had two main aims: to monitor for the onset of muscle atrophy in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients during stays in a pediatric intensive care unit based on quadriceps femoris muscle thickness measurements and to study whether demographic and clinical variables have an impact on muscle loss in critically children. The study followed a prospective, observational, single-center design. The sample included all children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. Two trained clinicians measured the thickness of the quadriceps using a 12-MHz linear ultrasound transducer within 24 h of initiating invasive mechanical ventilation and again at 72 h, 1 week, and weekly thereafter until extubation. For the entire cohort, quadriceps femoris muscle thickness decreased by 4.67% on average (IQR = -13.4 to -0.59) between the first two assessments and 13% by the time of the final measurement (IQR = -24 to -0.5%) or 1.57%/day (p < 0.001). Approximately half of all the children (23/41; 56%) experienced muscle atrophy (defined a priori as a decrease in thickness of 10% or more). Bivariate analyses revealed that increasing age, being a child (vs. infant), cumulative energy and protein deficit, highest C-reactive protein value, exposure to neuromuscular blockers, and a longer stay in the PICU were all predictive of a greater decrease in thickness. In a multivariate model, exposure to neuromuscular blockers was linked with greater muscle loss.       Conclusion: In mechanically ventilated children, point-of-care ultrasonography can identify skeletal muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy of limbs is strongly associated with the use of neuromuscular blockers. Ultrasound-based monitoring of the quadriceps femoris is a clinically useful tool for assessing muscle mass that can provide information on nutritional status and guide rehabilitation. What is Known: • ICU-acquired muscle atrophy is common and has a deleterious effect on adult outcomes. The prevalence and severity of muscular atrophy in critically ill children, however, are poorly understood. • Point-of-care ultrasonography has been put forward as an accurate, reliable method for monitoring variations in muscle mass.. What is New: • The quadriceps femoris muscle tends to suffer an intense loss of thickness early on in most critically ill children. • Quadriceps femoris ultrasound monitoring is a helpful tool for measuring muscle thickness and could lead to the development of novel therapies for critically ill children.

Predicting functional and quality-of-life outcomes following pediatric sepsis: performance of PRISM-III and PELOD-2

BACKGROUND

Illness severity scores predict mortality following pediatric critical illness. Given declining PICU mortality, we assessed the ability of the Pediatric Risk of Mortality-III (PRISM) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (PELOD) scores to predict morbidity outcomes.

METHODS

Among 359 survivors <18 years in the Life After Pediatric Sepsis Evaluation multicenter prospective cohort study, we assessed functional morbidity at hospital discharge (Functional Status Scale increase ≥3 points from baseline) and health-related quality of life (HRQL; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory or Functional Status II-R) deterioration >25% from baseline at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-admission. We determined discrimination of admission PRISM and admission, maximum, and cumulative 28-day PELOD with functional and HRQL morbidity at each timepoint.

RESULTS

Cumulative PELOD provided the best discrimination of discharge functional morbidity (area under the receive operating characteristics curve [AUROC] 0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.87) and 3-month HRQL deterioration (AUROC 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.81). Prediction was inferior for admission PRISM and PELOD and for 6- and 12-month HRQL assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

Illness severity scores have a good prediction of early functional morbidity but a more limited ability to predict longer-term HRQL. Identification of factors beyond illness severity that contribute to HRQL outcomes may offer opportunities for intervention to improve outcomes.

IMPACT

Illness severity scores are commonly used for mortality prediction and risk stratification in pediatric critical care research, quality improvement, and resource allocation algorithms. Prediction of morbidity rather than mortality may be beneficial given declining pediatric intensive care unit mortality. The PRISM and PELOD scores have moderate to good ability to predict new functional morbidity at hospital discharge following pediatric septic shock but limited ability to predict health-related quality of life outcomes in the year following PICU admission. Further research is needed to identify additional factors beyond illness severity that may impact post-discharge health-related quality of life.

An evidence-based protocol for sensory soothing in paediatric intensive care

In recent years, an increasing body of literature has highlighted the significant sequelae of a paediatric intensive care unit admission for children and their families. More innovative bedside approaches are needed to support children's coping and development and help minimize the use of sedatives, given their known deleterious effects. To support nursing staff in managing agitation in critically ill infants and children, a 'Sensory Pyramid' program was built in collaboration with occupational therapists, child life specialists and critical care nursing staff at an academic medical center in the United States. Anchored in evidence-based and developmentally appropriate non-pharmacologic sensory soothing techniques, the protocol outlines escalating comfort interventions nurses can employ that are safe and feasible for implementation by bedside staff and families.

Overcoming patient safety concerns and integrating early mobility into pediatric intensive care unit nursing practice

PURPOSE

Early Mobilization (EM) in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) is safe, feasible and improves outcomes for PICU patients, yet patient safety concerns persist among nurses which limits EM adoption. The purpose of this study was to explore how nurses incorporate EM into practice and balance their concerns for patient safety with the benefits of EM.

DESIGN & METHODS

This focused ethnographic study included 15 in-depth interviews with 10 PICU nurses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two major categories were found which describe the clinical judgement and decision-making of PICU nurses regarding EM. The nurses' concerns for patient safety was the first major category. This included patient-level factors: hemodynamic stability, devices attached, patient's strength, and risk for falls and size. In the second major category, these safety concerns were overcome by applying a multiple step process which resulted in nurses performing EM despite their concerns. That process included: gaining comfort through experience, performing patient safety checks, working with therapists, learning from adverse events, and understanding existing evidence about the benefits of EM.

CONCLUSIONS

The overarching theme was nurses' determination to preserve patient safety while ensuring patients could receive the benefits of EM. This theme describes the decisions, behaviors and processes that nurses enact to become more comfortable with EM despite their concerns for patient safety and potential adverse events while performing mobility activities.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Creating opportunities for nurses to participate in EM may increase their willingness to overcome safety concerns and engage in these activities.

A realist review of the effective implementation of the ICU Liberation Bundle in the paediatric intensive care unit setting

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to produce an evidence base of what works, for whom, and in what context when implementing the ICU Liberation Bundle into the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

REVIEW METHOD USED

This is a realist review (a review that considers what works, for whom, and in what context) of contemporary international literature.

DATA SOURCES

Data were collected via electronic searches of CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for articles published before October 2020.

REVIEW METHOD

An initial scoping search identified the underpinning theory of the implementation of the ICU Liberation Bundle (a multifactor intervention aimed at improving patient outcomes) which was mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We identified 547 unique citations; 12 full-text papers were included that reported eight studies. Data were extracted and mapped to the CFIR domains.

RESULTS

Data mapped to all CFIR domains. Characteristics of individuals included involvement of key stakeholders, champions, and parents and understanding of staff attitudes and perceptions of the intervention, and all bedside staff members were involved and given training. Within the inner setting, understanding of unit culture, ensuring effective support systems in place, knowledge of the baseline, and leadership support, and buy-in were important. Culture of family-centred care and alignment of the intervention to national guidelines related to the outer setting. Intervention characteristics included the number and timings of interventions, de-escalation rounding checklists, the use of age-appropriate and validated assessment tools, and local policies for the bundle. The process included set training program, senior unit/hospital team consultation on all processes, continual audit adherence to the bundle and feedback, and celebration of successes.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel realist review of the literature identified that successful implementation of the ICU Liberation Bundle into PICU settings involves the following: (i) a thorough understanding of the PICU context, including baseline metrics, resources, and staff attitudes; (ii) using contextual information to adapt the intervention elements to ensure fit; and (iii) both clinical effectiveness and implementation outcomes must be measured. Registration of review: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020211944.

Promoting Functional Recovery in Critically Ill Children

Over two-thirds of pediatric critical illness survivors will experience functional impairments that persist after discharge, that is, post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p). Risk factors include child and family characteristics, invasive procedures, and social determinants of health. Approaches to remediate PICS-p include early rehabilitation, minimizing sedation, psychosocial resources for caregivers, delivery of family-centered care, and longitudinal screening for PICS-p. Challenges include feasible and validated approaches to screening, and resources and coordination for multidisciplinary care. Next steps should include resources to identify and address adverse social determinants of health and examination of treatment efficacy and implementation equity.

Pediatric Critical Care Outcomes: State of the Science

Children who survive the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk of developing post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p). PICS-p, defined as new physical, cognitive, emotional, and/or social health dysfunction following critical illness, can affect the child and family. Historically, synthesizing PICU outcomes research has been challenging due to inconsistency in study design and in outcomes measurement. PICS-p risk may be mitigated by implementing intensive care unit best practices that limit iatrogenic injury and by supporting the resiliency of critically ill children and their families.

Impact of a multifaceted early mobility intervention for critically ill children - the PICU Up! trial: study protocol for a multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Over 50% of all critically ill children develop preventable intensive care unit-acquired morbidity. Early and progressive mobility is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill adults including shortened duration of mechanical ventilation and improved muscle strength. However, the clinical effectiveness of early and progressive mobility in the pediatric intensive care unit has never been rigorously studied. The objective of the study is to evaluate if the PICU Up! intervention, delivered in real-world conditions, decreases mechanical ventilation duration (primary outcome) and improves delirium and functional status compared to usual care in critically ill children. Additionally, the study aims to identify factors associated with reliable PICU Up! delivery.

METHODS

The PICU Up! trial is a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial of a pragmatic, interprofessional, and multifaceted early mobility intervention (PICU Up!) conducted in 10 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The trial's primary outcome is days alive free of mechanical ventilation (through day 21). Secondary outcomes include days alive and delirium- and coma-free (ADCF), days alive and coma-free (ACF), days alive, as well as functional status at the earlier of PICU discharge or day 21. Over a 2-year period, data will be collected on 1,440 PICU patients. The study includes an embedded process evaluation to identify factors associated with reliable PICU Up! delivery.

DISCUSSION

This study will examine whether a multifaceted strategy to optimize early mobility affects the duration of mechanical ventilation, delirium incidence, and functional outcomes in critically ill children. This study will provide new and important evidence on ways to optimize short and long-term outcomes for pediatric patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04989790. Registered on August 4, 2021.

Implementation of nursing-led follow-up service for patients newly discharged from paediatric intensive care units: quality improvement initiative

Background

Human resource shortages are a global challenge in the healthcare system and create barriers in providing timely follow-up visits for paediatric patients discharged recently from the intensive care unit (ICU). Relying on experienced intensive care nurses to provide follow-up services for patients post paediatric ICU (PICU) transfer has been proven a cost-effective and safe practice. This study aimed to achieve no delays in initiating follow-up visits and to assess the safety of implementing a nurse-led follow-up service.

Methods

Plan–Do–Study–Act cycle was used targeting to achieve no delay in initiating follow-up visits and to maintain the safety of the patients. This cycle resulted in the implementation of a nurse-led follow-up service, which is under the provision of a paediatric rapid response team (RRT). Fifteen PICU nurses were trained in their new roles and responsibilities. Service databases were established to track and trend the frequency of visits, service safety measures and clinical deterioration.

Results

After the implementation of the nurse-led follow-up service, we achieved no delays in initiating the follow-up visits. 45% (n=487) of patients received a nurse-led follow-up visit service. Safety measures demonstrated 0.21% (n=1) recorded events of RRT activations during the follow-up service. RRT activation within 48 hours from service discharge was 1.2% (n=6), and readmission to PICU within 48 hours was 0.8% (n=4). No cardiopulmonary arrest event was recorded for patients under the nurse-led follow-up service during the service, postservice discharge or postreadmission to PICU.

Conclusions

Implementing nursing-led service has been shown to be safe, efficient and provides patients with timely visits post-PICU discharge.

Infant Perioperative Risk Factors and Adverse Brain Findings Following Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Repair

Recent findings implicate brain vulnerability following long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) repair. We explored the relationship between easily quantifiable clinical measures and previously reported brain findings in a pilot cohort of infants following LGEA repair. MRI measures (number of qualitative brain findings; normalized brain and corpus callosum volumes) were previously reported in term-born and early-to-late premature infants (n = 13/group) <1 year following LGEA repair with the Foker process. The severity of underlying disease was classified by an (1) American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status and (2) Pediatric Risk Assessment (PRAm) scores. Additional clinical end-point measures included: anesthesia exposure (number of events; cumulative minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) exposure in hours), length (in days) of postoperative intubated sedation, paralysis, antibiotic, steroid, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) treatment. Associations between clinical end-point measures and brain MRI data were tested using Spearman rho and multivariable linear regression. Premature infants were more critically ill per ASA scores, which showed a positive association with the number of cranial MRI findings. Clinical end-point measures together significantly predicted the number of cranial MRI findings for both term-born and premature infant groups, but none of the individual clinical measures did on their own. Listed easily quantifiable clinical end-point measures could be used together as indirect markers in assessing the risk of brain abnormalities following LGEA repair.

Diagnostic, Management, and Research Considerations for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Resource-Limited Settings: From the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) in resource-limited settings (RLS) is challenging and remains poorly described. We conducted a review of the literature to optimize recognition of PARDS in RLS and to provide recommendations/statements for clinical practice and future research in these settings as part of the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC-2).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost).

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies related to precipitating factors for PARDS, mechanical ventilation (MV), pulmonary and nonpulmonary ancillary treatments, and long-term outcomes in children who survive PARDS in RLS.

DATA EXTRACTION

Title/abstract review, full-text review, and data extraction using a standardized data collection form.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to identify and summarize evidence and develop recommendations. Seventy-seven studies were identified for full-text extraction. We were unable to identify any literature on which to base recommendations. We gained consensus on six clinical statements (good practice, definition, and policy) and five research statements. Clinicians should be aware of diseases and comorbidities, uncommon in most high-income settings, that predispose to the development of PARDS in RLS. Because of difficulties in recognizing PARDS and to avoid underdiagnosis, the PALICC-2 possible PARDS definition allows exclusion of imaging criteria when all other criteria are met, including noninvasive metrics of hypoxemia. The availability of MV support, regular MV training and education, as well as accessibility and costs of pulmonary and nonpulmonary ancillary therapies are other concerns related to management of PARDS in RLS. Data on long-term outcomes and feasibility of follow-up in PARDS survivors from RLS are also lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, PARDS remains poorly described in RLS. Clinicians working in these settings should be aware of common precipitating factors for PARDS in their patients. Future studies utilizing the PALICC-2 definitions are urgently needed to describe the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of PARDS in RLS.

Measuring Social Health Following Pediatric Critical Illness: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework

OBJECTIVE

Social health is an important component of recovery following critical illness as modeled in the pediatric Post-Intensive Care Syndrome framework. We conducted a scoping review of studies measuring social outcomes (measurable components of social health) following pediatric critical illness and propose a conceptual framework of the social outcomes measured in these studies.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Registry.

STUDY SELECTION

We identified studies evaluating social outcomes in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors or their families from 1970-2017 as part of a broader scoping review of outcomes after pediatric critical illness.

DATA EXTRACTION

We identified articles by dual review and dual-extracted study characteristics, instruments, and instrument validation and administration information. For instruments used in studies evaluating a social outcome, we collected instrument content and described it using qualitative methods adapted to a scoping review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 407 articles identified in the scoping review, 223 (55%) evaluated a social outcome. The majority were conducted in North America and the United Kingdom, with wide variation in methodology and population. Among these studies, 38 unique instruments were used to evaluate a social outcome. Specific social outcomes measured included individual (independence, attachment, empathy, social behaviors, social cognition, and social interest), environmental (community perceptions and environment), and network (activities and relationships) characteristics, together with school and family outcomes. While many instruments assessed more than one social outcome, no instrument evaluated all areas of social outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The full range of social outcomes reported following pediatric critical illness were not captured by any single instrument. The lack of a comprehensive instrument focused on social outcomes may contribute to under-appreciation of the importance of social outcomes and their under-representation in PICU outcomes research. A more comprehensive evaluation of social outcomes will improve understanding of overall recovery following pediatric critical illness.

Unplanned Extubations in Pediatric Critical Care: A Case–Control Study

The aim of this study was to quantify associations between the risk of unplanned extubation and patient-, environment-, and care-related factors in pediatric critical care and to compare outcomes between children who did and did not experience an unplanned extubation. This is a retrospective case–control analysis including patients <18 years who experienced an unplanned extubation during intensive care unit (ICU) admission (2004–2014). Cases were matched by age, duration of mechanical ventilation, and date to control patients (4:1) who were intubated but did not experience an unplanned extubation. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between unplanned extubations and the abstracted characteristics. We identified 1,601 eligible controls matched to 458 case patients. When adjusted for confounders, eight variables were associated with unplanned extubation: three patient-related factors (previous ICU admission, previous intubation, and the volume of secretions); one environment-related factor (patient room setup); and four care-related factors (intubation route, and the use of sedation, muscle relaxation, and restraints). Patients who had an unplanned extubation had longer length of stay, but lower rate of mortality. This is the largest case–control study identifying variables associated with unplanned extubation in pediatric critical care. Several are potentially modifiable and may provide opportunities to improve quality of care in controlled ICU environments.

Post-intensive Care Syndrome in a Heterogeneous Pediatric Population

Background In this study, we aimed to measure the incidence of post-intensive care syndrome among children (PICS-p) who received critical care treatment in our hospital and evaluate patient characteristics and critical care interventions associated with the development of PICS-p. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort review of all surviving pediatric patients admitted to an urban, academic, tertiary intensive care unit between July 2017 and June 2018. Based on the existing literature on PICS, we excluded children whose length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) was less than four days. We collected demographic data, clinical data, and data related to outcomes in our study cohort. We defined PICS-p a priori as a change in the Functional Status Scale (FSS) score of three or greater between pre-admission and discharge. Using Student's t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, we compared outcomes among those with PICS-p versus those without PICS-p. Results Of the 183 patients, 36 (19.6%) were diagnosed with PICS in our study. Aside from pre-admission FSS (7 vs. 8), analysis of the two groups revealed no statistically significant difference before or at the time of admission. Upon admission to the PICU, statistically significant differences between the PICS and no PICS groups were noted in the hospital length of stay (33.5 days vs. 14.7 days), ventilation-free days (8.3 days vs. 5.2 days), and the number of procedural interventions (2.6 vs. 1). Conclusions Utilizing the FSS to determine PICS is a viable method to standardize the measurement of functional outcomes for critically ill children. In our single-center, retrospective review, nearly one out of five pediatric patients developed PICS with associated factors that included a decreased pre-hospital FSS score, increased hospital length of stay, fewer ventilation-free days, and increased number of procedural interventions. Significant opportunities exist regarding the social and psychiatric domains of PICS-p.

Incidence and associated factors of pediatric post-intensive care syndrome using the VSCAREMD model

Background: A novel comprehensive model called the VSCAREMD model has been proposed to detect post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in children. This study aimed to outline the incidence of PICS in children using the VSCAREMD model and to describe the associated factors. Methods: All children ages 1 month to 15 years and admitted to the intensive care unit for at least 48 hours were evaluated using the VSCAREMD model within 1 week of intensive care discharge. The VSCAREMD model is used for evaluating vaccination, sleep, and parental care burden, which includes daily activity and social interaction, rehabilitation requirements, hearing, mood, and development. Abnormal findings were assorted into four domains: physical, cognitive, mental, and social. Descriptive statistics were performed using chi-square, univariate, and multivariate analyses.Results: A total of 78 of 95 children (82.1%) had at least one abnormal domain. Physical, cognitive, mental, and social morbidity were found in 64.2%, 26.3%, 13.7%, and 38.9% of the children, respectively. Prolonged intensive care unit stay greater than 7 days was associated with dysfunction in physical (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–11.00), cognitive (aOR, 10.11; 95% CI, 3.01–33.89), and social domains (aOR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.01–12.73). Underlying medical conditions were associated with cognitive (aOR, 13.63; 95% CI, 2.64–70.26) and social morbidity (aOR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.06–7.47). Conclusions: The incidence of PICS using the VSCAREMD model was substantially high and associated with prolonged intensive care. This model could help evaluate PICS in children.

Is Pediatric Intensive Care Trauma-Informed? A Review of Principles and Evidence

Pediatric critical illness and injury, along with the experience of recovering from critical illness are among the most potentially traumatic experiences for children and their families. Additionally, children often come to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with pre-existing trauma that may sensitize them to PICU-related distress. Trauma-informed care (TIC) in the PICU, while under-examined, has the potential to enhance quality of care, mitigate trauma-related symptoms, encourage positive coping, and provide anticipatory guidance for the recovery process. This narrative review paper first describes the need for TIC in the PICU and then introduces the principles of TIC as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics: awareness, readiness, detection and assessment, management, and integration. Current clinical practices within PICU settings are reviewed according to each TIC principle. Discussion about opportunities for further development of TIC programs to improve patient care and advance knowledge is also included.

Psychologist's Unique Role in Improving Quality of Life of Children with Chronic Lung Diseases and Their Families

Pediatric chronic lung diseases burden their patients and families with heavy treatment loads, frequent extensive clinic visits to multiple providers, frequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and contribute to significant psychosocial issues with caregiver's burnout. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the psychosocial impact of the major pediatric chronic lung diseases and the unique role of the psychologist in relieving this burden. These include severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and dependence on home mechanical ventilation.

Impact of paediatric intensive care unit admission on neurocognitive function in children

Background

Advances in paediatric critical care have resulted in a reduction in mortality. This has shifted the focus to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)-related morbidities and how to reduce or prevent them. In this study, we aimed to study the impact of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission on neurocognitive performance.

Methods

Intelligence quotient (IQ) was tested in 50 children (27 boys, 23 girls; mean age 6.98 years) 3 months after PICU discharge and in 75 controls using the Stanford-Binet IQ test.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls with regard to IQ scores, and no difference between medical and surgical patients (p > 0.05). IQ was unaffected by sedation, blood transfusion, or blood product transfusion. Patients who underwent a major surgical procedure, needed inotropic support, and needed mechanical ventilation had non-significantly lower IQ scores than those who did not. A non-significant negative correlation was observed between the length of PICU stay, mechanical ventilation duration, sedative use, and inotropic support.

Conclusions

PICU admission does not appear to significantly affect cognitive outcomes in paediatric survivors.

Neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life of children after pediatric intensive care admission: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study systematically reviewed recent findings on neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children after pediatric intensive care unit admission (PICU).

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases searched included Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to studies published in the last five years (2015-2019).

STUDY SELECTION

Original studies assessing neurocognitive functioning or HRQoL in children who were previously admitted to the PICU were included in this systematic review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Of the 3649 identified studies, 299 met the inclusion criteria based on title abstract screening. After full-text screening, 75 articles were included in the qualitative data reviewing: 38 on neurocognitive functioning, 33 on HRQoL, and 4 on both outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Studies examining neurocognitive functioning found overall worse scores for general intellectual functioning, attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning. Studies investigating HRQoL found overall worse scores for both physical and psychosocial HRQoL. On the short term (≤ 12 months), most studies reported HRQoL impairments, whereas in some long-term studies HRQoL normalized. The effectiveness of the few intervention studies during and after PICU admission on long-term outcomes varied.

CONCLUSIONS

PICU survivors have lower scores for neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL than children from the general population. A structured follow-up program after a PICU admission is needed to identify those children and parents who are at risk. However, more research is needed into testing interventions in randomized controlled trials aiming on preventing or improving impairments in critically ill children during and after PICU admission.

Effectiveness-implementation hybrid-2 randomised trial of a collaborative Shared Care Model for Detecting Neurodevelopmental Impairments after Critical Illness in Young Children (DAISY): pilot study protocol

INTRODUCTION

In Australia, while paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) mortality has dropped to 2.2%, one in three survivors experience long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, limiting their life-course opportunities. Unlike other high-risk paediatric populations, standardised routine neurodevelopmental follow-up of PICU survivors is rare, and there is limited knowledge regarding the best methods. The present study intends to pilot a combined multidisciplinary, online screening platform and general practitioner (GP) shared care neurodevelopmental follow-up model to determine feasibility of a larger, future study. We will also assess the difference between neurodevelopmental vulnerability and parental stress in two intervention groups and the impact of child, parent, sociodemographic and illness/treatment risk factors on child and parent outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Single-centre randomised effectiveness-implementation (hybrid-2 design) pilot trial for parents of children aged ≥2 months and <4 years discharged from PICU after critical illness or injury. One intervention group will receive 6 months of collaborative shared care follow-up with GPs (supported by online outcome monitoring), and the other will be offered self-directed screening and education about post-intensive care syndrome and child development. Participants will be followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months post-PICU discharge. The primary outcome is feasibility. Secondary outcomes include neurodevelopmental vulnerability and parental stress. An implementation evaluation will analyse barriers to and facilitators of the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is expected to lead to a full trial, which will provide much-needed guidance about the clinical effectiveness and implementation of follow-up models of care for children after critical illness or injury. The Children's Health Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study. Dissemination of the outcomes of the study is expected via publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentation at relevant conferences, and via social media, podcast presentations and open-access medical education resources.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as 'Pilot testing of a collaborative Shared Care Model for Detecting Neurodevelopmental Impairments after Critical Illness in Young Children' (the DAISY Pilot Study).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12621000799853.

PICU Survivorship: Factors Affecting Feasibility and Cohort Retention in a Long-Term Outcomes Study

Our understanding of longitudinal outcomes of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) survivors is limited by the heterogeneity of follow-up intervals, populations, and outcomes assessed. We sought to demonstrate (1) the feasibility of longitudinal multidimensional outcome assessment and (2) methods to promote cohort retention. The objective of this presented study was to provide details of follow-up methodology in a PICU survivor cohort and not to present the outcomes at long-term follow-up for this cohort. We enrolled 152 children aged 0 to 17 years admitted to the PICU in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. We examined resource utilization, family impact of critical illness, and neurodevelopment using the PICU Outcomes Portfolio (POP) Survey which included a study-specific survey and validated tools: 1. Functional Status Scale, 2. Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test, 3. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, 4. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and 5. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. POP Survey completion rates were 89%, 78%, and 84% at 1, 3, and 6 months. Follow-up rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 80%, 55%, and 43%. Implementing a longitudinal multidimensional outcome portfolio for PICU survivors is feasible within an urban, tertiary-care, academic hospital. Our attrition after one year demonstrates the long-term follow-up challenges in this population. Our findings inform ongoing efforts to implement core outcome sets after pediatric critical illness.

The risk factors of the functional status, quality of life, and family psychological status in children with postintensive care syndrome: A cohort study

Background

Intensive care treatment has a side effect of several impairments after hospital discharge, known as postintensive care syndrome (PICS). PICS in children must be well evaluated because PICS can affect their global development and quality of life. Our specific aims are to determine the impact of intensive care treatment and the risk factors which contribute to PICS.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we identified critically ill children treated in intensive care units (ICUs) for more than 24 h and survived. We evaluated the internal and external risk factors of the patients in the intensive care. We interviewed their parents to define the functional status and quality of life of the patients in 7 days before ICU admission and the psychological status of the family at the time of intensive care admission. The interview was repeated in 3 months after the intensive care discharge.

Results

There was a significant decrease in functional status and quality of life after intensive care treatment (P < 0.001). However, none of the internal risk factors were significantly associated with PICS. Neurologic involvement in the disease was associated with the significantly reduced functional status of patients, while the severity of the disease was significantly associated with both functional status and quality of life. Our study also showed a significant psychological disorder of the family in the intensive care.

Conclusion

The occurrence of PICS in children was associated with the severity of the disease, decreased the functional status and quality of life, and contributed to psychological disorders for the family.

Risk Factors for Physical Function Impairments in Postintensive Care Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Objective

Survivors of critical illness may experience short- and long-term physical function impairments. This review aimed to identify the risk factors for physical function impairments from the current literature.

Data Sources

A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline was performed.

Study Selection

The risk factors reported in all human studies reporting physical function impairments in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were reviewed and categorized. Two investigators independently screened, evaluated, and selected studies for inclusion. Data from eligible studies were extracted by one investigator, and another investigator reviewed and verified the data. A systematic narrative approach was employed to review and summarize the data.

Results

A total of 264 studies were found to be eligible, with 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Children admitted to the PICU experienced physical function impairments during their stay, which can last for years. The studies varied primarily in the measurement timing and tools used. The most frequently reported risk factors for physical function impairments were age, race or ethnicity, a pre-admission chronic condition, sex, disease severity, duration or the presence of mechanical ventilation, and admission diagnosis.

Conclusions

Physical function impairments may be persistent in PICU survivors. To prevent these impairments in critically ill patients, pediatricians should pay attention to modifiable risk factors, such as the duration of mechanical ventilation. Future studies need to promote a combination of standardized measures for the detection and prevention of physical function impairments.

Modified ABCDEF-Bundles for Critically Ill Pediatric Patients - What Could They Look Like?

Background and Significance

Advances in pediatric intensive care have led to markedly improved survival rates in critically ill children. Approximately 70% of those children survive with varying forms of complex chronic diseases or impairment/disabilities. Length of stay, length of mechanical ventilation and number of interventions per patient are increasing with rising complexity of underlying diseases, leading to increasing pain, agitation, withdrawal symptoms, delirium, immobility, and sleep disruption. The ICU-Liberation Collaborative of the Society of Critical Care Medicine has developed a number of preventative measures for prevention, early detection, or treatment of physical and psychiatric/psychological sequelae of oftentimes traumatic intensive care medicine. These so called ABCDEF-Bundles consist of elements for (A) assessment, prevention and management of pain, (B) spontaneous awakening and breathing trials (SAT/SBT), (C) choice of analgesia and sedation, (D) assessment, prevention and management of delirium, (E) early mobility and exercise and (F) family engagement and empowerment. For adult patients in critical care medicine, research shows significant effects of bundle-implementation on survival, mechanical ventilation, coma, delirium and post-ICU discharge disposition. Research regarding PICS in children and possible preventative or therapeutic intervention is insufficient as yet. This narrative review provides available information for modification and further research on the ABCDEF-Bundles for use in critically ill children.

Material and Methods

A narrative review of existing literature was used.

Results

One obvious distinction to adult patients is the wide range of different developmental stages of children and the even closer relationship between patient and family. Evidence for pediatric ABCDEF-Bundles is insufficient and input can only be collected from literature regarding different subsections and topics.

Conclusion

In addition to efforts to improve analgesia, sedation and weaning protocols with the aim of prevention, early detection and effective treatment of withdrawal symptoms or delirium, efforts are focused on adjusting ABCDEF bundle for the entire pediatric age group and on strengthening families' decision-making power, understanding parents as a resource for their child and involving them early in the care of their children.

Mobilization Safety of Critically Ill Children

BACKGROUND

Children in PICUs experience negative sequelae of immobility; however, interprofessional staff concerns about safety are a barrier to early mobilization. Our objective was to determine the safety profile of early mobilization in PICU patients.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a 2-day study focused on physical rehabilitation in 82 PICUs in 65 US hospitals. Patients who had ≥72-hour admissions and participated in a mobility event were included. The primary outcome was occurrence of a potential safety event during mobilizations.

RESULTS

On 1433 patient days, 4658 mobility events occurred with a potential safety event rate of 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6%-4.7%). Most potential safety events were transient physiologic changes. Medical equipment dislodgement was rare (0.3%), with no falls or cardiac arrests. Potential safety event rates did not differ by patient age or sex. Patients had higher potential safety event rates if they screened positive for delirium (7.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 5.86; 95% CI, 2.17-15.86) or were not screened for delirium (4.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.82-8.72). There were no differences in potential safety event rates by PICU intervention, including respiratory support or vasoactive support.

CONCLUSIONS

Early PICU mobilization has a strong safety profile and medical equipment dislodgement is rare. No PICU interventions were associated with increased potential safety event rates. Delirium is associated with higher potential safety event rates. These findings highlight the need to improve provider education and confidence in mobilizing critically ill children.

Factors associated with admission of children to an intensive care unit and readmission to hospital within 28 days of discharge: A population-based study

AIM

Hospital readmissions within 28 days are an important performance measurement of quality and safety of health care. The aims of this study were to examine the rates, trends and characteristics of paediatric intensive care unit admissions, and factors associated with readmissions to hospital within 28 days of discharge.

METHODS

This retrospective, population-based record linkage study included all children ≥28 days and <16 years old admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in a New South Wales (NSW) public hospital from 2004 to 2013. Data were sourced from the NSW Admitted Patients Data Collection and the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Death Registration.

RESULTS

We identified 21 200 ICU admissions involving 17 130 children. Admissions increased by 24% over the study period with the greatest increase attributed to respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions. A higher proportion of children were <5 years, male, lived in major cities, were publicly insured and had chronic conditions. The median length of ICU stay was 42 h and overall hospital stay was 7 days. There were 905 deaths, two-thirds during the index admission with the leading causes being injuries, cancer and infections. Twenty-three per cent of ICU admissions were readmitted to hospital within 28 days of discharge. Associated independent factors were younger age, longer index hospital stay and emergency index admission. Children with chronic conditions of cancer and genitourinary disorders were more likely to be readmitted.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of complex chronic conditions, consideration of long-term health planning and interventions intended to reduce readmission is warranted in order to reduce the burden to families and the health-care system.

Acute Neuro-Functional Morbidity Upon Discharge From the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit After Critical Bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Improved survival has shifted research focus toward understanding alternate PICU outcomes, including neurocognitive and functional changes. Bronchiolitis is a common PICU diagnosis, but its neuro-functional outcomes have not been adequately described in contemporary literature. The objective of the study is to describe the epidemiology and associated clinical characteristics of acute neuro-functional morbidity (ANFM) in critical bronchiolitis.

METHODS

Patients <2 years old admitted with bronchiolitis between 2014 and 2016 were identified. Demographics, medical history, length of stay (LOS), and need for intubation were collected. Children with a history of neurologic illness or illness associated with neurologic sequelae were termed "high risk"; others were termed "low risk." ANFM was defined both at PICU and hospital discharge as the presence of swallowing difficulty, nasogastric tube feeds, hypotonia, or lethargy. Variables were compared by using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank tests.

RESULTS

Among 417 children, 16.7% had ANFM, predominantly swallow difficulties (95.7%). Children with ANFM had lower weight (5.9 [4.4-8.2] vs 7.7 [5.5-9.7] kg, P = .001), longer LOS (6.6 [2.5-13.3] vs 1.9 [0.9-3.5] days, P < .001), intubation (51.4% vs 6.1%, P < .001) and high-risk status (37.1% vs 8.4%, P < .001). Among 362 low risk subjects, ANFM was identified in 44 (12%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, high-risk status, intubation, and ICU LOS were associated with ANFM. ANFM persisted to hospital discharge in 46% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

One out of 6 patients with critical bronchiolitis had documentation consistent with ANFM at PICU discharge. Risk factors included previous neurologic conditions, longer LOS, and intubation. Many were low-risk and/or did not require intubation, indicating a risk for neuro-functional morbidities despite moderate acuity.

Caregiver perceptions of an early mobility and communication protocol in the pediatric ICU

PURPOSE

Early mobility (EM) and patient communication have known benefits for critically ill patients, but perceived barriers exist, notably related to family and caregiver concerns. Caregiver perceptions of an EM and communication therapy protocol in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were assessed.

METHODS

Caregivers of PICU patients at a free-standing academic children's hospital completed a survey using a Likert-type agreement scale on their perceptions surrounding the safety of EM, benefits of EM and communication, and barriers to EM and communication services.

RESULTS

Forty caregivers completed the survey. Most agreed or strongly agreed that EM helped their child get stronger (76%), improved their child's mood (57%), helped them to be involved in their child's care (86%), and improved their child's overall experience (78%). Most disagreed with statements relating to EM causing fear or pain (57%). Caregivers agreed that communication therapy improved overall ICU experience (75%). Free-text comments emphasized meaningful relationships with rehabilitation and unit staff.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers perceived EM and communication interventions as enriching to their child's ICU experience and the majority did not perceive that EM caused fear or pain.