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OBJECTIVES To conduct the Brazilian translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability testing of the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care (EMPATHIC-30). DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING PICU of a tertiary-care teaching hospital. PATIENTS Parents (n = 141) completed the translated EMPATHIC-30 questionnaire 72 hours after their child's PICU discharge. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The translation and cultural adaptation were performed in accordance with the principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes measures. Sentences were adapted according to the Brazilian syntax. Total content validity coefficient was above the established average (> 0.8). Reliability was evaluated with the coefficients McDonald omega and Cronbach alpha. The lowest Cronbach alpha found was 0.47 (CI 95%, 0.35-0.59) in the organization domain, where the lowest response rate was also concentrated. The values of the other domains were as follows: 0.64 (95% CI, 0.55-0.73) for information, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.83) for care and treatment, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.78) for parent participation, and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.65-0.79) for professional attitudes. The total internal consistency independent of the domain was 0.90 (CI 95%, 0.88-0.92). With regard to McDonald Omega, values were identified: 0.68 (95% CI, 0.49-0.88) for information, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.61-0.85) for care and treatment, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.47-0.80) for parent participation, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76-0.93), and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.58-0.86) for professional attitudes. CONCLUSIONS EMPATHIC-30 has been translated and culturally adapted for the Brazilian population. Validation demonstrated an above-average total content validity coefficient, confirming the instrument content validity. A sufficient reliability was observed in both analyzed coefficients. The results support the use of the Brazilian version of EMPATHIC-30 for the evaluation of parents' satisfaction of children admitted to the PICU.

Background Because of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Method This retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z-score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Results Of 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category. Conclusion Nutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate serum ferritin measured within 48 hours of admission as a prognostic marker and examine the association with unfavorable outcomes in a population of pediatric patients with sepsis and high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in which this biomarker is routinely measured. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital in a middle-income country in South America. PATIENTS All patients 6 months to 18 years old (n = 350) admitted with a diagnosis of sepsis, suspected or proven, were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were length of PICU stay less than 8 hours and inherited or acquired disorder of iron metabolism that could interfere with serum ferritin levels. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Three-hundred twelve patients had their ferritin levels measured within 48 hours, and only 38 did not. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL and mean corpuscular volume < 80 fl was 40.3%. The median of the highest serum ferritin level within 48 hours was 150.5 ng/mL (interquartile range, 82.25-362 ng/mL), being associated with mortality (p < 0.001; Exp(B), 5.170; 95% CI, 2.619-10.205). A 10-fold increase in ferritin level was associated with a five-fold increase in mortality. There was a monotonic increase in mortality with increasing ferritin levels (p < 0.05). Regarding the discriminatory power of ferritin for mortality, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.787 (95% CI, 0.737-0.83; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Serum ferritin at lower thresholds predicts mortality in children with sepsis admitted to the ICU in a middle-income country with high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ferritin levels in the diagnosis of purulent meningitis (PM).MethodWe studied 81 children between 28 days and 12 years of age who presented with clinical suspicion of meningitis to the emergency department. CSF ferritin levels were measured and compared between diagnostic groups (PM, aseptic meningitis (AM) and no meningitis).ResultsThe median age was 24 (IQR 8–69) months. There were 32 patients with AM (39%), 23 with PM (28%) and 26 with no meningitis (32%). Median CSF ferritin was 4.2 ng/mL (IQR 3.0–6.5), 52.9 ng/mL (IQR 30.7–103 ng/mL) and 2.4 ng/mL (IQR 2–4), respectively. CSF ferritin was higher in children with PM compared with AM (pConclusionCSF ferritin may be a useful biomarker to discriminate PM in children with clinical symptoms of this disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the association of echocardiogram, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and leukocyte count with unfavorable outcomes in pediatric sepsis. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out from March to December 2014, with pediatric critical care patients aged between 28 days and 18 years. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of sepsis, need for mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h, and vasoactive drugs. Serum levels of C-reactive protein, ferritin, and leukocyte count were collected on the first day (D0), 24 h (D1), and 72 h (D3) after recruitment. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography to determine the ejection fraction of the left ventricle on D1 and D3. The outcomes measured were length of hospital stay and in the pediatric intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation duration, free hours of VM, duration of use of inotropic agents, maximum inotropic score, and mortality. Results: Twenty patients completed the study. Patients with elevated ferritin levels on D0 had also fewer ventilator-free hours (p = 0.046) and higher maximum inotropic score (p = 0.009). Patients with cardiac dysfunction by echocardiogram on D1 had longer hospital stay (p = 0.047), pediatric intensive care unit stay (p = 0.020), duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.011), maximum inotropic score (p = 0.001), and fewer ventilator-free hours (p = 0.020). Conclusion: Cardiac dysfunction by echocardiography and serum ferritin value was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes in pediatric patients with sepsis. Resumo: Objetivo: Verificar a associação do ecocardiograma, da ferritina, da Proteína C Reativa (PCR) e da contagem de leucócitos com desfechos desfavoráveis na sepse pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo, no período de março a dezembro de 2014, com pacientes críticos pediátricos de idade entre 28 dias e 18 anos. Critérios de inclusão foram diagnóstico de sepse, necessidade de ventilação mecânica (VM) por mais de 48 horas e uso de drogas vasoativas. Avaliaram-se os níveis séricos PCR, ferritina, contagem de leucócitos, no recrutamento (D0), 24 horas (D1) e 72 horas (D3) após o recrutamento. No D1 e no D3 todos pacientes foram submetidos a ecocardiograma transtorácico para determinação da Fração de Ejeção (FE) do ventrículo esquerdo. Os desfechos avaliados foram tempo de internação hospitalar e na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva pediátrica (UTIP); duração da VM; horas livres de VM; duração do uso de inotrópicos; escore de inotrópicos máximo e mortalidade. Resultados: Vinte pacientes completaram o estudo. Ferritina elevada no D0 associou-se com menor tempo livre de ventilação (p = 0,046) e maior escore de inotrópicos máximo (p = 0,009). A disfunção cardíaca pelo ecocardiograma no D1 relacionou-se com maior tempo de internação hospitalar (p = 0,047), de UTIP (p = 0,020), VM total (p = 0,011), escore de inotrópicos máximo (p = 0,001) e menor tempo livre de VM (p = 0,020). Conclusão: A disfunção cardíaca pelo ecocardiograma e o valor de ferritina sérica associaram-se significativamente com desfechos desfavoráveis nos pacientes pediátricos com sepse. Keywords: Sepsis, Septic shock, Echocardiogram, Outcome, Pediatric intensive care unit, Palavras-chave: Sepse, Choque séptico, Ecocardiograma, Desfecho, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica

Aims & Objectives:In view of the lack of validated instruments to evaluate the parental satisfaction with the patients hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Brazil, the aim was to translate the Empowerment of Parents in the Intensive Care-30 (EMPATHIC-30) as the first stage i

OBJECTIVE:Vasopressin is a neuropeptide hormone which has been used clinically for more than 50 years and plays a major role in circulatory homeostasis and in the regulation of serum osmolality. Recent work has emphasized its role in the treatment of septic shock. This paper reviews the physiology of this neurohormone and the available evidence in favor of its use as a vasodilator for children in shock. SOURCES: MEDLINE, using the terms vasopressin, vasodilation, shock and septic shock, plus synonyms and related terms. Classic publications on the topic were also reviewed and selected depending on their relevance to the study objectives. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Vasopressin is synthesized in the neurohypophysis and released in response to a decrease in plasma volume or an increase in serum osmolality. The action of vasopressin is mediated by the activation of oxytocin receptors and of several G protein-coupled receptors, which are classified according to their location and intracellular transmission routes as V1 receptors (or V1b), V2 and V3 receptors (or V1b). The main role of vasopressin is to induce vasoconstriction. However, in certain organs, it can also induce selective vasodilation. Several clinical studies in adults and children have reported that the effects of vasopressin for the treatment of vasodilatory septic shock, due to a variety of causes, are both beneficial and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is restricted. Most studies are retrospective and include a small number of patients. Nevertheless, there is significant experience concerning the use of vasopressin in Pediatrics. Vasopressin has a beneficial clinical effect in children and can be indicated in the treatment of refractory vasodilatory shock, after adequate volume resuscitation and when high doses of other vasopressors are not effective.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o desempenho do PRISM (Pediatric Risk of Mortality) e o PIM (Pediatric Index of Mortality) em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediatrica geral investigando a relacao existente entre a mortalidade e a sobrevivencia observadas com a mortalidade e sobrevivencia estimadas pelos dois escores. METODOS: Estudo de coorte contemporâneo realizado entre 1° de junho de 1999 a 31 de maio de 2000 na unidade de terapia intensiva pediatrica do Hospital Sao Lucas da Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul. Os criterios de inclusao no estudo e o calculo do PRISM e do PIM foram feitos conforme preconizado e utilizando as formulas de seus artigos originais. Para estatistica, utilizou-se o teste z de Flora, teste de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow, area sob a curva tipica de um recebedor operador de caracteristicas (curva ROC) e teste de correlacao de Spearman. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comite da instituicao. RESULTADOS: Internaram na unidade de terapia intensiva pediatrica 498 pacientes, sendo 77 excluidos. Dos 421 pacientes estudados, 33 (7,83%) foram a obito. A mortalidade estimada pelo PRISM foi de 30,84 (7,22%), com standardized mortality rate 1,07 (0,74-1,50), z = -0,45. Pelo PIM, foi de 26,13 (6,21%), com standardized mortality rate 1,26 (0,87-1,77), z = -1,14. O teste de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow obteve um qui-quadrado 9,23 (p = 0,100) para o PRISM e 27,986 (p < 0,001) para o PIM. A area abaixo da curva ROC foi 0,870 (0,810-0,930) para o PRISM e 0,845 (0,769-0,920) para o PIM. Teste de Spearman r = 0,65 (p < 0,001). CONCLUSAO: Na analise dos testes podemos constatar que, embora o PIM apresente uma pior calibracao no conjunto dos resultados, tanto o PRISM como o PIM apresentaram boa capacidade de discriminar entre sobreviventes e nao sobreviventes, constituindo-se em ferramentas de desempenho comparaveis na avaliacao prognostica de pacientes pediatricos admitidos em nossa unidade.

Very low birth weight preterm newborns weighing less than 1500 g were randomized to receive human milk supplemented with FM 85® or not. They have similar bone mineral content (BMC) at baseline, but, at the end of study, BMC was increasingly higher in the FM 85® group. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a human milk supplement (FM 85®; Nestle, Vevey, Switzerland) developed for the purpose of improving nutrition, including bone mineralization, in very low birth weight preterm newborns. Preterm infants weighing less than 1500 g at birth admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital were studied. During hospitalization, they were fed at least 50 % of human milk. Newborns with ≥20 days of age were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 19) to receive human milk supplemented with FM 85® or to a control group (n = 19) to receive human milk only. Anthropometric measurements, whole-body bone densitometry (DXA), and biochemical tests were performed at study entry and at the end of the study (shortly before discharge when the infant had reached 2000 g). There were no start- or end-of-study differences between the two groups, except for daily increase in length (p = 0.010). At baseline, both groups had similar BMC: 5.49 ± 3.65 vs. 4.34 ± 2.98 g (p = 0.39) for the intervention and control group, respectively. However, at the end of the study, BMC was higher in the intervention group: 10.3 ± 4.71 vs. 6.19 ± 3.23 g (p = 0.003). The mean increase in BMC during the observation period was 4.90 ± 4.46 g for the intervention group and 1.86 ± 3.17 g for the control group (p = 0.020). Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in the control group (720 ± 465 vs. 391 ± 177 IU/L; p = 0.007). Our data suggest that supplementation of human milk with FM 85® leads to improved bone mineralization in very low birth weight preterm newborns.

The acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) might have a severe presentation but a good prognosis in children. It is an immune-mediated and inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system. This retrospective study observed that GBS is frequently complicated by hypertension and other autonomic disorders. Cardiovascular instability is due to the involvement of the autonomic nervous system and results in labile blood pressure, cardiac dysrhythmias and hypovolemia. During a 13-year period (1982-1995), 21 children were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of São Lucas Hospital, Porto Alegre, south of Brazil. Eight patients were mechanically ventilated. Symptoms of autonomic disturbance were frequently seen, especially in patients with severe clinical evolution. Previous investigations of the mechanism of hypertension associated with GBS did not evaluate the etiology of these phenomena. With modern pediatric intensive care support the deaths are rare. There is no death in this studied group.

To describe the characteristics and the outcome of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation.We performed a retrospective study enrolling all infants (less than 12 months old) admitted with the diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and submitted to mechanical ventilation in an university affiliated Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit between March, 2004 and September, 2006 (3 consecutives winters). The mechanical ventilation parameters' employed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th day and before extubation were evaluated as well as the evolution (mortality rate, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and the prevalence of complications). The groups were compared using the Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test.Fifty-nine infants were included (3.8 ± 2.7 months old, 59% male), with 9.0 ± 9.4 days on mechanical ventilation. Prior mechanical ventilation, non invasive ventilation was instituted in 71% of children. Anemia was observed in 78% of the sample. In 51 infants (86.5%) the lower airway obstructive pattern was maintained up to tracheal extubation with a nil mortality and low prevalence of pneumothorax (7.8%). Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 8 infants (13.5%), with higher mortality and a higher prevalence of pneumothorax (62.5%).The declining mortality in acute viral bronchiolitis is observed even in non developed regions, involving children with high rates of anemia and premature labor. The low mortality is associated with the maintenance of the lower airway obstructive pattern during the period on mechanical ventilation. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with increased mortality and higher prevalence of complications, representing the actual challenge in the management of children with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

Objetivo: Descrever as características e a evolução de lactantes com bronquiolite aguda submetidos à ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido entre março 2004 e setembro 2006 (três invernos consecutivos), recrutando todos os lactantes (menos de 12 meses de idade) com diagnóstico de bronquiolite viral aguda e submetidos à ventilação mecânica em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, brasileira, ligada a uma universidade. Os parâmetros de ventilação mecânica adotados no 1°, 2° 3° e 7° dia e antes da extubação foram avaliados, assim como a evolução (taxa de mortalidade, presença da síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo) e prevalência de complicações. Os grupos foram comparados usando o teste t de Student, o teste U de Mann-Whitney e o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 59 lactantes (3,8 ± 2,7 meses de idade, 59% de sexo masculino) com 9,0 ± 9,4 dias em ventilação mecânica. Antes da ventilação mecânica, ventilação não-invasiva foi instituída em 71% dos lactantes. Foi observada anemia em 78% da amostra. Em 51 lactantes (86,5%), o padrão obstrutivo de vias aéreas inferiores foi mantido até extubação intratraqueal, com mortalidade nula e baixa prevalência de pneumotórax (7,8%). A síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo, ocorreu em 8 lactantes (13,5%) com mortalidade mais elevada e alta prevalência de pneumotórax (62,5%). Conclusões: O declínio na mortalidade em crianças com bronquiolite viral aguda tem sido observado mesmo em regiões não desenvolvidas, com altas taxas de anemia e partos prematuros. A baixa mortalidade está associada à manutenção o padrão obstrutivo de vias aéreas inferiores durante o tempo em ventilação mecânica. O desenvolvimento da síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo está associado a uma mortalidade mais elevada e maior porcentagem de complicações representando o desafia atual para o tratamento de crianças com bronquiolite viral aguda. Objective: To describe the characteristics and the outcome of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation. Methods: We performed a retrospective study enrolling all infants (less than 12 months old) admitted with the diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and submitted to mechanical ventilation in an university affiliated Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit between March, 2004 and September, 2006 (3 consecutives winters). The mechanical ventilation parameters’ employed on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th day and before extubation were evaluated as well as the evolution (mortality rate, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and the prevalence of complications). The groups were compared using the Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test. Results: Fifty-nine infants were included (3.8 ± 2.7 months old, 59% male), with 9.0 ± 9.4 days on mechanical ventilation. Prior mechanical ventilation, non invasive ventilation was instituted in 71% of children. Anemia was observed in 78% of the sample. In 51 infants (86.5%) the lower airway obstructive pattern was maintained up to tracheal extubation with a nil mortality and low prevalence of pneumothorax (7.8%). Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 8 infants (13.5%), with higher mortality and a higher prevalence of pneumothorax (62.5%). Conclusions: The declining mortality in acute viral bronchiolitis is observed even in non developed regions, involving children with high rates of anemia and premature labor. The low mortality is associated with the maintenance of the lower airway obstructive pattern during the period on mechanical ventilation. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with increased mortality and higher prevalence of complications, representing the actual challenge in the management of children with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

OBJETIVO: A vasopressina é um hormônio neuropeptídico utilizado clinicamente há mais de 50 anos, com papel importante na homeostase circulatória e na regulação da osmolalidade sérica. Seu papel no tratamento do choque vem recebendo ênfase recentemente. Foram revisadas a fisiologia deste neuro-hormônio e as evidências disponíveis para sua utilização no contexto de choque com vasodilatação na criança. FONTES DOS DADOS: MEDLINE, usando os termos vasopressin, vasodilation, shock, septic shock, e sinônimos e termos relacionados, além de publicações clássicas referentes ao tema, sendo escolhidas as mais representativas. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A vasopressina é sintetizada na neuro-hipófise e liberada em resposta à diminuição da volemia ou ao aumento da osmolalidade plasmática. A ação da vasopressina dá-se pela ativação de vários receptores acoplados à proteína G, os quais são classificados, de acordo com sua localização e rotas de transmissão intracelular, em receptores V1 (ou V1b), V2 e V3 (ou V1b) e por receptores de ocitocina. A função central da vasopressina é causar vasoconstrição, embora, em determinados órgãos, possa promover vasodilatação seletiva. Diversos estudos clínicos em adultos e crianças apontam efeitos benéficos e seguros da vasopressina no tratamento do choque com vasodilatação por diversas causas. CONCLUSÃO: As evidências são restritas, os estudos na maioria são retrospectivos e com número reduzido de pacientes, mas já há uma experiência bastante significativa no que diz respeito a seu uso em pediatria. A vasopressina possui um efeito clinico benéfico na criança e pode ser indicada no tratamento do choque refratário com vasodilatação, depois de adequada reposição volêmica e quando altas doses de outros vasopressores não foram eficazes. OBJECTIVE:Vasopressin is a neuropeptide hormone which has been used clinically for more than 50 years and plays a major role in circulatory homeostasis and in the regulation of serum osmolality. Recent work has emphasized its role in the treatment of septic shock. This paper reviews the physiology of this neurohormone and the available evidence in favor of its use as a vasodilator for children in shock. SOURCES: MEDLINE, using the terms vasopressin, vasodilation, shock and septic shock, plus synonyms and related terms. Classic publications on the topic were also reviewed and selected depending on their relevance to the study objectives. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Vasopressin is synthesized in the neurohypophysis and released in response to a decrease in plasma volume or an increase in serum osmolality. The action of vasopressin is mediated by the activation of oxytocin receptors and of several G protein-coupled receptors, which are classified according to their location and intracellular transmission routes as V1 receptors (or V1b), V2 and V3 receptors (or V1b). The main role of vasopressin is to induce vasoconstriction. However, in certain organs, it can also induce selective vasodilation. Several clinical studies in adults and children have reported that the effects of vasopressin for the treatment of vasodilatory septic shock, due to a variety of causes, are both beneficial and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is restricted. Most studies are retrospective and include a small number of patients. Nevertheless, there is significant experience concerning the use of vasopressin in Pediatrics. Vasopressin has a beneficial clinical effect in children and can be indicated in the treatment of refractory vasodilatory shock, after adequate volume resuscitation and when high doses of other vasopressors are not effective.

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil de uso de analgésicos e sedativos em crianças submetidas à ventilação mecânica, internadas em uma UTI pediátrica de referência, em um período de 12 meses, avaliando o tempo de uso dessas drogas, as doses diárias utilizadas e a incidência de síndrome de abstinência. MÉTODOS: estudo de coorte prospectivo (abril de 2001 a março de 2002), envolvendo crianças em ventilação mecânica (via tubo traqueal) por um período superior a 12 horas, com idade entre 30 dias e 15 anos, que tivessem sucesso no processo de extubação (excluídos os óbitos ou aqueles que necessitassem reintubação). Uma equipe não envolvida com a assistência coletava os dados diariamente, até o 28º dia de ventilação mecânica (tempo máximo de seguimento para aqueles que eventualmente permanecessem um tempo superior a 28 dias em ventilação artificial), sendo o principal desfecho a dose, infundida às 12h da manhã, de morfina, fentanil, quetamina e midazolam (assumindo esta como a dose média naquele dia para cada uma destas drogas). O diagnóstico de síndrome de abstinência foi definido através de pesquisa no prontuário (registro do diagnóstico ou tomada de medidas terapêuticas neste sentido) e por entrevista com o médico assistente de cada paciente, realizada nos dias subseqüentes à extubação. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do HSL-PUCRS. RESULTADOS: dos 127 pacientes elegíveis para este estudo, obtivemos dados de 124 pacientes (16,0+29,5 meses, 58% meninos; 92 definidos como clínicos e 32 como cirúrgicos). Cada criança utilizou uma média de 1,7 sedativos-analgésicos em infusão por dia (sem diferença entre pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos). Os opióides (morfina e fentanil) foram as drogas mais utilizadas em ambos grupos (fentanil o preferido entre os clínicos, e a morfina entre os cirúrgicos, p

OBJETIVOS: analisar o efeito a curto prazo da posição prona na oxigenação de pacientes pediátricos com hipoxemia severa e submetidos à ventilação mecânica. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: ensaio clínico prospectivo, não randomizado, sendo cada paciente o seu próprio controle, realizado no período de julho de 1998 a julho de 1999. Incluídas todas as crianças com diagnóstico de insuficiência respiratória aguda, em ventilação mecânica, com pressão inspiratória positiva (PIP) maior ou igual a 30cm H2O e fração de oxigênio inspirada (FiO2) maior ou igual a 0,5, que apresentassem PaO2/FiO2 menor ou igual a 200. Os pacientes foram mantidos duas horas na posição prona, retornando, a seguir, à posição supina. Avaliou-se a oxigenação, através da PaO2/FiO2, na posição supina (1 hora antes da mudança de posição), com 1 hora de posição prona e 1 hora após retornar à posição supina. Considerou-se responsivo todo o paciente que apresentasse um aumento de, no mínimo, 20 na PaO2/FiO2. Os resultados foram comparados através do teste t student, Friedman, Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e intervalo de confiança (IC). RESULTADOS: participaram do estudo 18 crianças (10 masculinos) com idade média de 11,5 (±11,5) meses e com uma PaO2/FiO2 inicial 96,06 (±41,78). Após 1 hora em posição prona, observamos que 5/18 (27,7%) pacientes apresentaram uma melhora na PaO2/FiO2 acima de 20 (teste exato de Fisher, P=0,045). Seis pacientes apresentavam predominantemente diminuição da complacência pulmonar (4 com síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda) e 12 com aumento da resistência pulmonar (6 com bronquiolite). Não observamos diferença entre esses grupos no que se refere à idade, sexo, tempo de ventilação prévia à mudança de posição, pressão inspiratória positiva, fração de oxigênio inspirada, grau de hipoxemia e evolução. CONCLUSÃO: o uso da posição prona durante a ventilação mecânica de crianças severamente hipoxêmicas pode promover uma significativa melhora da PaO2/FiO2 a partir da 1º hora. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the short-term effects of prone positioning on the oxygenation of mechanically-ventilated children suffering from severe hypoxemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a prospective, nonrandomized trial (each patient as his/her own control) was conducted between July 1998 and July 1999. Mechanically-ventilated children with peak inspiratory pressure greater than or equal to 30 cm H2O, FiO2 greater than or equal to 0.5, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than or equal to 200 were included in the study. Each patient was kept in the prone position for two hours, returning to the supine position after this period. Oxygenation was assessed by means of PaO2/FiO2 in the supine position (one hour before prone positioning), one hour after prone positioning, and one hour after returning to the supine position. Patients who presented an increase of at least 20 in PaO2/FiO2 were considered responsive. The results were compared by Student t-test, Friedman test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: eighteen children (10 males), whose mean age was 11.5 ±11.5 months, with initial PaO2/FiO2 of 96.06 ± 41.78, participated in the study. After one hour in the prone position, 27.7% of the patients (5/18) improved their PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P=0.045). Six of these patients presented reduced lung compliance (four of them had acute respiratory distress syndrome); and twelve patients showed increased airway resistance (six of them presented bronchiolitis). No significant difference was observed between these two groups (reduced lung compliance x increased airway resistance) in terms of age, sex, duration of ventilation prior to change in position, peak inspiratory pressure, FiO2, severity of hypoxemia, and outcome. CONCLUSION: prone positioning during mechanical ventilation of children with severe hypoxemia may improve the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in the first hour.

To describe the serum cortisol profile and evaluate the adrenal response in children with septic shock, and determine the influence of these factors on the outcome and mortality in this group.Between May and November 2003, 22 children with septic shock admitted to two pediatric intensive care units in southern Brazil were followed. Adrenal function was evaluated based on the levels of cortisol measured on the occasion of the diagnosis of septic shock and on the response of serum cortisol 30 min after the administration of intravenous corticotrophin (0.5 microg/1.73m(2)). Adrenal insufficiency was defined as a baseline serum cortisol below 690 nmol/l and/or a cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l.Adrenal insufficiency was detected in 17 patients (77.3%). All patients who died had baseline cortisol higher than 690 nmol/l. A cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l was associated with a 60% mortality (RR = 7.2, 1.03-50.28). Regression analysis showed that the combination of baseline cortisol higher than 690 nmol/l and a cortisol response to corticotrophin less than 250 nmol/l were associated with mortality after correction for gender and PRISM.Adrenal insufficiency is a frequent finding in children with septic shock. The low-dose corticotrophin stimulation test seems to be an important tool to distinguish between a normal cortisol response to stress and evidence of adrenal failure. Mortality was significantly higher in children that failed to respond to a corticotrophin stimulation test.

Objective: To estimate the workload and size the nursing team using the scales TISS-28 and NEMS in a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: An observational prospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital from Jan 1st, 2009 to Dec 31st, 2009. All children who remained hospitalized for more than 8 hours were included, with length of stay of 4 hours in case of death. Clinical data were collected and the Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 and the scores TISS-28 and NEMS were determined. The TISS-28 and NEMS were converted into working hours of the nursing team and sizing complied with the parameters of the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council. Pearson's correlation and the Bland-Altman model were used to verify the association and agreement between the instruments. Results: A total of 459 children were included, totaling 3,409 observations. The average values for the TISS-28 and NEMS were 20.8±8 and 25.2±8.7 points, respectively. The nursing workload was 11 hours by TISS-28 and 13.3 hours by NEMS. The estimated number of professionals by TISS-28 and NEMS was 29.6 and 35.8 professionals, respectively. The TISS-28 and NEMS showed adequate correlation and agreement. Conclusion: Time spent in nursing activities and team sizing reflected by the NEMS were significantly greater when compared to the TISS-28. RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a carga de trabalho e dimensionar a equipe de enfermagem utilizando as escalas TISS-28 e NEMS em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional com abordagem quantitativa, realizado na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica de um hospital universitário, no período de 1o de janeiro de 2009 a 31 de dezembro de 2009. Foram incluídas todas as crianças que permaneceram internadas por mais de 8 horas, com duração de internação de 4 horas em caso de óbito. Foram coletados os dados clínicos, e determinados o Paediatric Index of Mortality 2 e as escalas TISS-28 e NEMS. O TISS-28 e o NEMS foram convertidos em horas de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem, e o dimensionamento seguiu os parâmetros do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem. A correlação de Pearson e o modelo de Bland-Altman foram utilizados para verificar a associação e a concordância entre os instrumentos. Resultados: Foram incluídas 459 crianças, totalizando 3.409 observações. As médias do TISS-28 e do NEMS foram 20,8±8 e 25,2±8,7 pontos, respectivamente. A carga de trabalho de enfermagem foi de 11 horas pelo TISS-28 e 13,3 horas pelo NEMS. A estimativa do número de profissionais pelo TISS-28 e NEMS foi de 29,6 e 35,8 profissionais, respectivamente. O TISS-28 e o NEMS apresentaram correlação e concordância adequadas. Conclusão: O tempo despendido nas atividades de enfermagem e o dimensionamento da equipe refletido pelo NEMS foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao TISS-28.