Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2014
Observational StudyPatient Safety in South Africa: PICU Adverse Event Registration.
Adverse event registration is a means to improve patient safety in a PICU. So far it has been used in European and North American countries mainly. We studied adverse events in a South African setting with the aims to 1) assess rates and types of adverse events with two different registration methods and 2) describe characteristics of patients experiencing adverse events. ⋯ The trigger tool method identifies a higher adverse event rate compared with real-time registration. Each method has a unique contribution to yield types of adverse events.
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To analyze the RBC transfusion practice patterns among pediatric intensivists in light of the new evidence advocating for a restrictive transfusion strategy. ⋯ Stated transfusion practice patterns of pediatric intensivists appear to be evolving toward a more restrictive approach two and a half years after the publication of the Transfusion Requirement in PICU trial. Incomplete implementation of new knowledge with regard to the safety of a restrictive transfusion approach in stable PICU patients is perplexing and requires further studies.
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Reports of the burden of hypertension in hospitalized children are emerging, but the prevalence and significance of this condition within the PICU are not well understood. The aims of this study were to validate a definition of hypertension in the PICU and assess the associations between hypertension and acute kidney injury, PICU length of stay, and mortality. ⋯ Hypertension is common in the PICU and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2014
The Importance of Microalbuminuria in Predicting Patient Outcome in a PICU.
To evaluate the prognostic significance of microalbuminuria in critically ill children. ⋯ Microalbuminuria is a simple, inexpensive, and useful tool for predicting mortality and morbidity in critically ill children in the PICU.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Jun 2014
Timing, Duration, and Severity of Hyponatremia Following Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery.
To describe the time course, variability, and magnitude of serum sodium changes among children undergoing intracranial tumor surgery. ⋯ Hyponatremia developed in just over half of children. Young children with hydrocephalus have increased risk of severe hyponatremia. Those with severe hyponatremia need frequent and prolonged monitoring because of risk for repeat sodium changes. Further study is needed to evaluate ideal monitoring and treatment of severe hyponatremia after intracranial tumor surgery.