Minerva pediatrica
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The pediatric sepsis syndrome remains a common cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization costs worldwide. The initial resuscitation and management of pediatric sepsis is focused on 1) rapid recognition of abnormal tissue perfusion and restoration of adequate cardiovascular function; 2) eradication of the inciting invasive infection, including prompt administration of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial medications; and 3) supportive care of organ system dysfunction. Efforts to improve early and aggressive initial resuscitation and ongoing management strategies have improved outcomes in pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock, though many questions still remain as to the optimal therapeutic strategies for many patients. In this article, we will briefly review the definitions, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pathophysiology of sepsis and provide an extensive overview of both current and novel therapeutic strategies used to resuscitate and manage pediatric patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
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Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the most effective way of managing severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. RRT application in children is currently increasing due to the progressive rise of severity of critical illness in these patients. The burden of mortality in RRT children with AKI significantly outweights 50% of the dialized patients (depending also on the diagnosis and on the presence of multiple organ dysfunction). ⋯ Whereas much of the clinical information applied to the adult patients is commonly reported to pediatric critically ill children, recently a significant evolution of RRT technology and novel research on pediatric dialysis warranted interesting evidence and important innovation in this field. In particular, it is currently a matter of debate how pediatric dialysis should be prescribed, when it is indicated and which modality should be utilized. This review will describe different modalities currently available for pediatric RRT, the main mechanisms of solute and water removal, standard and innovative technology specifically relased for neonatal dialysis, the most common prescriptions applicable to dialized children, indications to start and stop RRT.
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The most common causes of nasal obstruction and runny nose in infants and children are infections, mainly of viral origin, or allergies. In neonates and infants viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are frequently observed during episodes of nasal obstruction. Saline irrigation of the nose is believed to alleviate URTI symptoms by helping to eliminate excess mucus, to reduce congestion and by contributing to improve breathing. ⋯ Safety and tolerability have been evaluated and no serious adverse events have been reported. Literature data highlighted the good tolerability. The use of isotonic and hypertonic saline solutions to relief nasal congestion in infants and children is widespread; it is a safe and valuable therapeutic support, and can reduce the use of medications (antihistamines, decongestant, antibiotics, corticosteroids) during the treatment of URTIs.
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The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is an extremely serious form of child abuse and a leading cause of death and disability in childhood. The syndrome usually occurs in infants younger than 1 year when a parent or a care-giver tries to stop the baby from crying by vigorous manual shaking. The repetitive oscillations with rotational acceleration of the head can result in injuries of both vascular and neuronal structures. ⋯ However, the syndrome might be suspected if the information provided are vague or changing and when the child presents with retinal hemorrhages, subdural hematoma, or fractures that cannot be explained by accidental trauma or other medical conditions. Of infants who are victims of SBS, approximately 15% to 38% die and 30% are at risk of long-term neurologic sequelae, including cognitive and behavioural disturbances, motor and visual deficits, learning deficits and epilepsy. Parents and caregivers must be warned about the dangers of shaking infants.
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This review will address the different challenges for the use of non-neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). It will discuss the available evidence for the use of pediatric ECMO in respiratory and circulatory failure, focusing on indications and contra-indications and choice of ECMO mode. Furthermore we will try to define optimal treatment goals, identify primary outcome parameters and calculate the expected need for non-neonatal ECMO per 1.000.000 inhabitants.