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Introduction There are no studies comparing synchronized and non-synchronized ventilation with bag-valve mask ventilation (BVMV) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pediatric patients. The main aim is to compare between synchronized and non-synchronized BVMV with chest compressions (CC), and between guided and non-guided CC with a real-time feedback-device in a pediatric animal model of asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA). The secondary aim is to analyze the quality of CC during resuscitation. Methods 60 piglets were randomized for CPR into four groups: Group A: guided-CC and synchronized ventilation; Group B: guided-CC and non-synchronized ventilation; Group C: non-guided CC and synchronized ventilation; Group D: non-guided CC and non-synchronized ventilation. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and quality of CC were compared between all groups. Results 60 piglets were included. Twenty-six (46.5%) achieved ROSC: A (46.7%), B (66.7%), C (26.7%) and D (33.3%). Survival rates were higher in group B than in groups A+C+D (66.7% vs 35.6%, p = 0.035). ROSC was higher with guided-CC (A+B 56.7% vs C+D 30%, p = 0.037). Piglets receiving non-synchronized ventilation did not show different rates of ROSC than synchronized ventilation (B+D 50% vs A+C 36.7%, p = 0.297). Non-synchronized groups showed lower arterial pCO 2 after 3 minutes of CPR than synchronized groups: 57 vs 71 mmHg, p = 0.019. No differences were found in arterial pH and pO 2 , mean arterial pressure (MAP) or cerebral blood flow between groups. Chest compressions were shallower in surviving than in non-surviving piglets (4.7 vs 5.1 cm, p = 0.047). There was a negative correlation between time without CC and MAP (r = -0.35, p = 0.038). Conclusions The group receiving non-synchronized ventilation and guided-CC obtained significantly higher ROSC rates than the other modalities of resuscitation. Guided-CC achieved higher ROSC rates than non-guided CC. Non-synchronized ventilation was associated with better ventilation parameters, with no differences in hemodynamics or cerebral flow.

Background: Post-extubation upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a frequent complication causing stridor and respiratory distress, which occasionally require reintubation, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Contradictory results have been obtained in studies assessing the effectiveness of steroids in preventing postextubation UAO, and the available evidence is limited. We designed a multicentric randomized, placebo-controlled study to explore the effectiveness of dexamethasone in preventing post-extubation UAO in children. Methods: A multicentric, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase IV clinical trial has been designed. The sample will include pediatric patients who are between 1 month and 16 years of age and who have been intubated for more than 48 h. Patients who have airway disorders or who have received steroids within the previous seven days will be excluded. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either placebo or a therapy with dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg every 6 h to be started 6 to 12 h prior to extubation (to a total of four doses). Randomization will be performed at a 1:1 ratio. Follow-up of patients will be carried out for 48 h after extubation. The main objective of this study is to access the reduction in the incidence of moderate to severe UAO symptoms following extubation. Secondary objectives include assessing the decrease in the incidence of reintubation, evaluating the use of additional therapies for UAO, and monitoring potential side effects of dexamethasone. Discussion: The results of this study will contribute to the existing evidence on prophylaxis for post-extubation airway obstruction.

Objective To evaluate the results and quality of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor training courses. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of the results of 24 pediatric CPR instructor courses held over 21 years (1999 to 2019). The results of participants’ evaluation of theory and practice sessions were analyzed. In addition, participants were asked to answer an anonymous survey to assess their opinion on the quality of theory and practice lessons, course organization and methodology, and instructor training. The results were compared by professional groups. Results A total of 560 participants completed the instructor course. Of them, 554 passed theory and practice tests (98.9 %). The mean score obtained in theory tests was 9.2 (0.8) out of 10. The mean score obtained in all practice tests was > 3.5 out of 5. Participants evaluated all the aspects of the course (theory and practice content, organization, teaching methodology, and instructors) with mean scores over 8 out of 10. Conclusions Specific pediatric and neonatal CPR instructor courses are a cornerstone in the process of CPR training and ensuring the homogeneity and quality of training. Most of the participants obtained the qualification of instructors and their evaluation of the course was very positive.

Background: This study aimed to define the existing barriers for early enteral nutrition (EEN) in critically ill children and to analyze the differences in nutrient supply, complications, and outcomes between EEN and late EN (LEN). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational, prospective study including critically ill children receiving EN. Variables analyzed included demographic and anthropometric features, caloric and nutrient supply, outcomes, and complications according to the EN onset. Patients were classified into two groups according to the start of EN: 24-EEN vs EN started after 24 h (24-LEN) and . Results: Sixty-eight children were enrolled; 22.1% received 24-EEN, and 67.6% received 48-EEN. EN was most frequently delayed in patients older than 12 months, in patients with cardiac disease, and in those requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Children in the 24-EEN group had shorter duration of MV compared with those in the 24-LEN group (P = 0.04). The 48-EEN group received a higher caloric intake (P = 0.04), reached the caloric target earlier (P < 0.01), and had lower incidence of constipation (P = 0.01) than the 48-LEN group. There was a positive correlation between the time required to reach the maximum caloric intake and the length of pediatric intensive care stay (r = 0.46; P < 0.01).

The main objetive was to compare 30:2 and 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio in two simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpR) models with single rescuer. the secondary aim was to analyze the errors or omissions made during resuscitation. A prospective randomized parallel controlled study comparing 15:2 and 30:2 ratio in two manikins (child and infant) was developed. The CPR was performed by volunteers who completed an basic CPR course. Each subject did 4 CPR sessions of 3 minutes each one. Depth and rate of chest compressions (CC) during resuscitation were measured using a Zoll Z series defibrillator. Visual assessment of resuscitation was performed by an external researcher. A total of 26 volunteers performed 104 CPR sessions. Between 54-62% and 44-53% of CC were performed with an optimal rate and depth, respectively, with no significant differences. No differences were found in depth or rate of CC between 15:2 and 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio with both manikins. In the assessment of compliance with the ERC CPR algorithm, 69.2-80.8% of the subjects made some errors or omissions during resuscitation, the most frequent was not asking for help and not giving rescue breaths. the conclusions were that a high percentage of cc were not performed with optimal depth and rate. errors or omissions were frequently made by rescuers during resuscitation.Pediatric cardiac arrest (CA) is an important health problem since it has high mortality (52-80%) and a large proportion of survivors suffer from permanent and severe neurologic disability (poor outcome in 20-50%) 1-4 . Previous studies have shown that optimizing maneuvers of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in children could improve survival and prognosis 4,5 . Nevertheless, many studies documented that CPR is often not optimally performed 6,7 .The 2015 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines recommend a synchronized 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio during basic pediatric CPR 1,8,9 . However, there is not a strong evidence to indicate the best compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR 10,11 . Firstly, maintaining an adequate ventilation is crucial during CPR in children because pediatric CA is primarily caused by respiratory failure 2 . The 15:2 ratio delivers more ventilations whereas the 30:2 ratio delivers more chest compressions (CC). In the other hand, different recommendations for the compression-to-ventilation ratio between children (15:2 ratio) and adults (30:2 ratio) could increase the errors or omissions and impair learning. In adult simulation models 12-14 , there are different studies that compare the quality of CC in both compression-to-ventilation ratio. However, only one study conducted in pediatric models, but it was developed by volunteers with pediatric advanced life support (PALS) accreditation 15 . In our knowledge, there are no previous studies comparing the quality of CC between 15:2 and 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio during pediatric CPR conducted by volunteers training in basic life support.with ...

To compare the effect on the recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) of early endotracheal intubation (ETI) versus bag-mask ventilation (BMV), and expiratory real-time tidal volume (VTe) feedback (TVF) ventilation versus without feedback or standard ventilation (SV) in a pediatric animal model of asphyxial cardiac arrest. Piglets were randomized into five groups: 1: ETI and TVF ventilation (10 ml/kg); 2: ETI and TVF (7 ml/kg); 3: ETI and SV; 4: BMV and TVF (10 ml/kg) and 5: BMV and SV. Thirty breaths-per-minute guided by metronome were given. ROSC, pCO2, pO2, EtCO2 and VTe were compared among groups. Seventy-nine piglets (11.3 ± 1.2 kg) were included. Twenty-six (32.9%) achieved ROSC. Survival was non-significantly higher in ETI (40.4%) than BMV groups (21.9%), p = 0.08. No differences in ROSC were found between TVF and SV groups (30.0% versus 34.7%, p = 0.67). ETI groups presented lower pCO2, and higher pO2, EtCO2 and VTe than BMV groups (p < 0.05). VTe was lower in TVF than in SV groups and in BMV than in ETI groups (p < 0.05). Groups 1 and 3 showed higher pO2 and lower pCO2 over time, although with hyperventilation values (pCO2 < 35 mmHg). ETI groups had non significantly higher survival rate than BMV groups. Compared to BMV groups, ETI groups achieved better oxygenation and ventilation parameters. VTe was lower in both TVF and BMV groups. Hyperventilation was observed in intubated animals with SV and with 10 ml/kg VTF.

Objective To evaluate the results and quality of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor training courses. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of the results of 24 pediatric CPR instructor courses held over 21 years (1999 to 2019). The results of participants’ evaluation of theory and practice sessions were analyzed. In addition, participants were asked to answer an anonymous survey to assess their opinion on the quality of theory and practice lessons, course organization and methodology, and instructor training. The results were compared by professional groups. Results A total of 560 participants completed the instructor course. Of them, 554 passed theory and practice tests (98.9%). The mean score obtained in theory tests was 9.2 (0.8) out of 10. The mean score obtained in all practice tests was > 3.5 out of 5. Participants evaluated all the aspects of the course (theory and practice content, organization, teaching methodology, and instructors) with mean scores over 8 out of 10. Conclusions Specific pediatric and neonatal CPR instructor courses are a cornerstone in the process of CPR training and ensuring the homogeneity and quality of training. Most of the participants obtained the qualification of instructors and their evaluation of the course was very positive.