Non-invasive Measurements of Energy Expenditure and Respiratory Quotient by Respiratory Mass Spectrometry in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-A Pilot Study.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary life-saving support for pediatric patients with severe cardiac failure, but causes metabolic disturbances and altered nutritional requirements. However, few studies have addressed the optimal energy supply to meet the demand of these children, largely due to technical difficulties with their invasive nature. We have adapted respiratory mass spectrometry to continuously measure O2 consumption and CO2 production in the gas exchange across the ECMO oxygenator, as well as that across the ventilator.

Comparison of Profiles of Perioperative Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Neonates Undergoing the Norwood Procedure or Arterial Switch Operation.

Objectives: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Neonates undergoing the Norwood procedure (NP) have a poorer systemic oxygen transport status than those after other CPB surgeries. We compared the perioperative CRP in neonates undergoing NP or arterial switch operation (ASO).

Plasma fatty acid levels in children during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support--a pilot study.

Plasma fatty acids levels are markedly elevated in patients with myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury including those after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). High levels of fatty acids have detrimental effects on myocardial function. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is like CPB, but much longer, to provide a life-saving support for patients with cardiac arrest.

Early postoperative systemic inflammatory response is an important determinant for adverse 2-year neurodevelopment-associated outcomes after the Norwood procedure.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between early postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of systemic inflammatory response, and 2-year neurodevelopment-associated outcomes among survivors after undergoing the Norwood procedure.

Methods: Among 53 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing the Norwood procedure during 2003-2009, CRP was measured in 43 patients twice weekly within postoperative day 20. Two-year cognition, language, and motor scores were assessed with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III in 26 patients (9 deaths, 2 lost, and 6 assessed with Bayley Scales of Infant Development II).

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia induce distinct metabolic responses.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract caused by microbial pathogens. Two such pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common causes of community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia respectively. Each expresses strains highly resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics, and a significant number of people succumb to infection by these pathogens every year.