Publications by authors named "Cristina Giugni"

Article Synopsis
  • Italy currently lacks a pediatric organ donation program following cardiocirculatory determination of death (pDCDD), prompting a need for research on healthcare staff attitudes before implementation.
  • An anonymous survey was conducted with pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) staff across eight Italian centers to gauge their demographics, personal views on donation, and comfort level with pDCDD practices.
  • Results showed a majority supported organ donation, with 78.2% in favor of pDCDD; however, many felt their understanding of the process was inadequate, highlighting a need for improved education on the topic.
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Background: Increasing evidence has associated positive fluid balance of critically ill patients with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of daily fluid balances and their association with outcomes in critically ill children with lower respiratory tract viral infection.

Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted, in children supported with high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, or invasive ventilation.

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We aim to develop evidence-based recommendations for intensivists caring for children admitted to intensive care units and requiring analgesia and sedation. A panel of national paediatric intensivists expert in the field of analgesia and sedation and other specialists (a paediatrician, a neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist, a neurologist, a pharmacologist, an anaesthesiologist, two critical care nurses, a methodologist) started in 2018, a 2-year process. Three meetings and one electronic-based discussion were dedicated to the development of the recommendations (presentation of the project, selection of research questions, overview of text related to the research questions, discussion of recommendations).

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Background: Corneal donation is a rare event among pediatric patients dying in children's hospices in Italy. Previous research suggests that lack of knowledge and negative attitude of Health Care Professionals (HCPs) are the most relevant factors for low donation rates in hospice, rather than patient ineligibility or public refusal. We conducted a national survey to explore children's hospice staff's knowledge and attitude toward corneal donation, to survey HCPs confidence in discussing the subject with patients and families, to investigate whether staff members receive specific training about corneal donation and its potential impact on the willingness to raise the topic with patients and families.

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To determine the potential effect of a donation after cardiac death active program on the number of organ donors in a Italian Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). We conducted a retrospective study of all deaths in PICU of an academic Children Hospital between 2012 and 2020, tracing the organ donation activity. Patients were categorized as brain deaths, deaths despite maximal resuscitation, and deaths after withdrawal or limitation of life support.

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Aim: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are used in a range of critical illnesses in neonates and infants, despite a lack of guidelines and professional standards. This study reviewed the current evidence base and ascertained UK practice regarding the continuous use of these agents in this age range.

Methods: We reviewed the literature and carried out a telephone questionnaire of all tertiary units in England and specialist children's hospital neonatal units in the UK.

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