Ketamine Versus Midazolam as the First-Line Continuous Infusion for Status Epilepticus in Children with Cardiac Disease.

Background: The treatment of status epilepticus (SE) in children with cardiac disease is challenging given their often-tenuous hemodynamic state. We aim to determine whether ketamine is safe and effective in children with cardiac disease as the first-line continuous infusion for the treatment of refractory SE (RSE) and to compare ketamine to midazolam for the treatment of RSE in this population.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with cardiac disease and RSE admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit at a tertiary children's hospital between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2023.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) Stages in Patients With Cerebral Edema Following Cardiac Arrest.

Objective: To describe electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in pediatric patients with cerebral edema after cardiac arrest.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from July 2021 to January 2023. We included patients with cardiac arrest and changes in EEG background with clinical changes and/or neuroimaging consistent with cerebral edema.

A spotlight on the aged pulmonary artery.

The ever-increasing life expectancy of the global population introduces a critical perspective on the impact of aging as an immutable cardiovascular risk factor, particularly manifesting in the alterations observed in the pulmonary artery (PA). Mechanisms contributing to aging-induced changes in PA include endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and structural changes in the arterial wall over time. These alterations extend beyond mere elasticity, exerting profound effects on pulmonary hemodynamics.

Respiratory Arrest in a Late Preterm Infant Presenting for a 2-Week Well-Visit.

A 13-day-old, late preterm male, born appropriate for gestational age, presented to the pediatric clinic for his routine 2-week well visit with less than 1-day history of decreased oral intake and lethargy. During the baby's well exam, he acutely decompensated and required resuscitation and transfer to the emergency department, where he was intubated for frequent apneic events. He was admitted to the NICU for management and further workup.