Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest, Death in the Off Hours: A Report From Wake Up Safe, The Pediatric Quality Improvement Initiative.

Background: Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest (CA) is a rare but catastrophic event. This case-control study aims to analyze the causes, incidence, and outcomes of all pediatric CA reported to Wake Up Safe. Factors associated with CA and mortality after arrest are examined and possible strategies for improving outcomes are considered.

Cardiac arrest in anesthetized children: recent advances and challenges for the future.

Over the past 50 years the incidence of anesthesia-related cardiac arrest has declined, despite increased patient co-morbidities, the most significant determinant of anesthetic risk. Multiple factors have contributed to this improvement including safer anesthetic agents, better monitoring devices and the development of a specialized pediatric environment. Provider skill has benefitted from improved training and recognition of high-risk situations.

Anesthesia-related cardiac arrest in children with heart disease: data from the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest (POCA) registry.

Background: From 1994 to 2005, the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest Registry collected data on 373 anesthesia-related cardiac arrests (CAs) in children, 34% of whom had congenital or acquired heart disease (HD).

Methods: Nearly 80 North American institutions that provide anesthesia for children voluntarily enrolled in the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest Registry. A standardized data form for each perioperative CA in children 18 years old or younger was submitted anonymously.

Anesthesia-related cardiac arrest in children: update from the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest Registry.

Background: The initial findings from the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest (POCA) Registry (1994-1997) revealed that medication-related causes, often cardiovascular depression from halothane, were the most common. Changes in pediatric anesthesia practice may have altered the causes of cardiac arrest in anesthetized children.

Methods: Nearly 80 North American institutions that provide anesthesia for children voluntarily enrolled in the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest Registry.