Clinical Predictive Tool for Pediatric Cardiac Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy and Ultrafiltration.

Fluid overload is common among pediatric cardiac patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and is often treated with in-line ultrafiltration (UF) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We assessed whether CRRT was associated with poor outcomes versus UF alone. Additionally, we identified characteristics associated with progression from UF to CRRT.

Fatal nocardiosis infection in a pediatric patient with an immunodeficiency after heart re-transplantation.

Background: Nocardia infections are rare opportunistic infections in SOT recipients, with few reported pediatric cases. Pediatric patients with single ventricle congenital heart defects requiring HT may be more susceptible to opportunistic infections due to a decreased T-cell repertoire from early thymectomy and potential immunodeficiencies related to their congenital heart disease. Other risk factors in SOT recipients include the use of immunosuppressive medications and the development of persistent lymphopenia, delayed count recovery and/or lymphocyte dysfunction.

Quality Improvement Analyses Revealed a Hidden Shift Following a Retrospective Study on Breastfeeding Rates.

Unlabelled: Factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding rates are complex. Evaluations for early-onset sepsis can negatively impact breastfeeding success. We sought to determine whether implementing an algorithm utilizing the sepsis risk score (SRS) in chorioamnionitis-exposed newborns would increase exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Utility of three-dimensional models in resident education on simple and complex intracardiac congenital heart defects.

Objective: Applications of three-dimensional (3D) printed models in medicine include preprocedure planning, patient education, and clinical training. Reproducing complex anatomy as a 3D printed model can be useful for understanding congenital heart defects (CHD). We hypothesized that using 3D printed models during didactic sessions with resident physicians will improve trainees' understanding of CHD.

Implementation of the sepsis risk score for chorioamnionitis-exposed newborns.

Background: To prevent early onset sepsis (EOS), ~10% of neonates receive antibiotics based on CDC recommendations regarding chorioamnionitis exposure. A sepsis risk score (SRS) predicts EOS and spares unnecessary evaluation and treatment.

Local Problem: Chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates utilize significant resources.