Accuracy of the HemoCue® to measure cell-free plasma hemoglobin and detect clinically significant hemolysis.

Introduction: Monitoring cell-free plasma hemoglobin (PHb) during extracorporeal therapies allows early intervention of significant hemolysis, but timely measurements are often challenging. We thus present an analysis of a rapid benchtop device's ability to detect clinically significant hemolysis (PHb ≥50 mg/dL).

Methods: PHb was measured in 419 plasma samples from 88 pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass via both the benchtop device (HemoCue® Plasma/Low Hb system) and the clinical laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (reference standards).

A Comparison of the Anticoagulation Efficacy and Safety of Epoprostenol to Heparin and Citrate in Children Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Introduction: Anticoagulants are used in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to prolong filter life. There are no prior investigations directly comparing epoprostenol to more commonly used forms of anticoagulation in children. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of epoprostenol as compared to heparin and citrate anticoagulation in a pediatric cohort.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Is Associated With Improved Major Adverse Kidney Events in Children and Young Adults With Thrombocytopenia at the Time of Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy Initiation.

Unlabelled: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been shown to improve organ dysfunction and survival in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy and thrombocytopenia associated with multiple organ failure. There are no known therapies for the prevention of major adverse kidney events after continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of TPE on the rate of adverse kidney events in children and young adults with thrombocytopenia at the time of CKRT initiation.

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase during sepsis/inflammation improves survival by preserving cellular metabolic fitness.

The purpose was to determine the role of AMPK activation in the renal metabolic response to sepsis, the development of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and on survival. In a prospective experimental study, 167 10- to 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and human proximal tubule epithelial cells (TEC; HK2) were exposed to inflammatory mix (IM), a combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Renal/TEC metabolic fitness was assessed by monitoring the expression of drivers of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the rates of utilization of OXPHOS/glycolysis in response to metabolic stress, and mitochondrial function by measuring O consumption rates (OCR) and the membrane potential (Δψ ).

Bioactive Oxylipins in Infants and Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objectives: To determine the production of 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid during cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery, evaluate their relationship with increase in cell-free plasma hemoglobin, provide evidence of bioactivity through markers of inflammation and vasoactivity (WBC count, milrinone use, vasoactive-inotropic score), and examine their association with overall clinical burden (ICU/hospital length of stay and mechanical ventilation duration).

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Twelve-bed cardiac ICU in a university-affiliated children's hospital.

Cell-Free Plasma Hemoglobin and Male Gender Are Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury in Low Risk Children Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between the production of cell-free plasma hemoglobin and acute kidney injury in infants and children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Twelve-bed cardiac ICU in a university-affiliated children's hospital.

Oxidative lipidomics: applications in critical care.

Purpose Of Review: Lipid peroxidation has long been established as a key player in the pathophysiology of critical illness. Recent developments in oxidative lipidomics have aided in deciphering the molecular mechanisms of lipid oxidation in health and disease. This review discusses recent achievements and recent developments in oxidative lipidomics and its contribution to the understanding of critical illness.