Vasopressin associated hyponatremia in critically ill children: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The association of hyponatremia with vasopressin therapy in children is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and severity of hyponatremia associated with the administration of vasopressin in critically ill pediatric patients.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included children younger than 14 years who were admitted to the pediatric or pediatric cardiac intensive care units and received vasopressin for at least 24 h.

Predictors of Reopening the Sternum in Children After Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives: Capillary leak syndrome can be severe in children after open-heart surgery which may hinder sternum closure and described as mediastinal tamponade. Reopening the sternum postoperatively may help maintaining hemodynamics and respiratory function. We looked for predictors that indicate the need for reopening the sternum.

Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Aorta Cross Clamp Time on the Length of Mechanical Ventilation after Cardiac Surgery among Children: A Saudi Arabian Experience.

Aim Several factors determine the perioperative outcome besides the nature of the congenital heart defect. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is a major factor that determines mortality, length of stay (LOS), residual disability, and other functional outcomes. We aim to determine the clinical variables predicting PMV and LOS in hospital, and specifically the impact from the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamp (ACC).

Antimicrobial consumption in three pediatric and neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia: 33-month surveillance study.

Background: Despite their critical role in antimicrobial stewardship programs, data on antimicrobial consumption among the pediatric and neonatal population is limited internationally and lacking in Saudi Arabia. The current study was done as part of our antimicrobial stewardship activities.

Objectives: To calculate overall and type-specific antimicrobial consumption.

Late presenting complete heart block after surgical repair of ventricular septal defect.

Late onset of complete heart block is a life-threatening uncommon complication after surgical repair of congenital heart diseases. In this report, we discuss two cases of Perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) that had late presentation of complete heart block after surgical repair. We are aiming to highlight this unusual complication for more awareness, better understanding and management of this unusual complication after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Effects of protocol-based management on the post-operative outcome after systemic to pulmonary shunt.

Objectives: Systemic to pulmonary shunt (commonly known as Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt) is a palliative procedure in cyanotic heart diseases to overcome inadequate blood flow to the lungs. Based on the most recent risk stratification score, the mortality and morbidity of this procedure is still high especially in neonates and over-shunting patients. We developed and implemented protocol-based management in March 2013 to better standardize the management of these patients.

Bedside ultrasonography screening for congenital renal anomalies in children with congenital heart diseases undergoing cardiac repair.

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) assessment of renal anomalies in children requiring pediatric cardiac surgery is not a standard practice. This study is highlighting the role of bedside US performed by intensivist to detect occult renal anomalies associated with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods: A cross sectional study for 100 consecutive children with CHD admitted to Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) in 2015.

Ultrasound for diaphragmatic dysfunction in postoperative cardiac children.

Unlabelled: Introduction The use of ultrasound for assessing diaphragmatic dysfunction after paediatric cardiac surgery may be under-utilised. This study aimed to evaluate the role of bedside ultrasound performed by an intensivist to diagnose diaphragmatic dysfunction and the need for plication after paediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study on prospectively collected data of postoperative children admitted to the paediatric cardiac ICU during 2013.

Urinary tract infection in children after cardiac surgery: Incidence, causes, risk factors and outcomes in a single-center study.

Nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI) increases hospitalization, cost and morbidity. In this cohort study, we aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, etiology and outcomes of UTIs in post-operative cardiac children. To this end, we studied all post-operative patients admitted to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) in 2012, and we divided the patients into two groups: the UTI (UTI group) and the non-UTI (control group).

Ebstein cardiac anomaly, functional pulmonary atresia and isovaleric acidemia: A case report.

In this report, we present a rare association between Ebstein anomaly (EA) and isovaleric acidemia (IVA) in a newborn who was admitted to our cardiac center. He underwent for PDA stenting to maintain adequate pulmonary blood flow, later he developed recurrent metabolic acidosis, prominent sweaty feet odor, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. His organic acids profile in the urine confirmed the diagnosis of IVA.

Impact of chylothorax on the early post operative outcome after pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

Background And Aim: Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity, which usually develops after disruption of the thoracic duct along its intra-thoracic route. In the majority of cases, this rupture is secondary to trauma (including cardio thoracic surgeries). Chylothorax is a potentially serious complication after cardiovascular surgeries that require early diagnosis and adequate management.

Chloral hydrate versus midazolam as sedative agents for diagnostic procedures in children.

Objective: To compare sedation outcomes for chloral hydrate (CH) and midazolam (MD) as sedative agents for diagnostic procedures in children.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study conducted between July 2005 and October 2006, at the Pediatric Day Care Unit (DCU), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After meeting the inclusion criteria and getting informed consent, patients were randomized, given the study drug, and monitored for sedation outcomes.

Effect of submersion injury on water safety practice after the event in children, Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To bring to light issues surrounding water safety practices and the impact of such incidents on these practices in our community.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of all children <12 years of age presenting with submersion injury in the period between January 1999 through December 2004 noting the demographics and the pattern of water safety practices prior to and after event.

Results: A total of 29 patients were included.

Chloral hydrate. An effective agent for sedation in children with age and weight dependent response.

Objective: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in children are made easier using sedation. However, there is no consensus about which drug should be used to achieve this. Furthermore, none of the drugs used for sedation are risk free.