High-frequency oscillatory ventilation associated with inhaled nitric oxide compared to pressure-controlled assist/control ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide in children: Randomized, non-blinded, crossover study.

Purpose: To compare the acute oxygenation effects of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) plus inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) with pressure-controlled assist/control ventilation (PCACV) plus iNO in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) children.

Methods: Children with AHRF, aged between 1 month and 14 years under PCACV with PEEP ≥ 10 cmH(2) O were randomly assigned to PCACV (PCVG, n = 14) or HFOV (HFVG, n = 14) in a crossover design. Oxygenation indexes and hemodynamic variables were recorded at enrollment (Tind), 1 hr after PCACV start (T0) and then every 4 hr (T4h, etc.

Comparison between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein for early diagnosis of children with sepsis or septic shock.

Objective And Design: The objective of the paper is to examine the behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in the first 12 h of admission and verify which performs better to differentiate children with septic conditions.

Subjects: Septic children aged between 28 days and 14 years were divided into sepsis (SG; n = 46) and septic shock (SSG; n = 41) groups. CRP and PCT were measured at admission (T0) and 12 h later (T12 h).

Comparison between intermittent mandatory ventilation and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support in children.

Objective: To compare intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) with synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation plus pressure support (SIMV+PS) in terms of time on mechanical ventilation, duration of weaning and length of stay in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial that enrolled children aged 28 days to 4 years who were admitted to a PICU between October of 2005 and June of 2007 and put on mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours. These patients were allocated to one of two groups by drawing lots: IMV group (IMVG; n = 35) and SIMV+PS group (SIMVG; n = 35).

Interleukin-6 and procalcitonin in children with sepsis and septic shock.

Objectives: To examine the behavior of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT) and verify whether they can be used to differentiate children with septic conditions.

Methods: Septic children aged between 28 days and 14 years, prospectively enrolled from 01/2004 to 12/2005, were divided into sepsis (SG; n=47) and septic shock (SSG; n=43) groups. IL-6 and PCT were measured at admission (T0) and 12h later (T12h).

Procalcitonin in children with sepsis and septic shock.

Objective: To study the behavior of procalcitonin and to verify whether it can be used to differentiate children with septic conditions.

Method: Children were enrolled prospectively from among those aged 28 days to 14 years, admitted between January 2004 and December 2005 to the pediatric intensive care unit at UNESP with sepsis or septic shock. The children were classified as belonging to one of two groups: the sepsis group (SG; n = 47) and the septic shock group (SSG; n = 43).

[Inhaled nitric oxide for children with acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Background And Objective: The objective of this study was to review the literature on inhaled nitric oxide to children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Contents: A review of literature and selection of the most important publications on inhaled nitric oxide, using the MedLine and Cochrane Systematic Review Databases. This review was organized as follows: introduction; metabolism and biological effects; clinical applications; dosage, gas administration and weaning process; warnings and side-effects.

[Red blood cell transfusion in children admitted in a pediatric intensive care unit].

Background And Objectives: Indications of red blood cell transfusion in critically ill children are not very well determined. This study aims to describe red blood cells transfusion practice at the PICU of UNESP-Botucatu Medical School.

Methods: Retrospective observational study of all patients who received transfusion during 2003.

Acute and sustained effects of early administration of inhaled nitric oxide to children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: To determine the acute and sustained effects of early inhaled nitric oxide on some oxygenation indexes and ventilator settings and to compare inhaled nitric oxide administration and conventional therapy on mortality rate, length of stay in intensive care, and duration of mechanical ventilation in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design: Observational study.

Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit at a university-affiliated hospital.