Hepatic vein Doppler ultrasound to estimate central venous pressure in mechanically ventilated children.

Monitoring central venous pressure (CVP) is crucial for managing critically ill patients yet poses challenges in pediatric cases. This study aimed to correlate CVP with hepatic vein Doppler and IVC ultrasound variables in children. Mechanically ventilated children underwent simultaneous ultrasound and CVP measurements.

The impact of PEEP on mechanical power and driving pressure in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Background: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is widely used to improve oxygenation and avoid alveolar collapse in mechanically ventilated patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). However, its improper use can be harmful, impacting variables associated with ventilation-induced lung injury, such as mechanical power (MP) and driving pressure (∆P). Our main objective was to assess the impact of increasing PEEP on MP and ∆P in children with PARDS.

The Impact of Increased PEEP on Hemodynamics, Respiratory Mechanics, and Oxygenation in Pediatric ARDS.

Background: PEEP is a cornerstone treatment for children with pediatric ARDS. Unfortunately, its titration is often performed solely by evaluating oxygen saturation, which can lead to inadequate PEEP level settings and consequent adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of increasing PEEP on hemodynamics, respiratory system mechanics, and oxygenation in children with ARDS.

Acute kidney injury in children undergoing cardiac surgery: predictive value of kidney arterial Doppler-based variables.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition in critically ill children and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the performance of point-of-care ultrasonography to predict AKI in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: In this prospective study, consecutive children underwent kidney Doppler ultrasound examination within 24 h following cardiac surgery, and an experienced operator obtained both renal resistive index (RRI) and renal pulsatility index (RPI).

Point-of-care ultrasonography to predict fluid responsiveness in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is proposed as a valuable method for hemodynamic monitoring and several ultrasound-based predictors of fluid responsiveness have been studied. The main objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of these predictors in children.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.

Acute kidney injury in critically ill children: predictive value of renal arterial Doppler assessment.

Background: Renal resistive index (RRI) and renal pulsatility index (RPI) are Doppler-based variables proposed to assess renal perfusion at the bedside in critically ill patients. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of such variables to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in mechanically ventilated children.

Methods: Consecutive children aged <14 years underwent kidney Doppler ultrasound examination within 24 h of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Carotid doppler ultrasonography as a method to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether respiratory variations in carotid and aortic blood flows measured by Doppler ultrasonography could accurately predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill children.

Methods: This was a prospective single-center study including mechanically ventilated children who underwent fluid replacement at the discretion of the attending physician. Response to fluid load was defined by a stroke volume increase of more than 15%.

Sarcopenia in critically ill children: A bedside assessment using point-of-care ultrasound and anthropometry.

Background & Aims: Due to the lack of validated methods of muscle assessment, sarcopenia is not well described in critically ill children. The main objectives of this study were to assess muscle wasting using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and anthropometry, as well as its association with nutrition delivery in PICU.

Methods: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study, including consecutive children admitted to the PICU.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is an alternative mechanical ventilation mode proposed to reduce ventilator-induced lung injuries and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HFOV compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) when used in children with hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods: The literature search was conducted to identify all studies published before December 2020.