Convulsive status epilepticus management in adults and children: Report of the Working Group of the Polish Society of Epileptology

Introduction The Working Group was established at the initiative of the General Board of the Polish Society of Epileptology (PSE) to develop an expert position on the treatment of convulsive status epilepticus (SE) in adults and children in Poland. Generalized convulsive SE is the most common form and also represents the greatest threat to life, highlighting the importance of the choice of appropriate therapeutic treatment. Aim of guideline We present the therapeutic options separately for treatment during the early preclinical (>5–30min), established (30–60min), and refractory (>60min) SE phases. This division is based on time and response to AEDs, and indicates a practical approach based on pathophysiological data. Results Benzodiazepines (BZD) are the first-line drugs. In cases of ineffective first-line treatment and persistence of the seizure, the use of second-line treatment: phenytoin, valproic acid or phenobarbital is required. SE that persists after the administration of benzodiazepines and phenytoin or another second-line AED at appropriate doses is defined as refractory and drug resistant and requires treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). EEG monitoring is essential during therapy at this stage. Anesthesia is typically continued for an initial period of 24h followed by a slow reversal and is re-established if seizures recur. Anesthesia is usually administered either to the level of the “burst suppression pattern” or to obtain the “EEG suppression” pattern. Conclusions Experts agree that close and early cooperation with a neurologist and anesthetist aiming to reduce the risk of pharmacoresistant cases is an extremely important factor in the treatment of patients with SE. This report has educational, practical and organizational aspects, outlining a standard plan for SE management in Poland that will improve therapeutic efficacy

Adverse reaction to ceftriaxone in a 28-day-old infant undergoing urgent craniotomy due to epidural hematoma: review of neonatal biliary pseudolithiasis

Alicja Bartkowska-Śniatkowska,1 Katarzyna Jończyk-Potoczna,2 Marzena Zielińska,3 Jowita Rosada-Kurasińska1 1Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 2Department of Pediatric Radiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 3Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland Abstract: The debate as to whether to administer ceftriaxone to neonates is likely to continue. Ceftriaxone has numerous advantages for critically ill pediatric patients. However, it is also known to contribute substantially to the development of biliary pseudolithiasis. Although pediatric patients rarely develop gallbladder disorders, this complication may lead to adverse events in high-risk patients with predisposing factors, particularly in neonates and infants treated with ceftriaxone. In this paper we present an interesting case report of a 28-day-old neonate with spontaneous severe epidural hematoma who developed biliary pseudolithiasis related to the use of ceftriaxone. We also discuss the efficacy of ceftriaxone in neonates and infants. Neonatologists and pediatric intensivists should be aware of the higher risk of co-existence of hyperbilirubinemia and gallbladder disorders while using ceftriaxone in pediatric settings. Keywords: ceftriaxone, pharmacodynamics, neonate, pseudolithiasis, efficac

Adverse outcomes after percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy versus surgical tracheostomy in intensive care patients: case series and literature review

Konrad Jarosz,1 Bartosz Kubisa,2 Agata Andrzejewska,3 Katarzyna Mrówczyńska,3 Zbigniew Hamerlak,4 Alicja Bartkowska-Śniatkowska5 1Department of Clinical Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, 2Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 3Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 4Stomatology Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 5Anaesthesiology and Pediatric Intensive Care Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szczecin, Poland Abstract: Tracheostomy is a routinely done procedure in the setting of intensive care unit (ICU) in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. There are two ways of making a tracheostomy: an open surgical tracheostomy and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is associated with fewer complications than open tracheostomy. In this study, we would like to compare both techniques of performing a tracheostomy in ICU patients and to present possible complications, methods of diagnosing and treating and minimizing their risk. Keywords: tracheostomy, percutaneous tracheostomy, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, surgical tracheostomy, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheostomy complication

Procedural sedation and analgesia for gastrointestinal endoscopy in infants and children: how, with what, and by whom?

Endoscopic procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract have been successfully developed in paediatric practice over the last two decades, improving both diagnosis and treatment in many children’s gastrointestinal diseases. In this group of patients, experience and co-operation between paediatricians/endoscopists and paediatric anaesthesiologists should help to guarantee the quality and safety of a procedure and should additionally help to minimise the risk of adverse events which are greater the smaller the child is. This principle is more and more important especially since the announcement of the Helsinki Declaration on Patient Safety in Anaesthesiology in 2010, emphasising the role of anaesthesiology in promoting safe perioperative care. The Helsinki Declaration has been endorsed by all European anaesthesiology institutions as well as the World Health Organisation’s ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ initiative including the ‘Surgical Safety Checklist’. Although most of these procedures could be performed by paediatricians under procedural sedation and analgesia, children with congenital defects and serious coexisting diseases (ASA ≥ III) as well as the usage of anaesthetics (e.g. propofol) must be managed by paediatric anaesthesiologists. We have reviewed the specific principles employed during qualification and performance of procedural sedation and analgesia for gastrointestinal endoscopy in paediatrics. We have also tried to answer the questions as to how, with what, and by whom, procedural sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in children should be performed.Endoscopic procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract have been successfully developed in paediatric practice over the last two decades, improving both diagnosis and treatment in many children’s gastrointestinal diseases. In this group of patients, experience and co-operation between paediatricians/endoscopists and paediatric anaesthesiologists should help to guarantee the quality and safety of a procedure and should additionally help to minimise the risk of adverse events which are greater the smaller the child is. This principle is more and more important especially since the announcement of the Helsinki Declaration on Patient Safety in Anaesthesiology in 2010, emphasising the role of anaesthesiology in promoting safe perioperative care. The Helsinki Declaration has been endorsed by all European anaesthesiology institutions as well as the World Health Organisation’s ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ initiative including the ‘Surgical Safety Checklist’. Although most of these procedures could be performed by paediatricians under procedural sedation and analgesia, children with congenital defects and serious coexisting diseases (ASA ≥ III) as well as the usage of anaesthetics (e.g. propofol) must be managed by paediatric anaesthesiologists. We have reviewed the specific principles employed during qualification and performance of procedural sedation and analgesia for gastrointestinal endoscopy in paediatrics. We have also tried to answer the questions as to how, with what, and by whom, procedural sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in children should be performed

Mobilization practices in critically ill children: A European point prevalence study (EU PARK-PICU)

Background: Early mobilization of adults receiving intensive care improves health outcomes, yet little is known about mobilization practices in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). We aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with physical rehabilitation in PICUs across Europe. Methods: A 2-day, cross-sectional, multicentre point prevalence study was conducted in May and November 2018. The primary outcome was the prevalence of physical therapy (PT)- or occupational therapy (OT)-provided mobility. Clinical data and data on patient mobility, potential mobility safety events, and mobilization barriers were prospectively collected in patients admitted for ≥72 h. Results: Data of 456 children admitted to one of 38 participating P