Showing papers by "Ravi R. Thiagarajan published in 2023"

Health Disparities in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utilization and Outcomes: A Scoping Review and Methodologic Critique of the Literature*

Abstract: Objectives: To map the scope, methodological rigor, quality, and direction of associations between social determinants of health (SDoH) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) utilization or outcomes. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for citations from January 2000 to January 2023, examining socioeconomic status (SES), race, ethnicity, hospital and ECMO program characteristics, transport, and geographic location (context) with utilization and outcomes (concept) in ECMO patients (population). Study Selection: Methodology followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping review extension. Two reviewers independently evaluated abstracts and full text of identified publications. Exclusion criteria included non-English, unavailable, less than 40 patients, and periprocedural or mixed mechanical support. Data Extraction: Content analysis used a standardized data extraction tool and inductive thematic analysis for author-proposed mediators of disparities. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Data Synthesis: Of 8,214 citations screened, 219 studies were identified. Primary analysis focuses on 148 (68%) including race/ethnicity/SES/payer variables including investigation of ECMO outcomes 114 (77%) and utilization 43 (29%). SDoH were the primary predictor in 15 (10%). Overall quality and methodologic rigor was poor with advanced statistics in 7%. Direction of associations between ECMO outcomes or utilization according to race, ethnicity, SES, or payer varied. In 38% adverse outcomes or lower use was reported in underrepresented, under-resourced or diverse populations, while improved outcomes or greater use were observed in these populations in 7%, and 55% had no statistically significant result. Only 26 studies (18%) discussed mechanistic drivers of disparities, primarily focusing on individual- and hospital-level rather than systemic/structural factors. Conclusions: Associations between ECMO utilization and outcomes with SDoH are inconsistent, complicated by population heterogeneity and analytic shortcomings with limited consideration of systemic contributors. Findings and research gaps have implications for measuring, analyzing, and interpreting SDoH in ECMO research and healthcare.

Early Changes in Arterial Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide and Blood Pressure After Starting Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Database Study of Neurologic Complications*

Abstract: Objective: Neurologic complications in pediatric patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are common and lead to morbidity and mortality; however, few modifiable factors are known. Design: Retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry (2010–2019). Setting: Multicenter international database Patients: Pediatric patients receiving ECMO (2010–2019) for all indications and any mode of support. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We investigated if early relative change in Paco2 or mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) soon after starting ECMO was associated with neurologic complications. The primary outcome of neurologic complications was defined as a report of seizures, central nervous system infarction or hemorrhage, or brain death. All-cause mortality (including brain death) was used as a secondary outcome. Out of 7,270 patients, 15.6% had neurologic complications. Neurologic complications increased when the relative Paco2 decreased by greater than 50% (18.4%) or 30–50% (16.5%) versus those who had a minimal change (13.9%, p < 0.01 and p = 0.046). When the relative MAP increased greater than 50%, the rate of neurologic complications was 16.9% versus 13.1% those with minimal change (p = 0.007). In a multivariable model adjusting for confounders, a relative decrease in Paco2 greater than 30% was independently associated with greater odds of neurologic complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07–1.46; p = 0.005). Within this group, with a relative decrease in Paco2 greater than 30%, the effects of increased relative MAP increased neurologic complications (0.05% per BP Percentile; 95% CI, 0.001–0.11; p = 0.05). Conclusions: In pediatric patients, a large decrease in Paco2 and increase in MAP following ECMO initiation are both associated with neurologic complications. Future research focusing on managing these issues carefully soon after ECMO deployment can potentially help to reduce neurologic complications.

Trends in In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Mortality Among Children With Cardiac Disease in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract: Key Points Question What are the trends in the incidence of and mortality after in-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatric patients with cardiac disease? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis that includes data of 131 724 children with cardiac disease admitted to the intensive care unit, the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest and associated in-hospital mortality significantly decreased over time. The proportion of patients who did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation did not significantly change. Meaning These findings suggest that efforts in education and prevention have been effective; however, there remains a crucial need for developing resuscitation strategies specific to children with cardiac disease.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Characteristics and Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Admitted to U.S. ICUs*

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully to support adults with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related cardiac or respiratory failure refractory to conventional therapies. Comprehensive reports of children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2–related ECMO support for conditions, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and acute COVID-19, are needed. DESIGN: Case series of patients from the Overcoming COVID-19 public health surveillance registry. SETTING: Sixty-three hospitals in 32 U.S. states reporting to the registry between March 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021. PATIENTS: Patients less than 21 years admitted to the ICU meeting Centers for Disease Control criteria for MIS-C or acute COVID-19. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The final cohort included 2,733 patients with MIS-C (n = 1,530; 37 [2.4%] requiring ECMO) or acute COVID-19 (n = 1,203; 71 [5.9%] requiring ECMO). ECMO patients in both groups were older than those without ECMO support (MIS-C median 15.4 vs 9.9 yr; acute COVID-19 median 15.3 vs 13.6 yr). The body mass index percentile was similar in the MIS-C ECMO versus no ECMO groups (89.9 vs 85.8; p = 0.22) but higher in the COVID-19 ECMO versus no ECMO groups (98.3 vs 96.5; p = 0.03). Patients on ECMO with MIS-C versus COVID-19 were supported more often with venoarterial ECMO (92% vs 41%) for primary cardiac indications (87% vs 23%), had ECMO initiated earlier (median 1 vs 5 d from hospitalization), shorter ECMO courses (median 3.9 vs 14 d), shorter hospital length of stay (median 20 vs 52 d), lower in-hospital mortality (27% vs 37%), and less major morbidity at discharge in survivors (new tracheostomy, oxygen or mechanical ventilation need or neurologic deficit; 0% vs 11%, 0% vs 20%, and 8% vs 15%, respectively). Most patients with MIS-C requiring ECMO support (87%) were admitted during the pre-Delta (variant B.1.617.2) period, while most patients with acute COVID-19 requiring ECMO support (70%) were admitted during the Delta variant period. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO support for SARS-CoV-2–related critical illness was uncommon, but type, initiation, and duration of ECMO use in MIS-C and acute COVID-19 were markedly different. Like pre-pandemic pediatric ECMO cohorts, most patients survived to hospital discharge.

PEDS7: Balloon Atrial Septostomy versus Left Atrial Cannulation for Left Heart Decompression in Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract: Purpose: To describe the association of left heart decompression with balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) compared to left atrial (LA) cannulation with survival in children with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: Retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) multicenter registry of patients ≤ to 18 years old with myocarditis or DCM on ECMO who underwent LA decompression. Only index ECMO run within a hospitalization was included. Descriptive and univariate statistics assessed association of patient factors with decompression type. Multivariable logistic regression sought independent associations with outcomes. Results: 321 pediatric ECMO runs were identified. 57% myocarditis (n=183) and 43% DCM (n=138). Survival overall was 74%. 67% underwent balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) and 33% underwent left atrial cannulation. Patient demographics including age, weight, gender, race/ethnicity, diagnosis, pre-ECMO pH, mean airway pressure, and arrest status were similar between groups. Median ECMO duration was longer in the BAS group compared to LA cannulation (7.2 versus 5.7 days respectively, p=0.002). 82 (78%) were centrally versus peripherally (22%, n=23) cannulated on ECMO in the LA cannulation group, versus 19 (9%) centrally versus 194 (91%) peripherally cannulated in the BAS group. On multivariable analysis, we found LA cannulation (OR 3.68; 95% CI, 1.86-7.31; p<0.001), neurologic complication (OR 5.25; 95% CI, 2.38-11.58; p<0.001), renal complication (OR 2.74; 95% CI, 1.41-5.29; p=0.003), and cardiac complication (OR 2.64; 95% CI, 1.30-5.38; p=0.007) were associated with greater odds of mortality. There were more episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage in the BAS group (n=17) compared to the LA cannulation group (n=2). Conclusions: Our findings indicate better left heart decompression with an LA cannula compared to BAS given a lower incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in the LA cannulation group. There was a three times greater likelihood for mortality in children with myocarditis and DCM on ECMO who undergo LA cannulation compared to BAS, however, they appear to be fundamentally different cohorts. Further prospective evaluation with adjustment for severity of illness is warranted.

Advancing Health Equity and Inclusion in an Academic Pediatric Medical Center: Priorities Addressed and Lessons Learned

Abstract: To provide optimal, equitable care to patients, hospital systems must have intentional efforts to advance health equity. We present both intentional and actionable steps that our senior executive leadership prioritized to improve the health equity of the children and families we serve and to create a more inclusive working and learning environment for our employees, staff, faculty and trainees in our academic pediatric medical center. The four key concepts or lessons learned that we found essential to successfully advancing and sustaining equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in our academic pediatric medical center were to: 1) Prioritize the strategy for EDI at the levels of the Board of Trustees and senior executive hospital leadership, 2) Collaborate with multi-disciplinary departments, offices, programs, and subject matter experts, 3) Take an Academic Approach by creating educational initiatives and scholarship in EDI, and (4) Commit to intentionality and accountability in the work by developing and tracking metrics for EDI and health equity safety disparities. Our hospital’s approach to its EDI goals and initiatives can serve as a roadmap for other academic medical centers and healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve health equity for all patients, families, and communities.

Critical Care Unit Characteristics and Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Survival in the Pediatric Cardiac Population: Retrospective Analysis of the Virtual Pediatric System Database.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Existing literature provides limited data about ICU characteristics and pediatric extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the associations between patient and ICU characteristics, and outcomes after E-CPR in the pediatric cardiac population. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the Virtual Pediatric System database (VPS, LLC, Los Angeles, CA). SETTING PICUs categorized as either cardiac-only versus mixed ICU cohort type. PATIENTS Consecutive cardiac patients less than 18 years old experiencing cardiac arrest in the ICU and resuscitated using E-CPR. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Event and time-stamp filtering identified E-CPR events. Patient, hospital, and event-related variables were aggregated for independent and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression to assess the association between ICU cohort type and survival. Among ICU admissions in the VPS database, 2010-2018, the prevalence of E-CPR was 0.07%. A total of 671 E-CPR events (650 patients) comprised the final cohort; congenital heart disease (84%) was the most common diagnosis versus acquired heart diseases. The majority of E-CPR events occurred in mixed ICUs (67%, n = 449) and in ICUs with greater than 20 licensed bed capacity (65%, n = 436). Survival to hospital discharge was 51% for the overall cohort. Independent logistic regression failed to reveal any association between survival to hospital discharge and ICU type (ICU type: cardiac ICU, odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71-1.44; p = 0.95). However, multivariable logistic regression revealed an association between cardiac surgical patients and greater odds for survival (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.40-2.95; p < 0.001). Also, there was an association between ICUs with capacity greater than 20 (vs not) and lower survival odds (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.96). CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of E-CPR among critically ill children with cardiac disease observed in the VPS database is low. We failed to identify an association between ICU cohort type and survival. Further investigation into organizational factors is warranted.