Abstract:
Objective: Mortality in pediatric septic shock remains unacceptably high. Delays in vasopressor administration have been associated with an increased risk of mortality. Current treatment guidelines suggest the use of a peripheral vascular line (PVL) for inotropic administration in fluid-refractory septic shock when a central vascular line is not already in place. The aim of this study was to report local adverse effects associated with inotropic drug administration through a PVL at a pediatric emergency department setting in the first hour of treatment of septic shock.
Methods: A prospective, descriptive, observational cohort study of patients with septic shock requiring PVL inotropic administration was conducted at the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. For the infusion and postplacement care of the PVL for vasoactive drugs, an institutional nursing protocol was used.
Results: We included 49 patients; 51% had an underlying disease. Eighty-four percent of the children included had a clinical “cold shock.” The most frequently used vasoactive drug was epinephrine (72%). One patient presented with local complications.
Conclusions: At our center, infusion of vasoactive drugs through a PVL was shown to be safe and allowed for adherence to the current guidelines for pediatric septic shock.
Reference:
Kohn-Loncarica G, Hualde G, Fustiñana A, Monticelli MF, Reinoso G, Cortéz M, Segovia L, Mareco-Naccarato G, Rino P. Use of Inotropics by Peripheral Vascular Line in the First Hour of Treatment of Pediatric Septic Shock: Experience at an Emergency Department. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2020 Nov 18. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000002295. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33214518.