PICU Doc On Call

Dr. Pradip Kamat, Dr. Rahul Damania
PICU Doc On Call

PICU Doc On Call is the podcast for current and aspiring Intensivists. This podcast will provide protocols that any Critical Care Physician would use to treat common emergencies and the sudden onset of acute symptoms. Brought to you by Emory University School of Medicine, in conjunction with Dr. Rahul Damania and under the supervision of Dr. Pradip Kamat.

  1. 13 OCT

    It’s Getting Hot in Here | Heat Stroke in the PICU

    Introduction:Today, Dr. Rahul Damania, Dr. Pradip Kamat, and their guest,  Dr. Jordan Dent, discuss a critical case involving a 15-year-old male who collapsed during football practice due to exertional heat stroke. The discussion emphasizes the clinical presentation, risk factors, pathophysiology, and evidence-based management of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses in pediatric patients. The episode also delves into the role of rapid cooling interventions and long-term care to minimize mortality and morbidity. Case Summary: A 15-year-old male with ADHD collapsed during football practice on a hot, humid day. He presented with: Normotension (BP: 101/67 mmHg)Tachycardia (HR: 157 bpm)Tachypnea (RR: 40 breaths/min)Febrile (Rectal temp: 41.8°C/107.2°F)Dry, hot skin, GCS of 9Lab abnormalities: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, elevated creatinine, liver enzymes, lactate, CK, and troponin After suffering cardiac arrest and undergoing resuscitation, the patient developed multiorgan dysfunction, including seizures, encephalopathy, and cerebral edema. Despite severe initial complications, the patient demonstrated neurological improvement with left-side hemiparesis before discharge. Key Discussion Points: Etiology and Pathophysiology of Heat Stroke: Heat stroke occurs when the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail, leading to dangerous elevations in core body temperature. Exertional heat stroke is common during strenuous physical activity in hot, humid environments.Key physiological breakdowns include inadequate sweating, vasodilation dysfunction, and subsequent cellular damage due to hyperthermia. Risk Factors for Exertional Heat Stroke: Environmental factors: High temperature, humidity, lack of hydration, and breaks.Athlete-related factors: Hypohidrosis, dehydration, medical conditions, and medications (e.g., Adderall).Heat illness is the third leading cause of death in high school athletics, with American football players particularly at risk. Spectrum of Heat-Related Illness: Heat Cramps: Involuntary muscle contractions due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.Heat Syncope: Transient loss of consciousness due to heat exposure.Heat Exhaustion: Milder heat illness with core temperature 104°F, potentially progressing to heat stroke if untreated.li...

    30 min
  2. 4 AUG

    Hemostatis and Coagulation in the PICU

    IntroductionWelcome to PICU Doc On Call, a podcast dedicated to current and aspiring pediatric intensivists. I'm Dr. Pradip Kamat from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of Medicine, and I’m Dr. Rahul Damania from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. We are two Pediatric ICU physicians passionate about medical education in the PICU. This podcast focuses on interesting PICU cases and their management in the acute care pediatric setting. Episode OverviewIn today’s episode, we are excited to welcome Dr. Karen Zimowski, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and a practicing pediatric hematologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Aflac Blood & Cancer Center. Dr. Zimowski specializes in pediatric bleeding and clotting disorders. Case PresentationA 16-year-old female with a complex medical history, including autoimmune thyroiditis and prior cerebral infarcts, was admitted to the PICU with acute chest pain and difficulty breathing. Despite being on low-dose aspirin, her oxygen saturation was 86% on room air. A CT angiography revealed a pulmonary embolism (PE) in the left lower lobe and signs of right heart strain. The patient was hemodynamically stable, and thrombolytic therapy was deferred in favor of anticoagulation. She was placed on BiPAP to improve her respiratory status. Her social history was negative for smoking, illicit drug use, or oral contraceptive use. Key Case PointsDiagnosis: Pulmonary embolism (PE)Hemodynamics: Stable with no right ventricular (RV) strain on echocardiogramManagement Focus: Anticoagulation and consultation with the hematology/thrombosis team Expert Discussion with Dr. Karen ZimowskiRisk Factors and Epidemiology of VTE in PediatricsPathophysiology: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children involves components of Virchow’s triad: stasis of blood flow, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.Incidence: VTE is rare in the general pediatric population but increases significantly in hospitalized children.Age Distribution: Bimodal peaks in infants and adolescents aged 15-17 years.Risk Factors: Central venous lines, infections, congenital heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Clinical Manifestations of DVTSymptoms: Swelling, pain, warmth, and skin discoloration in the affected extremity.Specific Presentations:SVC syndrome from superior vena cava thrombosisAbdominal pain from portal vein thrombosisHematuria from renal vein thrombosisNeurological symptoms...

    50 min
  3. 28 APR

    PICU Doc on Call Shorts: Alveolar Gas Equation

    Welcome to PICU Doc On Call, where Dr. Pradip Kamat from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Rahul Damania from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital delve into the intricacies of Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine. In this special episode of PICU Doc on Call shorts, we dissect the Alveolar Gas Equation—a fundamental concept in respiratory physiology with significant clinical relevance. Key Concepts Covered: Alveolar Gas Equation Demystified: Dr. Rahul explains the Alveolar Gas Equation, which calculates the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli (PAO2). This equation, PAO2 = FiO2 (Patm - PH2O) - (PaCO2/R), is essential in understanding hypoxemia and the dynamics of gas exchange in the lungs.Calculating PAO2: Using the Alveolar Gas Equation, the hosts demonstrate how to calculate PAO2 at sea level, emphasizing the influence of atmospheric pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), water vapor pressure, arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2), and respiratory quotient (R) on oxygenation.A-a Gradient and Hypoxemia: The A-a gradient, derived from the Alveolar Gas Equation, is discussed in the context of hypoxemia evaluation. Understanding the causes of hypoxemia, including ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, anatomical shunt, diffusion defects, and hypoventilation, is crucial for clinical diagnosis and management.Clinical Scenarios and A-a Gradient Interpretation: Through a clinical scenario, the hosts elucidate how different conditions affect the A-a gradient and oxygenation, providing insights into respiratory pathophysiology and differential diagnosis.Clinical Implications and Management Strategies: The hosts highlight the clinical significance of the Alveolar Gas Equation in assessing oxygenation status, diagnosing gas exchange abnormalities, and tailoring respiratory management strategies in the pediatric intensive care setting. Key Takeaways: Utility of the Alveolar Gas Equation: Understanding and applying the Alveolar Gas Equation is essential for evaluating oxygenation and diagnosing respiratory abnormalities.Interpreting A-a Gradient: A normal A-a gradient suggests alveolar hypoventilation as the likely cause of hypoxemia, whereas elevated gradients indicate other underlying pathologies.Clinical Relevance: Recognizing the clinical implications of the Alveolar Gas Equation aids in accurate diagnosis and optimal management of respiratory conditions in pediatric intensive care patients. Conclusion: Join Dr. Kamat and Dr. Damania as they unravel the complexities of the Alveolar Gas Equation, providing valuable insights into respiratory physiology and its clinical applications. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your feedback, and visit picudoconcall.org for more educational content and resources. References: Fuhrman & Zimmerman - Textbook of Pediatric Critical Care Chapter: Physiology of the respiratory system. Chapter 42. Khemani et al. Pages 470-481Rogers textbook of Pediatric intensive care: Chapter 44....

    20 min
  4. 14 APR

    PICU Management of Malignant Hyperthermia

    Welcome to PICU Doc On Call, A Podcast Dedicated to Current and Aspiring Intensivists. Hosts:Dr. Pradip Kamat: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of MedicineDr. Rahul Damania: Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Introduction: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) physicians passionate about medical education in the acute care pediatric settingEpisode focus: A case of a 23-month-old ex-28 week premie presenting with sudden high fever and rapidly rising ETCO2 during surgery Case Presentation: Presented by Dr. Rahul Damania23-month-old ex-28 week premie intubated during hernia repair surgeryNoticed rapidly rising ETCO2, unprovoked tachycardia, and elevated temperatureTransferred to PICU, exhibiting rigidity, clenched jaw, metabolic acidosis, and elevated lactate.Consideration of Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) crisis Key Points: Elevated temperature, hypercapnia, metabolic acidosis, and unprovoked tachycardia raise concern for MHOrganized discussion on pathophysiology, clinical signs, symptoms, and management Multiple Choice Question: Diagnosis of MH crisis during scoliosis repairCorrect Answer: D) Sarcoplasmic reticulumDantrolene acts on the sarcoplasmic reticulum to inhibit calcium release, crucial in MH management Clinical Presentation of MH Crisis: Tachycardia, acidosis, muscle stiffness, and hyperthermia are hallmark featuresPotential life-threatening complications underscore the urgency of recognition and treatment Triggers and Pathophysiology of MH Crisis: Triggered by inhalational agents and depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agentsPathophysiology involves defective Ryanodine receptor leading to uncontrolled calcium release Differential Diagnosis: Includes sepsis, thyroid storm, pheochromocytoma, and neuroleptic malignant syndromeDifferentiation from similar conditions crucial for accurate management Diagnostic Approach: High clinical suspicionGenetic testing (ryanodine...

    30 min
  5. 25 FEB

    Approach to Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose

    Show Introduction Welcome to PICU Doc On Call, a podcast dedicated to current and aspiring intensivists.Hosted by Dr. Pradip Kamat and Dr. Rahul Damania Case Presentation A 14-year-old female with a history of depression and oppositional defiant disorder presents with dizziness, slurring speech, and is pale appearance.The mother noticed symptoms of dizziness, stumbling, and sleepiness.The patient had a prior suicide attempt.Vital signs: HR 50 bpm, BP 75/40, GCS 10.The initial workup reveals hyperglycemia, and she is stabilized and admitted to the PICU. Key Aspects of Ingestion Work-up History and physical exam are crucial.Stratify acute or chronic ingestions.Consider baseline medications and coingestants.Perform initial screening examination to identify immediate measures for stabilization. Diagnostic Studies Pulse oximetry, continuous cardiac monitoring, ECG, capillary glucose measurement.Serum acetaminophen, ASA levelsConsider extended toxicology screen. Differentiating CCB vs. Beta-Blocker Overdose ECG findings: PR interval prolongation and Bradydysrhythmia suggest CCB poisoning.Hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients may indicate CCB overdose Approach to CCB Overdose Initial resuscitation and stabilizationABC approachConsult Poison Control CenterEmpiric use of glucagon, IV fluids, and vasopressorsConsideration of orogastric lavage and activated charcoal Specific Medical Therapies Vasopressors: norepinephrine/epinephrine infusionAtropine for bradycardiaIV calcium salts to overcome cardiovascular effectsHigh-dose insulin and dextrose for myocardial functionInvestigational therapies: methylene blue, lipid emulsion Procedures Transvenous pacemaker placement if neededECMO in refractory...

    26 min
  6. 18 FEB

    Acute Bronchiolitis in the PICU

    Hosts: Pradip Kamat, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of MedicineRahul Damania, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Introduction Today, we discuss the case of an 8-month-old infant with severe bronchospasm and abnormal blood gas. We'll delve into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based management of acute bronchiolitis. Case Summary An 8-month-old infant presented to the ER with decreased alertness following worsening work of breathing, preceded by URI symptoms. The infant was intubated and transferred to the PICU, testing positive for RSV. Initial blood gas showed 6.8/125/-4, and CXR revealed massive hyperinflation. Vitals: HR 180, BP 75/45, SPO2 92% on 100% FIO2, RR 12 (prior to intubation), now around 16 on the ventilator, afebrile. Discussion Points Etiology & Pathogenesis: Bronchiolitis is primarily caused by RSV, with other viruses and bacteria playing a role. RSV bronchiolitis is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants, particularly in winter months. Immuno-pathology involves an unbalanced immune response and can lead to various extra-pulmonary manifestations.Diagnosis: Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and examination. Key signs include upper respiratory symptoms followed by lower respiratory distress. Blood gas, chest radiography, and viral testing are generally not recommended unless warranted by severe symptoms or clinical deterioration.Management Framework: For patients requiring PICU admission, focus on oxygenation and hydration. High-flow therapy and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be used. Hydration and feeding support are crucial. Antibiotics, steroids, and bronchodilators are generally not recommended. Mechanical ventilation and ECMO may be necessary in severe cases.Immunoprophylaxis & Nosocomial Infection Prevention: Palivizumab and nirsevimab are used for RSV prevention in high-risk infants. Strict infection control measures, including hand hygiene and isolation, are essential to prevent nosocomial infections. Conclusion RSV bronchiolitis is a common and potentially severe respiratory illness in infants. Management focuses on supportive care, with a careful balance between oxygenation and hydration. Immunoprophylaxis and infection control are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus. Thank you for listening to our episode on acute bronchiolitis. Please subscribe, share your feedback, and visit our website at picudoconcall.org for more resources. Stay tuned for our next episode! References Rogers - Textbook of Pediatric Critical Care Chapter 49: Pneumonia and Bronchiolitis. De Carvalho et al. page 797-823 Reference 1: Dalziel, Stuart R; Haskell, Libby; O'Brien, Sharon; Borland, Meredith L; Plint, Amy C; Babl, Franz E; Oakley, Ed. Bronchiolitis. The Lancet. , 2022, Vol.400(10349), p.392-406. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01016-9; PMID:...

    30 min
  7. 11 FEB

    The Modified Bohr Equation

    Hosts: Pradip Kamat, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University School of MedicineRahul Damania, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Case Introduction: 6-year-old patient admitted to PICU with severe pneumonia complicated by pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (pARDS).Presented with respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and significant respiratory acidosis.Required intubation and mechanical ventilation.Despite initial interventions, condition remained precarious with persistent hypercapnia. Physiology Concept: Dead Space Defined as the volume of air that does not participate in gas exchange.Consists of anatomic dead space (large airways) and physiologic dead space (alveoli).Physiologic dead space reflects ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Pathological Dead Space: Occurs due to conditions disrupting pulmonary blood flow or ventilation.Common in conditions like pulmonary embolism, severe pneumonia, or ARDS. Clinical Implications: Increased dead space fraction (DSF) in PARDS is a prognostic factor linked to severity and mortality.Elevated DSF indicates worse lung injury and inefficient gas exchange.DSF can be calculated using the formula: DSF = (PaCO2 – PetCO2) / PaCO2. Practical Management: Optimize Mechanical VentilationEnhance PerfusionConsider Positioning (e.g., prone positioning) Summary of Physiology Concepts: Bohr equation for physiologic dead space.Importance of lung-protective ventilation strategies.Monitoring and trending dead space fraction.Strategies to improve airway patency and mucociliary clearance. Connect with us! PICU Doc on Call provides concise explanations of critical concepts in pediatric intensive care.Feedback, subscriptions, and reviews are encouraged.Visit picudoconcall.org for episodes and Doc on Call infographics.span style="background-color:...

    18 min
  8. 10/12/2023

    Retropharyngeal Abscess in the PICU

    Today's episode promises an insightful exploration into a unique case centered on retropharyngeal abscess in the PICU, offering a comprehensive analysis of its clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and evidence-based management approaches. Today, we unravel the layers of a compelling case involving a 9-month-old with a retropharyngeal abscess, delving into the intricacies of its diagnosis, management, and the critical role played by PICU specialists. Join us as we navigate through the clinical landscape of RPA, providing not only a detailed analysis of the presented case but also valuable takeaways for professionals in the field and those aspiring to enter the world of pediatric intensive care. Welcome to PICU Doc On Call – where MED-ED meets the real challenges of the PICU. Case PresentationPatient: 9-month-old male with rapid symptom onset, left neck swelling, fever, noisy breathing, and decreased oral intake.Initial presentation: Left neck swelling, limited neck mobility, and deteriorating condition.Imaging: Neck X-ray and CT scan with IV contrast confirmed Retropharyngeal Abscess (RPA).Management: High-flow nasal cannula, intravenous antibiotics, and consultation with ENT. PICU admission for comprehensive care. Key ElementsRapid Symptom OnsetNeck Swelling & DroolingLimited Neck Mobility Problem RepresentationA previously healthy 9-month-old male with a recent upper respiratory infection, presenting with rapid-onset left neck swelling, fever, and respiratory distress. Imaging suggestive of a Retropharyngeal Abscess, requiring urgent PICU management for airway protection and antibiotic therapy. Pathophysiology of RPAAnatomy of retropharyngeal spaceRapid communication of infections via lymph nodesInfection sources: dental issues, trauma, localized infections (e.g., otitis, URI) Dangers of RPAAirway compromise and posterior mediastinitisProgression from cellulitis to abscessMicrobial suspects: Group A Streptococcus, anaerobes, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Clinical ManifestationsSeen predominantly in children aged 3-4 yearsNon-specific symptoms in the acute settingPronounced symptoms in PICU: neck pain, stiffness, torticollis, muffled voice, stridor, respiratory distress strong style="background-color:...

    21 min

About

PICU Doc On Call is the podcast for current and aspiring Intensivists. This podcast will provide protocols that any Critical Care Physician would use to treat common emergencies and the sudden onset of acute symptoms. Brought to you by Emory University School of Medicine, in conjunction with Dr. Rahul Damania and under the supervision of Dr. Pradip Kamat.

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