Strain in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and its Association with Patient Outcomes.

To characterize measures of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) strain and test for associations between strain and patient outcomes. We hypothesized that periods of increased strain would be associated with increased odds of experiencing a post-ICU floor escalation event. Retrospective cohort study.

Outbreak of Invasive Group A Streptococcus in Children-Colorado, October 2022-April 2023.

Background: In the fall of 2022, we observed a sharp rise in pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) hospitalizations in Colorado. We compared the epidemiology, clinical features, and patient outcomes in this outbreak to prior years.

Methods: Between October 2022 and April 2023, we prospectively identified and reviewed iGAS cases in hospitalized pediatric patients at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Accuracy of Bedside Ultrasound Femoral Vein Diameter Measurement by PICU Providers.

Objectives: Perform a needs assessment by evaluating accuracy of PICU provider bedside ultrasound measurement of femoral vein diameter prior to utilization of the catheter-to-vein ratio for central venous catheter size selection.

Design: Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting: PICU within a quaternary care children's hospital.

A comparison of different methods of red blood cell leukoreduction and additive solutions on the accumulation of neutrophil-priming activity during storage.

Background: Three methods of leukoreduction (LR) are used worldwide: filtration, buffy coat removal (BCR), and a combination of the previous two methods. Additionally, there are a number of additive solutions (ASs) used to preserve red blood cell (RBC) function throughout storage. During RBC storage, proinflammatory activity accumulates; thus, we hypothesize that both the method of LR and the AS affect the accumulation of proinflammatory activity.