Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Physiologic and pathologic changes due to ageing should be taken in account for the preoperative evaluation and peroperative management of geriatric patients. Pharmacokinetic changes ed to reduce the doses of intravenous agents by 50%. ⋯ Pharmacodynamic deleterious effects are limitative in the choice of some drugs. Cardiocirculatory and pulmonary functions need specific, if possible non invasive monitoring, during surgery, recovery and the early postoperative days.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1990
Comparative Study[Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of etomidate in children and in adults].
Etomidate pharmacokinetics were compared in 12 children (P group) (age 7 to 13 years, weight 22 to 48 kg) and in 4 adult women (A group) (age 28 to 52 years, weight 46 to 72 kg), A. S. A. 1, undergoing minor non abdominal surgery. ⋯ No age-related difference was found inside P group with regard to pharmacokinetic parameters. In conclusion, a 30% higher etomidate bolus dosage is required in children than in adults to achieve similar plasma concentrations, due to a higher volume of the initial compartment. In comparison to adults the higher clearance suggests higher maintenance dose requirements in children.
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Regional anaesthesia has an important place in the management of elderly patients. Its selection depends on the type of surgery, the skills of the anaesthetist as well as the status and the will of the patient. Regional anaesthesia should no longer be considered as a challenger but rather as a complement to general anaesthesia, especially in the elderly.
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Numerous anaesthetic techniques exist for a patient who presents with a difficult endotracheal intubation. They all require an anaesthetic protocol which cannot be improvised. ⋯ When a fiberoptic bronchoscope is not available, several alternatives can be suggested: local anaesthesia of the glottis, retro-molar and retrograde intubation, or the use of a guide threaded over a lighted stylet; these techniques can be used in an anaesthetized patient breathing spontaneously. In the paralyzed patient impossible to intubate, various trans-laryngeal techniques of ventilation can be used in emergency: jet ventilation via the trans-crico-thyroid route, the use of a cricotomy cannula, or a minitracheotomy set.