Paediatric anaesthesia
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Latex allergy is frequently found in children and patients with spina bifida and urogenital abnormalities and have been considered at risk for latex sensitization. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of latex sensitization in patients with oesophageal atresia and undergoing three or more surgical procedures and to identify possible risk factors in the process of latex sensitization. ⋯ Oesophageal atresia, especially in cases of prolonged management, must be considered as a risk for the development of latex allergy.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2003
Validation of a six-graded faces scale for evaluation of postoperative pain in children.
The faces pain scales are often used for self-report assessment of paediatric pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a six-graded faces pain scale after surgery by comparing the level of agreement between the children's report of faces pain scores and experienced nurses' assessment of pain by observation of behaviour. The faces pain scores before, at and after administration of analgesics were analysed. The study was performed in two South African hospitals, one with a mainly rural population and the other with an urban population. ⋯ The findings support this six-graded faces pain scale as a useful and valid instrument for measuring pain in the postoperative period in children aged 4-12 years.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2003
Investigation of the radiological relationship between iliac crests, conus medullaris and vertebral level in children.
The inability of anaesthetists to accurately identify vertebral spaces has been documented. The aim of our magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was to find the relationship of vertebral body level with Tuffier's line and the conus medullaris in children. ⋯ Our data confirmed that the iliac crests and conus medullaris were consistently related to the predicted vertebral levels in children. In the absence of a tethered spinal cord, subarachnoid puncture at L4-5 or below should present little risk of conus damage. Tuffier's line corresponded with a radiological level of L4-L5 in our study population.