Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2008
ReviewAnesthetic management of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant perioperative risk for major complications, including pulmonary hypertensive crisis and cardiac arrest. Several mechanisms of hemodynamic deterioration, including acute increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), alterations of ventricular contractility and function and coronary hypoperfusion can contribute to morbidity. ⋯ The development of specific pulmonary vasodilators has led to significant advances in medical therapy of PAH that can be incorporated in anesthetic management. It is important that anesthesiologists caring for children with PAH be aware of the increased risk, understand the pathophysiology of PAH, form an appropriate anesthetic management plan and be prepared to treat a pulmonary hypertensive crisis.
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Children with learning disabilities can present numerous challenges in the acute hospital setting. This review article examines the causes and presentations of learning disability, and considers some of the management strategies employed when these children present for surgery.