Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
Case ReportsSphenopalatine ganglion blocks for post-dural puncture headache: A case report in a 3-year-old child.
Post-dural puncture headache is a distressing complication that may occur after lumbar puncture or unintentional dural puncture. Risk factors in the pediatric population have not been well elicited, and the true incidence is unknown. ⋯ Epidural blood patch remains the gold standard for managing severe refractory headache, but greater occipital nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks have been used with success. Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are easy to perform, minimally invasive and, in the postoperative setting where epidural analgesia is utilized, provide an alternative that should be considered.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
It's time to stop using nitrous oxide for pediatric mask induction.
Mask induction of anesthesia for pediatric patients has included the use of nitrous oxide since the inception of pediatric anesthesia. However, the use of nitrous oxide precludes adequate preoxygenation. Additionally, pediatric physiology (less Functional Residual Capacity, higher oxygen consumption), increased risk of laryngospasm and lack of intravenous access increase the risk of a severe airway complication in the event of airway occlusion. Nitrous oxide does not facilitate tranquil mask placement on an unwilling child and does not meaningfully speed mask induction. Exposure to nitrous oxide has potential occupational health concerns and nitrous oxide has significant environmental detriment. ⋯ Utilizing other, evidence-based, techniques to facilitate tranquil mask placement will assure that patients have a pleasant induction experience and avoiding nitrous oxide will reduce the environmental impact, as well as improve the safety of, pediatric mask induction.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
Case ReportsNeurogenic myocardial dysfunction post craniopharyngioma resection: A diagnostic dilemma.
Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of craniopharyngioma is a commonly used technique. Cerebral vasospasm may occur in nearly 10% of cases leading to adverse neurological outcomes. ⋯ Here, we describe such a case managed with a combination of milrinone (to relieve vasospasm and improve cardiac pump function), noradrenaline (to obtain target blood pressure), and vasopressin (to control urine output). This case report proposes the treatment plan of neurogenic stunned myocardium following vasospasm in pediatric patients.