Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialIntermittent positive ventilation through a laryngeal mask in children: does it cause gastric dilatation?
After obtaining Ethics Committee approval and informed consent, sixty children, ASA Grade 1 or 2 and aged six months to ten years, were randomly allocated to receive intermittent positive pressure ventilation through either a laryngeal mask or a tracheal tube. Inflation pressures were maintained below 20 cm H2O, and gas aspirated from the stomach via an orogastric tube over a one h period. No large volumes were aspirated and no differences were detected between the groups. We conclude that healthy children over the age of six months can be safely ventilated through the laryngeal mask airway without gastric distension.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 1997
Comparative StudyA comparison of propofol and other sedative use in paediatric intensive care in the United Kingdom.
The retrospective study was designed to examine the safety of propofol against other sedative agents when used by infusion for the sedation of children requiring mechanical ventilation. One-hundred-and-ninety-eight patients were recruited. One-hundred-and-six received propofol and 92 received other sedative agents for durations of 30 min to 156 days and 13 min to 11 days respectively. ⋯ Thirteen patients received propofol. Five nonfatal adverse events occurred, three in patients that had received propofol. The findings of the survey suggest that propofol compares favourably with other sedative agents when used for sedating children in a paediatric intensive care unit.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 1997
Para-umbilical block: a new concept for regional anaesthesia in children.
This preliminary study describes a new technique to provide analgesia in children undergoing umbilical hernia repair. The para-umbilical block consists of infiltrating the anterior cutaneous branches of the two tenth spinal roots over and under the rectus sheath far from the operative field. Intra and postoperative analgesia as well as operative conditions were assessed in 11 children 16.7 +/- 31 months old, weighing 8421 +/- 6941 g, the block being performed before surgery under light general anaesthesia. ⋯ The block proved to be safe and on the whole effective in this short series. The study should proceed on a multi-centre basis if possible. Indications can be extended.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 1997
Case ReportsTherapeutic options for severe, refractory status asthmaticus: inhalational anaesthetic agents, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and helium/oxygen ventilation.
Despite improvements in supportive care, the mortality and morbidity of asthma remain constant. The risks and incidence of morbidity related to barotrauma remain high in patients that require mechanical ventilation. The authors present three alternative strategies including the inhalation of anaesthetic agents, helium/ oxygen ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation which may be beneficial when "conventional therapies' fail in the intubated patient with status asthmaticus.