Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2018
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialAcetaminophen, ibuprofen, and tramadol analgesic interactions after adenotonsillectomy.
The impact of tramadol in children given acetaminophen-ibuprofen combination therapy is uncertain in acute pediatric pain management. A model describing the interaction between these three drugs would be useful to understand the role of supplemental analgesic therapy. ⋯ Ibuprofen has an EC50 for analgesia in children similar to that of adults (3.95 mg/L; 95%CI 2.57-7.53, vs 5-10 mg/L adults). The maximum effect from combination therapy (ie, 65% reduction in pain score) achieves satisfactory analgesia with commonly used doses but increased dose adds little additional benefit. The addition of tramadol to this analgesic mixture prolongs analgesia duration.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2018
Progress to publication of survey research presented at anesthesiology society meetings.
Understanding how survey methodology and quality measures are associated with progress from abstract presentation to manuscript publication can help optimize the design of survey research in anesthesiology, and enhance respondents' confidence in the value of survey participation. ⋯ While abstract presentation facilitates rapid dissemination of survey research findings, the impact and utility of such studies may be limited until a full manuscript is published. In our review, 25% of abstracts presenting survey data at major anesthesiology meetings were eventually published. Larger sample sizes and a target population of patients or caregivers increased the likelihood of survey research being published in full form.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2018
Determining the extent of the dural sac for the performance of caudal epidural blocks in newborns.
Information regarding the position and relationship of vital structures within the caudal canal is important for anesthesiologists who perform a caudal block. This information can be acquired by anatomical dissection, with ultrasound technology, or radiological studies. ⋯ Anesthesiologists should be aware of the short distance between the sacral hiatus and the dural sac when performing caudal blocks, the shortest distance was 4.94 mm. Armed with this knowledge, caudal techniques should be modified to improve the safety and reduce the risk of complications, such as dural puncture.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2018
A simple care bundle to reduce unplanned admission rate for day case pediatric circumcision.
An electronic review of unplanned day case admission rates in our hospital demonstrated an average annual rate for pediatric circumcision of 2%-3% in recent years with high levels of perioperative strong opiate use. This lay above target unplanned admission rates (<2%) set out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists for day case surgery. A targeted quality improvement initiative was undertaken to improve patient flow through the pediatric day case surgery unit for elective circumcision. Among the reasons for unplanned admission, factors modifiable by the anesthetist (pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, somnolence) are significant contributors. ⋯ Regular scrutiny of patient electronic data helps identify high impact areas for audit and intervention. Unplanned admission in pediatric day case surgery is an area amenable to such targeted intervention.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2018
In-hospital usability and feasibility evaluation of Panda, an app for the management of pain in children at home.
Postoperative pain in children is often poorly managed at home, leading to slower functional recovery, poor oral intake, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes. Panda is a smartphone application (app) designed to support parents in assessing their child's pain and managing medications. ⋯ Panda's usability was improved and its feasibility demonstrated in the controlled hospital environment. The next step is to evaluate its feasibility for use at home.