Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2017
ReviewAnesthetic considerations for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy.
Electroconvulsive therapy is being used more frequently in the treatment of many chronic and acute psychiatric illnesses in children. The most common psychiatric indications for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy are refractory depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, catatonia, and autism. In addition, a relatively new indication is the treatment of pediatric refractory status epilepticus. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine is likely the most appropriate preoperative anxiolytic as oral benzodiazepines are relatively contraindicated. Methohexital, though becoming less available at many institutions, remains the gold standard for induction of anesthesia for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy though ketamine, propofol, and sevoflurane are becoming increasingly viable options. Proper planning and communication between the multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of children presenting for electroconvulsive therapy treatments is vital to mitigating risks and achieving the greatest therapeutic benefit.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2017
ReviewImplementation of NAP4 emergency airway management recommendations in a quaternary-level pediatric hospital.
Emergency airway management, particularly outside of the operating room, is associated with a high incidence of life-threatening adverse events. Based on the recommendations of the 4th National Audit Project, we aimed to develop hospital-wide systems changes to improve the safety of emergency airway management. We describe a framework for governance in the form of a hospital airway special interest group. ⋯ In addition, we describe methodology for ongoing monitoring of performance through a quality assurance framework. In conclusion, changes in the process of emergency airway management at a hospital level are feasible through collaboration. Their impact on patient-based outcomes requires further study.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialCuffed endotracheal tubes in children: the effect of the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube on intracuff pressure.
In children, the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube is based on various age-based formulas. However, such formulas may over or underestimate the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube. There are no data on the impact of different-sized cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) on the intracuff pressure in children. ⋯ If the cuffed endotracheal tube is too small, the trachea can still be sealed by inflating the cuff with additional air. However, this transforms the cuff from the intended high-volume, low-pressure cuff to an undesirable high-volume, high-pressure cuff.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2017
Comparative StudyComparison of caudal ropivacaine-morphine and paravertebral catheter for major upper abdominal surgery in infants.
The caudal epidural block is one of the most commonly used regional anesthetic techniques in children. Administration of morphine via caudal injection enables analgesia, even for upper abdominal surgery. The thoracic paravertebral block has also been successfully used to treat perioperative pain during upper abdominal procedures in pediatric patients. ⋯ In this small series, there was no significant difference between caudal ropivacaine-morphine and paravertebral catheter for postoperative care in infants undergoing upper abdominal surgery. Further prospective studies are needed to compare the efficacy and incidence of complications of caudal block and paravertebral catheter for postoperative analgesia.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2017
Measuring the depth of the caudal epidural space to prevent dural sac puncture during caudal block in children.
Caudal blocks are performed through the sacral hiatus in order to provide pain control in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. During the block, it is important to avoid advancing the needle beyond the sacrococcygeal ligament too much to prevent unintended dural puncture. This study used demographic data to establish simple guidelines for predicting a safe needle depth in the caudal epidural space in children. ⋯ This simple formula can accurately calculate the safe depth of the caudal epidural space to prevent unintended dural puncture during caudal block in children. However, further clinical studies based on this formula are needed to substantiate its utility.