Paediatric anaesthesia
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialSerum glutathione S-transferase alpha as a measure of hepatocellular function following prolonged anaesthesia with sevoflurane and halothane in paediatric patients.
We studied the effects of prolonged anaesthesia (4.3-7.7 h) with sevoflurane and halothane on hepatic function in 14 paediatric patients. Hepatic function was assessed using serum concentrations of liver-specific glutathione S-transferase alpha (GSTA) before and 0, 3 and 15 h after the end of anaesthesia. A transient significant increase in GSTA over baseline was observed in the sevoflurane group, but not in the halothane group, and the difference between the groups was not significant. These data suggest that, although statistically insignificant, the use of sevoflurane for prolonged anaesthesia in paediatric patients is more likely than halothane to be involved in damage to hepatic function.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of different anaesthetic regimes on the oculocardiac reflex during paediatric strabismus surgery.
The oculocardiac reflex (OCR) is induced by mechanical stimulation and therefore is frequently encountered during strabismus surgery. This study was designed to determine how various anaesthetic regimes modulate the haemodynamic effects of the OCR during paediatric strabismus surgery. Thirty-nine patients (4-14 years, ASA I) were randomized to one of four anaesthetic regimes: group P: propofol (12 mg.kg(-1).h(-1)) and alfentanil (0.04 mg.kg(-1).h(-1)); group S: sevoflurane 1-1.2 MAC in 30% O(2)/70% N(2)O; group K: ketamine racemate (10-12 mg. kg(-1).h(-1)) and midazolam (0.3-0.6 mg.kg(-1).h(-1); group H: halothane 1-1. 2 MAC in 30% O(2)/70% N(2)O. ⋯ Atrioventricular rhythm disorders were significantly more frequent in group P compared with group K (P < 0.02). Respiration-induced sinus dysrhythmia was significantly less frequent (P < 0.001) in group K (0%), compared with group P (100%), group H (56%) and group S (55%). Of the anaesthetic techniques studied, ketamine anaesthesia is associated with the least haemodynamic changes induced by OCR during strabismus surgery in paediatric patients.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2000
Complications of emergency tracheal intubation in severely head-injured children.
A high incidence of unsuccessful attempts and complications has been reported when emergency tracheal intubation (ETI) is performed outside the hospital in severely injured children. The aim of this prospective series was to analyse the incidence and related risk factors of complications of emergency tracheal intubation. The time to complete successful ETI and occurrence of incidents, e.g. cough reflex, hypoxia or spasm were related to the experience of the physician performing intubation and the use of drugs to facilitate ETI. ⋯ Long-term complications, including transient stridor upon extubation in 33% of the cases, and laryngeal granuloma or tracheal stenosis, were comparable to those in other series. ETI in shocked patients and pulmonary infection in hospital, but not the technique of ETI, increased the risks of long-term complications. Emergency tracheal intubation can be performed safely in the field, and results in adequate ventilation during transportation of severely injured children, provided that it can be performed by trained physicians using adequate drugs to facilitate intubation.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2000
Clinical TrialThe time-course of action and recovery of rocuronium 0.3 mg x kg(-1) in infants and children during halothane anaesthesia measured with acceleromyography.
This study compares the time-course of action of neuromuscular paralysis after 0.3 mg x kg(-1) of rocuronium during nitrous oxide-halothane anaesthesia in children of three different age groups. With appropriate approval and informed consent from the parents, 51 children, ASA I-II, scheduled for elective surgery requiring muscle relaxation, were studied. The children were assigned to three groups according to age: group 1, 0-6 months; group 2, 6-24 months; and group 3, > 24 months of age. ⋯ Group 1 and 2 showed no significant differences in recovery times. The RI was significantly prolonged in group 1 versus 3. The authors conclude that rocuronium 0.3 mg x kg(-1) during halothane anaesthesia causes more neuromuscular depression and has a longer duration of action in infants than in children older than 2 years.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2000
Recovery after paediatric daycase herniotomy performed under spinal anaesthesia.
In this prospective survey, recovery in hospital and at home was evaluated in 195 children aged 6 months to 10 years who had undergone herniotomy under spinal anaesthesia as a daycase procedure. Spinal anaesthesia was successful in most of the children, with only two patients being given general anaesthesia. Eighty-three percent of the children had pain at home and 19% had moderate or severe pain. ⋯ Most of the children (183/191) recovered their normal daily activities during the first three postoperative days. We conclude that spinal anaesthesia is a safe and effective technique for paediatric herniotomy. Moreover, pain is common following herniotomy and children should be given analgesics for the first two or three postoperative days.