Der Anaesthesist
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This report describes a cardiac arrest that occurred in a 4-month-old infant during induction of anesthesia. During the administration of N2O/O2 and halothane via a face mask tachycardia was noted and rigor followed the application of succinylcholine for intubation. Shortly thereafter cardiac arrest occurred; 15 min later we found a profound metabolic acidosis as well as signs of rhabdomyolysis with a serum potassium level of 10.3 mmol/l and an increase in serum creatine kinase (CK). ⋯ To what extent a MH episode may have contributed to the clinical picture cannot be determined at present. The spectrum of adverse reactions to volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine in patients with myopathic disorders is presented and discussed. As in other case reports, the dramatic course described here also demonstrates that in addition to CPR and treatment of the acid-base and electrolyte imbalances, administration of dantrolene should be considered at an early stage.
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In the last 15 years, 124 children with a history and clinical signs of aspiration have been managed by emergency rigid endoscopy under general anesthesia. In 115 (93%) of them a foreign body could be identified, which was successfully removed by forceps extraction in 114. Only 1 patient required a thoracotomy for removal of a distally located aspirated needle. ⋯ In children with chronic endotracheal foreign bodies, in 80% a second endoscopy after 48 h was indicated, and the mean stay in hospital was extended to 7 days. Emergency rigid tracheobronchoscopy and forceps removal of aspirated foreign bodies under general anesthesia and with meticulous perioperative monitoring is a safe and effective procedure with no mortality. Even in suspected aspiration or chronic bronchopulmonary infections, liberal use of endoscopy is recommended.