Der Anaesthesist
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The use of endotracheal tubes with a cuff is controversial in infants and small children. Often anaesthetists advocate extreme opinions and whereas some propagate the use of cuffed tubes in all cases without restriction, others condemn their use in infants and small children under all circumstances. In this article, the discussion concerning the use of cuffed endotracheal tubes in infants and small children is based on current data and arguments. ⋯ However, acquired subglottic stenosis might represent a severe long-lasting complication. Regardless as to whether tubes with or without cuffs are used, a disproportion between the outer diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the nonexpandable cricoid ring is the main reason for the genesis of this lesion. A continuous monitoring of the cuff pressure is recommended when using cuffed endotracheal tubes in this age group.
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Review Comparative Study
[Crystalloid versus colloid. A never ending story?].
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Case Reports
[Epidural abscess following delivery with peridural analgesia. The question of prevention].
A 35-year-old healthy gravida 2 para 2 developed a spinal epidural abscess after uneventful obstetric epidural analgesia. The diagnosis was confirmed by gadolinium-enhanced MRI; immediate surgical drainage combined with long-term antibiotic treatment led to complete recovery. ⋯ Vigilance is essential to avoid complications in patients with epidural catheters, even after it has been removed, in order to introduce appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures without delay. Immediate treatment is decisive for long term prognosis which should be introduced before neurological dysfunction appears.