British journal of anaesthesia
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Many anaesthetists are hesitant to perform epidural blood patch in patients with cancer because of the potential risk of seeding the CNS with malignant cells. Recent evidence suggests that anaesthetists may view malignancy as a relative contraindication to epidural blood patch rather than an absolute contraindication. This review article summarises the clinical dilemma, reviews the existing literature, and proposes a treatment algorithm that includes the utilisation of for the management of post-dural puncture headache in the oncology population.
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The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health crises in the USA. With fractures being amongst the most common reasons for a child to require surgical intervention and receive post-surgical pain management, characterisation of opioid prescription patterns and risk factors is critical. We hypothesised that the numbers of paediatric patients receiving opioids, or who developed persistent opioid use, are significant, and a number of risk factors for persistent opioid use could be identified. ⋯ Amongst a cohort of paediatric patients who underwent surgical fracture treatment, 21.5% filled at least one opioid prescription, and 0.6% (N=1671) filled at least one more opioid prescription between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Understanding risk factors related to persistent opioid use can help clinicians devise strategies to counter the development of persistent opioid use for paediatric patients.
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During induction of general anaesthesia a 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate' (CICO) situation can arise, leading to severe hypoxaemia. Evidence is scarce to guide ventilation strategies for small-bore emergency front of neck airways that ensure effective oxygenation without risking lung damage and cardiovascular depression. ⋯ Dynamic hyperinflation can be demonstrated for a wide range of front of neck airway cannulae when the upper airway is obstructed. When using small-bore cannulae in a CICO situation, ventilation strategies should be chosen that prevent gas trapping to prevent severe adverse events including cardio-circulatory depression.
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Letter Observational Study
Effect of personal protective equipment on perioperative anxiety in children and young people.