Articles: postoperative.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2022
Machine learning approach to predicting persistent opioid use following lower extremity joint arthroplasty.
The objective of this study is to develop predictive models for persistent opioid use following lower extremity joint arthroplasty and determine if ensemble learning and an oversampling technique may improve model performance. ⋯ Ensemble learning can dramatically improve predictive models for persistent opioid use. Accurate and early identification of high-risk patients can play a role in clinical decision making and early optimization with personalized interventions.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2022
Ultrasound determination of the dural sac to sacrococcygeal membrane distance in premature neonates.
Caudal epidural analgesia is the most common regional anesthetic performed in infants. Dural puncture, the most common serious complication, is inversely proportional to age. Measuring the distance from the sacrococcygeal membrane to the dural sac may prevent dural puncture. This study measures the sacrococcygeal membrane to dural sac distance using ultrasound imaging to determine feasibility of imaging and obtaining measurements. ⋯ Ultrasound can be used to measure the sacrococcygeal membrane to dura distance in preterm neonates prior to needle insertion when performing caudal block and demonstrates large variability. Ultrasound imaging may identify patients at risk for dural puncture. When ultrasound is not available, needle insertion less than 3 mm/kg beyond the puncture of the sacrococcygeal membrane should prevent dural contact in 99.9% of neonates.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2022
Initial results from an Enhanced Recovery Program for pediatric cardiac surgical patients.
Over recent years, a number of enhanced recovery programs have appeared in first, adult colorectal surgery, and subsequently many other adult surgical specialties. Increasing interest in this approach to perioperative management in children culminated in the recent development of the first enhanced recovery pathway for pediatric intestinal surgery, endorsed by Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Society (ERAS®). In parallel, there has been increasing interest in the refinement of perioperative management of selected pediatric cardiac surgical patients, invariably referred to as "fast track" management. Initiatives have largely focused on duration of postoperative ventilation rather than on a much wider range of perioperative interventions to optimize recovery and ensure timely discharge after surgery. In our institution, a "Level 1" pediatric cardiac surgical center, we assembled a multidisciplinary team to design a comprehensive enhanced recovery pathway, based on ERAS® methodology, for selected cardiac surgical patients. After a lengthy period of planning, staff education, and preparation, we implemented the pathway at the end of November 2019. ⋯ These preliminary results suggest that enhanced recovery pathway implementation for selected pediatric cardiac surgical patients is feasible, with acceptable outcomes. They suggest areas for further development and the potential for wider implementation.