Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2010
ReviewPrevalence and predictors of chronic pain after labor and delivery.
Labor pain is a complex phenomenon with sensory, emotional, and perceptive components and can be regarded as one of the most serious kinds of pain. Different strategies to approach acute labor pain have been developed. Chronic pain after labor and delivery has not been studied so extensively. In this review recent findings about chronic pain after labor and delivery will be discussed. ⋯ Treatment of acute pain during labor and delivery is necessary to prevent chronic pain. Future studies should focus on the long-term effects of different analgesic regimens on the development of chronic pain after labor and delivery.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2010
ReviewAre there still limitations for the use of target-controlled infusion in children?
Target controlled infusion (TCI) devices are gaining popularity among paediatric anaesthesia practitioners because propofol and short-acting opioids allow rapid onset and offset of action, reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, reduce emergence delirium, lessen exposure to atmospheric pollutants and can be used in peripheral locations. Widespread use remains limited and this review examines reasons why children do not yet enjoy such benefits. ⋯ Hardware limitations, a lack of integrated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies and target monitoring issues restrict use. Intravenous induction remains a hurdle, but increasing familiarity with the technique guarantees continued use for maintenance anaesthesia.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2010
ReviewIs ultrasound guidance mandatory when performing paediatric regional anaesthesia?
Since Kapral in 1994 first described the use of real-time ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, this novel technique has gained widespread recognition in adult practice and has been shown to be associated with clinically relevant advantages. The aim of this manuscript is to review the currently published paediatric data associated with the use of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia. ⋯ Based on current data the use of ultrasound guidance is strongly recommended when performing peripheral nerve blocks in infants and children. Concerning ultrasound assistance in relation to paediatric neuroaxial blocks there is currently not enough supporting evidence to issue a general recommendation regarding its routine use.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2010
ReviewAnesthesia for patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia.
Malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patients have an increased risk during anaesthesia. The aim of this review is to present current knowledge about pathophysiology and triggers of malignant hyperthermia as well as concepts for safe anaesthesiological management of these patients. ⋯ The incidence of malignant hyperthermia is low, but the prevalence can be estimated as up to 1: 3000. Because malignant hyperthermia is potentially lethal, it is relevant to establish management concepts for perioperative care in susceptible patients. This includes preoperative genetic and in-vitro contracture testing, preparation of the anaesthetic workstation, use of nontriggering anaesthetics, adequate monitoring, availability of sufficient quantities of dantrolene and appropriate postoperative care. Taking these items into account, anaesthesia can be safely performed in susceptible patients.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2010
ReviewCan inhalation agents be used in the presence of a child with myopathy?
Anaesthesia for a child with a muscle disease is always challenging because there is a risk of malignant hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis or hypermetabolic reaction if a halogenated agent is used. Ongoing progress in genetics helps in clarifying the link between malignant hyperthermia (a calcium channelopathy) and muscle diseases. ⋯ Only a few muscle diseases are really associated with a risk of malignant hyperthermia. The risk of rhabdomyolysis is more difficult to clarify and a multicentric database would be useful to evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of all anaesthetic drugs in patients with muscle diseases.