Paediatric anaesthesia
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Compression of the paediatric airway is a relatively common and often unrecognized complication of congenital cardiac and aortic arch anomalies. Airway obstruction may be the result of an anomalous relationship between the tracheobronchial tree and vascular structures (producing a vascular ring) or the result of extrinsic compression caused by dilated pulmonary arteries, left atrial enlargement, massive cardiomegaly, or intraluminal bronchial obstruction. A high index of suspicion of mechanical airway compression should be maintained in infants and children with recurrent respiratory difficulties, stridor, wheezing, dysphagia, or apnoea unexplained by other causes. ⋯ Vascular rings may be repaired through a conventional posterolateral thoracotomy, or utilizing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic endoscopic surgery. Persistent airway obstruction following surgical repair may be due to residual compression, secondary airway wall instability (malacia), or intrinsic lesions of the airway. Simultaneous repair of cardiac defects and vascular tracheobronchial compression carries a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2004
ReviewChronic upper airway obstruction and cardiac dysfunction: anatomy, pathophysiology and anesthetic implications.
The causes of obstruction to airflow in the pediatric upper airway include craniofacial disorders, subglottic stenosis, choanal atresia, syndromes associated with neuromuscular weakness, and the most common, hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids. Abnormal breathing can adversely affect craniofacial growth, and abnormal craniofacial development can promote upper airway obstruction. Chronic upper airway obstruction often presents with evidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; in severe cases these children also present with pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. ⋯ The anesthetic considerations for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for chronic airway obstruction are significant. These children are at high risk for complications such as laryngospasm, desaturation, stimulation of pulmonary hypertension and cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary edema, postoperative upper airway obstruction, and respiratory arrest. Because of underlying condition(s) (facial abnormalities, neuromuscular disease, etc.), successful adenotonsillar surgery may not improve upper airway obstruction significantly, especially in the immediate postoperative period when edema, bleeding and the effects of anesthetics and analgesics are present.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2004
ReviewTrauma of the larynx and craniofacial structures: airway implications.
Laryngeal trauma in children is potentially life-threatening. An organized approach by all who care for these children in an emergency situation is essential. Prompt recognition and treatment of such injuries will minimize the risk of long-term complications that would require multiple operative procedures and prolonged rehabilitation.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2004
ReviewAnaesthetic management for the child with a mediastinal mass.
Administering anaesthesia to a child with an anterior mediastinal mass may lead to respiratory or circulatory collapse, even in those without symptoms. Institutions should have algorithms to manage children with mediastinal masses. ⋯ Alternatively, positive-pressure ventilation may be used, including tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants. Rigid bronchoscopy may be life-saving in the event of tracheal or bronchial collapse under anaesthesia.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jan 2004
ReviewRigid bronchoscopy for foreign body removal: anaesthesia and ventilation.
Foreign body aspiration is a leading cause of death in children 1-3 years old, although mortality is low for children who reach the hospital. Presenting symptoms of an inhaled foreign body depends on time since aspiration. Immediately after inhalation the child starts to cough, wheeze, or have laboured breathing. ⋯ The procedure should be performed in a well-equipped room with at least two anaesthesiologists, one with paediatric experience, in attendance. Most experienced anaesthesiologists prefer inhalational rather than intravenous induction of anaesthesia and a ventilating bronchoscope rather than intubation. Equally good results have been reported with spontaneous ventilation or positive pressure ventilation; jet ventilation is not advocated for foreign body removal in children.