Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2004
Case ReportsHypernatraemia induced by sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate) in two extremely low birth weight newborns.
Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disorder that can occur in the first week of life in almost 50% of preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1000 g [extremely low birth weight (ELBW)]. Serum potassium values higher than 7 mmol x l-1 are associated with cardiac arrhythmias and an increased incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia. ⋯ Administration of cation-exchange resin such as sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate) is effective in lowering plasma potassium, although complications following oral or rectal administration are reported in newborns. We describe two ELBW infants affected by hyperkalaemia, treated with Kayexalate, who developed serious hypernatraemia, that has never been reported before in preterm infants.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2004
The correlation between bispectral index and airway reflexes with sevoflurane and halothane anaesthesia.
Unwanted airway reflexes such as laryngospasm are a frequent cause for concern in paediatric anaesthesia. They are more active during light anaesthesia. Bispectral index (BIS) is a recognized measure of anaesthetic effect. Ensuring adequate depth with the BIS may prevent these reflexes. This study investigates the relationship between BIS and a defined measure of airway reactivity. ⋯ The BIS may be useful to help prevent unwanted airway reflexes when using halothane but not with sevoflurane. The differing sites of anaesthetic action for sevoflurane and halothane may explain this result.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2004
Review Comparative StudyComparing the efficacy of NSAIDs and paracetamol in children.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2004
Case ReportsImpossible laryngeal intubation in an infant with Fraser syndrome.
Congenital webbing of the vocal cords is rare, and is usually incompatible with life. We report a case of an infant with Fraser syndrome who required a surgical airway because of a severe stenosis of her airway secondary to a glottic web. The decision process leading to tracheostomy in this neonate is described. The pertinent features of Fraser syndrome in relation to airway management are discussed.