Paediatric anaesthesia
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2010
Anesthesia for videoscopic left cardiac sympathetic denervation in children with congenital long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia--a case series.
To describe our experience in the anesthetic management of pediatric patients who have undergone left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) for congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). ⋯ Important anesthetic considerations in this population include avoidance of sympathetic stimulation, correction of any abnormal electrolytes, and the immediate availability of a defibrillator and magnesium sulfate to treat arrhythmias. Anxious patients may benefit from premedication to reduce sympathetic tone. We have safely used both volatile agents and propofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. In our experience, intraoperative infusions of beta-blockers and lidocaine seem to be helpful in reducing arrhythmogenic potential, especially in patients with profound QT prolongation.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2010
Beyond pain: predictors of postoperative maladaptive behavior change in children.
OBJECTIVES & AIM: Using well-validated measures and controlling for potential confounding variables such as pain and surgical and anesthetic technique, the goal of this project was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for the development of behavior change in children after surgery. ⋯ Individual child factors above and beyond pain predict maladaptive postoperative behavior change; identification of these predictors may be helpful in both preventing and ameliorating difficulties with behavioral recovery following surgery.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2010
Comparative StudyDexmedetomidine hemodynamics in children after cardiac surgery.
Dexmedetomidine has opposing effects on the cardiovascular system. Action in the central nervous system produces sympatholysis and a reduction in blood pressure, while peripherally it causes vasoconstriction leading to an increase in blood pressure. The purpose of our study is to define the concentration-response profile for these hemodynamic effects in children after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine administered as a single bolus dose following cardiac surgery produces a biphasic effect on MAP. A plasma dexmedetomidine concentration of above 1.0 microg.l(-1) was associated with a 20% increase in MAP in this specific cohort. A dosage regimen involving a small bolus dose (0.5 microg.kg(-1)) followed by a continuous infusion should be used to avoid initial increases in MAP.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2010
Proposal for the management of the unexpected difficult pediatric airway.
The incidence of unanticipated difficult or failed airway in otherwise healthy children is rare, and routine airway management in pediatric patients is easy in experienced hands. However, difficulties with airway management in healthy children are not infrequent in nonpediatric anesthetists and are a main reason for pediatric anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. ⋯ This paper proposes a simple step-wise algorithm for the unexpected difficult pediatric airway based on an adult Difficult Airway Society (DAS) protocol, discusses the role of recently introduced airway devices, and suggests a content of a pediatric airway trolley. It is intended as an easy to memorize and a practical guide for the anesthetist only occasionally involved in pediatric anesthesia care as well as a call to stimulate discussion about the management of the unanticipated difficult pediatric airway.