Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jul 2015
Observational StudyIntraoperative changes in blood pressure associated with cerebral desaturation in infants.
Intraoperative hypotension has been linked to poor postoperative neurological outcomes. However, the definition of hypotension remains controversial in children. We sought to determine arterial blood pressure threshold values associated with cerebral desaturation in infants. ⋯ Our results indicate that falls in noninvasive systolic blood pressure of <20% from baseline are associated with a <10% chance of cerebral desaturation in neonates and infants <3 months of age undergoing noncardiac surgery. As such, maintaining systolic blood pressure above this threshold value appears a valid clinical target.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Jul 2015
Observational StudyQuality of handover in a pediatric postanesthesia care unit.
The quality of anesthetic handovers to postanesthesia care units (PACU) is known to be poor in adults, and only very limited reports are available regarding the quality of handovers in pediatric anesthesia. In particular, it is not known which and in what quality information is communicated. This current study investigated, therefore, the presence of any handover component as well as its consistency in a pediatric postanesthesia care unit. ⋯ The observed handovers to PACU staff were incomplete and missing important information. However, omission of essential information potentially compromises patient safety. A standardized universal mandatory handover protocol following pediatric anesthesia is required.
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While most anesthesiologists and other physician- or nurse-scientists are familiar with traditional descriptive, observational, and interventional study design, survey research has typically remained the preserve of the social scientists. To that end, this article provides a basic overview of the elements of good survey design and offers some rules of thumb to help guide investigators through the survey process.