Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2019
Perioperative management of esophageal atresia/tracheo-esophageal fistula: An analysis of data of 101 consecutive patients.
The perioperative management of esophageal atresia/tracheo-esophageal fistula by open or thoracoscopic approach can be complicated by metabolic derangements. Little is known, however, about the severity of derangements of vital and metabolic parameters in the perioperative period. ⋯ Open and thoracoscopic correction of esophageal atresia were associated with periods of severe metabolic derangements. These events need to be taken into account for the evaluation of esophageal atresia (surgical) care and in evaluations of short- and long-term outcomes.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2019
A practical approach to cerebral Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) directed hemodynamic management in non-cardiac pediatric anesthesia.
Safeguarding cerebral function is of major importance during pediatric anesthesia. Premature, ex-premature, and full-term neonates can be vulnerable to physiological changes that occur during anesthesia and surgery. Data from studies performed during pediatric cardiac surgery and in neonatal/pediatric intensive care units have shown the benefits of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring of regional cerebral oxygenation (c-rSO2 ). ⋯ We define a baseline c-rSO2 value, registered in the awake child prior to anesthesia induction, as the lowest acceptable limit during anesthesia and surgery. The cerebral rSO2 is the single target parameter, while blood pressure, heart rate, Pa CO2 , and SaO2 are major parameters that determine the c-rSO2. Cerebral NIRS monitoring, interpreted together with its continuously available contributing parameters, may help avoid potentially harmful episodes of cerebral desaturation in anesthetized pediatric patients.
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Critical airway incidents in children are a frequent problem in pediatric anesthesia and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Young children are at particular risk in the perioperative period. Delayed management of airway obstruction can quickly lead to serious complications due to the short apnea tolerance in children. ⋯ Current algorithms are modifications of adult approaches which are often inappropriate because of differences in age-related anatomy, physiology, and neurodevelopment. A universal and pragmatic approach is required to achieve acceptance across diverse pediatric clinicians, societies, and groups. Such a framework will also help to establish minimum standards for pediatric airway equipment, personnel, and medications whenever pediatric airway management is required.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2019
Optimizing clonidine dosage for sedation in mechanically ventilated children: A pharmacokinetic simulation study.
Clonidine is in widespread off-label use as a sedative in mechanically ventilated children, despite limited evidence of efficacy. A variety of dosage regimens have been utilized in clinical practice and in research studies. Within these studies, clonidine has inconsistently shown useful sedation properties. One of the reasons attributed to the inconsistent signs of efficacy is suboptimal clonidine dosing. ⋯ The variety of dosage regimens in the previous studies of clonidine along with difficulties in the conduct of interventional studies may have contributed to the lack of efficacy data to support its use. Simulations of clonidine plasma concentrations based on known population pharmacokinetic parameters suggest a loading dose followed by higher than current practice maintenance dose infusion is required to achieve adequate steady-state concentrations early in treatment. Further PKPD studies will aid in the determination of the optimal clonidine dosage regimen.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2019
Editorial CommentDosing clonidine for sedation in intensive care.