Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2020
ReviewPediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Preoperative and Neurocognitive Considerations for Perioperative Management.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 7.5% of the pediatric population and is associated with a variety of behavioral and neurocognitive sequelae. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical to halting and potentially reversing these changes. ⋯ However, it carries its own perioperative risks and the decision regarding surgical timing is therefore made in the context of procedural risk versus patient benefit. This article presents the seminal perioperative and neurocognitive risks from pediatric OSA to aid with perioperative management.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2020
ReviewTransgender Pediatric Surgical Patients - Important Perioperative Considerations.
Transgender describes a variety of identities in which an individual's gender identity is different from expected based on the sex assigned at birth. In the United States, it is estimated that over 1 million adults and 150 000 youth identify as transgender, with increasing numbers being seen in healthcare and surgical settings. ⋯ However, this is not the only circumstance in which the pediatric anesthesiologist may find themselves caring for a transgender patient. In order to provide the safest and most affirming care, it is crucial that the pediatric anesthesiologist develop a working knowledge of this unique and vulnerable population, including the potential impacts of gender-affirming treatment on their perioperative care.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2020
The use of prothrombin complex concentrate as a warfarin reversal agent in pediatric patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation.
Patients supported with a ventricular assist device are predisposed to severe bleeding at the time of orthotopic heart transplant due to several risk factors including anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Kcentra, a four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate, has been approved by the FDA for warfarin reversal in adults prior to urgent surgery. There is a lack of published data on the preoperative use of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates in pediatric patients undergoing cardiacsurgery. ⋯ This small retrospective study indicates that preoperative warfarin reversal with Kcentra reduces blood product exposure in pediatric patients with ventricular assist devices undergoing heart transplant.