Paediatric anaesthesia
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Recent studies have identified stable hemodynamics as a contributing factor to improve outcome in pediatric anesthesia. So far, most of the hemodynamic monitoring methods applied in children have been complex to apply and often not satisfactory validated. ⋯ This review will describe the principle behind dynamic capnography measurement of cardiac output and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Additionally, the methods limitations and challenges when applied in children will be delineated.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2022
ReviewChest trauma in children-what an anesthesiologist should know.
Injury is the leading cause of death in children, with chest trauma accounting for 25% of this mortality. In addition, these patients often present with multiple system injuries, which require simultaneous management. These concurrent injuries can lead to challenges when prioritizing tasks in the resuscitation room and during anesthetic management. ⋯ Therefore, a clear communication plan with careful monitoring and vigilance is needed for intubation and ventilation in these children. These injuries also require specific strategies to prevent barotrauma which could lead to complications such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This educational review aims to guide clinicians managing pediatric chest trauma through some of the critical decision-making regarding intubation, ventilation, and subsequent management of injuries.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2022
ReviewAtelectasis and lung recruitment in pediatric anesthesia: An educational review.
General anesthesia is associated with development of pulmonary atelectasis. Children are more vulnerable to the development and adverse effects of atelectasis. ⋯ We discuss the clinical significance of atelectasis, the use and value of recruitment maneuvers, and other techniques available to minimize lung collapse. This review demonstrates the value of a recruitment maneuver, maintaining positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) until extubation and lowering FiO2 where possible in the daily practice of the pediatric anesthetist.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2022
ReviewThoracic regional anesthesia and the impact on ventilation.
Thoracic surgical incisions can be associated with intense pain or discomfort. Postoperative thoracic pain may be multifactorial in origin. Inadequate analgesia causes respiratory dysfunction. ⋯ Intravenous opioids are widely used but sufficient analgesia is seldom achieved in doses that permit safe spontaneous ventilation. Thoracic regional anesthesia provides profound analgesia, is opiate sparing and has minimal depressant effects on ventilation. Thoracic regional anesthesia is both an effective alternative to systemic analgesics or can be used as part of a multimodal analgesic technique.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2022
ReviewIs there a role for lung-protective ventilation in healthy children?
Lung-protective ventilation (LPV) has been adopted in the theater environment as a strategy to reduce pulmonary complications under anesthesia. Postoperative pulmonary complications are not infrequent and may have significant implications on the postoperative length of stay as well as the morbidity and mortality of pediatric patients. ⋯ To ascertain the value of intraoperative LPV in pediatric patients, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of pediatric ventilator-induced lung injury and the basis of LPV strategies. The current evidence in adult and pediatric populations, including pediatric intensive care, is reviewed to gain insight into the role and value of intraoperative LPV for pediatric patients.