Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2015
Ultrasound assessment of gastric volume in the fasted pediatric patient undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: development of a predictive model using endoscopically suctioned volumes.
Aspiration of gastric contents can be a serious anesthetic-related complication. Gastric antral sonography prior to anesthesia may have a role in identifying pediatric patients at risk of aspiration. We examined the relationship between sonographic antral area and endoscopically suctioned gastric volumes, and whether a 3-point qualitative grading system is applicable in pediatric patients. ⋯ The results suggest that sonographic assessment of the gastric antrum provides useful information regarding gastric content (empty versus nonempty) and volume (ml·kg(-1) ) in pediatric patients. Results suggest that the three-point grading system may be a valuable tool to assess gastric 'fullness' based on a qualitative exam of the antrum.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2015
Comparative StudyEvaluation of the minimum volume of salvage blood required for the successful use of two different autotransfusion devices.
Autotransfusion in pediatric anesthesia is beneficial in several clinical settings; however, more frequent usage is deterred by process-related costs and the fact that the absolute volume of blood returned may be minimal. ⋯ Red cell mass rather than salvaged blood volume represents a reliable predictor of the successful use of an autotransfusion device. Measuring the hematocrit of the salvaged blood could improve the use of the devices. The investigated devices are likely to be roughly equivalent in effectiveness.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2015
ReviewOptimal design in pediatric pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic clinical studies.
It is not trivial to conduct clinical trials with pediatric participants. Ethical, logistical, and financial considerations add to the complexity of pediatric studies. Optimal design theory allows investigators the opportunity to apply mathematical optimization algorithms to define how to structure their data collection to answer focused research questions. ⋯ The aim of this review is to demonstrate how to determine optimal sample size, optimal sample times, and the number of samples required from each patient by presenting specific examples using optimal design tools. Additionally, this review aims to discuss the relative usefulness of sparse vs rich data. This review is intended to educate the clinician, as well as the basic research scientist, whom plan on conducting a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic clinical trial in pediatric patients.