Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2020
ReviewAirway Management for Neonates Requiring Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT).
In utero congenital malformations in the fetus can occasionally lead to an obstructed airway at birth accompanied by hypoxic injury or peripartum demise, without intervention. Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) may help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with challenging airways by providing extra time on uteroplacental circulation to secure the airway. Meticulous preparation and planning are crucial for this procedure. ⋯ Based on our experience and literature review, an airway process flow diagram has been created to help assist teams in decision-making for airway intervention in a neonate during the EXIT procedure. The management of the airway in this scenario involves additional unique considerations that accompany handling a partially delivered newborn in the uterine environment. Extensive preparation and team rehearsal are essential to the success of this procedure.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2020
ReviewNasal High-Flow Oxygen in Paediatric Anaesthesia and Airway Management.
Nasal High-Flow (NHF) is weight-dependent in children, aimed to match peak inspiratory flow and thereby deliver an accurate FiO2 with a splinting pressure of 4-6 cm H2 O. During apnea in children, NHF oxygen can double the expected time to desaturation below 90% in well children but there is no ventilatory exchange; therefore, children do not "THRIVE". ⋯ Jaw thrust to maintain a patent upper airway is paramount until surgical instrumentation occurs. There is no evidence to support safe use of NHF oxygen with LASER use due to increased risk of airway fire.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2020
ReviewNormal and Difficult Airways in Children: "What's New"- Current Evidence.
Pediatric difficult airway is one of the most challenging clinical situations. We will review new concepts and evidence in pediatric normal and difficult airway management in the operating room, intensive care unit, Emergency Department, and neonatal intensive care unit. ⋯ Clinicians caring for children with difficult airways should consider new cognitive paradigms and concepts, leverage the strengths of multiple devices, and consider the role of alternate anesthetic approaches such as controlled ventilation and use of neuromuscular blocking drugs in select situations. Anesthesiologists can partner with intensive care and emergency department and neonatology clinicians to improve the safety of airway management in all clinical settings.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Mar 2020
ReviewPreoperative identification of children at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common childhood disorder which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Enlarged adenoid and tonsils are the commonest causes, and adenotonsillectomy is the recommended first line of treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea poses as an anesthetic challenge, and it is a well-known risk factor for perioperative adverse events. ⋯ Preoperative obstructive sleep apnea assessment is necessary, and anesthetists are ideally placed to do so. Currently, there is no standardized approach to the best method of preoperative screening for obstructive sleep apnea. Focused history, clinical assessments, and knowledge regarding the strengths and limitations of available obstructive sleep apnea assessment tools will help recognize a child with obstructive sleep apnea in the preoperative setting.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a prevalence of up to 5% in children and 50% in obese children. OSA is associated with various comorbidities in the general population and in the perioperative period. In this review, we will provide background of OSA and insights into the available treatment options both surgically and medically. ⋯ Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the commonly used medical treatment. Management of pediatric OSA is multidisciplinary. We will discuss the surgical options and medical options of managing pediatric OSA.