Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Nov 2017
ReviewOpioid use disorder and misuse: A review of the epidemiology and medical implications for pediatric anesthesiologists.
This educational review presents an overview of opioid use disorder, misuse and overdose among adolescents, and the clinical implications for anesthesiologists. It provides definitions, discusses the epidemiology worldwide, (focusing on North America), and emphasizes the clinical implications of patients with chronic opioid exposure, including perioperative pain management, as well as opioid overdose and prolonged use of opioids after acute exposure. In the USA, opioid use disorder and negative outcomes related to opioids rose dramatically from 1999-2010; concomitantly heroin use and fatal overdoses have increased as heroin use is associated with the disordered use of licit opioids. ⋯ Predictors of prolonged opioid use in adolescents and adults after surgery is an area of ongoing research. Young patients encountered by pediatric anesthesiologists may be involved in diversion and disordered use of opioids. Increased awareness among anesthesiologists is important, as perioperative discussions often provide an opportunity to detect at risk patients.
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Shamberger and Welch classify sternal malformations into four types: thoracic ectopia cordis, cervical ectopia cordis, thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis, and cleft sternum. Cleft sternum is the most common subset, with a reported incidence of 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 live births, representing 0.15% of all anterior chest wall malformations. ⋯ The more rare inferior partial clefts are associated with thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis as part of the Pentalogy of Cantrell (omphalocele, anterior diaphragmatic hernia, sternal cleft, ectopia cordis, ventricular septal defect/left ventricular diverticulum). This review summarizes the current knowledge of all four types of sternal malformations, and provides guidance for optimal anesthetic and perioperative care of these children.
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Healthcare-associated infections are an important source of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Anesthesiologists have a unique role in infection prevention. ⋯ Temperature control and timely administration of antibiotics contribute to the prevention of surgical site infections. Education, culture shift, staff engagement, and effective change management are necessary for successful implementation of infection prevention strategies.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Oct 2017
ReviewTen years of simulation-based training in pediatric anesthesia: The inception, evolution, and dissemination of the Managing Emergencies in Paediatric Anaesthesia (MEPA) course.
2016 marked the 10-year anniversary of the inception of the Managing Emergencies in Paediatric Anaesthesia (MEPA) course. This simulation-based program was originally created to allow trainees in pediatric anesthesia to experience operating room emergencies which although infrequent, would be considered key competencies for any practicing anesthetist with responsibility for providing care to children. ⋯ The content has been modified for different learner groups and translated into several languages. This article describes the history, evolution, and dissemination of the MEPA course to share lessons learnt with educators considering the launch of similar initiatives in their field.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Sep 2017
Review Meta AnalysisEffects of intravenous fentanyl around the end of surgery on emergence agitation in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Emergence agitation is a serious postoperative problem in children undergoing general anesthesia. The use of fentanyl around the end of surgery has been proposed to prevent emergence agitation. However, the efficacy and disadvantages of this method remain uncertain because previous results have not been consistent, depending on the variable assessed. ⋯ The current analyses indicate that fentanyl around the end of surgery reduces the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing general anesthesia.