Comparison of the effect of two recruitment manoeuvres to conventional ventilation on lung atelectasis in paediatric laparoscopic surgery- a prospective randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a high incidence of pulmonary atelectasis during paediatric laparoscopic surgeries. The authors hypothesised that utilising a recruitment manoeuvre or using continuous positive airway pressure may prevent atelectasis compared to conventional ventilation. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to compare the degree of lung atelectasis diagnosed by lung ultrasound (LUS) using three different ventilation techniques in children undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. DESIGN: Randomised, prospective three-arm trial. SETTING: Single institute, tertiary care, teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Children of ASA PS 1 and 2 up to the age of 10 years undergoing laparoscopic surgery with pneumoperitoneum lasting for more than 30 min. INTERVENTION: Random allocation to one of the three study groups: CG group: Inspiratory pressure adjusted to achieve a TV of 5-8 ml/kg, PEEP of 5 cm H2O, respiratory rate adjusted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) between 30-40 mm Hg with manual ventilation and no PEEP at induction. RM group: A recruitment manoeuvre of providing a constant pressure of 30 cm H2O for ten seconds following intubation was applied. A PEEP of 10 cm H2O was maintained intraoperatively. CPAP group: Intraoperative maintenance with PEEP 10 cm H2O with CPAP of 10 cm H2O at induction using mechanical ventilation was done. OUTCOME MEASURES: Lung atelectasis score at closure assessed by LUS. RESULTS: Post induction, LUS was comparable in all three groups. At the time of closure, the LUS for the RM group (8.6 ± 4.9) and the CPAP group (8.8 ± 6.8) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the CG group (13.3 ± 3.8). In CG and CPAP groups, the score at closure was significantly higher than post-induction. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the RM group (437.1 ± 44.9) and CPAP group (421.6 ± 57.5) than the CG group (361.3 ± 59.4) at the time of pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Application of a recruitment manoeuvre post-intubation or CPAP during induction and maintenance with a high PEEP leads to less atelectasis than conventional ventilation during laparoscopic surgery in paediatric patients. TRIAL REGISTRY: CTRI/2019/08/02058.

Advancing pediatric perioperative care in India: A contemporary overview.

BACKGROUND: In the last 30 years, significant advances have been made in pediatric medical care globally. However, there is a persistent urban-rural gap which is more pronounced in low middle-income countries than high-income countries, similar urban-rural gap exists in India. While on one hand, health care is on par or better than healthier nations thriving international medical tourism industry, some rural parts have reduced access to high-quality care. AIM: With this background, we aim to provide an overview of the present and future of healthcare in India. METHODOLOGY: With the cumulative health experience of the authors or more than 100 years, we have provided our experience and expertise about healthcare in India in this narrative educational review. This is supplemented by the government plans and non government plans as appropriate. References are used to justify as applicable. RESULTS: With the high percentage of pediatric population like other low to middle-income countries, India faces challenges in pediatric surgery and anesthesia due to limited resources and paucity of specialized training, especially in rural areas. Data on the access and quality of care is scarce, and the vast rural population and uneven resource distribution add to the challenges along with the shortage of pediatric surgeons in these areas of specialized care . Addressing these challenges requires a multi faceted strategy that targets both immediate and long-term healthcare needs, focusing on improving the facilities and training healthcare professionals. Solutions could include compulsory rural service, district residency programs, increasing postgraduate or residency positions, and safety courses offered by national and international organizations like Safer Anesthesia from Education Pediatrics, Vital Anesthesia Simulation Training, and World Federation of Society of Anesthesiologists pediatric fellowships. CONCLUSION: India has achieved great strides in perioperative health care and safety. It has become the major international medical industry due to high-quality care, access and costs. Crucially, India needs to establish local hubs for pediatric perioperative care training to enhance healthcare delivery for children.

Postoperative outcome of neonatal emergency surgeries in a tertiary care institute-A prospective observational study.

AIMS: Neonatal surgical mortality continues to be high in developing countries. A better understanding of perioperative events and optimization of causative factors can help in achieving a favorable outcome. The present study was designed to evaluate the perioperative course of surgical neonates and find out potential factors contributing to postoperative mortality. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled neonates, undergoing emergency surgical procedures in a tertiary care institute. Primary outcome was 6 weeks postsurgical mortality. The babies were observed till discharge and subsequently followed up telephonically for 6 weeks after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of various parameters was performed. RESULTS: Out of the 324 neonates who met inclusion criteria, 278 could be enrolled. The median age was 4 days. Sixty-two (27.7%) neonates were born before 37 weeks period of gestation (POG), and 94 (41.8%) neonates weighed below 2.5 kg. The most common diagnoses was trachea-esophageal fistula (29.9%) and anorectal malformation (14.3%). The median duration of hospital stay for survivors was 14 days. The in-hospital mortality was 34.8%. Mortality at 6 weeks following surgery was 36.2%. Five independent risk factors identified were POG < 34 weeks, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative inotropic support postoperative mechanical ventilation, and postoperative leukopenia. In neonates where invasive ventilation was followed by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the postoperative period, risk of postoperative surgical mortality was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Present study identified preterm birth, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative positive pressure ventilation, requirement of inotropes, and postoperative leukopenia as independent predictors of 6-week mortality. The possibility of early switch to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with a reduction in neonatal mortality.

Assessment of potential predictors affecting preoperative anxiety in Indian children- A prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem among children undergoing surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and identify various predictors of preoperative anxiety in Indian children. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on 60 children of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status 1/2, aged 2-6 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Preoperative parental anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The children's anxiety was assessed in the preoperative room, at the time of parental separation, and at the induction of anesthesia using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) scoring by an anesthesiologist and a psychologist. Sedative premedication was employed prior to parental separation. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the possible predictors of anxiety. Results: The incidence of high preoperative anxiety among the studied children was 76% in the preoperative room, 93% during parental separation, and 96% during anesthetic induction. Among the nine possible predictors identified on univariate regression, the presence of siblings was found to be a significant independent predictor on multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.04). The inter-rater agreement was excellent for the assessment of preoperative anxiety using mYPAS by the anesthesiologist and psychologist (weighted Kappa, k = 0.79). Conclusion: The incidence of preoperative anxiety in Indian children in the age group of 2-6 years is very high. The preop anxiety escalates progressively at parental separation and induction of anesthesia despite sedative premedication. The presence of siblings is a significant predictor of preoperative anxiety.

Quality improvement and patient safety in India-Present and future.

India is a vast, populous and diverse country, and this reflects in the state of health care as well. The spectrum of healthcare services ranges from world class at one end, to a dearth of resources at the other. In the rural areas especially, there is a shortage of trained medical personnel, equipment, and medications needed to carry out safe surgery. Several initiatives have and are being made by the government, medical societies, hospitals, and nongovernment organizations to bridge this gap and ensure equitable, safe, and timely access to health for all. Training medical personnel and healthcare workers, accreditation of healthcare facilities, guidelines, and checklists, along with documentation and audit of practices will all help in improving services. This narrative review discusses the measures that have been taken, systems that have been established and the challenges involved in ensuring quality and patient safety in India.

Reverse Gastric Tube Esophagoplasty with and without Lower Esophageal Stump Wrap - Comparison of Outcome.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the outcome in children born with long-gap esophageal atresia following reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty (RGTE) with or without the lower esophageal stump as a "fundoplication" wrap. Materials and Methods: All children who underwent RGTE between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in whom the lower esophagus (LE) had been excised as is done routinely in RGTE (Group 1) were compared with those where the LE was wrapped partially or completely around the intraabdominal neo-esophagus (Group 2). Both vagal nerves were preserved to the extent possible. Complications and final outcome, including weight and height centiles were assessed. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal contrast study and reflux scans were studied. Results: Nineteen patients (mean age: 15.78 ± 5.02 months [range 10-30 months] at RGTE) were studied; nine in Group 1 and ten in Group 2. Both groups had similar early postoperative complications as well as the requirement of dilatation for anastomotic stricture. Dysphagia for solids was noticed in two patients with complete lower esophageal wrap (n = 4), one requiring removal. More patients in Group 2 had absent reflux (n = 7) compared to Group 1 (n = 3) (P = 0.118). At a mean follow-up period of 45.75 ± 18.77 months (14-84 months), Group 2 children reached better height and weight percentiles compared to Group 1. Conclusion: We have described a novel method of using the LE as a "fundoplication" wrap following RGTE. Vagi should be preserved. Those with complete esophageal wrap may develop dysphagia to solids and this is, therefore, not recommended. Lower esophageal wrap patients appeared to have a better outcome in terms of growth and less reflux.

Prone cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Relevance in current times.

The most common and recommended position for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the supine position. However, clinicians may encounter situations when patients suffer cardiac arrest in prone position. Prone CPR has been described previously in a number of settings, most commonly intraoperative. In the current COVID-19 era, with more patients being nursed in prone position, an increase in the incidence of cardiac arrests requiring prone CPR is expected. Hence most of the resuscitation guidelines have made prone CPR a vital component of their recommendations. To date, most of our health-care workers have limited knowledge about prone resuscitation and the literature surrounding it. Nonetheless, with the current evidence at hand, it seems to be a reliable method of providing resuscitation and all health-care workers should be well versed with it. Thus, the goal of this narrative review is to try and fill the gaps in our knowledge about prone CPR. Literature search was done on PubMed, Medline, EMBASE using keywords 'CPR', 'Resuscitation', 'Prone Position', 'Prone', 'Prone CPR'.

Oral melatonin as part of multimodal anxiolysis decreases emergence delirium in children whereas midazolam does not: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative anxiety is a risk factor for emergence delirium in children and a multimodal approach including sedatives and nonpharmacological measures is the current strategy to tackle this anxiety. The efficacy of oral melatonin as a component of multimodal anxiolytic strategy to decrease emergence delirium is not well studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal anxiolytic strategy including oral melatonin or midazolam to decrease emergence delirium after sevoflurane anaesthesia. DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2019 till January 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Children in the age group of 3 to 8 years who received sevoflurane anaesthesia for elective ambulatory procedures. INTERVENTIONS: Children were randomised to receive oral premedication with either melatonin 0.3 mg kg-1, midazolam 0.3 mg kg-1 or honey as placebo. All the children received standardised nonpharmacological measures involving multiple techniques to allay anxiety. The anaesthetic plan was also standardised. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium as assessed by the Watcha scale in the postanaesthesia care unit. The secondary outcomes were pre-operative anxiety assessed using a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety scale, patient compliance with mask induction using the Induction Compliance Checklist and postoperative sedation. RESULTS: Data from 132 children were analysed. Melatonin significantly reduced the incidence of emergence delirium compared to placebo: 27 vs. 50%, respectively, an absolute risk reduction of 23.3 [95% confidence interval 3.7 to 42.9), P = 0.03]. Melatonin also significantly reduced the risk of emergence delirium compared with midazolam: 27 vs. 56%, respectively, an absolute risk reduction of 29.2 (95% CI 9.5 to 48.8). The midazolam group had a similar incidence of emergence delirium as placebo. Sedation scores were similar in the three groups postoperatively. The incidence and score of pre-operative anxiety as well as the compliance with mask induction were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal anxiolytic approach including oral melatonin, as opposed to oral midazolam, significantly reduced emergence delirium after sevoflurane anaesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/06/019850 in Clinical Trial Registry of India (www.ctri.nic.in).

Pressure support ventilation-pro decreases propofol consumption and improves postoperative oxygenation index compared with pressure-controlled ventilation in children undergoing ambulatory surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The PSVPro mode is increasingly being used for surgeries under laryngeal mask airway owing to improved ventilator-patient synchrony and decreased work of breathing. We hypothesized that PSVPro ventilation mode would reduce consumption of anesthetic agents compared with pressure control ventilation (PCV). METHODS: Seventy children between three and eight years of age undergoing elective lower abdominal and urological surgery were randomized into PCV group (n = 35) or PSVPro group (n = 35). General anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and a Proseal LMA™ was inserted. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol infusion to maintain the entropy values between 40 and 60. In the PCV mode, the inspiratory pressure was adjusted to obtain an expiratory tidal volume of 8 mL·kg-1 and a respiratory rate of 12-20/min. In the PSVPRO group, the flow trigger was set at 0.4 L·min-1 and pressure support was adjusted to obtain expiratory tidal volume of 8 mL·kg-1. Consumption of anesthetic agent was recorded as the primary outcome. Emergence time and discharge time were recorded as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The PSVPro group showed significant reduction in propofol consumption compared with the PCV group (mean difference, 33.3 µg-1·kg-1·min-1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.2 to 42.2). There was decrease in the emergence time in the PSVPro group compared with the PCV group (mean difference, 3.5 min; 95% CI, 2.8 to 4.2) and in time to achieve modified Aldrete score > 9 (mean difference, 3.6 min; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.2). CONCLUSION: The PSVPro mode decreases propofol consumption and emergence time, and improves oxygenation index in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2017/12/010942); registered 21 December, 2017.

A systematic review of outcomes reported inpediatric perioperative research: A report from the Pediatric Perioperative Outcomes Group.

The Pediatric Perioperative Outcomes Group (PPOG) is an international collaborative of clinical investigators and clinicians within the subspecialty of pediatric anesthesiology and perioperative care which aims to use COMET (Core Outcomes Measures in Effectiveness Trials) methodology to develop core outcome setsfor infants, children and young people that are tailored to the priorities of the pediatric surgical population.Focusing on four age-dependent patient subpopulations determined a priori for core outcome set development: i) neonates and former preterm infants (up to 60 weeks postmenstrual age); ii) infants (>60 weeks postmenstrual age - <1 year); iii) toddlers and school age children (>1-<13 years); and iv) adolescents (>13-<18 years), we conducted a systematic review of outcomes reported in perioperative studies that include participants within age-dependent pediatric subpopulations. Our review of pediatric perioperative controlled trials published from 2008 to 2018 identified 724 articles reporting 3192 outcome measures. The proportion of published trials and the most frequently reported outcomes varied across pre-determined age groups. Outcomes related to patient comfort, particularly pain and analgesic requirement, were the most frequent domain for infants, children and adolescents. Clinical indicators, particularly cardiorespiratory or medication-related adverse events, were the most common outcomes for neonates and infants < 60 weeks and were the second most frequent domain at all other ages. Neonates and infants <60 weeks of age were significantly under-represented in perioperative trials. Patient-centered outcomes, heath care utilization, and bleeding/transfusion related outcomes were less often reported. In most studies, outcomes were measured in the immediate perioperative period, with the duration often restricted to the post-anesthesia care unit or the first 24 postoperative hours. The outcomes identified with this systematic review will be combined with patient centered outcomes identified through a subsequent stakeholder engagement study to arrive at a core outcome set for each age-specific group.

Surrogate indices of aortic peak systolic velocity variation to monitor fluid responsiveness in pediatric non-cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.

Aortic peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakAo) is a reliable dynamic indicator of preload in mechanically ventilated children. However, easily measurable alternative parameters like carotid peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakCa) and suprasternal peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakSs) are not well evaluated in children. The aim of the study was to find correlation between ΔVpeakCa and ΔVpeakSs to ΔVpeakAo, as potential surrogate markers of fluid responsiveness. 52 children, 1-12 years old, undergoing major non-cardiac surgeries under general endotracheal anaesthesia were recruited for this single-centre prospective observational study. ΔVpeakAo, ΔVpeakCa and ΔVpeakSs were measured by pulsed wave Doppler in appropriate windows, measuring maximum and minimum peak flow velocity over a single respiratory cycle. Calculated parameters were compared by a repeated measures study design. Correlation coefficients were 0.82 between ΔVpeakAo and ΔVpeakSs and 0.73 between ΔVpeakAo and ΔVpeakCa. Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal bias of 1.86 percentage points with limits of agreement of 11.21 to - 7.49 (ΔVpeakAo and ΔVpeakSs) and 3.93 percentage points with limits of agreement of 14.04 to - 6.18 (ΔVpeakAo and ΔVpeakCa). ΔVpeakSs and ΔVpeakCa also showed good discrimination to predict ΔVpeakAo (lying in previously validated fluid responsive zones) with sensitivities and specificities of 82.25% and 85% with cut-off of 11% for ΔVpeakSs, and 88.52% and 70% with cut-off of 8.6% for ΔVpeakCa. Carotid peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakCa) and suprasternal peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakCa) can be potential surrogate markers for Aortic peak systolic velocity variation (ΔVpeakAo) in assessing fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.Study registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT03155555.

What a pediatric anesthesiologist should know about COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges and has unique implications for pediatric anesthesiologists. While children have a less severe clinical course compared to adults, they might be an important component in the transmission link by being asymptomatic carriers. Thus, it is essential to have practice guidelines for pediatric health care providers to limit transmission while providing safe and optimum care to our patients. Here we provide a brief review of the unique epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 inflicted children. We have also reviewed various pediatric anesthesia guidelines and summarized the same to provide insight into the goals of management. We share the protocols that have been formulated and adopted in the pediatric anesthesia wing of our tertiary care hospital. This article lays special emphasis on the preparation of specialized protocols, designated areas, and training of personnel expected to be involved in patient care. The operating room should be well equipped with weight and age-appropriate equipment and drugs. Special attention should be paid to minimize aerosol generation via premedication and physical barriers. Induction and airway handling should be performed rapidly and securely with minimum personnel present. Disconnections should be avoided during maintenance. Extubation and transfer of children should be smooth. These protocols and guidelines are being constantly reviewed and updated as new evidence emerges. Our goal as pediatric anesthesiologists is to provide anesthesia that is safe for the child while preventing and minimizing the risk of infection to health care workers.

Prospective audit of sedation/anesthesia practices for children undergoing computerized tomography in a tertiary care institute.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the study was to enumerate the sedative drugs used, assess the efficacy of sedative drugs, and determine the incidence of adverse events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective audit of children sedated for computerized tomography (CT) by anesthesiology team was conducted for a period of 4 months. The data included patient demographic variables, fasting period, medications administered, adequacy of sedation, imaging characteristics, adverse events, and requirement for escalated care. RESULTS: A total of 331 children were enrolled for sedation by the anesthesia team. The drugs used for sedation were propofol, ketamine, and midazolam. Twenty-two percent children received one sedative drug, 60% children were administered two drugs, and 5% children required a combination of all three drugs for successful sedation. Sedation was effective for successful conduct of CT scan in 95.8% patients without the requirement of a repeat scan. Twelve (5%) children experienced adverse events during the study period. However, none of the adverse events necessitated prolonged postprocedural hospitalization or resulted in permanent neurologic injury or death. CONCLUSIONS: The current practice of sedation with propofol, ketamine, and midazolam, either single or in combination was efficacious in a high percentage of patients. The incidence of adverse events during the study period was low.

Comparison of trapezius squeeze test and jaw thrust as clinical indicators for laryngeal mask airway insertion in spontaneously breathing children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is not known whether trapezius squeeze test (TPZ) is a better clinical test than jaw thrust (JT) to assess laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion conditions in children under sevoflurane anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the Institutional Ethics Committee approval and written informed parental consent, 124 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II children of 2-8 years of age undergoing minor surgical procedures were randomized into TPZ and JT groups. The children were induced with 8% sevoflurane in oxygen at a fresh gas flow of 4 L/min. TPZ or JT was performed after 1 min of start of sevoflurane and then every 20 s till the test was negative, when end-tidal (ET) sevoflurane concentration was noted. Classic LMA of requisite size was inserted by a blinded anesthetist and conditions at the insertion of LMA, insertion time, and the number of attempts of LMA insertion were recorded. RESULTS: The mean LMA insertion time was significantly longer (P < 0.001) for TPZ (145 ± 28.7 sec) compared to JT group (111.8 ± 31.0 sec). ET sevoflurane concentration at the time of LMA insertion was comparable in the two groups. LMA insertion conditions were similar in the two groups. There was no difference between the two groups regarding total number of attempts of LMA insertion. Heart rate (HR) decreased in both groups after LMA insertion (P < 0.001) but TPZ group had significantly lower HR compared with the JT group up to 5 min after LMA insertion (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Both JT and TPZ are equivalent clinical indicators in predicting the optimal conditions of LMA insertion in spontaneously breathing children; however, it takes a longer time to achieve a negative TPZ squeeze test.