Airway management in the paediatric difficult intubation registry: a propensity score matched analysis of outcomes over time.

Background: The Paediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative identified multiple attempts and persistence with direct laryngoscopy as risk factors for complications in children with difficult tracheal intubations and subsequently engaged in initiatives to reduce repeated attempts and persistence with direct laryngoscopy in children. We hypothesised these efforts would lead to fewer attempts, fewer direct laryngoscopy attempts and decrease complications. Methods: Paediatric patients less than 18 years of age with difficult direct laryngoscopy were enrolled in the Paediatric Difficult Intubation Registry. We define patients with difficult direct laryngoscopy as those in whom (1) an attending or consultant obtained a Cormack Lehane Grade 3 or 4 view on direct laryngoscopy, (2) limited mouth opening makes direct laryngoscopy impossible, (3) direct laryngoscopy failed in the preceding 6 months, and (4) direct laryngoscopy was deferred due to perceived risk of harm or poor chance of success. We used a 5:1 propensity score match to compare an early cohort from the initial Paediatric Difficult Intubation Registry analysis (August 6, 2012-January 31, 2015, 785 patients, 13 centres) and a current cohort from the Registry (March 4, 2017-March 31, 2023, 3925 patients, 43 centres). The primary outcome was first attempt success rate between cohorts. Success was defined as confirmed endotracheal intubation and assessed by the treating clinician. Secondary outcomes were eventual success rate, number of attempts at intubation, number of attempts with direct laryngoscopy, the incidence of persistence with direct laryngoscopy, use of supplemental oxygen, all complications, and severe complications. Findings: First-attempt success rate was higher in the current cohort (42% vs 32%, OR 1.5 95% CI 1.3-1.8, p < 0.001). In the current cohort, there were fewer attempts (2.2 current vs 2.7 early, regression coefficient -0.5 95% CI -0.6 to -0.4, p < 0.001), fewer attempts with direct laryngoscopy (0.6 current vs 1.0 early, regression coefficient -0.4 95% CI -0.4 to 0.3, p < 0.001), and reduced persistence with direct laryngoscopy beyond two attempts (7.3% current vs 14.1% early, OR 0.5 95% CI 0.4-0.6, p < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar between cohorts (19% current vs 20% early). Severe complications decreased to 1.8% in the current cohort from 3.2% in the early cohort (OR 0.55 95% CI 0.35-0.87, p = 0.011). Cardiac arrests decreased to 0.8% in the current cohort from 1.8% in the early cohort. We identified persistence with direct laryngoscopy as a potentially modifiable factor associated with severe complications. Interpretation: In the current cohort, children with difficult tracheal intubations underwent fewer intubation attempts, fewer attempts with direct laryngoscopy, and had a nearly 50% reduction in severe complications. As persistence with direct laryngoscopy continues to be associated with severe complications, efforts to limit direct laryngoscopy and promote rapid transition to advanced techniques may enhance patient safety. Funding: None.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Midazolam in Pediatric Surgery.

Midazolam (MDZ) is used for sedation in surgical procedures; its clinical effect is related to its receptor affinity and the dose administered. Therefore, a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) population model of MDZ in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery is proposed. A descriptive, observational, prospective, and longitudinal, study that included patients of both sexes, aged 2-17 years, ASA I/II, who received MDZ in IV doses (0.05 mg/kg) before surgery. Three blood samples were randomly taken between 5-120 min; both sedation by the Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) and its adverse effects were recorded. The PK-PD relationship was determined using a nonlinear mixed-effects, bicompartmental first-order elimination model using Monolix Suite™. Concentrations and the BIS were fitted to the sigmoid Emax PK-PD population and sigmoid Emax PK/PD indirect binding models, obtaining drug concentrations at the effect site (biophase). The relationship of concentrations and BIS showed a clockwise hysteresis loop, probably indicating time-dependent protein binding. Of note, at half the dose used in pediatric patients, adequate sedation without adverse effects was demonstrated. Further PK-PD studies are needed to optimize dosing schedules and avoid overdosing or possible adverse effects.

Influence of Age and Sex on the Pharmacokinetics of Midazolam and the Depth of Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minor Surgeries.

Whether age and sex influence the depth of sedation and the pharmacokinetics of midazolam is currently unknown. The influence of age and sex was investigated in 117 children (2 to 17 years) who required intravenous sedation for minor surgery (0.05 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations and sedation effects were simultaneously measured. The measured concentrations were analyzed using a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Among the age ranges, significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between the volume of distribution (Vd) of the first compartment (V1) and that of the second (V2). With respect to sex, differences in V2 were found between age groups. At the administered dose, in patients younger than 6 years, a profound sedative effect (40-60 BIS) was observed for up to 120 min, while in older children, the effect lasted only half as long. The differences found in the Vd and bispectral index (BIS) in patients younger than 6 years compared to older patients may be due to immature CYP3A activity and body fat content; furthermore, the Vd varies with age due to changes in body composition and protein binding. Patients younger than 6 years require intravenous (IV) doses <0.05 mg/kg of midazolam for deep sedation. Dosage adjustments according to age group are suggested.

Sedation level with midazolam: A pediatric surgery approach.

Midazolam (MDZ) is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is widely used to induce and maintain general anesthesia during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pediatric patients due to its sedative properties. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review without a meta-analysis to identify scientific articles and clinical assays concerning MDZ-induced sedation for a pediatric surgery approach. One hundred and twenty-eight results were obtained. After critical reading, 37 articles were eliminated, yielding 91 publications. Additional items were identified, and the final review was performed with a total of 106 publications. In conclusion, to use MDZ accurately, individual patient characteristics, the base disease state, comorbidities, the treatment burden and other drugs with possible pharmacological interactions or adverse reactions must be considered to avoid direct alterations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MDZ to obtain the desired effects and avoid overdosing in the pediatric population.

Manejo anestésico para electroporación irreversible en el paciente pediátrico / Anesthetic management for irreversible electroporation in the pediatric patient

Resumen: Introducción: La electroporación irreversible (EIR) es una técnica conocida desde 1972; fue incorporada al ámbito oncológico en el año 2005 como técnica de ablación tumoral basada en pulsos eléctricos cortos de alto voltaje y es utilizada para introducir elementos químicos por difusión, alterar la estructura genética celular, fusionar una célula con otra (reversible) o provocarle la muerte (irreversible). Estas descargas eléctricas conllevan un riesgo asociado de arritmias cardíacas, contracciones musculares severas y convulsiones. Mantener un adecuado plano anestésico, analgesia óptima, relajación neuromuscular profunda y electrocardiograma sincronizado a los pulsos eléctricos son los objetivos principales del manejo anestésico. Objetivo: Describir las implicaciones anestésicas de la EIR en el paciente pediátrico. Material y métodos: Revisión narrativa basada en una búsqueda de artículos relacionados con la EIR en las principales bases de datos, donde la principal fuente de información son los reportes de casos y las revisiones no sistemáticas de la literatura, tanto del área de anestesiología y dolor como de ingeniería, radiología intervencionista vascular y cardiovascular, y cirugía. Resultados: Se encontraron y revisaron un total de 17 referencias bibliográficas. Conclusión: La anestesia para EIR en el paciente pediátrico debe garantizar un adecuado plano anestésico idealmente con intubación endotraqueal, analgesia óptima, relajación profunda y control de arritmias cardíacas con sincronización del electrocardiograma.

Abstract: Introduction: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a technique known since 1972 incorporated into the oncological field in 2005 as a tumor ablation technique based on short high-voltage electrical pulses used to introduce chemical elements by diffusion, alter the cellular genetic structure, fuse a cell with other (reversible) or cause death (irreversible). These electric shocks carry an associated risk of cardiac arrhythmias, severe muscle contractions and seizures. Maintain an adequate anesthetic plane, optimal analgesia, deep neuromuscular relaxation and an electrocardiogram synchronized to the electrical pulses are the main objectives of anesthetic management. Objective: Describe the anesthetic implications of IRE in the pediatric patient. Material and methods: Narrative review based on a search for articles related to IRE in the most important databases, where the main source of information is case reports and non-systematic reviews of the literature, both in the area of anesthesiology and pain as well as engineering, vascular and cardiovascular interventional radiology, and surgery. Results: A total of 17 bibliographic references were found and reviewed. Conclusion: The anesthesia for IRE in the pediatric patient should guarantee an adequate anesthetic plane ideally with endotracheal intubation, optimal analgesia, deep relaxation and control of cardiac arrhythmias with electrocardiogram synchronization.