Regional anesthesia and sickle cell crisis in pediatric patients: An educational-focused review.

INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy, affecting approximately 100 000 patients in United States and millions worldwide. Although the mainstay of pain management for VOC remains systemic opioids, given the potential for adverse effects including respiratory depression and hypoxemia, there remains interest in the use of regional anesthetic techniques (neuraxial or peripheral nerve blockade). METHODS: A systematic search of pubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted using the terms sickle cell disease, sickle cell crisis, pain crisis, vaso-occlusive crisis, regional anesthesia, peripheral nerve blockade, and neuraxial anesthesia. RESULTS: We identified 7 publications, all of which were retrospective case series or single case reports, outlining the use of neuraxial anesthesia in a total of 26 patients with SCD. Additionally, we identified 4 publications, including one retrospective case series and 3 single case reports, entailing the use of peripheral blockade in patients with VOC and SCD. DISCUSSION: The available literature, albeit all retrospective or anecdotal, suggests the potential utility of regional anesthesia to treat pain in patients with SCD. Additional benefits have included avoidance of the potential deleterious physiologic effects of systemic opioids and in one case series, an improvement in respiratory function as judged by pulse oximetry. The anecdotal and retrospective nature of the available reports with an absence of prospective trials limits the evidence based medicine available from which to develop to guidlines for the optimal local anesthetic agent to use, its concentration, the rate of infusion, and the choice of adjunctive agents.

Postoperative Pain Protocol in Children after Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) provides lasting relief of spasticity for children suffering from cerebral palsy, although controlling postoperative pain is challenging. Postoperatively, escalation of therapies to include a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and intensive care unit (ICU) admission is common. OBJECTIVES: We developed a multimodal pain management protocol that included intraoperative placement of an epidural catheter with continuous opioid administration. We present the 3-year results of protocol implementation. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, all patients who were subjected to SDR at our institution were identified for review. Hourly pain scores were recorded. Adverse effects of medication, including desaturation, nausea/vomiting, and pruritus, were also noted. Comparisons were made between patients treated with PCA and those treated with multimodal pain control using t and χ2 tests as appropriate. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients undergoing the procedure with protocolized pain control (average age 6.8 years, 57% male) were compared to 7 PCA-treated controls (average age 6.6 years, 54% male). Pain control was satisfactory in both groups, with average pain scores of 1.5 in both groups on postoperative day 0, decreasing by postoperative day 3 to 1.1 in the PCA group and 0.5 in the protocol group. No patients under the protocol required ICU admission; all patients with PCA spent at least 1 day in the ICU. Desaturations were seen in 16 patients in the protocol group (41%), but none required ICU transfer. Treatment for pruritis was given to 57% of PCA patients and 15% of protocol patients. Treatment for nausea and vomiting was given to 100% of PCA patients and 51% of protocol patients. Medication requirements for the hospitalization were decreased from 1.1 to 0.28 doses per patient for pruritis, and from 3 to 1.1 doses per patient for nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal analgesia is an excellent alternative to PCA for postoperative pain after SDR. Actual analgesia is comparative to that of controls without the need for intensive care monitoring. Side effects of high-dose opiates were less frequent and required less medication. With the protocol, patients were safely treated outside the ICU.

Dura to spinal cord distance at different vertebral levels in children and its implications on epidural analgesia: A retrospective MRI-based study.

BACKGROUND: The distance from the dura to spinal cord is not uniform at different vertebral levels. The dura to spinal cord distance may be a critical factor in avoiding the potential for neurological injury caused by needle trauma after a dural puncture. Typically, the greater the dura to spinal cord distance, the larger the potential safety margin. The objective of our study is to measure dura to spinal cord distance at two thoracic levels T6 -7 , T9 -10 , and one lumbar level L1 -2 using MRI images. METHODS: Eighty-eight children under the age of 8 years old qualified for the study. The distance from dural side of ligamentum flavum to the posterior margin of the spinal cord was defined as dura to spinal cord distance. Sagittal T2 -weighted images of the thoracic and lumbar spine were used to measure the dura to spinal cord distance at the T6-7 , T9-10 , and L1-2 interspaces. Measurements were taken perpendicular to long axis of the vertebral body at each level. RESULTS: The dura to spinal cord distance was 5.9 ± 1.6 mm at T6-7 (range: 1.4-9.9 mm), 5.0 ± 1.6 mm at T9-10 (1.2-8.1 mm), and 3.6 ± 1.2 mm at L1-2 (1.2-6.8 mm). There were no evident differences in dura to spinal cord distance by gender, age, height, or weight. CONCLUSION: The present study reports that the largest dura to spinal cord distance is found at the T5-6 level, and the shortest dura to spinal cord distance at the L1-2 level. There appears to be substantially more room in the dorsal subarachnoid space at the thoracic level. The risk of spinal cord damage resulting from accidental epidural needle advancement may be greater in the lumbar region due to a more dorsal location of the spinal cord in the vertebral canal compared to the thoracic region.

Analgesic effects of methadone and magnesium following posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To provide optimal conditions for neurophysiological monitoring and rapid awakening, remifentanil is commonly used during pediatric spinal surgery. However, remifentanil may induce hyperalgesia and increase postoperative opioid requirements. We evaluated the potential of methadone or magnesium to prevent remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. METHODS: Using a prospective, randomized, blinded design, adolescents presenting for posterior spinal fusion to treat idiopathic scoliosis were assigned to receive desflurane with remifentanil alone (REMI), remifentanil + methadone (MET) (0.1 mg/kg IV over 15 min), or remifentanil + magnesium (MAG) (50 mg/kg bolus over 30 min followed by 10 mg/kg/h). Primary outcomes were opioid requirements and postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative anesthetic requirements, neurophysiological monitoring conditions, and emergence times. RESULTS: Data analysis included 60 patients. Total opioid requirement (hydromorphone) in the REMI group (received perioperatively and on the inpatient ward) was 0.34 ± 0.11 mg/kg compared to 0.26 ± 0.10 mg/kg in the MET group (95% confidence interval (CI) of difference: - 0.14, - 0.01; p = 0.035). The difference in opioid requirements between the REMI and MET group was related to intraoperative dosing (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg; 95% CI of difference: - 0.01, - 0.02; p = 0.003). No difference was noted in pain scores, and no differences were noted when comparing the REMI and MAG groups. CONCLUSION: With the dosing regimens in the current study, the only benefit noted with methadone was a decrease in perioperative opioid requirements. However, given the potential for hyperalgesia with the intraoperative use of remifentanil, adjunctive use of methadone appears warranted.

Chloroprocaine for epidural anesthesia in infants and children.

Continuous epidural infusions are an effective and safe method of providing anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in infants and children with multiple advantages over systemic medications, including earlier tracheal extubation, decreased perioperative stress response, earlier return of bowel function, and decreased exposure to volatile anesthetic agents with uncertain long-term neurocognitive effects. Despite these benefits, local anesthetic toxicity remains a concern in neonates and infants because of their decreased metabolic capacity for amide local anesthetics. Chloroprocaine, an ester local anesthetic agent, which is rapidly metabolized in plasma at all ages, is an attractive alternative for this special population, particularly in the presence of superimposed liver impairment or when higher infusion rates are needed for surgical incisions stretching many dermatomes. The current manuscript reviews the literature pertaining to the use of 2-chloroprocaine for regional anesthesia in infants and children. Dosing regimens are presented and the applications of 2-chloroprocaine in this population are discussed.

Continuous chloroprocaine infusion for thoracic and caudal epidurals as a postoperative analgesia modality in neonates, infants, and children.

BACKGROUND: Neonates and infants have decreased metabolic capacity for amide local anesthetics and increased risk of local anesthetic toxicity compared to the general population. Chloroprocaine is an ester local anesthetic that has an extremely short plasma half-life in infants as well as adults. Existing reports support the safety and efficacy of continuous chloroprocaine epidural infusions in neonates and young infants during the intraoperative period. Despite this, continuous chloroprocaine epidural infusion may be an under-utilized method of postoperative analgesia for this patient population. In particular, it may improve pain control in neonates and infants with incisions stretching many dermatomes or those with hepatic impairment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience over 4 years with continuous chloroprocaine epidural infusions in neonates, infants, and children with a focus on the postoperative management of pain. RESULTS: Twenty-one pediatric patients received continuous 2-chloroprocaine epidural infusions for postoperative pain management from January 2010 to April 2014 for thoracic, abdominal, and limb procedures. The epidural infusion consisted of 1.5% chloroprocaine or 1.5% chloroprocaine with fentanyl. Tabulating the morphine and hydromorphone used for rescue analgesia, the median (interquartile range) opioid consumption (mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) of intravenous morphine equivalents) for the first, second, and third 24-h postoperative periods were 0.02 (0-0.48), 0.30 (0-0.44), and 0.14 (0-0.29), respectively. Examining the total fentanyl usage, the median (interquartile range) fentanyl consumption (µg·kg(-1) ·day(-1)) for first, second, and third 24-h postoperative periods were 3.89 (0.41-7.24), 0 (0.00-4.06), and 0 (0.00-0.51), respectively. The median N-PASS score assessed every 6 h from 0 to 72 h postoperatively was 0, 1, 2, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, and 0, respectively. The median FLACC score assessed every 6 h from 0 to 72 h postoperatively was 0, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that chloroprocaine offers an efficacious alternative to the amide local anesthetics for postoperative epidural analgesia in the pediatric population.

SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION OF THE RETROPHARYNGEAL SPACE DURING NASAL INTUBATION.

Various complications have been reported with nasal endotracheal intubation including bleeding, epistaxis, bacteremia, damage to intranasal structures, and even intracranial penetration. We present two cases that required general anesthesia for dental surgery. Submucosal dissection of the retropharyngeal tissues occurred during attempted nasal endotracheal intubation. Previous reports of this complication are reviewed, treatment strategies presented, and potential maneuvers to prevent this complication suggested.

Management of Post-Dural Puncture Headaches in Pediatric Patients with Epidural Blood or Saline Patch: An Educational Focused Review.

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common adverse outcome following puncture of the dura. It can occur after inadvertent dural puncture during epidural catheter placement or following diagnostic or therapeutic LP. The incidence of PDPH in pediatric patients has been estimated at 1-15% depending on patient factors (age, gender, body mass index) and needle factors (size and needle bevel/point type). The larger the needle gauge, the higher the incidence of PDPH. Various options have been proposed to treat PDPH including observation, bed rest, hydration, caffeine, and epidural blood/saline patch. The current manuscript provides a review of the use of epidural blood/saline patch in pediatric-aged patients with PDPH.

Updates From the Other Side of the Drape: Recent Advances in Multimodal Pain Management and Opioid Reduction Among Pediatric Surgical Patients.

As the management of acute pain for children undergoing surgical procedures as well as recognition of the short and long term risks of exposure to opioids has evolved, multimodal and multidisciplinary approaches using organized pathways has resulted in improved perioperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. In this 2023 symposium held at the American Academy of Pediatrics on Surgery meeting, a multidisciplinary discussion on current enhanced recovery after surgery pathways, alternate methods of effective pain control and education and advocacy efforts for opioid reduction were discussed, and highlights are included in this article.

A Single Center's Experience With Spinal Anesthesia for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgical Procedures.

PURPOSE: To perform a single institution review of spinal instead of general anesthesia for pediatric patients undergoing surgical procedures. Spinal success rate, intraoperative complications, and postoperative outcomes including unplanned hospital admission and emergency department visits within seven days are reported. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for surgical procedures from 2016 until 2022. Data collected included patient demographics, procedure and anesthetic characteristics, intraoperative complications, unplanned admissions, and emergency department returns. RESULTS: The study cohort included 1221 patients. Ninety-two percent of the patients tolerated their surgical procedure without requiring conversion to general anesthesia, and 78% of patients that had spinals placed successfully did not receive any sedation following lumbar puncture. The most common intraoperative event was systolic blood pressure below 60 mm Hg (14%), but no cases required administration of vasoactive agents, and no serious intraoperative adverse events were observed. Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Phase I was bypassed in 72% of cases with a median postoperative length of stay of 84 min. Forty-six patients returned to the emergency department following hospital discharge, but no returns were due to anesthetic concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia is a viable and versatile option for a diversity of pediatric surgical procedures. We noted a low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. There remain numerous potential advantages of spinal anesthesia over general anesthesia in young pediatric patients particularly in the ambulatory setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective cohort treatment study.

Severe intraoperative hypertension after induction of anesthesia in a child with a neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastomas are the most common, non-central nervous system tumor of childhood. Similar to pheochromocytomas, they are derived from neural crest cells and therefore retain the potential to synthesize catecholamines. Unlike pheochromocytomas, however, perioperative issues related to blood pressure instability with hypertension are uncommon. We report details of a 3-year-old child with a neuroblastoma who developed severe hypertension and end-organ effects after induction of anesthesia. The association of such problems with neuroblastoma is reviewed and options for perioperative care presented.

Manual Palpation versus Ultrasound to Identify the Intervertebral Space for Spinal Anesthesia in Infants.

Purpose: Awake spinal anesthesia continues as an alternative to general anesthesia for infants. Standard clinical practice includes the manual palpation of surface landmarks to identify the desired intervertebral space for lumbar puncture (LP). The current study investigates the accuracy of manual palpation for identifying the intended intervertebral site for LP, using ultrasonography for confirmation and to determine the interspace where the conus medullaris ends. Patients and Methods: After informed parental consent, patients less than one year of age undergoing spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal, urologic, or lower extremity surgical procedures were included. Patients were held in the seated position and an attending pediatric anesthesiologist or pediatric anesthesiology fellow declared the vertebral interspace intended for needle insertion, palpated surface landmarks, and placed a mark at the site. A research anesthesiologist then determined the actual vertebral interspace of the marked site and the location of the conus medullaris using ultrasonography. The time to complete both techniques (manual palpation and ultrasonography) was recorded. Results: The study cohort included 50 infants (median age of 7 months). Sixteen vertebral interspaces (32%) were inaccurately marked. One was marked two spaces higher than intended, ten were marked one space higher than intended, and five were marked one space lower than intended. In one patient, the intended vertebral interspace for the lumbar puncture overlaid the conus medullaris. The median time required was 25 seconds (IQR 14.3, 32) for palpation and 39 seconds (IQR 29, 63.8) for ultrasonography. Conclusion: Manual palpation of surface landmarks to determine the correct interspace for LP for spinal anesthesia in infants is inaccurate. The time required to perform spinal ultrasonography in infants for determination of the optimal site for LP is brief and may be useful in ensuring accurate identification of the correct interspace and the location of the conus medullaris.

Quadratus Lumborum Blockade for Postoperative Analgesia in Infants and Children Following Colorectal Surgery.

Background: Adult studies have indicated that the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) may provide superior analgesia compared to single-shot neuraxial and other truncal peripheral nerve blocks. The technique is being increasingly used for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. To date, these pediatric reports have been limited by small sample sizes, which may hinder the interpretation of results and assessment of safety. In this study, we retrospectively examined QLBs performed at a large tertiary care hospital for evidence of effectiveness and safety in the pediatric colorectal surgery population. Methods: Patients less than 21 years of age who underwent abdominal surgery and received a unilateral or bilateral QLB over a 4-year period were identified in the electronic medical record. Patient demographics, surgery type, and QLB characteristics were retrospectively examined. Pain scores and opioid consumption were tabulated over the first 72-h postoperative period. QLB procedural complications or adverse events attributable to the regional anesthetic were obtained. Results: The study cohort included 204 QLBs in 163 pediatric-aged patients (2 days to 19 years of age, median age of 2.4 years). The most common indication was unilateral blockade for ostomy creation or reversal. The majority of QLBs were performed using ropivacaine 0.2% with a median volume of 0.6 mL/kg. The median opioid requirement in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) was 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 MME/kg on the first, second, and third postoperative days, respectively. Median pain scores were less than 2 over each time period. Aside from block failure (incidence 1.2%), there were no complications or postoperative adverse events related to the QLBs. Conclusion: This retrospective review in a large cohort of pediatric patients demonstrates that the QLB can be performed safely and efficiently in children undergoing colorectal surgery. The QLB provides adequate postoperative analgesia, has a high success rate, may limit postoperative opioid consumption, and is associated with a limited adverse effect profile.

Use of a Spinal-Caudal Epidural Technique for Abdominal Surgery in a Newborn With Noonan Syndrome and Severe Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Features of Noonan syndrome include a distinctive facial appearance, short stature, a broad or webbed neck, congenital heart disease, bleeding problems, skeletal malformations, and developmental delay. Although pulmonary stenosis is most commonly reported, up to 20% of patients have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We report the use of a combined spinal-caudal epidural anesthesia technique during urologic surgery (pyeloplasty) in an 8-week-old infant with Noonan syndrome and HCM. A spinal-caudal epidural technique provides favorable hemodynamic conditions, avoids the need for airway instrumentation, and may serve as an alternative to general anesthesia in these high risk patients.

Preliminary Experience With Quadratus Lumborum Catheters for Postoperative Pain Management in Pediatric-Aged Patients With Contraindications to Epidural Anesthesia.

Background: Although neuraxial techniques such as caudal and epidural anesthesia were initially the predominant regional anesthetic technique used to provide postoperative analgesia in children, there has been a transition to the use of peripheral nerve blockade such as the quadratus lumborum block (QLB). We present preliminary experience with QL catheters for continuous postoperative analgesia in a cohort of pediatric patients following colorectal surgery. Methods: After institutional review board (IRB) approval, we retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent major colorectal surgery and received QL catheters for postoperative analgesia. The postoperative pain control data consisted of QL catheter characteristics, anesthetic agents, adjuncts, pain scores, and opioid consumption during the postoperative period. Results: The study cohort included eight pediatric patients, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years (median age 11.8 years). The QL catheters were placed in the operating room after the induction of anesthesia. Comorbid conditions in the cohort that were contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia included spinal/vertebral malformations, presence of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, anal atresia, tracheo-esophageal fistula (VACTERL) association, and coagulation disturbances. All patients underwent complex colorectal or genito-urologic procedures. Bilateral QL catheters were placed in six patients, and unilateral catheters were placed in two patients. Four patients received 0.5% ropivacaine and four patients received 0.2% ropivacaine of an initial bolus. The local anesthetic used for continuous infusion was 0.2% ropivacaine in five patients, 0.1% ropivacaine in two patients, and 1.5% chloroprocaine in one patient, with a median infusion rate of 0.11 mL/kg/h. QL catheter infusions were supplemented with intravenous opioids delivered by patient-controlled or nurse-controlled analgesia. The median opioid requirements in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were 1.2, 1.0, 1.1, 0.5, and 0.6 MME/kg on postoperative days 1 - 5. Daily median pain scores were ≤ 2 during the 5-day postoperative course. All catheters functioned successfully and were in place for a median of 79.3 h. Other than early inadvertent removal of two catheters, no adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: Although our preliminary data suggest the efficacy of QL catheters in providing prolonged postoperative analgesia for up to 3 - 5 days following colorectal procedures, attention needs to be directed at measures to ensure that the catheter is secured to avoid inadvertent removal.

Ambulatory spinal anesthesia in infants ≤ six months of age: A retrospective review of outcomes and safety.

PURPOSE: To review experience with outpatient spinal anesthesia (SA) from a single center in infants ≤6 months of age. METHODS: Retrospective review of all SAs performed in the ambulatory setting in the outpatient surgery centers in infants ≤6 months of age from 2016 to 2020, focusing on success rate, adverse events, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) times, and emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) returns within 7 days of the operation. RESULTS: The study cohort included 175 SAs performed on 173 patients ≤6 months of age. One hundred and sixty-two patients (93%) were able to undergo their respective surgical procedures under SA without conversion to general anesthesia. One hundred and thirty-six patients (78%) did not require additional sedation or analgesic agents. The median time from entering the operating room until the start of surgical procedure was 17 min. One hundred and twenty-six patients (72%) were able to bypass Phase I of the PACU. One hundred and forty-seven patients (86%) were discharged in less than two hours postoperatively. Only one complication related to SA was noted. This was a patient who returned on postoperative day 2 with a possible CSF leak noted by ultrasound. After overnight hospital floor admission, he was discharged the next day after receiving intravenous fluids without further sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: SA is a viable option for anesthetic care in infants ≤6 months of age presenting for outpatient surgery. Advantages included the ability to bypass PACU Phase I and facilitation of hospital discharge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective cohort treatment study.

Continuous epidural chloroprocaine after abdominal surgery is associated with lower postoperative opioid exposure in NICU infants.

BACKGROUND: Epidural anesthesia in infants undergoing open abdominal surgery has the potential to reduce opioid consumption, lower pain scores, and expedite tracheal extubation. We evaluated associations between use of continuous epidural chloroprocaine and improved intra- and post-operative outcomes. METHODS: This matched retrospective cohort study first identified 24 patients who between April 2018 through December 2019 were treated with a caudal catheter and epidural chloroprocaine infusion for a laparotomy at postnatal age of 6 months or less. A matched comparator group of 24 patients was derived based on age and type of surgery. Exclusion criteria were the presence of a preoperative opioid infusion, comorbidities that would preclude appropriate pain assessment, or a recent surgical procedure. Primary outcomes included opioid consumption and pain scores; we secondarily analyzed intraoperative anesthetic requirements, other systemic analgesic use, vital signs, tracheal extubation time, and procedural times. RESULTS: Treatment with epidural anesthesia was associated with lower 5-day total postoperative opioid consumption (3.2 mg/kg vs. 19.7 mg/kg in the respective epidural vs. systemic groups, p = 0.001) and time to tracheal extubation (1.3 days vs. 3.2 days, p = 0.005). Any statistically significant differences in pain scores were not clinically meaningful. There were no differences in mean arterial pressure or intraoperative inhaled anesthetic doses. CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of epidural chloroprocaine in infants following open abdominal surgery may limit exposure to systemic opioid medications while providing adequate postoperative analgesia and shortening time to tracheal extubation.

Short Communication: Lumbar Plexus Block versus Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block to Provide Analgesia Following Hip and Femur Surgery in Pediatric-Aged Patients - An Analysis of a Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: For surgical procedures involving the hip and femur, various regional anesthetic techniques may be used to provide analgesia. Although there has been an increase in the use of lumbar plexus block (LPB), the technique may be time consuming and associated with complications. Suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is a potentially easier and safer alternative. The current study prospectively compares LPB with suprainguinal FICB. METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, study included patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures of the hip and/or femur. All study patients received general anesthesia with randomization to either an LPB or suprainguinal FICB using 0.5% ropivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone. Postoperative pain control was achieved with intravenous hydromorphone delivered by patient-controlled analgesia with scheduled acetaminophen and ketorolac. Outcome data included time to perform the block, perioperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores (VAS) and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: The study cohort included 15 patients between the ages of 7 and 16 years (LPB N = 7, FICB N = 8). The median block time was 6 minutes (IQR: 4.11) for the LPB group and 3 minutes (IQR: 3.6) for the FICB group (p = 0.107). Median postoperative pain scores were 4 (IQR: 0.6) for the LPB group and 2 (IQR: 0.5) for the FICB group (p = 0.032). There were no differences in the intraoperative or postoperative opioid and NSAID use between the two groups. DISCUSSION: The suprainguinal FICB provides analgesia that is at least as effective as a LPB following hip and femur surgery. Time to perform the block was shorter with the FICB due to the supine patient position and limited needle trajectory. Although we noted no adverse effects, the superficial needle trajectory of the FICB offers a less invasive approach and the potential for decreased risks of adverse effects.

Development of a Structured Regional Analgesia Program for Postoperative Pain Management.

OBJECTIVES: We pursued the use of regional analgesia (RA) to minimize the use of postoperative opioids. Our aim was to increase the use of postoperative RA for eligible surgical procedures in the NICU from 0% to 80% by June 30, 2019. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team determined the eligibility criteria, developed an extensive process map, implemented comprehensive education, and a structured process for communication of postoperative pain management plans. Daily pain team rounds provided an opportunity for collaborative comanagement. An additional 30 minutes for catheter placement was added in operating room (OR) scheduling so that it would not affect the surgeon OR time. RESULTS: There were 21 eligible surgeries in the baseline period and 34 in the intervention period. In total, 30 of 34 infants in eligible surgeries (88%) received RA. The average total opioid exposure in intravenous morphine milligram equivalents decreased from 5.0 to 1.1 mg/kg in the intervention group. The average time to extubation was 45 hours in the baseline period and 19.9 hours in the intervention group. After interventions, 75% of infants were extubated in the OR, as compared with 10.5% in the baseline period. No difference was seen in postoperative pain scores or postoperative hypothermia between the baseline and intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: We used quality improvement methodology to develop a structured RA program. We demonstrated a significant reduction in opioid requirements and need for mechanical ventilation postoperatively for those infants who received RA. Our findings support safe and effective use of RA, and provide a framework for implementation of a similar program.

Comparison of the skin-to-epidural space distance at the thoracic and lumbar levels in children using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have attempted to estimate the approximate distance from the skin-to-epidural space using different imaging modalities (computed tomography [CT], ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and direct needle measurements. The objective of our study was to compare the distance from the skin to the epidural space (SED) at multiple levels, focusing on T6-7, T9-10, and L2-3 using MRI. METHODS: After institutional review board (IRB) approval, sagittal T2-weighted MRI images of the spine of 108 children in the age group ranging from 3 months to 8 years undergoing radiological evaluation in the supine position at our institution were analyzed. The SED at T6-7 and T9-10 levels (straight and inclined) and SED at L2-3 (straight) were determined and compared using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests with a Bonferroni correction for 10 pairwise comparisons (P < 0.005 was considered statistically significant). RESULTS: The average SED (measured straight and inclined) was 18.2 mm and 21.6 mm at T6-7; 18.3 mm and 20.5 mm at T9-10; and 21.8 mm (straight) at L2-3. The repeated-measures ANOVA F-test indicated significant variability in SED (P < 0.001) among the 5 measurements obtained. At the P < 0.005 significance level, corrected for multiple comparisons, the SED (straight) at T9-10 straight was shorter than the other measured distances. CONCLUSION: The distance from the skin to the epidural space is not constant at various vertebral levels. At the levels measured, it was greatest at the lumbar level and at least at the thoracic level of T9-10. A single predictive formula was not applicable for calculating the approximate SED at all vertebral levels.