A prospective comparison of invasive and non-invasive blood pressure in children undergoing cardiac catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure measurement is a standard of monitoring during general anesthesia. Invasive measurement is considered the gold standard but is less commonly used than non-invasive. Automated oscillometric blood pressure devices measure the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and use an algorithm to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Few devices have been validated in children, particularly during anesthesia. Few studies have assessed the agreement between invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements in children. METHODS: This was a multi-center prospective observational study of children under 16 years undergoing cardiac catheterization with general anesthesia. Paired invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements were recorded for each patient during stable periods of the procedure. Correlation within and between sites was assessed with Pearson's correlation coefficient, and agreement was examined using Bland-Altman methodology to determine bias. Agreement during episodes of hypotension and for age and weight was also determined. Bias greater than 5 mmHg and standard deviation greater than 8 mmHg was considered clinically significant. The primary end point was agreement of MAP measurements. RESULTS: A total of 683 paired blood pressure values were collected from 254 children in three pediatric hospitals. Median [IQR] age and weight were 3 [1-7] years and 13.9 [8-23] Kg. The overall bias (SD) for mean arterial pressure values was 7.2 (11.4) mmHg. During hypotension (190 readings), the bias (SD) was 15 (11.0) mmHg. The non-invasive MAP was frequently higher than invasive MAP during infancy, and lower in older children. CONCLUSION: Automated oscillometric blood pressure measurement is unreliable in anesthetized children during cardiac catheterization. Invasive pressure measurement should be considered for high-risk cases.

Warm versus cold blood cardioplegia in paediatric congenital heart surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Intermittent cold blood cardioplegia is commonly used in children, whereas intermittent warm blood cardioplegia is widely used in adults. We aimed to compare clinical and biochemical outcomes with these 2 methods. METHODS: A single-centre, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of warm (≥34°C) versus cold (4-6°C) antegrade cardioplegia in children. The primary outcome was cardiac troponin T over the 1st 48 postoperative hours. Intensive care teams were blinded to group allocation. Outcomes were compared by intention-to-treat using linear mixed-effects, logistic or Cox regression. RESULTS: 97 participants with median age of 1.2 years were randomized (49 to warm, 48 to cold cardioplegia); 59 participants (61%) had a risk-adjusted congenital heart surgery score of 3 or above. There were no deaths and 92 participants were followed to 3-months. Troponin release was similar in both groups [geometric mean ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-1.44; P = 0.66], as were other cardiac function measures (echocardiography, arterial and venous blood gases, vasoactive-inotrope score, arrhythmias). Intensive care stay was on average 14.6 h longer in the warm group (hazard ratio 0.52; 95% CI 0.34-0.79; P = 0.003), with a trend towards longer overall hospital stays (hazard ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.43-1.02; P = 0.060) compared with the cold group. This could be related to more unplanned reoperations on bypass in the warm group compared to cold group (3 vs 1). CONCLUSIONS: Warm blood cardioplegia is a safe and reproducible technique but does not provide superior myocardial protection in paediatric heart surgery.

Intermittent antegrade warm-blood versus cold-blood cardioplegia in children undergoing open heart surgery: a protocol for a randomised controlled study (Thermic-3).

INTRODUCTION: Surgical repair of congenital heart defects often requires the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegic arrest. Cardioplegia is used during cardiac surgery requiring CPB to keep the heart still and to reduce myocardial damage as a result of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Cold cardioplegia is the prevalent method of myocardial protection in paediatric patients; however, warm cardioplegia is used as part of usual care throughout the UK in adults. We aim to provide evidence to support the use of warm versus cold blood cardioplegia on clinical and biochemical outcomes during and after paediatric congenital heart surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are conducting a single-centre randomised controlled trial in paediatric patients undergoing operations requiring CPB and cardioplegic arrest at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. We will randomise participants in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 'cold-blood cardioplegia' or 'warm-blood cardioplegia'. The primary outcome will be the difference between groups with respect to Troponin T levels over the first 48 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes will include measures of cardiac function; renal function; cerebral function; arrythmias during and postoperative hours; postoperative blood loss in the first 12 hours; vasoactive-inotrope score in the first 48 hours; intubation time; chest and wound infections; time from return from theatre until fit for discharge; length of postoperative hospital stay; all-cause mortality to 3 months postoperative; myocardial injury at the molecular and cellular level. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been approved by the London - Central Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated to the academic community through peer-reviewed publications and presentation at national and international meetings. Patients will be informed of the results through patient organisations and newsletters to participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13467772; Pre-results.

Observational study of perioperative behavior changes in children having teeth extracted under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative behavioral disturbance is common in children. Negative behavior changes may be seen during induction of anesthesia, during recovery and following discharge home. There has been little research on this subject in the UK. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of behavioral changes within our institution and identify which children are at increased risk. METHODS: A prospective observational study of healthy children aged two to 12 undergoing elective dental extractions under general anesthesia. Assessments included: the child's and parent's state anxiety; anxiety and behavior during induction of anesthesia (modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale and the pediatric anesthesia behavior score); behavior in PACU (pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium [PAED] scale); behavior at home on postoperative days 1 and 7 (post hospitalization behavior questionnaire). Data were examined for associations and correlations. RESULTS: One hundred and two children with a median age of 6 years were recruited. Sixty-seven per cent exhibited high anxiety during induction of anesthesia, although only 3% demonstrated significant vocal or physical resistance. Thirteen per cent had a PAED score of 10 or more. Post-hospitalization behavior changes were demonstrated by 52% of children on day 1 and 22% on day 7; and were associated with: a previous traumatic healthcare experience, male sex, and distress during induction of anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative behavioral disturbance is common in children undergoing anesthesia. Predicting which children are at increased risk may allow us to adapt the management of these children in order to minimize adverse behavior changes.

Development and validation of the Pediatric Anesthesia Behavior score--an objective measure of behavior during induction of anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Measuring perioperative behavior changes requires validated objective rating scales. We developed a simple score for children's behavior during induction of anesthesia (Pediatric Anesthesia Behavior score) and assessed its reliability, concurrent validity, and predictive validity. METHODS: Data were collected as part of a wider observational study of perioperative behavior changes in children undergoing general anesthesia for elective dental extractions. One-hundred and two healthy children aged 2-12 were recruited. Previously validated behavioral scales were used as follows: the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS); the induction compliance checklist (ICC); the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (PAED); and the Post-Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ). Pediatric Anesthesia Behavior (PAB) score was independently measured by two investigators, to allow assessment of interobserver reliability. Concurrent validity was assessed by examining the correlation between the PAB score, the m-YPAS, and the ICC. Predictive validity was assessed by examining the association between the PAB score, the PAED scale, and the PHBQ. RESULTS: The PAB score correlated strongly with both the m-YPAS (P < 0.001) and the ICC (P < 0.001). PAB score was significantly associated with the PAED score (P = 0.031) and with the PHBQ (P = 0.034). Two independent investigators recorded identical PAB scores for 94% of children and overall, there was close agreement between scores (Kappa coefficient of 0.886 [P < 0.001]). CONCLUSION: The PAB score is simple to use and may predict which children are at increased risk of developing postoperative behavioral disturbance. This study provides evidence for its reliability and validity.

Current UK practice of pediatric supraglottic airway devices - a survey of members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

OBJECTIVES: Over half of general anesthetics in the UK involve supraglottic airway devices (SADs). The National Audit Project 4 undertaken by the Royal College of Anaesthetists demonstrated that aspiration was the most frequent complication relating to SAD use. SADs designed to reduce this risk (second-generation devices) are increasingly recommended in both adults and children. As well as routine use, SADs are recommended for use in cases of 'difficult airway'. This survey assessed current usage of SADs in routine practice and difficult airways. Sixteen questions, approved by the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI) survey committee, were distributed to all its members. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-four members responded. Eighty-eight percent preferentially use first-generation rather than second-generation devices. The most important design feature was the availability of a complete range of sizes (84%). Seventy-seven percent felt that randomized controlled trials assessing SAD safety in children are needed. In cases of failed intubation, classically shaped SADs are preferred (79%). Three percent of responders intubate via an SAD routinely. Eighteen percent have employed this technique in an emergency. Thirty-six percent of responders have found an SAD to function poorly. CONCLUSION: Pediatric anesthesiologists appear slow to embrace second-generation SADs. The role of SADs in the management of difficult airways is widely accepted. Research currently has little influence over the choice of which SAD to use, which is more likely determined by personal choice and departmental preference. There is a risk that some SADs are unsafe.

Parents' understanding of and compliance with fasting instruction for pediatric day case surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether parents understand and adhere to preoperative fasting instructions. AIM: To identify how we may reduce perioperative morbidity relating to failure to fast. BACKGROUND: Children are routinely fasted preoperatively with the aim of reducing the risk of aspiration of gastric contents and its sequelae. METHODS: Parents of children on the day case ward following elective surgery completed a survey asking: (i) For how long was your child asked to fast? (ii) How long did you ensure your child was fasted of food and clear fluids? (iii) What do you think is the purpose of fasting? We also asked the parents to complete a checklist of items they thought acceptable to consume when fasting. RESULTS: Despite affirming fasting status in the preoperative check, 13.5% were not fasted. Parents reported advised fasting times of 1-24 h (median 6) for solids and 0.5-24 h (median 3) for fluids. Children were fasted of solids for 3-40 h (median 9.5) and of fluids for 0.5-24 h (median 5). Regarding the understanding of fasting, 9 referred to aspiration and 53 to the prevention of nausea or vomiting. Thirteen believed that fasting status altered the efficacy of anesthesia. During the fasting period, 4.9% would allow French fries, 22.3% toast/crackers, 17.5% cereal, 14.7% a sweet, 14.9% gum, and 12.6% tea with milk. CONCLUSIONS: Children we believe to be fasted may not be. Parents may deliberately misrepresent the actual fasting status of their child. Adherence to fasting advice may be affected by parents' recall and understanding of fasting advice.

An audit of anesthetic management and complications of tracheo-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair.

BACKGROUND: Many different anesthetic techniques have been suggested for the management of tracheo-oesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia (TOF/OA) although the incidence of ventilation difficulty is not well known and it is unclear which technique is best in managing this. The aim of our audit was to determine the incidence of ventilation difficulty during repair of TOF/OA. We also recorded the current practice for anesthesia and analgesia in these children as well as the incidence of comorbidities and surgical complications. METHODS: We retrospectively audited cases of TOF/OA repair over a 3-year period in four hospitals, recording demographics, comorbidities, surgical data, postoperative complications, and anesthetic technique, including ventilation difficulty and management strategy. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were identified with TOF/OA, and 106 patient notes and 101 anesthetic records were found. 42% of patients were premature, and 57.5% had significant comorbidities. Death was most likely in infants with low birth weight and low gestational age at birth and in those with major cardiac comorbidity. A range of techniques were used for induction, maintenance, extubation, and pain control. There were ventilation difficulties recorded at induction in seven patients, and significant desaturations were recorded in 15 patients intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This audit adds to the data already published about incidences of complications and comorbidities associated with TOF/OA repair. Defining anesthetic practice with regard to ventilation and analgesic strategies is important in comparing the adequacy and risk of techniques used. Our audit shows that a range of differing anesthetic techniques are still employed by different anesthetists and institutions and details some of the techniques being used for managing difficult ventilation.

Intravenous paracetamol overdose: two case reports and a change to national treatment guidelines.

Two cases of 10-fold accidental overdose with intravenous paracetamol are presented. Case 1: A 5-month-old child with intussusception received 90 mg/kg intravenous paracetamol over an 8 h period. She was not initially treated with an antidote and developed hepatic impairment. Case 2: A 6-month-old child received a single dose of 75 mg/kg intravenous paracetamol. The child was treated with N-acetylcysteine and remained well without hepatic impairment. Therapeutic errors such as 10-fold overdosing are relatively common in children. Case 1 demonstrates that intravenous paracetamol is a potentially dangerous drug. This should be taken into consideration when prescribing the intravenous formulation. The concentration-time nomogram used following oral paracetamol overdose should be used with caution following intravenous overdose. Significant overdose should be discussed with the National Poisons Information Service whose guidance suggests intervention with antidote following an overdose above 60 mg/kg.

Study to assess the laryngeal and pharyngeal spread of topical local anesthetic administered orally during general anesthesia in children.

BACKGROUND: Topical local anesthesia of the airway of anaesthetized children has many potential benefits. In our institution, lignocaine is topically instilled blindly into the back of the mouth with the expectation that it will come into contact with the larynx. The volume and method of application varies between clinicians. There is no published evidence to support the plausibility of this technique. AIM: To determine whether this technique of instillation results in the local anesthetic coming into contact with key laryngeal structures and whether this is influenced by volume or additional physical maneuvers. METHODS/MATERIALS: Sixty-three healthy anaesthetized children between 6 months and 16 years old had lignocaine stained with methylene blue poured into the back of their mouths. The volume and subsequent physical maneuver were determined by randomization. A blinded observer assessed staining of the vocal cords, epiglottis, vallecula and piriform fossae by direct laryngoscopy. Airway complications were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three of the 63 children had complete staining of all four areas. Four children had one area unstained, and all others had at least partial staining of all four structures. Nine children coughed following induction of anesthesia. Coughing was more likely in children with incomplete staining (P = 0.03), low volume lignocaine (P = 0.003) and following a head lift (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of lignocaine without use of a laryngoscope frequently results in widespread coverage of key laryngeal structures and may reduce the risk of coughing.