Resuscitation with lipid, epinephrine, or both in levobupivacaine-induced cardiac toxicity in newborn piglets.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dosing regimens of lipid emulsion, epinephrine, or both are not yet determined in neonates in cases of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). METHODS: Newborn piglets received levobupivacaine until cardiovascular collapse occurred. Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started and electrocardiogram (ECG) was monitored for ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, or QRS prolongation. Piglets were then randomly allocated to four groups: control (saline), Intralipid(®) alone, epinephrine alone, or a combination of Intralipd plus epinephrine. Resuscitation continued for 30 min or until there was a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) accompanied by a mean arterial pressure at or superior to the baseline pressure and normal sinus rhythm for a period of 30 min. RESULTS: ROSC was achieved in only one of the control piglets compared with most of the treated piglets. Mortality was not significantly different between the three treatment groups, but was significantly lower in all the treatment groups compared with control. The number of ECG abnormalities was zero in the Intralipid only group, but 14 and 17, respectively, in the epinephrine and epinephrine plus lipid groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lipid emulsion with or without epinephrine, or epinephrine alone were equally effective in achieving a return to spontaneous circulation in this model of LAST. Epinephrine alone or in combination with lipid was associated with an increased number of ECG abnormalities compared with lipid emulsion alone.

[Anaesthetic management of a child with hemoglobinopathy]. / Comment je prends en charge un enfant qui souffre d'une hémoglobinopathie.

Perioperative management of a child with sickle-cell disease requires close collaboration between hematologist, surgeon and anesthetist. The level of preoperative preparation must consider both the surgical risk and the impact of the disease. Preoperative hydration and blood transfusion are the most important part of preoperative management. Anesthetic technique is not as important as preoperative preparation, management of stress and anxiety, and optimization of intraoperative physiological parameters (oxygenation, acid-base balance, tissue perfusion, normothermia). Pain management must be optimal for these children with increased needs of analgesic. Preoperative assessment of a child with thalassemia must include evaluation of the impact of chronic hemolytic anemia and iron overload induced by repeated transfusions. The most important factor in the management of a child with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is to avoid exposure to oxidative stressors. Outpatients should be informed of the risk of hemolytic crisis, and free hemoglobin in the urine should lead to discontinuation of drugs associated with hemolysis and to maintenance of urine output to prevent acute renal failure.

[Pericardial puncture after central venous catheterism in infant. Systematic opacification and chest radiography to avoid serious complication]. / Effraction péricardique lors de la pose d'une voie veineuse centrale chez un nourrisson. Intérêt de l'opacification et du contrôle radiologique systématique.

Development of ultrasound in the operating room has improved the safety of patients requiring the placement of a central venous line in children. However, the risk of venous or myocardial perforation related to the use of guidewires or inappropriate dilators persists despite the use of ultrasound. We report the case of a pericardial puncture after central venous catheterization in an infant of three months. Immediate diagnosis and rapid treatment led to a favorable outcome. We believe chest radiography and systematic opacification are mandatory before fluid administration through the catheter, in order to reduce residual risk of serious complication.

[Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization: a novel approach in children]. / Abord de la veine sous-clavière par voie sus-claviculaire sous échographie: une nouvelle approche en pédiatrie.

The subclavian vein (SCV) is often the preferred site for long-term central venous catheterization in children. It has many advantages over the internal jugular vein. But with the classical landmark technique for SCV catheterization the ultrasound-guidance technique is usually not suitable, because of the clavicle (a bright hyperechoic structure with an acoustic shadow beneath it). Because the SCV can easily be visualized via a supraclavicular approach, we developed a useful ultrasound-guided approach for SCV catheterization in infants and children.