Do pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgeries require larger-size cuffed endotracheal tubes? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: There is a controversy over using either smaller- or larger-size endotracheal tubes (ETT) in children undergoing cardiac surgery, and some anesthesiologists prefer to use ETT sizes different from the formula-based sizes. The aim of the present study was to compare proper-size cuffed ETT in children undergoing cardiac vs noncardiac surgeries. METHODS: In an observational prospective study, 80 children planned to undergo noncardiac elective surgeries (NCS group) and 80 children scheduled for cardiac surgeries (CS group) were recruited. For intubation, initial cuffed ETT size was calculated based on the following formula: Tube size (mm ID) = age (year)/4 + 3.5. The estimated ETT size for each age group and the size of final utilized tubes for each age range were recorded. RESULTS: Patients of tube sizes 4.5, 5, and 5.5 in the CS group were of lower age, weight, height, and body surface area compared with the patients of the same tube sizes in the NCS group (P < 0.05). The compatibility of the predicted vs actual required tube sizes was more in the NCS group compared to the CS group (72.5% vs. 56.2%; P = 0.02). Additionally, the cases with underestimated tube sizes were significantly more in the CS group compared with the NCS group (38.8% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Children undergoing cardiac surgeries in relation to their age and body size do require larger-size ETTs compared with the children scheduled for noncardiac surgeries.

A comparison of preoperative psychological preparation with midazolam premedication to reduce anxiety in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the multiplicity of adenotonsillectomy in children 2-10-year old at the paediatric surgery centres, patient anxiety leads to an increase in surgical and anaesthetic complications. Patients' unfamiliarity with surgical and anaesthetic interventions may increase their stress. Midazolam premedication reduces patient anxiety. In previous studies, psychological preparation before surgery using understandable terms to children, has reduced their anxiety. The aim of this study was to compare and study behavioural reflections among the children in two groups: the first group was prescribed oral midazolam, and the second group received psychological preparation with the booklet about anaesthesia and anaesthesia-resident explanation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a clinical trial conducted on 48 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Children in the first group (midazolam group) received oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, 20 min before surgery. A booklet containing pictures and information about anaesthesia and the operating room was given to the second group (psychological preparation group) the night before surgery and anaesthesia resident explained the booklet to the children. The anxiety level was measured in both groups using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children questionnaire the night before surgery and on the morning of surgery (after giving midazolam to Group II). The results were analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: In this study, 58.3% of the first group and 45.8% of the second group were male. The mean age of the first and second groups was 8.45 ± 1.86 and 9.12 ± 1.72 years, respectively. The anxiety in the first group significantly decreased in the morning before surgery compared to the night before operation (P < 0.001). The anxiety in the second group significantly decreased in the morning before surgery compared to the night before as well (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that midazolam and psychological preparation prior to surgery can reduce the anxiety of children before adenotonsillectomy.

Appendectomy Pain Control by Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after surgery in children is very important. Despite having good analgesic effects, the use of opioids is, however, limited due to side effects. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block on the intensity and frequency of pain after appendectomy in children. METHODS: In a single-blinded clinical trial, 40 children aged from 4 to 16 years, candidates for the appendectomy, were divided randomly to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ultrasound-guided TAP block using 0.25 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine in the Petit triangle after general anesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed within the first 24 hours after surgery based on the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFP). RESULTS: There was a reduction in WBFP scores at 2 hours after appendectomy in the intervention group compared with the control group (5.05 ± 2.83 vs 6.30 ± 2.2063). Also, the pain intensity within 24 hours after surgery in the intervention and control groups was 3.10 ± 1.33, and 3.60 ± 1.63 respectively according to WBFP scale (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The TAP block was effective to reduce pain after appendectomy in children, however, there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to be done in this area of research.

Evaluating the Effects of Post-Intubation Endotracheal Suctioning Before Surgery on Respiratory Parameters in Children with Airway Secretion.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) is a common procedure in intubated patients for the clearance of secretions and improvement of oxygenation. OBJECTIVES: Owing to the controversies in previous studies, we studied the effects of open ETS before surgery on respiratory parameters in children with pulmonary crackles. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 100 children with pulmonary crackles, candidates for surgery were randomly assigned into two groups. After intubation, in the group A (n = 50), deep and open suction was done until the crackle was cleared and in the group B (n = 50), anesthesia without suctioning was continued. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were compared. RESULTS: The patients in group A had higher oxygen saturation with a statistically significant difference in 15th to 75th minutes of the operation (P < 0.001) and in post-anesthetic care unit (P = 0.004). After suction, before and after extubation, there was a statistically significant reduction of crackles in the group A in comparison to the group B (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the end-tidal CO2, airway pressure and respiratory rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Relevant complications and the emergence of anesthesia time were statistically lower in the group A (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in terms of blood pressure in the two groups (P > 0.05). The heart rate in the 15th, 30th, and 45th minutes of surgery was statistically lower in the group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates positive effects of open and deep suction in improving oxygen saturation and reducing complications and emergence time. Pulmonary auscultation of the group A before and after weaning was statistically better than group B. However, this study found no positive effect of ETS on airway pressure, ETCO2, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Meanwhile, increased heart rate in the group A might introduce the potential risk of dysrhythmia and hemodynamic instability.

Evaluation of caudal anesthesia performed in conscious infants for lower abdominal surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the tolerance and efficiency of caudal anesthesia in infants undergoing lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: Thirty-five infants aged 2-13 weeks with a median gestational age of 35 weeks, were given single dose caudal epidural anesthesia (with bupivacaine) without sedation. This group of babies was treated at the Tabriz Children General Hospital between December 2006 and March 2007. We evaluated patients` analgesia (Beclere pain scale), blood pressure, heart rate changes, and apnea during the 24-hour postoperative period. Each patient was self-compared by Run test. RESULTS: Three patients had pain requiring induction of general anesthesia. Out of 35 cases, 23 patients had non-significant changes in heart rate, 20 patients had non-significant changes in systolic blood pressure, and 17 patients had non-significant changes in diastolic blood pressure. None of the patients experienced apnea. Four patients required postoperative analgesic support for 2 hours, 2 patients for 3.5 hours, and 9 patients for 4 hours. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that single dose caudal block can be used successfully in conscious babies for minor lower abdominal surgery, and may also facilitate postoperative pain management.

The success rate and complications of awake caudal epidural bupivacaine alone or in combination with intravenous midazolam and ketamine in pre-term infants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to compare the success rate and complications of caudal epidural bupivacaine alone or in combination with intravenous (IV) midazolam and ketamine in awake infants undergoing lower abdominal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, clinical trial study, 90 infants (aged below 3 months and weight below 5 kg) with American Society of Anaesthesiologists I-II, were divided into three groups of each 30: Group 1 received bupivacaine 0.25%, 1 mL/kg for caudal epidural block; Groups 2 and 3 received caudal block with same dose bupivacaine along with IV pre-treatment with midazolam 0.1 mg/kg or IV midazolam 0.1 mg/kg and ketamine 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. RESULTS: The success rates in Groups 2 and 3 were 93.3% and 93.1%, respectively, compared with a caudal block with bupivacaine alone 80%; P = 0.015). There was no significant difference among the three groups in terms of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean heart rate at intervals of 0, 20, 40 and 60 min (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the pain scores >3 on the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale at three intervals (30, 60 and 120 min) after surgery among the three groups. The complications such as apnoea or desaturation were not found in any of the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding IV ketamine and/or midazolam to bupivacaine caudal epidural block in the conscious infants can positively affect block success rate.

Success rates and complications of awake caudal versus spinal block in preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia is a common disease in preterm infants necessitating surgical repair. Despite the increased risk of postoperative apnea in preterm infants, the procedure was conventionally performed under general anesthesia. Recently, regional anesthesia approaches, including spinal and caudal blocks have been proposed as safe and efficient alternative anesthesia methods in this group of patients. The current study evaluates awake caudal and spinal blocks in preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 66 neonates and infants (weight <5 kg) undergoing inguinal hernia repair were recruited in Tabriz Teaching Children Hospital during a 12-month period. They were randomly divided into two equal groups; receiving either caudal block by 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 20 µg adrenaline (group C) or spinal block by 1 mg/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 20 µg adrenaline (group S). Vital signs and pain scores were documented during operation and thereafter up to 24 h after operation. RESULTS: Decrease in heart rate and systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in group C throughout the study period (P < 0.05). The mean recovery time was significantly higher in group S (27.3 ± 5.5 min vs. 21.8 ± 9.3 min; P = 0.03). Postoperative need for analgesia was significantly more frequent in group S (75.8% vs. 36.4%; P = 0.001). Failure in anesthesia was significantly higher in group S (24.4% vs. 6.1%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: More appropriate success rate, duration of recovery and postoperative need of analgesics could contribute to caudal block being a superior anesthesia technique compared to spinal anesthesia in awaked preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Preoperative Education and Decreasing Preoperative Anxiety Among Children Aged 8 - 10 Years Old and Their Mothers.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is associated with adverse clinical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. Various effective interventions targeting preoperative anxiety in children exist. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational intervention by residents on children and maternal anxiety and their satisfaction from anxiety management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After obtaining the institutional ethics committee approval and written informed parental consent, 36 ASA-I, II children (age range, 8 - 10 years) underwent small operations were included in this prospective randomized study. The participants were allocated into the intervention (n =18) and control (n =18) groups. Children in the first group were prepared routinely. In the second group children and their mothers received data about anesthesia and operation by the booklet. Children-maternal anxiety was assessed using the anxiety level form, at the night and in the morning before surgery. Few days after surgery mothers, residents, and children experiences and satisfaction from anxiety management were assessed in the focus group discussion. RESULTS: Mean scores and standard deviations of state anxiety in the intervention group before and after training were 33.1 ± 5.5 and 30.8 ± 6, respectively (P = 0.06). In the control group it was 32 ± 6.5 on the night and 34.1 ± 6.7 in the morning before surgery (P = 0.00). Comparison between groups was not significant (P = 0.6) and (P = 0.1). The mean levels of anxiety in the control group mothers on the night before and in the morning of surgery were 39.2 ± 13.1 and 42.8 ± 14 (P = 0.00), respectively. In the intervention group, mothers' anxiety before education was 41 ± 12.7 and after education it was 35.6 ± 9.5 (P = 0.04). Comparison between groups was not significant (P = 0.7) and (P = 0.1). According to the focus group discussions, booklet study, provided education, sympathy of medical team, spiritual issues and beliefs reduced anxiety and fear of surgery. Anesthesia and lack of knowledge of what will happen, crying and restlessness of children increased preoperative anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the preoperative anxiety was reduced by explaining anesthesia and surgery to the mothers and children (in mothers it was significant P < 0.05). Since there is a direct relation between mothers' and their children's anxiety, using an effective method to reduce anxiety in children and their mothers together at the same time would be very useful for children and their mothers.

Comparing the analgesic effect of caudal and ilioinguinal iliohypogastric nerve blockade using bupivacaine-clonidine in inguinal surgeries in children 2-7 years old.

BACKGROUND: We compared the analgesic effects of caudal and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block using bupivacaine-clonidine performed in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block provides excellent pain relief for operations on the inguinal region, including emergency procedures (e.g. strangulated inguinal hernia with intestinal obstruction). It should be preferred to caudal block for these procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After local ethics committee approval and written parental consent, 67 ASA class I - II patients aged between 2-7 years old scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair were allocated randomly into two groups after general anesthesia with same drugs in both groups. Group C received caudal block with 1 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.25% combined with 1 µg/kg clonidine, and group I received ilioinguinal- iliohypogastric nerve block with 0.3 ml /kg bupivacaine 0.25% combined with 1 µg/kg clonidine. Blood pressure and heart rate were documented every 5 minutes. Post-operative analgesia, analgesic use and side-effects were assessed during first 24 hours. RESULTS: In group C, 7 / 34 and in group I, 12/33 patients required post-operative analgesia (P = 0.174). Five patients (15.5%) in group I and one patient (2.94%) in group C had severe pain after operation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased during operation, but the differences between two groups were not significant (P = 0.176, P = 0.111). Heart rate changes between two groups were insignificant (P = 0.182). CONCLUSION: It seems that in children, caudal epidural block and ilioinguinal - iliohypogastric nerve block using bupivacaine-clonidine have comparable effects on analgesia, severity of pain and hemodynamic changes during and after surgery on inguinal region.

Is fasting duration important in post adenotonsillectomy feeding time?

BACKGROUND: Adenotonsillectomy is a common otolaryngology surgery. Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications of this procedure with a prevalence ranging from 49% to 73 %. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of short time fasting protocol on decreasing postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and initiation of oral feeding after adenotonsillectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 120 children aged 4 to 14 years candidates for adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into intervention and control groups (n = 120, 60 in each group). Each patient of the intervention group was given oral dextrose 10% as much volume as he could consume at 3 and 6 hours prior to the operation. All the data including pain severity, nausea and vomiting of the patients, the time of oral feeding initiation etc. were gathered in checklists after the operation. Statistical analyses were then performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16. Descriptive statistical methods and mean difference test for independent groups and chi square test or Fisher exact test, and if regression needed model test were applied. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The amount of Acetaminophen administered for the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group, and also the time of oral feeding initiation was significantly shorter in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.005). Pain severity at all occasions following surgery was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.001). Although frequency of nausea at recovery time was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.002), there were no significant differences in frequency of nausea between the two groups at other postoperative occasions. Postoperative vomiting frequency was not significant between the two groups at any occasions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this survey showed that shortening the duration of pre-adenotonsillectomy fasting period and hydration of patients several hours prior to the operation might be effective in decreasing postoperative pain and facilitating postoperative oral feeding initiation. Nevertheless this method does not seem to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Success rate of two different methods of ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block in children inguinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (ILIH) nerve block is a safe, effective, and easy to perform in order to provide analgesia for a variety of inguinal surgical procedures in pediatric patients. A relatively high failure rate of 10%-25% has been reported, even in experienced hands. It is assumed that this high failure rate of the ILIH nerve block in this age group could be due to lack of special knowledge of the anatomy of these nerves in infants and neonates. There are two main techniques for landmark-based ILIH nerve block with regard to determining the best insertion point. This study compared the success rate and outcomes of these two techniques in children undergoing surgery in inguinal region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 children were candidated for surgery in inguinal region, and ILIH nerve block was recruited in Tabriz Children Teaching Hospital in a 12-month period. They were randomly clustered in two groups and underwent two different methods of ILIH nerve block. In the first group, needle was inserted in a point placed between outer 1/4 and inner 3/4 of a line connecting anterior-superior iliac spine to umbilicus (n = 58), and in the second group, this point was 1 cm medial and 1 cm superior to anterior-superior iliac spine. Block failure was defined as the need for analgesia during operation. RESULTS: There were 50 males (86.2%) and 8 females (13.8%) with a mean age of 5.55 ± 2.32 (3-11) years in the first group and 48 males (87.3%) and 7 females (12.7%) with a mean age of 5.32 ± 2.18 (3-11) years in the second group (P > 0.05). The success rate of ILIH block was 94.8% in the first group and 94.5% in the second group with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.64). Changes of vital signs including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the SPO2 were not significantly different between the two groups during the study period. Change of pain severity after recovery was also comparable between the two groups. Time of the first dose of postoperative analgesic was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, success rate and outcomes of the two techniques of landmark-based ILIH block are similar in children undergoing surgery in inguinal area.

Propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children: Effect of two different doses.

PURPOSE: To compare two different doses of propofol for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in children undergoing out-patient surgeries. BACKGROUND: Insertion of LMA just after anesthesia induction is facilitated using propofol. However, the optimal dose of this drug not determined yet as heavy doses may lead to severe complications, whereas lower doses may not be quite as effective. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 children undergoing out-patient surgeries were recruited to receive intravenous propofol at a dose of either 2.5 mg/kg (group 1) or 3.5 mg/kg (group 2) for induction. Intravenous midazolam (0.03 mg/kg) and fentanyl (1 µg/kg) were used as pre-medication in all patients and anesthesia induction was initiated using lidocaine (1 mg/kg) prior to propofol administration. Hemodynamic changes, probable complications, quality of the established airway and number of attempts for LMA insertion were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were no differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation and intraoperative complications between the groups (P>0.05). LMA insertion was successful at the first attempt in 55 (93.2%) and 54 (91.5%) cases in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P>0.05). The efficiency of the established airways was adequate in all the patients of both groups. CONCLUSION: It seems that propofol doses of 2.5 and 3.5 mg/kg are equally effective for LMA insertion following intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, and lidocaine.

The evaluation of upper leg traction in lateral position for pediatric caudal block.

PURPOSE: A well-functioning caudal block is an excellent adjunct to general anesthesia, but misplaced injection results in poor analgesia as well as possibility of serious morbidity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of leg traction on success rate of caudal block in lateral position in children. METHODS: Two hundred children, age 2 months to 6 years, ASA I and II, who underwent lower abdominal surgeries were randomized in prospective controlled clinical trial study in two groups. After induction of General anesthesia, the caudal block was performed in the lateral position with upper leg traction (L-T-) or with the standard position (S-P) (leg flexed 90°). Hemodynamicchanges, movement of lower extremity in response to surgical stimulus were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in caudal block's success rate between two groups at first attempt (P=0.25). In group (S-P) the procedure was successful in 60% of cases at first attempt, 25% at second,10% at third attempt and 5% failure of caudal block, whereas in the first group it was 75%, 20%, 1% and 4% of cases respectively. There were no significant differences in heart rate and blood pressure changes between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The success rate of pediatric caudal block in upper leg traction did not differ from that of the standard position.

Accidental five fold overdose of propofol for induction in a 38-days-old infant undergoing emergency bilateral inguinal hernia repair.

The induction dose of propofol is higher in younger children (2.9 mg/kg for infants younger than 2 years) than in older children (2.2 mg/kg for children 6-12 years of age). A modest reduction in systolic blood pressure often accompanies bolus administration. The major concern with propofol is the potential for propofol infusion syndrome (lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac and renal failure), which is generally associated with high-dose infusion for an extended period. We report a 38-days-old male infant underwent emergency bilateral inguinal hernia repair who accidentally received a five-fold dose of propofol for induction of general anesthesia.

Comparing caudal and penile nerve blockade using bupivacaine in hypospadias repair surgeries in children.

BACKGROUND: Caudal anaesthesia is recommended for most surgical procedures of the lower part of the body, mainly below the umbilicus. It has been well established that a dorsal penile nerve block immediately after surgery decreases postoperative pain in children undergoing hypospadias repair. This study aimed to compare caudal or penile nerve block using bupivacaine in postoperative pain control in hypospadias repair in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After local ethical committee approval and obtaining informed parental consent, 85 American society of Anesthesiologists status I and II patients, aged 6 months to 6 years old, undergoing hypospadias repair, were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the following two groups: Caudal block was performed in 44 and penile block was performed in 41 patients. Cardiorespiratory systems data, analgesic requirement and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant haemodynamic (blood pressure and heart rate) alteration during operation in each group (P<0.01). The haemodynamic parameters were stable during operation in successful blocks in both groups. Caudal block success rate is 97.7%, whereas in penile block is 92.6%. Nineteen of 43 patients (44%) in caudal group and 29 of 41 patients (70%) in penile group received analgesia in the postoperative period and this difference was significant between the two groups (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Without ultrasonography and with blind block, with anatomic landmarks only, the caudal block success rate is high and if there is no contraindication for caudal block, it is the best choice in children under 6 years old (or 25 kg) for hypospadias repair.

Nasogastric tube placement errors and complications in pediatric intensive care unit: a case report.

UNLABELLED: Nasal ala pressure sores are among complications of nasogastric tube in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The severity of the injury is usually minor and easily ignored. However, the complication could be easily avoided. This is a case of nasal ala sore after the placement of nasal enteral tube in a pediatric intensive care unit in our center. A 5-month-old female with pulmonary hypertension secondary to bronchiectasis with nasal ala pressure sore were reported. She was hospitalized in pediatric intensive care unit at Tabriz Children Hospital in 2010.After 53 days of PICU hospitalization she had nasal ala sore. CONCLUSION: We know that nasal ala pressure sores could easily be avoided when preventive procedures were performed during nasogastric tube insertion.