Cardiovascular effect of oral atropine premedication during halothane anaesthesia in infants

A solution containing either atropine sulfate 0.02 mg/kg body weight, or a placebo was randomly administered orally to 30 infants 1-6 months old and 30 infants 7-16 months old, 30-45 minutes before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced using halothane in rising concentration up to 3% in a mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen 60/40%; endotracheal intubation was done under deep halothane 3%. Anesthesia was maintained using 1% halothane with nitrous oxide/oxygen 60/40%. The onset of action of atropine was 25 minutes after oral administration as determined by 15% increase in heart rate above the baseline level. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were measured at 3-minute intervals starting just before induction of anesthesia and continued until the onset of surgical stimulation. It was concluded that the depressant effect of halothane on cardiovascular system is age related and that oral atropine premedication [0.02 mg/kg] is effective in attenuating the cardiovascular depression associated with halothane anesthesia in infants

Treatment of post-spinal headache with epidural dextran 40

The present study was done on 40 patients suffering from post-spinal headache after low and mid spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups; in one group [20 patients], Dextran 40 was epidurally injected as [2 ml per every 10 cm of the subject's height], in the second group [20 patients], Aspegic was given intravenously as [25 mg/kg body weight]. Assessment of headache was studied subjectively by questionnaire and patients' verbal scores and objectively by facial expression, bodily movement and cooperation scores. From this study, it was found that epidural Dextran 40 is effective in alleviating post-spinal headache, as Aspegic, but Dextran 40 showed a more prolonged duration of action [5 hours] without any side effects

Postoperative arterial oxygen saturation in paediatric patients during transportation to the recovery room

Patients were studied in two age groups 15 patients each 6-12 months and 13 months - 6 years. Patients were premedicated by chloral hydrate syrup [40 mg/5 kg body weight], given 30 minutes before induction. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of rising concentration of halothane up to 3% and maintained by 1.25% halothane and nitrous oxide/oxygen [60/40%]. At the end of anesthesia 100% oxygen was given via a face mask. During transfer and on arrival to the recovery room, there was a significant decrease in SaO2 in both age groups of patients with more desaturation in the younger age group 6-12 months. From this study, it was concluded that rapid transportation and supplemental oxygen administration is recommended during transport and on arrival to the recovery room, especially in younger pediatric patients