Should I do this case? - The Paediatric Murmur

ABSTRACT

Cardiac murmurs in children may have serious haemodynamic implications during anaesthesia and surgery. Innocuous and pathological murmurs have characteristics that differ; but there is unfortunately also overlap. Most murmurs (70) are innocuous and anaesthesia can be safely administered. It is essential to investigate any murmur detected preoperatively to exclude dangerous murmurs. An appropriate history and thorough clinical examination will enable diagnosis of most innocuous murmurs. For some cardiac lesions perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis is necessary for some procedures. Patients should be referred for postoperative evaluation and follow-up. Patients and parents should be informed of the implications and need for prophylaxis and follow-up