Actualización en dispositivos supraglóticos para la vía aérea pediátrica / Paediatric supraglottic airway devices update

ABSTRACT Introduction: Following the introduction of the laryngeal mask in the 1980s, several similar devices have been developed, changing paediatric airway management under anaesthesia. This reflective article describes and examines the different paediatric supraglottic airway devices currently available in the U.K. Methodology: This perspective article is based on a narrative review of articles that discussed paediatric supraglottic airway devices using Cochrane, meddling, Ovid and pubmed databases as well as text books. Results: As new devices continue to be developed with a clear indication of clinical relevance and genuine advantages, so high quality research will also continue to be required in order to improve features in new devices.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con posterioridad a la introducción de la máscara laríngea en los años 1980 se han venido desarrollando varios dispositivos similares, los cuales han cambiado el manejo de la vía aérea pediátrica en anestesia. Este artículo de reflexión describe y examina los distintos dispositivos supraglóticos para la vía aérea pediátrica disponibles actualmente en el Reino Unido. Metodología: Este artículo de opinión se basa en una revisión de los artículos que tratan el tema de los dispositivos supraglóticos para la vía aérea pediátrica, realizada en las bases de datos Cochrane, Medline, Ovid y PubMed y también en los libros de texto. Resultados: A medida que se desarrollan dispositivos nuevos con indicación clara de pertinencia clínica y ventajas genuinas, se necesitarán también estudios de alta calidad a fin de mejorar las características de dichos dispositivos.

Raised intracranial pressure in a neonate presenting as stridor.

Neonatal stridor is an important sign of upper airway obstruction. This is most commonly secondary to laryngeal pathology and investigated by otolaryngologists. However neurological causes of stridor, secondary to vocal cord paralysis also occur for a variety of reasons (1). In cases of meningomyelocele up to 20% of infants may develop stridor (2). Respiratory distress may be severe and require prompt surgical and medical intervention. We describe a neonate born with a meningomyelocele, who developed stridor secondary to evolving hydrocephalus after surgical repair of the meningomyelocele. This was treated acutely by direct tapping of cerebrospinal fluid from the right coronal horn via the coronal suture with immediate symptomatic improvement prior to a definitive shunt procedure.

Glottic scar bands following intubation.

We present two uncommon cases of abnormalities of the pediatric airway, which may present in the first instance to the anesthetist. Glottic scar bands are a result of intubation trauma and are a treatable cause of voice abnormalities and sometimes respiratory distress.

Neonatal pneumothorax--an unexpected perioperative complication.

We report our experience of three cases of intraoperative pneumothorax in neonatal surgical patients. Following a review of the literature, we discuss possible causes for each case and methods of treatment. We emphasize the need for inclusion of pneumothorax as a cause for cardiorespiratory instability even when no predisposition is identifiable and highlight the need for prompt treatment to prevent serious morbidity and mortality.

Recovery after anesthesia for short pediatric oncology procedures: propofol and remifentanil compared with propofol, nitrous oxide, and sevoflurane.

Anesthesia techniques in children undergoing short painful oncology procedures should allow rapid recovery without side effects. We compared the recovery characteristics of two anesthetic techniques: propofol with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide and a total IV technique using propofol and remifentanil. Twenty-one children, undergoing two similar painful procedures within 2 wk were studied in a single-blind manner within patient comparison. The order of the techniques was randomized. Propofol and remifentanil involved bolus doses of both propofol 3-5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1-4 microg/kg. Propofol with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide involved propofol 3-5 mg/kg with 2%-8% sevoflurane and 70% nitrous oxide. The primary outcome variable was the time taken to achieve recovery discharge criteria; other recovery characteristics were also noted. The mean age of the children was 6.5 yr (range, 2.5-9.8 yr). Nineteen had lymphoblastic leukemia and two had lymphoma. All children had intrathecal chemotherapy and one had bone marrow aspiration. Most procedures lasted <4 min. The mean time to achieve recovery discharge criteria was appreciably shorter after propofol and remifentanil than propofol with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide by nearly 19 min (P = 0.001). All other time comparisons had similar trends and statistical differences. Seven parents expressed a preference for the propofol and remifentanil technique compared with one preferring propofol with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide. Children are apneic during the procedure and require respiratory support from an anesthesiologist. Discharge readiness from the recovery ward was achieved on average 19 min earlier after propofol with remifentanil compared with the combination of propofol, sevoflurane and nitrous oxide. Parents more often preferred propofol with remifentanil.

The Portex 'Soft Seal' single use laryngeal mask -- a preliminary study in pediatric anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Portex have developed a single use pediatric laryngeal mask (LM), which is available in all sizes. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated its use in 40 infants and children undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. RESULTS: The LM provided a satisfactory airway in all patients. Insertion was quick and easy and achieved at the first attempt in 38 patients. Repositioning was required during anesthesia in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: The Portex 'Soft Seal' LM performs satisfactorily in elective pediatric anesthesia.