Anatomical Studies Evaluating Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric regional anesthesia has been driven by the gradual rise in the adoption of opioid-sparing strategies and the growing concern over the possible adverse effects of general anesthetics on neurodevelopment. Nonetheless, performing regional anesthesia studies in a pediatric population is challenging and accounts for the scarce evidence. This study aimed to review the scientific foundation of studies in cadavers to assess regional anesthesia techniques in children. METHODS: We searched the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. We included anatomical cadaver studies assessing peripheral nerve blocks in children. The core data collected from studies were included in tables and comprised block type, block evaluation, results, and conclusion. RESULTS: The search identified 2409 studies, of which, 16 were anatomical studies on the pediatric population. The techniques evaluated were the erector spinae plane block, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block, sciatic nerve block, maxillary nerve block, paravertebral block, femoral nerve block, radial nerve block, greater occipital nerve block, infraclavicular brachial plexus block, and infraorbital nerve block. CONCLUSION: Regional anesthesia techniques are commonly performed in children, but the lack of anatomical studies may result in reservations regarding the dispersion and absorption of local anesthetics. Further anatomical research on pediatric regional anesthesia may guide the practice.

Pediatric anesthesiology in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Latin America comprises an extensive and diverse territory composed of 33 countries in the Caribbean, Central, and South America where Romance languages-languages derived from Latin are predominantly spoken. Economic disparities exist, with inequitable access to pediatric surgical care. The Latin American Surgical Outcomes Study in Pediatrics (LASOS-Peds), a multi-national collaboration, will determine safety of pediatric anesthesia and perioperative care. OBJECTIVE: Below, we provide a descriptive initiative to share how pediatric anesthesia in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico operate. Theses descriptions do not represent all of Latin America. DESCRIPTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Brazil an upper middle-income country, population 203 million, has a public system insufficiently resourced and a private system, resulting in inequitable safety and accessibility. Surgical complications constitute the third leading cause of mortality. Anesthesiology residency is 3 years, with required rotations in pediatric anesthesia; five hospitals offer pediatric anesthesia fellowships. Anesthesiology is a physician-only practice. A Pediatric Anesthesia Committee within the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology offers education through seasonal courses and workshops including pediatric advanced life support. Chile is a high-income country, population 19.5 million, the majority cared for in the public system, the remainder in university, private, or military systems. Government efforts have gradually corrected the long-standing anesthesiology shortage: twenty 3-year residency programs prepare graduates for routine pediatric cases. The Chilean Society of Anesthesiology runs a 1-month program for general anesthesiologists to enhance pediatric anesthesia skills. Pediatric anesthesia fellowship training occurs in Europe, USA, and Australia, or in two 2-year Chilean university programs. Public health policies have increased the medical and surgical pediatric specialists and general anesthesiologists, but not pediatric anesthesiologists, which creates safety concerns for neonates, infants, and medically complex. Chile needs more pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs. Mexico, an upper middle-income country, with a population of about 126 million, has a five-sector healthcare system: public, social security for union workers, state for public employees, armed forces for the military, and a private "self-pay." There are inequities in safety and accessibility for children. Pediatric Anesthesiology fellowship is 2 years, after 3 years residency. A shortage of pediatric anesthesiologists limits accessibility and safety for surgical care, driven by added training at low salary and hospital under appreciation. The Mexican Society of Pediatric Anesthesiology conducts refresher courses, workshops, and case conferences. Insufficient resources and culture limits research.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in pediatric care

Abstract Difficult airway management in pediatrics during anesthesia represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report containing updated recommendations for the management of difficult airways in children and neonates. These recommendations have been developed based on the consensus of a panel of experts, with the objective of offering strategies to overcome challenges during airway management in pediatric patients. Grounded in evidence published in international guidelines and expert opinions, the report highlights crucial steps for the appropriate management of difficult airways in pediatrics, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and, paramountly, the maintenance of arterial oxygenation. The report also delves into additional strategies involving the use of advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible intubating bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of implementing the outlined recommendations, with a focus on the significance of continuous education, training through realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest available technologies. These practices are deemed essential to ensure procedural safety and contribute to the enhancement of anesthesia outcomes in pediatrics.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in pediatric care.

Difficult airway management in pediatrics during anesthesia represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report containing updated recommendations for the management of difficult airways in children and neonates. These recommendations have been developed based on the consensus of a panel of experts, with the objective of offering strategies to overcome challenges during airway management in pediatric patients. Grounded in evidence published in international guidelines and expert opinions, the report highlights crucial steps for the appropriate management of difficult airways in pediatrics, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and, paramountly, the maintenance of arterial oxygenation. The report also delves into additional strategies involving the use of advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible intubating bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of implementing the outlined recommendations, with a focus on the significance of continuous education, training through realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest available technologies. These practices are deemed essential to ensure procedural safety and contribute to the enhancement of anesthesia outcomes in pediatrics.

Prevention of drug diversion and substance use disorders among anesthesiologists: a narrative review

Abstract Diversion of substances from the care of the intended patient is a significant problem in healthcare. Patients are harmed by the undertreatment of pain and suffering, transmission of disease, as well as the risk associated with impaired vigilance. Healthcare providers may be harmed by the physical and mental impact of their addictions. Healthcare systems are placed in jeopardy by the legal impact associated with illegal routes of drug release including sanction and financial liability and loss of public trust. Healthcare institutions have implemented many measures to reduce diversion from the perioperative area. These efforts include education, medical record surveillance, automated medication dispensing systems, urine drug testing, substance waste management systems, and drug diversion prevention teams. This narrative review evaluates strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness of these systems and provides recommendations for leaders and care providers.

Prevention of drug diversion and substance use disorders among anesthesiologists: a narrative review.

Diversion of substances from the care of the intended patient is a significant problem in healthcare. Patients are harmed by the undertreatment of pain and suffering, transmission of disease, as well as the risk associated with impaired vigilance. Healthcare providers may be harmed by the physical and mental impact of their addictions. Healthcare systems are placed in jeopardy by the legal impact associated with illegal routes of drug release including sanction and financial liability and loss of public trust. Healthcare institutions have implemented many measures to reduce diversion from the perioperative area. These efforts include education, medical record surveillance, automated medication dispensing systems, urine drug testing, substance waste management systems, and drug diversion prevention teams. This narrative review evaluates strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness of these systems and provides recommendations for leaders and care providers.

Evaluation of a Pre-Filled Table and a Flowchart-Based Algorithm as Cognitive Aids to Reduce Deviations in Dose Calculation for Intraoperative Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Children-An International Web-Based Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of red blood cell concentrate can be life-saving, but requires accurate dose calculations in children. AIMS: We tested the hypothesis that cognitive aids would improve identification of the correct recommended volumes and products, according to the German National Transfusion guidelines, in pediatric transfusion scenarios. METHODS: Four online questionnaire-based scenarios, two with hemodynamically stable and two with hemodynamically unstable children, were sent to German and international pediatric anesthetists for completion. In the two stable scenarios, participants were given pre-filled tables that contained all required information. For the two emergency scenarios, existing algorithms were used and required calculation by the user. The results were classified into three categories of deviations from the recommended values (DRV): DRV120 (<80% or >120%), as the acceptable variation; DRV 300 (<33% or >300%), the deviation of concern for potential harm; and DRV 1000 (<10% or >1000%), the excessive deviation with a high probability of harm. RESULTS: A total of 1.458 pediatric anesthetists accessed this simulation questionnaire, and 402 completed questionnaires were available for analysis. A pre-filled tabular aid, avoiding calculations, led to a reduction in deviation rates in the category of DRV120 by 60% for each and of DRV300 by 17% and 20%, respectively. The use of algorithms as aids for unstable emergencies led to a reduction in the deviation rate only for DRV120 (20% and 15% respectively). In contrast, the deviation rates for DRV300 and DRV1000 rose by 37% and 16%, respectively. Participants used higher transfusion thresholds for the emergency case of a 2-year-old compromised child than for the stable case with a patient of the same age (on average, 8.6 g/dL, 95% CI 8.5-8.8 versus 7.1 g/dL, 95% CI 7.0-7.2, p < 0.001) if not supported by our aids. Participants also used a higher transfusion threshold for unstable children aged 3 months than for stable children of the same age (on average, 8.9 g/dL, 95% CI 8.7-9.0 versus 7.9 g/dL, 95% CI 7.7-8.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of cognitive aids with precalculated transfusion volumes for determining transfusion doses in children may lead to improved adherence to published recommendations, and could potentially reduce dosing deviations outside those recommended by the German national transfusion guidelines.

Haemodynamic monitoring in the perioperative setting.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review the role of haemodynamic monitoring in the perioperative setting, highlighting who are the patients who most benefit, to describe the type of devices, to analyse the scientific evidence and to suggest algorithms of haemodynamic care in high-risk surgical patients. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last 50 years, many advances have contributed to better understand cardiovascular physiology at bedside, and haemodynamic monitoring has moved from invasive methods to minimally invasive and noninvasive devices. Randomized clinical trials have shown benefits of perioperative haemodynamic therapy to improve outcomes in high-risk surgical patients. A multimodal approach is purposed in the perioperative setting to optimize haemodynamic parameters, involving clinical analysis at bedside, the use of dynamic tests for fluid responsiveness and integration of variables, including cardiac output, systolic volume, tissue oxygen markers and echocardiographic measures. SUMMARY: In this review, we summarize the benefits of haemodynamic monitoring, the type of devices with advantages and disadvantages, the scientific evidence supporting perioperative haemodynamic therapy, and we suggest a multimodal approach to improve patients' care.

Comparison of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia on postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Early and delayed behavioral changes are well recognized after anesthesia. Intravenous anesthesia may prevent emergence delirium. However, it has not been evaluated as a preventive strategy for delayed postoperative behavior changes. AIMS: We aimed to determine whether intravenous anesthesia is effective at reducing postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures when compared to inhalation anesthesia. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded controlled trial was approved by the local IRB. Children aged 1-12 years who underwent ambulatory endoscopic procedures were recruited. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated through the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. All children underwent face mask inhalation induction with sevoflurane. After a peripheral line was placed, each child was allocated to sevoflurane or propofol maintenance. Emergence delirium was evaluated through the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. The child was discharged home, and behavioral changes were assessed through the Posthospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery on Days 1, 7, and 14. RESULTS: Overall, 175 children were enrolled. On Day 1 after the procedure, 57 children presented at least one negative behavior. On Days 7 and 14, 49 and 44 children presented at least one negative behavior, respectively. The median number of negative behaviors was similar between the groups. Post hoc analyses showed a moderate correlation between emergence delirium and negative postoperative behavior on Day 7 (r = .34; p = <.001) and an increase of 3.31 (95% CI 1.90; 4.36 p < .001) points in the mean summed score of new negative behaviors for individuals with emergence delirium. CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures was similar when comparing intravenous with inhalation anesthesia. Children who experience emergence delirium might show a greater incidence of negative postoperative behavior changes.

Latin American surgical outcomes study: study protocol for a multicentre international observational cohort study of patient outcomes after surgery in Latin American countries.

Background: Reported data suggest that 4.2 million deaths will occur within 30 days of surgery worldwide each year, half of which are in low- and middle-income countries. Postoperative complications are a leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality. Patients who survive and leave the hospital after surgical complications regularly experience reductions in long-term survival and functional independence, resulting in increased costs. With a high volume of surgery performed, there is a growing perception of the substantial impact of even minor enhancements in perioperative care. The Latin American Surgical Outcomes Study (LASOS) is an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study of adults submitted to in-patient surgery in Latin America aiming to provide detailed data describing postoperative complications and surgical mortality. Methods: LASOS is a 7 day cohort study of adults undergoing surgery in Latin America. Details of preoperative risk factors, intraoperative care, and postoperative outcomes will be collected. The primary outcome will be in-hospital postoperative complications of any cause. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital all-cause mortality, duration of hospital stay after surgery, and admission to a critical care unit within 30 days after surgery during the index hospitalisation. Results: The LASOS results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, reported and presented at international meetings, and widely disseminated to patients and public in participating countries via mainstream and social media. Conclusions: The LASOS may augment our understanding of postoperative complications and surgial mortality in Latin America. Clinical trial registration: NCT05169164.

Emergence delirium in children: a Brazilian survey.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric emergence delirium is characterized by a disturbance of a child's awareness during the early postoperative period that manifests as disorientation, altered attention and perception. The incidence of emergence delirium varies between 18% and 80% depending on risk factors and how it is measured. Reports from Canada, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and France demonstrated a wide range of preventive measures and definitions, indicating that there is a lack of clarity regarding emergence delirium. We aimed to assess the practices and beliefs among Brazilian anesthesiologists regarding emergence delirium. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed using REDCap®. A link and QR Code were sent by email to all Brazilian anesthesiologists associated with the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA). RESULTS: We collected 671 completed questionnaires. The majority of respondents (97%) considered emergence delirium a relevant adverse event. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported routinely administrating medication to prevent emergence delirium, with clonidine (16%) and propofol (15%) being the most commonly prescribed medications. More than 70% of respondents reported a high level of patient and parent anxiety, a previous history of emergence delirium, and untreated pain as risk factors for emergence delirium. Regarding treatment, thirty-five percent of respondents reported using propofol, followed by midazolam (26%). CONCLUSION: Although most respondents considered emergence delirium a relevant adverse event, only one-third of them routinely applied preventive measures. Clonidine and propofol were the first choices for pharmacological prevention. For treatment, propofol and midazolam were the most commonly prescribed medications.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure real-time waveform analysis monitor during prostatectomy robotic surgery and Trendelenburg position: case report.

Both robotic surgery and head-down tilt increase intracranial pressure by impairing venous blood outflow. Prostatectomy is commonly performed in elderly patients, who are more likely to develop postoperative cognitive disorders. Therefore, increased intracranial pressure could play an essential role in cognitive decline after surgery. We describe a case of a 69-year-old male who underwent a robotic prostatectomy. Noninvasive Brain4careTM intraoperative monitoring showed normal intracranial compliance during anesthesia induction, but it rapidly decreased after head-down tilt despite normal vital signs, low lung pressure, and adequate anesthesia depth. We conclude that there is a need for intraoperative intracranial compliance monitoring since there are major changes in cerebral compliance during surgery, which could potentially allow early identification and treatment of impaired cerebral complacency.