Effects of sevoflurane and clonidine on acid base status and long-term emotional and cognitive outcomes in spontaneously breathing rat pups.

Background: Numerous experiments in rodents suggest a causative link between exposure to general anaesthetics during brain growth spurt and poor long-lasting neurological outcomes. Many of these studies have been questioned with regard of their translational value, mainly because of extremely long anaesthesia exposure. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the impact of a short sevoflurane anaesthesia, alone or combined with clonidine treatment, on respiratory function in spontaneously breathing rat pups and overall effects on long-lasting emotional and cognitive functions.

Steal induction in preschool children: is melatonin as good as clonidine? A prospective, randomized study.

Objectives/aims: To investigate whether melatonin would be an alternative drug to clonidine for performance of steal induction.

Background: Distress during induction might have a negative impact on postoperative behavior. A steal induction is a technique for smooth anesthesia induction, and clonidine has been the primary agent for this purpose.

Oral bioavailability of clonidine in children.

Background: Oral clonidine is used as premedication in children. The bioavailability of clonidine given orally in adults is 75-100% but is unknown in children.

Methods: Children (3-10 years) undergoing adenotonsillectomy were administered oral clonidine 4 mcg·kg(-1) mixed with apple fruit drink as premedication.

Absorption pharmacokinetics of clonidine nasal drops in children.

Background: The alpha2 agonist clonidine has become a popular drug for premedication in children. Effects and pharmacokinetics after oral, rectal, and intravenous administration are well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the absorption pharmacokinetics of clonidine nasal drops in children.

Premedication in children: a comparison of oral midazolam and oral clonidine.

Background: Oral premedication is widely used in pediatric anesthesia to reduce preoperative anxiety and ensure smooth induction. Midazolam is currently the most commonly used premedicant, but good results have also been reported with clonidine. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical effects of oral midazolam and oral clonidine.

Insertion characteristics, sealing pressure and fiberoptic positioning of CobraPLA in children.

Background: The CobraPLA(TM) is a new supraglottic airway device designed for the use in spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated patients. In adults it has been found as effective as the LMA, but with better sealing qualities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate fit and sealing characteristics of CobraPLA size 1.

Steal-induction after clonidine premedication: a comparison of the oral and nasal route.

Background: Clonidine premedication in children reliably provides preoperative sedation and anxiolysis, but onset of oral clonidine is known to be slow. Nasal clonidine has been shown to reach peak plasma levels within 10 min in rodents. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical effects and percentage of steal-induction after clonidine premedication by the oral and nasal route.

Spinal fusion surgery in children with non-idiopathic scoliosis: is there a need for routine postoperative ventilation?

Background: The perioperative management of children with non-idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal deformity surgery has not been standardized and the current practice is to routinely ventilate these patients in the postoperative period. This study reports the experience from a single institution and evaluates the need and reasons for postoperative ventilation. Details of ventilated patients are presented.

Caudal additives for postoperative pain management in children: S(+)-ketamine and neostigmine.

Background: The aim of the present pilot study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of S(+)-ketamine either alone or in combination with neostigmine for caudal blockade in pediatric surgery.

Methods: A total of 40 children were randomly assigned to receive after induction of general anesthesia either caudal S(+)-ketamine 1 mg.kg(-1) (group K, n = 20) or caudal S (+)-ketamine 0.

Caudal analgesia in children: S(+)-ketamine vs S(+)-ketamine plus clonidine.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesia provided by caudal S(+)-ketamine and S(+)-ketamine plus clonidine without local anesthetic.

Methods: Forty-four children aged 1-5 years consecutively scheduled for inguinal hernia repair, hydrocele repair or orchidopexy were randomly assigned to receive a caudal injection of either S(+)-ketamine 1 mg x kg(-1) (group K) or S(+)-ketamine 0.5 mg x kg(-1) plus clonidine 1 microg x kg(-1) (group KC).

[Laryngeal mask perforation: complication of jugular vein cannulation in a newborn].

This case report describes the perforation of a laryngeal mask during central venous cannulation of the internal jugular vein in a 2000 g, formerly preterm infant. The procedure was undertaken with the patient under general anaesthesia with a laryngeal mask and spontaneous breathing. As a result of the infant's clinical status, multiple needle insertions were required to obtain venous access.