A retrospective study about cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring during paediatric cardiac surgery and intra-operative patient blood management.

Objectives: Cerebral non-invasive monitoring of oxygen saturation by near-infrared spectroscopy (rSO2) during paediatric cardiac surgery is supposed to decrease the risk of neurological complications. Since haemoglobin level is one of the factors changing rSO2, we aimed to explore if rSO2 monitoring influences intra-operative RBC (red blood cell) transfusion threshold and volumes, as well as the duration of ICU stay.

Methods: The design was a retrospective analysis involving 91 children less than 2 years of age (including 16 neonates) with a congenital heart disease requiring surgical treatment with or without cardiopulmonary bypass from January 2006 to August 2009.

An opioid-free anaesthetic using nerve blocks enhances rapid recovery after minor hand surgery in children.

Background And Objective: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the quality of analgesia, postoperative comfort and subsequent duration of hospitalization after distal hand surgery and peripheral nerve block at the wrist for paediatric outpatients.

Methods: Sixty consecutive ASA I or II children were randomly assigned to the following groups: in group B (block), intraoperative and postoperative analgesia was provided by peripheral nerve block; and in group O (opioids), intraoperative and postoperative analgesia was provided by intravenous opioids. The patients' age, sex and type of surgery were recorded as were the postoperative pain management and postoperative vomiting.

Single-breath vital capacity rapid inhalation induction with sevoflurane: feasibility in children.

Background: Single-breath vital capacity technique is currently administered for inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in adults. Because sevoflurane is used in children, the aim of this open nonrandomized trial was to explore the feasibility and acceptance of this technique in midazolam premedicated patients aged from 4 to 15 years old.

Methods: A pediatric population (n = 118) was instructed in the vital capacity technique after their arrival in the induction room in a standardized and playful manner.

Is haemostasis biological screening always useful before performing a neuraxial blockade in children?

Background: Because of the lack of controlled studies, there is no consensus of opinion about the practice of routine haemostasis tests before neuraxial blockade in children. The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of two different strategies of coagulation evaluation on the incidence of diagnosed coagulopathies leading to a modification of the preoperative or anaesthetic management in children who were scheduled for caudal, epidural or intrathecal block.

Methods: For a 24-month period (period 1, retrospective study, n=751), haemostasis screening was undertaken only after family and personal history and physical examination in all patients.