Feasibility and pharmacokinetics of caudal blockade in children and adolescents with 30-50 kg of body weight.

Background: Caudal blockade, although an important technique of pediatric regional anesthesia, is rarely used in children heavier than 30 kg. This reservation is due to anatomical concerns and lack of pharmacokinetic data. We therefore set out to evaluate, in pediatric patients weighing 30-50 kg, the feasibility of ultrasound-guided caudal blockade and the pharmacokinetics of caudally administered ropivacaine.

Forced-Air Warming During Pediatric Surgery: A Randomized Comparison of a Compressible with a Noncompressible Warming System.

Background: Perioperative hypothermia is a common problem, challenging the anesthesiologist and influencing patient outcome. Efficient and safe perioperative active warming is therefore paramount; yet, it can be particularly challenging in pediatric patients. Forced-air warming technology is the most widespread patient-warming option, with most forced-air warming systems consisting of a forced-air blower connected to a compressible, double layer plastic and/or a paper blanket with air holes on the patient side.

A pharmacodynamic evaluation of dexmedetomidine as an additive drug to ropivacaine for peripheral nerve blockade: A randomised, triple-blind, controlled study in volunteers.

Background: Previous data have indicated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an additive to peripheral regional anaesthesia. There are no pharmacodynamic data regarding the addition of dexmedetomidine to local anaesthetics for perineural administration.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the dose-dependency of dexmedetomidine when injected with ropivacaine for peripheral nerve blockade.

Awake caudals and epidurals should be used more frequently in neonates and infants.

The current literature provides fundamental insights regarding the neurotoxic potency of various general anesthetic drugs in neonates and small infants. Therefore, considerations to minimize the use of general anesthetic drugs in this age group are required. The use of caudal and epidural anesthesia under sedation is one possibility to minimize the use of general anesthetic drugs.

A prospective interventional study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation.

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation and to identify factors predicting treatment response.

Methods: The study was performed at a single center and consisted of a cohort of 1,012 lung transplant recipients (November 1989-June 2010). A total of 194 patients developed BOS after a mean of 1,293 ± 1,008 days (range, 99-4,949 days) and received established treatment, and 51 patients received additional ECP.

Lung transplantation in children and young adults: a 20-year single-centre experience.

Lung transplantation in adults is an accepted therapeutic option, whereas there is ongoing debate on its positive impact on survival in children. We report our experience of the first 20 yrs of paediatric lung transplantation at a single centre in Austria. Patient survival, organ survival and freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves.

Cytomegalovirus prevention in high-risk lung transplant recipients: comparison of 3- vs 12-month valganciclovir therapy.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are common after lung transplantation (LuTx) and have an influence on acute rejection rates and chronic organ dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of CMV infections by comparing a prolonged valganciclovir prophylaxis with a standard regimen in high-risk LuTx recipients.

Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was performed comparing two different CMV prophylactic regimens in high-risk LuTx recipients (D(+)/R(-)).