Skin-to-epidural distance in the Southeast Asian paediatric population: multiethnic morphometrics and international comparisons.

Introduction: Paediatric epidurals can present technical challenges due to wide variations in age and weight among children, ranging from neonates to teenagers. This study evaluated the skin-to-epidural distance in the thoracic and lumbar regions to determine the relationship between age, weight and ethnicity and depth to the epidural space in our Singapore paediatric population.

Methods: Data from the Acute Pain Service was prospectively collected over 16 years.

A comparison between single- and double-breath vital capacity inhalation induction with 8% sevoflurane in children.

Background: This study was conducted to determine if a double-breath (DB) vital capacity (VC) rapid inhalation induction using immediate high-inspired concentration of sevoflurane is as well tolerated as a single-breath (SB) technique and if it results in a shorter induction time.

Methods: A total of 104 children, ASA I-II, 6 year and above, undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: SB VC inhalation induction or DB VC inhalation induction with 8% sevoflurane in 66% nitrous oxide. The induction time, complications (cough, laryngospasm, breath-hold, movement, salivation) and level of satisfaction were documented.