Risk factors for spinal anesthesia in preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Objectives: To investigate the risk factors and incidence of perioperative adverse effects from unsupplemented spinal anesthesia in preterm infants. Times to resumption of oral feeding and to home discharge were also evaluated.

Methods: Perioperative data were collected prospectively for all preterm and former preterm infants who underwent inguinal hernia repair with spinal anesthesia at a tertiary medical center.

Hemodynamic changes during spinal anesthesia in premature infants with congenital heart disease undergoing inguinal hernia correction.

Introduction: There are conflicting reports on the effects of spinal anesthesia (SA) on hemodynamics. Data on the hemodynamic effects of SA in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are limited.

Methods: We reviewed our experience with 44 unsupplemented SA with 1 mg·kg(-1) of either hyperbaric tetracaine or bupivacaine in premature and former premature infants with noncyanotic CHD.

Blood sampling through peripheral venous catheters is reliable for selected basic analytes in children.

Objective: The goal was to determine the interchangeability of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and venipuncture blood sampling (BS).

Methods: Paired blood samples from hospitalized children were obtained through venipuncture and from existing PVCs, following discard of 2 mL of blood. Comparisons of 9 complete blood count indices (white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin level, red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, and mean platelet volume) and 5 basic chemical analysis indices (sodium, potassium, glucose, chloride, and urea levels) were performed, and hemolysis was documented.

Gastric emptying time of oral contrast material in children and adolescents undergoing abdominal computed tomography.

Objectives: : Considering the hazards of pulmonary aspiration of oral contrast material (OCM) during general anesthesia, we investigated the gastric emptying time (GET) of OCM in children and adolescents undergoing abdominal computed tomography (CT).

Patients And Methods: : Included in the study were 101 consecutive patients ages 3.1 to 17.

Continuous lumbar/thoracic epidural analgesia in low-weight paediatric surgical patients: practical aspects and pitfalls.

Purpose: Continuous epidural anaesthesia attenuates perioperative stress and avoids the need for systemic opioids. In addition, it may prevent the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation. The aim of the study was to prospectively follow the perioperative course of young infants treated with continuous thoracic/lumbar epidural anaesthesia for major surgery.