[Laryngeal mask as alternative to facial mask in the newborn].

Objective: The present study demonstrates that the use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an alternative to face-mask (FM) during induction of general anesthesia with halothane. In all patient the induction of general anesthesia is carried out by halotane and N2O/O2 50%, using only the LMA, preceding topical anesthesia of pharynx.

Experimental Design: prospective study.

Setting: this study was carried out at the surgical-division of the Pediatric Clinic, of University "La Sapienza", Rome.

Patients: a total of 80 newborns, average age 14.8 +/- 2.4 days and average body weight 2280 +/- 110 g were examined.

Interventions: newborns were submitted to surgery for congenital malformations, diagnostic research and positioning of a central venous catheter (CVC).

Measurements: Heart rate, non-invasive arterial pressure through cardiomonitor Hewlett Packard 78352A, oxygen saturation through Nellcor N3000, time of induction of general anesthesia and respiratory rate were assessed.

Results: Blood pressure and heart rate were increased during the positioning of LMA; oxygen saturation remained > or = 94% and respiratory rate was constant during the whole observation. Muscular relaxing, as an index of anesthesia, was observed after 33 +/- 1.5 sec after positioning of LMA.

Conclusions: In the light of the results obtained, the use of the LMA for airway ventilation during the induction period of pediatric anesthesia is suggested.