Management of the Difficult Airway in the Pediatric Patient

Ketodex: A Game-Changer in Pediatric Sedation for Challenging Airway

Managing sedation in pediatric patients with complex facial anomalies and airway challenges requires careful consideration of safety and efficacy. This case report presents the use of the Ketodex sedation protocol, combining ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) and dexmedetomidine (alpha-2-agonist), for a child with a large cervical/facial mass undergoing a diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ketodex provides effective sedation with minimal need for manipulation of the airway and side effects, making it ideal for cases involving difficult airways. Our protocol allows spontaneous ventilation without compromising airway reflexes and reduces airway hyperreactivity, ensuring safety in high-risk pediatric cases. Initiating sedation in a controlled environment enhances safety before moving to remote locations. The Ketodex protocol is a safe and effective choice for managing pediatric patients with challenging airways. Its use should be prioritized in controlled settings, with adaptations for individual patient needs.

Sugammadex for our little ones: a brief narrative review

Sugammadex, the first noncompetitive antagonist developed for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB), is one of the few drugs that has revolutionized anesthetic practice. However, the use of sugammadex for children between the ages of 2 and 17 years has only recently been approved and is currently not approved for children under the age of 2 years. Although the precision and reliability of reversal of NMB with sugammadex are of great benefit in pediatric anesthesia, several important questions remain regarding its use in our youngest patients. In this brief narrative review, we aim to provide an overview of the key considerations and potential challenges that anesthesiologists often face when using sugammadex in pediatric patients.

Predictors of paediatric difficult intubation according to the experience of a university hospital in a low- and middle-income country: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Difficult airway management is one of the main challenges in paediatric anaesthesia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the main predictors of difficult paediatric intubation.

METHODS

In this observational study, we included all children aged less than five years undergoing intra-abdominal surgery with endotracheal intubation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the incidence of difficult intubation. Then, we investigated predictors for difficult paediatric intubation.

RESULTS

We included 217 children, and difficult intubation was observed in 10% of them. Predictors were as follows: Mallampati III-IV class (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21; 95% confidence interval = 1.1-6.4), limited mouth opening (adjusted odds ratio = 2.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.8-3.5), facial dysmorphia (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.32-7.4) and anaesthesia without muscle relaxant (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.0-5.1) or without opioids during crash inductions (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-4.8).

CONCLUSION

Facial dysmorphia and limited mouth opening were predictors of difficult intubation in children. Furthermore, it seems that Mallampati class and anaesthesia technique may also predict challenging intubation, which may guide us to change our perioperative practice.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Association With Agenesis of Corpus Callosum: Syndromic Links, Difficult Airway Challenges, and Pediatric Anesthesia Management

Agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) is a congenital absence of corpus callosum either completely or partially; without deficits in behavior or function during the first two years of life. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital cardiac defect in which there is persistent contact between the pulmonary artery and the descending thoracic aorta due to failure of the normal physiologic closure of the fetal ductus. This article details a unique case of a three-month-old male infant who was initially diagnosed with PDA and later discovered to have corpus callosum agenesis. The child was posted on a PDA device for closure. Here, we will be discussing syndromic association, difficult airway, procedure-related factors, and pediatric anesthesia management of this rare case.

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in a Three-Year-Old Female: Anaesthesia, Airway Management, and Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is generally characterised by a complex aetiology, with several contributing causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and congenital anomalies. This case report describes a three-year-old female suffering from traumatic temporomandibular ankylosis with retrognathia, severe mouth-opening restriction, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present case highlights the difficulties with TMJ ankylosis, especially when access to healthcare is sought out late and delayed diagnosis is prevalent. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis and awake fiberoptic intubation were used in the surgical and anaesthetic management of this case, with the otorhinolaryngology team on standby to perform a tracheostomy if required, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in such cases. Patients with TMJ ankylosis have significant life-altering changes, including psychological stress, chewing difficulty, speech difficulties, facial distortion, and speech impediment. When OSA progresses, it also presents more health risks. For the purpose of treating TMJ ankylosis, avoiding serious problems, and enhancing patient well-being, prompt diagnosis and therapy are crucial. In order to optimise patient results, this case study highlights the need for knowledge and research in the treatment of TMJ ankylosis as well as the requirement of medical professionals working together in a synergistic way.

Prediction of a Difficult Airway Using the ARNE Score and Flexible Laryngoscopy in Patients with Laryngeal Pathology

Background and Objectives: The ARNE score was developed for the prediction of a difficult airway for both general and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery with a universal cut-off value. We tested the accuracy of this score in the case of laryngeal surgery and provided an insight into its effects in combination with flexible laryngoscopy. Materials and Methods: This prospective pilot clinical study included 100 patients who were being scheduled for microscopic laryngeal surgery. We calculated the ARNE score for every patient, and flexible laryngoscopy was provided preoperative. Difficult intubation was assessed according to the intubation difficulty score (IDS). Results: A total of 33% patients had difficult intubation according to the IDS. The ARNE score showed limited accuracy for the prediction of difficult intubation in laryngology with p < 0.0001 and an AUC of 0.784. Flexible laryngoscopy also showed limitations when used as an independent parameter with p < 0.0001 and an AUC of 0.766. We defined a new cut-off value of 15.50 for laryngology, according to the AUC. After the patients were divided into two groups, according to the new cut-off value and provided cut-off value, the AUC improved to 0.707 from 0.619, respectively. Flexible laryngoscopy improved the prediction model of the ARNE score to an AUC of 0.882 and of the new cut-off value to an AUC of 0.833. Conclusions: It is recommended to use flexible laryngoscopy together with the ARNE score in difficult airway prediction in patients with laryngeal pathology. Also, the universally recommended cut-off value of 11 cannot be effectively used in laryngology, and a new cut-off value of 15.50 is recommended.

An analysis of a new rapid difficult airway response team in a vertically built children's hospital

BACKGROUND

Intrahospital transport is associated with adverse events. This challenge is amplified during airway management. Although difficult airway response teams have been described, little attention has been paid to patient transport during difficult airway management versus the alternative of managing patient airways without moving the patient. This is especially needed in a 22-floor vertical hospital.

HYPOTHESIS

Development of a rapid difficult airway response team and an associated difficult airway cart will allow for the ability to manage difficult airways in the patient's primary location.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all rapid difficult airway response activations from December 18, 2019 to December 31, 2021 was performed to determine the number of airways secured in the patient's primary location (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included length of time until airway securement, airway device used, number of attempts, complications, use of front of neck access, and mortality.

RESULTS

There were 96 rapid difficult airway response activations in a 2-year period, with 18 activations deemed inappropriate. Of the 78 indicated rapid difficult airway response deployments, all activations resulted in a secure airway, and 76 (97.4%) of cases had an airway secured in the patient's primary location. The mean time to airway securement was 17.1 min (standard deviation 18.8 min). The most common methods of airway securement were direct laryngoscopy (42.3%, 33/78) and video laryngoscopy (29.5%, 23/78). The mean number of attempts by the rapid difficult airway response team was 1.4. There were no documented cases requiring front of neck access. The Cormack-Lehane airway grade at time of intubation was I-II in 83.3% (65/78) of activations. Rapid difficult airway response activation resulted in 16 cases of cardiac arrest and 4 patient deaths within 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid difficult airway response team allows a large majority of patients' airways to be managed and secured in the patient's primary hospital location. Future directions include reducing time to airway securement and identifying factors associated with cardiac arrest.

From Brobdingnag to Lilliput: Gulliver's travels in airway management guidelines

Neonatal airway management comes with exclusive anatomical, physiological, and environmental complexities, and probably higher incidences of accidents and complications. No dedicated airway management guidelines were available until the recently published first joint guideline released by a task force supported by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the British Journal of Anaesthesia and focused on airway management in children under 1 yr of age. The guideline offers a series of recommendations based on meticulous methodology including multiple Delphi rounds to complement the sparse and scarce available evidence. Getting back from Brobdingnag, the land of giants with many guidelines available, this guideline represents a foundational cornerstone in the land of Lilliput.

Management of an Anticipated Difficult Airway in a Pediatric Patient With Stickler Syndrome

Stickler syndrome (SS) is a congenital autosomal dominant condition that affects the formation of collagen. Of primary importance to the anesthesia provider is the propensity for difficulties in managing the airway due to orofacial abnormalities associated with this syndrome. The authors present a two-year-old infant with SS who required anesthetic care for a cleft palate repair. The potential anesthetic implications of this syndrome are discussed and the importance of proper planning and preparation and the usefulness of ultrasound as an airway evaluation tool are highlighted.

Infantile Fibrosarcoma With Concurrent Infantile Hemangioma: A Case Report

This report focuses on the clinical course and treatment of an infant male who had a progressively enlarging tongue mass initially thought to be an infantile hemangioma but was later found to be an infantile fibrosarcoma. Treatment included surgical excision with anticipated difficult mask ventilation with active rhino/enterovirus infection bronchiolitis and recent croup. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, and the patient did have negative margins after complete surgical re-excision. The patient has surveillance MRI scans and remains without fibrosarcoma recurrence. This case report highlights complex pediatric airway management and the need for vigilance in healthcare when common presentations, such as infantile hemangioma, also present with a concurrent rare disease at a different anatomic location, such as infantile fibrosarcoma in this case.

The difficult neonatal airway

Airway management is one of the most crucial aspects of neonatal care. The occurrence of a difficult airway is more common in neonates than in any other age group, and any neonatal intubation can develop into a difficult airway scenario. Understanding the intricacies of the difficult neonatal airway is paramount for healthcare professionals involved in the care of newborns. This chapter explores the multifaceted aspects of the difficult neonatal airway. We begin with a review of the definition and incidence of difficult airway in the neonate. Then, we explore factors contributing to a difficult neonatal airway. We next examine diagnostic considerations specific to the difficult neonatal airway, including prenatal imaging. Finally, we review management strategies. The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the role of communication and collaboration in achieving optimal outcomes are emphasized.

Remimazolam for Sedation During Fiberoptic Intubation in an Adolescent

In specific clinical scenarios, fiberoptic intubation (FOI) may be the preferred technique for airway management and endotracheal intubation. In addition to topical anesthesia of the airway, sedation is frequently necessary, especially in younger patients, to facilitate the procedure. The goal is to facilitate the procedure by providing sedation, anxiolysis, and analgesia with maintenance of spontaneous ventilation. Remimazolam is a novel benzodiazepine with a short half-life and limited context sensitive half-life that can be titrated by continuous infusion. These novel properties may make it a suitable agent for sedation during FOI of the trachea. We report the novel use of a combination of remimazolam and remifentanil infusions to provide sedation during FOI in an adolescent. The basic pharmacology of remimazolam is presented and previous reports of its use for sedation during FOI are reviewed.

Multi-disciplinary care in patients with complex pediatric general and thoracic surgical pathology: lessons learned from a 20-year experience

PURPOSE

Complex pediatric surgery patients with thoracic tumors invading the mediastinum and infradiaphragmatic tumors extending into the chest are at risk for surgical morbidity and mortality if the patient's care is not coordinated. We sought to identify areas of focus when managing these patients to improve care.

METHODS

A 20-year, retrospective study of pediatric patients with complex surgical pathology was performed. Demographic data, pre-operative characteristics, intraoperative data, complications, and outcomes data were collected. Three index cases were highlighted to provide granularity in patient management.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were identified. Common pathology included mediastinal teratomas, foregut duplications, advanced Wilms tumors, hepatoblastoma, and lung masses. All cases were performed in a multidisciplinary fashion. All cases were done with pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and three cases (11.5%) required pediatric otolaryngology. Eight patients (30.7%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative and 30-day mortality was zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of complex pediatric surgical patients requires a multidisciplinary approach throughout the patient's hospital course. This multidisciplinary team should meet in advance of a patient's procedure to create a customized care plan that may include pre-operative optimization. At the time of their procedure, all necessary and emergency equipment should available. This approach improves patient safety and has resulted in excellent outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Preliminary evaluation of SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask-guided intubation in airway management for anesthetized children

BACKGROUNDS

To preliminary evaluate the application of novel SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask -guided intubation for anesthetized children.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-four children with microtia (ages 5-15 years,) who required general intubation anaesthesia, were enrolled in the study. After induction of general anesthesia,guided tracheal intubation under direct vision of the SaCoVLM was performed. Our primary outcome was first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement. Secondary outcome included glottic visualization grades, the first-attempt success rate of LMA placement, the time for LMA placement and time to endotracheal intubation as well as the time for LMA removal after successful intubation, the fiberoptic grade of laryngeal view, the baseline and postinduction hemodynamic parameters were also recorded,and the incidence 24 h complications after operation.

RESULTS

The first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement was 91.1% (95%CI = 1.04-1.14), the status of glottic visualization was classified: grade 1 in 27cases, grade 2 in 36 cases, grade 3 in 41 cases and grade 4 in 20 cases. The first success rate of LMA placement was 92.7% (95%CI = 1.03-1.13), the time for LMA insertion was 15.7 (±9.1) s, intubation time was 30.9 (±17.6) s and withdrawl time was 24.9 (±9.3) s. The incidence of postoperative sore throat at 2 h was 29%, and 16.1% at 24 h, without dysphagia and hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

The SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask-guided intubation is feasible in children, with a high success rate, could be a new promising device to guide intubation in airway management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the University's Institutional Review Board and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects participating in the trial. The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2200061481, http://www.chictr.org.cn . Principal investigator: Juan Zhi; Date of registration: 26/06/2022.

Intubation using video laryngeal mask airway SaCoVLM and laryngeal mask airway Ambu® Aura-i in anesthetized children with microtia: a randomized controlled study

The Ambu Aura-i laryngeal mask is considered to be a device for blind intubation as well as for fiberoptic guided intubation. The novel video laryngeal airway mask SaCoVLM is a supraglottic airway device that allows intubation under direct vision. We hypothesized that success rates for device placement and tracheal intubation with the SaCoVLM would be comparable with the Ambu Aura-i mask. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted from March 2021 to December 2021. One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled and randomized in the study. Direct intubation was performed with the SaCoVLM, and fiberoptic guided intubation was performed with the Ambu Aura-i mask. The primary outcome measure was the first success rate of LMA placement. Secondary outcome measures were the time from device placement and time from endotracheal intubation (as well as the time for LMA removal after successful intubation), differences in airway leak pressure, fiberoptic grade of the laryngeal view, and incidence of blood staining. The first success rate of LMA placement was similar for the two devices. There was no difference in the time for successful endotracheal intubation between the Ambu Aura-i and SaCoVLM groups (24.1 s ± 6.3 versus 25.7 s ± 2.1; p > 0.05). The time for removal was slower in the SaCoVLM group than in the Ambu Aura-i group (20.8 s ± 0.8 versus 14.7 s ± 6.1; p < 0.01). The airway leak pressure was higher in the SaCoVLM group than in the Ambu Aura-i group (27.0 s ± 1.0 versus 22.3 s ± 3.6; p < 0.01), and the incidence of blood staining was higher in the SaCoVLM group (16.7%). The SaCoVLM has an overall comparable performance to the Ambu Aura-i mask. However, the SaCoVLM is better relative to direct intubation without the assistance of a flexible intubation scope, which reduces the device's demand.

Ultrasound-guided esophageal compression during mask ventilation in small children: a prospective observational study

Background

The use of cricoid compression to prevent insufflation remains controversial, and its use in children is limited. This study aimed to examine the effect of real-time ultrasound-guided esophageal compression on the prevention of gastric insufflation.

Method

This prospective observational study was conducted with fifty children aged < 2 years undergoing general anesthesia. Patients were excluded if they were at an increased risk for gastric regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration. Following anesthetic induction under spontaneous breathing, ultrasound-guided esophageal compression was performed during pressure-controlled face-mask ventilation using a gradual increase in peak inspiratory pressure from 10 to 24 cm H₂O to determine the pressure at which gastric insufflation occurred. The primary outcome was the incidence of gastric insufflation during anesthetic induction with variable peak inspiratory pressure after real-time ultrasound-guided esophageal compression was applied.

Results

Data from a total of 42 patients were analyzed. Gastric insufflation was observed in 2 (4.7%) patients. All patients except one had their esophagus on the left side of the trachea. Applying ultrasound-guided esophageal compression did not affect the percentage of glottic opening scores (P = 0.220).

Conclusions

The use of real-time ultrasound-guided esophageal compression pressure can aid preventing gastric insufflation during face-mask ventilation in children less than 2 years old.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04645043.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01803-5.

Severe Epistaxis in the Pediatric Patient: A Simulation for Emergency Department Management

Severe, uncontrolled epistaxis in a pediatric patient can lead to a compromised bloody airway and the potential need for significant volume resuscitation secondary to hemorrhagic shock if not managed emergently. In this report, a simulated 11-month-old patient with underlying liver disease presents to the emergency department setting. The goal was to familiarize advanced pediatric emergency medicine trainees and experienced providers with immediate bedside interventions and clinical management steps for a patient with severe, difficult-to-control epistaxis to increase preparedness for future clinical scenarios. Additionally, this case highlights resuscitation considerations for patients with liver disease, including sources of bleeding, consulting services, medications, and approach to massive transfusion in liver disease.

Paediatric Deep Neck Infection—The Risk of Needing Intensive Care

Deep neck infections are potentially dangerous complications of upper respiratory tract or odontogenic infections. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and potential spreading depend on the complex anatomy of the neck fascia. These infections can lead to severe pathological conditions, such as mediastinitis, sepsis, and especially airway impairment with difficult management. Because of the risk of life-threatening emergency situations and the possible impacts on the overall health status of affected children, their early recognition is of utmost importance. Torticollis, drooling, and stridor are the most common signs of advancing disease. Children presenting with these symptoms should be admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for vital function monitoring, where the airway could be readily secured if function is compromised.

Assessment of pre-anesthesia machine check and airway equipment preparedness: A cross-sectional study

Background

Anesthesia Equipment malfunction is one of the most common factors contributing to intraoperative surgical patient morbidity and mortality. It is impossible to give anesthesia without proper anesthesia machine checks and airway equipment preparation. Therefore, all anesthesia professionals should make sure that the anesthetic machine and equipment are working correctly.

Method

An institutional-based prospective observational study was conducted at the University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Operation rooms, from April 10, 2020 to May 10, 2020. About 90 anesthetists were working regularly in the operation theater both emergency and elective patients. Those include; 26 Msc holders, 17 MSc students, 7 BSc anesthetists, and 40 graduating BSc students. These descriptive data were presented with frequency, percentage, and table.

Result

The overall compliance rate was 87%. Whereas; 12.46% of clinicians have not met the standard. Out of standards that were not performed, 25.81% were not available from the setup.

Conclusion

The result shows that there was poor compliance with anesthesia machine check and equipment preparation before anesthesia in the operation theater according.

•

It is impossible to give anesthesia without proper anesthesia machine checks and airway equipment preparation.

•

Anesthesia Equipment malfunction is one of the most common factors contributing to intraoperative complications.

•

The overall compliance rate was (87%).

•

There was poor compliance of anesthesia machine check and airway equipment preparation.

Review Airway management in pediatric patients with burn contractures of the face and neck

Burn injury is a common cause of trauma, non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity, and significant numbers of the victims are children. Scar contracture after burn injury can cause severe functional limitation, pain, aesthetic and psychological problems and patients may present for contracture release and reconstructive surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to identify research relevant to airway management of children with burn contracture of the face and neck with special emphasis on awake airway management and airway anesthesia, and synthesize results that can aid practice. Literature search was performed on Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar with selected keywords. The search was restricted to human subjects of ≤18 year age, there was no language or time restriction and the final search was concluded in July 2021. The review included 41 articles involving airway management of 56 patients in 61 anesthesia episodes. Patients aged between 8 months to 18 years. Mask ventilation and direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, optical stylet, supraglottic airway, flexible scope intubation and tracheostomy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were the devices and methods used for securing the airway and oxygenation while the patients were awake or after anesthesia induction. Detailed planning and patient preparation are the fundamentals of airway management of pediatric patients with burn contracture of the face and neck, awake airway management with airway anesthesia can be safely used in selected patients, this review provides information for good clinical practice and might serve to improve the care of such children.

Improvement of Pediatric Advanced Airway Management in General Emergency Departments After a Collaborative Intervention Program

BACKGROUND

In general emergency departments, advanced airway management of pediatric patients who are critically ill has been associated with increased adverse events given the varying exposure to pediatric patients and limited resources. Previous studies have shown significant improvement of simulated pediatric airway management in general emergency departments. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of an in situ simulation-based collaborative intervention program on the actual care of pediatric airway management in general emergency departments.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of pediatric subjects who were critically ill and required intubation at a diverse set of general emergency departments before referral to the academic medical center. The primary outcome was the quality of clinical care measured by adherence to best practices via a critical action checklist. Secondary outcomes included tracheal intubation associated adverse events and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 135 pediatric subjects (48 pre- and 87 post-intervention) who were transferred to the academic medical center from 9 general emergency departments between May 2014 and August 2019 were included in the analysis. The use of a cuffed endotracheal tube improved, from 44% to 72% (P = .001), whereas there was no significant change in the appropriate endotracheal tube size. Overall, severe tracheal intubation associated adverse events decreased, from 18.8% to 9.2% (P = .03), and post-intubation cardiac arrest events decreased, from 6.3% to 0% (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

A simulation-based collaborative intervention program led to improvement in pediatric airway management and subject outcomes in general emergency departments. This model demonstrated the transfer of improvement from a simulated setting to a clinical setting and may be targeted in other clinical settings.

Videolaryngoscopy vs. Direct Laryngoscopy for Elective Airway Management in Paediatric Anaesthesia: A prospective randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The indirect visualisation of the glottic area with a videolaryngoscope could improve intubation conditions which may possibly lead to a higher success rate of the first intubation attempt.

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for elective airway management in paediatric patients.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised controlled trial.

SETTINGS

Operating room.

PARTICIPANTS

535 paediatric patients undergoing elective anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. 501 patients were included in the final analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated to the videolaryngoscopy group (n  = 265) and to the direct laryngoscopy group (n  = 269) for the primary airway management.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The first attempt intubation success rate was assessed as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were defined as: the time to successful intubation (time to the first EtCO2 wave), the overall intubation success rate, the number of intubation attempts, the incidence of complications, and the impact of the length of the operator's clinical practice.

RESULTS

The study was terminated after the planned interim analysis for futility. There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. The first attempt intubation success rate was lower in the videolaryngoscopy group; 86.8% (n  = 211) vs. 92.6% (n  = 239), P = 0.046. The mean time to the first EtCO2 wave was longer in the videolaryngoscopy group at 39.0 s ± 36.7 compared to the direct laryngoscopy group, 23.6 s ± 24.7 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the overall intubation success rate, in the incidence of complications nor significant difference based on the length of the clinical practice of the operator.

CONCLUSIONS

The first attempt intubation success rate was lower in the videolaryngoscopy group in comparison to the direct laryngoscopy group. The time needed for successful intubation with videolaryngoscopy was longer compared with direct laryngoscopy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03747250.

The prevalence of difficult airway and its associated factors in pediatric patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia: An observational study

Background:

The airway of an anesthetized patient should be secured with an artificial airway for oxygenation or ventilation. Pediatrics are not small adults which means they are different from adults both anatomically and physiologically. This study aims to determine the prevalence of difficult airway and its associated factors in pediatric patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia in referral hospitals of Addis Ababa.

Methods:

A multi-centered cross-sectional study design was employed. The bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the association between the dependent variable (pediatrics difficult airway) and independent variables. p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results:

A total of 290 pediatrics patients were included in this study. The prevalence of difficult airway in pediatrics patients who underwent surgery was 19.7%. In multivariate logistic regression, pediatrics patients less than 2 years of age (adjusted odds ratio = 6.768, 95% confidence interval = 2.024, 22.636), underweight pediatrics patients (adjusted odds ratio = 4.661, 95% confidence interval = 1.196, 18.154), pediatrics patients having anticipated difficult airway (adjusted odds ratio = 18.563, 95% confidence interval = 4.837, 71.248), history of the difficult airway (adjusted odds ratio = 8.351, 95% confidence interval = 2.033, 34.302), the experience of anesthetists less than 4 years of age (adjusted odds ratio = 9.652, 95% confidence interval = 2.910, 32.050) had a significant association with pediatrics difficult airway.

Conclusion:

Being pediatric patients less than 2 years of age, underweight pediatrics patients, having anticipated difficult airway, those anesthetists who do not perform enough pediatric cases were identified as the main factors associated with the greater occurrence of difficult airway in pediatric patients.

Lessons from COVID-19: A reflection on the strengths and weakness of early consensus recommendations for pediatric difficult airway management during a respiratory viral pandemic using a modified Delphi method

BACKGROUND

The authors recognized a gap in existing guidelines and convened a modified Delphi process to address novel issues in pediatric difficult airway management raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The Pediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative, a working group of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, assembled an international panel to reach consensus recommendations on pediatric difficult airway management during the COVID-19 pandemic using a modified Delphi method. We reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of this process and ways care has changed as knowledge and experience have grown over the course of the pandemic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delphi panel recommends against moving away from the operating room solely for the purpose of having a negative pressure environment. The Delphi panel recommends supplying supplemental oxygen and using videolaryngoscopy during anticipated difficult airway management. Direct laryngoscopy is not recommended. If the patient meets extubation criteria, extubate in the OR, awake, at the end of the procedure.

REFLECTION

These recommendations remain valuable guidance in caring for children with anticipated difficult airways and infectious respiratory pathology when reviewed in light of our growing knowledge and experience with COVID-19. The panel initially recommended minimizing involvement of additional people and trainees and minimizing techniques associated with aerosolization of viral particles. The demonstrated effectiveness of PPE and vaccination at reducing the risk of exposure and infection to clinicians managing the airway makes these recommendations less relevant for COVID-19. They would likely be important initial steps in the face of novel respiratory viral pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus process cannot and should not replace evidence-based guidelines; however, it is encouraging to see that the panel's recommendations have held up well as scientific knowledge and clinical experience have grown.

Nutritional, Gastrointestinal and Endo-Metabolic Challenges in the Management of Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1

The management of patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is constantly evolving. In just a few decades, the medical approach has switched from an exclusively palliative therapy to a targeted therapy, transforming the natural history of the disease, improving survival time and quality of life and creating new challenges and goals. Many nutritional problems, gastrointestinal disorders and metabolic and endocrine alterations are commonly identified in patients affected by SMA1 during childhood and adolescence. For this reason, a proper pediatric multidisciplinary approach is then required in the clinical care of these patients, with a specific focus on the prevention of most common complications. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide the clinician with a practical and usable tool about SMA1 patients care, through a comprehensive insight into the nutritional, gastroenterological, metabolic and endocrine management of SMA1. Considering the possible horizons opened thanks to new therapeutic frontiers, a nutritional and endo-metabolic surveillance is a crucial element to be considered for a proper clinical care of these patients.

Anesthetic considerations of Joubert syndrome in patients with mitochondrial disease - A case report

Background

Joubert syndrome and mitochondrial disease are rare congenital diseases in which a wide range of symptoms affects multiple organs. Patients with these diseases present characteristic symptoms related to the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and neurological systems, which make it difficult for anesthesiologists to manage the patient’s airway and choose appropriate anesthetic drugs.

Case

A 13-year-old male patient with Joubert syndrome and mitochondrial disease underwent elective surgery to insert a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. An I-gel was inserted to secure the airway; however, the fitting did not work properly, so the patient was intubated. The operation was completed without any major problems, and the intubated patient was transferred to the intensive care unit.

Conclusions

Anesthesiologists should determine the method of anesthesia and prepare for unintended complications based on a full understanding of these congenital diseases.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress and Airway Emergency: Report of Two Cases

We discuss two cases of congenital airway malformations seen in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim is to report extremely rare events characterized by immediate respiratory distress after delivery and the impossibility to ventilate and intubate the airway. The first case is a male twin born at 34 weeks by emergency caesarean section. Immediately after delivery, the newborn was cyanotic and showed severe respiratory distress. Bag-valve-mask ventilation did not relieve the respiratory distress but allowed for temporary oxygenation during subsequent unsuccessful oral-tracheal intubation (OTI) attempts. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed complete subglottic obstruction. Postmortem analysis revealed a poly-malformative syndrome, unilateral multicystic renal dysplasia with a complete subglottic diaphragm, and a tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF). The second case is a male patient that was vaginally born at 35 weeks. Antenatally, an ultrasound (US) arose suspicion for a VACTERL association (vertebral defects, anal atresia, TEF with esophageal atresia and radial or renal dysplasia, plus cardiovascular and limb defects) and a TEF, and thus, fetal magnetic resonance (MRI) was scheduled. Spontaneous labor started shortly thereafter, before imaging could be performed. Respiratory distress, cyanosis, and absence of an audible cry was observed immediately at delivery. Attempts at OTI were unsuccessful, whereas bag-valve-mask ventilation and esophageal intubation allowed for sufficient oxygenation. An emergency tracheostomy was attempted, although no trachea could be found on cervical exploration. Postmortem analysis revealed tracheal agenesis (TA), renal dysplasia, anal atresia, and a single umbilical artery. Clinicians need to be aware of congenital airway malformations and subsequent difficulties upon endotracheal intubation and must plan for multidisciplinary management of the airway at delivery, including emergency esophageal intubation and tracheostomy.

Identification of the Physiologically Difficult Airway in the Pediatric Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

The risk factors for peri-intubation cardiac arrest in critically ill children are incompletely understood. The study objective was to derive physiologic risk factors for deterioration during tracheal intubation in a pediatric emergency department (PED).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing emergency tracheal intubation in a PED. Using the published literature and expert opinion, a multidisciplinary team developed high-risk criteria for peri-intubation arrest: 1) hypotension, 2) concern for cardiac dysfunction, 3) persistent hypoxemia, 4) severe metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.1), 5) post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and 6) status asthmaticus. We completed a structured review of the electronic health record for a historical cohort of patients intubated in the PED. The primary outcome was peri-intubation arrest. Secondary outcomes included tracheal intubation success rate, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) activation, and in-hospital mortality. We compared outcomes between patients meeting one or more versus no high-risk criteria.

RESULTS

Peri-intubation cardiac arrest occurred in 5.6% of patients who met at least one high-risk criterion compared to 0% in patients meeting none (5.6% difference, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0 to 18.1, p = 0.028). Patients meeting at least one criterion had higher rates of any postintubation cardiac arrest in the PED (11.1% vs. 0%, 11.1% difference, 95% CI = 4.1 to 25.3, p = 0.0007), in-hospital mortality (25% vs. 2.3%, 22.7% difference, 95% CI = 11.0 to 38.9, p < 0.0001), ECMO activation (8.3% vs. 0%, 8.3% difference, 95% CI = 2.5 to 21.8, p = 0.004), and lower likelihood of first-pass intubation success (47.2% vs. 66.1%, -18.9% difference, 95% CI = -35.5 to -1.5, p = 0.038), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed criteria that successfully identify physiologically difficult airways in the PED. Children with hypotension, persistent hypoxemia, concern for cardiac dysfunction, severe metabolic acidosis, status asthmaticus or who are post-ROSC are at higher risk for peri-intubation cardiac arrest and in-hospital mortality. Further multicenter investigation is needed to validate our findings.

Difficult airway prediction in paediatric anaesthesia (Diffair): Prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of difficult airway in paediatric patients is lower than that the adult population, and the majority should be predictable.

AIMS

The primary aim of this trial was to evaluate the incidence of difficult airway in pediatric patients. The secondary aim was to predict difficult airway in these patients.

METHODS

Paediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia in a tertiary university hospital were examined, and a panel of difficult airway prediction tests was performed. We recorded the incidence, risk factors for difficult airway and events associated with difficult airway together with the sensitivity and specificity of tests for difficult airway and events associated with difficult airway prediction.

RESULTS

We prospectively included 389 paediatric patients. The incidence of difficult airway was 3.6%; the incidence of events associated with difficult airway was 10%. The sensitivity for prediction of events associated with difficult airway during the pre-anaesthesia evaluation was 5.3% with the specificity 93.3%. In the operating room, the sensitivity of prediction was 15% with 97.8% specificity.

CONCLUSION

We found minimal efficacy for preanaesthesia difficult airway prediction.

Perioperative anesthetic management of reductive glossoplasty in a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative management of patients with the congenital growth disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) can be complicated. The main clinical manifestations of the syndrome are macroglossia - which may hamper airway management -, prematurity, hemihypertrophy, omphalocele, embryonal tumours and episodes of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

OBJECTIVE

Our main objective is to describe the perioperative management and potential anaesthetic complications in paediatric patients with BWS undergoing glossectomy.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

We describe the case of an 11-month-old patient diagnosed with BWS who underwent reduction glossoplasty. We performed a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, taking into account potential anaesthetic complications derived from both macroglossia and prematurity, and the risk of hypoglycaemia. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. Intubation - performed according to difficult airway management algorithms - was uneventful and the patient was successfully extubated in the operating room. The patient remained stable during the postoperative period, with good respiratory dynamics, SatO₂>96% and good glycaemic control. Oral intake was started 4hours after surgery, and she was discharged to the ward at 24hours.

CONCLUSION

BWS patients require a multimodal approach that includes detailed preoperative planning and knowledge of potential airway-related and systemic complications.

Sugammadex: Applications in Pediatric Critical Care

Sugammadex is a novel pharmacologic agent, which reverses neuromuscular blockade with a mechanism that differs from acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine. There is a growing body of literature demonstrating its efficacy in pediatric patients of all ages. Prospective trials have demonstrated a more rapid and more complete reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade than the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine. Unlike the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, sugammadex effectively reverses intense or complete neuromuscular blockade. It may also be effective in situations where reversal of neuromuscular blockade is problematic including patients with neuromyopathic conditions or when acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are contraindicated. This article reviews the physiology of neuromuscular transmission as well as the published literature, regarding the use of sugammadex in pediatric population including the pediatric intensive care unit population. Clinical applications are reviewed, adverse effects are discussed, and dosing algorithms are presented.

Anesthetic Considerations for Patients With Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a relatively rare congenital disorder which manifests across multiple organ systems with a wide spectrum of severity. Cardiovascular anomalies are the most common and concerning manifestations of WS, with supravalvar aortic stenosis present in up to 70% of patients with WS. Although a relatively rare disease, these patients frequently require sedation or anesthesia for a variety of medical procedures. The risk of sudden death in this population is 25 to 100 times that of the general population, with many documented deaths associated with sedation or anesthesia. This increased risk coupled with a disproportionately frequent need for anesthetic care renders it prudent for the anesthesiologist to have a firm understanding of the manifestations of WS. In the following review, the authors discuss pertinent clinical characteristics of WS along with particular anesthetic considerations for the anesthesiologist caring for patients with WS presenting for non-cardiac surgery.