Postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric anesthesia

Intraoperative application of low-dose dexmedetomidine or lidocaine for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients following craniotomy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background

Postoperative pain is a common occurrence in pediatric patients following craniotomy, often leading to negative outcomes. Intravenous dexmedetomidine and lidocaine are commonly used adjuvant medicines in general anesthesia to reduce perioperative opioid consumption and relieve postoperative pain in adults. While they show promise for use in pediatrics, the evidence of their application in pediatric craniotomy patients is limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on postoperative pain in pediatric patients following craniotomy.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, single-center trial on children scheduled for craniotomy. The 255 recruited participants aged 1-12 years were randomly assigned to intraoperatively receive a loading intravenous dose of either dexmedetomidine 1 μg·kg-1 or lidocaine 2 mg·kg-1 or normal saline for 15 min followed by dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg·kg-1·h-1 or lidocaine 1 mg·kg-1·h-1 or normal saline until the sutures of endocranium were completed. The primary outcome was the cumulative sufentanil consumption within 24 h post-surgery.

Results

A total of 241 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The primary outcome did not show any significant differences among the three groups (median (IQR) lidocaine group: 3.36 (1.32-5.64) μg vs. dexmedetomidine group: 3.12 (1.36-6.39) μg vs. control group 3.46 (1.77-7.62) μg, p = 0.485). Among the secondary outcomes, there was a statistically significant but small reduction in sufentanil consumption within 2 h, postoperative FLACC/WBFS/NRS pain scores within 4 h after surgery and postoperative Ramsay sedation scores in dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.05). Regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of electrolyte disturbance within 24 and 48 h after surgery was significantly higher in control group compared to the other two groups. There were no significant differences in intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative frequency of remedy medication, or length of hospitalization among the three groups. No adverse events related to lidocaine or dexmedetomidine were observed.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the primary outcome among the three groups. Although dexmedetomidine showed some benefits in reducing postoperative opioid consumption within the first 2 h and pain intensity within the first 4 h post-surgery, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research is required to comprehensively assess the outcomes and determine the optimal administration strategy.

Clinical Trial Registration

[http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx], identifier [ChiCTR1800019411].

Determination of Risk Factors for Nausea and Vomiting in Children After Appendectomy

PURPOSE

This study aimed at investigating the risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy.

DESIGN

This is a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study involved 163 children aged 5 to 18 years who underwent appendectomy in the pediatric surgery clinic of a tertiary hospital between December 2022 and June 2023. The study data were collected through the patient information form, Baxter Retching Faces scale, and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, which included questions about the descriptive and clinical characteristics of the participants and was prepared by the researcher consistent with the literature.

FINDINGS

A significant relationship was observed between the severity of postoperative pain and the occurrence of PONV in patients with both nonperforated and perforated appendicitis (P < .001). In addition, operative time and the time to the first oral feeding were shorter in patients with nonperforated appendicitis in the non-PONV group (P = .005 and P = .042, respectively) Logistic regression analysis revealed that postoperative pain, family history of PONV and appendix perforation were risk factors for PONV in children with both nonperforated and perforated appendicitis (P < .001, P = .040, and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In children undergoing appendectomy, family history of PONV, severity of postoperative pain, increased operative time, and increased transition time to oral feeding are risk factors for PONV. Pediatric nurses, who have an important role in the management of PONV, should evaluate patients in terms of PONV risk in the preoperative period within the scope of evidence-based practices and perform pharmacological or nonpharmacological interventions according to the degree of risk.

Vomiting after intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia in pediatric patients with hematologic cancers: A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Despite preventive strategies, vomiting is an adverse event affecting patients with cancer. However, literature on the incidence and risk factors for vomiting in pediatric patients with cancer are scarce.

AIM

To assess the incidence and risk factors for vomiting within 24 h and goodness of fit for the Eberhart score in pediatric patients with hematologic cancers after receiving intrathecal chemotherapy under deep sedation.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients under 20 years of age with hematologic cancers who were scheduled to undergo intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia. The primary outcome was the occurrence of vomiting within 24 h after the end of anesthesia. Sociodemographic and procedure data and underlying diseases were collected. Patients were monitored during the procedure, in the postanesthesia care unit, and the day after (by phone call).

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients were included, and the incidence of vomiting was 30.9% within 24 h after intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia, with 90.7% of vomiting prior to 6 h. Prophylactic ondansetron was administered prior to the procedure to 45.3% of patients. Risk factors for vomiting were female gender (hazard ratio: 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-4.53, p: .003), consolidation phase of treatment (hazard ratio: 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-4.24, p: .025), and history of kinetosis (hazard ratio: 2.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-4.70, p: .005). Incidence of vomit was higher than estimated by the Eberhart score distribution (observed incidence in patients with a score of zero: 33.3%; with a score of one: 28.8%; with a score of two: 60%).

CONCLUSION

A high incidence of vomiting was observed within 24 h after intrathecal chemotherapy under propofol deep sedation. Risk factors for this outcome were established (being female, consolidation phase of treatment, and previous kinetosis), and evidence suggested that the Eberhart score was not suitable for the studied population.

Prophylaxis for pediatric postoperative nausea and vomiting: a scoping review of clinical trials

PURPOSE

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia, and clinicians seek prophylactic interventions to prevent its ill effects on patients as well as its ramifications on perioperative care. We sought to assess the body of evidence around prophylactic strategies, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, targeting pediatric PONV.

SOURCE

We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE ePubs Ahead of Print and In-Process Citations, Embase Classic+Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane CENTRAL (via the Ovid platform), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry, from their inception to 23 September 2022.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Of 188 clinical trials, 157 (83%) investigated pharmacologic interventions, 25 (13%) investigated nonpharmacologic interventions, and six (3%) investigated mixed pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. The most common surgeries investigated for pediatric PONV were strabismus surgery (68 trials, 36%) and tonsillectomy or tympanoplasty (45 trials, 23%). Of four measurement tools used to assess PONV in the included trials, the most common was clinical judgement (170 trials, 90%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of data in pediatric PONV prophylaxis is based on pharmacologic interventions, with a paucity of research in nonpharmacologic or mixed interventions. Assessing and documenting PONV using tools such as the Baxter Animated Retching Faces Scale or PONV numeric scoring system may help standardize pediatric PONV prophylaxis research moving forward. Furthermore, concurrently assessing pain and adverse effects associated with PONV might further inform our understanding of this complex clinical entity.

Is PONV still a problem in pediatric surgery: a prospective study of what children tell us

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an unpleasant complication after surgery that commonly co-occurs with pain. Considering the high prevalence among pediatric patients, it is important to explore the main risk factors leading to PONV in order to optimize treatment strategies. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to determine the prevalence of PONV on the day of surgery by conducting interviews with pediatric patients, (2) to assess PONV prevalence in the recovery room and on the ward by analyzing nursing records, and (3) to collect information on PONV risk factors on the day of surgery and the following postoperative days. We wanted to investigate real-life scenarios rather than relying on artificially designed studies.

Methods

A prospective analysis [according to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines] of PONV on the day of surgery and the following postoperative days was conducted by evaluating demographic and procedural parameters, as well as conducting interviews with the children under study. A total of 626 children and adolescents, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years, were interviewed on the ward following their surgery. The interviews were conducted using a questionnaire, as children aged 4 and above can participate in an outcome-based survey.

Results

On the day of surgery, several multivariable independent predictors were identified for PONV. The type of surgery was found to be a significant factor (p = 0.040) with the highest odds ratio (OR) in patients with procedural investigations [OR 5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8-19.2], followed by abdominal surgery (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 0.9-11.1) when inguinal surgery was used as the reference category. In addition, the study identified several predictors, including the amount of fentanyl administered during anesthesia (µg/kg body weight) (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8), intraoperative use of piritramide (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5-4.4) and diclofenac (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1. 3-3.1), opioid administration in the recovery room (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9-4.7), and piritramide use on the ward (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.7-11.6).

Conclusions

The main risk factors for PONV include the intraoperative administration of opioids during the recovery room stay and at the ward, the intraoperative use of non-opioids (diclofenac), and the specific type of surgical procedure. Real-life data demonstrated that in clinical praxis, there is a gap between the adherence to established guidelines and the use of antiemetic prophylaxis in surgeries that are generally not associated with a high PONV prevalence. Further efforts are needed to improve the existing procedures and thus improve the overall outcome.

Free tendon grafts for surgical management of chronic tears of the main body of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review

PURPOSE

After four weeks from injury, tears of the Achilles tendon are considered chronic. Their management is challenging, and the use of a graft is suggested when the gap between proximal and distal stumps is greater than 6 cm. The present study systematically reviews the outcome of free tendon grafts in chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon, evaluating clinical outcomes, complications and return to sport.

METHODS

The present study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in February 2023. All the published clinical studies reporting clinical outcome, return to sport and complications of free tendon grafts used the treatment of chronic rupture of the midportion of the Achilles Tendon were accessed. The mean CMS (Coleman Methodology Score) of 65.7 suggested an overall good quality of the available published articles, attesting to the low risk of bias.

RESULTS

Data from 22 articles (368 patients with a mean age of 47 years) were retrieved. The average time from rupture to surgery was 25.1 week. At last follow-up, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) and ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) scores improved of 33.8 (P = 0.0004), and 45.1 points (P = 0.0001) respectively. Return to activity was reported in 105 patients, and 82 (78.1%) had no activity limitations, while 19 (18.1%) had limited recreational but not daily activity limitations, and 4 (3.8%) reported limitations in daily activities. Return to sport data was reported in six studies, and 45 of 93 (48.4%) patients returned to sport at an average of 22.6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In chronic tears of the Achilles tendon, with a gap of at least 6 cm, free tendon grafts allow predictable return to sport and acceptable recovery function.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Effects of menthol gum chewing on postoperative nausea, vomiting, and length of hospital stay in children undergoing appendectomy: A randomized controlled trıal

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the effects of menthol gum chewing on nausea, vomiting, and length of hospital stay after appendectomy in children.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can be induced by general anesthesia. Several drugs are available to reduce the risk of PONV; however, their cost and side effects limit their clinical use.

METHOD

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial that included 60 children aged 7-18 years who underwent an appendectomy at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of a tertiary hospital between April and June 2022. Data for this study were collected via the developed information form, which included participants' descriptive characteristics and bowel function parameters, and the Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) nausea scale. Children in the study group who underwent an appendectomy were given chewing gum and asked to chew it for an average of 15 min, whereas those in the control group received no intervention.

RESULTS

The BARF nausea score measured during the menthol gum chewing period was lower in the study group, and the difference score value calculated after pretest time was higher in the study group, as expected (p < 0.001). Moreover, menthol gum chewing was found to shorten hospital stay by 1 day (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Menthol gum chewing reduced the severity of postoperative nausea and length of hospital stay.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Chewing gum can be used as a nonpharmacological method by pediatric nurses in clinical practice to reduce the severity of postoperative nausea and length of hospital stay.

Post-operative vomiting and enhanced recovery after congenital cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Post-operative nausea and vomiting is frequent after congenital cardiac surgery.

AIMS

We sought to determine factors associated to severe post-operative vomiting after congenital cardiac surgery and the effect on post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

Patients > 30 days of age who underwent elective cardiac surgical repair as part of an enhanced recovery after congenital cardiac surgery programme were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics and perioperative factors were compared by univariate analysis for patients with severe post-operative vomiting, defined as three events or more, and for patients with no-or-mild post-operative vomiting. All variables with a p-value < 0.1 were included in a multivariable model, and major post-operative outcomes were compared using regression analysis.

RESULTS

From 1 October, 2018 to 30 September, 2019, 430 consecutive patients were included. The median age was 4.8 years (interquartile range 1.2-12.6). Twenty-one per cent of patients (91/430) experienced severe post-operative vomiting. Total intraoperative opioids > 5.0 mg/kg of oral morphine equivalent (adjusted odds ratio 1.72) and post-operative inotropes infusion(s) (adjusted odds ratio 1.64) were identified as independent predictors of severe post-operative vomiting after surgery. Patients suffering from severe post-operative vomiting had increased pulmonary complications (adjusted odds ratio 5.18) and longer post-operative hospitalisation (adjusted coefficient, 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater cumulative intraoperative opioids are associated with severe post-operative vomiting after congenital cardiac surgery. Multimodal pain strategies targeting the reduction of intraoperative opioids should be considered during congenital cardiac surgery to enhance recovery after surgery.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting-recommendations for its prevention and therapy in paediatric medicine]

Post-operative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV/POV) are among the biggest problems occurring in the paediatric recovery room and in the course of the following post-operative period. Apart from pain and emergence delirium, PONV is one of the main causes of post-operative discomfort in children. The DGAI Scientific Working Group on Paediatric Anaesthesia already worked out recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PONV in children years ago. These recommendations have now been revised by a team of experts, the current literature has been reviewed, and evidence-based core recommendations have been consented. Key elements of the new recommendations consist of effective individual measures for prevention and therapy, next to the implementation of a fixed dual prophylaxis in the clinical routine applicable to all children ≥ 3 years of age.

Pediatric robotic surgery: issues in management-expert consensus from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP)

BACKGROUND

Pediatric robotic-assisted surgeries have increased in recent years; however, guidance documents are still lacking. This study aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations, or best practice statements when evidence is lacking or inadequate, to assist surgical teams internationally.

METHODS

A joint consensus taskforce of anesthesiologists and surgeons from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP) have identified critical areas and reviewed the available evidence. The taskforce comprised 21 experts representing the fields of anesthesia (n = 11) and surgery (n = 10) from clinical centers performing pediatric robotic surgery in the Italian cities of Ancona, Bologna, Milan, Naples, Padua, Pavia, Perugia, Rome, Siena, and Verona. Between December 2020 and September 2021, three meetings, two Delphi rounds, and a final consensus conference took place.

RESULTS

During the first planning meeting, the panel agreed on the specific objectives, the definitions to apply, and precise methodology. The project was structured into three subtopics: (i) preoperative patient assessment and preparation; (ii) intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic); and (iii) postoperative procedures. Within these phases, the panel agreed to address a total of 18 relevant areas, which spanned preoperative patient assessment and patient selection, anesthesiology, critical care medicine, respiratory care, prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and pain management.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration among surgeons and anesthesiologists will be increasingly important for achieving safe and effective RAS procedures. These recommendations will provide a review for those who already have relevant experience and should be particularly useful for those starting a new program.

The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in preventing emergence delirium in paediatric patients following ophthalmic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background

The leading cause of emergence delirium (ED) in children postoperatively is the exposure to inhalational anaesthetics. ED can occur immediately after waking from anaesthesia, making patients generally uncooperative and agitated. Dexmedetomidine has sedative and analgesic effects and helps to reduce agitation and delirium and improve hemodynamic stability and the recovery of respiratory function; in addition to decreasing pain intensity, it is also well known for helping reduce nausea and vomiting.

Objectives

This updated systematic review meta-analysis investigate and summarise currently available evidence on the use of dexmedetomidine to prevent ED, reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and decrease the need for rescue analgesia in paediatric patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery.

Methods

The medical databases EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials published between January 2020 and August 2022 that used Dexmedetomidine in paediatric patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery. The protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022343622). The review was accomplished according to the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’, and the meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan5.4. These studies examine the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in preventing ED in children undergo ophthalmic surgery. The Cochrane ROB-1 was used to assess risk of bias (ROB).

Results

Eight studies comprised of 629 participants, of which 315 received dexmedetomidine and 314 placebos were examined. PAED score identified ED following surgery. A review and meta-analysis indicated that dexmedetomidine reduces ED incidence (RR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.25–0.62). Similarly, it reduces the use of rescue analgesia (RR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.25–0.57). However, dexmedetomidine did not help prevent PONV since no difference was found between groups (RR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.21–0.54).

Conclusion

This review showed that dexmedetomidine helped to reduce ED incidence in paediatric patients after ophthalmic surgery and reduced the need for rescue analgesia compared to placebo or other medications.

The Effect of Intraoperative Body Temperature on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE

Pediatric patients are at greater risk for both perioperative hypothermia and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between intraoperative body temperature and PONV in children undergoing anesthesia. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between PONV and intraoperative fentanyl use, age and duration of operation.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study METHODS: The study included 80 children who were undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Body temperature was monitored after routine preoperative preparation and standard induction. Analgesic and antiemetic requirements and the presence of nausea and vomiting were assessed postoperatively on the 30th minute and the 6th, 12th and 24th hour.

FINDINGS

The children with or without PONV were compared. At the postoperative 6th hour, the incidence of nausea was statistically significant in the children with a mean body temperature below 36°C (P = 0.044; P < 0.05). The mean duration of the surgery was statistically significant longer in the children with PONV (P = 0.001; P = 0.004; P <0.05). Mean body temperature was not statistically significant when comparing children with and without vomiting(P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While a body temperature below 36°C increases the incidence of postoperative nausea, it does not cause an increase in the incidence of vomiting. A long operation time in pediatric patients causes an increase in the incidence of PONV. Although not statistically significant, PONV is encountered more than twice as much in patients receiving intraoperative fentanyl administration.

Efficacy of intravenous lidocaine infusions for pain relief in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Intravenous lidocaine, a potent local anesthetic with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to be an effective adjunct that reduces intra- and postoperative opioid consumption and facilitates pain management in adults. While it shows promise for use in the pediatric population, limited evidence is available.

Objectives

To determine if general anesthesia with intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion versus general anesthesia without intravenous lidocaine infusion in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy decreased opioid requirements intra- and postoperatively.

Design

A single-center parallel single-masked randomized controlled study. A computer-generated blocked randomization list was used to allocate participants. The study was conducted between March 2019 and January 2020. Setting: Pediatric teaching hospital in Poland.

Participants

Seventy-four patients aged between 18 months and 18 years undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Seventy-one patients fulfilled the study requirements.

Intervention

Intravenous lidocaine bolus of 1.5 mg/kg over 5 min before induction of anesthesia followed by lidocaine infusion at 1.5 mg/kg/h intraoperatively. The infusion was discontinued before the patients’ transfer to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome measure was total nalbuphine requirement in milligrams during the first 24 h after surgery.

Secondary outcome measures

The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative fentanyl consumption, intraoperative sevoflurane consumption, time to the first rescue analgesic request, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h after surgery, frequency of side effects of lidocaine.

Results

Children (n = 74) aged 5–17 randomly allocated to receive intraoperative lidocaine infusion (n = 37) or no intervention (n = 37). Seventy-one were included in the analysis (35 in the study group and 36 in the control group). There was no difference in the cumulative dose of nalbuphine in the first 24 h after removal of the endotracheal tube between groups [median of 0.1061 (IQR: 0.0962–0.2222) mg/kg in the lidocaine group, compared to the control group median of 0.1325 (IQR: 0.0899–0.22020) mg/kg, p = 0.63].

Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was lower in the lidocaine group [median of 5.091 (IQR: 4.848–5.714) μg/kg] than in the control group [median of 5.969 (IQR: 5.000–6.748), p = 0.03].

Taking into account the additional doses administered based on clinical indications, the reduction in the requirement for fentanyl in the lidocaine group was even greater [median of 0.0 (IQR: 0.0–0.952) vs 0.99 (IQR: 0.0–1.809) μg/kg, p = 0.01].

No difference was observed in the sevoflurane consumption between the two groups [median of 32.5 ml (IQR 25.0–43.0) in the lidocaine group vs median of 35.0 ml (IQR: 23.5–46.0) in the control group, p = 0.56].

The time to first analgesic request in the lidocaine group was prolonged [median of 55 (IQR: 40–110) min in the lidocaine group vs median of 40.5 (IQR: 28–65) min in the control group, p = 0.05].

There was no difference in the frequency of PONV between the two groups (48.57% in the lidocaine group vs 61.11% in the control group, p = 0.29).

No lidocaine related incidence of anaphylaxis, systemic toxicity, circulatory disturbances or neurological impairment was reported, during anesthesia or postoperative period.

Conclusions

Intraoperative systemic lidocaine administration reduced the intraoperative requirement for opioids in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. This effect was time limited, and hence did not affect opioid consumption in the first 24 h following discontinuation of lidocaine infusion.

Trial registration

NCT03886896.

Opioid-Sparing Anesthetic Technique for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Adenoidectomy: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

An opioid-sparing anesthetic involves a multi-modal technique with non-opioid medications targeting different analgesic pathways. Such techniques may decrease adverse effects related to opioids. These techniques may be considered in patients at higher risk for opioid-related adverse effects including obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing.

METHODS

A prospective, pilot study was performed in 10 patients (3-8 years of age), presenting for adenoidectomy. The perioperative regimen included oral dextromethorphan (1 mg/kg) and acetaminophen (15 mg/kg) plus single boluses of intraoperative dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg). Pain scores were assessed in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) using the FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale. Patients with a pain score >4 received fentanyl as needed. PACU time, pain scores, and parent satisfaction were recorded. Postoperatively, patients were instructed to use oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed for pain.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 10 patients, 3-8 years of age. All patients had opioid-free anesthetic care. PACU time ranged from 24 to 102 minutes (median: 56 minutes). FLACC pain scores were 0 for all PACU assessments. Nine patients were discharged home and 1 patient had a planned overnight admission. Following hospital discharge, the pain scores were satisfactory during the 72-hour study period and 90% of the patients' guardians were satisfied or highly satisfied with their child's pain control.

CONCLUSION

This opioid-sparing approach provided safe and effective pain control as well as parental satisfaction following adenoidectomy in children. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine whether this regimen is effective in a larger cohort of patients with and for other otolaryngology procedures.

Incidence of postoperative vomiting in pediatric population undergoing anesthesia: a prospective cohort study

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are frequent adverse effects of anesthesia and surgery. Impact is greater in pediatric populations compared to adults and the reported incidences are heterogeneous. Objective: To describe the incidence of postoperative vomiting in a pediatric population and to identify associated risk factors. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 190 children aged 3 to 12 years undergoing surgery and anesthesia in a maternal and child health clinic in Bucaramanga (Colombia). The main outcome variable was postoperative vomiting. Data were analyzed using bivariate, multivariate analysis and logistic regression to assess the associated risk factors. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative vomiting was 18.95% (95% CI: 13.32 - 24.57), with a higher incidence at home vs. hospital (12.63% vs. 9.47%). After adjustment, associated risk factors were anesthesia time longer than 45 minutes (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.10-4.90) and postoperative use of opioids (OR: 4.17; 95% IC: 1.65-10.5). The incidence of postoperative vomiting was higher in patients who underwent emergency surgery. Conclusion: This is the first study in Colombia that evaluates the incidence of postoperative vomiting in children. The incidence in our pediatric population is within the ranges reported worldwide. Associated risk factors were anesthesia time longer than 45 minutes and postoperative use of opioids. Further research is required in order to study emergency surgery as a potential risk factor.

Dexmedetomidine as an Opioid-Sparing Agent in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

Pediatric craniofacial reconstruction surgery is associated with significant perioperative analgesic requirements. As dexmedetomidine mediates central nervous system sympathetic activity and pain modulation, its intraoperative use could be beneficial in craniofacial surgery. We hypothesized that intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing craniofacial reconstructive surgery would result in reduced opioid requirements, pain, sedation scores, and opioid-induced side effects compared to patients who did not receive dexmedetomidine. All patients who underwent craniofacial reconstructive surgery at our institution from July 2013 to June 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome measure was mean postoperative morphine equivalent requirements. Secondary outcome measures included incidence of opioid-related side effects, pain scores, and hospital length of stay. Thirty-nine patients received dexmedetomidine intraoperatively while 41 patients did not. There was no difference in postoperative opioid requirements or pain scores between the two cohorts. However, patients who received higher doses of dexmedetomidine (4.7 mcg/kg) intraoperatively exhibited significantly lower rescue medication requirements for nausea and vomiting postoperatively. Contrary to the hypothesis, dexmedetomidine was not associated with reduced postoperative opioid requirements or pain scores in children undergoing craniofacial reconstructive surgery. However, our findings do suggest that dexmedetomidine may be beneficial in reducing side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting. A randomized controlled trial would be necessary to verify these findings.

An update on the management of PONV in a pediatric patient

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major cause of patient dissatisfaction following anesthesia. The difficulty in diagnosing nausea in much of the pediatric population has led to an emphasis on anti-emetic prophylaxis for all. Assessment scores and prognostic tools enable the anesthesiologist to identify patients who are at a greater risk and appropriately apply more aggressive prophylactic, multi-drug strategies. New antiemetics emerging from other medical disciplines, particularly oncology, may have potential use in prophylaxis and treatment of nausea and vomiting in the pediatric surgical population. New agents, many of which have a long duration of action, will augment the anesthesiologist's ability to adequately prevent PONV, and to treat persistent nausea and vomiting that extend beyond the immediate post-operative period.

Aggressive Prophylactic Treatments for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Procedure

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an extremely common side effect of general anesthesia that is difficult to manage. We tested a hypothesis that an aggressive prophylactic intervention with additional antiemetic drugs will reduce the incidence of PONV in a high-risk pediatric population undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy were screened for their risk factors for PONV. Patients who had 3 or more risk factors were identified as high risk and received either scopolamine patch preoperatively (for patients over 40 kg body weight) or diphenhydramine immediately postextubation in addition to ondansetron and dexamethasone, which are given routinely. Incidences of PONV within the first 60 minutes of a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall postoperative vomiting rates during the first hour of a PACU stay were 4.3% for the group that was treated with dexamethasone and ondansetron only and 3.9% for the group that was treated with additional antiemetic drugs. Aggressive prophylactic management of PONV did reduce the rate of nausea and vomiting in a group of high-risk patients (p < 0.0001). The postoperative antiemetic drug usage was also decreased during the first 60 minutes of a PACU stay. However, the approach did not reduce the overall rate of PONV for the entire study population (p = 0.1612 for nausea and p = 0.0678 for vomiting).

CONCLUSION

Aggressive intraoperative management of PONV with additional antiemetic drugs are beneficial in high-risk pediatric population. Intraoperative diphenhydramine usage decreased the rate of PONV. However, preoperative scopolamine patch prevention did not improve PONV, which may be related to the drug's longer onset of action. Our result suggests that current clinical practice is undertreating PONV in pediatric patients receiving general anesthesia.

[Influence of methylprednisolone on the reversal time of sugammadex: a randomized clinical trial]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that reverses the effects of aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Likewise, some steroid molecules, such as toremifene, fusidic acid, and flucloxacillin, can also be encapsulated by sugammadex. Methylprednisolone, which is a synthetic steroid used commonly for airway oedema prophylaxis, can also be encapsulated by sugammadex. The objective of this study was to compare the recovery times of sugammadex for reversing rocuronium-induced moderate neuromuscular blockade in those who received intraoperative 1 mg.kg^-1 methylprednisolone or saline.

METHOD

This single-centered, randomized, controlled, prospective study included 162 adult patients undergoing elective ear-nose-throat procedures (aged from 18-65, an ASA physical status I-II, a BMI less than 30 kg.m^-2, and not taking steroid drug medication) with propofol, remifentanyl, rocuronium and sevoflurane. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed using calibrated acceleromyography. The Control Group (Group C) received 5 mL of saline, while the Methylprednisolone Group (Group M) received 1 mg.kg^-1 of methylprednisolone in 5mL of saline just after induction. After the completion of surgery, regarding the TOF count, two reappeared spontaneously and 2 mg.kg^-1 sugammadex was administered to all patients. Recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 was recorded for both groups, and the estimated recovery time to reach a TOF ratio (TOFr) of 0.9 was the primary outcome of the study.

RESULTS

Median time to TOFr = 0.9 was for 130.00 s (range of 29-330) for Group C and 181.00 s (100-420) for Group M (p < 0.001). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

When using 2 mg.kg^-1 of sugammadex to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients who received 1 mg.kg^-1 of intraoperative methylprednisolone, demonstrated delayed recovery times.

Retrospective analysis of risk factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing ambulatory strabismus surgery via general anaesthesia

Background and Aims

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), one of the common complications following strabismus surgery, would delay the ambulatory discharge time. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors of PONV in patients undergoing ambulatory strabismus surgery under general anaesthesia, with the treatments of dexamethasone and 5-HT₃ antagonist combination.

Methods

We reviewed 721 consecutive patients (12-60 years old) undergoing ambulatory strabismus surgery under general anaesthesia at an academic eye centre between December 2016 and January 2019. Patients received prophylactic treatment of dexamethasone and 5-HT₃ antagonist combination during anaesthesia induction, and PONV was evaluated during the early recovery period before discharge.

Results

The dexamethasone and 5-HT₃ antagonist combination effectively reduced the incidence of PONV (3.05%, 22/721), and the patients who experienced PONV had statistically prolonged phase II recovery time as compared those who did not (P = 0.006). The sum of the extraocular muscles manipulated and the use of nalbuphine (vs flurbiprofen axetil) were the independent risk factors for PONV (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The sum of the extraocular muscles manipulated and the use of nalbuphine are potentially modifiable risk factors for PONV after strabismus surgery with the treatments of dexamethasone and 5-HT₃ antagonist combination.

A review of dexamethasone as an adjunct to adenotonsillectomy in the pediatric population

Although one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children and frequently performed as outpatient surgery, the postoperative course following tonsillectomy may include nausea, vomiting, poor oral intake, and pain. These problems may last days into the postoperative course. Although opioids may be used to treat the pain, comorbid conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea may mandate limiting the dose and the frequency of administration. Adjunctive agents may improve the overall postoperative course of patients and limit the need for opioid analgesics. Dexamethasone is a frequently administered intraoperatively as an adjunctive agent to decrease inflammation and pain, limit the potential for postoperative nausea and vomiting, and improve the overall postoperative course. The following manuscript reviews the use of dexamethasone to improve outcomes following tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy, discusses the controversies regarding its potential association with perioperative bleeding, and investigates options for dosing regimens which may maintain the beneficial physiologic effects while limiting the potential for bleeding.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric strabismus surgery: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common side-effects following strabismus surgery. The present study aimed to compare the effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on PONV incidence in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized double-blinded study, 126 pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery were randomized into one of three groups: Placebo group, normal saline; DEX1 group, 0.3 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, and DEX2 group, 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. Oculocardiac reflex (OCR) events were recorded during surgery. PONV or postoperative vomiting (POV) was recorded for 24 h in the ward. Pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale and emergence agitation (EA) scale were recorded in the recovery room.

RESULTS

Intraoperative OCR was significantly reduced in DEX2 group (42%) as compared to that of Placebo group (68%) (p = 0.0146). During the first 24 h post-op, the overall incidence of PONV was significantly lower in DEX2 group (10%) than that of Placebo group (32%) (p = 0.0142). There was no significant difference in POV among the three groups. PAED or EA scores among the three groups were similar during recovery time.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) reduced OCR and PONV without lengthening extubation time or recovery time in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was prospectively registered before patient enrollment at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical Trial Number: ChiCTR1800020176, Date: 12/19/2018).

Influence of methylprednisolone on the reversal time of sugammadex: a randomized clinical trial

Background and objectives

Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that reverses the effects of aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Likewise, some steroid molecules, such as toremifene, fusidic acid, and flucloxacillin, can also be encapsulated by sugammadex. Methylprednisolone, which is a synthetic steroid used commonly for airway edema prophylaxis, can also be encapsulated by sugammadex. The objective of this study was to compare the recovery times of sugammadex for reversing rocuronium-induced moderate neuromuscular blockade in those who received intraoperative 1 mg kg⁻¹ methylprednisolone or saline.

Method

This single-centered, randomized, controlled, prospective study included 162 adult patients undergoing elective ear-nose-throat procedures (aged from 18 to 65, an ASA physical status I-II, a BMI less than 30 kg m⁻², and not taking steroid drug medication) with propofol, remifentanyl, rocuronium and sevoflurane. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed using calibrated acceleromyography. The Control Group (Group C) received 5 mL of saline, while the Methylprednisolone Group (Group M) received 1 mg kg⁻¹ of methylprednisolone in 5 mL of saline just after induction. After the completion of surgery, regarding the TOF count, two reappeared spontaneously and 2 mg kg⁻¹ sugammadex was administered to all patients. Recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 was recorded for both groups, and the estimated recovery time to reach a TOF ratio (TOFr) of 0.9 was the primary outcome of the study.

Results

Median time to TOFr = 0.9 was for 130.00 s (range of 29–330) for Group C and 181.00 s (100–420) for Group M (p < 0.001). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant.

Conclusion

When using 2 mg kg⁻¹ of sugammadex to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients who received 1 mg kg⁻¹ of intraoperative methylprednisolone, demonstrated delayed recovery times.

Perioperative Administration of Emend® (Aprepitant) at a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital: A 12-Month Survey

Introduction

Aprepitant (Emend^®) is a novel antiemetic agent that works through antagonism of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors. To date, there are limited data regarding its use to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children. We retrospectively reviewed our initial 12-months experience with aprepitant after it was made available for perioperative use.

Methods

The anesthetic records of patients who received aprepitant were retrospectively reviewed and demographic, surgical, and medication data retrieved.

Results

The study cohort included 31 patients (15 male and 16 female) ranging in age from 4 to 27 years (15.7 ± 7.4 years) and in weight from 14.4 to 175.7 kilograms (59.3 ± 30.2 kgs). Most of the patients (30 of 31) received the capsule form and 1 received the liquid. The average dose of aprepitant administered was 0.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg; however, only one patient received dosing expressed as mg/kg, and the majority received a 40 mg capsule. All of the patients in the cohort had either a previous history of PONV or risk factors for PONV. PONV occurred in the PACU in 1 patient and during the first 24 postoperative hours in 3 additional patients. No adverse effects related to aprepitant use were noted.

Conclusion

Aprepitant was easily added to the preoperative regimen for pediatric patients who may require it. Our approach limited overuse and subsequent cost concerns. Future studies with a comparator group and a greater sample size are needed to demonstrate its efficacy, especially in comparison to time-honored agents such as ondansetron. No adverse effects were noted in our limited study cohort.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Paediatric Anaesthesia

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication in paediatric anaesthesia and is a source of significant morbidity. Various independent risk factors have been implicated in the development of paediatric PONV, including higher pain scores postoperatively, the use of opioids for pain management and the use of volatile anaesthetics for the maintenance of anaesthesia. This review of the current literature regarding the prevention and treatment of paediatric PONV is based on a search of the PubMed database, which identified published clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While the occurrence of PONV in many cases is difficult to avoid entirely, the risk can be mitigated by the use of multimodal nonopioid analgesic regimens, total intravenous drugs in favour of volatile anaesthetics and an appropriate regimen of prophylactic pharmacotherapy. Frequently administered drug classes for the prevention of PONV include corticosteroids, 5HT3 antagonists and anticholinergics. The clinical use of the findings in the literature may help to reduce the occurrence of PONV in children. In this review, we provide comprehensive and updated information on the risk factors contributing the occurrence of PONV in children, outline the current opinion on the drugs that are commonly used for management and provide an overview of the guidelines that are used to help establish the prophylaxis and treatment of paediatric PONV.

Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Nausea in Pediatric Upper Endoscopy With Deep Sedation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a frequent complication and a major cause of delayed recovery in pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) under sedation.

METHODS

In this double-blind randomized controlled study, 98 children aged 2 to 14, with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I to II, and undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation were included and randomly assigned to 2 groups. Preoperatively, after anesthesia induction with sodium thiopental and maintenance with sevoflurane, patients in the intervention (n = 49) and control (n = 49) groups, respectively received 0.1 mg/kg i.v. dexamethasone and 2 cm i.v. 0.9% saline. Postoperatively, PONV incidence was measured as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

PONV incidence was significantly less in dexamethasone group (8.2%) compared to the control group (26.5%) (difference = 18.3%, 95% confidence interval: 3.4%-33%, P = 0.016). For secondary outcomes, between-group differences were not statistically significant: incidence of bronchospasm or laryngospasm (both 4.1%, P = 1); emergence delirium assessed with Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (5.9 ± 3.4 vs 5.7 ± 3.2, P = 0.751); Modified Aldrete score at 0 minutes (9.4 ± 0.8 vs 9.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.909) and at 5 minutes (9.5 ± 0.7 vs 9.4 ± 0.9, P = 0.527); and recovery time (21.1 ± 6.6 vs 23.4 ± 8.6 minutes, P = 0.130).

CONCLUSIONS

A single preoperative dose of i.v. dexamethasone reduces PONV in children undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation, but has no significant effect on the patient recovery time or the incidence of postoperative bronchospasm or laryngospasm and emergence delirium.

Topical Anesthesia in Children With Intraoperative Adjustable Strabismus Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate strabismus surgery with intraoperative adjustment of sutures under topical anesthesia in children.

METHODS

Nineteen children with horizontal deviation underwent a one-stage surgical technique performed under topical anesthesia. Surgery consisted of unilateral or bilateral recession and/or resection of horizontal muscles or the medial or lateral rectus muscles, with intraoperative adjustment of sutures based on alternate prism cover test. Follow-up was done at 1 day and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 12.68 ± 2.50 years (range: 8 to 16 years). Mean preoperative angle of deviation was 24.21 ± 11.20 prism diopters (PD) (range: -50 to +30 PD) at distance. Mean postoperative angle of deviation at 6 months was 4.11 ± 2.87 PD (range: -10 to +10 PD) at distance. In esotropic patients, the average angle of deviation decreased from +23.80 ± 5.89 PD preoperatively to +4.80 ± 3.35 PD at 6 months, whereas in exotropic patients it decreased from -24.36 ± 12.76 to -3.86 ± 2.77 PD. Seventeen of 19 patients (89%) remained comfortable during surgery, whereas 2 needed an intravenous injection of propofol. The success rate, defined by a postoperative residual angle of deviation of ±8 PD or less, was 89% at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Strabismus surgery with intraoperative suture adjustment under topical anesthesia in children is a tolerable procedure with encouraging outcomes, representing an alternative to general anesthesia in well-selected children. Clinical evaluation of children and parents is fundamental to predict a likely poor collaboration of the child during surgery, which, if present, would require surgery under general anesthesia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(3):173-177.].

Effect of Intravenous Oxycodone Versus Sufentanil on the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

More than 30% of patients who undergo surgery will experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) if no prophylactic treatments are used. Although numerous studies have been performed to investigate the factors related to PONV, the effect of perioperative intravenous oxycodone on the incidence of PONV has not been well investigated. In this study, gynecological patients (grade I-II, aged 18-65 years, scheduled to undergo elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia) were randomized to the oxycodone group or the sufentanil group. In the oxycodone group, patients received intravenous oxycodone for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, as well as postoperative analgesia, while sufentanil was used in the sufentanil group. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of PONV. As secondary outcomes, time to first PONV, the rating of the most severe PONV, postoperative pain scores at different time points, hemodynamics, and side effects were evaluated. We found that, compared with sufentanil, oxycodone decreased the incidence of PONV by 13.5% (P = .041). The time to first vomiting was longer in the oxycodone group than in the sufentanil group. Postoperative pain scores at different time points and hemodynamics were comparable between the oxycodone and sufentanil groups. We concluded that the incidence of PONV in gynecological patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery was lower when using intravenous oxycodone for anesthesia induction, anesthesia maintenance, and postoperative analgesia than when using intravenous sufentanil. However, oxycodone and sufentanil provided the same stable hemodynamics during surgery and satisfactory postoperative analgesia.

Prospective evaluation of anesthetic protocols during pediatric ophthalmic surgery

PURPOSE

To date, no protocol of anesthesia for pediatric ophthalmic surgery is unanimously recognized. The primary anesthetic risks are associated with strabismus surgery, including oculocardiac reflex, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative pain.

METHODS

This was a prospective, monocentric, observational study conducted in a tertiary pediatric ophthalmic unit. Our anesthetic protocol for strabismus surgery included postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention using dexamethasone and ondansetron. No drug-based prevention of oculocardiac reflex or local/locoregional anesthesia was employed.

RESULTS

A total of 106 pediatric ophthalmic surgeries completed between November 2015 and May 2016 were analyzed. The mean patient age was 4.4 (range: 0.2-7.3, standard deviation: 2.4) years. Ambulatory rate was 90%. Oculocardiac reflex incidence was 65% during strabismus surgery (34/52), 50% during congenital cataract surgery (4/8), 33% during intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (1/3), and 0% during other procedures. No asystole occurred. Postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence was 9.6% after strabismus surgery (5/52) and 0% following the other procedures. One child was hospitalized for one night because of persistent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Postoperative pain generally occurred early on in the recovery room and was quickly controlled. Its incidence was higher in patients who underwent strabismus surgery (27%) than in those who underwent other procedures (9%).

CONCLUSION

Morbidity associated with ophthalmic pediatric surgery is low and predominantly associated with strabismus surgery. The benefit-risk ratio and cost-effectiveness of oculocardiac reflex prevention should be questioned. Our postoperative nausea and vomiting rate is low, thanks to the use of a well-managed multimodal strategy. Early postoperative pain is usually well-treated but could probably be more effectively prevented.

Safe anesthesia for neonates, infants and children

This review provides an overview of the perioperative safety concerns in pediatric anesthesia and exploration of strategies to minimize these risks through education and training in pediatric anesthesia. There is increasing human data on the effects of general anesthesia for surgery and procedures on later neurodevelopment. However, the magnitude and relevance of this remains unclear while the long-term outcomes from recent human studies are awaited. The current known and established risks associated with pediatric anesthesia can be minimized by establishing a robust and safe conduct of anesthesia. This not only includes maintenance of normal physiological variables but also other aspects such as reduction of preoperative fear and anxiety and postoperative care. This can be achieved through effective multidisciplinary team working, cross specialty training and further development of fellowships and secondments.

Choosing Wisely in pediatric anesthesia: An interpretation from the German Scientific Working Group of Paediatric Anaesthesia (WAKKA)

Inspired by the Choosing Wisely initiative, a group of pediatric anesthesiologists representing the German Working Group on Paediatric Anaesthesia (WAKKA) coined and agreed upon 10 concise positive ("dos") or negative ("don'ts") evidence-based recommendations. (i) In infants and children with robust indications for surgical, interventional, or diagnostic procedures, anesthesia or sedation should not be avoided or delayed due to the potential neurotoxicity associated with the exposure to anesthetics. (ii) In children without relevant preexisting illnesses (ie, ASA status I/II) who are scheduled for elective minor or medium-risk surgical procedures, no routine blood tests should be performed. (iii) Parental presence during the induction of anesthesia should be an option for children whenever possible. (iv) Perioperative fasting should be safe and child-friendly with shorter real fasting times and more liberal postoperative drinking and enteral feeding. (v) Perioperative fluid therapy should be safe and effective with physiologically composed balanced electrolyte solutions to maintain a normal extracellular fluid volume; addition of 1%-2.5% glucose to avoid lipolysis, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia, and colloids as needed to maintain a normal blood volume. (vi) To achieve safe and successful airway management, the locally accepted airway algorithm and continued teaching and training of basic and alternative techniques of ventilation and endotracheal intubation are required. (vii) Ultrasound and imaging systems (eg, transillumination) should be available for achieving central venous access and challenging peripheral venous and arterial access. (viii) Perioperative disturbances of the patient's homeostasis, such as hypotension, hypocapnia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and severe anemia, should not be ignored and should be prevented or treated immediately. (ix) Pediatric patients with an elevated perioperative risk, eg, preterm and term neonates, infants, and critically ill children, should be treated at institutions where all caregivers have sufficient expertise and continuous clinical exposure to such patients. (x) A strategy for preventing postoperative vomiting, emergence delirium, and acute pain should be a part of every anesthetic procedure.

Postoperative pain management in children: Guidance from the pain committee of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA Pain Management Ladder Initiative)

The main remit of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA) Pain Committee is to improve the quality of pain management in children. The ESPA Pain Management Ladder is a clinical practice advisory based upon expert consensus to help to ensure a basic standard of perioperative pain management for all children. Further steps are suggested to improve pain management once a basic standard has been achieved. The guidance is grouped by the type of surgical procedure and layered to suggest basic, intermediate, and advanced pain management methods. The committee members are aware that there are marked differences in financial and personal resources in different institutions and countries and also considerable variations in the availability of analgesic drugs across Europe. We recommend that the guidance should be used as a framework to guide best practice.

Total intravenous anesthesia vs single pharmacological prophylaxis to prevent postoperative vomiting in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and postoperative vomiting are frequent but often missed complications after general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Because inhaled anesthetics are known to trigger postoperative vomiting, total intravenous anesthesia is often administered in high-risk children to avoid the use of inhalational anesthesia. Since inhalational anesthesia might be advantageous in some situations, the question is raised whether administration of pharmacological prophylaxis offers equal protection from postoperative vomiting compared with total intravenous anesthesia alone.

AIM

The aim of this systematic review was to compare total intravenous anesthesia with single-drug pharmacological prophylaxis for the protection of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL) with meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials including patients <18 years of age undergoing general anesthesia, with one group receiving propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia and another group receiving inhalational anesthesia with single pharmacological prophylaxis. Primary outcome was the overall incidence for postoperative vomiting. Secondary outcomes included early and late postoperative vomiting, the need for postoperative antiemetic medication, time to first oral intake, duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, and any adverse events defined as such by the respective authors. Risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a random effects model with inverse variance weighting.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials including 558 children were included in the final analysis. All patients underwent strabismus surgery. Total intravenous anesthesia and single pharmacological prophylaxis were equally effective in preventing overall postoperative vomiting (RR 0.99 [95% CI 0.77; 1.27]; 4 trials), as well as vomiting in the early (1.48 [0.78; 2.83]; 4 trials) and late (0.89 [0.56;1.42]; 2 trials) postoperative period. There was no difference in the need for postoperative antiemetic medication. Although patients resumed drinking and eating significantly earlier following total intravenous anesthesia (MD -1.40 hours [-2.01; -0.80], P < .001), the duration of PACU stay did not differ between groups. The incidence of intraoperative oculocardiac reflex was the only reported adverse event, which was more likely to occur after total intravenous anesthesia (1.86 [1.01; 3.41]).

CONCLUSION

Single pharmacological prophylaxis appears equally effective compared with total intravenous anesthesia in preventing postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients. However, during strabismus surgery, total intravenous anesthesia increases the risk for bradycardia due to oculocardiac reflex. Thus, when anesthesia is maintained with inhalational anesthetics, its emetogenic effects can sufficiently be compensated by the addition of a single prophylactic antiemetic medication.

Ambulatory anesthetic care in children undergoing myringotomy and tube placement: current perspectives

PURPOSE

Myringotomy and tube placement is one of the most frequently performed ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries in the pediatric population. Effective anesthetic management is vital to ensuring successful ambulatory care and ensuring child and parental satisfaction.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review summarizes recently published studies about the long-term effects of general anesthesia in young children, novel approaches to preoperative fasting and simplified approaches to the assessment and management of emergence delirium (ED) and emergence agitation (EA). New developments in perioperative ambulatory care, including management of comorbidities and day care unit logistics, are discussed.

SUMMARY

Long-term follow-up of children exposed to general anesthesia before the age of 4 years has limited impact on academic achievement or cognitive performance and should not delay the treatment of common ENT pathology, which can impair speech and language development. A more liberal approach to fasting, employing a 6-4-0 regime allowing children fluids up until theater, may become an accepted practice in future. ED and EA should be discriminated from pain in recovery and, where the child is at risk of harm, should be treated promptly. Postoperative pain at home remains problematic in ambulatory surgery and better parental education is needed. Effective ambulatory care ultimately requires a well-coordinated team approach from effective preassessment to postoperative follow-up.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative vomiting following atrial septal defect repair in children

BACKGROUND

The incidence and risk factors for postoperative vomiting (POV) after pediatric cardiac surgery has not been studied.

AIMS

This study sought to assess the incidence and risk factors for POV in children undergoing surgical repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected perioperative data from 160 patients who underwent surgical repair of an ASD and met early extubation criteria. Demographic and clinical data that could potentially influence the incidence of POV were collected. Univariate analysis was performed using Student t-test or Wilcoxon rank test to identify factors associated with POV. Continuous variables were dichotomized based on the cutoff values derived from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Youden-J index. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis using backward selection to determine the independent predictors using a univariate cutoff of P < 0.10 for inclusion and P > 0.05 for removal to determine factors independently associated with POV. The accuracy of our multivariate model was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Overall the incidence of POV was 37.5% in all the children who underwent surgical ASD repair. POV did not significantly differ between patients who received and did not receive antiemetics intraoperatively. Age of ≥4 years and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time ≥51 min were identified as independent risk predictors for POV and the AUC of logistic regression model was 0.650 (95% confidence interval; 0.565-0.735).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of POV in children undergoing surgical ASD repair was 37.5%. Age ≥4 years and CPB time ≥51 min were identified as independent predictors.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Versus Intravenous Administration of a Nonnarcotic Analgesia Protocol Following Pediatric Craniosynostosis Corrections on Nausea and Vomiting Rates

BACKGROUND

The authors' center uses a nonnarcotic postoperative regimen following craniosynostosis corrections. Despite opioid avoidance, the authors noted that some children still experienced nausea and vomiting following the oral administration of either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This study sought to evaluate whether intravenous administration of these medications might reduce nausea and vomiting rates.

METHODS

A total of 50 children undergoing craniosynostosis corrections were prospectively randomized to a control group given only oral ibuprofen (10 mg/kg) and acetaminophen (15 mg/kg), or a treatment group given only intravenous ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg) and acetaminophen (15 mg/kg). All patients were assessed for postoperative nausea and vomiting by a blinded research nurse.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients randomized to the oral control group, and 22 to the intravenous treatment group. No statistically significant differences were identified between groups, including: age, weight, sex, before history of severe postoperative nausea and vomiting, or procedure. With similar anesthesia times there was significantly more vomiting episodes in the oral group (71% versus 41%). Using a multivariate logistic regression, controlling for age, weight and procedure, the odds ratio for vomiting in the oral control versus intravenous experimental groups was 3.61 (95% CI 1.11-1.76; P = 0.033), and for postoperative nausea was 14.0 (95% CI 1.40-71.69, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting among children randomized to receive intravenous medications. In addition, the intravenous delivery of medications has the theoretical advantage of insuring an effective full dose delivery. Based on these findings, our standard process is to preferentially manage all children following craniosynostosis corrections with intravenous nonnarcotics.