Inhalation agents in pediatric anaesthesia – an update

Nalbuphine as analgesic in preschool children undergoing ophthalmic surgery and the occurrence of emergence delirium

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Perioperative pain in children is often inadequately treated, and emergence agitation is common. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether nalbuphine is suitable for perioperative eye pain and to analyse if it influences the occurrence of emergence delirium/agitation (EDA) in children undergoing ophthalmic surgery in general anaesthesia.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of 50 children in preschool age undergoing general anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery receiving nalbuphine as a postoperative analgesic in a German university hospital from June 2020 to February 2021.Scores and values for pain and EDA were routinely recorded after awakening and during the stay in the recovery room. Data were evaluated retrospectively from the medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 50 children (17 girls and 33 boys) underwent general anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery. The median age of the children included was 20.5 months (range, 1-68 months), the median body weight was 12.25 kg (range, 2.9-29 kg). All patients received ibuprofen (10 mg/kg1) during induction of anaesthesia and nalbuphine (0.1 mg/kg) at the end of surgery. All patients had an Paediatric-Anaesthesia-Emergence-Delirium-I-score (PAED-ED-I Score) of less than 6 and acceptable Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability-scores (FLACC less than 3) on waking and on leaving the recovery room.

CONCLUSION

Nalbuphine shows a sufficient analgesic effect for pain therapy following ophthalmic surgery in preschool children. Nalbuphine seems to reduce the incidence of EDA in children undergoing ophthalmic surgery.

[Safe and Appropriate Pharmacotherapy in Paediatric Anaesthesia]

Safe and appropriate pharmacotherapy in children requires knowledge of age-group-specific features regarding pharmacology and drug dosing. In addition, aspects of medication safety must be considered. This review highlights basic principles and discusses key facts; further research in paediatric databases is recommended (www.kinderformularium.de).

The effects of dexmedetomidine and tramadol on post-operative pain and agitation, and extubation quality in paediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery: A randomized trial

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Adenotonsillectomies are common surgical procedures performed under general anaesthesia in childhood. Post-operative pain and agitation are complications associated with this procedure. We compared the effects of dexmedetomidine and tramadol on post-operative pain, agitation, haemodynamic parameters, and extubation quality in patients undergoing an adenotonsillectomy using sevoflurane as an anaesthetic agent.

METHODS

Sixty paediatric patients who had undergone an adenotonsillectomy were included in this study. The patients were randomized into two groups that received either dexmedetomidine (n = 30) or tramadol (n = 30). Haemodynamic variables, extubation time, post-operative pain, agitation and adverse events were recorded for all patients. Post-operative pain was assessed with the pain point system scale (PPSS), and agitation was assessed using the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS).

RESULTS

Patients in the dexmedetomidine group had significantly lower heart rates than the tramadol group. In addition, patients in the dexmedetomidine group had significantly lower post-operative PPSS and Riker SAS scores than patients in the tramadol group. Not breathing, cough-bucking and desaturation after extubation occurred less frequently in patients who received dexmedetomidine than in patients who received tramadol. However, the time to extubation was significantly longer for patients who received dexmedetomidine.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that dexmedetomidine was more effective than tramadol for mitigating post-operative pain and agitation in paediatric patients following an adenotonsillectomy with sevoflurane. Although dexmedetomidine was associated with a longer time to extubation, it was also associated with fewer complications following extubation compared with tramadol.

Dexmedetomidine as Bolus or Low-dose Infusion for the Prevention of Emergence Agitation with Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients

Background

This study was designed to compare the prevention of emergence agitation (EA) of sevoflurane anesthesia by an intraoperative bolus or low-dose infusion of dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.

Materials and Methods

Forty-eight patients, aged 2-12 years, undergoing lower abdominal surgeries with sevoflurane anesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous bolus over 10 min. 0.4 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (Group I, n = 24) or low-dose infusion 0.4 μg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine (Group II, n = 24) after intubation. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were recorded before induction, at induction and every 5 min after induction. Observational pain scores (OPS), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scores, and Ramsay sedation scores (RSS) were recorded on arrival to the postanesthesia care unit and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 min thereafter. Extubation time, emergence time, and time to reach Aldrete score ≥9 were recorded.

Results

OPS and PAED scores and percentage of patients with OPS ≥4 or PAED scale ≥10 were significantly higher in Group II as compared to Group I. RSS score, extubation time, emergence time, and time to reach Aldrete score ≥9 did not show any significant difference.

Conclusion

Both bolus or low-dose infusion of dexmedetomidine was effective for the prevention of EA with sevoflurane anesthesia, but bolus dose of dexmedetomidine was more effective.

Photoaffinity Ligand for the Inhalational Anesthetic Sevoflurane Allows Mechanistic Insight into Potassium Channel Modulation

Sevoflurane is a commonly used inhaled general anesthetic. Despite this, its mechanism of action remains largely elusive. Compared to other anesthetics, sevoflurane exhibits distinct functional activity. In particular, sevoflurane is a positive modulator of voltage-gated Shaker-related potassium channels (K_v1.x), which are key regulators of action potentials. Here, we report the synthesis and validation of azisevoflurane, a photoaffinity ligand for the direct identification of sevoflurane binding sites in the K_v1.2 channel. Azisevoflurane retains major sevoflurane protein binding interactions and pharmacological properties within in vivo models. Photoactivation of azisevoflurane induces adduction to amino acid residues that accurately reported sevoflurane protein binding sites in model proteins. Pharmacologically relevant concentrations of azisevoflurane analogously potentiated wild-type K_v1.2 and the established mutant K_v1.2 G329T. In wild-type K_v1.2 channels, azisevoflurane photolabeled Leu317 within the internal S4-S5 linker, a vital helix that couples the voltage sensor to the pore region. A residue lining the same binding cavity was photolabeled by azisevoflurane and protected by sevoflurane in the K_v1.2 G329T. Mutagenesis of Leu317 in WT K_v1.2 abolished sevoflurane voltage-dependent positive modulation. Azisevoflurane additionally photolabeled a second distinct site at Thr384 near the external selectivity filter in the K_v1.2 G329T mutant. The identified sevoflurane binding sites are located in critical regions involved in gating of K_v channels and related ion channels. Azisevoflurane has thus emerged as a new tool to discover inhaled anesthetic targets and binding sites and investigate contributions of these targets to general anesthesia.

Tramadol vs dexmedetomidine for emergence agitation control in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy with sevoflurane anesthesia: prospective randomized controlled clinical study

Background

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of an intraoperative single dose administration of tramadol and dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics and postoperative recovery profile including pain, sedation, emerge reactions in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy with sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

Seventy-seven patient, aged 2–12, undergoing adenotonsillectomy with sevoflurane anesthesia was enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous 2 mg/kg tramadol (Group T; n = 39) or 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (Group D; n = 38) after intubation. Heart rates (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before induction, at induction and every 5 min after induction. Observational pain scores (OPS), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scores, percentage of patients with OPS ≥ 4 or PAED scale items 4 or 5 with an intensity of 3 or 4, and Ramsay sedation scores (RSS) were recorded on arrival to the postoperative care unit (PACU) and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 min. Extubation time and time to reach Alderete score > 9 were recorded.

Results

Dexmedetomidine significantly decreased the HR and MAP 10 and 15 min after induction; increased the RSS 15, 30 and 45 min after arrival to PACU. OPS and PAED scores and percentage of patients with OPS ≥ 4 or PAED scale items 4 or 5 with an intensity of 3 or 4 in both groups did not show any significant difference. Extubation time and time to have Alderete score > 9 was significantly longer in Group D.

Conclusion

Both tramadol and dexmedetomidine were effective for controlling pain and emergence agitation. When compared with tramadol intraoperative hypotension, bradycardia and prolonged sedation were problems related with dexmedetomidine administration.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered, registration number: ISRCTN89326952 registration date: 14.07.2016

Clinical effects of sevoflurane anesthesia induction with a portable inhalational anesthetic circuit in pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric anesthesia induction with sevoflurane usually needs a special vaporizer and gas source, which limits its use to the operating room (OR). Many children feel anxious and cry when entering the OR because of being separated from their parents, which impairs anesthesia safety and their physical and mental health. In this study, we used a portable circuit to perform sevoflurane anesthesia induction outside the OR, assessed its effects and compared them with those of ketamine anesthesia in pediatric patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred children had anesthesia induced with either sevoflurane (sevoflurane group) through the portable inhalational anesthetic circuit, or ketamine by intramuscular injection (ketamine group), then were transferred to the OR. Peak inspired concentration (Cp) and steady state concentration (Cs) of sevoflurane were measured. Heart rate (HR) and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) were monitored. Time for anesthesia induction, awakening, leaving the OR and duration of the operation were recorded. The patients' reaction during anesthesia was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The Cp and Cs of sevoflurane were correlated with bodyweight. Compared with the ketamine group, the sevoflurane group showed shorter time for anesthesia induction (28 ±7 s vs. 195 ±34 s, p < 0.0001), awakening (11.2 ±3.6 s vs. 63.5 ±6.7 s, p < 0.0001) and leaving the OR (20.5 ±5.6 s vs. 43.4 ±10.6, p < 0.0001), less noncooperation during anesthesia induction (10% vs. 80%, p < 0.0001), lower HR (130 ±16 beats/min vs. 143 ±19 beats/min, p = 0.0004) and higher SpO2 (98.9 ±0.9% vs. 96.1 ±2.5%, p < 0.0001) on arrival at the OR.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric anesthesia induction by sevoflurane with the portable inhalational anesthetic circuit is convenient, safe and effective outside the OR.

Early and late operation of cleft lip and intelligence quotient and psychosocial development in 3-7 years

BACKGROUND

Early and late operations of the cleft lip represent exposure to general anesthesia during the first year of life. The early exposure to the anesthetics may influence long term neurological outcome. Timing of the operation may also influence the quality of life as babies with early repair might be accepted better by their families.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to compare outcomes between two groups of patients operated on for the cleft lip in the first year of life.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Early repair group included patients operated on in the first eight days of life and late repair group those operated on between 3 and 10 months.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Intelligence quotient (IQ) and psychosocial development of children who were operated on for cleft lip were compared at the age of 3-7 years.

RESULTS

No differences were found between early (n=15) and late (n=17) repair group in terms of IQ. In both IQ was within the normal range: 100.00 (SD 13.867), 98.76 (SD 10.109), respectively. Significantly better results in physical functioning (P=0.042) and self-esteem (P=0.014) concepts in early repair group were found.

CONCLUSIONS

We compared outcomes of two groups of patients operated on for cleft lip in the first year of life. The earlier anesthesia did not show a negative impact on intelligence quotient in 3-7 years compared to later anesthesia. The earlier repair of the cleft lip showed a significant positive impact on psychosocial development in 2 out of 13 concepts tested.

Preoperative anxiety management, emergence delirium, and postoperative behavior

Preoperative anxiolysis is important for children scheduled for surgery. The nature of the anxiety depends on several factors, including age, temperament, past hospitalizations, and socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. A panoply of interventions effect anxiolysis, including parental presence, distraction, and premedication, although no single strategy is effective for all ages. Emergence delirium (ED) occurs after the use of sevoflurane and desflurane in preschool-aged children in the recovery room. Symptoms usually last approximately 15 minutes and resolve spontaneously. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale is used to diagnose ED and evaluate therapeutic interventions for ED such as propofol and opioids.

Propofol-remifentanil or sevoflurane for children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging? A randomised study

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of children is generally performed under sedation or with general anaesthesia (GA), but the ideal regimen has not been found. The aim of this study was to see if propofol-remifentanil would be a suitable alternative for the maintenance of anaesthesia in this category of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Children aged 1-10 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-2 were included. After induction with thiopental or sevoflurane, the children were randomised to maintenance of anaesthesia with an infusion of propofol and remifentanil (group PR) (56 μg/kg/min of propofol and 0.06 μg/kg/min of remifentanil) or with sevoflurane 1.3 MAC (group S). A binasal catheter was placed in group PR and a laryngeal mask airway in group S. The children breathed spontaneously. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score (primary end point), the number of movements during MRI, and the length of stay in the recovery room (secondary endpoints) were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty children were included in each group. A lower level of emergence delirium (measured as a lower PAED score) was found in group PR compared with group S, and the children in group PR were discharged earlier from the recovery room than the children in group S. However, 15 children in group PR vs. 0 in group S moved during the scan (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The PR infusion ensured a satisfactory stay in the recovery room, but additional boluses were necessary during the MRI. Sevoflurane was reliable during the MRI, but emergence delirium was a concern.

How should we monitor pediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy? -A case report-

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a hereditary disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and contracture, and special care during anesthesia is needed in these patients. Because inhalational anesthetics and succinylcholine can cause fatal results, intravenous anesthetics are commonly used. However, monitorings for the pediatric population are not otherwise specified. We report our experience of a 6 year-old boy that underwent muscle biopsy suspicious of muscle dystrophy under general anesthesia. The patient received midazolam, fentanyl, propofol and a small dose of rocuronium. He was monitored with bispectral index (BIS), acceleromyography (TOF). At the end of surgery, recovery of TOF ratio to 90% was evaluated, followed by injection of pyridostigmine and glycopyrrolate. When reversal of neuromuscular block was confirmed quantitatively and clinically, the patient was extubated and he experienced no complication.

Comparison of effective inspired concentration of sevoflurane in preterm infants with different postconceptual ages

OBJECTIVE

Screening examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is stressful and painful to the neonate. Sevoflurane has been used successfully in anesthesia for full-term and premature neonates and has been recently used for pediatric outpatient procedures. In this study, we examined the effective inspired concentration of sevoflurane to prevent movement in response to stimulation of examination in 50% of patients (EIC50) of sevoflurane, as well as the response of sevoflurane to age in the preterm outpatients undergoing fundus examination.

METHODS

Preterm pediatric outpatients at different postconceptual ages (duration from the mother's last menstrual period to the date when the examination for ROP was performed) with <44 weeks (group A) and 44-64 weeks (group B) undergoing fundus examination were included. SpO(2) and ECG were monitored in operation room. In the process of anesthetic induction, the oxygen flow rates were 3 l·min(-1), and subjects spontaneously breathed 6% sevoflurane by mask. The time to loss of movement was recorded as induction time. Six percent sevoflurane was inhaled continuously for the same duration, and then the inspired concentration of sevoflurane was adjusted to maintenance concentration. When no movement or crying was observed, the speculums were used to keep the eyelids open, and then the eye examinations were performed by the same ophthalmologist. During induction time and maintenance time, the occurrence of coughing, clenching, gross purposeful movement, breath holding or desaturation to SpO(2) < 95% was recorded. After completion of the procedure, patients were observed in the same room until spontaneous eye opening or verbalization occurred. Up and down method was used to determine subsequent maintenance concentration in each group. The initial maintenance concentration was 3%. The gradient of increase or decrease was 0.5%. If the preceding subject had not moved, the sevoflurane concentration was decreased by 0.5%; if the preceding subject had moved, the concentration was increased by 0.5%. When at least six independent alternations from no-movement to movement were observed, test was terminated.

RESULTS

Twenty-four pediatric outpatients completed the investigation in group A. The effective inspired concentration prevented movement in response to stimulation of examination in 50% of patients (EIC50) of sevoflurane was 2.5% in group A. Twenty-seven patients completed the investigation and EIC50 values of sevoflurane were 3.0% in group B. The induction time in group A was significantly lower than that in group B. The gestational ages, anesthesia time, and awake time were similar in two groups.

CONCLUSION

Anesthesia with inhaled sevoflurane by a face mask can be accomplished in preterm outpatients undergoing fundus examination without intubation and i.v. accession. The EIC50 is lower, and the induction time is shorter in smaller aged patients compared with those in older ones.

A comparison of emergence delirium scales following general anesthesia in children

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (ED) is of increasing interest since the introduction of short-acting volatiles such as sevoflurane.

METHODS

We compared the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED), Watcha and Cravero scales for assessing the presence of ED in 117 of 118 consecutive children <18 years recovering from general anesthesia. The primary measure was the worst score for ED as assessed on each scale and for each patient during their PACU stay. An experienced anesthetist observer also made a subjective assessment of the presence of ED.

RESULTS

A PAED score of > or =10 detected ED in 37 children (32%), while the Watcha detected 30 (26%) and Cravero 41 (35%). Twenty-five patients (21%) fulfilled criteria for ED in all three scales as did all eight patients assessed by the experienced pediatric anesthetist observer. Median PAED scores (interquartile ranges) for patients assessed as having ED or not respectively were for Watcha, 12 (11,14), 7 (4,8); for Cravero, 11 (9,13), 7 (4,8); and for the experienced anesthetist observer, 14.5 (13.5,16.5), 7 (6,10).

CONCLUSIONS

All three scales correlated reasonably well with each other but have individual limitations in their potential to assess whether ED is present. In the absence of developing an improved research tool to assess ED, a PAED score >12 appears to provide greater sensitivity and specificity than a PAED score > or =10. However, the Watcha scale is a simpler tool to use in clinical practice and may have a higher overall sensitivity and specificity than the other scales.

Effects of Clonidine on Recovery after Sevoflurane Anaesthesia in Children Undergoing Cataract Surgery

This trial assessed the effects of two doses of clonidine compared with placebo on the quality and speed of recovery in children premedicated with oral midazolam and anaesthetised with sevoflurane for cataract surgery.

One hundred and twenty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II children (aged one to six years), premedicated with oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg and undergoing elective unilateral cataract surgery with sevoflurane anaesthesia were studied. Children were randomised to intravenous clonidine 1 μg/kg (group C1, n=39), 2 μg/kg (group C2, n=41) or normal saline (group NS, n=40). Clinically successful sub-Tenon local anaesthesia block was required for a patient to be included in the analysis.

The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative agitation. Postoperative agitation was defined as a Pain Discomfort Score of ≥3 using items 3 to 5 only, which was assessed 15 minutely until discharge. Agitation was observed in 11/40 (27.5%) children in the NS group compared to 2/39 (5.1%) in group C1 and none in group C2 (P <0.001). Rescue medication to treat severe agitation was required in 5/40 (12.5%) in the NS group, 1/39 (2.6%) in group C1 and none in group C2 (P=0.025). Time to meet discharge criteria was significantly shorter in group C1 compared to the other two groups (48.4±14.0 minutes compared to C2 79.5±12.8 minutes and NS 73.1±20.4 minutes, P <0.001). There were no significant effects on blood pressure and heart rate.

Intravenous clonidine 1 μg/kg is effective for reducing agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia and midazolam premedication in children undergoing cataract surgery. Intravenous clonidine 2 μg/kg was also effective and for a longer period, but was associated with a longer time to discharge.

Children's vomiting following posterior fossa surgery: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting is a problem for children after neurosurgery and those requiring posterior fossa procedures appear to have a high incidence. This clinical observation has not been quantified nor have risk factors unique to this group of children been elucidated.

METHODS

A six year retrospective chart audit at two Canadian children's hospitals was conducted. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was extracted. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify risk and protective factors at 120 hours after surgery and early vs. late vomiting.

RESULTS

The incidence of vomiting over a ten day postoperative period was 76.7%. Documented vomiting ranged from single events to greater than 20 over the same period. In the final multivariable model: adolescents (age 12 to <17) were less likely to vomit by 120 hours after surgery than other age groups; those who received desflurane, when compared to all other volatile anesthetics, were more likely to vomit, yet the use of ondansetron with desflurane decre kelihood. Children who had intraoperative ondansetron were more likely to vomit in the final multivariable model (perhaps because of its use, in the clinical judgment of the anesthesiologist, for children considered at risk). Children who started vomiting in the first 24 hours were more likely to be school age (groups 4 to <7 and 7 to <12) and receive desflurane. Nausea was not well documented and was therefore not analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of vomiting in children after posterior fossa surgery is sufficient to consider all children requiring these procedures to be at high risk for POV. Nausea requires better assessment and documentation.

The Effects of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl on Emergence Characteristics after Adenoidectomy in Children

This randomised controlled study evaluated the effects of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine on emergence characteristics of children having adenoidectomy and anaesthetised with sevoflurane.

Ninety children, two to seven years of age and ASA physical status I, were studied. Children were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 30 children, with the study intervention injection given intravenously after intubation. Children in Group F received fentanyl 2.5 μg.kg−1 children in Group D received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg.kg−1 and children in Group C received saline solution. Anaesthesia was induced with 50% N2O and 8% sevoflurane in O2 by mask and atracurium 0.6 mg.kg−1 was administered for tracheal intubation. All children received paracetamol 40 mg/kg rectally one hour preoperatively and dexamethasone 0.5 mg.kg−1 intravenously.

The time to extubation was shorter in Group D than Group F. The eye-opening time was longer in Group F (16.1∓5.3 minutes) than in Groups C (12.0∓4.2 minutes) and D (12.7∓3.2 minutes). The proportion of pain-free children in early recovery was significantly higher in Groups D (47%) and F (43%) than Group C (13%) (P <0.05). The proportion of children with agitation scores >3 was lower in Groups D 17% (5/30) and F 13% (4130) than in Group C 47% (14/30) (P <0.05). Fentanyl 2.5 μg.kg−1 and dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg.kg−1 had similar haemodynamic effects and emergence characteristics. Fentanyl has been safely used in children for many years. Further studies of dexmedetomidine safety and its interaction with other anaesthetic agents are required before recommending its routine use during general anaesthesia in children.

Target-controlled inhalation induction with sevoflurane in children: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Target-controlled inhalation induction (TCII) with sevoflurane is becoming possible with new anesthesia platforms. Although TCII has already been performed in adults, it remains to be evaluated in children.

METHODS

In a prospective study, we compared TCII using the Felix AInOC anesthetic station (Taema, Anthony, France) to our standard protocol inhalation induction in children scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. After preoxygenation, sevoflurane induction was performed in both groups without priming of the circuit. Sufentanil was administered after venous line placement.

RESULTS

In the TCII group, no overdosage or underdosage was observed except in two children where TCII failed owing to high agitation, and the number of adjustments was lower compared with our standard protocol inhalation induction (1(1-2.5[0-5]) vs 6(5-6[4-10]) respectively). Moreover, the delay to obtain target end-tidal sevoflurane concentration was shorter in the TCII group (2(1.6-2.7[1.3-4]) min vs 3.4(2.5-3.8[2.3-6.5]) min respectively). No significant difference in the delay of loss of consciousness or in the conditions for intubation or laryngeal mask placement was observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The Felix AInOC allows TCII to be performed satisfactorily in children. Manual inhalation induction induced a higher number of adjustments and overdosages.

Neuromuscular and mitochondrial disorders: what is relevant to the anaesthesiologist?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review provides an up-to-date information to the anaesthesiologist about the more frequent and important neuromuscular disorders for which new basic insights or clinical implications have been reported.

RECENT FINDINGS

The findings include the mechanisms of the hyperkalemia after succinylcholine in patients with upregulation of acetylcholine receptors. New insights into the mechanism of malignant hyperthermia-like reactions such as rhabdomyolysis during anaesthesia in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have been published. The importance of mitochondrial defects and the effect of agents used in anaesthesia on mitochondrial function are also highlighted.

SUMMARY

The increased understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of common muscle disorders may lead to a decrease in life-threatening complications related to surgery and anaesthesia. However, there is still a lack of prospective clinical studies to determine which is the safest anaesthetic technique for these patients.