颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果。方法对44例多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者行前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定术,比较术前和术后3 d、6个月、末次随访的JOA评分、颈椎曲度及椎间高度。结果手术时间4.2~5.5(4.59±0.37)h;术中出血量320~1 100(608.5±115.4)ml。患者均获得随访,时间6~24个月。术后3 d、6个月及末次随访的JOA评分、平均恢复率、颈椎曲度、椎间高度较术前均显著提高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访与术后6个月比较,JOA评分、平均恢复率、颈椎曲度、椎间高度差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访神经功能疗效无效例数明显低于术后6个月,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病可恢复和改善神经功能、颈椎曲度。     

颈椎前路减压cage与zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定治疗单节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效比较

目的比较颈椎前路减压cage椎间植骨融合钛板内固定与zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定治疗单节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效及并发症情况。方法纳入自2013-06—2015-06诊治的110例单节段脊髓型颈椎病,采用颈椎前路减压cage椎间植骨融合钛板内固定治疗55例(cage组),采用颈椎前路减压zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定治疗55例(zero-p组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间,术后12个月JOA评分、NDI指数、颈椎曲度、颈椎节段高度及植骨融合率,术后1周、3个月吞咽困难发生例数。结果所有患者均获得(22.78±3.10)个月随访。2组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组术后12个月JOA评分、NDI指数、颈椎曲度、颈椎节段高度、植骨融合率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。zero-p组术后1周、3个月吞咽困难发生例数少于cage组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论颈椎前路减压cage椎间植骨融合钛板内固定与zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定治疗单节段脊髓型颈椎病均可取得满意的临床疗效,但zero-p椎间植骨融合内固定术后吞咽困难发生的风险明显较低,其安全性更符合临床需要。     

自体棘突椎间植骨在颈椎一期后前路联合手术中的应用

目的探讨一期后前路手术治疗钳夹型脊髓型颈椎病,后路切除的棘突在颈椎前路手术中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析采用一期后路单开门椎管成形术、前路椎间盘切除、椎间自体棘突植骨、钛板内固定术治疗钳夹型脊髓型颈椎病57例,随访分析术前和术后神经功能JOA评分,影像学测量患者C6、C7棘突的长、宽、高及植入后椎间高度的变化情况。结果影像学测量C6、C7棘突的大小符合椎间植骨块的要求,随访1年~6年,平均32个月,JOA评分由术前(7.6±2.8)分提升至(14.7±1.6)分,JOA评分改善率75.5%。随访X线片显示75个节段全部获得椎间融合,椎间高度有不同程度的恢复,随访无椎间高度丢失,未见植骨块塌陷移位或脱入椎管,无钛板、螺钉松动及再"关门"现象。结论颈椎一期后前路手术中,自体棘突可为前路椎间融合的理想植入物,避免取髂骨的并发症,减少了手术创伤。     

颈前路减压cage融合术与自体髂骨块植骨钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效

目的:观察颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期临床疗效。方法:2001年1月～2006年4月128例脊髓型颈椎病患者按照手术方式分为A、B两组,A组61例患者采用前路减压单纯PEEK cage植骨融合术治疗,其中病变节段与手术节段均为单节段22例,双节段39例;B组67例采用颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术,其中单节段27例,双节段40例。观察手术前后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度情况。结果:A组手术时间为58.1±1.4min,术中出血量为42.4±2.0ml,B组分别为72.0±5.3min、82.7±3.9ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组23例(39.3%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,2例cage塌陷、移位;B组49例(73.1%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,5例髂骨供区痛,2例钉板松动。每组患者术后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度均较术前明显改善(P<0.05),A、B组术后JOA评分改善率分别为(82.30±6.61)%和(83.80±4.42)%,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访24～60个月,平均36个月,末次随访时A、B组椎间融合率分别为95.2%和96.3%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);末次随访时每组JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前、术后和末次随访时JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效均较好,但前者手术方法简单、近期并发症少。     

颈前路短节段自体骨融合治疗颈椎病的前瞻性研究

目的探讨颈椎前路椎间短节段自体骨融合治疗颈椎病附加内固定的必要性。方法将81例需行颈前路短节段自体骨融合手术治疗的颈椎病患者随机分为单纯植骨及附加钛板内固定两组,随访55例患者,单纯植骨组23例,内固定组32例。随访时间(22±7)个月。采用JOA评分判定手术疗效, X线片判定融合效果、椎间高度变化和颈椎生理曲度变化。结果JOA评分改善率单纯植骨组68%,内固定组58% (P>0 05)。植骨融合率单纯植骨组93% ( 27 /29 ),内固定组100%。椎间高度单纯植骨组下降(0 7±1 0)mm,内固定组增加( 1 2±0 6 )mm (P<0 01 )。颈椎生理曲度单纯植骨组术后较术前减少(0 5±3 2)°, 内固定组术后较术前增加(2 7±7 8)°(P>0 05)。结论颈椎前路椎间短节段自体骨融合附加内固定治疗颈椎病有一定意义。     

前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈椎前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的手术方法及疗效。方法 2003年12月至2008年12月采用前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者48例,男25例,女23例;3节段病变39例,4节段9例;术中采用1个椎体次全切除加1或2个椎间隙减压,同时行植骨融合钛板固定,术后定期复查颈椎正侧位及屈伸位X线片,观察植骨融合情况,采用JOA评分评价神经功能。结果手术时间70～220min,平均87min,术中出血量120～800 ml,平均210 ml。全部获得随访,术后随访12～60个月,平均26个月,所有病例均获骨性融合,融合时间3～9个月,平均6.2个月。术前JOA评分为（6.3±3.2）分,末次随访时JOA评分为（13.2±3.6）分,与术前比较有显著性差异（P〈0.01）,改善率为72.8%±16.2%,优良率为89.6%。结论颈椎前路分节段减压术是治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的一种可靠术式,可获得理想的植骨融合率及神经功能改善率。     

前路椎体次全切钛网植骨钢板内固定治疗颈椎病的疗效观察

[目的]探讨前路椎体次全切减压钛网植骨钛板内固定治疗颈椎病的临床方法和疗效.[方法]2002年1月～2008年7月,作者采用颈前路椎体次全切除减压、钛网植骨融合、钛板内固定术治疗颈椎病69例.观察手术前后的症状、体征,使用JOA法进行神经功能评定,摄颈椎正侧位X线片,测量椎间高度.[结果]69例均得到随访,除2例术后出现短暂神经根症状加重外,其他患者术后临床症状均有不同程度的改善.术后3个月和24个月随访JOA评分都较术前明显提高,X线片显示全部病例术后颈椎生理曲度得到明显恢复,在术后24个月时均获得植骨融合,且椎间高度均有较好的恢复和维持.未发生伤口感染、钛板断裂、螺钉松动以及钛网下沉或移位等并发症.[结论]钛网植骨在重建颈椎稳定、维持椎间高度和生理曲度、提高植骨融合率等方面具有优势,为颈前路植骨提供了一种选择.     

ACDF联合ACCF术中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈前路间盘切除减压融合术(Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion,ACDF)联合颈前路椎体次全切除减压融合术(Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion,ACCF)中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-04—2017-06采用ACDF联合ACCF治疗的46例3节段脊髓型颈椎病,术中联合运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体,比较术前与末次随访时的JOA评分、颈椎整体曲度、融合节段Cobb角、融合节段前柱高度。结果 46例均顺利完成手术并获得完整随访,随访时间36～48个月,平均42.1个月。46例切口均一期愈合,术后12个月均获得植骨融合。2例出现一过性吞咽困难,1例出现脑脊液漏,1例出现n-HA/PA66支撑体下沉,对症治疗后均治愈。末次随访时JOA评分较术前高,颈椎整体曲度、融合节段Cobb角、融合节段前柱高度较术前大,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时按JOA评分改善率评价疗效:优17例,良23例,可6例,优良率86.96%。结论 ACDF联合ACCF术中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病可有效恢复颈椎高度,改善并维持颈椎曲度,减少并发症的发生率。     

自锁式颈椎融合器ROI-C与前路钛板固定联合cage植骨融合治疗老年性脊髓型颈椎病的对比研究

目的：比较新型自锁式颈椎融合器ROI-C与钛板联合Cage植骨融合治疗老年性脊髓型颈椎病的安全性。方法：回顾性分析我院从2012年1月至2013年9月收治的58例脊髓型颈椎病患者,其中行颈椎前路减压ROI-C椎间融合的患者23例（ROI-C组）,行前路钛板内固定联合Cage椎间融合的患者35例（钛板组）,对比两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后复苏时间、术后住院时间,随访常规复查颈椎正侧位X片并观察有无感染、食道损伤破裂、植入物移位、松动、断裂、术后吞咽困难等并发症。结果： ROI-C组在手术时间、术中失血量、术后住院时间明显低于钛板组,其差异存在统计学意义（P ＜0.05）。术后平均随访14.1个月（12-22个月）,ROI-C组1例发生吞咽困难,钛板组9例发生吞咽困难,两组吞咽困难发生率差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.05）。两组均未见手术节段不稳。结论：治疗老年性脊髓型颈椎病,采用自锁式颈椎融合器ROI-C比前路钛板固定联合Cage植骨融合更具安全性。ROI-C较前路钛板联合Cage植骨融合在减少手术损伤、减少术中出血、缩短手术时间及术后住院时间、降低吞咽困难等术后并发症方面更具优势,值得临床加大推广应用。     

自锁式椎间融合器在一期后前路联合手术治疗脊髓型颈椎病中的应用(2年随访)

[目的]分析一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的疗效.[方法]2006年9月～ 2008年4月,采用一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术连续治疗脊髓型颈椎病52例;前路椎间减压单节段23例、双节段29例.记录患者术前及术后的JOA评分,在颈椎侧位X线片上测量椎间隙高度、椎间前凸角、颈椎前凸角的变化.[结果] 52例共随访24～40个月(平均30个月).52例患者在术后2周内均感到神经症状明显好转;没有发生手术相关并发症.术后6个月随访时,所有患者主诉四肢感觉、肌力、活动均较前明显改善,颈椎X线检查可见椎间已融合,椎间高度及生理曲度完好,无融合器移位、下沉、断裂发生.平均JOA评分由术前(7.3±0.5)分,提高到术后6个月(14.1±0.7)分,术后12个月(14.7±0.6)分,术后24个月(14.9±1.2)分;术后6个月随访时的JOA评分改善率:优21例,良25例,可6例,术后12个月及术后24个月时的JOA评分改善率与术后6个月无明显改变.[结论]采用一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术治疗脊髓型颈椎病能获得颈髓前后方的充分减压及满意的临床疗效,能获得满意的颈椎曲度、稳定性重建及椎间融合.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

Utilisation des médicaments prokinétiques en réanimation : indications et limites ?

Enteral feeding is often limited by gastric and intestinal motility disturbances in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with shock. So, promotility agents are frequently used to improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. This review summaries the pathophysiology, presents the available pharmacological strategies, the clinical data, the counter-indications and the principal limits. The clinical data are poor. No study demonstrates a positive effect on clinical outcomes. Metoclopramide and erythromycin seems to be the more effective. Considering the risk of antibiotic resistance, the first line use of erythromycin should be avoided in favor of metoclopramide.     

Anesthésie générale chez l’enfant : quid des pratiques en 2010 ?

Introduction

The practice of pediatric anesthesia requires a regular update of scientific knowledge and technical skills. To provide the most adequate Continuing Medical Education programs, it is necessary to assess the practices of pediatric anesthesiologists. Thus, the objective of this survey was to draw a picture of the current clinical practices of general anesthesia in children, in France.

Material and methods

One thousand one hundred and fifty questionnaires were given to anesthesiologists involved in pediatric cases. These questionnaires collected information on various aspects of clinical practice relative to induction, maintenance, recovery from general anaesthesia and also classical debated points such as children with Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), emergence agitation, epileptoid signs or anaesthetic management of adenoidectomy. Differences in practices between CHG (general hospital), CHU (teaching hospital), LIBERAL (private) and PSPH (semi-private) hospitals were investigated.

Results

There were 1025 questionnaires completed. Fifty-five percent of responders worked in public hospitals (CHG and CHU); 77% had a practice that was 25% or less of pediatric cases. In children from 3 to 10 years: 72% of respondents used always premedication and two thirds performed inhalation induction in more than 50% of cases. For induction, 53% used sevoflurane (SEVO) at 7 or 8%. Respondents from LIBERAL used higher SEVO concentrations. Tracheal intubation was performed with SEVO alone (37%), SEVO and propofol (55%) and SEVO with myorelaxant (8%), 93% of respondents used a bolus of opioid. For maintenance, the majority of respondents used SEVO associated with sufentanil; desflurane and remifentanil were more frequently used in CHU. Two thirds of respondents used N₂O. Depth of anesthesia was commonly assessed by hemodynamic changes (52%), end tidal concentration of halogenated (38%) or automated devices based on EEG (7%). In children with URI, 98% of respondents used SEVO for anesthesia. To control the airway 42% used a tracheal tube, 30% a laryngeal mask and 20% a facial mask. Emergence agitation was an important concern for two thirds of respondents, while epileptoid signs were considered as important by only 20%. Eighty-nine percent of respondents practiced anesthesia for adenoidectomy. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of SEVO 7–8% (41%), 6% (39%) or 4% (12%), 66% put an intravenous line (less frequently in LIBERAL). 67% of the responders managed adenoidectomy without any device to control the airway (more frequently in LIBERAL), 32% administrated a bolus of opioid (less frequently in LIBERAL).

Discussion

This survey demonstrated that the practices regarding general anesthesia in children are relatively homogenous. Most of the differences appeared between LIBERAL and the others structures; the anaesthetic management for adenoidectomy illustrates these findings.