Evidence for the Use of Ultrasound Imaging in Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Studies in the current review provide stronger evidence and have addressed a number of outcomes that were previously inconsistent or lacked strength in evidence. In the current systematic review, we identified more studies in a shorter period compared with the previous review, and these studies contain higher levels of evidence compared with what we previously found. Randomized controlled trials and well-designed prospective observational studies have replaced case series. Stronger evidence from the literature suggests that ultrasound-guided peripheral blocks decrease block performance time when compared with nerve stimulation (but take longer than the landmark technique), increase block success, and increase block quality (as measured by analgesic consumption, block duration, and pain scores). Ultrasound guidance in neuraxial blocks improves needling time, predicts epidural depth, allows visualization of the catheter and local anesthetic spread, and improves block quality. Furthermore, we identified 2 large-scale prospective studies describing the incidence of adverse events and complications in pediatric regional anesthesia. The increase in evidence presented in this review reflects the efficacy and prevalent use of ultrasound imaging in pediatric regional anesthesia.