Eastern Ontario Pain Scale Scores Research Articles

Virtual reality vs. Tablet video for venipuncture education in children: A randomized clinical trial.

Pediatric patients usually experience high levels of pain and distress due to venipuncture. This randomised study aimed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality-based preprocedural education in comparison with video-based education in terms of pain and distress experienced by children scheduled to undergo venipuncture. Ninety children aged 4-8 years who were scheduled to undergo venipuncture surgery were randomly assigned to either a video or virtual reality group. Children in the video group received preprocedural education on venipuncture via a video displayed on a tablet and those in the virtual reality group received the same education via a head-mounted virtual reality display unit. The educational content for the two groups was identical. An independent assessor blinded to the group assignment observed the children's behavior and determined their Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores, parental satisfaction score, procedure-related outcomes, venipuncture time, number of repeated procedures and difficulty score for the procedure. The virtual reality group experienced less pain and distress, as indicated by their Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores compared with the video group (5.0 [5.0-8.0] vs. 7.0 [5.0-9.0], P = 0.027). There were no significant intergroup differences in parental satisfaction scores or procedure-related outcomes. For pediatric patients scheduled to undergo venipuncture, preprocedural education via a head-mounted display for immersive virtual reality was more effective compared with video-based education via a tablet in terms of reducing pain and distress.

The effect of listening to music and foot reflexology on nausea, pain and anxiety in children during perioperative period: A randomized controlled study

AimThe purpose of this research was to examine the effects of listening to music and foot reflexology during the perioperative period on nausea, pain and anxiety in children aged 7–12 years. Material and methodThe sample for the randomized controlled experimental study included children who underwent outpatient surgery in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Research data were collected. A total of 99 children were included in the study with 33 in the music group, 33 in the foot reflexology group, and 33 in the control group. ResultsIn the preoperative and postoperative periods, Children's Perioperative Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (CPMAS) scores for the music listening and reflexology groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In the postoperative period, the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) scores for the reflexology and music listening groups after the application were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Postoperative Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scores were found to be significantly lower in children who listened to music compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores for children in the control group were found to be significantly higher in the postoperative period than for children in the music and reflexology groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionsAs a result, listening to music and reflexology during the perioperative period were effective in reducing anxiety, pain and nausea in children. Practice implicationsIn the perioperative period, listening to music and reflexology for children can be recommended as non-pharmacological nursing interventions with low cost and easy implementation.

Effect of addition of different additives: Magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone versus plain bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in pediatrics undergoing repair of inguinal hernia

ABSTRACT Background Erector spinae plane (ESP) block has been evaluated in many studies in pediatric surgeries by the use of postoperative rescue analgesia which is the objective parameter assessing the efficacy of the technique in controlling postoperative pain. Adjuvants were used with ESP block to densify its postoperative analgesia. Magnesium sulfate was used for suppressing somatic, endocrine and autonomic reflexes induced by noxious stimuli during surgery. Dexamethasone is a highly potent glucocorticoid that has been used in different regional anesthesia to prolong the anesthetic effect of the local anesthesia by inducing local vasoconstriction. Methodology Sixty pediatric patients underwent inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia, and then they were assigned randomly into three groups that received ESP block either with local anesthetic alone or with magnesium sulfate or dexamethasone. Results Our study revealed no statistical significance among the three groups as regards demographic and vital data. Children’s Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score for postoperative assessment of magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone which were added to bupivacaine in ESP block had a better score than bupivacaine alone with high statistical significance. Also, magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone had a delayed first-dose postoperative rescue analgesia with significant statistical value (P value = 0.002) and total postoperative doses of postoperative rescue analgesia were lesser in magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone groups with marked statistical significance (P value < 0.001). As regards complications, there were minor ones in the form of mild bruising and mild pain at injection site with no statistical significance between the three groups (P value = 0.108). Conclusion In our study, magnesium sulfate and dexamethasone added to bupivacaine in ESP block prolonged the duration of postoperative pain control and decreased the consumption of postoperative analgesia than bupivacaine alone. No major complications were recorded in our study in the three groups which solidify the safety of the technique.

TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL SUCROSE SOLUTION ON PAIN PERCEPTION AMONG INFANTS RECEIVING IMMUNIZATION IN SELECTED PEDIATRIC UNITS AT INDORE.

Background: Although the analgesic effect of sucrose on new- borns is well established, little is known about whether these solutions are effective in reducing procedural pain in infants beyond the newborn period. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sucrose solution given orally on infant crying times and measure the distress in a 16–19-month age group. Methods: A total of 439 healthy infants and children receiving their regular vaccinations aged between 16 and 19 months attending the of the Department of Pediatrics were recruited and randomized for the study . Overall, 360 infants were analyzed. These infants were born at term, were of normal birth weight, were otherwise healthy, and were required only routine well-child care. Results: A total of 360 healthy, 16–19-month-old infants attending for their immunizations with intramuscular injection were randomized to receive 2 mL of a 75 % sucrose solution, a 25 % sucrose solution or sterile water 2 min before injections. Infants receiving a 75 % sucrose solution had significantly reduced total crying times and Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores (CHEOPS) compared with infants in the control and 25 % sucrose solution groups (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Sucrose solution reduces infant distress and is safe and clinically useful even for 16–19-month-old infants.

Comparison of Analgesic Effect of Dexmedetomidine versus Tramadol as Adjuvants to Caudal Ropivacaine in Infraumbilical Surgeries among Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Double Blind Interventional Study

Objective: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of 0.2% ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine (2 g/kg) and tramadol (2 mg/kg) among pediatric patients undergoing infra umbilical surgery.Material and Methods: This hospital based, randomized double blind interventional study included 60 pediatric patients, aged 1–7 years, having American Society of Anaesthesiology grade I and II, weighing 7-25 kg, and undergoing infraumbilical surgeries under general anesthesia. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either: 2 mcg/ kg of Dexmedetomidine or 2 mg/kg of Tramadol, as adjuvant to 0.2% of Ropivacaine. Pain intensity was assessed using the pediatric observational Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) score. Rescue analgesia was given, when the CHEOPS score was ≥6. Duration of analgesia was defined as: the time period between administrations of block until rescue analgesia was given. Level of sedation was assessed by the Ramsay sedation score.Results: Kaplan Meier analysis showed that the median time to first rescue analgesia (duration of analgesia) was significantly (p-value&lt;0.001) prolonged with Dexmedetomidine (780 minutes; 95% CI: 760.68–799.32 minutes) as compared to Tramadol (648 minutes; 95% CI: 635.92–660.38 minutes). Mean emergence time and duration of sedation were also significantly prolonged with Dexmedetomidine as compared to Tramadol.Conclusion: In pediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries, Dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to Ropivacaine provides an advantage of longer post-operative analgesia and lack of opioid related adverse events associated with Tramadol.

Ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block versus transversus abdominis plane block for analgesia in children with hip dislocation: A double-blind, randomized trial.

Lumbar plexus block is often used as analgesia for adult hip surgery, but it is rarely used in pediatric patients. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and feasibility of ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in children with hip dislocation. Eighty children undergoing unilateral hip dislocation surgeries at our hospital from October 2019 to February 2021 were randomized to the lumbar plexus block group (group L) and transversus abdominis plane block group (group T). Compared with group L, the regional block time in group T was lower (8.0 ± 2.5 vs 11.5 ± 2.3 min, P < 0.05), and the ultrasound image definition was better (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean blood pressure and heart rate within 24 h (all P > 0.05). Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores were lower in group L than in group T at 18-24 h only (all P < 0.05). The satisfying analgesia rate in group L was higher than in group T (87.5 vs 65%, P < 0.05). No regional block-related complications were found in both groups. Ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block showed a longer postoperative analgesic effect in children with hip dislocation compared with transversus abdominis plane block.

Effect of Cryotherapy plus Flurbiprofen Axetil for Pain Management in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy.

Objective To investigate the effect of cryotherapy using ice pops for physical analgesia and preventive analgesia using flurbiprofen axetil for pain management in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods A total of 120 children scheduled for tonsillectomy were recruited after assessment for eligibility and assigned to a control group (group C), flurbiprofen axetil group (group F), cryotherapy group (group I), and cryotherapy plus flurbiprofen axetil group (Group FI) via the random number table method. Groups F and FI were given 1 mg/kg of flurbiprofen axetil through intravenous injection 30 min before surgery, while group C received an equal amount of saline at the same time point. Groups I and FI received sweet ice pops for pain relief after recovery from anesthesia. The modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (mCHEOPS) scores and pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scores at 5 minutes (T1), 30 minutes (T2), 60 minutes (T3), 4 hours (T4), and 24 hours (T5) postoperatively, and the incidence of postoperative complications in the children were recorded by investigators who were masked to the grouping results. Results From T1 to T4, significantly lower mCHEOPS scores and PAED scores were observed in group F, group I, and group FI versus those in group C (P < 0.05). At T2, group FI showed significantly lower mCHEOPS scores and PAED scores versus groups F and I (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the mCHEOPS scores and PAED scores between the four groups at 24 h postoperatively (P > 0.05). The differences in the documented postoperative complications between the four groups did not come up to the statistical standard (P > 0.05). Conclusion Cryotherapy plus flurbiprofen axetil for pain management significantly mitigates post-tonsillectomy pain and delirium in children and facilitates recovery, with no significant adverse events.

Ultrasound-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block versus Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Penile Nerve Block for Pediatric Distal Hypospadias Surgery

Introduction: The primary aim of the study was to use the duration until the first postoperative analgesic requirement after two different block techniques to compare the analgesic effect. The secondary aims were to compare the two methods for postoperative Children’s Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores, complications, and parental satisfaction level. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted with male patients aged 1–7 years in the ASA I–II group, who were scheduled for hypospadias surgery between November 2019 and April 2020. Ultrasound (US)-guided pudendal nerve block (PNB) or US-guided dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) was administered under general anesthesia before the operation. Postoperative analgesic need, postoperative pain, complications, and parental satisfaction were noted. The STROBE checklist was followed for reporting. Results: The study was conducted with 30 patients in total, divided into 15 patients receiving PNB and 15 patients receiving DPNB. The effective minimum block duration was longer in the pudendal group at 22.22 ± 0.61 h than in the DPNB group at 22.19 ± 0.57 h. Additional analgesic was required in 4 subjects in the pudendal group and 5 in the DPNB group. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the variables between the two groups (p > 0.05). Discussion: US-guided DPNB and PNB were shown to provide successful postoperative analgesia and to have similar effectiveness in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias surgery in this first prospective study of its kind in the literature. Conclusions: US-guided DPNB and PNB have been demonstrated to provide effective, safe, and long-term postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients who have undergone hypospadias surgery. Parental satisfaction in both groups is positively influenced by the minimum postoperative analgesia requirement, the long-term analgesic effect, and the lack of any complications.

Improved postoperative recovery profile in pediatric oral rehabilitation with low-dose dexmedetomidine as an opioid substitute for general anesthesia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BackgroundLow-dose dexmedetomidine may be a suitable alternative to opioids for pediatric ambulatory procedures under general anesthesia (GA). However, the recovery profile remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of low-dose dexmedetomidine on the recovery profile of children.MethodsSeventy-two children undergoing ambulatory oral rehabilitation under GA were randomly and equally distributed into two groups (D and F). Group D received an infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg for 4 min for induction, followed by maintenance of 0.4 µg/kg/h. Group F received an infusion of fentanyl 1 µg/kg over 4 min for induction, followed by maintenance at 1 µg/kg/h. The primary outcome was the extubation time. The secondary outcomes were awakening time, end-tidal sevoflurane (ET-Sevo) requirement, change in hemodynamic parameters, Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale (RASS), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale (CHEOPS) score, length of PACU stay, and incidence of adverse events.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed in the recovery profile between the groups: the median time for extubation was 3.65 (3.44–6.2) vs. 6.25 (4.21–7) minutes in groups D vs. F (P = 0.001), respectively, while the corresponding awakening times were 19 (18.75–21) and 22.5 (22–24) minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean ET-Sevo was low in group D (1.1 vs. 1.2; P < 0.001). The heart rate was significantly low across all time points in group D, without resulting in bradycardia. The median RASS and CHEOPS scores were also significantly lower in group D. No significant differences were observed in the mean arterial pressure, incidence of adverse events, or length of PACU stay.ConclusionLow-dose dexmedetomidine was more effective than fentanyl as an opioid substitute at providing a better recovery profile in pediatric ambulatory oral rehabilitation under GA. Dexmedetomidine also significantly reduced sevoflurane consumption without causing adverse events or prolonging hospital stay.

A Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Analgesic Efficacy of Reduced Dose 0.2% Ropivacaine-Dexmedetomidine Combination Compared to Standard 0.375% Ropivacaine in USG Guided TAP Block for Paediatric Hernia Repair.

Paediatric pain management has remained understated practice over a period of time. Recently ultrasound-guided (USG) guided techniques are gaining popularity for perioperative analgesia, especially in the paediatric population. So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of reduced dose ropivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination compared to standard 0.375% ropivacaine in USG guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. Sixty children of either sex, aged 2-10 years, posted for elective open herniotomy under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group RD received 0.2% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine 1 mg kg 1 while group R received 0.375% ropivacaine at 0.5mL kg 1. Meantime to first rescue and total analgesics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) and Ramsay sedation score, haemodynamic parameters and adverse effects were noted. Time to first rescue analgesia in group RD and group R were 16.32 6 3.11 hours and 10.82 6 2.16 hours, respectively (P < .0001). Mean CHEOPS score were 4.48 6 1.1 and 6.3 6 1.74 (P < .024) in group RD and R. Post-op Ramsay sedation score was significantly greater in group RD. Heart rate and blood pressure remained similar in either of the group. No episode of respiratory depression, bradycardia or hypotension was noted perioperatively. Combination of 1 mg kg 1 dexmedetomidine with reduced concentration of ropivacaine (0.2%) produced significantly longer duration of post-operative analgesia and lowered post-operative CHEOPS pain score in comparison with 0.375% ropivacaine alone in USG guided TAP block for paediatric hernia repair.

Efficacy of Distraction for Reducing Pain and Distress Associated With Venipuncture in the Pediatric Posttransplant Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Distraction can reduce pain and distress associated with painful procedures but has never been studied in children with solid organ transplants. We aimed to determine whether there is a difference in pain and distress associated with venipuncture in pediatric posttransplant patients who receive distraction compared with those who do not. Randomized controlled trial of children aged 4 to 17 years with solid organ transplants undergoing venipuncture in the outpatient setting. Patients were randomized to receive distraction or no distraction. The primary outcome was the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. Secondary outcomes were the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised; Faces, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability; and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. Exploratory outcomes included the number of venipuncture attempts, time to successful venipuncture, and satisfaction of phlebotomists and parents. Median age of the 40 children enrolled was 11.5 years. Type of transplants included the heart (67.5%), kidney (22.5%), liver (7.5%), and more than 1 organ (2.5%). There was no difference between the Faces Pain Scale-Revised scores in distraction and no distraction groups (1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.9; and 1.3, 95% confidence interval, 0.5-2.1, respectively). There was also no difference in the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised; Faces, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability; and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores, number of venipuncture attempts, or time to successful venipuncture. Phlebotomists were more satisfied with the venipuncture when distraction was implemented. In children with solid organ transplants, there was no difference in pain and distress associated with venipuncture between those who did and did not receive distraction. There was also no difference in other procedure-related outcomes except for greater phlebotomist satisfaction when distraction was implemented.

The impact of skin prick testing on pain perception and anxiety in children and parents.

Skin prick testing (SPT) is a major diagnostic tool in patients with allergic symptoms. The testing process may involve pain, anxiety, and stress on children and parents. We aimed to measure the level of pain and anxiety before and after SPT in children and parents, and tried to identify predictive factors. The children underwent SPT and parents completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) S-Anxiety before and after SPT, T-Anxiety before SPT. The study nurse completed Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores (<5 years) or Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (VAS), (≥5 years) after the SPT, in order to quantify pain. A total of 523 children (5.3 [2.8-9.1] [median, interquartile range] years old, 59.5% male) were evaluated. Parent gender was a predominant factor for anxiety, as mothers had a higher pre-test STAI (S-Anxiety) score, STAI (T-Anxiety), and post-test STAI (S-Anxiety) score than fathers (p < 0.001). Pre-test STAI (S-Anxiety) scores of parents decreased with increasing age (for 0-<5 years, 5-<12 years, and ≥12 years; [p for trend = 0.016]). The children tested on the back had higher VAS scores compared with the ones tested on the forearm [2[0-4] vs 2[0-2], [p = 0.005]). Risk factors determining higher general anxiety STAI (T-Anxiety) scores above the median were female sex for the parent (OR = 1.68; 95% CI [1.10-2.57]; p = 0.017), and parent's education level being greater than or equal to high school level (OR = 1.83; 95% CI [1.27-2.64]; p = 0.001). SPT may cause anxiety and pain in a subgroup of children particularly in younger age, and if performed on the back. Anxiety levels were higher in mothers, and in parents with high education levels.

Effects of an individualized analgesia protocol on the need for medical interventions after adenotonsillectomy in children: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIt has been proposed that the dose of rescue opioids should be individually titrated to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy. However, a sleep study is not always available before adenotonsillectomy. This randomized, controlled and blinded trial evaluated a strategy of pain control individualized to the results of a fentanyl test, rather than the results of polysomnography, in children after adenotonsillectomy.MethodsA total of 280 children (3–10 years old) undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy were randomized into an individualized protocol (IP) group or a conservative protocol (CP) group. All patients received a fentanyl test before extubation. Pain was assessed every 10 min in the recovery room, and rescue morphine was given when the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) score was > 6. In the IP group, the dose of rescue morphine was individualized to the results of the fentanyl test (10 μg/kg in the case of a positive result and 50 μg/kg in the case of a negative result). In the CP group, the dose was fixed (25 μg/kg). The primary outcome was the percentage of patients requiring at least one medical intervention. The secondary outcome was the median duration of CHEOPS scores > 6.ResultsFewer patients in the IP group than in the CP group required medical interventions [11.9% (16/134) vs 22.3% (29/130), P = 0.025]. The median duration of CHEOPS scores > 6 was shorter in the IP group than in the CP group [20 (95% CI: 17 to 23) min vs 30 (95% CI: 28 to 32) min, P < 0.001].ConclusionsCompared with a conservative dosing approach, this individualized protocol may improve analgesia without a significant increase in respiratory adverse events.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02990910, registered on 13/12/2016.

Dexmedetomidine versus clonidine adjuvants to levobupivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in paediatric laparoscopic orchiopexy: Randomized, double-blind study.

Laparoscopic surgeries are associated with less postoperative pain and adverse events compared to open procedures. But, it still reduces the quality of life in children. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is used to reduce pain. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine or clonidine could improve the analgesic profile of levobupivacaine to the same extent during TAP block in children. Ninety children were randomly allocated in a randomized double-blind trial to receive bilateral TAP block with levobupivacaine plus normal saline (group B, n=30), or dexmedetomidine (group D, n=30) or clonidine (group C, n=30). Primary outcome was the modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score. Secondary outcomes included time to initial analgesic request, number of analgesic claims, total analgesic consumption, parents' satisfaction, sedation score and complications. Children of group D showed reduced pain scores compared to other groups. They represented the longest period of analgesia (565.00±71.5min) with p<0.001, and fewer patients required two doses of analgesia during the first postoperative day. The cumulative amount of backup analgesia was significantly different between these groups (p=0.026). Higher parents' satisfaction scores were recorded in groups D and C compared to group B. Sedation among the study groups revealed significant differences (p=0.035), but no severe complications were recorded. Adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine can extend the time of analgesia and reduce the use of postoperative backup analgesics with minimal sedation effects when used in TAP block in paediatrics undergoing laparoscopic orchiopexy. Clonidine can be used as an alternative adjuvant to local anaesthetics with good postoperative analgesic profiles. Clonidine can alternate dexmedetomidine during TAP block with local anesthetics for pediatrics laparoscopies. Both can lead to better postoperative analgesic profiles. Clonidine may be preferred, especially in our developing regions, because of its easy availability and lower cost than that of dexmedetomidine.

Caudal epidural block versus ultrasound-guided dorsal penile nerve block for pediatric distal hypospadias surgery: A prospective, observational study

The surgery of hypospadias is very painful in the postoperative period and requires long-term analgesia. A dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) and caudal epidural block (CEB) are commonly used regional anesthesia techniques for postoperative pain control. The primary aim of the prospective, observational study was to use the duration until the first postoperative analgesic requirement after two different block techniques to compare the analgesic effect. The secondary aims were to compare the two methods for postoperative Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores, complications and parental satisfaction level. This study was conducted with male patients aged 1-5 years in the ASA I-II group, who were scheduled for hypospadias surgery. A CEB or ultrasound (US)-guided DPNB with the in-plane technique was administered under general anesthesia before the operation. Postoperative analgesic need, postoperative pain, complications and parental satisfaction were noted. STROBE checklist was followed for reporting. The study was conducted with 26 patients in total, divided into 13 patients receiving CEB and 13 patients receiving DPNB. The mean CHEOPS score (p=0.003) and 12th hour CHEOPS score (p=0.003) were statistically significantly higher in the CEB group than the DPNB group. The need for additional postoperative analgesia was higher in the CEB group than the DPNB group (p<0.001). No complications were seen in two groups. Dorsal penile nerve block with the US-guided in-plane technique provided effective and long-lasting postoperative analgesia for hypospadias surgery. The postoperative analgesia was better with DPNB than with CEB in hypospadias surgery, particularly in the first 12h. Parental satisfaction was higher with DPNB thanks to the minimum postoperative analgesia requirement and lack of complications. CLINICALTRIALS. NCT04215874.

Atrial septal defect closure via mini-thoracotomy in pediatric patients: Postoperative analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block.

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intercostal nerve block for postoperative pain management in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy. Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 63 pediatric patients (37 males, 26 females; mean age 34.8±26.8 months; range, 2 to 96 months) who underwent corrective congenital heart surgery for atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups as those (Group 1, n=33) receiving intercostal nerve block and general anesthesia and those (Group 2, n=30) receiving general anesthesia alone. Intravenous morphine at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg was applied as rescue analgesia to the patients with a Ramsay Sedation Scale score of >4 and Children"s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score of >7. The total analgesic requirement, adverse effects, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit were recorded. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay was shorter in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (3.6±1.3 vs. 9.4±2.1 h; 23±2.6 vs. 30±7.2 h, respectively) (p<0.0001). The need for postoperative rescue analgesia was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (0.3±0.5 mg vs. 1.1±0.9 mg, respectively) (p=0.003). The mean total morphine consumption was also lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.0±2.2 mg vs. 9.0±3.4 mg, respectively) (p<0.0001). Intercostal nerve block before thoracotomy closure in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect repair under mini-thoracotomy provides early extubation, shorter mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay, and reduced analgesic requirements.

Analgo-Sedative Effects of Oral or Nebulized Ketamine in Preschoolers Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Comparative, Randomized, DoubleBlind Study

Premedication in children with ketamine is useful to produce mild sedation, decrease anxiety, help the child separation from parents, and provide postoperative pain relief with no or little adverse effects. The aims of this study were to compare the level of sedation, parental separation, successful venous cannulation, and postoperative analgesia of oral or nebulized ketamine in preschoolers undergoing elective surgery. A prospective, comparative, double-blind, randomized study. Zagazig University Hospitals. In the preparation room, 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia, 62 children were randomly divided into 2 groups: group O (n = 31) received oral ketamine 10 mg/kg in 2 mL apple juice, and group N (n = 31) received nebulized ketamine 3 mg/kg plus 2 mL isotonic saline solution by a standard hospital jet nebulizer via a mouth mask with a continuous 6 L/min flow of 100% oxygen. At 10 minutes after premedication, sedation score was 3 in group O (34.4%) compared with group N (0%), and at 20 minutes in group O (93.5%) compared with group N (9.6%) (P < 0.001 ). However, at 30 minutes, 51.6% of group O showed a sedation score of 1 versus 0% of group N (P < 0.001 ). There were 70.9% of group O versus 6.4% of group N who showed an Emotional State Score of 1 (P < 0.0001), and 29.03% of group O versus 19.3% of group N who showed an Emotional State Score of 2 (P = 0.37), with statistically nonsignificant adverse effects in both groups. Low mean modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score in group O compared with group N at 30, 60, 90 minutes (P < 0.0001). In this study, although the dose of nebulized ketamine was 3 mg/kg, which was more than the optimum dose investigated in previous studies, it was not adequate, so we recommend conducting more studies investigating higher doses. Oral ketamine 10 mg/kg as premedication 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia is more effective than 3 mg/kg nebulized ketamine in producing more sedation, satisfactory separation from parents, successful venous cannulation, and effective postoperative analgesia, as it is more tolerable and accepted by preschoolers undergoing elective surgery. Nebulized ketamine, oral ketamine, preschooler, elective surgery.

Is ketamine sedation without local anesthesia sufficient for pediatric laceration repair? A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether sedation with ketamine without local anesthesia was sufficient in children undergoing primary repair. Randomized, double-blind trial conducted between December 2013 and October 2016 in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department in Korea. Children aged 1 to 10years requiring sedation for primary repair were randomly assigned to receive local lidocaine anesthesia with ketamine sedation or local saline injection with ketamine sedation. Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores was recorded during the procedures. The pain scales were recorded by nurses who were blinded to the study drugs, before ketamine sedation, after sedation, during the first injection of the study drugs for wound repair, during the first stitch, and after the procedure. Twenty-five were randomized to receive ketamine sedation with local anesthesia and twenty-two to receive ketamine sedation without local anesthesia. There was no significant difference in pain scale before ketamine sedation (difference (mean): -1.11, CI: -2.78-0.55, P value: 0.18), after sedation (difference (mean): -0.60, CI: -2.20-1.01, P=0.46), during the first injection of the study drugs for wound repair (difference (mean): -0.03, CI: -0.31-0.25, P=0.84), during the first stitch (difference (mean): -0.15, CI: 6.19-6.79, P=0.62), during the primary repair (difference (mean): 0.20, CI: -55-0.95, P=0.59), and after the procedure (difference (mean): 0.17, CI: -0.48-0.82, P=0.59). Sedating with ketamine for primary wound repair, there was no difference in pain and sedation scales between the patients treated with or without lidocaine local anesthesia, and local anesthesia was not needed.

Dexmedetomidine during suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for pediatric cleft palate repair, randomized double-blind controlled study.

BackgroundFor children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks.MethodsEighty patients of 1–5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side).ResultsThe modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P < 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8–12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects.ConclusionsAddition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Effects of remifentanil maintenance during recovery on emergence delirium in children with sevoflurane anesthesia.

Emergence delirium is a common complication of sevoflurane anesthesia in children. We examined the effects of maintaining remifentanil infusion during the recovery period on the incidence of emergence delirium in preschool-age children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia. Eighty children (aged 3-7years) were randomly assigned to either the control group (group C; intraoperative remifentanil infusion) or the intervention group (group R; intraoperative remifentanil infusion followed by remifentanil maintenance during the recovery phase). Intraoperative remifentanil infusion (0.2μg/kg/min) was discontinued upon surgery completion in the group C, and was maintained until the discharge criteria were met at a dose of 0.05μg/kg/min in the group R. The incidence of emergence delirium was assessed using a five-point agitation scale and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale after arrival in the postanesthesia care unit. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. The incidence of emergence delirium according to the five-point agitation scale (scores≥4) was lower in the group R (33.3%) compared to the group C (68.3%) (odds ratio 0.206; 95% CI 0.080 to 0.531; P=0.002). Similar results were obtained using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (scores>12), with an incidence of 5.1% in the group R and 34.0% in the control group (odds ratio 0.104; 95% CI 0.022 to 0.497; P=0.001). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores and occurrence of postoperative adverse events including laryngospasm, desaturation, nausea, and vomiting were similar between the two groups. Maintaining a low dose of remifentanil (0.05μg/kg/min) throughout the recovery phase attenuated the incidence of emergence delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia.