Induction Techniques in Children

Induction Techniques in Children

Induction Techniques in Children

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Pediatric Foundations - Tiny Patients, Big Care

  • Anatomical & Physiological:
    • Airway: Large tongue, anterior larynx, omega epiglottis, cricoid narrowest. Infants: obligate nose breathers.
    • Respiratory: ↑$VO_2$, ↓$FRC$ → rapid desaturation.
    • Cardio: CO HR-dependent; bradycardia critical.
    • Thermo: ↑$BSA$ → hypothermia risk.
    • Pharm: Immature hepatic/renal function alters drugs.
  • Psychological:
    • Separation anxiety (peak 6m-4y).
    • PPCI helpful. Distraction, premedication.
  • Fasting (NPO): (📌 2-4-6-8 rule)
    • Clears: 2h
    • Breast milk: 4h
    • Formula/Light meal: 6h
    • Solids: 8h

⭐ Cricoid: narrowest part of airway in children <5 yrs (vs. glottis in adults).

Adult vs Pediatric Airway Anatomy

Inhalational Induction - Gas Gurus Galore

  • Most common pediatric induction: smooth, non-invasive, well-accepted.
  • Key Agents:
    • Sevoflurane: Preferred. Sweet, non-pungent. MAC 2-2.5%. Rapid onset/offset. Minimal airway irritation.
    • Halothane: Historically used. Pleasant odor. MAC 0.75%. Risks: arrhythmias, halothane hepatitis. (Largely replaced)
  • Techniques:
    • Standard Mask Induction: Gradual increase in inspired concentration.
    • Single Breath/Priming: Circuit primed with high concentration for rapid uptake.
    • Steal Induction: Agent introduced subtly to a seemingly asleep/distracted child.
  • Potential Complications:
    • Airway: Laryngospasm, breath-holding, coughing, secretions.
    • Respiratory: Bronchospasm, desaturation.
    • 📌 Smooth Sevoflurane Soothes Small Sleepers.

⭐ Sevoflurane is associated with a higher incidence of emergence agitation/delirium compared to other volatile agents in children.

Pediatric mask induction with sevoflurane

Intravenous Induction - Vein Victory Vials

  • IV Access: Sites: hand dorsum, foot, antecubital fossa, infant scalp. Use topical anesthetic (e.g., EMLA).
  • Key Agents:
    • Propofol: 2.5-3.5 mg/kg. Rapid onset/recovery. Cons: pain (mitigate with lidocaine), hypotension, apnea. ⚠️ PRIS risk (prolonged infusion).
    • Ketamine: 1-2 mg/kg IV. Analgesia, bronchodilation, sympathomimetic. Cons: ↑ secretions (consider antisialagogue), emergence reactions (minimize with benzodiazepines).
    • Thiopentone: 3-5 mg/kg. Ultra-short acting barbiturate. Cons: laryngospasm, bronchospasm, histamine release. ⚠️ Contraindicated: porphyria.
    • Etomidate: 0.2-0.3 mg/kg. Cardiovascular stability. Cons: injection pain, myoclonus, transient adrenal suppression.
  • Principles: Always pre-oxygenate. Titrate dose to clinical effect. Co-induction (e.g., midazolam) may ↓ dose & side effects.

⭐ Ketamine (1-2 mg/kg IV) is often favored in hemodynamically unstable children or those with reactive airway disease due to its sympathomimetic and bronchodilatory properties.

Propofol-based TIVA in Pediatric Anesthesia Decision Flowoka

Advanced Techniques - Airway Alert Action

  • Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI): For high aspiration risk (e.g., full stomach).
    • Preoxygenate: 3-5 min 100% $O_2$ / 4-8 Vital Capacity breaths.
    • Cricoid Pressure (Sellick): 10N (child awake), 30N (child asleep/induced).
    • Drugs (IV Push):
      • Induction: Propofol (2-3 mg/kg) / Ketamine (1-2 mg/kg).
      • Paralytic: Succinylcholine (1-2 mg/kg) / Rocuronium (0.9-1.2 mg/kg).
    • Intubate: No Bag-Mask Ventilation (BMV) prior.
  • Difficult Airway Protocol (DAP):
    • Anticipate: Syndromes (Pierre Robin), prior history. Call experienced help early.
    • Strategy: Maintain Spontaneous Ventilation (SV) if possible.
    • Tools: Video Laryngoscope (VL), Supraglottic Airway Device (SAD), Fiberoptic Bronchoscope (FOB).

⭐ In anticipated difficult pediatric airway, consider inhalational induction maintaining spontaneous ventilation or awake fiberoptic intubation.

Pediatric Difficult Airway Management Algorithm

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Sevoflurane is the preferred inhalational agent for smooth induction in children.
  • IV induction (e.g., Propofol) is faster with existing IV access or for Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI).
  • RSI is indicated for full stomach or high aspiration risk; involves preoxygenation, cricoid pressure, and rapid-acting agents.
  • Consider Atropine premedication to prevent bradycardia, especially in infants or with suxamethonium.
  • Laryngospasm is a common pediatric airway emergency; manage with 100% O2, positive pressure, and deepening anesthesia.
  • Always anticipate and prepare for a difficult airway with appropriate equipment and strategies.
  • Parental Presence During Induction (PPDI) can reduce child anxiety but requires careful patient selection and team communication.

Practice Questions: Induction Techniques in Children

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following is the induction anesthesia of choice in the pediatric age group?

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Flashcards: Induction Techniques in Children

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Inhalational induction with _____ ventilation is avoided in kids with tracheo-esophageal fistula

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Inhalational induction with _____ ventilation is avoided in kids with tracheo-esophageal fistula

bag and mask

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