Anesthetic Management of Children with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Abstract Introduction We developed this resource for anesthesia faculty to train third- and fourth-year anesthesiology residents before they begin their pediatric rotation as well as medical students enrolled in an anesthesiology clerkship. This presentation will help them to determine whether a child with a current or recent upper respiratory tract infection (URI) should undergo a surgical procedure based on the specifics of their illness, the type of procedure being performed, and preexisting conditions, and will also provide guidance on which anesthetic to use. Methods The presentation will take 30–60 minutes, depending on the experience of the students and time spent in the question-and-answer period. Hands-on simulation training with a high-fidelity mannequin could be accomplished during the same session. An evaluation form for this specific lecture was created to gain feedback and improve the lecture for future audiences. Results We have used this presentation to train faculty, residents, and medical students. In recent One45 feedback, 93% of the attendees rated the presentation “good” or “excellent.” One attendee noted that the presentation helped him/her to be more comfortable with the decision to proceed with surgery for a child with a URI. Discussion The presentation gives an overview of upper respiratory tract infections in children, decision making tools to determine whether to proceed with surgery, and if so, which anesthetics and intubation techniques to use. Discussion of precautions to be taken in children with comorbidities such as Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, or obesity would strengthen this presentation, and we are planning a retrospective review of various patient populations at our institution to strengthen this area of the presentation.

Keywords

• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Upper Respiratory Infection