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Research
Current post-tonsillectomy analgesia practices among Australian and New Zealand anesthetists, and opinions on non-opioid alternativesChildren experience significant pain following extracapsular tonsillectomy surgery, and while opioids are often prescribed to treat this, clinicians may be wary of their adverse side effects, leading to variation in practice. There is a need for improved post-tonsillectomy pain management in children.
Research
Trends in paediatric anaesthesia research publications and the impact of author sex, country of origin, topic, and external fundingThe current research landscape has become increasingly competitive with approximately 35% of submitted manuscripts accepted for publication by peer-review journals. It is known that studies with certain 'favourable characteristics' have an increased likelihood of acceptance for publication, such as prospective study design, multiple sites, and notable authors.
Research
3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Versus 2-Dimensional Video for Distraction during the Induction of Anesthesia in Children to Reduce Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled TrialPreoperative anxiety is common in children. It can contribute to negative experiences with anesthetic induction and may cause adverse physiological and psychological effects. Virtual reality (VR) and electronic tablet devices are 2 audiovisual distraction tools that may help to reduce anxiety and enhance the preoperative experience. This study aimed to compare the use of an immersive 3-dimensional (3D) VR to 2-dimensional (2D) video on anxiety in children during induction of general anesthesia.
News & Events
Prime Minister’s Prize for pioneering WA anaesthetistCongratulations to trailblazing Western Australian paediatric anaesthetist and researcher Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, who has been awarded a prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for globally influential research that has made surgery and recovery safer for babies and children.
Research
Behavioural and neuropsychological outcomes in children exposed in utero to maternal labour epidural analgesiaRecent studies report conflicting results regarding the relationship between labour epidural analgesia (LEA) in mothers and neurodevelopmental disorders in their offspring. We evaluated behavioural and neuropsychological test scores in children of mothers who used LEA.
Research
Preoperative preparation of children with upper respiratory tract infection: a focussed narrative reviewThis review summarises the current evidence for the perioperative preparation in children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), including COVID-19 infection. URTI, including COVID-19 infection, are common and frequent in children who present for elective surgery. Children with URTI are at increased risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events.
Research
Atelectasis and lung recruitment in pediatric anesthesia: An educational reviewGeneral anesthesia is associated with development of pulmonary atelectasis. Children are more vulnerable to the development and adverse effects of atelectasis. We review the physiology and risk factors for the development of atelectasis in pediatric patients under general anesthesia.
Research
Developmental respiratory physiologyVarious developmental aspects of respiratory physiology put infants and young children at an increased risk of respiratory failure, which is associated with a higher rate of critical incidents during anesthesia.
Research
The “IKEA-effect” and modern anesthesia machinesBritta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg AM FAHMS MD, PhD, DEAA, FANZA Chair of Paediatric anaesthesia, University of Western Australia; Consultant
Research
Procedural anesthesia and sedation for children undergoing diagnostic and medical procedures — A review of postprocedural pain, nausea, and vomiting by questionnaire-based surveySedation and anesthesia are widely used to relieve pain and ensure cooperation during elective diagnostic and medical procedures in the pediatric population. However, there is currently limited evidence about the recovery trajectory following deep sedation or general anesthesia for such procedures in children.