Increased inspiratory pressure for reduction of atelectasis in children anesthetized for CT scan

• Published in: Pediatric radiology 2002-05, Vol.32 (5), p.344-347
• Main Authors: SARGENT, Michael A, JAMIESON, Douglas H, MCEACHERN, Anita M, BLACKSTOCK, Derek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Anesthetics, General - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; General anesthesia. Technics. Complications. Neuromuscular blocking. Premedication. Surgical preparation. Sedation; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives - adverse effects; Infant; Infant Welfare; Inspiratory Capacity - drug effects; Lung - blood supply; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Lung - drug effects; Medical sciences; Pulmonary Atelectasis - chemically induced; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0301-0449; 1432-1998
• DOI: 10.1007/s00247-001-0645-8

Atelectasis is more frequent and more severe in children anesthetized for CT scan than it is in children sedated for CT scan. To determine the effect of increased inspiratory pressure on atelectasis during chest CT in anesthetized children. Atelectasis on chest CT was assessed by two observers in three groups of patients. Group A comprised 13 children (26 lungs) anesthetized at inspiratory pressures up to and including 25 cm H2O. Group B included 11 children anesthetized at inspiratory pressures > or =30 cm H2O. Group C included 8 children under deep sedation. Atelectasis was significantly more severe in group A than in groups B and C. There was no significant difference between groups B and C. An inspiratory pressure of 30 cm H2O is recommended for children anesthetized for CT scan of the chest.