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Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
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Therapeutic applications and uses of inhalational anesthesia in the pediatric intensive care unit

Joseph D Tobias1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. Tobiasj@health.missouri.edu

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a Journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies
|May 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Inhalational anesthetic agents can sedate pediatric intensive care unit patients and treat status asthmaticus and epilepticus. However, they depress cardiovascular and ventilatory function, requiring careful monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Inhalational anesthetic agents possess unique physical properties and end-organ effects.
  • Their application in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) warrants a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physical properties, end-organ effects, therapeutic applications, and delivery techniques of inhalational anesthetic agents in the PICU.

Main Methods:

  • A computerized bibliographic search was conducted.
  • The search focused on the intensive care unit applications of inhalational anesthetic agents.

Main Results:

  • These agents cause dose-related depression of ventilatory and cardiovascular function, reducing mean arterial pressure and myocardial contractility.
  • Beneficial effects include sedation, amnesia, and anxiolysis, aiding mechanical ventilation. Bronchodilatory and anticonvulsant properties support use in refractory status asthmaticus and epilepticus.
  • Delivery in the ICU involves considerations of equipment, scavenging, and monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • Inhalational anesthetic agents have reported therapeutic uses in the PICU.
  • Potential applications include sedation during mechanical ventilation and treatment of status asthmaticus and epilepticus.
Abstract

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