[Continuous epidural anesthesia in children under 1 year of age]

Thirty one epidural analgesias were performed in 23 ASA 1 or 2 infants ranged in age from 2 days to 1 year for orthopedic operation; 20 G needles were used for epidural puncture (25 with Potts-Cournand needles, 6 with Tuohy needles). A mixture of 0.5 mg.kg-1 0.5% bupivacaine, 0.5 mg.kg-1 1% etidocaine and 0.05 mg.kg-1 of morphine was administered. The same anesthetic mixture (without morphine) was injected by a catheter during the first 30 hours after the procedure to provide post-operative analgesia. Adequate, complete sensory blockade was obtained in every case (mean level T6). Five accidental dural punctures occurred with Potts-Cournand needles, none were observed with Tuohy needles. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters did not show significant variations.