A framework for the management of the pediatric airway

Summary Critical airway incidents in children are a frequent problem in pediatric anesthesia and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Young children are at particular risk in the perioperative period. Delayed management of airway obstruction can quickly lead to serious complication...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatric anesthesia 2019-10, Vol.29 (10), p.985-992
Main Authors: Engelhardt, Thomas, Fiadjoe, John E., Weiss, Markus, Baker, Paul, Bew, Stephanie, Echeverry Marín, Piedad, von Ungern‐Sternberg, Britta S, Thomas, Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
airway
Airway management
children
framework
Pediatrics
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Summary:Summary Critical airway incidents in children are a frequent problem in pediatric anesthesia and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Young children are at particular risk in the perioperative period. Delayed management of airway obstruction can quickly lead to serious complications due to the short apnea tolerance in children. A simple, time critical, and pediatric‐specific airway management approach combined with dedicated teaching, training, and frequent practice will help to reduce airway‐related pediatric morbidity and mortality. There is currently no pediatric‐specific universal framework available to guide practice. Current algorithms are modifications of adult approaches which are often inappropriate because of differences in age‐related anatomy, physiology, and neurodevelopment. A universal and pragmatic approach is required to achieve acceptance across diverse pediatric clinicians, societies, and groups. Such a framework will also help to establish minimum standards for pediatric airway equipment, personnel, and medications whenever pediatric airway management is required.
ISSN:1155-5645
1460-9592
DOI:10.1111/pan.13716