title: Disturbance in respiratory mechanics with extreme truncal flexion during anaesthesia in children.
abstract: Respiratory mechanics were studied in five anaesthetised children, aged 3 to 33 months undergoing urological surgery, in both the supine position and with extreme truncal flexion. Extreme truncal flexion was associated with a reduced respiratory system compliance. Dynamic compliance decreased significantly, by 30% (range 12-55%) and static compliance decreased significantly, by 40% (range 18-65%). There were no changes in respiratory system resistance. Tidal volume was also significantly reduced (mean 20%) despite a significant increase (mean 22%) in peak ventilator pressure. These changes in mechanics must be recognised to avoid alveolar hypoventilation, with a consequent decrease in gas exchange during surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Sly
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lanteri
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Meretoja
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008170:Lung Compliance / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*