Increased inspiratory pressure for reduction of atelectasis in children anesthetized for CT scan.
BACKGROUND
Atelectasis is more frequent and more severe in children anesthetized for CT scan than it is in children sedated for CT scan.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of increased inspiratory pressure on atelectasis during chest CT in anesthetized children.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
Atelectasis was significantly more severe in group A than in groups B and C. There was no significant difference between groups B and C.


CONCLUSIONS
An inspiratory pressure of 30 cm H2O is recommended for children anesthetized for CT scan of the chest.
Sargent
Michael A
MA
Department of Radiology, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3N1, Canada. msargent@cw.bc.ca
Jamieson
Douglas H
DH
McEachern
Anita M
AM
Blackstock
Derek
D
D018681:Anesthetics, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D007223:Infant; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007320:Inspiratory Capacity / Q000187:drug effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D018681:Anesthetics, General; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives