Upper airway infection and pediatric anesthesia: how is the evidence based?
Anesthesia for the child with an upper respiratory infection remains one of the most common, yet contentious, issues facing the pediatric anesthesiologist. A general lack of evidence-based research has led to disparities in the manner in which children with upper respiratory infections have been traditionally managed. More recent research, however, suggests that children with uncomplicated infections can be managed safely, given that most complications can be anticipated, recognized, and treated. This review summarizes the evolving literature regarding cancellation of surgery for the child with an upper respiratory infection, perioperative outcomes, and anesthetic management.
Tait
Alan R
AR
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. atait@umich.edu