Pediatric laryngospasm: prevention and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to discuss the risk factors associated with laryngospasm and the techniques used for prevention and treatment. We also summarize the prevention and treatment modalities in organized algorithms.


RESULTS
According to recent endoscopic studies, laryngospasm is always complete, thus airway management and intravenous therapy are indicated. Parental history of children having upper respiratory infection is associated with increased risk of laryngospasm. Anesthesia administered by a pediatric anesthesiologist is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm. Intravenous anesthesia is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm than inhalational anesthesia. In tracheal intubation, the use of muscle relaxants decreases laryngospasm. Deep laryngeal mask airway removal is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm in sevoflurane or isoflurane anesthesia. In no intravenous line situation, laryngospasm can be treated with succinylcholine administration by intramuscular, intraosseous and intralingual routes.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying the risk factors and taking the necessary precautions are the key points in prevention of laryngospasm. An experienced anesthesiologist is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm. Airway management is the most essential part of treatment of laryngospasm. Drugs can be used as an adjunct in treatment of laryngospasm, especially when anesthesia is administered by beginners.
Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Achir Ahmad
AA
Al-alami
Maria Markakis
MM
Zestos
Anis Shehata
AS
Baraka
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D007826:Laryngismus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors