Respiratory complications in the pediatric postanesthesia care unit.
This article focuses on common respiratory complications in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Approximately 1 in 10 children present with respiratory complications in the PACU. The article highlights risk factors and at-risk populations. The physiologic and pathophysiologic background and causes for respiratory complications in the PACU are explained and suggestions given for an optimization of the anesthesia management in the perioperative period. Furthermore, the recognition, prevention, and treatment of these complications in the PACU are discussed.
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Roberts Road, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Electronic address: britta.regli-vonungern@health.wa.gov.au.
Britta S
BS
von Ungern-Sternberg
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D000777:Anesthetics; D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects
D000700:Analgesics; D000777:Anesthetics
Pediatric anesthesia; Postanesthesia care unit; Recovery room; Respiratory complications; Risk factors