Paediatric anaesthesia
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Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Melatonin in Preschool-Aged Pediatric Surgical Patients

Jun 22, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of intravenous melatonin in preschool-aged surgical patients, as data on its use in young children are limited. They found that a dose of 0.15 mg·kg^-1 resulted in pharmacokinetic characteristics similar to those in adults, with no significant adverse effects observed postoperatively. These findings support the selection of appropriate dosing for future studies on melatonin's perioperative applications in children.

Intraoperative Cardiac Events During Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Under Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Jun 19, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of intraoperative cardiac events during pediatric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under anesthesia, given the physiological vulnerabilities of children with congenital heart disease. In their study of 330 cases, they found that 29.7% experienced intraoperative cardiac events, primarily hypotension, with independent predictors including increasing age and higher-acuity preoperative locations. The findings underscore the need for careful perioperative risk assessment and management in this patient population.

A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Hydromorphone vs. Fentanyl for Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy

Jun 18, 2026

This study aimed to determine whether hydromorphone provides better postoperative analgesia than fentanyl in children undergoing tonsillectomy. The results indicated that fewer children who received hydromorphone required rescue opioids postoperatively compared to those who received fentanyl, along with lower pain scores in the immediate recovery period. Overall, hydromorphone was associated with improved analgesic outcomes without an increase in adverse events.

Association of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers With Preoperative Anxiety and Emergence Agitation in Children

Jun 18, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative inflammatory markers and the occurrence of preoperative anxiety and emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia. The authors found that elevated hemogram-derived inflammatory markers, particularly the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), were associated with both preoperative anxiety and EA, suggesting that these markers could help identify children at higher risk and guide preventive strategies.

Role of Angiotensin II as a Vasoactive Agent to Treat Distributive Shock With a Focus on Preliminary Data in Pediatric-Aged Patients

Jun 9, 2026

This review investigates the role of angiotensin II (AT-II) as a vasoactive agent in treating distributive shock, particularly in pediatric patients, where conventional treatments may be insufficient. The authors highlight existing evidence suggesting AT-II can improve mean arterial pressure in both adults and children, but note the lack of robust data on long-term survival outcomes. They call for future research to better define the dosing strategies and potential survival benefits of AT-II in this context.

Plasma Lidocaine Concentrations During Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion Therapy in the Pediatric Population-A Scoping Review

Jun 4, 2026

The authors conducted a scoping review to assess the pharmacokinetic data of intravenous lidocaine therapy (IVLT) in pediatric patients aged 1-18 years, as the dosing and plasma concentration ranges are not well defined for this population. They found that existing studies report plasma concentrations of lidocaine that are detectable and generally below presumed toxic levels, with only one adverse event noted. The authors emphasize the need for larger, multicenter studies to establish optimal dosing and safety protocols for IVLT in children.

Pediatric Pain Management and Palliative Care in Nigeria: A Scoping Review

May 27, 2026

This scoping review investigates the state of pediatric pain management and palliative care in Nigeria, aiming to identify barriers, facilitators, and gaps in implementation. The findings reveal significant deficiencies in healthcare providers' knowledge and practices regarding pain management, as well as a lack of adequate palliative care services for children with life-limiting illnesses. The authors emphasize the need for enhanced education, improved access to opioids, and the expansion of dedicated palliative care services to better address the needs of pediatric patients in Nigeria.