Supraglottic obstruction versus true laryngospasm: the best treatment

Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema Related to Laryngospasm and Upper Airway Obstruction in a Patient With Treacher Collins Syndrome

Laryngospasm is an uncommon complication of anesthesia in adults but more common in pediatric anesthesia, which could present similarly to supraglottic upper airway obstruction. The management of such airway complications is even more difficult in patients with difficult mask ventilation and intubation. Our case illustrated the management of laryngospasm and negative pressure pulmonary edema in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome. A literature search revealed few previous similar reports. We demonstrated an algorithm to differentiate between the true laryngospasm from the supraglottic upper airway obstruction, the management of laryngospasm in patients with difficult airways, and the recognition and management of negative pressure pulmonary edema as a complication of laryngospasm.

Extubation and the Risks of Coughing and Laryngospasm in the Era of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19)

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted new interest among anesthesiologists and intensivists in controlling coughing and expectoration of potentially infectious aerosolized secretions during intubation and extubation. However, the fear of provoking laryngospasm may cause avoidance of deep or sedated extubation techniques which could reduce coughing and infection risk. This fear may be alleviated with clear understanding of the mechanisms and effective management of post-extubation airway obstruction including laryngospasm. We review the dynamic function of the larynx from the vantage point of head-and-neck surgery, highlighting two key concepts:

1. The larynx is a complex organ that may occlude reflexively at levels other than the true vocal folds;

2. The widely held belief that positive-pressure ventilation by mask can “break” laryngospasm is not supported by the otorhinolaryngology literature.

We review the differential diagnosis of acute airway obstruction after extubation, discuss techniques for achieving smooth extubation with avoidance of coughing and expectoration of secretions, and recommend, on the basis of this review, a clinical pathway for optimal management of upper airway obstruction including laryngospasm to avoid adverse outcomes.

A proposed mechanism to assess knowledge of pediatric hospitalists to identify and manage rare events during procedural sedation

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the knowledge of pediatric hospitalists (PHs) in identifying and managing rare events during procedural sedation (PS) with ketamine and nitrous oxide (N2O).

METHODS

A Web-based survey with multiple choice questions and case scenarios was used to determine the knowledge of PHs in identifying infrequent contraindications and managing laryngospasm, a rare life-threatening complication during PS. The survey was sent to all PHs at St Louis Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

Forty percent of experienced PHs (>50 sedation procedures performed) and 5% of inexperienced PHs (<50 sedation procedures performed) identified all 4 ketamine contraindications. Twenty-one percent of experienced PHs and 4% of inexperienced PHs identified all 6 N2O contraindications. Ninety-five percent of PHs identified presence of laryngospasm in a case scenario. As the patient in the case scenario progressed from partial to complete laryngospasm, 84% and 82% of PHs chose either the preferred or acceptable strategy to manage the patient. With further deterioration in the patient's status in the scenario, 66% and 71% of PHs chose either the preferred or acceptable strategy to manage the patient. The preferred strategy at each step is one that attempted the least invasive maneuver to manage the patient. There was no significant difference between experienced and inexperienced PHs in the management of laryngospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge gaps exist among PHs regarding contraindications for ketamine and N2O that are infrequently encountered in patients and for the management of laryngospasm, a rare adverse event with ketamine. Ongoing teaching tools are necessary to assess and maintain the knowledge of sedation providers regarding rare events during PS that can improve their proficiency.

Laryngospasm: review of different prevention and treatment modalities

Laryngospasm is a common complication in pediatric anesthesia. In the majority of cases, laryngospasm is self-limiting. However, sometimes laryngospasm persists and if not appropriately treated, it may result in serious complications that may be life-threatening. The present review discusses laryngospasm with the emphasis on the different prevention and treatment modalities.

Management der oberen Atemwege beim spontan atmenden Kind

In unconscious, spontaneously breathing and anaesthetised children, a high incidence of partial or complete airway obstruction jeopardizes sufficient oxygenation. In this situation, the most important and efficient manoeuvre is to open up the upper airway. Chin lift, jaw thrust and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are proven and effective methods for opening an obstructed upper airway. In addition to these simple airway manoeuvres, different techniques of body positioning (e.g., lateral positioning or supine position in combination with the "sniffing position") are effective to improve and maintain upper airway patency.