In anesthetized, nonparalyzed patients, the LMA is easier and quicker to insert, but the PLMA forms a better seal and facilitates easier and quicker orogastric tube placement. The incidence of total intraoperative complications and postoperative sore throat are similar.

Excitatory movements have been observed during induction of anesthesia with etomidate, thiopental, methohexital, and propofol. We studied the frequency of these excitatory effects and correlated movements with electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in 67 unpremedicated patients (mean age 66.1 yr, range 45-82 yr). Excitatory effects, including myoclonus, tremor, and dystonic posturing, occurred in 86.6% of patients receiving etomidate; 69.2% of the patient responses were myoclonic. Multiple spikes appeared on the EEG in 22.2% of the etomidate patients. The frequency of excitatory effects was 16.6% after thiopental, 12.5% after methohexital, and 5.5% after propofol. None of the patients receiving thiopental, methohexital, or propofol developed myoclonic or seizure activity. In most patients, the excitatory movements were coincident with the early slow phase of the EEG which corresponds to the beginning of deep anesthesia. We conclude that perhaps caution should be exercised when administering etomidate to patients with a history of seizures as the myoclonic activity is associated with seizure activity. The incidence of excitatory movements after administration of propofol is very low.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preterm and former preterm children frequently require sedation/ anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Our objective was to determine the age at which children who are born <37 weeks gestational age are no longer at increased risk for sedation/anesthesia adverse events. Our secondary objective was to describe the nature and incidence of adverse events.