Vascular catheterization is difficult in infants with Down syndrome

Abstract

Our results indicate a trend toward clinicians having more difficulty performing arterial and peripheral venous catheterizations in infants with DS compared with performing the same procedure in infants without DS. Anesthesiologists should be prepared for catheterization difficulties in this patient population. In infants with DS, we recommend that catheterizations be performed by more experienced physicians.

Reply

“…Finally, we stated in our paper 1 that anesthesiologists should be well prepared for arterial and peripheral catheterization difficulties in infants with Down syndrome. Although the technique was not a part of our clinical practice during the study period, we totally agree with Soulsby and colleagues that the use of the transillumination technique would be an important aid for peripheral cannulation in this patient population 2 …”

Anesthesia for Cardiac Surgery in Neonates

“…This group, known to have a high incidence of congenital heart defects, can present challenges during percutaneous radial artery cannulation [ 103 ]. Because of the risk of ischemia to the hand, placement of a catheter in the ulnar artery is contraindicated if the radial artery is thrombosed or after attempts at cannulation have been made.…”

Anesthesia Management of Patients with Mental Retardation

“…Some drug using in sedation (14)(15)(16)(17) (21). in 2009 on the cannulation of pediatric patients, where two patient populations-one with Down syndrome an one without Down syndromewho had undergone a cardiac surgery were compared, it was stated that the arterial and venous cannulation in the population with the Down syndrome had been more challenging.…”