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[Chronic tonsillar hypertrophy as a cause of cor pulmonale, pulmonary oedema, and hypersomnia in children (author's transl)].

Chronic hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids causing partial airway obstruction produced serious illness and a confusing clinical picture in a 51/2-year-old boy. Cardinal signs were cor pulmonale, pulmonary oedema and marked cardio-respiratory changes due to hypoxaemia and hypercapnia, in addition to hypersomnia. Marked improvement of the clinical picture and the abnormal signs followed directly upon tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Chronic alveolar hypoventilation is presumably the main cause of the described condition and of others of extracardiac origin with similar signs and symptoms.

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[Identification and evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea in children before adenotonsillectomy using evaluative surveys].

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) caused by enlarged tonsils and adnoids is common in early childhood. SDB without alterations in alveolar ventilation or sleep architecture is called primary snoring and affects up to 3-12 % of young children. In contrast, SDB with associated apneas or hypopneas affects between 0.7-3 % and is called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). OSAS and primary snoring should be distinguished with polysomnography (PSG). Despite the large number of patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, the ability to assess patients-based preoperative diagnosis and surgical outcomes polysomnographically is limited. As a consequence it remains difficult which children will or will not benefit from surgical intervention. In the context of OSAS diagnosis, a discriminative survey is desired, one that cold classify differences before surgery as small, moderate or large. A promising office based surrogate measure are disease-specific quality-of-life surveys. Change within patients can be measured using an evaluative survey, administered before and after an intervention.

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[The nasopharynx and pharyngeal tonsil in the history of otology and rhinology. Pictures from the history of otorhinolaryngology, presented by instruments from the collection of the Ingolstadt Medical History Museum].

Anatomy, nomenclature, first clinical observations: In ancient Greece and Rome and in the Middle Ages the posterior opening of the nasal passage was known (Greek "choane" = funnel) as an atomical structure, and it was also known that chronic nasal catarrh is common in children, but it was not realized that this was associated with special pathological alterations. The anatomist H. von Luschka in Tübingen, Germany, was the first to describe the nasopharynx in detail, and he coined the term "pharyngeal tonsil." The otologists of the 19th century like Kramer and Toynbee had placed the Eustachian tube in the center of their investigations and carried out numerous dissections with demonstration of the tubal orifice. They also knew that middle ear infections usually originated in the nasopharynx, but they did not realize that the hypertrophic pharyngeal tonsil was the cause. Posterior rhinoscopy and the diagnosis of the hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil: Czermak in Budapest in 1860 had invented posterior rhinoscopy, and he was the first to diagnose hypertrophic alterations around the tubal orifice and the first to realize that they were the cause of tubal malfunction. Wilhelm Meyer in Kopenhagen in 1868 and 1873-1874 described hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil ("adenoid vegetations") in detail and associated this finding with a syndrome characterized by mouth-breathing, snoring, a typical facial expression, deafness, recurring middle-ear affections, and characteristic alterations of speech. He based his conclusions on 5 years' experience with 175 observations in his office and on examination of 2700 children in Denmark and England. Surgical therapy of adenoid vegetations: Voltolini in Breslau in 1865 had observed a few cases of hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil, and he was the first to treat them by galvanic cauterization. Meyer developed various instruments for reducing the pharyngeal tonsil. They were introduced through the nose while the application of the instrument was assisted digitally via the mouth and pharynx. The operation of the pharyngeal tonsil was adopted very eagerly by a great number of nasal surgeons. Among the numerous special instruments that subsequently were invented the most promising was the ring knife invented by Gottstein in 1886. Anesthesia and positioning: The pioneers of this intervention, Voltolini, Meyer, Semon and others, all operated without any anesthesia, but they usually would need up to 12 sessions (Semon) until the pharyngeal tonsil had been sufficiently reduced. Beckmann in Berlin, who had invented a modification of Gottstein's ring knife, reported in 1897 on more than 5000 cases in which he had removed the adenoids in just one session, in each case without anesthesia. Besides these surgeons, others used cocaine for local anesthesia or chlorethyl or bromethyl for general anesthesia. The German surgeon Edmund Rose (Berlin and Zürich) in 1874 introduced the position with the head suspended for larger interventions like resection ot the maxilla. Rudloff in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1900 adopted this position for adenoidectomy, but this was generally accepted only after the mouth gags developed by Davis-Boyle and Negus had been introduced. The diagnostic and surgical interventions in the nasopharynx were a powerful link in the process of fusion between otology and rhinolaryngology around the turn of the century. This historical development is described in great detail with many figures and quotations from the literature.

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History of recurrent sore throat as an indication for tonsillectomy. Predictive limitations of histories that are undocumented.

As part of a prospective study of indications for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, we followed closely 65 children with histories of recurrent throat infection that seemed impressive (at least seven episodes in one year, five in each of two consecutive years or three in each of three consecutive years), but lacked documentation. During the first year of observation, only 11 children (17 per cent) had episodes of throat infection with clinical features and patterns of frequency conforming to those described in their presenting histories. Of the remaining 54 children, 43 (80 per cent) experienced no, one or two observed episodes each, and most of the episodes were mild. We conclude that undocumented histories of recurrent throat infection do not validly forecast subsequent experience and hence do not constitute an adequate basis for subjecting children to tonsillectomy.

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Cytokines produced by T cells in adenoid surface secretion are mainly downregulatory or of Th1 type.

CONCLUSIONS: T cells in adenoid surface secretion (AdSS) possess the property of cytokine production and are mainly downregulatory or of Th1 type. These results strengthen the hypothesis of an active immunological defense in AdSS. OBJECTIVES: Recently, we demonstrated the presence of activated T cells in AdSS. The aims of this study were to elucidate the ability of these T cells to produce cytokines and to reveal their cytokine profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight children subjected to adenoidectomy were enrolled. Samples of AdSS, adenoid tissue and peripheral blood were obtained, as well as a nasopharyngeal culture. T cells obtained from AdSS, adenoid tissue and peripheral blood were then cultured and stimulated with anti-CD3 and -CD28 for 5 days. The production of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and IL-2, -4, -5 and -10 was then analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: All children had T cells in AdSS capable of cytokine production. T cells in AdSS, adenoid tissue and peripheral blood samples from all children produced IFN-gamma. Of the cytokines analyzed, IFN-gamma was produced in the highest concentrations. In 6/8 children, T cells in AdSS also produced TNF-a and IL-10.

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Epidemiology and aetiology of middle ear cholesteatoma.

A total of 500 patients with cholesteatoma diagnosed and operated during 1982-91 in the region of Tampere University Hospital and Mikkeli Central Hospital in Finland were analysed retrospectively. The mean annual incidence was 9.2 per 100,000 inhabitants (range 3.7-13.9) and during the study period the annual incidence decreased significantly. The incidence was higher among males under the age of 50 years. There was no accumulation of cholesteatoma diseases in lower social groups. The majority (72.4%) of cholesteatoma patients had suffered from otitis media episodes. Tympanostomy was carried out in 10.2% and adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy in 15.9% of all cholesteatoma ears prior to cholesteatoma surgery. Cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane with no history of otitis media was verified in 0.6% of patients and in cleft palate patients in 8%. In this study, 13.2% of patients had ear trauma or ear operation in anamnes.

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Nosebleed in children. Background and techniques to stop the flow.

Nosebleed in children can result from dryness and picking of the resultant crust over the anterior part of the nasal septum, trauma to the nose, juvenile angiofibroma, or disorders of hemostatic mechanisms. In most cases it is not difficult to treat; often the primary care physician can assist a patient by giving instructions over the telephone to a parent. In the office or hospital, the usual measures are firm pressure, placement of a piece of cotton dipped in a cocaine-epinephrine solution, taking of a brief history, application of petrolatum, and taping of the nose. If bleeding persists, anterior nasal packing and, rarely, posterior packing should be performed. Maxillary artery ligation is done in cases of severe epistaxis. Special care must be taken with children who have a bleeding disorder or who are recovering from adenoidectomy.

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Demonstration of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the adenoid from children with and without secretory otitis media using immunohistochemistry and PCR.

Chlamydia pneumoniae has been found in patients with middle ear inflammation. The adenoid, which has a central role in the development of secretory otitis media (SOM), may act as a reservoir for bacteria causing ear infection. Adenoid tissue was examined for the presence of C. pneumoniae. Twenty children undergoing adenoidectomy because of hyperplastic adenoids, 10 with SOM and 10 without SOM, were examined with nasopharyngeal swabs for routine bacteriological culture, serology for C. pneumoniae and throat swabs for C. pneumoniae PCR. The removed tissues were analyzed for C. pneumoniae using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and PCR. In the group of children with SOM samples were also taken from the middle ear fluid for routine bacteriological culture and PCR for C. pneumoniae. C. pneumoniae was found in the adenoid by PCR in 3 cases from each group and from all 20 children by IHC. Four children in each group had increased levels of specific antibodies to C. pneumoniae. Two children with SOM had high antibody titers and a positive PCR from a throat swab. Two children were PCR-positive for C. pneumoniae in fluid from the middle ear. The significance of these findings is not yet clear.

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Unconsciousness associated with midazolam and erythromycin.

An 8-yr-old boy suffering from an asymptomatic ventricular septal defect was given erythromycin for antibiotic prophylaxis before adenoidectomy. Sixty minutes after premedication with oral midazolam 0.5 mg kg-1 and oral atropine 0.03 mg kg-1, an infusion of erythromycin 400 mg was started. When 200 mg of erythromycin had been infused, the patient lost consciousness, but other vital functions remained normal. After 45 min, he awakened spontaneously. At the time the plasma concentration of midazolam was 134 ng ml-1. In order to investigate possible interactions between midazolam and erythromycin, we studied the pharmacokinetics of midazolam in six children of the same age undergoing minor otolaryngological surgery. The plasma concentration of midazolam in the patient who lost consciousness was significantly greater than in six other children without concomitant administration of erythromycin. The altered pharmacokinetics of midazolam may result from reduced hepatic clearance of midazolam caused by an enzyme inhibiting drug, erythromycin.

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Tropisetron reduces vomiting after tonsillectomy in children.

Nausea and vomiting are common after adenotonsillectomy. Tropisetron is a new, long-acting serotonin antagonist that is an effective antiemetic in adults. Its effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting in children is unknown. We carried out a randomized, double-blind study of the effects of a single i.v. dose of tropisetron on vomiting after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in children. Forty-eight children undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy received at induction of anaesthesia either tropisetron 0.1 mg kg-1 or placebo. The incidence of vomiting was recorded for the first 24 h after surgery by nursing staff and then by parents after discharge from hospital. Children received metoclopramide 0.15 mg kg-1 as a rescue antiemetic. We found that tropisetron reduced the overall incidence of emetic episodes after surgery (29% compared with 65% in control group; P = 0.019) and the incidence of severe vomiting (0% compared with 52% in control group; P < 0.001). We conclude that tropisetron is an effective antiemetic for children undergoing tonsillectomy.

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Identifying sleep apnea from self-reports.

An apnea score (AS) was developed as a potential screening tool for sleep apnea. This was based on self-report questionnaire responses of 76 sleep disorder center patients and 20 sleep survey volunteers. Twenty volunteers and 23 patients (group I) comprised the initial AS development group. Their questionnaire responses were compared to polysomnographic apnea indexes (AI) and apnea plus hypopnea indexes (AHI). Stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis was used to test whether or not selected group I questionnaire responses could be used to correctly classify respondents into apnea (AI or AHI greater than 5) or nonapnea (AI, AHI less than or equal to 5) groups. Self-reports of "stops breathing during sleep," "loud snoring," and history of adenoidectomy best discriminated normal (AI less than or equal to 5) from apnea (AI greater than 5) cases. The AS derived from group I responses to these three variables was then computed for group II (n = 53). After examination of the AS results, the AS was modified to include just "stops breathing" and "loud snoring" and the AI criterion was raised to 10 per hour. This revised AS correctly identified 100% of the cases with moderate-severe sleep apnea (AI or AHI greater than 40) and 70-76% of all sleep apnea cases with AI or AHI greater than 5. Predictive accuracy was 88% for AI greater than 10. The two questions that comprise the AS should be incorporated into risk appraisal instruments or interviews to screen for sleep apnea.

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Impaired sexual maturation associated with sleep apnea syndrome during puberty: a case study.

A 20-year-old hypogonadal man was discovered to have had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome--secondary to hypertrophied tonsils, adenoids, and uvula--spanning the years of puberty. All-night polysomnographic recordings and 24 hr measurements of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations (sampling at 20 min intervals) were performed before and after combined tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and uvulectomy. Two weeks preoperatively, nocturnal sleep was markedly disturbed by 407 apneic episodes, and the patient was found to be hypogonadotropic. Daytime LH concentrations were in the low-normal range for an adult male, and concentrations fell dramatically during nocturnal sleep. This contrasts with both the sleep-related elevation of LH normally seen in puberty and the adult pattern, where no difference is observed in mean concentrations during waking and sleep. Two week and 6 month postoperative evaluations revealed complete alleviation of the sleep apnea syndrome and normalization of the 24 hr pattern of plasma LH, although LH values remained in the low-normal range. Plasma testosterone concentrations were in the low to low-normal range both pre- and postoperatively. No evidence of continued sexual development, beyond that achieved preoperatively, was observed 20 months after surgery, despite continued relief from apnea. These data suggest that sleep apnea during puberty may impair sexual development by preventing the sleep-related elevation in LH secretion normally observed during a critical period spanning puberty.

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Comparison of emergence and recovery characteristics of sevoflurane, desflurane, and halothane in pediatric ambulatory patients.

This study compares the emergence and recovery characteristics of sevoflurane, desflurane, and halothane in children undergoing adenoidectomy with bilateral myringotomy and the insertion of tubes. Eighty children 1-7 yr of age were studied. Thirty minutes prior to the induction of anesthesia, all patients received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam orally. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group 1, sevoflurane induction and maintenance (S:S); Group 2, halothane induction and sevoflurane maintenance (H:S); Group 3, halothane induction and maintenance (H:H); or Group 4, halothane induction and desflurane maintenance (H:D). Tracheal intubation was facilitated with the use of a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg mivacurium. A Mapelson D circuit was used, and all patients received N2O:O2 60:40 for induction and maintenance at standardized appropriate fresh gas flow. Ventilation was controlled to maintain normocapnia. End-tidal concentration of anesthetics was maintained at approximately 1.3 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) (halothane: 0.56; sevoflurane: 2.6; desflurane: 8.3) until the end of surgery when all anesthetics were discontinued. Emergence (extubation), recovery (Steward score 6), and discharge times were compared among patients in the four groups using analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls tests P < 0.05 was considered significant. There were no significant differences among the four groups with respect to age, weight, duration of surgery, or duration of anesthesia. Emergence and recovery from anesthesia were significantly faster in the desflurane group (Group 4) compared with the sevoflurane and halothane groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3) (5 +/- 1.6 min vs 11 +/- 3.7, 11 +/- 4.0, 10 +/- 4.0 min and 11 +/- 3.9 min vs 17 +/- 5.5, 19 +/- 7.1, 21 +/- 8.5 min, respectively). There was a significantly greater incidence of postoperative agitation and excitement in patients who received desflurane (55%) versus sevoflurane (10%) and halothane (25%). There were no significant differences among the four groups with respect to the time to meet home discharge criteria (134 +/- 36.9, 129 +/- 53.3, 117 +/- 64.6, 137 +/- 22.6 in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), in the time to drink oral fluids (139 +/- 31.6, 136 +/- 53.8, 123 +/- 65.0, 142 +/- 29.4 min, respectively), or in the incidence of postoperative vomiting. It is concluded that, although desflurane resulted in the fastest early emergence from anesthesia, it was associated with a greater incidence of postoperative agitation. Sevoflurane resulted in similar emergence and recovery compared with halothane. Desflurane and sevoflurane did not result in faster discharge times than halothane in this patient population.

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A granisetron-droperidol combination prevents postoperative vomiting in children.

UNLABELLED: This study was performed to compare the efficacy of a granisetron-droperidol combination with each antiemetic alone to prevent postoperative vomiting after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in children. One hundred eighty pediatric patients, ASA physical status I, aged 4-10 yr, were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind investigation and assigned to one of three treatment regimens: granisetron 40 microg/kg (Group G), droperidol 50 microg/kg (Group D), or granisetron 40 microg/kg plus droperidol 50 microg/kg (Group GD) (n = 60 in each group). These drugs were administered i.v. after an inhaled induction. The same standard general anesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were used throughout. The rate of complete response, defined as no emesis and no need for rescue antiemetic, 0-3 h after anesthesia was 83% in Group G, 60% in Group D, and 97% in Group GD (P = 0.029 versus Group G, P = 0.001 versus Group D). The corresponding rates 3-24 h after anesthesia were 83%, 55%, and 97% (P = 0.029 versus Group G, P = 0.001 versus Group D). No clinically important adverse events were observed in any of the groups. In conclusion, a granisetron-droperidol combination is superior to each antiemetic alone in complete response in children undergoing general anesthesia for tonsillectomy. IMPLICATIONS: We compared the efficacy of granisetron plus droperidol with each antiemetic alone for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children. The granisetron-droperidol combination was highly effective against postoperative emesis.

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Premedication with midazolam delays recovery after ambulatory sevoflurane anesthesia in children.

UNLABELLED: We studied the effect of oral premedication with midazolam on the recovery characteristics of sevoflurane anesthesia in small children. In a randomized, double-blinded study, 60 children (1-3 yr, ASA physical status I or II) undergoing ambulatory adenoidectomy received either midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (Group M) or placebo (Group P) PO approximately 30 min before the induction of anesthesia. All children received atropine 0.01 mg/kg IV and alfentanil 10 microg/kg IV before the induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane up to 8 vol% inspired concentration in N2O 67% in O2. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with mivacurium 0.2 mg/kg. Anesthesia was continued with sevoflurane adjusted to maintain hemodynamic stability. In the postanesthesia care unit, predetermined recovery end points (emergence, recovery, discharge) were recorded. A pain/ discomfort scale was used to determine the quality of recovery. A postoperative questionnaire was used to evaluate the well-being of the patient at home 24 h after surgery. Emergence (spontaneous eye opening), recovery (full points on the modified Aldrete scale), and discharge were achieved later in Group M than in Group P (15+/-6 vs. 11+/-3 min [P = 0.002], 25+/-17 vs. 16+/-6 min [P = 0.01], and 80+/-23 vs. 70+/-23 min [P = 0.03]). Side effects, postanesthetic excitement, and analgesic treatment did not differ significantly between groups. At home, more children in Group P (30%) experienced disturbed sleep during the night compared with those in Group M (4%) (P = 0.007). IMPLICATIONS: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, premedication with midazolam 0.5 mg/kg PO delayed recovery in children 1-3 yr of age after brief (<30 min) sevoflurane anesthesia. Except for more peaceful sleep at home, premedication did not affect the quality of recovery.

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A comparison of oral clonidine and oral midazolam as preanesthetic medications in the pediatric tonsillectomy patient.

UNLABELLED: We compared the effects of oral clonidine (4 microg/kg) and midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) on the preanesthetic sedation and postoperative recovery profile in children during tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. In a double-blinded, double-dummy study design, 134 ASA physical status I-II children aged 4-12 yr were randomized to receive a combination of either clonidine and placebo (Group A), or placebo and midazolam (Group B) at 60-90 min and 30 min, respectively, before the induction of anesthesia. Children in the clonidine group exhibited more intense anxiety on separation and during induction of anesthesia via a mask as measured by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scores. They also had significantly lower mean intraoperative arterial blood pressures, shorter surgery, anesthesia, and emergence times, and a decreased need for supplemental oxygen during recovery compared with the midazolam group. However, the clonidine group had larger postoperative opioid requirements, maximum excitement and pain scores based on the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario scale in the Phase 1 postanesthetic care unit. There were no differences between the two groups in the times to discharge readiness, postoperative emesis, unanticipated hospital admission rates, postdischarge maximum pain scores, and 24 h analgesic requirements. The percentage of parents who were completely satisfied with the child's preoperative experience was significantly higher in the midazolam group. There were no differences in parental satisfaction with the recovery period. We conclude that under the conditions of this study, oral midazolam is superior to oral clonidine as a preanesthetic medication in this patient population. IMPLICATIONS: We compared preanesthetic sedation and postoperative recovery after oral clonidine (4 microg/kg) and midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) in children during tonsillectomy. The clonidine group had greater preoperative anxiety and shorter surgery and anesthesia times, but required more postoperative analgesia. Delayed recovery and discharge times did not differ. Midazolam was superior to clonidine as oral preanesthetic medication for these patients.

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The effect of bispectral index monitoring on anesthetic use and recovery in children anesthetized with sevoflurane in nitrous oxide.

UNLABELLED: The utility of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring to guide anesthetic administration has been demonstrated in adults. This prospective, randomized observer-blinded study was designed to evaluate the effect of BIS monitoring on anesthetic use and recovery characteristics in pediatric patients. After data collection in 38 historical controls, 202 patients age 0-18 yr were randomized into one of two groups: standard practice (SP) and BIS guided (BIS). Patients age 0-3 yr undergoing inguinal hernia repair (IH) and patients age 3-18 yr undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (TA) were selected. All patients were anesthetized with sevoflurane in 60% N(2)O/O(2). Hernia patients also received a caudal epidural anesthetic before surgery. In the BIS group, anesthetic delivery was adjusted in an effort to achieve a target BIS of 45-60 during maintenance and 60-70 during the last 15 min of the procedure. BIS was recorded throughout surgery in all patients, but data were unavailable to the anesthesiologist in the SP group. In the TA patients, BIS monitoring was associated with a significant reduction in end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during maintenance (2.4 +/- 0.6%, SP and 1.8 +/- 0.4% BIS, mean +/- SD) and during the last 15 min of the procedure (2.1 +/- 0.7, SP and 1.6 +/- 0.6, BIS). There was a 25%-40% decrease in measured recovery times. In the patients 0-6 mo of age undergoing IH, sevoflurane concentrations during maintenance (2.0 +/- 0.4% SP, 0.9 +/- 0.8 BIS), during the last 15 min (1.6 +/- 0.4% SP, 0.6 +/- 0.6% BIS), and at the end of the procedure (1.1 +/- 0.6% SP, 0.3 +/- 0.3% BIS) were smaller in the BIS group. Emergence and recovery measures were unaffected by BIS titration. In the children 6 mo-3 yr of age, there were no significant differences between the SP and BIS groups in anesthetic use or recovery measures. IMPLICATIONS: Bispectral index monitoring in children results in less anesthetic use and faster recovery than standard practice.

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Tonsillectomy in Maine: regulation versus education as modulators of medical care.

The reduction in the rate of tonsillectomy, using the state of Maine as an example, and the causes thereof are addressed. Are federal and state regulations required to change the behavior of physicians and the public, or is education of greater importance? A study of tonsillectomy in the state of Maine was based on data covering a period of approximately 30 years. The data were based on direct contact with hospitals, in which we achieved the cooperation of virtually all of the hospitals of Maine, encompassing 98% of the hospital beds. These data were placed in context by information provided by the Maine Health Data Service, and by information for the northeastern United States, for the eastern United States, and for the entire United States, from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The operation of tonsillectomy and its variants, including adenoidectomy, has declined remarkably in the past 30 years, most drastically in the past eight years. It now occupies only 4.5% of the total operative admissions for the State, where it formerly was 17%. It now has a populational incidence for the State of 3.3 operations per thousand population per year, whereas it formerly was at a level of about 10.0. From this study, as well as from physicians in Maine, to whom an informal questionnaire was sent, it is clear that this reduction has come about largely because of education of physicians and the public. Increased awareness by the public, pediatricians and general practitioners of the limitations of this operation has been significant. In addition, there is a general sense of improved general health of young people in Maine, with fewer chronic respiratory infections. Some negative opinions were expressed, including the possibility that peritonsillar abcesses may be more frequent in the future and that some pediatricians and general practitioners overuse antibiotics. Federal regulations, state regulations, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross or Blue Shield regulations concerning tonsillectomy were not instituted at any point in the State of Maine, during the period under study. There were no alterations in payment, second opinion programs or other restrictions or constraints placed on the operation at any level of official or hospital regulation. Formerly performed in large numbers by general practitioners, family practitioners, and general surgeons, the operation(s) is now predominantly carried out by trained otolaryngologists, largely board certified. Evidence is presented to support the view that concentration of this operation in the hands of fewer, more highly trained surgical specialists has been positively associated with its sharper indications and declining frequency. The conclusion is offered that increased education of physicians, both specialists and general practitioners as well as family doctors, and of the public as a whole, is the most important single factor in producing this significant alteration in the behavior of the health care system in the State of Maine. Effective limitation of the operation to specialists has been an important feature both of this educational process and of the more rational use of the operation(s).

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