Variation in pediatric local anesthetic dosing for peripheral nerve blocks: an analysis from the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network (PRAN). Issue 12 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taenzer, Andreas H; Herrick, Michael; Hoyt, Matthew; Ramamurthi, R J; Walker, Benjamin; Flack, Sean H; Bosenberg, Adrian; Franklin, Andrew; Polaner, David M
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Bosenberg Adrian author non-byline.; Flack Sean author non-byline.; Polaner David author non-byline.; Fernandez Patrick author non-byline.; Taenzer Andreas author non-byline.; Birmingham Patrick author non-byline.; Ramamurthi RJ author non-byline.; Anderson Anthony author non-byline.; Kastner Galit author non-byline.; Lozano Sara author non-byline.; Matuszczak Maria author non-byline.; Sethna Navil author non-byline.; Petersen Tim author non-byline.; Wyat Karla author non-byline.; Pineda Jorge author non-byline.; Walker Benjamin author non-byline.; Hutchins Jacob author non-byline.; Shah Aali author non-byline.; Sathyamoorthy Madhankumar author non-byline.; Venable Claudia author non-byline.; Yalamanchili Vidya author non-byline.; Dong Naomi author non-byline.; Pizzo Katherine Del author non-byline.; Chaudhari Reena author non-byline.; Franklin Andrew author non-byline.; Ando Akiko author non-byline.; Patel Nikhil author non-byline.; Pestieau Sophie author non-byline.; Rosenbloom Julia author non-byline.; Bradford Victoria author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: Regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Volume 45:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: 964
• Page End: 969
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: regional anesthesia -- pediatrics -- pain -- postoperative; Conduction anesthesia -- Periodicals; Pain medicine -- Periodicals; 617.964
• DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2020-101720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-7339

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Variation of local anesthetic dosing has been reported for adult peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and infant caudal blocks. As higher doses of local anesthetics (LA) are potentially associated with increased risk of complications (eg, local anesthetic systemic toxicity), it is important to understand the source of LA dose variation. Using the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network (PRAN) database, we aimed to determine if variation in dosing exists in pediatric single-injection PNBs, and what factors influence that variation. The primary aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with dosing for the 10 most commonly performed PNBs, with the secondary aim of exploring possible factors for variation such as number of blocks performed versus geographic location. Methods: The PRAN database was used to determine the 10 most common pediatric PNBs, excluding neuraxial regional anesthetics. The 10 most common pediatric PNBs in the PRAN database were analyzed for variation of LA dose and causes for variation. Results: In a cohort of 34 514 children receiving PNBs, the mean age was 10.38 (+/-5.23) years, average weight was 44.88 (+/-26.66) kg and 61.8% were men. The mean bupivacaine equivalent (BE) dose was 0.86 (+/-0.5) mg kg −1 and ropivacaine was used in 65.4% of blocks. Dose decreases with age (estimate −0.016 (−0.017, –0.015; p<0.001)). In all blocks for all age groups, the range of doses that make up the central 80% of all doses exceeds the mean BE dose for the block. Variation is not related to the number blocks performed at an institution (p=0.33 (CI −0.42 to 0.15)). The dose administered for a PNB is driven in order of impact by the institution where the block was performed (Cohen's ƒ=0.45), then by weight (0.31), type of block (0.27), LA used (0.15) and age (0.03). Conclusions: Considerable variation in dosing exists in all age groups and in all block types. The most impactful driver of local anesthetic dose is the institution where the block was performed, indicating the dosing of a potentially lethal drug is more based on local culture than on evidence.