Airway Management in Neonates and Infants
Airway management in neonates and infants – ESAIC-BJA joint guidelines
Airway management is required for anaesthetised patients undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures and is essential for life-threatening conditions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and critical care. Several guidelines have been published to standardise airway management and tracheal intubation procedures for routine and emergency situations in patients with normal, known, or anticipated difficult airways. However, there are no specific guidelines for neonates and infants.
Children have unique anatomy and physiology that can present clinicians with significant challenges. Younger children, term neonates, and pre-term neonates are at the highest risk for respiratory and traumatic complications from airway management. Most devices available for airway management are not specifically designed or tested for use in children.
This practice guideline aims to provide an evidence-based approach to airway management in neonates and infants. It was developed by a core group of experts in paediatric airway management, with the intention to serve anaesthetists working in a variety of paediatric settings, from highly specialised to district centres. As expertise and resources differ across centres, these practice guidelines are not a standard of care. However, they should serve as a basis for developing local institutionally approved operating procedures and best practice guidelines.
Important Disclaimers
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Keywords: Pediatric, Paediatric, Airway Management
