Paediatric induction techniques: inhalational versus intravenous, premedication, and the sick child

Meet the patient

A three-year-old for dental extraction arrives terrified, clinging to mum, no IV access. Dad asks: "Will the gas damage his brain?" Your induction plan must answer three questions at once — which technique, how to keep him safe, and what to tell the parents about neurotoxicity.^[17]

The answers: sevoflurane inhalational induction in oxygen (the needle-phobic well child is the classic indication), IV access secured only at adequate depth, and the GAS trial for the neurotoxicity question. Never instrument a light paediatric airway — that is the single most important safety rule in paediatric induction.^[3][1]

References24ShowHide

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