Objectives

After participating in this educational activity, attendees should be able to:

1|Explain the clinical relevance of pediatric neuraxial anesthesia for anesthesia trainees, pediatric anesthesiologists, and general anesthesiologists, including its impact on perioperative outcomes and practice.
2|Describe the historical evolution of pediatric neuraxial anesthesia, highlighting at least three key milestones that have influenced current practice.
3|Summarize current global trends in the utilization of pediatric neuraxial anesthesia, including variations in practice patterns and adoption worldwide.
4|Compare neuraxial and general anesthesia in pediatric patients by identifying at least three advantages of neuraxial techniques and defining the role of the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network (PRAN).
5|Identify and explain key anatomical differences between pediatric and adult neuraxial anatomy that influence technique selection, needle placement, and safety.
6|Review three landmark studies in pediatric neuraxial anesthesia (GAS, PANDA, MASK), describing each study’s methodology, principal findings, and implications for clinical practice.
7|Discuss the indications, contraindications, techniques, benefits, and potential complications of commonly performed pediatric neuraxial blocks, including caudal, epidural, and spinal anesthesia.
8|Differentiate amide and ester local anesthetics by comparing their mechanisms of metabolism, duration of action, adverse-effect profiles, and common clinical applications.
9|Calculate appropriate pediatric dosing and estimate expected duration of action for commonly used neuraxial local anesthetics based on patient weight and drug characteristics.
10|Recognize the signs and symptoms of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) and formulate an evidence-based management plan, including lipid emulsion therapy.
11|Evaluate emerging developments and future directions in pediatric regional and neuraxial anesthesia, including advances in technology, safety initiatives, and clinical research.

Presenter(s): 
Lelesse Mocio, MD
Anesthesia Resident
Department of Anesthesiology
UMass Chan Medical School
Baystate Medical Center