Local anesthetic dosing and toxicity of pediatric truncal catheters: a narrative review of published practice

Abstract

Background/importanceDespite over 30 years of use by pediatric anesthesiologists, standardized dosing rates, dosing characteristics, and cases of toxicity of truncal nerve catheters are poorly described.ObjectiveWe reviewed the literature to characterize dosing and toxicity of paravertebral and transversus abdominis plane catheters in children (less than 18 years).Evidence reviewWe searched for reports of ropivacaine or bupivacaine infusions in the paravertebral and transversus abdominis space intended for 24 hours or more of use in pediatric patients. We evaluated bolus dosing, infusion dosing, and cumulative 24-hour dosing in patients over and under 6 months. We also identified cases of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and toxic blood levels.FindingsFollowing screening, we extracted data from 46 papers with 945 patients.Bolus dosing was 2.5 mg/kg (median, range 0.6–5.0; n=466) and 1.25 mg/kg (median, range 0.5–2.5; n=294) for ropivacaine and bupivacaine, respectively. Infusion dosing was 0.5 mg/kg/hour (median, range 0.2–0.68; n=521) and 0.33 mg/kg/hour (median, range 0.1–1.0; n=423) for ropivacaine and bupivacaine, respectively, consistent with a dose equivalence of 1.5:1.0. A single case of toxicity was reported, and pharmacokinetic studies reported at least five cases with serum levels above the toxic threshold.ConclusionsBolus doses of bupivacaine and ropivacaine frequently comport with expert recommendations. Infusions in patients under 6 months used doses associated with toxicity and toxicity occurred at a rate consistent with single-shot blocks. Pediatric patients would benefit from specific recommendations about ropivacaine and bupivacaine dosing, including age-based dosing, breakthrough dosing, and intermittent bolus dosing.