Spinal Instead of General Anesthesia for Two Pediatric Patients at Risk for Malignant Hyperthermia

Abstract

Although commonly practiced in the adult population, the use of spinal anesthesia has been limited in infants and children. Historically, it was employed as a means of avoiding apnea following general anesthesia or avoiding the need for endotracheal intubation. More recently, there has been resurgence in the use of spinal anesthesia due to concerns that general anesthetic agents may exert neurotoxic effects and impact future neurocognitive function. More broadly, spinal anesthesia may also have applications in patients with co-morbid conditions that increase the risk of general anesthesia. We present the use of spinal anesthesia as a means of avoiding general anesthesia in two infants with family histories of malignant hyperthermia.