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SummaryBackground Recent articles in both scholarly journals and the lay press about the topic of anesthetic related neurotoxicity have increased the awareness and discussion of this topic with parents and other pediatric medical specialties (i.e., surgeons, radiologists, and pediatricians). Aim The purpose of the present study was to survey how a subset of pediatric anesthesia departments in the US have responded to the issue of anesthetic related neurotoxicity in terms of clinical practice, training and communication with other medical specialties, and the frequency and timing of discussions with families. Methods A survey consisting of 22 questions was sent to PALC (Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council) & PAPDA (Pediatric Anesthesia Program Directors Association) via SurveyMonkey. The survey was divided into sections on Anesthesia Faculty/Trainees, Parents and Non-Anesthesia Providers. Responses to the survey were solicited via email to PALC and PAPDA, and then followed up with reminders to individual emails using the mailing lists of both organizations. Results The results of this survey demonstrate that pediatric anesthesia programs around the US do not have a consistent approach in managing the topic of anesthesia-related neurotoxicity with pediatric anesthesiologists, anesthesiology residents, pediatric anesthesiology fellows and their non-anesthesia medical and surgical colleagues, as well as the discussion of this topic with parents. Conclusion A significant need exists to provide information to other pediatric professionals and parents. A consistent message from all providers that includes what is known, and indeed more importantly what is not known may be a useful approach.

Summary Objective/Aims: To assess current practices in the management of children undergoing craniofacial surgery and identify areas of significant practice variability with the intent to direct future research. Background: The perioperative management of infants and children undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery can be challenging because of the routine occurrence of significant blood loss with associated morbidity. A variety of techniques have been described to improve the care for these children. It is presently unknown to what extent these practices are currently employed. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to representatives from 102 institutions. One individual per institution was surveyed to prevent larger institutions from being over-represented in the results. Results: Requests to complete the survey were sent to 102 institutions; 48 surveys were completed. The survey was composed of two parts: management of infants undergoing strip craniectomies, and management of children undergoing major craniofacial reconstruction. Conclusions: Significant variability exists in the management of children undergoing these procedures; further study is required to determine the optimal management strategies. Clinical trials assessing the utility of central venous pressure and other hemodynamic monitoring modalities would enable evidence-based decision-making for monitoring in these children. The development of institutional transfusion thresholds should be encouraged, as there exists a body of evidence supporting their efficacy and safety.

Summary Prenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) have higher mortality rates than those diagnosed in the neonatal period. Natural history of SCT varies, and management depends on pathophysiology. Treatment may be minimally invasive or require open surgery. Intervention may take place in the prenatal period, or it may occur within minutes to days after birth. Optimal care requires close follow up and communication between members of a multidisciplinary team. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed SCT and address the evaluation, anesthetic considerations, and mechanisms needed to care for this high risk population.