Clinical manifestations due to pharmacological interactions in pediatric ophthalmic surgery: topical drugs and general anaesthesia.

The authors consider the type and the incidence of the adverse effects due to the interaction between ophthalmic drugs and general anaesthesia in pediatric ophthalmic surgery. The experience included 176 general anaesthesia in 100 children aged between 9,2 months and 11,4 years (mean age 4,9 years). In the 100 patients we reported: 4 cases (2.7% general anaesthesias) of sinus tachycardia with heart rhythm varying between 170 and 180 beats per minute (3.6%); 5 cases of sinus bradycardia, varying between 60 and 70 beats per minute (3.3%); 3 cases of bronchospasm (2%); 2 cases of psychomotor agitation/disturbances in pre-convulsive state after anaesthesia (1.3%); 3 cases of arterial hypotension (60-70 mmHg) (2%); 7 cases of skin rush around neck and chest (4.6%); 1 case of prolonged apnoea (0.6%). The clinical manifestations, principally on the cardio-circulatory and nervous system are subjected to critical revision, to foresee the pharmacological interferences and therefore to prepare the necessary measure of medical treatment.