Does sympathetic nervous system mediate reflex pupillary dilation during desflurane anesthesia?
During desflurane anesthesia, pupillary dilation in response to noxious stimulation or desflurane step-up is not mediated by the sympathetic nervous system (as it is in unanesthetized persons). Although inhibition of the pupillo-constrictor nucleus may be the cause of this dilation, the mechanism remains unknown.
SM education is deficient in US pediatric residency programs. Standardized curricula should be developed with a focus on hands-on training as a means for teaching SM to pediatric residents.