Preoperative weight loss, hypoglycaemia and ketosis in elective paediatric patients, preliminary results from a prospective observational study

• BackgroundNew paediatric fasting guidelines allow free clear fluids up until one hour prior to surgery. At the paediatric anaesthesia department of Uppsala University Hospital, children are fasted six hours for solids, four hours for breast milk and are allowed free clear fluids up until called to theatre. Preoperative fasting is necessary to avoid perioperative pulmonary aspiration. However, extended fasting times have detrimental effects for fluid homeostasis and may cause hypoglycaemia and ketone bodies.AimThe aim of the current study was to investigate if preoperative weight loss, glucose level and ketone bodies were related to preoperative fasting times.MethodsPaediatric patients aged 0-72 months were included in this prospective, observational study. All children included were instructed to fast from midnight for solids, four hours for breast milk or semi-solids and from when they are called to theatre for clear fluids. Fasting times were registered, and patient weight was measured in the evening prior to surgery, and before induction. Blood glucose and ketone body levels were measured before induction. Multiple regression was used to determine how fasting time affected the outcomes weight change, blood glucose level and ketone bodies, respectively.Results43 patients were enrolled. Three children had a weight loss of more than 5 %, five children presented with blood glucose level < 3.3 mmol l-1, and 11 children presented with ketone bodies > 0.6 mmol l-1. There was no correlation between fasting time and the respective outcomes.ConclusionEven with a lenient preoperative fasting regimen, mild dehydration or hypoglycaemia may occur. This methodology may be used in further studies of the effects of preoperative fasting in settings where dehydration may be more significant.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Anestesi och intensivvård (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (hsv//eng)

Keyword

General Anesthesia

child < Age

Dehydration

Fasting

Hypoglycaemia

Ketosis

Anestesiologi och intensivvård

Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care

Anestesiologi och intensivvård

Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)