Abstract

BackgroundThe paediatric preoperative fasting time of 2 h for clear fluids, as suggested by guidelines, is often exceeded. Shorter preoperative fasting has been proposed to avoid potential outcomes such as dehydration, ketoacidosis, reduced arterial blood pressure, and patient discomfort. The aim of this study was to investigate whether liberal clear fluid intake until premedication significantly reduces actual fasting time and impacts gastric pH and residual volume. MethodsChildren (1–16 yr old, ASA I or II) undergoing elective procedures with general anaesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were randomised for clear fluid intake until premedication with midazolam (liberal) or 2 h fluid fasting (standard). Actual fasting times were recorded. Gastric content was sampled after tracheal intubation with an orogastric tube to determine gastric pH and residual volume. Data are presented as median [interquartile range]. ResultsWe included 162 children aged 1.1–16 yr; gastric pH was determined in 138 patients. Patients’ characteristics were similar in the two groups. The liberal fasting group had significantly shorter fasting times (48 [18.5–77.5] vs 234 [223.5–458.5] min; P<0.001). No significant difference was observed regarding gastric pH (1.6 [1.5–1.8] vs 1.6 [1.4–1.7]; P=0.237) or residual volume (0.38 [0.1–1.1] vs 0.43 [0.13–0.73] ml kg−1; P=0.535). Twelve patients (15%) in the liberal group (median fluid fasting 32 min) vs one patient (1%) had gastric residual volumes >2 ml kg−1 (P=0.001). ConclusionFluid intake until premedication allows for significantly shorter fasting times. Elevated gastric residual volumes may occur more often in patients with fasting times of 30 min or shorter. Clinical trial registrationNCT02603094.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.