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Perioperative considerations for the child with an upper respiratory tract infection

A R Tait1, T Voepel-Lewis, S Malviya

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, 48109-0211, USA.

Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses
|January 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric anesthesia for children with upper respiratory infections (URIs) involves weighing risks of respiratory complications against manageable outcomes. This review aids providers in deciding whether to proceed with or cancel elective surgery for children with URIs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Perianesthesia Nursing
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • The decision to proceed with or cancel elective surgery for children with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) is a long-standing debate.
  • Conflicting evidence exists regarding the increased risk of perioperative respiratory complications in children with URIs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathogenesis of viral respiratory infections.
  • To synthesize current literature on anesthesia and URIs in pediatric patients.
  • To guide the assessment and management of children undergoing elective surgery with a URI.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on anesthesia and URIs in children.
  • Discussion of viral respiratory tract infection pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of perioperative management strategies for pediatric patients with URIs.

Main Results:

  • Some studies indicate increased perioperative respiratory risks with anesthesia in children with URIs.
  • Other studies suggest these complications are manageable without adverse sequelae.
  • Evidence synthesis is crucial for informed clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing perioperative management is key for children with URIs undergoing elective surgery.
  • This information supports perianesthesia nurses and anesthesia providers in surgical decisions.
  • Balancing surgical necessity with potential respiratory risks is paramount.

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