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Preterm Versus Term Children: Analysis of Sedation/Anesthesia Adverse Events and Longitudinal Risk
Jeana E Havidich1, Michael Beach2, Stephen F Dierdorf3
1The Dartmouth Institute, Lebanon, New Hampshire; jeana.e.havidich@hitchcock.org.
Pediatrics
|February 27, 2016
Summary
Children born preterm face nearly double the risk of adverse events during sedation or anesthesia, a risk that persists until age 23. Healthcare providers should consider birth history when planning procedures for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Children born preterm often need sedation/anesthesia for procedures.
- Previous research indicates potential risks for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the age at which preterm-born children no longer have increased sedation/anesthesia adverse event risk.
- Describe the types and frequency of adverse events in this group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 57,227 children (0-22 years) undergoing non-operating room procedures.
- Utilized predefined adverse event terms and logistic regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Preterm/former preterm children had higher adverse event rates (14.7%) versus term-born (8.5%).
- A biphasic pattern of adverse events was observed, with airway/respiratory events most common.
- MRI scans were the most frequent procedures for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Preterm-born patients are at nearly twice the risk for sedation/anesthesia adverse events, extending up to 23 years of age.
- Recommend considering birth history in anesthetic/sedation planning due to elevated risk.
- Further research is needed on the causes and prevention of adverse events in former preterm patients.
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