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Published on: December 18, 2013
Preparatory information reduces gastroscopy-related stress in children as confirmed by salivary cortisol
Burcu Volkan1, Nevzat Aykut Bayrak2, Cihat Ucar3
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey.
Insights
Providing detailed information about endoscopy significantly reduces procedural stress in children. This was measured by lower anxiety scores and salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) levels in children who received comprehensive explanations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Pediatric endoscopy procedures can induce significant anxiety.
- Measuring salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) is a biomarker for stress in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of detailed preparatory information on anxiety levels in pediatric patients undergoing endoscopy.
- To assess changes in salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) as an objective measure of stress reduction.
Main Methods:
- 184 pediatric patients undergoing gastroscopy were divided into two groups: detailed explanation (Group Explained) and brief explanation (Group Unexplained).
- Anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) levels were measured before and after the procedure.
- Sedation and recovery parameters, including propofol dosage, were also monitored.
Main Results:
- The Group Explained showed significantly lower anxiety scores and pre- and post-endoscopy s-cortisol levels compared to Group Unexplained.
- Detailed explanations also correlated with reduced duration of sedation, endoscopy, and recovery.
- No significant differences in propofol dosage were noted between groups.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive explanation of endoscopic procedures to pediatric patients effectively reduces procedural stress and anxiety.
- Salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) levels serve as a reliable indicator of stress reduction in this population.
- Physicians should prioritize detailed communication with children about upcoming endoscopic examinations to minimize patient distress.
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to determine whether the anxiety levels of pediatric patients who undergo endoscopy are reduced after receiving preparatory information about the endoscopic procedure by monitoring their salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) levels.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 184 children undergoing gastroscopy under sedoanalgesia were included in the study. All the patients received a brief explanation of the endoscopic procedure. Patients were divided into two groups; Group Unexplained did not receive any further information other than a brief explanation of the procedure, Group Explained received more detailed explanation of the procedure. To determine anxiety levels, saliva specimens were taken on the day before the procedure to examine cortisol levels before and after endoscopy. Anxiety scores before endoscopy were calculated by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Patients were monitored throughout sedoanalgesia, including during the endoscopy, sedation and recovery, and total propofol dosages were recorded.
Results:
Eighty-nine children undergoing gastroscopy (age 11.55 ± 2.52 years; 50.5% girls) constituted Group Explained and 95 children undergoing gastroscopy (age 11.44 ± 2.66 years; 56.8% male) constituted Group Unexplained. The anxiety score, duration of sedation, endoscopy and recovery, propofol dose, pre- and post-endoscopy s-cortisol levels were significantly reduced in Group Explained.
Conclusions:
We demonstrated that when endoscopic procedure is explained broadly to a child, the procedural stress is significantly less, as measured by the s-cortisol levels and the anxiety questionnaire. It is important for the attending physician to explain all aspects of examination carefully.
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