[Peculiarities of perioperative nutritional therapy in children]

There is a well known correlation between postoperative morbidity and mortality and the preoperative nutritional status. Due to this fact perioperative nutritional therapy has gained growing importance. In newborns, children, and adolescents several metabolic facts have to be taken into account in the perioperative management which are the topics of this review. Differences in electrolyte, fluid, and nutrient requirements are discussed. The article presents a summary of possibilities in parenteral and enteral nutritional therapy, recommendations and practical guidelines for the treatment of children and adolescents.