The Impact of Preoperative Fasting Duration on Blood Glucose and Hemodynamics in Children

Pouran Hajian1, Minoo Shabani2, Elham Khanlarzadeh3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Insights

Prolonged preoperative fasting in children does not significantly alter blood glucose levels. However, extended liquid fasting may negatively impact systolic blood pressure during surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Surgical Patient Management

Background:

  • Prolonged preoperative fasting is a significant concern for pediatricians and anesthesiologists.
  • Ensuring patient safety and optimal physiological status in pediatric surgery is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of preoperative fasting duration on blood glucose levels in children.
  • To assess the impact of fasting duration on hemodynamic parameters during pediatric surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 50 children aged 3-12 years.
  • Recorded last solid and liquid meal times via parental interviews.
  • Monitored blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate before and during anesthesia.

Main Results:

  • Blood glucose levels significantly increased post-surgery compared to baseline (P < 0.001).
  • No significant differences in blood glucose were found based on fasting duration for solids or liquids (P > 0.05).
  • A significant negative correlation was observed between liquid fasting duration and systolic blood pressure (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged preoperative fasting does not appear to affect blood glucose levels in pediatric surgical patients.
  • Extended liquid fasting may potentially influence systolic blood pressure, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

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