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Sodium citrate in paediatric outpatients
J M Henderson1, D G Spence, W N Clarke
1Department of Anaesthesia, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia = Journal Canadien D'Anesthesie
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Preoperative administration of sodium citrate effectively increases gastric pH in pediatric patients, potentially reducing aspiration-related complications. This antacid is a safe and effective method for raising gastric pH in children.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Aspiration during anesthesia poses significant risks, including morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.
- Elevating gastric content pH is a strategy to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sodium citrate in increasing gastric content pH in pediatric patients preoperatively.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of sodium citrate in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 25 pediatric patients (aged 1-14 years) who received sodium citrate (0.4 ml/kg) preoperatively.
- Gastric content pH was measured post-induction of anesthesia.
- Comparison with a control group of 20 pediatric patients (aged 7 months-9 years) who did not receive sodium citrate.
Main Results:
- 23 out of 25 patients receiving sodium citrate achieved a gastric pH > 2.5.
- Only 2 patients in the control group had a gastric pH > 2.5 (p < 0.001).
- Sodium citrate was well-tolerated, with only one child refusing the medication.
Conclusions:
- Sodium citrate is an effective and well-tolerated agent for raising gastric content pH in pediatric patients.
- This intervention may help reduce post-aspiration morbidity and mortality in pediatric surgical patients.