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Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in Pediatric Surgery: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Trials
Yunita Widyastuti1, Djayanti Sari1, Anisa Fadhila Farid1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Preoperative carbohydrate loading (PCL) in pediatric surgery may stabilize blood glucose and reduce metabolic risks. However, evidence on length of hospital stay and postoperative complications requires further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols
- Nutritional Support
Background:
- Preoperative carbohydrate loading (PCL) is a component of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.
- It involves administering carbohydrate-rich liquids preoperatively, contrasting with traditional fasting.
- PCL aims to improve glycemic control, mitigate insulin resistance, and enhance patient comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive scoping review of PCL in pediatric surgery.
- To synthesize evidence on the metabolic and perioperative outcomes of PCL in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic scoping review was performed using major scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Studies published between 2017 and 2024, focusing on English-language clinical trials in pediatric populations, were included.
- Data extraction focused on sample sizes, types of PCL interventions, and perioperative outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies on PCL in pediatric surgery were reviewed, with participant numbers ranging from 18 to 1200.
- Seven studies reported stabilized blood glucose levels and reduced hypoglycemia risk.
- Five studies indicated reduced preoperative anxiety, agitation, and discomfort; five also noted improved gastric residual volume and pH.
- Postoperative outcomes were mixed, with no significant difference in nausea/vomiting in four studies, while three showed no change in hospital stay length.
Conclusions:
- PCL in pediatric surgery demonstrates potential for stabilizing blood glucose and improving metabolic profiles.
- Evidence for benefits on length of hospital stay and postoperative complications is currently inconsistent.
- Further research is warranted to clarify the impact of PCL on these critical recovery parameters.
Introduction:
Preoperative carbohydrate loading (PCL), part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, involves giving carbohydrate-rich liquids before surgery instead of traditional fasting. It improves glucose control, reduces insulin resistance, and enhances patient comfort.
Methods:
A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies from 2017 to 2024. Primary, English-language clinical trial involving pediatric patients were included without restrictions on surgical procedure, or outcomes. Data extraction was focused on sample sizes, PCL types, and perioperative outcomes.
Results:
The scoping review examined 11 studies on PCL in pediatric surgery, covering various procedures with sample sizes ranging from 18 to 1200 participants. Most studies indicated metabolic benefits, with 7 out of 11 showing stabilized blood glucose and reduced hypoglycemia risk. Additionally, 5 studies associated PCL with reduced preoperative anxiety, agitation, and discomfort, including thirst and hunger. For stomach content, 5 studies showed PCL reduced gastric residual volume and improved pH. Postoperative findings were mixed: 4 studies found no significant difference in nausea and vomiting, while 2 suggested benefits. Length of hospital stay from 3 studies showed no clinical difference results.
Conclusions:
PCL in pediatric surgery shows potential to stabilize blood glucose, reduce metabolic risks, and improve recovery. However, the evidence regarding outcomes such as length of hospital stay and postoperative complications remains inconsistent, indicating the need for further investigation.
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