Evaluation of Preoperative Capnographic Parameters in Children with Suspected Foreign Body Aspiration

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical differences between pediatric patients with suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA) who had foreign bodies detected on bronchoscopy and those who did not. Methods: Patients undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected FBA were retrospectively divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 59), with confirmed foreign body; Group 2 (n = 50), without foreign body. Age, blood gas parameters (pCO₂, pO₂, SpO₂), and type and localization of foreign bodies were recorded and statistically compared. Results: The mean age was significantly lower in Group 1 (24.63 ± 12.32 months) than in Group 2 (37.12 ± 32.98 months; p = 0.014). Group 1 had significantly higher pCO₂ levels (41.24 ± 13.37 mmHg vs. 31.53 ± 6.44 mmHg; p < 0.001) and lower pO₂ levels (45.78 ± 12.18 mmHg vs. 53.98 ± 13.24 mmHg; p = 0.001). Oxygen saturation values showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.19). Among confirmed cases, foreign bodies were located in the right bronchial system (56%), left bronchial system (41%), and trachea (3.4%). Conclusions: Children diagnosed with FBA were younger and exhibited greater abnormalities in blood gas parameters compared to those without FBA. While bronchoscopy remains essential for the definitive diagnosis and treatment of suspected FBA, our findings suggest that these results may play a significant role in reducing unnecessary bronchoscopies.