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The Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Administration on Perioperative Hypothermia in Pediatric Patients

Sevil Erbek1, Handan Birbiçer2, Levent Özdemir2

  • 1Anesthesiology Clinics, Istanbul Basaksehir Cam and Sakura Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses
|January 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading in pediatric patients significantly increased perioperative body temperature and prevented hypothermia. This intervention also reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Maintaining normothermia during surgery is crucial for pediatric patients.
  • Perioperative hypothermia is a common complication in pediatric surgery.
  • Preoperative fasting guidelines aim to reduce aspiration risk but can contribute to hypothermia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of oral carbohydrate administration 3 hours before surgery on perioperative body temperature in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on hypothermia incidence.
  • To assess the influence on postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study involving 40 pediatric patients (2-15 years).
  • Group C received 5 mL/kg clear carbohydrate-rich liquid; Group W received 5 mL/kg water 3 hours preoperatively.
  • Body temperatures measured perioperatively; hypothermia defined as <36.0°C; postoperative complications monitored.

Main Results:

  • Group C demonstrated statistically higher mean body temperature from 15 minutes intraoperatively onwards (P < .05).
  • Hypothermia occurred in 3 patients in Group W, but none in Group C.
  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting affected 15% of Group W patients, with none in Group C.

Conclusions:

  • Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is associated with elevated perioperative body temperature in pediatric surgical patients.
  • Carbohydrate loading effectively prevents the development of perioperative hypothermia.
  • This intervention also appears to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Abstract

Keywords:
hypothermiaoral carbohydratepediatric anesthesiaperioperative carepostoperative complications

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