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Prolonged fasting in pediatric outpatients does not cause hypoglycemia

S J Huang1, K C Lee, Y Y Lai

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, National Cheng Kung University, Medical College and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Ma Zui Xue Za Zhi = Anaesthesiologica Sinica
|December 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Preoperative fasting is safe for children undergoing minor surgery. Extended fasting times did not lead to hypoglycemia in infants and children, indicating good tolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Preoperative fasting guidelines aim to prevent aspiration and hypoglycemia.
  • Optimal fasting durations for pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery are debated.
  • Previous studies suggest prolonged fasting may increase risks in infants and children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and tolerance of preoperative starvation in healthy children of different age groups.
  • To assess fasting blood glucose levels in pediatric patients after varying fasting periods.
  • To determine if current preoperative fasting protocols are appropriate for diverse pediatric age groups.

Main Methods:

  • 230 healthy children were divided into four age-based groups: small infants (1-3 months), infants (3-12 months), pre-school children (1-6 years), and older children (>6 years).
  • Children underwent preoperative starvation for durations tailored to their age group (4, 6, or 8 hours).
  • Fasting blood glucose levels were measured preoperatively, with specific attention to prolonged fasting durations (≥12 hours).

Main Results:

  • Fasting durations ranged from 6.7 to 12.6 hours across the groups.
  • Fasting blood glucose levels remained above 95 mg% in all groups, with no instances below 40 mg%.
  • Even infants starved for 12 hours or more maintained adequate blood glucose levels.

Conclusions:

  • Preoperative starvation is well-tolerated in infants and children undergoing elective minor surgery.
  • Current fasting protocols can be safely implemented, even with potential delays in surgical schedules.
  • Extended fasting times do not appear to pose a significant risk of hypoglycemia in this pediatric population.

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