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Gastro-oesophageal reflux and adverse respiratory events in children under anaesthesia

J G Milross1, B H Negus, N E Street

  • 1Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, N.S.W.

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) occurred in 2.5% of healthy children during general anaesthesia for minor surgery. This study found no link between GOR and adverse respiratory events in paediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) incidence during pediatric general anesthesia is understudied.
  • Understanding GOR is crucial for managing respiratory complications in pediatric surgical patients.

Observation:

  • A study monitored 120 pediatric patients (ASA Class 1-2) undergoing general anesthesia using continuous esophageal pH monitoring.
  • The intraoperative incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux was recorded.

Findings:

  • A 2.5% incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (3 out of 120 patients) was observed.
  • No correlation was found between gastro-oesophageal reflux and adverse respiratory events.
  • Thirteen patients experienced minor respiratory events unrelated to acid reflux.

Implications:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux occurs in healthy children during minor surgery but is not a primary cause of adverse respiratory events in this population.
  • Findings suggest that while GOR is present, other factors are more significant contributors to respiratory complications in this setting.
  • Further research may explore specific risk factors for respiratory events in pediatric surgical patients independent of GOR.

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