Benefits of oral administration of an electrolyte solution interrupting a prolonged preoperatory fasting period in pediatric patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of an oral isos molar solution of electrolytes (ISE) administered to interrupt a prolonged fasting period in children undergoing an elective surgical procedure under general anesthesia. Methods: Forty unpremedicated children aged 3 to 12 years, ASA I, undergoin g a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with an overnight fasting p eriod for milk and solids of at least 8 hours. In group 2, patients under a similar fasting period received a volume of 4 mL/kg of an oral ISE 3 hours before completing the fasting period. After anesthetic induction, blood gl ucose level (BGL) was quantified, and patients underwent an endoscopic exam ination to obtain the gastric content to determine the residual gastric vol ume (RGV) and pH levels. Results: In group 1, the RGV was 0.78 +/- 0.44 mL/kg, pH was 1.75 +/- 0.38, and BGL was 86.4 +/- 14.5. In group 2, the RGV was 0.40 +/- 0.29 mL/kg, pH was 3.18 +/- 0.61, and BGL was 85.1 +/- 12.6. Only RGV and pH were signifi cantly different between groups. Conclusion: A prolonged fasting period interrupted with oral ISE administra tion resulted in an RGV of low risk, without counterbalancing a potential f asting-induced hypoglycemia. J Pediatr Surg 36:457-459. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.