Influence of Shortened Fasting Time on Perioperative Outcomes in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Prolonged preoperative fasting can cause hypoglycemia, dehydration, hypotension, and irritability, especially in children. Multimodal protocols such as the Enhanced Recovery After Operation (ERAS) and the Accelerated Full Postoperative Recovery (ACERTO, Aceleração da Recuperação Total Pós-Operatória) recommend a shortened fasting period. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between shortened preoperative fasting and perioperative outcomes in pediatric patients.

Methods: This study is a systematic review of the literature. The inclusion criteria were original studies published between January 2017-November 2022 that used shortened preoperative fasting protocols validated in patients aged 0-17 years and that evaluated the association of this practice with perioperative outcomes. The studies were obtained from the Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (PubMed) and Science Direct databases.

Results: A total of 6064 articles were obtained, of which eight were considered eligible. The results showed that shortened preoperative fast is safe in children and adolescents. The main benefits of this practice were higher preoperative blood glucose, no episodes of preoperative hypoglycemia, lower incidence of nausea, and minor complaints of crying.

Conclusions: Shortening the fasting time with high-carbohydrate drinks between one and 2 h before operation is safe in children and adolescents, being associated with better metabolic and emotional responses in the perioperative period.

Levels of evidence: Level II.

Keywords: Fasting; General operation; Pediatrics; Preoperative care.