Paediatric anaesthesia & critical care
Ultrasound‐Based Assessment of Gastric Fluid Volume in the Pediatric Population Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blind Comparison of Carbohydrate‐Rich Clear Fluid Versus Water at One‐ and Two‐Hour Fasting Intervals
Authors' conclusion
Consumption of 3 mL/kg of a carbohydrate-rich clear fluid 1 h before anesthesia induction produces higher but clinically safe GFV (none exceeding 1.5 mL/kg) and superior patient comfort compared to conventional two-hour fasting.
Study context
- Population
- ASA I–II children aged 1–12 years undergoing elective non-gastrointestinal surgeryall completed the study
- Participants
- 140 children
- Comparison
- Carbohydrate-rich clear fluid (10% glucose) vs plain water, 3 mL/kg, at 1-h vs 2-h fasting intervals
- Primary endpoint
- GFV in the right lateral position (RLP) by POCUS, calculated using the Spencer formula
Methodological detailsprospective, double-blind, parallel-group, single tertiary referral centre, Tertiary referral centre, February 2024 to March 2025
- Prospective
- Double-blind
- Parallel-group
- Single tertiary referral centre
- Tertiary referral centre, February 2024 to March 2025
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
GFV in RLP
P < 0.001
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | A | B | C | D | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perlas antral Grade 2 | 31.4% | 0 events | 8.6% | 0 events | |
| VAS comfort scoreA vs D · significantly higher in Group A | 8.31 ± 0.63 | — not stated in the abstract | — not stated in the abstract | 6.66 ± 0.97 | P < 0.001 |
— not stated in the abstract
Gastric fluid volume (GFV) across risk thresholds (0.8, 1.25, 1.5 mL/kg)
- Group A with GFV between 0.9-1.25 mL/kg
- 57.1%
- Group B with GFV ≤ 0.8 mL/kg
- 91.4%
- Group D with GFV ≤ 0.8 mL/kg
- 100%
- No participant in any group exceeded a GFV of 1.5 mL/kg
Safety
- No episodes of pulmonary aspiration occurred
Original publication
Ultrasound‐Based Assessment of Gastric Fluid Volume in the Pediatric Population Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blind Comparison of Carbohydrate‐Rich Clear Fluid Versus Water at One‐ and Two‐Hour Fasting Intervals. Paediatr Anaesth. Published 25 August 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →