Preoxygenation in pediatric patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Preoxygenation with tidal volume breathing for 3 min is a standard technique using 100% oxygen for prevention of hypoxia during the induction of general anesthesia. The measurement of end tidal oxygen concentration is useful in preoxygenation monitoring. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of preoxygenation in pediatric patients during 3 min with tidal volume breathing. METHODS: Sixty patients who were scheduled for general surgery were divided into 0-6 yr old children (Group I, n = 20), 7-15 yr old children (Group II, n = 20) and adults (Group III, n = 20). Patients with an inflatable mask connected to an anesthesia machine breathed 100% oxygen spontaneously for 3 min with tidal volume in all three groups. End tidal oxygen concentration, end tidal carbon dioxide concentration and respiratory rate were measured simultaneously for 3 min. RESULTS: Group I and II showed significantly higher end tidal oxygen concentrations than Group III from 10 sec to 160 sec with 3 min tidal volume breathing (P < 0.05). The mean time required for end tidal oxygen concentration of 90% was 85.5 +/- 18.5 sec for Group I, 101.5 +/- 21.5 sec for Group II and 148.0 +/- 24.0 sec for Group III. Therefore, Group I and II showed a significantly shorter time than Group III (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients showed a significantly shorter time to obtain the required preoxygenation.