Residual gastric volume and risk for pulmonary aspiration in children with gastroesophageal reflux: comparative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Children with gastroesophageal reflux are often submitted to anesthesia for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They are considered as having delayed gastric emptying and so anesthesia in this group is surrounded by special consideration, mostly with regard to pulmonary aspiration. This study aimed at comparing residual gastric volume of children with and without gastroesophageal reflux and at determining if children with gastroesophageal reflux are at risk for pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia. METHODS Participated in this study 38 children, physical status ASA I and II undergoing upper digestive diagnostic endoscopy. Children were distributed in two groups, according to the presence (group R) or absence (group N) of gastroesophageal reflux. All gastric content was collected and measured during the procedure. RESULTS There were 18 (47%) group R children and 20 (53%) group N children. Age, weight and fasting time were not significantly different between groups. In all patients, residual gastric volume was less then 0,4 ml kg(-1) and there were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Children with gastroesophageal reflux were not at increased risk for pulmonary aspiration, as compared to children without reflux. Therefore, its prophylaxis would not be necessary.