Pediatric pulmonologists approach to the pre-operative management of the asthmatic child

Keren Armoni-Domany, Guy Gut, Ruth Soferman, Yakov Sivan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

No consensus guidelines exist for the respiratory treatment of asthmatic children referred for elective surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of pediatric pulmonologists regarding the pre-operative management of these children. Methods: A survey of pre-operative management of asthmatic children was conducted. All 48 certified pediatric pulmonologists in Israel completed a questionnaire that comprised 20 questions regarding their approach to pre-operative management including six case scenarios with a variety of clinical situations and treatments of children with asthma. Results: Response rate was 100%. All believed that pre-operative treatment should be considered in all asthmatic children. Almost 50% suggested that a pediatric pulmonologist should be consulted in all pre-operative assessments. 50% recommended consultation only in individual cases. Overall, results showed a very wide variability between responders especially in pre-school and poorly controlled school children. The variability referred to the use of bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and their combination during the pre-operative days, the addition of systemic CS and the length of pre-operative treatment. Almost all participants suggested either the initiation or augmentation of pre-operative treatment in high risk situations. Conclusions: This data demonstrate an important variability among pediatric pulmonologists in Israel regarding the practice of pre-operative treatment of infants and children with asthma especially for the less controlled and high risk children. This is most probably explained by the paucity of evidence-based data and the lack of established guidelines. Consensus guidelines for the pre-operative management of asthmatic children are needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)391-397
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Asthma
Volume52
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Keywords

  • Anesthesia
  • Asthma
  • Pediatrics
  • Surgery

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Immunology and Allergy

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