Incidence and risk factors for emergence delirium in children undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia – An observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/Keywords:
Emergence delirium, pediatric surgery, general anesthesia, risk factors, sevoflurane, postoperative care.Abstract
Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is a common postoperative complication in pediatric patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. It is characterized by agitation, confusion, and incoherence, posing challenges in postoperative care. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with ED in children at ESIC MCH, Bihta, Patna, Bihar. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period from April 2022 to September 2023 in ESIC ESIC MCH, Bihta, Patna, Bihar. A total of 300 pediatric patients, aged 2-12 years, undergoing various surgical procedures under general anesthesia were included. Data on patient demographics, type of surgery, anesthetic agents used, duration of anesthesia, and postoperative conditions were collected. Emergence delirium was assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors.
Results: The overall incidence of ED was 20% (60 out of 300 patients). Children aged 2-5 years exhibited a higher incidence (30%) compared to those aged 6-12 years (10%). The use of sevoflurane was associated with a higher incidence of ED (25%) compared to propofol (10%). Longer duration of anesthesia (>2 hours) was significantly associated with ED (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed based on gender or type of surgery. Preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain were identified as significant predictors of ED (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Emergence delirium is a notable postoperative complication in pediatric patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, with an incidence of 20%. Younger age, use of sevoflurane, longer anesthesia duration, preoperative anxiety, and postoperative pain are significant risk factors. Awareness and preventive strategies targeting these factors may reduce the incidence of ED and improve postoperative care.
