Influence of fluid regimens on perioperative blood-glucose concentrations in neonates

The Development of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Kasai Portoenterostomy

Balancing post-operative adequate pain control, respiratory depression, and return of bowel function can be particularly challenging in infants receiving the Kasai procedure (hepatoportoenterostomy). We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent the Kasai procedure from a single surgeon at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta from 1 January 2018, to 1 September 2022. 12 patients received the Kasai procedure within the study period. Average weight was 4.47 kg and average age was 7.4 weeks. Most patients received multimodal pain management including dexmedetomidine and/or ketorolac along with intravenous opioids. A balance of colloid and crystalloids were used for all patients; 57% received blood products as well. All patients were extubated in the OR and transferred to the general surgical floor without complications. Return of bowel function occurred in all patients by POD2, and enteral feeds were started by POD3. One patient had a presumed opioid overdose while admitted requiring a rapid response and brief oxygen supplementation. Simultaneously optimizing pain control, respiratory safety, and bowel function is possible in infants receiving the Kasai procedure. Based on our experience and the current pediatric literature, we propose an enhanced recovery protocol to improve patient outcomes in this fragile population. Larger, prospective studies implementing an enhanced recovery protocol in the Kasai population are required for stronger evidence and recommendations.

Consensus Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Neonatal Intestinal Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS^®) Society guidelines integrate evidence-based practices into multimodal care pathways that have improved outcomes in multiple adult surgical specialties. There are currently no pediatric ERAS^® Society guidelines. We created an ERAS^® guideline designed to enhance quality of care in neonatal intestinal resection surgery.

Methods

A multidisciplinary guideline generation group defined the scope, population, and guideline topics. Systematic reviews were supplemented by targeted searching and expert identification to identify 3514 publications that were screened to develop and support recommendations. Final recommendations were determined through consensus and were assessed for evidence quality and recommendation strength. Parental input was attained throughout the process.

Results

Final recommendations ranged from communication strategies to antibiotic use. Topics with poor-quality and conflicting evidence were eliminated. Several recommendations were combined. The quality of supporting evidence was variable. Seventeen final recommendations are included in the proposed guideline.

Discussion

We have developed a comprehensive, evidence-based ERAS guideline for neonates undergoing intestinal resection surgery. This guideline, and its creation process, provides a foundation for future ERAS guideline development and can ultimately lead to improved perioperative care across a variety of pediatric surgical specialties.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00268-020-05530-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Is intraoperative supplementation of dextrose essential for infants undergoing facial cleft surgeries?

Background and Aims:

Dextrose is commonly added to the intraoperative maintenance fluids of pediatric patients. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of addition of 1% dextrose to Ringer's lactate (RL) on blood glucose levels in infants undergoing facial cleft surgeries.

Material and Methods:

This prospective, randomized, single blinded study was conducted in forty infants undergoing either cheiloplasty or palatoplasty. Random blood sugar (RBS) was assessed using a glucometer after induction of anaesthesia, and at 1 and 2 hours later. Group R received RL and Group D received RL with 1% dextrose as intraoperative maintenance fluid. Hypoglycemia was defined as RBS <70 mg/dL and hyperglycemia as RBS >150 mg/dL.

Results:

Baseline RBS levels and those at 60 min and 120 min post-induction were comparable in both groups. The increase in blood sugar levels from baseline to 60 min and to 120 min in each group was significant. Incidence of hyperglycemia was comparable in both groups. There were no episodes of hypoglycemia, intraoperatively.

Conclusion:

Use of Ringer lactate alone or with addition of 1% dextrose resulted in comparable intraoperative blood sugar levels when used as maintenance fluid in infants undergoing facial cleft surgeries.

Risk factors for intraoperative hypoglycemia in children: a retrospective observational cohort study

PURPOSE

Intraoperative hypoglycemia can result in devastating neurologic injury if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Few studies have defined risk factors for intraoperative hypoglycemia. The authors sought to characterize children with intraoperative hypoglycemia and determine independent risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective observational single-institution study included all patients < 18 yr of age undergoing an anesthetic from January 1 2012 to December 31 2016. The primary outcome was blood glucose < 3.3 mmol·L-1 (60 mg·dl-1). Data collected included patient characteristics, comorbidities, and intraoperative factors. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of intraoperative hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

Blood glucose was measured in 7,715 of 73,592 cases with 271 (3.5%) having a glucose < 3.3 mmol·L-1 (60 mg·dl-1). Young age, weight for age < 5th percentile, developmental delay, presence of a gastric or jejunal tube, and abdominal surgery were identified as independent predictors for intraoperative hypoglycemia. Eighty percent of hypoglycemia cases occurred in children < three years of age and in children < 15 kg.

CONCLUSION

Young age, weight for age < 5th percentile, developmental delay, having a gastric or jejunal tube, and abdominal surgery were independent risk factors for intraoperative hypoglycemia in children. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose and judicious isotonic dextrose administration may be warranted in these children.

Factors affecting blood glucose and serum sodium level with intraoperative infusion of 1% dextrose in ringer's lactate in neonates undergoing surgery

Context:

Under anesthesia, blood glucose level in term neonates varies widely due to stress induced glucose mobilisation due to various factors. Postoperative hyponatremia occurs with intraoperative infusion of large volume of hypotonic fluid. There is a growing consensus on the intraoperative use of 1–4% glucose containing isotonic fluid in them.

Aims:

To know the relation of duration of surgery, infusion rate, fluid bolus, blood transfusion with blood glucose level and effect on serum sodium level with intraoperative 1% dextrose ringer's lactate (1% DRL) in neonates undergoing surgery.

Settings and Design:

Prospective single-center study in tertiary institute.

Subjects and Methods:

A total of 100 neonates undergoing various surgeries under general anesthesia with or without caudal anaesthesia were included. 1% DRL was used as maintenance and replacement fluid intraoperatively. Blood glucose level at hourly interval throughout surgery and serum sodium concentration before and after infusion was documented.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Student's t test (two tailed, independent) has been used for statistical analysis.

Results:

After the infusion of 1% DRL during surgery, mean blood sugar levels were increased above the base line in all neonates at successive hourly interval. Serum sodium levels remained within physiological range in all neonates.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative hyperglycemia is more obvious with higher intravenous fluid infusion rate, prolonged duration of surgery, and requirement of fluid bolus as well as blood transfusion intraoperatively. Use of 1% DRL in neonates undergoing surgery is effective in preventing dysnatremia.

Fluid choice during perioperative care in children: A survey of present-day proposing practice by anesthesiologists in a tertiary care hospital

Background

Perioperative fluid therapy in pediatrics has always been a challenging avenue for anesthesiologists. Inappropriate choice of fluid leads to multiple side effects, for instance iatrogenic hyponatremia. Our aim was to observe the current practice of perioperative fluid therapy in pediatric population undergoing surgery in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

After obtaining approval from the Departmental Research Review Committee, a survey form including questions was emailed to anesthesiologists from January 2015 to June 2015. Individual responses were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Overall response was 100% from consultant and resident, and total 55 anesthesiologists were participated in this survey. Majority of anesthesiologist have used, 1/2 dextrose saline (52.7%) as fluid of choice in routine intraoperative maintenance, while Hartmann's solution (41.8%) and normal saline 0.9% (5.5%) were used for rest of the them. The Holliday-Segar method for maintenance fluid was mentioned by 92.7% of anesthesiologists.

Conclusion

The use of hypotonic fluid in perioperative care in pediatric population is still being practiced despite the current guidelines. These results point to a considerable gap between the available evidence and practice.

Glucose for Children during Surgery: Pros, Cons, and Protocols: A Postgraduate Educational Review

The question of whether glucose supplementation is required in children during surgery is still under debate. The impact of perioperative glucose supplementation, or its restriction, on their metabolism remains unclear. We discuss the findings of various studies that have addressed this question and the rationale for current recommendations.

Dextrose-containing intraoperative fluid in neonates: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Glucose requirement in neonates during surgery and the impact of glucose supplementation on neonatal metabolism remain unclear.

AIM

This study was designed to identify an appropriate perioperative fluid regimen in neonates which maintains carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis.

METHODS

Forty-five neonates undergoing primary repair of a trachea-esophageal fistula were randomly allocated into three groups. During surgery, the neonates received either 1% dextrose in Ringer lactate (RL) (group D1) at 10 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) , or 2% dextrose in RL (group D2) at 10 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) , or 10% dextrose in N/5 saline at 4 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) and replacement fluid with 6 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) of RL (group D4). Glucose homeostasis, electrolyte balance, acid-base status, and endocrine and metabolic parameters were compared among the groups during the perioperative period.

RESULTS

Blood glucose increased in all the three groups at the end of surgery, with no significant difference in blood glucose and incidence of hyperglycemia (BG > 150 mg·dl(-1) ) among them. At 24 h after surgery, blood glucose and incidence of hyperglycemia was significantly higher in Group D1 compared to Group D4. Base excess, bicarbonate, lactate, and pH showed a significant fall in Group D1. There was no significant difference in serum-free fatty acids, serum beta-hydroxy butyrate, and serum cortisol in three groups. At the end of surgery, serum insulin was significantly lower and glucagon : insulin (G : I) ratio was higher in Group D1 compared to Group D4.

CONCLUSIONS

All three solutions, when infused at 10 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) , are equally effective in maintaining glucose homeostasis, but 1% dextrose-containing fluid promotes catabolism, insulin resistance, rebound hyperglycemia, and acidosis. Therefore, 2-4% dextrose-containing fluids is more suitable compared to 1% dextrose-containing fluids for use during major neonatal surgeries requiring average fluid infusion rate of 10 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) .

Intraoperative blood glucose levels in nondiabetic patients undergoing elective major surgery under general anaesthesia receiving different crystalloid solutions for maintenance fluid

CONTEXT

The study was undertaken to observe the effect of different maintenance-fluid regimen on intraoperative blood glucose levels in non-diabetic patients undergoing elective major non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia.

AIMS

To know the intraoperative blood glucose levels.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective randomized parallel group study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Two hundred non-diabetic patients (100 in each group) aged between 18 years and 60 years were enrolled for this prospective randomized parallel group study. Group A patients received Ringer's lactate solution and Group B patients received 0.45% sodium chloride with 5% dextrose and 20 mmol/L potassium chloride as maintenance fluid. Capillary blood glucose (CBG) level was measured immediately before initiation of intravenous fluid therapy and thereafter hourly till the end of surgery. If at any time intraoperative CBG was found to be more than or equal to 150 mg/dL calculated dose of human soluble insulin was given as intravenous bolus equal to the amount of CBG/100 units.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

For comparison of normally distributed variables independent sample t test was done. For rest of the data, i.e., CBG_0, CBG_4 and insulin consumption Mann-Whitney U test was employed.

RESULTS

63% patients in group B developed at least one episode of hyperglycemia CBG ≥ 150 mg/dL) but only 29% in the Group A did so. Insulin consumption was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A to maintain normoglycemia. The relative risk of becoming hyperglycemic in Group B patients is 2.172 (95% CI 1.544 to 3.057). Number needed to harm, i.e., hyperglycemia, in Group B is 2.941 (95% CI 2 to 5).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that stress induced-hyperglycemic response in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery is common in non-diabetic population. Maintenance-fluid therapy by dextrose containing solution as opposed to Ringer's lactate solution increases the incidence of hyperglycemia. To achieve normoglycemia by intravenous bolus dose of human regular insulin, significantly higher doses are required in patients receiving dextrose containing saline as maintenance fluid.

Impact of the insulin and glucose content of the postoperative fluid on the outcome after pediatric cardiac surgery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the insulin and glucose content of the maintenance fluid in influencing the outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery.

METHODS

A total of 2063 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery were screened between 2003 and 2008. A dextrose and an insulin propensity-matched group were constructed. In the dextrose model, 5% and 10% dextrose maintenance infusions were compared below 20 kg of weight.

RESULTS

A total of 171 and 298 pairs of patients were matched in the insulin and glucose model, respectively. Mortality was lower in the insulin group (12.9% vs. 7%, p = 0.049). The insulin group had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay [days, 10.9 (5.8-18.4) vs. 13.7 (8.2-21), p = 0.003], hospital stay [days, 19.8 (13.6-26.6) vs. 22.7 (17.6-29.7), p < 0.01], duration of mechanical ventilation [hours, 67 (19-140) vs. 107 (45-176), p = 0.006], and the incidence of severe infections (18.1% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.01) and dialysis (11.7% vs. 24%, p = 0.001) was higher. In the dextrose model, the incidence of pulmonary complications (13.09% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.01), low cardiac output (17.11% vs. 30.9%, p < 0.01), and severe infections (10.07% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.01) was higher, and the duration of the hospital stay [days, 16.4 (13.1-21.6) vs. 18.1 (13.8-24.6), p < 0.01] was longer in the 10% dextrose group.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin treatment appeared to decrease mortality, and lower glucose content was associated with lower occurrence of adverse events.

Fluid homeostasis in the neonate

The physiology of the neonate is ideally suited to the transition to extrauterine life followed by a period of rapid growth and development. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes should be prescribed with care in the neonate. Sodium and water requirements in the first few days of life are low and should be increased after the postnatal diuresis. Expansion of the extracellular fluid volume prior to the postnatal diuresis is associated with poor outcomes, particularly in preterm infants. Newborn infants are prone to hypoglycemia and require a source of intravenous glucose if enteral feeds are withheld. Anemia is common, and untreated is associated with poor outcomes. Liberal versus restrictive transfusion practices are controversial, but liberal transfusion practices (accompanied by measures to minimize donor exposure) may be associated with improved long-term outcomes. Intravenous crystalloids are as effective as albumin to treat hypotension, and semi-synthetic colloids cannot be recommended at this time. Inotropes should be used to treat hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluid, ideally guided by assessment of perfusion rather than blood pressure alone. Noninvasive methods of assessing cardiac output have been validated in neonates. More studies are required to guide fluid management in neonates, particularly in those with sepsis or undergoing surgery. A balanced salt solution such as Hartmann's or Plasmalyte should be used to replace losses during surgery (and blood or coagulation factors as indicated). Excessive fluid administration during surgery should be avoided.

A novel isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with 1% glucose for intraoperative fluid therapy in neonates: results of a prospective multicentre observational postauthorisation safety study (PASS)

BACKGROUND

Neonates have a higher metabolic rate and an increased risk of perioperative hypoglycemia and lipolysis, but during anesthesia, both oxygen consumption and metabolic rate are decreased, and this may lead to reduced intraoperative glucose requirements.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this prospective multicentre observational postauthorisation safety study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of a novel isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with a low glucose concentration of 1% (BS-G1) in neonates with a particular focus on changes in acid-base, electrolyte, and glucose concentrations.

METHODS

Following the local ethics committee approval, neonates with a postmenstrual age under 45 weeks and an ASA risk score of I-IV undergoing intraoperative administration of BS-G1 were enrolled. Patient demographics, the performed procedure, adverse drug reactions, hemodynamic data, and the results of blood gas analysis before and after infusion were documented with a focus on changes in acid-base, electrolyte, and glucose concentrations.

RESULTS

  In 66 neonates (ASA I-IV; postmenstrual age 38 ± 4, range 25-45 weeks; body weight 2.9 ± 0.9, range 0.65-4.6 kg), the mean infusion rate was 10.4 ± 3.2 (range 4.5-19.6) ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) BS-G1. During the infusion, hemoglobin, hematocrit, bicarbonate, base excess, anion gap, strong ion difference, and calcium decreased, and chloride and glucose increased significantly within the physiological range. All other measured parameters including sodium and lactate remained stable. Neither hypoglycemia (glucose < 3 mm) nor hyperglycemia (glucose > 10 mm) was documented after BS-G1 infusion. No adverse drug reactions were reported.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that the intraoperative use of an isotonic balanced electrolyte solution with 1% glucose and a mean infusion rate of 10 ml·kg(-1) ·h(-1) helps to avoid acid-base dysbalance, hyponatraemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and hyperglycemia in surgical neonates. A careful intraoperative monitoring and adaptation of the infusion rate as needed is crucial because the glucose and fluid requirements may vary widely between subjects.

Perioperative management of blood glucose during open heart surgery in infants and children

The perioperative management of blood glucose has been controversial since clinical associations between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes were first reported more than two decades ago. Despite some early evidence supporting a causal relationship between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes, prospective trials of tight glycemic control have been inconclusive, except in selected populations, like adult diabetics. These trials have consistently reported dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of hypoglycemia, which may also have associated adverse outcomes. Bedside glucose monitors typically used to manage glucose have increasingly been found to introduce systematic inaccuracies. Relevant studies of infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery are considerably fewer in number, requiring clinicians to extrapolate from other clinical conditions and patient populations.

Neonatal fluid management

Perioperative fluid management in paediatrics has been the subject of many controversies in recent years, but fluid management in the neonatal period has not been considered in most reviews and guidelines. The literature regarding neonatal fluid management mainly appears in the paediatric textbooks and few recent data are available, except for resuscitation and fluid loading during shock and major surgery. In the context of anaesthesia, many neonates requiring surgery within the first month of life have organ malformation and/or dysfunction. This article aims at reviewing basic physiological considerations important for neonatal fluid management and mainly focusses on fluid maintenance and replacement during surgery.

Peri-operative hyperglycemia: a consideration for general surgery?

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative hyperglycemia in cardiac and neurosurgical patients is significantly associated with morbidity. Little is known about the perioperative glycemic profile or its impact in other surgical populations or in nondiabetic patients.

METHODS

A systematic review of blood glucose values during major general surgical procedures reported since 1980 was conducted. Data extracted included blood glucose measures, study sample size, gender distribution, age grouping, study purpose, surgical procedure, anesthetic details, and infusion regime. Excluded studies were those with subjects with diabetes insipidus, insulin-treated diabetes, renal or hepatic failure, adrenal gland tumors or dysfunction, pregnancy, and emergency or trauma surgery.

RESULTS

Blood glucose levels rose significantly with the induction of anesthesia (P < .001) in nondiabetic patients. At incision, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours, 30%, 40%, 38%, and 40% of studies, respectively, reported hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors that confound or protect against significant rises in perioperative glycemic levels in nondiabetic patients were identified. The findings facilitate investigating the impact of hyperglycemia on general surgical outcomes.

The maintenance need for water in parenteral fluid therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Maintenance fluid therapy represents the volume of fluids and amount of electrolytes and glucose needed to replace anticipated physiological losses from breath, sweat and urine and to prevent hypoglycaemia. For 50 years, this therapy was based on Holliday and Segar's formula, which proposed to match children's water and electrolyte requirements on a weight-based calculation using hypotonic solutions. Recent publications highlight the risk of hyponatraemia in the postoperative period and the facilitating role of a hypotonic infusion, leading some people to recommend replacing hypotonic with isotonic solutions.

RECENT FINDINGS

The postoperative period is at risk for nonosmotic secretion of antidiuretic hormone, which reduces the ability of the kidneys to excrete free water. In the context of antidiuretic hormone release, the associated low urine output makes maintenance volume requirement decrease to 50% of the calculated hourly rate. While isotonic fluids are recommended during anaesthesia, controversies still exist on the nature of fluid for maintenance therapy in the postoperative period. The proof for a benefit of isotonic fluids in this context is weak; further investigations are needed to make a decision. Whatever the choice, an individualized maintenance infusion protocol for each patient is necessary.

SUMMARY

As free water excretion is altered for all children in the postoperative period, it is necessary to reduce the volume of maintenance fluid therapy to half the previously recommended volume. The choice of an isotonic solution should be more pertinent to that of a hypotonic solution, but evidence is lacking for a definitive answer.

Early postoperative lipid administration after neonatal surgery

The ability of neonates to eliminate and utilize lipid emulsions after surgery was investigated in 12 patients. All were subjected to major surgery within 29 h of birth. All neonates were given 10% glucose iv intraoperatively. Six patients continued with 10% glucose iv for 24 h postoperatively and 6 patients received a combination of 5% glucose and soy bean emulsion (Intralipid 20%). Both regimes provided equal amounts of fluid and energy. Blood glucose, lactate, triglycerides, free fatty acids, fractions of fatty acids in triglycerides, 3-hydroxybutyrate and arterial blood gases were measured at predetermined intervals throughout this period. Administration of a lipid emulsion early after neonatal surgery was well tolerated and utilized, with some latency. Concentrations of triglycerides, free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate were higher in the lipid group, but no accumulation of these substances was found. Palmitinic and linoleic acid were also higher in the lipid group.

Metabolic consequences of different perioperative fluid therapies in the neonatal period

Carbohydrate and fat metabolism during and after anaesthesia and surgery was studied in 14 neonates with major congenital non-cardiac anomalies. They were either given a glucose solution until surgery or starved for at least 4 h before surgery. Ringer-acetate alone or Ringer-acetate plus 10% glucose was used for the intraoperative fluid therapy. After anaesthesia all neonates were given a 10% glucose solution. Concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids, triglycerides, lactate, pyruvate, alanine, glycerol and 3-hydroxybutyrate were measured at predetermined intervals pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Blood glucose concentrations rose during surgery both in neonates given glucose before and during surgery (n = 6) and in neonates not given glucose before and during surgery (n = 6). Increased intraoperative levels of free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate were found in neonates not given glucose before and during surgery. The triglyceride levels were equal in both groups. In two neonates given glucose before surgery and Ringer-acetate during surgery increased levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate were found, particularly in one patient who became hypoglycaemic. In conclusion, starved neonates without intraoperative glucose supply mobilized fat and maintained blood glucose concentrations.