Clinical utility of preoperative pulmonary function testing in pediatrics

Perioperative respiratory adverse events pose a significant risk in pediatric anesthesia, and identifying these risks is vital. Traditionally, this is assessed using history and examination. However, the perioperative risk is multifactorial, and children with complex medical backgrounds such as chronic lung disease or obesity may benefit from additional objective preoperative pulmonary function tests.

Citation:
Marpole R, Ohn M, O’Dea CA, von Ungern-Sternberg BS. Clinical utility of preoperative pulmonary function testing in pediatrics. Paediatr Anaesth. 2022;32(2):191-201.

Keywords:
Anesthesia; lung function; pediatric; preschool children; respiratory function; risk assessment; spirometry

Abstract:
Perioperative respiratory adverse events pose a significant risk in pediatric anesthesia, and identifying these risks is vital. Traditionally, this is assessed using history and examination. However, the perioperative risk is multifactorial, and children with complex medical backgrounds such as chronic lung disease or obesity may benefit from additional objective preoperative pulmonary function tests.