FIGS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Fasting induced hypoglycaemia in anaesthetised paediatric patients
IRAS ID
329701
Contact name
Benjamin Blaise
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Fasting (not eating nor drinking) is required to protect lungs during the start of anaesthesia but can lead to drops in blood sugar. This is called hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia can cause discomfort in your child, sweat and sometimes seizure.
The study aims at identifying the level of blood sugar considered as hypoglycaemia in children fasting for a procedure under general anaesthesia, as well as risk factors of developing a hypoglycaemia.
We will measure blood sugar levels in all children put off to sleep for surgery or procedure under general anaesthesia over a period of 2 weeks in participating hospitals in the United Kingdom and Ireland. We will also measure another molecule in the blood (ketone) which can help us understand if the body is reacting normally to the drop in blood glucose.
We will record potential risk factors of hypoglycaemia, clinical signs of hypoglycaemia, blood sugar and ketone levels as well as the clinical management initiated by the anaesthetists in charge of these patients.
We will compare these elements with the currently used limits to define hypoglycaemia (3.3mmol/l according to a study in Canada, 4mmol/l in our recent UK wide survey). This will help us establish a clear clinical definition and risk factors of hypoglycaemia, and establish new guidelines to manage hypoglycaemia in children fasting before their procedures under general anaesthesia.REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1393
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion