Associated medical conditions in children

Each year, many children with associated medical conditions, present for surgery. A structured approach to the anaesthetic management of these children reduces the likelihood of an adverse event. Practical advice regarding the management of these conditions, together with some guidelines, is provided in this article. Common conditions, such as upper respiratory tract infection, asthma, epilepsy, autism, diabetes mellitus and obesity, are discussed, as well as less common conditions that have significant anaesthetic implications, such as cerebral palsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sickle cell disease and latex allergy.