Successful and safe delivery of anesthesia and perioperative care for children with complex special health care needs

Study ObjectiveTo determine the utilization of anesthesia resources by children with complex special health care needs.DesignObservational, inception cohort study of medical records.SettingUrban, pediatric, tertiary-care hospital.MeasurementsAll general anesthetic cases were screened for preexisting complex special health care needs. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and outcome data.Main Results435 children with complex special health care needs accounted for 479 delivered general anesthetic cases. This figure represented 14% of the total 3,437 cases presenting during the study period. It also represented 22% (49 of 224) of all cancellations. Down syndrome was the most identifiable developmental disorder (n = 43, 9%). Another 143 (30%) cases showed preexisting technology dependence. Scheduled surgical procedures (n = 425, 89%) comprised the majority of cases. Intraoperative and recovery room complications occurred in 6 (1%) and 133 (28%) cases, respectively. Eleven (2.3%) cases required unplanned post-anesthetic hospital ward or pediatric intensive care unit admission. Documentation of health care proxy or resuscitation status was not identified in any child under 18 years, and in only 4 of 33 children older than 18 years.ConclusionsChildren with complex special health care needs represented one out of 7 of all pediatric general anesthetic cases at a tertiary-care, academic center.