Feasibility of the pre-operative measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory mechanics to predict respiratory outcomes in children undergoing general anaesthesia

Peri-operative respiratory adverse events remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing general anaesthesia; those with asthma are at higher risk. The aim of this feasibility study was to determine whether pre-operative measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and the forced oscillation technique are feasible in children, and to explore whether these measurements can predict peri-operative respiratory adverse events.

Citation:
Hauser N, Sommerfield D, Nguyen J, Sommerfield A, Evans D, Khan RN, O'Dea C, von Ungern-Sternberg BS. Feasibility of the pre-operative measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory mechanics to predict respiratory outcomes in children undergoing general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 2025.

Keywords:
Anaesthesia; asthma; paediatric; paediatric anaesthesia; peri‐operative respiratory adverse events

Abstract:
Peri-operative respiratory adverse events remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing general anaesthesia; those with asthma are at higher risk. The aim of this feasibility study was to determine whether pre-operative measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and the forced oscillation technique are feasible in children, and to explore whether these measurements can predict peri-operative respiratory adverse events.