The Effects of Carbohydrate-electrolyte Solution on Metabolic Responses in Paediatric Patients

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of oral administration of carbohydrate-electrolyte-containing fluid, compared to standard clear fluid during preoperative fasting on metabolic responses, preoperative anxiety and postoperative complications in paediatric patients. Subjects will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: the intervention group will receive carbohydrate- electrolyte fluid whilst the control group will receive clear fluid. Both groups will receive 50 ml/kg of their designated fluid one day prior to surgery, and are allowed to consume the fluid gradually until 1 hour before the induction of anaesthesia. Prior to induction, preoperative anxiety will be assessed. Metabolic responses will be assessed through the degree of insulin resistance (using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance - HOMA-IR) and inflammatory cytokine (Interleukin-6) level. The metabolic responses will be evaluated after the induction of anaesthesia and 24 hours following the surgery. Preoperative anxiety will be assessed before the surgery using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale Short Form (mYPAS-SF). Immediate post operative complications such as post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), emergence delirium and postoperative pain will be assessed in the recovery room.