Prevalence of emergence delirium in children recovering from general anaesthesia, its associated risk factors and outcome At Muhimbili National Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Emergence delirium is an observed characteristic occurring commonly in children who undergo surgery under general anaesthesia. This condition is associated with the type of surgery, preoperative anxiety, age and type/technique of anaesthesia used. Broad Objective The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of emergence delirium in children recovering from general anaesthesia and its associated risk factors at Muhimbili National Hospital. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in 240 children aged 2-12 years ASA I and II, planned for elective general or ENT surgeries under general anaesthesia. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software version 20. Categorical variables were summarised as frequency and percentages while continuous variables were summarised by median and inter quartile range. Chi-square has been used as statistical test and Multivariate Logistic Regression was used to test for association between dependent and non dependent variables. Results The prevalence of ED was found to 38.3% of the children. Boys were 61(66.3%) and girls were 31(33.7%). Median age was 4(IQR: 3-6) years. Sex, pre-operative anxiety and inhalational maintenance of anaesthesia were significantly associated with the occurrence of ED. Conclusion Factors associated with ED were, sex, preoperative anxiety and maintenance with inhalational anaesthetic agents.