Hunger Games: Impact of Fasting Guidelines for Orthopedic Procedural Sedation in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract Background Fasting guidelines for pediatric procedural sedation have historically been controversial. Recent literature suggests that there is no difference in adverse events regardless of fasting status. Objectives The goal of this study was to examine adverse outcomes and departmental efficiency when fasting guidelines are not considered during pediatric emergency department (PED) sedation for orthopedic interventions. Methods Retrospective chart review identified 2674 patients who presented to a level I PED and required procedural sedation for orthopedic injuries between February 2011 and July 2018. This was a level III, retrospective cohort study. Patients were categorized into the following groups: already within American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) fasting guidelines on presentation to the PED (n = 671 [25%]), had procedural sedation not within the ASA guidelines (n = 555 [21%]), and had procedural sedation after fasting in the PED to meet ASA guidelines (n = 1448 [54%]). Primary outcomes were length of stay, time from admission to start of sedation, length of sedation, time from end of sedation to discharge, and adverse events. Discussion There was a significant difference in the length of stay and time from admission to sedation—both approximately 80 min longer in those with procedural sedation after fasting in the PED to meet ASA guidelines (p  Conclusions Length of stay in the PED was significantly longer if ASA fasting guidelines were followed for children requiring sedation for orthopedic procedures. This is a substantial delay in a busy PED where beds and resources are at a premium. Although providing similar care with equivalent outcomes, the value of spending less time in the PED is evident. Overall, adverse events related to sedation are rare and not related to fasting guidelines.