Obesity, Race, and Perioperative Complications

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the perioperative issues pediatric anesthesiologists may encounter while caring for an increasingly obese and racially/ethnically diverse patient population. We provide insight into the scope and impact of both pediatric obesity and pediatric minority status on perioperative management and outcomes and emphasize their points of intersection.Recent FindingsIn recent decades, obesity prevalence in children has steadily increased and the age at onset has declined. Obesity confers significant perioperative risk in pediatric patients and has strong associations with additional comorbidities that impact perioperative patient management. Non-white race/ethnicity is associated with greater rates of obesity, and also carries a significant independent association with perioperative risks, up to and including mortality. Recent data points to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients as being particularly vulnerable.SummaryAs the US pediatric population is becoming more obese, it is also becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Obesity confers additional perioperative risk to all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, minority race/ethnicity appears to confer additional and independent risk. Therefore, the obese minority patient may be at a particular disadvantage when considering comorbidities and assessing perioperative risks.

Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - July 17, 2021 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research