The Sensitivity, Specificity and Predictive Accuracy of Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Trauma Patients

Reflux aspiration of gastric contents is a critical concern in the perioperative setting, as it can result in severe complications such as aspiration pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death. The risk is heightened during general anesthesia and is influenced by the quality and quantity of stomach contents. To mitigate this risk, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends fasting guidelines prior to elective procedures. However, factors like trauma, acute and chronic pain, opioid use, and certain medical conditions can delay gastric emptying, complicating adherence to these guidelines.

Recent advancements in ultrasound techniques enable comprehensive evaluations of the nature and volume of gastric contents, making this tool convenient, noninvasive, and applicable at the bedside with minimal contraindications.The Perlas Model has been developed to identify surgical patients with "at-risk" stomachs, aiding in preoperative planning and airway management during general anesthesia. This model facilitates decisions regarding rapid sequence induction (RSI) and the choice of airway management techniques. However, there is a notable lack of research focusing on the use of ultrasound techniques in pediatric trauma patients to determine their diagnostic performance and predictive accuracy regarding gastric contents. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of POCUS in assessing the nature and volume of gastric contents in pediatric trauma patients undergoing urgent and semi-urgent surgical procedures.