Does magnesium sulfate affect the incidence of respiratory complications in children undergoing esophageal dilatation? An observational pilot study

Background. In this pilot observational study, we aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative magnesium infusion on laryngospasm frequency and other res-piratory complications in children with respiratory findings undergoing esopha-geal dilatation after the ingestion of caustic substances.

Methods. Sixty children between the ages of 2 and 12 scheduled for esophageal dilatation were divided into two groups: the magnesium group (Group M), which consisted of children with respiratory symptoms and who received IV 30 mg/kg magnesium sulfate preoperatively, and the control group (Group C), who received the same volume of saline. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, propofol, and miva-curium and maintained using a 60% N2O and 2-3% sevoflurane mixture in oxygen. Demographic and hemodynamic data, as well as the incidence of respiratory com-plications (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, apnea, cough, and desaturation) during the perioperative period were recorded until the time of discharge from the recov-ery room.

Results. Demographic data and hemody-namics were similar in the two groups. The laryngospasm, bronchospasm, apnea, and cough incidences were also similar between the groups, although the desatu-ration incidence was lower in Group M than in Group C (p=0.013). The number of complications in total was lower in Group M as well (p=0.008), although the number of children who experienced complica-tions in each group was similar.

Conclusion. Prophylactic administration of 30 mg/kg of magnesium to children with respiratory symptoms may decrease the frequency of postoperative respiratory complications in children undergoing es-ophageal dilatation.

corrosive stricture, magnesium sulfate, general anesthesia, complication, respiratory tract

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