[Analyzing the reasons for and prevention of serious complications after general anesthesia in children with obstructive sleep apnea].

Objective

To explore the causes and preventive measures of respiratory arrest following general anesthesia in children with obstructive sleep apnea （OSA）, in order to enhance the safety of OSA surgeries under general anesthesia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and follow-up data of four pediatric cases that experienced respiratory arrest after general anesthesia for OSA at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from March 2020 to March 2022.

Results

All four children exhibited varying degrees of decreased blood oxygen saturation, cyanosis, and loss of consciousness after OSA surgery under general anesthesia, with one case experiencing respiratory and cardiac arrest. Through emergency rescue measures such as oxygen supplementation, suctioning, positive pressure ventilation, awakening, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, all four children were stabilized. Follow-up after 2 to 6 months showed no complications. The main reasons for the occurrence are analyzed as: residual anesthetic drugs, characteristics of the OSA disease, and the unique aspects of the pediatric population.

Conclusion

Children undergoing general anesthesia for OSA should be closely monitored for vital signs after surgery. If respiratory suppression occurs, active rescue measures should be taken to avoid serious consequences.