Childhood obesity: a growing problem for the pediatric anesthesiologist

Abstract

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world. However, there is limited information for the pediatric anesthesiologist. We review the current literature for pediatrics and make extrapolations from management of obese adult patients. This paper covers current definitions and some epidemiology of childhood obesity. We discuss potential co-morbidities for both children and adults. We detail what is known regarding pharmacology for obese patients. We provide details to assist with the preoperative evaluation, and make recommendations for intraoperative and postoperative management. Management of these patients can be challenging and complex; and we hope to provide tools to make it safer.