Factors associated with emergence delirium in pediatric patients in Peru: results of a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Identify associated factors with emergence delirium in children in the Post-Anesthetic Recovery Unit of a Pediatric Health Specialized Institute in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in children from 2 to 6 years old, physical status classification I and II, in elective procedures under anesthesia. The main variable was the presence of emergence delirium evaluated with the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale greater than or equal to 10 points. To identify the factors associated with delirium, the Poisson regression model was applied and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 150 children, it was found that the incidence of emergence delirium occurred in 10.6%. Of these, 81.4% were under 5 years of age, pain was significantly associated in 37.5% with PR = 3.63, 95%CI [1.20, 10.1] and it was observed that 68, 8% required palliative care. Conclusions: Pain was associated with delirium of postanesthetic emergence in children. Prevention and treatment of emergence delirium should focus on postoperative pain control and careful monitoring of patients after surgery.