RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Fasting Induced Hypoglycaemia in Anaesthetised Paediatric Patients

This research is investigating why some children develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after fasting before a general anaesthetic for surgery. While fasting helps keep children safe during anaesthesia, it can be risky for very young children who don't have enough energy stores. The study wants to find out what causes this low blood sugar and how often it happens. At the moment, there aren't clear guidelines on how to define or treat low blood sugar in children before surgery. Doctors want to make sure all children are as safe as possible during their procedures, and this study hopes to provide clear answers to improve care for children undergoing anaesthesia.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

6,580

Start

12 May 2025

Estimated completion

12 Jan 2027

Hypoglycemia; Iatrogenic Anesthesia Pediatrics

What is this study about?

When children need an operation under general anaesthetic, they usually have to stop eating and drinking beforehand. This is called 'fasting' and it's done to make sure they don't bring up food or liquid while they're asleep, which could be dangerous. However, for young children, especially those under two years old, fasting can sometimes lead to low blood sugar, which is also known as hypoglycaemia. This happens because their bodies might not have enough stored energy to cope with not eating for a period.

Currently, there isn't a clear agreement among doctors on exactly how low blood sugar should be defined in children before surgery, or the best way to prevent or treat it. Some hospitals have seen cases of unexpected low blood sugar in children who were otherwise healthy. This study is important because it aims to look closely at these issues. By understanding more about why low blood sugar happens and who is most at risk, doctors hope to develop better guidelines to keep all children safe and well before, during, and after their operations.

This research will help doctors understand common risk factors and improve the care children receive. It will also help them decide when and how to check a child's blood sugar levels and what to do if they are too low, making sure that every child has the safest experience possible when having an anaesthetic.

Key takeaways

This study investigates low blood sugar in children during fasting before anaesthesia.
Younger children (under 2) are more vulnerable to low blood sugar when fasting.
The research aims to create clearer guidelines for preventing and treating low blood sugar.
Participation helps improve safety and care for all children having anaesthetics.
Your child's participation is voluntary and won't affect their usual medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged 1 month to 18 years old who are having a planned operation under general anaesthetic. This includes most routine operations, day surgery, and even some faster, urgent procedures like fixing a broken bone or removing a foreign object.

You would not be able to take part if your child is younger than 1 month old, only having local anaesthetic or sedation (not a full anaesthetic), or is very unwell (classified as ASA status 4 or 5). Also, if your child has certain existing health conditions that affect their sugar levels or hormones, such as diabetes, significant metabolic conditions, or adrenal gland problems, they won't be able to join. Children who are receiving certain intravenous fluids or steroid treatment are also excluded.

Finally, children having emergency operations or cancer treatment, or those who are critically ill in intensive care, won't be suitable for this study, as their situations are very different and they might have other reasons for changes in their blood sugar.

Quick self-check

Is your child aged between 1 month and 18 years?
Is your child having a planned operation under general anaesthetic?
Does your child generally have good health (not classed as very ill, ASA 4 or 5)?
Does your child NOT have diabetes or other serious conditions affecting their sugar levels or hormones?
Is your child NOT having emergency surgery or cancer treatment?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not fully outline the specific activities involved for participants in this study, such as extra visits, tests, or follow-up appointments. It mainly focuses on identifying who can and cannot take part based on their age, health, and type of procedure. If your child is eligible for this study, you would need to speak with the research team to understand exactly what would be involved, including any additional checks or observations specific to this research, how long your child would be part of the study, and if there are any specific medications or interventions being tested.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is helping doctors understand more about low blood sugar in children having anaesthetics, which could improve care for many children in the future. There are no direct benefits to your child. The key potential risks are likely related to the procedures already planned for your child's operation, though the study might involve extra blood sugar checks which could mean additional, small needle pricks. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect their treatment or care.

Locations (3)

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Exeter, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Moorfields Eye Hospital
London, United Kingdom· Completed
Evelina London Children's Hospital
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'low blood sugar'?

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, is when the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood drops to a level that's too low. Sugar is our body's main energy source.

Why do children need to fast before an operation?

Fasting means not eating or drinking for a set time before surgery. It's done to make sure there's no food or liquid in the tummy that could be breathed into the lungs during anaesthesia, which is a serious risk.

Are all children at risk of low blood sugar from fasting?

Not all children, but very young children, especially those under two years old, are more at risk because their bodies have smaller energy reserves and can't control sugar levels as well as older children or adults.

What is a 'general anaesthetic'?

A general anaesthetic is a medicine that makes your child completely unconscious and unable to feel pain during an operation. It's often called 'being put to sleep'.

Will taking part in this study change my child's medical care?

The study aims to observe and understand, so it might involve extra blood sugar checks. Any changes to your child's medical care would be discussed with you by the doctors and would always be in your child's best interest.

How to find out more

Benjamin Blaise, MD PhD

gstt.figsstudy@nhs.net +447478741874 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.