A Retrospective Investigation of Patient- and Procedure-Related Factors Associated with Cardiorespiratory Complications in Pediatric Dental Patients Undergoing Deep Sedation.

The purposes of this retrospective study were to investigate the incidence of cardiac and respiratory complications in pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures with deep propofol sedation and examine the factors that may lead to the development of these complica- tions. This study was carried out using the records of 421 pediatric patients who received dental treatment with deep sedation. Previously recorded cardiac/respiratory complications were noted. In addition, factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), propofol induction/ infusion/total dose, operation duration, and the presence of comorbidities, which were investigated whether they affect these complications, were also noted. Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A level of five percent was considered to indicate statistical significance. There were no significant differences between the cases with and without complications in terms of gender, age, BMI, total propofol dose, and operation time (P=0.887, P=0.827, P=0.213, P=0.581, and P=0.081, respectively). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, trisomy 21, heart disease, and asthma were found to be significant risk factors for the development of these complications (odds ratios equal 9.776, 3.257, and 14.646, respectively, 95 percent confidence interval; 3.807-25.100, 1.095-9.690, 4.110-52.188, respectively). Considering the limitations of this study, to minimize cardio-respiratory complications it is recommended that patients with comorbidities should not be managed with deep sedation and an open airway.