Effects of Prolonged Preoperative Fasting on Blood Glucose Levels in Pediatric Elective Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Key Points

• To assess how extended fasting before surgery impacts blood glucose levels in children and highlight the need for standardized protocols.
• Conducted a systematic review of existing literature on fasting and blood glucose in pediatric elective surgeries.
• Performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between fasting duration and hypoglycemia incidence.
• Identified gaps in standardized outcome definitions and protocols for comparison in future studies.
• The meta-analysis showed a variable relationship between fasting duration and incidence of hypoglycemia.
• Findings indicated a need for structured interventions to improve clinical practices regarding fasting protocols.