Abstract
To determine the risk against aspiration pnemonitis and the effects of H2-blocker, gastric pH and volume were measured after endo-tracheal intubation in two groups; control group and famotidine group. Futhermore, to investigate the age-related risk, each group was divided into four subgroups according to age; subgroup I: 12-19yrs, subgroup II: 20-39yrs, subgroup III: 40-59yrs, subgsoup IV: above 60yrs. Control group did not recieve H2-blocker, and famotidine group received famotidine (H2-blocker) orally 20mg the night before operation and 2hr prior to induction of anesthesia.
In Control group, the proportion of patients with pH≤2.5 and or volume≥0.4ml/kg decreased significantly with age.In famotidine group, mean pH did not change significantly among four subgroups, but mean volume decreased significantly with age, and the proportion of patients with volume≥0.4ml/kg in subgroup I was significantly high compared with other sub-groups.
Administration of famotidine decreased the risk of aspiration pneumonitis significant-ly. However, the effects of famotidine were different among four subgroups, and were significantly less in subgroup I.These results demonstrate that it is necessary to take preventative measures against aspiration pneumonitis in the young patients, especially 12-19yrs, even if they have received H2-blocker preoperatively.
