ANESTHESIC CONSIDERATIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with autism spectrum disorder, in most cases, especially children, have exacerbated sensitivity, and this fact should be considered especially when anesthesia is required. Aim: To conduct a literature review trying to compile the main studies related to the anesthetic implications in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder. Method: The basis used for the selection of works was PUBMED. The search strategy established was as follows: ((anesthesia [MeSH Terms]) AND (autism spectrum disorder [MeSH Terms])) AND (child [MeSH Terms]). Results: The search initially identified 34 articles, of which 12 articles  were considered for review. Conclusion: Autism spectrum disorder generates several practical difficulties for the application of anesthesia used in a wide range of medical procedures and that even create the need for sedation. Preoperative procedures, such as physical restraint and the forced application of anxiolytics to facilitate anesthetic applications, are no longer ethically well regarded, and should only be used as a last resource. Many of the papers mention that a greater interaction with parents or caregivers on the mental particularity of each patient generates good results. Moreover, the training of health professionals on autism and its behavioral consequences is extremely necessary for anesthesia, surgical procedures and exams achieve the desired success.