An infant born at 32 weeks gestation presents at 5 months chronological age for inguinal herniotomy. Post-conceptional age is 53 weeks. The principal perioperative concern specific to this infant is:
- A Postoperative apnoea requiring cardiorespiratory monitoring ✓
- B Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility
- C Delayed gastric emptying mandating prolonged fasting
- D Resistance to non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers
Correct answer: A. Postoperative apnoea requiring cardiorespiratory monitoring
Explanation
Ex-preterm infants remain at risk of postoperative apnoea until approximately 60 weeks post-conceptional age, due to immaturity of central respiratory control, and many units also consider anaemia a risk factor. Such infants require overnight monitoring with apnoea detection after any anaesthetic. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is unrelated to prematurity, gastric emptying is normal, and premature infants are actually more sensitive rather than resistant to neuromuscular blockers.
Reference: Smith's Anesthesia for Infants and Children, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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