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Sedation

235 - Medical Comorbidities in Pediatric Dental Patients Under General Anesthesia

Saturday, May 23, 2026
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Leslie Cedillo Verlage, DDS

    Dental Resident
    Boston University, Boston, MA
    Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Christine Chiao, DMD, MPH, CAGS

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    Boston University
    Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • KD

    Keri Discepolo, DDS MPH

    Program Director, Pediatric Dentistry
    Boston University
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of medical comorbidities in pediatric dental patients receiving treatment under general anesthesia (GA) and to evaluate differences by age.



Methods: Records of 634 patients under 18 years of age treated under GA at a pediatric hospital between June 1, 2019, and June 1, 2021, were reviewed. Physician-completed preoperative consultation forms were used to identify medical conditions, current medications, and allergies. Conditions were categorized as neurological, behavioral, cardiovascular, genetic, respiratory, metabolic, or other. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Independent-samples t-tests and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare comorbidity prevalence by age. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.



Results: Overall, 60% (n=383) of patients had ≥1 documented medical condition, and 35% (n=223) had ≥2 conditions. The most frequently documented conditions were autism (20%; n=127), asthma (11%; n=67), developmental delay (7%; n=43), and ADD/ADHD (6%; n=36). Patients with one or more medical diagnoses were significantly older than patients without comorbidities (7.7 years vs. 5.9 years; P < .001). When assessed categorically, patients older than 6 years had significantly higher odds of having one or more comorbid conditions compared to patients 6 years and younger (OR=2.89; 95% CI: 2.0–4.1).



Conclusions: Medical comorbidities were common among pediatric dental patients receiving GA, with older patients having significantly higher odds of having medical diagnoses. These findings support the importance of comprehensive preoperative medical review and interdisciplinary coordination to optimize preoperative planning and patient safety.

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