Bacteremia incidence in pediatric patients under dental general anesthesia.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of bacteremia from various procedures in children undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia.

Methods: Three blood samples for cultures were obtained from each patient; the first sample (10 ml basal) at the onset of the process and the second sample (10 ml) within 30 seconds following the nasotracheal intubation. The third blood sample (10 ml) was taken 30 seconds after the extraction of a deciduous tooth or a permanent tooth or slow drilling. Following incubation in an automated blood culture system, bacteria were identified by using conventional biochemical methods and commercial identification systems. Chi-square test was used to assess the findings statistically.

Results: All blood cultures were negative before intubation (baseline) in every patient. However, the percentage of positive samples in deciduous tooth extraction and permanent tooth extraction groups were 18/26 (69.2%) and 18/25 (72%), respectively. These values were significantly greater than the results of baseline 0/74 (0%), slow drilling 3/23 (13%), and nasotracheal intubation 9/74 (12.3%) (P < .05).

Conclusion: Consequently, the patients treated under dental general anesthesia have to be evaluated with detailed physical examination and antibiotic prophylaxis should be given if required in order to prevent further unexpected bacterial endocarditis.