Table 2.

Risk factors for pulmonary aspiration associated with procedural sedation

Risk factor repeatedly reported without conflicting data (Quality of evidence: High):

Oesophageal endoscopy in adults 20, 41, 43, 50, 52

Risk factors reported more than once and not specifically refuted elsewhere (Quality of evidence – Moderate)

Greater comorbidities in children 19 and adults 20, 50

Propofol as the sedative choice 19, 20

Risk factors reported in a single study and not specifically corroborated or refuted elsewhere (Quality of evidence – Moderate)

Infant 12 months of age or less 19

Obstructive sleep apnoea in children 19

Oesophageal endoscopy in children 19

Bronchoscopy in children 19

Clinical features found to not be risk factors, with no conflicting data (Quality of evidence – Moderate)

Emergency procedure in children 19, 20 and in adults 20

Absence of fasting in children 19, 20 and in adults 20

Upper respiratory infection in children 94

Pregnancy in teenagers and adults 44