Investigating the Effects of Protective Face Masks on the Respiratory Parameters of Children in the Postanesthesia Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of protective face mask usage during the postoperative period on carbon dioxide retention in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized trial including 40 ASA I–II patients aged 3 to 10 years who were scheduled for elective surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. The first group (group 1) received O(2) treatment over the protective face mask. In the second group (group 2), the protective face mask was worn over the O(2) delivery system. Heart rate, oxygen saturation (SPO(2)) level, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO(2)) level, and respiratory rate were measured using a patient monitor at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and recorded. The primary outcome of the study was the determination of the EtCO(2) levels, which were used to assess the safety of the mask in terms of potential carbon dioxide retention. FINDINGS: None of the participants’ SPO(2) levels fell below 92% while wearing masks. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of EtCO(2), heart rate, SPO(2), and respiratory rate (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, protective surgical face masks can be used safely in the postoperative period for pediatric patients aged 3 to 10 years.