corrected gestational age
Adjusted age calculation for premature infants used in determining anesthetic drug dosing and physiological expectations.
Full Definition
An age calculation that adjusts for prematurity by subtracting the number of weeks born before 40 weeks gestation from the chronological age. This measurement is crucial in pediatric anesthesia as it more accurately reflects the infant's physiological maturity and guides appropriate drug dosing, ventilator settings, and postoperative care planning. For example, a 6-month-old infant born at 32 weeks gestation has a corrected gestational age of 4 months. This distinction significantly impacts anesthetic management decisions and risk stratification.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify both chronological and corrected ages when documenting premature infant cases.
In Context
- "Drug dosing was calculated based on the infant's corrected gestational age of 38 weeks rather than chronological age." — Anesthesia care plan
- "The corrected gestational age indicated this former 28-week preemie was still at risk for apnea episodes." — Preoperative assessment