Adverse outcomes after major surgery in children with intellectual disability.

Surgical patients with intellectual disability are at increased risk of postoperative pneumonia, sepsis, and 30-day mortality. Intellectual disability is associated with higher medical expenditure and increased length of stay in hospital after surgical procedures. The influence of intellectual disability on postoperative outcomes is consistent in both sexes and those aged 10 to 17 years. Low income and a history of fractures significantly impacts postoperative adverse events for patients with intellectual disability.