Nurse administered relative analgesia using high concentration nitrous oxide to facilitate minor procedures in children in an emergency department

Safety and efficacy of a nitrous oxide procedural sedation programme in a paediatric emergency department: a decade of outcomes

BACKGROUND

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has multiple benefits in paediatric procedural sedation (PPS), but use is restricted by its limited analgesic properties. Analgesic potency could be increased by combining N2O and intranasal fentanyl (INF). We assessed safety and efficacy data from 10 years (2011-2021) of our N2O PPS programme.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from a sedation registry at a paediatric emergency department (PED) were reviewed. Total procedures performed with N2O alone or with INF, success rate, sedation depth and adverse events were determined. Contributing factors for these outcomes were assessed via regression analysis and compared between different N2O concentrations, N2O in combination with INF, and for physician versus nurse administered sedation. A post hoc analysis on factors associated with vomiting was also performed.

RESULTS

831 N2O procedural sedations were performed, 358 (43.1%) involved a combination INF and N2O. Nurses managed sedation in 728 (87.6%) cases. Median sedation depth on the University of Michigan Sedation Scale was 1 (IQR 1-2). Sedation was successful in 809 (97.4%) cases. Combination INF/N2O demonstrated higher median sedation scores (2 vs 1, p<0.001) and increased vomiting (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5), with no difference in sedation success compared with N2O alone. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported (desaturation, apnoea, aspiration, bradycardia or hypotension) regardless of N2O concentration or use of INF. 137 (16.5%) minor adverse events occurred. Vomiting occurred in 113 (13.6%) cases and was associated with higher concentrations of N2O and INF use, but not associated with fasting status. There were no differences in adverse events (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.04) or success rates (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.7) between physician provided and nurse provided sedation.

CONCLUSION

N2O can provide effective PED PPS. No SAEs were recorded. INF may be an effective PPS adjunct but remains limited by increased rates of vomiting.

Nitrous oxide use in Canadian pediatric emergency departments: a survey of physician's knowledge, attitudes, and practices

OBJECTIVES

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhaled analgesic/ anxiolytic gas with evidence supporting its safety and efficacy for distressing procedures in children. Despite this, its use is not consistent across Canadian pediatric emergency departments (EDs). We aimed to characterize a) physicians' knowledge and practices with N2O and b) site-specific N2O protocols in Canadian pediatric EDs to help optimize its use nationally.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was distributed to physician members of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) in early 2021. Survey items addressed practice patterns, clinician comfort, and perceived barriers/ facilitators to use. Further, a representative from each ED completed a site-specific inventory of N2O policies and procedures.

RESULTS

N2O was available in 40.0% of 15 pediatric EDs, with 83.3% of these sites having written policies in place. Of 230 distributed surveys, 67.8% were completed with mean (SD) attending experience of 14.7 (8.6) years and 70.1% having pediatric emergency subspecialty training. Of the 156 respondents, 48.7% used N2O in their clinical practice. The most common indications for use were digit fracture/ dislocation reduction (69.7%), wound closure (60.5%), and incision & drainage (59.2%). Commonly perceived facilitators were N2O equipment availability (73.0% of 156) and previous clinical experience (71.7% of 156). Of the 51.3% of physicians who reported not using N2O, 93.7% did not have availability at their site; importantly, the majority indicated a desire to acquire access. They identified concerns about ventilation/ scavenging systems (71.2% of 80) and unfamiliarity with equipment (52.5% of 80) as the most common barriers to use.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite evidence to support its use, only half of Canadian pediatric ED physicians surveyed use N2O in their clinical practice for treating procedure-related pain and distress. Increased availability of N2O equipment, protocols, and training may improve clinicians' abilities to better manage pediatric acute pain and distress in the ED.

Nitrous Oxide 70% for Procedural Analgosedation in a Pediatric Emergency Department-With or Without Intranasal Fentanyl?

OBJECTIVES

Nitrous oxide 70% (N20 70%) is an excellent medication for procedural analgosedation in a pediatric emergency department. However, its analgesic efficacy remains uncertain for painful procedures; therefore, a combination with intranasal fentanyl (INF), an opioid, was suggested. This study aimed at observing and assessing the analgesic efficacy and rate of adverse events using N20 70% with and without INF.

METHODS

Children who received N20 70% in a tertiary children's hospital emergency department from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 were included in this observational study with prospective data collection. Physicians decided individually whether INF was administered. Medical staff documented the child's behavior during the procedure, adverse events, and satisfaction rate.

RESULTS

A total of 442 children were included; 206 (46.6%) received INF. Group differences regarding patient behavior were not statistically significant; however, N20 70% application time was longer in the INF group (P = .02). Nausea was the most frequent adverse event with 13.1% in the INF group versus 8.1% without INF. Inadequate procedural analgosedation was documented only in the INF group, affecting 1.8% of all patients (P = .002). In contrast, anxiety was exclusively observed in the group without INF, which was presumably misjudged pain (P = .03); the satisfaction rate in the INF group was 95.6% compared with 98.7% without INF.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the study design and limitations, no conclusions about adding INF to N20 70% can be made. Additional research is needed to investigate the effect of combining N20 70% with INF.

Guidelines for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients Before, During, and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

The safe sedation of children for procedures requires a systematic approach that includes the following: no administration of sedating medication without the safety net of medical/dental supervision, careful presedation evaluation for underlying medical or surgical conditions that would place the child at increased risk from sedating medications, appropriate fasting for elective procedures and a balance between the depth of sedation and risk for those who are unable to fast because of the urgent nature of the procedure, a focused airway examination for large (kissing) tonsils or anatomic airway abnormalities that might increase the potential for airway obstruction, a clear understanding of the medication's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects and drug interactions, appropriate training and skills in airway management to allow rescue of the patient, age- and size-appropriate equipment for airway management and venous access, appropriate medications and reversal agents, sufficient numbers of appropriately trained staff to both carry out the procedure and monitor the patient, appropriate physiologic monitoring during and after the procedure, a properly equipped and staffed recovery area, recovery to the presedation level of consciousness before discharge from medical/dental supervision, and appropriate discharge instructions. This report was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to offer pediatric providers updated information and guidance in delivering safe sedation to children.

Do clowns attenuate pain and anxiety undergoing botulinum toxin injections in children?

OBJECTIVE

Botulinum toxin injection (BTI) is the primary treatment for spasticity in children. Anxiety and pain are important concerns to address to attenuate the discomfort of BTI. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of medical clowns and usual distractions, both added to nitrous oxide (N₂O) and analgesic cream, on pain and anxiety during BTI sessions in children.

METHODS

The primary outcome was pain evaluated by the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Secondary criteria were pain rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by the child and parent, anxiety rated on a VAS before and during BTIs by the child and parent(s), rating of the success of the sessions on a 4-point Likert scale by the physician and parent(s), and rating of the benefits of the distraction by the parent(s). Non-parametric tests were used for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS

Baseline group characteristics of the clown and control groups did not differ. During 88 BTI sessions (40 with clown distraction and 48 with control distraction) in 59 children (35 boys; 52 with cerebral palsy, 12 with moderate to severe cognitive disorders), median maximal FLACC score was 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-4) in the clown group and 3 (IQR: 1-4.3) in the control group. VAS self-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0-5) and 3 (IQR: 1-6.3) in the clown and control groups (P=0.56), and VAS proxy-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0.3-3.4) and 3 (IQR: 1-4.5) (P=0.25). After BTI sessions, the 2 groups did not differ in VAS self- and proxy-reported anxiety (P=0.83 and P=0.81). Physician and parent ratings of the success of sessions were similar between the groups (P=0.89 and P=0.11). Parent ratings of the perceived benefits of distraction were higher in the clown than control group (P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Although clown distraction was particularly appreciated by parents, it did not significantly reduce pain or anxiety in children as compared with usual distraction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03149263.

Guidelines for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients Before, During, and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures: Update 2016

The safe sedation of children for procedures requires a systematic approach that includes the following: no administration of sedating medication without the safety net of medical/dental supervision, careful presedation evaluation for underlying medical or surgical conditions that would place the child at increased risk from sedating medications, appropriate fasting for elective procedures and a balance between the depth of sedation and risk for those who are unable to fast because of the urgent nature of the procedure, a focused airway examination for large (kissing) tonsils or anatomic airway abnormalities that might increase the potential for airway obstruction, a clear understanding of the medication's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects and drug interactions, appropriate training and skills in airway management to allow rescue of the patient, age- and size-appropriate equipment for airway management and venous access, appropriate medications and reversal agents, sufficient numbers of staff to both carry out the procedure and monitor the patient, appropriate physiologic monitoring during and after the procedure, a properly equipped and staffed recovery area, recovery to the presedation level of consciousness before discharge from medical/dental supervision, and appropriate discharge instructions. This report was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to offer pediatric providers updated information and guidance in delivering safe sedation to children.

Practice Patterns and Adverse Events of Nitrous Oxide Sedation and Analgesia: A Report from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium

OBJECTIVES

To describe practice patterns and adverse events associated with nitrous oxide (N2O) administration as the primary sedative outside the operating room in varied settings by a diverse range of providers, and to identify patient and sedation characteristics associated with adverse events.

STUDY DESIGN

Data prospectively collected by the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium, which is comprised of 40 children's and general/community hospitals, was retrospectively analyzed for children who received N2O as the primary sedative. Descriptive measures of patient and sedation characteristics and adverse events were reported. A multivariable regression model was used to assess potential associations between patient and sedation characteristics and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 1634 N2O administrations were identified. The majority was performed in sedation units, and most by advanced practice nurses or physician assistants. The most common adjunct medication was midazolam. There was a low prevalence of adverse events (6.5%), with vomiting as the most common (2.4%) and only 3 (0.2%) serious adverse events reported. The odds of vomiting increased when concomitant opioids were administered (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.14, 7.32) and when nil per os (NPO) clear fluids <2 hours (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.61, 10.76). NPO full meal <6 hours did not change the odds of vomiting (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.57, 3.57). There were no aspiration events.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a very low prevalence of serious adverse events during N2O administration in children outside of the operating room and by nonanesthesiologists. The odds of vomiting increased when concomitant opioids were administered and NPO clear fluids <2 hours.

Nitrous oxide procedural sedation in non-fasting pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery: a 12-year experience with 1,058 patients

BACKGROUND

Nitrous oxide's safety and efficacy for minor procedures is an alternative to general anesthesia, complex sedation protocols, or local anesthetic alone.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively-collected data (2000-2012) identified 1,058 children who received single-agent nitrous oxide for minor surgery.

RESULTS

Children (n = 1,058, male 42 %, female 58 %) aged 1-23 years (mean = 9.8 + 5.1 years) were identified. Only nine children (0.9 %) fasted. ASA status was I-II in 1,053 (99.5 %) of patients; five (0.5 %) had an ASA III. There were no major complications (desaturation, emergency admission, apnea, airway obstruction, bradycardia) or aborted procedures. Minor complications occurred in 1.8 %; there was no association between these complications and ASA, fasting status or maximum nitrous oxide percentage administered (all p > 0.05). Post-operatively, 98 % of patients denied getting an injection. Eighty-two percent reported mild or no procedural pain.

CONCLUSION

This is the longest reported study using non-anesthesiologist-administered nitrous oxide as a single-agent for minor surgical procedures. The technique provides safe sedation and excellent amnesia, allowing pain and anxiety-reduced surgery with no fasting or postoperative monitoring.

Safety of high-concentration nitrous oxide by nasal mask for pediatric procedural sedation: experience with 7802 cases

OBJECTIVES

Nitrous oxide is an effective sedative/analgesic for mildly to moderately painful pediatric procedures. This study evaluated the safety of nitrous oxide administered at high concentration (up to 70%) for procedural sedation.

METHODS

This prospective, observational study included all patients younger than 18 years who received nitrous oxide for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures at a metropolitan children's facility. Patients' age, highest concentration and total duration of nitrous oxide administration, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Nitrous oxide was administered on 7802 occasions to 5779 patients ranging in age from 33 days to 18 years (median, 5.0 years) during the 5.5-year study period. No adverse events were recorded for 95.7% of cases. Minor adverse events included nausea (1.6%), vomiting (2.2%), and diaphoresis (0.4%). Nine patients had potentially serious events, all of which resolved without incident. There was no difference in adverse event rates between nitrous oxide less than or equal to 50% and greater than 50% (P = 0.18). Patients aged 1 to 4 years had the lowest adverse event rate (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups younger than 1 year, 5 to 10 years, and 11 to 18 years. Compared with patients with less than 15 minutes of nitrous oxide administration, patients with 15 to 30 minutes or more than 30 minutes of nitrous oxide administration were 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 3.2-5.4) or 4.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.6-9.3) times more likely to have adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrous oxide can be safely administered at up to 70% concentration by nasal mask for pediatric procedural sedation, particularly for short (<15 minutes) procedures. Nitrous oxide seems safe for children of all ages.

[Safety and effectiveness of nitrous oxide for sedation-analgesia in emergency departments]

OBJECTIVES

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

to assess the safety and the effectiveness (analysing the behaviour of the patient) with the use of nitrous oxide during the performance of painful procedures in the Paediatric Emergency Departments (PED); secondary objectives: to evaluate the manageability of the method and its acceptance by both the medical team and the patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Post-marketing observational, prospective, multicentre, non-randomised and open (November 2007-December 2008) study, which involved seven national PED. We included patients between 2 and 18 years-old on whom a painful procedure was performed in the PED and nitrous oxide was used.

RESULTS

A total 213 patients were included (27,2% < 5 years). Patient behaviour was considered «good/very good» in 79,7%, with no statistically significant difference in relation to the procedure performed. Patient behaviour was more often classified as «bad/accept with difficulty» among those < 5 years (33.3% vs 15.1%, P=.006). Adverse events occurred in 17 cases (7.9%), with no significant difference in the rate in relation to the age, fasting or not or in association with other drugs; the most frequent were dizziness and/or headache (10), followed by vomiting (3). The administration was considered easy by the medical team in the 96.6% of the cases. Parents would accept the use of nitrous oxide in their child in a similar situation in 92.7% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of nitrous oxide achieves proper sedation and analgesia during painful procedures, especially in children older than 5 years. Adverse events reported were few, mild and expected. Most parents would accept its use again in a similar situation.

Professional skills and competence for safe and effective procedural sedation in children: recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature

Objectives. To investigate which skills and competence are imperative to assure optimal effectiveness and safety of procedural sedation (PS) in children and to analyze the underlying levels of evidence. Study Design and methods. Systematic review of literature published between 1993 and March 2009. Selected papers were classified according to their methodological quality and summarized in evidence-based conclusions. Next, conclusions were used to formulate recommendations. Results. Although the safety profiles vary among PS drugs, the possibility of potentially serious adverse events and the predictability of depth and duration of sedation define the imperative skills and competence necessary for a timely recognition and appropriate management. The level of effectiveness is mainly determined by the ability to apply titratable PS, including deep sedation using short-acting anesthetics for invasive procedures and nitrous oxide for minor painful procedures, and the implementation of non-pharmacological techniques. Conclusions. PS related safety and effectiveness are determined by the circumstances and professional skills rather than by specific pharmacologic characteristics. Evidence based recommendations regarding necessary skills and competence should be used to set up training programs and to define which professionals can and cannot be credentialed for PS in children.

Total procedural requirements as indication for emergency department sedation

Indications for pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia are generally based on the need to manage pain or elicit cooperation for a single major procedure in the emergency department setting. However, multiple minor procedures such as vascular access, urethral catheterization, lumbar puncture, or superficial abscess drainage may be required in the care of a single child, and combining these activities may produce as much stress as a single major procedure. The use of procedural sedation in children based on total procedural requirements is proposed with 2 illustrative cases as examples of this concept.

The updated European Consensus 2009 on the use of Botulinum toxin for children with cerebral palsy

An interdisciplinary European group of clinical experts in the field of movement disorders and experienced Botulinum toxin users has updated the consensus for the use of Botulinum toxin in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP). A problem-orientated approach was used focussing on both published and practice-based evidence. In part I of the consensus the authors have tabulated the supporting evidence to produce a concise but comprehensive information base, pooling data and experience from 36 institutions in 9 European countries which involves more than 10,000 patients and over 45,000 treatment sessions during a period of more than 280 treatment years. In part II of the consensus the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) based Motor Development Curves have been expanded to provide a graphical framework on how to treat the motor disorders in children with CP. This graph is named "CP(Graph) Treatment Modalities - Gross Motor Function" and is intended to facilitate communication between parents, therapists and medical doctors concerning (1) achievable motor function, (2) realistic goal-setting and (3) treatment perspectives for children with CP. The updated European consensus 2009 summarises the current understanding regarding an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment approach using Botulinum toxin for the treatment of children with CP.

Reducing distress for children during invasive procedures: randomized clinical trial of effectiveness of the PediSedate

BACKGROUND

Procedural pain control remains problematic for young children, especially during anxiety-causing procedures for which children should not be deeply sedated. The PediSedate was designed to address this problem by delivering nitrous oxide in oxygen through a simple nosepiece, combined with an interactive video component, so that children can use attention and distraction with drug delivery.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the PediSedate for reducing children's behavioral distress in comparison with standard care in the emergency department. Secondary objectives were to assess children's acceptance, cooperation, and pain.

METHODS

Thirty-six children, aged 3-9 years old, who required invasive procedures associated with high levels of anxiety and low levels of pain such as sutures, IVs, and lumbar punctures were randomized to receive either the standard care or the PediSedate. The primary outcome was children's distress (observational scale of behavioral distress) that was monitored before and during the procedure.

RESULTS

Children randomized to the PediSedate group had significantly less distress during invasive procedures (mean = 1.8, sd = 3.2) than children receiving standard care (mean = 9.3, SD = 5.6; anova, P < 0.0001). Also, children in the PediSedate group were more cooperative [chi(2)(1) = 22.05, P < 0.0001] and fewer children reported pain [chi(2)(1) = 14.45, P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nitrous oxide sedation alone for minimizing pain and distress during invasive procedures. We have found that delivering nitrous oxide sedation via a system combined with an interactive video component is also effective. Further studies should determine which factors are dominant and determine the specific failure rate for this delivery system in comparison with other systems.

High-concentration nitrous oxide for procedural sedation in children: adverse events and depth of sedation

OBJECTIVE

Nitrous oxide is an attractive agent for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department; however, there are limited safety data for high-concentration continuous-flow nitrous oxide (50%-70%) and its use in young children. We set out to characterize the depth of sedation and incidence of adverse events associated with various concentrations of nitrous oxide used in a pediatric emergency department.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of nitrous oxide use for procedural sedation and analgesia in a tertiary children's hospital emergency department. Nitrous oxide concentration, adverse events, and sedation depth were recorded. Adverse events were categorized as mild or serious. Sedation depth was recorded on a sedation scale from 0 to 6.

RESULTS

A total of 762 patients who were aged 1 to 17 years received nitrous oxide during the 2-year study period. A total of 548 (72%) received nitrous oxide 70%, and 101 (13%) received nitrous oxide 50%. Moderate or deep sedation with scores of < or = 2 occurred in 3% of patients who had received nitrous oxide 70% and no patients who had received nitrous oxide 50%. Mean sedation scores were 4.4 at nitrous oxide 70% and 4.6 at nitrous oxide 50%. Sixty-three (8.3%) patients sustained 70 mild and self-resolving adverse events, most of which were vomiting (5.7%); 2 (0.2%) patients had serious adverse events. There was no significant difference in adverse events rates between nitrous oxide 70% (8.4%) and nitrous oxide 50% (9.9%). There was no significant difference in the percentage of deep sedation when children who were < or = 3 years of age (2.9%) were compared with older children (2.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this largest prospective emergency department series, high-concentration continuous-flow nitrous oxide (70%) was found to be a safe agent for procedural sedation and analgesia when embedded in a comprehensive sedation program. Nitrous oxide also seems safe in children aged 1 to 3 years.

A review of the safety of 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen in conscious sedation

Few studies into conscious sedation with 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen premix (50% N2O/O2) have been conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice in Clinical Trials. Of the 140 articles retained in this review, the incidence of adverse events (AEs) varied in the range of 0-68% according to the indications. When other drugs and/or local anaesthesia were used concomitantly, the relative risk for nausea and vomiting increased whereas it decreased for vertigo or hallucinations. Only one study examined potential causal relationship between serious AEs and the 50% N2O/O2 gas itself, giving a risk for a serious AE directly due to the gas of 3/10,000 administrations. No analysis of the effect of the method of administration was possible, nor could conclusions be drawn relating to the risk of occupational exposure.

Sedation with nitrous oxide compared with no sedation during catheterization for urologic imaging in children

BACKGROUND

Various strategies to mitigate children's distress during voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) have been described. Sedation with nitrous oxide is comparable to that with oral midazolam for VCUG, but a side-by-side comparison of nitrous oxide sedation and routine care is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of sedation/analgesia using 70% nitrous oxide and routine care for VCUG and radionuclide cystography (RNC) were compared.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 204 children 4-18 years of age scheduled for VCUG or RNC with sedation or routine care were enrolled in this prospective study. Nitrous oxide/oxygen (70%/30%) was administered during urethral catheterization to children in the sedated group. The outcomes recorded included observed distress using the Brief Behavioral Distress Score, self-reported pain, and time in department.

RESULTS

The study included 204 patients (99 nonsedated, 105 sedated) with a median age of 6.3 years (range 4.0-15.2 years). Distress and pain scores were greater in nonsedated than in sedated patients (P < 0.001). Time in department was longer in the sedated group (90 min vs. 30 min); however, time from entry to catheterization in a non-imaging area accounted for most of the difference. There was no difference in radiologic imaging time.

CONCLUSION

Sedation with nitrous oxide is effective in reducing distress and pain during catheterization for VCUG or RNC in children.

Nitrous oxide inhalation to improve patient acceptance and reduce procedure related pain of flexible cystoscopy for men younger than 55 years

PURPOSE

Flexible cystoscopy in men younger than 55 years is painful despite the current best standard anesthesia (20 ml 2% lidocaine gel 15 minutes before endoscopy). The anesthetic value of lidocaine gel is debated and led us to seek an alternative. Nitrous oxide is a well established analgesic and anxiolytic agent, and it significantly reduces pain associated with transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. We studied its use in flexible cystoscopy in men younger than 55 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 61 patients were prospectively randomized to receive air (31) or Entonox (30). Both groups had 3 minutes of gas via a breath activated facemask (either Entonox or air) before endoscopy. The gel control group was comprised of 8 patients who underwent cystoscopy after instillation of lidocaine gel. The air and Entonox groups had lidocaine gel as per best standard. Vital signs were recorded before, during and after cystoscopy. Patients completed a visual analog score for gel insertion and cystoscopy.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Pain scores for cystoscopy (p<0.001) and intraoperative pulse rate (p=0.008) were significantly less with Entonox. Side effects were transient and seen more often with Entonox (p<0.05). More of the air group would require more analgesia (p=0.001) or a general anesthetic (p=0.011) if undergoing repeat cystoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrous oxide inhalation significantly reduces cystoscopy related pain without significant complications. We propose that Entonox should be the anesthetic agent of choice for men younger than 55 years.

Case-series of nurse-administered nitrous oxide for urinary catheterization in children

BACKGROUND

Children undergoing urologic imaging studies requiring urethral catheterization experience considerable discomfort and psychological distress. Nitrous oxide sedation may mitigate these detriments but the requirement for physician administration has limited the applicability of this technique.

METHODS

Registered nurses underwent the nitrous oxide training requirements prescribed for state licensure of dentists and dental hygienists, with special emphasis on pediatric sedation principles. To evaluate the safety of nurse-administered nitrous oxide, we consecutively enrolled all children (ASA PS I-II) sedated for urethral catheterization for urologic imaging in an observational trial designed to identify sedation-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Nitrous oxide was administered on 1018 occasions. There were no major adverse events (apnea, oxygen saturation <92%). Minor adverse events (diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting) occurred in 4% of patients. Eight patients (1%) were described as over-sedated. In 11 (1%) patients, nitrous oxide provided insufficient sedation for completion of urologic imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrous oxide sedation can be provided by a nurse-administered program in pediatric radiology. Administration of nitrous oxide for pediatric procedures by adequately trained nursing staff with appropriate multidisciplinary oversight may increase children's access to this sedative/analgesic drug.

Guidelines for monitoring and management of pediatric patients during and after sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: an update

The safe sedation of children for procedures requires a systematic approach that includes the following: no administration of sedating medication without the safety net of medical supervision; careful presedation evaluation for underlying medical or surgical conditions that would place the child at increased risk from sedating medications; appropriate fasting for elective procedures and a balance between depth of sedation and risk for those who are unable to fast because of the urgent nature of the procedure; a focused airway examination for large tonsils or anatomic airway abnormalities that might increase the potential for airway obstruction; a clear understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of the medications used for sedation, as well as an appreciation for drug interactions; appropriate training and skills in airway management to allow rescue of the patient; age- and size-appropriate equipment for airway management and venous access; appropriate medications and reversal agents; sufficient numbers of people to carry out the procedure and monitor the patient; appropriate physiologic monitoring during and after the procedure; a properly equipped and staffed recovery area; recovery to presedation level of consciousness before discharge from medical supervision; and appropriate discharge instructions. This report was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to offer pediatric providers updated information and guidance in delivering safe sedation to children.

European consensus table 2006 on botulinum toxin for children with cerebral palsy

An interdisciplinary group of experienced botulinum toxin users and experts in the field of movement disorders was assembled, to develop a consensus on best practice for the treatment of cerebral palsy using a problem-orientated approach to integrate theories and methods. The authors tabulated the supporting evidence to produce a condensed but comprehensive information base, pooling data and experience from nine European countries, 13 institutions and more than 5500 patients. The consensus table summarises the current understanding regarding botulinum toxin treatment options in children with CP.

Pain management and regional anaesthesia in the trauma patient

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Treatment of the trauma patient has evolved rapidly in the past decade. Nevertheless, the treatment of pain as part of overall trauma management has been relatively neglected. This update reviews recent publications related to pain relief in the trauma patient.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although recent publications suggest that the assessment and treatment of pain in trauma have improved, most studies still document inadequate analgesia. We discuss the use of different analgesia strategies in the prehospital and emergency room settings.

SUMMARY

Educating the emergency room staff to perform early routine assessment of pain and to be familiar with the administration of analgesia are key elements to improved pain management in trauma. Peripheral nerve block techniques should be practised by emergency room staff. If simple techniques are chosen, competence can be achieved with short, focused training sessions. Further developments are needed in order to provide safer and more effective analgesia to the trauma patient.