High-dose chloral hydrate sedation for children undergoing MR imaging: safety and efficacy in relation to age

Effects of Dextrose Supplementation on Chloral Hydrate Sedation: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Prospective Study

Sedation plays a crucial role in successful pediatric imaging, and chloral hydrate is commonly used for this purpose. However, the challenges associated with chloral hydrate administration, such as its unpleasant taste and potential induction of vomiting, remain a concern. Sweet oral solutions have emerged as potential solutions for reducing distress and providing analgesia. This study compared the efficacy of dextrose combined with chloral hydrate with that of conventional sedation methods. This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study enrolled 160 pediatric outpatients scheduled for echocardiography. Chloral hydrate syrup (100 mg/mL) was supplemented with a dextrose solution (dextrose group) or distilled water (control group) in a 1:10 volume ratio. The sedation achievement time, Skeie scale score, revised Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) score, and side effects (nausea, vomiting, hypoxia, and respiratory depression) were assessed. No significant difference in average time to achieve sedation was observed between the dextrose and control groups (24.4±17.8 vs. 24.7±17.1 min, p=0.92). Both groups demonstrated similar levels of sedation according to the Skeie scale and mean revised FLACC score. Although the occurrence rates of nausea and vomiting had no significant differences, the dextrose group had no cases of vomiting in children aged >24 months compared to the control group, which had three cases (30%). In conclusion, the addition of dextrose to chloral hydrate did not significantly affect sedation time, anxiety, pain reduction, or occurrence of gastrointestinal complications during sedation.

Needle-free pharmacological sedation techniques in paediatric patients for imaging procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedation techniques and drugs are increasingly used in children undergoing imaging procedures. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we present an overview of literature concerning sedation of children aged 0-8 yr for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures using needle-free pharmacological techniques.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies on the use of needle-free pharmacological sedation techniques for MRI procedures in children aged 0-8 yr. Studies using i.v. or i.m. medication or advanced airway devices were excluded. We performed a meta-analysis on sedation success rate. Secondary outcomes were onset time, duration, recovery, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies were included, with 22 380 participants. The pooled success rate for oral chloral hydrate was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.96); for oral chloral hydrate and intranasal dexmedetomidine 95% (95% CI: 0.92-0.97); for rectal, oral, or intranasal midazolam 36% (95% CI: 0.14-0.65); for oral pentobarbital 99% (95% CI: 0.90-1.00); for rectal thiopental 92% (95% CI: 0.85-0.96); for oral melatonin 75% (95% CI: 0.54-0.89); for intranasal dexmedetomidine 62% (95% CI: 0.38-0.82); for intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam 94% (95% CI: 0.78-0.99); and for inhaled sevoflurane 98% (95% CI: 0.97-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a large variation in medication, dosage, and route of administration for needle-free sedation. Success rates for sedation techniques varied between 36% and 98%.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Chloral Hydrate Sedative Failure with Initial Dose in Pediatric Patients: a Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although chloral hydrate has been used as a sedative for more than 100 years, dozens of studies have reported that it has inconsistent sedative effects and high sedation failure rates with initial dose. The high failure rates may lead to repeated administration of sedatives, guardians' dissatisfaction, parental anxiety, increasing medical workload as well as leading to an increase of adverse events. Our aim is to identify the risk factors associated with chloral hydrate sedative failure with initial dose in children undergoing noninvasive diagnostic procedures.

METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent chloral hydrate sedation for noninvasive diagnostic procedures at our institution between 1 December 2019 and 1 January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Data collected included patients' age, gender, weight, sedation history, sedation failure history, type of procedures, initial dose of choral hydrate, sleep deprivation, sedation failure with initial dose, and sedative duration. The initial dose was classified into three levels: reduced dose (< 40 mg/kg), standard dose (40-60 mg/kg), and high dose (> 60 mg/kg). The patients were divided into three cohorts according to the different initial doses.

RESULTS

A total of 15,922 patients were included in the analysis; 1928 (12.1%) were not well-sedated after administering the initial dose of chloral hydrate. The highest sedative failure was observed in the reduced dose group. By multivariate regression, we identified that heavier weight, patients with a history of sedation or a history of sedation failure, and patients who received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or more than one procedure simultaneously were associated with an increased odds of sedation failure at the initial dose. However, outpatients, patients undergoing hearing screening, and patients with sleep deprivation were favored regarding chloral hydrate sedative success.

CONCLUSION

An alternative drug or drug combination is necessary in patients with heavier weight, those with a sedation history or sedation failure history, and those undergoing an MRI or more than one procedure simultaneously, whereas chloral hydrate is an appropriate sedation option for outpatients, patients undergoing hearing screening, and those with sleep deprivation.

The safety and efficacy of a nurse-led sedation service using Chloral Hydrate for auditory brainstem response testing

BACKGROUND

There is a growing number of pediatric procedures requiring sedation outside the operating room. Among these are auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, the gold standard for objective hearing evaluation in infants and toddlers. Recently, a nurse-led pediatric sedation service based on a structured protocol has been developed for ABR testing.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of the pediatric nurse-led sedation protocol (PNLSP) in a tertiary medical center using Chloral Hydrate (CH) in children undergoing ABR testing.

METHODS

Data from medical charts of children who underwent sedation for ABR testing between January 2014 and December 2017, were retrieved. Analysis of sedation success/failure rates, sleep induction time (SIT), sleep duration time (SDT), and adverse events (AE), was performed.

FINDINGS

1348 children with a mean age of 13.4 months (range 3-42 months), classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA score) 1-3, were included in the analysis. All children received a fixed dose of 75 mg / kg CH orally or rectally. Sedation success rate was 98.7% and enabled completion of ABR testing. Failure to sedate was evident in 17 children (1.3%), all classified as ASA score 1-2. Median SIT and SDT were 25 and 100 min, respectively. Mild AE occurred in 9 children (0.67%), none of which required further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the use of a structured PNLSP using CH as safe and efficient. The suggested protocol is an effective alternative for general anesthesia (GA) for ABR testing in healthy young children.

Patient background related to success and adverse event in pediatric sedated MRI

BACKGROUND

The success rate of sedation with triclofos sodium and midazolam for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported. However, there are no reports of an association of adverse events and examination success rates with patient medical backgrounds using a combination of these sedatives. We performed this study to investigate these points.

METHODS

We investigated 191 pediatric patients who were sedated for MRI with triclofos sodium and midazolam at Matsudo City Hospital between November 2013 and October 2015. We surveyed the patients' characteristics, including age, sex, body weight, allergies, medication, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac disorders, airway obstruction factors, and developmental disorders. Outcomes were sedation success and adverse events, including oxygen desaturation. We reviewed the relationship between patient backgrounds and each adverse event or success rate of sedation.

RESULTS

Among all cases, the success rate was 92.7%. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.984), developmental disorders (OR = 0.215), and respiratory disorders (OR = 0.353) were factors for lower success rates. Adding midazolam was associated with a higher success rate (OR = 5.971), but the higher total dose of midazolam was associated with sedation failure (OR = 0.003). The only adverse event was oxygen desaturation (11.5%). Older age affected oxygen desaturation with multiple analysis. However, by stepwise analysis, no patient medical background nor sedative dose was associated with oxygen desaturation.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, developmental disorders, and respiratory disorders were associated with sedation failure. Increasing midazolam did not increase the success rate, and there might be an optimal dose of midazolam.

Medical guidelines for Li-Fraumeni syndrome 2019, version 1.1

Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary tumor that exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance. LFS develops in individuals with a pathogenic germline variant of the cancer-suppressor gene, TP53 (individuals with TP53 pathogenic variant). The number of individuals with TP53 pathogenic variant among the general population is said to be 1 in 500 to 20,000. Meanwhile, it is found in 1.6% (median value, range of 0–6.7%) of patients with pediatric cancer and 0.2% of adult patients with cancer. LFS is diagnosed by the presence of germline TP53 pathogenic variants. However, patients can still be diagnosed with LFS even in the absence of a TP53 pathogenic variant if the familial history of cancers fit the classic LFS diagnostic criteria. It is recommended that TP53 genetic testing be promptly performed if LFS is suspected. Chompret criteria are widely used for the TP53 genetic test. However, as there are a certain number of cases of LFS that do not fit the criteria, if LFS is suspected, TP53 genetic testing should be performed regardless of the criteria. The probability of individuals with TP53 pathogenic variant developing cancer in their lifetime (penetrance) is 75% for men and almost 100% for women. The LFS core tumors (breast cancer, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, brain tumor, and adrenocortical cancer) constitute the majority of cases; however, various types of cancers, such as hematological malignancy, epithelial cancer, and pediatric cancers, such as neuroblastoma, can also develop. Furthermore, approximately half of the cases develop simultaneous or metachronous multiple cancers. The types of TP53 pathogenic variants and factors that modify the functions of TP53 have an impact on the clinical presentation, although there are currently no definitive findings. There is currently no cancer preventive agent for individuals with TP53 pathogenic variant. Surgical treatments, such as risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy warrant further investigation. Theoretically, exposure to radiation could induce the onset of secondary cancer; therefore, imaging and treatments that use radiation should be avoided as much as possible. As a method to follow-up LFS, routine cancer surveillance comprising whole-body MRI scan, brain MRI scan, breast MRI scan, and abdominal ultrasonography (US) should be performed immediately after the diagnosis. However, the effectiveness of this surveillance is unknown, and there are problems, such as adverse events associated with a high rate of false positives, overdiagnosis, and sedation used during imaging as well as negative psychological impact. The detection rate of cancer through cancer surveillance is extremely high. Many cases are detected at an early stage, and treatments are low intensity; thus, cancer surveillance could contribute to an improvement in QOL, or at least, a reduction in complications associated with treatment. With the widespread use of genomic medicine, the diagnosis of LFS is unavoidable, and a comprehensive medical care system for LFS is necessary. Therefore, clinical trials that verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the program, comprising LFS registry, genetic counseling, and cancer surveillance, need to be prepared.

Stability data of extemporaneous oral suspension of pentobarbital in Syrspend SF Alka for imaging sedation procedure

Pentobarbital is used as an alternative in pediatric sedative imaging procedures. Pentobarbital is only available as pharmaceutical powder. Regardless of its clinical use, its manipulation is necessary byhospital pharmacists that must prepare adapted dosage forms for pediatrics. The data presented in this article suggest that extemporaneous suspensions of sodium pentobarbital in oral liquid base are stable for at least 120 days.

Efficiency of Melatonin as a Sedative for Auditory Brainstem Response in Children

Introduction-Although auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing is among the most frequently used investigations in pediatric audiology and it often requires sedation or general anesthesia. In recent years, melatonin has been successfully used as an alternative way of inducing sleep, particularly in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalography (EEG). Purpose-To assess the effectiveness of orally administered melatonin as an alternative to sedation or general anesthesia during ABR testing. Method-In total, 33 children with suspected hearing loss underwent ABR tests in melatonin-induced sleep. Each patient received an initial dose of 5 mg, which was re-administered in case of failure to obtain sleep. Click-induced ABR tests were performed on both ears. Results-ABR tests were successfully performed in 72.7% of the patients. The average total length of time needed to obtain sleep and complete the ABR testing was 45 min. There was no significant difference between the patients who completed the examination and those who did not in terms of age or psychomotor development. There was a statistically significant association between receiving a maintenance dose and successful completion of the test (p < 0.001). There was also a significant connection between the degree of hearing loss and the success rate of the ABR tests (p < 0.001). Conclusions-Melatonin-induced sleep is a good and safer alternative to anesthesia to perform ABR testing in young children. It is easily administered, tolerated by the patients, and accepted by parents.

Investigation of site and frequency of asymptomatic injury in medial structures of the elbow in adolescent baseball players using dedicated magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

Medial epicondyle (ME) and elbow joint proximal (UCL-p) and distal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL-d) asymptomatic injuries are frequently observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the injury rates vary among these structures in elbow screening of adolescent baseball players, despite being adjacent medial structures of the elbow. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the actual injury site and rate, and investigate the underlying reason for discrepancies anatomically and biomechanically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four male adolescent baseball players were scanned using MRI. Two interpreters independently and retrospectively assessed the ME, UCL-p, and UCL-d injuries using the gradient echo axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.

RESULTS

The injury prevalence was significantly higher in the ME and UCL-p (> 50% of the participants) than in the UCL-d (22.7%), P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively. Additionally, there was a tendency toward a high-frequency injury rate of the ME or UCL-p.

CONCLUSION

The injury site of the medial structures tended to be proximal. The ME and UCL-p were observed to be more frequently injured compared to the UCL-d in adolescent baseball players according to the dedicated MRI findings in this study.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous thiamylal in pediatric procedural sedation for magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (i.v.) thiamylal in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sedation.

METHODS

Infants and children from 1 month up to 8 years of age who underwent MRI in our hospital between April 2017 and March 2019 were included in this prospective observational study. Initial dose of 2 mg/kg thiamylal was given intravenously; however, additional doses were administered as needed. MRI was performed after adequate sedation was achieved. The primary endpoint was the success rate of MRI, while secondary endpoints were adverse events related to sedation, time to sedate, recovery time, and the dose of thiamylal.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were included in the analysis with median age and weight of 31.5 months (14.0-56.8 months) and 12.6 kg (9.5-15.7 kg), respectively. The success rate of MRI was 96.6% (114/118), and the median dose of thiamylal per body weight was 3.6 (2.8-4.0) mg/kg. The median time from the first dose of thiamylal to MRI was 7 min (4-10 min) and that from the end of MRI scanning to the confirmation of emergence was 8 min (5-25 min). Adverse events encountered included respiratory arrests (n = 3) and reduction in oxygen saturation (SpO₂; n = 9). There were no significant differences in the age, dose of thiamylal, sex, body weight, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and neurological abnormalities between the groups with and without respiratory complications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated an adequate efficacy and safety of i.v. thiamylal, with rapid sedation and patient recovery.

Drug selection for sedation and general anesthesia in children undergoing ambulatory magnetic resonance imaging

The demand for drug-induced sedation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have substantially increased in response to increases in MRI utilization and growing interest in anxiety in children. Understanding the pharmacologic options for deep sedation and general anesthesia in an MRI environment is essential to achieve immobility for the successful completion of the procedure and ensure rapid and safe discharge of children undergoing ambulatory MRI. For painless diagnostic MRI, a single sedative/anesthetic agent without analgesia is safer than a combination of multiple sedatives. The traditional drugs, such as chloral hydrate, pentobarbital, midazolam, and ketamine, are still used due to the ease of administration despite low sedation success rate, prolonged recovery, and significant adverse events. Currently, dexmedetomidine, with respiratory drive preservation, and propofol, with high effectiveness and rapid recovery, are preferred for children undergoing ambulatory MRI. General anesthesia using propofol or sevoflurane can also provide predictable rapid time to readiness and scan times in infants or children with comorbidities. The selection of appropriate drugs as well as sufficient monitoring equipment are vital for effective and safe sedation and anesthesia for ambulatory pediatric MRI.

Pre-treatment with Melamil Tripto® induces sleep in children undergoing Auditory Brain Response (ABR) testing

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have shown that tryptophan and vitamin B6 used in conjunction with melatonin induce sleep more effectively than melatonin alone. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of different dosages and timings of administration of a solution containing melatonin, tryptophan, and vitamin B6 for inducing sleep in children undergoing ABR testing.

METHODS

294 children scheduled for Auditory Brain Response (ABR) evaluation were administered a solution containing melatonin, tryptophan, and vitamin B6 to induce sleep before the exam. Two different administration timings (pre-treatment and single shot treatment) and three dosages (0.5 ml in pre-treatment, 1.5 ml in pre-treatment, and 3 ml in single shot) were tested. The following parameters were evaluated: time needed for the subject to fall asleep before ABR testing, subject sl'eep features during ABR testing (quality, stability, duration), recorded ABR quality (including presence of abnormalities in amplitude and latency), subject waking up modality, and time needed for the subject to wake up at the end of the ABR exam.

RESULTS

Quality of ABR signals was similar across treatments, and subjects responded in a similar manner in terms of time needed to wake-up and wake-up modality. However, pretreatment with the 1.5 ml dose induced sleep faster than the two other dosages, and the length of the induced sleep was longer than that induced by pre-treatment with 0.5 ml. In general, the pre-treatment with 1.5 ml led to a shorter ABR exam, because reduces the time for inducing sleep, allows a long sleeping phase with a good quality, without variation in the wakening up times.

CONCLUSIONS

Melamil Tripto^® is an alternative to sedative drugs for inducing sleep in pediatric subjects undergoing ABR testing. A pre-medication with 1.5 ml of MT 1 week before ABR testing further improves the strength of the solution.

Successful sedation of pediatric patients via chloral hydrate during diagnostic studies

Background and Objectives:

Patients’ movements often need to be restrained to obtain high-quality diagnostic images. Chloral hydrate is the primary agent for pediatric sedation prior to diagnostic studies in some countries. However, because of the agent’s long half-life, the need for augmentation must be minimized by ensuring the success of the initial dose. This study aimed to identify factors influencing sedation success rate and sedation duration.

Methods:

Pediatric patients’ age, sex, and dose according to body weight, type of clinic, duration of stay, and weight-for-age percentile were analyzed in univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results:

Of the total of 1590 patients, 1325 (82.7%) were successfully sedated. Predictors of successful sedation were a minimum dosage of 60 mg/kg and a younger age. Early sedation (mean − 1 standard deviation, <18 min) occurred in 10.9% of the pediatric patients who were successfully sedated. For this value, visits to emergency center B (adjusted odds ratio, 2.673; 95% confidence interval, 1.660–4.305) and visits during daytime hours appeared to be influencing factors.

Conclusion:

For safe and successful pediatric sedation, the child’s age and appropriate dose must be thoroughly reviewed, and a quiet and secluded environment must be ensured. Furthermore, taking into account that the patient’s age and developmental stage can affect induction time, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary augmentation

Normal imaging laterality on magnetic resonance imaging of the medial epicondyle of the elbow on the dominant side of adolescent male baseball players

OBJECTIVE

Multimodality elbow screening of adolescent baseball players shows apparent laterality in morphology and signal intensity of the medial epicondyle on dedicated magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to elucidate actual imaging laterality in the medial epicondyle by comparing magnetic resonance images of the dominant and contradominant elbows and to clarify the clinical meaning and mechanism of this phenomenon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a 0.2-T dedicated magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Eighty adolescent baseball players were enrolled and divided into four age groups: 9-10 years (13 patients); 11 years (28 patients); 12 years (24 patients) and 13-14 years (15 patients). The long and short axes of the ossification center and distance of the epiphyseal plate and the cartilage of the lower pole of the medial epicondyle were measured. Signal intensity of the ossification center was visually evaluated.

RESULTS

Owing to their age, ossification and cartilage size on the dominant side were significantly larger in all boys (P < 0.01). All age groups had larger ossification and cartilage in the dominant elbow (P < 0.01). Ossification showed an apparent lower signal intensity on the dominant side (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Larger ossification and cartilage size of the medial epicondyle in the dominant elbow suggested that the medial collateral ligament to the medial epicondyle induces excessive repetitive tensile stress, but without clinical symptoms. Functional or microanatomical damage of the medial epicondyle may induce a lower ossification signal in the dominant elbow, thereby decreasing fatty bone marrow and inducing sclerotic changes.

Chloral Hydrate Administered by a Dedicated Sedation Service Can Be Used Safely and Effectively for Pediatric Ophthalmic Examination

PURPOSE

To determine safety and efficacy of oral chloral hydrate sedation (CHS) for outpatient pediatric ophthalmic procedures.

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

Setting: King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital.

SUBJECTS

Children aged 1 month to 5 years undergoing CHS for ocular imaging/evaluation.

PROCEDURES

Details on chloral hydrate dose administered, sedation achieved, vital signs, and adverse events were recorded.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was percentage of patients with a sedation level ≥ 4 at 45 minutes post chloral hydrate administration. Secondary outcomes were time from sedation to discharge and adverse events, including changes in vital signs following chloral hydrate administration.

RESULTS

A total of 324 children were recruited with a mean age of 2.2 (SD: 1.3) years and mean weight of 10.9 (SD: 3.3) kg. Adequate sedation was obtained with a mean chloral hydrate first dose of 77.4 (SD: 14.7) mg/kg in 306 (94.4%) patients, with an additional 6 patients (1.9%) achieving adequate sedation with a second dose (overall adequate sedation: 96.3%). Mean reductions in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen (O₂) saturation from pre-sedation to 25 minutes post-sedation were 11.7 (SD: 14.3) beats per minute, 1.2 (SD: 2.4) breaths per minute, and 0.81% (SD: 1.2%), respectively (P < .001 for all). In multivariable regression, odds of remaining sedated 45 minutes after chloral hydrate administration were 2.53 times higher for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II or III patients than for ASA class I (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-5.78, P = .03), 1.03 times higher per mg increase in initial dose of chloral hydrate (95% CI: 1.01-1.06, P = .006), and 2.70 times higher per unit increase in number of planned procedures (95% CI: 1.63-4.47, P < .001). Three patients developed minor adverse events: 2 cases of O₂ desaturation and 1 paradoxical reaction, none requiring significant intervention. Patients were discharged a median of 90 minutes after chloral hydrate administration.

CONCLUSION

Chloral hydrate administered by a dedicated sedation service, as in this prospective assessment, can be used safely and effectively for outpatient pediatric ophthalmic procedures.

Imaging the Infant Chest without Sedation: Feasibility of Using Single Axial Rotation with 16-cm Wide-Detector CT

Purpose To compare image quality, patient preparation time, and radiation dose using a single axial rotation with 16-cm wide-detector computed tomography (CT) in imaging the infant chest without sedation with those in infants examined by using a 64-row CT and sedation. Materials and Methods Thirty-two infants (group 1) were prospectively enrolled to undergo nonenhanced chest CT without sedation using a single axial rotation on a 16-cm wide-detector CT scanner. Patients were imaged with automatic tube current modulation and tube voltages of 80 kVp for patients weighing 5 kg or less and 100 kVp for patients weighing more than 5 kg. Patient preparation time, CT dose index (CTDI), dose-length product (DLP), and image quality were compared with those in a historical control group consisting of 30 infants (group 2) who underwent conventional helical scanning with sedation performed by using a 64-row volume CT scanner. The Student t test for independent samples was used to assess continuous variables. The Mann-Whitney rank test and the κ test were used to evaluate image quality. Results There was no statistically significant difference in body weight, age, mean CT attenuation value, image noise, and subjective image quality score between the two groups. However, compared with the group scanned by using a 64-row volume CT scanner (group 2), group 1 experienced significantly reduced scan time by 83% (0.35 second vs 2.01 seconds ± 0.21 [standard deviation]), preparation time by 57% (41.25 minutes ± 103.78 vs 96.5 minutes ± 151.77), CTDI by 42% (2.03 mGy ± 0.4 vs 3.52 mGy ± 0.03), and DLP by 52% (27.07 mGy·cm ± 6.97 vs 55.84 mGy·cm ± 6.46) (P < .05 for all). Conclusion Compared with conventional 64-row helical CT with sedation, use of a single axial rotation with 16-cm wide-detector CT in imaging the infant chest without sedation can reduce radiation dose, preparation time, and total scan time, while providing comparable image quality. ^© RSNA, 2017.

Median Effective Dose of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Rescue Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background

The median effective dose (ED50) of intranasal dexmedetomidine after failed chloral hydrate sedation has not been described for children. This study aims to determine the ED50 of intranasal dexmedetomidine for rescue sedation in children aged 1 to 36 months, who were inadequately sedated by chloral hydrate administration during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This study was performed on 120 children, who were 1 to 36 months old and underwent MRI scanning. Intranasal dexmedetomidine was administered as a rescue sedative to children not adequately sedated after the initial oral dose of chloral hydrate (50 mg/kg). Children were stratified into four age groups. ED50 values were estimated from the up-and-down method of Dixon and Massey and probit regression. Other variables included induction time, time to wake up, vital signs, oxygen saturation, MRI scanning time, and recovery characteristics.

Results

ED50 of intranasal dexmedetomidine for rescue sedation was 0.4 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.50) in children aged 1 to 6 months, 0.5 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.48 to 0.56) in children aged 7 to 12 months, 0.9 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.89) in children aged 13 to 24 months, and 1.0 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.94 to 1.07) in children aged 25 to 36 months. There were no significant differences in sedation induction time or time to wake up between the different age groups. Additionally, no significant adverse hemodynamic or hypoxemic effects were noted.

Conclusions

The authors determined the ED50 for rescue sedation using intranasal dexmedetomidine after failed chloral hydrate sedation in children. It was found that ED50 increases with advancing age during the first 3 yr of life.

Chloral hydrate sedation for auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing in children: Safety and effectiveness

INTRODUCTION

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test is used to identify hearing loss and measure hearing thresholds of infants and children who cannot be tested using standard behavioral hearing testing methods. In order for the ABR to yield useful data, a child must be asleep throughout the duration of the test. In many centers, this is achieved through the use of a general anesthetic, with its inherent risks and costs. Since 2004, ABRs have been routinely conducted at BC Children's Hospital in an ambulatory care setting under oral chloral hydrate sedation, with monitoring by a specialist nurse. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of nurse-led sedation with chloral hydrate for ABR testing at our tertiary pediatric center.

METHODS

Medical and audiology records were reviewed for children aged 6 months to 17 years who underwent ABR testing from 2004 to 2012. We reviewed the dosage of drug used, condition of the child after chloral hydrate administration, adverse effects, audiological results, patients' vital signs, and the effectiveness of the sedative in keeping the child asleep throughout the duration of the test. Frequency distributions were derived for adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

725 ABR records encompassing 635 children (multiple ABR tests in some children) were reviewed. The average dose of chloral hydrate used was 52mg/kg. The majority of sedated ABR's (80.8%) were completed without any incident. Significant events [apnea and/or bradycardia], minor complications [vomiting, hypoxemia, prolonged sedation, and/or tachypnea] and restlessness were noted in 3.4%, 6.2%, and 5.0% of the cases, respectively. The majority of these issues resolved without medical intervention, such as the need to provide supplementary oxygen. In 95.9% of ABRs, chloral hydrate was successful in sedating the child adequately to answer the audiological question.

CONCLUSIONS

This forms the largest study to date on oral sedation for ABR testing. Based on our results, the use of chloral hydrate in the presence of a sedation nurse was a safe and reliable method of performing ABR in infants and children. This may be of significant value to centres worldwide exploring alternatives to general anesthesia for ABR testing.

Stability-Indicating Assay for the Determination of Pentobarbital Sodium in Liquid Formulations

A stability-indicating assay by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the determination of pentobarbital sodium in oral formulations: a drug used for infant sedation in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column, using isocratic elution and a detector set at 214 nm. The optimized mobile phase consisted of a 0.01 M potassium buffer pH 3 and methanol (40 : 60, v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the run time of analysis was 5 min. The linearity of the method was demonstrated in the range of 5 to 250 μg/mL pentobarbital sodium solution (r (2) = 0.999). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.10 and 3.97 μg/mL, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions were less than 2.1%. Accuracy of the method ranged from 99.2 to 101.3%. Stability studies indicate that the drug is stable to sunlight and in aqueous solution. Accelerated pentobarbital sodium breakdown by strong alkaline, acidic, or oxidative stress produced noninterfering peaks. This method allows accurate and reliable determination of pentobarbital sodium for drug stability assay in pharmaceutical studies.

Constructing optimal experience for the hospitalized newborn through neuro-based music therapy

Music-based intervention for hospitalized newborn infants has traditionally been based in a biomedical model, with physiological stability as the prime objective. More recent applications are grounded in other theories, including attachment, trauma and neurological models in which infant, parent and the dyadic interaction may be viewed as a dynamic system bound by the common context of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The immature state of the preterm infant’s auditory processing system requires a careful and individualized approach for the introduction of purposeful auditory experience intended to support development. The infant’s experience of an unpredictable auditory environment is further compromised by a potential lack of meaningful auditory stimulation. Parents often feel disconnected from their own capacities to nurture their infant with potentially life-long implications for the infant’s neurobehavioral and psychological well-being. This perspectives paper will outline some neurological considerations for auditory processing in the premature infant to frame a premise for music-based interventions. A hypothetical clinical case will illustrate the application of music by a music therapist with an infant and family in NICU.

Practice advisory on anesthetic care for magnetic resonance imaging: an updated report by the american society of anesthesiologists task force on anesthetic care for magnetic resonance imaging

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Standards and Practice Parameters and the Task Force on Anesthetic Care for Magnetic Resonance Imaging presents an updated report of the Practice Advisory on Anesthetic Care for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Electroencephalography for children with autistic spectrum disorder: a sedation protocol

OBJECTIVES

To report the effectiveness and efficiency of a predetermined sedation protocol for providing sedation for electroencephalograph (EEG) studies in children with autism.

METHODS

Sleep EEG has been advocated for the majority of children with autism spectrum disorder. In most cases, sedation is required to allow adequate studies. Most sedation drugs have negative effects on the EEG pattern. The sedation protocol we adopted included chloral hydrate, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine and was evaluated prospectively for 2 years.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-three children with autistic spectrum disorder were sedated with the described drug protocol that was efficient, provided adequate EEG readings, and was not associated with serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our protocol kept costs to a minimum but provided appropriate escalation in care when required.

Chloral hydrate in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging: evaluation of a 10-year sedation experience administered by radiologists

BACKGROUND

Chloral hydrate is a sedative that has been used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use, effectiveness and safety of chloral hydrate administered by radiologists for the sedation of children who require MRI procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts for all patients ages 0 - 10 years old who underwent sedation with chloral hydrate for MRI from January 2000 to December 2010. Demographic factors, dose information, indication for MRI, therapeutic failures and adverse reactions to the drug were reviewed.

RESULTS

One thousand, seven hundred and three children (946 males, 757 females) with a median age of 2.5 years (range: 4 days - 9.91 years) received chloral hydrate. Moderate to deep sedation was achieved in 1,618/1,703 (95%) of the patients, 35/1,703 (2.1%) of the patients failed to achieve moderate to deep sedation, and 47/1,703 (2.8%) of the patients woke up during MRI examination. Adverse reactions were present in 31/1,703 (1.8%) of the patients. Three severe adverse reactions occurred (0.18%). A single dose of chloral hydrate (40-60 mg/kg) was administered to 1,477/1,703 patients (86.7%). An additional dose of chloral hydrate (10-20 mg/kg), given 15 min after the first dose or when the patient woke up during the MRI examination, was required in 226/1,703 patients (13.3%). The likelihood of requiring an additional dose in children older than 2 years was 2.2 times the likelihood compared to children younger than 2 years (OR = 2.2 [95%CI: 1.6-3.0]). The use of a reduced dose (<50 mg/kg) was not associated with a higher therapeutic failure rate (OR = 1.04 [95%CI 0.57-1.89]).

CONCLUSION

Chloral hydrate is an appropriate sedation option for pediatric patients in MRI services when strict patient selection criteria are met. The use of a reduced dose does not affect the effectiveness of sedation. The lack of data regarding the presence of transient oxygen desaturation, the time to induce sedation and the exact duration of sedation are limitations of this study.

The safety and efficacy of chloral hydrate sedation for pediatric ophthalmic procedures: a retrospective review

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of high-dose oral chloral hydrate for pediatric ophthalmic procedures.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of a quality audit of pediatric sedation for ophthalmic evaluation and imaging performed at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2011, in children aged 1 month to 6 years.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-eight of 380 (94.2%) sedation procedures were successful after a single dose of chloral hydrate, with 356 of 380 (93.7%) children sedated within 45 minutes of the first dose. The total success rate of the sedation procedure increased to 97.9% (372 of 380) when a second dose was administered. Children adequately sedated after a single dose of chloral hydrate were on average younger and weighed less than children who required additional doses. No major adverse events were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of chloral hydrate sedation for ophthalmic evaluation and imaging was safe and effective in this patient population with a high rate of procedure completion.

Optimal initial dose of chloral hydrate in management of pediatric facial laceration

Background

Chloral hydrate (CH) is the primary agent most commonly used for pediatric sedation prior to diagnostic, therapeutic procedures. In the management of pediatric facial laceration, the initial dose of CH has to balance the need for adequate sedation against the need to minimize sedative complications.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of 834 children who visited our emergency room for facial lacerations from August 2010 to September 2012 was conducted. They were divided into six groups on the basis of the initial dose of CH administered. Further, each group was compared with the standard group (70 to ≤80 mg/kg) with respect to sedation success, augmentation dose, failed sedation, time to procedure, and time of stay.

Results

With respect to the complication rate, only group 1 (range, 40 to ≤50 mg/kg) showed a significantly lower complication rate. In the case of all the other variables considered, there were no significant differences among any of the groups.

Conclusions

An initial CH dose of 48±2 mg/kg does not negatively affect the success rate of sedation or the need for additional sedative during the primary closure of facial lacerations in pediatric patients. Further, lower doses reduce the incidences of adverse effects and do not delay procedure readiness. Therefore, 48±2 mg/kg of CH can be considered the optimal initial dose for pediatric sedation.

Chloral hydrate and/or hydroxyzine for sedation in pediatric EEG recording

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the success of chloral hydrate (CH) and hydroxyzine on sedation and assess the changes of these drugs on sleep EEG recordings.

METHOD

Three hundred and forty-one patients (mean age: 60.92±53.81months) that were uncooperative with the EEG setup or referred for sleep EEG were enrolled in the study. Patients, partially sleep-deprived the night before, were firstly tried to fall on sleep without any medication, the patients who could not sleep spontaneously were randomly divided in two groups of hydroxyzine and chloral hydrate.

RESULTS

In 147 (43%) of cases, CH was given for sedation. In 112 (32%) hydroxyzine and in 8% of cases CH and hydroxyzine were given. 17% of children had spontaneous sleep. The doses of drugs prescribed were as follows: hydroxyzine 1.43±0.74mg/kg CH 38±14.73mg/kg. The time to go on a sleep was 34.68±30.75min in hydroxyzine and 32.34±26.83min in CH group (p>0.05). Eighty-nine percent of cases who were sedated with CH and 89.6% of cases who sedated with hydroxyzine were able to sleep (p>0.05). The background rhythm was faster with CH compared to hydroxyzine (p<0.05). There were no association between the occurrence of fast background rhythm and the doses of CH.

CONCLUSION

The study described the clinical practice of sedation with CH and hydroxyzine on EEG recording. Data suggest that CH with low doses and hydroxyzine is equally effective for sleep induction, but the side effects of CH on the sleep EEG is much more prominent.

Cardio-respiratory response to moderate chloral hydrate sedation in young lambs

AIM

Chloral hydrate (CH) is the most commonly used sedative for medical procedures and lung function tests in infancy. The aim was to determine whether moderate CH sedation affects airway function, lung volume and ventilation.

METHODS

Thirteen chronically instrumented 7- to 8-week-old lambs were studied both before and after CH sedation (50 mg/kg as intravenous bolus followed by 25 mg/kg/hour as continuous infusion). Nitrogen washout technique and lung mechanics analysis were used to assess functional residual capacity (FRC) and airway function. Moment analysis and lung clearance index were calculated as measures of gas mixing efficiency in distal airways. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation and indices of inspiratory drive were determined together with heart rate, blood pressure and oxygenation.

RESULTS

No significant CH-induced changes were found for gas mixing efficiency, FRC or lung mechanics. Minute ventilation decreased slightly, but significantly, while indices of inspiratory drive remained unchanged. Heart rate increased significantly, but mean arterial blood pressure was unaffected.

CONCLUSION

Moderate CH sedation did not significantly affect airway function or FRC. Although indices of inspiratory drive were not affected, minute ventilation decreased slightly. These findings indicate that reliable results can be obtained from lung function testing when CH is used for sedation.

Analysis of procedural sedation provided by pediatricians

BACKGROUND

Pediatric procedural sedation outside of the operating room is performed by a variety of pediatric specialists. Using the database from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium (PSRC), patient demographics, medications used, diagnoses, complications, and procedures involved when pediatricians provided sedation in this cohort, were described. 'Pediatrician' was defined as a general pediatrician, cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist/oncologist, neurologist, pulmonologist or hospitalist.

METHODS

Data were collected by the PSRC, a group of 35 institutions dedicated to improving sedation care for children. Members prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who received sedation or anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Data on demographics, primary diagnoses, procedures, medications, interventions, and complications were collected and stored on a Web-based data collection tool.

RESULTS

A total of 12 113 sedations performed by pediatricians were submitted from 1 July 2004 to 31 December 2008, compared to 119 665 cases performed by non-pediatricians. Pediatrician patients were more frequently non-emergency American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II, aged 2-8 years old, with a neurologic primary diagnosis, being sedated for a radiologic procedure with a sedative. Distraction techniques were used more frequently in the pediatrician group (11.9% vs 3.1%). The most common complication encountered was inadequate sedation, which occurred 2.2% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians sedate for a variety of patients within the PSRC, but the patients tended to be younger, predominately ASA class I or II, non-emergency, and undergoing non-painful procedures when compared to non-pediatrician providers. The patient demographics, medications used, diagnoses, complications, and procedures involved varied between the groups significantly. Complication rates were similar between the groups.

Sedation/anaesthesia in paediatric radiology

OBJECTIVES

In this article we will give a comprehensive literature review on sedation/general anaesthesia (S/GA) and discuss the international variations in practice and options available for S/GA for imaging children.

METHODS

The key articles were obtained primarily from PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, NHS Evidence and The Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Recently, paediatric radiology has seen a surge of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, some of which require children to be still and compliant for up to 1 h. It is difficult and sometimes even impossible to obtain quick and high-quality images without employing sedating techniques in certain children. As with any medical procedure, S/GA in radiological practice is not without risks and can have potentially disastrous consequences if mismanaged. In order to reduce any complications and practice safety in radiological units, it is imperative to carry out pre-sedation assessments of children, obtain parental/guardian consent, monitor them closely before, during and after the procedure and have adequate equipment, a safe environment and a well-trained personnel.

CONCLUSION

Although the S/GA techniques, sedative drugs and personnel involved vary from country to country, the ultimate goal of S/GA in radiology remains the same; namely, to provide safety and comfort for the patients. Advances in knowledge Imaging children under general anaesthesia is becoming routine and preferred by operators because it ensures patient conformity and provides a more controlled environment.

Deep sedation in pediatric imaging: efficacy and safety of intravenous chlorpromazine

BACKGROUND

The quality of MRI and CT depends largely on immobility of the patient during the procedure, which is often difficult to achieve without sedation in children below the age of 6 years.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous chlorpromazine sedation for repeated imaging in young children treated for cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 2003 to January 2007, information on children younger than 6 years of age having MRI or CT was prospectively collected. Forty-five minutes before the scan, a 10-min infusion of chlorpromazine 0.5 mg/kg was administered and managed by non-anesthetic staff. Patient monitoring included continuous measurement of pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation and arterial blood pressure. Procedure-related parameters and adverse events were documented. Sedation was considered successful when the procedure was completed and at least 95% of images were usable.

RESULTS

One-hundred-one procedures (82 MRI, 19 CT) were evaluated in 62 children, 3-74 months old. Adequate sedation was achieved in 96% of cases, with mean induction time, 22 min; mean duration of sleep, 72 min, and mean duration of procedure, 33 min. Mean time spent in the radiology unit was 104 min. Ninety-six percent of imaging procedures were successfully completed. No cardiac, respiratory, neurological or allergic complication occurred.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous chlorpromazine is safe and effective for procedural sedation in young children with cancer undergoing MRI and CT.

Post-discharge adverse events following pediatric sedation with high doses of oral medication

OBJECTIVE

To compare the occurrence of post-discharge adverse events in children having received a high dose of either chloral hydrate (CH) or midazolam (MZ) during outpatient dental treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

A repeated-measures study design was carried out with 42 children treated at a sedation center. The sample comprised 103 dental sedation sessions among 22 male and 20 female patients, 1-8 years old, receiving either MZ (1.0-1.5 mg/kg) or CH (70.0-100.0 mg/kg). During treatment, a single observer recorded intraoperative adverse events. Twenty-four hours later, the observer called the child's main caregiver seeking information on further adverse events. Data analysis involved descriptive and bivariate statistics and the general estimating equation for repeated measures.

RESULTS

The most common intraoperative and post-discharge adverse events were hallucination (3.9%) and excessive sleep (41.9%), respectively. The chance of the occurrence of an adverse event following oral pediatric sedation was lesser among the children who received MZ than those who received CH (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

High doses of CH were associated with post-discharge adverse events in children having undergone pediatric dental sedation, whereas high doses of MZ were not associated with these events in pediatric patients.

MR Imaging of the Newborn: a technical perspective

This article discusses neonatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and reviews equipment and procedures for MR-related transport, sedation, monitoring, and scanning. MR is gaining importance in the diagnosis and clinical management of critically ill, and often very low birth weight infants, so research is ongoing to make transport and examination safer and imaging more successful. Efforts are focused on integration of dedicated neonate MR scanners in neonatal intensive care units, improvements in incubator technology and handling, and more efficient use of scan/sedation time by choosing dedicated neonate coil arrays that improve the signal-to-noise-ratio and facilitate the choice of modern imaging techniques.

Clinical implications of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of procedural sedation agents in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Procedural sedation has become the standard of care for managing pain and anxiety in children in the emergency department.

RECENT FINDINGS

Numerous articles have been published on pediatric procedural sedation with, however, little in-depth discussion of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the sedation agents utilized.

SUMMARY

We review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the pediatric procedural sedation pharmacopeia from a clinical perspective with emphasis on the practical implications for drug titration and dosing.

Chloral hydrate sedation in radiology: retrospective audit of reduced dose

BACKGROUND

Chloral hydrate (CH) is safe and effective for sedation of suitable children.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess whether adequate sedation is achieved with reduced CH doses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively recorded outpatient CH sedations over 1 year. We defined standard doses of CH as 50 mg/kg (infants) and 75 mg/kg (children >1 year). A reduced dose was defined as at least 20% lower than the standard dose.

RESULTS

In total, 653 children received CH sedation (age, 1 month-3 years 10 months), 42% were given a reduced initial dose. Augmentation dose was required in 10.9% of all children, and in a higher proportion of children >1 year (15.7%) compared to infants (5.7%; P < 0.001). Sedation was successful in 96.7%, and more frequently successful in infants (98.3%) than children >1 year (95.3%; P = 0.03). A reduced initial dose had no negative effect on outcome (P = 0.19) or time to sedation. No significant complications were seen.

CONCLUSION

We advocate sedation with reduced CH doses (40 mg/kg for infants; 60 mg/kg for children >1 year of age) for outpatient imaging procedures when the child is judged to be quiet or sleepy on arrival.

Pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia

Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is an evolving field in pediatric emergency medicine. As new drugs breach the boundaries of anesthesia in the Pediatric Emergency Department, parents, patients, and physicians are finding new and more satisfactory methods of sedation. Short acting, rapid onset agents with little or no lingering effects and improved safety profiles are replacing archaic regimens. This article discusses the warning signs and areas of a patient's medical history that are particularly pertinent to procedural sedation and the drugs used. The necessary equipment is detailed to provide the groundwork for implementing safe sedation in children. It is important for practitioners to familiarize themselves with a select few of the PSA drugs, rather than the entire list of sedatives. Those agents most relevant to PSA in the pediatric emergency department are presented.

Use of chloral hydrate as a sedative for auditory brainstem response testing in a pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

Chloral hydrate (CH) is an oral sedative widely used to sedate infants and young children during auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. The aim of this study was to record effectiveness, complications and safety of CH as a sedative for ABR.

METHODS

From January of 2003 until December of 2007, 1903 children were tested for ABR, 568 of them being under the age of 6 months. CH (8%) was used for sedation at a dose of 40 mg/kg with a repeat dose, if necessary, for an adequate sedation, in 20-30 min. We recorded the effectiveness of CH as a sedative for ABR examination, as well as all complications related to the use of CH such as vomiting, rash, hyperactivity, respiratory distress and apnea. The statistical method used was the absolute and percentage frequency distribution of the occurrences.

RESULTS

Sedation with CH was necessary to perform testing in 1591 (83.6%) of the examined children. However, in the population of the examined infants, only 341 (60%) were sedated with CH, because the remaining 227 (40%) fell asleep by themselves. Complications included hyperactivity in 152 children (8%), minor respiratory distress in 10 children (0.4%), vomiting in 217 children (11.4%), apnea in 4 children (0.2%) and rash in 10 children (0.4%). The complications of hyperactivity, vomiting and rash resolved without any medical treatment. The apnea cases were managed effectively by supplying ventilation to the children via a mask in the presence of an anesthesiologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CH at a dose of 40 mg/kg up to 80 mg/kg is safe and effective when administered in a setting with adequate equipment and the presence of well trained personnel.

Exhaled nitric oxide, lung function, and exacerbations in wheezy infants and toddlers

BACKGROUND

There are limited data assessing the relationship between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide and lung function or exacerbations in infants with recurrent wheezing.

OBJECTIVES

In a longitudinal pilot study of children less than 2 years old, we assessed whether baseline fraction of exhaled nitric oxide was associated with lung function, bronchodilator responsiveness, changes in lung function, or subsequent exacerbations of wheezing.

METHODS

Forced expiratory flows and volumes using the raised-volume rapid thoracic compression method were measured in 44 infants and toddlers (mean age, 15.7 months) with recurrent wheezing. Single-breath exhaled nitric oxide (SB-eNO) was measured at 50 mL/s. Lung function was again measured 6 months after enrollment.

RESULTS

At enrollment, forced expiratory volume in 0.5 seconds (FEV(0.5)), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of expiration (FEF(25-75)), and forced expiratory flow at 75% of expiration (FEF(75)) z scores for the cohort were significantly less than zero. There was no correlation between enrollment SB-eNO levels and enrollment lung function measures. SB-eNO levels were higher in infants with bronchodilator responsiveness (46.1 vs 23.6 ppb, P < .001) and was associated with a decrease in FEV(0.5) (r = -0.54, P = .001), FEF(25-75) (r = -0.6, P < .001), and FEF(75) (r = -0.55, P = .001) over 6 months. A 10-ppb increase in SB-eNO level was associated with a 0.4-point z score decrease in FEV(0.5), a 0.4-point z score decrease in FEF(25-75), and a 0.42-point z score decrease in FEF(75). SB-eNO level was superior to lung function and bronchodilator responsiveness in predicting subsequent wheezing treated with systemic steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

SB-eNO level might predict changes in lung function and risk of future wheezing and holds promise as a biomarker to predict asthma in wheezy infants and toddlers.

Chloral hydrate sedation in term and preterm infants: an analysis of efficacy and complications

BACKGROUND

Term and preterm infants are at risk of developing apnea after receiving general anesthesia. The risk of apnea after sedation with chloral hydrate (CH) in this population is unknown. In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical course of infants younger than 1 year who received CH for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with regard to the efficacy of CH sedation, the need for additional sedative drugs, and the incidence of oxyhemoglobin desaturation or need for oxygen supplementation. We aimed to determine the relationship between these factors to chronological age in term infants and gestational and postconceptional age (PCA) in preterm infants (<37 weeks' gestation).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1394 infants undergoing MRI examination with CH sedation. Infants with an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, or congenital heart disease were excluded. Patient charts were examined in detail to determine independent risk factors and dependent outcome variables up to 24 hours after MRI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for outcome variables.

RESULTS

Postprocedure oxyhemoglobin desaturation was more likely in inpatients (P < 0.001) and was associated with a lower body weight (3.9 +/- 2.1 kg vs 6.6 +/- 3.0 kg; P < 0.001), history of apnea (33.3% vs 9.9%; P = 0.001), higher ASA physical status (P = 0.002), and younger chronological age (58.7 +/- 82.8 days vs 152 +/- 105.9 days; P < 0.0001). When the preterm group was analyzed separately, the risk of postprocedure oxyhemoglobin desaturation was directly correlated with younger chronological age (56.0 +/- 41.5 days vs 150.6 +/- 107.1 days; P = 0.012) and younger PCA (39.5 +/- 4.1 weeks vs 54.4 +/- 15.2 weeks; P = 0.005), but not gestational age. Preterm infants had more postprocedure bradycardia than term infants (P = 0.005). Postprocedural oxyhemoglobin desaturation was not seen in preterm infants older than 48 weeks' PCA. Because of the relatively small percentage of cases (8 of 262) of postprocedural oxyhemoglobin desaturation in preterm infants, we were not able to definitively determine the difference in incidence between preterm and term infants. Additional doses of CH or supplementation with midazolam did not increase the incidence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of postprocedural oxyhemoglobin desaturation was directly correlated with younger chronological age in term infants and younger PCA in preterm infants. Term infants who required extended oxygen supplementation were inpatients and had significant comorbidities.

The incidence and nature of adverse events during pediatric sedation/anesthesia with propofol for procedures outside the operating room: a report from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium

OBJECTIVE

We used a large database of prospectively collected data on pediatric sedation/anesthesia outside the operating room provided by a wide range of pediatric specialists to delineate the nature and frequency of adverse events associated with propofol-based sedation/anesthesia care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected by the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium, a collaborative group of institutions dedicated to improving sedation/anesthesia care for children internationally. Members prospectively enrolled consecutive patients receiving sedation or sedation/anesthesia for procedures. The primary inclusion criterion was the need for some form of sedation/anesthesia to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure outside the operating room. There were no exclusion criteria. Data on demographics, primary illness, coexisting illness, procedure performed, medications used, procedure and recovery times, medication doses outcomes of anesthesia, airway interventions and adverse events were collected and reported using web-based data collection tool. For this study, we evaluated all instances where propofol was used as the primary drug in the sedation/anesthesia technique.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven locations submitted data on 49,836 propofol sedation/anesthesia encounters during the study period from July 1, 2004 until September 1, 2007. There were no deaths. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required twice. Aspiration during sedation/anesthesia occurred four times. Less serious events were more common with O(2) desaturation below 90% for more than 30 s, occurring 154 times per 10,000 sedation/anesthesia administrations. Central apnea or airway obstruction occurred 575 times per 10,000 sedation/anesthesia administrations. Stridor, laryngospasm, excessive secretions, and vomiting had frequencies of 50, 96, 341, and 49 per 10,000 encounters, respectively. Unexpected admissions (increases in levels of care required) occurred at a rate of 7.1 per 10,000 encounters. In an unadjusted analysis, the rate of pulmonary adverse events was not different for anesthesiologists versus other providers.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the largest series of pediatric propofol sedation/anesthesia for procedures outside the operating room. The data indicate that propofol sedation/anesthesia is unlikely to yield serious adverse outcomes in a collection of institutions with highly motivated and organized sedation/anesthesia services. However, the safety of this practice is dependent on a system's ability to manage less serious events. We propose that our data suggest variables for training and credentialing providers of propofol sedation/anesthesia and the system characteristics that promote safe use of this drug.