Intramuscular ketamine is superior to meperidine, promethazine, and chlorpromazine for pediatric emergency department sedation

Use of Intramuscular Chlorpromazine Versus Intramuscular Olanzapine for the Management of Acute Agitation and Aggression in Youth

OBJECTIVES

In the inpatient psychiatric setting, one treatment strategy used to manage acute agitation in youth includes administration of IM antipsychotics. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of IM chlorpromazine versus IM olanzapine in treating aggression in youth.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients younger than 18 years hospitalized in the inpatient psychiatric unit who received either IM chlorpromazine or IM olanzapine for acute agitation. Demographic, efficacy, and tolerability data were collected using the electronic health record EPIC. The primary outcome was change from baseline to end point in the Behavioral Activity Rating Scale (BARS) score. BARS was applied retrospectively using nursing and physician documentation to evaluate for clinical response.

RESULTS

Among 145 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 72 received IM chlorpromazine, compared with 73 who received IM olanzapine. The mean change in BARS score (before and after IM antipsychotic) was greater with olanzapine (3.58 ± 0.99) than with chlorpromazine (3.07 ± 1.18, p = 0.006). The target BARS score of 4 was achieved more frequently with chlorpromazine (45.8%) than with olanzapine (24.7%, p < 0.008). Coadministration of IM diphenhydramine occurred significantly more often in the olanzapine group than in the chlorpromazine group (71.2% vs 36.1%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of acute agitation with IM olanzapine resulted in a greater change in BARS score, despite more youth requiring coadministration with diphenhydramine. In comparison, IM chlorpromazine demonstrated a higher likelihood of returning patients to baseline. Study results suggest tolerability of IM chlorpromazine and olanzapine.

Comparison of hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane and ketamine as basal anesthesia by a new and direct monitoring during induction in children with ventricular septal defect: A prospective, randomized research

BACKGROUND

Sevoflurane and ketamine are commonly used to obtain sedation and facilitate intravenous anesthetic induction in children undergoing cardiac surgery who are uncooperative. We used a new and direct systemic hemodynamic monitoring technique pressure recording analytical method and compared the hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane and ketamine to facilitate intravenous anesthetic induction.

METHODS

Forty-four children with ventricular septal defect (2.2 ± 1.2 years) were enrolled and randomized to receive sevoflurane (Group S) or intramuscular ketamine (Group K) for sedation, followed by intravenous midazolam-sufentanil induction and tracheal intubation. Recorded parameters included heart rate (HR), arterial pressures, stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), the maximal slope of systolic upstroke (dp/dtmax) after sedation obtained with sevoflurane or ketamine, 1, 2, 5 minutes after midazolam-sufentanil, 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes after tracheal intubation. Rate-pressure product (RPP) and cardiac power output (CPO) were calculated.

RESULTS

As compared with Group S, Group K had faster decreases during intravenous anesthetic induction in arterial pressures (P < .01 for all), higher HR, arterial pressures, SVRI, dp/dtmax, RPP, lower SVI, CI, CPO (P < .05 for all) during the study period.

CONCLUSION

As compared with sevoflurane, ketamine facilitated intravenous anesthetic induction exerts unfavorable effects on systemic hemodynamic and myocardial energetic in children with ventricular septal defect.

Procedural Sedation Outside of the Operating Room Using Ketamine in 22,645 Children: A Report From the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium

OBJECTIVE

Most studies of ketamine administered to children for procedural sedation are limited to emergency department use. The objective of this study was to describe the practice of ketamine procedural sedation outside of the operating room and identify risk factors for adverse events.

DESIGN

Observational cohort review of data prospectively collected from 2007 to 2015 from the multicenter Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium.

SETTING

Sedation services from academic, community, free-standing children's hospitals and pediatric wards within general hospitals.

PATIENTS

Children from birth to 21 years old or younger.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Describe patient characteristics, procedure type, and location of administration of ketamine procedural sedation. Analyze sedation-related adverse events and severe adverse events. Identify risk factors for adverse events using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 22,645 sedations performed using ketamine were analyzed. Median age was 60 months (range, < 1 mo to < 22 yr); 72.0% were American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status less than III. The majority of sedations were performed in dedicated sedation or radiology units (64.6%). Anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, or propofol were coadministered in 19.8%, 57.9%, and 35.4%, respectively. The overall adverse event occurrence rate was 7.26% (95% CI, 6.92-7.60%), and the frequency of severe adverse events was 1.77% (95% CI, 1.60-1.94%). Procedures were not completed in 39 of 19,747 patients (0.2%). Three patients experienced cardiac arrest without death, all associated with laryngospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a description of a large prospectively collected dataset of pediatric ketamine administration predominantly outside of the operating room. The overall incidence of severe adverse events was low. Risk factors associated with increased odds of adverse events were as follows: cardiac and gastrointestinal disease, lower respiratory tract infection, and the coadministration of propofol and anticholinergics.

Delayed emergence of behavioral and electrophysiological effects following juvenile ketamine exposure in mice

Frequent ketamine abuse in adulthood correlates with increased risk of psychosis, as well as cognitive deficits, including disruption of higher-order executive function and memory formation. Although the primary abusers of ketamine are adolescents and young adults, few studies have evaluated its effects on juvenile cognition. Therefore, the current study analyzes the effect of adolescent ketamine exposure on cognitive development. Juvenile mice (4 weeks of age) were exposed to chronic ketamine (20 mg kg(-1), i.p. daily) for 14 days. Mice were tested immediately after exposure in the juvenile period (7 weeks of age) and again as adults (12 weeks of age). Measures included electroencephalography (EEG) in response to auditory stimulation, the social choice test, and a 6-arm radial water maze task. Outcome measures include low-frequency EEG responses, event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes, indices of social behavior and indices of spatial working memory. Juvenile exposure to ketamine was associated with electrophysiological abnormalities in adulthood, particularly in induced theta power and the P80 ERP. The social choice test revealed that ketamine-exposed mice failed to exhibit the same age-related decrease in social interaction time as controls. Ketamine-exposed mice outperformed control mice as juveniles on the radial water maze task, but did not show the same age-related improvement as adult controls. These data support the hypothesis that juvenile exposure to ketamine produces long-lasting changes in brain function that are characterized by a failure to progress along normal developmental trajectories.

Safety of pediatric procedural sedation in a Canadian emergency department

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of pediatric procedural sedation performed by emergency physicians working within a structured sedation protocol.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all children undergoing emergency department (ED) procedural sedation during a 2-year period after the institution of a structured sedation protocol.

RESULTS

167 children underwent procedural sedation, primarily for orthopedic manipulation, wound management and foreign body removal. Of these, 82% received ketamine, 17% received fentanyl and midazolam and 1% received midazolam alone. Sedation was adequate in all but 6 patients, who required supplemental ketamine for orthopedic manipulation. Vomiting after arousal occurred in 17 children (10%), but no episodes of clinical aspiration occurred. One child became agitated during recovery and another experienced a transient visual hallucination. There were no cases of laryngospasm, apnea or cardiorespiratory compromise, and no mortality or significant morbidity occurred.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physicians using a structured sedation protocol can safely perform ED pediatric procedural sedation. Where intravenous access is not already present, intramuscular ketamine, administered in the doses described, is a safe and effective agent for pediatric sedation.

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.

Adverse events associated with ketamine for procedural sedation in adults

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Ketamine is widely used as a procedural sedation agent in pediatrics, where its safety and efficacy are supported by numerous studies. Emergency physicians use ketamine infrequently in adults, as it is believed to have a more significant side effect profile in this population. However, adult data on ketamine use in the emergency medicine literature are sparse. Our objective was to determine ketamine's adverse effect profile in adults when used for procedural sedation.

METHODS

We performed a literature review based on adverse effect research methodology recommendations. PubMed, EMBASE, TOXNET, and a variety of specialized databases were queried without regard to publication date or language. Experts were contacted to locate additional data. Inclusion criteria included adult study; ketamine used to facilitate the performance of painful procedures; dose of at least 1 mg/kg intravenous or at least 2 mg/kg intramuscular; original data and adverse events reported; spontaneously breathing patient, and no continuous cotherapies. Studies that met inclusion criteria were abstracted onto structured forms and their results qualitatively summarized.

RESULTS

Of the 5512 unique citations that were evaluated, 87 met criteria for inclusion. Most studies were performed in the 1970s and published in the anesthesia literature. Contexts, end points, and methodological quality varied widely across studies. Ketamine reliably produces conditions that facilitate the performance of painful procedures. Pharyngeal reflexes are generally preserved and cardiovascular tone stimulated, including a rise in blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. Laryngospasm and airway obstruction are reported, and though ketamine is a respiratory stimulant, a brief period of apnea around the time of injection is common. Reports of significant cardiorespiratory adverse events are rare, despite ketamine's frequent use in austere, poorly monitored settings. Dysphoric emergence phenomena occur in 10% to 20% of cases; sedating medications are effective in preventing and managing these reactions.

CONCLUSION

When ketamine is used for procedural sedation in adults, emergence phenomena occur in 10% to 20% of patients. Although providers must be prepared to recognize and manage airway obstruction, cardiorespiratory adverse events are rare and typically do not affect outcomes.

A randomized, controlled trial of i.v. versus i.m. ketamine for sedation of pediatric patients receiving emergency department orthopedic procedures

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We compare adverse events, efficacy, and length of sedation of intravenous (i.v.) versus intramuscular (i.m.) ketamine procedural sedation and analgesia for orthopedic procedures in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Pediatric patients receiving ketamine for orthopedic procedures were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in a children's hospital ED. All patients were initially randomized to receive ketamine either 1 mg/kg i.v. or 4 mg/kg i.m. Demographics, adverse events, sedation efficacy, and length of sedation were recorded.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-five patients were randomized (116 i.v., 109 i.m.). Two hundred eight patients, aged 14 months to 15 years, completed the study, 109 i.v. and 99 i.m. Respiratory adverse events were similar between groups (i.v. 8.3% versus i.m. 4.0%; odds ratio [OR] 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14 to 1.6). Vomiting in the ED was more common in the i.m. group (26.3% versus 11.9%; OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.9). Using the Faces Pain Scale, patients in the i.m. group reported significantly less pain from the procedure. Video observers reported significantly lower distress in the i.m. group during the painful procedure (Observation Score of Behavioral Distress scores 0.35 i.m. versus 0.74 i.v.; mean difference 0.38; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.72). Length of sedation was significantly longer in the i.m. group (median 129 versus 80 minutes). Satisfaction of sedation was high in parents and physicians, with no difference in reported satisfaction between groups. This study was terminated early because of nursing resistance based on the longer recovery times observed in patients receiving ketamine i.m.

CONCLUSION

In this study of pediatric sedation for orthopedic procedures, we found that ketamine 4 mg/kg i.m. was more effective than 1 mg/kg i.v. but demonstrated significantly longer recovery times and more vomiting.

Sedation with intravenous ketamine and midazolam for painful procedures in children

BACKGROUND

Children often require relief of pain and anxiety when undergoing painful procedures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of painful pediatric procedures performed by pediatric intensivist, using the combination of intravenous ketamine and midazolam for sedation and analgesia.

METHODS

The records of the patients who received intravenous ketamine-midazolam combination for painful procedures in the pediatric sedation unit of a university hospital over a 3 year period were retrospectively reviewed to determine indications, dosing, assessment of the level of sedation, adverse events, and recovery time for each procedural sedation and analgesia.

RESULTS

A total of 227 children aged 4 months to 18 years were admitted to the pediatric sedation unit for a total of 356 procedures. The indications for procedural sedation and analgesia included bone marrow aspiration or biopsy (50.8%), central venous catheter insertion (27%), and others (22%). A total of 46 adverse events (12.9%) were observed. These adverse events included SpO2 below 85% without apnea (n = 14), apnea (n = 3), transient stridor (n = 2), hypertension and tachycardia (n = 8), hypersalivation (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), hallucinatory emergence reaction (n = 4), and rash (n = 4). There were no adverse outcomes attributable to ketamine and midazolam combination.

CONCLUSION

Skilled pediatric intensivists can safely and effectively administer ketamine and midazolam to facilitate painful procedures outside the operating room setting.

Ketamine for Conscious Sedation in Pediatric Emergency Care

The literature concerning the efficacy and safety of ketamine for conscious sedation during procedures in pediatric emergency departments was reviewed. Data were obtained from the Guidelines for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients During and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs, and from a MEDLINE search (January 1966-July 2004). Search terms were conscious sedation, ketamine, and emergency department; articles relevant to pediatric age group were selected. Clinical end points were efficacy and adverse effects associated with ketamine. Ketamine was effective for conscious sedation in 89-100% of patients in various studies using intravenous, intramuscular, or oral routes of administration. The efficacy of ketamine was similar to or greater than that of other drugs, such as midazolam and the combination of meperidine, promethazine, and chlorpromazine. The main adverse effects of ketamine were emesis, recovery agitation, and emergence phenomena. Ketamine appears to be an effective and well-tolerated agent for conscious sedation in pediatric patients. Overall physician and parent satisfaction with the administration of this agent for conscious sedation was high.

Clinical practice guideline for emergency department ketamine dissociative sedation in children

We present an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the administration of the dissociative agent ketamine for emergency department pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia. Substantial research in recent years has necessitated updates and revisions to the widely disseminated 1990 recommendations. We critically discuss indications, contraindications, personnel requirements, monitoring, dosing, coadministered medications, recovery issues, and future research questions for dissociative sedation.

Emergency department use of ketamine in pediatric status asthmaticus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding ketamine to standard emergency department (ED) therapy for patients with status asthmaticus. This was a prospective observational study. Ten patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma who were unresponsive to standard therapy were enrolled in the ED. Upon enrollment, children received ketamine at a loading dose of 1 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.), followed by a continuous infusion of 0.75 mg/kg/hr (12.5 microg/kg/min) for 1 hr. Clinical asthma score (CAS), vital signs, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements were obtained prior to ketamine administration, within 10 min after ketamine administration was completed, and 1 hr after infusion. Median CAS on ED arrival was 15 (range 7-23) and did not significantly change immediately prior to infusion of ketamine (median 14, range 8-21). Median CAS decreased to 10.5 immediately after infusion and to 9.51 hr post ketamine infusion (37% reduction, p < 0.05 by ANOVA vs. preketamine CAS). Median respiratory rate (RR) also decreased from 39 prior to ketamine to 30 immediately following ketamine administration (25% decrease vs. preketamine; p < 0.05). Oxygen saturation significantly improved after ketamine infusion, although 5 patients remained on oxygen. Median PEF improved after infusion, but was not statistically significant. Four patients experienced mild side effects including mild hallucinations, diffuse flushing, and moderate hypertension. Side effects resolved with benzodiazepines or with discontinuation of the infusion. Addition of ketamine to standard therapy was associated with improved indices of acute asthma severity. Side effects were transitory and comparable to previous studies. However, a double-blinded randomized controlled trial needs to be conducted to determine if improvement is attributable to the addition of ketamine to standard asthma therapy.

Pharmacological management of pain and anxiety during emergency procedures in children

Painful procedures are frequently required during treatment of children in the emergency department and are very stressful for the children, their parents and healthcare providers. Pharmacological methods to safely provide almost painless local anaesthesia, analgesia and anxiolysis have been increasingly studied in children. With knowledge of these methods, and patience, the emergency care provider can greatly reduce the distress often associated with emergency care of children. Topical local anaesthetics such as LET [lidocaine (lignocaine), epinephrine (adrenaline), tetracaine] or buffered lidocaine injected through the wound with fine needles can almost painlessly anaesthetise lacerations for suturing. Topical creams such as lidocaine/ prilocaine (EMLA) or tetracaine, iontophoresed lidocaine, or buffered lidocaine subcutaneously injected with fine needles can make intravenous catheter placement virtually 'painless'. When anxiety is significant, and mild to moderate analgesia/ anxiolysis/amnesia is needed, nitrous oxide can be administered if the proper delivery devices are available. Alternatively, when intensely painful fracture reduction, burn debridement, or abscess drainage is necessary, well tolerated and effective deep sedation can be achieved with careful use of midazolam and either ketamine or fentanyl.

Ketamine sedation for pediatric critical care procedures

OBJECTIVES

To describe our experience using ketamine sedation to facilitate pediatric critical care procedures, and to document the safety profile of ketamine in this setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive case series.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Children receiving ketamine for procedural sedation over a 5-year period.

INTERVENTIONS

We reviewed patient records to determine indication, dosing, adverse events, inadequate sedation, and recovery time for each sedation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Descriptive features of sedation including adverse events.

RESULTS

During the study period, children in our pediatric intensive care unit received ketamine at total of 442 times to facilitate a wide variety of critical care procedures, most commonly central line placement, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and wound debridement. Most study children had substantial underlying illness (ASA > or = 3 in 88%; ASA > or = 4 in 39%). Inadequate sedation was noted in only nine (2%) procedures. Adverse effects included transient laryngospasm (n = 9), transient partial airway obstruction (n = 5), apnea with bradycardia (n = 1), emesis during the procedure (n = 2), emesis during recovery (n = 9), mild recovery agitation (n = 10), moderate-to-severe recovery agitation (n = 1), and excessive salivation (n = 4). There were no adverse outcomes attributable to ketamine.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric intensivists skilled in ketamine administration can safely and effectively administer this drug to facilitate critical care procedures. Despite the ill nature of our patient sample, adverse effects were uncommon.

Intravenous ketamine plus midazolam is superior to intranasal midazolam for emergency paediatric procedural sedation

OBJECTIVES

This study compared intranasal midazolam (INM) with a combination of intravenous ketamine and intravenous midazolam (IVKM) for sedation of children requiring minor procedures in the emergency department.

METHOD

A single blinded randomised clinical trial was conducted in the emergency department of a major urban paediatric hospital. Subjects requiring sedation for minor procedures were randomised to receive either INM (0.4 mg/kg) or intravenous ketamine (1 mg/kg) plus intravenous midazolam (0.1 mg/kg). Physiological variables and two independent measures of sedation (Sedation Score and Visual Analogue Sedation Scale) were recorded before sedation and at regular intervals during the procedure and recovery period. Times to adequate level of sedation and to discharge were compared.

RESULTS

Fifty three patients were enrolled over a 10 month period. Sedation was sufficient to complete the procedures in all children receiving IVKM and in 24 of the 26 receiving INM. Onset of sedation was an average of 5.3 minutes quicker with IVKM than with INM (95%CI 3.2, 7.4 minutes, p<0.001). Children given INM were discharged an average of 19 minutes earlier than those given IVKM (95%CI 4, 33 minutes, p=0.02). Mean Sedation Scores and Visual Analogue Sedation Scale scores for the 30 minutes after drug administration were significantly better in children given IVKM compared with INM (2.4 and 1.8 versus 3.5 and 3.8, respectively). Both doctors and parents were more satisfied with sedation by intravenous ketamine and midazolam.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous ketamine plus midazolam used in an appropriate setting by experienced personnel provides an excellent means of achieving sedation suitable for most non-painful minor procedures for children in the emergency department. This combination is superior to INM in terms of speed of onset and consistency of effect. INM delivered via aerosol spray has a more variable effect but may still be adequate for the completion of many of these procedures.

Ketamine sedation for pediatric gastroenterology procedures

BACKGROUND

Although the dissociative sedative ketamine is used commonly for pediatric procedural sedation in other settings, the safety of this agent in pediatric gastroenterology is not well-studied. A 5-year experience with ketamine sedation for pediatric gastroenterology procedures was reviewed to document the safety profile of this agent and to identify predictors of laryngospasm during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

METHODS

The study was a retrospective consecutive case series of children receiving ketamine administered by pediatric gastroenterologists skilled in basic airway management to facilitate pediatric gastrointestinal procedures during a 5-year period. Patient's records were reviewed to determine indication, dosage, adverse effects, drugs, inadequate sedation, and recovery time for each sedation. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of laryngospasm during EGD. Outcome measures were descriptive features of sedation, including adverse effects and predictors of laryngospasm during EGD.

RESULTS

During the study period pediatric gastroenterologists administered ketamine 636 times, primarily for EGD (86%) and primarily by the intravenous route (98%). The median loading dose and total dose were 1.00 mg/kg and 1.34 mg/kg, respectively. Inadequate sedation was noted in seven (1.1%) procedures. Adverse effects included transient laryngospasm (8.2%), emesis (4.1%), recovery agitation (2.4%), partial airway obstruction (1.3%), apnea and respiratory depression (0.5%), and excessive salivation (0.3%). There were no adverse outcomes attributable to ketamine. Nearly half (46%) the subjects had severe underlying illness (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA] class > or =3). All instances of laryngospasm occurred during EGD (9.5% incidence), and the only independent predictor of laryngospasm in this sample was decreasing age. The incidence of laryngospasm was 13.9% in preschool-aged (< or =6 years) children and was 3.6% in school-aged (>6 years) children (difference 10.3%, 95% confidence intervals 5.5-14.9%). No dose relationship was noted with laryngospasm, and the risk did not increase with underlying illness.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric gastroenterologists skilled in ketamine administration and basic airway management can effectively administer this drug to facilitate gastrointestinal procedures. Transient laryngospasm occurred in 9.5% of children receiving ketamine for EGD, and its incidence was greater in preschool than in school-aged children.

Does midazolam alter the clinical effects of intravenous ketamine sedation in children? A double-blind, randomized, controlled, emergency department trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the frequency and severity of adverse effects, specifically emergence phenomena, experienced by patients receiving intravenous ketamine with or without midazolam for sedation in a pediatric emergency department.

METHODS

Patients aged 4.5 months to 16 years receiving ketamine sedation were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, controlled study at a university-affiliated children's hospital-pediatric ED. All patients received ketamine (1 mg/kg) and glycopyrrolate (5 microgram/kg) intravenously. Patients were randomly assigned to receive midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) intravenously or no midazolam. Total time of sedation, sedation efficacy, and adverse effects were recorded. Adverse effects were compared between patients receiving ketamine versus those who received ketamine and midazolam. Additional comparisons were made based on age and number of ketamine doses administered.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-six patients were studied; 129 received ketamine and 137 patients received ketamine and midazolam. Time of sedation and efficacy of sedation were equivalent between groups. Overall, adverse effects with ketamine sedation included respiratory events (12 [4.5%]), vomiting (50 [18.7%]), emergence phenomena in the pediatric ED (71 [26.7%]), and emergence phenomena at home (60 [22.4%]). Significant emergence phenomena in the pediatric ED (ie, nightmares, hallucinations, and severe agitation) occurred in 7.1% of the ketamine group and in 6.2% of the ketamine-midazolam group, a rate difference of 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] -5.3 to 7.0). The addition of midazolam led to an increased incidence of oxygen desaturation events (ketamine 1.6% versus ketamine-midazolam 7.3%; rate difference -5.7, 95% CI -10.6 to -0.9) but a decreased incidence of vomiting (ketamine 19.4%, ketamine-midazolam 9.6%, rate difference 9.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 18.2). The incidence of emergence phenomena and significant emergence phenomena was not affected by the addition of midazolam. However, the addition of midazolam was associated with more agitation in the pediatric ED in children 10 years or older (ketamine 5.7% versus ketamine-midazolam 35.7%; rate difference -30.0, 95% CI -10.7 to -49.3). Age breakdown further showed 6.3% (95% CI 0.9 to 11.6) more episodes of oxygen desaturation in the ketamine-midazolam group in children younger than 10 years, and 12.1% (95% CI 1.5 to 22.6) more vomiting episodes in the ketamine group in children younger than 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Ketamine and combined ketamine and midazolam provided equally effective sedation. The addition of midazolam did not alter the incidence of emergence phenomena. Vomiting occurred more frequently in the ketamine only group, whereas oxygen desaturation occurred more frequently in the ketamine-midazolam group. These findings were more pronounced in patients younger than 10 years. Parental and physician satisfaction remained high for all patients receiving intravenous ketamine sedation.

Does adjunctive midazolam reduce recovery agitation after ketamine sedation for pediatric procedures? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Despite widespread use of adjunctive benzodiazepines during ketamine sedation, their efficacy in reducing recovery agitation in children has never been studied. We wished to characterize the nature and severity of recovery agitation after ketamine sedation in children treated in the emergency department and to determine whether the addition of adjunctive midazolam reduces the magnitude of such recovery agitation.

METHODS

The study was a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial of adjunctive midazolam versus placebo during ketamine sedation. We enrolled 104 children aged 12 months to 15 years (median age, 6 years) at a combined university medical center and children's hospital. Subjects received either intravenous midazolam (0.05 mg/kg up to 2 mg) or placebo after intravenous administration of a ketamine loading dose (1.5 mg/kg). Treating physicians and nurses independently noted the presence of crying, hallucinations, and nightmares during recovery and graded recovery agitation by using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Preprocedure agitation and external stimulation during recovery were also graded. The time from ketamine injection until each subject met the recovery criteria was recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty-three subjects received midazolam, and 51 received placebo. Potentially confounding variables were similar between the groups. Sedation efficacy, adverse effects, and recovery time were also similar between groups. Interobserver agreement between physician and nurse assessments was substantial. Median physician assessment of recovery agitation was 4 mm (interquartile range, 2 to 19) in the midazolam group and 5 mm (interquartile range, 3 to 14) in the placebo group (difference -1; 95% confidence interval -3 to 2; P =.705). Recovery agitation was moderately correlated with preprocedure agitation (rho=0.486) but not with external stimulation during recovery (rho=0.147).

CONCLUSION

Recovery agitation is common but generally of very low magnitude after ketamine sedation in children in the ED. We observed a median physician rating of 5 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale, a score that we believe to be clinically insignificant. The degree of recovery agitation after ketamine sedation is significantly related to the degree of preprocedure agitation. In this study, concurrent midazolam did not diminish such agitation and had no measurably beneficial effect. Use of adjunctive benzodiazepines in pediatric ketamine sedation appears unnecessary.

Predictors of adverse events with intramuscular ketamine sedation in children

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Ketamine is a safe and effective sedative for emergency department procedures in children. However, the use of ketamine sometimes is associated with airway complications, emesis, and recovery agitation. We wished to identify predictors of these adverse events that clinicians might use to risk-stratify children who are candidates for ketamine sedation.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 1,021 ED intramuscular ketamine sedations in children 15 years of age or younger at a university medical center and an affiliated county hospital over a 9-year period. Five potential predictor variables (age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists' [ASA] risk classification, quantity of first ketamine dose, and number of ketamine doses administered) were compared between children with and without complications. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to determine the association of these 5 variables with emesis and recovery agitation, and validated these analyses with bootstrap resampling techniques. We compared children with and without airway complications using univariate statistics alone, as there were too few patients with airway complications to support a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

No study variables had significant univariate associations with airway complications (all P values >.40). We found emesis to be associated with increasing age in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 1.25 per year, bias-corrected 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17 to 1.34, P<.001). The incidence of emesis was 12. 1% in children aged 5 years or older, and 3.5% in those younger than 5 years (Delta8.6%, 95% CI 4.9% to 12.1%). Recovery agitation was associated with the presence of an underlying medical condition (ie, ASA class > or =2, OR 3.05, bias-corrected 95% CI 1.65 to 7.30, P=.004) and inversely associated with increasing age (OR 0.79 per year, bias-corrected 95% CI 0.69 to 0.89, P<.001). The incidence of recovery agitation was 17.9% in ASA class 1 children and 33.3% in children in ASA class 2 or greater (Delta-15.4%, 95% CI 0.0% to -30. 7%). The incidence of recovery agitation was 12.1% in children aged 5 years or older, and 22.5% in those younger than 5 years (Delta-10. 4%, 95% CI -3.0% to -17.7%). Bootstrap resampling techniques validated the importance of the significant variables identified in the regression analyses.

CONCLUSION

No study variable was predictive of ketamine-associated airway complications. Emesis that occurred after ketamine administration was modestly associated with increasing age. Recovery agitation was modestly associated with decreasing age and the presence of an underlying medical condition. The discriminatory power of these variables was low enough as to be unlikely to alter clinical decisions regarding patient selection for ketamine administration. No evidence of a significant ketamine dose relationship was noted for airway complications, emesis, or recovery agitation.

The "ouchless emergency department". Getting closer: advances in decreasing distress during painful procedures in the emergency department

Painful and frightening injuries and illnesses are frequent reasons for children to seek care in an emergency department. Painful therapeutic procedures are often a necessary part of emergency care and are very distressful for the children, their parents, and healthcare providers. Inadequately relieved pain and distress have acute and long-term consequences, yet methods for pain and anxiety reduction during frightening minor and major procedures are often not used because of lack of detailed knowledge of techniques and fear of adverse effects. This article reviews psychologic and pharmacologic means of safe and effective reduction of anxiety and pain during emergency department procedures.

Ketamine in the ED: medical politics versus patient care

The safe and effective use of ketamine for sedation/analgesia by emergency physicians has been validated in the medical literature. Nonetheless, arbitrary restrictions of this medication to anesthesia practitioners have prohibited emergency physician use in some locations. We explore the scientific evidence related to the use of ketamine by emergency physicians for sedation/analgesia, the history of sedation, the operational definitions of conscious sedation and dissociative anesthesia, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) related standards. We conclude that ketamine sedation/ analgesia offers many specific advantages for emergency patients and that it is safely administered by emergency physicians in the appropriately monitored setting.

Sedation and anesthesia outside the operating room: answers to common questions

In recent years, practitioners have recognized the importance of providing comfort to children and have increased their use of analgesics and anxiolytics during painful medical procedures. In this article, the author reviews commonly asked questions regarding administering sedation to children for painful procedures outside the operating room. Current safety guidelines are reviewed, as well as qualifications of personnel performing sedations, contraindications to sedation, fasting guidelines before sedation, and common sedation techniques.

What is the optimal dose of intramuscular ketamine for pediatric sedation?

OBJECTIVE

The optimal dose of i.m. ketamine for ED procedural sedation in children is not known. The authors wished to quantify the dose-response of ketamine with respect to sedation adequacy, time to discharge, and adverse effects in order to identify an optimal dose.

METHODS

The study was a consecutive case series of 1,022 children < or = 15 years of age given i.m. ketamine in the EDs of a university medical center and an affiliated county hospital over a nine-year period. Adequacy of sedation, time to discharge, and adverse effects were compared with dose administered.

RESULTS

Doses in the sample averaged 3.96+/-0.69 mg/kg, with a range of 0.48 to 9.09 mg/kg. Children judged to be adequately sedated received higher doses compared with those inadequately sedated (3.94+/-0.44 mg/kg vs 3.77+/-0.49 mg/kg, p=0.041), and a nonsignificant trend was noted toward uniformly adequate sedation with increasing dose (< or =91% at <4.00 mg/kg, 93% at 4.00-4.49 mg/kg, and 100% at > or = 4.50 mg/kg). No significant difference or trend in time to discharge or adverse effects was noted between the children receiving <4.00 mg/kg and those receiving > or = 4.00 mg/kg of ketamine, and the study had power (alpha=0.05, beta=0.20) to detect a 9-minute difference in times to discharge, a 3.3% difference in rates of airway complications, a 5.6% difference in rates of emesis, and a 12.3% difference in rates of recovery agitation.

CONCLUSION

Ketamine doses of 4 to 5 mg/kg i.m. produced adequate sedation in 93%-100% of children, suggesting that this dosing range may be optimal for ED procedural sedation. No difference in time to discharge or adverse effects was observed for lower or higher doses.

Procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department. Canadian Consensus Guidelines

Procedural sedation and analgesia are core skills in emergency medicine. Various specialty societies have developed guidelines for procedural sedation, each reflecting the perspective of the specialty group. Emergency practitioners are most likely to embrace guidelines developed by people who understand emergency department (ED) skills, procedures, conditions, and case mix. Recognizing this, the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) determined the need to establish guidelines for procedural sedation in the ED. In March, 1996, a national emergency medicine (EM) working committee, representing adult and pediatric emergency physicians, was established. This committee teleconferenced with representatives of the Canadian Anesthetic Society (CAS) to identify problems, perspectives, and controversial issues, and to define a process for guideline development. The EM committee subsequently reviewed existing literature, determined levels of evidence, and developed the document, which evolved based on feedback from the CAS and CAEP Standards Committees. The final version was approved by the CAEP Standards Committee and the CAEP Board of Directors, then submitted for peer review. These guidelines discuss the goals, definitions, and principles of ED sedation, and make recommendations for pre-sedation preparation, patient fasting, physician skills, equipment and monitoring requirements, and post-sedation care. The guidelines are aimed at non-anesthesiologists practicing part-time or full-time emergency medicine. They are applicable to ED patients receiving parenteral analgesia or sedation for painful or anxiety-provoking procedures. They are intended to increase the safety of procedural sedation in the ED.

Pediatric sedation with analgesia

Sedation with analgesia is frequently required to perform painful or invasive procedures in children. The best medication combination for pediatric sedation with analgesia is yet to be identified. Sixty-four of 243 total sedation with analgesia procedures from January 1994 through August 1995 were randomly chosen for descriptive retrospective review and analysis. Four minor complications from the procedures were identified, and recovery was complete in all cases. One medication combination (fentanyl 1 microg/kg with propofol 1.5 to 2 mg/kg, followed by an infusion of 150 microg/kg/min) provided the shortest mean time to dismissal (17.8 minutes v 38 minutes) when compared with other combinations used. No episodes of respiratory depression, hypotension, or nausea and vomiting occurred in the fentanyl/propofol group. These results show that fentanyl/propofol was superior to other medications used during this study period for pediatric sedation with analgesia. Prospective comparison of this medication combination with other short-acting agents in patients undergoing both elective and emergency procedures is necessary.

Intravenous ketamine for pediatric sedation in the emergency department: safety profile with 156 cases

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety of i.v. ketamine when administered by emergency physicians (EPs) for pediatric procedures, and to contrast the sedation characteristics of the i.v. and i.m. routes.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective consecutive case series of children aged < or =15 years given i.v. ketamine in the EDs of a university medical center and an affiliated county hospital over a 9-year period. A protocol for ketamine was used by treating physicians. Records were reviewed for adverse effects, indication, dosing, adjunctive drugs, inadequate sedation, and time to release. Results were contrasted with previously reported data for the i.m. route.

RESULTS

During the study period i.v. ketamine was administered 156 times, primarily for laceration repair and fracture reduction. Transient apnea and respiratory depression occurred in one patient each; both were quickly identified and were without sequelae. Laryngospasm or aspiration was not noted in any children. There were 6 children with emesis and 2 with mild agitation during recovery. The median time from initial dose to ED release was 103 minutes (25th to 75th percentiles 76 to 146 minutes). The i.v. and i.m. routes were comparable in terms of adverse effects, inadequate sedation, and time to release.

CONCLUSION

I.v. ketamine can be administered safely by EPs to facilitate pediatric procedures when used in a defined protocol. The sedation characteristics of the i.v. and i.m. routes appear comparable.

Comparison of fentanyl/midazolam with ketamine/midazolam for pediatric orthopedic emergencies

OBJECTIVE

Emergency management of pediatric fractures and dislocations requires effective analgesia, yet children's pain is often undertreated. We compared the safety and efficacy of fentanyl- versus ketamine- based protocols.

METHODOLOGY

Patients 5 to 15 years of age needing emergency fracture or joint reduction (FR) were randomized to receive intravenous midazolam plus either fentanyl (F/M) or ketamine (K/M). Measures of efficacy were observational distress scores and self- and parental-report. Measures of safety were frequency of abnormalities in and need for support of cardiopulmonary function and other adverse effects.

RESULTS

During FR, K/M subjects (n = 130) had lower distress scores and parental ratings of pain and anxiety than did F/M subjects (n = 130). Although both regimens equally facilitated reductions, deep sedation, and procedural amnesia, orthopedists favored K/M. Recovery was 14 minutes longer for K/M. Fewer K/M subjects had hypoxia (6% vs 25%), needed breathing cues (1% vs 12%), or required oxygen (10% vs 20%) than did F/M subjects. Two K/M subjects required assisted ventilation briefly. More K/M subjects vomited. Adverse emergence reactions were rare but equivalent between regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

During emergency pediatric orthopedic procedures, K/M is more effective than F/M for pain and anxiety relief. Respiratory complications occurred less frequently with K/M, but respiratory support may be needed with either regimen. Both regimens facilitate reduction, produce amnesia, and rarely cause emergence delirium. Vomiting is more frequent and recovery more prolonged with K/M.

The pediatric sedation unit: a mechanism for pediatric sedation

OBJECTIVES

We have created a pediatric sedation unit (PSU) in response to the need for uniform, safe, and appropriately monitored sedation and/or analgesia for children undergoing invasive and noninvasive studies or procedures in a large tertiary care medical center. The operational characteristics of the PSU are described in this report, as is our clinical experience in the first 8 months of operation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of quality assurance data was performed. These data included patient demographics and chronic medical diagnoses, procedure, or study performed; sedative or analgesic medication given; complications (defined prospectively); and sedation and monitoring time. Patient-specific medical records related to the procedure and sedation were reviewed if a complication was noted in the quality assurance data.

RESULTS

Briefly, the PSU was staffed with an intensivist and pediatric intensive care unit nurses. Patients were admitted to the PSU and assessed medically for risk factors during sedation. Continuous heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry monitoring were used, and blood pressure was determined every 5 minutes. After sedation and stabilization, with monitoring continued, the patient was transported to the site to undergo the procedure or study. The pediatric intensive care unit nurse remained with the patient at all times. All necessary emergency equipment was transported with the patient. After the procedure or study was completed, the patient was returned to the PSU for recovery to predetermined parameters. We were able to analyze 458 episodes of sedation for this review. Procedures and studies included radiologic examinations, cardiac catheterization, orthopedic manipulations, solid organ and bone marrow biopsy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, bronchoscopy, evoked potential measurements, and others. Patients were 2 weeks to 32 years of age. The average time from initiation of sedation to last dose of medication administered was 84 minutes. The average time from initiation of sedation to full recovery was 120 minutes. Sedative and analgesia medications use was not standardized; however, the majority of children needing sedation received propofol or midazolam. For patients requiring analgesia, ketamine or fentanyl was added. In 79 of 458 (12%) sedation episodes, complications were documented. Mild hypotension (4.4%), pulse oximetry <93% (2.6%), apnea (1.5%), and transient airway obstruction (1.3%) were the most common complications noted. Cancellation of 11 (2.4%) procedures was attributable to complications. No long-term morbidity or mortality was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Many children require sedation or analgesia during procedures or studies. Safe sedation is best ensured by appropriate presedation risk assessment and with monitoring by a care provider trained in resuscitative measures who is not involved in performing the procedure itself. Uniformity of care in a large institution is a standard met by the creation of a centralized service, with active input from the department of anesthesiology. We present the PSU as a model for achieving these goals.

Intramuscular ketamine for pediatric sedation in the emergency department: safety profile in 1,022 cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety of intramuscular ketamine when administered by emergency physicians for pediatric procedures in accordance with a defined protocol.

METHODS

We assembled a consecutive case series of children aged 15 years or younger who were given ketamine in the emergency departments of a university medical center and an affiliated county hospital over a 9-year period. A protocol for ketamine use (4 mg/kg, intramuscularly) was followed. Treating physicians were instructed to complete data forms recording complications and adequacy of sedation concurrent with patient care. Subsequent chart review was used to determine indications, adjunctive drugs, time to discharge, and adverse reactions for all patients.

RESULTS

Intramuscular ketamine was administered 1,022 times, mainly for laceration repair and fracture reduction. Physicians completed data forms for 431 of treated children (42%). Transient airway complications occurred in 1.4%: airway malalignment (n = 7), laryngospasm (n = 4), apnea (n = 2), and respiratory depression (n = 1). All were quickly identified and treated without intubation or sequelae. Emesis occurred in 6.7%, without evidence of aspiration. Mild recovery agitation occurred in 17.6%, moderate to severe agitation in 1.6%. No child required hospitalization for complications caused by ketamine. Ketamine produced acceptable sedation in 98% of patients. The median time from injection to emergency department discharge was 110 minutes for children given a single dose of ketamine.

CONCLUSION

Intramuscular ketamine may be administered safely by emergency physicians to facilitate pediatric procedures in accordance with a defined protocol and with appropriate monitoring. Ketamine is highly effective, has a wide margin of safety, does not require intravenous access, and uniquely preserves protective airway reflexes.