Sedation in Pediatric Imaging

Sedation in Pediatric Imaging

Sedation in Pediatric Imaging

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Pre-sedation Assessment - Prepping for Peace

  • Goal: Ensure patient safety & successful sedation for imaging.
  • Key Steps:
    • History: Medical, surgical, anaesthetic history; allergies; medications; NPO status (last oral intake).
    • Examination: Airway (e.g., Mallampati, neck mobility), CVS, RS, CNS. Assign ASA physical status.
    • NPO Guidelines: Adherence critical. 📌 "2-4-6-8 Rule" as quick recall.

      ⭐ Current NPO: Clear liquids ≥2h, breast milk ≥4h, infant formula/non-human milk/light meal ≥6h, solids/fried/fatty meal ≥8h before elective procedures.

    • Consent: Informed, written consent obtained.
    • Investigations: Usually not indicated for healthy children (ASA I or II).

Pharmacological Agents - Potions & Protocols

Selection guided by procedure, patient status, and available expertise. Always ensure availability of resuscitation equipment and reversal agents.

  • Titrate to effect for desired sedation level.
  • Continuous monitoring of vitals (HR, RR, SpO2, BP) is mandatory.
  • Strict adherence to NPO guidelines is crucial.
AgentDoseOnsetDurationProsConsReversal (IV Dose)
MidazolamPO: 0.25-1 mg/kg; IV: 0.05-0.1 mg/kg; IN: 0.2-0.5 mg/kgIV: 1-3m30-60mAnxiolysis, amnesiaResp. depression, paradox. agitationFlumazenil (0.01 mg/kg)
FentanylIV: 1-2 mcg/kg1-2m30-60mPotent analgesiaResp. depression, chest rigidityNaloxone (0.01-0.1 mg/kg)
KetamineIV: 0.5-2 mg/kg; IM: 2-5 mg/kgIV: <1m10-40mDissociative, analgesia, bronchodilation, sympathomimeticEmergence reactions, ↑secretionsSupportive (BZD for emergence)
PropofolIV Bolus: 1-3 mg/kg; Infusion: 50-200 mcg/kg/min<1m5-10mRapid onset/recovery, antiemeticHypotension, resp. depression, PRIS ⚠️Supportive
Chloral HydratePO/PR: 25-100 mg/kg (max 2g)30-60m60-120mOral/rectal routeParadoxical excitement, no analgesia, prolonged sedation, arrhythmogenicSupportive

Intra-sedation Monitoring - Guardian Duty

  • Core Monitoring (Continuous):
    • Pulse oximetry (SpO2 > 94%, alarm < 90%).
    • Heart rate, rhythm.
    • Respiratory rate, pattern, effort.
    • Capnography (ETCO2): detects hypoventilation.
    • Blood pressure (NIBP q5min).
    • Level of consciousness.
  • Essential Equipment:
    • Oxygen source, delivery systems.
    • Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM), suction.
    • Airway adjuncts (OPA, NPA).
    • Reversal agents, resuscitation drugs.
  • Personnel: Dedicated trained individual (PALS certified) for monitoring. Mainstream capnography adaptors

⭐ Capnography is the most sensitive indicator of early respiratory depression, apnea, and airway obstruction.

Complications & Discharge - Crisis Control

  • Complications:
    • Respiratory: Hypoventilation, apnea, laryngospasm, desaturation (O₂↓).
    • Cardiovascular: Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias.
    • GI: Vomiting (aspiration risk).
    • CNS: Paradoxical agitation, prolonged sedation.
  • Crisis Control (ABCs):
    • Airway: Maneuvers, O₂, suction.
    • Breathing: BMV, supplemental O₂, consider reversal.
    • Circulation: IV fluids, vasopressors.
  • Discharge (Aldrete Score ≥9):
    • Vitals stable & age-appropriate (HR, RR, BP, SpO₂).
    • Awake, alert, baseline neuro status.
    • Tolerates oral intake.
    • Responsible escort present.

Reversal Doses:

  • Flumazenil (Benzos): 0.01 mg/kg IV (max 0.2 mg/dose; total 1 mg).
  • Naloxone (Opioids): 0.01 mg/kg IV (<5y/<20kg); 0.1 mg/kg IV (>5y/>20kg). Max 2mg/dose.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Strict NPO guidelines (e.g., 2 hrs clear liquids, 6 hrs solids) are vital to prevent aspiration.
  • Dexmedetomidine is preferred for procedural sedation due to its favorable safety profile and arousable sedation.
  • Midazolam (intranasal/oral) is effective for anxiolysis pre-procedure.
  • Comprehensive monitoring (pulse oximetry, capnography, vitals) is mandatory throughout.
  • Always ensure availability of reversal agents (flumazenil, naloxone) and emergency equipment.
  • Pre-sedation risk assessment using ASA status is crucial for patient safety.

Practice Questions: Sedation in Pediatric Imaging

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Flashcards: Sedation in Pediatric Imaging

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The X-ray of choice to determine the skeletal age of a 3 to 9 month-old boy is X-ray of the _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The X-ray of choice to determine the skeletal age of a 3 to 9 month-old boy is X-ray of the _____

shoulder

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