Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
15:18

Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure

Published on: July 30, 2009

Rectal methohexital sedation for computed tomography imaging of stable pediatric emergency department patients

E S Pomeranz1, C R Chudnofsky, T J Deegan

  • 1University of Michigan/St Joseph Mercy Hospital-Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Children's Emergency Services, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0718, USA.

Pediatrics
|May 3, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Rectal methohexital (MXT) effectively sedates pediatric patients for CT scans, with rapid onset and high satisfaction. Careful monitoring is essential due to potential respiratory depression.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Sedation is often required for pediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans.
  • Non-intravenous sedation methods are sought for stable pediatric emergency department (ED) patients.
  • Rectal methohexital (MXT) offers potential advantages in ease of administration and rapid onset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rectal methohexital (MXT) for sedating pediatric patients for CT imaging.
  • To assess the onset and duration of action of rectal MXT.
  • To determine the rate of adverse effects and parental satisfaction with rectal MXT sedation.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 100 stable pediatric patients (3-60 months) requiring CT scans.
  • Administration of 25 mg/kg rectal MXT approximately 15 minutes prior to imaging.
  • Monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, sedation adequacy, adverse events, and parental satisfaction.

Main Results:

  • 95% of patients achieved adequate sedation with rectal MXT.
  • Average onset of sedation was 8 minutes, with an average duration of 79.3 minutes.
  • 90% parental satisfaction was reported, with 10% experiencing transient side effects; no patients required intubation.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal MXT is a rapid and reliable non-intravenous sedation option for stable pediatric ED patients undergoing CT scans.
  • While effective, rectal MXT can cause transient respiratory depression, necessitating careful oxygen saturation monitoring.
  • Use of rectal MXT should be limited to settings with experienced airway management personnel, offering a viable option for noninvasive pediatric procedural sedation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers14:52

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview01:24

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview01:20

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...