Related Experiment Videos
Pediatric imaging: sedation with an injection formulation modified for rectal administration
M T Nguyen1, S B Greenberg, K R Fitzhugh
1Department of Pediatric Radiology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 Marshall St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
Insights
Rectal thiopental sodium is a safe and effective sedation method for pediatric diagnostic imaging. This study found a 96% success rate with minimal adverse events in children undergoing MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine scans.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sedation is crucial for pediatric patients undergoing diagnostic imaging.
- Alternative sedation methods carry risks and may be less effective.
- Rectal administration offers a non-invasive route for medication delivery in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rectal thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation during diagnostic imaging.
- To assess the success rate and adverse events associated with this sedation method.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 525 children (mean age 2.7 years) undergoing MRI, CT, or nuclear medicine scans.
- Rectal administration of thiopental sodium solution (100 mg/mL) at doses of 25-40 mg/kg (max 1.5 g).
- Evaluation of sedation success and adverse reactions based on collected data.
Main Results:
- Successful sedation was achieved in 96% (504/525) of children.
- Adverse events were minimal, with 2% experiencing desaturation, all successfully managed.
- No instances of vomiting, rectal irritation, hyperactivity, or prolonged sedation were reported.
Conclusions:
- Rectal thiopental sodium, prepared from intravenous injection solution, is a safe and effective sedation option for pediatric diagnostic imaging.
- This method demonstrates a high success rate and a favorable safety profile in the studied pediatric population.
Purpose:
To determine if rectal sedation with thiopental sodium produced for intravenous administration provides safe and effective sedation for children undergoing diagnostic imaging.
Materials And Methods:
Five hundred twenty-five consecutive children (mean age, 2.7 years +/- 2.2 [SD]) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (n = 425), computed tomography (n = 89), and nuclear medicine (n = 11) examinations after rectal administration of thiopental sodium injection solution. The solution was prepared from thiopental sodium powder mixed with sterile water to create a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The dose ranged from 25 to 40 mg per kilogram of body weight, with a total dose limit of 1.5 g. The percentages of successful sedations and adverse reactions were evaluated on the basis of data collected at the time of the sedation.
Results:
Sedation was successful in 504 (96%) children. Ten (2%) children experienced desaturation, but only three of the 10 experienced sedation failure. All cases of desaturation were treated successfully with head repositioning, administration of supplemental oxygen, or both. No children experienced vomiting, acute rectal irritation, paradoxical hyperactivity, or prolonged sedation.
Conclusion:
Thiopental sodium sedation for pediatric imaging, with use of a rectal solution prepared from thiopental sodium preparation for intravenous injection, is safe and effective.