Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
The efficacy of premixed nitrous oxide and oxygen for fiberoptic bronchoscopy in pediatric patients: a randomized,
Brigitte Fauroux1, Peter Onody, Olivier Gall
1Service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique et INSERM 213, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, Paris, France. brigitte.fauroux@trs.ap-hop-paris.fr
Study Objective:
s: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of premixed 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen on the quality of sedation and pain control during fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) in children.
Design:
A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
Setting:
Pediatric pulmonary department in a pediatric tertiary university hospital.
Patients:
One hundred five children aged 1 month to 18 years.
Interventions:
Patients inhaled after sedation and local anesthesia either premixed 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen (nitrous oxide group) or premixed 50% nitrogen and oxygen (control group) during FB.
Measurement And Results:
The rate of failure was significantly greater in the control group (62%) than in the nitrous oxide group (21%, p = 0.00003). The efficacy of premixed 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen was also demonstrated with higher satisfaction scores (p = 0.000001), lower Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scores (p = 0.002), better visual analog scale ratings (p = 0.03), and improved behavior scores. Side effects were minor and similar in both groups.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the improved efficacy of sedation, pain control, and safety of premixed 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen for FB in children.
