S(+)-ketamine for long-term sedation in a child with retinoblastoma undergoing interstitial brachytherapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Interstitial brachytherapy is a crucial treatment for pediatric cancers.
• Sedation is often required for prolonged radiation therapy procedures in children.
• Maintaining spontaneous breathing during sedation is vital for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Observation:

• A 14-month-old child required continuous sedation for 72 hours during pulsed dose radiation therapy.
• S(+)-ketamine was administered in hourly pulses for sedation.
• The child maintained spontaneous breathing throughout the entire treatment duration.

Findings:

• S(+)-ketamine provided effective and continuous sedation for a pediatric patient undergoing prolonged brachytherapy.
• The use of S(+)-ketamine facilitated spontaneous respiration during the entire 72-hour treatment course.
• No adverse events related to sedation were reported.

Implications:

• S(+)-ketamine represents a viable and safe option for sedating pediatric patients during extended radiation therapy.
• This sedation strategy may improve patient comfort and compliance during complex oncological treatments.
• Further research into S(+)-ketamine's role in pediatric procedural sedation is warranted.