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Adverse effects of pediatric emergency sedation after discharge
Lisa M Steurer1, Janet Luhmann
1Professional Practice and Systems, St. Louis ChildIren's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Insights
Pediatric emergency department sedation can lead to adverse events in children post-discharge. Common issues include lethargy and behavioral changes, necessitating parental guidance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Sedation is a frequent intervention for children in emergency settings.
- Post-discharge adverse events following pediatric sedation are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of adverse effects in children after emergency department sedation.
- To inform parental guidance regarding potential post-discharge complications.
Main Methods:
- A telephone questionnaire was administered to parents of 547 children approximately 24 hours after discharge.
- Data collected from a pediatric academic hospital were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- 42% of children experienced at least one adverse effect post-discharge.
- Common adverse effects included lethargy (12%), vomiting (7%), and behavioral changes (7%).
- Other reported effects were headache, nausea, sleep disturbances, and hallucinations.
Conclusions:
- Minor adverse effects are common in children after emergency department sedation.
- Parents and caregivers require anticipatory guidance on potential post-discharge effects.
Purpose:
Sedation is commonly performed in children in the emergency department. However, little is known about adverse events that may occur after discharge. This study was conducted to evaluate adverse effects occurring after discharge in children following sedation in the emergency department.
Methods:
Parents of 547 children receiving sedation in the emergency department of a pediatric, academic hospital were called A approximately 24 hours af t er discharge a nd asked to complete a telephone questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
At least one adverse effect was reported in 42% of participants after discharge. This included lethargy (12%), vomiting (7%), behavioral changes (7%), headache (6%), balance/gait disturbances (5%), nausea (4%), sleep disturbances (4%), nightmares (4%), hallucinations (2%), and ear pain (0.2%).
Conclusions:
Children experience minor adverse effects from sedation after discharge from the emergency department. Anticipatory guidance about these adverse effects should be given to parents and caregivers prior to discharge.
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