Auditory brainstem response testing using intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation in children: a pilot study.
Joanna Godbehere1, Samuel Harper2, Teresa Loxey3
1Department of ENT, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
International Journal of Audiology
|December 18, 2020
Summary
Intranasal dexmedetomidine provides safe and effective sedation for Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing in children, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. This approach streamlines the process, leading to quicker discharge and a less stressful experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Sedation in children
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is crucial for assessing hearing in non-cooperative children.
- General anesthesia (GA) is often required for ABR, necessitating operating theatre use and associated risks.
- Alternative, less invasive sedation methods are needed for pediatric ABR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine for pediatric ABR sedation.
- To compare the ward-based ABR procedure with traditional theatre-based GA.
- To assess the impact on patient experience and resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- A prospective pilot study involving 29 children undergoing ABR.
- Sedation administered via intranasal dexmedetomidine in a ward setting.
- Data collected on sedation onset, ABR duration, and discharge time; patient feedback obtained.
Main Results:
- Intranasal dexmedetomidine successfully sedated all 29 children for ABR in a ward environment.
- The method proved safe and eliminated the need for GA.
- Achieved faster discharge times compared to GA.
Conclusions:
- Ward-based ABR with intranasal dexmedetomidine is a viable alternative to theatre-based GA.
- This protocol enhances patient experience, improves ABR trace quality, and optimizes theatre usage.
- Reduces stress for children and parents, offering a more efficient audiological assessment pathway.
