[Respiratory failure in a newborn infant following repeated sedation for computerized tomography]

In very young pediatric patients, computed tomography can only be performed successfully after adequate immobilization with sedatives. The special age- and maturity-related features of the premature and neonatal period have to be considered when selecting the drug and the form of administration. Oral, intramuscular, or rectal premedication cannot be recommended for CT sedation of premature and newborn children. Likewise, multiple or repeated medication with different forms of administration should be avoided. A case report of a newborn with respiratory arrest following repeated sedation for computed cranial tomography illustrates the risks associated with such measures. Recommendations concerning drugs and procedure for the sedation of high-risk neonates for CT examinations are given.