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Glucagon in barium examinations in infants and children: special reference to dosage
Insights
Establishing optimal intravenous glucagon doses for pediatric gastrointestinal exams is crucial. Specific microgram/kg dosages ensure short-term atony for barium meals and enemas, aiding diagnosis without side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Gastrointestinal Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Double contrast barium examinations are vital for diagnosing pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
- Achieving temporary gastrointestinal atony is essential for optimal image quality in these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish precise intravenous glucagon dosages for inducing predictable, short-term gastrointestinal atony in infants and children undergoing barium studies.
- To determine optimal timing for glucagon administration during barium meals and enemas.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 20 barium examinations in pediatric patients was conducted.
- Intravenous glucagon was administered at specific doses (0.5-1.25 µg/kg) to induce gastrointestinal atony.
- Glucagon administration timing was varied based on examination type (barium meal vs. barium enema).
Main Results:
- Doses of 0.5-1.0 µg/kg provided 3-5 minutes of atony suitable for double contrast barium meals.
- Doses of 0.8-1.25 µg/kg provided 5-10 minutes of atony satisfactory for barium enemas.
- No adverse side effects were observed with the administered glucagon doses.
Conclusions:
- Established intravenous glucagon doses offer a safe and effective method for achieving controlled gastrointestinal atony in pediatric barium examinations.
- The use of glucagon facilitates improved diagnostic imaging, reduces patient discomfort, and may shorten examination times.
Abstract:
The dose of intravenous glucagon which will produce a predictable, short and useful period of gastro-intestinal atony during double contrast barium examinations in infants and children has been established. A dose of 0.5-1.0 micrograms/kg body weight will produce an atonic period of three to five minutes which is satisfactory for double contrast meals. A larger dose of 0.8-1.25 micrograms/kg is recommended for barium enemas for which an atonic period of five to ten minutes was found to be satisfactory. These doses have been derived from data obtained during 20 barium examinations in infants and children. In barium meals the glucagon is given after the duodenal cap has opacified. In barium enemas it is recommended to give the drug at the beginning of the examination. Benefits of the use of these small doses of i.v. glucagon are: (1) atony permitting good double contrast examination; (2) rapid return to normal permitting motility to be examined; (3) relief of painful and obstructive spasm in barium enemas; (4) quietening of angry, hungry infants; (5) probable shortening of the total examination time. No undesirable side effect was observed.