Related Experiment Videos
Chloral hydrate side effects in young children: causes and management
M Lipshitz1, B L Marino, S T Sanders
1Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Chloral hydrate is an effective and safe sedative for pediatric echocardiograms. Factors like nap schedule and food intake influence sedation effectiveness in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing
Background:
- Echocardiography requires sedation in young children.
- Chloral hydrate is commonly used for sedation.
- Understanding factors influencing its effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine factors affecting undesired chloral hydrate effects in pediatric echocardiograms.
- Investigate reactions before sedation, sedation delay, sleep depth, and post-sedation behavior.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive, correlational study in a pediatric teaching hospital.
- 140 children (0-36 months) undergoing echocardiography.
- Data collected: age, food intake, oxygen saturation, nap schedule.
Main Results:
- 18% experienced paradoxical excitement; average sedation time was 25 minutes.
- 94% achieved deep sedation; older children, near naptime, and after fasting slept best.
- Cyanotic defect children tolerated sedation well; most had post-sedation behavioral changes.
Conclusions:
- Chloral hydrate is safe and effective for pediatric echocardiogram sedation.
- Nursing implications: optimize scheduling, limit food intake, and counsel parents.
- Nap proximity and fasting improve sedation depth and duration.