Facial electromyography and chloral hydrate in the young dental patient

The purpose of this report is to describe facial electromyography (EMG) as a monitoring technique and to demonstrate the relationship of EMG amplitude to rated patient behavior during sedative trials using variable doses of chloral hydrate (CH) [25, 50, and 70 mg/kg]. Twenty healthy, uncooperative children (mean age = 30.7 +/- 4.8 months) participated in this institutionally approved double-blind, repeated-measures study. Following baseline vital signs, administration of CH, and a 45-min period, the children were secured in a Papoose Board (Olympic Medical Group, Seattle, WA) with electronic monitors attached including the EMG. EMG amplitude was recorded continuously by computer and each visit was videotaped for later analysis of behavior using the Ohio State University Behavior Rating Scale (OSUBRS). Statistical analysis using SPSS/PC+ V2.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) included descriptive statistics of the study sample, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient to determine differences in EMG amplitude as a function of CH dose and associations between per cent of rated behavioral categories of the OSUBRS to EMG amplitude, respectively. The results indicated a significant difference in EMG amplitude, per cent crying and quietness as a function of dose (F = 3.87, P < 0.03; F = 4.64, P < 0.01; F = 3.38, P < 0.04, respectively). Scheffe post-hoc analysis indicated that the difference was between 25 and 70 mg/kg doses. Significant correlations were noted between EMG amplitude and per cent crying and quietness (R = 0.640, P < 0.001; R = -0.664, P < 0.001), respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)