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The use of haloperidol in the agitated, critically ill pediatric patient with burns
R L Brown1, A Henke, D G Greenhalgh
1Shriners Burns Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Insights
Haloperidol effectively sedates critically ill pediatric burn patients experiencing agitation and delirium. Intravenous administration proved more effective for rapid symptom control in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Burn Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Haloperidol is a preferred sedative for agitated adults in critical care.
- Limited data exists on haloperidol use in critically ill pediatric burn patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of haloperidol in pediatric patients with burns.
- To assess haloperidol's effectiveness for agitation and delirium in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records.
- Inclusion of 30 critically ill pediatric patients with burns treated between 1986 and 1992.
- Analysis of haloperidol administration routes and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Haloperidol demonstrated safe and effective use in managing severe agitation and delirium.
- Intravenous haloperidol showed greater efficacy compared to enteral administration.
- Rapid control of agitation was achieved more effectively via the intravenous route.
Conclusions:
- Haloperidol is a safe and effective treatment option for severe agitation and delirium in critically ill pediatric burn patients.
- Intravenous haloperidol should be considered for acute, rapid control of agitation.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term effects.
Abstract:
Haloperidol has become the drug of choice for sedation of the acutely agitated, delirious adult patient in the critical care setting because of its well-documented efficacy and lack of major side effects. Its use in the critically ill pediatric patient with burns has not been described. To determine the safety and efficacy of haloperidol in this population, the medical records of 30 critically ill pediatric patients with burns treated with haloperidol during the period 1986 to 1992 were reviewed. Our findings support the safe and effective use of haloperidol to treat severe agitation and delirium in the critically ill pediatric patient. The intravenous route appears to be more effective than the enteral route and should be considered when rapid, acute control of agitation is required.