Sedation with intravenous benzodiazepine and ketamine for renal biopsies

"Lytic cocktail" is the customary sedation before percutaneous renal biopsy. Owing to deficient sedation and respiratory depression, this approach is no longer advised. The intravenous combination of a benzodiazepine plus ketamine, which has been found to be effective and safe in several conditions, was therefore used for 60 pediatric biopsies. In addition to pulse oximetry, a physician trained in airway management monitored the patient. The quality of sedation was acceptable (n = 7) or optimal (n = 53) in all cases. None of the patients required ventilation or intubation. A mild oxygen desaturation lasting 4 min or less was detected in 6 patients. None of the patients experienced major change in respiratory rate or blood pressure. The administration of ketamine and, in some cases, the biopsy puncture were associated with a mildly increased heart rate. In conclusion, a benzodiazepine plus ketamine provides effective deep sedation for renal biopsy in childhood.