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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Intramuscular ketamine for pediatric sedation in the emergency department: safety profile in 1,022 cases

S M Green1, S G Rothrock, E L Lynch

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA, USA.

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|June 13, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Intramuscular ketamine is safe and effective for pediatric procedures in the emergency department. This study found minimal complications, with 98% of children receiving adequate sedation for procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Sedation
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intramuscular ketamine is utilized for pediatric procedural sedation in emergency settings.
  • A defined protocol for administration is crucial for safety and efficacy.

Observation:

  • A case series of 1,022 pediatric patients receiving intramuscular ketamine (4 mg/kg) over 9 years.
  • Physician-reported data captured indications, sedation adequacy, and complications.
  • Chart review supplemented data on adverse reactions and discharge times.

Findings:

  • Transient airway complications (1.4%) and emesis (6.7%) were observed but managed without sequelae.
  • Agitation occurred in 19.2% of patients, with most cases being mild.
  • Ketamine provided acceptable sedation in 98% of pediatric patients, with a median discharge time of 110 minutes.

Implications:

  • Intramuscular ketamine can be safely administered by emergency physicians for pediatric procedures under protocol.
  • Ketamine offers a safe and effective sedation option, preserving airway reflexes and not requiring IV access.
  • Appropriate monitoring is essential for successful ketamine use in pediatric emergency care.
Abstract

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