Propofol for procedural sedation in the pediatric emergency department

J Emerg Med. 2004 Jul;27(1):11-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2004.02.004.

Abstract

This retrospective case series reports our experience using propofol for procedural sedation in the Emergency Department over an 18-month period with 52 pediatric patients. Propofol sedation was performed successfully in all children (mean age, 10.2 years; range 0.7-17.4 years). Indications for sedation included orthopedic manipulation, incision and drainage of abscess, sexual assault examination, laceration repair, and non-invasive imaging studies. The mean dose administered with the intermittent bolus and continuous infusion methods of delivery was 4.25 mg/kg (+/- 1.86) and 8.3 mg/kg/h, respectively. The mean recovery time was 27.1 min (+/- 15.84). No patient required assisted ventilation or developed clinically significant hypotension. Respiratory depression requiring airway repositioning or supplemental oxygen was noted in 5.8% (3/52) patients. Propofol is a reasonable alternative to facilitate sedation for a range of procedures performed in a busy Pediatric Emergency Department.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Analgesia / methods
  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Conscious Sedation / methods*
  • Conscious Sedation / statistics & numerical data
  • Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage*
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects
  • Hypoxia / chemically induced
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Premedication*
  • Preoperative Care
  • Propofol / administration & dosage*
  • Propofol / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tennessee
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Propofol