The investigators believe dexmedetomidine will provide superior sedation with reduced side effects and reduced time to discharge compared with pentobarbital. The investigators have developed sedation protocols with pentobarbital and dexmedetomidine in our ambulatory procedure center. These protocols are both routinely used for sedation in our unit. The investigators propose to study these two protocols in children ages 6 months to 6 years presenting to the ambulatory procedure center for non-painful procedural sedation. The investigators will compare failure of sedation, side effect profile, recovery and discharge times between the two pharmacologic protocols.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Arm 1 will undergo sedation with dexmedetomidine, using 2 mcg/kg load IV over 10 minutes followed by an IV infusion of 1 mcg/kg/hr. May use versed 0.5 mg/kg IV x 1 for incomplete sedation, followed by increase of dexmedetomidine infusion to 1.5 mcg/kg/hr. Infusion will run throughout non-painful procedure (most likely MRI).
Pentobarbital Sedation Protocol IV: 2.5 mg/kg, followed by 1.25 mg/kg as needed x2. Maintenance: May give additional 1.25 mg/kg IV x 2 if needed. Max total dose of 200 mg pentobarbital throughout sedation. May give midazolam 0.05 mg/kg IV x 1 PRN agitation for rescue sedation.
St. Louis Children's Hospital
St Louis, Missouri, United States
failure of sedation
Time frame: day of sedation
side effect profile
Time frame: 48 hours
post-sedation recovery and discharge time
Time frame: day of sedation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.