Paediatric out-of-theatre procedural sedation at a tertiary children’s hospital: A prospective observational study

Background. Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) is one of the largest paediatric hospitals in Africa. Despite an increasing number surgical and diagnostic procedures being performed annually, a formal out-of-theatre sedation service does not exist. Procedural analgesia (PSA) important adjunct behavioural management for invasive children. Objective. A prospective, observational study was at RCWMCH, aimed primarily defining cases PSA outside operating theatre. Methods. Data were collected over period 3 months from all procedural sedations performed, including ward patients outpatient departments. All children <13 years age included. Results. total 639 performed. Of these sedations, 288 (45.1%) paper responses captured analysed. The reported incidence airway obstruction 4.9% ( n =14/288), desaturation 4.2% =12/288), laryngospasm 0.3% =1/288) nausea vomiting 2.4% =7/288). Three required conversion to general anaesthesia, four abandoned as result inadequate sedation. In 16.3% =47/288) cases, clinician operator sedationist (the same person performing procedure). 90.6% intravenous route utilised, with dexmedetomidine, ketamine propofol three most commonly used agents. Conclusion. events recorded months. analysed safely minimal serious events. These results compare favourably international studies provide quantitative evidence prelude setting up dedicated RCWMCH.