RESUMO
UNLABELLED: Propofol is the sedative of choice in our hospital for all procedural sedations in children older than 3 months. Data were collected from all patients who underwent PSA with propofol in the period from November 2007 to December 2009. The procedure was performed by a paediatrician experienced in airway management, sedation and paediatric IC, and a specialized nurse. Patient characteristics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, vital parameters and propofol dosage were registered on specially designed forms. Patient data were analyzed and compared with data from a non-matched historical cohort of patients who in the past had undergone PSA with chloral hydrate. RESULTS: 204 procedural sedations with intravenous propofol were performed in 196 patients. The mean cumulative induction dose was 3.39 mg/kg (SD: 1.34) and the mean maintenance dose was 4.05 mg/kg/h (SD: 2.23). The success rate was 99.5%, compared to 88.6% in the cohort that had received PSA with chloral hydrate. 1 procedure was aborted because of desaturation due to an obstructed airway, for which a jaw thrust was performed. No complications were observed in 199 procedures (97.5%). In 4 procedures a mild and transient desaturation (85-89%) occurred. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that propofol can be used safely and is effective for procedural sedation in selected children, provided that PSA is performed by experienced and trained staff.
