• P Vic, D Laguette, G Blondin, M Blayo, S Thirion, C Queinnec, J Lew, G Mehu, and L Broussine.
• Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier de Cornouaille, Quimper, France.
• Arch Pediatr. 1999 Aug 1;6(8):844-8.

UnlabelledWe report our experience of the utilization of the 50% oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture (nitrous oxide 50%) in our general pediatric ward after one year of use.Patients And MethodsBetween 1st April 1997 and 31st March 1998, children who had to undergo a painful procedure were proposed to inhale 50% nitrous oxide before the procedure. We evaluate pain, restlessness and adverse effects.ResultsThe procedures (127 of them) were carried out in 90 children (61 boys). They were aged from 5 months to 15 years (mean: 5.7 years; median: 4.1 years). Indications were: lumbar puncture (n = 45), burning dressing (n = 29), venous cannulation (n = 12), minor surgery (n = 27), and miscellaneous (n = 14). Inhalation time was between 2 to 70 min (mean: 14.4 min; median: 11 min). Pain was absent or low in 106 cases (83.4%). Restlessness was absent or low in 100 cases (78.8%). Averse events were observed 12 times, but they were always minor and quickly reversible.ConclusionNitrous oxide (50%) can be used successfully in a general pediatric ward. Other studies are necessary to define the best conditions.

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