Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
-
J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Mar 1999
Clinical TrialNitrous oxide sedation in pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.
The ideal medication to administer to children before gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures has yet to be found. The efficacy of using inhaled nitrous oxide during endoscopy in children was assessed in a pilot study. ⋯ Entonox provides rapid and effective analgesia without heavy sedation, leads to adequate relaxation and cooperation, and facilitates quick and efficient endoscopy. The effect of Entonox was of short duration, allowing the children to leave the endoscopy unit without need for a long recovery period. The adverse effects of Entonox appeared to be minor, and their duration was always brief. Nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation may provide a valuable alternative to conventional sedation regimens during gastrointestinal endoscopy in children, but randomized and prospective studies comparing nitrous oxide sedation and conventional sedation regimens are necessary.