Investigation of the influence of clathrate hydrate crystals on the structuring of homeopathic high dilutions

High dilutions (HD) of drugs used in homeopathy are mostly too dilute to contain original drug molecules. But evidences support their specific biological and therapeutic effects. The reason behind this is thought to be water structure characteristic of the original drug. Spectroscopic studies indicate that the specific water structure in HDs can be resolved into free water molecules, hydrogen bonding strength of water hydroxyl, number of hydrogen bonds and clathrate hydrate crystals (CHC). HDs are prepared in EtOH water solution by serial dilution and mechanical agitation, and are called potencies. The objective of the present study is to further confirm the presence of CHCs in the two potencies of three drugs. Electronic spectra of the HDs of the potencies indicate two broad peaks and marked difference in intensities of absorption. Furior Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the test potencies and their control show difference in intensity shift and contour shape of OH stretching and bending bands. All the experimental data indicate the presence of CHCs in varying amounts in the test potencies.

Comparison between chloral hydrate and propofol-ketamine as sedation regimens for pediatric auditory brainstem response testing / Comparação entre o uso de hidrato de cloral e propofol-quetamina como formas de sedação para exames de potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico

Abstract Introduction: The use of diagnostic auditory brainstem response testing under sedation is currently the "gold standard" in infants and young children who are not developmentally capable of completing the test. Objective: The aim of the study is to compare a propofol-ketamine regimen to an oral chloral hydrate regimen for sedating children undergoing auditory brainstem response testing. Methods: Patients between 4 months and 6 years who required sedation for auditory brainstem response testing were included in this retrospective study. Drugs doses, adverse effects, sedation times, and the effectiveness of the sedative regimens were reviewed. Results: 73 patients underwent oral chloral hydrate sedation, while 117 received propofol-ketamine sedation. 12% of the patients in the chloral hydrate group failed to achieve desired sedation level. The average procedure, recovery and total nursing times were significantly lower in the propofol-ketamine group. Propofol-ketamine group experienced higher incidence of transient hypoxemia. Conclusion: Both sedation regimens can be successfully used for sedating children undergoing auditory brainstem response testing. While deep sedation using propofol-ketamine regimen offers more efficiency than moderate sedation using chloral hydrate, it does carry a higher incidence of transient hypoxemia, which warrants the use of a highly skilled team trained in pediatric cardio-respiratory monitoring and airway management.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de testes diagnósticos de potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico sob sedação é atualmente o padrão-ouro em lactentes e crianças pequenas que não têm desenvolvimento suficiente para realizar o exame. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a sedação de crianças submetidas a testes de potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico com propofol-quetamina e com hidrato de cloral por via oral. Método: Pacientes entre 4 meses e 6 anos de idade que necessitaram de sedação para a realização do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico foram incluídos nesse estudo retrospectivo. Foram revisadas as doses dos medicamentos, os efeitos adversos, os tempos de sedação e a eficácia das formas de sedação. Resultados: 73 pacientes foram submetidos à sedação oral com hidrato de cloral, enquanto 117 receberam sedação com propofol-quetamina; 12% dos pacientes do grupo hidrato de cloral não alcançaram o nível desejado de sedação. Os tempos médios de procedimento, recuperação e o tempo total de cuidados de enfermagem foram significativamente menores no grupo propofol-quetamina, entretanto este grupo experimentou maior incidência de hipoxemia transitória. Conclusão: Ambos os regimes de sedação podem ser utilizados com sucesso para sedar crianças para realização do exame de potencial evocado de tronco encefálico. Embora a sedação profunda com propofol e quetamina ofereça mais eficiência do que a sedação moderada com hidrato de cloral, ela apresenta maior incidência de hipoxemia transitória, o que requer uma equipe altamente qualificada, treinada em monitoramento cardiorrespiratório pediátrico e manejo de vias aéreas.

Adverse Events and Risk Factors Associated with Chloral Hydrate Sedation for Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: This study investigated the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and risk factors associated with sedation using chloral hydrate (CH) for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of infants who received CH for brain MRI in the NICU. Among the enrolled infants (n=143), 12.6% (n=18) were included in the AE group and 87.4% (n=125) were in the non-adverse event group (NAE). RESULTS: Gestational age (GA) at birth and corrected GA at sedation were 35+0±7+2 and 39+5±3+1 respectively. The rate of AEs was 12.6%, included oxygen desaturation (5.6%), aspiration (4.9%), paradoxical agitation (0.7%), tachycardia or bradycardia (0.7%), and arrest (0.7%). In univariate analysis, the AE group was younger in corrected GA at sedation than the NAE group (37+2 [range, 36+0 to 40+0] vs. 40+1 [range, 38+2 to 41+4], P=0.015). There was no significant difference in CH dosage (50.0 [range, 50.0 to 50.0] vs. 50.0 [range, 50.0 to 50.0], P=0.092), cardiopulmonary (33.3% [n=6] vs. 17.6% [n= 22], P=0.209) and central nervous system (61.1% [n=11] vs. 65.6% [n=82], P=0.054) morbidity. In multivariate analysis, CH dosage was the only significant risk factor for AEs associated with sedation (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.07; P=0.0186). CONCLUSION: AEs associated with sedation using CH are not uncommon and should be considered when using high dose CH for diagnostic testing in the NICU.

Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Sedated Toddlers

Abstract Introduction Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) are difficult to test in toddlers who cannot follow instructions or stay calm. Objective Due to the growing need for vestibular testing in very young children as a part of a delayed walking assessment battery, this study aimed to provide a solution to this problem by recording the cVEMPs in toddlers during sedation. Method The cVEMPs measures were assessed in 30 toddlers aged 12 to 36 months with normal motormilestones. They were sedated with chloral hydrate. Then, the head was retracted ~ 30° backward with a pillow under the shoulders, and turned 45° contralateral to the side of stimulation to put the sternocleidomastoid (SCM)muscle in a state of tension. Results The P13 and N23 waves of the cVEMPs were recordable in all sedated toddlers. The cVEMPs measures resulted in the following: P13 latency of 17.5 ± 1.41 milliseconds, N23 latency of 25.58 ± 2.02 milliseconds, and peak-topeak amplitude of 15.39 ± 3.45 μV. One-sample t-test revealed statistically significant longer latencies and smaller amplitude of the toddlers' cVEMPs relative to the normative data for adults. Conclusions The difficulty of cVEMPs testing in toddlers can be overcome by sedating them and attaining a position that contracts the SCM muscle. However, the toddlers' recordings revealed delayed latencies and smaller amplitudes than those of adults.

Morroniside on anti-inflammation activities in rats following acute myocardial infarction

Our previous studies have confirmed that morroniside has neuroprotective effects. However, the effects of morroniside on cardiac myocardium remain unknown. Rats were anaesthetized with 10% chloral hydrate (0.35~0.4 mL/kg) and an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced by ligating the anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Following AMI, morroniside was administered intragastrically for 3 consecutive days at doses of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) activities in AMI rats in the serum were detected with commercial kits. The expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in myocardium was detected by Western blotting analysis. We observed a significant decline in the Q(q) wave amplitude in morroniside-treated rats after 72 h. Additionally, treatment of morroniside decreased the levels of LDH and cTnT in AMI rats. We also observed that morroniside reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in myocardium. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that morroniside had effective anti-inflammatory properties in AMI rats.

The Changes of Sedation in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Yonsei University Dental Hospital / 대한소아치과학회지

Sedation is a useful behavior management technique for dental patients who may be uncontrollable or have medical problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in patterns of sedative treatments in pediatric dentistry by analyzing the distribution of patients and used sedative agents.Patients and sedative agents were reviewed based on the electronic medical records (EMR) of the department of pediatric dentistry in Yonsei University Dental Hospital from 2011 to 2016.The number of patients who were treated under sedation generally increased. Male received more sedation treatment than female by 2014, and they became similar from 2015. The treatment percentage of patients with systemic disease decreased in 2013, remained constantly afterwards. The ratio of sedative treatment for the age 4 – 5 and age 6 – 10 generally increased, while that of the age 0 – 2 and older than age 11 decreased. The ratio of the age 3 remained steady. Nitrous oxide was the most frequently used sedative agent. The use of benzodiazepine increased while the use of chloral hydrate decreased.Although the use of sedation has expanded, multidimensional approaches for ensuring safety have been less focused. Therefore, it is necessary to explore further studies for the safety and efficacy of the use of sedation.

Comparison of sedation outcome according to the dose of chloral hydrate in children requiring laceration repair

PURPOSE: To compare the sedation outcome according to the dose of per os chloral hydrate in children who underwent laceration repair in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This retrospective study was performed to the children who underwent sedation using chloral hydrate for laceration repair in the ED from January 2015 through November 2015. A total of 370 children aged younger than 6 years underwent the sedation. We compared the induction time, duration of sedation, and ED length of stay (EDLOS) between the single dose (50 mg/kg) and additional dose (plus 25 mg/kg) groups. RESULTS: Of 370 children, 335 (90.5%) were sedated successfully, 284 (76.8%) were sedated with initial dose (the single dose group), and 51 (13.8%) were sedated with additional dose (the additional dose group). The induction time and EDLOS were longer in the additional dose group (induction time: 31.0 ± 17.2 minutes vs. 96.2 ± 25.4 minutes, P < 0.001; EDLOS: 137.2 ± 35.5 minutes vs. 193.0 ± 36.0 minutes, P < 0.001). The duration of sedation showed no difference between the 2 groups (44.4 ± 24.0 minutes vs. 42.0 ± 20.8 minutes; P = 0.500). No one had serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Additional dose of chloral hydrate can increase the induction time and EDLOS without increasing the duration of sedation and causing serious adverse reactions. This information may improve the efficiency of ED workflow when shared with parents of the children.

Comparison of Safety of Sedatives Versus General Anesthesia in Laser Therapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE: Laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is commonly performed under general anesthesia (GA). However, the use of GA for laser therapy in neonates who have already undergone invasive ventilation may lead to postoperative complications such as severe apnea or the development of ventilator dependency. This study aimed to examine the safety of administering only sedatives instead of GA in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, who are the usual recipients of laser therapy for ROP. METHODS: Among ELBW infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Samsung Medical Center between January and December 2012, we studied 30 patients treated with laser therapy for ROP. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of the patients was 24.6±1.9 weeks, with a mean birth weight of 646±140 g. The mean age and weight of patients at the time of laser therapy for ROP was 36.3±2.3 weeks and 1,470±423 g. In terms of sedatives, 14 patients (46.7%) were administered chloral hydrate alone, 14 (46.7%) were administered a combination of chloral hydrate and midazolam, one was administered midazolam alone, and one received fentanyl. Prior to laser therapy, 16 patients (53.5%) had established self-respiration, 13 (43.3%) relied on non-invasive ventilation and one patient relied on invasive mechanical ventilation. Following laser therapy, two patients who initially had exhibited self-respiration required respiratory assistance via non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and no patient required intratracheal intubation. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of sedatives may be safe for ELBW infants who undergo laser therapy for ROP.

Efficacy and safety of chloral hydrate sedation in infants for pulmonary function tests / Eficácia e segurança do hidrato de cloral na sedação de lactentes para testes de função pulmonar

Abstract Objective: To describe the efficacy and safety of chloral hydrate sedation in infants for pulmonary function tests. Methods: All sedation attempts for pulmonary function tests in infants carried out between June 2007 and August 2014 were evaluated. Obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease were contraindications to the exams. Anthropometric data, exam indication, used dose, outcomes of sedation and clinical events were recorded and described. Results: The sedation attempts in 277 infants (165 boys) with a median age of 51.5 weeks of life (14-182 weeks) were evaluated. The main indication for the tests was recurrent wheezing (56%) and the chloral hydrate dose ranged from 50 to 80mg/kg (orally). Eighteen (6.5%) infants had some type of clinical complication, with the most frequent being cough and/or airway secretion (1.8%); respiratory distress (1.4%) and vomiting (1.1%). A preterm infant had bradycardia for approximately 15 minutes, which was responsive to tactile stimulation. All observed adverse effects were transient and there was no need for resuscitation or use of injectable medications. Conclusions: The data demonstrated that chloral hydrate at the employed doses is a safe and effective medicament for sedation during short procedures in infants, such as pulmonary function tests. Because of the possibility of severe adverse events, recommendations on doses and contraindications should be strictly followed and infants should be monitored by trained staff.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a eficácia e a segurança do hidrato de cloral na sedação de lactentes para testes de função pulmonar. Métodos: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente todas as tentativas de sedação para exames de função pulmonar em lactentes feitas entre junho 2007 e agosto 2014. Apneia obstrutiva do sono e cardiopatia foram contraindicações para os exames. Dados antropométricos, indicação do exame, dose empregada, desfechos da sedação e intercorrências clínicas foram registrados e descritos. Resultados: Avaliaram-se as tentativas de sedação de 277 lactentes (165 meninos) com mediana de 51,5 semanas de vida (14-182). A principal indicação para os testes foi sibilância recorrente (56%) e a dose de hidrato de cloral usada variou entre 50-80mg/kg (via oral). Dezoito (6,5%) lactentes apresentaram algum tipo de intercorrência clínica e foram as mais frequentes: tosse e/ou secreção na via aérea (1,8%); desconforto respiratório alto (1,4%) e vômitos (1,1%). Um lactente prematuro apresentou bradicardia por cerca de 15 minutos, responsiva a estimulação tátil. Todos os efeitos adversos observados foram transitórios e não houve necessidade de manobras de reanimação e uso de medicações injetáveis. Conclusões: Os dados demonstraram que o hidrato de cloral, nas doses empregadas, é um medicamento seguro e eficaz para a sedação de lactentes em procedimentos de curta duração, como os testes de função pulmonar. Devido à possibilidade de eventos adversos graves, as recomendações referentes à dosagem e contraindicações devem ser seguidas de forma rígida e os lactentes devem ser monitorados por equipe treinada.

Assessment of chloral hydrate-centered pediatric sedation performed by non-anesthesiologists

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chloral hydrate-based pediatric sedation conducted by non-anesthesiologists. METHODS: The design and setting of this study was a single-center retrospective study performed at a tertiary university hospital between July 2012 and May 2013. A total of 519 children were enrolled in this study. We investigated the sedation medication, age of patients and type of diagnostic tests or procedures and evaluated the success rate of sedation, sedation/recovery profiles and adverse events. RESULTS: Most patients underwent moderate sedation for diagnostic tests. The most commonly used sedative drug was chloral hydrate, which was solely used for 482 patients. A combination of chloral hydrate/midazolam was used for 24 patients and midazolam only was used for 13 patients. Use of chloral hydrate resulted in a sedation success rate of 65.5% after the initial dose and a success rate of 95.2% with additional doses. The sedation failure rate in children > 6 years was significantly higher than that in children under 6 years. In all patients, the overall onset time and recovery time were too slow and long, respectively, and there was no critical complication. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that chloral hydrate-based pediatric sedation conducted by non-anesthesiologists was mostly moderate, with a high success rate and a low complication rate. However, the overall onset time and recovery time were too slow and long, respectively. Especially, alternative sedation regimens are required in children > 6 years considering the slower onset time and higher failure rate of sedation.

Administration and Efficiency Comparison of Chloral Hydrate during Pediatric Sedation

PURPOSE: In most emergency department (ED), sedation is required before carrying out an invasive procedure on a pediatric patient. In the ED setting, it is essential to determine the optimal dose and administration route of CH for successful sedation. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dose of CH for an invasive procedure and to examine the effectiveness of the drug's different administration routes. Furthermore, in this study, we performed simple survey using questionnaire which composed of Likert-scale to evaluate satisfaction of medical staffs in ED with administration routes. METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively. The study participants were pediatric patients under 8 years old who visited the ED in two tertiary hospitals in South Korea within a period of 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, 300 patients were included in this study. The age, sex, and weight of the patients were not shown to influence the sedation time. Chloral hydrate dosage is the independent factor to influence the both sedation and discharge time (p<0.01). In the comparison of the groups, groups 1, 2, and 5 showed no significant difference. On the other hand, groups 3 and 4 were shown to be statistically significantly different from group 1. CONCLUSION: Up to 100 mg/kg CH is safe to use in the emergency department for pediatric patients, but the initial dose of 50 mg/kg for oral administration should be considered in advance because it can provide safe and effective sedation with a lower possibility of causing an adverse effect.

The alternative of oral sedation for pediatric dental care

In pediatric dentistry, chloral hydrate is habitually selected for sedation of uncooperative children. Although chloral hydrate has been used for decades, various adverse effects are reported and necessity for new alternative drugs has increased. Dexmedetomidine was approved by FDA for sedation at intensive care units (ICU) in 1999. Compared to conventional sedative drugs, dexmedetomidine has not only analgesic and sedative effects but also it barely suppresses the respiratory system. Due to these characteristics, dexmedetomidine is known as safe sedative drug for children and elderly patients. Furthermore, approved by KFDA in 2010 in Korea, the frequency of sedation using dexmedetomidine is increasing. However, due to its intravenous administration method, it was difficult to apply in pediatric dentistry. Recently, intranasal administration method was introduced which might be a new possible alternative of oral sedation. In this study, we compare the mechanisms, pros and cons of chloral hydrate and dexmedetomidine, introducing new possibilities.

Effect of neonatal perioperative anesthetic exposure in cardiac surgery on neuro- developmental outcomes in preschool children / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of neonatal perioperative anesthetic exposure in complex cardiac surgery on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preschool children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>General clinical data and data concerning anesthetic exposure were collected from 89 infants undergoing complex cardiac surgery at Sichuan People' Hospital. The cohort was followed for neurodevelopment till preschool age (48-72 months) and assessed with Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III, Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI-V), and General Adaptive Composite (GAC) of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventy-one children were enrolled into the final analysis. Multiple linear regression found days on benzodiazepines (beta;=-0.49, P=0.005) and cumulative dose of benzodiazepines (β=-0.10, P=0.023) were associated with the full-scale IQ in these preschool children. Days on benzodiazepines (beta;=-0.39, P=0.009) and on chloral hydrate (beta;=-1.19, P=0.020) were associated with lower performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) at the preschool age. Cumulative dose of benzodiazepine exposure (beta;=-0.008, P=0.012) was associated with lower VMI scores. No correlations of other sedation/analgesia variables were found with the full-scale IQ, PIQ, Verbal IQ, VMI, or GAC scores.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We found a significant association of days on benzodiazepines, cumulative dose of benzodiazepines, and days on chloral hydrate in neonatal cardiac surgery with neurodevelopmental outcomes at the preschool age, suggesting the need of minimizing anesthetic exposure during a neonatal cardiac surgery to improve the children's neurodevelopmental outcomes.</p>

Establishment of osteoblast primary cilia model removed by chloral hyrate / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish osteoblast model, primary cilla model was removed by chloral hyrate, observe effects of osteoblast primary cilla moved on enhancing ALP staining and calcified nodules staining in electromagnetic field.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three 3-day-old male SD rats weighed between 6 and 9 g were killed, cranial osteoblast was drawed and adherencing cultured respectively. Cells were subcultured and randomly divided into 4 groups until reach to fusion states. The four groups included chloral hydrate non-involved group (control group), 2 mM, 4 mM and 8 mM chloral hydrate group, and cultured in 37 °C, 5% CO2 incubator for 72 h. Morphology of primary cilla was observed by laser confocal scanning microscope, and incidence of osteoblast primary cilia was analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software. Cells in the correct concentration group which can removed cillia most effectively were selected and divided into 3 groups, including control group (C), Electromagnetic fields group (EMFs), and EMFs with 4 mM chloral hydrate group. DMEM nutrient solution contained 10%FBS were added into three groups and cultured for 9 days and formation of ALP were observed by histochemical staining of alkaline phosphatase. After 12 days' cultivation, formation of mineralization nodes was observed by alizarin red staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group and 2mM chloral hydrate group,4 mM chloral hydrate group could effectively remove osteoblast primary cilla (P<0.01). Removal of osteoblast primary cilla could weaken the formation of ALP and mineralization nodes in osteoblast in EMFS. Compared with EMFs group, the area of ALP and mineralization nodes in EMFs with 4 mM chloral hydrate group were decreased obviously (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>4mM chloral hydrate could effectively remove osteoblast primary cilia. Primary cilla participate in EMFs promoting formation of ALP and mineralization nodes in osteoblast and provide new ideas for exploring mechanism of EMFs promoting osteoblast maturation and mineralization.</p>

Considerations for submucosal midazolam administration in combination with oral and inhaled medications for sedation of pediatric dental patients

Sedation allows patients to maintain their airway independently and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command while maintaining a minimum depressed level of consciousness. Drugs commonly used for sedation of pediatric dental patients include a combination of chloral hydrate, hydroxyzine, and nitrous oxide-oxygen. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine and currently one of the most commonly used intravenous sedative agents. It can be easily titrated to provide a wide range of sedation, from conscious sedation to deep sedation, and exhibits a wide safety margin without severe respiratory and circulatory depression. At an appropriate dose, it also decreases patient anxiety and induces amnesia. We found that the submucosal administration of midazolam combined with chloral hydrate provided increased sedative effects and decreased the postoperative vomiting response compared with conventional chloral hydrate administration, with no significant difference in physiological responses. The depth of sedation can be titrated using this technique.

A retrospective study of deep sedation with concomitant administration of sedative agents in children undergoing surgical removal of a mesiodens

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dentists face challenges when young patients require a mesiodens extraction. General anesthesia may be a burden to the child as well as the parent due to dental fears and costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral and intravenous sedation in the outpatient setting as a safe and effective means of managing patients who require a mesiodens extraction. METHODS: Records were reviewed retrospectively to find patients who underwent a mesiodens removal procedure from January 2013 to September 2014 in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Ajou University Hospital (Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea). A total of 81 patients (62 male and 19 female) between 4 and 11 years of age (mean [± SD] 81.6 ± 14.1 months) were studied, with a mean weight of 22.9 ± 3.3 kg (16 kg to 30 kg). Vital signs, sedation drug dosage, and sedation time were studied. RESULTS: Mean doses of 63.7 ± 2.5 mg/kg chloral hydrate and 1.36 ± 0.22 mg/kg hydroxyzine were used for oral sedation. Nitrous oxide/oxygen was administrated for 40.0 ± 2.1 min. The mean dose of midazolam administered intravenously was 0.14 ± 0.06 mg/kg (2.38 ± 0.97 times). In all cases, the mesiodens was removed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous sedation combined with oral sedation and nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation can be an alternative to general anesthesia when administrated and monitored properly.

Drug Rash With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome Induced by Chloral Hydrate in Early Childhood

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), is a rare, acute and severe life-threatening systemic disease. DRESS syndrome is characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, hypereosinophilia and involvement of systemic organs. The most commonly implicated drugs are anticonvulsants, sulfonamides and allopurinol. Chloral hydrate is a sedative and hypnotic drug frequently used in pediatric patients. We first report a case of DRESS syndrome induced by chloral hydrate in a 14-month-old female.

Optimal Initial Dose of Chloral Hydrate in Management of Pediatric Facial Laceration

BACKGROUND: Chloral hydrate (CH) is the primary agent most commonly used for pediatric sedation prior to diagnostic, therapeutic procedures. In the management of pediatric facial laceration, the initial dose of CH has to balance the need for adequate sedation against the need to minimize sedative complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of 834 children who visited our emergency room for facial lacerations from August 2010 to September 2012 was conducted. They were divided into six groups on the basis of the initial dose of CH administered. Further, each group was compared with the standard group (70 to < or =80 mg/kg) with respect to sedation success, augmentation dose, failed sedation, time to procedure, and time of stay. RESULTS: With respect to the complication rate, only group 1 (range, 40 to < or =50 mg/kg) showed a significantly lower complication rate. In the case of all the other variables considered, there were no significant differences among any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: An initial CH dose of 48+/-2 mg/kg does not negatively affect the success rate of sedation or the need for additional sedative during the primary closure of facial lacerations in pediatric patients. Further, lower doses reduce the incidences of adverse effects and do not delay procedure readiness. Therefore, 48+/-2 mg/kg of CH can be considered the optimal initial dose for pediatric sedation.

Efficacy of chloral hydrate and promethazine for sedation during electroencephalography in children; a randomised clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of oral chloral hydrate [CH] and promethazine [PZ] for sedation during electroencephalography [EEG] in children. In a parallel single-blinded randomized clinical trial, sixty 1-10 year old children referred to EEG Unit of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital from January 2010 to February 2011 in Yazd, Iran, were evaluated. They were randomized to receive orally 70 mg/kg chloral hydrate or promethazine 1 mg/kg. The primary outcome was efficacy in adequate sedation and successful recording of EEG. Secondary outcome included clinical side effects, time from administration of the drug to adequate sedation, caregiver's satisfaction on a Likert scale, and total stay time in EEG Unit. Twenty four cases with mean age 2.9 +/- 1.9 years were evaluated. Adequate sedation [Ramsay sedation score of four] was obtained in 43.3% of PZ and 100% of CH group [P=0.00001]. Also in 70% of PZ and 96.7% of CH group, EEG was successfully recorded [P=0.006]. So, CH was a more effective drug. In CH group, EEG was performed in shorter time after taking the drug [32.82 +/- 9.6 vs 52.14 +/- 22.88 minutes, P<0.001] and the parents waited less in the EEG unit [1.29 +/- 0.54 vs 2.6 +/- 0.59 hours, P<0.001]. They were also more satisfied [4.6 +/- 0.6 scores vs 3.1 +/- 1.4 scores, P=0.001]. Mild side effects such as vomiting in 20% of CH [n=6] and agitation in 6.6% of PZ group [n=2] were seen. No significant difference was seen from viewpoint of side effects frequency between the two drugs. The results of the present study showed that chloral hydrate can be considered as a safe and more effective drug in sedation induction for sleep EEG in children

Sedative Effect of Chlorpheniramine in Children Failed to sedate with Chloral hydrate and Midazolam / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sedative effect of add-on chlorpheniramine in children with neurologic diseases failed to sedate with chloral hydrate and midazolam. METHODS: Thirty three patients who had not been successfully sedated with oral chloral hydrate and intravenous midazolam for diagnostic examinations were attempted for sedation with intravenous chlorpheniramine at Chonnam National University Hospital from September 2007 to September 2012. The sedative effects were compared on the aspects of age, sex, body weight, dosage of drug and underlying neurologic conditions with the retrospective review of medical records. RESULTS: Among 33 patients, 26(78.7%) were successfully sedated and 7(24.2%) failed to sedate. The success rates were different by age and were decreased with age: 100%(0-4y), 84.6%(5-9y), 50%(10-14y). The effectiveness of chlorpheniramine was not significantly different in terms of ages, sex, body weight, dosage of drug and the underlying neurologic conditions-developmental delay, seizures or organic brain lesions. Children with ADHD(attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), however, showed a significantly lower success rate than the non-ADHD patient group (28.5%, P=0.002). No serious side effects were reported except for one case with transient perioral cyanosis. CONCLUSION: Chlorpheniramine appeared highly effective in children with neurologic diseases who had not been sedated with chloral hydrate and midazolam. The efficacy seemed to be higher in the younger age groups and lower in children with ADHD.