Adverse Effects of Chloral Hydrate in Neonates: Frequency and Related Factors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Chloral hydrate is a common drug frequently used for procedural sedation. But data on chloral hydrate use in the newborns are limited. This study examined the frequency of adverse effects of chloral hydrate and factors related to the adverse effects. We also examined if there were additional adverse effects when an additional sedative was used. METHODS: The medical records of 104 patients admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from March 2010 to February 2011 who used chloral hydrate for procedural sedation were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Adverse effects after administration of chloral hydrate were noted in 41.3% of the 104 patients. The adverse events included oxygen desaturation (18.8%), increase in apneic episodes (17.5%), increase in bradycardia (10%), and feeding intolerance (3.8%). Using oxygen at the time of chloral hydrate administration was independently associated with adverse effects (odds ratio [OR], 10.911; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-57.178) and with the necessity for an additional sedative after administration of chloral hydrate (OR, 4.151; 95% CI, 1.455-11.840). Using one additional sedative agent after chloral hydrate showed no difference in adverse effects except feeding intolerance. CONCLUSION: Patients dependent on oxygen at the time of chloral hydrate administration may were found to be at higher risk for adverse effect of chloral hydrate and for an additional sedative. When an additional sedative is needed, it could be used with monitoring feeding intolerance after chloral hydrate administration.