J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2000 Sep;11(3):339-344.

Ketamine Use of Pediatric Sedation in Emergency Room

• Seo JP
• Park JS
• Hwang TS
• Jang SJ
• Kim SH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ketamine use in emergency room has been increased. It has rapid onset of action and appropriate duration of action. It does not need endotracheal intubation and produces potent analgesia, sedation, and amnesia. The object of this study is to determine the safety and the degree of physician's satisfaction in relation to ketamine use.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a prospective study using protocol. Pediatric trauma patients who need sedation were given IM ketamine(4mg/kg) and atropine(0.01mg/kg) in a same syringe. Monitoring of patients was done by EM residents and complications of ketamine use were recorded. Physician's satisfaction was also recorded after the procedure.
RESULTS
Intramuscular ketamine was administered 54 times, mainly for laceration repair. Physicians completed protocol for 51 of treated children. The median time for onset of sedation was 6.5+/-2.4 min, and duration of action was 32.4+/-10.8 min. Hypersalivation occurred in 9.8%(n=5); random movement 3.9%(n=2), emesis during procedure(n=1), emesis at home(n=1), and transient oxygen desaturation(n=1). All were quickly identified and treated without specific airway management and sequelae. Of 84% of physicians was satisfied with ketamine use for pediatric sedation.
CONCLUSION
Intramuscular ketamine can be administered safely and satisfactorily in emergency room to facilitate pediatric procedures in conjunction with a defined protocol and appropriate monitoring.

MeSH Terms

Airway Management
Amnesia
Analgesia
Child
Emergencies*
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Humans
Intubation, Intratracheal
Ketamine*
Lacerations
Oxygen
Prospective Studies
Sialorrhea
Syringes
Vomiting
Ketamine
Oxygen