Propofol for procedural sedation in the pediatric emergency department

Abstract

This retrospective case series reports our experience using propofol for procedural sedation in the Emergency Department over an 18-month period with 52 pediatric patients. Propofol sedation was performed successfully in all children (mean age, 10.2 years; range 0.7–17.4 years). Indications for sedation included orthopedic manipulation, incision and drainage of abscess, sexual assault examination, laceration repair, and non-invasive imaging studies. The mean dose administered with the intermittent bolus and continuous infusion methods of delivery was 4.25 mg/kg (± 1.86) and 8.3 mg/kg/h, respectively. The mean recovery time was 27.1 min (± 15.84). No patient required assisted ventilation or developed clinically significant hypotension. Respiratory depression requiring airway repositioning or supplemental oxygen was noted in 5.8% (3/52) patients. Propofol is a reasonable alternative to facilitate sedation for a range of procedures performed in a busy Pediatric Emergency Department.