Reduction of Benzodiazepine Requirements During Mechanical Ventilation in a Child by Topical Application of Essential Oils

Abstract

To avoid these complications, many chil-dren require maintenance therapy with long-acting benzodiaz-epines,delayingdischargehome.Benzodiazepinesalsointerferewithrapideyemovementsleeppatterns,resultinginaprofoundsenseoffatigue,andmayleadtodisorientationoragitationafterdays remaining in a drug-induced state of sleep. Prolonged seda-tion leads to postextubation paresis requiring physical therapy.Prolonged periods of stasis lead to lymph edema and third spac-ing, requiring diuretics, which lead to electrolyte derangements.The ability to reduce the amount of benzodiazepines usedduring critical illness may help reduce the incidence or severityof these side effects and sequelae. This article describes a casereport of reduction in benzodiazepine requirements in an intu-bated, sedated child by using topically applied essential oils.