SEDATION AND ANALGESIA IN CHILDREN

This article describes the most current and effective means for provid ing sedation and analgesia for the pediatric patient. Three basic leve ls for sedation can be defined: conscious sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. Treatment of pain is also established according to an analgesic ladder providing safe and effective sedation and analges ia to children requires appropriate selection of drugs and dosage, pro per monitoring, knowledge of potential side effects, and adequate airw ay management equipment and personnel. Agents available for sedation a nd analgesia of children and therapeutic options according to differen t clinical situations are described.