A COMPARISON OF INTRANASAL SUFENTANIL AND MIDAZOLAM TO INTRAMUSCULAR MEPERIDINE, PROMETHAZINE, AND CHLORPROMAZINE FOR CONSCIOUS SEDATION INCHILDREN

Study objective: To compare intranasal sufentanil and midazolam (IN-SM ) with intramuscular meperidine, promethazine, and chlorpromazine (IM- MPC) for sedation in children. Design: Single-blind, randomized, contr olled study. Setting: Urban children's emergency department. Participa nts: A convenience sample of children aged 1 to 4 years requiring sutu ring. Interventions: IN-SM or IM-MPC. Results: Vital signs, O2 saturat ion, and anxiety and pain scores were recorded. A 6-point scale was us ed to assess response to medication, and a 12-point recovery score was used to determine readiness for discharge. Both groups were similar i n age and sex distribution. There were no significant adverse effects in either group. Patients tolerated the IN regimen better than the IM regimen. Behavioral scores were lower during repair than at baseline w ithin each group; however, they were not different between groups. Tim e to discharge was longer and recovery scores were lower (worse) among the IM-MPC group. Conclusion: IN-SM is as effective as IM-MPC for sed ation in children.