Induction Dose of Thiopental Sodium for Pediatric Sedation during Radiologic Examination - Abstract
Objective: The dose of thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation has been determined mainly based on the patient’s weight. However, children’s demographic characteristics other than the weight can affect the sedative effect of thiopental sodium. The purpose of this study was to determine the demgraphic characteristics that affect the induction dose of thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation.
Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of children (<18 years of age) who underwent computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging between January 2011 and August 2016 at a single tertiary medical center. We collected data on the demographics and the thiopental dose in children in whom sedation was successfully induced, without complications related to thiopental sodium. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the dose of thiopental sodium and the demographics.
Results: A total of 819 children who underwent successful sedation were included in the regression analysis. Weight, height, body surface area (BSA), and age were significantly correlated with the induction dose of thiopental sodium. Based on the multiple regression analysis, the equation for determining the induction dose of thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation was derived as follows: -8.153 + 0.799 × age (month) + 153.844 × BSA.
Conclusions: Not only weight but also age, height, and BSA should be considered for determining the induction dose of thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation by using the proposed regression equation. However, further clinical research should be performed to validate the equation.