Arch Dis Child 2001;84:492-495 ( June )

Article

Efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide in alleviating pain and anxiety during painful procedures S A Kanagasundaram, L J Lane, B P Cavalletto, J P Keneally, M G Cooper

Vincent Fairfax Paediatric Pain Unit, and Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence to: Dr S A Kanagasundaram, Dept of Anaesthesia, Jenner Building, The Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London N19, UK suchi{at}msn.com

Accepted 6 December 2000

AIMSTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide for children undergoing painful procedures.
METHODSNinety children requiring repeated painful procedures (lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspirate, venous cannulation, or dressing changes) were given nitrous oxide at a variable concentration of 50-70%. Procedure related distress was evaluated using the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R). OSBD-R scores were obtained for each of the following phases of the procedure: phase 1a, waiting period; phase lb, during induction with nitrous oxide; phase 2, during positioning and cleaning of the skin; phase 3, during the painful procedure; and phase 4, immediately following the procedure and withdrawal of nitrous oxide. Side effects were monitored and recorded by a second observer.
RESULTSOSBD scores reached a maximum during the induction phase with lower scores during subsequent phases. Children over the age of 6 showed a lower level of distress during nitrous oxide administration and the painful procedure. Eighty six per cent of patients had no side effects. The incidence of vomiting, excitement, and dysphoria was 7.8%, 4.4%, and 2% respectively. Eight patients developed oxygen desaturation (SaO₂ < 95%), but none developed hypoxia, airway obstruction, or aspiration. Ninety three per cent of patients fulfilled the criteria for conscious sedation, and 65% had no recollection of the procedure. Mean recovery time was three minutes.
CONCLUSIONSInhalation of nitrous oxide is effective in alleviating distress during painful procedures, with minimal side effects and short recovery time.


Keywords: nitrous oxide; pain; anxiety; painful procedure

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© 2001 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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Nitrous oxide and vitamin B12

Isabel Smith

ADC Online, 16 Jul 2001 [Full text]