title: [Utilization of an equimolar mixture of oxygen-nitrous oxide in a general pediatric ward].
abstract: We report our experience of the utilization of the 50% oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture (nitrous oxide 50%) in our general pediatric ward after one year of use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1st April 1997 and 31st March 1998, children who had to undergo a painful procedure were proposed to inhale 50% nitrous oxide before the procedure. We evaluate pain, restlessness and adverse effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedures (127 of them) were carried out in 90 children (61 boys). They were aged from 5 months to 15 years (mean: 5.7 years; median: 4.1 years). Indications were: lumbar puncture (n = 45), burning dressing (n = 29), venous cannulation (n = 12), minor surgery (n = 27), and miscellaneous (n = 14). Inhalation time was between 2 to 70 min (mean: 14.4 min; median: 11 min). Pain was absent or low in 106 cases (83.4%). Restlessness was absent or low in 100 cases (78.8%). Averse events were observed 12 times, but they were always minor and quickly reversible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nitrous oxide (50%) can be used successfully in a general pediatric ward. Other studies are necessary to define the best conditions.
authors.affiliation: Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier de Cornouaille, Quimper, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vic
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Laguette
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Blondin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blayo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thirion
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Queinnec
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lew
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mehu
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Broussine
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen