Adverse effects of pediatric emergency sedation after discharge.
OBJECTIVE
Sedation is commonly performed in children in the emergency department. However, little is known about adverse events that may occur after discharge. This study was conducted to evaluate adverse effects occurring after discharge in children following sedation in the emergency department.


METHODS
Parents of 547 children receiving sedation in the emergency department of a pediatric, academic hospital were called A approximately 24 hours af t er discharge a nd asked to complete a telephone questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
At least one adverse effect was reported in 42% of participants after discharge. This included lethargy (12%), vomiting (7%), behavioral changes (7%), headache (6%), balance/gait disturbances (5%), nausea (4%), sleep disturbances (4%), nightmares (4%), hallucinations (2%), and ear pain (0.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Children experience minor adverse effects from sedation after discharge from the emergency department. Anticipatory guidance about these adverse effects should be given to parents and caregivers prior to discharge.
Steurer
Lisa M
LM
Professional Practice and Systems, St. Louis ChildIren's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Luhmann
Janet
J
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004325:Dreams / Q000187:drug effects; D004433:Earache / Q000139:chemically induced; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D053609:Lethargy / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D010351:Patient Discharge; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced