Evaluation of methohexital as an alternative to propofol in a high volume outpatient pediatric sedation service.
BACKGROUND
Propofol is a preferred agent for many pediatric sedation providers because of its rapid onset and short duration of action. It allows for quick turn around times and enhanced throughput. Occasionally, intravenous (IV) methohexital (MHX), an ultra-short acting barbiturate is utilized instead of propofol.


OBJECTIVE
Describe the experience with MHX in a primarily propofol driven outpatient sedation program and to see if it serves as an acceptable alternative when propofol is not the preferred pharmacologic option.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review from 2012 to 2015 of patients receiving IV MHX as their primary sedation agent. Data collected included demographics, reason for methohexital use, dosing, type of procedure, success rate, adverse events (AE), duration of the procedure, and time to discharge.


RESULTS
Methohexital was used in 240 patient encounters. Median age was 4years (IQR 2-7), 71.8% were male, and 80.4% were ASA-PS I or II. Indications for MHX use: egg+soy/peanut allergy in 93 (38.8%) and mitochondrial disorder 9 (3.8%). Median induction bolus was 2.1mg/kg (IQR, 1.9-2.8), median maintenance infusion was 4.5mg/kg/h (IQR, 3.0-6.0). Hiccups 15 (6.3%), secretions requiring intervention 14 (5.8%), and cough 12 (5.0%) were the most commonly occurring minor AEs. Airway obstruction was seen in 28 (11.6%). Overall success rate was 94%. Median time to discharge after procedure completion was 40.5min (IQR 28-57).


CONCLUSIONS
Methohexital can be used with a high success rate and AEs that are not inconsistent with propofol administration. Methohexital should be considered when propofol is not a preferred option.
Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: nicholas.e.jones@emory.edu.
Nicholas E
NE
Jones
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: michael.kelleman@emory.edu.
Michael S
MS
Kelleman
Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: hsimon@emory.edu.
Harold K
HK
Simon
Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: jana.stockwell@choa.org.
Jana A
JA
Stockwell
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: courtney.mccracken@emory.edu.
Courtney
C
McCracken
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: michael.mallory@choa.org.
Michael D
MD
Mallory
Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: pradip.kamat@choa.org.
Pradip P
PP
Kamat
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008723:Methohexital / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010045:Outpatients; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D008723:Methohexital; D015742:Propofol
Adverse events; Methohexital; Pediatrics; Procedural sedation; Propofol