Sedation and analgesia in pediatric emergency <br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To review the main pharmacological agents in the Pediatric Emergency Department for painful procedures. SOURCE OF DATA: Scientific original and review articles from the MedLine/PubMed and LILACS databases, using the terms sedation, analgesia, chidren, emergency department and painful procedures. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The management of pain, anxiety and movement in children submitted to painful procedures has been substantially developed over the last 20 years. Factors such as time, logistics and costs favor the treatment in the emergency room as opposed to the operating room. A wide variety of medications are available. Opioids and ketamine are the main options for analgesia and sedation in the pediatric emergency department The proper monitoring and constant evaluation are critical care-steps for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure of sedation and analgesia in the emergency room. CONCLUSIONS: As there is not a unique drug that could be used in all situations needing sedation and analgesia in the pediatric emergence department, the choice is directed by multiple criteria such as pain intensity, onset of action, length of effect, adverse events, service experience and costs.