The effect of obesity on the ED(95) of propofol for loss of consciousness in children and adolescents.

Introduction: Anesthesiologists face a dilemma in determining appropriate dosing of anesthetic drugs in obese children. In this study we determined the dose of propofol that caused loss of consciousness in 95% (ED(95)) of obese and nonobese children as determined by loss of eye lash reflex.

Methods: Forty obese (body mass index [BMI] > 95th percentile for age and gender) and 40 normal weight (BMI 25th to 84th percentile) healthy ASA 1 to 2 children ages 3 to 17 years presenting for surgical procedures were studied using a biased coin design.

Safety and effectiveness of ketamine as a sedative agent for pediatric GI endoscopy.

Background: The ideal sedation for children undergoing GI endoscopy remains elusive. After ketamine was introduced as a sedative agent in our GI procedure suite, improved sedation and reduced complications were observed. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of ketamine as a sedative agent for GI endoscopy in pediatric patients.