Pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia

Media Review

CJEM 1999;1(3):217

Pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia. Edited by Baruch Krauss and Robert M. Brustowicz. 327 pp. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999. ISBN 0-683-30558-1

Pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia is increasingly common in the ED; however, there is wide variability in practitioner knowledge, skill and technique. Complications can occur, and sedation remains highly controversial, especially when it relates to children. The aim of this book is to help physicians deliver analgesics and sedating agents in the safest possible fashion.

The book provides a focused review of the physiologic and pharmacological basis of pediatric procedural sedation. The editors assembled a superb group of physician authors to provide a practical but scientifically grounded interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach. Pharmacological agents are reviewed in depth, principles and management strategies are discussed, and guidelines for preparation, management, monitoring and discharge of sedated patients are provided. Common situations and procedures are covered. For each procedure there are specific approaches, special considerations and a decision tree. The book provides many clinical "pearls" aimed at the busy clinician.

Pediatric Procedural Sedation is a practical reference for all physicians and a valuable reference for any ED that deals with children and needs to establish or update procedural sedation policies.

Claude Topping, MD
CHA Universitaire de Québec
Quebec, Que.