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How safe is sedation for overweight/obese children?
November 18, 2013
This summary is based on the article published in the Pediatric Dentistry Journal: The safety of sedation for overweight/obese children in the dental setting (September/October 2012)
Purpose of the Study
Examine childhood overweight/obesity as a risk factor for adverse events during sedation for dental procedures.
Key Messages
- Overall, weight percentiles were higher in children who had one or more adverse events. Similarly, patients with higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles were more likely to experience adverse events.
- Although preliminary in nature, these findings suggest that childhood overweight/obesity may be associated with adverse events during sedation for dental procedures.
- In the interim, practitioners should obtain presedation weight and height and calculate the patient’s body mass index prior to sedation; for children who are overweight/obese, practitioners may want to proceed with additional caution or consider an alternate behavior management strategy.
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We have received the following question: What was considered an adverse event?
In response, here is what the article states as adverse events:
• Respiratory depression caused by hypoxia/chronic extrinsic restrictive lung disease and OSA
• Respiratory complications, prolonged sedation, cardiac arrhythmias, brain injuries, and even death
• Most frequent adverse events include: nausea/vomiting; apnea; desaturation; and prolonged sedation
If you have other questions, send us an email or post a comment.
JCDA Oasis Team