The Effects of the Anesthetic Ketamine in Young Children Undergoing Procedural Sedation

In the emergency department (ED), ketamine is a popular anesthetic agent during sedation of children for painful and other short procedures. Sedation for procedures is more commonly used in children than adults, to achieve motion control and cooperation. In children, ketamine offers an ideal choice due to the fact that it is short acting, a highly effective sedative, and preserves cardio-respiratory stability. In the United States, more than one million children per year up to four years of age undergo short procedures requiring anesthestic agents, including ketamine. However, there is mounting concern from animal studies and retrospective human research regarding the safety of ketamine when administered to infants and young children with respect to its potential toxic effects on the developing . Conversely, ketamine has also been suggested as a neuroprotective agent. Prompt investigation and resolution of this issue is urgently required.