Publication:

Calming contest - a battle between nitrous oxide and oral sedation - who wins in paediatric minds

Background The aim of the study was to compare the pre and post use of oral melatonin as oral sedative drug with nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation in young uncooperative children.

Methods Twenty children aged 5 to 10 years were chosen to participate in the study and were equally divided into two groups: group 1 oral melatonin and group 2 nitrous oxide sedation. Parameters evaluated included Ramsay sedation scale, Houpt behaviour rating scale and Chota Bheem scale for anxiety, heart rate and oxygen saturation. The student t-test was used to compare the groups, and proportions were analysed using the Chi-square test.

Results The treatment carried out was successful in 80% and 73% of the children in the melatonin and nitrous oxide groups respectively with no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion The study found that children aged 5 to 10 years can be sedated well with either of the sedative regimens. However, administering nitrous oxide oxygen sedation requires clinically higher patient compliance.