The physiological effects of supplemental oxygen versus nitrous oxide/oxygen during conscious sedation of pediatric dental patients

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the effects of nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) versus oxygen (O2) as adjuncts to an oral narcotic regimen for pediatric conscious sedation. METHODS: Using a randomized double-blind crossover design, 19 children (mean age 41 +/- 8.6 months) were sedated with chloral hydrate (50 mg/kg), meperidine (1.5 mg/kg) and hydroxyzine pamoate (25 mg) for two appointments. Patients were assigned randomly to receive 100% O2 at one visit and 50% N2O/O2 at the other. Physiologic parameters were measured in five-minute intervals, including respiratory rate, pulse rate (PR), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide. Data analyses focused on true desaturations and apnea, level of sedation and sedation outcomes. RESULTS: There were no differences in PR, SpO2 and risk of desaturation between the inhalation agents. The level of sedation was deeper and the sedation outcomes were better in the N2O/O2 group. CONCLUSION: N2O/O2 deepened the sedation while improving its success with minimal alteration in physiologic parameters.