Using Capnography to Reduce Hypoxia During Pediatric Sedation

Using Capnography to Reduce the Incidence of Hypoxia in Children During Moderate Sedation in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators hypothesize that the addition of capnography during moderate sedation will improve recognition of hypoventilation and apnea. This will lead to an increased frequency of staff interventions such as verbal or physical stimulation for these events in order to improve ventilation which will in turn lead to a reduction in the frequency of oxygen desaturations. If capnography proves to be effective in creating earlier detection and intervention for hypoventilation and apnea during moderate sedation provided by non-anesthesiologists, this device can be used in a variety of clinical settings to enhance patient safety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children 1-20 years old who require IV sedation in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to tolerate nasal-oral cannula
• Conditions that effect end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement (active asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe dehydration or trauma)
• Intubation