Role of sedation protocols in pediatrician intensive care units

Abstract

Sedative treatments, routinely used in adult and pediatric critical care units, may have side-effects, particularly in case of inadequate sedation level. The most appropriate sedation to each patient appears essential, and sedation protocol may be a useful tool. The most frequently studied are daily interrupted and nurse-implemented sedation protocols. Although some adult studies have demonstrated their interest for the reduction of sedation-linked morbidity, their place in pediatric clinical practice remains unclear.