PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - MohammedM. S. Jan
AU  - Marilou F. Aquino
TI  - The use of choral hydrate in pediatric electroencephalography
DP  - 2001 Apr 01
TA  - Neurosciences Journal
PG  - 99--102
VI  - 6
IP  - 2
4099  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/6/2/99.short
4100  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/6/2/99.full
SO  - Neurosciences (Riyadh)2001 Apr 01; 6
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep is a known activator of epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography. Chloral hydrate is used frequently for electroencephalography sedation. Our objectives were to study the value and limitations of chloral hydrate.METHODS: One hundred and fifty nine consecutive pediatric electroencephalograms were included prospectively. One electroencephalography technologist collected chloral hydrate related data. Electroencephalogram requisitions and recordings were reviewed separately by one certified electroencephalographer.RESULTS: The children’s ages ranged between 8 days to 19 years (mean=5.7 years). Natural sleep was recorded in 11% and only 2% were sleep deprived. Sedation was given to 45% mostly using chloral hydrate (96%). Children with chronic neurological abnormalities were more likely to receive chloral hydrate (odds ratio=9.8, 95% confidence interval=4.5-21). Chloral hydrate was effective in inducing sleep in 97%, however, 34% of the children woke up spontaneously before the test was completed, particularly those with chronic neurological abnormalities (p=0.0003). A second dose was necessary in 13%. Recording an initial period of wakefulness followed by sleep onset was more likely achieved in natural sleep electroencephalograms when compared to the sedated group (82% vs 10%, p<0.0001). These electroencephalograms were more likely to contain epileptiform discharges (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: Although chloral hydrate was effective in sleep induction, the sleep onset was frequently missed and the hypnotic effects were not sustained, particularly in children with chronic neurological abnormalities.