The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2009 , Vol 51 , Num 5
Severe Central Nervous and Respiratory System Depression after Sedation with Chloral Hydrate: A Case Report
Department of Pediatrics, Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Aydın, Turkey
Chloral hydrate is generally considered a safe sedative-hypnotic drug, and is
commonly used for sedation of infants and young children before diagnostic
procedures. Even chloral hydrate administered within the recommended
maximal dose limits can cause serious morbidity and mortality. Here the
authors describe a four-month-old girl with a life-threatening central nervous
system and respiratory depression after administration of a therapeutic dose
of chloral hydrate. The patient gradually recovered with supportive treatment
including ventilation therapy.
Keywords :
chloral hydrate, respiratory depression, central nervous system depression.