Abstract
Background
The use of sedative and analgesic agents is required for procedural sedation in the
emergency department (ED). Agents such as ketamine and propofol are commonly used
for procedural sedation. This is likely due to clinical experience with these agents,
as well as optimal pharmacologic properties when used in combination with one another.
Methohexital, a barbiturate, is less frequently used due to concerns for adverse events
associated with this drug class.
Objective
The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of methohexital in comparison
with ketamine and propofol when used for procedural sedation in musculoskeletal procedures.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate adult ED patients who received
ketamine, propofol, or methohexital for procedural sedation from January 1, 2014 to
June 30, 2020.
Results
Overall, a total of 43 procedures were included in the study. Procedures included
shoulder relocation, elbow relocation, hip relocation, ankle reduction, radius/ulnar
reduction, mandibular relocation, patellar relocation, and wrist reduction. There
was a 90.6% overall procedural success rate, which was similar between groups. Overall
adverse events occurred in 34.8% of patients. Respiratory depression occurred in 9.3%
of patients. No incidence of respiratory depression was observed in the methohexital
group, compared with 2 patients receiving ketamine and 4 receiving propofol (p = 0.44).
Conclusion
Methohexital is a safe and effective option for procedural sedation for musculoskeletal
procedures in the ED when compared with ketamine and propofol.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 08, 2022
Accepted:
October 12,
2021
Received in revised form:
September 20,
2021
Received:
March 16,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc.
