Variations in Physiological, Psychomotor, and Analgesic Parameters during Titration of Nitrous Oxide in 3-12 Years Old Children Managed with Inhalation Sedation.

Background The present study was designed to assess variations in physiological, psychomotor parameters, and analgesic effects at various levels of nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia in 3-12 years old children. Design One hundred children aged 3-12 years were assessed for physiological, psychomotor, and analgesic parameters at various concentrations of N2O, i.e., baseline, 20, 40, 50, and 0% (100% O2). Physiological, psychomotor, and analgesic effects were assessed using a pulse oximeter, bender visual-motor Gestalt test, and response to electric pulp tester, respectively. Results Oxygen saturation (SpO2) showed a significant increase while heart rate (HR) showed a significant reduction at 50% N2O. No significant changes were observed in respiratory rate with a change in N2O levels. Significant reduction in the pain scores was found at the same level of stimulation by an electric pulp tester at 40 and 50% levels. The psychomotor changes were consistently higher at every concentration of nitrous oxide. However, no correlation could be found between various parameters tested. Conclusion N2O caused a significant increase in SpO2 in both the age groups, a decrease in HR, a significant decrease in pain score at 40 and 50% concentration of N2O, and had a significant effect on the psychomotor ability of children. How to cite this article Sharma S, Chopra R, Mathur S, et al. Variations in Physiological, Psychomotor, and Analgesic Parameters during Titration of Nitrous Oxide in 3-12 Years Old Children Managed with Inhalation Sedation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):650-655.