TIZANADINE HYDROCHLORIDE IS AN EFFECTIVE HYPNOTIC FOR ROUTINE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG)
Abstract number :
1.222
Submission category :
Year :
2002
Submission ID :
1042
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/7/2002 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2002, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Wayne Langburt, Michael G. Chez, Valerie Krasne, Cathleen P. Buchanan. Pediatric Neurology, S.C., Pediatric Neurology, S.C., Lake Bluff, IL
Objective: To report the novel useage of tizanadine hydrochloride (TH) as an hypnotic for children undergoing outpatient EEG.
Background: The comprehensive evaluation of seizures requires EEG recordings in both awake and asleep states. Sleep deprivation is often insufficient for producing sleep onset. Hypnotics such as chloral hydrate can cause EEG artifact and irritability in children as they wear off. TH is a centrally-acting alpha2 agonist that is indicated for the reduction of spasticity of central origin. Because of its sedative side effects and safety profile, we hypothesized that TH could be an effective hypnotic agent for routine EEG.
METHODS: All consecutive patients seen at our office older than age two years who did not achieve sleep within the first 20 minutes of the study were eligible for study inclusion.TH was administered based on body weight per manufacturer[ssquote]s indications. A second doseage was given after 30 minutes if the first dose was ineffective (maximum 10 mg.). No additional sedatives were given. Oxygen saturations and pulse rate were monitored. Technicians observed and rated sleep onset and ease of awakening. Computerized EEG recordings were subsequently analyzed by non-blinded observer for presence of sleep patterns (theta slowing, vertex waves) as well as medication artifacts.
RESULTS: Thirty-eight children (mean age 8.7 years, range 2-18; 24M/14F) were administered TH. Most patients had been sleep deprived. Average dose was 4.0 mg (range 2-10 mg). Sleep was achieved in 35/38 patients (92%). Mean time to sleep after TH administration was 33 minutes (range 6-110 minutes). All patients maintained normal saturation levels and cardiac rates, and and readily awoke at the end of the procedure. No adverse side effects were noted.
CONCLUSIONS: TH is an effective, safe agent for inducing sleep in children undergoing outpatient EEG. It does not cause EEG artifact. Prospective trials are required to further assess its role in other pediatric procedures which require short-term sedation.