Intravenously administered pentobarbital sodium for sedation in pediatric CT.

A retrospective study of 5,134 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing computed tomographic (CT) evaluation from January 1983 through December 1985 was conducted to analyze the need for sedation in a pediatric population; the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of various sedation regimens; and the pediatric radiologists' changing preference for certain sedatives. A marked preference for intravenous administration of pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal) evolved over the 3-year period analyzed. Intravenous Nembutal facilitated the most efficient use of available CT scanning time. Recovery times were reduced, and patient convenience was augmented. There were only two sedation failures in the 419 patients sedated with intravenous Nembutal, and there were no sedation-related complications.