Non-sedation of the neonate for radiologic procedures

On Dec. 16, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning regarding the potential neurotoxicity of anesthesia and sedation agents on the developing brain in children younger than 3 years and in women during their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. These concerns have relevance to the pediatric radiologist who must take into consideration how the child's state might impact image quality. In this review the author provides background on the special concerns in the potentially highest-risk group, pre-term and term neonates, and provides guidance and rationale for the avoidance of sedation in procedural imaging of the newborn. (orig.)