Original Articles
To study the Clinical and Forensic Insights into Anesthetic Drug Use in Suspected Pediatric Abuse | |
Dr. Ankur Varshney, Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Dr. Vimal Kumar, Dr. Miteshkumar Ashokkumar Modi | |
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and forensic patterns of anesthetic drug usage in suspected cases of pediatric abuse. The objective was to analyze the types, dosages, and safety of anesthetics used during forensic and clinical procedures, and to assess the psychological and physiological impact on pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over one year, involving 120 pediatric patients aged 1 to 15 years, who were referred to the forensic unit with suspected cases of physical, sexual, emotional, or combined forms of abuse. Data collection included patient demographics, types of abuse, anesthetic drugs administered (e.g., propofol, sevoflurane, fentanyl, midazolam, dexmedetomidine), dosage patterns (high vs. low), and the total duration of anesthesia. Vital signs were monitored during anesthesia, and post-anesthetic recovery times, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and complications were recorded. Two anesthesia protocols were followed: general anesthesia for major procedures and sedation for less invasive forensic examinations. Surgical parameters and forensic implications were also assessed. Results: Of the 120 patients, the largest age group was 6-10 years (41.67%), with a slight male predominance (54.17%). Physical abuse was the most common type (45.83%), followed by sexual abuse (37.50%). Propofol (54.17%) was the most commonly used anesthetic, followed by sevoflurane (37.50%) and fentanyl (33.33%). Dosage patterns showed that propofol and sevoflurane were administered in higher doses for more complex procedures. Most patients (70.83%) recovered from anesthesia within 60 minutes, and 66.67% experienced no ADRs. Nausea and vomiting were the most common ADRs (12.50%), followed by hypotension (8.33%). Minor surgeries accounted for 58.33% of the surgical interventions, with the majority lasting less than an hour. Psychological stress markers were observed in 25% of the patients during forensic examinations. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of anesthesia in facilitating clinical and forensic evaluations in suspected pediatric abuse cases. Propofol, sevoflurane, and fentanyl were the most commonly used anesthetics, tailored to the complexity of the procedures. Careful monitoring and individualized anesthetic protocols ensured the safety and emotional well-being of pediatric patients. Future research is needed to further refine anesthetic practices in these sensitive cases. |
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