Evaluating Sedation Methods for Paediatric Acute Asthma in Saudi Arabian Emergency Departments: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Introduction: The effective management of paediatric asthma is a critical health challenge globally, with Saudi Arabia witnessing a significant rise in cases amongst children. This study aims to scrutinise sedation practices in paediatric acute asthma within emergency departments, aligning with national and international guidelines. The goal is to identify and propagate best practices to improve asthma care universally, reflecting the urgency for enhanced management techniques in response to the growing prevalence of the condition. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed a range of emergency departments across Saudi Arabia, focusing on paediatric patients diagnosed with acute asthma and receiving sedation. Selection criteria were stringent to ensure a demographically representative sample. The study documented sedation methods through medical record analysis and direct observation, emphasising adherence to ethical protocols and data accuracy. Results: We evaluated sedation methods in 2,193 paediatric patients presenting with acute asthma across multiple emergency departments. The data illustrated a disparate range of sedation practices, suggesting an urgent need for standardisation. The overall effectiveness of the sedation techniques employed was modest, with a 51% success rate ( n = 1119) across the board. More specifically, the reliability of propofol-based intravenous sedation was slightly lower, with a 48% effectiveness rate ( n = 1053). Alarmingly, the occurrence of adverse events was notably high, with incidence rates spanning from 50% ( n = 1097) to 53.1% ( n = 1163) across the various sedation techniques, underscoring serious safety issues. Patient satisfaction mirrored this trend of moderate assurance, standing at 49% ( n = 1075). Upon statistical evaluation, no significant disparities were found in sedation levels or in the correlation of sedation methods with respiratory, cardiovascular or psychological complications, underscoring a critical need for ongoing research to refine and optimise sedation protocols. Conclusions: The study reveals a significant variation in the sedation methods employed for paediatric acute asthma cases in Saudi emergency departments, with a moderate level of confidence in these practices and a concerning rate of adverse events. These findings suggest a pressing need for the development of standardised sedation protocols to improve patient outcomes. Through this research, we aim to catalyse advancements in emergency asthma care, with the potential to influence practices both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.