Sedating children in South Africa

Regarding 'Sedation for paediatric auditory electrophysiology in South Africa' we thank the authors for publishing their research thereby giving us documentary proof of what we know to be widespread practice. Sedation has, for many years, been poorly documented and not subject to the standards in respect of monitoring, medications administered, staff ratios and clinical governance that is its due. Several closed claims analyses and numerous reviews have recognised that paediatric sedation, in particular, is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. As the authors indicate, there is increasing pressure from practitioners, funders and patients or parents for procedures to take place outside the operating room; the age limit at which this is deemed acceptable is being pushed lower and lower. In addition, the complexity and length of these procedures is increasing.DHE