The efficacy of an inhaled equimolar mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (Entonox/MEOPA) to prevent procedural pain during renal percutaneous biopsies in children was assessed.
Patients and methods: One hundred and seven children who underwent 113 renal biopsies during a 17-month period were included in a prospective uncontrolled pediatric study. Efficacy was evaluated using patients' answers to a questionnaire and nurses' observations.
Results: Pain was absent in 86.5% of the cases. Mild adverse events were noted in one-third of the procedures, and were always reversible within a few minutes when the inhalation stopped. Acceptability was good. The use of this gas is easy and safe provided a few precautions are observed.
Conclusion: Inhaled equimolar mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen prevents procedural pain during renal percutaneous biopsies.