Management of Pediatric Agitation and Aggression: Lessons Learned from the National Consensus Pediatric BETA Guidelines
Abstract
Introduction: Agitation in pediatric acute care settings is common and disruptive. We begin with a case example of an agitated patient on a pediatric medical unit. Using data from a survey of 38 North American children’s hospitals we will outline the prevalence, screening methods, clinical guidelines, and physician training in the management of agitation. We will describe hospital practice in the comprehensive evaluation and management of pediatric agitation and aggression at one institution, followed by a summary of the literature on medications for agitation. We conclude with the National Consensus Pediatric BETA Guidelines for the management of pediatric agitation and aggression in emergent settings.
Methods: A case presentation will be followed by data from a national survey of pediatric hospitalists and consultation/liaison psychiatrists. A clinical pathway for management of agitation will be described. Using a Medline and PsycINFO search from 01/01/1996-01/01/2017, we will summarize the literature on psychopharmacological management of agitation in pediatric patients. Using the Delphi method for consensus guideline development, a team of emergency department-based child and adolescent psychiatrists from across the United States created the Consensus Guidelines.
Results: Results of the survey of 38 North American academic children’s hospitals revealed 85.5% of the respondents encountered agitation in pediatric patients at least once a month. Most viewed agitation in pediatric patients as highly important, yet 55.1% do not screen for risk factors of agitation, 65.3% reported no clinical guidelines for agitation, and 57.1% indicated no physician training in pediatric agitation. A multidisciplinary clinical pathway for agitation in pediatric patients will be outlined. Evidence for the following medication classes will be described: antihistamines, benzodiazepines, typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, and stimulants. The Consensus Guidelines outline standardized recommendations for medications.
Conclusion: Agitation in pediatrics patients is a concern continent-wide, but there is little training or standardization of care. Clinical pathways exist and can ensure identification and early management. Data about psychopharmacological management of agitation exists and updated Consensus Guidelines provide standardized guidelines for the management of agitation.