Abstract
Studies of respiration and circulatory dynamics of children under body restraint during dental treatment, have shown marked increases in heart rate and significant decreases in percutaneous oxygen saturation of arterial blood. Although, caution has been advised concerning the body restraint of children and disabled patients on the basis of these clinical studies, there has been no detailed study on the relationship between the pressure of body restraint and changes in respiration and circulatory dynamics in pediatric patients because of ethical considerations.This study evaluated the effect of body restraint of uncooperative patients during dental procedures on respiration and circulatory dynamics by measuring arterial pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood gas analysis in 13 Japanese white rabbits (16-week-old).Significant elevations of central venous pressure and respiratory rate were observed after 5 minutes of body restraint at pressures of 25, 50, and 100 mmHg. Blood gas analysis also showed significant decreases in PaO2, significant increases in PaCO2, and decreases in blood pH.These results suggest that body restraint of even a short duration can exert adverse effects on respiration and circulatory dynamics, and the possibility of hypercapnia and hypoxia. Because a rapid decrease in blood pressure was also noted after release from body restraint, we consider it important to observe patients after body restraint. In addition, we believe that this rabbit research model is effective for studying the several effects of body restraint and further nociceptive stimulation.
