Preparation of Children for urinary tract x-rays and the use of premedication

During the last few years, a more liberal use of premedication in children scheduled for Urinary tract examinations was noted. In this retrospective study, the influence of the institution of psychological means for preparation as supplement or alternative to premedication on the incidence of cases receiving premedication was investigated. During the period from 1978 to 1982, this was followed in 289 children. In the first 2.5 years, of the 160 children, who did not get any special preparation prior to examination, 33 percent were premedicated. Of the 229 children who received preparation during the following 2.5-year period, the incidence of premedication was reduced to 20.5 percent (p<0.001). Special psychological preparation reduced the number of anxious children needing premedication for X-ray examinations and is recommended for all children subjected to examinations. In children showing anxiety and fear before examinations and in children undergoing anesthesia and surgery, premedication ought to be added.