Ketamine and Myoclonic Encephalopathy of Infants (Kinsbourne Syndrome)

Anesthesiologists are frequently called on to provide assistance for diagnostic procedures in young, uncooperative children. In many such situations, painful stimulation is minimal and the requirement for immobility is brief. Ketamine hydrochloride, intramuscularly or intravenously, has often been recommended for such procedures (1-3). We used this agent in a child with myoclonic encephalopathy of infants and encountered an unexpected complication. We describe our experience and discuss the anesthetic considerations for this rare condition.