432 - Weighted Blankets to Reduce Anxiety During Pediatric Operative Procedures.

Weighted Blankets to Reduce Anxiety During Pediatric Operative Procedures. Donovan C, Mensah  J, Tannen R, Chu P, (St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx NY) 

Purpose: Weighted blankets have been shown to reduce anxiety in patients of all ages. Deep pressure stimulation helps the body move from a fight-or-flight response found in the sympathetic nervous system to a rest-and-digest state found in the parasympathetic nervous system. With this transition, the body releases feelings of stress and anxiety and moves to a more relaxed sense of calm and peace. The aim of this study is to determine whether weighted blankets decrease the level of anxiety in pediatric patients during operative procedures. Weighted blankets are easily obtainable and usable, which would make them practical to incorporate in many practices, if found to be effective. 

Methods: Patients age 5-12 who are healthy and having at least two teeth requiring operative procedures in different quadrants of the mouth. Each patient was assigned a number and was their own control. One operative visit was performed with a weighted blanket and one visit was performed without. A coin was flipped to determine which visit will be done with the use of the blanket. Dental anxiety was measured through use of the Venham picture scale and heart rate variability.

Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing operative procedures using the weighted blanket. Patients demonstrated lower anxiety scores using the Venham Picture Test and lower heart rates during the weighted blanket appointment.

Conclusion: Weighted blankets are an effective, low cost, and widely accepted behavior management modality.