Dexmedetomidine Verses Propofol for Paediatric MRI Brain

Overview

MRI though not painful requires deep sedation for children due to the loud noise created. With deep sedation comes respiratory depression so the interest in Dexmedetomidine. For standardization MRI brain was chosen and also for the fact that patients usually have history of convulsions where drugs like ketamine may not be a good option. Patients were recruited after ethics committee approval. After pre-medication with intranasal midazolam 0.2 mg/kg body weight, Intravenous access was established and then patients were divided in two groups. One group received intravenous propofol 2mg/Kg and infusion of 100mcg/per kg body weight per minute. The other group received intravenous bolus of Dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over 10 minutes and then a infusion of Dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg/hour. Primary out come was to study the recovery time of patients sedated with Dexmedetomidine compared to patients sedated with propofol for paediatric MRI brain. Secondary outcome were analysed in terms of time for induction,procedural disruptions due to awakening and haemodynamic stability . Follow up was done on phone for any adverse events.

Patients were evaluated on out patient department basis. On the day of MRI nil per oral status of 6 hours was confirmed and consent taken from the parent. In recovery room after recording of vitals, children were given intranasal midazolam 0.2mg/kg body weight. The intravenous line was secured after the child was sedated. Patients were then divided in two groups. In the MRI console, the dexmedetomidine group received intravenous dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg body weight over 10 minutes. An intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine was then started at 1mcg/kg/hour. The propofol group received 2mg /kg of intravenous propofol and an infusion of 100mcg/kg/minute. MRI monitoring included pulseoximetry, cardioscope, respiratory pattern and rate. Oxygen was delivered by nasal prongs. Primary outcome measured was the time for recovery. Secondary outcomes were number of awakening during procedure, haemodynamic stability, induction time and any adverse events. After MRI the children were observed in the recovery room and discharged after achieving 'modified aldred score' of 10. Vitals and any adverse events were recorded during this phase.