Propofol total intravenous anesthesia for MRI in children.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess clinical signs of airway patency, airway intervention requirements and adverse events in 100 children receiving propofol total intravenous anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging, with spontaneous ventilation and oxygenation via nasal prongs.


METHODS
Airway patency was clinically assessed and stepwise interventions were performed until a satisfactory airway was achieved. Propofol requirements, vital signs, procedure times and adverse events were also recorded.


RESULTS
Ninety-three per cent of children had no signs of airway obstruction when positioned with a shoulder roll only, two required a chin lift, four required an oral airway and one required lateral positioning. The mean propofol induction dose was 3.9 mg.kg(-1) (range 1.8-6.4 mg.kg(-1)). The mean propofol infusion rate was 193 microg.kg(-1).min(-1) (range 150-250 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)). The initial and final mean respiratory rates were 26 and 23 b.min(-1) (P < 0.05). Movement was more likely at lower infusion rates (mean 175 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)). There were no respiratory or cardiovascular complications (calculated risk: 95% CI = 0-3%). The mean time from end of scan to discharge home was 44 min.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates good preservation of upper airway patency and rapid recovery using general anesthetic doses of propofol in children.
Usher
Andrew G
AG
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada. ausher@ualberta.ca
Kearney
Ramona A
RA
Tsui
Ban C H
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D019296:Capnography; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010092:Oximetry; D015742:Propofol / Q000009:adverse effects; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015742:Propofol