Titrated propofol induction vs. continuous infusion in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
Propofol is the popular intravenous (i.v.) anaesthetic for paediatric sedation because of its rapid onset and recovery. We compared the efficacy and safety of a single dose and conventional infusion of propofol for sedation in children who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


METHODS
This was a double-blind, randomized-controlled study. One hundred and sixty children were assigned to group I (single dose) or II (infusion). Sedation was induced with i.v. propofol 2 mg/kg, and supplemental doses of propofol 0.5 mg/kg were administered until adequate sedation was achieved. After the induction of sedation, we treated patients with a continuous infusion of normal saline at a rate of 0.3 ml/kg/h in group I and the same volume of propofol in group II. In case of inadequate sedation, additional propofol 0.5 mg/kg was administered and the infusion rate was increased by 0.05 ml/kg/h. Induction time, sedation time, recovery time, additional sedation and adverse events were recorded.


RESULTS
Recovery time was significantly shorter in group I compared with group II [0 (0-3) vs. 1 (0-3), respectively, P<0.001]. Group I (single dose) had significantly more patients with recovery time 0 compared with group II (infusion) (65/80 vs. 36/80, respectively, P<0.001). Induction and sedation times were not significantly different between groups. There was no significant difference in the frequency of additional sedation and adverse events between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
A single dose of propofol without a continuous infusion can provide appropriate sedation in children undergoing MRI for <30 min.
Cho
J E
JE
Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
W O
WO
Chang
D J
DJ
Choi
E M
EM
Oh
S Y
SY
Kil
H K
HK
D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects; D018401:Sample Size
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen; D015742:Propofol