Randomized controlled trial for intermittent versus continuous propofol sedation for pediatric brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging studies.
OBJECTIVE
Intermittent bolus propofol is an effective agent for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging sedation but requires constant vigilance and dose titration. Magnetic resonance imaging-compatible infusion pumps may make it possible to continuously infuse propofol, achieving a steady level of sedation at a lower total dose. This study investigates total propofol dose, recovery time, and magnetic resonance image quality in children receiving intermittent vs. continuously infused propofol sedation in children undergoing brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging studies.


METHODS
An open-label, prospective, randomized, controlled study. A single-blinded radiologist rated the quality of magnetic resonance images.


METHODS
Children's hospital pediatric radiology sedation center.


METHODS
One hundred seventy children age 1 month to 18 yrs undergoing deep sedation for brain, spine, or both brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
After informed consent, patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (intermittent) received a propofol bolus of 2-4 mg/kg, followed by repeat boluses of 0.5-2 mg/kg/dose as needed. Group C (continuous) received a bolus of propofol 2-4 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 100 μg/kg/min with 1-mg/kg/dose boluses with drip titration to effect.


RESULTS
Patient demographics, sedation risk assessment, propofol dose, sedation recovery times, incidence of complications, and quality of the magnetic resonance imaging studies were measured. A total of 170 children were enrolled in the study, with 75 in group C and 95 in group I. Both groups were similar with regard to age, weight, gender, and magnetic resonance imaging study type. Group C required a lesser dose of propofol (132 ± 54 μg/kg/min) compared to (162 ± 74 μg/kg/min) in that required in group I (p = .018). There were no differences between the two groups with regard to quality of the imaging study, recovery time, or incidence of complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to intermittent bolus dosing, continuous propofol infusion provides lesser dose exposure without impacting recovery time or quality of the magnetic resonance imaging study.
Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Sedation Service, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. nabil.hassan@devosvhildrens.org
Nabil E
NE
Hassan
Bradford W
BW
Betz
Morgan R
MR
Cole
Jeni
J
Wincek
Diann
D
Reischman
Dominic J
DJ
Sanfilippo
Kim M
KM
Winterhalter-Rzeszutko
John S
JS
Kopec
D000293:Adolescent; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013131:Spine / Q000503:physiopathology
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol