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Deep sedation for magnetic resonance imaging. Personal experience

A Marchi1, A Orrù, M E Manai

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

Minerva Anestesiologica
|February 7, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Deep sedation with chloral hydrate or propofol ensures successful pediatric MRI by providing necessary immobility. Both drugs are safe and effective, allowing for rapid patient reawakening with minimal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric imaging
  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pediatric diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI, demands patient immobility for optimal quality.
  • Deep sedation is a proven method to achieve this immobility in young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the application of deep sedation using two safe and manageable drugs in pediatric patients undergoing MRI.
  • To assess the efficacy and safety of chloral hydrate and propofol for achieving deep sedation in pediatric MRI.

Main Methods:

  • 82 pediatric patients (average age 5.4 years) received deep sedation.
  • Chloral hydrate (60-80 mg/kg orally) or propofol (IV bolus + infusion, preceded by midazolam) was administered.
  • Oxygen saturation and heart rate were continuously monitored.

Main Results:

  • Deep sedation successfully achieved the required immobility for MRI in all patients.
  • Most patients breathed autonomously; 5 patients receiving propofol required brief mask ventilation.
  • Complete reawakening occurred within 2 hours, with no delayed side effects observed.

Conclusions:

  • Chloral hydrate and propofol are optimal drugs for pediatric deep sedation during MRI.
  • Careful drug selection, appropriate dosing, and expert monitoring are crucial for successful and safe sedation.
  • These agents facilitate diagnostic procedures requiring total immobilization and rapid recovery.

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