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Effects of low dose ketamine before induction on propofol anesthesia for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging

Erkan Tomatir1, Habip Atalay, Ercan Gurses

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey. etomatirtr@yahoo.com

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Low dose ketamine before propofol anesthesia in children undergoing MRI improved hemodynamic stability. This combination did not alter recovery time or quality compared to propofol alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires anesthesia in pediatric patients.
  • Propofol is commonly used for anesthesia induction and maintenance during MRI.
  • Hemodynamic stability is a concern during propofol-based anesthesia in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of low-dose ketamine administered before propofol anesthesia induction in children undergoing MRI.
  • To compare hemodynamic stability and recovery characteristics between propofol alone and propofol-ketamine combinations.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-three pediatric patients undergoing elective MRI were randomized into two groups.
  • Group 1 received propofol alone.
  • Group 2 received a low-dose ketamine bolus followed by propofol infusion. Hemodynamic parameters and recovery data were monitored.

Main Results:

  • The propofol-ketamine group exhibited preserved blood pressure and less heart rate reduction compared to the propofol-only group.
  • Three instances of apnea with desaturation occurred in the propofol group.
  • No significant differences were observed in airway maneuvers, secretions, nausea/vomiting, movement, or recovery time between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-induction ketamine with propofol anesthesia maintains hemodynamic stability in pediatric MRI patients.
  • This anesthetic approach does not negatively impact recovery duration or quality.
  • Ketamine may be a beneficial adjunct to propofol for pediatric MRI anesthesia.
Abstract

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