Dexmedetomidine compared with propofol for pediatric sedation during cerebral angiography

Sedation of pediatric patients undergoing cerebral angiography is challenging. Although dexmedetomidine is used for sedation in various procedures, it has not been reported for pediatric patients undergoing cerebral angiography. This study compared the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine with that of propofol for cerebral angiography in pediatric patients.

Sixty-two patients (6-15 years) scheduled for elective cerebral angiography were apportioned randomly and equally to receive either propofol or dexmedetomidine sedation. Patients in the propofol group received an initial bolus of intravenous propofol (1 mg/kg) and a maintenance infusion of 100 μg/kg/min. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group received an initial bolus of intravenous dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg over 10 min) and a maintenance infusion of 1 μg/kg/h. An additional bolus of propofol 0.5 mg/kg or dexmedetomidine 0.25 μg/kg was repeated if needed. Procedure time, time to recovery and adverse events associated with sedation were recorded.

All cerebral angiographies were completed successfully under sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol. Mean cerebral angiography time was 36 ± 10 min in the propofol group and 31 ± 7 min in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.047). The percentage of airway events and total adverse events were significantly higher in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Heart rate decreased in the dexmedetomidine group and mean arterial pressure decreased in the propofol group (P < 0.05, each).

Although cerebral angiography can be performed successfully under sedation with either propofol or dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine may be a better alternative because of fewer respiratory adverse events.