Propofol versus Fentanyl for Sedation in Pediatric Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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P K G Gunathilaka1, Kana Ram Jat1, Jhuma Sankar1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Indian Pediatrics
|December 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Propofol provides faster conscious sedation for pediatric flexible bronchoscopy than fentanyl. It resulted in less coughing, quicker recovery, and higher physician satisfaction with no increased side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Flexible bronchoscopy is a common pediatric procedure requiring conscious sedation.
  • Choosing the optimal sedative agent is crucial for patient safety and procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of propofol versus fentanyl for inducing conscious sedation in children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 53 children (aged 3-15 years).
  • Participants received either intravenous propofol or fentanyl for sedation.
  • Outcomes included time to sedation, need for adjuvant medication, physician satisfaction, cough, recovery, and side effects.

Main Results:

  • Propofol achieved conscious sedation significantly faster than fentanyl (15.7s vs 206s).
  • The propofol group showed higher physician satisfaction, less coughing, and reduced need for midazolam.
  • No significant differences in drug side effects were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Propofol is more effective than fentanyl for rapid conscious sedation in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy.
  • Propofol offers benefits including reduced coughing, faster recovery, and improved physician satisfaction.
  • Both agents were found to be safe with comparable side effect profiles.
Abstract

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