Backround/Aim. Sedation is necessary in children undergoing magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) to ensure motionless. The success of sedation is
typically measured by two factors: safety (lack of adverse events) and
effectiveness of the procedure (successful completion of the diagnostic
examination). Propofol is frequently used to induce deep sedation in
children. However, increased doses of propofol may lead to oversedation and
respiratory depression. The aim of the study was to investigate sedation in
children using propofol with midazolam in regard to efficacy, adverse events
and time to return to presedation functional status. Methods. We investigated
24 children prospectively. Sedation was introduced with a single bolus of
intravenous (iv) midazolam 0.1 mg/kg followed by repeated small iv boluses of
propofol until sufficient depth of sedation was obtained. The outcome of
sedation was measured by the induction time, sedation time, need for
additional sedation, respiratory events, cardiovascular events and sedation
failure. Results. Median age of children was 4.72 ? 3.06 (1.1-12.3) years and
their body weight was 21.3 ? 11.9 (11-60) kg. Average propofol bolus dose for
induction was 1.76 ? 0.9 (0.5-4) mg/kg. The induction time was 8.88 ? 2.92
(5-15) min, and sedation time 28.39 ? 8.42 (20-50) min. Additional sedation
was necessary in 3 (12.5%) patients. Unsucesfull sedation or significant
adverse events were not observed. Conclusion. The presented sedation
technique for children undergoing ambulatory MRI of the brain is safe and
adequate. This sedation regiment provides short induction time, fast
recovery, stable cardiorespiratory conditions and rarely demans additional
sedation.
Possibilities of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Infantile Cerebral Palsy
