Evaluating the Effects of Propofol vs. Dexmedetomidine

Brief Summary: The primary purpose of this observational study is to compare what drugs work best in sedating children (\> 3 months to \< 36 months) who need an MRI. This type of research may help clinicians (healthcare providers) learn more about how dexmedetomidine works compared to propofol. The investigators are planning to have 60 children complete the study at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Half (30) of the patients will be randomized to receive dexmedetomidine and the other half will receive propofol. (Both drugs are licensed and approved for the sedation performed for consented patients.)

Detailed Description: There are several different medications commonly being used to facilitate the administration of radiologic procedures on children. Procedures such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs) require that the patient remain still for the duration of the test. Propofol has become the drug of choice for many sedation services due to its rapid onset of action, rapid recovery time, ability to achieve sedation reliably and favorable safety profile. Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2- adrenergic agonist, has also gained popularity with sedation services. Its main advantage over propofol is that it has minimal respiratory complications when compared to propofol. The sedative effect from dexmedetomidine preserves a natural sleep pattern and induces cooperative sedation in which patients are easily arousable. In pediatric studies, the most frequent adverse effect have been related to its potential to cause hypotension and bradycardia, which resolve with dose reduction. Additionally, dexmedetomidine does not seem to have as much impairment of cognitive function and has an opioid sparing effect. Dexmedetomidine, however, has a longer onset of action and longer recovery time compared to propofol, which has limited its use with many sedation services.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Patients undergoing MRI with contrast
Patients older than 36 months of age or younger than 3 months of age
Patients presenting to Emergency Department (ED) out of screening hours
Patients who are not English speaking
Patients who have history or record of propofol or dexmedetomidine allergy
Patients with known or history of anaphylaxis to eggs, egg products, soybeans, or soy based products; if patient has a history of a hypersensitivity reaction associated with exposure to eggs, egg products, soybeans, or soy based products, approval must be given by the treating attending physician and documented on the patient's medical record.
Patients with unstable cardiac or respiratory status as determined by treating attending physician
Patients who are receiving digoxin

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sedation Group 2	Dexmedetomidine	Patients will receive standard of care dose of dexmedetomidine, based on the provider's assessment, prior to radiologic procedure.
Sedation Group 1	Propofol	Patients will receive standard of care dose of Propofol, based on the provider's assessment, prior to radiologic procedure.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Procedural times to achieve optimal sedation	Start of procedure to discharge (up to 8 hours)	Measuring the amount of time it takes for a patient to be discharged starting from induction (start of infusion).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Sedation related events	Start of procedure to up to 36 hours post-discharge	Adverse events related to the sedation (i.e., apnea, desaturation, change in heart rate)

Locations (1): Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
🇺🇸
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

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