Application of Ketamine Combined With Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Children With Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder:a-Randomized Controlled Trial

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition in which approximately 60% to 70% of autistic children have intellectual disabilities that significantly affect their ability to take care of themselves and bring immense pressure to society and families. Autistic children often have neurological disorders, and therefore require head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. MRI examinations can detect abnormal changes in brain structure and function, providing more objective evidence for early diagnosis and valuable treatment time for autistic patients. However, MRI examinations require children to maintain a calm and quiet state, minimizing physical activity as much as possible. Due to the specific interests and behaviors of autistic children, as well as their refusal to accept environmental changes, completing MRI examinations often requires sedation or anesthesia. The main drugs currently used for sedation in pediatric outpatient examinations include dexmedetomidine, midazolam, ketamine, etc. This study aims to select children with ASD who are scheduled to undergo head MRI in outpatient settings, and explore the safety and efficacy of intranasal administration of ketamine combined with dexmedetomidine for sedation, providing reference methods and evidence for sedation in children with autism spectrum disorder.