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Propofol-Only Versus Dexmedetomidine-Propofol in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A Randomized, Dose-Ranging Trial of Propofol-Only and Dexmedetomidine-Propofol in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07369128
Enrollment
105
Registered
2026-01-27
Start date
2026-06-01
Completion date
2028-03-01
Last updated
2026-05-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Dexmedetomidine, Emergence Delirium, Anesthesia, MRI Sedation, Pediatric Sedation, Propofol Dosage, Recovery Time

Keywords

pediatrics, sedation, dexmedetomidine, propofol, MRI

Brief summary

The most common imaging procedure requiring sedation/anesthesia for the pediatric population is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the optimal anesthetic/sedation plan has not been determined for these procedures. Historically, common medications have included the use of pentobarbital and propofol, but in 2015, publication in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted the accumulating evidence for the possible neurotoxic effects of these types of anesthetics in animal models and a collection of epidemiologic studies in humans. Although these initial possibilities have since been proven as less of a concern, in the interim, data has shown that alternative sedative agents, such as dexmedetomidine, may not have the same neurotoxic effect and could possibly even provide neuroprotection. Dexmedetomidine also possesses other beneficial traits such as reducing risks of pulmonary atelectasis or upper airway collapse, typically found with the administration of propofol. A concern raised by previous studies has been the possibility that the addition of dexmedetomidine could increase recovery times, leading to disruptions in workflow. Although it has been shown that large doses of dexmedetomidine exposure may lead to longer PACU stays, it is uncertain whether a small dose of dexmedetomidine would have such a significant impact. Based on the investigators' pilot trial6, the investigators found that a bolus of 1 mcg/kg dose of dexmedetomidine with a bolus of titrated propofol of 2-3 mg/kg and an infusion of propofol of 100 mcg/kg/min provided adequate sedation for successful scans, reduced propofol (infusion) exposure by 60%, and did not significantly increase recovery times. Finally, there is a paucity in literature for studies examining a range of doses subsequently; often, a control group is compared to a single, self-selected dose of choice. Here, the investigators hope to provide a range of doses to minimize selection bias in our study design and determine the dose that would provide the optimal sedation for these scans and minimize excess anesthetic exposure.

Interventions

If patient is randomized to the DLP arm, patient will receive an IV bolus of 0.5 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine over 5 minutes.

DRUGPropofol (IV) 2-4 mg/kg

If patient is randomized to the P arm, patient will receive 2-4 mg/kg titrated, IV bolus of propofol until sleep is induced.

DRUGDexmedetomidine (IV) 1 mcg/kg

If patient is randomized to the DHP arm, patient will receive an IV bolus of 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine over 5 minutes.

DRUGPropofol (IV) 1-2 mg/kg

If the patient is randomized to the DLP or DHP arm, following the dexmedetomidine bolus, the patient will receive a titrated, IV bolus of 1-2 mg/kg propofol.

DRUGPropofol (IV) Infusion 250 mcg/kg/min

If the patient is randomized to the P arm, following the bolus of propofol, the patient will be started on an IV propofol infusion of 250 mcg/kg/min.

DRUGPropofol (IV) Infusion 150 mcg/kg/min

If the patient is randomized to the DLP or DHP arm, following the titrated propofol bolus, the patient will be started on an IV propofol infusion of 150 mcg/kg/min.

Sponsors

Boston Children's Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
1 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Patients presenting as outpatients, scheduled to receive an anesthetic for MRI of brain, body (spine, chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis) and/or extremity (arm and/or leg). * Patients must be a candidate for the sedation technique described in this study with a natural airway. This decision will be made by a staff member of the Department of Anesthesiology. * Between 1 and 12 years of age. * ASA status I, II, or III

Exclusion criteria

* Inpatient at BCH * Diagnosis of a difficult airway, severe obstructive sleep apnea that is not compatible with spontaneous ventilation in a supine position, or requires an oral airway. * Congenital heart disease or history of dysrhythmia. * Taking digoxin or beta-blocker * Anxiolytic medication is ordered before the MRI (e.g., midazolam or ketamine). * History or a family (parent or sibling) history of malignant hyperthermia. * Allergy to or has a contraindication to propofol, lidocaine, or dexmedetomidine. * Tracheostomy or other mechanical airway device present * Received within the past 12 hours an oral or intravenous alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic agonist, or antagonist drugs (e.g., clonidine, propranolol, albuterol). * Patient is not scheduled to receive anesthesia-sedation care or is noted to "try-without anesthesia" for the MRI * Patient has significant developmental or psychological delays * Patient scheduled for scan of duration \<30 minutes or \>90 minutes

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Total Propofol (mcg/kg/min) consumptionUp to 120 minutes or from induction of anesthesia/sedation to end of MRI scanThe total amount of propofol (mcg/kg/min) consumed will be measured for the duration of anesthesia time for the P, DLP, and DHP arms.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Peak Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) ScoreUp to 180 minutes or duration of PACU stayThe peak (highest) PAED score will be obtained in the post-anesthesia recovery area (PACU).
Incidence of Adverse EventsUp to 240 minutes or from induction of anesthesia/sedation to immediately during recoveryArterial desaturation, airway obstruction, hypotension and bradycardia
Incidences of Patient Movements/MRI InterruptionsUp to 90 minutes or duration of MRI scanIf patient moved during their MRI and caused an interruption of the scan.
Incidence of Technique FailureUp to 120 minutes or from induction of anesthesia/sedation to end of MRI scanLack of adequate sedation for MRI scan in spite of the sedation as described above (based on anesthesiologist's discretion or PSSS)
Case DurationUp to 90 minutes or duration of MRI scanTotal number of minutes in the MRI scanner
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) DurationUp to 180 minutes or duration of PACU stayTotal number of minutes in the PACU
Ramsay Sedation Score10 minutes or from anesthesia induction to MRI scan startAverage Ramsay Sedation Score

Countries

United States

Contacts

CONTACTSamuel Kim, BS
samuel.kim@childrens.harvard.edu617-919-3692
CONTACTRachel Bernier, MPH
rachel.bernier@childrens.harvard.edu857-218-5348
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJoseph Cravero, MD

Boston Children's Hospital

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 30, 2026