Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine and Propofol for Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing MRI Scans.
Sedation is often required for pediatric patients undergoing MRI scans to ensure immobility and image quality. Dexmedetomidine and propofol are commonly used sedatives, but their comparative efficacy and safety profiles in children remain a topic of debate. Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and recovery profiles of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation in pediatric patients undergoing MRI scans. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 pediatric patients aged 1–12 years. Patients were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine or propofol. Primary outcomes included sedation success rate, recovery time, and incidence of adverse events. Results: Dexmedetomidine showed a comparable sedation success rate to propofol (94% vs. 96%, p=0.65). Recovery time was significantly longer with dexmedetomidine (25.3 ± 6.2 minutes) compared to propofol (12.8 ± 4.5 minutes, p<0.001). Adverse events, including hypotension and bradycardia, were more frequent with dexmedetomidine (18% vs. 8%, p=0.04). Conclusion: Both dexmedetomidine and propofol are effective for pediatric MRI sedation, but propofol offers faster recovery and fewer adverse events. Dexmedetomidine may be preferred in specific cases where respiratory depression is a concern