Efficacy of Propofol-Ketamine and Sevoflurane in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a computer program, stratified based on MRI durations, and divided into two groups: Group S and Group P. All participants received intravenous midazolam at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg (max 2 mg). During MRI, all patients were monitored with pulse oximetry and end-tidal CO2, and procedural oxygen masks (POM) were applied to deliver oxygen at a flow rate of 5 L/min. For Group S, 8% sevoflurane was administered for induction via the procedural oxygen mask for 2 minutes through the external output of the anesthesia machine. The concentration was then reduced to 2%. If any undesired movements occurred, they were recorded, and the sevoflurane concentration was increased by 0.5%. In Group P, 1 mg/kg ketamine was administered intravenously, followed by 1.0 mg/kg propofol as a bolus. In the event of undesired movements, an additional 0.5 mg/kg of propofol was administered, and all additional doses were recorded. The target sedation level was set at a Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score of 4, which was maintained throughout the procedure. At the end of the procedure, patients were awakened with verbal and tactile stimulation. Once an RSS score of 2 was achieved, they were transferred to the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU). Vital signs, procedure durations, and drug doses were recorded for each patient during the procedure. All clinical decisions regarding the patients were made by the attending anesthesiologist. In the PACU, patients with a modified Aldrete score of 10 were deemed eligible for discharge. After discharge approval, all patients were observed in the outpatient unit for 1 hour. The study concluded at this point.