Safety Evaluation of Propofol Sedation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Patients

Incidence of Adverse Events During Propofol Sedation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Patients

Propofol is often used for sedation in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. The investigators will perform a chart review of 4 month of activity (about 100 cases) and review the incidence and severity of adverse events of this sedation technique.

Magnetic resonance imaging in children, especially under 6 years of age, is often performed under sedation. Propofol is a common drug used in this settings. In our institution, sedation is most often done by a propofol bolus of 2-5 mg/kg in order to reach a deep level of sedation as defined by Coté et al. If judged necessary by the attending anaesthesiologist, a additional propofol bolus of 0.5-1 mg/kg may be given. For longer lasting exams, the attending anaesthesiologist can chose to use a continuous infusion of propofol. The investigators will review the charts of 4 month of magnetic resonance imaging, which will give us a cohort of about 100 patients. Baseline characteristics, detailed sedation technique used will be recorded. Adverse events defined as:

• Oxygen desaturation measured by transcutaneous oximetry SpO2≤94%
• hypercapnia measure by end-tidal CO2 >45 mm Hg
• movement of the patient

Assuming a non-normal distribution (tested by a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), variables will be reported as median and interquartile range. Statistical tests will be done by non-parametric tests, Mann Whitney U. Non continuous variables will be analyzed by a Chi-square test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric patients scheduled for MRI under sedation by an anaesthesiologist
• Age < 16 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age > 16 years
• Sedation performed by a non-anesthesiologist