A Pilot Study of Dexmedetomidine-Propofol in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

First, the investigators will administer dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over 5 minutes. Next, the investigators will begin an infusion at 1mcg/kg/hour. At the 5 minute point, propofol will be given (2-3mg/kg bolus followed by 100mcg/kg/min infusion). The attending clinician will determine whether or not the child is in an adequate state to begin the MRI scan. If the sedative effect of the dexmedetomidine-propofol does not produce a sufficiently sedated state within 10 minutes, a repeat bolus of propofol 2mg/kg will be administered. The dose of Dexmedetomidine will not be changed. The dose will be repeated if the child is not adequately sedated in 2 more minutes. At this time infusion rate of propofol will be increased to 200 mcg/kg/minute. If the child is not sedated in 5 more minutes, the outcome will be recorded as a technique failure and sedation will continue at the discretion of the anesthesiologist.

First, the investigators will administer dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over 5 minutes. Next, the investigators will begin an infusion at 0.5mcg/kg/hour. At the 5 minute point, propofol will be given (2-3mg/kg bolus followed by 100mcg/kg/min infusion). The attending clinician will determine whether or not the child is in an adequate state to begin the MRI scan. If the sedative effect of the dexmedetomidine-propofol does not produce a sufficiently sedated state within 10 minutes, a repeat bolus of propofol 2mg/kg will be administered. The dose of Dexmedetomidine will not be changed. The dose will be repeated if the child is not adequately sedated in 2 more minutes. At this time infusion rate of propofol will be increased to 200 mcg/kg/minute. If the child is not sedated in 5 more minutes, the outcome will be recorded as a technique failure and sedation will continue at the discretion of the anesthesiologist.

First, the investigators will begin by administering dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over 5 minutes. When this is completed, they will administer propofol 2-3mg/kg titrated bolus followed by 100mcg/kg/min infusion which can also be titrated up or down to a maximum of 300mcg/kg/min to keep the blood pressure and heart rate within 30% of baseline levels.