Efficacy and Safety of Propofol Drip versus Thiopental with Midazolam in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies

Introduction: Pediatrics often require sedatives during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to its lengthy, loud, and restricted space. This study aims to compare efficacy and safety of propofol drip and thiopental with midazolam for children undergoing MRI. Methods: This randomised double-blinded cohort study was conducted in patients aged 3-10 years old with ASA status I-II scheduled for outpatient MRI. Exclusion criteria include airway abnormalities, allergic reactions to anesthetic agents, renal, hepatic, and seizure history, or was pre-medicated. Patients were administered propofol (group PF) or midazolam with thiopental (group TH). Data including patient history, physiologic parameters, duration, recovery, discharge time, and adverse events were recorded. Data was statistically analysed using Chi Square and Student T-test. Results: A total of 34 patients were included in this study, 18 in PF and 16 TH. Sedation onset, recovery time, and mean discharge was significantly shorter in PF versus TH (6 vs 10 mins (p <0.0001); 8 vs 13 mins (p <0.0001), and 69 vs 89 mins (p <0.0001)). No significant differences in duration and physiologic parameters between both groups were found. No adverse events occurred in both groups. 6.25% of patients in group PF and 33.33% in group TH had inadequate sedation. Conclusion: This study found PF has faster sedation onset and recovery time in comparison to TH for children undergoing MRI with no significant differences in physiologic parameters and adverse events. Further studies conducted on a larger population investigating efficacy and adverse events of alternative sedatives is recommended.