Comparative Evaluation of Regain of Consciousness in Dexmedetomidine-Propofol versus Ketamine-Propofol in the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Procedure under Sedation using BIS Monitoring: A Randomized Prospective Study.

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are not rare and often require an intervention at some point of time. Pediatric cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure, is performed to diagnose and to correct many cardiac abnormalities. Deep sedation with spontaneously breathing patients is the preferred technique for pediatric catheterization in the pediatric population. Therefore, the author aimed to find the best combination of drugs for pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures using dexmedetomidine-propofol (DP) and ketamine-propofol (KP).

Materials And Methods: Cyanotic and acyanotic CHD children, weighing 5-20 kg and undergoing sedation for cardiac catheterization, were randomly assigned into two groups. DP group children received a bolus intravenous (IV) propofol at 1 mg/kg body weight followed by 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 minutes. KP group children received a bolus IV propofol 1 mg/kg followed by ketamine 1 mg/kg over 10 minutes. For maintenance in the DP group, propofol infusion at 1.5 to 2 mg/kg/h and dexmedetomidine at 0.5 mcg/kg/h was started. In the KP group, propofol infusion at 1.5 to 2 mg/kg/h and ketamine at 1 mg/kg/h was started as maintenance. The bispectral index (BIS) was monitored throughout the procedure, and the BIS value was maintained between 60 and 80. Propofol top of 1 mg/kg was administered when the BIS value became more than 80 or when the child moved during the femoral vessel puncture or when the child moved during the procedure.

Results: The mean time for regain of consciousness was faster (P < 0.005) in the KP group (11.02 ± 11.98) compared to the DP group (21.62 ± 18.68). BIS was monitored throughout the procedure; BIS values were lower (P < 0.001) in the DP group (60.0 ± 11.1) as compared to the KP group (73.7 ± 5.6). The cumulative doses of propofol in the KP group and DP group were comparable. Total fentanyl consumptions in the intraoperative period in the KP group and DP group were comparable (P > 0.001). There was no difference in drug side effects between the groups.

Conclusion: The KP combination had fast and early recovery compared to the DP combination in children who underwent the cardiac catheterization procedure under sedation in children undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures requiring sedation.