Comparison of sedation method in pediatrics cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of this study is to compare the effects of various anaesthetic combinations on hemodynamics, sedation level, recovery period and complications in the patients which undergo pediatric cardiac catheterization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four groups of anaesthetic combinations was created. The groups are classified as propofol-ketamine (group 1), propofol-dexmedetomidine (group 2), dexmedetomidine-ketamine (group 3), midazolam-ketamine (group 4) (for each group n=20). Baseline heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. This parameters values were recorded at 0., 5., 10., 15., 20., 25., 30. minutes; and the groups were compared according to these measurements data.

RESULTS: For heart rate, Group 2 and 3 reduce the HR more than the drugs of Group 1 and 4 (p < 0.05). The SpO2 values of Group 1 were measured to have 5% further reduction compared to the Group 2 and 3; and Group 4 has the same SpO2 recordings compared to the Group 3 (p < 0.05). Comparing the recovery times; Group 4 was found to have the highest recovery time compared to the other drug groups. It is found that additional doses are needed for recovery in Group 4 (p < 0.008). Side effects were lowest for Group 3 and highest for Group 4.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the complication rates, it is concluded that Group 3 is spotted as the better sedation method among the other groups. In terms of additional propofol dose, Group 1 would be the better choice. Thus, the clinician should choose the suitable methods for the patient.